The first flotilla of 8 submarines set off from Midway this morning, their thin line on the far horizon soon casting a somber vision, despite whoops of jubilation when lines were singled-up... in the next five days, similar flotillas of vessels will depart Midway and Wake, Rabaul and Shortlands, 14 flotillas in all, numbering over 100 submarines...
Over the last months, reconnaissance submarines have plied gaps between Japanese-held islands, veritable fissures in their dreams of world conquest, trying to find routes into the Philippine Sea that elude detection; others have tested the grey areas at the limits of enemy search-radii to the west and south; all this in an effort to reach deployment areas without raising enemy alarm.
It is hoped these vessels will soon gather in strange interludes for a day or two, poised to spread in all directions from their silent deployments, to blossom into a veritable shield encrusting the Marianas as the invasion armada enters into the waters east of Rota: 108 6-hex triangular patrol zones, in some approaches 6 patrol zones deep.
The brave submariners, first into enemy waters, fully know that Admiral Bravo is set sail with an extraordinary force, no doubt occasionally unwieldy by its colossal proportions, inexperienced, uncertain, course set for a target so distant that anything contemplated in Europe is dwarfed in comparison... this wild-eyed operation, so long planned, is now exhilarating and heroic.
We don't know what we'll find at journey's end—but soon, at least—the first casualty will be speculation.
Good luck, Rio!
—R.R. Haggard, Commander, USN
Commander Haggard-
Good hunting!
Your pal,
-Terry
"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."
The Operation Sea Shark Invasion Fleet slowed down today to let a few straggling Amphibious Task Forces catch up. The Invasion Fleet only traveled 40 miles today and is 2,800 miles from its destination one hex due east of Rota near the Marianas Islands.
Synopsis of Combat Events for Today
1.) El Lobo's submarine sets an Allied xAK on fire near Rossel Island (hex 107,134).
2.) El Lobo bombs Chengtu, near Kienko (hex 79,39), and Chungking.
3.) El Lobo deliberately attacks near Kienko (hex 79,41).
Japanese Submarine 1; Allied xAK 0; Near Rossel Island (hex 107,134)
No Japanese losses.
Allied Losses
S I-175 puts a torpedo into xAK Peter Silvestor; setting it on fire.
With the exception of the 16th Canadian Brigade Task Force, all Invasion Task Forces have joined the Operation Sea Shark Invasion Fleet. The 16th Canadian Brigade Task Force will join the Invasion Fleet tomorrow, June 8, 1943. The Invasion Fleet is 2,600 miles from their destination one hex due East of Rota near the Marianas Islands.
Synopsis of Combat Events for Today
1.) Captain Haggard's ASW ships hammered one Japanese Submarine off the coast of Johnston Island (hex 160,111) and dented two Japanese Submarines; one off the coast of Chugindak (hex 168,54) and one off the coast of Munda (hex 109,134).
2.) El Lobo bombs Chengtu, Near Kienko (hex 79,39), and Chungking.
3.) El Lobo deliberately attacks near Kienko (hex 79,39).
Captain Haggard's ASW Attacks
Japanese Losses
1.) AM Herald hits SS I-128 14 times causing heavy damage near Johnston Island (hex 160,111).
2.) SC-519 hits SS I-2 once near Chugindak (hex 168,54).
3.) DD With de With hits SS I-175 once near Munda (hex 109,134).
I am really looking forward to Sea Shark! Good luck!
Lowpe-
I am pleased that you are following The War College and that you are looking forward to the Allies invading the four southern Marianas Islands mid June, 1943.
I am curious as to what El Lobo has on the Marianas Islands and I am curious as to whether he will send his Carriers to fight at the Marianas Islands.
If he sends his Carriers to fight, rather than sinking Japanese Carriers, I hope to kill as many Japanese pilots as possible.
Best Regards,
-Terry
"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."
The Operation Sea Shark Invasion Fleet is 2,360 miles from its destination one hex due east of Rota near the Marianas Islands. The Invasion Fleet is moving as one group and slowly at 12 knots.
Synopsis of Combat Events for Today
1.) El Lobo bombs Chengtu and Chungking.
2.) El Lobo deliberately attacks near Kienko (hex 79,41) and near Kunming (hex 71,48).
3.) The Allies deliberately attack near Taung Gyi (hex 60,48) and Ramree Island.
Assaulting units:
268th Motorised Brigade
40th Infantry Division
3rd Motor Brigade
25th Infantry/A Division
1st Motor Brigade
BFF Brigade
25th Infantry/B Division
76th Coast AA Regiment
14th Army
15th RAAF Base Force
13th Australian Hvy AA Regiment
Defending units:
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
The Allies Attack Ramree Island
Ground combat at Ramree Island (54,48)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 13923 troops, 368 guns, 322 vehicles, Assault Value = 446
Defending force 8139 troops, 102 guns, 119 vehicles, Assault Value = 99
Allied adjusted assault: 176
Japanese adjusted defense: 201
Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
1015 casualties reported
Squads: 67 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 11 (8 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Assaulting units:
I Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
2nd British Division
173 Wing
18th USN Naval Construction Battalion
23rd Indian Engineer Battalion
54th Coastal Artillery Regiment
Rabaul Det. Base Force
24th Indian Engineer Battalion
2nd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment
175 Wing
1st NW Frontier Base Force
101st RAF Base Force
12th Indian Engineer Battalion
1st Burma Auxiliary AA Regiment
107th RAF Base Force
112th RN Base Force
823rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
Defending units:
55th Infantry Regiment
143rd Infantry Regiment
2nd Army
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
5th Field Artillery Regiment
17th JAAF Base Force
Best Regards,
-Terry
"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."
Looking forward to Sea Shark here too. Pretty nice to see the Canadians and New Zealanders get to see some action.
Wolfhunter-
I am pleased that you are following The War College.
Considering the present date of the War and considering that I haven't a clue what El Lobo has on the Marianas Islands, I scraped and scrounged and bought out as many available ground force units as possible.
The Canadians are responsible for capturing Rota. The New Zealanders are responsible for capturing Tinian.
In two to three days, I will set forth the entire Order of Battle for Operation Sea Shark. At that time, you will no doubt be pleased to see how many Canadian and New Zealand Infantry Brigades and supporting troops are involved with Operation Sea Shark.
Best Regards,
-Terry
"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."
[center]Operation Sea Shark
Invasion of the Four Southern Marianas Islands
Order of Battle
As of June 8, 1943[/center]
Opening Comments
Since the inception of the war, the Allies have planned to invade Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam (the four southern Marianas Islands) during the month of June, 1943. Operation Sea Shark is an integral part of the Allied Grand Strategy to implement a Naval Blockade of Japan Proper and to transport ground forces, aircraft, and supply to China in support of Operation Land Shark (the land war to conquer Burma, China, Manchukua, and Korea).
Consolidated Data
Excluding the Submarines, Minesweepers, and PT boats under the Command of Captain Haggard, the Invasion Fleet is comprised of the following:
• 3,120 Miles from Pearl to Objectives
• 427 Wildcat Fighters
• 271 Hellcat Fighters
• 134 Dauntless Dive Bombers
• 46 Task Forces
• 971 Ships
• 20 Carriers
• 23 Battleships
• 25 CAs
• 26 CLs
• 7 CLAAs
• 95 Destroyers
• 22 AOs
• 262,310 Fuel Replenishment
• 1,943 Saipan Assault Value
• 788 Tinian Assault Value
• 703 Rota Assault Value
• 3,131 Guam Assault Value
• 337,339 Saipan Supply
• 331,106 Tinian Supply
• 330,480 Rota Supply
• 622,657 Guam Supply
• 1,621,582 Total Supply
• 14,000,000 Rolls of Toilet Paper
Task Forces
I have no doubt, that many of The War College members could have done a much better job creating the Invasion Fleet Task Forces. It has been a time consuming and daunting task configuring the following Task Forces:
Carrier Task Forces (4)
72 ships
TF 473 Carrier Group One (18 ships): CV Enterprise, CV Yorktown, CVE Altamaha, CVE Barnes, CVE Chenango, CA Wichita, CA Astoria, CL Cleveland, CL St. Louis, CLAA Atlanta, CLAA Oakland, DD Fletcher, DD Abbot, DD Aulick, DD Bache, DD Beale, DD Chevalier, and DE Austin.
TF 528 Carrier Group Two (18 ships): CV Lexington, CV Saratoga, CVE Nassau, CVE Copalee, CVE Long Island, CA Indianapolis, CA New Orleans, CL Denver, CL Helena, CLAA Juneau, CLAA Reno, DD Conway, DD Cony, DD DeHaven, DD Eaton, DD Jenkins, DD La Vallette, and DE Edward C. Daly.
TF 533 Carrier Group Three (18 ships): CV Hornet, CV Wasp, CVE Sangamon, CVE Suwanee, CVL Hermes, CA Portland, CA Minneapolis, CL Columbia, CL Honolulu, CLAA San Diego, CLAA Prince Rupert, DD Nichols, DD O’Bannon, DD Phillip, DD Radford, DD Renshaw, DD Saufley, and DE Juamma.
TF 534 Carrier Group Four (18 ships): CV Essex, CV Victorious, CVE Prince William, CVE Anzio, CVE Santee, CA Quincy, CA San Francisco, CL Santa Fe, CL Nashville, CL Phoenix, CLAA San Juan, DD Converse, DD Ammen, DD Stanly, DD Strong, DD Taylor, DD Waller, and DE Sutlej.
Bombardment Task Forces (4)
60 ships
TF 521 Saipan Bombardment Group (15 ships): BB Maryland, BB Colorado, BB West Virginia, BB Arizona, BB Pennsylvania, CA Chester, CA Chicago, CA Houston, CA Louisville, CL Achilles, CL Concord, CL Detroit, CL Raleigh, DD Porter, and DD Phelps.
TF 532 Tinian Bombardment Group (15 Ships): BB Idaho, BB Mississippi, BB New Mexico, BB California, BB Tennessee, CA Australia, CA Canberra, CA Doretshire, CA Cornwall, CL Danae, CL Marblehead, CL Richmond, CL Trenton, DD Clark, and DD Ellet.
TF 535 Rota Bombardment Group (15 ships): BB Pronce of Wales, BB Revenge, BB Royal Sovereign, BB Ramillies, BB Resolution,CA Exeter, CA Shropshire, CA Sussex, CA Frobisher, CL Adelaide, CL Cape Town, CL Caredoc, CL Ceres, DD Benham, and DD Lang.
TF 536 Guam Bombardment Group (15 ships): BB North Carolina, BB Washington, BB Massachusetts, BB Indiana, BB South Dakota, CA Vincennes, CA Northampton, CA Pensacola, CA Salt Lake City, CL Montpleir, CL Leander, CL Hobart, CL Perth, DD Balch, and DD Selfridge.
Surface Combat Task Forces (3)
35 ships
TF 537 Surface Combat Group One (13 Ships): BC Repulse, CL Durban, CA Hawkins, DD Anthony, DD Bennett, DD Hutchins, DD Pringle, DD Fanning, DD Mahan, DD Cummings, DD Drayton, DD Case, and DD Conyngham.
TF 662 Surface Combat Group Two (11 Ships): BB California, DD Helm, DD Mugford, DD Ralph Talbot, DD Henley, DD Patterson, DD Jarvis, DD Craven, DD Gridley, DD McCall, and DD Maury.
TF 540 Fuel Replenishment Group (21 Ships): DD Stack, DD Sterrett, AO Bazos, AO Cuyama, AO Kanawka, AO Neches, AO Spbine, AO Karaskia, AO Cimarron, AO Platte, AO Guadalupe, AO Kankakee, AO Tappahanock, AO Monoghele, AO Tallulah, AO Cache, AO Suamioo, AO Milliooma, AO Saranac, AO Sahvylkill, AO Bishopdale and 232,850 fuel.
One Destroyer, 3 AOs, and 29,460 fuel are undocked at Wake Island.
Saipan Amphibious Task Forces (7)
175 ships
TF 40 Saipan Amphib One (25 Ships): 6 US Army HQ, 7 Infantry Division, 181 USAAF BF, 48 USN SeaBees, 804 EAB, 4 FA Bn., 55 Coastal Artillery Bn., 203 Coastal AA Rgt., and 30,811 supply.
TF 209 Saipan Amphib Two (25 Ships): XI US Corps HQ, 43 Infantry Division, 353 Construction Rgt., 144 USA BF, 182 USAAF BF, 98 FA Bn., 250 Coastal Artillery Bn., 210 Coastal AA Rgt., and 30,582 supply.
TF 618 Saipan Amphib Three (25 Ships): US AirCenPac HQ, 129 Infantry Rgt., 145 Infantry Rgt., 1393 Construction Rgt., 150 USA BF, 224 USN BF, 822/824 EAB, 225 FA Bn., and 41,132 supply.
TF 619 Saipan Amphib Four (25 Ships): 53 (Sep) Infantry Rgt., 102 (Sep) Infantry Rgt., 766 Tank Bn., D Det. Port Service, 151 USA BF, 39 USN SeaBees, 154 FA Bn., 259 Coastal Artillery Bn., and 60,950 supply.
TF 621 Saipan Amphib Five (25 Ships): 138 (Sep) Infantry Rgt., 158 (Sep) Infantry Rgt., 767 Tank Bn., 4 USN Naval Construction Rgt., 152 USA BF, 40 USN SeaBees, 165 FA Bn., 30 Caostal AA Rgt., and 54,278 supply.
TF 622 Saipan Amphib Six (25 Ships): 201 (Sep) Infantry Rgt., 503 Parachute Bn., 131 Combat Engineer Rgt., 109 Anti-Tank Bn., 5 USN Naval Construction Rgt., 108 USN BF, 41 USN SeaBees, 209 FA Bn., 77 Coastal AA Rgt., and 59,158 supply.
TF 677 Saipan Amphib Supply Group (25 Ships): 60,428 Supply.
Tinian Amphibious Task Forces (8)
173 ships
TF 625 Tinian Amphib One (23 Ships): 8 NZ Bde., 11 USN SeaBees, 3 RNZAF BF, and 26,429 supply.
TF 628 Tinian Amphib Two (23 Ships): 11 NZ Bde., 16 USN SeaBees, N Force Detachemnt, 501 Coastal AA Rgt., and 41,523 supply.
TF 629 Tinian Amphib Three (22 Sips): 14 NZ Bde., 42 USN SeaBees, 7 USN Naval Construction, Rgt., A Det. Port Service, and 31,789 supply.
TF 630 Tinian Amphib Four (23 Ships): 13 USAAF HQ, Fiji Bde., 6 USN Naval Construction Rgt., 35 Aviation BF, and 42,819 supply.
TF 631 Tinian Amphib Five (22 Ships) 1 Fiji Commando Bn., 226 USN BF, 2 RNZAF BF, and 51,436 supply.
TF 632 Tinian Amphib Six (22 Ships): 110 Combat Engineer, 15 NZ AA Bde., 142 USA BF, 842 EAB, 33 Medium Rgt., and 31,800 supply.
TF 653 Tinian Amphib Supply Group (16 Ships): 68,280 supply.
Rota Amphibious Task Forces (8)
171 ships
TF 634 Rota Amphib One (25 Ships): XiV US Corps HQ, 14 Canadian Bde., and 39,885 supply.
TF 635 Rota Amphib Two (25 Ships): 18 Canadian Bde., 871 EAB, and 42,282 supply.
TF 636 Rota Amphib Three (25 Ships): 24 (Sep) Infantry Rgt., 36 USN SeaBees, 57 Coastal AA Rgt., and 41,804 supply.
TF 637 Rota Amphib Four (25 Ships): 112 Cavalry Rgt., 8 USN Naval Construction Rgt., 37 USN SeaBees, 863 EAB, and 40,317 supply.
TF 638 Rota Amphib Five (25 Ships): Rocky Mountain Ranger Bn., 179 USAAF Bn., B Detachment Port Service, 40 Aviation Bn., and 46,204 supply.
TF 639 Rota Amphib Six (24 Ships): 109 USN BF, 9 USN Naval Construction Rgt., and 45,457 supply.
TF 226 Rota Amphib Seven: (5 Ships): 16 Canadian Bde., and 2,931 supply.
TF 226 Rota Amphib Supply Group (17 Ships): 71,600 supply.
28 Canadian AA Rgt., 511 Coastal AA Rgt., and 611 Coastal AA Rgt. are loading at Pearl Harbor and will not be able to catch up with the Invasion Fleet prior to the Invasion Fleet Amphibious Task Forces hitting the beaches. Depending on the situation, these ground forces may land a few days late or simply go to Wake Island to await the capture of Rota.
Guam Amphibious Task Forces (11)
263 ships
TF 641 Guam Amphib One (25 Ships): 1 US Amphibious Corps, 1 Marine Division, 1 USMC Tank Bn., 1 Marine Defense Bn., 1 USMC FA Bn., 1 USMC EAB, 1 USMC Air Wing, 45 USN SeaBees, and 42,764 supply.
TF 642 Guam Amphib Two (25 Ships): USMC AirFMFPac, 2 Marine Division, 2 USMC Tank Bn., 2 Marine Defense Bn., 2 USMC FA Bn., 2 USMC EAB, 2 USMC Air Wing, and 52,729 supply.
TF 643 Guam Amphib Three (25 Ships): I US Corps HQ, 3 Marine Division, 3 USMC Tank Bn., 3 Marine Defense Bn., 146 USA BF, 46 USN SeaBees, and 56,017 supply.
TF 644 Guam Amphib Four (25 Ships): 7 US Fleet HQ, 4 Marine Division, 4 USMC Tank Bn., 4 Marine Defense Bn., 147 USA BF, and 39,099 supply.
TF 645 Guam Amphib Five (25 Ships): 22 Marine Rgt., 18 Combat Engineer Rgt., 1 USMC Corps Tank Bn., 5 Marine Defense Bn., 148 USA BF, 177 Construction Rgt., and 57,724 supply.
TF 646 Guam Amphib Six (25 Ships): 1 USMC Parachute Bn., 1 Marine Raider Bn., 2 Eng. Amphibious Bde., 640 Tank Destroyer Bn., 7 Marine Defense Bn., 149 USA BF, E Detachment Port Service, and 63,134 supply.
You better not include construction units and air support baseforces into initial landing TFs. Those kind of supports are not needed in the assault and will only clog the beaches, get their machinery disabled and increase the loss count if things go wrong.
Also make sure to put some combat ships into amphib TFs as shell magnets and suppression especially in Saipan case because of naval fortress CD unit. For suppression puproses combat ships work much better in amphib compared to separate bombardment TFs. Bombardment on the other hand can go in and out.
I also suggest that you eventually put the CVEs into about 2-3 separate TFs, each with < 150 aircraft and a few DDs and DEs; they can sit right in the coastal hex under assault and operate at full capacity. You want to keep your fast carriers with 30 knt cruiser and DD escorts one hex out to sea where they will still put a lot of cap over the adjacent island, and also will possibly divert the attention of the IJN away from your transports, or at least attract the airstrikes so your Hellcat jocks can go to work. This separation will make best use of the aircraft under the 1943 co-ordination limit.
I see you have the California and the Tennessee in twice (in bombardment groups and SAGs) - If they are going to act as SAG protection, do not let them shoot off all their ammo in a bombardment. The 5 fast USN BBS, and the Prince of Wales would either go with the fast carriers, or are formed into a surface SAG with the most aggressive and capable leader available (use Ching Lee or Arleigh Burke if they're out there in command of a TF) and also retain their full ammo load in case Mr Yamato and his buddy Mr Musashi drop by. It won't be pretty if your air cover doesn't deter them, and you might lose a couple of your new BBs, but at least they'll be damaged and go away. The Repulse is better off doing AAA duty with the fast carriers, where it might take a torpedo instead of a CV.
On a related note, looking at your Replenishment Group - your fuel state looks good, but where are the AEs and AKEs to reload your BBs and cruisers? (Hopefully loaded and dispersed amongst the supply taskforces to be separated later.) I'd be going for Rota, or whichever island looks to have the weakest garrison, first, to establish a resupply lagoon with some of those big AEs that can transfer 16" rifle ammo. I'd also have a flotilla of ARs/ADs ready to go to Guam to operate with the 7th fleet HQ ASAP.
And the usual advice about putting some BB float planes on recon (night and day), and some cruiser floatplanes on night activities.
I also suggest that you eventually put the CVEs into about 2-3 separate TFs, each with < 150 aircraft and a few DDs and DEs; they can sit right in the coastal hex under assault and operate at full capacity. You want to keep your fast carriers with 30 knt cruiser and DD escorts one hex out to sea where they will still put a lot of cap over the adjacent island, and also will possibly divert the attention of the IJN away from your transports, or at least attract the airstrikes so your Hellcat jocks can go to work. This separation will make best use of the aircraft under the 1943 co-ordination limit.
I see you have the California and the Tennessee in twice (in bombardment groups and SAGs) - If they are going to act as SAG protection, do not let them shoot off all their ammo in a bombardment. The 5 fast USN BBS, and the Prince of Wales would either go with the fast carriers, or are formed into a surface SAG with the most aggressive and capable leader available (use Ching Lee or Arleigh Burke if they're out there in command of a TF) and also retain their full ammo load in case Mr Yamato and his buddy Mr Musashi drop by. It won't be pretty if your air cover doesn't deter them, and you might lose a couple of your new BBs, but at least they'll be damaged and go away. The Repulse is better off doing AAA duty with the fast carriers, where it might take a torpedo instead of a CV.
On a related note, looking at your Replenishment Group - your fuel state looks good, but where are the AEs and AKEs to reload your BBs and cruisers? (Hopefully loaded and dispersed amongst the supply taskforces to be separated later.) I'd be going for Rota, or whichever island looks to have the weakest garrison, first, to establish a resupply lagoon with some of those big AEs that can transfer 16" rifle ammo. I'd also have a flotilla of ARs/ADs ready to go to Guam to operate with the 7th fleet HQ ASAP.
And the usual advice about putting some BB float planes on recon (night and day), and some cruiser floatplanes on night activities.
Ian R—
The AE and AKEs are heading from PH to Midway tomorrow. They will be ready to go to Wake to rearm the BBs and CAs, or—depending on their perceived vulnerability as the battle progresses—remain in Midway for the task.
The "usual advice" from you and all the other gentlemen of War College is not only welcome but essential. Kindly keep it coming!
The AE and AKEs are heading from PH to Midway tomorrow. They will be ready to go to Wake to rearm the BBs and CAs, or—depending on their perceived vulnerability as the battle progresses—remain in Midway for the task.
Wake is too far away in an emergency. A small, two ship AE & AKE task group with an ASW escort might escape detection in the clutter, and give you the ability to rearm about 2-3 BBs overnight at the first anchorage you occupy. Those numbers are an anecdotal observation. I've never done the maths, but there was a post years ago that said its coded so that the smaller ships will load from the smallest AKE with capacity to rearm them, leaving your Lassen class AE to attend to the big fellows. It also means you can rotate rearmed bombardment groups across to the other islands where the situation on the ground may still be in issue. Just remember to reload the AEs from the port on any day they aren't otherwise engaged.
Hopefully this will all be moot because your Guam attack force is bigger than any historical (Pacific) landing force bar Okinawa. If the number crunching says the Guam port size plus the naval HQ & the nav support in all the various BFs adds up to the right amount, you may be able to rearm most ships there anyway, although probably still needing a large AE for the 14" -> 16" rifles.
Attacking force 3420 troops, 306 guns, 228 vehicles, Assault Value = 1038
Defending force 78889 troops, 928 guns, 331 vehicles, Assault Value = 1890
Japanese ground losses:
321 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 9 (2 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
Guns lost 36 (21 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (3 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Assaulting units:
762nd Tank Battalion
Americal Infantry Division
193rd Tank Battalion
763rd Tank Battalion
637th Tank Destroyer Battalion
24th Infantry Division
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
II Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
205th Field Artillery Battalion
181st Field Artillery Regiment
226th Field Artillery Battalion
168th Field Artillery Regiment
183rd Field Artillery Regiment
30th Field Artillery Regiment
188th Field Artillery Regiment
206th Coast AA Regiment
214th Coast AA Regiment
134th Field Artillery Battalion
249th Field Artillery Battalion
97th Field Artillery Battalion
198th Field Artillery Battalion
147th Field Artillery Regiment
Defending units:
23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
52nd Division
48th Division
4th Guards Division
2nd Guards Division
2nd Division
5th Guards Division
31st Road Const Co
39th JAAF AF Bn
25th Air Defense AA Regiment
18th JNAF AF Unit
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
29th Ind. Engineer Regiment
207th JAAF AF Bn
70th JAAF AF Bn
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
17th Army
85th JAAF AF Bn
14th JNAF AF Unit
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
46th JNAF AF Unit
22nd Ind.Mtn Gun Battalion
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
34th Field AA Battalion
53rd JNAF AF Unit
10th JNAF AF Unit
91st JAAF AF Bn
115th JAAF AF Bn
Best Regards,
-Terry
"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."
You better not include construction units and air support baseforces into initial landing TFs. Those kind of supports are not needed in the assault and will only clog the beaches, get their machinery disabled and increase the loss count if things go wrong.
Also make sure to put some combat ships into amphib TFs as shell magnets and suppression especially in Saipan case because of naval fortress CD unit. For suppression puproses combat ships work much better in amphib compared to separate bombardment TFs. Bombardment on the other hand can go in and out.
GetAssita-
Your interest in The War College and your sage advice is appreciated.
One or Two Waves of Amphibious Landings?
It has been previously discussed within The War College as to whether ground and naval losses would be greater with one wave or two waves.
One wave should result in ground forces unloading quicker, thereby giving the Japanese coastal guns and aircraft less opportunity to hammer Allied troops and ships than two waves.
However, as you indicate, two waves should result in less losses to Headquarter units, Base Force units, and Construction units.
Considering that I haven't a clue what El Lobo has on the four southern Marianas Islands, that I don't know whether overall losses would be greater with one wave or two waves, and that I want to get the Invasion Fleet away from the Marianas Islands as soon as possible, I opted for one wave.
Do you feel strongly, considering the circumstances, that Allied over-all losses would be less with two waves (i.e., holding back the HQ units, Base Forces, and Construction units for the second wave)?
Capital Ships Imbedded with Amphibious Task Forces
I have imbedded one destroyer with each Amphibious Task Force.
I have enough destroyers to imbed two destroyers within approximately 20 of the Amphibious Task Forces which would leave 20 less destroyers for Combat Surface Task Forces. However, considering that I only plan to make one Bombardment run, the second day will free up four Bombardment Task Forces that I plan to convert to Surface Combat Task Forces.
Would you go with two DDs in as many Amphibious Task Forces as possible without lessening the strength of the one day Bombardment Task Forces?
Best Regards,
-Terry
"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."
What does sigint tell you about expected enemy forces?
Lowpe-
I haven't a clue regarding the Japanese strength at the Marianas Islands. The only intelligence I have is that yesterdays Signet Report indicated that the Japanese 24th Infantry Regiment had loaded and was bound for Guam.
The Allies have increased activity at Aitape, Manus, Kavieng, Rabaul, and the Shortlands with minimal ships and troops in an effort to divert El Lobo's attention away from the Marianas Islands. For over a month, the Signet Report has been indicating that El Lobo is transferring troops to Moluccas.
I haven't snooped around the Marianas Islands for fear of alerting El Lobo to an early impending Allied Invasion of the Marianas Islands.
Due to the early date of the war, I am gambling that El Lobo will not be expecting an Allied Invasion of the Marianas Islands, that the Allies will surprise him, and that he has not yet stuffed the Marianas Islands with troops and aircraft.
I have dedicated such a large force to capturing the Marianas for the following two reasons:
1.) To capture the Marianas Islands as soon as possible to build the ports, airbases, and forts.
2.) To have substantial ground forces in place at the Marianas to prep for the next major invasion which will be Formosa.
Best Regards,
-Terry
"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."
I also suggest that you eventually put the CVEs into about 2-3 separate TFs, each with < 150 aircraft and a few DDs and DEs; they can sit right in the coastal hex under assault and operate at full capacity. You want to keep your fast carriers with 30 knt cruiser and DD escorts one hex out to sea where they will still put a lot of cap over the adjacent island, and also will possibly divert the attention of the IJN away from your transports, or at least attract the airstrikes so your Hellcat jocks can go to work. This separation will make best use of the aircraft under the 1943 co-ordination limit.
I see you have the California and the Tennessee in twice (in bombardment groups and SAGs) - If they are going to act as SAG protection, do not let them shoot off all their ammo in a bombardment. The 5 fast USN BBS, and the Prince of Wales would either go with the fast carriers, or are formed into a surface SAG with the most aggressive and capable leader available (use Ching Lee or Arleigh Burke if they're out there in command of a TF) and also retain their full ammo load in case Mr Yamato and his buddy Mr Musashi drop by. It won't be pretty if your air cover doesn't deter them, and you might lose a couple of your new BBs, but at least they'll be damaged and go away. The Repulse is better off doing AAA duty with the fast carriers, where it might take a torpedo instead of a CV.
On a related note, looking at your Replenishment Group - your fuel state looks good, but where are the AEs and AKEs to reload your BBs and cruisers? (Hopefully loaded and dispersed amongst the supply taskforces to be separated later.) I'd be going for Rota, or whichever island looks to have the weakest garrison, first, to establish a resupply lagoon with some of those big AEs that can transfer 16" rifle ammo. I'd also have a flotilla of ARs/ADs ready to go to Guam to operate with the 7th fleet HQ ASAP.
And the usual advice about putting some BB float planes on recon (night and day), and some cruiser floatplanes on night activities.
Ian R-
Thank you for your interest in The War College, bringing to my attention that I listed BB California and BB Tennessee in both a Bombardment Task Force and Surface Combat Task Forces, and for your sound advice.
Tomorrow, I will transfer BB California and BB Tennessee from the Surface Combat Task Forces 662 nd 670 to the Bombardment Task Force 532.
At the outset, for purposes of Operation Sea Shark only, I am not concerned about grouping fast combat ships together in a Task Force.
Briefly, the General Plan is as follows:
1.) The entire Invasion Fleet will slowly move together from Pearl Harbor to one hex due east of Rota.
2.) The Bombardment Task Forces will bombard only one night and return to one hex east of Rota. Upon their return, the Bombardment Task Forces will change their mission to Surface Combat.
3.) The Amphibious Task Forces will assault the beaches. After each unloads the troops and supply, the Amphibious Task Forces will return to one hex east of Rota.
4.) All the Carriers are presently intended to remain one hex east of Rota to protect the Bombardment Task Forces and Amphibious Task Forces. Carrier Aircraft Assignments are to be as follows:
-276 Hellcats will provide CAP over the hex due east of Rota.
-200 Wildcats will provide LRCAP over the target hexes of Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam (i.e., 50 Wildcats per each of the four objectives).
-227 Wildcats will not be designated a target, but rather provide LRCAP covering 3 hexes.
-Each of the above fighter groups will vary their altitude at 20,000, 15,000, and 10,000 feet.
-134 Dauntless Dive Bombers will bomb the airfields at Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam the day after the Bombardment Task Forces have bombarded those same Islands. After the Dauntless' one day bombing of airfields, their mission will change to Naval Attack.
5.) Upon all Bombardment Task Forces and Amphibious Task Forces returning to one hex east of Rota, together, the entire Invasion Fleet will slowly return to Pearl Harbor.
I have designed this plan as I believed that it was the best plan to accomplish the following goals:
1.) Provide the best protection possible for all ships.
2.) Hammer the four islands and airfields.
3.) Kill Japanese pilots.
4.) Capture the four southern Marianas Islands.
Coordination 1943 Limits?
However, if I am understanding you correctly, you are telling me that my orders for the aircraft will not happen as planned due to limits on "Coordination" in 1943 because I have too many carriers and too many aircraft in the same hex?
Further, that by splitting the carriers into smaller groups and in two hexes that the coordination of aircraft missions would be more successful?
Please clarify and advise.
Best Regards,
-Terry
"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."
Terry, a few general ideas that seem to work well in practice:
1. I'm assuming you have some MSW or DMS integrated in your TFs. Including the bombardment ones. If you send an MSW task force into sweep Saipan, it will be sunk by the fortress guns. Dispersed in other TFs they will still sweep some mines, and the enemy has bigger fish to catch.
2. I'd put the assault troop transports into bigger TFs - right up to the 100 ship limit to saturate the defenses - even your attack transports will fire their 5" or 3" guns and it all helps. I would put the old Omahas in them at two per if possible to suck up the shore fire. Otherwise the CD guns will possibly shoot at each TF. If you have a bombardment BB that is down under 50% ammo, and you can't rearm it on site, you my as well include it, as the smaller CD guns will bounce a lot of rounds off its belt plate. If you have some amphib loaded AKAs with supply only, put some in the 100 ship TF to offload it direct to the troops.
3. Unless you have loaded the assault troops sparsely across a lot of ships, they will take at least 2-3 days to get all the combat elements ashore anyway. One days ground bombardment will give you the enemy OOB and tell you whether to use a shock attack to overrun the base or wait.
4. To get some recon results I'd set all the bombardment BB floatplanes to that mission, half at night*, along with any groups from cruisers embedded with the landing force. The other cruisers' and fast BBs' groups can do the naval searching and a bit of ASW. [*So they spot the shore bombardment as well.]
5. Last but not least - I gather you are planning to assault all 4 islands simultaneously, rather than starting, say, with Guam to establish a base under local air cover (200 Corsairs should do it[;)]) and working your way up with all the CVE and slow BB groups supporting each assault in turn, then replenishing. I think that's dangerous, because you are splitting your naval assets, but maybe it'll work given the surprise element. Because it will take a while to unload, and all 4 bases might not be taken in the first few days, I do think you need to be prepared to fight a fleet engagement - that means do not commit your fast carrier strike groups to base attacks, other than maybe one to port attack the CD guns. Also, keep at least a fast BB TF and a cruiser TF with full ammo loads to serially assault any IJN SAGs that sneak in at night.
And break out the PT boats.
Edit: The above was typed before I saw your last post and some of it is redundant.
The aircraft coordination rule is buried on page 167 of the manual. In 1943, the chance of (allied) co-ordination loss is doubled if the number of aircraft in the CVTF is greater than 150 +rnd(150). Obviously two CV TFs have just under a 1/3rd risk of coordination loss, but you can tailor your CVE TFs more precisely.
The other rule I was thinking of is at the foot of page 167, but it only applies if the carrier is "in a base hex" as opposed to in a TF in a base hex. I had a notion that CVEs didn't suffer the 50% launch penalty, but on reflection this is irrelevant.
Also, have a look at 6.3.5 on page 129 - once your bombardment TFs have any ship with <33% ammo load, they will disobey orders and head back to Pearl Harbor - another reason to set up your first island conquest as their TF home base and replenishment point, so they will be located there the next morning instead of half way to Wake Is.
