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Summary of Operations 5/04/43

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 5/03 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Jaluit. Detected status of Jaluit shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Sigint entry for 5/03 reporting continued movement of Jap 10th Infantry Division elements via sea transport from Noumea to Lunga.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 5/03 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 0, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Burma: RAF bombers launch raid on resource production at Lashio. Wellingtons vs Ki-44 Tojo not a good air to air matchup, fortunately the CAP-to-strike altitude difference plus the 5 Tojos appearing to be LRCAP dispatched into Lashio minimized the air to air interaction. The raid still useful pilot training despite the results. AAR follows.

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Morning Air attack on Lashio, at 62,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 32

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Resources hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Wellington Ic bombing from 1000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x Wellington Ic bombing from 1000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
77th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

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Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 9 Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor, 111 aircraft (89 fighters, 22 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: No reported ground combat at Chungking.

Summary of Operations 5/05/43

Hawaii: Unidentified Jap submarine detected ENE of Pearl Harbor (hex position 185, 105). No references to this Jap sub in the 5/04 Operations or Combat Events report entries or AAR – also no information available on the sub’s movement. No US ships currently in the immediate area of this contact.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 5/04 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Wake Is. Detected status of Wake Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Current detected port size at Wake is 1(0), airfield size 3(0).


South Pacific: Sigint entries for 5/04 reporting intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Lunga, also continued movement of Jap 10th Infantry Division elements by sea. Detected status of Lunga shows unidentified Jap planes based there. Current detected port size at Lunga is 3(1), airfield size 3(5).

Intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Luganville reported in another 5/04 Sigint entry. Detected status of Luganville shows unidentified Jap planes based there. Current detected port size in Luganville 3(3), airfield size 4(5). No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Luganville.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 5/04 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 121,150 near Aoba Island, Speed 3, Moving East
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Australia: Transport convoy EX-33 (24 ships) arrives this game turn from the Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes two LCU (842 & 857 Engineer Aviation Bns), 53K supply and 55K fuel.

Sigint entry for 5/04 reports intercepted radio transmissions from an unidentified Jap submarine detected off Exmouth (hex location 49, 129). No movement information on the sub available.


Burma: RAF bombers launch a second raid on resource production at Lashio. Jap fighters encountered in this action appear to be LRCAP from an unknown base (italics in AAR below). Detected status of Lashio shows resource production damaged – current value 6(15). One Wellington bomber was destroyed (ops loss), one damaged. AAR follows.

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Morning Air attack on Lashio, at 62,46

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 1,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 32

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Wellington Ic bombing from 1000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x Wellington Ic bombing from 1000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
77th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

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USAAF and RAF 4E bombers strike light industry facilities at Paoshan in southern China. Detected status of Paoshan shows damage to light industry from the raid – current value 8(13). One USAAF B-24D damaged, no planes destroyed. AAR follows.

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Morning Air attack on Paoshan, at 65,45

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 21
B-24D Liberator x 36

No Allied losses

Light Industry hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Plans are to continue Allied bombing raids against Japanese controlled bases in Burma and southern China with production facilities (oil, resource, light industry). Targeting of these raids will move from place to place – this intended to minimize Allied plane losses and also induce Pillager to disperse Japanese fighter squadrons to protect a wider area of targets. My current estimate has Pillager operating approximately 125-150 Japanese fighter planes in Burma, mostly or all Ki-44 Tojos.

Two main objectives of Allied strategic bombing raids against targets in Burma will be to (1) reduce or stop oil production in Burma, and (2) impact the overall supply situation of Japanese forces stationed in Burma by attacking local sources of supply points (light industry & resource production). A reduction of local supply point production in Burma and adjacent areas of southern China for Japanese forces located inside Burma could possibly require Pillager to transport supply points into Burma – if so, the result could put some amount of pressure on Japanese sea transport resources. Reduced supply point production within Burma would likely affect Pillager’s ability to maintain Japanese forces in Burma, possible difficulty in preparation and launching offensive actions from Burma.

Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 9 Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 109 aircraft (83 fighters, 26 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: No reported ground combat at Chungking.

Summary of Operations 5/06/43

US sub patrols remain active in most Pacific sea areas though there has been few reported contacts with Jap transport or naval shipping (other than Andaman Sea) recently. No US sub patrols are currently active in the East China Sea or Formosa Straits areas - new (outbound) US patrol subs are assigned to these sea areas and currently in transit. I've had occasional lapses of US patrol sub activity in local sea areas simply due to missing needed departure times of outgoing subs (from Pearl Harbor) to relieve subs currently assigned on patrol in a sea area before they break off patrol and begin their return trip. Completing activation of new forward bases for US sub patrol operations (Adak, Auckland) should at least reduce if not eliminate these gaps in coverage. It's also not entirely impossible that Pillager has adjusted Japanese transport shipping routes around known US sub patrol areas, it may be necessary to make my own adjustments with US sub patrol area assignments. Very unlikely Pillager has shut down movement of Japanese sea transport given its importance to the Jap war economy.

A large ship upgrade of many US fleet subs is scheduled to occur in 8/43 - this anticipated to have a similar impact on US sub operations as the previous 12/42 ship upgrade affecting nearly all US fleet subs. In the 12/42 upgrade, there had been a temporary decline in overall US sub patrol activity (about 1 to 1 1/2 months duration) where subs entered upgrade as they returned to base (from patrol) for normal refit/replenishment. I'm expecting (as of now) the 8/43 sub upgrades to proceed in much the same manner, this possibly subject to change as the exact scope of the 8/43 upgrade becomes known. Additional adjustments in scheduling departures and returns of US sub patrols will also have to accomodate this upgrade as the 8/43 date draws closer.


US West Coast: Combat Events report entries for 5/05 reporting what is probably a Jap submarine-based floatplane operating over San Francisco. Pillager occasionally has a Jap patrol sub operating off San Francisco – for some reason, this appears to be the only US West Coast port visited by Jap subs, other US West Coast ports apparently being (at least largely) ignored. The Jap sub from which this floatplane is operating remains undetected for the moment. In any event, Pillager isn’t seeing anything I would find particularly bothersome. The sub will be pursued by US surface and air ASW forces once detected and its location known, that the general practice per my Allied ASW doctrine. Pillager also having a practice of quickly removing Jap patrol subs once it's known to him they've been detected on the Allied side - I have no objection to his practice as (in effect) the end result actually plays very nicely into my Allied ASW doctrine. Chasing away a Jap sub almost as good as sinking one, though I'd rather sink it when it can be caught.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 5/05 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap. Detected status of Maleolap shows no visible Japanese forces or activity. Current detected port size at Maleolap is 1(1), airfield size 4(1).


South Pacific: Sigint entry for 5/05 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Funafuti. Detected status of Funafuti shows unidentified Jap planes based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 5/05 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: TK Batopaha Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 121,150 near Aoba Island, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed 4, Moving West
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,133 near Milne Bay, Speed 11, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,133 near Milne Bay, Speed 11, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Australia: Transport convoy MX-16 (22 ships) arrives this game turn in Australia from Abadan with 220K fuel cargo.


Malaya: Sigint entry for 5/05 indicates the “A” sub-unit of Imperial Guards Division has left Singapore and appears to be moving northward via overland movement – its current reported location at hex 50, 82 near Mersing. Pillager had kept the division split into A/B/C sub-units for some time with all three sub-units of the division located in Singapore prior to this report. As of now, there is no report of Imperial Guards Division “B” or “C” sub-units leaving Singapore (though these could be moving as well but not known at this time). "B" sub-unit of Imperial Guards Division had been reported in Singapore as of 4/16/43, "C" sub-unit reported in Singapore on 4/19. It’s not possible to clearly estimate at this time where Imperial Guards Division (or at least its “A” sub-unit) is going, though Burma cannot be excluded as a possible destination. Future reports of Imperial Guards Division and its sub-units will be watched. Sigint entry follows.

Imperial Guards/A Division is located at 50,82.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 9 Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor (-2 from last report), 104 aircraft (82 fighters, 22 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: No reported ground combat at Chungking.

Summary of Operations 5/07/43

Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub engages outbound Jap transport TF due S of Tokyo. Reported composition of the Jap TF is 5 ships (including the three below). AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Chichi-jima at 113,73 (NE of Chichi Jima)

Japanese Ships
xAK Kyokko Maru
xAK Kokuryu Maru
E Nuwashima

Allied Ships
SS Cisco

SS Cisco launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kyokko Maru
E Nuwashima fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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US West Coast: Inbound transport convoy PW-46 approaching San Francisco reports contact with E14Y1 Glen floatplane at hex location 214, 77 (SW of San Francisco). Jap submarine operating this floatplane remains undetected. Convoy PW-46 returning to the US West Coast from Auckland.

Another US LCU destroyed in the Philippines re-enters the game on the US West Coast this game turn as a reinforcement. 194 Tank Bn is the third US ground unit eliminated in the Philippines purchased back from the “dead pile” , the other eliminated LCU returned to play are 31 Infantry Rgt and 192 Tank Bn. Current strength of 194 Tank Bn is 2% TOE, plans are to rebuild to full TOE strength from replacements then employ in the Pacific theatres. 194 Tank Bn is now assigned to Pacific Ocean Areas command after transfer from US West Coast at 12 PP cost.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 5/06 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 8, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Andaman Sea: US patrol sub attacked and damaged by Ki-48 Lily air patrol S of Phuket (hex location 47, 71). SS Jack was attacked and hit immediately on arrival at its assigned patrol area at the northern exit of the Malacca Straits. SS Jack now returning to base for repair (system damage 12, float 3).


Burma: USAAF and RAF 4E bombers return to strike light industry facilities at Paoshan in southern China – objective is eliminating Paoshan as a production source of supply points for Japanese forces and/or other activity in Burma. Detected status of Paoshan shows current light industry level at 3(18). Paoshan also has resource production which can be hit as well in future Allied bombing strikes. AAR follows.

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Morning Air attack on Paoshan, at 65,45

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 21
B-24D Liberator x 36

No Allied losses

Light Industry hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 9 Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor, 113 aircraft (90 fighters, 23 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: Japanese ground attack on Chungking resumes. AAR follows.

** below indicates Japanese LCU reinforcements arriving this game turn.

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Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 279252 troops, 2749 guns, 1449 vehicles, Assault Value = 9962
Defending force 464323 troops, 2125 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 11514

Allied ground losses:
619 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 60 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 5 (3 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
6th Division
8th Armored Car Co
13th Division
104th Division
58th Division
34th Division
15th Division
70th Division
35th Division
37th Division
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
110th Division
22nd Division
116th Division
3rd Tank Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
40th Division
17th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
39th Division
41st Division
36th Division
15th Tank Regiment
59th Infantry Brigade
32nd Division
26th Division
64th Infantry Brigade **
38th Division
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
1st Mortar Battalion
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st Army
11th Army
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
12th Army
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
21st Mortar Battalion
23rd Army
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
North China Area Army
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
9th Prov Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
23rd Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
259th Brigade
47th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
13th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
303rd Brigade
33rd Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
99th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
89th Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
4th Construction Regiment
3rd Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
84th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
86th Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
78th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
5th Construction Regiment
9th Chinese Base Force
9th War Area
17th Construction Regiment
1st Chinese Base Force
CAF HQ
18th Chinese Base Force
7th Artillery Regiment
31st Group Army
33rd Group Army
34th Group Army
6th Group Army
35th Group Army
20th Artillery Regiment
11th Construction Regiment
20th Group Army
7th War Area
39th Chinese Corps
Lusu War Area
5th War Area
3rd War Area
65th Chinese Corps
38th Group Army
11th Chinese Base Force
22nd Artillery Regiment
Red Chinese Army
4th Chinese Base Force
41st AA Regiment
30th Group Army
4th Group Army
43rd Chinese Corps
18th Artillery Regiment
Jingcha War Area
15th Chinese Base Force
20th Chinese Base Force
25th Group Army
1st Artillery Regiment
12th Construction Regiment
13th Group Army
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
3rd Group Army
2nd War Area
China Command
1st Group Army
7th Chinese Base Force
2nd Chinese Base Force
6th Chinese Base Force
16th Construction Regiment
5th Group Army
21st Group Army
9th Group Army
10th Construction Regiment
13th Construction Regiment
Central Reserve
12th Group Army
6th Construction Regiment
49th AA Regiment
23rd Group Army
5th New Chinese Corps
36th Group Army
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
7th New Chinese Corps
32nd Group Army
36th Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
8th Construction Regiment
115th Red Chinese Division
22nd Group Army
6th War Area
18th Group Army
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
17th Chinese Base Force
10th Chinese Base Force
37th Group Army
2nd Construction Regiment
13th Chinese Base Force
27th Group Army
26th Group Army
3rd Construction Regiment
56th AT Gun Regiment

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Summary of Operations 5/08/43

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 5/07 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from multiple locations including Maleolap, Wotje and Gardner Is. Detected statuses of all three bases show no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 5/07 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 101,133 near Milne Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Burma: USAAF and RAF 4E bombers continue air strikes at Paoshan – this attack against resource production. Detected status of Paoshan shows resource production 9(32), light industry 2(19), also one Jap LCU (identified as 2 RGC Infantry Division from available intelligence data). AAR follows.

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Morning Air attack on Paoshan, at 65,45

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 21
B-24D Liberator x 24

No Allied losses (7 bombers return damaged – 5 B-24D, 2 Liberator II)

Resource hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x Liberator II bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Jap planes launch airfield strike on Akyab. This strike is Pillager’s first reported operational use of Ki-45 Nick aircraft. Reported damage at Akyab airfield is runway damage 35, airfield service damage 13.

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Morning Air attack on Akyab, at 54,45

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 4 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-45 KAIa Nick bombing from 100 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 9 Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 127 aircraft (96 fighters, 31 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: Japanese deliberate ground attack on Chungking. AAR follows.

** below indicates Japanese LCU reinforcements arriving this game turn. (no new arrvals)

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Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 280833 troops, 2749 guns, 1527 vehicles, Assault Value = 10083
Defending force 464656 troops, 2114 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 11536
Japanese adjusted assault: 5120
Allied adjusted defense: 5079
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), supply(-)
Attacker: disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
26549 casualties reported
Squads: 80 destroyed, 2308 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 183 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 243 disabled
Guns lost 183 (6 destroyed, 177 disabled)
Vehicles lost 40 (2 destroyed, 38 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
46774 casualties reported
Squads: 630 destroyed, 2020 disabled
Non Combat: 772 destroyed, 661 disabled
Engineers: 19 destroyed, 62 disabled
Guns lost 187 (75 destroyed, 112 disabled)
Units destroyed 20

Assaulting units:
39th Division
40th Division
32nd Division
6th Division
36th Division
41st Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
59th Infantry Brigade
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
3rd Tank Division
35th Division
15th Tank Regiment
17th Division
8th Armored Car Co
116th Division
26th Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th Division
64th Infantry Brigade
70th Division
34th Division
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
37th Division
13th Division
110th Division
104th Division
22nd Division
58th Division
38th Division
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st Mortar Battalion
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Army
1st Army
23rd Army
12th Army
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
21st Mortar Battalion
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
North China Area Army
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
9th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
89th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
60th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
30th Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
21st Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
23rd Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
86th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
259th Brigade
303rd Brigade
55th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
4th Construction Regiment
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
9th Group Army
1st Group Army
1st Chinese Base Force
20th Artillery Regiment
22nd Artillery Regiment
3rd War Area
18th Group Army
20th Chinese Base Force
65th Chinese Corps
49th AA Regiment
7th War Area
13th Chinese Base Force
9th Chinese Base Force
17th Chinese Base Force
18th Chinese Base Force
2nd War Area
6th Construction Regiment
6th Chinese Base Force
Red Chinese Army
41st AA Regiment
6th Group Army
2nd Chinese Base Force
34th Group Army
Lusu War Area
8th Construction Regiment
22nd Group Army
31st Group Army
4th Group Army
13th Construction Regiment
17th Construction Regiment
Central Reserve
12th Group Army
10th Chinese Base Force
3rd Group Army
37th Group Army
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
27th Group Army
1st Artillery Regiment
12th Construction Regiment
43rd Chinese Corps
CAF HQ
26th Group Army
18th Artillery Regiment
3rd Construction Regiment
7th Artillery Regiment
16th Construction Regiment
11th Construction Regiment
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
39th Chinese Corps
30th Group Army
38th Group Army
6th War Area
23rd Group Army
10th Construction Regiment
7th New Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
25th Group Army
15th Chinese Base Force
5th New Chinese Corps
21st Group Army
13th Group Army
20th Group Army
33rd Group Army
4th Chinese Base Force
36th Group Army
2nd Construction Regiment
9th War Area
22nd Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Base Force
China Command
35th Group Army
5th Group Army
Jingcha War Area
36th Chinese Corps
5th War Area
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
32nd Group Army
7th Chinese Base Force
56th AT Gun Regiment

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

Summary of Operations 5/09/43

Formosa Straits: Several new US patrol subs arriving in this area met by active Ki-49 Helen air patrols. One US sub hit and damaged (system damage 10, float 7, engine 4) – this sub now aborting its patrol and returning to base for repair. Other subs continue taking up assigned patrol areas.

There’s little question Pillager is continuously operating a significant Japanese ASW effort in a number of sea areas, including both air and surface ASW forces. To date in this campaign, only 3 US fleet subs in the Pacific have been sunk by Japanese ASW activity (one of the three subs lost to a mine probably laid to block submarine movement). Where Pillager’s Japanese ASW forces have become effective is in detecting and damaging US subs – many instances of US subs detected almost immediately on arrival in assigned patrol zones. Japanese air and/or surface ASW attacks nearly every US patrol sub at least once during their time on patrol. A significant number of US patrol subs (approx 10-15% of US sub patrols) are damaged by combat action vs Japanese air or surface ASW while in their assigned patrol area. Damage levels of US subs hit in ASW actions is typically light to moderate but the level of damage is often sufficient to where subs are required to abort patrols and return to base for repair.

US repair shipyard facilities (mainly Pearl Harbor, also Auckland & Brisbane) are easily handling the volume of damaged patrol subs – most damaged subs fully repaired (shipyard mode) within 3-4 days, often less. From the Allied perspective, Pillager’s Jap ASW campaign can be regarded an inconvenience to the US sub campaign (more repair of damaged subs, increased number of US patrol subs dispatched to relieve damaged subs, gaps in sub patrol area coverage due to damaged subs aborting patrols). On the other hand… significant Japanese air and naval forces are tied down in an ASW campaign against Allied patrol subs, the ASW campaign also a distraction for Pillager that occupies some level of his attention on an ongoing basis.


East China Sea: US patrol subs return to East China Sea area. Small Jap transport TF intercepted west of Kyushu. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Fukue-jima at 100,59 (W of Kumamoto)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Tokuwa Maru
xAKL Kensho Maru
SC CHa-46

Allied Ships
SS Pogy

SS Pogy launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Tokuwa Maru
Pogy diving deep ....
SC CHa-46 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-37 (27 ships) departing this game turn to Australia via Capetown. Cargo loaded aboard the convoy includes one LCU (151 USA Base Force), seven USAAF bomber squadrons (48 B-25C, 48 B-24D), 54K supply and 19K fuel. LCU and air units aboard the convoy are assigned to SW Pacific theatre.


Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 5/08 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from multiple locations including Wotje, Marcus Is, Tabiteuea and Canton Is.

Detected statuses of Marcus Is and Wotje show no visible Japanese forces or activity. Unidentified Japanese aircraft and ship(s) in port detected at Tabiteuea.

Detected status of Canton Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there, also one Jap LCU. Current intelligence data indicates four Jap LCU located on Canton Is including Yokosuka 1 SNLF, 65 Naval Gd, 144 JAAF AF Bn, 2 JNAF Co.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 5/08 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 101,133 near Milne Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Burma: Second Jap airfield strike launched on Akyab. Current damage levels reported at Akyab airfield is runway damage 39, airfield service damage 34. Akyab airfield is not currently in use for Allied air operations (nor are there short-term plans to do so) - for the moment I plan to leave airfield facilities at Akyab in a damaged state though the damage will have to be reckoned with in the event my plans include using the airfield for future Allied air operations. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Akyab, at 54,45

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-45 KAIa Nick bombing from 100 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 9 Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 95 aircraft (68 fighters, 27 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: Japanese ground bombardment attack on Chungking. AAR follows.

** below indicates Japanese LCU reinforcements arriving this game turn. (two new HQ units arrived)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 262876 troops, 2747 guns, 1449 vehicles, Assault Value = 8278
Defending force 439332 troops, 2052 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9514

Allied ground losses:
569 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
116th Division
6th Division
15th Division
104th Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
39th Division
110th Division
58th Division
64th Infantry Brigade
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
41st Division
32nd Division
3rd Tank Division
70th Division
35th Division
26th Division
15th Tank Regiment
59th Infantry Brigade
8th Armored Car Co
40th Division
36th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
17th Division
37th Division
13th Division
34th Division
22nd Division
38th Division
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
China Expeditionary Army (HQ) **
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
12th Army
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Mortar Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
1st Army
North China Area Army
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
RGC Army (HQ) **
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
11th Army
23rd Army
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
25th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
1st Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
14th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
23rd Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
38th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
46th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
7th Construction Regiment
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
20th Artillery Regiment
18th Chinese Base Force
41st AA Regiment
20th Group Army
3rd Group Army
3rd Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
33rd Group Army
10th Chinese Base Force
CAF HQ
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
15th Chinese Base Force
17th Chinese Base Force
Lusu War Area
13th Chinese Base Force
12th Group Army
36th Chinese Corps
21st Group Army
77th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
30th Group Army
18th Group Army
34th Group Army
4th Group Army
259th Brigade
39th Chinese Corps
1st Artillery Regiment
9th Chinese Base Force
43rd Chinese Corps
6th Chinese Base Force
18th Artillery Regiment
6th Group Army
32nd Group Army
120th Red Chinese Division
5th Group Army
1st Chinese Base Force
9th War Area
13th Group Army
96th Chinese Corps
Central Reserve
303rd Brigade
89th Chinese Corps
7th Artillery Regiment
10th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Base Force
27th Group Army
38th Group Army
25th Group Army
2nd War Area
11th Chinese Base Force
31st Group Army
26th Chinese Corps
23rd Group Army
11th Chinese Corps
China Command
7th War Area
22nd Artillery Regiment
Jingcha War Area
20th Chinese Base Force
4th Chinese Base Force
6th War Area
7th New Chinese Corps
4th Construction Regiment
5th War Area
86th Chinese Corps
26th Group Army
65th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Base Force
37th Group Army
22nd Group Army
Red Chinese Army
49th AA Regiment

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

ORIGINAL: wneumann

Summary of Operations 5/09/43

Formosa Straits: Several new US patrol subs arriving in this area met by active Ki-49 Helen air patrols. One US sub hit and damaged (system damage 10, float 7, engine 4) – this sub now aborting its patrol and returning to base for repair. Other subs continue taking up assigned patrol areas.

There’s little question Pillager is continuously operating a significant Japanese ASW effort in a number of sea areas, including both air and surface ASW forces. To date in this campaign, only 3 US fleet subs in the Pacific have been sunk by Japanese ASW activity (one of the three subs lost to a mine probably laid to block submarine movement). Where Pillager’s Japanese ASW forces have become effective is in detecting and damaging US subs – many instances of US subs detected almost immediately on arrival in assigned patrol zones. Japanese air and/or surface ASW attacks nearly every US patrol sub at least once during their time on patrol. A significant number of US patrol subs (approx 10-15% of US sub patrols) are damaged by combat action vs Japanese air or surface ASW while in their assigned patrol area. Damage levels of US subs hit in ASW actions is typically light to moderate but the level of damage is often sufficient to where subs are required to abort patrols and return to base for repair.

US repair shipyard facilities (mainly Pearl Harbor, also Auckland & Brisbane) are easily handling the volume of damaged patrol subs – most damaged subs fully repaired (shipyard mode) within 3-4 days, often less. From the Allied perspective, Pillager’s Jap ASW campaign can be regarded an inconvenience to the US sub campaign (more repair of damaged subs, increased number of US patrol subs dispatched to relieve damaged subs, gaps in sub patrol area coverage due to damaged subs aborting patrols). On the other hand… significant Japanese air and naval forces are tied down in an ASW campaign against Allied patrol subs, the ASW campaign also a distraction for Pillager that occupies some level of his attention on an ongoing basis.

All that activity chasing your subs means the resources available for aggressive activity are reduced. Those Helen's could be bombing in China or elsewhere. It's costing you nothing and occasionally you'll sink something as a bonus. A small step on the road to victory!!!

All that activity chasing your subs means the resources available for aggressive activity are reduced. Those Helen's could be bombing in China or elsewhere. It's costing you nothing and occasionally you'll sink something as a bonus.

Agreed. The cost of sub operations is rather low at least in terms of Allied subs being sunk. Japanese ASW is effective at detecting and attacking Allied subs when ASW forces are concentrated to cover a specific sea area and a Japanese player has developed an effective ASW doctrine. Pillager has done exactly that in several "zones" - notably the Andaman Sea, the East China Sea west of Kyushu and Tsushima, Formosa Straits. I can't say for sure whether this was Pillager's intent, but Japanese mine warfare can also be a useful addition to ASW efforts. I found out the hard way he's mined hexes in at least two sea bottlenecks - Sunda Straits (between Java & Sumatra in the DEI) and Tsushima. Mines block submarines as well as they block any surface ship.

Most of the cost to me (Allied) is the number of damaged subs returning from patrol after taking hits from Jap ASW. This cost is relatively minor given the numbers of Allied subs currently available and future increases as more subs enter the game as reinforcements. It appears so far the Allied sub campaign has drawn a large part of the IJ Army LBA bomber force outside China. Some Japanese DD have been drawn into the ASW campaign - this does help in reducing the number of Jap DD available as escorts in carrier and surface naval TF's. Pillager is likely aware that practically every Japanese-controlled sea area is within reach of Allied subs and that I've already sent Allied subs into most of them. A primary goal of the Allied submarine campaign (besides sinking Jap transports) is "spreading out the defense", not only Japanese forces on the game map but also the Japanese player's attention span.

Summary of Operations 5/10/43

US West Coast: Allied reinforcements for this game turn brought a ship I’ve never had before (either in AE or WitP) – a floating drydock (55,000 ton capacity ARD). Plans are being considered to eventually get the ARD to the South Pacific theatre where it is most likely to get use. This particular ARD appears to be a rather valuable item as its (55,000 ton) capacity appears capable of handling any US BB or fleet CV currently in service. Rated movement speed of the ARD is painfully slow (4-5 kts) so it will take some effort and a considerable amount of time to ship it out from the US West Coast to South Pacific. Sea movement of the ARD will have to be plotted carefully with the appropriate escort and security measures – while in transit, this ship is a large, very slow moving sitting duck.


East China Sea: US patrol subs in multiple actions west of Kyushu and Tsushima Straits. AAR’s follow. The first three AAR below are night actions, the fourth AAR is daylight (PM).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Saishu To at 99,56 (adjacent hex S of Saishu To)

Japanese Ships
xAK Sekiho Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Pogy

xAK Sekiho Maru is sighted by SS Pogy
SS Pogy launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Sekiho Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Saishu To at 98,55 (adjacent hex SW of Saishu To)

Japanese Ships
xAK Tyoyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Pogy

xAK Tyoyo Maru is sighted by SS Pogy
SS Pogy launches 2 torpedoes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Saishu To at 98,57 (S of Saishu To)

Japanese Ships
PB Shinko Maru #5
SC CHa-21
PB Teimei Maru

Allied Ships
SS Tunny

SS Tunny launches 2 torpedoes at PB Shinko Maru #5
Tunny diving deep ....
PB Teimei Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Shinko Maru #5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Saishu To at 98,57

Japanese Ships
PB Ikunta Maru
SC CHa-21
PB Teimei Maru
PB Shinko Maru #5

Allied Ships
SS Tunny

SS Tunny launches 2 torpedoes at PB Ikunta Maru
PB Teimei Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Shinko Maru #5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Central Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts small Jap transport TF in a night action near the northern Marianas. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Agrihan at 113,87 (NE of Agrihan)

Japanese Ships
xAK Mansei Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Eizan Maru
E Nuwashima

Allied Ships
SS Plunger, hits 1 (no reported damage)

SS Plunger launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Mansei Maru
Plunger diving deep ....
E Nuwashima attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


South Pacific: Sigint entry for 5/09 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Funafuti. Detected status of Funafuti shows unidentified Jap planes based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. No observed evidence of airfield or port construction activity at Funafuti.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 5/09 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,151 near Pentecost Island, Speed 15, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Burma: Japanese airfield strikes on Akyab continue. Current damage levels reported at Akyab airfield is runway damage 53, airfield service damage 51. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Akyab, at 54,45

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 7
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-45 KAIa Nick bombing from 100 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 9 Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 109 aircraft (85 fighters, 24 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: Japanese ground bombardment attack on Chungking. AAR follows.

** below indicates Japanese LCU reinforcements arriving this game turn. (no new arrivals)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 265482 troops, 2747 guns, 1449 vehicles, Assault Value = 8571
Defending force 446282 troops, 2077 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9843

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
458 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
64th Infantry Brigade
35th Division
58th Division
41st Division
39th Division
3rd Tank Division
34th Division
6th Division
32nd Division
110th Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
36th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
104th Division
17th Division
26th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
37th Division
13th Division
59th Infantry Brigade
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
40th Division
8th Armored Car Co
116th Division
22nd Division
15th Division
70th Division
15th Tank Regiment
38th Division
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
China Expeditionary Army
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
RGC Army
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Mortar Battalion
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
21st Mortar Battalion
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
11th Army
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Army
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
12th Army
2nd Mortar Battalion
23rd Army
North China Area Army
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
84th Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
59th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
1st Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
89th Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
41st Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
81st Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
23rd Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
7th Construction Regiment
25th Group Army
10th Chinese Base Force
120th Red Chinese Division
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
22nd Group Army
4th Construction Regiment
9th Chinese Base Force
22nd Artillery Regiment
6th War Area
259th Brigade
27th Group Army
12th Group Army
4th Chinese Base Force
7th New Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Base Force
23rd Group Army
3rd War Area
Central Reserve
21st Group Army
4th Group Army
2nd War Area
37th Group Army
China Command
26th Group Army
5th Group Army
18th Chinese Base Force
41st AA Regiment
6th Chinese Base Force
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
CAF HQ
7th War Area
1st Artillery Regiment
30th Group Army
Jingcha War Area
34th Group Army
20th Chinese Base Force
1st Chinese Base Force
32nd Group Army
38th Group Army
39th Chinese Corps
6th Group Army
20th Group Army
20th Artillery Regiment
7th Artillery Regiment
2nd Chinese Base Force
15th Chinese Base Force
5th War Area
7th Chinese Base Force
11th Chinese Base Force
17th Chinese Base Force
13th Chinese Base Force
36th Chinese Corps
9th War Area
3rd Chinese Corps
3rd Group Army
Lusu War Area
10th Chinese Corps
Red Chinese Army
18th Group Army
57th AT Gun Regiment
303rd Brigade
18th Artillery Regiment
31st Group Army
13th Group Army
5th Construction Regiment
65th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
33rd Group Army
43rd Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Corps
49th AA Regiment

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

Summary of Operations 5/11/43

East China Sea: US patrol subs in multiple night actions against Japanese transport shipping. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Keijo at 101,50 (W of Keijo)

Japanese Ships
xAK Wakatu Maru, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Pogy

xAK Wakatu Maru is sighted by SS Pogy
SS Pogy attacking xAK Wakatu Maru on the surface

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Fukue-jima at 98,59 (SW of Kumamoto)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Ronsan Maru, Shell hits 48, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Runner, hits 6 (system damage 8, sub remaining on patrol)

xAKL Ronsan Maru is sighted by SS Runner
SS Runner attacking xAKL Ronsan Maru on the surface
SS Runner low on gun ammo, Bourland, J.H. breaks off surface engagement and submerges

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


Formosa Straits: US patrol sub NW of Batan Is spots probable Jap surface ASW TF, no reported combat.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 5/10 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap. Detected status of Maleolap shows no visible Japanese forces or activity. Current detected airfield size at Maleolap is 4(1), port size 1(1).


South Pacific: US sub enters Lunga base hex to locate Jap transport shipping, sinks barge in daylight gunfire attack. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack at Lunga 114,138

Japanese Ships
LB-113, Shell hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS S-40

LB-113 is sighted by SS S-40
SS S-40 attacking LB-113 on the surface

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

Sigint entry for 5/10 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from a detected Jap submarine E of Tulagi (hex location 116, 137). No information available as to the sub’s identity or movement.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 5/10 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,154 near Efate, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 5, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Jinsai Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Malaya: Land (probably rail) movement of a second sub-unit of Jap Imperial Guards Division northward from Singapore is indicated in a 5/10 Sigint entry. The Sigint entry reports “B” sub-unit of Imperial Guards Division is now located in Malacca. Land movement of Imperial Guards Division “A” sub-unit from Singapore was indicated in a 5/06 Sigint entry. With this update, two of Imperial Guards Division’s three sub-units (“A” and “B”) have now left Singapore by overland movement. “C” sub-unit of Imperial Guards Division was reported in Singapore as of 4/19/43.


Burma: USAAF and RAF bombers launch night air strikes against airfield and resource facilities in Mandalay. No Allied bombers lost, only 2 RAF Liberator II planes damaged. Eight Ki-44 Tojo fighters reported destroyed on the ground in Mandalay (per Intelligence display). Detected status of Mandalay shows airfield damage 35, 25 aircraft (16 fighters), 8 Jap LCU. Seven of the 8 Jap LCU at Mandalay are identified in available intelligence data – including 33 Infantry Division/C sub-unit, 3 Independent Mountain Gun Rgt, 5 Mortar Bn, 56 Construction Co, 39 Road Construction Co, 91 & 97 JAAF AF Bns.

Reported results of the bombing attack were good considering it was at night. Combat Events entries and AAR’s follow.

5 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
6 x No.160 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
4 x No.353 Sqn RAF Hudson IIIa stray due to night
6 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/11th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
6 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
6 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
5 x No.353 Sqn RAF Hudson IIIa stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/11th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 12
B-24D Liberator x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Resources hits 2
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Wellington Ic bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 16

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Wellington Ic bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9

No Allied losses

Resources hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Liberator II bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay , at 59,46

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson IIIa x 4

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

No Allied losses

Resources hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Liberator II bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 7

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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


Japanese airfield strikes on Akyab continue. Current damage levels reported at Akyab airfield is runway damage 70, airfield service damage 58. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Akyab, at 54,45

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 21

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-45 KAIa Nick bombing from 100 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 9 Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor, 112 aircraft (87 fighters, 25 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: No reported ground combat this game turn in Chungking.

Summary of Operations 5/12/43

East China Sea: Multiple attacks on Jap transport shipping by US patrol subs. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Gunzan at 100,51 (NW of Gunzan, night action)

Japanese Ships
xAK Senyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Pogy

xAK Senyo Maru is sighted by SS Pogy
SS Pogy launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Senyo Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Fukue-jima at 100,59 (SW of Kumamoto, day action)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kyuei Maru, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Tunny

xAKL Kyuei Maru is sighted by SS Tunny
SS Tunny attacking on the surface

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


Formosa Straits: US patrol sub intercepts Jap transport in a daylight action off the China coast. SS Sailfish also detected an unidentified Jap TF in the same hex location – the detected Jap TF with 3 ships including 2 AM, reported moving on NE heading. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Taihoku at 87,61 (NW of Taihoku)

Japanese Ships
xAK Yamagata Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Sailfish

SS Sailfish launches 4 torpedoes

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


Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 5/11 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from multiple locations - including Maleolap, Mili and Arorae. Detected status of Arorae shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there. No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at the three bases.


South Pacific: US patrol sub remains in Lunga base hex, sinks a second barge in another daylight gunfire attack. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at Lunga 114,138

Japanese Ships
LB-104, Shell hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS S-40

SS S-40 attacking LB-104 on the surface

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

Sigint entry for 5/11 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Ndeni. Detected status of Ndeni shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Current detected airfield size at Ndeni is 3(5), port size 1(1).

Daily coastwatcher entries from 5/11 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Taihei Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Andaman Sea: US sub Billfish attacked and damaged (system damage 13, float 23, engine 1) by Ki-21 Sally air patrol near Victoria Point. SS Billfish returning to base for repair at 15 kts speed.


Burma: USAAF and RAF bombers launch night air strikes against airfield and resource facilities in Mandalay. One USAAF B-25C Mitchell lost (ops), five Liberators damaged. 13 Ki-44 Tojo fighters and one Ki-46 Dinah reported destroyed on the ground in Mandalay. Detected status of Mandalay shows airfield damage 59, 2 aircraft (bothfighters), 8 Jap LCU, resource production 2(19). Combat Events entries and AAR’s follow.

5 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
4 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/11th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/490th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/491st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
5 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/11th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/491st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
7 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 14
Wellington Ic x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Liberator II bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x Liberator II bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x Wellington Ic bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 5

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington Ic bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 4

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington Ic bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 7

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 5

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington Ic bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 2000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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


Japanese airfield strikes on Akyab continue. Current damage levels reported at Akyab airfield is runway damage 83, airfield service damage 65. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Akyab, at 54,45

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 15

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-45 KAIa Nick bombing from 100 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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

Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 7 Japanese ships anchored in port (-2 from last report), 1 Jap TF in harbor, 112 aircraft (84 fighters, 28 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: No reported ground combat this game turn in Chungking.

Summary of Operations 5/13/43

East China Sea: US patrol sub torpedoes Jap ASW escort in a night attack west of Kyushu. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Fukue-jima at 100,59 (W of Kumamoto)

Japanese Ships
PB Choko Maru #5, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Tunny

SS Tunny launches 2 torpedoes at PB Choko Maru #5
Tunny diving deep ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


US patrol sub off Korean coast damaged in surface gunfire action against a Jap xAKL off the western coast of Korea. SS Pogy is now returning to base for repair at 11 kts. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Keijo at 101,50 (W of Keijo)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Shuntai Maru

Allied Ships
SS Pogy

xAKL Shuntai Maru is sighted by SS Pogy
SS Pogy launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Shuntai Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Keijo at 101,50

Japanese Ships
xAKL Shuntai Maru, Shell hits 10, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Pogy, hits 1, on fire (system damage 3, float 37, engine 9)

xAKL Shuntai Maru is sighted by SS Pogy
SS Pogy attacking xAKL Shuntai Maru on the surface
SS Pogy low on gun ammo, Wales, G.H. breaks off surface engagement and submerges

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


Okinawa: US patrol sub in action with Jap surface ASW. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tokunoshima at 98,66 (SE of Amami Oshima)

Japanese Ships
SC CHa-5
SC CHa-17

Allied Ships
SS Flying Fish

SS Flying Fish launches 2 torpedoes at SC CHa-5
SC CHa-17 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Formosa Straits: US patrol sub in action against Japanese surface ASW off China coastline near Foochow. Jap TF remains detected in the hex location – reported to include 3 ships (1 PB and 1 AM identified plus an unknown third ship, moving on NE heading). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Taihoku at 87,61 (NW of Taihoku)

Japanese Ships
PB Akitsui Maru
PB Rokko Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Sailfish

SS Sailfish launches 2 torpedoes at PB Akitsui Maru
PB Rokko Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 5/12 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap. Detected status of Maleolap shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: US patrol sub remains in Lunga base hex, sinks two more barges in surface gunfire attacks. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack at Lunga 114,138

Japanese Ships
LB-156, Shell hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS S-40

LB-156 is sighted by SS S-40
SS S-40 attacking LB-156 on the surface

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack at Lunga 114,138

Japanese Ships
LB-102, Shell hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS S-40

LB-102 is sighted by SS S-40
SS S-40 attacking LB-102 on the surface

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


Sigint entry for 5/12 reports Jap submarine I-16 is moving to destination hex 118, 171 located ESE of Norfolk Is. A detected Jap submarine is visible on the game map at hex location 117,168 (NE of Norfolk Is). No Allied ships currently in or due to move through the sea area near this contact. My current estimate is that I-16 is possibly bound for an assigned patrol area near Auckland – hex location 118, 171 is more likely a waypoint in I-16’s movement path rather than its destination.

Sigint entries for 5/12 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Munda and Luganville. Unidentified Jap aircraft are shown based in each location, no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Detected airfield size at Munda is 2(3), airfield size at Luganville 4(5).

Daily coastwatcher entries from 5/12 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Toko Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,149 near Santa Maria, Speed 16, Moving Southeast


Andaman Sea: US patrol sub spots probable Jap surface ASW TF southeast of Victoria Point. No reported combat occurred. Jap TF reported moving northbound.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 7 Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 78 aircraft (60 fighters, 18 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.

Detected status of Mandalay base shows 42 planes (all fighters) now based there, it appears Pillager has transferred fighter squadrons into Mandalay this game turn. Value shown for resource facilities in Mandalay is 2(19) – recent Allied bombing raids appear successful in knocking out Mandalay resource production. Plans are to continue Allied air bombing strikes in Burma, concentrating on airfields, resource production and oil refineries.


China: No reported ground combat this game turn in Chungking.

Summary of Operations 5/14/43

East China Sea: US sub Tunny west of Kyushu under attack by both surface and air Jap ASW forces. AAR of surface ASW attack follows. SS Tunny also received three Jap air attacks (two Ki-48 Lily, one Ki-49 Helen). No reported hits or damage on SS Tunny.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Fukue-jima at 100,58 (W of Kumamoto)

Japanese Ships
E Oki
DD Sawakaze

Allied Ships
SS Tunny

Captain of SS Tunny elects not to launch torpedoes at this target
Tunny diving deep ....
DD Sawakaze attacking submerged sub ....
SS Tunny eludes DD Sawakaze by diving deep
DD Sawakaze cannot establish contact with SS Tunny
DD Sawakaze cannot reach attack position over SS Tunny
DD Sawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sawakaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Sawakaze cannot establish contact with SS Tunny
DD Sawakaze cannot reach attack position over SS Tunny
SS Tunny eludes ASW attack from DD Sawakaze
DD Sawakaze loses contact with SS Tunny
DD Sawakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

SS Pogy returning to base after damage in 5/13 action with Jap surface ASW off Keijo spots a probable Jap surface ASW TF (three ships including one E) at hex location 99, 56 off Saishu To. No reported combat occurred. Damage control aboard SS Pogy has increased its movement speed from 11 to 13 kts.

There’s little question Pillager is placing considerable emphasis on Jap ASW defenses in areas of the East China Sea west of Kyushu and south of the Korea peninsula (map below) – this sea area having some importance to Japanese transport shipping as it lies on the approaches to several major Japanese ports on Kyushu including Fukuoka and Nagasaki/Sasebo. Japanese transport convoy routes passing through this sea area probably include routes into the Japanese Home Islands from a variety of locations – including Port Arthur, China (Shanghai), as well as sea routes from the southern areas via Formosa Straits. Given the number and frequency of Japanese transport ships attacked by US subs within the sea area shown below, this particular sea area is (for the moment) the best means for US subs to inflict significant damage on Japanese sea transport into the Home Islands. This part of the East China Sea is a relatively confined area through which Pillager is funneling a significant volume of Jap transport shipping into the Home Islands. The small sea area is both an advantage and a liability – easy for US patrol subs to spot and attack targets, Pillager can also easily concentrate Jap ASW forces against US subs operating in this sea area.



This part of the East China Sea is far too worthwhile for US subs to abandon attacks on Jap merchant shipping. However, I will have to examine possible change(s) in US sub tactics to reduce the predictability of US sub attacks, also reducing the number of US subs damaged in action. I have at least some of Pillager’s attention focused on the East China Sea area, now it’s time for throwing the occasional curve ball or slider. Reducing damage to US subs being a desirable secondary result.


Formosa Straits: US patrol sub engaged by surface ASW from a Jap transport TF southeast of Formosa. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Hengchun at 85,68 (E of Hengchun)

Japanese Ships
PB Chiyo Maru
AK Nitisan Maru
AK Tokai Maru
xAK Nittai Maru
PB Kogyoku Maru

Allied Ships
SS Drum

SS Drum is sighted by escort
Drum diving deep ....
PB Kogyoku Maru attacking submerged sub ....
SS Drum eludes ASW attack from PB Kogyoku Maru
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 5/13 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Majuro. Detected status of Majuro shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: US patrol sub attacks what appears to be a Japanese fast transport TF between Ndeni and the eastern Solomons. Jap TF remains detected – TF reported to contain 5 ships and moving on a NW heading. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kirakira at 118,140 (NW of Ndeni)

Japanese Ships
APD Tade
APD Fuji
APD Nadakaze
APD Shimakaze
APD Hagi

Allied Ships
SS Pompon

SS Pompon launches 4 torpedoes at APD Tade
Pompon diving deep ....
APD Tade fails to find sub, continues to search...
APD Hagi fails to find sub and abandons search
APD Tade attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

US patrol sub remained in Lunga base hex, sinks another Jap barge with surface gunfire. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack at Lunga 114,138

Japanese Ships
LB-155, Shell hits 1, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS S-40

LB-155 is sighted by SS S-40
SS S-40 attacking on the surface

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

Transport convoy WP-51 (34 transport ships, 9 LST, 6 LCI) arrives this game turn in Auckland from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes 3 US Marine Raider Bn, two US Marine air squadrons (one fighter, one dive bomber), 174K supply and 15K fuel. LST and LSI arriving with the convoy will be detached and remain in South Pacific theatre for employment in future operations. With the arrival of convoy WP-51, amphibious ship strength in the South Pacific area is now at 2 APA, 35 LST and 6 LCI.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 5/13 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 120,150 near Luganville, Speed 15, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Yosida Maru #1 reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Australia: Convoy CX-3 (9 small to medium xAP, one LSI) arrives from Capetown with 22K supply cargo. This is a one-way convoy to be disbanded in Australia, ships in the convoy assigned to reserve in SW Pacific theatre for employment in future amphibious operations.


Andaman Sea: US patrol sub in action against Japanese surface ASW. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Phuket at 48,67 (N of Phuket)

Japanese Ships
E Hachijo
DD Mutsuki
DD Isonami

Allied Ships
SS Puffer

SS Puffer is sighted by escort
DD Mutsuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Isonami attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 9 Japanese ships anchored in port (+2 from last report), 1 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 88 aircraft (62 fighters, 26 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: No reported ground combat this game turn in Chungking.

Summary of Operations 5/15/43

East China Sea: US patrol sub west of Kyushu encounters Jap surface ASW in a night action, also daylight attack on a transport ship. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Fukue-jima at 100,59 (due W of Kumamoto)

Japanese Ships
E Kuretake
E Natsushima

Allied Ships
SS Tunny

SS Tunny launches 4 torpedoes at E Kuretake
E Natsushima fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Saishu To at 100,56 (adjacent hex SE of Saishu To)

Japanese Ships
xAK Ishikari Maru, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Tunny

SS Tunny attacking on the surface

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

SS Pogy damaged a second time in action against Jap surface ASW while passing through Koshiki-jima Retto base hex off Kyushu, the sub was returning to base after damage by Jap surface ASW in an earlier action on 5/13. SS Pogy was hit and received additional damage in this game turn's action - movement speed decreased from 13 to 10 kts. The sub is in no immediate danger of sinking and now clear of the Japanese Home Islands at its current position. AAR follows.

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ASW attack at Koshiki-jima Retto 101,60

Japanese Ships
PB Nanei Maru

Allied Ships
SS Pogy, hits 5 (current damage levels - system 11, float 46, engine 7)

SS Pogy is sighted by escort
Pogy bottoming out ....
PB Nanei Maru attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Formosa Straits: US sub Drum attacked and heavily damaged by multiple Jap air patrols (Ki-48 Lily & Ki-49 Helen) in the Formosa Straits near Hengchun at hex location 85, 68. Damage levels of SS Drum are system 61, float 26, engine 6 – the sub still moving at 14 kts. SS Drum also reporting contact at hex location 85, 68 with a Jap transport TF (5 ships including one E, one AP) moving northbound through the straits. No reported combat between the Jap transport TF and SS Drum.


Central Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts small Jap transport TF in the mid-ocean area between Marcus, Wake, the Marianas and Marshalls. Reported hex position of the contact indicates the Jap transport possibly in movement between the Marshalls and Japanese Home Islands. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Marcus Island at 122,95 (S of Marcus Is)

Japanese Ships
xAK Meiu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
E W-23

Allied Ships
SS Pollack, hits 1 (no damage)

SS Pollack launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Meiu Maru
E W-23 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Japanese sub identified as I-9 detected (visible on game map) in the eastern Marshall island sea area due N of Wotje (hex location 135, 113). Movement of the I-9 to this hex position also reported in a 5/14 Sigint entry – this entry identifies the sub as I-9. My estimate is the I-9 is arriving or departing Kwajalein moving to/from an undetermined patrol area near Hawaii or the US West Coast.

Sigint entry for 5/14 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Truk. Detected status of Truk shows the expected Jap planes based there plus ship(s) in port, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.

Intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Canton Is reported in another 5/14 Sigint entry. Detected status of Canton Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 5/14 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Shanghai Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Burma: USAAF and RAF bombers launch night air strike against Mandalay airfield. Two USAAF bombers (1 B-24D, 1 B-25C) and one A6M2 Zero destroyed in air-to-air combat, one additional A6M2 an ops loss. Four Allied bombers (3 B-24D, 1 Liberator II) returned to base damaged. 20 Japanese planes in Mandalay reported destroyed on the ground including 16 Ki-45 Nick, 2 A6M2 Zero and 2 Ki-46 Dinah. Detected status of Mandalay shows airfield damage 53, 8 aircraft (all fighters), 8 Jap LCU. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

5 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
4 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
8 x No.160 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
4 x No.353 Sqn RAF Hudson IIIa stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/490th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
5 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
5 x No.353 Sqn RAF Hudson IIIa stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 19
B-24D Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 6 destroyed on ground
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 17

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Wellington Ic bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x Wellington Ic bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 4 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 16

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington Ic bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
Hudson IIIa x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses
Airbase supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Liberator II bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
Hudson IIIa x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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


Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 9 Japanese ships anchored in port (+2 from last report), 2 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 89 aircraft (71 fighters, 18 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.


China: No reported ground combat this game turn in Chungking.

Summary of Operations 5/16/43

Formosa: US patrol sub (SS Sailfish) reporting two contacts with southbound Jap TF’s at hex location 88, 62 due N of Taihoku. One contact a probable Jap transport TF (two ships including 1 TK), the second contact an unknown Jap TF (two ships, 1 CM). No reported combat occurred between SS Sailfish and either Jap TF.

.
Central Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts Jap transport TF between Kwajalein and Nauru. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Nauru Island at 127,123 (N of Nauru)

Japanese Ships
xAK Asuka Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
E Wakatake

Allied Ships
SS Albacore

SS Albacore launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Asuka Maru
E Wakatake attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Sigint entry for 5/15 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap. Detected status of Maleolap shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Main body of transport convoy WP-52 (31 transports, 2 DMS, 2 SC) arrives this game turn in Auckland from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes two air squadrons (both LBA dive bomber), 97K supply and 145K fuel. The DMS and SC arriving with the convoy will remain in South Pacific theatre for use in future operations.

A detachment of convoy WP-52 (2 AKA) arrived at Wellington with 11K supply cargo. The AKA are remaining in South Pacific theatre area on reserve for employment in future operations.

Sigint entry for 5/15 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Ndeni. Detected status of Ndeni shows unidentified Jap planes based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.

Sigint entries for 5/15 report elements of Jap 10th Infantry Division and 80 JAAF AF Bn are in transit via sea transport from Noumea to Lunga.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 5/15 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 16, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Andaman Sea: Two Japanese TF spotted by US patrol sub (SS Puffer) at hex position 48, 70 south of Phuket. One Jap TF appears to be possible surface combat (5 ships including 1 CL, 2 DD) moving southward, the second Jap TF is unidentified with 4 ships and moving north. No reported combat between SS Puffer and either Jap TF. SS Puffer also reporting attack by Ki-48 Lily air patrol.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 7 Japanese ships anchored in port (-2 from last report), 2 Jap TF in harbor, 231 aircraft (82 fighters, 77 bombers), 7 Jap LCU’s.

Current detected status in Mandalay is airfield damage 73, resource production 2(19), 13 aircraft (all fighters).


China: No reported ground combat this game turn in Chungking.

Summary of Operations 5/17/43

East China Sea: US patrol sub in night surface action against Jap xAKL. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Fukue-jima at 98,59 (adjacent hex NW of Fukue jima)

Japanese Ships
xAKL Konei Maru, Shell hits 6

Allied Ships
SS Runner

xAKL Konei Maru is sighted by SS Runner
SS Runner attacking on the surface
SS Runner low on gun ammo, Bourland, J.H. breaks off surface engagement and submerges

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


Okinawa: US patrol sub reports contact with Japanese surface ASW. AAR follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tokunoshima at 98,66 (adjacent hex SE of Tokunoshima)

Japanese Ships
SC CHa-5
SC CHa-17

Allied Ships
SS Flying Fish

SS Flying Fish launches 2 torpedoes at SC CHa-5
Flying Fish diving deep ....
SC CHa-17 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Central Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts another Jap transport TF between Kwajalein and Nauru. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kusaie Island at 127,119 (ESE of Kusaie Is)

Japanese Ships
xAK Shinkoku Maru
E Wakatake

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon

SS Seadragon launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Shinkoku Maru
E Wakatake fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Sigint entry for 5/16 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Truk. Detected status of Truk shows the expected Jap aircraft based there plus ship(s) in port. No other visible Japanese forces or activity was observed at Truk.

Sigint entry for 5/16 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Nauru. Detected status of Nauru shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, also ship(s) in port, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Sigint entry for 5/16 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Luganville. Detected status of Luganville shows unidentified Jap planes based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 5/16 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Sydney Maru #2 reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Burma: USAAF and RAF bombers launch night airfield strikes against Magwe and Rangoon. A total of 42 Japanese planes (10 G4M1 Betty, 8 Ki-21 Sally, 8 A6M2 Zero, 7 Ki-44 Tojo, 6 Ki-45 Nick, one Ki-61 Tony, one Ki-48 Lily, one Ki-46 Dinah) were reported destroyed in the strikes, most of these on the ground. Allied plane losses totaled three bombers – one B-24D (ops loss), one B-25C and one Blenheim IV lost to flak. 10 Allied bombers returned to base damaged.

Not really quoting myself, using the quote box to separate this from the rest of today's news.

Pillager and I are in the process of working out a HR regarding night air bombing attacks. Without seeing the thread on the subject, I apparently came up with tactics that collided with a known problem in the AE game engine. I've seen Pillager's thread (he notified me he had started one). What I've proposed as at least the starting point (if not end product) for an HR is a set of night bombing restrictions Koniu had posted in another night bombing thread linked to Pillager's. We may use Koniu's HR as is or with modification(s) - we're going back and forth as I speak. I will post the final results of our night bombing HR in here, it's more a matter of what's in the HR rather than if there will be one. Without getting into specfics, I have some questions on altitude, also on how the HR would impact B-29 raids in 1945. If needed, I can post said specifics later.

FYI: Jap plane losses I posted above are based strictly on the numbers I saw from my AE displays, Pillager was quoting significantly different numbers from his first-hand knowledge.

As originally planned, the bombing raid on Rangoon had been intended to target light industry facilities. Re-targeting of this raid from light industry to an airfield strike was done after I noticed Pillager had moved a large number of Jap planes into Rangoon on 5/16 – daily average total count of Jap aircraft in Rangoon from British recon flights was approx 100 planes before 5/16, this count increased on 5/16 to a total of 231 planes of all types in Rangoon.

Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon (post air strike) – 7 Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 136 aircraft (60 fighters, 39 bombers), airfield damage 16, 7 Jap LCU’s.

Combat Events entries and AAR of Rangoon strikes follow.

4 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 17
B-24D Liberator x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 1 destroyed on ground
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator II: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 35

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Liberator II bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x Liberator II bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon, at 54,53

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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


Current Detected status of Jap base in Magwe – 37 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 5, eight Jap LCU’s. Combat Events entries and AAR of Magwe strikes follow.

5 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
5 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/11th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/490th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/491st BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night
7 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
7 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/490th BS B-25C Mitchell stray due to night

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Hudson IIIa x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 5 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington Ic bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington Ic bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 5 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wellington Ic bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 7000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes

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


China: Japanese ground bombardment attack on Chungking. AAR follows.

** below indicates Japanese LCU reinforcements arriving this game turn. (one HQ unit)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 285278 troops, 2797 guns, 1460 vehicles, Assault Value = 10077
Defending force 469683 troops, 2032 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 11245

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
869 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 53 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Assaulting units:
40th Division
104th Division
3rd Tank Division
41st Division
59th Infantry Brigade
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
22nd Division
8th Armored Car Co
37th Division
13th Division
110th Division
39th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
64th Infantry Brigade
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
58th Division
36th Division
116th Division
15th Tank Regiment
15th Division
6th Division
34th Division
35th Division
17th Division
26th Division
32nd Division
70th Division
38th Division
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Army
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
11th Army
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
23rd Army
21st Mortar Battalion
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
NCPC Army **
1st Mortar Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
RGC Army
12th Army
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
China Expeditionary Army
North China Area Army
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
42nd Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
23rd Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
259th Brigade
4th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
8th Prov Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
9th Separate Brigade
7th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
94th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
89th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
53rd Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
12th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
83rd Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
31st Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
7th Construction Regiment
11th Group Army
33rd Group Army
25th Group Army
8th Group Army
4th Chinese Base Force
18th Chinese Base Force
20th Chinese Base Force
10th Chinese Base Force
303rd Brigade
7th Chinese Base Force
15th Chinese Base Force
1st Construction Regiment
1st Artillery Regiment
30th Group Army
13th Group Army
39th Chinese Corps
17th Group Army
6th War Area
38th Group Army
32nd Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force
27th Group Army
29th Group Army
26th Group Army
20th Group Army
34th Group Army
7th War Area
18th Group Army
4th Construction Regiment
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
Lusu War Area
39th Group Army
9th Chinese Base Force
2nd War Area
5th Construction Regiment
11th Chinese Corps
22nd Artillery Regiment
1st Chinese Base Force
3rd Chinese Corps
Central Reserve
41st AA Regiment
16th Chinese Base Force
18th Artillery Regiment
Red Chinese Army
3rd War Area
65th Chinese Corps
Jingcha War Area
9th War Area
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
5th War Area
5th Group Army
36th Chinese Corps
China Command
43rd Chinese Corps
37th Group Army
3rd Group Army
4th Group Army
20th Artillery Regiment
31st Group Army
23rd Group Army
57th AT Gun Regiment
12th Group Army
22nd Group Army
21st Group Army
6th Chinese Base Force
2nd Chinese Base Force
7th New Chinese Corps
6th Group Army
11th Chinese Base Force
CAF HQ
49th AA Regiment

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

Summary of Operations 5/18/43

quoting myself again...

We're back in action and continuing without a HR for night bombing. For those with an interest in the issue, Pillager started a thread (Night Bombing of Airfields) in the main AE forum area - a number of contributors including both myself and Pillager. My opinion at this point is the case for whether or not a problem with night bombing exists in AE is inconclusive, there isn't the "beyond reasonable doubt" evidence pointing one way or the other.

I'm definately of the opinion a high probability a combination of factors did (simultaneously) go in the Allies' favor during my earlier night bombing attacks. There will certainly be other night bombing raids considerably less successful than what recently occurred - particularly true once Pillager develops effective Japanese countermeasures to night bombing attacks (that being more or less inevitable).

Night bombing may be a successful tactic at this point of time, though it would not be a surprise that night bombing could gradually lose its value and/or effectiveness. Also keep in mind that any successful tactic eventually collides with the Law of Diminishing Returns once it is used enough.

East China Sea: US patrol sub intercepts Jap transport ship west of Kyushu in night action. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Kuroshima at 98,61 (W of Kuroshima)

Japanese Ships
xAK Tokusima Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Runner

xAK Tokusima Maru is sighted by SS Runner
SS Runner launches 4 torpedoes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kuroshima at 98,61

Japanese Ships
xAK Tokusima Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Runner

xAK Tokusima Maru is sighted by SS Runner
SS Runner launches 2 torpedoes

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

US sub Tunny on patrol west of Kyushu (hex location 100, 59) reporting contacts with two Japanese TF at this position. No reported combat with either Jap TF. One of the Jap TF is reported to have four ships (2 CM, 2PB) and moving on a W heading. The second Jap TF with two ships (1 AK, 1 unknown). movement heading not known. SS Tunny also reporting attack from Ki-49 Helen air patrol, no hits or damage.


Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub Gar reports multiple attacks from Ki-48 Lily air patrols SE of Kyushu (hex location 104, 62). No reported hits or damage.

Sigint report entry for 5/17 indicates sub-units of Japanese 1st Guards Division have been combined to form the divisional LCU. Sigint entry reports all or parts of 1 Guards Division are currently in transit to Rabaul via sea transport.


Formosa: US patrol sub intercepts small Jap transport TF at northern exit of the sea passage between Formosa and mainland China. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Taihoku at 88,62 (adjacent hex N of Taihoku)

Japanese Ships
TK Fukko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (oil cargo burning)
E Chidori

Allied Ships
SS Sailfish

SS Sailfish launches 4 torpedoes at TK Fukko Maru
Sailfish diving deep ....
E Chidori fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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


Pearl Harbor: The damaged LST (LST-459) in transport convoy WP-49 ship collision on 4/15 reached Pearl Harbor this game turn after being detached from the convoy at Tahiti – the LST moved from Tahiti to Pearl Harbor at 5 kts speed (no danger of sinking, it was just as slow as molasses this time of year). LST-459 will undergo shipyard repair at Pearl Harbor, then dispatched again to the South Pacific with another convoy once its repairs are completed. Estimated time for LST-459’s repair is 11 days.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 5/17 reports a second day of heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Truk. Detected status of Truk shows the expected Jap aircraft based there plus ship(s) in port. No other visible Japanese forces or activity was observed at Truk.

Intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tarawa reported in another 5/17 Sigint entry. Detected status of Tarawa shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, port size 3(1), airfield size 3(2).


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 5/17 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: AV Sanyo Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 10, Moving Southwest (someone’s arriving in Lunga tonight and there’s a sub waiting)


Andaman Sea: US patrol sub intercepts small Jap transport TF off Rangoon. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rangoon at 53,56 (S of Rangoon)

Japanese Ships
xAK Hokumai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
E W-25

Allied Ships
SS Gunnel

SS Gunnel launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Hokumai Maru
E W-25 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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US sub Gar on patrol at the northern exit of Malacca Straits near Phuket reports attack by Ki-30 Ann air patrol. No hits or damage, the Jap plane also hit by AA fire.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – 8 Japanese ships anchored in port (+1 from last report), 2 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 173 aircraft (62 fighters, 67 bombers), airfield damage 18, 7 Jap LCU’s. This report indicates Pillager is still keeping many Japanese planes in Rangoon. Allied 4E bomber squadrons are still recovering damaged planes/resting pilots from last game turn’s airfield strike on Rangoon, making an effective second strike unfeasible for the moment. Another night airfield strike on Rangoon could be considered in the next several days while moon conditions remain favorable (current moonlight at 100%) if it is known a large number of Jap planes still remain in Rangoon.

In any event, plans remain in effect for a night strategic bombing attack on Rangoon light industry. Attacks on light industry are intended to reduce or destroy the ability to produce supply points inside Burma to maintain Japanese ground and air forces based in and near Burma. Elimination of supply point production in Burma would require Pillager to increase sea transport of supply into Burma to maintain Jap forces – this would have other secondary effects including putting additional demand on the Japanese sea transport system, possible Jap supply shortages in Burma, etc.

Sigint entry for 5/17 reports Jap 61 Field AA Bn currently in transit to Rangoon via sea transport.


China: Japanese continue ground bombardment attack on Chungking. Latest AAR follows.

** below indicates Japanese LCU reinforcements arriving this game turn. (no new units)

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Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 286677 troops, 2797 guns, 1460 vehicles, Assault Value = 10211
Defending force 470209 troops, 2021 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 11291

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
230 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
37th Division
40th Division
39th Division
34th Division
26th Division
17th Division
8th Armored Car Co
15th Tank Regiment
22nd Division
41st Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
36th Division
104th Division
32nd Division
64th Infantry Brigade
58th Division
6th Division
59th Infantry Brigade
3rd Tank Division
15th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
116th Division
13th Division
35th Division
110th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
70th Division
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
38th Division
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
NCPC Army
China Expeditionary Army
12th Army
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Army
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
1st Mortar Battalion
23rd Army
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
11th Army
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
RGC Army
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
North China Area Army
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
31st Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
9th Separate Brigade
33rd Chinese Corps
89th Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
34th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
79th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
67th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
17th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
23rd Chinese Corps
8th Prov Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
120th Red Chinese Division
45th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
259th Brigade
61st Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
27th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
303rd Brigade
99th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
83rd Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
7th Construction Regiment
Central Reserve
36th Chinese Corps
Jingcha War Area
6th Chinese Base Force
Red Chinese Army
30th Group Army
18th Group Army
13th Group Army
37th Group Army
7th War Area
39th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Base Force
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
2nd War Area
22nd Group Army
7th Chinese Base Force
11th Chinese Corps
33rd Group Army
5th Construction Regiment
9th War Area
41st AA Regiment
31st Group Army
20th Chinese Base Force
34th Group Army
1st Artillery Regiment
57th AT Gun Regiment
1st Construction Regiment
5th War Area
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
CAF HQ
39th Group Army
26th Group Army
4th Construction Regiment
29th Group Army
4th Group Army
12th Group Army
6th War Area
9th Chinese Base Force
25th Group Army
11th Group Army
7th New Chinese Corps
5th Group Army
22nd Artillery Regiment
15th Chinese Base Force
43rd Chinese Corps
China Command
1st Chinese Base Force
17th Chinese Base Force
38th Group Army
Lusu War Area
23rd Group Army
4th Chinese Base Force
6th Group Army
20th Group Army
18th Chinese Base Force
20th Artillery Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
16th Chinese Base Force
11th Chinese Base Force
8th Group Army
21st Group Army
32nd Group Army
3rd Group Army
7th Group Army
2nd Chinese Base Force
27th Group Army
3rd War Area
65th Chinese Corps
17th Group Army
49th AA Regiment

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From the Johnjohn front. Refitting well underway in CENPAC with Marianas now under control. All carriers are heading to port, the fleet carriers to undertake the next, and in some cases, the last of their refits and upgrades. The divisions in the Marianas are rebuilding, with a couple of them having a long way to go. Supply is being moved forward and Aussie is being refueled. The B-29s in India have been shut down due to unacceptable losses. Half the refining ability at Rangoon has been destroyed, but most of the B-29s were lost in the campaign. Got to wait until the P-51Ds arrive. Upper Burma has turned into a mad scramble as the enemy attempts to withdraw while I am hitting them with nearly everything that I have. Thus far, they have not moved an inch. I have 7 divisions between them and Rangoon, so they have a real problem. China remains static. They keep attacking and losing lots of strength. I keep digging in and losing essentially nothing.

On the main campaign, I am impressed with the level of commitment and attention to detail that you continue to bring and share. Pillager is a goner, he just doesn't know it yet.

My current attention is on completing the SWPAC advance. I still haven't decided if I want to attempt invading the Philippines. I am not sure that much is to be gained and much could be lost. Am concentrating on getting to Sorong and then moving up to Iwo and then Okinawa. Then the home islands.

With the enemy Navy significantly reduced, I am not sure how much more is to be learned completing my campaign (or maybe I am dismayed at the several months refitting I need right now). The whole of the Pacific up to the Marianas is essentially in my hands or under my control. Since the enemy cannot put up much of a defense at sea, I am not sure how much more I can learn from the experience.

John

johnjohn,

Welcome back, it's been awhile.

I am not sure how much more I can learn from the experience.

I'm assuming you're well into 1944 now. Not having played either AE or WitP very far into that time period, much of it is unexplored territory for me. Several things of value might be left - kamikazes for one, the B-29 bombing campaign on the Home Islands, Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns, (lastly) the A-bomb. There might be some useful stuff to be picked up that can only be acquired through hands-on experience. Seeing these things first hand may give you something the manual and threads in the forums haven't or won't tell you.

Several of the items above I'm already starting to examine at least in a very general sense. I will certainly need to develop effective tactics against the kamikaze - there is no doubt a way to do it, it's only a question of research and working out the detail. Likewise, I've never picked up B-29.

I never played Allies vs the AI (campaign) beyond early 1943, played Marianas scenario vs the Japanese AI. In our CHS game, Pillager and I played into early 1944 (2-3 months before the B-29 came out). Late war is going to be a learning curve. There's a lot of "staff work" happening on the Allied side in this PBEM - a large part of it involving development of offensive tactics and how different components of Allied forces (air, naval, land, logistical) will be employed in whatever tactical doctrine I develop. Attention to detail is a big part of this game.

Pillager is a goner, he just doesn't know it yet.

This is very likely going to be a chess match, especially at the tactical level. Pillager might appear to be a conservative player at first glance, but I think there's more behind that. He's deliberate - what he does or doesn't do he does for a reason. Some of what he's done and their reason(s) I could end up finding out about the hard way. The value of Allied intel is hopefully keeping the surprises to a minimum though it will not entirely eliminate them. With my intel practices, there's a great deal I can see behind the Japanese lines though far from everything. Pillager can't be under or over-estimated, anything he's doing with the Japanese has to be viewed at face value and go from there. It's one thing to take what you see and "connect the dots", but taking what you see and adding paragraphs between the lines might bring you trouble.

Also keep in mind... In our PBEM, both Pillager and I have large parts of our original 12/41 forces virtually intact. At this point in 1943, the KB is (without a doubt) bigger than the original six CV's appearing off Pearl Harbor on 12/7/41. How much bigger is only the question - Pillager's handling of the Japanese war economy and his shipbuilding acumen will determine that. Beyond that, how good are the Jap carriers and the air units aboard them - again, this is not 1941 or early 1942. Also, through two PBEM's (this one and our earlier CHS), we have not faced each other as opponents in a major carrier battle. I estimate we're going to be mutually stalking each other, watching for mistakes or tactical advantages, also trying to "force the other player's hand" on either a tactical or strategic level. Pillager is going to gain some advantage being the defensive player (at least on the strategic level), that advantage will very likely cancel out Allied material superiority to some degree (this cancellation TBA).

I'm only using the carrier war as an illustration, this is probably also true in other areas.



An Allied advance into Burma is going to be a major challenge in this campaign. The northern flank (adjacent areas of southern China) in the historical Burma campaigns were Allied-controlled, not so here. In this PBEM, Pillager has the Japanese controlling the northern flank of any Allied advance. I would certainly have to divert Allied ground forces away from the main advance to cover the border area between Burma and southern China. Then there's the matter of Pillager reinforcing Japanese forces in Burma with forces freed up from China (Chungking isn't going to hold out forever). There is little question I'm going to have to be creative in this theatre - historical solutions are not going to work.

To get a perspective on the late war situation I tried the Downfall scenario for a dozen turns or so. Very interesting about the kamikazes, Japanese ASW effectiveness, and the B-29 campaign. The Marianas are at the limit of B-29 range so coordination and effectiveness of strikes is not great. His flak and night fighters take a toll. You can handle his naval bombers easily beyond the range of his fighters, but within range he can overwhelm with numbers of fighters and kamikazes mixed with the bombers. It becomes another island hopping exercise to try keep some LBA cover.