19-20 Sep 43
Highlights – Troops ashore at undefended New Hannover Is
Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 5
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 17
Allied: 24
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 1 ships hit (PB Dam)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph:
New Hannover Is (SOPAC)
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Lihir (SOPAC - flipped)
Green Is (SOPAC - flipped)
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
West Coast/Admin: CV Long Island II begins its journey from Cape Town to the East coast; will arrive in 11 days.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, Kusaie Is shore batteries refuse to be silence by the continued air and naval bombardment - sinking an xAP and damaging two LSTs. 25th ID will begin its ground attack next turn as engineers remain on landing craft off shore waiting to land. This will be a tough fight!
In SOPAC, New Hannover Amphib operation begins with a DD TF (5DD) sweep through Mussau Island and on to Manus. 4 PBs are sunk, but the DDs miss a small convoy (E, AK, 2xAK) just arriving at Manus. As fleet elements arrive off New Hannover, they find the base unoccupied. Troops are put ashore without incident, and no enemy air retaliation. Troops will occupy the base next turn. With nothing to bombard, the BB Washington TF (BB, 3CA, CL, DDs) will instead head to bombard Manus, preceded by a DD TF (4DD) to hunt for shipping. Most of the transports will retire, as additional transports and landing craft begin moving in engineers. Assault transports will initially head to Vella to prepare for the next landings - likely Umboi Island as support troops are currently being shipped from various islands to Kirakira where the Americal Division waits for shipping. Air forces largely rest, except for providing LRCAP over New Hannover.
In SWPAC, a DD TF (2DD) find a sink a lone PB off Roti, and will head deeper into the fringes of the southern Banda Sea next turn where a small convoy was reported at Soemba Is. CA TF (2CA, 3CL, DDs) will sortie from Darwin to bombard Selaroe to “stir the pot” a bit and see if the KB comes out of Ambon. Otherwise, air forces largely rest and we await developments.
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, it stays pretty quiet. Looks like the IJA fighter strength, formerly at Rangoon, have relocated to a base outside Bangkok - just inside B-24 range, so will have two squadrons visit at night. On the ground, troop re-shuffling continues in the Burma Plain, giving the Japanese plenty of time to redeploy and strengthen their defenses, but little can be done. This shuffling needs to happen, and will take time.
In the IO, a small convoy (TK, 2xAK and escorts) arrives at Port Blair without a reaction so far. Another small convoy, along with a pair of AKEs, begins loading at Colombo, bound for Port Blair. IJN stays put at Georgetown, but IJN ASW TFs remain busy in the northern exit of the Straits of Malacca. US Trinkat based Helldivers manage a single hit on an Escort off Phuket in 15 sorties. Will look to sortie another Bde size or better convoy to pull troops off Trinkat in the coming days/weeks. Just biding time until the CV Lexington can put to sea. In the meantime, I need to look at moving the still heavily damaged CV Essex out of Madras to Colombo, and then eventually out of Theater for repairs.
LST vs. IdahoNYer (DBB-C, A AAR) 6 yrs and done! VJ Day!
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
21-22 Sep 43
21-22 Sep 43
Highlights – Kusaie and New Hannover taken
Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2
AM: 1
xAKL: 1
Jph ships unsunk:
SS: 1 (I-173)
Air loss:
Jpn: 65
Allied: 56
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 7 Attacks, 1 ships hit (PB Dam)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Kusaie Is (CENPAC)
New Hannover Is (SOPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: Air search and recon over Ambon reports KB no longer there.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, Kusaie Is surprisingly falls in the first of two attacks despite level 5 forts! Attacks cause over 1600 Jpn casualties against fewer than 250 US. One of 3 naval guard units and the tank company destroyed. Now a mop up operation. Engineers will start getting the AF ready for planes as the first USMC squadron flies in. Once again, I expected a more prolonged fight! CVE TF will head towards Ponape to interdict any shipping as the CA TF as well as transports start heading back to friendly ports, and engineers will start flowing in. LBA largely rests to prepare for the next likely target - Kwajalein.
In SOPAC, New Hannover falls unopposed. BB Wash TF bombards Manus with moderately good effect, destroying a half dozen planes on the ground and sinking a PB and AM. No Jpn LBA interferes with the landings. Priority now shifts to bringing in engineers to get an AF operational. Assault shipping as well as BB Washington TF will shift to support landings at Salamaua. DDs will sortie to disrupt IJN coastal shipping on the north coast of New Guinea.
In SWPAC, air search finds a good size Jpn convoy offloading at Hollandia on the north coast of New Guinea and unescorted Merauke based level bombers attack with good effect, despite an effective Zero CAP. The low level attacks hit 8 AKs with multiple bomb hits and leave them all with heavy damage and heavy fires, but none are confirmed sunk but with a reported 500+ soldier casualties. Cost wasn’t light though, 11 Venturas and 10 Beaufighters took the worst of it, but the two B-25 squadrons didn’t suffer a loss. Will send P-38s to sweep in case the transports are still there next turn. Otherwise, air search and recon fail to spot the KB at Ambon, although the BB Musashi TF and CVE TF seem to be near the port. Will increase some search, but will also start reloading the Babar Amph TF still at Gove. At sea, Allied CA TF (2CA, 3CL, DDs) bombard Selaroe with minimal effect - small garrison perhaps, or very well dug in?
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, US B-24s raid Pisanuloke where the IJA fighters were believed to be located and did well - 15 IJA fighters destroyed on the ground, including the first two Franks believed to be lost in the war. IJA fighters also spotted at Udon Thani, which will also be hit at night next turn, while most of the remaining B-24 will shift back to a limited ground support role as troops begin the attack toward Rangoon. Supply situation still remains fairly good, and Magwe will soon open up as a fighter base.
In the IO, the small convoy (TK, 2xAK and escorts) departed Port Blair without a reaction, but instead the reaction was at Trinkat which received the full attention of the IJN BB fleet. Two TFs (2BB, 3CA, CL, DDs) and (BB, 3CA, 2CL, DDs) with the IJN CVs flying cover effectively bombarded Trinkat, shutting down the AF. Trinkat based SB2Cs flew without escort and got chopped up by LRCAP, losing 12 of 18. Also, SS Sawfish actually got past the ASW screen, but missed CA Mogami with 4 torps. The real question is whether the IJN CVs are the full KB and this is a prolonged operation or whether this is just another raid. In any case, the Allied fleet remains pretty much in Colombo, waiting for Lady Lex, and perhaps CV Enterprise at Cape Town, also only a few days from repairs being completed. The major Allied naval effort is scheduled to be the crippled CV Essex making the journey from Madras to Colombo. That assumes that the KB isn’t prowling the IO of course. Lastly, CVs Wasp, Saratoga and Independence make port. Wasp and Indy will repair at Aden, and should be complete in a few weeks. Sara, with her torp damage will take about a month at Cape Town.
Highlights – Kusaie and New Hannover taken
Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2
AM: 1
xAKL: 1
Jph ships unsunk:
SS: 1 (I-173)
Air loss:
Jpn: 65
Allied: 56
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 7 Attacks, 1 ships hit (PB Dam)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Kusaie Is (CENPAC)
New Hannover Is (SOPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: Air search and recon over Ambon reports KB no longer there.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, Kusaie Is surprisingly falls in the first of two attacks despite level 5 forts! Attacks cause over 1600 Jpn casualties against fewer than 250 US. One of 3 naval guard units and the tank company destroyed. Now a mop up operation. Engineers will start getting the AF ready for planes as the first USMC squadron flies in. Once again, I expected a more prolonged fight! CVE TF will head towards Ponape to interdict any shipping as the CA TF as well as transports start heading back to friendly ports, and engineers will start flowing in. LBA largely rests to prepare for the next likely target - Kwajalein.
In SOPAC, New Hannover falls unopposed. BB Wash TF bombards Manus with moderately good effect, destroying a half dozen planes on the ground and sinking a PB and AM. No Jpn LBA interferes with the landings. Priority now shifts to bringing in engineers to get an AF operational. Assault shipping as well as BB Washington TF will shift to support landings at Salamaua. DDs will sortie to disrupt IJN coastal shipping on the north coast of New Guinea.
In SWPAC, air search finds a good size Jpn convoy offloading at Hollandia on the north coast of New Guinea and unescorted Merauke based level bombers attack with good effect, despite an effective Zero CAP. The low level attacks hit 8 AKs with multiple bomb hits and leave them all with heavy damage and heavy fires, but none are confirmed sunk but with a reported 500+ soldier casualties. Cost wasn’t light though, 11 Venturas and 10 Beaufighters took the worst of it, but the two B-25 squadrons didn’t suffer a loss. Will send P-38s to sweep in case the transports are still there next turn. Otherwise, air search and recon fail to spot the KB at Ambon, although the BB Musashi TF and CVE TF seem to be near the port. Will increase some search, but will also start reloading the Babar Amph TF still at Gove. At sea, Allied CA TF (2CA, 3CL, DDs) bombard Selaroe with minimal effect - small garrison perhaps, or very well dug in?
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, US B-24s raid Pisanuloke where the IJA fighters were believed to be located and did well - 15 IJA fighters destroyed on the ground, including the first two Franks believed to be lost in the war. IJA fighters also spotted at Udon Thani, which will also be hit at night next turn, while most of the remaining B-24 will shift back to a limited ground support role as troops begin the attack toward Rangoon. Supply situation still remains fairly good, and Magwe will soon open up as a fighter base.
In the IO, the small convoy (TK, 2xAK and escorts) departed Port Blair without a reaction, but instead the reaction was at Trinkat which received the full attention of the IJN BB fleet. Two TFs (2BB, 3CA, CL, DDs) and (BB, 3CA, 2CL, DDs) with the IJN CVs flying cover effectively bombarded Trinkat, shutting down the AF. Trinkat based SB2Cs flew without escort and got chopped up by LRCAP, losing 12 of 18. Also, SS Sawfish actually got past the ASW screen, but missed CA Mogami with 4 torps. The real question is whether the IJN CVs are the full KB and this is a prolonged operation or whether this is just another raid. In any case, the Allied fleet remains pretty much in Colombo, waiting for Lady Lex, and perhaps CV Enterprise at Cape Town, also only a few days from repairs being completed. The major Allied naval effort is scheduled to be the crippled CV Essex making the journey from Madras to Colombo. That assumes that the KB isn’t prowling the IO of course. Lastly, CVs Wasp, Saratoga and Independence make port. Wasp and Indy will repair at Aden, and should be complete in a few weeks. Sara, with her torp damage will take about a month at Cape Town.
RE: 21-22 Sep 43
Kusaie Is surprisingly falls in the first of two attacks despite level 5 forts!
Low supply for the defenders?
RE: 21-22 Sep 43
ORIGINAL: jwolf
Kusaie Is surprisingly falls in the first of two attacks despite level 5 forts!
Low supply for the defenders?
Yes, lack of supply was a factor - but I did not expect to take a level 5 fort on the first attack. Figured I'd have to grind down the forts for a couple of days at least.
23-24 Sep 43
23-24 Sep 43
Highlights – Fighting ends at Kusaie; IJA counterattacks in Burma
Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
SS: 1 (I-169)
AK: 1
xAKL: 1
AG: 1
ACM: 1
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (O-20) succumbed to bomb damage SE of Trinkat
Air loss:
Jpn: 54
Allied: 31
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 1 ships hit (PB Dam) SS Cod manages to miss both CA Atago AND CV Kaga of Phuket!
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated: None
SIGINT/Intel: With the Kaga sighted off Phuket, Thailand, did the full KB redeploy back to the IO Theater?
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, Jpn troops eliminated on Kusaie Is, last 2000 or so troops destroyed for no Allied loss. 25th ID will now shift planning for operations in New Guinea, and will move to SOPAC once transports can be made available. Next Allied landing will be at Kwajalein as more prep time is needed for the Ponape landings.
In SOPAC, the DD raid on Hollandia misses the AK Convoy and only really wears down the DDs with the full speed run. Allied Amph TF begins loading at Buna to land 2 Bdes(+) at Salamaua, hopefully trapping the IJA’s 38th Div in the jungles. The Allied Bdes are still recovering from losses from Buna, so this may be a bit dicey. LBA will focus on prepping Salamaua. Meanwhile, engineers begin flowing into New Hannover via barge, and so far, no Jpn interference.
In SWPAC, LBA continues to find targets off Hollandia, but while sweeps effectively engaged the Zero CAP, there were still plenty of Zeros left to inflict solid losses on the strike a/c. After two days of strikes, an xAKL is sunk and two are left burning and 18 Zeros downed, but 10 B-25s and 3 P-38s failed to return. I still really can’t afford those loses despite the overall positive loss ratio. Allied air production just isn’t up to it! Elsewhere, with indications that the KB is no longer at Ambon, the Babar Amph TF begins reloading troops at Gove. I really don’t have a good feel for where the KB is at the moment - not a good feeling, but I need to get the ball rolling here in the Timor Sea.
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, the IJA launch a division sized spoiling attack near Taung Gyi, forcing back the Allied 77th LRP Bde, less about 1000 men. Elsewhere, the IJA force seems to be pulling back towards a line from Prome to Tongoo, but overall looks to be withdrawing towards Rangoon. Allied troops will continue to press on the Rangoon Front, but focusing more towards Pegu rather than Rangoon or Prome. In any case, the Jpn have interior lines, and should make this a prolonged slog rather than any type of blitz. On the Lashio front, additional Allied troops are moving from Mandalay to Lashio, and will eventually total a 2+Division sized Corps - hopefully with enough combat power to clear the route to Paoshan. In the air, two P-47 squadrons are brought into Magwe, which will allow sweeps into Thai bases, currently being hit by night time B-24s with fairly good results - 5 Tojo, 2 George and a Frank destroyed at Chaing Mai AF. Supply remains fairly plentiful in Central Burma as a series of convoys continue to bring in large amounts of supply to Akyab - from there its moving overland to ground forces across Burma.
In the IO, much IJN activity at the entrance of the Malacca Straits to the IO - subs continue to try and make a difference, but so far, results have been less than stellar. SS Cod for instance was the only sub to get past the ASW screen, and then proceeds to miss CV Kaga and CA Atago! Meanwhile, SS O-20 succumbs to the ever present ASW a/c threat. Not sure what L_S_T is doing with the fleet right now. Lots of activity, but nothing really warranting that CV presence - supporting bombardment runs to Trinkat perhaps? Overkill to me. Supporting a major convoy of troops to Sumatra perhaps? More effective with LBA than risking CVs at sea. Maybe a counter landing in the works for Trinkat or Port Blair? I could only hope so - still heavily defended with ground troops, that are waiting shipping to pull back to Colombo. Will have to wait and see.
Highlights – Fighting ends at Kusaie; IJA counterattacks in Burma
Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
SS: 1 (I-169)
AK: 1
xAKL: 1
AG: 1
ACM: 1
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (O-20) succumbed to bomb damage SE of Trinkat
Air loss:
Jpn: 54
Allied: 31
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 1 ships hit (PB Dam) SS Cod manages to miss both CA Atago AND CV Kaga of Phuket!
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated: None
SIGINT/Intel: With the Kaga sighted off Phuket, Thailand, did the full KB redeploy back to the IO Theater?
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, Jpn troops eliminated on Kusaie Is, last 2000 or so troops destroyed for no Allied loss. 25th ID will now shift planning for operations in New Guinea, and will move to SOPAC once transports can be made available. Next Allied landing will be at Kwajalein as more prep time is needed for the Ponape landings.
In SOPAC, the DD raid on Hollandia misses the AK Convoy and only really wears down the DDs with the full speed run. Allied Amph TF begins loading at Buna to land 2 Bdes(+) at Salamaua, hopefully trapping the IJA’s 38th Div in the jungles. The Allied Bdes are still recovering from losses from Buna, so this may be a bit dicey. LBA will focus on prepping Salamaua. Meanwhile, engineers begin flowing into New Hannover via barge, and so far, no Jpn interference.
In SWPAC, LBA continues to find targets off Hollandia, but while sweeps effectively engaged the Zero CAP, there were still plenty of Zeros left to inflict solid losses on the strike a/c. After two days of strikes, an xAKL is sunk and two are left burning and 18 Zeros downed, but 10 B-25s and 3 P-38s failed to return. I still really can’t afford those loses despite the overall positive loss ratio. Allied air production just isn’t up to it! Elsewhere, with indications that the KB is no longer at Ambon, the Babar Amph TF begins reloading troops at Gove. I really don’t have a good feel for where the KB is at the moment - not a good feeling, but I need to get the ball rolling here in the Timor Sea.
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, the IJA launch a division sized spoiling attack near Taung Gyi, forcing back the Allied 77th LRP Bde, less about 1000 men. Elsewhere, the IJA force seems to be pulling back towards a line from Prome to Tongoo, but overall looks to be withdrawing towards Rangoon. Allied troops will continue to press on the Rangoon Front, but focusing more towards Pegu rather than Rangoon or Prome. In any case, the Jpn have interior lines, and should make this a prolonged slog rather than any type of blitz. On the Lashio front, additional Allied troops are moving from Mandalay to Lashio, and will eventually total a 2+Division sized Corps - hopefully with enough combat power to clear the route to Paoshan. In the air, two P-47 squadrons are brought into Magwe, which will allow sweeps into Thai bases, currently being hit by night time B-24s with fairly good results - 5 Tojo, 2 George and a Frank destroyed at Chaing Mai AF. Supply remains fairly plentiful in Central Burma as a series of convoys continue to bring in large amounts of supply to Akyab - from there its moving overland to ground forces across Burma.
In the IO, much IJN activity at the entrance of the Malacca Straits to the IO - subs continue to try and make a difference, but so far, results have been less than stellar. SS Cod for instance was the only sub to get past the ASW screen, and then proceeds to miss CV Kaga and CA Atago! Meanwhile, SS O-20 succumbs to the ever present ASW a/c threat. Not sure what L_S_T is doing with the fleet right now. Lots of activity, but nothing really warranting that CV presence - supporting bombardment runs to Trinkat perhaps? Overkill to me. Supporting a major convoy of troops to Sumatra perhaps? More effective with LBA than risking CVs at sea. Maybe a counter landing in the works for Trinkat or Port Blair? I could only hope so - still heavily defended with ground troops, that are waiting shipping to pull back to Colombo. Will have to wait and see.
25-26 Sep 43
25-26 Sep 43
Highlights – Katha in Burma taken; B-25s find ships and Zeros at Hollandia again
Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2
xAKL: 1
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Peto) succumbed to ASW a/c damage SE of Trinkat The strange thing was damage was reported to be a inflicted by a torpedo?! Kates using torpedoes on ASW patrol???
Air loss:
Jpn: 34
Allied: 33
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 2 ships hit (PB. xAKL Dam)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated: None
SIGINT/Intel: Unclear where the IJN CVs are.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, troops begin loading for Kwaj while Kusaie invasion troops begin to be re-embarked. US CA TF (2CA, CL, DD) arrives at Wake Is hoping to find a reported convoy, and does - but fails to engage. So end turn finds the CA TF and the IJN convoy in the same hex at Wake with no combat! What the heck? Anyway, will see what happens next turn as not only the CA TF may engage, but the CVE TF (3CVEs, DDs) heading in from the WSW.
In SOPAC, Salamaua Amph TF completes loading and will head to target next turn, along with BB Wash TF to bombard. All available bombers committed to support the landings by hitting ground targets - estimated to be a Gds Infantry Regiment. Elsewhere, engineers continue to flow into New Hannover, and the AF should be operational in the next day or so. 1st Mar Div and support elements begins bombarding Kavieng to tie down enemy forces.
In SWPAC, my B-25s prove more aggressive than the sweeping P-38s, hitting a small convoy off Hollandia sinking one xAKL and crippling two more. But the Zeros take their revenge, downing 11. Much too expensive trade off. Off Darwin, the Babar Amph TF will head to Babar and begin the “Soft Underbelly” Campaign. Although, I don’t think the defenses in this area will be too soft - the question is “where are the IJN CVs??”. This landing may stir up a true hornets nest and the IJN can, if L_S_T desires, to truly isolate the Allied landings here. US CA TF will head to bombard, but the largest Allied ships in the area are two heavy cruisers, and that’s not going to change. All available Allied bombers will hit ground targets on Babar - estimated to be a naval guard or SNLF. With the threat of a superior IJN response, I’m bringing in a number of Engineer units in the initial landings, as well as two minelayers will lay mines during the landings. LBA will provide the CAP which should be enough to protect the initial landings, but not enough to keep the skies clear if CVs are committed to the area. This one is a risk!
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, on the main ground route to Myitkyina, Katha falls. Clearly an IJA rear-guard action with RTA forces begin left to slow down the Allied advance, but still needed to clear out. About 900 RTA casualties to 200 Allied. Myitkyina and Wau still need to be cleared, and with the jungles and challenging supply lines, it will be a slow grind. The battle for Lashio will begin in earnest next turn with the XV Indian Corps of 2 IN Div, LRP Bde and armor beginning bombardments and getting the full support of all available LBA including the first commitment of the 308 Bomb Group with their new B-24Js. On the road to Rangoon, Allied troops being a concerted move to take Tongoo and to protect the flank, take Taung Gyi, which appears to be the more heavily defended which is a bit surprising. The main Allied thrust will be aimed at Pegu through the jungles, but that is still taking some redployments to get rolling. So far, supplies are doing surprisingly well in Burma.
In the IO, its quiet with the exception of Japanese ASW a/c making life very tough for submarines in the northern exit of the Malacca Straits. 2 subs are damaged and will have to withdraw to Colombo for repairs while the SS Peto succumbs to its damaged - reportedly a torpedo?! I’m going to try and put a Beaufighter squadron on LRCAP over a sub next turn, see fi they can flame some unsuspecting ASW a/c. The main Allied effort for the next couple of turns in the IO will be moving the CV Essex (59 major flood) from Madras to Colombo, with much ASW effort expended to get her safely there. Lexington is 4 days out from being fully repaired at Columbo, so here shipyard effort will trade off to Essex upon arrival to get Essex reduced enough where she can sail for Aden and then either England or US east coast. Lastly, CV Enterprise completes her repairs at Cape Town - so I have a dilemma - bring here back to the fleet at Colombo, or begin her scheduled 10/43 refit. Mmmm…
Highlights – Katha in Burma taken; B-25s find ships and Zeros at Hollandia again
Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2
xAKL: 1
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Peto) succumbed to ASW a/c damage SE of Trinkat The strange thing was damage was reported to be a inflicted by a torpedo?! Kates using torpedoes on ASW patrol???
Air loss:
Jpn: 34
Allied: 33
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 2 ships hit (PB. xAKL Dam)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated: None
SIGINT/Intel: Unclear where the IJN CVs are.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, troops begin loading for Kwaj while Kusaie invasion troops begin to be re-embarked. US CA TF (2CA, CL, DD) arrives at Wake Is hoping to find a reported convoy, and does - but fails to engage. So end turn finds the CA TF and the IJN convoy in the same hex at Wake with no combat! What the heck? Anyway, will see what happens next turn as not only the CA TF may engage, but the CVE TF (3CVEs, DDs) heading in from the WSW.
In SOPAC, Salamaua Amph TF completes loading and will head to target next turn, along with BB Wash TF to bombard. All available bombers committed to support the landings by hitting ground targets - estimated to be a Gds Infantry Regiment. Elsewhere, engineers continue to flow into New Hannover, and the AF should be operational in the next day or so. 1st Mar Div and support elements begins bombarding Kavieng to tie down enemy forces.
In SWPAC, my B-25s prove more aggressive than the sweeping P-38s, hitting a small convoy off Hollandia sinking one xAKL and crippling two more. But the Zeros take their revenge, downing 11. Much too expensive trade off. Off Darwin, the Babar Amph TF will head to Babar and begin the “Soft Underbelly” Campaign. Although, I don’t think the defenses in this area will be too soft - the question is “where are the IJN CVs??”. This landing may stir up a true hornets nest and the IJN can, if L_S_T desires, to truly isolate the Allied landings here. US CA TF will head to bombard, but the largest Allied ships in the area are two heavy cruisers, and that’s not going to change. All available Allied bombers will hit ground targets on Babar - estimated to be a naval guard or SNLF. With the threat of a superior IJN response, I’m bringing in a number of Engineer units in the initial landings, as well as two minelayers will lay mines during the landings. LBA will provide the CAP which should be enough to protect the initial landings, but not enough to keep the skies clear if CVs are committed to the area. This one is a risk!
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, on the main ground route to Myitkyina, Katha falls. Clearly an IJA rear-guard action with RTA forces begin left to slow down the Allied advance, but still needed to clear out. About 900 RTA casualties to 200 Allied. Myitkyina and Wau still need to be cleared, and with the jungles and challenging supply lines, it will be a slow grind. The battle for Lashio will begin in earnest next turn with the XV Indian Corps of 2 IN Div, LRP Bde and armor beginning bombardments and getting the full support of all available LBA including the first commitment of the 308 Bomb Group with their new B-24Js. On the road to Rangoon, Allied troops being a concerted move to take Tongoo and to protect the flank, take Taung Gyi, which appears to be the more heavily defended which is a bit surprising. The main Allied thrust will be aimed at Pegu through the jungles, but that is still taking some redployments to get rolling. So far, supplies are doing surprisingly well in Burma.
In the IO, its quiet with the exception of Japanese ASW a/c making life very tough for submarines in the northern exit of the Malacca Straits. 2 subs are damaged and will have to withdraw to Colombo for repairs while the SS Peto succumbs to its damaged - reportedly a torpedo?! I’m going to try and put a Beaufighter squadron on LRCAP over a sub next turn, see fi they can flame some unsuspecting ASW a/c. The main Allied effort for the next couple of turns in the IO will be moving the CV Essex (59 major flood) from Madras to Colombo, with much ASW effort expended to get her safely there. Lexington is 4 days out from being fully repaired at Columbo, so here shipyard effort will trade off to Essex upon arrival to get Essex reduced enough where she can sail for Aden and then either England or US east coast. Lastly, CV Enterprise completes her repairs at Cape Town - so I have a dilemma - bring here back to the fleet at Colombo, or begin her scheduled 10/43 refit. Mmmm…
RE: 25-26 Sep 43
SS: 1 (Peto) succumbed to ASW a/c damage SE of Trinkat The strange thing was damage was reported to be a inflicted by a torpedo?! Kates using torpedoes on ASW patrol???
I don't know if this is accurate, but it does look like poetic justice of a rough sort. I admit I have a bad feeling about the "soft underbelly" campaign in the eastern DEI area. Curious -- and apprehensive -- how this will play out.
RE: 25-26 Sep 43
ORIGINAL: jwolf
I admit I have a bad feeling about the "soft underbelly" campaign in the eastern DEI area. Curious -- and apprehensive -- how this will play out.
That makes two of us! Not knowing where the KB is the wildcard....but...if L_S_T moves the KB or heavy assets against this "soft underbelly", will just shut down operations there and look elsewhere. Hopefully without any undue pain.
27-28 Sep 43
27-28 Sep 43
Highlights – Troops ashore at Babar, Salamaua and Shortlands without interference.
Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 3
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 34
Allied: 27
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph:
Babar (SWPAC)
Salamaua (SOPAC)
Shortlands (SOPAC)
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Tabar (SOPAC - flipped)
Shortlands (SOPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, US CA TF (2CA, CL, DD) at Wake Is fails to make contact with the reported convoy there, but apparently flushes it out to the NW where the CVE TF sinks 3 xAKs without loss. CA TF will bombard and return to Roi while the CVE TF continues NE in search of possible other targets if the convoy scattered, then return to Roi. Kwaj Amph TF continues to load troops and supplies at Tarawa. Lastly, three additional CVEs arrive at Tabit to join the fleet - two of which will embark USMC squadrons.
In SOPAC, Salamaua Amph TF completes offloading but the BB TF didn’t depart Buna to bombard - will do so this next turn along with the troops attacking. Amph TF will depart to the Solomons to begin preparations for the Umboi Island landings. Fiji Commandos land and seize Shortlands against left behind IJA remnants. Shortlands will be established as the next Fleet base to eventually replace Tulagi. Lastly, New Hannover Is AF becomes operational and the first USMC fighter squadron is flown in.
In SWPAC, troops come ashore at Babar without any issues. Transports will clear the landing area and head back to Darwin while the CA TF will bombard and then depart. DDs and PTs will remain to cover the remaining landing craft offloading. Troops arrived a bit fatigued, so the assault will have to wait a turn - will be interesting to see what L_S_T does in response. The big question is where are the CVs?
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, troops advance to Toungoo and find it apparently abandoned. I find that strange as it is probably well fortified. Troops will attack to take it next turn, and then continue to advance on Pegu. Troops will also attack Tuang Gyi and the big attack will be XV Corps 2+Div attack on Lashio which is where the LBA is providing the majority of support. Lashio looks to be the hardest nut to crack of the three objectives, and Allied supplies there the thinnest. So begins the hard fighting as the Allied repositioning is about complete.
In the IO, CV Essex crawls from Madras to Trincomalee without problems. Now the next leg to Colombo. Two IJN subs reportedly hit off Cochin on the tip of India, but no subs reported in Ceylon waters. A dozen or so DDs are involved in sheparding the Essex as she crawls to Colombo. Elsewhere, its quiet except for the Jpn a/c ASW effort which is damaging at least a sub a day. My LRCAP experiment to cover a sub reportedly downed a Jill ASW a/c. Not sure if it’s worth the effort.
Highlights – Troops ashore at Babar, Salamaua and Shortlands without interference.
Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 3
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 34
Allied: 27
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph:
Babar (SWPAC)
Salamaua (SOPAC)
Shortlands (SOPAC)
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Tabar (SOPAC - flipped)
Shortlands (SOPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, US CA TF (2CA, CL, DD) at Wake Is fails to make contact with the reported convoy there, but apparently flushes it out to the NW where the CVE TF sinks 3 xAKs without loss. CA TF will bombard and return to Roi while the CVE TF continues NE in search of possible other targets if the convoy scattered, then return to Roi. Kwaj Amph TF continues to load troops and supplies at Tarawa. Lastly, three additional CVEs arrive at Tabit to join the fleet - two of which will embark USMC squadrons.
In SOPAC, Salamaua Amph TF completes offloading but the BB TF didn’t depart Buna to bombard - will do so this next turn along with the troops attacking. Amph TF will depart to the Solomons to begin preparations for the Umboi Island landings. Fiji Commandos land and seize Shortlands against left behind IJA remnants. Shortlands will be established as the next Fleet base to eventually replace Tulagi. Lastly, New Hannover Is AF becomes operational and the first USMC fighter squadron is flown in.
In SWPAC, troops come ashore at Babar without any issues. Transports will clear the landing area and head back to Darwin while the CA TF will bombard and then depart. DDs and PTs will remain to cover the remaining landing craft offloading. Troops arrived a bit fatigued, so the assault will have to wait a turn - will be interesting to see what L_S_T does in response. The big question is where are the CVs?
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, troops advance to Toungoo and find it apparently abandoned. I find that strange as it is probably well fortified. Troops will attack to take it next turn, and then continue to advance on Pegu. Troops will also attack Tuang Gyi and the big attack will be XV Corps 2+Div attack on Lashio which is where the LBA is providing the majority of support. Lashio looks to be the hardest nut to crack of the three objectives, and Allied supplies there the thinnest. So begins the hard fighting as the Allied repositioning is about complete.
In the IO, CV Essex crawls from Madras to Trincomalee without problems. Now the next leg to Colombo. Two IJN subs reportedly hit off Cochin on the tip of India, but no subs reported in Ceylon waters. A dozen or so DDs are involved in sheparding the Essex as she crawls to Colombo. Elsewhere, its quiet except for the Jpn a/c ASW effort which is damaging at least a sub a day. My LRCAP experiment to cover a sub reportedly downed a Jill ASW a/c. Not sure if it’s worth the effort.
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29-30 Sep 43
29-30 Sep 43
Highlights – A sub bags a carrier! Salamaua taken; Jpn LBA hits back at Babar.
Jpn ships sunk:
CVE: 1 (Shinyo)
PB: 1
SS: 1 (I-164)
Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (I-154)
Allied ships sunk:
LST: 2
Air loss:
Jpn: 91
Allied: 49
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 4 ships hit (CVE Shinyo sunk; xAP, xAK, PB dam) CVE Shinyo sunk by SS Plunger north of Denpasar
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Toungoo (Burma)
Salamaua (SOPAC)
Massau Is (SOPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: No sightings of IJN CVs, but subs contact and air search reports CVEs heading towards Ambon. Two new Jpn planes engaged in the air for the first time - the Frank fighter and Frances bomber.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, US CA TF (2CA, CL, DD) bombards Wake Is and it appears that the atoll has been abandoned by the Jpn. CVEs do not contact any other IJN shipping NW of Wake and will return to Roi to support Kwaj landings. Kwaj Amph TF finishes loading at Tarawa and will head to the Marshalls.
In SOPAC, Salamaua is taken in the first assault with over 1300 Jpn casualties compared to 120 Allied. Taking Salamaua and holding Wau looks to be isolating upwards of 20k Japanese troops in the jungles of NE New Guinea. US fleet will now shift back to supporting the next landings and transports will congregate at Tulagi. Leaning toward landing at Hansa Bay first, then Umboi Island, but still debating. Umboi will be the tougher fight, and I may be able to grab Hansa Bay with little effort, but it’s a bit deeper into the IJA defenses, and the invasion convoy will have to transit the Bismarck Sea. Should be do-able, but a bit more risk. Troops are prepped for both. Will also start bringing in engineers to Massau Island which flipped - a great location for an AF close to Manus, and to continue the stranglehold of Kavieng and Rabaul.
In SWPAC, Allied CA TF (2CA, 2CL, DDs) bombard Babar with minimal effect, and miss the probing IJN DD TF (3DD) which engages the US DD TF (4DDs) inconclusively, only one US DD suffering minor damage from the single hit in the engagement. Jpn Navy fliers hit back at the Allied shipping off Babar, with Jills and Frances heavily escorted by Zeros. They find few targets, the level bombers attempting to hit PTs while the Jills catch two LSTs and sink both. Cost wasn’t light for the IJN fliers - 33 Zeros and 4 Frances lost to the mixed Allied LRCAP. With IJN CVE TFs (or what is at least reported as CVEs), Allied shipping except for PTs will clear Babar and the ground troops will attack, supported by LBA. If the ground assault doesn’t carry the base, this could be a challenge.
Highlights – A sub bags a carrier! Salamaua taken; Jpn LBA hits back at Babar.
Jpn ships sunk:
CVE: 1 (Shinyo)
PB: 1
SS: 1 (I-164)
Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (I-154)
Allied ships sunk:
LST: 2
Air loss:
Jpn: 91
Allied: 49
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 4 ships hit (CVE Shinyo sunk; xAP, xAK, PB dam) CVE Shinyo sunk by SS Plunger north of Denpasar
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Toungoo (Burma)
Salamaua (SOPAC)
Massau Is (SOPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: No sightings of IJN CVs, but subs contact and air search reports CVEs heading towards Ambon. Two new Jpn planes engaged in the air for the first time - the Frank fighter and Frances bomber.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, US CA TF (2CA, CL, DD) bombards Wake Is and it appears that the atoll has been abandoned by the Jpn. CVEs do not contact any other IJN shipping NW of Wake and will return to Roi to support Kwaj landings. Kwaj Amph TF finishes loading at Tarawa and will head to the Marshalls.
In SOPAC, Salamaua is taken in the first assault with over 1300 Jpn casualties compared to 120 Allied. Taking Salamaua and holding Wau looks to be isolating upwards of 20k Japanese troops in the jungles of NE New Guinea. US fleet will now shift back to supporting the next landings and transports will congregate at Tulagi. Leaning toward landing at Hansa Bay first, then Umboi Island, but still debating. Umboi will be the tougher fight, and I may be able to grab Hansa Bay with little effort, but it’s a bit deeper into the IJA defenses, and the invasion convoy will have to transit the Bismarck Sea. Should be do-able, but a bit more risk. Troops are prepped for both. Will also start bringing in engineers to Massau Island which flipped - a great location for an AF close to Manus, and to continue the stranglehold of Kavieng and Rabaul.
In SWPAC, Allied CA TF (2CA, 2CL, DDs) bombard Babar with minimal effect, and miss the probing IJN DD TF (3DD) which engages the US DD TF (4DDs) inconclusively, only one US DD suffering minor damage from the single hit in the engagement. Jpn Navy fliers hit back at the Allied shipping off Babar, with Jills and Frances heavily escorted by Zeros. They find few targets, the level bombers attempting to hit PTs while the Jills catch two LSTs and sink both. Cost wasn’t light for the IJN fliers - 33 Zeros and 4 Frances lost to the mixed Allied LRCAP. With IJN CVE TFs (or what is at least reported as CVEs), Allied shipping except for PTs will clear Babar and the ground troops will attack, supported by LBA. If the ground assault doesn’t carry the base, this could be a challenge.
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RE: 29-30 Sep 43
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, troops take the surprisingly undefended Toungoo and will begin to press on to Pegu. The initial attack on Lashio is held with 1200 Allied casualties to only around 500 IJA. But the forts were reduced to level 2, and the Allied Corps is still in good shape and will continue its attack next turn. Less successful was the attack on Taung Gyi, which had an entire Tank Division supporting the two Infantry brigades defending. Over 2000 Allied casualties against only 400 IJA. Not going to take Taung Gyi anytime soon. But to me, Taung Gyi is less critical than either Lashio or Toungoo - so I’m not sure why the significant force is there - perhaps a counter attack into the Burma Plain? I’d welcome that with a few divisions currently uncommitted near Magwe. Will continue to focus the main effort to take Lashio and open the corridor to China at Paoshan, and maintain the pressure on Rangoon by focusing the major thrust towards Pegu. Still many IJA troops at Prome which seems to be excessive and exposed. I doubt I can push to Pegu to cut a major force off in the Rangoon area, but I can certainly maintain heavy pressure to force the issue. Screenshot shows Allied efforts with attacks and redeployments.
In the IO, CV Essex continues its slow crawl from Madras and should make Colombo next turn. I’ve made a decision to basically stand down any thoughts of an offensive Allied naval operation in October as I’ve decided to set the Yorktown class to refit/upgrade. Repairs complete, Enterprise will upgrade at Cape Town while Yorktown and Hornet will upgrade at Colombo. Essex Class CV America will also conduct a brief 10 day refit at Colombo and a number of APs and other miscellaneous ships will head to Bombay for overdue refits. While I’d like to resume offensive operations against the DEI, I’d rather do it with the full fleet starting in November. I can wait a month or so. Plus, the CVL Independence air groups will restructure in Nov, doubling the amount of fighters aboard. Lastly in the IO, the Frank debuts in IJA heavy sweeps over Trinkat, met by Hellcats and P-40s. The CAP is gradually worn down by the series of 12 sweeps over two days, but the CAP does fairly well; 28 Tojo C and 16 Franks lost in exchange for 10 Hellcats and 12 P-40K. The worn down Allied squadrons are swapped out for fresh, and will see what L_S_T throws at Trinkat next turn.
In Burma, troops take the surprisingly undefended Toungoo and will begin to press on to Pegu. The initial attack on Lashio is held with 1200 Allied casualties to only around 500 IJA. But the forts were reduced to level 2, and the Allied Corps is still in good shape and will continue its attack next turn. Less successful was the attack on Taung Gyi, which had an entire Tank Division supporting the two Infantry brigades defending. Over 2000 Allied casualties against only 400 IJA. Not going to take Taung Gyi anytime soon. But to me, Taung Gyi is less critical than either Lashio or Toungoo - so I’m not sure why the significant force is there - perhaps a counter attack into the Burma Plain? I’d welcome that with a few divisions currently uncommitted near Magwe. Will continue to focus the main effort to take Lashio and open the corridor to China at Paoshan, and maintain the pressure on Rangoon by focusing the major thrust towards Pegu. Still many IJA troops at Prome which seems to be excessive and exposed. I doubt I can push to Pegu to cut a major force off in the Rangoon area, but I can certainly maintain heavy pressure to force the issue. Screenshot shows Allied efforts with attacks and redeployments.
In the IO, CV Essex continues its slow crawl from Madras and should make Colombo next turn. I’ve made a decision to basically stand down any thoughts of an offensive Allied naval operation in October as I’ve decided to set the Yorktown class to refit/upgrade. Repairs complete, Enterprise will upgrade at Cape Town while Yorktown and Hornet will upgrade at Colombo. Essex Class CV America will also conduct a brief 10 day refit at Colombo and a number of APs and other miscellaneous ships will head to Bombay for overdue refits. While I’d like to resume offensive operations against the DEI, I’d rather do it with the full fleet starting in November. I can wait a month or so. Plus, the CVL Independence air groups will restructure in Nov, doubling the amount of fighters aboard. Lastly in the IO, the Frank debuts in IJA heavy sweeps over Trinkat, met by Hellcats and P-40s. The CAP is gradually worn down by the series of 12 sweeps over two days, but the CAP does fairly well; 28 Tojo C and 16 Franks lost in exchange for 10 Hellcats and 12 P-40K. The worn down Allied squadrons are swapped out for fresh, and will see what L_S_T throws at Trinkat next turn.
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Sep 43 Summary
Sep 43 Summary
Overall it was a pretty quiet month. I really didn’t expect L_S_T to try to fully take advantage of The Battle of Sabang and the lack of a viable US CV fleet and begin a massive counter offensive, but it was the most dangerous option to the Allied cause. Instead, neither side ventured too much. Allies continued to push in other Theaters making slow but consistent progress, while the Japanese effectively postured their CVs to cause the Allies pause in both the IO and SWPAC Theaters. Naval losses for the month were fairly light for both sides, but the consistent and effective Japanese ASW effort is troublesome; the IJN lost 1CVE and 3SS compared to the Allies losing 2CL, 4 SS and 4PT. In the air, it was a fairly good month for the Allied Cause, 880 for Jpn to 588 Allied.
INTEL: L_S_T has done a great job in keeping me guessing on the KB’s location. I’m now convinced his raids on Trinkat were more of a deception to have me go all in at SWPAC, only to have the main part of the KB crush my efforts. Now, I really don’t have an idea where his CVs are. Malacca Straits, Singapore or Ambon? I’m pretty sure they are in the DEI area, but whether east or west? I have allowed him the “central position” to flex east or west with plenty of fuel available, which isn’t the best Allied option. On the ground, it does look like he’s falling back toward Rangoon in Burma - perhaps beyond. In the Pacific, he’s brining in troops to the Marianas, probably a divisions worth at this point, and think he’ll try hard to hold the north coast of New Guinea as well as the Timor Sea approaches to Celebes. We’ll find out soon!
SUBWAR: Despite some intermittent Allied submarine success, overall, L_S_T has effectively neutered the sub effort with his focus on airborne ASW efforts. All four sub casualties this month were from a/c, and many more have been damaged. Every once in a while an Allied sub will get lucky, but overall, I’m not expecting much from the Allied subs. German subs in the Atlantic have it easier! IJN subs continue to be a localized threat, when found they can usually be effectively dealt with, but they still have teeth to be feared.
West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Fighter production rises to 611 in Oct with two solid new planes coming on line - the USMC/Navy F4U-1A and the Aussie Spit VIII. The B-24J production is paying off with more B-24D/D1 squadrons converting, but there are a number of medium squadrons, and the B-17 squadrons that need the upgrade as well - so, I’m still short heavy bombers. Pilot pools are mixed. US Army are pretty good, but US Naval and USMC could be better, as could Aussie, NS and Brit. Casualties aren’t the issue - keeping up with reinforcements is the challenge. Incoming squadrons’ pilots just aren’t good enough and need more training! On the naval side, October will focus on catching up on refits/upgrades while the CV fleet is still being repaired. The positive side to that will be in another month, most CVs damaged at Sabang will be fully repaired (Wasp, Independence, Saratoga) or upgraded (Enterprise, Yorktown, Hornet) with only the Essex and Long Island II probably in the yards going well into November.
NOPAC. NSTR.
CENPAC. Another good month here with Kusaie Island being taken with much less effort than anticipated. Kwajalein is next, then likely Ponape. Wake looks to be abandoned, so that is on the list as are the other bypassed islands in the Marshalls as time permits. This will achieve forward anchorages and airfields, but we’re not going to be ready to jump to the Marianas, and I have no desire to put troops ashore at Truk.
SOPAC. I shifted priorities here and decided to bypass Kavieng by landing at New Hannover. So far so good, the landings were non eventful and have not only bypassed/isolated Kavieng and Rabaul, but have seemingly neutralized the air threat from Manus. Taking Wau and Salamaua were also successful and have cut off an estimated 20k+ in the jungles. Next step will be Hansa Bay which, I think, will get behind the next heavily defended area around Lae. Then Umboi to open up the sea lanes to the north coast of New Guinea. These two landings will effectively isolate what I think will be the majority of IJA strength in Theater, concentrated in Eastern New Guinea, New Britain and Kavieng. L_S_T looks to be establishing a new line near Hollandia, which is on “the list”, but likely another month away or so. As long as L_S_T does’t commit a serious naval force here, I see no reason why the advance will continue as planned.
SWPAC/WAUS. Other than clearing out the last IJA troops from mainland Australia, it was a fairly quiet month. L_S_T has effectively moved some significant naval assets, that may - or may not - include elements of the KB, as a “fleet in being” which effectively has delayed Allied progress here. Landing on Babar at the end of the month is really a gamble - if L_S_T brings the KB, he can hold as I’m not committing any major naval presence here. I frankly have no idea how this will go right now.
China. A good month in China! A major defensive win at Chungking has given me hope, but its still a matter of time before the base falls. Elsewhere, not much is happening. I’m a bit surprised L_S_T hasn’t pushed hard to take other bases, but there hasn’t been any movement or ground attacks elsewhere. This has allowed most of the remaining (those not isolated in Chungking or defending the line at Changsa) to pull back from exposed positions towards the west - where, possibly, before the year is out, a supply line can be re-established with Burma at Paoshan.
Burma. The IJA’s “Akyab Force” did in fact escape encirclement from the landings at Ramree. Only a brigade was left behind in the jungles to be destroyed. L_S_T has effectively re-established his main defensive line at Prome-Rangoon-Pegu, but that line will be pressed, and taking Rangoon is possible. Will take a while, but do-able. For now, the effort is focused on taking Lashio and opening up the route to Paoshan. That may take longer than expected, but I don’t see the IJA being able to effectively supply any significant force there to hold the base. Terrain is terrible, and that will take a while to overcome. During October, the Indian Corps driving from the west at Lashio will be joined by an air supplied Chinese force attacking west from Paoshan. In the air, I was hoping an attritional war over Burma culminating over Rangoon. L_S_T hasn’t cooperated, and after a brief furball over Rangoon, the Japanese air force has seemingly left the Rangoon area to focus more along the coast of Thailand and protect the IJN.
IO. Was a quiet month at sea all things considered. The IJN made some raids on Trinkat, did some damage to fleet elements, but nothing serious. With the shape of the Allied CVs, the IJN could have effectively isolated the Andamans - but it could have been costly, and probably not worth the risk long term to the IJN. Supplies have managed to get into the Allied Andaman bases, but the majority of excess ground troops have not been pulled off - that will be the focus in Oct. Nothing more, unless the KB shows up somewhere far away - like SOPAC or CENPAC. With the Yorktown class going in the yards for most of the month, the US CV force in the IO will be 2CVs (Lexington and America) and 2CVLs plus assorted CVEs. The Sabang debacle has bought time for L_S_T. A solid 2 months of time to redeploy and reinforce.
Overall it was a pretty quiet month. I really didn’t expect L_S_T to try to fully take advantage of The Battle of Sabang and the lack of a viable US CV fleet and begin a massive counter offensive, but it was the most dangerous option to the Allied cause. Instead, neither side ventured too much. Allies continued to push in other Theaters making slow but consistent progress, while the Japanese effectively postured their CVs to cause the Allies pause in both the IO and SWPAC Theaters. Naval losses for the month were fairly light for both sides, but the consistent and effective Japanese ASW effort is troublesome; the IJN lost 1CVE and 3SS compared to the Allies losing 2CL, 4 SS and 4PT. In the air, it was a fairly good month for the Allied Cause, 880 for Jpn to 588 Allied.
INTEL: L_S_T has done a great job in keeping me guessing on the KB’s location. I’m now convinced his raids on Trinkat were more of a deception to have me go all in at SWPAC, only to have the main part of the KB crush my efforts. Now, I really don’t have an idea where his CVs are. Malacca Straits, Singapore or Ambon? I’m pretty sure they are in the DEI area, but whether east or west? I have allowed him the “central position” to flex east or west with plenty of fuel available, which isn’t the best Allied option. On the ground, it does look like he’s falling back toward Rangoon in Burma - perhaps beyond. In the Pacific, he’s brining in troops to the Marianas, probably a divisions worth at this point, and think he’ll try hard to hold the north coast of New Guinea as well as the Timor Sea approaches to Celebes. We’ll find out soon!
SUBWAR: Despite some intermittent Allied submarine success, overall, L_S_T has effectively neutered the sub effort with his focus on airborne ASW efforts. All four sub casualties this month were from a/c, and many more have been damaged. Every once in a while an Allied sub will get lucky, but overall, I’m not expecting much from the Allied subs. German subs in the Atlantic have it easier! IJN subs continue to be a localized threat, when found they can usually be effectively dealt with, but they still have teeth to be feared.
West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Fighter production rises to 611 in Oct with two solid new planes coming on line - the USMC/Navy F4U-1A and the Aussie Spit VIII. The B-24J production is paying off with more B-24D/D1 squadrons converting, but there are a number of medium squadrons, and the B-17 squadrons that need the upgrade as well - so, I’m still short heavy bombers. Pilot pools are mixed. US Army are pretty good, but US Naval and USMC could be better, as could Aussie, NS and Brit. Casualties aren’t the issue - keeping up with reinforcements is the challenge. Incoming squadrons’ pilots just aren’t good enough and need more training! On the naval side, October will focus on catching up on refits/upgrades while the CV fleet is still being repaired. The positive side to that will be in another month, most CVs damaged at Sabang will be fully repaired (Wasp, Independence, Saratoga) or upgraded (Enterprise, Yorktown, Hornet) with only the Essex and Long Island II probably in the yards going well into November.
NOPAC. NSTR.
CENPAC. Another good month here with Kusaie Island being taken with much less effort than anticipated. Kwajalein is next, then likely Ponape. Wake looks to be abandoned, so that is on the list as are the other bypassed islands in the Marshalls as time permits. This will achieve forward anchorages and airfields, but we’re not going to be ready to jump to the Marianas, and I have no desire to put troops ashore at Truk.
SOPAC. I shifted priorities here and decided to bypass Kavieng by landing at New Hannover. So far so good, the landings were non eventful and have not only bypassed/isolated Kavieng and Rabaul, but have seemingly neutralized the air threat from Manus. Taking Wau and Salamaua were also successful and have cut off an estimated 20k+ in the jungles. Next step will be Hansa Bay which, I think, will get behind the next heavily defended area around Lae. Then Umboi to open up the sea lanes to the north coast of New Guinea. These two landings will effectively isolate what I think will be the majority of IJA strength in Theater, concentrated in Eastern New Guinea, New Britain and Kavieng. L_S_T looks to be establishing a new line near Hollandia, which is on “the list”, but likely another month away or so. As long as L_S_T does’t commit a serious naval force here, I see no reason why the advance will continue as planned.
SWPAC/WAUS. Other than clearing out the last IJA troops from mainland Australia, it was a fairly quiet month. L_S_T has effectively moved some significant naval assets, that may - or may not - include elements of the KB, as a “fleet in being” which effectively has delayed Allied progress here. Landing on Babar at the end of the month is really a gamble - if L_S_T brings the KB, he can hold as I’m not committing any major naval presence here. I frankly have no idea how this will go right now.
China. A good month in China! A major defensive win at Chungking has given me hope, but its still a matter of time before the base falls. Elsewhere, not much is happening. I’m a bit surprised L_S_T hasn’t pushed hard to take other bases, but there hasn’t been any movement or ground attacks elsewhere. This has allowed most of the remaining (those not isolated in Chungking or defending the line at Changsa) to pull back from exposed positions towards the west - where, possibly, before the year is out, a supply line can be re-established with Burma at Paoshan.
Burma. The IJA’s “Akyab Force” did in fact escape encirclement from the landings at Ramree. Only a brigade was left behind in the jungles to be destroyed. L_S_T has effectively re-established his main defensive line at Prome-Rangoon-Pegu, but that line will be pressed, and taking Rangoon is possible. Will take a while, but do-able. For now, the effort is focused on taking Lashio and opening up the route to Paoshan. That may take longer than expected, but I don’t see the IJA being able to effectively supply any significant force there to hold the base. Terrain is terrible, and that will take a while to overcome. During October, the Indian Corps driving from the west at Lashio will be joined by an air supplied Chinese force attacking west from Paoshan. In the air, I was hoping an attritional war over Burma culminating over Rangoon. L_S_T hasn’t cooperated, and after a brief furball over Rangoon, the Japanese air force has seemingly left the Rangoon area to focus more along the coast of Thailand and protect the IJN.
IO. Was a quiet month at sea all things considered. The IJN made some raids on Trinkat, did some damage to fleet elements, but nothing serious. With the shape of the Allied CVs, the IJN could have effectively isolated the Andamans - but it could have been costly, and probably not worth the risk long term to the IJN. Supplies have managed to get into the Allied Andaman bases, but the majority of excess ground troops have not been pulled off - that will be the focus in Oct. Nothing more, unless the KB shows up somewhere far away - like SOPAC or CENPAC. With the Yorktown class going in the yards for most of the month, the US CV force in the IO will be 2CVs (Lexington and America) and 2CVLs plus assorted CVEs. The Sabang debacle has bought time for L_S_T. A solid 2 months of time to redeploy and reinforce.
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1-2 Oct 43
1-2 Oct 43
Highlights – Lashio and Babar Is taken; Combined Fleet on the move??
Jpn ships sunk:
ACM: 1
xAP: 1
xAK: 1
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 31
Allied: 16
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Lashio (Burma)
Babar Is (SWPAC)
Emirau Is (SOPAC - flipped)
SIGINT/Intel:A total of four task forces are sighted on the move NW of Koepang; two CVE TFs and two others with BBs and CAs. Possible shifting of the Combined Fleet to counter the Babar landings perhaps?
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, US TF (BB, 2CA, CL, DD) bombards Kwajalein and will continue shuttle bombardment runs from Roi to prep the target for invasion. Amph TF finally completes loading at Tarawa and will begin moving towards Kwaj. Air focuses primarily on shutting down up Ponape AF, and hitting Kwaj.
In SOPAC, shuttling invasion shipping is the order of the day. Limited shipping is being used to bring engineers to New Hannover and Mussau Is, while the majority of available shipping is concentrated at Tulagi to move to Lunga to embark Hansa Bay invasion force. Other limited shipping being used for more engineer shuttling to build up forward bases such as Shortlands. No indications of any Jpn naval or air threat.
In SWPAC, troops take Babar Is in the second assault. Kinda surprised with a solid unit defending (4th Raiding Reg) and level 3 forts. Timing is good as it looks like L_S_T is bringing the kitchen sink to the area in the form of the Combined Fleet. Too early to tell exactly what this consists of, but numerous heavy ships reported near just NW of Koepang, moving along the island chains. Subs will attempt intercept in both the Banda and less likely, Timor Sea approaches. More mines will be dropped at Babar, but other than PTs, the Allied fleet and shipping will depart. Aussie paratroops will drop on Damar Island just north of Babar Is which is reportedly undefended - looking to provide multiple targets for any IJN counters.
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, a good day on the ground. Lashio is taken in the first assault, with over 3100 IJA losses to just over 500 Allied. Best of all, the IJA force withdraws to the north, towards Myitkyina where it should be able to be pocketed by Allied troops heading east from Lashio. From the east, Chinese forces are ready to enter this fight and will attack west of Paoshan next turn. At Taung Gyi, an IJA counterattack is held with 900 IJA lost to about 200 Allied. It also appears that L_S_T has decided to pull his 40k+ sized force out of Prome as Allied divisions close in from the east. Supplies on the Burma front remain surprisingly good, which will allow continued Allied pressure.
In the IO, CV Essex reaches Columbo and initial repair estimate is roughly 150 days. She’s at (0/59(59)/0) and will repair at Columbo enough to get her around 40 float before I send here to the US East Coast to finish out repairs. I can’t afford to tie up the shipyards with her bulk for almost 6 months. Other US CVs begin their refit/upgrades, three of which at Colombo. At sea, a supply convoy should arrive at Little Andaman shortly to both drop supplies and shuttle troops around the Andamans - so, I’d welcome the KB heading to Babar Is if that is in fact where they are. Should know shortly!
Highlights – Lashio and Babar Is taken; Combined Fleet on the move??
Jpn ships sunk:
ACM: 1
xAP: 1
xAK: 1
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 31
Allied: 16
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Lashio (Burma)
Babar Is (SWPAC)
Emirau Is (SOPAC - flipped)
SIGINT/Intel:A total of four task forces are sighted on the move NW of Koepang; two CVE TFs and two others with BBs and CAs. Possible shifting of the Combined Fleet to counter the Babar landings perhaps?
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, US TF (BB, 2CA, CL, DD) bombards Kwajalein and will continue shuttle bombardment runs from Roi to prep the target for invasion. Amph TF finally completes loading at Tarawa and will begin moving towards Kwaj. Air focuses primarily on shutting down up Ponape AF, and hitting Kwaj.
In SOPAC, shuttling invasion shipping is the order of the day. Limited shipping is being used to bring engineers to New Hannover and Mussau Is, while the majority of available shipping is concentrated at Tulagi to move to Lunga to embark Hansa Bay invasion force. Other limited shipping being used for more engineer shuttling to build up forward bases such as Shortlands. No indications of any Jpn naval or air threat.
In SWPAC, troops take Babar Is in the second assault. Kinda surprised with a solid unit defending (4th Raiding Reg) and level 3 forts. Timing is good as it looks like L_S_T is bringing the kitchen sink to the area in the form of the Combined Fleet. Too early to tell exactly what this consists of, but numerous heavy ships reported near just NW of Koepang, moving along the island chains. Subs will attempt intercept in both the Banda and less likely, Timor Sea approaches. More mines will be dropped at Babar, but other than PTs, the Allied fleet and shipping will depart. Aussie paratroops will drop on Damar Island just north of Babar Is which is reportedly undefended - looking to provide multiple targets for any IJN counters.
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, a good day on the ground. Lashio is taken in the first assault, with over 3100 IJA losses to just over 500 Allied. Best of all, the IJA force withdraws to the north, towards Myitkyina where it should be able to be pocketed by Allied troops heading east from Lashio. From the east, Chinese forces are ready to enter this fight and will attack west of Paoshan next turn. At Taung Gyi, an IJA counterattack is held with 900 IJA lost to about 200 Allied. It also appears that L_S_T has decided to pull his 40k+ sized force out of Prome as Allied divisions close in from the east. Supplies on the Burma front remain surprisingly good, which will allow continued Allied pressure.
In the IO, CV Essex reaches Columbo and initial repair estimate is roughly 150 days. She’s at (0/59(59)/0) and will repair at Columbo enough to get her around 40 float before I send here to the US East Coast to finish out repairs. I can’t afford to tie up the shipyards with her bulk for almost 6 months. Other US CVs begin their refit/upgrades, three of which at Colombo. At sea, a supply convoy should arrive at Little Andaman shortly to both drop supplies and shuttle troops around the Andamans - so, I’d welcome the KB heading to Babar Is if that is in fact where they are. Should know shortly!
RE: 1-2 Oct 43
CV Essex reaches Colombo and initial repair estimate is roughly 150 days.
Ugh. CVs take forever to repair, granted Colombo isn't all that big of a yard. But I'll bet it will take 3 months just to get it down to 40 float.
The progress in Burma looks very promising and I think you will see some supply getting to your Chinese units. Never enough, of course, but it will help. I admit I have been very curious what L_S_T is going to do about Chungking after that one really awful assault he made.
3-4 Oct 43
3-4 Oct 43
Highlights – Combined Fleet sorties to Babar and is met by subs and mines
Jpn ships sunk:
CVE: 1 (Unyo)
CL: 1 (Abukuma)
DD: 2 (Shimozuki, Akatsuki)
E: 1
SS: 1 (RO-107)
Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-36)
Allied ships sunk:
ACM: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 40
Allied: 116
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 1 ships hit (CV Zuikaku missed; CVE Unyo hit)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Bassein (Burma)
Molu (SWPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: Combined Fleet, along with at least a good part of the KB, committed to the Babar Is area in the Timor Sea.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, US TF (BB, 2CA, CL, DD) bombards Kwajalein again as the Amph TF approaches. Amph will begin next turn, supported by CVE and Bombardment TF. I don’t expect any surprises. Back in the Gilberts, transports begin shuttling troops earmarked for the Ponape landings.
In SOPAC, Hansa Bay Amph TF begins loading at Lunga. Attack by the “NZ Div” on the IJA’s 38th ID elements isolated between Buna and Salamaua is held with about 500 casualties each - and enough disruption to hold off further attacks for a turn or too. Engineers continue to be landed at New Hannover and Mussau Islands without problems.
In SWPAC, the Combined Fleet comes in to the Babar Is area with its usual mass - BB Musashi TF (BB, 3CA, 3CL, DDs) brushes aside PTs in daylight, but stumbles into minefields (about 350 mines) which claim CL Abukuma and two DDs. The PTs are scattered, and wind up engaging an ASW TF of three escorts, setting one afire. Apparently, the escorts were screening a CVE TF (3CVE, CL, 2DD, 3E) which was also engaged by PTs, but the PTs couldn’t close. The PTs will attempt to close on the numerous IJN TFs near Babar next turn during the night. US subs are thick in the area - about a dozen or so - SS Grampus hits and claims CVE Unyo sunk off Damar Is, while SS Sailfish misses CV Zuikaku. In the air, Allied LBA ranged to Babar and was swatted down by effective Zero CAP - too few fighters escorting. Two day tally was appalling: 23 Zeros lost in exchange for 10 F4Us, 23 F4Fs, 27 SBDs, 13 TBFs and 20 B-25s. Ugly! Needless to say, no Allied bomber got close to a target. Despite the number of Zeros flying over Babar, The Aussie 2/9 Cdo Bn successfully dropped on Molu Is off Saumlaki without loss to seize the undefended island. Fully expect BB Musashi TF to bombard the heck out of Babar Island before withdrawing to replenish. Can only hope the subs, mines and PTs pick off a ship or two. The real question is whether or not the IJN stays fwd to deny Allied ability to reinforce Babar - two engineer battalions landed during the Amphib, as did a USMC CD Bn, and supplies are plentiful right now. My bet is L_S_T pulls back, not risking his CVs and heavy elements to attrition.
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, a mixed day. Bassein, adjacent to Rangoon was taken by a brigade of the US 43rd ID, pushing out an SNLF with 1100 casualties. Prome was also abandoned by the IJA (all 40k + troops), and Allied troops will head to move in next turn. This will free up both US divisions, but I still need to shift about 3 Brit/IN Divisions towards Pegu - and with the IJA having interior lines, I’m going to lose the race. The real question is whether L_S_T attempts to hold on to Rangoon, or pulls southeast of Pegu. On the Lashio-Paoshan front, the B-24s failed to fly in support of the Chinese attack in the mountains west of Paoshan, so the 23,000 screaming Chinese were held fast - 1100 casualties for about 100 IJA. But with Lashio in Allied hands, its only a matter of time before the British/Indian troops link up with the Chinese. Terrain will make this a slog.
In the IO, the Allied resupply convoy reaches Little Andaman and begins offloading supplies, and so far, not being interfered with. Next turn is the key, will the IJN come out to disrupt operations?
Highlights – Combined Fleet sorties to Babar and is met by subs and mines
Jpn ships sunk:
CVE: 1 (Unyo)
CL: 1 (Abukuma)
DD: 2 (Shimozuki, Akatsuki)
E: 1
SS: 1 (RO-107)
Jpn ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-36)
Allied ships sunk:
ACM: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 40
Allied: 116
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 1 ships hit (CV Zuikaku missed; CVE Unyo hit)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Bassein (Burma)
Molu (SWPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: Combined Fleet, along with at least a good part of the KB, committed to the Babar Is area in the Timor Sea.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, US TF (BB, 2CA, CL, DD) bombards Kwajalein again as the Amph TF approaches. Amph will begin next turn, supported by CVE and Bombardment TF. I don’t expect any surprises. Back in the Gilberts, transports begin shuttling troops earmarked for the Ponape landings.
In SOPAC, Hansa Bay Amph TF begins loading at Lunga. Attack by the “NZ Div” on the IJA’s 38th ID elements isolated between Buna and Salamaua is held with about 500 casualties each - and enough disruption to hold off further attacks for a turn or too. Engineers continue to be landed at New Hannover and Mussau Islands without problems.
In SWPAC, the Combined Fleet comes in to the Babar Is area with its usual mass - BB Musashi TF (BB, 3CA, 3CL, DDs) brushes aside PTs in daylight, but stumbles into minefields (about 350 mines) which claim CL Abukuma and two DDs. The PTs are scattered, and wind up engaging an ASW TF of three escorts, setting one afire. Apparently, the escorts were screening a CVE TF (3CVE, CL, 2DD, 3E) which was also engaged by PTs, but the PTs couldn’t close. The PTs will attempt to close on the numerous IJN TFs near Babar next turn during the night. US subs are thick in the area - about a dozen or so - SS Grampus hits and claims CVE Unyo sunk off Damar Is, while SS Sailfish misses CV Zuikaku. In the air, Allied LBA ranged to Babar and was swatted down by effective Zero CAP - too few fighters escorting. Two day tally was appalling: 23 Zeros lost in exchange for 10 F4Us, 23 F4Fs, 27 SBDs, 13 TBFs and 20 B-25s. Ugly! Needless to say, no Allied bomber got close to a target. Despite the number of Zeros flying over Babar, The Aussie 2/9 Cdo Bn successfully dropped on Molu Is off Saumlaki without loss to seize the undefended island. Fully expect BB Musashi TF to bombard the heck out of Babar Island before withdrawing to replenish. Can only hope the subs, mines and PTs pick off a ship or two. The real question is whether or not the IJN stays fwd to deny Allied ability to reinforce Babar - two engineer battalions landed during the Amphib, as did a USMC CD Bn, and supplies are plentiful right now. My bet is L_S_T pulls back, not risking his CVs and heavy elements to attrition.
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, a mixed day. Bassein, adjacent to Rangoon was taken by a brigade of the US 43rd ID, pushing out an SNLF with 1100 casualties. Prome was also abandoned by the IJA (all 40k + troops), and Allied troops will head to move in next turn. This will free up both US divisions, but I still need to shift about 3 Brit/IN Divisions towards Pegu - and with the IJA having interior lines, I’m going to lose the race. The real question is whether L_S_T attempts to hold on to Rangoon, or pulls southeast of Pegu. On the Lashio-Paoshan front, the B-24s failed to fly in support of the Chinese attack in the mountains west of Paoshan, so the 23,000 screaming Chinese were held fast - 1100 casualties for about 100 IJA. But with Lashio in Allied hands, its only a matter of time before the British/Indian troops link up with the Chinese. Terrain will make this a slog.
In the IO, the Allied resupply convoy reaches Little Andaman and begins offloading supplies, and so far, not being interfered with. Next turn is the key, will the IJN come out to disrupt operations?
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RE: 3-4 Oct 43
Did you confirm the loss of Unyo by looking at the ground losses for IJNAF planes?
RE: 3-4 Oct 43
ORIGINAL: Dirtnap86
Did you confirm the loss of Unyo by looking at the ground losses for IJNAF planes?
Didn't bother. Don't think she went under. But, if Tracker says the ship sinks, I list it. Gotta trust my Intel section!!
Figure it will come up on my un-sunk list at some point. But even a single torp should put a CVE out of commission for a while. I'm good with that!
RE: 3-4 Oct 43
Well the Taiyo class was pretty tiny. You might have just gotten her.
5-6 Oct 43
5-6 Oct 43
Highlights – Combined Fleet withdraws to Koepang; Kwajalein taken
Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-36)
PB: 1
xAK: 4
xAKL: 1
Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Akatsuki)
Allied ships sunk:
PT: 2
LCI: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 30
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (AO hit)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph:
Kwajalein (CENPAC)
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Kwajalein (CENPAC)
Warazup (Burma)
SIGINT/Intel: Combined Fleet pulls back from Babar area to Koepang. KB looks to be split - Akaki/Kaga and the Amagi class CVs do not appear to be in the Eastern DEI.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, US 6th Infantry Division arrives and starts planning to land in the Kuriles.
In CENPAC, Kwaj landings go in without any problems and the US 34th IN Reg with tank support takes the atoll in the first attack with minimal loss; 850 Jpn loss to only 70 US. Also, two xAKs were listed as “sunk” there - one “destroyed while building” and another “cancelled”. Didn’t know Jpn shipping was being “built” at Kwaj! Troops will re-embark for future operations and allow room for engineers to flow in. Covering forces will return to Roi. Next up is Ponape which is the focus of LBA, and it will take at least a week to assemble the necessary Amphib for a division sized landing. Ponape expected to be a tough slog with over 10K troops reported, assumed to be well dug in.
In SOPAC, Hansa Bay Amph TF completes loading at Lunga, and will set off to stage at New Hannover Island. Usual suspects in support; BB Wash TF and escorts/minesweepers, covered by LBA. Division level landing expecting an SNLF or Naval Guard force defending Hansa Bay. “NZ Div” troops will resume the attack on the isolated IJA forces between Buna-Salamaua with heavy LBA support. Lastly, the AF at Wau should be operational shortly as an Aussie BF should conclude its trek through the jungle from Terapo in the next few turns.
In SWPAC, the Combined Fleet exits the Banda/Timor Sea area by way of heading to Koepang, brushing aside PTs near Babar. The PTs do attempt to engage the CV TF, and get a glimpse of its composition (6CV, 2CLAA, DDs), but of course don’t close to launch any fish at the CVs. Subs do manage to hit a big AO from the fleet train with two torps north of Koepang, and a night time strike of Aussie Beauforts put a fish into the CL Abukuma - its sinking is confirmed now. This was also the first successful night time air launched torpedo attack I can remember! Elsewhere subs (Narwhal and Nautilus) bring in supplies to the airborne troops at Molu, and with the Combined Fleet at Koepang, another airborne assault will go in next turn at Damar Is, NW of Babar. Recon will focus on Koepang to see what exactly is protecting the Combined Fleet concentrating there, and will see if a P-47 sweep is worthwhile. US subs remain thick in the Banda Sea, so I don’t think the Combined Fleet will venture forth unless L_S_T sees a very enticing target heading toward Babar. My biggest concern is the KB is turned loose on hitting Darwin/Bathurst - which are packed with shipping. Although fairly well defended by 200 fighters and plenty off AA to make it costly, a heavy raid would be very painful.
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, both sides continue to maneuver for position - and in the jungle terrain, that’s a slow slog. In the NE frontier of Burma, the IJA pulled out of Warazup, and only hold Myitkyina which has Allied troops advancing on it from three sides - as well as a Chinese Division sitting BEHIND it across the river. These IJA troops are trying to pull back toward the Lashio area, to stack up along the route to Paoshan. Allied troops from Lashio will attack reported IJA forces to the east of the base, then they will have to spit to engage the IJA troops that have withdrawn from Lashio before they get into the mountains….L_S_T isn’t going to make this linkup with Paoshan easy! On the Rangoon front, Allied troops advance to Prome, but the undefended base doesn’t flip just yet. Two US divisions are in the process of moving across the river to the base, and then they will advance toward Rangoon. The advance on Pegu is waiting on additional Allied troops to redeploy, which I’m sure will be met by additional IJA troops, moving out of the Rangoon area. Lastly, will make another attempt at Taung Gyi once two additional Allied Bdes arrive from the adjacent base of Meiktila.
In the IO, Allied transports will begin to lift troops off Little Andaman, and bring them initially to Port Blair. Goal here is that the Indian 9th Div stays to defend Port Blair, Little A and Trinkat with a Bde each, and all other combat troops are pulled out for future operations. Moving about a Bde at time, this is going to take a while, but I don’t want to risk more assault shipping if the IJN CVs come calling. Otherwise, its fairly quiet; Allied subs being hunter by ASW aircraft in the Andaman Sea and Malacca Straits while Allied ASW TFs hunt IJN subs in the IO. Both sides subs are taking a beating.
Highlights – Combined Fleet withdraws to Koepang; Kwajalein taken
Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-36)
PB: 1
xAK: 4
xAKL: 1
Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Akatsuki)
Allied ships sunk:
PT: 2
LCI: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 30
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (AO hit)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph:
Kwajalein (CENPAC)
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Kwajalein (CENPAC)
Warazup (Burma)
SIGINT/Intel: Combined Fleet pulls back from Babar area to Koepang. KB looks to be split - Akaki/Kaga and the Amagi class CVs do not appear to be in the Eastern DEI.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, US 6th Infantry Division arrives and starts planning to land in the Kuriles.
In CENPAC, Kwaj landings go in without any problems and the US 34th IN Reg with tank support takes the atoll in the first attack with minimal loss; 850 Jpn loss to only 70 US. Also, two xAKs were listed as “sunk” there - one “destroyed while building” and another “cancelled”. Didn’t know Jpn shipping was being “built” at Kwaj! Troops will re-embark for future operations and allow room for engineers to flow in. Covering forces will return to Roi. Next up is Ponape which is the focus of LBA, and it will take at least a week to assemble the necessary Amphib for a division sized landing. Ponape expected to be a tough slog with over 10K troops reported, assumed to be well dug in.
In SOPAC, Hansa Bay Amph TF completes loading at Lunga, and will set off to stage at New Hannover Island. Usual suspects in support; BB Wash TF and escorts/minesweepers, covered by LBA. Division level landing expecting an SNLF or Naval Guard force defending Hansa Bay. “NZ Div” troops will resume the attack on the isolated IJA forces between Buna-Salamaua with heavy LBA support. Lastly, the AF at Wau should be operational shortly as an Aussie BF should conclude its trek through the jungle from Terapo in the next few turns.
In SWPAC, the Combined Fleet exits the Banda/Timor Sea area by way of heading to Koepang, brushing aside PTs near Babar. The PTs do attempt to engage the CV TF, and get a glimpse of its composition (6CV, 2CLAA, DDs), but of course don’t close to launch any fish at the CVs. Subs do manage to hit a big AO from the fleet train with two torps north of Koepang, and a night time strike of Aussie Beauforts put a fish into the CL Abukuma - its sinking is confirmed now. This was also the first successful night time air launched torpedo attack I can remember! Elsewhere subs (Narwhal and Nautilus) bring in supplies to the airborne troops at Molu, and with the Combined Fleet at Koepang, another airborne assault will go in next turn at Damar Is, NW of Babar. Recon will focus on Koepang to see what exactly is protecting the Combined Fleet concentrating there, and will see if a P-47 sweep is worthwhile. US subs remain thick in the Banda Sea, so I don’t think the Combined Fleet will venture forth unless L_S_T sees a very enticing target heading toward Babar. My biggest concern is the KB is turned loose on hitting Darwin/Bathurst - which are packed with shipping. Although fairly well defended by 200 fighters and plenty off AA to make it costly, a heavy raid would be very painful.
In China, NSTR.
In Burma, both sides continue to maneuver for position - and in the jungle terrain, that’s a slow slog. In the NE frontier of Burma, the IJA pulled out of Warazup, and only hold Myitkyina which has Allied troops advancing on it from three sides - as well as a Chinese Division sitting BEHIND it across the river. These IJA troops are trying to pull back toward the Lashio area, to stack up along the route to Paoshan. Allied troops from Lashio will attack reported IJA forces to the east of the base, then they will have to spit to engage the IJA troops that have withdrawn from Lashio before they get into the mountains….L_S_T isn’t going to make this linkup with Paoshan easy! On the Rangoon front, Allied troops advance to Prome, but the undefended base doesn’t flip just yet. Two US divisions are in the process of moving across the river to the base, and then they will advance toward Rangoon. The advance on Pegu is waiting on additional Allied troops to redeploy, which I’m sure will be met by additional IJA troops, moving out of the Rangoon area. Lastly, will make another attempt at Taung Gyi once two additional Allied Bdes arrive from the adjacent base of Meiktila.
In the IO, Allied transports will begin to lift troops off Little Andaman, and bring them initially to Port Blair. Goal here is that the Indian 9th Div stays to defend Port Blair, Little A and Trinkat with a Bde each, and all other combat troops are pulled out for future operations. Moving about a Bde at time, this is going to take a while, but I don’t want to risk more assault shipping if the IJN CVs come calling. Otherwise, its fairly quiet; Allied subs being hunter by ASW aircraft in the Andaman Sea and Malacca Straits while Allied ASW TFs hunt IJN subs in the IO. Both sides subs are taking a beating.
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RE: 5-6 Oct 43
Didn’t know Jpn shipping was being “built” at Kwaj!
Is this something the Japanese player can adjust, or are these naval reinforcements hard coded?
I don’t want to risk more assault shipping [in the Andaman Sea] if the IJN CVs come calling.
Understood -- but those CVs at Koepang would have a long way to go to interfere. Other than that CV TF, does he have enough other CVs to pose a serious threat in the Andaman area?