The Battle Under: The Allies Fight Back

[tocaff]

This is the last installment until the 19th as I'm hitting the road without my notebook. Brazil is great with so many holidays and places to go to. The game itself is in mid December 1944.

September 28, 1944 Morotai

Intel

252321 men are based at Sasebo.
Shimonoseki Fortress is located at Nagato.
6th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Wonsan.
5th Army is located at Tsitsihar.
1st Guards Mixed Brigade is located at Tokyo.
18th Reserve Coastal Artillery Regiment is located at Toyama.
3rd Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
12th AA Regiment is located at Peking.
7140 men are based at Nagasaki.
8th Construction Battalion is located at Sining.
22nd Air Flotilla is located at Bangkok.
5th Army is located at Tsitsihar.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Saigon 9 X AP, 1 X TK, 1 X DE, 1 LCU 7300/41/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Pisanuloke 4 LCUs 4720/16/0
Catalina I takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 640/0/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Amboina 6 LCUs 20120/63/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 1 X AK, 12 LCUs 19960/88/0

Combat

The SS Cobia was attacked by 3 PCs 34 miles S of Swatow, but she evaded them without being damaged.

Nanning was swept by 20 X P-40N. They were met by 4 X Zeke and 1 X Tony and a Zeke was flamed. Then 3 X Zeke and a Tony met 54 X P-38J and all of the Japanese planes were destroyed. The main event was 42 X B-25J and 53 X P-40N who were only opposed by flak. At a cost of 2 Mitchells downed and 20 damaged the airfield was moderately damaged, there were a few secondary explosions, 2 Helens, a Dinah and 3 Tabbys were wrecked and casualties were heavy.

Bangkok was under an umbrella of 31 X Zeke, 5 X George and 12 X Jack when 45 X P-38J appeared. 6 P-38Js went down and 2 were damaged as they ripped the Japanese apart. 11 Zekes (2 damaged), 5 Georges and 10 Jacks were shot down.

Krung Thep was attacked by 46 X B-29, 101 X Liberator VI (2 damaged), 45 X B-24J and 21 X Thunderbolt II. The airfield was mauled for extremely heavy damage, there were a large number of secondary explosions and casualties were heavy.

Gili Gili was hit by 27 X B-24D (1 damaged) for moderate port damage and moderate personnel losses.

Lunga was the host for 31 X B-24J who managed to miss finding their target due to cloud cover.

The 6th Chinese Air Base Force was bombed by 12 X Peggy and both sides had no losses.

The SS Drum tried to attack 6 DDs 22 miles NW of Merak, but had the tables turned on her. She is now making for a friendly port with light systems damage and light flooding.

An Allied attack on the Japanese defenders at Morotai saw both sides sustain very heavy casualties, but the Japanese were pushed back a little.

The Palawan's convoy plods slowly westward, destination Morotai. “I guess where we're going is secured, more or less,” says Cookie. He couldn't be more wrong about that, but the USN believes that by the time they arrive the port will be in Allied hands and functional.

Gunny and Slim listen to their CO and then after the meeting breaks up Slim heads off and Gunny remains behind. “The next op is ours then? Any idea about how big a deal it's going to be or just another quick grab?” he asks. A shrug is all he gets in answer and then he leaves. Later he catches up with Slim who tells him that the 2nd Marine Division is going to the Philippines. Gunny looks at him and says, “Of course you have a good source at HQs that couldn't be wrong.”

Work is going well and Gene likes his new job. When one of the guys asks him about it Gene says that comes the summer heat next year and he'll be one of the happiest guys around. A little later one of the guys approaches him with a problem. It seems that they've hit a snag in the job and now the men want to know what to do. Gene looks at the problem and asks, “Does anybody have any ideas? There's lots of experience in this group so we should work it out together.” About 10 minutes later the group is back at work and the problem has been solved. Gene thinks that being a foreman isn't so bad if you just use common sense in dealing with things. The guys talk during their work and they all seem to agree that life with Gene as their boss is a vast improvement over the last guy.

An agreement was struck between Tito and Stalin to allow the Red Army into Yugoslavia.

Victory Points Allied 41052 Japanese 34583

[tocaff]

I'm back, but to busy to hit the storyline.

September 29, 1944 Morotai

Intel

4th Air Division is located at Malang.
5909 men are based at Niigata.
7214 men are based at Hanoi.
17th Division is located at Nanning.
5th Air Division is located at Manila.
4th Division is located at Davao.
21st AA Regiment is located at Changsha.
Arshan Garrison Regiment is located at Arshaan.
61st Aviation Unit is located at Bangkok.
14th Ind. Brigade is located at Wuhan.
10th Construction Battalion is located at Tsitsihar.
6184 men are based at Taipei.
38th Construction Battalion is located at Toyohara.
Radio transmissions detected at Vancouver.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Saigon 9 X AP, 1 X TK, 1 X DE, 1 LCU 7160/38/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Pisanuloke 4 LCUs 8940/25/0
Catalina I takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 440/1/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Amboina 6 LCUs 21180/57/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Cagayan 2 fighters, 46 bombers, 18 aux, 3 LCUs 28120/206/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 1 X DE, 12 LCUs 24220/88/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wotje 1 LCU

Combat

Nanning was the scene of one of the most lopsided encounters of the entire war as a lone Zeke was dispatched by a 52 X P-38J fighter sweep. Then the arrival of 14 X B-25J and 38 X P-40N made the day a little worse for the Japanese. Flak nailed a bomber and damaged 7 others while the lightly damaged the airfield, caused a couple of secondary explosions and inflicted very light personnel losses. Later, in the afternoon a sweep of 16 X P-40N showed up, but there were no targets.

Tavoy was raided by 39 X B-25J (1 downed, 3 damaged), 2 X Thunderbolt II and 9 X Spitfire VIII. The airfield took moderate damage, there were many secondary explosions and casualties were light.

Bangkok had 41 X Zeke, 5 X George, 11 X Jack and 3 X Frank aloft for the grand introduction of the P-51D Mustang, of which there were 21 on the sweep. A Mustang was lost and 2 were damaged as the Japanese suffered 27 Zekes, 2 Georges, 3 Jacks and 2 Franks being destroyed. This had to be a new low for Japanese aviation.

Krung Thep was bombed by 44 X B-29 (1 damaged), 66 X Liberator VI (3 damaged) and 18 X Thunderbolt II. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were some secondary explosions and troop losses were light. Another 31 X B-29 followed and AA fire damaged 1. They added moderate damage to the airfield, some secondary explosions and very light casualties.
B-29 Superfortress x 31

Lunga was struck by 36 X B-24D for moderate damage to the airstrip, some secondary explosions and extremely light losses.

The IJA 66th Division, on Morotai was attacked by 17 X TBF, 152 X TBM and 65 X F6F. The unit took very light casualties. An attack by 74 X SBD, 90 X SB2C, 76 X TBF, 70 X TBM, 119 X F6F, 129 X FM-2 and 8 X F4F-4 did heavy damage to the airfield, light damage to the port and many secondary explosions were observed. Ground combat saw the Allied troops push the Japanese defenses back a little again today. The cost to both sides was heavy.

6th Chinese Air Base Force was hit by 9 Peggys who missed the mark.

The SS Trout put a fish into the side of an AP that was unescorted 93 miles W of Kendari, doing heavy damage and triggering fires.

Victory Points Allied 41109 Japanese 34701

[tocaff]

September 30, 1944 Morotai

Intel

Hensui Construction Battalion is located at Sasebo.
104th Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
8th Tank Regiment is located at Singapore.
117th Division is located at Tientsin.
Home Defense Force is located at Tokyo.
58th Construction Battalion is located at Takamatsu.
65th Construction Battalion is located at Kagoshima.
8th Area Army is planning for an attack on Eniwetok.
58th Construction Battalion is located at Takamatsu.
4th AA Regiment is located at Toyama.
5th AF Construction Battalion is located at Singapore.
Tsugaru Fortress is located at Aomori.

Recon

F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Luang Prabang 1 LCU 920/1/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Camranh Bay 1 X AP, 1 X AK, 1 X AG, 2 LCUs 6600/81/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Menado vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 3 LCUs 9340/33/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Sansapor vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Cotabato vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Guiuan vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wotje 4 LCUs 120/0/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Majuro vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kendari 9 LCUs 7680/31/0
Catalina I takes recon photos of Kai Island 6 LCUs 840/0/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Paramushiro Jima 7 LCUs 1080/16/0

Combat

Morotai underwent a naval bombardment that inflicted light damage on the port and airstrip along with heavy casualties. The IJA 66th Division was attacked by 17 X TBF, 151 X TBM and 26 X F6F and sustained heavy losses. Another raid on the 66th Division by 86 X PB4Y and 40 X B-24J added heavy casualties. Adding to the mayhem 74 X SBD, 81 X SB2C (1 damaged), 74 X TBF, 76 X TBM, 117 X F6F, 168 X FM-2 and 8 X F4F-4 hit the airstrip for moderate damage, the port for light damage, many secondary explosions and extremely light personnel losses. Another assault saw the Japanese defenses get clobbered as they were pushed further back. The Japanese had very heavy losses and the Allied troops sustained heavy casualties.

Tavoy was raided by 38 X B-25J and 9 X Thunderbolt II. Flak downed a Mitchell and damaged 3 others. The airfield took moderate damage, there were a couple of secondary explosions and personnel losses were negligible. Another attack consisting of 45 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 damaged) and 11 X Thunderbolt II added moderate damage to the airfield, caused another secondary explosions and very light casualties.

Bangkok was swept by 41 X P-38J and 32 X Spitfire VIII. The knifed through the 37 X Zeke, 11 X George, 19 X Jack and 5 X Frank that the Japanese had aloft. The battle witnessed the loss of 3 Lightnings and 6 Spits (2 damaged). The toll for the Japanese was much higher as 31 Zekes, 9 Georges, all of the Jacks and 5 Franks were shot down.

Krung Thep was bombed by 40 X B-29, 46 X Liberator VI (1 damaged) and 9 X Thunderbolt II. The airstrip had heavy damaged, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were heavy. Another attack, this time by 33 X B-29, came in adding moderate damage to the airfield, a secondary explosion and moderately light troop losses.

Truk's port was lightly damaged by 28 X B-29 who also caused a couple of secondary explosions and moderate casualties.

Kwajalein was struck by 34 X PB4Y for light airfield damage, a few secondary explosions and extremely light personnel losses.

The 1st Engineer Regiment, at Dobodura, was jumped by 12 X A-20G, 64 X P-38J and 10 X Spitfire VIII. Both sides escaped harm.

The 5th New Chinese Corps had light losses from 14 X Peggy.

The men of the 1st BAF AA Regiment, 19 miles N of Krung Thep, watched as a snooping Dinah got chased off by the LRCAP of 5 X Thunderbolt II. The plane left a trail of smoke behind it. Another Dinah showed up in the afternoon and the Jugs chase it away too.

The Japanese AK 158 miles NE of Marcus Island was pounded by 26 X SB2C, 18 X TBF and 14 X F6F for 8 bomb hits. The blazing hulk was then left by the planes as they returned to their carrier. It was assumed that the target had been sunk.

Tomorrow the Lucky 11 will be part of a raid on Truk's port. This time they will go in 5000 feet lower than before so they discuss what AA can reach to 10000 feet. “I don't care that they expect this lower altitude to make us more accurate, I care about surviving the mission,” says Donny.

Bill looks at the pile of letters for Sandy and wonders when he'll see her again, if ever.

Elaine and Sandy, though they don't know each other, share the same problem as so many other females at home, no mail for extended periods of time. They try not to worry, but it's impossible.

Slim works his lads on breaking down their MGs and setting them up again. “I know that you guys hate me for this, but it'll save lives. Remember all of those poor guys with rifles count on our firepower to save their bacon,” he says and then tells them to do it again. Gunny watches from a distance and thinks back to when Slim first became a part of the outfit.

Sam has taken to spending time near the airstrip whenever he can. The Sea Bees are a good lot to be friendly with as they always seem to have what you want. Today he bought some beer from them and enjoys the two cans even though they're warm. He sighs and thinks about home and having a cold beer.

Calais fell to Allied troops.

There was rejoicing in Dover at the announcement that the last of the German guns that shelled the SE coast were silenced.

Victory Points Allied 41201 Japanese 34718

[tocaff]

October 1, 1944 Morotai

Intel

Southwest Fleet is located at Singapore.
211845 men are based at Masan.
8170 men are based at Hakodate.
Karafuto Mixed Brigade is located at Shikka.
38th Construction Battalion is located at Toyohara.
65th Construction Battalion is located at Kagoshima.
10th Aviation Rgt is located at Changchun.
25th Air Flotilla is located at Tokyo.
5th Army is located at Tsitsihar.
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment is located at Tsitsihar.
3rd Cavarly Brigade is located at Mishan.
Najin Fortress is located at Changkufeng.

Recon

F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 3 LCUs 12060/30/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Paramushiro Jima 8 bombers, 2 aux, 7 LCUs 8040/54/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wotje 4 LCUs 60/0/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 8 LCUs 16900/100/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Ubon vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Davao 63 fighters, 12 bombers, 62 aux, 12 LCUs 39780/319/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Wewak 1 LCU 640/0/0

Combat

Tavoy was awakened by 42 X B-25J, 9 X Thunderbolt II and 9 X Spitfire VIII but the AA batteries were on alert and damaged 9 of the Mitchells. The airfield was moderately damaged, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were moderate. Before the gun barrels of the AA batteries had cooled another raid appeared which consisted of 51 X B-25J (2 damaged), 44 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 damaged), 10 X Thunderbolt II and 12 X Spitfire VIII. This time damage to the airfield was heavy, there were a couple secondary explosions and troop losses were moderate.

Bangkok was swept by 63 X P-38J, who sliced through the gaggle of Japanese fighters. Of the 16 X Zeke, 4 X George, 6 X Jack and 2 X Frank all but 3 Zekes and 2 Jacks were shot down at the cost of 2 Lightnings destroyed. About an hour later 19 X P-51D came calling only to find a single Zeke in the air. The Japanese plane tried to flee, but was destroyed.

Krung Thep was bombed by 37 X B-29 46 X B-24J (1 damaged), 130 X Liberator VI (2 damaged) and 21 X Thunderbolt II. The airstrip took extremely heavy damage, There were to many secondary explosions to get any kind of count and casualties were heavy. A bombardier from one of the B-29s stated at the debriefing that it looked like the 4th of July. Later 80 X B-29 (1 downed, 3 damaged) added heavy damage to the airfield, many secondary explosions and light personnel losses.

Koepang's port was lightly damaged by 32 X B-24J. There were some secondary explosions reported and casualties were thought to have been extremely light. Another attack was made by 45 X B-24D (2 damaged) and 48 X B-24J (6 damaged) who added very heavy damage to the port, many secondary explosions and light troop losses.

Lautem was the object of attention for 143 X B-25J, 21 X P-40N and 22 X Kittyhawk III who administered light damage to the port and caused a single secondary explosion. Elements of the he IJA 22nd Ind. Mixed Brigade were bombed and strafed by 56 X P-38J for heavy losses.

Truk was raided by 35 X B-29 who lightly damaged the port and inflicted light casualties.

Kwajalein was struck by 33 X PB4Y for a couple of large fuel explosions and a few other secondary explosions.

Gili Gili had moderate port damage and many secondary explosions thanks to 42 X B-24D.

Lunga was bombed by 106 X B-24J for light damage to the airfield and port, a secondary explosion was seen and personnel losses were extremely light.

On Morotai the IJA 66th Division had heavy losses thanks to 17 X TBF, 144 X TBM and 17 X F6F. Then 76 X SBD, 82 X SB2C, 75 X TBF, 78 X TBM, 123 X F6F, 167 X FM-2 and 8 X F4F-4 attacked the port and airstrip. The port was lightly damaged, the airfield heavily, there were some secondary explosions and personnel losses were very light. Another attack pushed the Japanese defenders back some more as the defensive network is starting to crumble. Casualties for both sides were heavy.

On Kai Island he IJA 28th Ind. Mixed Brigade was jumped by 64 X P-38J and 2 X Kittyhawk III. The unit had heavy losses.

5th New Chinese Corps had moderate casualties from 13 X Peggy.

20 miles N of Krung Thep 1st BAF AA Regiment was being snooped on by a couple of Dinahs, but 10 Jugs chased them away, damaging both of the Japanese planes. A short time later the 44th Indian Division was attacked by 3 X Frances, 11 X Peggy and 3 X Jack. The 10 Thunderbolt IIs were still on the job and they tried to attack the Japanese planes as they departed. A Jug was damaged and the LCU took moderate losses.

The PT-46, near Rangoon, was attacked by 3 X Frances who were greeted by 3 X P-51D, 18 X P-47D, 9 X Thunderbolt II and 3 X Spitfire VIII who promptly ended the careers of all three Japanese crews. Another raid was made by 3 X Frances and the CAP destroyed all of them too.

The Japanese AP 137 miles N of Marcus Island was attacked by 24 X SB2C, 18 X TBF and 14 X F6F who administered 6 bomb and 2 torpedo hits, dooming the vessel.

The SS Rock, on patrol 89 miles E of Teloekbetoeng, spotted and attacked 2 AKs being escorted by 2 MSWs. She hit 1 of the AKs with a fish, starting fires.

Another mission was completed by the 500th VHBG, but the Lucky 11 had to abort because two of the engines quit. The big bird can fly on 2 motors, but can't maintain the speed needed to keep formation. The men are unhappy because this means that they haven't moved closer to their rotation home.

The CL Helena continues to cruise close to Morotai as part of a CVTF. As usual Bill takes comfort from the Hellcats on patrol overhead. They are joined by Wildcats too as the CVEs are very busy also. He rarely knows much about what is going on, but in his little corner of the war he is lord and master of one of the finest cruisers in the USN, or so he thinks. His crew goes about their business and he hasn't heard about any disciplinary problems lately.

The Palawan continues her steady course to Morotai. Red listens to the radio and from what he pieces together it seems like there is heavy fighting going on at their destination. He relates this to Cookie over some food and expresses his misgivings about going into an area that is “hot.”

Monte Battaglia, in the Gothic Line, was taken by the US 5th Army after a 5 day battle.

The Red Army crossed the Danube into Yugoslavia.

A secret Hungarian delegation arrived in Moscow to sign a truce.

Victory Points Allied 41258 Japanese 34735

[tocaff]

Happy Thanksgiving.

October 2, 1944 Morotai

Intel

38th Construction Battalion is located at Toyohara.
Tokyo Bay Fortress is located at Tokyo.
Hainan Base Force is located at Kiungahan.
12th AA Regiment is located at Peking.
1st Army is located at Sian.
Kaosing Fortress is located at Takao.
51st Division is located at Wuchow.
6 men are based at Pagan.
9th Ind. Mixed Regiment is planning for an attack on Wake Island.
104th IJN Base Force is located at Osumi.
8th Tank Regiment is located at Singapore.
Radio transmissions detected at Vancouver.

Recon

F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Hanoi 9 bombers, 2 aux, 3 LCUs 4500/16/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Georgetown 5 LCUs 6800/5/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Davao 76 fighters, 16 bombers, 85 aux, 14 LCUs 55600/422/1
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wotje 3 LCUs
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Hansa vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 30540/156/5
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Gasmata 3 LCUs
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Paramushiro Jima 6 LCUs 8000/72/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Majuro vacant

Combat

Tavoy was raided by 48 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 damaged), 3 X Thunderbolt II and 8 X Spitfire VIII who managed to do moderate damage to the airfield, cause a couple of secondary explosions and inflict negligible casualties.

Krung Thep was bombed by 43 X B-24J, 95 X Liberator VI (3 damaged) and 11 X Thunderbolt II for heavy damage to the airfield, a couple of secondary explosions were reported and heavy troop losses.

Truk was hammered by 90 X B-29 as it's airfield was moderately damaged, the port took moderate damage, a fuel tank erupted in flames, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were moderate.

Kwajalein was targeted by 38 X PB4Y for moderate airstrip damage and a secondary explosion was seen.

Rabaul was visited by 47 X B-17E, 27 X B-24D and 48 X B-24J. The airfield was moderately damaged, as was the port, there were some secondary explosions and personnel losses were placed at moderate.

Lunga was tagged for light damage to it's port, a couple of secondary explosions and negligible casualties by 42 X B-24D.

The 1st Engineer Regiment at Dobodura was attacked by 9 X A-20G, 64 X P-38J and 10 X Spitfire VIII. The planes were wide of the mark as the Japanese were hiding in the dense foliage.

On Morotai the IJA 66th Division was dumped on by 17 X TBF, 152 X TBM and 17 X F6F Hellcat for heavy losses. Another strike on the 66th was made by 27 X B-24J for moderate casualties. Next up was an attack by the USN as waves of planes arrived. A total of 76 X SBD, 82 X SB2C, 75 X TBF, 78 X TBM, 124 X F6F, 171 X FM-2 and 8 X F4F-4 Wildcat did moderately heavy damage to the airstrip, light damage to the port, some secondary explosions were claimed and troop losses were negligible. The Allied troops once again assaulted the Japanese positions and with both sides having heavy casualties the Americans now hold the base facilities with the Japanese retreating for a final stand.

2 X Dinah were peeking at the 1st BAF AA Regiment, 21 miles N of Krung Thep when 9 X Thunderbolt II appeared and drove them off. Nearby the 44th Indian Division was attacked by 3 X Frances, 15 X Peggy and 5 X Jack. The Thunderbolts attacked them damaging a Frances, downing 7 Peggys (1 damaged) and killing 2 Jacks. A Jug was damaged and the 44th escaped unscathed.

Marcus Island was an ugly picture for the USN as 25 X SB2C arrived without their fighter cover and were met by 9 X Zeke. The resulting running battle saw 10 dive bombers shot down and 5 damaged as they braved the Japanese planes and AA fire. A Zeke took damage, very light damage was done to the airstrip, a Frances was destroyed and the personnel losses were negligible.

Warsaw fell after a 63 day siege. The Germans treated prisoners as POWs.

Victory Points Allied 41314 Japanese 34755

[tocaff]

October 3, 1944 Tori Shima

Intel

26920 men are based at Bonin.
41st Heavy AA Battalion is located at Harbin.
46th Division is planning for an attack on Eniwetok.
60th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Kadina.
274677 men are based at Kagoshima.
5812 men are based at Aomori.
227049 men are based at Ominato.
24th AA Regiment is located at Nagasaki.
Ankei SNLF is located at Changsha.
57th Division is located at Arshaan.
252327 men are based at Sasebo.
124753 men are based at Bangkok.
41st AA Regiment is located at Changchun.
91st Division is located at Sapporo.
15th Army is located at Pisanuloke.
50th Construction Battalion is located at Kyoto.

Recon

F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Bandou vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Taiping vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Amboina 6 LCUs 19880/69/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dili 1 LCU
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Siador vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 29740/99/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Menado vacant
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Paramushiro Jima 5 LCUs 9940/81/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Salamaua vacant

Combat

An Ann attacked the SS Searaven 80 miles SE of Singapore and the sub reported in that it was hit. It was subsequently reported that the bomb was a dud and that she will continue with her patrol only having a dent in the vents.

Nanning was swept by 52 X P-38J and the Japanese had 3 Zekes and a Tony in the air. All of the Japanese planes were shot down with no Allied losses.

Tavoy was raided by 44 X Mosquito FB.VI (2 damaged), 9 X Thunderbolt II and 12 X Spitfire VIII who inflicted moderate damage on the airfield and a secondary explosion.

Bangkok was swept by 21 X P-51D and the Japanese threw 23 X Zeke, 7 X George, 15 X Jack and 6 X Frank at them. 11 Zekes, 5 Georges, 3 Jacks and 4 Franks were destroyed at the cost of 2 Mustangs lost. In the afternoon 56 X P-38J swept in in the unsuspecting Japanese CAP of 13 X Zeke, 6 X George, 8 X Jack and a Frank. The fight was on and the Japanese lost 11 Zekes, all of the Georges, 6 Jacks and the Frank while the Allies had 5 Lightnings downed and 2 damaged.

Krung Thep was bombed by 98 X Liberator VI (1 damaged), 38 X B-24J (1 damaged), 57 X B-25J (3 damaged) and 21 X Thunderbolt II. The airstrip was very heavily damaged, there were an extremely high number of secondary explosions and casualties were heavy.

Truk was struck by 41 X B-29 for heavy port damage, a fuel tank went up like a roman candle, a secondary explosion was noted and personnel losses were moderate.

The stuck and starving 5th New Chinese Corps had moderate casualties from an attack made by 14 X Peggy.

Marcus Island was attacked by 16 X SB2C (5 downed, 6 damaged), 18 X TBF (8 damaged) and 14 X F6F (1 damaged). The CAP of 15 X Zeke tried to intercept the raiders, but the Hellcats fended them off, destroying 3 Zekes. The flak was intense and accurate, causing all of the bombs to miss their targets.

At Morotai an Allied attack compressed the Japanese held pocket as both sides had heavy losses.

Sam stares at yet another passing Japanese plane and he wonders when they will get around to trying to retake the rock he now resides on. What he doesn't know is that the USN has constantly maintained a CVTF on patrol in the waters off of Tori Shima along with a substantial sub picket line.

Gil writes to Elaine telling her what a great bunch of guys make up the Lucky 11. He also happens to mention how much he misses her. He asks if she might be interested in going to Brooklyn after the war and meeting his family.

As the Palawan plods along towards her destination Red continues to monitor the radio. He informs the guys that Allied troops have taken the base where they're headed, but the Japanese are still fighting. Cookie wonders aloud why the Japanese don't throw in the towel and negotiate an end to the war. “All this needless killing. Don't the Germans and Japanese see the writing on the wall? What's the point of continuing the slaughter when all you're doing is getting your teeth kicked in?”

Victory Points Allied 41395 Japanese 34774

[tocaff]

October 4, 1944 Menado

Intel

Kembu Force is located at Kadina.
7th Engineer Regiment is located at Mishan.
7th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Hailar.
49th Construction Battalion is located at Hailar.
102nd Division is located at Cotabato.
8895 men are based at Mukden.
96 aircraft are based at Hailar.
1st Guards Division is located at Tokyo.
104th IJA Base Force is located at Fushan.
27063 men are based at Hamamatsu.
1st Reserve Tank Regiment is located at Kitakyushu.
4th Engineer Regiment is planning for an attack on Darwin.
3rd Hvy Field Artillery Regiment is located at Davao.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Amboina 6 LCUs 20920/58/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dili 1 LCU 1440/2/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Sarmi vacant
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Paramushiro Jima 8 LCUs 13940/118/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wotje 3 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Majuro vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Finschafen vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 37140/161/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 6 LCUs 1200/0/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 2 LCUs 6060/31/0

Combat

Allied troops were unloading over beach at Menado and took very heavy casualties.

Ichang was swept by 47 X P-38J who dove into a gaggle of Japanese fighters made up of 20 X George, 18 X Jack, 34 X Tojo, 17 X Nick and 15 X Tony. The Lightnings lost 6 aircraft and had 5 more took some damage while they shot down 2 Georges, 6 Jacks, 19 Tojos, 15 Nicks and 7 Tonys.

Tavoy was raided by 48 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 damaged), 9 X Thunderbolt II and 11 X Spitfire VIII who managed to do moderate damage to the airfield, a secondary explosion was seen and personnel losses were negligible. Shortly thereafter 29 X B-29 (2 damaged) added moderate damage to the airstrip, a couple of secondary explosions and light casualties.

Bangkok underwent a fighter sweep made by 51 X P-38J who met 15 X Zeke, a George, 17 X Jack and 3 X Frank. The Japanese lost 13 Zekes, the George, 6 Jacks and all of the Franks while they bagged 4 Lightnings.

Krung Thep was bombed by 42 X B-29, 96 X Liberator VI (4 damaged), 32 X B-24J (1 damaged), 51 X B-25J (2 damaged) and 12 X Thunderbolt II. There was extremely heavy damage done to the airfield, a huge number of secondary explosions were observed and troop losses were placed at moderate.

Lunga was attacked by 54 X B-24J who targeted the airstrip for moderate damage. They caused some secondary explosions and casualties were thought to have been light.

At Dobodura the 1st Engineer Regiment was bombed and strafed by 9 X A-20G, 64 X P-38J and 9 X Spitfire VIII. Once more the jungle canopy provided the Japanese with all of the cover they needed to escape unharmed.

On Morotai an Allied artillery bombardment inflicted moderate losses on the Japanese.

Red looks at a chart and points to Morotai and tells Cookie, “That's where our convoy is heading. That's about as far forward as we can get and I wish that the Navy would send some planes here to protect us.”

Bill scans the horizon and knows that the USN has a huge concentration of force here, but thoughts of the suicide attacks make him uneasy anyway. Carriers should be untethered to go about striking the enemy, not trying to protect convoys and building bases.

“So that about sums things up. We're poised for phase 2 of the big push, we're intercepting the attempts both air and sea to resupply Paramushiro Jima and the IJN's subs seem to continue to busily try to extract cut off LCUs.” FDR thanks the major and the room clears.

Yesterday a 60 hour long truce began at Dunkirk to allow civilians to evacuate.

The American 3rd Army continues it's attack on Fort Driant at Metz. The attacks will last for 10 days.

The British launched Operation Manna and intervened in Greece.

The Russians are now within 10 miles of Belgrade.

Victory Points Allied 41497 Japanese 34691

[tocaff]

October 5, 1944 Menado

Intel

37052 men are based at Chiamussu.
11th Tank Regiment is located at Mishan.
12th Ind. Mixed Regiment is located at Paramushiro Jima.
Radio transmissions detected at Shikka.
Radio transmissions detected at 46,68.
100 aircraft are based at Mutanchiang.
Radio transmissions detected at Tokyo.
Radio transmissions detected at Sian.
5917 men are based at Niigata.
11th AA Regiment is located at Osaka/Kobe.
1st Reserve AA Regiment is located at Kyoto.
10th Special Base Force is located at Kendari.
54th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Mutanchiang.
Radio transmissions detected at Clark Field.
57th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Kanazawa.
105th IJA Base Force is located at Mukden.
North China Area Army is located at Nanning.
3rd Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
4 men are based at Pagan.
6th Field Artillery Regiment is planning for an attack on Chungking.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Amboina 6 LCUs 21040/59/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Paramushiro Jima 8 LCUs 13980/114/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wotje 3 LCUs
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Dobodura 13 LCUs 14540/0/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 6 LCUs 2060/0/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Luang Prabang 1 LCU 660/4/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Pisanuloke 4 LCUs 5500/11/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wewak 1 LCU 540/0/0

Combat

Allied troops continued with their unloading over beach at Menado, suffering heavy casualties. An Allied attack captured Menado.

Ichang was swept by 61 X P-40N and the Japanese greeted them with 15 X George, 9 X Jack, 19 X Tojo, 10 X Nick and 9 X Tony. The Chinese got the short end of the stick as 31 P-40Ns were shot down and the Japanese lost a George (1 damaged), a Jack, 8 Tojos, 6 Nicks and 2 Tonys.

Tavoy was hit by 45 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 destroyed) and 11 X Spitfire VIII for moderate damage to the airfield, a couple of secondary explosions and very light personnel losses.

Bangkok was swept by 54 X P-38J who knifed through the Japanese planes that they found. Out of 15 X Zeke, 4 X George, 11 X Jack and 2 X Frank 10 Zekes, all of the Georges, 3 Jacks (1 damaged) and both Franks were destroyed at a cost of a Lightning downed and another damaged.

Krung Thep was bombed by 38 X B-29 (3 damaged), 60 X Liberator VI (4 damaged) and 23 X Thunderbolt II. The airstrip was heavily damaged, there were some secondary explosions and casualties were moderate. This was immediately followed by 39 X B-29, 2 of which were damaged by the AA fire. They added moderately heavy damage to the airfield, caused a secondary explosion and there were negligible troop losses.

Lunga's port was lightly damaged and there was a secondary explosion care of 24 X B-24J.

The 62nd Naval Guard Unit at Dobodura was pounced on by 12 X A-20G,63 X P-38J and 10 X Spitfire VIII and the unit sustained negligible losses.

The 5th New Chinese Corps was struck by 14 X Peggy for negligible casualties.

Morotai witnessed an Allied artillery bombardment of the Japanese positions, resulting in very light Japanese losses.

The Palawan lies off of Morotai awaiting her turn to unload. Red watches planes roaring overhead in a steady stream and hears the rumble of artillery. He's glad that he's where he is and some of the crew concur with that opinion.

The Flying Deuces Flew into Menado and Stick remained behind at Palau with a plane that wouldn't start and when it finally did the engine ran very roughly. He'll follow soon enough, but this is just another in a long line of things that he views as proving that he's cursed. “If you were cursed you'd be dead by now,” said a mechanic who came to take the plane to be worked on.

Sam leads a patrol along the coast wondering what the IJN would look like plastering his squad out in the open. An observation plane flies over them and the guys give it the finger, since there's nothing else they can do. These Japanese recon flights are bad for morale thinks Sam when suddenly a pair of Mustangs dive on the Japanese plane. The 3 of them disappear from sight quickly and Sam gets a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing that the Army Air Corps is on the job today.

Canadian troops entered Holland.

Victory Points Allied 41562 Japanese 34715

[tocaff]

October 6, 1944 New York

Intel

2nd Aviation Rgt is located at Mutanchiang.
61st Division is located at Tokyo.
136th IJN Base Force is located at Marcus Island.
59 ships are based at Sasebo.
64th Construction Battalion is located at Nagasaki.
1st Heavy AA Battalion is located at Tokyo.
28th Army is located at Bangkok.
278587 men are based at Changkufeng.
86658 men are based at Camranh Bay.
4th Mortar Battalion is planning for an attack on Kweiyang.
6th Construction Battalion is located at Tsitsihar.
1st Guards Division is located at Tokyo.
5112 men are based at Wonsan.
1st Reserve Tank Regiment is located at Kitakyushu.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kendari 1 X DE, 2 X APD, 1 X AK, 38 bombers, 4 aux, 9 LCUs 31300/183/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dili 2 LCUs 3520/1/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wotje vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Lae 1 LCU 1520/0/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 6 LCUs 4980/31/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Nanning 26 bombers, 10 aux, 32 LCUs
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 5 bombers, 20 aux, 8 LCUs 11820/65/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Gasmata 3 LCUs

Combat

2 IJN DDs encountered a mine field at Teloekbetoeng.

Tavoy was attacked by 3 X Mosquito FB.VI and 9 X Spitfire VIII. The rest of the strike must've gotten lost in the bad weather as they didn't arrive. The damage done to the airfield was extremely light and the casualties were very light.

Bangkok hosted a fighter sweep made by 24 X P-51D who swept through the 12 X Zeke, 4 X George, 11 X Jack and 2 X Frank. 9 Zekes, 2 Georges, 2 Jacks and both Franks were shot down while 2 Mustangs were lost. Not long after the Japanese planes reassembled 32 X Thunderbolt II tore into them. 6 X Zeke, 4 X George, 13 X Jack and a Frank were engaged and the Japanese lost 5 Zekes, 2 Georges, 6 Jacks and the Frank. A Jug went down and another was damaged.

Krung Thep was bombed by 95 X Liberator VI (1 damaged), 33 X B-24J (1 damaged), 52 X B-25J (2 damaged) and 11 X Thunderbolt II. The airstrip took heavy damage, there were a great many secondary explosions and casualties were moderate.

On Morotai the IJA 66th Division was struck by 27 X B-24J for moderate losses. The Allied artillery was ineffective today.

The 5th New Chinese Corps had light casualties from 14 X Peggy.

The Allied TF 21 miles E of Rangoon was attacked by 20 X Betty and 3 X Frances. The were roughly handled by the CAP of 20 X Hellcat II and 12 X Corsair IV. 1 Betty survived to harmlessly launch a fish and then run for home as all of the other Japanese planes were splashed. 7 Hellcat IIs were damaged and a Corsair IV was downed (6 damaged).

Stick made the flight to rejoin the Flying Deuces and was extremely proud of himself that his navigation got him there safely. Of course riding the beam and radio communication didn't hurt, but he'll still brag about his navigational skills. The guys tell him that it's the same old routine of CAPs and that no Japanese planes are expected now that Stick has arrived.

Truk again tomorrow. The Lucky 11 quietly go about their routines thinking of another impending mission. They write letters and quietly think of home. “Maybe our engines will quit again,” says Brownie. Gel tells him that there's no chance of that as the mechanics have assured him that the problems are a thing of the past. “So I suppose that Gil will get his nap and I'll sit in my lonely little world and try to stay awake then,” Brownie says referring to his position as tail gunner.

The Palawan rests at it's destination and still Cookie scans the sky for some friendly planes, but it's empty. “I can't believe that there haven't been any of our planes up to protect us,” he says. What he doesn't know is that Corsairs are flying out of the airstrip and covering the approaches from where the Japanese are. “Why aren't there fighters flying cover for us?” he laments.

Gene leaves his boss' office pleased at the praise that was heaped upon him. He modestly said in reply that it's the guys who have done all of the work and that he just sees to it that they get what they need. Gene's crew is a happy crew and as a result they are getting more done. They don't have a boss that they have to argue with just to get things anymore. When he gets back to his guys he tells them that they got a “well done.” “So boss, you can take us out for a beer later to celebrate,” one of the guys says and later Gene delivers.

The Red Army throws 64 divisions, 750 tanks and 1,100 planes at the Germans starting the destruction of Army Group Center.

Victory Points Allied 41629 Japanese 34722

[tocaff]

October 7, 1944 Morotai

Intel

13th Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
130th IJA Base Force is planning for an attack on Derby.
Yosu Fortress is located at Masan.
3rd Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
Kwantung Defense Brigade is located at Changchun.
39th Road Construction Battalion is located at Manila.
2937 men are based at Nagato.
13971 men are based at Palau.
Hiroshima Base Force is located at Hiroshima/Kure.
5th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Harbin.
11th Ind. Brigade is located at Ichang.
Radio transmissions detected at Eniwetok.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Wuchow 2 LCUs 8280/133/1
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Siemrem Reap vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Jesselton vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kendari 8 X DE, 2 X APD, 3 X AK, 44 bombers, 3 aux, 9 LCUs 32060/198/3
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dili 2 LCUs 4320/0/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dobodura 13 LCUs 14000/0/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rabaul 14 LCUs 42140/144/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tulagi 4 LCUs 2780/0/0

Combat

Tavoy's day began with the appearance of 42 X Mosquito FB.VI (2 damaged) and 2 X Thunderbolt II who caused light damage to the airfield, a couple of secondary explosions and light casualties.

Bangkok was swept by 32 X Thunderbolt II who found 13 X Zeke, 3 X George, 20 X Jack and a Frank up. The Jugs slashed into the loose Japanese formations and shot down 7 Zekes, 4 Jacks and the Frank at no cost to themselves.

Krung Thep was attacked by 11 X B-25J (3 damaged) and 2 X Spitfire VIII. They did extremely light damage to the airstrip and inflicted very light personnel losses. Then 88 X Liberator VI (2 damaged), 27 X B-24J (1 damaged) and 35 X Thunderbolt II roared in and added heavy damage to the airfield, triggered some secondary explosions and inflicted moderate casualties.

Truk was bombed by 75 X B-29 for moderate airfield and port damage, a secondary explosion was seen and troop losses were moderate.

Lunga was raided by 9 X B-24J who dropped their bombs off target due to overcast skies.

The 5th New Chinese Corps watched as 12 X Peggy dropped bombs on already destroyed garbage.

The Allied troops on Morotai squeezed the Japanese into a tighter pocket as both sides had heavy losses.

Stick is excited at the prospects of combat from this forward basing. He's flown 58 missions and has only once been engaged in air to aid combat, though he kept his position as wing man and never fired a shot. Now he's got somebody on his wing and he intends to rectify what he believes is an embarrassment. He also doesn't admit to it, but the ribbing that he gets from the other guys does get to him.

Red and Cookie watch as the Palawan's crew wrestles with the cargo to unload the ship and Red mentions how he doesn't miss doing that. Cookie mentions the broken bone and they laugh as Cookies tosses Lucky a piece of meat. The dog gulps it down and sits waiting for more, drooling all over his chest and the deck.

The mission went well enough, though the accuracy of the bombing was less than hoped for. Gil figures that the target was hit and they'll continue going back to Truk or somewhere else until the war is over so it doesn't matter. Gil only worries about his job and getting back to Guam safely. He wants to survive the war.

The Germans retreated under heavy pressure to N Norway.

Crematory IV was destroyed in a revolt at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Victory Points Allied 41678 Japanese 34733

[tocaff]

October 8, 1944 Ulithi

Intel

1812 men are based at Seoul.
252584 men are based at Maizuru.
67th Construction Battalion is located at Toyama.
22nd Heavy AA Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
23rd Mixed Brigade is located at Lunga.
111th Division is located at Mutanchiang.
1744 men are based at Fushan.
227893 men are based at Ominato.
22nd Heavy AA Battalion is located at Changsha.
10th Hvy Gun Regiment is located at Tsitsihar.
8th Hvy Field Artillery Regiment is planning for an attack on Broome.
2749 men are based at Toyama.
8158 men are based at Hakodate.
278590 men are based at Changkufeng.
26912 men are based at Bonin.
54th Division is located at Kagoshima.
Hensui Construction Battalion is located at Sasebo.

Recon

F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Tarakan 2 LCUs 4840/44/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Balikpapan 2 LCUs
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dili 3 LCUs 4080/1/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Tawi Tawi vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Kwajalein 8 LCUs 4600/23/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Majuro vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Salamaua vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 46060/281/8
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rabaul 14 LCUs 51480/186/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Munda vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 2 LCUs 6320/19/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kendari 1 X DE, 1 X APD, 38 fighters, 43 Bombers, 31 aux, 8 LCUs 29480/161/0

Combat

24 X P-51D swept Victoria Point but they went unchallenged.

Tavoy underwent a raid made by 43 X Mosquito FB.VI (4 damaged) and 12 X Spitfire VIII. Moderate damage was done to the airfield, a secondary explosion was seen and casualties were negligible.

Bangkok was swept by 55 X P-38J. The Japanese had 14 X Zeke, 9 X George, 21 X Jack and a Frank aloft so the battle was joined. 12 Zekes, 9 Georges, 4 Jacks and the Frank were shot down while the Allies lost 4 Lightnings and had another damaged.

Krung Thep was bombed by 45 X B-29 (2 damaged), 71 X Liberator VI, 54 X B-25J and 26 X Thunderbolt II. The airstrip sustained very heavy damage, there were a very large number of secondary explosions and personnel losses were heavy. In the late morning 139 X B-29 arrived and the AA fire brought 1 down and damaged 9 others. The airfield took additional heavy damage, many more secondary explosions and moderate casualties.

At Dobodura the 1st Engineer Regiment was attacked by 9 X A-20G, 64 X P-38J and 10 X Spitfire VIII in yet another futile attempt to hurt the Japanese.

More combat at Morotai saw both sides suffer heavily, but little gain was made by the Allied attackers.

Stick flew a CAP mission in the morning and then was on standby in the afternoon so he just listened to Tokyo Rose on the radio and dozed at the airstrip. He never thought going to war would be like this. He still loves to fly and adores his Corsair, but the boredom is mind numbing.

Supplies continue to flow ashore and Cookie is sweating bullets over a hot galley stove preparing another in an endless stream of meals for the crew. At least they aren't to hard to please. Lucky is lying there watching him in anticipation of getting something to eat and Cookie tosses him some of the scraps of meat that were bound for the garbage. “You're a walking, 4 legged garbage can,” he laughs as the dog makes short work of the offering and is now looking for more. “Yep, a regular bottomless pit.”

The 2nd Marine Division still has no movement orders, but Gunny has his lads ready for anything. Slim's squad has managed to obtain new gun barrels for their machine guns which please Slim to no end. He tells the lads that, “If every Marine is a rifleman then you are worth 10 each with your toys.” Nearby a mortar section is arguing about some lost beer and Slim's charges just smile at each other.

The US 9th Army reached Aachen on the German border.

Victory Points Allied 41721 Japanese 34849

[tocaff]

October 9, 1944 Tori Shima

Intel

33rd Army is located at Bangkok.
29129 men are based at Shimuzu.
3rd AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
7th Mixed Brigade is located at Mutanchiang.
51st Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Naha.
37089 men are based at Chiamussu.
194223 men are based at Truk.
11th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Osaka/Kobe.
1745 men are based at Fushan.
6903 men are based at Inch'on.
19th Division is located at Mishan.
19th Engineer Regiment is located at Ichang.
Radio transmissions detected at Vancouver.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Samarinda vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Amboina 6 LCUs 22340/63/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Jolo vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Kwajalein 1 X SS, 8 LCUs 30860/98/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Kavieng vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Russell Islands vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 2 LCUs 6500/26/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Lautem 1 LCU 620/0/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Davao 14 LCUs 12220/58/0

Combat

33 miles E of Batavia the SS Rock located an AP being escorted by a single PG. She stalked her prey and hit the AP with a torpedo, causing fires.

The SS Parche, 91 miles N of Muntok, found a TK under escort by 5 MSWs and a DD. The sub worked it's way into position, fired a spread and hit her target with 2 fish. The TK suffered heavy damage and was burning.

Truk was bombed by 89 X B-29 for very heavy port damage, a large number of secondary explosions were seen, 1 of which was an exploding fuel tank and casualties were moderate.

Kwajalein was raided by 36 X PB4Y and though no facilities were damaged there were some secondary explosions, 2 of which were fuel fires.

Rabaul was pounded by 45 X B-17E, 46 X B-24D and 43 X B-24J. The airfield took moderately heavy damage, the port was hit heavily, there were a large number of secondary explosions claimed and personnel losses were heavy.

Lunga was attacked by 57 X B-24J and the port received moderately heavy damage and a secondary explosion was reported.

At Buna the 1st Engineer Regiment was targeted by 9 X A-20G, 63 X P-38J and 10 X Spitfire VIII, but once again the jungle canopy protected the Japanese from the planes.

The 5th New Chinese Corps was jumped by 12 X Peggy, but had no losses.

21 Miles N of Krung Thep the 1st BAF AA Regiment was being snooped on by a Dinah when 7 X Thunderbolt II arrived and chased the Japanese plane away.
Japanese aircraft

The IJA 16th Mixed Brigade on Kai Island was attacked by 125 X B-25J, 71 X P-38J and 10 X Kittyhawk III. The unit sustained extremely heavy casualties.

Near Ruteng a Japanese AK was attacked by the SS Trout. A torpedo struck home causing heavy damage and fires.

On Morotai another Allied ground assault squeezed the Japanese perimeter a bit more. Both sides had heavy losses.

“Again? So soon? Damn!” These were the comments by the Lucky 11 at the news of another attack on Truk tomorrow morning. Gil finds it a little difficult to get some sleep, but finally manages to konk out.

The Palawan continues to unload at Morotai. Red gets the OK to send a message of a private nature through the company's Honolulu office to the lawyer.

Sam's squad has become a poverty stricken outfit after a visit with some Sea Bees. It seems that those guys make just about anything you can think of and then sell it or trade for souvenirs. Between the bartering, buying and gambling the guys return to their area with next to nothing in the way of cash, not that they can go anywhere except the Sea Bees to spend it. Sam carries a small sack with cans of warm beer and passes them around after everybody gets settled in.

Victory Points Allied 41739 Japanese 34862

[tocaff]

October 10, 1944 Washington DC

Intel

50948 men are based at Kadina.
6th Ind. Brigade is located at Sian.
117th Division is located at Tientsin.
25th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Palembang.
26918 men are based at Bonin.
27th Air Flotilla is located at Toyohara.
23rd Army is planning for an attack on Kweiyang.
13978 men are based at Palau.
29th Division is located at Tsitsihar.
Radio transmissions detected at Mutanchiang.
13th Army is planning for an attack on Chungking.
Maizuru Base Force is located at Maizuru.
44th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Soerabaja.
108th Division is located at Harbin.
87429 men are based at Hailar.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Canton 19 bombers, 1 aux, 1 LCU
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Luang Prabang 1 LCU 560/3/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 2 LCUs 7100/33/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 3 LCUs 8200/19/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 1 X AP, 11 LCUs 14880/48/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Ponape 1 LCU
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Salamaua vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Tassafaronga vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Sandakan vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Kavieng vacant

Combat

Ichang underwent a fighter sweep made by 68 X P-38J. The Allied fighters found 18 X George, 15 X Jack, 22 X Tojo, 15 X Nick and 12 X Tony aloft and the battle was joined. Planes were exploding all over the skies and by the time the Allied planes departed they had decimated the Japanese by shooting down a George (1 damaged), 6 Jacks (3 damaged), 20 Tojos, 10 Nicks and 10 Tonys. The cost was 5 Lightnings lost and 2 others took damage.

Tavoy was raided by 43 X Mosquito FB.VI, 3 X Thunderbolt II and 9 X Spitfire VIII. The airfield was moderately damaged, there were a few secondary explosions and casualties were light.

Bangkok was swept by 54 X P-38J who tore into the gaggle of 16 X Zeke, 5 X George, 28 X Jack and a Frank. The Japanese offered futile resistance as they shot down a Lightning and damaged 2 others while they lost 12 Zekes, all of the Georges, 16 Jacks and the Frank. At the debriefing more than one of the Allied pilots wondered aloud at why the Japanese continue to offer themselves up for the slaughter.

Krung Thep was struck by 35 X B-25J and 10 X Spitfire VIII who caused light damage to the airstrip, a couple of secondary explosions and moderate personnel losses. Then suddenly more Allied planes arrived. The 45 X B-29, 128 X Liberator VI (4 damaged), 31 X B-24J, 59 X B-25J (1 damaged) and 12 X Thunderbolt II went about their deadly work with little resistance as they inflicted very heavy damage on the airfield, a huge number of secondary explosions were erupting all over the place and casualties were heavy.

Truk was struck by 85 X B-29 who did moderately heavy damage to the airstrip, moderate damage to the port, some secondary explosions were reported and troop losses were thought to have been moderate.

Kwajalein suffered light port damage from 28 X PB4Y.

The 5th New Chinese Corps, still frozen in place and to stubborn to die, was attacked by 11 X Peggy. Casualties were light.

The SS S-27, 17 miles S of Labao, spotted an lone AP so she made a surface attack that left the target heavily damaged and burning from 4 shell hits and a torpedo also struck home.

Allied artillery expended ammo, time and effort against the Japanese still left on Morotai futilely.

“The next step is Mindanao. Recon flights and radio intercepts indicate that the Japanese have no great strength there. It is believed that we can take Dadjangas as a feint and Cotabato with the main landings. It has been projected that a force of 3 divisions and 1 or 2 RCTs along with armor and combat engineers should be enough to get the job done. Of course reserves will be available if needed. These reserves figure to be anywhere from 5 to 8 divisions of infantry, many armored formations and artillery units. We don't want to use these reserves as they will spearhead future ops.” The colonel pauses, drinking from a glass of water, excuses himself and then continues. “The islands of Guadalcanal and Tulagi are to be taken along with various other small, undefended spots in the area before moving these troops into more important regions. The island of Kwajalein is being eyeballed, though a good case has been made to just leave it withering on the vine.” After fielding questions and deferring to other officers the colonel takes his leave. Once the meeting has broken up FDR moves to the Oval Office and is joined there by General Marshall and Admiral King. They discuss the British and the stalemate in Burma, deciding that the Brits will be getting no additional help of any substance for now. The talk turns to China and they agree that something should be done to shake things up there. They decide that the various options will get further study. Then they talk about the Soviet friends and what they can expect of them in 1945.

The US commander issued a surrender ultimatum to the Germans at Aachen. It was rejected.

Canadian troops entered Breskens Pocket along the Scheldt with amphibians.

The British took Corinth.

The Russians reached the Baltic at Memel. Army Group North (26 divisions) is now cut off and will remain so for the duration of the war.

The German Army put down a rebellion against the Tiso government in Slovakia.

Victory Points Allied 41835 Japanese 34880

[tocaff]

October 11, 1944 Bangkok

Intel

15937 men are based at Nagaoka.
38th Construction Battalion is located at Toyohara.
61st Division is located at Tokyo.
58th Construction Battalion is located at Takamatsu.
1st Mortar Battalion is located at Nanning.
11th Ind. Brigade is located at Ichang.
51st Division is located at Wuchow.
53rd Division is located at Osaka/Kobe.
Najin Fortress is located at Changkufeng.
23rd Division is located at Tsitsihar.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Osaka/Kobe 4 X AP, 2 X AK, 10 LCUs 6120/123/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 2 LCUs 7620/22/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Waingapu vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Maumere 1 X AK
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 1 X AP, 23 fighters, 24 aux, 12 LCUs 28380/95/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Kusaie Island vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Kavieng vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 5 LCUs 5280/47/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Tokyo many AGs, 26 LCUs
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Hong Kong 1 X AP, 1 LCU 1860/12/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Pisanuloke 4 LCUs 6260/16/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Davao 13 LCUs 6600/36/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Legaspi 9 X AK, 3 LCUs 8460/91/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Wewak 1 LCU 620/0/0

Combat

RN DDs conducted an unsuccessful ASW attack about 81 miles W of Rangoon on an IJN sub. They did manage to drive it off, thus preventing an attack being made though.

Tavoy was attacked by 43 X Mosquito FB.VI (1 downed, 2 damaged), 53 X B-25J (4 damaged), 12 X Thunderbolt II and 11 X Spitfire VIII who caused heavy damage to the airfield, some secondary explosions and moderate personnel losses. About an hour later 127 X B-29 arrived and added very heavy damage to the airstrip, some secondary explosions and moderate casualties. The AA fire claimed a big bird and damaged 4 others.

Bangkok was swept by 55 X P-38J. They spotted and attacked 15 X Zeke, 4 X George, 17 X Jack, and 2 X Frank, who fought for their lives. The Japanese shot down 6 Lightnings and damaged 2 as the big twin boomed birds of prey killed 12 Zekes, 2 Georges, 5 Jacks and both Franks. A few hours later another fighter sweep made up of 21 X P-51D arrived to find 3 Zekes, 2 Georges and 2 Jacks up. A Jack (1 damaged), a Frank and a Dinah who got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time were shot down. 7 Mustangs took damage between the Japanese fighters and flak. They did light damage to the airfield, triggered a secondary explosion and inflicted moderate casualties. This was a very strange result as the Mustangs were set on a sweep at high altitude.

Krung Thep was bombed by 35 X B-29, 124 X Liberator VI, 31 X B-24J and 12 X Thunderbolt II. The airfield was heavily damaged, there were many secondary explosions and troop losses were heavy.

Gili Gili was hit by 38 X B-24D for moderate port damage, some secondary explosions and very light casualties.

The 1st BAF AA Regiment about 20 miles N of Krung Thep was being eyeballed by a Dinah that was attacked by 5 X Thunderbolt II. In the chase through the clouds the Dinah managed to escape, but not without being damaged.

The 6th Chinese Air Base Force was struck by 11 X Peggy and both sides took no losses.

A Japanese AK, near Marcus Island was attacked by 27 X TBF and 17 X F6F. The raiders were met by the Japanese who had 8 X Zeke and 27 X Frank on hand. The Japanese lost 2 of each fighter type and the Allies suffered the loss of 7 TBFs and 2 Hellcats (1 damaged). Though the Japanese fought valiantly the USN's planes managed to score 3 torpedo hits on the AK.

Morotai was the scene of a continuing Allied artillery bombardment of the Japanese positions. The Japanese had light casualties.

Gene is thinking that it's Hump Day, Wednesday, and already he and his crew have put in over 30 hours this week and the day isn't even done yet. He's thankful that he doesn't have to deal with welding any longer, but the responsibilities of his new position are heavy. He's concerned with getting the jobs done on schedule and at the same time he wants everyone to be safe, a juggling act at best.

Palawan is still at Morotai disgorging supplies. She should be finished unloading soon and then it'll be another ship's turn. The men are betting on where they'll head off to next with only Ulithi being off limits as a pick since it's a no brainer that they'll be reloading there.

Stalin reads the cable from Washington and says that at least the Americans aren't afraid to fight like the British. “Continue with our preparations and do not fall behind the schedule,” he tells his generals. Uncle Joe is in good spirits these days as the Axis continues to fight on despite getting hammered. He can't wait to have Hitler in his clutches and wonders if he can grab some territory in Asia besides his designs for Europe.

The RAF completed the flooding of Walcheren with a raid near Veet.

Victory Points Allied 41893 Japanese 34907

[tocaff]

October 12, 1944 Pittsburgh

Intel

7th Air Division is located at Davao.
4628 men are based at Wakkanai.
Soya Fortress is located at Wakkanai.
35th Brigade is located at Bangkok.
5th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Harbin.
86th Division is located at Nagaoka.
14th Area Army is located at Truk.
33rd Army is located at Bangkok.
87409 men are based at Hailar.
Hiroshima Base Force is located at Hiroshima/Kure.
2nd RF Gun Battalion is located at Nanning.
12th Construction Battalion is located at Batan Island.
252579 men are based at Maizuru.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kweilin 3 LCUs 14880/161/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 18 fighters, 22 bombers, 46 aux, 7 LCUs 18680/103/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Majuro vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Kusaie Island 1 LCU
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Madang vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Kavieng vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Maumere 1 X AK
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 18 fighters, 22 aux, 12 LCUs 25700/81/0

Combat

Galeia was occupied by the Allies

The SS Raton was on patrol 23 miles N of Marcus Island when she located and tracked with her radar what turned out to be a lone AK. After getting into position to launch an attack the Japanese vessel was struck by 2 fish that set her on fire and did heavy damage leading to the vessel sinking.

Tavoy defenders had their day started by a raid made up of 40 X B-25J and 10 X Spitfire VIII. AA fire downed a Mitchell and damaged 5 more as they did moderate damage to the airfield, triggered a couple of secondary explosions and inflicted very light casualties. Next up were the big boys as 112 X B-29 roared in. The flak damaged 5 planes. The damage to the airstrip was very heavy, there were a couple of secondary explosions and personnel losses were moderate.

Bangkok was swept by 61 X P-38J, who found 15 X Zeke, 4 X George and 17 X Jack up. The furball resulted in the Japanese losing 13 Zekes, all of the Georges and 7 Jacks while the Allies lost 4 Lightnings and had 5 damaged.

The 5th New Chinese Corps suffered light casualties from an attack made by 13 X Peggy.

Krung Thep was swept by 64 X P-47D, but the Japanese had no planes aloft.

At Morotai the Japanese had light troop losses from the Allied artillery bombardment.

Allied fighters continue to intercept Japanese flights into and out of Paramushiro Jima.

Churchill has asked FDR for the USN to strengthen the RN in the Indian Ocean so that the stalemate can be broken in Burma with an operation to hit the Japanese flank behind the static front lines. FDR conferred with Admiral King and then respectfully declined the British request with the excuse that there are no assets free to send at the present time. The immediate future holds a full schedule for the USN also, but maybe in mid to late 1945 something might be available.

Elaine sits on the porch reading a letter from Gil as a streetcar rolls by. Her father hired a local boy who is busily raking the fallen leaves. Her mother is busily washing clothes while her sister runs them through the wringer before hanging them on the line to dry. Elaine gets up , enters the house and walks to the back of the house and exits through the kitchen door. Sh e sees her sister hanging the clothes along with her mother and says, “I don't understand why you wash the clothes and hang them outside where the air is so filthy from the mills.” The 2 women just look at her and continue working.

Art paces back and forth on the fantail of the O'Bannon and then finally heads to the wardroom. Frank sees him there and asks what's wrong. Art produces a letter from his girl, which Franks reads. “Let's go to my cabin,” Franks says and Art silently follows. When they get there Franks says, “Listen this stinks, but in the long run you're better off without her. I know that's small comfort right now, but this ship needs her exec with his head on straight.” Art agrees and mutters that he'll do his job, not to worry.

The Germans fell back across the lower Rhine west of Arnhem.

The Germans evacuated Athens.

Victory Points Allied 41945 Japanese 34923

[tocaff]

October 13, 1944 Guam

Intel

54th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Mutanchiang.
118th IJA Base Force is located at Wuhan.
Elements of the 5th Mongolian Cavalry Division are located at Peking.
47th Road Construction Battalion is located at Changkufeng.
4th South Seas Det. is located at Kwajalein.
68th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Naha.
Mongol Army is located at Sasebo.
4th Air Division is located at Malang.
5806 men are based at Aomori.
137867 men are based at Bangkok.
9th Ind. Brigade is located at Changsha.
51st Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Naha.
115th IJA Base Force is located at Sian.
Burma Area Army is located at Bangkok.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Hengchow 2 LCUs 9180/94/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Pisanuloke 4 LCUs 9360/25/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Waingapu vacant
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Marcus Island 17 fighters, 16 aux, 12 LCUs 27020/74/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Kusaie Island vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Dobodura 13 LCUs 10660/0/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 5 LCUs
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Balikpapan 2 LCUs
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Maumere vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Legaspi 7 X AK, 2 LCUs 1620/11/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Puerto Princesa vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Lae vacant

Combat

The SS Cobia was patrolling 47 miles S of Swatow when she discovered 2 AKs being escorted by 2 MSWs. She let them run across her path and 3 torpedoes slammed into an AK, sinking it.

Bangkok was swept by 19 X P-38J who attacked 11 X Zeke, 2 X George, 12 X Jack and a Frank. In a quick fight 3 Lightnings were lost and the Japanese had 6 Zekes, 3 Jacks (2 damaged) and the Frank shot down.

Allied artillery had no effect on the Japanese at Morotai.

With a decent forecast for tomorrow Guam will launch all available B-29s to attack Truk's airfield and port. This news is less than thrilling to Gill. He hasn't gotten a letter for a week now and it's bothering him. Would Elaine just stop writing? Is this her way of dumping me, he wonders. He so preoccupied with this situation that Jake reminds him that they all have jobs to do tomorrow. Gil tells him that he'll be fine. The rest of the crew are excited at the thought of a maximum effort raid. “Maybe we can knock the place off the map and never have to go back,” says Landy. They all know that even if this happens, which is doubtful the AAC will just find different places for them to attack.

Sam watches the construction of defenses, though the airstrip still seems to get most of the attention the defensive positions are vastly improved. He's slowly getting used to the fact that he resides close to Japan and that one day they'll come and he'll have something to do then.

Red tells Cookie of the lawyer's message and that they need a bigger line of credit from the bank to pull off this deal. “Well if we're dead it won't matter how much we owe to whoever,” says Cookie. They agree to give the go ahead knowing that at least they'll now own a tract of beachfront on the island of Maui. “I like the sound of the name, Kaanapoli,” says Cookie. “My boy if we live long enough we'll either be broke and heavily in debt owning lots of land or flush with more money than we can ever hope to spend.”

An officer in the Pentagon nervously goes through incoming cables fearful of bad news as today is Friday the 13th.

Victory Points Allied 41974 Japanese 34932

[tocaff]

October 14, 1944 Ulithi

Intel

5th Division is located at Soerabaja.
81st Division is located at Tokyo.
35th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Krung Thep.
36th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Victoria Point.
56th Ind. Mixed Brigade is located at Tarakan.
102nd IJA Base Force is located at Harbin.
Mongol Army is located at Sasebo.
9 men are based at Okayama.
19353 men are based at Tinian.
25th AA Regiment is located at Osaka/Kobe.
2289 men are based at Yap.
2nd Reserve AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
Ankei SNLF is located at Changsha.
10th Aviation Rgt is located at Changchun.
111th Division is located at Mutanchiang.
106666 men are based at Tsitsihar.

Recon

F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Luang Prabang 1 LCU 840/2/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Saigon 9 X AP, 32 fighters, 19 bombers, 42 aux, 1 LCU 4520/24/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 2 LCUs 7200/24/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Balikpapan 2 LCUs 280/15/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Puerto Princesa vacant
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Paramushiro Jima 7 LCUs 7580/68/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Rabaul 14 LCUs 51740/160/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 5 LCUs 1560/0/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Kendari 22 fighters, 15 bombers, 36 aux, 8 LCUs 13540/90/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 3 LCUs 7120/27/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Iloilo vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Kusaie Island vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Gili Gili 11 LCUs 27700/180/9

Combat

After undergoing an attack by a plane at dawn the SS Parche was attacked by an Ann 23 miles N of Mersing in the mid morning. The sub reported being hit, but failed to mention proportions of the damage done to her. She will attempt to reach Diamond Harbor for repairs.

The SS Trout spotted an AP loaded with troops 19 miles SE of Maumere and proceeded to hit it with 2 torpedoes. In an effort to avoid the flames on the sinking vessel many Japanese went into the water despite a growing number of fins indicating sharks awaiting them.

Tavoy was roused from it's quiet morning by 60 X B-25J (3 damaged), 48 X Mosquito FB.VI and 24 X Thunderbolt II who caused moderately heavy damage to the airfield, triggered some secondary explosions and inflicted light personnel losses.

Krung Thep was bombed by 47 X B-29 (2 damaged), 41 X B-24J and 127 X Liberator VI (3 damaged). The airstrip took heavy damage, there were a great many secondary explosions and casualties were very heavy.

Truk was struck by 125 X B-29 who did moderate damage to the airfield, heavy damage to the port, a large fuel explosion was observed, another secondary explosion was also seen and troop losses were heavy.

The 5th New Chinese Corps escaped any losses despite the efforts of 11 X Peggy.

An Allied attack at Morotai resulted in heavy Japanese losses and very heavy Allied casualties. Little ground was gained in the attempt to eliminate the surviving Japanese troops who stubbornly refuse to give up the fight.

Stalin is in a good mood as the news in Europe keeps getting better and better. He chides his generals about doing as well or better against the Japanese. “You know the time comes for us to liberate the lands that they took not so long ago.”

Sam leads another patrol in the area of his battalion's responsibility. It's nothing more than a boring hike, but he reminds himself that anything can and will happen to those who are not alert. He halts the squad and quietly gives them what for. “Look at you, how you lazily stroll along with your weapons slung over your shoulders. What would happen if we discover some Japanese here? Don't think they won't come, because they will. The Navy won't stop them as they're busy with other things, so it's up to us to protect ourselves. Besides I don't want to collect any dog tags from any of you.” They resume the patrol looking more like they mean business.

Gunny takes a swig of a warm beer that somehow managed to come into his possession care of Slim. Slim never mentions where any of the beer comes from and nobody cares as long as they have some. The men of Slim's squad are busily shooting craps and Slim just had the misfortune of rolling snake eyes. The guys laugh at him and the guys who bet against him are busily gathering their money. Gunny watches and silently lets his mind drift to what he believes will be a huge operation that will jump off very soon.

Rommel committed suicide today.

Yesterday Riga fell to the Russians.

The Red Army and Tito's Partisans entered Belgrade.

Victory Points Allied 42008 Japanese 34938

[tocaff]

I'm hitting the road this weekend so the next entry will probably be on Monday, the 10th.

October 15, 1944 New York

Intel

8th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Davao.
10th Mortar Battalion is located at Chiamussu.
77th Division is located at Sapporo.
86th Division is located at Nagaoka.
23rd Tank Regiment is located at Chiamussu.
12th Construction Battalion is located at Batan Island.
113th IJA Base Force is located at Nanking.
Kembu Force is located at Kadina.
83108 men are based at Mishan.
13th AA Regiment is located at Maizuru.
Chichijima Fortress is located at Niigata.
Radio transmissions detected at Mutanchiang.
Yura Fortress is located at Takamatsu.
4th Engineer Regiment is planning for an attack on Darwin.

Recon

Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Camranh Bay 1 X AP, 2 X AK, 1 X AG, 8 aux, 2 LCUs 7540/76/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Victoria Point 35 fighters, 29 bombers, 58 aux, 7 LCUs 21900/107/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 2 LCUs 7180/24/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Tarakan 2 LCUs
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Dili 2 X AK, 2 LCUs 2800/1/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Roxas 1 X BB, 1 X APD, 1 X AK
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Cebu Island vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Kwajalein 8 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Jaluit vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Tokyo 3 X AP, 1 X AG, 27 LCUs
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Amboina 15 fighters, 21 aux, 6 LCUs 12400/39/0

Combat

SS Plaice spotted an AK under escort by 2 MSWs 33 miles E of Wenchow, but failed in her attempt to attack them.

Ichang was swept by 43 X P-38J who tore into the 28 X George, 19 X Jack, 17 X Tojo, 9 X Nick and 12 X Tony that were up. It was a lopsided contest with the Lightnings shooting down 8 Georges (3 damaged), 9 Jacks, 13 Tojos, 7 Nicks and 6 Tonys at the cost of 9 P-38Js lost and 4 damaged.

Tavoy was visited by 33 X B-25J (4 damaged) and 10 X Spitfire VIII who did moderate damage to the airfield, caused a couple of secondary explosions and inflicted very light casualties. Then another strike appeared consisting of 53 X B-25J (2 damaged), 46 X Mosquito FB.VI (2 damaged) and 25 X Thunderbolt II. The airstrip took heavy damage, there were some secondary explosions and troop losses were very light.

Bangkok underwent a fighter sweep by 64 X P-38J and the gaggle of 24 X Zeke, 6 X George, 19 X Jack and 2 X Frank gave battle. 5 P-38Js were destroyed and another 5 were damaged as they killed 23 X Zeke, all of the Georges, 11 Jacks and both of the Franks. A short time later 21 X P-51D arrived to find a Zeke and a Jack who ran into the clouds.

Krung Thep was pounded by 34 X B-29, 38 X B-24J (1 damaged) and 129 X Liberator VI for very heavy airfield damage, a huge number of secondary explosions were going off all over the place and casualties were moderate.

Dili's port was attacked by 46 X B-24D and 38 X B-24J who missed the facilities, but scored a secondary explosion and personnel losses were light.

Gili Gili was raided by 48 X B-24D for moderately heavy damage to the port, many secondary explosions were claimed and casualties were placed at light.

On Morotai the IJA 66th Division was hit by 35 X B-24D, 44 X B-24J, 16 X P-51D, 8 X P-47D and 18 X F6F for heavy losses. Later another assault was staged and the Allied troops gained some ground while dishing out heavy losses and they had heavy casualties of their own.

The 5th New Chinese Corps was jumped by 8 X Peggy who did no harm.

Bonin was attacked by 15 X Frances and 15 X Oscar and they were intercepted by 19 X P-38J, 20 X F4U-1 and 42 X F6F. The attackers were turned back before they could reach the base and 3 X Frances (1 damaged) and 8 X Oscar were downed. The CAP had 3 Lightnings damaged and 4 Hellcats also took damage.

Elaine got a letter from Gil today, which is strange as it's Sunday and there's no mail delivery today. It turns out the letter was delivered to another street to a house with the same number and the person dropped the letter off. She thanked the man and she immediately pens a reply after reading it. She'll mail it tomorrow morning before she does anything else.

Gil got 4 letters at mail call and he's overjoyed to see that 3 of them are from Elaine. He hears a guys laughing that his parents sent a notification from the Draft Board for him to report for a physical. “Do you think I'm in trouble for not showing up?” he jokingly asks. The guys tell him that it's impossible to get into more trouble than he's already in as They're up for a mission tomorrow.

Gene is wondering if he will still have his job after the war is over. The guys were talking about how the yard will have little to do once the fighting stops and it set his mind in motion. He decides that he'll speak to his boss on Monday, the first chance he gets.

The RAF logged it's largest single number of sorties, 1576, for a single night.

Victory Points Allied 42132 Japanese 34971

[tocaff]

October 16, 1944 Morotai

Intel

83 aircraft are based at Changchun.
136th IJNAF Base Force is planning for an attack on Saipan.
101st IJA Base Force is located at Naha.
10th Area Army is located at Chengting.
71st Division is located at Changkufeng.
6030 men are based at Pusan.
12th Heavy AA Battalion is located at Nagoya.
10520 men are based at Etorofo Jima.
68th Construction Battalion is located at Hamamatsu.
15th Field Artillery Regiment is located at Nanning.
6th Ind. Brigade is planning for an attack on Chungking.
Yura Fortress is located at Takamatsu.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Tokyo 2 X APD, 1 X AP, 27 LCUs
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Siemrem Reap vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Andaman Island 2 LCUs 7000/30/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Songkhia vacant
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Samarinda vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 3 LCUs 7820/24/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Davao 63 fighters, 7 bombers, 57 aux, 14 LCUs 55240/553/4
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Legaspi 2 LCUs
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Siador vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Lae vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Lunga 4 LCUs

Combat

The SS Albacore, 148 miles N of Taipei, attacked 2 AKs under escort by 2 MSWs and hit an one of them with a torpedo, setting it on fire.

Allied troops unloading over beach at Wewak had heavy casualties.

Tavoy was hit by 29 X B-25J (7 damaged) and 10 X Spitfire VIII for light damage to the airfield and very light personnel losses. Then 42 X B-25J (2 damaged), 44 X Mosquito FB.VI and 22 X Thunderbolt II came on and added moderate damage to the airfield, and light casualties.

Andaman Island was battered for heavy airfield damage, many secondary explosions and light troop losses by 121 X B-29.

Bangkok had 17 X Zeke, 4 X George, 14 X Jack and a Frank up when 67 X P-38J swept in. 14 Zekes, all of the Georges, 9 Jacks and the Frank were destroyed at a cost of 4 Lightnings downed and another 4 damaged.

Krung Thep was bombed by 36 X B-29, 35 X B-24J and 124 X Liberator VI (2 damaged). They dished out very heavy damage to the airfield, many secondary explosions and heavy casualties.

Rabaul was struck by 48 X B-17E, 47 X B-24D and 47 X B-24J. The airfield took moderately heavy damage, the port was heavily hit, there were many secondary explosions and troop losses were heavy.

At Morotai the IJA 66th Division had heavy losses from 77 X B-24J (2 damaged), 36 X B-24D, 17 X P-51D, 12 X P-47D and 25 X F6F. Allied troops attacked the Japanese and squeezed the pocket ever tighter. Allied troops had heavy losses while the Japanese had very heavy casualties.

The 5th New Chinese Corps had moderate casualties care of 12 X Peggy.

FDR assured PM Curtin that the security of Australia is paramount and that the Japanese have been pushed back and cut off, thus reducing their ability to threaten Australia. This reassurance calms concerns that as the war moves along the focus shifts away and that the “secure” area losses the interest of the Americans. The push to isolate Kwajalein, Truk, Gili Gili and Rabaul will assure the security of Australia while an effort to make Timor a secure Allied base is being considered.

Slim has a horrible hangover and he decides that there'll be no more torpedo juice for him. “Nope, warm beer or the real stuff, not that crap. I want to survive this war and with the Japs doing their best to see that I don't I figure I need to look out for myself.” The guys in the squad just laugh at him. Meanwhile the 2nd Marine Division HQs is busily preparing to set in motion the new orders that will send them into harm's way.

The US 1st Army now has Aachen surrounded.

The Soviet Army entered Germany near Goldap.

Victory Points Allied 42192 Japanese 34993

[tocaff]

October 17, 1944 New York

Intel

27037 men are based at Hamamatsu.
350979 men are based at Tokyo.
19279 men are based at Shikka.
31st AA Regiment is located at Sapporo.
29130 men are based at Shimuzu.
142202 men are based at Bangkok.
Takao Base Force is located at Takao.
5th RF Gun Battalion is located at Sian.
13th Aviation Rgt is located at Mukden.
17th Reserve Coastal Artillery Regiment is located at Niigata.
104th Division is located at Nanning.
1st Air Fleet is located at Tokyo.

Recon

PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Tokyo 6 X AG, 1 X APD, 27 LCUs
Pe-2R takes recon photos of Shikka 2 X AP, 14 X Fighters, 14 X aux, 2 LCUs 8800/89/0
PBM Mariner takes recon photos of Samarinda vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Koepang 3 LCUs 11300/35/0
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Lautem 1 LCU 540/0/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Cagayan 3 LCUs 7020/30/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Cotabato 1 LCU 5720/78/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Hansa vacant
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Siador vacant
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Finschafen vacant
Mosquito PR.IX takes recon photos of Hanoi 3 LCUs 4240/14/0
F-5C Lightning takes recon photos of Kratie vacant

Combat

The SS Cobia, 38 miles S of Changchow, tried to attack a TK being escorted by 4 DDs, but failed to penetrate the screen.

Tavoy was attacked by 47 X B-25J (5 damaged), 41 X Mosquito FB.VI, 24 X Thunderbolt II and 9 X Spitfire VIII. The airstrip took moderately heavy damage, a secondary explosion was seen and casualties were moderate.

Bangkok was swept by 21 X P-51D who jumped 21 X Zeke, 2 X George, 14 X Jack and 2 X Frank. It was a slaughter as the Japanese who didn't run were killed. A Mustang was lost as were 15 Zekes, a George and 3 Jacks.

Krung Thep was bombed by 37 X B-29 (1 damaged), 33 X B-24J (1 damaged), 121 X Liberator VI and 53 X P-38J (1 lost, 5 damaged). Though the Japanese had 8 X Zeke, 6 X Irving and 33 X Frank on hand the 2 damaged bombers were attributed to the AA fire while the Lightnings dealt with the Japanese planes. All of the Zekes, Irvings and Franks were shot down. The airfield was very heavily damaged, there were a great many secondary explosions and personnel losses were moderate.

Kai Island was raided by 138 X B-25J and 24 X Kittyhawk III. The airstrip was heavily hit and there were a couple of secondary explosions.

On Morotai the IJA 66th Division was pounced on by 74 X B-24J (2 damaged), 39 X B-24D (2 damaged), 18 X P-51D, 12 X P-47D and 24 X F6F, sustaining heavy losses. An Allied assault resulted in minor gains and very heavy losses for the Japanese. The Allied troops had heavy casualties.

A snooping Dinah , 20 miles N of Krung Thep, was damaged as 5 Thunderbolt IIs arrived to drive it off. The 25th Indian Division was subjected to an attack by 9 X Peggy and the same Thunderbolts knocked 2 of the Peggys down while the 25th Division had light casualties. The 3rd Indian Division was attacked by 35 X Frances and 5 X Thunderbolt II downed 8 and damaged 5 more while having 2 Jugs take some damage. Casualties to the LCU were moderate.

The 6th Chinese Air Base Force escaped harm despite the best efforts of 11 X Peggy.

Bonin was attacked by 9 X Frances and 13 X Oscar only to be met by 19 X P-38J and 20 X F4U-1. 5 Oscars went down and a Frances was damaged as the Japanese were trying to run for home. A Lightning took some damage.

The 2 IJN APDs near Namlea were attacked by 8 X PB4Y (1 damaged) and 23 X P-38J. 1 APD was struck by a bomb and was burning while the other was struck by 3 bombs and was burning and heavily damaged.

The Japanese AP near Amboina was attacked by 2 X PB4Y and 3 X P-38J. 6 X George and 24 X Franks were on hand and though they tried they only managed to down a P-38J in exchange for a lost Frank. The ship escaped damage.

The SS Capelin, 149 miles W of Sasebo, was attacked by a DD and 3 PCs. With moderate systems damage and moderate flooding she will now make for a safe haven and then off to a proper repair yard.

At Wewak the Japanese troops attacked the Allied troops, forcing them to retreat. The Japanese sustained heavy losses and the Allies had moderate casualties.

Much to Bill's surprise orders have come and a sense of great relief washes over him as he reads them. The CL Helena will prepare to sail to a port to be named for upgrades. They will depart tomorrow as part of an escort for an Eastbound convoy. He wants to tell Sandy, but until he has something more on where he won't even know if he'll see her. He prays for a yard in California or Washington, but is afraid he'll get Pearl.

“Hey Stick, how do you like those meatballs on that plane? Maybe one of these days I'll get one and then you'll even envy me.” Stick mutters something to the pilot and takes a playful swipe at him.

Gene heads to the office after being summoned. He's worried what this is about and his mind tortures him. When he arrives the yard boss tells him to have a seat. “I didn't forget what you asked about and my cousin just called me. He works for Electric Boat in Groton Connecticut and they not only need welders, but they need foreman too. They pay better than here and I thought you'd like to know. I can get you an interview if you want it. Just say the word, but take a couple of days to think it over.” With that Gene thanks him and his head is swimming at the thought of possibly getting an even better job. This is going to be a tough thing to decide.

Russian attacks were repulsed by the Germans near Debrecen.

Victory Points Allied 42293 Japanese 35009