3-4 Dec 42
Highlights – CV Lex takes two torps from sub; two R-Class BBs hit by Nettys
Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Shiratsuyu)
Allied ships sunk:
CLAA: 1 (Van Heemskerk)
DD: 1 (Chevalier)
SS: 1 (Whale)
xAK: 1
xAKL:1
Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (S-30)
Air loss:
Jpn: 38
Allied: 34
Subwar: CV Lex torpedoed by I-174 off Noumea; heavily damaged with fuel storage explosion.
Jpn: 6 Attacks, 5 ships hit (CLAA, xAK, xAKL sunk, CV, xAK dam)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)
Jpn Amph:
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: NSTR
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: CV Lex dam from I-174 off Noumea as IJN retires.
DEI/SW: Large Allied TF (3BB, CAs, CLs, DDs) escorting convoy to Port Hedland first attacked by sub, sinking CLAA, then Nettys put torpedoes into BBs Ramillies and Royal Sovereign after sweeps clear most of the fighters out of Port Hedland. All told, 18 A6M5s, 8 Bettys and 5 Nells lost at a cost of 16 Kittyhawks. SW Striking Force (2CV, 3BB, 3CA, CLAA, DDs) will sortie from Koepang to attempt to catch the British before they can retire back to Exmouth. The last time the British sortied to Port Hedland in strength, the warships abandoned the convoy – will see if that repeats. Far out to sea off Perth, raider AMC Hokoku Maru finds an unescorted convoy and damages 5 of 13 xAKs before breaking off. Will attempt to refind the convoy before reinforcements can steam out from Perth.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
"Bakayaro!" DBB-C vs LST(A) Jpn AAR: Feb 43 Summary
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
3-4 Dec 42
- Attachments
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- 42-12-3.jpg (262.96 KiB) Viewed 760 times
5-6 Dec 42
Highlights – IJN CVs catch Brit BBs at Port Hedland!
Jpn ships sunk:
TK: 1 (sm)
xAK: 1
Allied ships sunk: (note – these are from Tracker; highly doubtful the CV/BBs are sunk, but likely will need some lengthy yard time)
CV: 1 (Lexington)
BB: 3 (Valiant, Royal Sovereign, Ramillies)
SS: 2 (Sargo, S-30)
APD: 1 (Lawerence)
XAK: 1
YMS: 1
Allied ships un-sunk:
CLAA: 1 (Van Heemskerk)
SS: 1 (Runner)
Air loss:
Jpn: 63
Allied: 34
Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAK, YMS sunk)
Allies: 6 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Ouv’ea (South Pacific – flipped)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: A6M5 Zero R&D accelerated to 9/43. Ki-44-IIb Tojo production increased from 60 to 80, replacing the Ki-44-IIa Tojo, while A6M5 Zero production ramped up another 10 to 210. Also, an alibi from the beginning of the month, Ki-21-IIb Sally goes into production, replacing the Ki-21-IIa. Lastly the Ki-45 KAIb Nick goes into limited production of 8 a month.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: KB arrives safely at Tabiteuea and completes replenishing fuel from the Repl TF.
South Pacific: Focus shifts to moving via air and fast transport, the remnants from Noumea that were brought back to the New Hebrides. While B/14 ID joins A/14 ID defending Luganville, the various remnants, including C/14 ID, will head back to Rabaul for rebuilding. The Allied fleet appears to have dispersed, so no immediate threat to Luganville – whether the Allies first look at outlying islands such as Tanna and Efate is the question. On the New Guinea side, another raid on Buna is met by rather ineffective LRCAP. On the ground, Allied attacks at Wau and Salamaua were handily repulsed. The 38th ID was successfully offloaded at Lae, surprisingly without any Allied air attacks. That convoy will head back to Rabaul as Fast Transport TFs continue to bring in the bulk of the supplies.
DEI/SW: SW Striking Force carriers Junyo and Hiyo manage to launch successful strikes against the Allied Fleet at Port Hedland! Three raids go in, preceded by a single weak sweep out of Broome, the first inflicting the most damage; 22Z, 27K, 9V are met by 21 Martlets and 12 Spit Vs, the Zeros doing a good job protecting the flock. The raid hits BBs Ramillies (1), Valiant (2), and Revenge (1) with torps! The second raid of a Chutai of Vals manage 3 bomb hits on Royal Sovereign while the third raid puts another torp into Ramillies and bomb hits on the Royal Sovereign and Revenge. While Japanese fighters did well, downing 18 Martlets and 5 Spits at a cost of 7 Zeros 4 Vals and a single Kate, Allied Flak did very well especially against the Vals, downing 13 and 1 Kate. Unfortunately, the Vals mostly went after the BBs and no cruiser was hit. All the BBs should be fairly banged up, but no major fires were observed on any strike which is disappointing. With torpedo stocks at zero, the SW Striking Force will retire back to Koepang. A night surface action was tempting, but zero moonlight would give the British radar a definitive edge. Should the Allied fleet head back to Exmouth, subs will attempt to pick off the stragglers.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: The reinforcement convoy arrived at Rangoon, and the 2nd Tank Div, C/1st ID and a number of supporting units being offloading. On the ground, “probing” artillery attacks at Shwebo cost the Allies over 2300 troops – likely ill-trained Chinese. Still, Shwebo won’t be a pushover.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk:
TK: 1 (sm)
xAK: 1
Allied ships sunk: (note – these are from Tracker; highly doubtful the CV/BBs are sunk, but likely will need some lengthy yard time)
CV: 1 (Lexington)
BB: 3 (Valiant, Royal Sovereign, Ramillies)
SS: 2 (Sargo, S-30)
APD: 1 (Lawerence)
XAK: 1
YMS: 1
Allied ships un-sunk:
CLAA: 1 (Van Heemskerk)
SS: 1 (Runner)
Air loss:
Jpn: 63
Allied: 34
Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAK, YMS sunk)
Allies: 6 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Ouv’ea (South Pacific – flipped)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: A6M5 Zero R&D accelerated to 9/43. Ki-44-IIb Tojo production increased from 60 to 80, replacing the Ki-44-IIa Tojo, while A6M5 Zero production ramped up another 10 to 210. Also, an alibi from the beginning of the month, Ki-21-IIb Sally goes into production, replacing the Ki-21-IIa. Lastly the Ki-45 KAIb Nick goes into limited production of 8 a month.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: KB arrives safely at Tabiteuea and completes replenishing fuel from the Repl TF.
South Pacific: Focus shifts to moving via air and fast transport, the remnants from Noumea that were brought back to the New Hebrides. While B/14 ID joins A/14 ID defending Luganville, the various remnants, including C/14 ID, will head back to Rabaul for rebuilding. The Allied fleet appears to have dispersed, so no immediate threat to Luganville – whether the Allies first look at outlying islands such as Tanna and Efate is the question. On the New Guinea side, another raid on Buna is met by rather ineffective LRCAP. On the ground, Allied attacks at Wau and Salamaua were handily repulsed. The 38th ID was successfully offloaded at Lae, surprisingly without any Allied air attacks. That convoy will head back to Rabaul as Fast Transport TFs continue to bring in the bulk of the supplies.
DEI/SW: SW Striking Force carriers Junyo and Hiyo manage to launch successful strikes against the Allied Fleet at Port Hedland! Three raids go in, preceded by a single weak sweep out of Broome, the first inflicting the most damage; 22Z, 27K, 9V are met by 21 Martlets and 12 Spit Vs, the Zeros doing a good job protecting the flock. The raid hits BBs Ramillies (1), Valiant (2), and Revenge (1) with torps! The second raid of a Chutai of Vals manage 3 bomb hits on Royal Sovereign while the third raid puts another torp into Ramillies and bomb hits on the Royal Sovereign and Revenge. While Japanese fighters did well, downing 18 Martlets and 5 Spits at a cost of 7 Zeros 4 Vals and a single Kate, Allied Flak did very well especially against the Vals, downing 13 and 1 Kate. Unfortunately, the Vals mostly went after the BBs and no cruiser was hit. All the BBs should be fairly banged up, but no major fires were observed on any strike which is disappointing. With torpedo stocks at zero, the SW Striking Force will retire back to Koepang. A night surface action was tempting, but zero moonlight would give the British radar a definitive edge. Should the Allied fleet head back to Exmouth, subs will attempt to pick off the stragglers.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: The reinforcement convoy arrived at Rangoon, and the 2nd Tank Div, C/1st ID and a number of supporting units being offloading. On the ground, “probing” artillery attacks at Shwebo cost the Allies over 2300 troops – likely ill-trained Chinese. Still, Shwebo won’t be a pushover.
China: NSTR.
- Attachments
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- 42-12-5.jpg (149.03 KiB) Viewed 701 times
7-8 Dec 42
7-8 Dec 42
Highlights – IJN subs hit CV Lex and BB Warspite.
Jpn ships sunk:
AMC: 1
Allied ships sunk:
BB: 1 (Warspite – two torp hits, so very doubtful)
Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 06
Subwar:
Jpn: 5 Attacks, 2 ships hit (BB sunk, CV dam)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Mare’ (South Pacific – flipped)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: British Fleet appears to have disbanded at Port Hedland – to repair ships?
Japan/Industry: NSTR.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: KB and the Repl TF will depart Tabiteuea next turn and head back to Narau.
South Pacific: The big news of the day is that I-6 finds the damaged CV Lexington heading towards New Zealand 80m south of Norfolk Is and puts one of four torps into her. She’s still likely afloat of course, and will likely make her way back to Norfolk. After that, she’ll need a whole lot of yard time. Other than B-17s hitting troops at Koumac and Tanna, it's pretty quiet. A Fast Transport TF of two PBs resupplies Luganville, and one will head south to resupply Tanna. A larger Fast Trans TF is forming up at Rabaul to bring artillery, engineers and supplies to Luganville. C/14ID begins refitting at Rabaul – this will take a while as its gutted. On the New Guinea front its fairly quiet as Allied troops added a division to the Buna front – just a matter of time there.
DEI/SW: SW Striking Force approaches Koepang, and hopefully will make the last 40m without meeting any subs. As mentioned, the British Fleet in its entirety apparently has disbanded at Port Hedland, under the cover a 80 plane CAP. A few night raiders fail to score, and there’s nothing right now that’s going to penetrate that CAP, at least until the SW Striking Force can resupply and return. On the ground, the Allies have finally decided to head out of Daly Waters and have invested Katherine. Will see how that goes. The good news is off Perth, I-32 puts 2 torps into BB Warspite about 200m off Perth; another ship that will need some yard time! The not so good news is that CL Dauntless manages a rare open ocean intercept of AMC Hokoku Maru which manages to escape two of three engagements. Sadly it did not survive the third. One raider is still just off the Perth shipping lane, laying low.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: 2nd Tank Div and C/1st Div begins to rail north out of Rangoon as the reinforcement convoy begins to complete offloading supplies and loading fuel prior to departure back to Singers.
China: NSTR.
Highlights – IJN subs hit CV Lex and BB Warspite.
Jpn ships sunk:
AMC: 1
Allied ships sunk:
BB: 1 (Warspite – two torp hits, so very doubtful)
Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 06
Subwar:
Jpn: 5 Attacks, 2 ships hit (BB sunk, CV dam)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Mare’ (South Pacific – flipped)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: British Fleet appears to have disbanded at Port Hedland – to repair ships?
Japan/Industry: NSTR.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: KB and the Repl TF will depart Tabiteuea next turn and head back to Narau.
South Pacific: The big news of the day is that I-6 finds the damaged CV Lexington heading towards New Zealand 80m south of Norfolk Is and puts one of four torps into her. She’s still likely afloat of course, and will likely make her way back to Norfolk. After that, she’ll need a whole lot of yard time. Other than B-17s hitting troops at Koumac and Tanna, it's pretty quiet. A Fast Transport TF of two PBs resupplies Luganville, and one will head south to resupply Tanna. A larger Fast Trans TF is forming up at Rabaul to bring artillery, engineers and supplies to Luganville. C/14ID begins refitting at Rabaul – this will take a while as its gutted. On the New Guinea front its fairly quiet as Allied troops added a division to the Buna front – just a matter of time there.
DEI/SW: SW Striking Force approaches Koepang, and hopefully will make the last 40m without meeting any subs. As mentioned, the British Fleet in its entirety apparently has disbanded at Port Hedland, under the cover a 80 plane CAP. A few night raiders fail to score, and there’s nothing right now that’s going to penetrate that CAP, at least until the SW Striking Force can resupply and return. On the ground, the Allies have finally decided to head out of Daly Waters and have invested Katherine. Will see how that goes. The good news is off Perth, I-32 puts 2 torps into BB Warspite about 200m off Perth; another ship that will need some yard time! The not so good news is that CL Dauntless manages a rare open ocean intercept of AMC Hokoku Maru which manages to escape two of three engagements. Sadly it did not survive the third. One raider is still just off the Perth shipping lane, laying low.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: 2nd Tank Div and C/1st Div begins to rail north out of Rangoon as the reinforcement convoy begins to complete offloading supplies and loading fuel prior to departure back to Singers.
China: NSTR.
- Attachments
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- 42-12-7.jpg (116.41 KiB) Viewed 699 times
9-10 Dec 42
Highlights – Brit “fleet” begins to slowly move from Port Hedland.
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 2 (old)
Allied ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Valiant)
Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 11
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: HI stockpile goes over 1 Million!!! A6M5b Zero R&D accelerated to 8/43, J2M3 Jack to 3/44 and Ki-43-IIIa Oscar to 1/43. With the Oscar IIIa reaching 1/43, the six R&D factories move to start researching the Oscar IV.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: KB and the Repl TF arrive at Nauru without incident. KB tops off again, and the now emptied Repl TF will depart for Truk next turn.
South Pacific: NSTR.
DEI/SW: SW Striking Force rearms and refuels at Koepang and will head back out to sea to attempt to intercept the British Fleet departing Port Hedland. On the ground, the first two Allied attacks against Katherine were held, but forts were reduced to level 2.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: 2nd Tank Div and C/1st Div arrive at Mandalay and begin to de-train.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 2 (old)
Allied ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Valiant)
Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 11
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: HI stockpile goes over 1 Million!!! A6M5b Zero R&D accelerated to 8/43, J2M3 Jack to 3/44 and Ki-43-IIIa Oscar to 1/43. With the Oscar IIIa reaching 1/43, the six R&D factories move to start researching the Oscar IV.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: KB and the Repl TF arrive at Nauru without incident. KB tops off again, and the now emptied Repl TF will depart for Truk next turn.
South Pacific: NSTR.
DEI/SW: SW Striking Force rearms and refuels at Koepang and will head back out to sea to attempt to intercept the British Fleet departing Port Hedland. On the ground, the first two Allied attacks against Katherine were held, but forts were reduced to level 2.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: 2nd Tank Div and C/1st Div arrive at Mandalay and begin to de-train.
China: NSTR.
11-12 Dec '42
Highlights – Brit “fleet” manages to get to Exmouth before Junyo and Hiyo get in range.
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 1 (old)
xAK: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 17
Allied: 18
Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAKL dam)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Katherine (SW Pacific)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: Ki-44-IIc Tojo R&D accelerated to 2/44.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: CV Zuikaku swaps out her Vals for the Judy while at Nauru.
South Pacific: NSTR.
DEI/SW: SW Striking Force fails to interdict the British “Fleet” moving from Port Hedland to Exmouth – either weather prevented strikes or the British TF just moved too quickly. The IJN will remain at sea, to await developments. On the ground, Allied troops take Katherine all too easily. The road to Darwin is now pretty much open.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 1 (old)
xAK: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 17
Allied: 18
Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAKL dam)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Katherine (SW Pacific)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: Ki-44-IIc Tojo R&D accelerated to 2/44.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: CV Zuikaku swaps out her Vals for the Judy while at Nauru.
South Pacific: NSTR.
DEI/SW: SW Striking Force fails to interdict the British “Fleet” moving from Port Hedland to Exmouth – either weather prevented strikes or the British TF just moved too quickly. The IJN will remain at sea, to await developments. On the ground, Allied troops take Katherine all too easily. The road to Darwin is now pretty much open.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
13-14 Dec '42
Highlights – US TFs sighted moving into the Arafura Sea.
Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-4)
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (S-33)
PC: 1
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 03
Allied: 14
Subwar:
Jpn: 4 Attacks, 2 ships hit (TK, AKE dam) I-4 sunk in the attack off the US west coast, but torpedoed the TK after being forced to surface.
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Lifou (South Pacific - flipped)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: Two US TFs with BBs and likely CVEs are sighted west of Merauke heading into the Arafura Sea – possible raids on Darwin or deeper?
Japan/Industry: NSTR.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: CV Akagi swaps out her Vals for the Judy while at Nauru.
South Pacific: IJN Fast Transport TF begins offloading at Luganville. On New Caledonia, the two USMC Div arrive at Koumac, defended by two SNLF/Naval Guard units. Emilys continue to pull fragments out of these units as they are doomed. On the New Guinea front, another Fast Transport TF is tardy pulling elements of the 18th ID Bde at Buna and CL Yubari takes two bomb hits enroute back to Rabaul, but most of the combat forces have been successfully evacuated. Buna will fall shortly to the two Aussie Divisions besieging it.
DEI/SW: With a significant US Task Force sighted in the Arafura Sea, the SW Striking Force moves back toward Koepang to rendezvous with the BB TF and Repl TFs coming out of the port. Land based air is readied to launch strikes, Bettys out of Koepang and Nells out of Darwin. Additional fighters and Bettys are being brought in from Rangoon/Singers. Will see what develops.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-4)
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (S-33)
PC: 1
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 03
Allied: 14
Subwar:
Jpn: 4 Attacks, 2 ships hit (TK, AKE dam) I-4 sunk in the attack off the US west coast, but torpedoed the TK after being forced to surface.
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Lifou (South Pacific - flipped)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: Two US TFs with BBs and likely CVEs are sighted west of Merauke heading into the Arafura Sea – possible raids on Darwin or deeper?
Japan/Industry: NSTR.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: CV Akagi swaps out her Vals for the Judy while at Nauru.
South Pacific: IJN Fast Transport TF begins offloading at Luganville. On New Caledonia, the two USMC Div arrive at Koumac, defended by two SNLF/Naval Guard units. Emilys continue to pull fragments out of these units as they are doomed. On the New Guinea front, another Fast Transport TF is tardy pulling elements of the 18th ID Bde at Buna and CL Yubari takes two bomb hits enroute back to Rabaul, but most of the combat forces have been successfully evacuated. Buna will fall shortly to the two Aussie Divisions besieging it.
DEI/SW: With a significant US Task Force sighted in the Arafura Sea, the SW Striking Force moves back toward Koepang to rendezvous with the BB TF and Repl TFs coming out of the port. Land based air is readied to launch strikes, Bettys out of Koepang and Nells out of Darwin. Additional fighters and Bettys are being brought in from Rangoon/Singers. Will see what develops.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
- Attachments
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- 42-12-12.jpg (151.97 KiB) Viewed 656 times
15-16 Dec 42
Highlights – Jpn LBA strikes the US TF in Arafura Sea; Koumac falls.
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 37
Allied: 25
Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attack, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Koumac (South Pacific)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: The US TFs in the Arafura Sea include carriers, not just CVEs, and appear to be providing cover for an amphib of Gove.
Japan/Industry: BB Musashi arrives at Nagasaki, and will make her way with CVE Hosho to Truk. Ha-43 engine R&D accelerated to 2/45.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: As expected Koumac falls to the might of a US Corps, securing all of New Caledonia. A few fragments were airlifted out, so the SNLF and Naval Guards can be rebuilt. The Fast Transport TF resupplying Tanna found a mine the hard way, damaging the DD Hayate which limped back to Luganville.
DEI/SW: As the US TF moves into range of Darwin LBA, Nells launch two strikes, escorted by A6M5s and Oscars. CAP was substantial at over 70 fighters, but the raid managed 6 Nells managed runs against the CV Saratoga without success. The carriers launched a large strike against Darwin’s AF which was met by a small CAP as the majority of the fighters were escorting the bombers. But AF damage was minimal. The day’s air losses included 12 Nells, 13 Oscars and 4 Zeros to the Japanese and 10 Wildcats and two SBDs to the US. An Amphib TF was sighted approaching Gove, so that will be the main event next turn. Darwin’s air complement is replenished with Bettys and A6M2s, and will strike the US TFs next turn, assuming of course no major Allied bombardment goes into Darwin. May have better luck as the Allied fighters will be split covering both the carriers and the landings.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 37
Allied: 25
Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attack, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Koumac (South Pacific)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: The US TFs in the Arafura Sea include carriers, not just CVEs, and appear to be providing cover for an amphib of Gove.
Japan/Industry: BB Musashi arrives at Nagasaki, and will make her way with CVE Hosho to Truk. Ha-43 engine R&D accelerated to 2/45.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: As expected Koumac falls to the might of a US Corps, securing all of New Caledonia. A few fragments were airlifted out, so the SNLF and Naval Guards can be rebuilt. The Fast Transport TF resupplying Tanna found a mine the hard way, damaging the DD Hayate which limped back to Luganville.
DEI/SW: As the US TF moves into range of Darwin LBA, Nells launch two strikes, escorted by A6M5s and Oscars. CAP was substantial at over 70 fighters, but the raid managed 6 Nells managed runs against the CV Saratoga without success. The carriers launched a large strike against Darwin’s AF which was met by a small CAP as the majority of the fighters were escorting the bombers. But AF damage was minimal. The day’s air losses included 12 Nells, 13 Oscars and 4 Zeros to the Japanese and 10 Wildcats and two SBDs to the US. An Amphib TF was sighted approaching Gove, so that will be the main event next turn. Darwin’s air complement is replenished with Bettys and A6M2s, and will strike the US TFs next turn, assuming of course no major Allied bombardment goes into Darwin. May have better luck as the Allied fighters will be split covering both the carriers and the landings.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
- Attachments
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- 42-12-14.jpg (132.16 KiB) Viewed 621 times
17-18 Dec 42
Highlights – Allies land at Gove and Belep Is; Buna falls.
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Glasgow)
Allied ships un-sunk:
CL: 1 (Ceres)
SS: 1 (Whale)
Air loss:
Jpn: 47
Allied: 54
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph:
Gove (SW Pacific)
Belep Is (South Pacific)
Bases lost:
Buna (South Pacific)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: US Fleet remains in support of the Gove landings; British Fleet has apparently withdrawn, including damaged BBs from Exmouth area.
Japan/Industry: A6M5c Zero R&D accelerated to 8/43.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: US forces land an Infantry regiment to secure the Belep Is, just off the north coast of New Caledonia. Defenders amount to only a Naval Guards Co, some of which will be extracted by Emilys (hopefully). The main event is that the Allies finally attacked at Buna, to find only remnants, and secured the base, the vast majority of troops being pulled out via Fast Transports over the past week. The bulk of the 17th Army HQ and Bde from the 18th ID were effectively evacuated, as well as the majority of troops that had withdrawn from Moresby. I expect the Allies will now focus on Milne Bay next. A reinforcement convoy, bound for Tulagi and some to Luganville, will depart Rabaul next turn. I do expect the Allied air effort that was focused on Buna shifts back to Lae, or perhaps Milne Bay.
DEI/SW: Allied troops come ashore with a US infantry regiment supported by Aussie armor – which should be enough to take the base away from an IJA In Bn. Darwin based air once again attempted to intervene, but were again met by an effective CAP, and another a total of 9 Bettys made drops on the Sara again, no hits were scored. To make matters worse, the second day’s strikes came in without fighter cover, and got mauled over Gove. Two day’s tally amounted to 19 Bettys, 5 Nells, 14 A6M2, and 4 A6M5s. Allied CAP losses amounted to 11 Wildcats, the majority in damaged planes becoming operational losses. Worse, supply had Darwin has dropped below the level for using drop tanks, so the Zeros can’t range Gove or the carriers, so strikes are suspended until more supplies can be brought in. Will see if a few subs can make it to the carriers.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Glasgow)
Allied ships un-sunk:
CL: 1 (Ceres)
SS: 1 (Whale)
Air loss:
Jpn: 47
Allied: 54
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph:
Gove (SW Pacific)
Belep Is (South Pacific)
Bases lost:
Buna (South Pacific)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: US Fleet remains in support of the Gove landings; British Fleet has apparently withdrawn, including damaged BBs from Exmouth area.
Japan/Industry: A6M5c Zero R&D accelerated to 8/43.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: US forces land an Infantry regiment to secure the Belep Is, just off the north coast of New Caledonia. Defenders amount to only a Naval Guards Co, some of which will be extracted by Emilys (hopefully). The main event is that the Allies finally attacked at Buna, to find only remnants, and secured the base, the vast majority of troops being pulled out via Fast Transports over the past week. The bulk of the 17th Army HQ and Bde from the 18th ID were effectively evacuated, as well as the majority of troops that had withdrawn from Moresby. I expect the Allies will now focus on Milne Bay next. A reinforcement convoy, bound for Tulagi and some to Luganville, will depart Rabaul next turn. I do expect the Allied air effort that was focused on Buna shifts back to Lae, or perhaps Milne Bay.
DEI/SW: Allied troops come ashore with a US infantry regiment supported by Aussie armor – which should be enough to take the base away from an IJA In Bn. Darwin based air once again attempted to intervene, but were again met by an effective CAP, and another a total of 9 Bettys made drops on the Sara again, no hits were scored. To make matters worse, the second day’s strikes came in without fighter cover, and got mauled over Gove. Two day’s tally amounted to 19 Bettys, 5 Nells, 14 A6M2, and 4 A6M5s. Allied CAP losses amounted to 11 Wildcats, the majority in damaged planes becoming operational losses. Worse, supply had Darwin has dropped below the level for using drop tanks, so the Zeros can’t range Gove or the carriers, so strikes are suspended until more supplies can be brought in. Will see if a few subs can make it to the carriers.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
19-20 Dec 42
Highlights – Good day over Lae; Gove falls.
Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Whale)
xAK: 1
Allied ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Warspite)
Air loss:
Jpn: 13
Allied: 36
Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (PB sunk)
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Gove (SW Pacific)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: US Fleet remains in support in the Gove area
Japan/Industry: Ki-43-IV Oscar R&D accelerated to 3/45. First Nate Sentai receives the Ki-44-IIb Tojo which will deploy in the Rabaul/Lae area. The second, and last, Nate Sentai receives the Ki-61-1a Tony at Singers for deployment to Burma. The problem with converting Nates to better a/c is the loss of training platforms – unlike the IJN, the Army doesn’t have float planes that can be pressed into training fighter pilots – the best alternative I can come up with is pressing light bombers into training fighter pilots in additional low-ground training which increases their defensive skills.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: Surprisingly, US forces on the Belep Is do not attack, which will allow Emilys to extract some troops. Over New Guinea, Allied air hits ground targets at Wau, Salamaua and, surprisingly, Lae. The first two aren’t intercepted by CAP, but the raiders over Lae are met by a robust CAP of over 120 fighters, including the debut of the Ki-61-1a Tony. No Allied sweeps either. Air losses were very positive for the Empire: 11 P-40s, 10 B-25s and 7 B-26s lost in exchange for 5 Oscars and 2 A6M5 Zeros. The Tulagi reinforcement convoy arrives at Tulagi and begins to offload troops and supplies, while a portion is detached that will head to Luganville.
DEI/SW: Gove is lost in the first assault, and the survivors will attempt to head towards Darwin. With the Allied CVs holding pattern around Gove, the SW Striking Force will head toward Exmouth to position NE of the base in preparation of a bombardment run.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Whale)
xAK: 1
Allied ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Warspite)
Air loss:
Jpn: 13
Allied: 36
Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (PB sunk)
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Gove (SW Pacific)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: US Fleet remains in support in the Gove area
Japan/Industry: Ki-43-IV Oscar R&D accelerated to 3/45. First Nate Sentai receives the Ki-44-IIb Tojo which will deploy in the Rabaul/Lae area. The second, and last, Nate Sentai receives the Ki-61-1a Tony at Singers for deployment to Burma. The problem with converting Nates to better a/c is the loss of training platforms – unlike the IJN, the Army doesn’t have float planes that can be pressed into training fighter pilots – the best alternative I can come up with is pressing light bombers into training fighter pilots in additional low-ground training which increases their defensive skills.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: Surprisingly, US forces on the Belep Is do not attack, which will allow Emilys to extract some troops. Over New Guinea, Allied air hits ground targets at Wau, Salamaua and, surprisingly, Lae. The first two aren’t intercepted by CAP, but the raiders over Lae are met by a robust CAP of over 120 fighters, including the debut of the Ki-61-1a Tony. No Allied sweeps either. Air losses were very positive for the Empire: 11 P-40s, 10 B-25s and 7 B-26s lost in exchange for 5 Oscars and 2 A6M5 Zeros. The Tulagi reinforcement convoy arrives at Tulagi and begins to offload troops and supplies, while a portion is detached that will head to Luganville.
DEI/SW: Gove is lost in the first assault, and the survivors will attempt to head towards Darwin. With the Allied CVs holding pattern around Gove, the SW Striking Force will head toward Exmouth to position NE of the base in preparation of a bombardment run.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
21-22 Dec 42
Highlights – Heavy fighters sweeps over both Lae and Magwe.
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Stingray)
Air loss:
Jpn: 149
Allied: 197
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Belep IS (South Pacific)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: US Fleet looks to have withdrawn from Gove area; location unknown.
Japan/Industry: Ki-43-IIa Oscar production (30) ended; changed to Ki-43-IIb. The last "combat" A6M2 Zero Sentai has its A6M2s swapped out for the A6M5. Have a pool of about 225 A6M2s, and have one 30 factory dedicated to the A6M2 which isn't currently producing. Unless I think of something I need to swap it to, it will remain as is.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: Belep Is falls to the first attack, remnants of the Naval Gd Co will succumb next turn. Fast transports continue to offload at Tulagi and Luganville. But the big news is over Lae where Allied air conducts heavy sweeps. Initial CAP of about 100 fighters did fairly well against everything but the P-38s, but is gradually worn down by the successive sweeps – all told, 32 P-39s and 9 P-38s are lost in exchange for 28 A6M5 Zeros, 9 Tonys, 5 Nicks, 19 Oscars, and 5 Tojos – but relatively few pilots are lost. The worn down Sentais are swapped out with fresh ones from Rabaul and Truk, the battered ones to be rebuilt. Fully expect renewed sweeps next turn as only the P-39s were attritted severely.
DEI/SW: The US Fleet appears to have withdrawn form the Gove area, but air search has not located them – perhaps Horn Island or even into the Coral Sea. Off Exmouth, as the Southwest Striking Force was moving into position, it was attacked by 16 Beaufighters, 10 of which were shot down by CAP and the one that made an attack run at low level was shot down by AA. But, the Strike Force has certainly been identified. Next turn the BBs will break off into a bombardment TF (5BB, 5DDs) and, preceded by a CA TF (2CA, 5DD) to clear out any defenses, will make a bombardment run against Exmouth which is reportedly crowded with ships. The CV TF (2CV, CA, CLAA, DDs) will pull back 80m and await developments.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: Magwe is again the focus of massed sweeps, 22 of them in two days this time. They are met by a very robust CAP of 160 fighters, although almost half are Oscars. The CAP does very well, 63 P-40K and 63 Hurris are lost in exchange for 31 Oscars, 2 Nicks and 21 Tojos. Still, the Sentais are worn down, and need to be swapped out, and that will take more than two days to fully do, so Magwe is going to be vulnerable next turn as CAP will only be able to fly about 75 planes until additional Sentais of Zeros and Tonys are available to bolster defenses.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Stingray)
Air loss:
Jpn: 149
Allied: 197
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Belep IS (South Pacific)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: US Fleet looks to have withdrawn from Gove area; location unknown.
Japan/Industry: Ki-43-IIa Oscar production (30) ended; changed to Ki-43-IIb. The last "combat" A6M2 Zero Sentai has its A6M2s swapped out for the A6M5. Have a pool of about 225 A6M2s, and have one 30 factory dedicated to the A6M2 which isn't currently producing. Unless I think of something I need to swap it to, it will remain as is.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: Belep Is falls to the first attack, remnants of the Naval Gd Co will succumb next turn. Fast transports continue to offload at Tulagi and Luganville. But the big news is over Lae where Allied air conducts heavy sweeps. Initial CAP of about 100 fighters did fairly well against everything but the P-38s, but is gradually worn down by the successive sweeps – all told, 32 P-39s and 9 P-38s are lost in exchange for 28 A6M5 Zeros, 9 Tonys, 5 Nicks, 19 Oscars, and 5 Tojos – but relatively few pilots are lost. The worn down Sentais are swapped out with fresh ones from Rabaul and Truk, the battered ones to be rebuilt. Fully expect renewed sweeps next turn as only the P-39s were attritted severely.
DEI/SW: The US Fleet appears to have withdrawn form the Gove area, but air search has not located them – perhaps Horn Island or even into the Coral Sea. Off Exmouth, as the Southwest Striking Force was moving into position, it was attacked by 16 Beaufighters, 10 of which were shot down by CAP and the one that made an attack run at low level was shot down by AA. But, the Strike Force has certainly been identified. Next turn the BBs will break off into a bombardment TF (5BB, 5DDs) and, preceded by a CA TF (2CA, 5DD) to clear out any defenses, will make a bombardment run against Exmouth which is reportedly crowded with ships. The CV TF (2CV, CA, CLAA, DDs) will pull back 80m and await developments.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: Magwe is again the focus of massed sweeps, 22 of them in two days this time. They are met by a very robust CAP of 160 fighters, although almost half are Oscars. The CAP does very well, 63 P-40K and 63 Hurris are lost in exchange for 31 Oscars, 2 Nicks and 21 Tojos. Still, the Sentais are worn down, and need to be swapped out, and that will take more than two days to fully do, so Magwe is going to be vulnerable next turn as CAP will only be able to fly about 75 planes until additional Sentais of Zeros and Tonys are available to bolster defenses.
China: NSTR.
23-24 Dec 42
Highlights – Bad night action off Exmouth as IJN's raid is repulsed.
Jpn ships sunk:
BB: 2 (Mutsu, Ise)
DD: 3 (Hibiki, Fubuki, Yuzuki)
E: 1 (Sagi)
Allied ships sunk:
BB: 1 (Valiant)
CL: 1 (Ceres)
DD: 1 (Hotspur)
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1
Allied Ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Ramillies)
Air loss:
Jpn: 14
Allied: 11
Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAKL sunk, xAK dam)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit (sub laid mines do sink an Escort and cripple a small TK and PB off Palembang)
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: That British BB Fleet that was supposedly sunk or heavily damaged by torpedoes managed to raise itself at Exmouth and pound the IJN!
Japan/Industry: NSTR.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: BB Musashi and CVL Ryuho TF will depart Truk for Nauru next turn to join the KB.
South Pacific: Fairly quiet except for some harassment naval bombardment runs. No major air activity.
DEI/SW: Well, the naval sortie against Exmouth was a disaster. Tanaka’s CA TF (2CA, 5DDs), looking to sweep away a reported small convoy, instead found a major BB TF (3BB, 5CA, 6CL, 10DD) – all three of those BBs were reportedly either sunk or crippled previously, but showed no damage as the engagement started. At any rate, Tanaka accomplished little, with no torpedo hits scored, but at least managed to extract his TF fairly intact. That can't be said for the Mutsu TF (5BB, 5DD) as it blundered in next. Again, no IJN torpedoes scored, and if it wasn’t for late action Allied torpedoes, the IJN might just have scored a draw or even a win. Sadly, Mutsu took two torps late in the initial action which slowed the departure of the TF, allowing two more actions, against the Mustu and Ise, with two accompanying DDs. All were sunk. The Brits definitely lost the Valiant, and the Royal Sovereign was heavily battered, but didn’t sink. Not a good day for the IJN! Two midget subs at Exmouth failed to do anything, including getting sunk, so there is a small chance they might tag a cripple yet. The once vaunted South Seas Striking Force will withdraw back to Soerabaja to repair and rearm.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: Quiet over Magwe, instead the Allied air pounds the IJA’s 2nd Armored Div which has crossed into the open NW of Mandalay to support Shwebo with a counterattack to the Allied troops in the open ground. That operation did not anticipate the major air threat, and lack of CAP due to the Magwe fight. With Magwe quiet, some fighters will provide LRCAP next turn, but I doubt it will be enough, as Magwe still needs to be covered. At sea, a major reinforcement convoy will depart Singers to reinforce Port Blair with a Garrison unit and artillery; the SNLF currently there will move to defend Little Adaman.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk:
BB: 2 (Mutsu, Ise)
DD: 3 (Hibiki, Fubuki, Yuzuki)
E: 1 (Sagi)
Allied ships sunk:
BB: 1 (Valiant)
CL: 1 (Ceres)
DD: 1 (Hotspur)
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1
Allied Ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Ramillies)
Air loss:
Jpn: 14
Allied: 11
Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAKL sunk, xAK dam)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit (sub laid mines do sink an Escort and cripple a small TK and PB off Palembang)
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: That British BB Fleet that was supposedly sunk or heavily damaged by torpedoes managed to raise itself at Exmouth and pound the IJN!
Japan/Industry: NSTR.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: BB Musashi and CVL Ryuho TF will depart Truk for Nauru next turn to join the KB.
South Pacific: Fairly quiet except for some harassment naval bombardment runs. No major air activity.
DEI/SW: Well, the naval sortie against Exmouth was a disaster. Tanaka’s CA TF (2CA, 5DDs), looking to sweep away a reported small convoy, instead found a major BB TF (3BB, 5CA, 6CL, 10DD) – all three of those BBs were reportedly either sunk or crippled previously, but showed no damage as the engagement started. At any rate, Tanaka accomplished little, with no torpedo hits scored, but at least managed to extract his TF fairly intact. That can't be said for the Mutsu TF (5BB, 5DD) as it blundered in next. Again, no IJN torpedoes scored, and if it wasn’t for late action Allied torpedoes, the IJN might just have scored a draw or even a win. Sadly, Mutsu took two torps late in the initial action which slowed the departure of the TF, allowing two more actions, against the Mustu and Ise, with two accompanying DDs. All were sunk. The Brits definitely lost the Valiant, and the Royal Sovereign was heavily battered, but didn’t sink. Not a good day for the IJN! Two midget subs at Exmouth failed to do anything, including getting sunk, so there is a small chance they might tag a cripple yet. The once vaunted South Seas Striking Force will withdraw back to Soerabaja to repair and rearm.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: Quiet over Magwe, instead the Allied air pounds the IJA’s 2nd Armored Div which has crossed into the open NW of Mandalay to support Shwebo with a counterattack to the Allied troops in the open ground. That operation did not anticipate the major air threat, and lack of CAP due to the Magwe fight. With Magwe quiet, some fighters will provide LRCAP next turn, but I doubt it will be enough, as Magwe still needs to be covered. At sea, a major reinforcement convoy will depart Singers to reinforce Port Blair with a Garrison unit and artillery; the SNLF currently there will move to defend Little Adaman.
China: NSTR.
- Attachments
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25-28 Dec 42
Highlights – Lae swept only with P-38s.
Jpn ships sunk:
SSX: 1
TK: 1 (coastal)
xAKL: 1
Allied ships sunk:
BB: 2 (Revenge, Ramillies)
APD: 1 (Talbot)
SS: 1 (Flying Fish)
xAK: 1
Allied Ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Royal Sovereign)
DD: 1 (Chevalier)
SS: 2 (Searaven, Seadragon)
Air loss:
Jpn: 57
Allied: 70
Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAK sunk, xAK dam)
Allies: 11 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAKL sunk)
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: A6M5b Zero R&D accelerated to 7/43, K-43-IV Oscar to 2/45, Ki-44-IIc Tojo to 1/44.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: Again, pretty quiet except for two 30k P-38G sweeps against Lae which were met by a CAP of about 90 fighters. Japanese numbers helped as 12 P-38s were lost in exchange for 10 A6M5 Zeros, 4 Oscars and a Nick. I’ll take that any day! Over Tanna, a longshot CAP Trap actually worked somewhat when the A6M3a Zeros engaged escorted strikes; 5 F4Fs, two SBDs and a Buffalo lost in exchange for a pair of Zeros. Fairly quiet at sea as a major reinforcement convoy begins loading for Tulagi as well as the usual Fast transport runs to New Guinea.
DEI/SW: Other than the Midget subs doing absolutely nothing at Exmouth, its quiet as the IJN Fleet assets reached Soerabaja with only one near crisis – CA Myoko was hit by dud torp from SS Seadragon on the approaches to Java. The remaining midget sub will be taken aboard its mothership next turn and return back to port.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: The attempted LRCAP over the 2nd Tank Division proved to costly to sustain. Numerous Allied air attacks, preceded by a few sweeps, wore down the CAP and gained an altitude advantage as the Jpn fighters were looking to intercept bombers. At the end of two days, the Japanese lost 20 A6M5 Zeros and 5 Nicks in exchange for 11 P-40s, 6 Hurri, 4 Lancers, 2 Vanguards, 7 Wellingtons, and 5 Vengeances. The 2nd Tank will attempt to move into Shwebo, likely in a much reduced state.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk:
SSX: 1
TK: 1 (coastal)
xAKL: 1
Allied ships sunk:
BB: 2 (Revenge, Ramillies)
APD: 1 (Talbot)
SS: 1 (Flying Fish)
xAK: 1
Allied Ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Royal Sovereign)
DD: 1 (Chevalier)
SS: 2 (Searaven, Seadragon)
Air loss:
Jpn: 57
Allied: 70
Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAK sunk, xAK dam)
Allies: 11 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAKL sunk)
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: A6M5b Zero R&D accelerated to 7/43, K-43-IV Oscar to 2/45, Ki-44-IIc Tojo to 1/44.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: Again, pretty quiet except for two 30k P-38G sweeps against Lae which were met by a CAP of about 90 fighters. Japanese numbers helped as 12 P-38s were lost in exchange for 10 A6M5 Zeros, 4 Oscars and a Nick. I’ll take that any day! Over Tanna, a longshot CAP Trap actually worked somewhat when the A6M3a Zeros engaged escorted strikes; 5 F4Fs, two SBDs and a Buffalo lost in exchange for a pair of Zeros. Fairly quiet at sea as a major reinforcement convoy begins loading for Tulagi as well as the usual Fast transport runs to New Guinea.
DEI/SW: Other than the Midget subs doing absolutely nothing at Exmouth, its quiet as the IJN Fleet assets reached Soerabaja with only one near crisis – CA Myoko was hit by dud torp from SS Seadragon on the approaches to Java. The remaining midget sub will be taken aboard its mothership next turn and return back to port.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: The attempted LRCAP over the 2nd Tank Division proved to costly to sustain. Numerous Allied air attacks, preceded by a few sweeps, wore down the CAP and gained an altitude advantage as the Jpn fighters were looking to intercept bombers. At the end of two days, the Japanese lost 20 A6M5 Zeros and 5 Nicks in exchange for 11 P-40s, 6 Hurri, 4 Lancers, 2 Vanguards, 7 Wellingtons, and 5 Vengeances. The 2nd Tank will attempt to move into Shwebo, likely in a much reduced state.
China: NSTR.
29-30 Dec 42
Highlights – Two APDs lost off Efate.
Jpn ships sunk:
APD: 2 (Fuji, Tade)
Allied ships sunk:
CLAA: 1 (Van Heemskerk)
SS: 2 (Tautog, Shad)
Allied Ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (S-33)
Air loss:
Jpn: 36
Allied: 27
Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAK sunk, xAK dam)
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: A6M5c Zero R&D accelerated to 7/43, B6N1 Jill to 2/43, D4Y2 Judy to 2/44. With supplies still accumulating sufficiently, increased air production slightly – 10 more each to A6M5 Zero and D4Y1 Judy. Engine production also increased similarly. Will look to slightly adjust other a/c in the coming months in ’43.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: Quiet over New Guinea. Off Efate, a Fast Transport TF (2APD, DMS) loitering off Efate before making the run into Tanna with supplies is set upon by Noumea based air – TBFs w/bombs escorted by Wildcats put both APDs under despite LRCAP out of Luganville which only provided a max of 9 A6M3a Zeros. 7 Zeros lost, mostly ops loss in exchange for 3 Wildcats. The surviving DMS will attempt to resupply Tanna next turn.
DEI/SW: The SW Striking Force begins to repair and patch damage in Soerabaja and should be ready for further action in a few days, although I don’t see any indication of a renewed Allied effort at the moment.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: Oscars again wonder into the fray over the 2nd Tank Div, instead of maintaining their assigned CAP over Magwe….cost 18 Oscars in exchange for 3 P-40s, 3 Blenheims, 3 Vengeance, and a pair of Hurris. As 2nd Tank is just about back to the lines, will attempt another LRCAP, but this time with Tojos next turn.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk:
APD: 2 (Fuji, Tade)
Allied ships sunk:
CLAA: 1 (Van Heemskerk)
SS: 2 (Tautog, Shad)
Allied Ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (S-33)
Air loss:
Jpn: 36
Allied: 27
Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAK sunk, xAK dam)
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: A6M5c Zero R&D accelerated to 7/43, B6N1 Jill to 2/43, D4Y2 Judy to 2/44. With supplies still accumulating sufficiently, increased air production slightly – 10 more each to A6M5 Zero and D4Y1 Judy. Engine production also increased similarly. Will look to slightly adjust other a/c in the coming months in ’43.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: Quiet over New Guinea. Off Efate, a Fast Transport TF (2APD, DMS) loitering off Efate before making the run into Tanna with supplies is set upon by Noumea based air – TBFs w/bombs escorted by Wildcats put both APDs under despite LRCAP out of Luganville which only provided a max of 9 A6M3a Zeros. 7 Zeros lost, mostly ops loss in exchange for 3 Wildcats. The surviving DMS will attempt to resupply Tanna next turn.
DEI/SW: The SW Striking Force begins to repair and patch damage in Soerabaja and should be ready for further action in a few days, although I don’t see any indication of a renewed Allied effort at the moment.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: Oscars again wonder into the fray over the 2nd Tank Div, instead of maintaining their assigned CAP over Magwe….cost 18 Oscars in exchange for 3 P-40s, 3 Blenheims, 3 Vengeance, and a pair of Hurris. As 2nd Tank is just about back to the lines, will attempt another LRCAP, but this time with Tojos next turn.
China: NSTR.
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- 42-12-30.jpg (102.84 KiB) Viewed 510 times
Dec 42 Summary
Dec 42 Summary
Allied offensive in New Guinea for December culminated with taking Buna, and it looks as if they are shifting forces for renewed offenses overland toward Lae, although a landing at Milne Bay is also expected. With the fall of Noumea, the focus shifts to holding Luganville as the next main line of resistance, with both Tanna and Efate held as outposts. With Lady Lex in the yards for some time (she’s listed as sunk, but that is doubtful even with 3 torp hits), I don’t expect a major thrust outside of LBA fighter range. Defenses in NW Australia continue to delay, meeting the 1 Jan goal of retaining a foothold, and hopefully the British Fleet has been dealt enough damage, especially in BBs (all sunk or heavily damaged) to thwart any amphibious landings. The Allied offenses in Burma seem to have been held for the time being at Shwebo and Lashio, but I can expect L_S_T to attempt to flank those strongpoints. At sea, Japanese airborne ASW continues to do well, but with January, the Allied torpedoes will be more effective. With recent heavy losses in DDs, combined with a good dozen DDs in refit, will attempt to minimize fleet operations in Jan. Production wise, can expect the Oscar III to enter service in January, and the Jill in Feb, improved Zeros not far after that. Industry continues to produce enough supply and HI so far, although both oil and fuel levels continues to drop. For the month, naval losses were heavy: Japan lost 2BB, 3CA, 2CL, 8DD, 1SS and an SSX while the Allies lost 1CV (doubtful), 3BB (likely 2), 1CL, 1CLAA, 1DD and 6SS. In the air, surprised to see another positive month for the Empire: 497 for Jpn to 553 Allied planes lost. Navy pilot pools are surprisingly fairly robust, while Army reserve pools are thin due to the increasing lack of Sentais devoted to training as new fighter models are thrown into the fray; will look to pull Oscar IIbs from front line service and into a training role in order to getting more Tojos into the air as the Oscar IIIa becomes available.
Allied offensive in New Guinea for December culminated with taking Buna, and it looks as if they are shifting forces for renewed offenses overland toward Lae, although a landing at Milne Bay is also expected. With the fall of Noumea, the focus shifts to holding Luganville as the next main line of resistance, with both Tanna and Efate held as outposts. With Lady Lex in the yards for some time (she’s listed as sunk, but that is doubtful even with 3 torp hits), I don’t expect a major thrust outside of LBA fighter range. Defenses in NW Australia continue to delay, meeting the 1 Jan goal of retaining a foothold, and hopefully the British Fleet has been dealt enough damage, especially in BBs (all sunk or heavily damaged) to thwart any amphibious landings. The Allied offenses in Burma seem to have been held for the time being at Shwebo and Lashio, but I can expect L_S_T to attempt to flank those strongpoints. At sea, Japanese airborne ASW continues to do well, but with January, the Allied torpedoes will be more effective. With recent heavy losses in DDs, combined with a good dozen DDs in refit, will attempt to minimize fleet operations in Jan. Production wise, can expect the Oscar III to enter service in January, and the Jill in Feb, improved Zeros not far after that. Industry continues to produce enough supply and HI so far, although both oil and fuel levels continues to drop. For the month, naval losses were heavy: Japan lost 2BB, 3CA, 2CL, 8DD, 1SS and an SSX while the Allies lost 1CV (doubtful), 3BB (likely 2), 1CL, 1CLAA, 1DD and 6SS. In the air, surprised to see another positive month for the Empire: 497 for Jpn to 553 Allied planes lost. Navy pilot pools are surprisingly fairly robust, while Army reserve pools are thin due to the increasing lack of Sentais devoted to training as new fighter models are thrown into the fray; will look to pull Oscar IIbs from front line service and into a training role in order to getting more Tojos into the air as the Oscar IIIa becomes available.
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- 42-12-31.jpg (288.87 KiB) Viewed 484 times
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- 42-12-31a.jpg (73.28 KiB) Viewed 484 times
31 Dec - 01 Jan 43
Highlights – Allies land at Tanna.
Jpn ships sunk:
DMS: 1 (W-20)
Allied ships sunk: None
Allied Ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (Tautog)
Air loss:
Jpn: 19
Allied: 15
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph:
Tanna (South Pacific)
Bases lost: None
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: Tanna landings supported by US carriers, unclear if they are CVs or CVEs.
Japan/Industry: In addition to the Ki-43-IIIa entering production, the Ki-46-II Dinah production switches over to the K-46-III and the Ki-48-IIa Lily bomber production ends and the factory begins converting to produce the Ki-48-IIb dive bomber version.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: As DMS W-20 begins to offload supplies at Tanna, she is engaged by the approaching bombardment force (5CA, 8DD, 2DMS) for the Tanna landings and is of course easily sunk. The LRCAP of Zeros, expecting just another “milk run” raid, manages to knock down 3 Wildcats and 2 Dauntless at a cost of 3 planes over Tanna. The defending Naval Guard unit has served its purpose, forcing a contested landing, and will be withdrawn as much as feasible by Emilys. The KB remains at Nauru, this will not be contested landing. Two IJN TFs bringing in reinforcements to Luganville turn about to loiter at Reef Is just north of Ndeni just in case the Allies get aggressive. One transport and a DMS continues to dock at Luganville to begin offloading the 8th Army HQ. Will see if the USN comes north.
DEI/SW: NSTR.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: 2nd Tank Div returns to IJA lines, but not Shwebo as instructed, instead they decided to route through Mandalay, so Shwebo is on its own. The LRCAP Tojos faired poorly against sweeping P-40Ks, despite an altitude advantage, losing 12 to only 4 P-40s.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk:
DMS: 1 (W-20)
Allied ships sunk: None
Allied Ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (Tautog)
Air loss:
Jpn: 19
Allied: 15
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph:
Tanna (South Pacific)
Bases lost: None
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: Tanna landings supported by US carriers, unclear if they are CVs or CVEs.
Japan/Industry: In addition to the Ki-43-IIIa entering production, the Ki-46-II Dinah production switches over to the K-46-III and the Ki-48-IIa Lily bomber production ends and the factory begins converting to produce the Ki-48-IIb dive bomber version.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: As DMS W-20 begins to offload supplies at Tanna, she is engaged by the approaching bombardment force (5CA, 8DD, 2DMS) for the Tanna landings and is of course easily sunk. The LRCAP of Zeros, expecting just another “milk run” raid, manages to knock down 3 Wildcats and 2 Dauntless at a cost of 3 planes over Tanna. The defending Naval Guard unit has served its purpose, forcing a contested landing, and will be withdrawn as much as feasible by Emilys. The KB remains at Nauru, this will not be contested landing. Two IJN TFs bringing in reinforcements to Luganville turn about to loiter at Reef Is just north of Ndeni just in case the Allies get aggressive. One transport and a DMS continues to dock at Luganville to begin offloading the 8th Army HQ. Will see if the USN comes north.
DEI/SW: NSTR.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: 2nd Tank Div returns to IJA lines, but not Shwebo as instructed, instead they decided to route through Mandalay, so Shwebo is on its own. The LRCAP Tojos faired poorly against sweeping P-40Ks, despite an altitude advantage, losing 12 to only 4 P-40s.
China: NSTR.
2-5 Jan 43
Highlights – Tanna falls as expected.
Jpn ships sunk:
TK: 1 (sm)
Allied ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Indianapolis – doubtful)
DD: 1 (Piet Hein)
xAKL: 1
Allied ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Sims)
Air loss:
Jpn: 12
Allied: 14
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (CA sunk)
Allies: 8 Attack, 2 ships hit (TK sunk, PB dam)
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Erromango (South Pacific - flipped)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: Allied Fleet largely withdraws from Tanna towards more secure waters near Noumea.
Japan/Industry: Although a bit late, I remissioned a small (4) R&D factory from the Ki-100-II Tony to research the KI-61-Ic Tony (30) since both the B and C versions will need to be produced after they are available, and are superior to the D model. The current KI-61-Ia production upgrade to the B, but can not upgrade to the C; both B and C go to the D and then onward. Ki-43-IV Oscar R&D accelerated to 1/45.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: Tanna falls, but Emilys manage to extract about a third of the Naval Guard unit before it is eliminated. On the positive side, the Allies ventured a DD w/DMSs north to interdict the ongoing reinforcement of Luganville, but arrived just after the xAK and DMS departed. Allied attention has not turned to Efate, and it is bombarded by a cruiser TF, which of course destroyed the engineer company as forts were level 2 at 97%. Emilys will bring in some supplies to the Efate defenders as well as pull out fragments to reconstitute the Naval Guards after the island falls. With Allied elements probing north toward Luganville, and bombarding Efate, the KB will need to sortie to support the ongoing resupply effort at Luganville – something I was hoping to avoid. But to land the 8th Army HQ and about 10k supply, its going to be necessary. The KB will depart in two echelons, the first next turn (3CV, CVL, 2BB, 3CA, CL, DDs), will head east toward the Gilberts before swinging southwest, hoping to avoid subs reported south of Nauru. The second half will depart after Kaga receives its Judys. Pretty quiet on the New Guinea front, although Milne Bay bombardments are a bit more than normal.
DEI/SW: NSTR.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk:
TK: 1 (sm)
Allied ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Indianapolis – doubtful)
DD: 1 (Piet Hein)
xAKL: 1
Allied ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Sims)
Air loss:
Jpn: 12
Allied: 14
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (CA sunk)
Allies: 8 Attack, 2 ships hit (TK sunk, PB dam)
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Erromango (South Pacific - flipped)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: Allied Fleet largely withdraws from Tanna towards more secure waters near Noumea.
Japan/Industry: Although a bit late, I remissioned a small (4) R&D factory from the Ki-100-II Tony to research the KI-61-Ic Tony (30) since both the B and C versions will need to be produced after they are available, and are superior to the D model. The current KI-61-Ia production upgrade to the B, but can not upgrade to the C; both B and C go to the D and then onward. Ki-43-IV Oscar R&D accelerated to 1/45.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: Tanna falls, but Emilys manage to extract about a third of the Naval Guard unit before it is eliminated. On the positive side, the Allies ventured a DD w/DMSs north to interdict the ongoing reinforcement of Luganville, but arrived just after the xAK and DMS departed. Allied attention has not turned to Efate, and it is bombarded by a cruiser TF, which of course destroyed the engineer company as forts were level 2 at 97%. Emilys will bring in some supplies to the Efate defenders as well as pull out fragments to reconstitute the Naval Guards after the island falls. With Allied elements probing north toward Luganville, and bombarding Efate, the KB will need to sortie to support the ongoing resupply effort at Luganville – something I was hoping to avoid. But to land the 8th Army HQ and about 10k supply, its going to be necessary. The KB will depart in two echelons, the first next turn (3CV, CVL, 2BB, 3CA, CL, DDs), will head east toward the Gilberts before swinging southwest, hoping to avoid subs reported south of Nauru. The second half will depart after Kaga receives its Judys. Pretty quiet on the New Guinea front, although Milne Bay bombardments are a bit more than normal.
DEI/SW: NSTR.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
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- 43-01-04.jpg (100.4 KiB) Viewed 447 times
6-7 Jan 43
Highlights – surprisingly quiet in the air, except for pounding of Milne Bay and Efate.
Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-169)
PB: 1
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (Triton, S-23)
PC: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 04
Allied: 14
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (CA sunk)
Allies: 8 Attack, 2 ships hit (TK sunk, PB dam)
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Anatom (South Pacific - flipped)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: NSTR.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: KB 2 is formed up (3CV, 2CVL, 2BB, 3CA, CL, 8DD) and will depart Nauru next turn. Air ordinance failed to deliver the required Judys to Kaga, so she’s sailing with Vals.
South Pacific: KB 1 apparently isn’t sighted since departing Nauru and will continue south to a position NE of Espirutu Santo as the reinforcement convoy(s) loiter. KB 2 should join in the next few days to augment the approach. Allies continue to focus on Efate, and with a lot of luck L_S_T will launch an ampbib while the KB is about. On the New Guinea front, Milne Bay continues to receive heavy bombardments, and the latest caught a PB attempting to offload supplies. Will mission Emilys for supply runs as its too dangerous to run PBs without a major escort effort. Lastly, supplies at Rabaul are moving under the 20k mark which will also limit operations until a resupply convoy arrives in a few days.
DEI/SW: CV Junyo receives its Judy dive bombers as the fleet continues to repair and rest in Soerabaja. A CL TF (CL, 3DD) will depart next turn escorting a Fast Transport resupply run to Broome.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: The first Ki-43-IIb Oscar Sentai receives the new Oscar IIIa at Rangoon and deploys to Magwe.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-169)
PB: 1
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (Triton, S-23)
PC: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 04
Allied: 14
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (CA sunk)
Allies: 8 Attack, 2 ships hit (TK sunk, PB dam)
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Anatom (South Pacific - flipped)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: NSTR.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: KB 2 is formed up (3CV, 2CVL, 2BB, 3CA, CL, 8DD) and will depart Nauru next turn. Air ordinance failed to deliver the required Judys to Kaga, so she’s sailing with Vals.
South Pacific: KB 1 apparently isn’t sighted since departing Nauru and will continue south to a position NE of Espirutu Santo as the reinforcement convoy(s) loiter. KB 2 should join in the next few days to augment the approach. Allies continue to focus on Efate, and with a lot of luck L_S_T will launch an ampbib while the KB is about. On the New Guinea front, Milne Bay continues to receive heavy bombardments, and the latest caught a PB attempting to offload supplies. Will mission Emilys for supply runs as its too dangerous to run PBs without a major escort effort. Lastly, supplies at Rabaul are moving under the 20k mark which will also limit operations until a resupply convoy arrives in a few days.
DEI/SW: CV Junyo receives its Judy dive bombers as the fleet continues to repair and rest in Soerabaja. A CL TF (CL, 3DD) will depart next turn escorting a Fast Transport resupply run to Broome.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: The first Ki-43-IIb Oscar Sentai receives the new Oscar IIIa at Rangoon and deploys to Magwe.
China: NSTR.
8-9 Jan 43
8-9 Jan 43
Highlights – Bad day in the air over Salamaua.
Jpn ships sunk:
AMc: 1
Allied ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Louisville – doubtful)
SS: 2 (Seadragon, S-28)
Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (Whale)
Air loss:
Jpn: 43
Allied: 24
Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (CA sunk)
Allies: 4 Attack, 1 ships hit (AMc sunk)
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Anatom (South Pacific - flipped)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: The last two of three N1K1-J George R&D factories reach 30, so now all three will be actively researching. With the Ha-45 engine pool at 419, two of the Ha-45 engine factories are expanded by 10 to get the engine bonus quicker (total will go to 200); mainly for the George right now, but two of the five Ki-84a Frank R&D factories are at 29, so the Frank research should start this month as well. Also on the engine front, the Ha-32 engine pool reached 500, so research for the J2M3 Jack and B6N1 Jill (Go figure!) will accelerate. Not a major addition, as only two factories are researching each of these frames. Of course, a number of smaller R&D efforts (mainly bombers) use the Ha-32, so will need to be careful on draining the engine bonus.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: KB 2 departed Nauru without running into a sub, and will rendezvous with the KB next turn ENE of Efate.
South Pacific: KB 1 is sighted by a PBY while ENE of Luganville, so L_S_T knows the carriers are at sea. KB 2 hasn’t been sighted, so perhaps he’ll come out to engage KB 1 of only 3 CVs. Until the two KB elements can rendezvous, there is a vulnerability for a day – but I figure it will take a day at least for the US carriers to move to engage. At any rate, the KB will position to support the resupply effort going into Luganville, and Tanaka is detached (CL, 3DD) to provide direct support should a DD TF attempt to disrupt operations. With the KB, I don’t see any Allied cruiser or BB TF attempting to head north into Luganville, but subs remain a significant threat to any IJN element at sea. Also of note, the Allies have already managed to get Tanna AF up to a level 2. Busy beavers! On the New Guinea side, the good news is that I-168 put a fish into CA Louisville, claiming her sunk, but likely just damaged of course. Still, that’s the second CA put into the yards this month running the sub gauntlet to bombard Milne Bay. Milne Bays defenders are of course fairly well fatigued from all the bombardments, and the forts remain at level 3 (96%). In the air, the Allies fly sweeps over Salamaua with P-38s and P-40Es, and bests Lae based cap – even the P-40s did well, likely due to fatigue more than anything else. Japanese lose 13 A6M5 Zeros, 13 Oscar IIs, 6 Nicks and 5 Tojo Bs for only 9 P-40s. Not a good showing. The reduced and fatigued Sentais are swapped out with fresh from Rabaul, but lack of supplies will hinder replenishing the now depleted Sentais – although a convoy should dock next turn.
DEI/SW: Fast Transport TF still enroute to Broome as the Allied ground advance out of Port Hedland resumes with troops marching overland.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
Highlights – Bad day in the air over Salamaua.
Jpn ships sunk:
AMc: 1
Allied ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Louisville – doubtful)
SS: 2 (Seadragon, S-28)
Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (Whale)
Air loss:
Jpn: 43
Allied: 24
Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (CA sunk)
Allies: 4 Attack, 1 ships hit (AMc sunk)
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost:
Anatom (South Pacific - flipped)
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: The last two of three N1K1-J George R&D factories reach 30, so now all three will be actively researching. With the Ha-45 engine pool at 419, two of the Ha-45 engine factories are expanded by 10 to get the engine bonus quicker (total will go to 200); mainly for the George right now, but two of the five Ki-84a Frank R&D factories are at 29, so the Frank research should start this month as well. Also on the engine front, the Ha-32 engine pool reached 500, so research for the J2M3 Jack and B6N1 Jill (Go figure!) will accelerate. Not a major addition, as only two factories are researching each of these frames. Of course, a number of smaller R&D efforts (mainly bombers) use the Ha-32, so will need to be careful on draining the engine bonus.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: KB 2 departed Nauru without running into a sub, and will rendezvous with the KB next turn ENE of Efate.
South Pacific: KB 1 is sighted by a PBY while ENE of Luganville, so L_S_T knows the carriers are at sea. KB 2 hasn’t been sighted, so perhaps he’ll come out to engage KB 1 of only 3 CVs. Until the two KB elements can rendezvous, there is a vulnerability for a day – but I figure it will take a day at least for the US carriers to move to engage. At any rate, the KB will position to support the resupply effort going into Luganville, and Tanaka is detached (CL, 3DD) to provide direct support should a DD TF attempt to disrupt operations. With the KB, I don’t see any Allied cruiser or BB TF attempting to head north into Luganville, but subs remain a significant threat to any IJN element at sea. Also of note, the Allies have already managed to get Tanna AF up to a level 2. Busy beavers! On the New Guinea side, the good news is that I-168 put a fish into CA Louisville, claiming her sunk, but likely just damaged of course. Still, that’s the second CA put into the yards this month running the sub gauntlet to bombard Milne Bay. Milne Bays defenders are of course fairly well fatigued from all the bombardments, and the forts remain at level 3 (96%). In the air, the Allies fly sweeps over Salamaua with P-38s and P-40Es, and bests Lae based cap – even the P-40s did well, likely due to fatigue more than anything else. Japanese lose 13 A6M5 Zeros, 13 Oscar IIs, 6 Nicks and 5 Tojo Bs for only 9 P-40s. Not a good showing. The reduced and fatigued Sentais are swapped out with fresh from Rabaul, but lack of supplies will hinder replenishing the now depleted Sentais – although a convoy should dock next turn.
DEI/SW: Fast Transport TF still enroute to Broome as the Allied ground advance out of Port Hedland resumes with troops marching overland.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
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- 43-01-08.jpg (131.16 KiB) Viewed 414 times
10-11 Jan 43
Highlights – Another bad day in the air over Salamaua.
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk:
AGP: 1
Allied ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Mississippi)
Air loss:
Jpn: 65
Allied: 32
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: NSTR.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: KB elements rendezvous east of the New Hebrides as the fast transport TFs offload at Luganville, and with no indication of an Allied response, will begin to slowly head back to safer waters. On the New Guinea front, P-39s again sweep effectively over Salamaua, downing 15 Oscars, 7 Nicks and 14 Zeros in exchange for 10 of their number.
DEI/SW: CV Hiyo swaps out its Vals for Judys at Soerabaja.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk:
AGP: 1
Allied ships un-sunk:
BB: 1 (Mississippi)
Air loss:
Jpn: 65
Allied: 32
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.
Japan/Industry: NSTR.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: NSTR.
South Pacific: KB elements rendezvous east of the New Hebrides as the fast transport TFs offload at Luganville, and with no indication of an Allied response, will begin to slowly head back to safer waters. On the New Guinea front, P-39s again sweep effectively over Salamaua, downing 15 Oscars, 7 Nicks and 14 Zeros in exchange for 10 of their number.
DEI/SW: CV Hiyo swaps out its Vals for Judys at Soerabaja.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
12-13 Jan 43
Highlights – CAP does well over Lae against Naval airstrike.
Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-154)
SC: 1
AMC: 1
PB: 1
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (Blackfish, Growler)
PC: 1
Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (Greenling)
Air loss:
Jpn: 17
Allied: 119
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAK, xAKL sunk)
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: Surprised to see US CVs off Moresby; perhaps Milne Bay amphib is next on the list.
Japan/Industry: A6M5b and A6M5c Zero R&D accelerated to 6/43; with the A6M5c reaching the same as the A6M5b, one A6M5c factory is shifted to begin research on the A6M8. Ki-43-IV Oscar R&D accelerated to 12/44.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: KB elements approach Tabiteuea, so far without incident.
South Pacific: Luganville resupply mission completed, TFs will return to Tulagi and Truk. Good news over New Guinea skies for a change as US naval air strike a resupply convoy offloading at Lae. The raid succeeds in sinking an AMC and SC after the majority of an AA Bn is offloaded, but the cost is staggering. A robust Jpn CAP of about 75 a/c shoots down 54 SBD, 22 F4Fs, and 17 TBFs for a loss of only 3 A6M5s, 2 Tojo and 2 Nicks. Surprisingly, no US Army air was in the skies.
DEI/SW: NSTR.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.
Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (I-154)
SC: 1
AMC: 1
PB: 1
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (Blackfish, Growler)
PC: 1
Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (Greenling)
Air loss:
Jpn: 17
Allied: 119
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAK, xAKL sunk)
Jpn Amph: None
Allied Amph: None
Bases lost: None
Bases seized: None
SIGINT/Intel: Surprised to see US CVs off Moresby; perhaps Milne Bay amphib is next on the list.
Japan/Industry: A6M5b and A6M5c Zero R&D accelerated to 6/43; with the A6M5c reaching the same as the A6M5b, one A6M5c factory is shifted to begin research on the A6M8. Ki-43-IV Oscar R&D accelerated to 12/44.
Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.
Central Pacific: KB elements approach Tabiteuea, so far without incident.
South Pacific: Luganville resupply mission completed, TFs will return to Tulagi and Truk. Good news over New Guinea skies for a change as US naval air strike a resupply convoy offloading at Lae. The raid succeeds in sinking an AMC and SC after the majority of an AA Bn is offloaded, but the cost is staggering. A robust Jpn CAP of about 75 a/c shoots down 54 SBD, 22 F4Fs, and 17 TBFs for a loss of only 3 A6M5s, 2 Tojo and 2 Nicks. Surprisingly, no US Army air was in the skies.
DEI/SW: NSTR.
PI: NSTR.
Burma/IO: NSTR.
China: NSTR.