Matrix Games Forums

Posted: **Tue Feb 26, 2013 2:27 pm**

1943 March 29

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

A little progress by the Empire on the western flank in China. This was anticipated, though, so the next position up is already being strengthened.

Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1326 troops, 109 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 49835 troops, 306 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1445

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
114th Infantry Regiment
8th Recon Regiment
22nd/A Division
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
104th/C Division
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
4th Mortar Battalion
2nd RF Gun Battalion

Defending units:
91st Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
18th Artillery Regiment
21st Group Army
1st Artillery Regiment
20th Artillery Regiment

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

Ground combat at 72,50 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8976 troops, 50 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 293

Defending force 7115 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 141

Japanese adjusted assault: 194

Allied adjusted defense: 73

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
96 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2538 casualties reported
Squads: 56 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 72 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 3

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
2nd Ind.Mixed Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Reserve Division
100th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/B Corps

It looks like the day after tomorrow is the big river crossing in Burma. The armored units just might go tomorrow (if it makes 3 miles), but that can't be helped at this stage. The 17th Indian will complete its encircling movement, the tip of the wedge. Warazup has been abandoned by the Empire, and will be occupied by friendly forces tomorrow. Also tomorrow the 150th RAC Rgt will emerge onto the plain 46mi NW Shwebo. Equipped with General Lee tanks they should form a nice thorn in Imperial maneuver attempts. The 268th Motorized Bde will join them one or two days later. Unfortunately there is an Imperial regiment moving in behind them to cut off their supply. That is actually not a problem, but the regiment will most likely smash into the AA unit and two base units that are following in the combat units' wake. I am hoping that after tomorrow that regiment will reverse its movement in light of the threat to both Shwebo and the rail line north, not to mention its own communications. The Imperial 14th Division has been picked up by SigInt at 55,47, 92mi SE Akyab. Either they are moving up the road to reinforce the jungle positions (too late I hope) of they are digging into another line of defense.

All of the (known) Imperial mines have been cleared from Nauru's waters. The carriers and their escorts are all heading to Saratoga's position, east of the New Hebrides. Transports are still repositioning for the upcoming Solomons operation.

Here is a look at China. The 23rd and 2nd will be headed off quite easily.

Posted: **Tue Feb 26, 2013 8:09 pm**

1943 March 30

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:
Warazup

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

China. The usual.

Ground combat at 78,47 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 31958 troops, 241 guns, 206 vehicles, Assault Value = 1008

Defending force 44552 troops, 222 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1105

Japanese adjusted assault: 564

Allied adjusted defense: 1606

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
2921 casualties reported
Squads: 56 destroyed, 240 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 31 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Vehicles lost 21 (2 destroyed, 19 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1287 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 118 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 20 (1 destroyed, 19 disabled)

Assaulting units:
37th Division
15th Ind.Mixed Brigade
39th Division
14th Tank Regiment
6th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
49th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
18th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
4th Chinese/A Corps

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

Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1326 troops, 109 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 567

Defending force 41063 troops, 205 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1148

Assaulting units:
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
8th Recon Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
22nd/A Division
104th/C Division
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
4th Mortar Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd RF Gun Battalion

Defending units:
91st Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
21st Group Army

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

Ground combat at 76,43 (near Chengtu)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4095 troops, 32 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 130

Defending force 57 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 63

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 63 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender:
Attacker: leaders(-)

Allied ground losses:
74 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
41st/C Division

Defending units:
22nd Chinese Corps

As hoped, those Imperial units moving as though to counter-attack in the Burma jungle have reversed their movement. Even better, no river crossing took place near Akyab, so all four units will cross tomorrow as all have 45 out of 46 miles traveled. Here is a look at the map there.

Posted: **Wed Feb 27, 2013 2:26 am**

1943 March 31

The Empire captured:
Tuyun

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

China. The Imperial attacks west of Kweiyang went mostly in our favor, as did the one west of Patung.

Ground combat at 72,49 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 16644 troops, 109 guns, 291 vehicles, Assault Value = 596

Defending force 42592 troops, 267 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1261

Japanese adjusted assault: 69

Allied adjusted defense: 957

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 13

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

Japanese ground losses:
884 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 100 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 40 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Vehicles lost 59 (2 destroyed, 57 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
422 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 47 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Assaulting units:
5th Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment
21st Ind.Mixed Brigade
55th Infantry Brigade
9th Tank Regiment
104th/B Division

Defending units:
21st Chinese Cavalry Division
63rd Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese/A Corps
4th Construction Regiment
1st Construction Regiment
6th Construction Regiment
57th AT Gun Regiment

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

Ground combat at Tuyun (74,51)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17855 troops, 235 guns, 201 vehicles, Assault Value = 567

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 505

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 505 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Tuyun !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
114th Infantry Regiment
8th Recon Regiment
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
22nd/A Division
104th/C Division
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
4th Mortar Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd RF Gun Battalion

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

Ground combat at 79,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 25895 troops, 221 guns, 88 vehicles, Assault Value = 735

Defending force 36659 troops, 156 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 846

Japanese adjusted assault: 526

Allied adjusted defense: 724

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
1825 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 148 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 13 (3 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
724 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 83 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Assaulting units:
110th Division
15th/C Division
58th Infantry Regiment
17th Tank Regiment
13th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
13th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
13th Group Army

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

Ground combat at 73,49 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13900 troops, 96 guns, 205 vehicles, Assault Value = 488

Defending force 31977 troops, 217 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 873

Japanese adjusted assault: 63

Allied adjusted defense: 1163

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 18

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

Japanese ground losses:
886 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 72 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 31 (1 destroyed, 30 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
531 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 47 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
66th Infantry Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
10th Tank Regiment
4th Ind.Mixed Regiment
30th Infantry Regiment
11th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
50th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
79th Chinese/B Corps
56th AT Gun Regiment

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

Ground combat at 82,43 (near Ankang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1434 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 472

Defending force 311 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 42

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 42 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
156 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
12th RGC Temp. Division
36th/A Division
34th/B Division
34th/C Division

Defending units:
3rd Construction Regiment

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

Ground combat at 81,43 (near Ankang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5007 troops, 41 guns, 12 vehicles, Assault Value = 147

Defending force 1737 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 65

Japanese adjusted assault: 33

Allied adjusted defense: 25

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
15th/B Division

Defending units:
39th Chinese Corps

The river crossing went well enough, netting 1 to 2 odds without major pain. The 7th Armoured fought and then withdrew out of theater - what timing! The USA 27th ID is worst off at 273 AV, which seems not bad at all. All three divisions must rest before commencing the assault.

Ground combat at 55,45 (near Akyab)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 38357 troops, 532 guns, 506 vehicles, Assault Value = 1295

Defending force 16093 troops, 124 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 507

Allied adjusted assault: 822

Japanese adjusted defense: 1291

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
1103 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 101 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1837 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 163 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 21 disabled
Guns lost 38 (1 destroyed, 37 disabled)
Vehicles lost 25 (1 destroyed, 24 disabled)

Assaulting units:
27th Infantry Division
7th Armoured Brigade
Americal Infantry Division
14th Indian Division

Defending units:
47th Infantry Regiment
33rd Division

In the next hex over the two Australian divisions will begin attacking. The Imperial units there are moving and so should be without benefit of fortifications, although terrain is still in their favor.

South Dakota has finished repairs at Alameda and is leaving at once for CentPac/SoPac. A 4 x DD bombardment of Gove accomplished nothing. DAW HQ is probably bored.

Here is a look at the 'new' situation in Burma.

Posted: **Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:38 pm**

1943 April 01

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

The snake-grip of strangulation continues to tighten in China.

Ground combat at 75,50 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 801 troops, 51 guns, 44 vehicles, Assault Value = 372

Defending force 49747 troops, 306 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1441

Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
5th Recon Regiment
32nd/A Division
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment
36th/B Division
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
12th Army
2nd Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
30th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
18th Artillery Regiment
21st Group Army
1st Artillery Regiment
20th Artillery Regiment

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

Ground combat at 81,43 (near Ankang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 5007 troops, 41 guns, 12 vehicles, Assault Value = 147

Defending force 1709 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 61

Japanese adjusted assault: 58

Allied adjusted defense: 7

Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
710 casualties reported
Squads: 18 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
15th/B Division

Defending units:
39th Chinese Corps

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

Ground combat at 76,44 (near Chungking)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 4095 troops, 32 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 130

Defending force 1131 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 27

Japanese adjusted assault: 113

Allied adjusted defense: 2

Japanese assault odds: 56 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: op mode(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-)

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

Allied ground losses:
589 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
41st/B Division

Defending units:
49th Chinese Division
8th Construction Regiment

The Attack of the 6th and 7th Australian divisions went quite poorly, possibly owing to how long they have been sitting in the jungle suffering morale losses. They will recover and attack again, this time with more air support. The divisions to their right are also still recovering. The division + regiment there have changed movement to follow the road, a much faster withdrawal.

Ground combat at 56,44 (near Cox's Bazar)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 33702 troops, 444 guns, 573 vehicles, Assault Value = 828

Defending force 15904 troops, 98 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 483

Allied adjusted assault: 211

Japanese adjusted defense: 1525

Allied assault odds: 1 to 7

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), leaders(+), fatigue(-)
experience(-)
Attacker: fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
201 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 51 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1433 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 143 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 17 disabled
Guns lost 50 (8 destroyed, 42 disabled)

Assaulting units:
6th Australian Division
7th Australian Division

Defending units:
40th Inf Group Brigade
16th Infantry Regiment
21st/B Division

Another DD bombardment of Gove, again without effect. All the carriers have made their rendezvous and are refueling, which will take at least another day. Troops are shuttling between bases in preparation for invasion loading. The Empire ran search against Nauru today, which has not always been the case. Maybe when the carriers were near it was too dangerous for search planes to keep daily flights there?

Here is a look at China.

Posted: **Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:59 pm**

1943 April 02

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Combat in China was mostly with us today. Not counting the air strikes, of course!

Ground combat at 72,49 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1458 troops, 0 guns, 271 vehicles, Assault Value = 492

Defending force 42254 troops, 266 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1223

Japanese adjusted assault: 21

Allied adjusted defense: 1191

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 56

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 126 (17 destroyed, 109 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
600 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 59 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
23rd Tank Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
21st Ind.Mixed Brigade
3rd Tank Regiment
55th Infantry Brigade
9th Tank Regiment
104th/B Division

Defending units:
14th Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Cavalry Division
8th New Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
79th Chinese/A Corps
1st Construction Regiment
4th Construction Regiment
6th Construction Regiment
57th AT Gun Regiment

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

Ground combat at 82,28 (near Kiuchuan)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 672 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 27

Defending force 2304 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 82

Assaulting units:
1st Ching An Tui Brigade

Defending units:
9th Separate Brigade

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

Ground combat at 75,50 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1835 troops, 53 guns, 113 vehicles, Assault Value = 427

Defending force 41045 troops, 205 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1152

Japanese adjusted assault: 1

Allied adjusted defense: 1075

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1075

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

Japanese ground losses:
546 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 22 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 60 (13 destroyed, 47 disabled)
Vehicles lost 61 (10 destroyed, 51 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
8th Recon Regiment
32nd/A Division
5th Recon Regiment
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment
36th/B Division
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
12th Army
2nd Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
91st Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
21st Group Army

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

Ground combat at 75,43 (near Neikiang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4152 troops, 34 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 130

Defending force 857 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 29

Allied adjusted defense: 2

Japanese assault odds: 14 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(-), experience(-)
Attacker: leaders(-)

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

Allied ground losses:
369 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
41st/A Division

Defending units:
60th Chinese Corps

There is an Imperial battle fleet bearing down on Nauru! Scouted as 10 ships, including 3 x CA and 4 x BB, they are 21 hexes (840nm) NNW of the USN carriers. The Imperial subs have disappeared from the waters north of Ndeni, and so might be covering the TF. The escort carriers could not make a dash in time, but the six fleet carriers could...

The map shows (selected hex) the maximum that the TF with Wasp could make at full speed. The other fleet carrier TF and the escorting heavy cruiser TF could make 2 hexes further. Shortlands has about 70 fighters but only about 6 bombers, plus a few search planes. Munda and Tulagi are closed from damage. A response by the USN carriers will not delay the Solomons operation (unless a disaster occurs) because the loading of troops onto suitable attack transports is the current limiting factor.

So is this a trap, with a bombardment TF as bait? Or is it a calculated risk by SAW HQ. Figuring that the Allied Battle Fleet is either dispersed or too far away to intervene? My guess is the latter.

Posted: **Thu Feb 28, 2013 8:13 pm**

1943 April 03

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Today's combat report is 1,884 lines long!

Some went our way and some the Empire's way in China.

Ground combat at 75,50 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3735 troops, 69 guns, 109 vehicles, Assault Value = 489

Defending force 41061 troops, 205 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1152

Japanese adjusted assault: 2

Allied adjusted defense: 1132

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 566

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
1033 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 92 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 17 (6 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Vehicles lost 8 (2 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
8th Recon Regiment
32nd/A Division
36th/B Division
12th Army
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
91st Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
21st Group Army

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

Ground combat at 80,43 (near Ankang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 9192 troops, 48 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 296

Defending force 7848 troops, 48 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 238

Japanese adjusted assault: 184

Allied adjusted defense: 76

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
544 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 45 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1109 casualties reported
Squads: 67 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 77 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (6 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
60th Infantry Brigade
31st Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
83rd Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps

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

Ground combat at Lanchow (81,34)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 14601 troops, 125 guns, 23 vehicles, Assault Value = 450

Defending force 41137 troops, 175 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 955

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

Assaulting units:
53rd Infantry Brigade
1st Recon Battalion
19th/A Division
19th/B Division

Defending units:
72nd Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
8th War Area
22nd Group Army
5th War Area
8th Chinese Base Force

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

Ground combat at 82,28 (near Kiuchuan)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 672 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 27

Defending force 2304 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 82

Assaulting units:
1st Ching An Tui Brigade

Defending units:
9th Separate Brigade

In Burma it turns out that both the two Australian divisions in one hex and the two American plus one Indian division in the next hex are all ready to attack tomorrow. A tough day is expected. Hopefully a bright spot will be when allied tanks roll across the rail line above Shwebo, followed a day later my motorized infantry to reinforce them.

In the Pacific, the monster thundered in.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Nauru Island at 127,128, Range 9,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato
BB Fuso
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Kazegumo

Allied Ships
AM Adroit, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AM Advent, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AM Dash, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Reduced sighting due to 3% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 3% moonlight: 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 9,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 9,000 yards
Tanaka, Raizo crosses the 'T'
BB Hyuga engages AM Dash at 9,000 yards
AM Advent sunk by BB Yamato at 9,000 yards
AM Adroit sunk by BB Yamato at 9,000 yards
AM Dash sunk by BB Hyuga at 9,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 124 encounters mine field at Nauru Island (127,128)

Japanese Ships
DD Makigumo, Mine hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Nauru Island at 127,128

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 9 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed on ground
PBY-5A Catalina: 4 damaged
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 6 damaged
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 1 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato

Allied Ships
APD Rathburne, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied ground losses:
248 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 23

BB Mutsu firing at Nauru Island
BB Nagato firing at 43rd Infantry Division

Nauru is a splendid mess. Damage is AR:63, AS: 69, P:0. Going strictly by memory, supplies were reduced by in the range of 6,000 to 9,000 tons. With the port spared, the only ship hit was Rathburne and she is in decent shape. Rathburne will escort Formalhaut to Pearl Harbor where they both will undergo repairs. Formalhaut is the AK that was mauled during the invasion of Nauru and now stands at 0-76(76)-5(5)-0 damage.

Next came the USA 4EB spoiling strikes against Shortlands, aimed at reducing the danger to the USN ships hunting the monster.

Morning Air attack on Shortlands , at 109,131

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 6 damaged
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 9 damaged

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Raid is overhead
5th Sentai/A with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead
5th Sentai/B with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Raid is overhead
251 Ku S-1 Det B with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shortlands , at 109,131

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 2 damaged
A6M5 Zero: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 4 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 57 minutes
5th Sentai/A with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 95 minutes
5th Sentai/B with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
251 Ku S-1 Det B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 78 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shortlands , at 109,131

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai/B with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shortlands , at 109,131

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 12
B-24D1 Liberator x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 11
Runway hits 14

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai/B with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shortlands , at 109,131

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai/B with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shortlands , at 109,131

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 12

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai/B with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes

B-24s flew from Ndeni, Vanua Lava, and Cooktown. Judging from the number of aircraft that they caught on the ground I think their role was unanticipated. In the end only one strike of 4 bombers flew against the navy hunters, and there proved to be no CAP at all over their prey! All of the B-24s made it safely back to base. It should be noted that all flew with almost zero fatigue, undoubtedly a factor in such a long range mission.

Stay tuned for Part II...

Posted: **Thu Feb 28, 2013 8:14 pm**

Part II

Next came the price extracted for the carnage at Nauru.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Ontong Java at 120,131

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 45

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Nauru Island at 121,126

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 65
SBD-3 Dauntless x 78
TBF-1 Avenger x 51

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 5 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
BB Nagato, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
BB Yamato
DD Tokitsukaze, Bomb hits 1
DD Makigumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
18 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
16 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
17 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
17 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
13 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Mutsu

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Nauru Island at 121,126

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 37
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 2
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Nauru Island at 121,126

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 4, on fire
DD Makigumo, on fire
DD Tokitsukaze

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Mutsu

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Nauru Island at 121,126

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 64
SBD-3 Dauntless x 74
TBF-1 Avenger x 49

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 7, on fire
BB Mutsu, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Tokitsukaze, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
DD Makigumo, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 3, on fire
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
18 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
24 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
17 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Massive explosion on DD Tokitsukaze
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Tokitsukaze

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Nauru Island at 121,126

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 49
SBD-3 Dauntless x 73

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 2, on fire
BB Ise, Bomb hits 3
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 1
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 4, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
26 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
21 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Fuso

The sunk ships tally for the day shows our 3 x AM, DD Makigumo and Tokitsukaze, and BB Nagato and Mutsu. From the combat reports it looks like the remaining 4 battleships all have damage to varying extents.

Not to be outdone, Trigger had a good day (actually night), torpedoing a tanker SW Kyushu.

Posted: **Fri Mar 01, 2013 12:13 am**

A heavy price to pay for bombarding a relatively isolated speck of coral in the middle of nowhere.  The IJN cannot really afford to venture beyond its own air umbrella.  I guess BBs are of little practical use once the IJN is no longer on the offensive, but this action seems a waste.  Two 16" BBs gone along with others wrecked and maybe sunk before they find safe harbor.  Nicely done, admiral.

Posted: **Fri Mar 01, 2013 1:48 am**

ORIGINAL: princep01

A heavy price to pay for bombarding a relatively isolated speck of coral in the middle of nowhere. The IJN cannot really afford to venture beyond its own air umbrella. I guess BBs are of little practical use once the IJN is no longer on the offensive, but this action seems a waste. Two 16" BBs gone along with others wrecked and maybe sunk before they find safe harbor. Nicely done, admiral.

Thank you. Walter commented that they were meant to bombard the day before, but they only moved 3 hexes that turn.

Taking a chance, I sent the carriers in pursuit.

Posted: **Fri Mar 01, 2013 6:45 am**

Oooh, nice work! [&o]

If he doesn´t have the KB around he is going to loose all those BBs! Fingers crossed! [:)]

Posted: **Fri Mar 01, 2013 5:16 pm**

Thanks!

1943 April 04

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

China was quieter.

Ground combat at Lanchow (81,34)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 14600 troops, 125 guns, 23 vehicles, Assault Value = 451

Defending force 41164 troops, 175 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 962

Assaulting units:
19th/A Division
53rd Infantry Brigade
1st Recon Battalion
19th/B Division

Defending units:
85th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
8th War Area
5th War Area
22nd Group Army
8th Chinese Base Force

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

Ground combat at 82,28 (near Kiuchuan)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 672 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 27

Defending force 2304 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 82

Assaulting units:
1st Ching An Tui Brigade

Defending units:
9th Separate Brigade

The attacks in Burma were a bit of a disappointment. The troops will attack again as soon as they can.

Ground combat at 55,45 (near Akyab)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 35246 troops, 507 guns, 283 vehicles, Assault Value = 1046

Defending force 15433 troops, 124 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 445

Allied adjusted assault: 402

Japanese adjusted defense: 595

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
879 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 80 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 8 (2 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1614 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 212 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Guns lost 16 (2 destroyed, 14 disabled)

Assaulting units:
Americal Infantry Division
27th Infantry Division
14th Indian Division

Defending units:
47th Infantry Regiment
33rd Division

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

Ground combat at 56,44 (near Cox's Bazar)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 32572 troops, 442 guns, 573 vehicles, Assault Value = 704

Defending force 15243 troops, 98 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 434

Allied adjusted assault: 223

Japanese adjusted defense: 1039

Allied assault odds: 1 to 4

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

Japanese ground losses:
852 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 65 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
878 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 104 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 20 (4 destroyed, 16 disabled)
Vehicles lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Assaulting units:
6th Australian Division
7th Australian Division

Defending units:
16th Infantry Regiment
40th Inf Group Brigade
21st/B Division

The big story today was the air battles over Burma, as the Empire threw heavy sweeps over the opposing forces just outside of Akyab. The Sweep was successful in killing off some P-40K and Hurricane IIb*, but in total the battles favored the Allies. Most of the bombers will rest tomorrow in anticipation of the three division force being able to attack the day after tomorrow, which might be their last chance to punish the enemy force. The two division force will likely require at least one additional day of rest.

* That first battle came out

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 3 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40K Warhawk: 3 destroyed

While we have plenty of 4EB groups in the Burma theater, it is obvious that more USA fighter groups will be needed. The Empire clearly will throw in as much fighter strength as possible to stymie our air support and thereby stall our ground offensives. More USA fighter groups will be moved to Burma in anticipation of their need.

Our tanks and motorized infantry have cut the rail line north of Shwebo and now are moving on that town. Meanwhile the 29th British Bde will, tomorrow, make the plain 3 hexes SW of Kalemyo, cutting off both the originally trapped Imperial Bde and the unit that moved in to open an escape path. The 2nd British Div is moving behind them but will take a while longer to arrive. Both the 17th and 23rd Indian Divisions are now in place and digging in 2 hexes E of Akyab. The tip of the wedge, they block the retreat path of the surrounded Imperial units 2 hexes NE of Akyab (where the two Australian divisions are attacking). Intel on what forces are presently on the plain is quite limited. Maybe, just maybe, our advance units can take Shwebo?

Nothing at all was seen of the Imperial battleships ex-Nauru this day. The carriers (including CVE which trailed in support) will meet south of Nauru to refuel. After that the fleet carriers must replenish at Noumea. In fact, there should be just enough time for one fleet carrier fighter squadron to upgrade to Hellcats. Nauru has only repaired a little damage despite having many engineers present. That's testimony to the attention to detail in this game engine - the high disruption (from the bombardment) reducing what work the engineers are able to accomplish!

Here is that air losses tally for the day.

Posted: **Tue Mar 05, 2013 3:28 pm**

1943 April 05

The Empire captured:
Ankang

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

The Allied withdrawal plus Imperial strangulation continues in China.

Ground combat at Ankang (82,42)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14478 troops, 114 guns, 28 vehicles, Assault Value = 472

Defending force 179 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 354

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 354 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Ankang !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker:

Allied ground losses:
204 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 21 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
34th/B Division
12th RGC Temp. Division
36th/A Division
34th/C Division

Defending units:
3rd Construction Regiment

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

Ground combat at 76,42 (near Chengtu)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4152 troops, 34 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 130

Defending force 605 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 32

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 32 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: leaders(-)

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

Allied ground losses:
216 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 17 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
41st/A Division

Defending units:
60th Chinese Corps

Some Imperial pilots got lost, though they were over China, and attacked troops of Operation Wedge without fighter support. 19 Helens are reported lost today, 17 air to air.

Morning Air attack on 23rd Indian Division, at 56,45 , near Akyab

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 18

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 3
P-40K Warhawk x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 6 destroyed, 6 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.261 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
23rd FG/74th FS with P-40K Warhawk (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 15000
Raid is overhead

On the ground in Burma the two trapped units NW of Mandalay actually made it to the clearing in a tie with the 29th British Bde. Perhaps I could have ordered additional bombing of those units to slow them down more, but bombers were diverted to the main attacks. Speaking of which, the three division sector is ready to attack again (disruption of all units down to 10 or less) and they will get all but three available bomber groups striking in support. Rain is forecast, so not the best day for a ground attack nor for air support. But the clocks ticks...

In the South Pacific ships and men are still moving to their jump off locations. The carriers have partly refueled and will continue doing so tomorrow after repositioning more to the south. One of the carrier TFs reports being sighted. Nauru's runways are repaired and the service areas are at 50%. Disruption is down in the twenties percent in all units but the combat division, which is looking for mail and more chow.

Posted: **Tue Mar 05, 2013 4:31 pm**

So if two units both enter the same hex at the same time none get hex ownership? Did not know that! [:)]

Posted: **Tue Mar 05, 2013 8:07 pm**

Yup! I suppose given the simplicity of the model it's the only reasonable way to do it.

1943 April 06

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Ground combat in China today was reasonably favorable for the Chinese. It might have just been a good day, or it might be that the Empire is rushing a bit given our progress in Burma

Ground combat at 79,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 25372 troops, 221 guns, 88 vehicles, Assault Value = 682

Defending force 35808 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 764

Japanese adjusted assault: 353

Allied adjusted defense: 1483

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 4

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

Japanese ground losses:
1833 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 175 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled

Allied ground losses:
264 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
110th Division
58th Infantry Regiment
15th/C Division
17th Tank Regiment
13th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
13th Group Army

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

Ground combat at Tienshui (81,38)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 21505 troops, 134 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 683

Defending force 26813 troops, 60 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 668

Japanese adjusted assault: 390

Allied adjusted defense: 469

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
1520 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 365 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled

Allied ground losses:
465 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
59th Infantry Brigade
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
138th Infantry Regiment
32nd/C Division

Defending units:
27th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
8th Group Army
1st War Area
38th Group Army
19th Chinese Base Force

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

Ground combat at 77,47 (near Chungking)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 4494 troops, 36 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 144

Defending force 34752 troops, 162 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 983

Japanese adjusted assault: 76

Allied adjusted defense: 1126

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 14

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

Japanese ground losses:
1181 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 46 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 10 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
104th/A Division

Defending units:
49th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
16th Group Army
Lusu War Area
35th Group Army

In Burma the attack near Akyab went much better than last time. Although still only 1 to 2 odds, the casualty ratio was clearly in our favor which is always a good sign. The troops do require probably one day of rest. Most likely the Imperial troops will complete their withdrawal in the meantime. Before long, though, a fresh division and then shortly thereafter, tanks, will be available for assaulting the next line of defense.

Ground combat at 55,45 (near Akyab)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 34116 troops, 506 guns, 286 vehicles, Assault Value = 888

Defending force 14833 troops, 124 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 392

Allied adjusted assault: 456

Japanese adjusted defense: 591

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
1366 casualties reported
Squads: 72 destroyed, 55 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 12 (7 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
614 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
27th Infantry Division
Americal Infantry Division
14th Indian Division

Defending units:
47th Infantry Regiment
33rd Division

The two Australian divisions 46mi away need another day of rest before attacking. Our two regiments (tanks and motorized infantry) on the plain will not pull into Shwebo as previously planned because an Imperial regiment has made the road north of them and would block them in. Instead they will hold in place, blocking the road and railway while other forces make their way onto the plain to the west and southwest.

The carriers and their warders have finished refueling and are making for Noumea to replenish ordnance and aircraft. By the time they get there, most of the assault troops should be in the process of loading or be just about to begin doing so. Nauru is completely repaired and attention has returned to expanding the airfield. A convoy with 45,000 supply will begin unloading there tonight.

Here is another shot of Burma.

Posted: **Wed Mar 06, 2013 3:12 pm**

1943 April 07

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

The Chinese Army needs every result it can get like this one and the ones yesterday.

Ground combat at Tienshui (81,38)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 4155 troops, 32 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 543

Defending force 26513 troops, 59 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 631

Japanese adjusted assault: 1

Allied adjusted defense: 490

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 490 (fort level 2)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
807 casualties reported
Squads: 56 destroyed, 114 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled

Assaulting units:
32nd/C Division
138th Infantry Regiment
59th Infantry Brigade
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
36th/C Division

Defending units:
27th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
1st War Area
38th Group Army
8th Group Army
19th Chinese Base Force

Imperial subs had a good day, positioned smartly in the path of the American carriers their tankers.

Sub attack near Ocean Island at 128,136

Japanese Ships
SS I-31

Allied Ships
AO Neosho, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
AO Platte
SC PC-1077

SS I-31 launches 4 torpedoes at AO Neosho
I-31 diving deep ....
SC PC-1077 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC PC-1077 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC PC-1077 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC PC-1077 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC PC-1077 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Duff Islands at 124,141

Japanese Ships
SS I-1, hits 15, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Torpedo hits 1
CL Columbia
CLAA San Juan
CLAA Juneau
DD Carmick
DD Gridley
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Mugford
DD Doyle

SS I-1 launches 4 torpedoes at CV Enterprise
I-1 diving deep ....
DD Gridley fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ralph Talbot attacking submerged sub ....
DD Mugford fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Doyle attacking submerged sub ....
DD Gridley fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ralph Talbot fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Mugford attacking submerged sub ....
DD Doyle attacking submerged sub ....
DD Doyle loses contact with SS I-1
DD Mugford attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-1 forced to surface!
DD Doyle firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves

Neosho is (I think) on her second time around being torpedoed as is Enterprise. She should be OK {29-31(17)-4-15} but needs major work. Enterprise is 7-14(7)-0-0 and can make 28 knots. She will take whatever time is available at Noumea, then a decision will be taken on whether she deploys to the Solomons or heads to Sydney for repairs.

In Burma tomorrow both sectors east of Akyab attack. The two Australian division to the north are just a bit higher in disruption than I want, but it will do. Their quarry is surely about to move so they must act. The three divisions to the south (two American and one Indian) are ready and will attack provided the Imperial units do not make enough speed down the road. They have had priority for air support so all that can be done has been done.

It was a hard fought day in the air, both over Burma and Munda in the Solomons. Over Munda (and on the way back) we lost 4 x B-24 as the still-damaged base is heavily defended by fighters from (still-damaged) Shortlands. Shortlands will be closed at the beginning of the southern Solomons invasion, but it seems that DAW HQ might have something to say about that. Over Burma a total of 5 Kittihawk III of the RNZAF were lost but only 1 pilot was lost. They took down more than double their own losses of Tojo, Nick, and Zero adversaries.

The initial targets in the Solomons are Thousand Ships Bay (1-3), Russell Islands (1-4), and Tassafaronga (0-3, which I doubt I'll bother building up). Basically each will get a Marine regiment plus engineering and support units landing in the first wave at Thousand Ships Bay and Russell Islands, plus enough supplies that we don't have to go back too quickly. Russell Islands will also be mined as soon as it is captured. Lunga and Tulagi will be invaded afterward, when those initial bases are able to provide fighter support. In the case of Tassafaronga, it blocks retreat from Lunga. Tulagi and Lunga can certainly be bypassed as the other bases will supply good enough air bases and ports, albeit built a bit more slowly than those two small jewels. The reasons for going ahead and taking those two locations are that I have the troops prepared, the Empire has troops there which can be destroyed, the units involved in the operations should gain quite valuable experience, it's an opportunity to attrite Imperial forces, and it should be fun steamrolling up the Solomons. I do not plan to waste time getting bogged down either at any particular place in the Solomons or over the Solomons in general. Getting to the northern Solomons will help support the invasions of Kavieng, Manus, and the northern coast of New Guinea. As people have commented (either here or in other AARs) the Solomons are not strategically vital, but I do find them useful and it should prove fun.

The initial assignments follow.

Thousand Ships Bay
5th Marines
33rd Port Maint Engr Bn
39th US Naval Const Bn

Russell Islands
1st Marines
1st USMC AA Bn
16th Base Maint Engr Bn
14th MAG
40th US Naval Const Bn
29th USN Special Const Bn

Tassafaronga
6th Marines

Lexington's fighter group will upgrade to Hellcats as soon as the ship makes Noumea, which looks like about 3 days. There should then be ample time for them to make ready and be in the fight when the fleet arrives in the Solomons. A group of USMC F4F-4 will unload at Luganville tonight and immediately upgrade to Corsairs. I plan for them to be one of the first two fighter groups onto Russell Islands when the airfield is ready. The other will be a USA P-40 (probably K model) squadron. Additional air support units will be brought into both Russell Islands and Thousand Ships bay as they build up their airfields.

Here is the overview map.

Posted: **Thu Mar 07, 2013 8:20 pm**

1943 April 08

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Little ground combat in China today.

Ground combat at Lanchow (81,34)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 360 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 667

Defending force 41144 troops, 174 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 973

Allied ground losses:
52 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
19th/A Division
1st Recon Battalion
53rd Infantry Brigade
19th/B Division
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
72nd Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
5th War Area
22nd Group Army
8th War Area
8th Chinese Base Force

In Burma things were hotter.

Ground combat at 55,45 (near Akyab)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 33933 troops, 508 guns, 286 vehicles, Assault Value = 863

Defending force 14015 troops, 119 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 354

Allied adjusted assault: 291

Japanese adjusted defense: 515

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
610 casualties reported
Squads: 27 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 10 (8 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
822 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 99 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 15 (2 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Vehicles lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Assaulting units:
Americal Infantry Division
27th Infantry Division
14th Indian Division

Defending units:
47th Infantry Regiment
33rd Division

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

Ground combat at 56,44 (near Cox's Bazar)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 32161 troops, 443 guns, 572 vehicles, Assault Value = 640

Defending force 7511 troops, 57 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 211

Allied adjusted assault: 213

Japanese adjusted defense: 196

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
494 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 81 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
161 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
6th Australian Division
7th Australian Division

Defending units:
16th Infantry Regiment
21st/B Division

The three division force did somewhat poorly despite better rest and loads of air support. They must rest before attacking again, but as early as tomorrow a fresh Australian division will join them. Curiously, the leadership of the divisions is good except for weak aggression of the 14th Indian Division commander, and at best modest aggression of the 27th USA Division commander. The two Australian divisions to the NE did much better. Although they could continue attacking, they will rest for a day to bring down disruption.

When you look at the map you will see that two of the trapped Imperial divisions there have now changed direction and are heading SW toward the road. Perhaps they feel - givens today's result - that the forces there can hold the door open for their passage. The other of the three trapped units made it to the hex SE and is now blocked by two Indian divisions.

Perhaps 15 B-24 were lost today (14 likely over the Solomons), no fewer than 7 written off after landing from raiding Shortlands. Kudos to the defenders, but we must crush them all the same. This prompted a review of all front line 4EB squadron commanders. I replaced a goodly number at nearly 3 days' worth of PP. The commanders were all good, so a rotation cycle or something else must have caught me flat footed.

Two more days and the carriers will be at Noumea to commence replenishment. When they arrive, final loading of the assault troops will begin.

Here is a look at Burma. You can see why I have hopes of smashing a number of formations as we break through.

Posted: **Sat Mar 09, 2013 4:48 pm**

1943 April 09

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Maneuvering continues in China. The Empire has the weight to eventually win out but at least we continue to consume time. There are now three Imperial units - strength unknown - in Chungking. The most recent arrival entered from the west, although that approach will be reclaimed within the week by an incoming Chinese Army unit.

Ground combat at Lanchow (81,34)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 360 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 669

Defending force 41076 troops, 174 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 964

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

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

Assaulting units:
19th/A Division
1st Recon Battalion
53rd Infantry Brigade
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
19th/B Division
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
72nd Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
8th War Area
5th War Area
22nd Group Army
8th Chinese Base Force

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

Ground combat at 81,42 (near Ankang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 4242 troops, 34 guns, 14 vehicles, Assault Value = 281

Defending force 29718 troops, 162 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 937

Japanese adjusted assault: 27

Allied adjusted defense: 214

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 7

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+), supply(-)

Japanese ground losses:
534 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled

Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
36th/A Division
34th/A Division

Defending units:
43rd Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
39th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
33rd Group Army

In Burma the situation has changed as predicted, with the Emperor's dogs running down the road to escape the three-division onslaught. That force is now four divisions strong with the arrival of the fresh Australian division. That division plus the two strongest will pursue down the road and will be joined by tanks as soon as they make the river-crossing to the road. The lead three armoured units have 27mi under their treads. The remaining division will stand guard and block the Imperial unit moving from the NE (mentioned yesterday).

In that hex to the NE, the two Australian divisions will take one more day's rest before renewing their attack. In the hex to the E, the two Indian divisions (tip of the wedge) will hold their ground for a bit as it looks like one of the two Imperial units to their NW is still moving in their direction (meaning perhaps only one of the other two units they were in-hex with has changed direction).

Interestingly, there is a TF 120nm SW Rangoon scouted as 7 ships, believed to have 7 x E types. I read this as a major troop transport effort into Burma. Our longer range subs are deployed along the shipping lanes to Rangoon, and one more that just repaired is on its way.

Enterprise is still pumping out and shoring up on the way to port, now at 8-11(7)-0-0. The Lexington group is a little ahead of E's TF, but both with make port this evening. North Carolina and Washington are estimated available in 3 days, Massachusetts in 5 days. Indiana's refit will take a couple of weeks beyond those times. Meanwhile South Dakota is about 5 days out of Nukufetau and could possibly be in time to join some Southern Solomon festivities. The 4EB squadrons are recovering. Several of them moved up to Ndeni, trading places with several fighter squadrons to allow them to fly en mass without overcrowding when the order is given. Several B-24 squadrons have also moved to Portland Roads in recent days, just a tad closer to Shortlands than the groups at Cooktown. In recent days (going back a couple of weeks really) more subs leaving Pearl Harbor on patrol have been assigned to the waters around Truck and N/NW of Rabaul to both interdict any movements against the southern Solomons Operation and to snipe damaged ships retiring through those waters.

Here is a look at Burma.

Posted: **Sun Mar 10, 2013 5:45 pm**

1943 April 10

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Little ground action in China.

Ground combat at Lanchow (81,34)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 360 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 670

Defending force 41111 troops, 174 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 970

Assaulting units:
19th/A Division
53rd Infantry Brigade
1st Recon Battalion
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
19th/B Division
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
85th Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
8th War Area
5th War Area
22nd Group Army
8th Chinese Base Force

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

Ground combat at 81,41 (near Ankang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1434 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 53

Defending force 36691 troops, 197 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1135

Assaulting units:
15th RGC Temp. Division

Defending units:
43rd Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
33rd Group Army

The two Austrian divisions will attack tomorrow with 10 and 13 percent disruption, less than ideal but OK. The situation is Burma has changed again with the movement of the two formerly trapped units to the SW, where they are working with an additional Imperial unit, presumably to free the unit trapped to their NW by the two Indian divisions (that formed the tip of the wedge). Those two divisions will also attack, aerial bombardment revealing that they are facing a regiment, although there is still the possibility of a further regiment making the hex from the NW.

There is yet more naval activity in the Solomons, this time a poorly-scouted TF 120nm NNW Tulagi. It is thought to contain 2 x PB out of 3 ships seen in total. The last such non-threatening sighting was battleships making for Ndeni.

Enterprise is fully pumped out and will remain with the fleet until after the initial landings. Lexington has upgraded her fighters to Hellcats, all carriers have replenished (including torpedoes), and air groups have been filled out. The assault troops plus those support troops that will land with them begin loading tonight.

Here is a look at ever-changing Burma.

Posted: **Mon Mar 11, 2013 3:44 am**

1943 April 11

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

More Imperial jackals are flooding the plain around Chungking. The promise of opening the hex side W out of Chungking itself was a false promise made by the terrible scouting in China. There are two enemy units where we thought there were none!

Ground combat at 75,50 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 23940 troops, 283 guns, 184 vehicles, Assault Value = 754

Defending force 41121 troops, 204 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1156

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

Assaulting units:
5th Recon Regiment
36th/B Division
8th Recon Regiment
32nd/A Division
22nd/A Division
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
104th/C Division
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
4th Mortar Battalion
12th Army
2nd Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
91st Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
21st Group Army

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

Ground combat at Lanchow (81,34)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 360 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 669

Defending force 41133 troops, 174 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 973

Assaulting units:
19th/A Division
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st Recon Battalion
53rd Infantry Brigade
19th/B Division
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
41st Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
8th War Area
5th War Area
22nd Group Army
8th Chinese Base Force

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

Ground combat at 81,41 (near Ankang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1434 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 53

Defending force 28120 troops, 162 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 884

Assaulting units:
15th RGC Temp. Division

Defending units:
59th Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
33rd Group Army

The attacks in Burma went pretty well.

Ground combat at 56,44 (near Cox's Bazar)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 32223 troops, 444 guns, 572 vehicles, Assault Value = 639

Defending force 6960 troops, 56 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 157

Allied adjusted assault: 291

Japanese adjusted defense: 178

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
629 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 48 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 5 (2 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
137 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 32 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
6th Australian Division
7th Australian Division

Defending units:
16th Infantry Regiment
21st/B Division

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

Ground combat at 56,45 (near Akyab)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 22795 troops, 234 guns, 208 vehicles, Assault Value = 814

Defending force 7526 troops, 40 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 206

Allied adjusted assault: 599

Japanese adjusted defense: 805

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
346 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 62 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
274 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
23rd Indian Division
17th Indian Division

Defending units:
40th Inf Group Brigade

Even though they obtained 1 to 2 odds, 17th and 23rd Indian Divisions are in good shape with only 8 and 12 percent disruption. They are a little low on supply, so they will rest a day before continuing the attack. 6th and 7th Australian Divisions, while obtaining good results, are both a bit low on supply and at 15% and 17% disruption. They will rest a day as well.

The forecast is for rain as the various elements of the invasion fleet depart bases on New Caledonia. They will rendezvous west of Koumac and form up into TFs based upon objective. In support, aside from the Battle Fleet, will be a separate mine sweeping group, a mine layer for the Russell Islands, and a force of destroyer mine layers that will sow a field NW of Russell Islands, right in The Slot. The Battle Fleet consists of 6 x fleet carriers in 2 TF, 8 x CVE in 2 x TF, 6 x CA in a separate SCTF, 3 x 24 knot BB in one TF, 1 x 21 knot BB in a TF. Fast BB South Dakota is still too far away to participate. Lexington's Hellcats are proving flight worthy quickly and will be all in the air by the time the armada forms up.

A separate force of 3 x CA is at Luganville and will raid Tulagi if there are still ships there as the fleet approaches. At Tulagi is seen a force of 7 x ships, including 2 x PT. Presumably that is the small TF seen yesterday. The way these things go those 2 x PT are Yamato and Musashi, of course.

Here is yet another look at Burma. 2nd British Div will make the plain tomorrow, 92mi W of Shwebo (where 29th British Bde is now). 22nd (East African) Bde has just made the plain 46mi W of Shwebo and is now moving on that city.

Posted: **Wed Mar 13, 2013 1:28 am**

1943 April 12

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

The Empire made some gains in China today.

Ground combat at 75,50 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 23981 troops, 284 guns, 185 vehicles, Assault Value = 758

Defending force 41099 troops, 203 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1155

Assaulting units:
36th/B Division
8th Recon Regiment
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
32nd/A Division
22nd/A Division
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
104th/C Division
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
4th Mortar Battalion
12th Army
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
30th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
21st Group Army

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

Ground combat at 76,48 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 31053 troops, 188 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 963

Defending force 1665 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 70

Japanese adjusted assault: 1245

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 1245 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), leaders(+), leaders(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
349 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2443 casualties reported
Squads: 94 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 41 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
51st Infantry Brigade
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
61st Infantry Brigade
57th Infantry Brigade
13th/A Division
11th Army

Defending units:
89th Chinese Corps

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

Ground combat at 78,42 (near Kienko)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5742 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 143

Defending force 2267 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 27

Japanese adjusted assault: 136

Allied adjusted defense: 7

Japanese assault odds: 19 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
1038 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 35 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
10th Chinese Base Force

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

Ground combat at 80,37 (near Kungchang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8238 troops, 64 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 254

Defending force 2758 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 12

Japanese adjusted assault: 238

Allied adjusted defense: 34

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), leaders(-), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker:

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:
958 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 44 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
102nd Infantry Regiment
11th Indpt Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
4th Chinese Base Force
6th Chinese Base Force

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

Ground combat at Lanchow (81,34)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 360 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 673

Defending force 41209 troops, 174 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 979

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

Assaulting units:
1st Recon Battalion
53rd Infantry Brigade
19th/A Division
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
19th/B Division
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
82nd Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
5th War Area
22nd Group Army
8th War Area
8th Chinese Base Force

In particular, while the combat was small, the action at hex 76,48 (1 hex E Kweiyang) revealed a large enemy force marching to flank the two wings of our central defensive lines. The defensive line NE of there began marching west along the road yesterday. It's time for the forces SW of there to do the same, moving into Kweiyang as the forces in the city now move NE, while those forces move NE. That maneuver, if successful (as similar moves have been so far), will form a cohesive line again. There will still be the problem of Imperial rodents infesting the plain, but I digress.

In Burma both the two Australian divisions and the two Indian divisions in adjacent hexes will attack tomorrow. The 2nd British Division has made the plain and will move SW to interfere with the rescue of the Imperial units trapped in the jungle. Just north of Shwebo, the base forces have caught up with the combat units so the whole lot will now move on Shwebo. The situation continues to be dynamic, but so is China so there will be no Burma pic today.

A cruiser/destroyer task force of undetermined strength has appeared 120nm NE Gove. I see this as positioning to be ready to interdict the invasion of Horn Island, which is gathering at Portland Roads. The invasion of Makin is also gathering at Tarawa. Both are small (1 x Rgt; 3 x Bn) and will be made without carrier cover.

The southern Solomons invasion has formed up and is moving out. The first waypoint is a large area (precise hex depending upon which TF) closest hex about 440nm SW Russell Islands. D-Day is 3 or 4 days away. That not too defined TF seen approaching Tulagi two days ago and at Tulagi yesterday is now 80nm W Tulagi heading W, and is presently scouted as 9 x ships, 2 x PT (also known as stealth battleships).

Here is that look at China. Just buying time...

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