March 12th, 1942 - Near disaster at Tonga!

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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> War In The Pacific - Struggle Against Japan 1941 - 1945 >> After Action Reports >> March 12th, 1942 - Near disaster at Tonga!

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March 12th, 1942 - Near disaster at Tonga! - 4/6/2008 12:10:33 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 12th, 1942
Hudsons from Suva again attacked out fleet nearing Fiji, however, KB fighters were on hand this time and all the Hudsons were shot down. Recon shows no enemy troops at Nandi, so we will land there and establish a local airfield (an IJN Base Force is en route already) and then the SS Detachment, and the 51st Ind Bge will assault Suva. Some Naval units may also join in if they arrive from Pago Pago in time.

Fleet approached Nandi.

Nearby, at Tongatpu, our brave soldiers successfully overcame a blunder on the part of senior command (i.e. me). Without doing any recon flights, it was mistakenly assumed that Tonga was without any garrison. Therefore an IJN Garrision force was sent directly to the island so that it would be captured according to our timetable. There was however, a small garrison at the island! Thankfully, the landing force had brought several destroyers and frigates with it, and their gunfire support was enough to allow the assault elements of the garrison to overcome the defenders and capture the atoll. If they had been force back out to sea, the entire unit could have been lost! Because of this action, recon flight will be made on the Society island to ensure we don't get anymore surprises.

Close call at Tonga.

In China, Ichang was cleared of a Chinese unit.

Clearing Ichang.

In the Philippines, Cebu Island, Tacloban and Dumaguete were all captured easily and 6,700 POWs were captured in all across the three islands. The Philippines campaign is officially over now and this last division will head to Truk for R&R before our summer offensive.

Other bases captured: Torokina and Biak

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Post #: 91

March 13th, 1942 - Road to Sian open again - 4/6/2008 7:33:18 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 13th, 1942
One of our transports, hit a few days ago, was declared a loss at Kendari and sunk today.

An SNLF unit marching from Palembang, through the mountains, arrived finally at Benkolen and was able to successful capture the base. 1600 more POWs and 7 captured CW-22 Falcons.

At Suva, the invasion fleet is less then 60 miles off the coast of Nandi and will land this evening. Hudsons attacked the fleet to no available again, as Zeros from KB provided effective cover. Two of the Hudsons did get through, but Mutsu's AA fire fended those two off. Meanwhile, Vals from KB were sent to Suva to look for ships in the harbor and they found two minesweepers which were easily sunk with the Vals' 250kg AP bombs.

Action near Fiji.

In China, the road to Sian has been reopened! In coordination with heavy air support, our forces finally forced back the Chinese units into the mountains west of Sian. One unit will move west to keep the road clear and the rest of our forces will move to Sian to assist with the battle there. Our units in Sian are now all fully supplied.

The offensive at Sian may now resume.

Makale was also captured today.

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Post #: 92

March 14th, 1942 - Many ships at Bali - 4/6/2008 7:46:49 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 14th, 1942
Our forces landed at Nandi without incident. It would seem the Hudsons either left Suva or they have all been shot down.

As the end draws near at Soerabaja, several ships have fled the port and are trying to run past our planes at Bali. Today 5 cargo ships and 2 tankers were hit by Kates and Marys. The Ann bombers were on ASW patrol but tomorrow will be given order to attack enemy shipping as more ships look to be coming. The two tankers were confirmed sunk and the other ships are all heavily damaged and on fire after several 100kg AP bomb hits each.

Dive bomber happy times.

Also, one of the troops ships damaged at Pago Pago sunk today.

Other bases captured today: Vanikoro and Noemfoor

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Post #: 93

March 15th, 1942 - Many ships at Bali - 4/6/2008 8:16:13 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 15th, 1942
At Columbo, the DD Express hit one of our Type 88 mines left there by submarine.

The SS Trout attacked one of our cargo ships on the surface, but all torpedoes failed to hit or were duds. The sub did damage our ship a bit with some 50 cal machine gun fire.

The I-173, given the dangerous mission of entering the shallow waters near Umnak to scout out enemy forces, was found and sunk by enemy destroyers. Our own cruiser force (1 cruiser, 2 destroyers) is again at Adak and will try another raid this evening east of Umnak.

A valuable submarine is lost.

Nandi was captured easily as there was no opposition to our landing.

At Bali, Kates, Anns, Marys and even Oscars rained bombs and torpedoes down upon enemy ships everywhere. Several were sunk and many more heavily damaged. Our ground forces are mostly in place at Soerabaja and begin shelling the city today. Enemy strength looks to be low enough the we can take the base in a few more days. Just in case though, reinforcements are still arriving at Kragen and Batavia and will continue to move to Soerabaja.

Easy targets everywhere.

Ki-32 Mary dive bombers

Ki-30 Ann dive bombers

A subchaser and cargo ships from Pago sunk today.

< Message edited by Feurer Krieg -- 4/8/2008 7:34:39 PM >

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Post #: 94

March 16th, 1942 - Action at Dutch Harbor! - 4/6/2008 8:31:38 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 16th, 1942
Our cruiser raid at Dutch Harbor scored some success tonight! Five enemy cargo ships were found undefended at the harbor. Light cruiser Nagara, and destroyers Ikazucki and Nagatsuki hit the AK Sidney Hauptmann with two torpedoes and several 5.5inch shells, sinking the ship. The AK Crown City was hit with many shells and will likely sink. Our ships then headed west at full speed. They will return to Attu, then Tokyo to reload torpedoes. A torpedo tender is being sent from Kwajelein to Attu so our cruisers won't have to make such a long trip after using their torpedoes.

Action at Dutch Harbor

Light cruiser Nagara

At Noumea, we now have three SNLF units and they have begun to shell the defenders of the base. One more SNLF unit is on the way and once it arrives the assault on the base will begin.

At Dobodura, some remnants of the Papuan Infantry Battalion made it to the coast and were eliminated by our forces there. They are trying to evacuate as many Allied subs have been spotted on the northeast coast of Papua. Several ASW groups are patrolling the area.

At Soerabaja our first major assault was launched and results were encouraging. Our troops made it past the outer fortification of the base and enemy casualties are estimated to be twice our own. (1 to 1, forts 5 -> 4). The attack will continue. All bombers in the area (except those at Bali) are working with the ground troops to hit enemy positions. The planes at Bali continue to sink enemy ships.

The assault on Soerabaja begins.

Intel reports minelayer Bungaree, attacked west of Norfolk Island, did sink.

Other bases captured: Tabar Island, Waigeo Island

< Message edited by Feurer Krieg -- 4/6/2008 8:33:01 AM >

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Post #: 95

March 17th, 1942 - 4/6/2008 8:58:36 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 17th, 1942
The assault on Soerabaja continues to make progress. (1 to 1, forts 4 -> 3)

One of our cargo ships hit a VH2 mine at Bataan while heading to Manilla. Minesweepers from Hong Kong will head there to clear the approached to Manilla.

Another cargo ship from Pago Pago sunk today.

In Burma, some of our forces are now on the road between Lashoi and Mandalay. Enemy air units continue to attack.

Air attacks in Burma.

Other bases captured: Manokwari, Banks Island, and Ha'apai

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Post #: 96

March 18th, 1942 - Noumea captured! - 4/6/2008 9:31:00 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 18th, 1942
US Submarine S-41 hit one of our APD's at Goodenough Island. The APD may not make it back to Rabaul. Our ASW forces certainly need to do better than that.

Soerabaja continues and enemy casualties are definitely climbing. (2 to 1, forts 3 -> 2).

A small Dutch unit from Palembang was destroyed south of Padang.

Our air forces at Rangoon and Moulmein, based on a good weather forecast, launched a major attack against Mandalay to damage facilities and engage enemy fighter there. Coordination was excellent and 283 fighters and 64 bombers went in on the first wave. 20 some Nell bombers followed up and by then no enemy fighters were present. Four P-40Es and nine Hurricanes were destroyed in the air, and another seven Hurricanes were hit on the ground along with a Lysander. The airfield there were damaged, but will likely be repaired quickly. We will continue to be sporadic in our usage of our fighter force at Rangoon to keep the enemy off balance. In this action we lost 2 Zeros, 2 Oscars, and 2 Nates.

First major air attack on Mandalay.

Our four SNLF units successfully attacked and captured Noumea today, securing the island of New Caledonia for the Empire of Japan. 1850 POWs were captured also. A base force is already at Koumac and another is at La Foa, marching to Noumea already.

New Caledonia belong to the Empire now.

Papaete in the Society Islands and Rarotonga and Aitutaki in the Cook Islands were all captured today. The naval landing units there will stay at those bases as there is no where farther south to advance in that area. Aviation support is on the way and patrol planes will be based there ASAP.

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Post #: 97

March 19th, 1942 - Noumea captured! - 4/6/2008 9:44:24 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 19th, 1942
The fall of Soerabaja is imminent as our troops continue to push the defenders back. Cargo ships and troop transports are being sent from Singapore to be ready to load up the combat units and ship them to Burma or other theaters as needed. (2 to 1 odds, forts 2 -> 1)

At Dobodura, another unit, the 2/1 Ind Coy was eliminated.

The AK Crown City (hit at Dutch Harbor) was confirmed sunk today.

In Burma, half of the 21st Bge has entered the jungle north of the Irrawaddy river, near Magwe. It will attempt to encircle Mandalay from the north west so any unit there cannot retreat to India. The enemy has begun launching air attacks to slow this action, but this is okay as this means less planes attacking our units heading for Lashio.

Burma air attacks

Emirau Island was also captured today.

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Post #: 98

RE: March 19th, 1942 - Noumea captured! - 4/6/2008 1:32:46 PM

Alikchi2

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Some very nice progress, sir. :)

How far do you intend to advance in Burma/India? They do have a lot of bombers, but it seems that hasn't stopped you from taking many bases.

On a similar note, do you plan to fortify Noumea?

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Post #: 99

RE: March 19th, 1942 - Noumea captured! - 4/6/2008 8:07:53 PM

FeurerKrieg

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I plan to take Mandalay and Myitkina, but stop there. I'll hold Akyab with enough to force them to bring a fair bit in to take it, but I won't make a stand for it.
If I see any openings at Imphal, Jorhat or the other bases on the other side of the mountains, I'll throw some paras in there and then pull them out, but I doubt that OSO will leave anymore bases totally empty given that he knows all my Para units are in the Burma theater. The 1st Para rgt is back in Rangoon and whole so it is ready to drop where needed.

Noumea will be reasonably fortified, but the amount of troops I station there will really depend on how things go at New Zealand in the summer.

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Post #: 100

RE: March 19th, 1942 - Noumea captured! - 4/6/2008 9:48:25 PM

FeurerKrieg

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FYI - I've caught this AAR up to the current game date. I'm working on the Feb stats now and an interesting thing that I've found is that both sides lost EXACTLY the same amount of planes (376) in February. Can't get more parity than that!

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Post #: 101

March 20th, 1942 - Soerabaja captured! - 4/7/2008 3:42:12 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 20th, 1942
Finback attacked one of our subchasers at Dobodura and only dud torpedoes saved our ship. ASW attacks were launched at Kwajelein and Dobodua, but no hits were scored.

Another embarrassing attack on our ASW ships.

In China, two IJA attacks north of Ichang were both unsuccessful in routing the Chinese. Additional air attacks and attacks by our units should push them back soon though.

Another gunboat from Pago Pago sunk today.

Most importantly Soerabaja was captured today! Over 52,000 POW's were taken. All the units captured are shown below along with ABDA HQ and ABDAFloat HQ. Unfortunately, all oil and resources centers were sabotaged by the defenders and will take significant repairs to return to operation. While we may repair some of the resources centers, repairing the oil would be a waste of supplies.

Many enemy troops captured!

The DEI is now secured for the Empire and only 5 days behind our planned schedule of March 15th. Christmas Island still needs to be taken, but that should not be a problem. Most of the troops at Soerabaja now will head to Burma, and some will garrison the more important bases in the DEI.

Also captured today was Nabire in northern New Guinea.

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Post #: 102

Economic condition - 4/7/2008 4:00:54 AM

FeurerKrieg

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This is probably a good time to show some of the general economic conditions and such, since there won't be any more large changes to the empire until our New Zealand operation, and that could well fail miserably. :)

So far things have gone well - in a couple more days there will be not a single green dot anywhere in the Pacific except for the PH area (and FF shoal, etc) and New Zealand. There are five more bases in the DEI that need taken, 3 are dots, 1 has a remnant unit, and the other is Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean.

For those who don't use Woos utility, the green lines indicate change, and the black is the actual amounts. The graphs use a sort of logarithmic scale (it is not exactly logarithmic, but you can ask Woos for the exact details if you really care).

So here are some graphs from Woos utility. First is the main chart for those who like numbers. The graph shows the VP ratio. Depending on how things go in New Zealand, this may well be our high water mark in terms of VP ratio. We are currently at 4.7:1 and you can see the progression on the graph below.

VP ratio history.

Next is our resource graph. The graph just showed an increase because of the resources captured in Soerabaja this turn, but if you look at the numbers above you can see we do have a very slight deficit in resources. Now, it is unlikely the Allies will just let us happily bring all these resources back until 1946, so having a deficit at all is a problem. But at least you can see where we are at.

Resources

Lastly is oil, and as you can see there, we have a nice surplus. Most of our tankers are currently hauling vast amounts of fuel to Truk to prepare for the New Zealand offensive, but once things have rapped up there, those tankers will start bring this oil back to the Home Islands. Some tankers are currently running oil to China from the DEI to make sure industry there continues at full speed.

Oil

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Post #: 103

Plans - 4/7/2008 8:55:50 AM

FeurerKrieg

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I've starting to get my plans together for Operation Sukura. First up is the list of land units I have committed. I still have a couple non-identified units on this list, and some of these might change slightly. I'm going to look at the map in detail this week and plan out which armies are going to land where and how they will move. My hope is to bring enough that the enemy will not think he can resist. If I have to bring reinforcements all the way to New Zealand then the battle will be tough. Most of these units are already in Truk, and the rest will be there shortly.

Operation Sukura - The invasion of New Zealand

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Post #: 104

February 1942 Stats - 4/8/2008 4:10:00 AM

FeurerKrieg

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Post #: 105

Plans - 4/8/2008 8:14:29 AM

FeurerKrieg

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No turn tonight, so I had sometime to do more planning of Sukura.

I've put together my lists of air units and naval units I want to bring to the party. There will be some rearranging of surface assets in preparation for this. The current ships traveling with KB need some downtime. On the other hand, the fleet in the DEI has been doing nothing but sitting in Singapore drinking rice wine and those ships are in perfect condition. So several ships will head from the South Pac to Singapore so that we still have some assets there in case the British fleet does something rash. Plus, CAs Chokai and Maya need to head to the HI to get some upgrades. Yamashiro and Fuso are already in the HI and have repaired after their upgrades to their AA and thus they are good choices to bring to this operation also.

A map below shows the current plan. It is expected that the 25th Army will launch later than the rest of the forces. Any shipping shortages will be made up here, by sending ships from the first wave (14th and 16th army) back to pick up the 25th Army. Glen subs will be used extensively to the east of the operation to ensure fair warning of approaching US Carriers, while KB on the west of NZ should be able to handle any British carriers that intervene from that direction.

Most of the army planes will standby at Noumea and hop across Norfolk if need be. The navy planes will hang at Suva (assuming it falls soon) as they can make the flight directly to NZ once we have a friendly base.

I haven't arranged the Armies just yet, but generally my thinking is that that 14th will be strongest, followed by 16th, and finally 25th.

Lastly, Junyo and Yamato will be finished in a few more weeks and although they will not be present when the fleet sails, they will head to Truk and maybe to Noumea or Suva and possibly join the operation later, depending on how long it lasts into the summer.

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Post #: 106

RE: Plans - 4/8/2008 5:52:34 PM

Alikchi2

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That's a highly impressive OOB sir. I'm especially impressed by the number of divisions you've found for this.

NZ actually seems like a smart target. With its isolation, your nearby bases, and the railroads allowing for quick conquests.. well, it's a good choice, methinks.

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Post #: 107

RE: Plans - 4/8/2008 7:23:58 PM

FeurerKrieg

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Well, let's hope you are right!

The plan is to get in and then get those troops out - send some to the non-atoll bases of the Pacific, and the rest to Burma, as by late 42 I'm sure the British/Indian tide will be rising....

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Post #: 108

March 21st, 1942 - S-41 sunk - 4/10/2008 4:16:53 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 21, 1942
At Normanby Island we manage to finally sink a US sub - the S-41. Also, crack Lily pilots at Bali managed to get a hit on the SS Seal, although it did not sink.

S-41 is sunk

Sallys from Batavia began to bomb Christmas Island.

In Burma, recon indicated that the forces in Mandalay are retreating north. This would be okay with us, because we won't have to do such a hard fight across the river. This is likely because of the 21st Bge marching north. By threatening to encircle the base, we may well have helped reduced the fight for the base.

Burma - Mandalay being abandoned?

At Dobodura, Allied units continue to surrender or be wiped out. Today it was the 30th Australian Brigade that dissolved.

At Johnston the B-17E were back but today they got lost quite a few! Our two recently added AA units helped, shooting down 5 of the big birds. And our Zeros, while not able to shoot any down straight away, did enough damaged to prevent 13 of the bombers from making it home. Assume a couple more for op losses, and we knocked 20 B-17's out of action today. The raid did get through though, and managed to take out 9 Nells and 4 Zeros on the ground. 2 Zeros were also lost to the B-17's self defense guns. Still, a good result all in all.

AA brings down the big planes.

And in China, one of our attacks near Ichang suceeded in pushing back the Chinese front another 60 miles. Recon indicates that our threat near Ichang may be causing the Chinese to withdraw from Changsha. This would be great, as our troops are still on the outskirts of Changsha and may finally be able to enter that city.

China - Changsha being abandoned?

A beach called Ouv'ea east of Noumea was secured today.

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RE: March 21st, 1942 - S-41 sunk - 4/10/2008 4:39:07 AM

marky

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wow, quite a bit of detail, good stuff!!!

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Post #: 110

March 22st, 1942 - 4/11/2008 4:20:57 AM

FeurerKrieg

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Thanks, Marky.

March 22nd, 1942
Some submarine activity today. I-18 hit and sunk the MSW Cairns north of Perth. I-160 hit the DD Isis near the bottom of India. I-160 was damaged in a depth charge attack after it hit the DD, but it should make it back to port. The Dutch sub KXVIII hit the DD Michishio east of Balikpapan. Thankfully that is all it hit, as that TF had two battleships enroute to Truk in it.

Sub battles

Near Timor, there was some type of enemy activity. It would seem a cargo ship unloaded some troops, but there weren't any there by the time the daytime arrived. In any case, the cargo ship that enter Koepang was easily sunk by Bettys when the sun came up.

Strange happenings near Timor.

Tomorrow we will launch an assault on Sian.

Massau Island and Pagai were both captured today.

< Message edited by Feurer Krieg -- 4/15/2008 7:57:24 PM >

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Post #: 111

March 23rd, 1942 - 4/13/2008 8:43:09 PM

FeurerKrieg

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March 23, 1942
I-18, after sinking a minesweeper yesterday, headed north to restock torpedoes. However, it again encountered the same MSW group and sunk another one, the MSW Goulburn. This time however, one of the other MSW's hit the I-18 with 2 depth charges. Damage is significant, but there is a chance the sub will make it home. Hopefully it will since the skipper is clearly good at sinking enemy warships.

I-18 strikes again, but doesn't get away clean this time.

In China, the massive assault at Sian began. In this first assault the enemies fortifications were slightly reduced. The battle included approximately 200K men on the IJA side, and 130K men on the Chinese side. Our troops will rest for a few days, as they wait for another third of a division to arrive. NW of Ichang, our troops again attacked the enemy and held there own, but were not able to push the enemy back. Our troops are much smaller in numbers, but better equipment and constant air attacks on the enemy have evened the score. Chinese bombers actually attack our troops there so Oscar's have been ordered to fly CAP over the area tomorrow.

Massive battle at Sian.

In Burma, the forecast is reasonable for tomorrow so all available fighters at Rangoon and Moulmein have been order to fly CAP over the 21st Bge west of the river. With luck we will catch many 2 engined bombers without escorts. Also, Cox's Bazaar was occupied by Allied troops once they figured out that our unit had left to the south.

Bora Bora, the last unoccupied beach in the Society Islands was captured by our NLF forces. Lifou off New Caledonia was also secured.

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Post #: 112

March 24th, 1942 - 4/14/2008 4:26:43 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 24th, 1942
In Burma, our fighters didn't catch the bombers they were looking for, but they did still do well. 30 Oscars and 30 Zeros were waiting in the skies when 13 P-40Es and 4 B-25c Mitchells came in. All were shot down for the loss of 3 Oscars.

Another victory for our fighters.

At Lashio, our forces launched their first push and found only Chinese units in the base. The first attack went well, removing all the enemy fortifications. Our unit will rest another couples while their Corp HQ catches up and then they will push the Chinese out of the base.

First attack at Lashio.

In China, our Oscars over the front north of Ichang tried to stop some SB-2c planes. They shot down one escorting P-43A Lancer, but the defensive fire from the SB-2c's repelled almost all our attacks. Because of these bombers getting through, our attack on the ground did not fair so well and our troops will need to rest for a couple days. A SNLF unit is also moving in from Ichang to bolster the assault.

Oscars weren't able to stop the SB-2c's.

Three Hudson bombers from Auckland attacked our transports unloading at Norfolk Island, but not hits were scored.

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Post #: 113

March 25th, 1942 - 4/18/2008 2:52:28 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 25th, 1942
A fairly quite day. The normal Allied bombing runs in Burma.

Our first assault went in against Suva. Our surface group shells the island, but our carrier bombers were stuck due to bad weather. Our assault did not do that well, as th enemy is dug in and prepared. We have more units on the way though, and we do outnumber the enemy 2 to 1 in manpower.

Assault on Suva starts slow.

CA Chokai and Maya will now head back to the Home Islands for upgrades and maintenance repairs.

Mare' was also captured today.

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Post #: 114

March 26th, 1942 - 4/18/2008 3:32:08 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 26th, 1942
Norfolk Island was captured today. We may put a seaplane tender here at some point.

In China, numerous attacks were successful today. Northeast of Changsha, a guerrilla unit was captured, opening the road to our unit north of Changsha. Southwest of Ichang, the 40th Division pushed the Chinese back over the river to the west. The 40th will return to Ichang while a small unit and an Artillery group man the crossing.

China - Central front

In the southeast, at Kanhsien, elements of the 17th Division forced the surrender of the 63rd Chinese Corp, the 3rd War Area HQ and the 25th Group Army HQ. These units of the 17th Div will join up on the impending assault on Changsha.

China - Southeast

At Dobodura, two more Allied units were destroyed, the NVGR Battalion and the No. 112 RAN Base Force.

Luganville airfield was completed today and can now support our long range torpedo bombers.

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March 27th, 1942 - Lashio Captured - 4/21/2008 7:28:20 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 27th , 1942
Sweeps over Lashio shot down a couple Hurricanes, but the reason for the sweeps was to clear the way for ground support attacks which never got the organized enough to take off. Thankfully our ground forces were still able to push the Chinese into the jungle and capture Lashio. 2/3 of a division will move to the east and try to push the Chinese all the way into the mountains so that the trail to Myitkina is clear. Also, with the fall of Lashio, our Paras at Myitkina were able to retreat back across the river and will received supplies for the first time in many days.

Action in Burma

Near Timor, a wandering cargo ship was spotted yesterday and pounded today by Nells and Marys. It was easily sunk.

A sitting duck.

In China, Oscars and Nates tangled with some P-43A Lancers, but again could not stop the SB-2s.

Chinese fighters going down.

In the North Pacific, Adak airfield is now large enough for our Zero fighters to fly offensive missions. They will fly in and escort the Jakes that are prsent there and hopefully we can start sinking Destroyers and/or transports near Umnak and Dutch Harbor.

Also captured to day was Pamakasan and Siberoet.

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Post #: 116

March 28th, 1942 - Action in NoPac - 4/21/2008 7:55:15 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 28, 1942
A US Sub attack DD Nenohi near Makassar and we were saved only by dud torpedoes. We will certainly have some issues when the Americans sort out their torpedo problems.

An AK at Kendari was given up and sunk.

One of our Glen subs was en route to Kwajelein, from the West Coast US and it spotted a large convoy heading to Pearl Harbor. Unfortunately the Glen was shot down by AA fire from the convoy. This sub was heading south to take part in Sukura, so it will pick up a new Glen at Kwajelein.

In the north we had some success today and we will continue trying tomorrow. Zeros and Jakes found two destroyers at Dutch Harbor cover by only a couple P-40Bs. These were easily shot down and the Jakes managed to put a 100kg AP bomb into DD Brooks.

A DD is hit!

Posted below is the current front in China. It looks like the Chinese are pulling out of Sian, at least partly. We will launch another assault tomorrow in case they are doing a full evacuation. We also will be moving into Changsha in the next week or two. Some units are also moving into mountain and forest areas in order to prevent guerilla raids on our supply lines. Also, although it isn't marked on this map, the forces north and south are moving into Yenan and should hit the city at the same time, hopefully enough to lay a siege of the city, and eventually take it.

China situation.

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Post #: 117

March 29th, 1942 - More Action in NoPac - 4/21/2008 8:12:11 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 29th, 1942
More success in the North! Today CAP was heavier over Dutch Harbor. First 16 P-40Bs flew sweep over Adak and met 6 Zeros. One P-40B took damage and then they left. Meanwhile, 19 Zeros and 12 Jakes hit Dutch Harbor and found 1 P-40B and 21 P-39 Airacobras. One Zero was shot down, but 1 P-40B and 3 P-39's were also downed. The Jakes then pounced on DD Fox, hit it with four bombs, the last of which set off a magazine explosion destroying the ship.

Our float planes claim a victim.

In China, our ground forces again attacked with heavy air support. The defenders are strong, but the defenses were again reduced. (0 to 1, forts 8 -> 7)

Sian forces.

In Burma, usual air attacks. Flak brough down a two engine bomber today. Tomorrow, our fighters will fly CAP over the 21st Bge again and see if we can catch some bombers or enemy fighters.

Nias Island was also captured today.

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Post #: 118

March 30th, 1942 - Burma air battle - 4/21/2008 8:35:41 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 30th, 1942
No action near Adak today. I-170 will head into Dutch Harbor tonight in case any ships can be found. With two less destroyers, the ASW threat should be lessened.

In Burma, we still missed the large bomber strike, but we still had good results. 10 Buffalos, 8 P-40Es and 6 B-15C Mitchells attacked the 21st Bge in the morning and we had 30 Zeros and 29 Oscars on hand. Most of the enemy planes were shot down, although some turned and left. Then, in the afternoon, 13 more P-40Es came along escorting some recon planes. This time, some 67 fighters were on hand, and many of the enemy fighters were shot down. Total losses for the day were 19 P-40E, 8 Buffalo, 4 B-25C and 2 Oscars, although 4 more Oscars were declare ops losses due to damage they received, but most of the pilots made it safely home. Incidentally, it was the Oscars that got most of the kills. The Army is certainly doing well in Burma so far.

Many enemy pilots killed today.

Canton Island airfield was finished today, and and we can now cover another large section of the Pacific with Betty bombers.

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Post #: 119

March 31th, 1942 - I-170 gets a hit - 4/21/2008 8:49:44 AM

FeurerKrieg

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March 31st, 1942
March ends on a high note as I-170 succeeds in avoiding 4 Destroyers at Dutch Harbor and still puts a torpedo into AK Fort Qu'Appelle. The sub will head to Umnak tomorrow. Also in the area, the Sasebo 6th SNLF captured Amchitka base. Kiska look unoccupied so it will likely be secured tomorrow. Also, Attu's airfield was increased again and some Lily bomber may be brought in soon. (It is size 3)

I-170 hits.

An attack on Suva went well and the base should fall soon. Vals from KB supported the attack today and will do so again for the next few days.

In the deep south Pacific, commerce raiders Aikoku Maru and Hokoku Maru stumbled across some fast tankers in the night. By day, their float planes could not located their quarry. If they are loaded they would be heading west, so that is the direction ours ships will pursue.

Aikoku Maru (once featured in Feinder's mystery ships)

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