Bottlenecks? Oh those bottlenecks! SierraJuliet (J) vs Mundy (A)

[SierraJuliet]

22 January 1943

PACIFIC

TF encounters mine field at Truk – 60 mines cleared.

SS RO-66 launches 6 torpedoes at 119,82 near Marcus Island.

Allied Ships

CVE Suwannee, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Day Time Surface Combat near Marcus Island at 119,82 Range 29,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

CV Hiryu
CV Soryu
CV Shokaku
CV Zuikaku
CV Junyo
CV Akagi
CVL Shoho
CS Chiyoda
BB Hiei
CA Tone
CA Chikuma
DD Teruzuki
DD Susuzuki
DD Takanami
DD Murakumo

Allied Ships

DD Wilson

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 29,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 29,000 yards
Both TF attempt to withdraw!
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat

Japanese morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 119,87

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 12
A6M3a Zero-Reisen x 60
A6M5 Zero-Reisen x 21
B5N1 Kate-Kankoh x 37
B5N2 Kate-Kankoh x 8
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku x 66

Allied aircraft

F4F-3A Wildcat x 17
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5
F4F-4 Wildcat x 45

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed
A6M3a Zero-Reisen: 2 destroyed
A6M5 Zero-Reisen: 2 destroyed
B5N1 Kate-Kankoh: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N1 Kate-Kankoh: 2 destroyed by flak
B5N2 Kate-Kankoh: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku: 8 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships

CV Yorktown, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Saratoga
CA Chester
CLAA San Juan
CV Enterprise

Fuel storage explosion on CV Yorktown
Fuel storage explosion on CV Lexington

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 119,82

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 162
A6M2-N Rufe-iSuisen x 9
A6M3a Zero-Reisen x 30

Allied aircraft

F4F-3 Wildcat x 4
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18
TBD-1 Devastator x 15

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 11 destroyed, 1 damaged
TBD-1 Devastator: 11 destroyed

Japanese Ships

CV Zuikaku

Japanese morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 119,87

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 12 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft

B5N2 Kate-Kankoh x 2

Allied aircraft

F4F-3A Wildcat x 14
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
F4F-4 Wildcat x 33

Japanese aircraft losses

B5N2 Kate-Kankoh: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Japanese morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 119,87

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 16 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft

D3A1 Val-Kanbaku x 5

Allied aircraft

F4F-3A Wildcat x 14
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
F4F-4 Wildcat x 30

Japanese aircraft losses

D3A1 Val-Kanbaku: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

Japanese morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 119,87

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 25 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft

B5N2 Kate-Kankoh x 8

Allied aircraft

F4F-3A Wildcat x 14
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
F4F-4 Wildcat x 27

Japanese aircraft losses

B5N2 Kate-Kankoh: 6 destroyed

No Allied losses

Japanese morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 119,87

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft

D3A1 Val-Kanbaku x 2

Allied aircraft

F4F-3A Wildcat x 11
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
F4F-4 Wildcat x 26

Japanese aircraft losses

D3A1 Val-Kanbaku: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Japanese morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 119,87

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 46 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft

B5N2 Kate-Kankoh x 2

Allied aircraft

F4F-3A Wildcat x 10
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
F4F-4 Wildcat x 26

Japanese aircraft losses

B5N2 Kate-Kankoh: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Japanese afternoon Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 123,85

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 8
A6M3a Zero-Reisen x 52
A6M5 Zero-Reisen x 8
B5N1 Kate-Kankoh x 19
B5N2 Kate-Kankoh x 4
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku x 40

Allied aircraft

F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
F4F-4 Wildcat x 57

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed
A6M3a Zero-Reisen: 4 destroyed
A6M5 Zero-Reisen: 2 destroyed
B5N1 Kate-Kankoh: 1 destroyed
B5N1 Kate-Kankoh: 1 destroyed by flak
B5N2 Kate-Kankoh: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships

AP Santa Paula
xAP Clan Macneil, Torpedo hits 1
DD Drayton
DD Walke
CA Astoria
CA Quincy
AK Cassiopeia
BB Washington, Bomb hits 1
xAP Dunedin Star, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

DEI

IJ troops unloading over beach at Boela.

Japanese deliberate attack at Weston/Beaufort.

Attacking force 2503 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 112
Defending force 1741 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 26

Japanese adjusted assault: 27

Allied adjusted defense: 28

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), preparation(-), morale(-)
supply(-)
Attacker: fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
80 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
58 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
15th Naval Guard Unit
16th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
VII KNIL Battalion
Tarakan Defenses
Tarakan Base Force
Civilians

CHINA

SS Shark launches 2 torpedoes at 81,63 near Swatow.

Japanese Ships

xAK Nittai Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese morning Air attack on 83rd Chinese Army* Corps at 79,58.

BURMA

Japanese morning Air attack on 104th RAF Base Force at 54,50 – 26 casualties (1 engineer squad destroyed)
Japanese morning Air attack on 108th RAF Base Force at 54,50 – 32 casualties (1 combat squad destroyed)

Japanese deliberate attack at 54,50

Attacking force 30512 troops, 432 guns, 333 vehicles, Assault Value = 974
Defending force 23812 troops, 235 guns, 469 vehicles, Assault Value = 42

Japanese adjusted assault: 316
Allied adjusted defense: 265

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
276 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1312 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 54 destroyed, 133 disabled
Engineers: 43 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 25 (5 destroyed, 20 disabled)

Assaulting units:
16th Division
19th Ind Engineer Regiment
1TD 1st Tank Regiment
2ITB 2nd Tank Regiment
3rd Ind Engineer Regiment
21st Ind Engineer Regiment
4th Division
15th Ind Engineer Regiment
1st Ind Engineer Regiment
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
15th Army
2nd Mortar Battalion
5th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
I Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
Marinier Battalion
173 Wing
103rd RN Base Force
107th RAF Base Force
106th RAF Base Force
Civilians
48th Light AA Regiment
2/3 MG Battalion
2/1 MG Battalion
35th Light~ AA Regiment
4th Avn Sup Groep
308th Base Group Base Force
1st Burma Auxiliary AA Regiment
6th Heavy~ AA Regiment
2nd ISF Base Force
172 Wing
Civilians
221 Group RAF
Civilians
221 Group Base Force
223 Group Base Force
3rd KNIL AA Battalion
21st Light~ AA Regiment
103rd RAF Base Force
100th RAF Base Force
175 Wing
77th Heavy AA Regiment
171 Wing
Civilians
104th RAF Base Force
Roodenburg Cdo
95th Heavy~ AA Regiment
116th RAF Base Force
108th RAF Base Force
70th British~ Div /1

60/46 is occupied by the Japanese.





Previous report of sinking of CVE Suwannee incorrect. Ship sighted and engaged at 119, 82

Repairs completed on DD Hatsuzuki at Nagoya, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Akigumo at Tokyo=, ship returned to service

Search H8K1 Emily-Seiku destroyed by CAP at (123,85)
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku from 582 Ku K-1 has spotted DD Lansdowne at 123,85
Search D3A1 Val-Kanbaku destroyed by CAP at (119,87)
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku from Akagi-2 has spotted an Allied CVE at 121,88
Search B5N2 Kate-Kankoh destroyed by CAP
Search D3A1 Val-Kanbaku destroyed by CAP at (119,87)
Search B5N2 Kate-Kankoh destroyed by CAP at (119,87)
Search D3A1 Val-Kanbaku destroyed by CAP at (123,85)
Search E13A1 Jake-Suitei destroyed by CAP
Search E13A1 Jake-Suitei destroyed by CAP
Search E13A1 Jake-Suitei destroyed by CAP at (123,85)
Search E13A1 Jake-Suitei destroyed by CAP
Search E13A1 Jake-Suitei destroyed by CAP at (123,85)

Ki-51a Sonia_ from 71st I.F.Chutai' attacking SS Drum at 83,70

DD Yamakaze detected by Allied Recon at 119,82 near Marcus Island

PO2 Harada, K. of Soryu-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Harada, K. of Soryu-1 attains ace status!!
PO1 Murakami M. of 253 Ku S-1' is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Murakami M. of 253 Ku S-1' attains ace status!!
CDR Aihara I. of 253 Ku S-1' is credited with kill number 5
CDR Aihara I. of 253 Ku S-1' attains ace status!!
PO1 Kurakane C. of Zuiho-1 is credited with kill number 4
PO1 Kurakane C. of Zuiho-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Kurakane C. of Zuiho-1 attains ace status!!
PO2 Obuchi K. of 253 Ku S-1' is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Obuchi K. of 253 Ku S-1' attains ace status!!

Search B5N1 Kate-Kankoh destroyed by CAP
Search D3A1 Val-Kanbaku destroyed by CAP
Search B5N2 Kate-Kankoh destroyed by CAP

D3A1 Val-Kanbaku from Hiryu-2 has spotted DD Walke at 123,85

Search B5N2 Kate-Kankoh destroyed by CAP

PO1 Doigawa A. of Hiryu-1 is credited with kill number 4
PO1 Doigawa A. of Hiryu-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Doigawa A. of Hiryu-1 attains ace status!!

Port Hueneme expands airfield to size 5
Bombay expands port to size 9
Imphal expands airfield to size 2

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Suchow (91, 47)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Taiyuan (91, 40)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Phnom Penh (58, 69)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 83/44 (83, 44)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 86/56 (86, 56)!

Loss of xAK Chicago Maru on Apr 11, 1942 is admitted
Loss of xAK Nittai Maru on Jan 22, 1943 is admitted
Loss of MTB RTN CMB-9 on Jan 20, 1943 is admitted

CVE Suwannee is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 22, 1943

90th I.F.Chutai arrives at Tokyo=
7th Air Division arrives at Tokyo=
109th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Tokyo=

[SierraJuliet]

23 January 1943

PACIFIC

SS I-173 is sighted by escort at 120,87 near Marcus Island.

Allied Ships

AO Sabine
DD Hammann

SS Plunger launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 120,85 near Marcus Island.

Japanese Ships

DD Fubuki

Night Time Surface Combat near Marcus Island at 125,88 Range 9,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

CA Haguro
CA Kako
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 2
DD Fubuki

Allied Ships

DD Bancroft
DD Hammann
AO Neosho, Shell hits 7, heavy fires
AO Sabine, Shell hits 10, heavy fires
AO Kaskaskia
AO Cimarron, Shell hits 16, heavy fires, heavy damage

Improved night sighting under 92% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 92% moonlight: 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 9,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 9,000 yards
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...

Day Time Surface Combat near Marcus Island at 125,92 Range 27,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

CA Haguro
CA Kako
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Fubuki

Allied Ships

CVE Altamaha*, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
DD Nicholas, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Gwin, Shell hits 2, on fire

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 27,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 27,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Most interesting results as this action commenced. The cruisers were clearly lobbing shells in at a high trajectory and getting results. The first 3 or 4 hits were all plunging fire penetrating the flight deck.

Japanese morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 121,90

Japanese aircraft

G3M2 Nell-Chukou x 7

Japanese aircraft losses

G3M2 Nell-Chukou: 3 damaged
G3M2 Nell-Chukou: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships

CV Yorktown, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
CV Lexington, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 121,90

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 37
A6M3a Zero-Reisen x 39
A6M5 Zero-Reisen x 10
B5N1 Kate-Kankoh x 50
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku x 57

Allied aircraft

no flights

Japanese aircraft losses

D3A1 Val-Kanbaku: 9 damaged
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses

F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 8 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships

CV Lexington, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Vincennes, Bomb hits 2
CA Wichita, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA San Diego
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
CLAA San Juan
DD Grayson
DD Selfridge
DD Craven
DD Bagley
DD Blue
DD Saufley

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Lexington class CV
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Illustrious class CV
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Wichita

Japanese morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 121,90

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft

D3A1 Val-Kanbaku x 7

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses

D3A1 Val-Kanbaku: 3 damaged
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses

TBF-1 Avenger: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 9 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships

DD Grayson
CV Lexington, and is sunk

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Lexington

Japanese afternoon Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 121,90

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 37
A6M3a Zero-Reisen x 39
A6M5 Zero-Reisen x 10
B5N1 Kate-Kankoh x 30
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate-Kankoh: 1 damaged
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku: 7 damaged

Allied Ships

CLAA San Juan
DD Craven
CA Vincennes, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires
CA Wichita, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Grayson
CLAA San Diego, Bomb hits 2
DD Saufley
DD Blue

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Wichita

SS I-172 is sighted by escort at 121,90 near Marcus Island.

Allied Ships

CA Wichita, on fire, heavy damage
CA Vincennes
CLAA San Juan
DD Selfridge
DD Craven
DD Blue
DD Bagley

HOME ISLANDS

SS Tambor launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 96,62 near Nago.

Japanese Ships

xAK Miyadono Maru
xAK Ryotaku Maru
xAK Juko Maru
PB Okuyo Maru #2

SS Albacore launches 2 torpedoes at 108,69 near Torishima.

Japanese Ships

PB Muroran Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAKL Yubari Maru
xAKL Saiko Maru
xAKL Dainiti Maru
PB Konei Maru

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attack on 83rd Chinese Army* Corps at 79,58 – 5 casualties.

BURMA

Allied morning Air attack on TF near 53/51 at 53,50

Allied aircraft

B-25C Mitchell x 8

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships

TB RTN Chunphorn
TB RTN Chandraburi

Japanese forces CAPTURE Shwebo!!!
56/45 is occupied by the Japanese.

DEI

Japanese forces CAPTURE Boela!!!




Previous report of sinking of CVE Altamaha* incorrect. Ship sighted and engaged at 125, 92

Ki-51a Sonia_ from 71st I.F.Chutai' attacking SS Triton at 84,68
SS Triton is reported HIT
B5N1 Kate-Kankoh from Shoho-2 attacking an Allied SS at 106,124
Ki-48-Ib Lily-Sokei from 8th Sentai attacking SS Triton at 84,68

Previous report of sinking of CV Lexington incorrect. Ship sighted and engaged at 121, 90

Temporary flotation repairs failing aboard SS I-23^

Chungking expands port to size 6
Tjilatjap expands fortifications to size 3

Aircraft A6M5a Zero-Reisen advances R&D

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Foochow (86, 60)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Tangshan (96, 41)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Pucheng (86, 57)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 88/38 (88, 38)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 86/56 (86, 56)!

Loss of PB Muroran Maru on Jan 23, 1943 is admitted

CV Lexington is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 23, 1943
CV Yorktown is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 23, 1943
CVE Altamaha* is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 23, 1943
xAK Demodocus is reported to have been sunk near Lunga on Aug 09, 1942

753 Ku K-1' arrives at Tokyo=
72nd JAAF AF Bn arrives at Tokyo=

[ChuckBerger]

What are we up to? 2 CVs, 6 CVEs, 5 BBs, 3 CAs, a couple of destroyers, 3 fleet oilers (!), and a whole big stack of assault shipping - for next to no losses on your side aside from the Kirishima?

It just keeps getting better for you. What a rout. I suspect you're not even done yet.

[SierraJuliet]

ORIGINAL: ChuckBerger

What are we up to? 2 CVs, 6 CVEs, 5 BBs, 3 CAs, a couple of destroyers, 3 fleet oilers (!), and a whole big stack of assault shipping - for next to no losses on your side aside from the Kirishima?

It just keeps getting better for you. What a rout. I suspect you're not even done yet.

Yes ChuckBerger you are fairly close there. I would only count on Witchita (of the CAs) being lost (I'm fairly certain Chicago got away as did Wasp) and without further attention she could even make it to a base. I could be wrong but I certainly get the feeling that ships in this Mod are much tougher and more difficult to sink than in vanilla. I have kept more IJN ships afloat than I expected and ships such as Revenge also bear this out. On the other hand... there is always the spectacular example of North Carolina.

I'm not done yet but fuel is an issue. Lucky for me we are so close to the Home Island so I have been able to re stock the strike arm with new units of Vals and Kates. The American submarines has also made a belated entry onto the field so things are going to become tricky from herein to achieve more great results without the inevitable losses.

[SierraJuliet]

My intentions for the next day.

Heading in from the north is two battle groups poised to strike at shipping in and around Marcus Island. I am under no illusions that this may go badly as there appears to be plenty of heavy warships located here. From what I have observed, however, the approach of the heavy ships of the IJN has so far remained unspotted.

Hopefully then, the first the Allied ships will know of this is when radar picks up the approaching enemy. The first SAG is made up of BBs Fuso, Yamashiro, Ise and Hyuga plus DD Tokitasukaze. They are low on fuel so do not have orders to remain.

The follow-on SAG a couple of hexes back (the other TF is a DD detached due to low fuel) is under the command of RADM Tanaka. This TF is comprised of BBs Kongo, Nagato, Mutsu, Yamato, light cruisers Isuzu and Sendai plus an escort of DDs Nowake, Hagikaze and Oshio. No fuel issues here so this TF is ordered to remain. Plenty of dangers going on here with torpedoes, mines, PTs and a host of other possible nasty happenings possible. This may put a damper on the fine work so far, but it would be remiss of me not to employ the battle fleet. After all they have sailed all the way from Singapore to join in.

The Japanese carriers will attempt to dodge Allied subs which have now entered the field and try to attract the small force of bombers based on Marcus. The figher presence here is nasty and I am toying with the best way of employing my now reduced carrier force to deal with the aircraft based at Marcus Island. Fuel is a big concern with Junyo, Shokaku, Hiei and a bunch of destroyers detached to refuel.

It is going to be another sweaty palm of the hands turn when it plays out.

[Bif1961]

Since only one person here answered my question beside the author of this AAR it remains at 1-1. However, since it seems to bother some I will refrain from making any comments in regard to tactics, operational or strategy. I will only comment on things that have long happened and therefore cannot, in any way possibly influence any future operations. Note in this battle since I have not commented in more than 10 days, anything I have said before that did not affect this battle.

[SierraJuliet]

24 January 1943

PACIFIC

SS I-26 launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 124,84 near Marcus Island.

xAK Stephen M White

SS I-26 launches 2 torpedoes at 124,84 near Marcus Island.

xAP Clan Macneil, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

SS I-17 launches 2 torpedoes at 124,86 near Marcus Island.

xAP Iron Knob, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied afternoon Air attack on Truk Naval Fortress at Truk.

Japanese aircraft

Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 11

Allied aircraft

LB-30 Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

LB-30 Liberator: 2 destroyed

SS I-17 launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 124,86 near Marcus Island.

xAP Exchange

HOME ISLANDS

SS O-24 launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 99,69 near Daito Shoto.

Japanese Ships

TK Oita Maru
TK Ayazono Maru
TK Okigawa Maru
TK Manei Maru
PB Kakyu Maru
PB Heimei Maru
PB Seikai Maru

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attack on 83rd Chinese Army* Corps at 79,58
Japanese morning Air attacks on Chengchow – 3 airbase hits and 47 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attack on 84,53 – 2 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 24 runway hits.

BURMA

Japanese morning Air attack on 104th RAF Base Force at 54,50 – 10 casualties.
Japanese afternoon Air attack on 106th RAF Base Force at 54,50 – 5 casualties.

308th Base Group Base Force Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
3rd KNIL AA Battalion Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
Marinier Battalion Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
Roodenburg Cdo Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
4th Avn Sup Groep Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
2/1 MG Battalion Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
2/3 MG Battalion Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
I Aus Corps Engineer Battalion Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
1st Burma Auxiliary AA Regiment Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
103rd RAF Base Force Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
104th RAF Base Force Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
106th RAF Base Force Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
107th RAF Base Force Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
108th RAF Base Force Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
100th RAF Base Force Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
48th Light AA Regiment Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
77th Heavy AA Regiment Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
6th Heavy~ AA Regiment Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
35th Light~ AA Regiment Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
21st Light~ AA Regiment Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
173 Wing Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
221 Group Base Force Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
171 Wing Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
172 Wing Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
95th Heavy~ AA Regiment Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
116th RAF Base Force Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
223 Group Base Force Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
2nd ISF Base Force Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
Civilians Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
Civilians Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
Civilians Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!

Allied Unit(s) surrounded at 54/50
Allied Unit(s) Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!!!!




AS Yasukuni Maru sinks in port

D3A1 Val-Kanbaku from Akagi-2 has spotted CA Vincennes at 124,93
CA Vincennes is reported HIT

WO Senda J. of 5th Sentai/A is credited with kill number 5
WO Senda J. of 5th Sentai/A attains ace status!!

Bremerton expands port to size 9
55/51 expands port to size 1
Los Negros I. expands airfield to size 4
Haha-jima expands fortifications to size 2

Previous report of sinking of BB Nevada incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Tangshan (96, 41)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 88/38 (88, 38)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 83/44 (83, 44)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 86/56 (86, 56)!

CM Yurijima arrives at Osaka/Kyoto+
AMc Suzuya Maru #2 arrives at Okayama

xAP Clan Macneil is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 24, 1943
xAP Iron Knob is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 24, 1943

Quite the anti-climax. Probably for the best as I was becoming way to comfortable with the good results. Somehow the fleeing Lexington/Yorktown escort avoids further attention from the Japanese carriers. The merchant shipping (and all the warships) at Marcus Island hauled anchor and left overnight… narrowly avoiding the incoming Japanese battleships. Marcus Island must be full to the brim with supplies now and recon reports 70+ fighters on the ground. The battleships will be ordered to do some bombardment before they leave. In 2 minds whether to try chasing down those escort ships with the carriers or send in the dive bombers to paste the airfield. I think the airfield will be getting attention.

I had contemplated sending the Yamato SAG after the fleeing merchant ships to try for a mid ocean intercept, but I have scrubbed the idea. Hornet is essentially unaccounted for and the Brit carriers may still be lurking waiting to spring a trap. I think that this battle is about finished now that all the Allied ships are in full retreat. At least we picked up 2 more xAP and during the turn 2 SOC-1 Seagull planes were reported lost on the ground. I think it is safe to write off Wichita or possibly Vicennes.

Marcus Island might be American, but I own the seas around it, for now. I guess that says something about the result from the last few weeks of chess.

And over in Burma that big stack in the jungle has suddenly become 4 units. My mind recoils at the thought of the privation suffered by the Commonwealth forces trapped in that forest.

A small note of relief. CA Nachi (50% critical flotation damage) motors on into Manila after the long, long voyage from Rabual. Many months ago now she was knocked around in a successful surface battle only to suffer the ill effects of 2 torpedoes post battle.

[SierraJuliet]

25 January 1943

PACIFIC

Night Time Surface Combat near Marcus Island at 125,82 Range 29,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

BB Kongo
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Yamato
CL Sendai
CL Isuzu
DD Nowaki
DD Hagikaze
DD Oshio

Allied Ships

DD Lansdowne
DD Lardner
DD Wilson
DD Drayton

Improved night sighting under 82% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 82% moonlight: 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 9,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Allied ASW Combat TF evades combat

SS Seal is sighted by escort at 112,108 near Truk.

Japanese Ships

AMc Wa-14

Night Naval bombardment of Marcus Island – 486 casualties (4 combat squads and 17 non-combat squads destroyed + 6 guns and 4 vehicles lost), 5 airbase hits, 5 airbase supply hits, 25 runway hits, 23 port hits, 1 port fuel hit and 2 port supply hits.

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 14 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 14 destroyed on ground
PBY-5A Catalina: 7 damaged
PBY-5A Catalina: 2 destroyed on ground
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 15 damaged
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 4 destroyed on ground
F4F-3 Wildcat: 4 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed on ground
SBD-3 Dauntless: 9 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships

BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso

Day Time Surface Combat near Marcus Island at 128,76 Range 29,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

BB Kongo
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Yamato
CL Sendai
CL Isuzu
DD Nowaki
DD Hagikaze
DD Oshio

Allied Ships

BB Washington
CA Astoria
CA Minneapolis
CA San Francisco
CA Quincy
DD Kalk
DD Anderson
DD McCall
DD Dunlap
DD Cummings
AP Wharton
AP Harris~
AP Zeilin
AP Henry T Allen~
AP J Franklin Bell
AP Leonard Wood
AP Hunter Liggett
AP American Legion
AP Henderson~+
AP President Polk
AP Arthur Middleton
AK Crater
AK Cassiopeia
AK Prince Georges
AK Libra
AK Algorab
AK Adhara
AK Alcyone
AK Oberon
AK Arcturus
AK Castor"
AP President Coolidge
AP Matsonia
AP Mariposa
AP Santa Elena
AP Santa Paula
AP Santa Inez
AP Republic~
AP President Fillmore~
AK Ara

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 27,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 25,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 21,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Allied Cargo TF evades combat

Day Time Surface Combat near Marcus Island at 128,76 Range 17,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

BB Kongo
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Yamato, Shell hits 2
CL Sendai
CL Isuzu
DD Nowaki, Shell hits 2
DD Hagikaze
DD Oshio

Allied Ships

xAP Clan Macnaughton, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
xAP Empire Star, Shell hits 16, and is sunk
xAP Bloemfontein, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
xAP Marpessa, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Talisse, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
xAP Limerick, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Ellaroo, Shell hits 20, and is sunk
xAP Iron Crown, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
xAP Illisos, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Agwimonte, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
xAP Alcoa Pennant, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
xAP Exhibitor, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Boreas*, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
xAK Benjamin Franklin, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Edwin Markham, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
xAK Henry Villard, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
xAK John B Floyd, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
xAK Stephen M White, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
xAK Thomas A Edison, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
xAK William L Garrison, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
xAK Pamir, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
xAK Astoria, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Karsik, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Sea Witch, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
xAK Exceller, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
xAK Delvalle, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
xAP William L Thompson, Shell hits 3, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 25 (13 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 17,000 yards
Tanaka, Raizo crosses the 'T'
Range closes to 4,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Day Time Surface Combat near Marcus Island at 128,76 Range 15,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

BB Kongo
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Yamato
CL Sendai
CL Isuzu
DD Nowaki
DD Hagikaze
DD Oshio

Allied Ships

xAK Karsik, Shell hits 8, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

Day Time Surface Combat near Marcus Island at 128,77 Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

BB Kongo
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 1
BB Yamato, Shell hits 1
CL Sendai
CL Isuzu
DD Nowaki
DD Hagikaze
DD Oshio

Allied Ships

DD Walke, Shell hits 8, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 20,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

Day Time Surface Combat near Marcus Island at 128,77 Range 29,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

BB Kongo
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Yamato
CL Sendai
CL Isuzu
DD Nowaki
DD Hagikaze
DD Oshio

Allied Ships

BB Washington
CA Astoria
CA Minneapolis
CA San Francisco
CA Quincy
DD Kalk
DD Anderson
DD McCall
DD Dunlap
DD Cummings
AP Wharton
AP Harris~
AP Zeilin
AP Henry T Allen~
AP J Franklin Bell
AP Leonard Wood
AP Hunter Liggett
AP American Legion
AP Henderson~+
AP President Polk
AP Arthur Middleton
AK Crater
AK Cassiopeia
AK Prince Georges
AK Libra
AK Algorab
AK Adhara
AK Alcyone
AK Oberon
AK Arcturus
AK Castor"
AP President Coolidge
AP Matsonia
AP Mariposa
AP Santa Elena
AP Santa Paula
AP Santa Inez
AP Republic~
AP President Fillmore~
AK Ara

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 27,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 25,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 21,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Allied Cargo TF evades combat

Day Time Surface Combat near Marcus Island at 129,77 Range 29,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

BB Kongo
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Yamato
CL Sendai
CL Isuzu
DD Nowaki
DD Hagikaze
DD Oshio

Allied Ships

BB Washington
CA Astoria
CA Minneapolis
CA San Francisco
CA Quincy
DD Kalk
DD Anderson
DD McCall
DD Dunlap
DD Cummings
AP Wharton
AP Harris~
AP Zeilin
AP Henry T Allen~
AP J Franklin Bell
AP Leonard Wood
AP Hunter Liggett
AP American Legion
AP Henderson~+
AP President Polk
AP Arthur Middleton
AK Crater
AK Cassiopeia
AK Prince Georges
AK Libra
AK Algorab
AK Adhara
AK Alcyone
AK Oberon
AK Arcturus
AK Castor"
AP President Coolidge
AP Matsonia
AP Mariposa
AP Santa Elena
AP Santa Paula
AP Santa Inez
AP Republic~
AP President Fillmore~
AK Ara

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 27,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 25,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 21,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Allied Cargo TF evades combat

Japanese morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 130,78 – 1 B5N1 Kate-Kankoh and 1 Val-Kanbaku lost to flak.

Allied Ships

BB Washington, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1
CA Astoria, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese afternoon Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 130,78

Allied Ships

CA Quincy
BB Washington, Bomb hits 1
AP Leonard Wood, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk

BURMA

Japanese morning Air attack on 70th British~ Division at Akyab – 6 casualties.

Also attacking 2nd British Division ...

Well there is some good intel. Akyab is certainly no push over!

Japanese deliberate attack at 54,50.

Attacking force 30439 troops, 432 guns, 333 vehicles, Assault Value = 960
Defending force 3663 troops, 7 guns, 19 vehicles, Assault Value = 4

Japanese adjusted assault: 252
Allied adjusted defense: 25

Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Allied ground losses:
817 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 22 destroyed, 54 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (5 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 5 (4 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
3rd Ind Engineer Regiment
15th Ind Engineer Regiment
21st Ind Engineer Regiment
4th Division
19th Ind Engineer Regiment
16th Division
2ITB 2nd Tank Regiment
1TD 1st Tank Regiment
1st Ind Engineer Regiment
3rd Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
15th Army
5th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
103rd RN Base Force
221 Group RAF
175 Wing
Civilians

Allied Unit(s) surrounded at 54/50

61/46 is occupied by the Japanese.

CHINA

Japanese deliberate attack at 82,56.

Attacking force 12500 troops, 122 guns, 24 vehicles, Assault Value = 550
Defending force 867 troops, 14 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 7

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 566
Allied adjusted defense: 5

Japanese assault odds: 113 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE 82/56!!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
372 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 17 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 12 (12 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1
Units destroyed 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
39th Division
58ID 52nd Infantry Brigade

Defending units:
#Administration
18th Chinese Base Force

DEI

Japanese deliberate attack at Weston/Beaufort

Attacking force 2471 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 106
Defending force 1700 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 26

Japanese adjusted assault: 31
Allied adjusted defense: 22

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), preparation(-), morale(-)
experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
52 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
15th Naval Guard Unit
16th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
VII KNIL Battalion
Tarakan Defenses
Tarakan Base Force
Civilians




Ki-51a Sonia_ from 71st I.F.Chutai' attacking SS Shark at 85,68
SS Shark is reported HIT
Ki-51a Sonia_ from 71st I.F.Chutai' attacking SS Shark at 85,68
SS Shark is reported HIT

E Manazuru sinks in port

H8K1 Emily-Seiku from 801 Ku T-2 has spotted an Allied AK at 127,89
an Allied xAP is reported HIT

C5M2 Babs-Karigane from 202 Ku T-1 attacking a Gato class SS at 107,94

Temporary flotation repairs failing aboard xAK Tarushima Maru
Temporary flotation repairs failing aboard CVE Unyo
Temporary flotation repairs failing aboard CVE Unyo

Darwin expands airfield to size 7
Abadan expands port to size 9

DD Shirakumo beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
DD Amagiri beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure+
DD Yuzuki beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 77/56 (77, 56)!

Loss of xAK Tensin Maru on Jun 19, 1942 is admitted

DD Walke is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
AP Leonard Wood is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAP Clan Macnaughton is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAP Empire Star is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAP Bloemfontein is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAP Marpessa is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAP Talisse is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAP Limerick is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAP Ellaroo is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAP Iron Crown is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAP Illisos is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAP Agwimonte is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAP Alcoa Pennant is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAP Exhibitor is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAK Boreas* is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAK Benjamin Franklin is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAK Edwin Markham is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAK Henry Villard is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAK John B Floyd is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAK Stephen M White is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAK Thomas A Edison is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAK William L Garrison is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAK Pamir is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAK Astoria is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAK Karsik is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAK Sea Witch is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAK Exceller is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAK Delvalle is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943
xAP William L Thompson is reported to have been sunk near Marcus Island on Jan 25, 1943

112th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Tokyo=
113th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Tokyo=

So, in the end I did decide to chance my luck. Allied radar meant that the better target managed to avoid combat multiple times. Somewhat aggrieved Tanaka turns his attention to a totally unprotected convoy of thin-skinned merchants. Yamato empties her entire magazine of main calibre shells. Mutsu and Kongo still have some, but it is not much. Toying with the prospect of giving chase to the Washington TF but with 4 cruisers and a bunch of cruisers (and the advantage of radar) I think that may just be getting too greedy. Might just chase with a couple of light carriers and see if the bombers can’t snare a couple more victims.

[savelius2]

The toll of this campaign is crazy. In this timeline there will be a movie called “An Island Too Far”, I think. Your airframe losses seem really minor too. Well done!

[Anachro]

If this was real life, heads would be rolling in the USA and Nimitz, etc. would almost certainly all be fired.

[LargeSlowTarget]

I had “An Island Too Far” in mind as well [;)]. A textbook example for a counter-offensive with too few and too early. IRL Mundy would have been relieved of duty long ago. His command style is devoid of any compassion and concern for the people and assets under his command. Leaving civilians to their fate when evacuation was possible, sacrificing entire armies in the jungles of Burma, even sending the beautiful sailing ship Pamir to the front - what a heartless butcher! Kudos to SierraJuliet! After a slow start you have played very well in the past few weeks!

[ChuckBerger]

Yeah, this has turned into something like PQ-17, Savo Island, and Tsushima all rolled into one. Not the kind of defeat that gets admirals fired. The kind of defeat that brings down governments and forces belligerents to sue for peace.

[HansBolter]

Reading the AARs involving Mundy are painful. I feel so sorry for the guy. He keeps getting his butt handed to him.

Gotta admire his intestinal fortitude though.

I haven't commented much in his threads because I don't want to come across as condescending with my advice.

I tried recently and got a 'too each his own' response.

He doesn't seem well disposed to accepting advice.

[SierraJuliet]

26 January 1943

AUSTRALIA

SS I-121 is sighted by escort at 101,133 near Milne Bay.

Allied Ships

CL Sumatra
DD Reid
DD Evertsen
DD Kortenaer
DD Piet Hein

SS I-175 is sighted by escort at 101,133 near Milne Bay.

Allied Ships

CL Sumatra
DD Napier~
DD Reid
DD Evertsen
DD Kortenaer
DD Piet Hein

Milne Bay has numerous IJN submarines on the prowl. I am hoping their presence was enough to deter this force from the bombardment they should have carried out.

BORNEO

SS Seawolf launches 2 torpedoes at 66,85 near Jesselton.

Japanese Ships

xAK Nanrei Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
xAK Sanju Maru
xAK Kensin Maru

Japanese deliberate attack at Weston/Beaufort.

Attacking force 2458 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 103
Defending force 1616 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 19

Japanese adjusted assault: 19
Allied adjusted defense: 19

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), preparation(-), morale(-)
experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
68 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
15th Naval Guard Unit
16th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
VII KNIL Battalion
Tarakan Base Force
Tarakan Defenses
Civilians

HOME ISLANDS

SS Trigger is sighted by escort at 102,63 near Tanegashima

Japanese Ships

SC Ch-12
xAP Ussuri Maru
DD Namikaze

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attacks on Chengchow – 3 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and amd 21 runway hits.
Japanese afternoon Air attack on 83rd Chinese Army* Corps at 79,58.

PACIFIC

Japanese morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 134,81

Allied Ships

CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 1

Japanese morning Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 134,81

Allied Ships

BB Washington, Bomb hits 2

Japanese afternoon Air attack on TF near Marcus Island at 134,81 – 2 D3A1 Val los to flak.

Allied Ships

BB Washington, Bomb hits 13
CA San Francisco
CA Quincy, Bomb hits 2

That worked out well as far as locating and hitting Washington and a couple of cruisers. Unfortunately, at the limit of their range so only 60kg bombs bouncing off the decks. Most probably the parting shots in this battle unless submarines have a final say in proceedings.

BURMA

Allied Unit(s) surrounded at 54/50

60/44 is occupied by the Japanese.





Repairs completed on DD Hatsuharu at Kobe=, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Kawakaze at Yokohama=+, ship returned to service

D3A1 Val-Kanbaku from Soryu-2 attacking SS Plunger at 128,84
SS Plunger is reported HIT
B5N1 Kate-Kankoh from Shoho-2 attacking an Allied SS at 106,124

Fort Ord expands airfield to size 6

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 83/44 (83, 44)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 77/56 (77, 56)!

xAKL Shirasaki* arrives at Osaka/Kyoto+

Loss of xAK Tosei Maru on Oct 05, 1942 is admitted

[SierraJuliet]

ORIGINAL: savelius2

The toll of this campaign is crazy. In this timeline there will be a movie called “An Island Too Far”, I think. Your airframe losses seem really minor too. Well done!

In terms of air to air it is looking good for now. Here is the most recent list of air losses starting from the highest. I'm so happy that Mr Dauntless tops the list. One area for me to improve in is that of attrition from wear and tear... always room for big improvement.

[Bif1961]

Kurita would be jealous of your success.

[SierraJuliet]

27 January 1943

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attack on 83rd Chinese Army* Corps at 79,58 – 6 casualties.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Chengchow – 6 casualties, 2 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 44 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attack on 84,53 – 6 airbase hits and 14 runway hits.

BORNEO

Japanese deliberate attack at Weston/Beaufort.

Attacking force 2439 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 100
Defending force 1524 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 12

Japanese adjusted assault: 41
Allied adjusted defense: 19

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Weston / Beaufort!!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), preparation(-), fatigue(-)
morale(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1128 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 108 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 19 (19 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 4

Assaulting units:
15th Naval Guard Unit
16th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
VII KNIL Battalion
Tarakan Base Force
Tarakan Defenses
Civilians

BURMA

103rd RN Base Force Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!
Civilians Wiped Out at 54/50 by attrition!!!





Task Force 300 lays defensive minefield at Tinian.

Repairs completed on E W-7 at Manila, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on E W-20 at Manila, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on SS I-33^ at Hiroshima/Kure+, ship returned to service

Tinian expands fortifications to size 4
55/51 expands fortifications to size 2

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 88/38 (88, 38)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 83/44 (83, 44)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 86/56 (86, 56)!

Loss of xAK Ryujo Maru on Apr 25, 1942 is admitted

xAP Zaandam is reported to have been sunk near Kirakira on Aug 09, 1942

68th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Tokyo=
178th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Sapporo

[SierraJuliet]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Kurita would be jealous of your success.

Kurita most certainly would. Then again Tanaka did not have to deal with the the combined determination of destroyers and escort carriers plus pilots bent on making life difficult.

[SierraJuliet]

Indeed an Island Too Far, and thanks for chipping in savelius2, Anachro, LST and ChuckBerger and HansBolter.

The toll has been more than decent for the Japanese. But such reserves as the Allies have, I really must keep this kind of attrition going – hard as that is going to become. 2 rocks and Kirishima for so much lost!

An island too far alright. I thought Marcus Island was a bit cheeky as the division which landed took a lot a disablement. So, I’m sure that Ed decided to take it on the fly after the easy success at Wake Island. That he allowed so many merchant ships to linger at Marcus Island while the battle raged not far away is not something I would have allowed. I know those ships were busy disgorging onto the island but at such a cost in the end and now I have a handy base to raid and he has a base to keep stocked up with supply. As for the move towards Iwo Jima… definitely too far and with the IJN carriers unaccounted for. One of the big lessons I learnt from reading the last conflict between CR and J3 was the value of having daily search hits on the enemy carriers and keeping the location your carriers more or less undisclosed to the enemy. I am quite sure that this, along with a hefty fighter contingent on board, went a long way towards the defeat of the American carriers in this battle.

It certainly would have been a career breaker in real life. But this is not quite true to life and I expect Ed will come roaring back once he has patched up his fleet and taken on some new replacements. Whether he changes tactics remains to be seen. As for me I have so many options open to me and will have to settle on a direction soon.

Yes, I too admire Ed’s intestinal fortitude. He doesn’t complain and is so prompt in sending out his next turn. He no doubt waiting for that moment when the IJN carriers meet their match.

[Bif1961]

I used the analogy of a man who was using to short of a blanket, he couldn't cover both his feet and neck at the same time so he forced himself into making a decision he wasn't forced to make but did by choice. So unlike Marketgarden, whose objectives were set beforehand, this was more of an objective of opportunity.