Sleepless on Samoa, the Sequel (wneumann vs Pillager) Allies only

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/20/43

Central Pacific: Japanese floatplane still reported flying over Palmyra. Parts of transport convoy WP-69 continue unloading cargo in Palmyra. Ships in WP-69 that could not immediately dock at Palmyra were moved this game turn to Christmas Is where they will unload their remaining cargo. Current port size at Palmyra is not adequate to handle all ships in the convoy at once. The remaining time required to fully unload all ships of WP-69 presents Pillager with a possible opportunity for a Japanese surface naval or carrier force to reach Palmyra and attack the convoy. 1 USN Seabee Bn (the primary cargo aboard WP-69) is now fully disembarked at Palmyra along with some of the convoy’s supply cargo – the remaining cargo (all supply) can easily be unloaded anywhere in the Line Islands, no urgent need exists to drop everything off at Palmyra.

Sigint entries for 7/19 report heavy volumes of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Truk and Nauru Is. Detected status of Truk is same as reported last turn. Detected status at Nauru Is shows unidentified Japanese aircraft based there, ship(s) in port, airfield size 2(2), port size 2(0). No visible Japanese forces or activity observed at either Truk or Nauru Is. Reported arrivals of several Jap LCU in other 7/19 Sigint entries (42 Air Defence AA Rgt, 16 Field AF Construction Bn) are likely connected with Jap radio transmissions reported from Truk.

Pillager is transferring flak LCU into the Pacific theatres, mainly from the Kwantung Army (Manchuria). A 7/19 Sigint entry reports 42 Air Defense AA Rgt now located at Truk – previous reported location of this unit was Port Arthur. This LCU is the third recent flak unit transfer reported from Manchuria to Truk.


South Pacific: Daily coastwatcher entries from 7/19 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 2, Moving Southwest


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 116 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 113 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 125(176), refinery 97(4). Aerial recon reports over Magwe for the last several days appear to accurately confirm the Allied night bombing raid on 7/17 probably inflicted no damage on oil production in Magwe.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/21/43

With the coming arrival of CV Yorktown II (Lexington II, etc), I noticed AE provided the option for Allied players to rename these carriers before their entry in the game. This is a nice little option for players with the luxury of not having lost the original Yorktown, Lexington, etc when the new one appears in the game. My thought was taking the traditional USN naming convention for carriers (battles) and using a few names that might have been considered but never used.

With that… CV Yorktown II is entering the game this turn as CV Manassas. Actually there is no shortage of US Civil War actions that never found their way onto a US carrier. Plus there’s San Juan Hill for you Rough Rider fans.


Central Pacific: Damaged Japanese xAK intercepted by US sub patrol near Truk. Jap xAK Nansin Maru had been torpedoed SE of Saipan on 7/19 by another US sub. The xAK appears to have moderate damage but it has to be noted Pillager had turned this ship back to Truk for unknown reasons – Nansin Maru’s transport TF had been attacked twice by US subs (on 7/18 & 7/19) while moving northward from Truk. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Truk at 113,104 (N of Truk)

Japanese Ships
xAK Nansin Maru (moderate damage visible)

Allied Ships
SS Raton

xAK Nansin Maru is sighted by SS Raton
SS Raton launches 2 torpedoes

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Sigint entry for 7/20 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Canton Is. Detected status of Canton Is shows unidentified Japanese aircraft based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Sigint entry for 7/20 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Ndeni. Detected status of Ndeni shows unidentified Japanese aircraft based there plus one or more Jap LCU. No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed. Three Jap LCU are known to be (or have been) at Ndeni from current intelligence data – these include 15 Naval Gd, 5 JAAF AF Co and 12 Naval Construction Bn.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 7/20 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 11, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 3, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed 4, Moving Northwest


Andaman Sea: British patrol sub Trident hit and damaged in attack by Ki-21 Sally air patrol south of Rangoon. Reported damage to SS Trident is system 41, float 22, engine 11 – returning to base at 10 kts speed.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 118 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).


USAAF and RAF bombers hit oil production facilities at Magwe in a night raid. Reported aircraft destroyed in the action include seven Jap Ki-45 Nick CAP fighters (5 air-to-air, 2 ops) and two Allied bombers (1 RAF Wellington X and 1 B-24, both ops losses) - 10 additional Allied bombers returned to base damaged. Minor additional damage to Magwe oil production from the raid is indicated by daily air recon (see below). Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid) – 83 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 120(181), refinery 97(4).

5 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
7 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
7 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington B.X stray due to night
4 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/11th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/491st BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
6 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
7 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
4 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
4 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington B.X stray due to night
5 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/11th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/22nd BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
7 x 7th BG/493rd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
5 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington B.X stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/11th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night

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

Weather in hex: Heavy rain (82% moonlight)

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 14

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 5
B-17E Fortress x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator II: 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x Liberator II bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 6 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 10

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington Ic bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 2000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes

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Night Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 7

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator II: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Liberator II bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wellington B.X bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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Night Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Raid detected at 11 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6

No Allied losses

Oil hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 7

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wellington Ic bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 4

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Liberator II bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

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

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 4

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington B.X bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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

Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 5

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington B.X bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/22/43

South Pacific: Sigint entries for 7/21 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from both Lunga and Tulagi. Detected status of the bases show unidentified Japanese aircraft based at both Lunga and Tulagi, plus ship(s) in port at Lunga. A total of 11 identified Japanese LCU are known to be located at Lunga and Tulagi (7 LCU at Lunga, 4 at Tulagi).

US patrol subs are operating in sea areas near and in the approaches to the Japanese base complex at Lunga/Tulagi – objective to monitor, intercept and attack Japanese transport shipping and naval movement entering or leaving Lunga/Tulagi from points to the north. Several contacts reported in this sea area between US subs and Japanese air and surface ASW – reported contacts with Jap air patrols a likely indicator Pillager has both Betty and Nell bombers operating from Lunga/Tulagi. AAR and situation map of the Eastern Solomons area follow.

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ASW attack near Russell Islands at 112,137 (W of Tulagi)

Japanese Ships
PB Myoken Maru
PB Tokati Maru
PB Kensin Maru

Allied Ships
SS Thresher

SS Thresher is located by PB Myoken Maru
PB Tokati Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Kensin Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Funafuti (Ellice islands) reported in another 7/21 Sigint entry. Detected status of Funafuti shows unidentified Jap aircraft, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 7/21 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: E Kari reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Efate
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 8 Japanese ships at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 6, Moving Southeast
Coastwatcher Report: AK Koei Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 9, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 3, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 13, Moving Northeast


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 128 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).


Magwe airfield hit in a night raid by RAF 2E bombers – light airfield damage reported, two Japanese planes (1 Ki-45 Nick, 1 Ki-44 Tojo) destroyed on the ground. No reported air-to-air plane losses on either side in this action. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid) – 91 aircraft (all fighters), airfield damage 1, 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 120(181), refinery 97(4).

5 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Partial cloud (71% moonlight)

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 42

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

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
16 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/23/43

Central Pacific: Intercepted Jap radio transmissions reported in Sigint entries for 7/22 from multiple locations including Jaluit, Majuro, Roi-Namur, Maleolap and Ocean Is. Except for Roi-Namur, no visible Japanese forces or activity observed. Detected status of Roi-Namur shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, port size 2(0), airfield size 4(1), no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Current intelligence data has four identified Jap LCU located at Roi-Namur – units at Roi-Namur include 24 Air Flotilla HQ, 6 Base Force (IJN), 2 Garrison Unit, 2 Sasebo SNLF Co.


South Pacific: Transport convoy WP-66 (27 transports, 4 DE, 4 LST, 3 LCI) arrives in Auckland from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes one LCU (C Det USN Port Svc), one USMC VMF squadron, 150K supply and 19K fuel. DE, LST and LCI with WP-66 are being detached from the convoy and placed on reserve in the South Pacific theatre area for use in future operations.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 7/22 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: AK Yamagiri Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher Report: AK Akiura Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 4 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 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 113 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 87 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 121(180), refinery 97(4).

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/24/43

Japanese Home Islands: A 7/23 Sigint report entry indicates Pillager has formed the divisional LCU for Jap 42nd Infantry Division from the division’s sub-units. The Sigint entry also indicated 42 Division’s current location is at Chiba (near Tokyo).


Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-44 (32 ships) departing Eastern US for Australia via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes two LCU (104 Combat Engineer Rgt, 155 USA Base Force), one USMC air transport squadron, 110K supply and 64K fuel.


Central Pacific: US patrol sub returning to Pearl Harbor intercepted by Jap surface ASW. Cannot be determined whether the Jap PB in the action below is alone or attached to a TF. AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Wake Island at 140,98 (night action E of Wake Is)

Japanese Ships
PB Kaito Maru

Allied Ships
SS Albacore

SS Albacore is located by PB Kaito Maru
PB Kaito Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Sigint entry for 7/23 reports a second day of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Ocean Is. Detected status of Ocean Is shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, port size 2(0), airfield size 0(0). Current intelligence data has one identified Jap LCU at Ocean Is – 51 Naval Gd.


South Pacific: US patrol sub off Rabaul engaged by Jap surface ASW. AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Green Island at 108,128 (night action S of Rabaul)

Japanese Ships
PB Tokati Maru
PB Kensin Maru

Allied Ships
SS Triton

SS Triton is sighted by escort
Triton diving deep ....
PB Tokati Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Kensin Maru attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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Daily coastwatcher entries from 7/23 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 2 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa 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 Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 4 Japanese ships at 107,126 near Rabaul, Speed 10, Moving Northwest


Andaman Sea: Dutch patrol sub K-XVIII hit and damaged in attack by Ki-49 Helen air patrol near Phuket (hex location 47, 69). Reported damage to K-XVIII is system 47, float 18, engine 10 – sub returning to base at 13 kts.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 1 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 118 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).


Small night airfield raid on Magwe by RAF 2E bombers. Reported aircraft destroyed include one Wellington X (flak), no Japanese planes lost. Combat Event report entries and AAR’s follow.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid) – 90 aircraft (all fighters), no airfield damage, 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 122(179), refinery 97(4).

4 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
5 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington B.X stray due to night
5 x No.146 Sqn RAF Wellington Ic stray due to night
7 x No.215 Sqn RAF Wellington B.X stray due to night

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (53% moonlight)

Raid detected at 17 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 10

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Wellington Ic bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 3000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes

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Night Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington B.X: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington B.X bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 53 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington Ic bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington B.X: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wellington B.X bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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


China: Remnants of Chinese LCU in southern China are reporting movements of unidentified Japanese LCU along the Tsuyung-Paoshan road, presumably units of the China Army now transferring southward into Burma – this development not at all unexpected. Three Jap LCU were detected in two hexes adjacent to the Chinese units.[font="Arial"][/font]

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/25/43

Central Pacific: US patrol sub returning to Pearl Harbor in contact with Jap surface ASW. This contact is in the same general area as the action reported last game turn near Wake Is (also involving a contact between a US sub and a lone Jap PB). The possibility appears this could be part of a pattern. The hex location of this game turn’s contact is well east from the likely route of Japanese ship movements between Wake and the Marshall islands, also a short distance outside what could be considered the main perimeter line of Japanese controlled territory. My current estimate is that Pillager may be employing Jap PB’s and/or other types in one ship TF’s as picket ships or in patrol zones just outside the main Japanese controlled sea areas as some form of an early warning system (if true, at least for this sector of the Central Pacific). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Wake Island at 142,102 (ESE of Wake Is)

Japanese Ships
PB Fuji Maru #4

Allied Ships
SS Sculpin

SS Sculpin launches 2 torpedoes
Sculpin diving deep ....
PB Fuji Maru #4 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Sigint entries for 7/24 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Canton Is and Maleolap. Detected status of Canton Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity at either Canton Is or Maleolap.


South Pacific: Convoy WP-60 arrived this game turn in New Zealand with what might prove a useful if not valuable addition to naval forces in the South/SW Pacific area – a 55,000 ton capacity floating dry dock (AFDB). Capacity of the dry dock appears to be sufficient for handling repair of most if not all current US fleet CV’s (the main intended client for this facility if needed) – if so, presence of this AFDB in the South/SW Pacific area could well be the difference between salvage and sinking of a damaged US carrier.

WP-60 arrived in New Zealand consisting of only the AFDB, a small CL/DD escort and an AO with 7400 fuel aboard. The AFDB entered the game at Seattle on 5/10/43 and immediately departed for New Zealand. The voyage of WP-60 from Seattle to New Zealand via Los Angeles was a painfully slow 2 1/2 months at its best 5 kts speed (3 hexes movement/game turn).

Current plans are to employ the AFDB as the core element of a Support TF specifically intended for handling ship repair on medium to larger ships, particularly ships too large for capacities of shipyards in New Zealand and Australia. At least one AR will be combined with the dry dock in this support TF (several AR if any value in doing this), plus other auxiliary ship type(s) that might have value in this type of support TF. The support TF (once formed) will likely be “parked” at a larger port with access to naval support elements ashore and ample supply point stocks. With arrival of the AFDB, all the required ships and elements to form this operation are now available in either the South or SW Pacific theatre.


Sigint entry for 7/24 reports intercepted radio signals from a detected Jap submarine visible on the game map at hex location 113,132 (NE of Munda). No information available on the sub’s identity or movement. While viewing last game turn’s combat phase replay, an unidentified Jap sub was briefly visible on the game map as it passed through a hex near Lunga/Tulagi that also contained a US patrol sub. It’s quite possible this Jap sub and the one reported above in Sigint are one and the same – if so, the Jap sub is likely bound for either Rabaul or Truk.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 7/24 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: xAP Husimi Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
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: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: AK Momokawa Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Andaman Sea: Dutch sub K-XVIII targeted in four attacks by Jap air patrols (2 Ki-30 Ann, 2 Ki-49 Helen) south of Phuket while attempting to return to base after damage from Jap air attack on 7/24. K-XVIII was hit twice during this game turn’s air attacks and later sank.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 128 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).


Another night airfield raid on Magwe by RAF 2E bombers. Reported aircraft destroyed include 2 Blenheim IV’s (1 air-to-air, 1flak), no Japanese planes lost. Combat Event report entries and AAR’s follow.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid) – 94 aircraft (all fighters), no airfield damage, 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 121(178), refinery 97(4).

5 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night

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

Weather in hex: Moderate rain (42% moonlight)

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

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

Raid detected at 11 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – no aircraft, 1 Jap LCU, resource production 2(39).


Since the arrival of Japanese flak LCU in Burma, overall effectiveness of Allied night bombing raids has dropped considerably – the presence of flak requiring normal altitude of night bombing raids to increase from 5000 to 8000 ft. The decline in bombing efficiency is true across all Allied bomber types (both 2E and 4E) and for all targets. Weather conditions are also a likely factor in the low effectiveness of most Allied night bombing – though how much of a factor is not certain. Plans are to continue night bombing raids against targets in Burma despite the decrease in target damage results – these raids still have value in (1) increasing Allied bomber pilot experience levels and (2) requiring Pillager to commit Japanese fighters to combat these raids with a modest consumption of Jap supply stocks on hand plus replacement planes drawn to cover Jap air losses. Attrition effects of these raids on the Japanese are small but Japanese attrition at any level is good, especially given the minimal to no Allied cost of these raids. There is little question effectiveness of Allied bombing in Burma could be increased by changing bombing ops from night to day but day operations are not practical given the numbers of Ki-44 Tojo and Ki-45 Nick CAP fighters Pillager has available in Burma along with the fact there are no available Allied fighters in India with sufficient range to escort day bombing raids or conduct fighter sweeps over target bases. Pillager has at least 200 Japanese fighter aircraft (total) based in Burma according to available intelligence – most of these Ki-44 or Ki-45 with a small number of A6M2 Zeroes.


China: Remnants of Chinese LCU in southern China continue reporting 3 unidentified Japanese LCU along the Tsuyung-Paoshan road.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/26/43

Central Pacific: US patrol sub attacked by Jap surface ASW in northern Marshalls. This is the third action in 3 consecutive days between US subs and Jap surface ASW in the sea area surrounding Eniwetok. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Eniwetok at 128,112 (SE of Eniewetok)

Japanese Ships
E Yaeyama

Allied Ships
SS Pollack, hits 1 (system damage 5, no float or engine, sub remains on patrol)

SS Pollack is sighted by escort
E Yaeyama attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


South Pacific: Both sections of transport convoy WP-70 arrive this game turn in the South Pacific from the mainland US. The main body of WP-70 (22 ships) arrived in Auckland – cargo aboard the main body includes 90K supply and 67K fuel, no LCU or air units. A detachment of WP-70 (convoy WP-70A, 10 transports) reached Suva – cargo aboard this part of the convoy includes 65 Coast AA Rgt, two US Marine fighter squadrons, 24K supply and 23K fuel.

An unidentified Jap submarine is visible on the game map NE of Waipapakuri (northern tip of New Zealand) at hex location 118, 175. This sub did not appear in 7/25 Sigint or Operations reports, though the Jap sub’s location is within Allied naval air search zones extending north from New Zealand. No information available as to the Jap sub’s identity or movement. No Allied transport shipping or naval forces currently at or near the Jap sub’s reported position.

Sigint entry for 7/25 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tulagi. Detected status of Tulagi shows unidentified Jap planes based there, port size 2(3), airfield size 2(2). No other visible Japanese forces or activity.

Jap radio signals from Funafuti (Ellice islands) reported in another 7/25 Sigint entry. Detected status of Funafuti shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there, port size 1(1), airfield size 1(0), no other visible Japanese forces or activity.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 7/25 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Osaka Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 115,160 near Noumea, Speed 4, Moving Southwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 112 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 110 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 124(177), refinery 97(4).

[johnjohn]

John's February 42 update.

Lead Story--Singapore surrenders. Singapore lasted until Feb 27, not long enough, but that's that.

China--no real change. Chinese troops training and digging in even deeper. AI is concentrating on PI and DEI.

Burma--totally abandoned, but enemy not advancing into Burma yet.

India--still building up. All Burmese elements are on the border with two divisions in Imphal and one at Chittagong (18th UK Div). Reinforcements are being hustled in from Aden and Capetown (CT). 100 fuel at Colombo, 150K supply. 6th Aussie there too. 7th going to Calcutta via Kirachi.

Aussie--building up, another 100K fuel to Sydney. PM under attack, but holding.

PNG--the ant farm is moving along the Papua end, all bases including PM under attack. The Central NG bases are unaffected at this time. The enemy is securing New Bismark and the Solomons, and the islands off Papua.

Vanutu--US Carriers are defending the islands, intercepting reinforcements to Noumea and sinking the force. Allied troop level in Noumea now at 136 AV due to infusion of Marines (1st Raiders and 2nd Para USMC). 23rd Inf Div is afloat enroute just south of Pago Pago (PP). Once at Noumea, the Raiders will go to Espiritu Santo and the Paras to Efate. The local detachment will head to the north end of the island. The 23rd will deal with the enemy engineers at Noumea. Base is enlarging, one USMC fighter squadron and one Vindy DB squadron is stationed there. So is one large Patrol of Cats with AV support. UK cruisers are providing the SAG support while carriers operate off Espiritu which intel says is next on the agenda for the enemy. Intel and map and combat reports have all KB carriers occupied in DEI or off Midway. So far so good, 40th is just loading at LA heading to Espiritu. We will see who gets there first with the most.

SOPAC--PP and Suva are building up as support bases. Canton and Baker remain in Allied hands with Yorktown dispatching the occasional enemy sorties into the area. A US Cruiser SAG also patrols the area. My smallest AE is moving to Canton to resupply both action groups from PP. Yorktown did not use TBs this trip, so the AS stayed in PP.

CENPAC--Not much new here. Four times the enemy has raided Midway, the last two times with Hiyru and Soryu. No significant losses incurred. I am not biting at the bait to move my carriers there.

NZ--100 fuel and 200 supply moved to Auckland. Auckland building up as major support base.

Pressing needs. Aussie needs fighters and Engrs to start building defenses in NW to oppose Enemy movements from PM. PM is a lost cause, but we are putting up a real fight. I cannot get supply in there, so I don't think we will hold out much longer. Right now I am trying to get significant numbers of troops into SOPAC to hold key bases. If KB comes, I will run. But while they are occupied elsewhere, I am doing everything I can to reinforce.

Allied reinforcement of India from East Coast is going very slowly. I have sent four fighter groups to help, but they are still a month away from reaching India. Supply issue is not too bad, in fact much better than first time around.

DEI--Enemy is starting to hit Indonesia. All shipping evacuated using fleet oilers to assist the short legged ACMc's. These will be distributed along the Aussie Indian Coast. DEE may hang on two more months, not any longer than that.

PI--Clark is still holding, but the end is near. Bataan is ready, but how long they hold out is anyone's guess. Cebu is putting up a stiff defense, but the rest of the islands are falling like dominoes--or did someone already say that?

So far so good. If the 40th makes it to Espiritu first, then things could get really interesting. If not, they will invest in Suva.

John

[johnjohn]

Correction--John

That is 100K fuel and 200K supply for Auckland, not 100 and 200 as previously reported.

John

[wneumann]

Four times the enemy has raided Midway, the last two times with Hiyru and Soryu. No significant losses incurred. I am not biting at the bait to move my carriers there.

Agreed. Carriers alone can’t capture “real estate”. What comes behind them may be another matter. When the carriers leave, consider showing up to see what appears next.

Allied reinforcement of India from East Coast is going very slowly.

Typical movement time from Eastern US to Capetown is around 27-28 days, this tends to be true regardless of rated speeds of ships in a TF making this transit. The benefit of this route is that your ships consume no fuel – though the ships do need to be sufficiently fuelled to cover the equivalent hex distance between the Eastern US and Capetown.

Total time for (one way) movement of an EX convoy from the Eastern US to southern Australia is about 2 months (Eastern US to Capetown plus Capetown to Australia). In 1942, getting things to Australia quickly is less important than simply getting them there and getting them moving. With the KB running around in ’42, security and invisibility is more essential than speed. What your opponent doesn’t know won’t hurt you and may well hurt him later.

Another thing to consider with sea transport on this end of the world… there’s an abundance of British and Commonwealth transport ships hanging around Capetown, Aden and India – in considerably greater quantities than needed to move cargoes to India. A majority of Allied transport ships I have working the EX convoy route are British/Commonwealth, with emphasis on large capacity, long range ships.

Singapore lasted until Feb 27, not long enough, but that's that.

Better than I did in either of my PBEM’s vs Pillager… Although Pillager was likely placing a high priority on taking Singapore – to the point of diverting Japanese LCU intended for the Philippines and DEI into Malaya.

All shipping evacuated using fleet oilers to assist the short legged ACMc's

AO aren’t required for moving short range ships (PB/PC, SC, minesweepers, etc) over long distances. Attaching short range ships in TF with large, longer range transports (usually large xAK) works quite well. The difference is that short range ships refuel from the fuel cargo of an AO – in the case of an xAK (or other large ship), a short range ship refuels by drawing from fuel the larger ship is carrying for its own movement. Any reduction of a TF’s speed from moving small ships appears to be equal whether an AO is used or they refuel from other large ships. More than a few WP transport convoys have ferried 1500 mile range SC from the US West Coast to Auckland (about 15-20 SC total). The SC are far more useful around Suva than San Francisco. Several "rules of thumb" from my practice follow.

(1) There should be at least one large ship (preferably more) in a TF for each small ship being moved. My ratio in normal practice is around 4-5 larger ships for each small ship in the TF – this is not a “hard and fast” rule, I just use this ratio to create a substantial margin of error.

(2) Large ships in a TF where small ships are being moved should have an endurance (fuel capacity) great enough to cover the distance the TF will be moving plus some left over to refuel the small ship(s). Also important that all ships in this kind of TF be fully fuelled before departure.

(3) I typically move not more than 4-6 small ships in a single TF.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/27/43

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 7/26 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap. Detected status of Maleolap shows no visible Japanese forces or activity. This particular base has been the origin of much radio signal activity with practically nothing visible beyond a detected size 4(1) airfield and minimal port facilities. Known Japanese LCU at Maleolap from available intelligence includes a (IJN) base force plus the static fortress LCU located there.


South Pacific: Sigint entry for 7/26 reports continued Jap radio transmissions from Tulagi. Detected status at Tulagi shows no change from last game turn. Several US patrol subs operating near Lunga/Tulagi report continuing contacts with Nell and Betty air patrols.

Jap radio signals from Vaitupu (Ellice islands near Funafuti) reported in another 7/26 Sigint entry. Detected status of Vaitupu shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, port size 1(0), airfield size 0(0).

Daily coastwatcher entries from 7/26 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 4 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 115,160 near Noumea, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Australia: Transport convoy EX-38 (24 ships) arrives in Australia from the Eastern US. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes six LCU (US XI Corps HQ, 41 Aviation Base Force, 152 USA Base Force, 863 & 871 Engineer Aviation Bns, 165 Field Artillery Bn), five USAAF air squadrons (three fighter, two 2E bomber, 107 planes total), 61K supply and 18K fuel.


Andaman Sea: US patrol sub Muskallunge attacked and dmamaged by Ki-21 Sally air patrol NW of Victoria Point. Reported damage to SS Muskallunge is system 48, float 19, engine 6 – sub returning to base at 15 kts speed.


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon (following air strikes below) – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 107 aircraft (all fighters), no airfield damage, 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).

USAAF and RAF bombers hit Rangoon airfield in a night attack. The raid produced no reported damage to Rangoon airfield, also no Japanese planes reported destroyed on the ground. 10 Japanese CAP fighters (all A6M3a Zeroes) were destroyed in air-to-air combat, no Allied bombers or pilots lost. Some bombers with the raid dropped mines in Rangoon harbor – Jap minesweeping activity in Rangoon reported during the daylight phase of this turn. AAR’s and Combat Events report entries follow.

5 x No.159 Sqn RAF Liberator II stray due to night
5 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
5 x No.353 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
4 x 341st BG/11th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/490th BS B-17E Fortress 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
7 x No.160 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
7 x No.353 Sqn RAF Wellington GR.VIII stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/11th BS B-17E Fortress 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 Rangoon, at 54,53

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms (21% moonlight)

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 7
B-17E Fortress x 24
B-24D Liberator x 9


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x Liberator II bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 8 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 26 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Liberator II bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 46 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Wellington GR.VIII laying Mk 13 Mine from 8000 feet *

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 11 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M3a 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 detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M3a 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 14 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wellington GR.VIII laying Mk 13 Mine from 8000 feet *

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M3a 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 46 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
Wellington GR.VIII x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Wellington GR.VIII laying Mk 13 Mine from 8000 feet *

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M3a 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 16 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M3a 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 36 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
253 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 94 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)

Japanese Ships
AMc Wa 20
AMc Wa 6

14 mines cleared

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


Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 102 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 125(176), refinery 97(4).


China: No detected Japanese LCU visible along the Paoshan-Tsuyung road in southern China (land route from China to northern Burma). One depleted Chinese infantry LCU is posted in an adjacent mountain hex to detect Jap LCU movements along this road. At this point I have no further effective means to interdict or block Japanese traffic along this road, though the depleted Chinese unit does allow spotting of anything moving on the road. Japanese movement detected on this part of the road provides a means to measure the volume of traffic Pillager is moving southward from China into Burma along this road. This is not likely to provide specific or complete information but does give part of the general picture of what is going on.

Detected statuses of Chungking and Chengtu indicate Pillager is likely rebuilding heavy industry facilities in these locations.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/28/43

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 7/27 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Canton Is and Jaluit. Detected status of Canton Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity at Jaluit or Canton Is.

CV Kaga is reported at Truk in another 7/27 Sigint entry.


South Pacific: PBY Catalina air patrol from Suva spots unidentified Jap TF(s) east of Ndeni/Luganville reported moving on a SE heading toward Suva. The Japanese TF(s) passed between two US patrol subs in the (picket) perimeter north of Suva. No report of either US sub having contact with Jap planes – slightly reducing the possibility this contact is KB or surface naval forces. While (game map) information shown about the contact indicates two ships (1 CA, 1 CL), my current estimate of this particular contact is that no accurate conclusion of its composition can be made based on information currently shown on the game map. At this point, a possibility of this contact being Japanese patrol sub(s) dispatched to patrol off Suva cannot be totally eliminated.

Until ship composition of this contact can be accurately determined, some precautions at Suva are being put into effect. All available Allied fighter CAP (5 squadrons) and naval air search (4 squadrons) are fully activated. US patrol subs based in Suva have sortied to positions covering sea approaches to Suva. Three US flak regiments are located in Suva.

Transport convoy WP-70A (12 ships) now in Suva just completed unloading ops and departing Suva this game turn as scheduled. A second transport convoy (WP-68A, 9 ships) due to arrive in Suva next game turn from the mainland US has been diverted into a “holding pattern” nearby pending final identification and disposition of the Jap contact. Precautionary measures at Suva listed above are temporary and will be lifted once definite identification of the Jap contact is made and any necessary action(s) carried out. Situation map of the sea area N of Fiji follows.



Daily coastwatcher entries from 7/27 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: xAP Rakuyo Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
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: 4 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
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: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 81 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 99 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 126(175), refinery 97(4).

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/29/43

CV Lexington II enters the game as CV Gettysburg - the original CV Lexington still alive and well.

Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-45 (10 ships) departing for Australia via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 74K supply and 5300 fuel, no air units or LCU. At this point, I’ve emptied the Eastern US of anything suitable and ready for front-line service in SW Pacific theatre or usable for transporting cargo there - virtually all ships, first line air units (other than pilot training squadrons), and LCU. If it can go, it’s gone.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 7/28 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap, no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Japanese TF moving toward Suva now identified as a surface naval force, again spotted by a PBY Catalina air patrol. The Jap surface TF also attacked by one US Marine VMSB squadron based on Fiji – I had considered reinforcing this with additional dive bombing squadrons based in New Zealand though decided to stick to priorities (covering Auckland). Given the situation, additional dive bombing squadrons are being dispatched to Fiji to join the mayhem if Pillager does not completely abort the Jap surface naval TF’s mission. Incoming transport convoy WP-68A has reached and will remain in its “holding pattern” pending subsequent events. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Yasawa Islands at 130,153 (N of Suva)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships (10 ships total in TF as spotted by PBY air patrol)
DD Nagatsuki
CA Atago, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Maya, Bomb hits 1
CA Kako

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

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

Daily coastwatcher entries from 7/28 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hansa 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 sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown



Australia: Japanese fighter sweeps over Portland Roads. Hard to say exactly what Pillager is looking for but I estimate this is more a “recon in force” rather than provoking a chance meeting with Allied CAP fighters. I’m expecting more of this kind of activity in various forms as Pillager continues probing for information.

Current plans are to monitor Japanese recon activity – either allow it to go unopposed (for probes likely to obtain no meaningful information) or meet it with a relatively low level of force (not more than required to take it out or inflict serious damage). Exceptions (of course) will be made where substantial damage can be inflicted on a significant Japanese probing force. The priority here is for Allied forces and preparations to remain as invisible as possible – even allowing known Japanese probes to go unopposed where this option is practical.

The air actions below provide me with as much information on what Pillager has in Port Moresby (the 1-2 Zero squadrons participating in the sweeps) as Pillager discovered over Portland Roads. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Portland Roads, at 91,132

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 13

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x A6M3 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Portland Roads, at 91,132

Raid detected at 87 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 2

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A6M3 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

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


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 88 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 102 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 127(174), refinery 97(4).

[johnjohn]

Short Range--of course you are correct, however I mistakenly missed a group of ACMc's at Batavia until almost too late. I had no other option but to move them towards Aussie on the south side of island to Bali. Then I sent them mid ocean to meet with an Aussie AO to bring them to Perth. Most of the others did not make it out when they fell into a carrier trap near Ambon. Nearly everything else afloat got out though.

I have allocatted all that wonderful shipping to a West Coast route to Auckland, staying way south of PP, Suva et. al., basically using Bora Bora as a waypoint. I found that IJN carriers occasionally will foray into the Pacific east of the Palmyra--Christmas line and as far north as east of Midway. I am being far more deliberate getting supplies and fuel to where they are needed without getting anywhere near a Jap base. I have instituted a convoy system from East Coast to Capetown (CT) to various points in India or Aussie. I have about six standing convoy runs to Colombo and Perth hauling supplies and fuel. I have several running from Aden and Iraq mostly hauling fuel and reinforcements. Iraq is the GAS Station out here. The main supply route is WC to PH, mostly using SF and LA (Fuel). LA fuels Aussie and NZ and all points SOPAC. SF fuels PH. Seattle fuels all points NORPAC and Alaska/Canada until Canada has enough shipping.

Troop convoys generally originate on WC and then move to either PH or PP for rerouting. The 23rd went directly to Noumea and the 40th is enroute directly to Luganville. So far the assaults in the DEI and PI are bogging down. The KB less H and S are working these places over as is the mini KB. They keep losing planes. Thus far allied carrier operations (quite limited) are going unopposed for now. Of course, I am no where near the enemy.

It looks as though New Cal will be held. The initial enemy probe, an Engr BN failed to seize Noumea. The reinforcement assault force was intercepted and sunk by Enterprise and Sara off Koumac. They are now patrolling around Espiritu Santo hoping to keep the way clear until the 40th arrives, although they are at least two weeks out, maybe more. Again, the 1st Marine Raider BN at Noumea will move up to Luganville as soon as the 23rd arrives and some of those APs are available. The 2nd Para is heading for Efate and the local detachment of Frogs will go to Koumac at north end of Island. That is the best I can do until the 40th arrives. Noumea has a base force landed and is able to operate the three squadrons already stationed there.

I have found the Armed Merchant Cruisers helpful in bringing supplies to front line detachements, like Diego Garcia, Mali, Horn Islands, and so forth. They are proving their worth this time around.

John

[wneumann]

Seattle fuels all points NORPAC and Alaska/Canada until Canada has enough shipping.

Take a look at Prince Rupert on the Canadian west coast. This base is on a railroad going south to Vancouver and the mainland US. It's also expandable to port size 9, airfield size 7 - plus it contains a small shipyard. Once you build up its port facilities, Prince Rupert can replace Seattle or Vancouver as a departure point for most transport shipping to the North Pacific. Might be worth sending a spare construction engineer LCU there if you have one.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/30/43

Central Pacific: A chance intersection of paths by US patrol sub returning to base for replenishment and a Japanese transport TF. Jap transport TF reported to contain 6 ships (including 1 xAK, 2 TK) and moving on a SE heading (probable destination in the Marshalls). AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Eniwetok at 124,99 (NW of Eniwetok, W of Wake Is)

Japanese Ships
E Hayabusa
PB Chiyo Maru #4
TK Ayagiri Maru
xAK Hokutai Maru
E Sagi

Allied Ships
SS Haddo

SS Haddo launches 2 torpedoes at E Hayabusa
Haddo diving deep ....
E Sagi fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Hayabusa fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Eniwetok at 124,99

Japanese Ships
xAK Hokutai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PB Chiyo Maru #4
TK Ayagiri Maru
E Sagi
E Hayabusa

Allied Ships
SS Haddo

SS Haddo launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Hokutai Maru
E Sagi fails to find sub and abandons search
E Hayabusa fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Multiple 7/29 Sigint entries report heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Nauru Is. Detected status of Nauru Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there, ship(s) in port, port size 2(0), airfield size 2(2), no other visible Japanese forces or activity. Two Japanese LCU are known to be at Nauru per available intelligence data – 7 JNAF Co and 1 Sasebo SNLF Co.


South Pacific: Japanese surface TF moving toward Suva has reversed course - now moving NW, speed 13 kts. Reported composition of the Jap TF is 9 ships including 6 CA, 2 DD. Current position of the Jap TF is hex location 131, 144 (due W of Vaitupu, E of Ndeni). The Jap surface TF is now passing northward through the US submarine picket line N of Suva – one US sub now in a hex adjacent to the Jap TF’s current position and could intercept the Jap TF during the night sea movement phase.

The main body of transport convoy WP-68 (28 ships) arrived in Auckland. Cargo aboard this part of WP-68 includes one LCU (872/873 Engineer Aviation Bn), 138K supply and 32K fuel. The main body of WP-68 includes six APA – these ships will be detached from the convoy and retained on reserve in the South Pacific for future operations. A detachment from WP-68 (convoy WP-68A) was released from its “holding pattern” near Fiji and now proceeding to Suva.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 7/29 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: xAK Nichiren Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
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 Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: AK Yamahuku Maru reported in port at Rabaul
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 118 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).


Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 121 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 128(173), refinery 97(4).

RAF 2E bombers launch night raid on Magwe. No report of damage to Magwe airfield, no Japanese planes reported lost. One RAF Blenheim IV destroyed, two damaged. The intent of this raid was mainly harassment - bombing effectiveness of Blenheim IV is low, especially when used at extended range. Weather conditions, visibility at the target, and Japanese CAP opposition not helping. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

5 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.110 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
5 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.84 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night
7 x No.113 Sqn RAF Blenheim IV stray due to night

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

Weather in hex: Heavy rain (3% moonlight)

Raid detected at 56 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 14

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 12

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 5 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 14

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 13

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Raid is overhead

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

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 10

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Raid is overhead

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


China: Sigint entries for 7/29 reports Jap 110th Infantry Division and 51 Independent Mountain Gun Bn (both were previously at Chungking) now at hex location 78, 59 (adjacent hex outside Canton) – they appear to be moving to Hong Kong. Pillager may be loading up the two LCU’s for service in the Pacific theatres, the DEI and Philippines also possible destinations.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 7/31/43

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 7/30 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Wotje. Detected status of Wotje shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.


South Pacific: Japanese surface TF continues moving northward, intercepted by US patrol sub in a night action. No further contact reported after the action below, Jap TF is no longer visible on the game map. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Nanumea at 131,144 (WSW of Nanumea)

Japanese Ships
DD Sazanami
CA Kako
CA Takao
DD Nagatsuki
DD Hatsuharu

Allied Ships
SS S-27

SS S-27 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Sazanami
S-27 diving deep ....
DD Nagatsuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hatsuharu fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Sazanami attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Daily coastwatcher entries from 7/30 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
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 Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Belep Islands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Hoorn Islands
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Lae
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: 5 ships in port at Milne Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Port Moresby
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tanna
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed 3, Moving Northwest
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 4, Moving Northeast


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor, 111 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon (after raid below) – 92 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 129(172), refinery 97(4).

Oil production facilities at Magwe hit in night raid by USAAF and RAF bombers. No detected damage to Magwe oil production (see above). Reported plane losses in this action include 2 Ki-45 Nick (one air-to-air, one ops), 1 B-24D Liberator (ops), 1 RAF Liberator II (flak). Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

4 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/11th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/490th BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
5 x 341st BG/491st BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
6 x 7th BG/492nd BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night
7 x 341st BG/491st BS B-17E Fortress stray due to night
Damaged Liberator II from No.159 Sqn RAF is missing, pilot reported killed

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

Weather in hex: Light rain (0% moonlight)

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 12

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 12
Wellington B.X x 12
B-17E Fortress x 9
B-24D Liberator x 17

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator II: 2 damaged

Oil hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Liberator II bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x Wellington B.X bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters between 6000 and 35200.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes

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

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 12

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Oil hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

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

Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid detected at 10 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Oil hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Raid is overhead

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

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 7

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Raid is overhead

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

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/01/43

8/43 Ship Upgrades: This month’s Allied ship upgrade is rather small, affecting mainly some US subs (those that did not upgrade in 6/43), US Clemson DMS, plus two Allied fast BB. Both BB involved in the 8/43 upgrade are allocated for employment as escorts in the main US carrier force. Upgrading of the two BB is estimated to complete in about 15 days – formation of the main US carrier force for deployment is planned once 8/43 upgrade of the two BB is completed and all new US carriers that recently entered the game in Panama finish arriving on-map. Most Clemson DMS are now in the SW/South Pacific theatre area – all these now entering upgrade at various shipyards in Australia.

The final “batch” of 6/43 ship upgrades and conversions are now underway for a relatively small number of transport ships (mainly larger xAK and some TK). The affected ships in this “batch” were operating in transit with various convoys during the time the main part of the 6/43 upgrade was in progress.

8/43 ship upgrade represents the planned “cut-off” point of upgrades on Allied ships anticipated for employment in initial Allied offensive operations.


Central Pacific: US patrol sub south of Truk in action with Japanese surface ASW. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Truk at 111,112 (night action S of Truk)

Japanese Ships
E W-1
E W-18

Allied Ships
SS Cisco

SS Cisco launches 2 torpedoes at E W-1
Cisco diving deep ....
E W-18 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Truk at 111,112 (daylight action)

Japanese Ships
E W-18

Allied Ships
SS Cisco, hits 2 (system damage, 15, float 32, returning to base at 14 kts)

SS Cisco launches 2 torpedoes at E W-18
Cisco diving deep ....
E W-18 attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

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


South Pacific: Transport convoy WP-68A (9 ships) arrives this game turn in Suva – this convoy a detachment of WP-68. Cargo aboard the convoy includes 37 Aviation Base Force and 38K supply.

Unidentified Jap submarine detected off Suva by PBY Catalina naval search air patrol – a floatplane from the Jap sub also detecting convoy WP-68A (above) now unloading in Suva. Allied surface ASW dispatched to find and engage the Jap sub.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 7/31 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Hansa Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Kavieng
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
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 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Madang
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
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: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 112 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 116 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 129(172), refinery 97(4).


China: Sigint entry for 7/31 indicating transfer of another Jap LCU from Chungking – 8 Armored Car Co now reported at Luching in eastern China. Estimated movement destination of 8 Armored Car Co is Shanghai indicating possible sea transport of this LCU out of China.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/02/43

Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-46 (15 ships) departing for Australia via Capetown. Cargo departing aboard the convoy includes one USN VP squadron (15 PBY Catalina), 71K supply and 19K fuel.


Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 8/01 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Marcus Is. Detected status of Marcus Is shows port size 1(0), airfield size 1(0), no visible Japanese forces or activity.

Another 8/01 Sigint entry reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from a Jap submarine (identified as I-27) at hex location 163, 144 west of Jarvis Is. No movement information on this sub available. No Allied merchant shipping or naval forces are operating in or moving through sea areas near this contact. As long as Pillager doesn’t find anything, he can look all he wants. Invisibility of Allied forces, resources and movements has been a key point of my Allied “doctrine” – it is a cheap and effective tool with many potential uses.


Southwest Pacific: Sigint entries for 8/01 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Port Moresby and Milne Bay.

Detected status of Port Moresby shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there (likely including the A6M3 Zeroes appearing over Portland Roads several days ago), port size 1(2), airfield size 4(6). Current intelligence data shows four Jap LCU located in Port Moresby – 3 Cavalry Brigade, Maizuru 1 SNLF, 83 Naval Gd, and 8 Base Force (IJN).

Detected status of Milne Bay shows no visible Japanese forces or activity but much evidence of construction activity – port size 4(3), airfield size 3(5). Four Jap LCU are reported at Milne Bay per available intelligence data including Kure 3 SNLF, 86 Naval Gd, 13 Naval Construction Bn, 1 JNAF Co.


South Pacific: Unidentified Jap submarine detected at hex location 116, 174 due N of Auckland, SE of Norfolk Is. No movement information on this sub available. No Allied transport shipping or naval forces in the immediate vicinity of this contact.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/01 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: AK Naruto Maru reported in port at Lunga
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Shortlands
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Thousand Ships Bay
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
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: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Buna
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: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Woodlark Island
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,136 near Thousand Ships Bay, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 3 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 2 Jap TF in harbor (-1 from last report), 108 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 3(38).

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 126 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 130(171), refinery 97(4).


China: Chinese LCU adjacent to the Tsuyung-Paoshan road in southern China detects one unidentified Jap LCU located on the road. While there is some possibility Pillager may be posting the Jap LCU along the road to prevent its further obstruction by Chinese forces, it's at least equally likely the LCU has been transferred to Burma from the China Army and is moving southward along the road.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/03/43

South Pacific: Sigint entry for 8/02 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Luganville. Detected status of Luganville shows unidentified Jap planes based there, port size 3(3), airfield size 4(5). Current available intelligence data has three known Jap LCU located at Luganville including Yokosuka 3 SNLF, 28 JNAF AF Unit, 5 Naval Construction Bn. Pillager appears to have Luganville established (at minimum) as a significant Japanese air base – it is likely Luganville may also be fortified to where it could be used as a major (if not key) defensive position in the main Japanese outer perimeter line. No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Luganville.

Daily coastwatcher entries from 8/02 Operations report follow.

Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Tulagi
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Ndeni
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Buna
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Finschhafen
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Salamaua
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Gasmata
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Rabaul is reported empty
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Koumac
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Luganville
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 5 Japanese ships at 114,138 near Lunga, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher Report: harbor at Lunga is reported empty
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 Manus
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Noumea
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 114,137 near Tulagi, Speed 1, Moving Northeast
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 106,125 near Rabaul, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 1 Japanese ship at 107,125 near Namatanai, Speed unknown
Coastwatcher sighting: 2 Japanese ships at 109,131 near Shortlands, Speed 9, Moving West


Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, 3 Jap TF in harbor (+1 from last report), 121 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 4(37). Pillager appears to be re-building light industry facilities in Rangoon.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 117 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 131(170), refinery 97(4).