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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> 11-15th December 1943

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11-15th December 1943 - 7/11/2012 11:57:10 AM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Operation Boxing Day has been very interesting to date. a lot of action on the 13-15th December!

The other regions were, as usual, fairly quiet except a surprise appearance by the CAF shot down 15 x un-escorted Sallies over China.

-------------------------------

13th December:

Forces approached Siberoet and the first Japanese attack came in from Padang 80 miles west of the target beaches. 36 x enemy planes attacked and were comfortably thwarted by the 120 x CAP. A retalitory raids by TBF/M's caused little damage but destryed 4 x Tojo on Padang's runways.

SS I-30 was detected and reported sunk ASW assets.

In the PM a raid appeared from Singapore by A6M5's and Jills (51 planes in total). Once more the CAP did well preventing any planes from breaking through.

Siberoet was reached by nightful.

Planes losses for the day:

Allied: 13 (5 x Hellcat)
Japanese: 73 (27 x Val, 20 x Tojo, 17 x Jill, 14 x A6M)

-------------------------------

14th December:

Troops went ashore the empty Siberoet Island early on the 14th.

A series of Japanese air raids started at first light. The first by 56 x planes from Palembang was decimated but the 1 x Betty that got through torpedoed CVE Santee (34/45/0).

The second raid from Padang (39 x planes) was shot up by the 300+ CAP.

A 63 plane raid from Singapore followed and was also roughly handled with 2 planes getting through hitting nothing.

Plane losses for the day:

Allied: 21 (12 x Hellcat)
Japanese: 124 (32 x Betty, 21 x Jill, 21 x Tony, 20 x Jack, 15 x Sally, 11 x Val, 10 x A6M)

-----------------------------------

15th December:

The 15th saw the heaviest air raids as more troops and material went ashore at Siberoet.

SS I-175 was detected entering the area and reported sunk ASW vessels.

SS I-39 had more success and hit CV Chimera with a torpedo (12/18/0) before being sunk by escorts.

The air raids started with a Sweep by 24 x George.

A 56 x plane raid from Singapore couldn't breakthrough the 286 x CAP.

A follow up 39 x plane raid met a similar fate.

Then came the main event with a 154 plane raid from Singapore. The CAP was already a bit depleted from the earlier raids and 30 x Betty broke through:

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 28
G4M1 Betty x 67
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 24
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 27
Ki-45 KAIc Nick x 8

Allied aircraft
Seafire IIC x 6
F4F-4 Wildcat x 39
FM-1 Wildcat x 27
F6F-3 Hellcat x 167

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 5 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 38 destroyed, 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed by flak
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 4 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 5 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIc Nick: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
FM-1 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Anzio, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Corregidor, Torpedo hits 1
CVE Chenango, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
CVL Hermes
CVE Sangamon
CVE Suwannee, Torpedo hits 1

These 4 x CVE limped to the tiny port of Siberoet to join CVE Santee.

2 x further raids were also prevented in breaking through.

Air losses:

Allied: 51 (27 x Hellcat, 20 x Wildcat)
Japanese: 219 (64 x Betty, 30 x Tojo, 26 x A6M, 24x Oscar, 19 x George, 17 x Tojo, 16 x Jack)

I've attached a screenshot of the damaged CVE's and the action area.

----------------------

Submarine warfare:

7 x dud/missed attacks.

SS Sturgeon heavily damaged AK Manshu Maru off Daito Shoto.

SS Tullibee blew up PB Bisan Maru #3 off Fukue-jima.

On the 13th SS Guardfish sank TK Teikai Maru off Daito Shoto.

SS Aspro damaged TK Nisshin Maru in the Malcca Straits.

On the 14th SS Scorpion broke AKL Toshim Maru in half near Hamamatsu.

SS Hoe left AO Shinkoku Maru heavily damaged after a torpedo hit near Groot Natoena on the 15th.

Later in the day SS Hake heavily damaged AK Konzan Maru NE of Formosa.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Speedy -- 7/11/2012 11:58:24 AM >

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16th December 1943 - 7/11/2012 6:31:13 PM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Another tense day over Siberoet.

The Japanese, once more, launched several air raids and sweeps from Padang, Palembang and Singapore.

My fighter Guys are beginning to weary, many planes are damaged and in require of maintenance. On average about 40% of my Fighters are operational with another 40% needing repair and maintenance. The other 20% have been lost.

They held firm today though.

On average 110 planes were on CAP throughout the day. The Japanese launched 313 planes against my forces throughout the day but no ships were hit.

Air losses for the day:

Allied: 36 (23 x Hellcat, 10 x Wildcat)
Japanese: 101 (27 x Tojo, 18 x G4M, 14 x George, 14 x A6M)

The landing forces have done wonders though and almost all the men and equipment is ashore along with 9 x Air groups in crates. Already 114,000 tonnes of supply are ashore. Orders have been given for 1 more day's unloading then my weary pilots will be given rest as my ships withdraw back to Columbo. I can then re-stock with planes and with rested pilots I'll come back to Siberoet with even more supplies with an active airfield!

In due course I'll escort my damaged CVE's to safe harbour too.

----------------------------

Submaine Warfare:

SS Kingfish blew up AK Nisso Maru off Balikpapan with 3 torpedoes.

SS Snook, patrolling east of Singapore, located a small convoy and reported sinking AK Shiretoko Maru.

On the other side SS RO-66 escaped a vigorous ASW attack and sank the supply laden AK Samcalia off Siberoet.

ASW Assets did manage to sink SS I-160.

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17th December 1943 - 7/12/2012 11:17:23 AM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Mission accomplished!

All vital material has been unloaded at Siberoet along with 199,000 tonnes of supply. All ships will retire west and then north to Columbo.

The Japanese kept up their air presence in the area with a mass of fighter sweeps throughout the day.

Air losses were:

Allied: 34 (28 x Hellcat)
Japanese: 45 (23 x Tojo, 16 x George)

2 x Japanese subs attempted to interfere as well but were kept under by ASW vessels. SS RO-63 and SS I-9 were reportedly heavily damaged.

-------------------------

Submarine Warfare:

SS Salmon blew up E Hachijo off Wakkanai.

SS Cod obliterated AKL Turusima Maru off Balikpapan with 2 torpedoes.

SS Tullibee sank SC Ch 40 off Fukue-jima.

SS Snook sank the large AK Azuma Maru with 6 out of 10 torpedoes hitting off Groot Natoena.

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18-19th December 1943 - 7/12/2012 4:59:10 PM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Siberoet:

The 18th was a 'quiet' day as the Japanese attempted to bomb at night time. No damage was caused and 2 bombers were lost to AA.

Fighter sweeps in the day found no Allied fighters on CAP as the first runway was being finished off.

My ships had reached the safety of the open ocean and were heading towards Columbo.

--------------------

The 19th was a different matter.

The first runway was finished so 2 x Spit VIII, 1 x P51A, 2 x A36A's and 1 x P40E sqn's flew CAP.

Recon indicated the Japanese had over 100 fighters and 100 bombers at Singapore alone. Palembang had 100 planes in total with over 40 fighters at Padang.

Sweeps engaged the CAP and then came a large raid consisting of 50 x Sally/Helen bombers with over 60 escorts. My CAP did what it could but 30 bombers still got through bombing the airfield and dropping bombs on the damaged CVE's. CVE Anzio was hit twice and sank.

The Japanese lost over 100 planes in the raids to my 42 but it's clear they can get through. As such I'm trying to ready the damaged CVE's to leave in the next couple of days. Either that or they die in port.

Look forward to getting my CV's back on the scene!

---------------------------

Submarine Warfare:

SS S-47 damaged AK Manyo Maru with a torpedo south of Formosa on the 18th. SS Jack located her on the 19th and sank her NW of Luzon.

SS Blackfish sunk AK Bingo Maru off Balikpapan.

SS Cod located the same convoy and sunk AK Ayato Maru with 3 torpedoes.

SS Halibut damaged AK Kaga Maru south of Okinawa with a torpedo.

SS Hake sank AK Celebes Maru east of Formosa on the 19th.

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20th December 1943 - 7/13/2012 5:10:14 PM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Siberoet:

I was expecting another big effort by the Japanese today but only a few fighter sweeps and 1 average sized raid (in the PM) targetted the AF and port. Little damage was caused though and my fighters did well. I have to pick out my 2 x Spit VIII Sqn's. They've lost 2 planes and had 74 confirmed kills!

85 of my 93 fighters are still operational and all being well a 2nd runway will be completed tomorrow.

I've attached a screenie of the current situation. Note my transport fleets heading west and my CV/BB TF's heading north to replenish at Columbo before returning to Siberoet. I'm even thinking of landing at Padang to gain another base with AF's.....also the number of enemy planes at Singapore....

Aircraft losses today:

Allied: 20 (10 x A36A)
Japanese: 64 (20 x Sally, 17 x Helen, 17 x Tojo)

------------------------------

Submarine Warfare:

1 x dud/missed attack.

SS Sand Lance finished off the large AK Kaga Maru with 2 torpedoes SE of Formosa.

SS Skate sank the troop laden AK Hokutai Maru with 2 torpedoes NE of Formosa.

Attachment (1)

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21st December 1943 - 7/15/2012 9:41:52 AM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Siberoet:

Another 'typcial' day over Siberoet with many Japanese fighter sweeps occuring throughout the day. Overnight BB Ise and CL Nagara lobbed a few shells ineffectually ashore.

My fighter boys are still doing well with the Spit VIII's still being the most effective fighter, by far. I've been disappointed with the P51A's and very disappointed with the A36A's. When I can I'll upgrade these planes (3 Sqn's) to P47D2's and P38J's.

A 2nd runway has now been built which is good news.

My CV's are now half way back to Columbo.

I've started prepping the following forces for Padang just in case I decide to go ahead with an invasion:

81st (West) African Dvn
11th (East) African Dvn
2nd British Dvn
22nd (East) African Bde
23rd Chindit Bde
29th British Bde

Air losses for the day:

Allied: 28 (8 x A36, 6 x P51A)
Japanese: 50 (25 x Tojo, 7 x A6M5, 6 x George)

--------------------------------------

Submarine Warfare:

1 x dud/missed attack.

SS Skate scored the lone success today sinking TK Arita Maru with 3 torpedoes off Laoag.

< Message edited by Speedy -- 7/15/2012 9:43:20 AM >

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22nd December 1943 - 7/16/2012 11:38:59 AM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Siberoet:

A quiet day in the air with no daytime air or sea attacks! Respite is always welcome

23 x Helen did try to bomb the port at night but achieved little and lost 2 of their number to patrolling Beaufighter's.

CVE Suwannee left the tiny harbour and headed west trying to flee the area. That test foray didn't work at all as it's clear there's still many Japanese subs in the area. She was attacked and sunk by attacks from SS I-182 and RO-101. As such the other CVE's will remain in port and either sink due to the poor facilities, due to Japanese attack OR they'll remain afloat and await the return of my CV's.

I'm not overly happy with this as I've now lost 2 x CVE in this operation and I wouldn't want to lose 3 more.

-----------------

Submarine Warfare:

One of those rare days which I don't like. No attacks anywhere.

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23-24th December 1943 - 7/18/2012 2:00:17 PM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Firstly a question (I swear I've asked this before and forgotten):

When does Monsoon season run from in game in Burma?

------------------

Siberoet:

The 23rd was fairly quiet with an ineffectual night air attack and that was it.

The 24th was worse. BB Ise and co. returned JUST before BB POW and co. turned up to guard the base. Ise and co. devastated the place wiping out 1/3 (30) of the fighters stationed here. There were no day air attacks and only 1 at night which caused no damage and lost 2 planes to NF's.

Not good though. There's only 52 active fighters at the moment and if I was Faber tomorrow would be a maximum effort to try to sink the damaged CVE's.

My CV's have reached Columbo and are refuelling and replenishing planes and pilots. They'll be leaving on either the 25th or 26th.

I'm also routing a ton of AP's around to be in the right place to load up troops for an invasion of Padang.

A host of support forces are being sent from the US via the Panama Canal and Cape Town to assist on the ground (450 AV support, 6 x Const. Rgt's, 4 x AA Rgt's etc). I'll also be sending a further CV, 3 x CVL and BB North Carolina to the area to join the current CV forces.

----------------------

Submarine Warfare:

4 x dud/missed attacks.

SS Scorpion scored a nice kill on the 23rd capsizing the odd looking AV Kamoi with 3 torpedoes south of Kyushu.

SS Corvina sank AKL Kyuei Maru off Ominato.

SS Triton reported sinking AK Toei Maru with 2 torpedoes off Kanoya on the 23rd.

The 24th saw SS Capelin sink the tiny TK Kanze Maru with a torpedo near Cam Ranh Bay.

< Message edited by Speedy -- 7/18/2012 2:01:37 PM >

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RE: 23-24th December 1943 - 7/18/2012 5:27:16 PM

Walloc

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Speedy

Hi all,

Firstly a question (I swear I've asked this before and forgotten):

When does Monsoon season run from in game in Burma?

------------------

Hi Speedy,

Monsoon Effects (May 15 � Oct 15)

And sorry for u know what. Lets talk soon,

Rasmus

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Post #: 729

25th December 1943 - 7/19/2012 2:24:26 PM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Thanks Rasmus. I was hoping to be in the good season as I'm now ready to move forces for a Burma offensive. This makes even more sense now Faber has a much reduced airforce in the area (recon indicates he's moved many planes away. Presumably to Sumatra and Singapore). Recon shows fighters only at Rangoon and Mandalay. More on these plans in a separate post later today.

Re: other stuff. Don't worry. Chat on mail when you're ready.

-------------------

Siberoet:

Surprisingly another quiet day! I'll take it though. Only a small night air attack which caused no damage and lost 1 x Helen to NF's.

Most of the day fighters recovered a bit, repaired the planes from the previous nights shelling and engineers carried on working towards AF level 3.

My US CV's at Columbo are stocked up and ready to go! Back to Siberoet area they go......

3 x CVE still stuck at Siberoet in status quo - not taking on more water and not pumping much out!

-------------------

Submarine Warfare:

1 x dud/missed attack.

SS Skate reported the lone success of the day damaging TK Hakko Maru south of Formosa with a torpedo.

SS Rock has the distinction of being one of the rare subs to be heavily damaged by ASW vessels off Batavia. She'll head back to port for repair.

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26th December 1943 - 7/20/2012 9:33:25 PM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Siberoet:

The usual desultory night raid came to nothing.

A mass of fighter sweeps appeared throughout the day though which by mid afternoon meant no CAP were airborne. Luckily no bomber raids followed. I suspect they will tomorrow though.

Despite my boys being substantially outnumbered through the day (227 reported Japanese sorties over Siberoet) they performed admirably in the air again:

Allied losses: 16 (8 x A36A).
Japanese losses: 42 (29 x Tojo, 13 x Jack).

Probably another 4 or so days until my CV's are back on the scene.

Interestingly recon shows a TF approaching Siberoet from the SE. I wonder if this is Ise returning. If so POW is on scene to say hello.

More material is being sent from the US to the theatre as well including 1/2 million tonnes of supply and 12 x Airgroups.

-------------------------

Submarine Warfare:

1 x dud/missed attack.

SS Hoe scored the daily success sinking the odd looking AO Takasaki with 2 torpedoes north of Brunei.

On the other side ASW forces finally nailed the IJN sub loitering SW of Columbo. SS I-179 was reported sunk.

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Operation Thunderclap - 7/20/2012 10:01:31 PM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Here's an overview of Operation Thunderclap. The re-capture of Burma.

It should commence within a month.

Specfics of which units are involved in which sector will appear in due course but the attack will be 4 simultaneous prongs:

Ledo > Myitkyina
Imphal > Katha
Kalemyo > Shwebo
Akyab > Prome

Airborne drops will occur around Magwe during this operation as well.

In total 8,800 AV worth of forces will be involved in this operation supported by over 700 aircraft. Overall command will be under Southeast Asia's 14th Army comprising XXXIII Indian Corps, XV Indian Corps and 3rd (Special Force) Division.

To enable this operation to happen it will require oodles of supplies. Luckily the Allies have oodles of Freighters to lift this. Every decent sized AK in the theatre NOT invovled in the Sumatra Operations will be used for this task. Initial lifts to Calcutta and Akyab will number around 500,000 tonnes of supply.

Recon estimates of enemy forces in the region are listed below. I'm sure there's more out there as well. Only 50 or so planes detected in the region.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Speedy -- 7/20/2012 10:03:42 PM >

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December 27th 1943 - 7/21/2012 9:04:22 PM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

I hope my fellow readers are 'enjoying' this. The discussion in here is deafening

Siberoet:

A big day in the air with my vaunted heroes (primarily the 2 x Spit VIII Sqns) performing miracles against 100's of enemy sorties. Enemy bombers also made an appearance today but hit nothing The attached screenshot gives an idea of the air battles and here's a couple of CR examples:

Morning Air attack on Siberoet , at 42,85

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 14

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 23
P-40E Warhawk x 10
A-36 Mustang x 3
P-51A Mustang x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

AND:

Morning Air attack on Siberoet , at 42,85

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 94 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 27
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 15

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 17
P-40E Warhawk x 7
A-36 Mustang x 3
P-51A Mustang x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 6 destroyed, 7 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed by flak
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

AND:

Afternoon Air attack on Siberoet , at 42,85

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 115 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 3
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 18
Ki-21-IIb Sally x 13
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 39
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 19
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 29

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 1
P-51A Mustang x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 5 destroyed
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 2 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 5 damaged

No Allied losses

Port hits 3

My CV's contineu to move southwards towards the Siberoet area and are still about 3 days out.

A 3rd runway should be completed tomorrow at Siberoet.

------------------------

CBI:

Elsewhere. Burma is a hive of activity as forces move all over the place to get to their starting positions.

A small ambush by a P38H FG in China lead to the loss of 8 x Tojo/Sallies for 1 x P38H.

------------------------

Submarine Warfare:

1 x dud/missed attack.

A good day overall though with 3 enemy ships reported sunk.

SS S-35 blew up SC CHA-37 off Wakkanai, northern Japan.

SS Snook sank the small TK Nikkoku Maru with 2 torpedoes NW of Luzon.

SS Skate broke AK Sakido Maru in two with torpedoes NE of Formosa.

Attachment (1)

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RE: December 27th 1943 - 7/21/2012 9:49:43 PM

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Speedy

Hi all,

I hope my fellow readers are 'enjoying' this. The discussion in here is deafening

Yes!

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Post #: 734

28th December 1943 - 7/22/2012 10:15:49 AM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

LOL. Thanks witpqs

A pretty quiet day all round. Faber resorted to Fighter Sweeps over Siberoet today. Losses were much more even today:

Allied: 15
Japanese: 30 (20 x J2M2 Jack)

The screenie shows the Siberoet area and my approaching SC and CV TF's......

No Submarine contacts today.

Attachment (1)

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29th December 1943 - 7/23/2012 11:30:28 AM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Siberoet:

It's clear I've been overconfident in my Spit VIII's ability to deter all attackers. I paid the price of this today

The usual sweeps started off the day incurring their usual heavier losses vs the defenders then 2 raids showed up containing Kates and Betties (the first 26 x bombers and the 2nd 42 x Betties + escort). My boys did what they could but many bombers got through and attacked the POW TF.......

POW was hit by 4 torps.
CA Cornwall capsized after 2 Torps.
CLAA Heemskerck was hit by 1 torp.
CA Exeter was hit by 1 torp.

A raid in the PM by 42 x Jill/Judy planted 4 bombs on POW and another on CLAA Heemskerck.

Enemy planes losses were heavy and the AA effective:

Allied losses: 7
Japanese losses: 56 (14 x George, 9 x Tony, 9 x Betty, 9 x Judy)

But POW is doomed with the following damage:

SYS:35
FLT: 93 (63 MJR)
ENG: 35 (14 MJR)

She is docked as is CLAA Heemskerck.

The remainder of the TF head west and then north to Columbo.

No more over confidence from now on. SC TF's and Transports will not be on site unless my CV's are around. At least this is the case until the airfields are built up and I have air superiority.

My CV's are 1.5-2 days out.

-----------------------

Submarine Warfare:

1 x dud/missed attack but a good day under the sea.

SS Balao started proceedings but sinking AK Nittei Maru off Soerabaja.

SS Lapon spotted the same convoy further east and sunk AK Ryugi Maru.

SS Runner claimed AK Yamahuzi Maru sunk with a torpedo west of Peleliu.

SS Pompano sunk the troops laden AP Katori Maru south of Kyushu with 2 torpedoes.

SS Tang sunk the large AMC Nosiro Maru with 4 torpedo hits over 2 attacks.

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30th December 1943 - 7/23/2012 11:52:08 AM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Siberoet:

A quieter day overall with the usual sweeps followed by a raid containing Judy's looking to bomb the port and the ships in it. The fighter boys did well shooting down 9 of the Judy's and only 2 released their bombs ineffectually,

Air losses:

Allied: 9
Japanese: 49 (19 x Judy, 11 x Tojo).

POW is upto 97 FLT

CV's are 1-1.5 days out.

----------------------

Submarine Warfare:

2 x Dud/missed attacks.

SS Snook sank AK Tosei Maru NW of Luzon with 2 torpedoes.

SS Halibut heavily damaged AK Risshun Maru with a torpedo SE of Formosa.

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31st December 1943 - 7/24/2012 7:36:10 AM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Sibeoret:

My CV's are now on the scene. Good!

They, unfortunately, just missed another bombardment run by Ise and Nagara (which caused little damage). Unfortunately Ise & Co just ended up 1 hex outside of US CV attack range. Grrr.

I've decided to launch a little attack in the region so my CV's are heading SE tomorrow to be in range of Palembang. There's a couple of TF's that have been detected there (one apparently containing TK's).

Japanese fighters sweeps were few in the day and losses light (8 each).

Amazingly POW didn't sink. It is frustrating to me though as the 3 x CVE's also in port are slowly sinking and upto 60 FLT each. There's little I can do as they won't make any other port.

I've started loading up Padang invasion forces in Mombasa (recently arrived 28th East African Bde) and Cocos Islands (2nd British Division and 22nd East African Bde).

------------------------------

Submarine Warfare:

1 x dud/missed attack.

No successful attacks today.

On the other side SS I-41 was reported sunk by CV escorts off Siberoet.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 738

End of December 1943.............. - 7/24/2012 4:21:02 PM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Been a pretty action packed month (hence the more frequent updates). The action has almost solely been around Siberoet with the base easily being secured but has been under constant heavy Japanese air pressure since then. I need to establish air superiority locally and to have the ability to shuttle replacement planes in and out easily. The upcoming invasion of Padang will help that by giving me a level 5 AF and another place to base planes in the region.

It's been a good month for my subs as well with the best success ratio achieved to date in the war = 64.59% success attack rate success.

January 1944 will be another action packed month around Sumatra and towards the end of the month Burma should be re-invaded as well stretching the Japanese further.

In terms of reinforcements - Barracuda's and more Lib's arrive for the Brits. On the sea CV Illustrious, CVE Kitkun Bay, Fanshaw Bay, Kasaan Bay, White Plains, Tulagi, CVL Unicorn, BB Iowa, New Jersey and 4 x Subs arrive.

--------------------------------

Points:

Allies: +1570 points
Japanese: +846 points

Bases:

Allies: +1 (+40 points)
Japanese: -1 (+116 points)

Planes:

Allies: +478 lost
Japanese: +1150 lost

Troops:

Allies: +10 lost
Japanese: +30 lost

Ships:

Allies: +5 (+242 points. 2 x CVE, 1 x CA, 1 x AK and 1 x SS).
Japanese: +53 (+491 points. Mainly sub kills + 5 SS sunk off Siberoet).

-------------------------------

Sub Kills:

51 of 79 were successful = 64.56% success.

Dutch Boats:

PB - 5 (1 mine)
AK - 36 (+2)
TK - 7
CM - 3
DD - 4
TB - 1
DMS - 3
E - 1
APD - 1
ACM - 1
AP - 1
AMC - 1

= 64 ships
-------------------------------

British Boats:

DD - 1 (1 mine)
AK - 5 (1 mine)
SC - 1
PB - 1
TK - 1
AO - 1
SS - 3 (2 mine)

= 13 ships

-------------------------------

Fleet Boats:

AK - 159 (+19)
SC - 11 (+1)
AP - 7 (+1)
PB - 27
TK - 40 (+6)
AKE - 1
CM - 5
ACM - 2
E - 5 (+1)
APD - 2
DD - 2 (-1)
CL - 2 (Kashima, Oi) (-1)
AO - 5 (+2)
PC - 1
AMC - 1 (+1)
AV - 1 (+1)

= 271 ships
--------------------------------

S-Boats:

AK - 21 (+1)
AP - 2
CM - 1
PB - 5
DMS - 1
SC - 5 (+1)
TK - 2 (+1)

= 37 ships

= 385 ships = 51.96% of reported sunk ships total.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Speedy -- 7/24/2012 4:22:26 PM >

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Post #: 739

1-2nd January 1944 - 7/25/2012 4:14:10 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
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Hi all,

Siberoet area:

1st January
--------------------

The CV raid towards Palembang was successful but only in a limited way.

69 x Helldiver and 34 x TBF/TBM attacked a small convoy at Palembang. 23 x Tony were on CAP and I lost 4 escorts to 3 x Tony.

1 x TK, 1 x E and 1 x SC were confirmed sunk but 2 x TK, 1 x AO, 1 x E and 1 x DD were left heavily damaged and probably sinking. Another 2 ships were damaged as well.

2 x Jap air raids were thwarted by the CAP for heavy enemy loss.

A few enemy sweeps were present over Siberoet as well.

Air losses for the region:

Allied: 31 (14 x Hellcat, 9 x Wildcat)
Japanese: 75 (17 x George, 17 x Jill, 13 x Betty and 12 x Jack)

BB POW sank at Siberoet

2nd January
-----------------

My CV's headed back to the Siberoet area to guard a supply convoy carrying 50,000 tonnes for Siberoet.

They were in place but someone messed up and a force of 75 x Betty bombers (un-escorted!) went through un-detected on the Radar!

10 x AK and a KV wre sent to the bottom with their cago before some Hellcat's arrived on he scene to shoot down a reported 36 x Betty

No attacks took place on the CV's and the usual Fighter sweeps flew over Siberoet.

Air losses in the region for the day:

Allied: 8
Japanese: 55 (38 x Betty)

More support forces are sent to the Sumatra area such as an AKE, ARD and 100's of other support vessels, freighters, auxilliaries etc. Will take a month or so to reach there from the US

--------------------------

Submarine Warfare:

2 x Dud/missed attacks.

SS Tang sank the large AP Huzi Maru over 2 attacks south of Shikoku.

Fuel laden TK Noshiro Maru was left heavily damaged by SS Drum south of Tokyo.

SS Skate heavily damaged the troop laden AP Kowa Maru with a torpedo off Formosa.

SS Flasher blew up SC CHa-46 west of Sasebo.

On the other side SS Capelin was sunk by a lone ASW vessel (E Mikura) south of Cam Ranh Bay with the loss of all hands

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Post #: 740

RE: 1-2nd January 1944 - 7/25/2012 6:31:02 PM

crsutton

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From: Maryland
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Speedy,

Siboret is one of the key bases in the game. Hold it and Fabertong's oil supply is doomed. If he is smart, he should commit all of his resources to take it back. Good luck there.

In Burma, if your campaign does not take Rangoon before the monsoons come (May) then you will start to run out of supply. Two ways to avoid that. Make sure you take lots and lots of engineers with you. You must build up every base you capture to help pull supply. Second, make sure you build up the dot base just below Akyab and fortifiy it strongly with fighters and troops. You can deliver supply to this base and it will flow into Burma even with the monsoon in effect. This is important. If you have not done so. Make sure you move 20 to 30 LSTs to the India theater. (more is better) These come in very handy to resupply both this base and Siberoet. And if you have not done it. Move a lot of American construction units to India as well. British and Indian enginners are not very good and not near enough.

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Post #: 741

RE: 1-2nd January 1944 - 7/25/2012 6:53:16 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
Joined: 9/11/2001
From: Reading, England
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Hi crsutton.

Thanks. Good thoughts here.

I feel pretty comfortable at Siberoet. I doubt Faber would have enough of a Military Navy to be able to attempt to take it back. Intel reports the following are sunk:

CV - 11
CVL - 4
CVE - 1
BB - 6
CA - 8
CL - 6

The main threat is still the IJAF. They've many powerful bases in the region and until I have air superiority I won't feel totally safe here. This is why I'm in the process of loading up troops to take Padang. It will give me a foothold on Sumatra proper and a further level 5 AF to use.

Really good thoughts on Burma. I have made sure I've built up every base in SE India to stockpile supply there and plan to march as many Engineers as I can overland.

I haven't built up the base south of Akyab but now you mention it I will!

Thanks again.

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Post #: 742

RE: 1-2nd January 1944 - 7/26/2012 8:05:25 AM

castor troy

Posts: 14330
Joined: 8/23/2004
From: Austria
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quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

Speedy,

Siboret is one of the key bases in the game. Hold it and Fabertong's oil supply is doomed. If he is smart, he should commit all of his resources to take it back. Good luck there.

In Burma, if your campaign does not take Rangoon before the monsoons come (May) then you will start to run out of supply. Two ways to avoid that. Make sure you take lots and lots of engineers with you. You must build up every base you capture to help pull supply. Second, make sure you build up the dot base just below Akyab and fortifiy it strongly with fighters and troops. You can deliver supply to this base and it will flow into Burma even with the monsoon in effect. This is important. If you have not done so. Make sure you move 20 to 30 LSTs to the India theater. (more is better) These come in very handy to resupply both this base and Siberoet. And if you have not done it. Move a lot of American construction units to India as well. British and Indian enginners are not very good and not near enough.

isn't that dot South of Akyab an island that shouldn't even be connected to the main land?

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Post #: 743

3rd January 1944 - 7/26/2012 8:21:22 AM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
Joined: 9/11/2001
From: Reading, England
Status: offline

Hi all,

Siberoet:

Well well. A quiet day. The only attack was a small night raid where my Beau's shot down 2 x Sally.

No daytime attacks at all.

Almost up to Level 4 AF on Siberoet now.

3 x CVE's still afloat in port between 56 and 72 FLT damage!

Troops for Padang now embarked at Cocos Islands and embarking at Christmas Islands.

---------------------

CBI:

An ambush by 51st FG P38H's in China shoot down 12 x Sally for no loss.

About 1/2 of the forces for Thunderclap are in place.

As per crsutton's advice 40 x LST and a further 10 x Const. Rgt's are soon to be leaving San Fran for use in Burma.

---------------------

Submarine Warfare:

No dud/missed attacks.

SS Scorpion claimed AK Nichiran Maru heavily damaged by a torpedo south of Shikoku.

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Post #: 744

RE: 1-2nd January 1944 - 7/26/2012 5:31:21 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
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quote:

ORIGINAL: castor troy

quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

Speedy,

Siboret is one of the key bases in the game. Hold it and Fabertong's oil supply is doomed. If he is smart, he should commit all of his resources to take it back. Good luck there.

In Burma, if your campaign does not take Rangoon before the monsoons come (May) then you will start to run out of supply. Two ways to avoid that. Make sure you take lots and lots of engineers with you. You must build up every base you capture to help pull supply. Second, make sure you build up the dot base just below Akyab and fortifiy it strongly with fighters and troops. You can deliver supply to this base and it will flow into Burma even with the monsoon in effect. This is important. If you have not done so. Make sure you move 20 to 30 LSTs to the India theater. (more is better) These come in very handy to resupply both this base and Siberoet. And if you have not done it. Move a lot of American construction units to India as well. British and Indian enginners are not very good and not near enough.

isn't that dot South of Akyab an island that shouldn't even be connected to the main land?

The name is Ramree Island but it's only a river crossing.

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Post #: 745

4th January 1944 - 7/27/2012 7:43:22 AM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
Joined: 9/11/2001
From: Reading, England
Status: offline

Hi all,

Siberoet area:

Another 'quiet' day around Siberoet. No air attacks on the island.

A couple of IJN Subs tried to interfere with my CV and freighter forces in the area but were thwarted. SS I-33 reported sunk.

Up to level 4 AF at Siberoet now.

Good news that 2 of the damaged CVE's are down to 50 FLT now.

Further south, at Christmas Island, troops were finishing embraking on transports (bound for Padang) when 7 x Frances bombers tried to sneak in to attack them. Unforunately for them over 50 x P40N/P47D2 were on CAP. All 7 were shot down.

----------------------

No submarine contacts.

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Post #: 746

RE: 1-2nd January 1944 - 7/27/2012 3:21:03 PM

crsutton

Posts: 9590
Joined: 12/6/2002
From: Maryland
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quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

quote:

ORIGINAL: castor troy

quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

Speedy,

Siboret is one of the key bases in the game. Hold it and Fabertong's oil supply is doomed. If he is smart, he should commit all of his resources to take it back. Good luck there.

In Burma, if your campaign does not take Rangoon before the monsoons come (May) then you will start to run out of supply. Two ways to avoid that. Make sure you take lots and lots of engineers with you. You must build up every base you capture to help pull supply. Second, make sure you build up the dot base just below Akyab and fortifiy it strongly with fighters and troops. You can deliver supply to this base and it will flow into Burma even with the monsoon in effect. This is important. If you have not done so. Make sure you move 20 to 30 LSTs to the India theater. (more is better) These come in very handy to resupply both this base and Siberoet. And if you have not done it. Move a lot of American construction units to India as well. British and Indian enginners are not very good and not near enough.

isn't that dot South of Akyab an island that shouldn't even be connected to the main land?

The name is Ramree Island but it's only a river crossing.

Yes, if you look at it on the map it is for all purposes connected to the mainland. But very marshy. The island is famous for it large and dangerous salt water crocodile population. It is estimated that when the island was taken by the Allies in 1945 that a lot of escaping Japanese soldiers were attacked and eaten by the crocs....

"That night [of the 19 February 1945] was the most horrible that any member of the M.L. [motor launch] crews ever experienced. The scattered rifle shots in the pitch black swamp punctured by the screams of wounded men crushed in the jaws of huge reptiles, and the blurred worrying sound of spinning crocodiles made a cacophony of hell that has rarely been duplicated on earth. At dawn the vultures arrived to clean up what the crocodiles had left. . . . Of about one thousand Japanese soldiers that entered the swamps of Ramree, only about twenty were found alive."

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Post #: 747

RE: 1-2nd January 1944 - 7/27/2012 3:42:27 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
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From: Reading, England
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Sheesh....sounds like a horror movie!

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Post #: 748

5th January 1944 - 7/29/2012 8:47:17 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

A farily quiet day overall.

Siberoet area:

1 small Betty raid tried to attack freighters off Siberoet but didn't succeed and lost 11 of their number vs 2 CAP.

SS RO-102 was detected by CV escorts and reported sunk with all hands.

Other than that a regular day with 100's of ships either loading men, supplies fuel or transporting them across the oceans to get to the theatre.

------------------------

Submarine Warfare:

A good day with no fewer than 4 ships reported sunk.

SS Silversides blew up E W-23 off Toyohara.

SS Scorpion sank AK Ceylon Maru with 2 torpedoes off Hamamatsu.

Later in the morning SS Pompano reported heavily damaging AK Bengal Maru with a torpedo.

SS Jack broke AK Urato Maru in 2 off Groot Natoena.

SS tarpon tagged the same convoy sinking AK Hoshin Maru with 2 torpedoes.

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Post #: 749

6th January 1944 - 7/30/2012 7:00:38 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

A quiet day indeed!

The usual small Fighter Sweeps returned over Siberoet with heavier loss to the Japanese.

Allied losses: 8
Japanese losses: 22 (19 x George)

Other than that all quiet with troops and ships moving to where they need to be.

No Submarine contacts.

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Post #: 750