LST vs. IdahoNYer (DBB-C, A AAR) 6 yrs and done! VJ Day!

[jwolf]

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

Interestingly, 85 brand new A6M8 Zeros are listed as ground losses, so she was being used as a fighter only CV! Now, my question is, what happens to the pilots???

If they were still aboard, they're lost. Hopefully (says the JFB), he pulled them off into the General Reserve last turn. Planes can be replaced much easier than pilots.

Can you do that when the CV is badly damaged?

As for the Kaga, I think it's like Dracula and it will never really be dead. But kudos to the Flasher and her crew.

[Mike Solli]

ORIGINAL: jwolf

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

Interestingly, 85 brand new A6M8 Zeros are listed as ground losses, so she was being used as a fighter only CV! Now, my question is, what happens to the pilots???

If they were still aboard, they're lost. Hopefully (says the JFB), he pulled them off into the General Reserve last turn. Planes can be replaced much easier than pilots.

Can you do that when the CV is badly damaged?

As for the Kaga, I think it's like Dracula and it will never really be dead. But kudos to the Flasher and her crew.

You can pull the pilots out of the air units even if the carrier is damaged enough that the planes can't fly. But the planes sink if the carrier sinks.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli


If they were still aboard, they're lost. Hopefully (says the JFB), he pulled them off into the General Reserve last turn. Planes can be replaced much easier than pilots.

Thanks Mike, always thought pilots on a sunk carrier had a chance to be placed in the reserve pool? But your right, L_S_T would surely have pulled them off after Kaga first got hit.

thanks!

[IdahoNYer]

11-12 Jan 44

Highlights – Padang taken; LBA catches IJN off Saumlaki after naval engagement.

Jpn ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Furutaka)
DD: 3 (Susuzuki, Hatsuzuki, Arashio)

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 8

Air loss:
Jpn: 45
Allied: 12

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 1 ship hit (damaged Furutaka sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Padang (IO)

SIGINT/Intel: Unclear where KB has gone; one possible sighting is a TF heading toward Ambon or Boela which is likely.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, I’m surprised by another attack at Lae - now at three divisions (38th, 1st Gds, 16th) totaling almost 30k men. It’s a shock attack as well (BANZAI!!) which is held with only 230 Allied losses, while inflicting about 4500 enemy. Guess L_S_T really wants to bring these units back as replacements after they are destroyed - that is the only reason I can think of for this kind of attack. In any case, with fort level 4, I’m not overly worried about losing Lae, although the Americal Div will likely need another rest after future attacks. Otherwise, its pretty quiet, and I’ve decided to launch the attack on Kavieng. Figure the enemy forces there are about as attrited as they are going to get from their previous attacks. 33rd ID is at full strength, but not prepped for Kavieng, while the other troops are. Attack will be supported by two naval bombardments, and will be interesting to see how it goes. Other than Kavieng and Lae, the focus will remain shuttling troops around Theater - especially bringing up engineers forward from rear area bases.

In SWPAC, it was high adventure around Saumlaki. First, I was surprised that those IJN TFs spotted at Ambon made it to Saumlaki that first night - high speed run, perhaps? In any case, the night started with an IJN DD TF (5DD) avoiding a few sub attacks and running into a US DD TF (4DD) that was following the withdrawing Amph TF. Both sides did poorly, expending lots of ordinance, especially torpedoes for only damaging a DD on each side. Then the IJN DDs run into the CA TF (CA, 2CL, DDs) prior to it bombarding and heading home. Apparently the IJN DDs were out of torpedoes, and were mauled by the Allied TF with one DD sunk and two crippled in exchange for two DDs damaged. Then the IJN CA TF (4CA, 3CL, DDs) rolls into the PTs, sinking three without any return damage - but the IJN CAs miss the other Allied TFs, which must have pulled out by the time they arrived. As the sun comes up, I’m surprised to see the IJN still at Saumlaki, well in range of LBA! Five strikes target the CA TF, and another at extended range hits the withdrawing DD TF. CA Furutaka takes the worst of it, but Kumano is also hit by a few bombs as are CLs Kiso and Agano, while DDs Asagumo and Arashio are also hit hard. To top it off, SS Burfish puts the coup de grace into CA Furutaka limping north near Molu. All in all, very unexpected, and a good day’s work! Other than the PTs getting banged up, the Tokyo Express was successfully derailed - shipping protected, no bombardment conducted and a few less ships available to the IJN. Four US DDs will require some repairs, but nothing major. Ground forces at Saumlaki will attack next turn, aided by both mediums and heavies in support. For now, the Allied Fleet will remain at Darwin and prepare for future operations.

In China, its quiet this go around. On the positive side, the first Allied armor regiment reaches Kweiyang, and will head east to bolster defenses between the rivers.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, Padang falls in the first assault, the defenders (a single AA Bn) destroyed. The only response is a daylight attacks by Jakes (likely should have been set to “night”) which resulted in 12 less Jakes. IJN subs continue to be observed and attacked by ASW a/c off the Sumatran coast, but nothing confirmed. In any case, with Padang clear of enemy, the 7th ID will be brought in next turn to start the max effort of bringing in troops as quickly as possible. This includes reaching as far back as Rangoon and Ceylon for troops, especially engineers, originally earmarked for duty elsewhere. Singapore remains a significant air threat, so both LBA and the CVs will need to provide cover, even with a squadron of Spitfires coming into the newly acquired Padang AF. I still expect gaps and losses, but hopefully they can be minimized. But for now, the CVs are key until airbases can be expanded, and most of all, base forces can arrive with the needed support to operate increasing numbers of aircraft. The other question is how much IJA combat power is available near, around and the approaches to Palembang, and recon will begin to focus on that. Although feasible, and I have troops prepping for Benkoelen and Oosthaven, I don’t see the need for further amphib operations….but I said the same thing about Padang. On a side note, I set the Aussie 9th ID's planning objective for “Palembang”, something I really didn’t think I’d get to do for the next 6+ months at best.

[IdahoNYer]

13-14 Jan 44

Highlights – Kavieng taken while Saumlaki holds; good day in the air!

Jpn ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Agano - old?)
PB: 2

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Yunagi)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 203
Allied: 39

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Kavieng (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: KB appears to be at Ternate in the Moluccas; perhaps Ambon is not longer the “fwd” base - if so, that would likely mean L_S_T isn’t going to contest Saumlaki as he did Babar.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, following naval bombardments, Kavieng falls in the first attack with about 1000 IJA troops to zero Allied in both attacks despite level 4 forts. A few stragglers remain, and will likely be mopped up next turn. A good cheap win for the Good Guys! Kavieng gives another good port to go along with Manus, and while a number of IJN/IJA units are now freed up to be bought back, this also frees up a number of US units that were holding down the Jpn garrison. Also, the fight for Kavieng has “seasoned” the raw 33rd ID, boosting its experience up to 59. In New Guinea, a similar action seems to be continuing at Lae where the three IJA divisions again Banzai in a shock attack, losing 3700 men to about 130 Allied. Unlike Kavieng where the IJA had no path to retreat, I have no intent of pursing these troops into the jungles of New Guinea, so I’m not convinced that these suicide attacks will in fact result in the destruction of these divisions - hopefully after they have been burned out a bit by these attacks, an Allied attack should simply retreat them into the jungles. Lastly, troops shuttling continues, with some engineers now diverted to Kavieng.

In SWPAC, unfortunately, the first and only attack during the turn against the Saumlaki defenders is held, with 350 IJA losses to 170 US, but the forts were not reduced from fort level 4. Not good. Troops are still in good shape, and the attack will resume next turn, assisted by the usual air support as well as a DD TF (5DD) bombardment run. Will also load my reserve unit, the US Para Regiment on transports and prepare to send it across from Bathurst if the defenders continue to hold. Meanwhile, shipping and troops continue to be brought in to Gove in preparation for the next amphib landing, at Taberfane. But I really need Saumlaki secured first. On the bright side, neither the IJN nor any LBA was committed this turn.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, L_S_T finally threw in his LBA against the Padang landings. In addition to ineffective night time Bettys and Frances, which are met by nightfighters and AA which claim 9 bombers for no hits, massed daylight LBA out of Singers come in to attack both the Amphib TF at Padang and the CVs in the adjacent hex. Six raids target the CV TF and 3 target the transports, all Judys heavily escorted by Franks and Tojos, except for two straggler unescorted Judy strikes. No raid penetrates the heavy 200+ planes on CAP, and as the TFs were adjacent, CAP supported both TFs well. At the end of two days, 94 Judys, 43 Tojos and 16 Franks were shot down in exchange for 4 Hellcats and a Corsair! Although the raids were heavily escorted - the largest had 29 Judys escorted by 140 fighters, L_S_T didn’t throw in the kitchen sink - I expected more to overcome the CAP, specifically where are the Oscar IVs that were used so effectively in low naval against the Sibolga landings? So, despite the losses, there is still a large threat available. With 7th ID now ashore at Padang, the transports, with the CVs nearby, will head to Sibolga where the Aus 9th Div has already started to load. Also inbound are a number of smaller convoys with engineers and LSTs brining in supplies and some equipment - and I have to figure at least some of these will wind up out of CAP range and vulnerable at some point. As the CVs head toward Sibolga, more fighters are brought into Padang to cover the base as LSTs come in, and until the CVs can return and provide cover. On land, troops landed at Padang are moving inland - both east to block the withdrawal from Sibolga, as well as south toward Benkoelen.

[IdahoNYer]

15-16 Jan 44

Highlights – Saumlaki taken!

[uJpn ships sunk:][/u]
xAKL: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 2 (Okinami, Usugumo)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 22
Allied: 30

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAKL sunk, xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Saumlaki (SWPAC)
Sipora (IO - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: Unclear whether or not the IJN remains at Ternate.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, still quiet, but I need to make a decision I’ve been procrastinating about. With both Manus and Kavieng now secure, all those combat troops are now freed up, and I need to decide on their planning priorities. I was thinking on the Marianas as the next logical step for CENPAC, but with the advances in the DEI and along the New Guinea coasts, I’m not sure its worth the expense. Perhaps better on bypassing the Marianas getting into the PI earlier, and then Formosa?

In SOPAC, Kavieng is cleared, with the last 600 IJA troops being eliminated at no cost. Still waiting on engineers to arrive to clear the port and get the AF operational. Another IJA shock attack at Lae loses 2300 troops for 270 Allied. The DD TF (3DDs) I sent on a raid along the New Guinea coast scores a barge convoy sunk with about 16 barges lost near Sansapar, but the DDs were sent in at fast speed, and they need some repairs. Not worth the cost. Otherwise its quiet in Theater, other than lots of shipping brining engineers and troops fwd to continue the attacks further west.

In SWPAC, DD TF (6DD, DMS) bombards Saumlaki with minor effect, but don’t run into the IJN either. Nor attacked by air on the way home. Air attacks soften up the defenders but it takes both ground attacks to take the base with about 1100 Jpn losses to only about 60 US all told. Facilities are intact as well. Otherwise, quiet in Theater, no offensive IJN or air activity. With three engineer units already landed at Saumlaki, focus will be getting the AF in operation - unlike Babar, we’re staying and expanding. Additional engineers will start flowing in, starting with a battalion heading out on barge next turn. A major engineer lift is loading at Darwin as well. Simultaneously, troops are loading at Gove for landing at Taberfane in the next few days. Unlike Babar and Saumlaki, Taberfane is outside of effective single engine fighter range, so CVEs have arrived from SOPAC to provide cover. With CVEs committed, I’m curious if that “fat target” draws the KB back into the fight. Will keep the CVEs off the base hex and out in the Arafura Sea, don’t want to tempt too much. If the KB doesn’t return, will look at pushing the advance rapidly in Theater as airbases become effective to extend fighter range. Troops are fully prepped for a number of targets, air cover is the key that needs to be established and extended. So far, so good.

In China, its quiet, but looks like L_S_T is massing east of Kweiyang in the river gap, with much troop movements including what looks like his armor deploying there. The first Brit armor units are also moving up, although heavily outnumbered, looking fwd to having a few Shermans bolster the Chinese defenses!

In Burma, I’m going to slowly, and I mean slowly, start moving troops to the Rangoon/Pegu area to stage for a forced river crossing upriver from Moulmein. Will be a bloody, and long process to cross the river, then move to flank the bastion of Moulmein along the coast. Still, something to break the deadlock here in Burma and threaten Bangkok in a month or two. Very leary about losses in British and Indian Divisions with the anemic squad replacement rates, but may be worth the cross to get another front active against the IJA.

In the IO, pretty quiet. No day or night Jpn airstrikes as the fleet shifts toward Sibolga where transports are still loading troops - and will be for a bit as the port facilities are totally inadequate for the amount of troops loading. Still, faster than marching to Padang. On the ground, the three Allied IN Bdes attacking from Sibolga push back an IJA delaying action. At Padang, the US 7th ID moved out rapidly along the coast to the south, no enemy in contact yet. The Marines have advanced inland one hex and have met the lead elements of the withdrawing IJA troops from Sibolga. Don’t think the Marines can block their retreat, at least until the inbound Indian 9th Infantry arrives. The Aus 9th IN will follow the 7th ID to take Benkoelen and then inland - with luck we can beat the IJA’s troops to Palembang - which will still be defended, but not with the Bdes from Sibolga. Recon will focus to see what the IJA has at Benkoelen and Palembang - another Marine Bde is avail and prepping for Benkoelen, so if not heavily defended, will land there once the Aus Div is offloaded at Padang. Staying busy in Sumatra!

[jwolf]

IMHO it's mostly upside for you to advance directly toward the Philippines, as long as you have the Carolines neutralized so the Japanese there can't interfere. Whether human or AI controlled, the Japanese seem to build up really strong and nasty defenses in the Marianas and I admit the prospect of bypassing those sounds pretty good if you can do it. One thing to consider in the other direction is that if the Japanese are permitted to hold the Marianas indefinitely, they can stage from there to raid a lot of the Pacific. Fortunately, as a spectator I can calmly watch you make the decision and I don't have to bear the consequences! [8D] Good luck!

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: jwolf

IMHO it's mostly upside for you to advance directly toward the Philippines, as long as you have the Carolines neutralized so the Japanese there can't interfere. Whether human or AI controlled, the Japanese seem to build up really strong and nasty defenses in the Marianas and I admit the prospect of bypassing those sounds pretty good if you can do it. One thing to consider in the other direction is that if the Japanese are permitted to hold the Marianas indefinitely, they can stage from there to raid a lot of the Pacific. Fortunately, as a spectator I can calmly watch you make the decision and I don't have to bear the consequences! [8D] Good luck!

Thanks jwolf, pretty right along my line of thought right now. As well as my concern....leaving them will allow a jump of point for a late war CV raid perhaps. Maybe a compromise solution...leave the big three alone (Saipan, Tinian and Guam), but grab Yap and Rota to provide an Allied presence in the area?

Still have a little time to think on it. Focus is in SWPAC and Sumatra for now.

[IdahoNYer]

17-18 Jan 44

Highlights – P-47s bested over Chungking!

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 2 (Mikazuki, Usugumo)
LST: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Harder off Korea - by ASW a/c of course!)

Air loss:
Jpn: 39
Allied: 37

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Nias (IO - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, another Banzai attack at Lae costs the IJA 2500 troops to the Allies 130, but the Americal Div is showing signs of wear, so the 1st Mar Div isn’t going to get its promised leave time in Australia, but instead is being packed up on Manus and will offload at Lae. While little enemy activity in SOPAC is taking place, its pretty hectic with troop movements being brought up from now secured bases - once busy bustling ports such as Luganville, Noumea and even Tulagi are being stripped of support troops as new bases are rapidly expanding to support future offenses. Manus, Kavieng and Hollandia will form the next major support bases.

In SWPAC, the IJN looks to be pulling their small garrison off Damar, and TBFs catch and hit an LST (didn’t know the IJN even had LSTs!!!) sinking her. Will bring some PTs out of Saumlaki over next turn to perhaps catch them again. But the big story will be a major reinforcement run into Saumlaki, supported by a CA TF (2CA, 2CL, DDs), that will head out from Bathurst. Also, staging out of Gov in the Arafura Sea, about 200 miles SE of Saumlaki, is the Taberfane Amphib and supporting TFs, including the BB Washington with 2CLs to provide cover and the CVE TF (8CVEs). The real show is Saumlaki, to get that AF built up as soon as possible, while Taberfane is strictly a holding attack, to give L_S_T the impressing I’m going to slowly clear out his outlying defenses. So lots of activity for next turn, and keeping my fingers crossed the KB hasn’t got its cloaking devices working and is lurking south of Ambon!

In China, I foolishly try a single P-47 squadron sweep over Chungking, and the 18 P-47s are met by a robust, quality CAP of 50 fighters included a dozen Georges. 10 P-47s are lost for 9 Oscars, 2 Zeros and a single George. Not good! Didn’t expect a robust CAP, let alone Georges! Otherwise, IJA forces still massing in the river gap area, but the blow hasn’t fallen yet.

[Bif1961]

Japanese starting making the SS class of LSTs in 1942.

[IdahoNYer]

19-20 Jan 44

Highlights – 3 Bdes brought ashore at Padang against heavy, unsuccessful LBA attacks; SS sinks a convoy!

Jpn ships sunk:
TK: 3 (small)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 164
Allied: 33

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 4 ships hit (3Tk sunk, 1 dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: IJN has gone dark; no heavy units appear to be in the Banda Sea area. Not clear where the IJN has moved, but my assumption is it is toward the PI to focus on engaging Allied attacks north of New Guinea.

West Coast/Admin: CV Essex reaches England for repairs, and the initial estimate is 77 days to repair the 36 major float damage.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, once again, another Banzai attack at Lae, this time costing the IJA 1500 troops to the Allies 40, and it looks like at least some of the IJA are pulling back. BB bombardment also causes a further 340 casualties. Still looking at bringing in the Marines to relieve the Americal, but ultimately need to get both divisions pulled out for further operations, not safeguarding rear area bases. Elsewhere, CA TF bombards Talasea as a “recon by fire” to see what is there as its on the list of upcoming mop up amphib ops, and inflicts 500 casualties but no indication from what. Overall, reorganization and shifting troops, will be the primary activities through the end of the month.

In SWPAC, additional support troops are put ashore at Saumlaki without any interference and the AF is now operational. Two US Army fighter squadrons are brought in to augment the usual LRCAP out of Bathurst which can now be gradually reduced. Molu is also being reinforced, but a bit more slowly, with an LSD bringing in some bulldozers. Additional engineers will continue to flow in, but now largely by barge as most of the APAs/AKAs will shift to Gove for the future Amphib operations. On the ground at Saumlaki, fighting continues with two Allied attacks inflicting 700 IJA loss to about 200 Allied, but the troops need to rest and will hold off further attacks for a few days. SE of Saumlaki, the Taberfane Amphib TF assembles with BB Wash TF (BB, 2CL, DDs) and CVE TF (8CVE, CLAA, DDs) in support. Taberfane goes in next turn, with the CA TF off Saumlaki providing the bombardment, as well as major support from Heavies out of Oz. With no further IJN reaction to Saumlaki, I don’t expect any interference, except from LBA, and the CVEs will provide cover while standing off to the south of Taberfane. Additional LBA that can range from Bathurst and Darwin will also support, but at 9 hex range, that means only P-38s and F4Us. Elsewhere, much shipping is moving troops along the Australian west coast, shifting troops to assembly areas between Exmouth, Port Headland, Broome, and Darwin. Will take most of the rest of the month to complete shifting troops for further operations, then we can look at advancing deeper in the Banda Sea. For that though, I really need CVs, and they need to begin moving from the Sumatra support, and I keep delaying that.

In China, IJA troops continue to mass east of Kweiyang, and I keep pushing troops to bolster defenses, but as usual the question is “will it be enough?”. Two B-25 squadrons out of Kumning hit the IJA troop movements with little effect. I really don’t want to bring the Heavies back, as I’d rather get them rolling to good use in the DEI.

In Burma, the last B-24 BG departed Burma for Sumatra, flying into Port Blair until AFs and support can be expanded in Sumatra.

In the IO, as I feared, it was a busy day in the air as L_S_T committed in his LBA to disrupt the reinforcing of Padang. I got lucky, and although weather socked out the CVs in one AM phase, only a handful of bombers got through the CAP to make runs. Three attacks went in against shipping off Padang, while two went in against the CVs, both meeting a robust CAP. Again, heavily escorted strikes, but this time Bettys/Frances vs. Judys. Heaviest raid was 90 fighters (Franks/Tojos) escorting 20 strike a/c, and that of course was when the CVs were socked in, so CAP was low at only about 65 fighters over Padang instead of the usual 200 or so fighters. Even so, only a pair of bombers made a run on a transport and both missed. All told, at the end of the two days, it was another Turkey Shoot; 73 Tojos, 36 Franks, 26 bombers downed in exchange for 4 Hellcats, 2 P-47s, and a Corsair! Three IN Bdes were brought into Padang from Sibolga, 2 Aus and one Indian, as well as a USMC Tk Bn, while a BF was landed at Siberoet. Offloading was probably about 80% or better complete at the end of the turn, after which the transports will head back to Sibolga. Next turn, another IN Bde and support troops will be brought in from Sibolga, and additional support troops are expected to close in from the Andamans. CVs will remain in close support, although after the past two major LBA attacks, I don’t expect a third for a while. I do need to pull the CVs out soon as pilots are getting a bit fatigued - as are the planes themselves. A pair of AOs will head in to replenish the CV TFs while the Repl CVEs and additional AOs remain off the coast, still able to fly in repl a/c. On the ground, the 3rd Mar Div Bde is held in its attempt to move inland and seize Sawahloento, losing about 120 men. Will hold off further attacks there until the Indian 9th ID’s lead Bde can assist, and follow on Bdes will attack to take Djambi as well as block withdrawing IJA from Sibolga. US 7th ID continues to advance unopposed south, and will continue towards Benkoelen, as well as securing the mountain passes for the Aus 9th ID which will then advance inland toward Palembang. And advancing overland from Sibolga, three Bdes continue to follow the withdrawing IAJ troops, which are so far staying just ahead of their advance. Lastly, the remaining two Bdes of the 3rd Mar Div are currently planning to land at Benkoelen (at Sibolga) and Oosthaven (at Siberoet) respectively. Shifting to the overall strategic objective, shutting down the oil industry, a B-24 BG out of Medan will make the first daylight city attack against the oil industry on Sumatra, targeting the oilfields at Djambi which recon says are undefended. A Brit squadron will target Palembang at night to begin operations against that “hard target”. More emphasis will go into the bombing campaign once the troops are shuttled into Padang, but AFs still need to be expanded and additional baseforces brought in. But we’re getting closer. Lastly, SS Bonefish patrolling the oil route out of Palembang catches an apparently unescorted small TK convoy in its patrol area between Pontianak and Banka, and in four separate attacks, in four separate locations, sinks 3 and damages a fourth small tanker! Nice. Unfortunately, synch bug! Didn’t see any of it!

[IdahoNYer]

21-22 Jan 44

Highlights – Another Bde and support troops brought ashore at Padang with no air attacks; Taberfane Amphib goes in without any interference.

Jpn ships sunk:
TK: 1 (small)

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 2 (Yukikaze, Nenohi)

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 18
Allied: 12

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 1 ship hit (Tk sunk, again by Bonefish)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Taberfane (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: Recon shows 10k troops at Benkoelen, but less than 500 at Oosthaven - perhaps opportunity here?

West Coast/Admin: CV Illustrious arrives at Cape Town and immediately goes into a 75 day upgrade. Worthwhile as it not only increases its AA, but also its plane capacity from 33 to 54.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, another attack at Lae costs the IJA 600 troops to 35 Allied. Looks like Jpn attacks are dissipating, so 1st Mar Div will get its rest in Australia, and won’t go to Lae. Americal will have to make do, and will get some naval bombardments to assist. Otherwise quiet, although I’m sending a DD TF (3DD) raiding out to Sorong on the New Guinea coast again to disrupt coastal shipping.

In SWPAC, Taberfane amphib goes in, preceded by CA TF (2CA,2CL, DD) bombardment. No interference by Jpn air, and very few losses during the landing. Troops are fatigued, will need a day of rest which will allow additional air and naval bombardments to soften up the defenders. Support troops continue flow into Saumlaki and Molu without any enemy interference as well. Saumlaki AF should reach level 2 next turn allowing offensive sweeps and LRCAP over the next amphib landing, Kai-eilanden, already loading a Bde from 40th ID at Gove. So far, so good in SWPAC. Screen shot below shows the planned sequence of objectives to break the deadlock in the Banda Sea, gain airfields to reach major Japanese bases, and regain the initiative long term.

In China, NSTR…IJA buildup continues.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, the two days are pretty uneventful, except for a solid first attempt at disrupting oil production. Raid on Djambi is unopposed and bombers damage a reported 189 oil on the raid for no losses. At Padang, the last Bde from the Aus 9th ID, another tank battalion and engineers are landed without any response, day or night. Troops continue to advance inland, and the Marines will make another attempt to take Sawahloento, NW of Padang with the Indian Bde in reserve as the IJA troops are pulling out. Probably the biggest “news” is recon is reporting Oosthaven very weakly garrisoned, so like the Padang venture, a Bde from 3rd Mar Div may attempt to grab it. The Marine Bde that took Siberoet is prepping for it, but is only at about 34 prepared…but if its weakly held, probably worth the attempt. This would flank the expected heavy defense at Benkoelen, and open up another front against the IJA defenders. Another day’s recon is needed, and shipping is starting to move to load troops needed. The only downside would be keeping the fleet in support of Sumatra operations for another week. But since the KB apparently isn’t going to contest the current ongoing landings in the eastern Banda Sea, the delay isn’t holding up SWPAC operations - at least not just yet. Lastly, CV Lexington, along with escorting DDs is being detached from the CV TF to head for Colombo and refit, to be replace by CV Sara, completing her refit next turn, as well as CV Intrepid waiting at Colombo. Brit CVL Unicorn, also newly arrived at Colombo, will also join the fleet.

[IdahoNYer]

23-24 Jan 44

Highlights – Fighting ends at Saumlaki

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
AM: 1
AMc: 1
xAP: 1
xAKL: 2

Jpn ships un-sunk:
CL: 1 (Agano)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 23
Allied: 17

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (Tk sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Sawahloento (IO)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, no attacks at Lae for a change as the 1st Marine Div doesn’t offload there and continues Australia for some R&R. BB and CA TFs bombard Lae inflicting about 300 casualties and will continue to do so for a bit. DD TF (3DD) sinks a PB off Sansapar, and returns to Sarmi without any other contacts. DDs need some minor repairs from wear and tear and will return to Manus which is gradually expanding, and ARDs should arrive shortly. Airpower largely rests. Troop shuttling continues as the major effort in Theater, and will continue to be for the rest of the month.

In SWPAC, two naval bombardments go in against Taberfane with minimal effect, only 150 casualties between the two, and weather keeps most of the ground support away. Ground troops will attack next turn, but I don’t think the one Bde with engineers will be enough, and have earmarked another IN Bde to standby for commitment. At Saumlaki, fighting ends with the last 1500 troops being eliminated. The AF reaches level 2, and some additional fighters are flown in to cover the transports and landing craft bringing in support troops to both Saumlaki and Molu. Kai-eilanden Amphib TF completed loading and will rendezvous with BB Wash TF at Taberfane before continuing to Kai-eilanden. CVE TF remains in support providing air cover over Taberfane, and will support the Kai amphib as well - but the Saumlaki AF should be level 3 by then as well. So far, so good in SWPAC, with no sign of the IJN interfering. Lastly, Babar looks to still contain well over 12k troops, and with some luck, we’ll keep them there with fighters providing LRCAP to keep air evac away. It would take a major naval expedition to pull those troops off now that Saumlaki AF is fully operational.

In China, NSTR…IJA buildup continues.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, its quiet in the air and at sea, and on the ground, the advance inland continues out of Padang with the mountain passes secured without a fight by the 7th ID. USMC secures Sawahloento to block that route from Sibolga, and the 9th Indian Div’s single deployed Bde will begin moving towards Djambi shortly. Much troops shuttling continues to bring in both combat troops (remainder of the Indian 9th ID), load 2 Bdes of the 3rd Mar Div for potential amphib operations and of course engineers to build up airfields and ports in the newly acquired bases. The major obstacle right now are the poor ports along the Sumatra coast - and a lack of naval support to facilitate the transloading of troops. Next turn, the CV TF will pull off just west of Siberoet to take on fuel and give the fighters some limited rest. Hopefully L_S_T won’t through in a mass raid at either Padang or Sibolga while the CVs are fueling!

[jwolf]

The major obstacle right now are the poor ports along the Sumatra coast - and a lack of naval support

The US has a lot of good base units with both naval and air support. But I think naval support is much more scarce in the British and Commonwealth units. If you're really in a pinch, can you get a couple of the good US units to rail across Australia to Perth and then ship them from there to Sumatra where you need them?

[IdahoNYer]

You're spot on jwolf. I've got additional US engineers headed to Aden, and then on to Sumatra. I'm also pulling some port units off Burma as well. The problem is largely self inflicted in the short term - I elected to focus naval transport capability on shifting combat troops into Padang to take advantage of that success. Original plan had the buildup of Sibolga and Siberoet with engineers before the Padang landing went in.

These problems I can suffer through...[;)]

[jwolf]

OK that makes sense. The movements and logistics always take longer than one would like. By the time you actually get those US engineers to Sumatra ... you'll probably need them more somewhere else. [;)]

[IdahoNYer]

25-26 Jan 44

Highlights – Taberfane holds attack.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Nenhoi)
ACM: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 21
Allied: 19

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (AV dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Saidor (SOPAC-flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: Picking up PBY sightings of single warships (CA, CVE) near Pontianak near Borneo - very vague, but could be the IJN gradually assembling there to counter any Allied thoughts on entering the Java Sea.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, a deliberate attack at Lae manages to reduces forts to level 3, but loses 1110 men to 59 Allied. Will continue to bombard with warships and aircraft, but not ready to reinforce with ground just yet. Will save panic for forts going to level 2. Otherwise, troop shuttling continues.

In SWPAC, Taberfane falls in the second attack! Sadly, it was the synch bug disinformation! Taberfane holds, but forts are reduced from level 5 to level 3, with 600 IJA troops lost to about 225 Allied. Troops are still in good shape to continue the attack and will do so next turn. Based on this progress, I haven’t loaded reinforcement Bde out of Darwin yet either. Kai-eilanden Amph TF with BB Wash TF (BB, 2CL, DDs) covered by CVEs will move from Taberfane to land troops next turn. Kaimana’s Amph TF begins loading the US 1st CAV Div at Gove, and hopefully that will progress fast enough to have them head to stage at Taberfane where they can rendezvous with the Kei-eilanden covering forces. Goal remains Kaimana before the month is out! On the Saumlaki front, its AF reaches level 3 and will provide LRCAP to the Kai-eilanden landings. Engineers continue to flow in to both Saumlaki and Molu via both transport and barge convoys without interference. Still no indication that the IJN will re-commit to the Banda Sea.

In China, NSTR.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, CV and BB TF complete refueling off Siberoet and all a/c losses replaced by the replenishment groups aboard the CVEs. It remains fairly quiet, with only a small ineffective night time Judy attack on transports offloading at Padang. There is a recon/search report of IJN vessels - unclear what, but likely barges or minesweepers at Benkoelen. Will send a DD TF (4DD) to “investigate” as well as move the CV TF to where they can hit any naval targets south of Sumatra - but avoiding Palembang which is well protected by a robust CAP. In the air, LBA priority will be providing cover to the ever expanding number of Sumatran ports and convoys off the Sumatra coast. With the CVs moving off Padang watch for a bit, the vulnerability increases. To give L_S_T something else to worry about, three Brit long range B-24 variant squadrons will attempt a daylight strike on Miri’s Oilfields in Borneo from Sumatran bases. 22 range is pushing it, but I don’t expect L_S_T to have covered this valuable target with CAP yet - hoping anyway. LR Recon will also fly, and it will all depend on weather! Fingers crossed… On land, two Bdes of the 3rd Mar Div continue to load to likely land at Oosthaven in the coming days, while the ground forces out of Padang continue to advance inland.

[Bif1961]

Any updates, the peanut gallery is hungry for news from the war fronts.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Any updates, the peanut gallery is hungry for news from the war fronts.

Sadly work has gotten in the way a bit the last two weeks or so. Will try and do a post tonight.

[IdahoNYer]

27-28 Jan 44

Highlights – Taberfane taken and troops ashore at Kai-eilanden; Miri oilfields successfully hit!

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Hatakaze)
SS: 1 (RO-38)
MTB: 4
TK: 2
AK: 1
xAKL: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Niizuki)
SS: 1 (RO-37)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 24
Allied: 19

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Kai-eilanden

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Taberfane (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Recon doesn’t pick up anything significant at Pontianak near Borneo - absolutely no idea where the IJN is at the moment.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, another deliberate attack at Lae is held with another 1300 IJA loss to only 60 Allied. Manus now fully operational as a major US Base with the addition of ARDs and much naval support troops as the port continues to expand. Troops continue to be shuttled to and fro by transports which is still the major activity in Theater. LBA primarily rests, with just some minimal attacks on Jpn bases along the New Guinea coast.

In SWPAC, Taberfane falls in the first attack, no synch bug this time! About 500 Jpn casualties left behind as the troops withdraw towards Dobo, which will be bypassed. Bde of the 40th ID put ashore with support at Kai-eilanden without issue and no enemy air response. BB Wash TF bombards, and will bombard again next turn before heading to replenish. Transports already heading home. 1st CAV Div and Engineers loaded at Gove and will head to Taberfane to stage before landing at Kaimana which slated for next turn if all goes well. Saumlaki AF up to Level 4 and continues to expand! Once Kaimana is taken and repaired, already at a level 5, having both Saumlaki and Kaimana AFs operational will allow LBA to begin offensive strikes against the major Jpn bases in the area on Ceram, Boela and Ambon. Both of these bases are reportedly heavily defended with 20k men or more and major concentrations of a/c. Once reduced, these bases will be bypassed and isolated between SOPAC and SWPAC forces.

In China, IJA troops still assembling and no attacks. Two B-25 squadrons out of Kumning have been hitting the moving troops east of Kweiyang with good effect - 24 total planes inflicting about 500 casualties in the two days. Will continue to standby for the next major IJA attack.

In Burma, NSTR.

In the IO, the major news was a single airstrike against the Miri oilfields by 23 Brit B-24 variants in daylight. At 2000ft, no fighters or flak, the bombers scored a reported 47 oil hits. Unfortunately, weather limited strikes to one day, and now L_S_T knows bombers can range the valuable target, so the Brits will switch back to night and try again, but at over 20 hex range, even finding the target at night is doubtful. Still, mission accomplished! Also potentially disrupting the oil flow is a recently sub laid minefield outside of Palembang which the IJN just discovered the hard way with a convoy - 1TK and 3xAKs hit mines! At Benkoelen on Sumatra, had a role reversal of sorts with an Allied DD TF (4DDs) tackling with Jpn torpedo boats. 4 MTBs were sunk without loss, and the DDs will head back next turn to clear out the boats. Goal is to keep L_S_T focused on a probable landing at Benkoelen, which will be helped by Heavies hitting troops and facilities next turn. CV TF moved off the Sunda Strait, but did not find any targets and launched no strikes, and will return back towards the replenishment group off Siberoet. Marines continue to load for Oosthaven, and will hopefully be gathered at Siberoet, but loading is slow with minimal port space avail. Ooosthaven is still reported to be minimally defended, but I need the 7th ID to reach Benkoelen first to pin down the estimated two Bdes there - otherwise those troops will just pull back towards Palembang. Troops continue to advance well on the ground and should have some skirmishes with IJA rear guards north and east of Padang next turn. Lastly, CV Saratoga completed its repairs, and joins Intrepid and BB New Jersey heading out of Columbo to join the fleet next turn. CV Lex arrived to start its refit at Colombo - Lex’s air group has already replaced Sara’s on Sumatran AFs.