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RE: 20-21 May 44 - 7/9/2019 4:14:42 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: jwolf


What's left that the Japanese can still use?



From the DEI gains? Not much......

Tarakan and Miri are both still in IJA hands, but are well bombed out and tanker runs pretty much ceased in late April - much to dangerous to the tankers.

So, Japanese oil production is left to what was there on 7 Dec 41.

L_S_T has already commented on a dire supply/fuel situation, and its only going to get worse.



(in reply to jwolf)
Post #: 1261
22-23 May 44 - 7/9/2019 4:38:08 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		22-23 May 44

Highlights – Fighting ends on Yap; Kamikaze strikes out of the Marianas are thwarted.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1 (RO-37)
SC: 1
AK: 1
xAKL:

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 72
Allied: 28

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Groote Natoena (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Serasan (SWPAC - flipped)
Rambutyo (SOPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: IJA medium bomber “Peggy” encountered for the first time - as a Kamikaze flying out of Marianas bases. So perhaps the upcoming Rota landings will be more contested than anticipated.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, fighting ends on Yap, one attack eliminating the last 1100 defenders. As transports begin pulling out assault troops from both Yap and Ulithi, Kamikaze strikes come in from the Marianas, focusing on the Transport TF off Ulithi, and somewhat successfully avoiding most of the CAP in the area. While CAP manages to shoot down 8 Bettys and 14 Peggys, 14 Bettys and 5 Frances managed to attempt Kamikaze strikes, all missing intended targets. The most likely reason the CAP was a bit ineffective was the weather which looked to have prevented much of the CV TF based (as opposed to CVE based) CAP from flying. Still…lucky. Will focus the CVE TF CAP more over Ulithi next turn, relying on LBA CAP at Yap to cover the transports there. CV TFs have all completed fueling and will finalize the TF compositions next turn as well, which will include sending two Essex CVs to Manus for the Jun refit. Meanwhile the Rota Amphib TFs will depart SOPAC waters and head to Woleai as the initial staging point.

In SOPAC, the Rota Amphib TFs will depart Kavieng, Mussau, and New Hannover next turn, all heading for Woleai initially. BB TF (4BB, DDs) will depart Hollandia to rendezvous with the Amphibs as well. This will leave SOPAC to focus on Mindanao - which will need some more emphasis as a robust CAP of Georges met strikes and sweeps targeting Cagayan. Was surprised to see the Georges, but even so, Allied fighters didn’t do too badly - 14 Georges lost for 6 P-38s and 4 Corsairs with a B-25 also lost to the CAP. Will focus some additional fighters in the forthcoming sweeps.

In SWPAC, troops are put ashore on the undefended Groote Natoena which will be developed into an airbase capable of ranging Indochina and protecting the shipping along the Borneo coast. Focus remains Borneo, with troops landing at undefended Kuching next turn. The challenge now will be to seize NE Borneo which, although reportedly undefended, is still a bit away from LBA support.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, with Java fully secured, all assets can focus on the developing campaign in Thailand. Another Indian Bde is brought ashore at Tavoy, and is heading south to seize Mergui, while the main campaign focuses on eliminating the primary IJA defenders before they can fall back to, or behind, Bangkok - which is resulting in overextending the ground forces somewhat. Still, will continue to press the attack as I’m not exactly sure there is a significant defense at the moment. Heavies will split duties between supporting the ground attack and reducing Bangkok’s industry - primarily its ability to produce supply.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1262
24-25 May 44 - 7/9/2019 9:51:16 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		24-25 May 44

Highlights – Borneo Blitz continues, Kuching taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 22
Allied: 20

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Pagai-eilanden (SE Asia)
Kuching (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Kuching (SWPAC)
Groot Natoena (SWPAC)
Sambas (SWPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: SS Perch II torpedoes a troop carrying xAK north of the Bonins - I figure its part of a convoy brining reinforcements south, so the CVs will head north to try an intercept.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, troops begin to come off Ulithi and Yap as the Rota Amph closes in on Woleai. CVE and CA TFs will rendezvous with the Amphib and BB TFs at Woleai before all head toward target. With little need to cover shipping at Yap/Ulithi, the CV TFs are free to sortie north towards the Bonins to attempt to engage that reported troop convoy. Two Essex class CVs (Essex, Long Island II) are cut loose to head to Manus and join CV Franklin for refit - Long Island II will also replace it’s SBDs with Helldivers during the 14 day refit, beginning 1 Jun. Even without the two Essex Class CVs, and the already detached CVLs, the three CV TFs can still muster almost 1200 carrier a/c, which should be more than enough to deal with any threat or targets of opportunity.

In SOPAC, its fairly quiet. With the Rota Amphib TFs on their way, SOPAC has limited offensive requirements and capabilities at the moment. Focus is interdicting any shipping in and around Mindanao, as well as improving current bases in Theater.

In SWPAC, troops come ashore at Kuching and seize the undefended base while troops also seize the undefended Groote Natoena. The Indian Lushai Para Bde begins being airlifted into Brunei and once that airlift is completed, will march to seize Miri. The challenge will be keeping troops in Brunei in supply as that is well within Jpn airstrike capability - and with Kuching now secured, the two CVE TFs will begin moving back towards the Makassar Strait and then supporting upcoming landings at Jolo and Tawi-Tawi. The holdup here is troop preparation, not defenses. Airfields and ports also need more expansion to support upcoming moves.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, Allied troops advancing from Tavoy reach the outskirts of Mergui and will attack next turn - defenses look to be a rear-guard shipping company. Goal remains cutting off the Malay Peninsula from the main defensive line around Bangkok. Will look to push a Corps size element south into the Malay Peninsula, while the majority of the troops continue to push into Thailand. Airpower focus remains somewhat split between reducing Bangkok’s supply output and supporting advancing troops.


(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1263
26-27 May 44 - 7/10/2019 2:44:19 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		26-27 May 44

Highlights – Rota Amphib TFs and support to depart Woleai for target; Heavy CAP over Cagayan

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Yamakaze)
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1

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

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 36
Allied: 59

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Namlea (SWPAC)
Pagai-eilanden (SE Asia)
Billiton (SWPAC)
Mergui (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Rota Amph TFs and supporting TFs depart Woleai. US CV TFs come up empty so far in the sortie toward the Bonins - will head a bit further northwest of Iwo before turning back to support the Rota Amphib.

In SOPAC, another tough day over Cagayan as CAP arrives mostly after the B-25s - the B-25s and Corsairs didn’t fair well against the Georges, but the P-38s did well. Tally after two days are 28 Georges against 19 Corsairs and 25 (yes 25!!) B-25s. Not a good two days. Morotai AF reaches Level 4, which brings in a B-24 Group which will now lead the attempt to neutralize Cagayan - supported by additional sweeps out of Talaud.

In SWPAC, focus now becomes consolidating current gains for a bit. Will look to build up Singkawang, Kuching and even Brunei bases as well as landings on undefended bases in northern Celebes to threaten Manado directly.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, Mergui falls easily and troops there will now focus on cutting the Malay peninsula. In Thailand, the “holding attack” offensive gains steam toward Rahaeng in the north as well as toward Bangkok. Will continue to be a slow grind, and I don’t look forward to the upcoming potential fight for Bangkok itself.


(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1264
28-29 May 44 - 7/14/2019 10:46:20 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		28-29 May 44

Highlights – Rota Amphib arrives at target; Cagayan CAP once again proves deadly.

Jpn ships sunk:
AV: 1
TK: 1
AMc: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 68
Allied: 79

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Linnga (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: IJN convoy escorted by CVEs and CAs arrives at Cagayan with additional LBA fighters as CAP - the question is, troops coming in or pulling out?

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Rota Amph TFs and supporting TFs arrive at target without issues. US CV TFs still moving into position to provide cover, but I don’t expect any major surprises. Troops will land next turn, and one of the two Div sized Amph TFs will be cut loose to Kusaie to begin loading for Pagan as soon as practical. LBA Heavies out of Ponape and Kavieng will shift to hitting troops on Rota next turn as well.

In SOPAC, yet ANOTHER tough day over Cagayan! I’m caught flat footed when I realize the reason for the heavy CAP - a major convoy docks to either offload (most likely) or pull out troops. CVEs and CAs are present, and covered by a VERY robust CAP of 87 Franks and 43 Zeros. The P-38 sweeps and Hellcats on LRCAP over the target aren’t enough to protect the B-24s slated to hit the AF. After two days of heavy air activity, 33 P-38s, 11 Hellcats and 16 B-24s fail to return in exchange for 31 Franks and 17 Zeros. NOT a good two days in the air over Cagayan. Worse, the ships are untouched. Will look to use the B-24s to mine waters next turn, not just Cagayan, but surrounding ports as well. Fighters will again sweep, augmented by three P-47D25 squadrons. SBDs will be on hand to hopefully be able to make a strike.

In SWPAC, NSTR.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, troops continue to press toward Bangkok, as well as trying to get behind Bangkok. Getting a bit stretched here, but the main body should be able to push on through towards the outskirts of Bangkok in a few days. Troops at Mergui begin advancing inland to cut the Maylay peninsula.


(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1265
30-31 May 44 - 7/14/2019 11:00:30 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		30-31 May 44

Highlights – Troops ashore at Rota; another furball over Cagayan.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 70
Allied: 47

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Rota (CENPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel:IJN convoy at Cagayan disappears before any strikes come in. No indication that IJN will sortie against Rota landings.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Rota Amph TFs offload a Marine and Army division plus support with no surprises. BB TF (4BB, DDs) and air bombardments achieve little - less than 100 casualties inflicted - so I figure the two Bde size elements defending (Mixed Bde and Expeditionary Force) are well dug in. Will continue with bombardments, CA TF (4CA, DD) and LBA. LBA will include a B-24 Group freshly flown into Yap. Troops ashore will need a turn or two to recover fatigue and disruption. Transports will largely depart next turn, support troop laden APAs will remain loaded offshore along with the usual CVEs and additional CA TFs to provide cover. Will attempt to shuttle the CA TFs after bombardment runs back to Woleai to rearm - would like to do that with the BBs as well, but not sure if the three AKEs I have there will support. Probably not, so more AE/AKEs are enroute. I figure the CV TFs will be needed to provide support for another two weeks (including Pagan landings) before being released to SOPAC for support in the PI.

In SOPAC, a better day over Cagayan, although the convoy departed. The P-47D25s make a difference against the Georges and Franks, but losses are still on the heavy side. After two days, 41 Georges and 19 Franks are destroyed in exchange for 15 P-47s, 14 Hellcats and 4 P-38s. The Georges and Franks remain a tough opponent, likely manned by the best pilots available. Will continue fighter sweeps from Taluad as troops are shipped into position in New Guinea bases for upcoming landings in Mindanao. Until the CV TFs are cut loose from CENPAC, I’m hesitant to land in the PI as I really think that will trigger a response. Lastly, no clue what that heavily protected IJN convoy was doing at Cagayan which is concerning.

In SWPAC, while I’m still focused on bringing up supporting elements and “consolidating” gains, I’m still looking to press the advance in Borneo. A few small convoys will shuttle in engineers to Brunei and see what reaction that sparks. So far, no interdiction of the LST (as in ships, not opponent) supply convoys which is good news! The famed Aussie 2/9 CDO Bn will make yet another jump, this time into Jesselton, also reportedly undefended, to secure the NE tip of Borneo next turn. Fleet assets, including CVE and CA TFs, are gathering at Balikpapan to support the upcoming landings at Jolo and Tawi-Tawi. Although lightly defended, they ARE defended, so Aus IN Bdes will be committed - which will require a fairly extensive Amphibious and supporting operation - a bit of risk here with only CVE TFs and not CVs. Still, the two CVE TFs can muster over 400 fighters….which should be enough unless the KB decides to venture into the mix. Lastly, the US 40th ID and supporting elements will begin landings in SWPAC rear areas to secure bypassed bases, including ultimately laying siege to Manado.

In China, seeing an increase in enemy fighter sweeps against Kweilin. Not sure what these are supposed to do, I’m not opposing them and no bombers so far. Perhaps another ground push in the making coming up from the SE?

In SE Asia, the “holding attacks” are a complete failure as it certainly appears that the IJA is in full retreat across the front. Looks like a new line is being established east of the river line along the jungle terrain, and it will be a few turns before enough Allied troops can be brought up to contest that line and threaten Bangkok. I don’t think we’ll be strong enough to isolate Bangkok or cut off the still sizeable amount of troops in the NE around Rahaeng. The two US IDs, the 43rd and 27th, are being pulled out and will head toward Rangoon for transit to Batavia for future operations. They are somewhat replaced by fresh Chinese troops as well as two Southwest African divisions. Still plenty of ground combat power to press the next line of IJA defenses!


(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1266
RE: 30-31 May 44 - 7/15/2019 6:34:28 AM   
CaptBeefheart


Posts: 2301
Joined: 7/4/2003
From: Seoul, Korea
Status: offline 		Excellent progress.

You probably have something else figured out for them by now, but could the surplus Aussies be usefully employed by landing near Saigon and sweeping up the coast?

Cheers,
CB

_____________________________

Beer, because barley makes lousy bread.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1267
RE: 30-31 May 44 - 7/17/2019 11:41:26 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: CaptBeefheart

Excellent progress.

You probably have something else figured out for them by now, but could the surplus Aussies be usefully employed by landing near Saigon and sweeping up the coast?

Cheers,
CB



Still trying to decide what to do with the Aussies....but I already have all the troops in Sumatra and Java earmarked for Indochina. Some Aussie troops will support operations in the PI, but not all.

So for now...the Australians are a big "reserve"...probably overkill, but until I get a better read on what exactly is defending the PI, having some uncommitted troops isn't a bad thing at all.

(in reply to CaptBeefheart)
Post #: 1268
May 44 Summary - 7/17/2019 11:50:22 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		May 44 Summary

An outstandingly successful month in territorial gains as L_S_T contracts his defensive perimeter, but no opportunities to bring the IJN into battle. Java, most of Borneo as well as Yap and Ulithi were taken and secured with minimal costs. The “holding attack” in Burma/Thailand was a major flop - the IJA are in full retreat! China has been fairly stable. Little IJN activity - Naval losses for the month were extremely minimal to both sides; the IJN reportedly lost 5E, and 2SSX compared to the Allies losing 1SS and 2 PT/MTBs. In the air, 603 a/c for Jpn to 504 Allied a/c.

INTEL: L_S_T has collapsed his defensive line considerably, totally abandoning the DEI. I expect the Philippines will be a tough fight, and could trigger an IJN response. I’m a bit surprised by his pullback in Thailand, although I figure Bangkok will be a tough nut to crack, similar to Palembang. He’s still has a large force in SE China that looks poised for further offensive action, but to what end?

SUBWAR: Minimal targets are now the issue - a few xAKs shuttling troops and supplies in the PI island chain are the primary targets available, and they are usually well protected with heavy airborne ASW. Little else seems to be tansiting the seas for the Allied subs to prey upon. Still, need to keep the subs on station should the IJN venture forth. In the meantime, Allied subs are more the prey than hunter.

West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Fighter production increases slightly to 927 in June with the P-38L model coming on line. Will maintain the P-38J in production though and keep the P-38L limited to 30 a month. Best increase in Jun is the F-5E recon version comes avail with 20 a month - finally get some reasonable recon plane quantities perhaps. Pilot pools remain fair to good across the board. Will also continue the gradual replacing of SBDs with Helldivers on most CVs - slow process as the Repl CVEs’ groups will also need to be swapped out. June begins Essex CV and CVL upgrades as well as Gato subs - will stagger 3xCV and 3xCVL until completed - the CVLs making use of Soerabaja’s shipyard, the CVs in Manus. Still need to finish out the APA upgrades; balancing standing down ships against requirements has been challenging.

NOPAC. Staying quiet here in NOPAC. Have earmarked 2+ Army divisions and the 6th Mar Div for NOPAC, but not sure when I want to divert the CVs or assault shipping to begin a campaign in the Kuriles. Have a few months yet weather wise, perhaps after a solid foothold is achieved in the PI and SE Asia.

CENPAC. Yap and Ulithi were taken as planned with no major problems - Yap was tough as expected, Ulithi less so. Troops get ashore at Rota at month’s end, and Pagan is about a week away. Initial estimates on Rota’s defenses are that they are well dug in, and it will be a tough fight. Key for the Allies is not to take too much time in establishing a foothold here in the Marianas - the CVs are needed for the PI, and later SE Asia.

SOPAC. Reaching out with LBA from Talaud-eilanden to gain air superiority over Mindanao has proved to be challenging - especially over Cagayan. Still, until CVs and assault shipping return to Theater, not much more can be done. Allied Main Effort will return to SOPAC for the PI in a few weeks.

SWPAC. Did not expect such a rapid continued advance in SWPAC - but if the Borneo bases are left undefended, will continue to advance. Grabbing Kuching and looking to grab Jesselton without a major operation is a windfall. Greatest challenge in SWPAC now is what to do with the Aussie Army - which was and is prepping to be fighting hard for bases in Borneo, most of which were undefended and are now under Allied control. Still haven’t figured that one out yet.

China. Continued quiet, except for some fighter sweeps and the occasional bombing mission which have been unopposed by Allied fighters. Looks like L_S_T is still massing troops in the SE, but to what extent is unknown. Supply situation is fairly good and the Chinese troops with some Allied augmentation, especially in AT systems, should be able to fend off anything but a very major offensive.

SE Asia. Well…that “holding action” in Thailand became a general offensive, threatening Bangkok directly and splitting the IJA forces into three parts - defending Bangkok, defending northern Thailand around Rahaeng, and attempting to hold a line between the two. Doesn’t look like much in the way of defenses are established in the northern Malaya peninsula. Will continue to pressure the defenses, cutting off Malaya, isolating Bangkok, and eliminating the troops around Rahaeng being the goals for June. Not looking to advance east much further though. Still looking for an “end around” landing in SE Asia in July or so. Java was secured much more easily and rapidly than expected - minimal defenses encountered. These troops will provide the majority of forces to be used in SE Asia - they still need some time to prep, and assault shipping needs to be allocated as well.




Attachment (1)

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1269
RE: May 44 Summary - 7/18/2019 3:48:18 AM   
CaptBeefheart


Posts: 2301
Joined: 7/4/2003
From: Seoul, Korea
Status: offline 		Do you have any prep for Hainan Island or the mainland base nearby (Pakhoi?)? That would cut off his Indochinese-Thai-Malaya forces in one fell swoop.

Cheers,
CB

_____________________________

Beer, because barley makes lousy bread.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1270
RE: May 44 Summary - 7/19/2019 11:12:26 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: CaptBeefheart

Do you have any prep for Hainan Island or the mainland base nearby (Pakhoi?)? That would cut off his Indochinese-Thai-Malaya forces in one fell swoop.

Cheers,
CB



Both "under consideration"! But until I getta feel for how well defended the PI is, I'm hesitant to commit planning here. That will cost me a few weeks, but I'm OK with that right now.

Figure I'll make the decision before the end of June. The bigger decision right now is whether to, or when, to begin operations in the Kuriles. I have troops planning for them, but not sure if they are sufficient, and I haven't figured out when I can cut the fleet loose to support operations there.

My original plan was to defeat the KB before heading to support operations in the Kuriles, but as long as the KB stays as a "Fleet in Being", I'm hesitant to commit the US CVs way up north where they're a bit isolated from other Theaters.

(in reply to CaptBeefheart)
Post #: 1271
1-2 Jun 44 - 7/19/2019 11:19:05 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		1-2 Jun 44

Highlights – Jesselton taken via airborne attack.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: (I-21)
SC: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Pipefish)

Air loss:
Jpn: 10
Allied: 13

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph/Airborne Inv:
Gorontalo (SWPAC)
Jesselton (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Jesselton (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Cagayan sweeps don’t draw CAP.

West Coast/Admin: Jun brings a surge in refit/upgrades to the CVLs, Essex CVs and Gato class subs. 3 ea CVs and CVLs begin upgrades while about 75% of subs in port also begin upgrades.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, the ground attack on Rota will begin this coming turn as the transports head back to Kavieng and Kusaie. Ground and air bombardments continue to achieve little - but the BBs can re-arm at Woleai and will begin to head back to Rota for another bombardment run. Still no indication that this foray into the Marianas will provoke a major response.

In SOPAC, Cagayan sweeps find no opponents for a change. Will rest the fighters a bit before resuming sweeps and perhaps bring bombers back into the fray to neutralize the AF. Focus remains organizing the upcoming Mindanao landings - still need to shuttle support troops to the embarkation sites at Hansa Bay and Lae. Goal is to start loading for Mindanao in about 2wks, but that depends on Rota cooperating. Landing at Gorontalo on the northern arm of Celebes was supposed to occupy an empty base - but apparently some IJA troops were there…so the small engineer unit landed my have some difficulties.

In SWPAC, Aussie Paras secure undefended Jesselton which now triggers another requirement to push engineers forward - added to the list of Kuching and Brunei. Jolo and Tawi-Tawi Amphibs are the next major moves, and transports are heading to embarkation sites - should be able to begin loading in a turn or two.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, continued pressure towards Bangkok, as well as looking to encircling the concentration of troops in Rahaeng area in northern Thailand. One Bde of the IJA’s 30th ID has been isolated north of Tavoy, but the majority of the IJA forces west of Bangkok look to be pulling back into the city - the Allied main body will engage these troops next turn if they remain in the hex NW of the city.


(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1272
3-4 Jun 44 - 7/28/2019 2:30:17 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		3-4 Jun 44

Highlights – Attack begins on Rota; ground offensive makes solid gains in Thailand.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Hatsushima)
xAKL: 1

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

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 28
Allied: 16

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Tandjoengpinang (SE Asia - flipped)
Beaufort (SWPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: The only active IJN activity seems to be a robust ASW TF effort around Philippine waters.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, the initial ground attacks on Rota do well! In two attacks, forts are reduced from level 5 to level 3, and casualties were in acceptable levels: 3700 IJA troops lost to about 800 US. US troops remain in good shape and will continue the assault next turn - the only hiccup was no naval bombardment this turn. The CA TF I had slated I sent to Woleai….will make up for it this next turn with both BB and CA TFs bombarding. The Pagan Amphib TF begins loading the 5th Marine Div and supporting troops at Kusaie, so with some luck ground operations will conclude on Rota shortly and focus can shift cleanly to Pagan. Still a bit concerned that AFs on Saipan, Tinian and Guam can still be used by Kamikazes, but really can’t do much about that until AFs can be expanded on Rota and Pagan - then Allied bombers can focus on keeping the Jpn bases suppressed.

In SOPAC, NSTR.

In SWPAC, troops begin loading for Jolo at Samarinda and Tawi-Tawi at Salajar. An Aussie Bde for each target, plus associated engineers in support. Will look to consolidate both Amph TFs and move jointly towards the initial target of Jolo, then land at Tawi - similar to the Yap - Ulithi landings last month in CENPAC. The difference of course being no CV TFs in support, just CVEs. Engineers are starting to trek toward Brunei and Jesselton, and so far, although they are pretty exposed off the north Borneo, they haven’t been engaged. Jesselton AF is already operational, with PBYs and a squadron of Corsairs flown in. Although Jesselton’s level 1 AF won’t be expanded in time to support landings at Jolo and Tawi-Tawi (original plan was securing the AFs on those two islands to set conditions for landings at Jesselton!), Jesselton’s AF will be a major base in a few weeks to start ranging aircraft well into the Sulu Sea and Palawan.

In China, with continued unopposed IJA sweeps over Kweilin, I’ve moved two US fighter squadrons in to see if we can catch the next sweeps.

In SE Asia, a very good day in Thailand! First, the ground attack just west of Bangkok catches the tail end of the 15th Army pulling east - elements of 4 divisions totaling over 17k troops in the open and inflicts over 7000 casualties at a cost of 500 troops. IJA troops withdraw into Bangkok itself, so the Malay Peninsula is cut. Second, the isolated troops east of Tavoy were eliminated, a Bde sized force of 4700 men wiped out. This will allow the XV Indian Corps to start slowly heading south to clear the Malay Peninsula. Third, a pocket was established in northern Thailand centered around the Rahaeng area. Not really sure yet what exactly has been encircled…recon counts 11 units, but no idea yet how many or what kind of troops. Will take a while to eliminate these units of course, as well as take time to consolidate gains and work to seize Bangkok - unless of course L_S_T decides to abandon the city as he did Rangoon.




Attachment (1)

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1273
5-6 Jun 44 - 7/28/2019 2:50:39 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		5-6 Jun 44

Highlights – While Allied troops storm the beaches of Normandy, Rota is secured and IJN MTBs come out in surge attack against US CV TFs off the Marianas.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Hamanami)
PB: 1
SC: 1
MTB: 18
SSX1
xAKL: 2

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 55
Allied: 20

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Sidate (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Rota (CENPAC)
Gorontalo (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Was very surprised by the massed MTB attacks on the CV TFs! I figure it will be a while before L_S_T tries that again.

West Coast/Admin: Another CVE TF (Taffy) is formed in Portland with 5CVEs and assorted DDs and DEs as escort. They link up with BB California, freshly repaired from her Pearl Harbor damage, and will sail next turn to PH and link up with the fleet. This gives me four CVE TFs, although will need to rebalance their composition to distribute Hellcats across all of them. A fifth will be available in another month or so, but it may be broken down to reinforce the existing four.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, the Rota battle culminates with massed MTB attacks on the US CV TFs off. Over the two days, a total of 23 separate MTB TFs engage the US forces each with 3-6 MTBs. The escorting BB TF (BB, 4DD) and ASW TF (3DD) intercept most, but five MTB TFs manage to find and attack the CV TFs! Talk about a nail-biting replay!!! Fortunately, the moonlight was 100% which I think helped, and no MTB torpedoes found their mark on a target, and only one collision happened with the CA Northampton collided with a DD. US surface gunnery across all TFs was still terrible, but did manage to sink about 12 attacking MTBs. Once daylight broke, patrolling SBDs and TBFs claimed well over 2 dozen “hits” on surviving MTBs, which were headed back to Saipan. Off Rota itself, the BB TF and CA TF did a bit better bombarding with forts reduced to 3 - inflicting about 500 casualties. On the ground, only one attack was needed to secure the base and eliminate resistance, with over 1900 IJA troops taken out at a cost of 75 US. PBYs are immediately brought in, and engineers will focus on getting the AF built as quickly as possible - supporting troops waiting offshore being brought in next turn. Once their transports offload, the combat troops will start coming off. One CV TF will detach to refuel and cover the approaching Pagan Amphib TF departing Kusaie, the other two CV TFs will move west a bit, just in case another MTB attack comes in. Will try and wrap up CV TF involvement in the Marianas immediately after the Pagan landings, turning over naval cover to the CVE TF.

In SOPAC, Talaud based LBA continue to sweep Cagayan and find no CAP, but SBDs find shipping - sinking an SC and a pair of xAKLs. With no CAP, Heavies will again try and hit Cagayan AF next turn.

In SWPAC, Jolo Amphib TF should depart Samarinda next turn, headed to target. Supporting CA and CVE TFs will depart Balikpapan. Will take two days plus to reach target. Tawi Amphib continues to load at Salajar, and will head to Balikpapan to initially stage. Although I don’t expect a major response here, Jolo is at the limit of LBA support, so it will be up to the CVEs to provide the fighter cover. Convoys continue to run troops and supplies into Kuching, Brunei and now Jesselton without any interference - which kinda surprises me as these runs are exposed until AFs can be further developed. In the rear area, an AmphTrac Eng Bn manages to secure Gorontalo against what’s left of a JNAF fragment. Some additional IJA forces are marching toward the base, so elements of 40th ID will land to secure the newly captured base. Adjacent to Manado, parts of 40th ID land at Sidate, expected to find it undefended, but instead find a battalion sized force in place - they will attack to take it before IJA reinforcements can arrive from Manado. So, 40th ID’s “mop up” in the rear areas mission has started off fairly poorly - recon has been faulty, and it will likely take longer than expected to secure these bases.

In China, the US fighters moved to Kweilen do well against the continued sweeps - after two days, 26 Oscar IVs, and 13 Tojos downed for 4 P-47D25s and 6 P-51Bs. The fighter squadrons will remain and continue to provide CAP, although I don’t expect continued sweeps. I’ve also flown a couple more squadrons into nearby bases to sweep and provide LRCAP to support a B-29 strike on a reported IJA concentration of troops in the open near Wuchow. For now, with no major Japanese air over Thailand, I can afford to divert some to support the Chinese efforts. For a limited time however.

In SE Asia, troops continue to tighten the noose around the IJA concentration in and around Rahaeng, and the first Allied attack will try to take the base next turn. Recon has reported over 40k troops in Bangkok, and I’m toying with the idea of providing an opening to the SE to allow some of these troops to pull out - not than I can close off Bangkok just yet anyway, but…..



Attachment (1)

< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 7/28/2019 2:53:04 AM >

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1274
7-8 Jun 44 - 7/29/2019 3:38:47 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		7-8 Jun 44

Highlights – Rahaeng and Sidate secured.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2
SC: 1
MTB: 7
TK: 1
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 52
Allied: 34

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (PB sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Rahaeng (SE Asia)
Sidate (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Kweilin AF attacked by Sonias at night - is this the prelude to a ground push here?

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, 1/3 of the CV TFs refuels south of the Marianas, and will head to link up the Pagan Amphib TF and their support, heading toward target from Kusaie. The other two CV TFs will head to refuel this next turn as engineers have already expanded Rota AF to level 1, and should be level 2 next turn - so fighters are flown in to augment the CVEs providing cover for the transports. The transports have completed the offload of most of the support troops and have started loading up the combat troops - which will sail for Ponape and Kusaie where the troops can continue preparations for Guam. The CVEs will remain for another turn or two, then move to support Pagan. Heavies out of Yap hit Saipan port, catching a dozen or so MTBs there. Bombers will rest a bit before switching to prepping Pagan. Goal right now is to detach the CV TFs along with as many assault transports as quickly as possible to SOPAC for the Mindanao landings.

In SOPAC, Talaud based LBA continues support over Cagayan; sinking an SC and damaging four xAKLs. Still no CAP, and Heavies work over the Cagayan AF with good effect, reportedly shutting it down and destroying an estimated 17 Tabby and 12 Helen transports. SOPAC LBA will continue to sortie over Mindanao over the coming days in preparation for upcoming landings. As assault transports become available, may look to launch some rear-area landings as units’ prep time is reaching acceptable levels, and once the Mindanao landings take place, all APAs and AKAs will be heavily tasked.

In SWPAC, Jolo Amphib TF didn’t depart Samarinda as expected as it was still loading supplies. So, instead, the combined Jolo and Tawi Amphib TFs will depart next turn with all associated support. Still don’t expect any major problems here. At Jesselton, mines appeared - likely from a sub is the best guess. Fortunately they were discovered by a YMS escorting some LSTs, and no damage inflicted. Additional AMs will head in to sweep the mines before a series of convoys arrive with engineers and supplies. Lastly in SWPAC, the rear area landings at Sidate turned positive with the Bde sized 40th ID element taking the port in the second attack. Additional 40th ID troops will be brought in, ultimately laying siege to Manado.

In China, I’m surprised by continued air attention against Kweilin - starting with Sonias (haven’t seen them for a while!) hitting the AF at night and do rather well - 3 P-47s and a P-51B destroyed on the ground at no cost - despite having an Indian AA unit there. So, the two US fighter squadrons will move a few miles west to Liuchow which is better protected by a US AA unit. Spits are flown into Kweilin for CAP there, and two US squadrons out of Kweiyang will fly LRCAP over Kweilin should the daylight sweeps continue. Of course, still vulnerable there to night raiders.

In SE Asia, efforts to reduce the Rahaeng Pocket start well with Rahaeng being taken in the first assault, with 3000 RTA troops lost to 500 Allied. Will continue the pressure to reduce this pocket over the coming turns, as long as supplies permit. Still not sure what or how many troops are exactly is in this pocket! Elsewhere in Thailand, troops continue to maneuver around Bangkok, but not enough strength yet to try and cut it off. While keeping the pressure on Bangkok will continue, the emphasis will slowly start to shift toward the upcoming landings in Indochina - redeploying the two US IN Divs to the DEI, air forces prepping targets, and ensuring all assets are in place at points of embarkation when assault transports and of course the CV TFs are released from landings in the PI.


(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1275
RE: 7-8 Jun 44 - 7/29/2019 2:14:09 PM   
jwolf

 

Posts: 2493
Joined: 12/3/2013
Status: offline
quote:

BB California, freshly repaired from her Pearl Harbor damage


It took 2 1/2 years?!

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1276
RE: 7-8 Jun 44 - 7/29/2019 2:52:54 PM   
RangerJoe


Posts: 13450
Joined: 11/16/2015
From: My Mother, although my Father had some small part.
Status: offline 		Probably refits as well. But for that length of time, a new BB could have been built.

_____________________________

Seek peace but keep your gun handy.

I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!

“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
― Julia Child


(in reply to jwolf)
Post #: 1277
RE: 7-8 Jun 44 - 7/30/2019 2:59:28 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		RangerJoe nailed it - California also completed her 270 day refit/upgrade mounting the 5"/38s while she was repairing Pearl Harbor damage in San Francisco.

West Virginia's now in Bremerton and will still be repairing for a few months!

(in reply to RangerJoe)
Post #: 1278
RE: 7-8 Jun 44 - 7/30/2019 3:23:52 PM   
ushakov

 

Posts: 46
Joined: 4/3/2017
Status: offline 		In the real world, California and West Virginia didn’t return to service until 1944 either, maybe you should get some bonus points for historical accuracy?

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1279
RE: 7-8 Jun 44 - 7/31/2019 2:35:05 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: ushakov

In the real world, California and West Virginia didn’t return to service until 1944 either, maybe you should get some bonus points for historical accuracy?



Somehow ushakov.....I don't think L_S_T would buy into that bonus point thing....but I'm all in!

(in reply to ushakov)
Post #: 1280
9-10 Jun 44 - 7/31/2019 2:45:11 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		9-10 Jun 44

Highlights – Jolo landings go in; IJN subs come out to hunt off the Marianas.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Kiyoshimo)
SS: 1 (RO-46)
MTB: 1
AK: 2
xAK 2

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 15
Allied: 22

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Jolo (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Kudat (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Many IJN subs come out of hiding in what looks to be a search/attack of the US CV TFs…..which have fortunately moved to take fuel.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, remaining CV TFs refuel south of the Marianas, and will head to link up with the already fueled CV TF SE of Pagan as the Pagan Amphib goes in a couple of days. CVE and CA TFs at Rota will head to Pagan to support the landings. Heavies will also begin hitting the estimated 2500 troops defending Pagan. Meanwhile, about half dozen IJN subs come out of their lairs to attempt and engage the US CV TFs at their previous location NW of Rota - the only surface contact they achieved was with a ASW TF which claimed one sub sunk. As Rota AF reaches level 2, TBFs are flown in to assist in hunting subs.



In SOPAC, Cagayan LBA strikes turn to hitting troops, inflicting about 400 casualties on supposedly troops moving to the west. Goal is not only to inflict losses, but delay and disrupt movements. Still no CAP over Cagayan. As assault transports complete offloading troops from Rota, they will begin to assemble for landings at Mindanao - hopefully to begin loading troops within a week.

In SWPAC, Jolo landing goes in without problems, but troops are fatigued and disrupted, so the assault will wait a turn. Tawi Amphib TFs will depart for target and execute landings next turn. Jesselton mines are swept without inflicting any losses and the famed Aussie 2/6 Para secures Kudat unopposed. Finally, troops at Sidate are reinforced.

In China, other than some night time Sonias hitting Kweilin at night without damage, its quiet.

In SE Asia, the focus for airpower right now is attacking the troops at the IJA base at Pisanuloke near Rahaeng - to prep for the upcoming shock attack across the river from troops advancing from Rahaeng. The Rahaeng Pocket remains closed, with an estimated 30k troops still trapped. Pretty quiet elsewhere, as troops are still being brought up near Bangkok. At Rangoon, the US 43rd Division begins loading on transport to transit to Batavia for the upcoming landings in Indochina.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 7/31/2019 2:46:09 AM >

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Post #: 1281
11-12 Jun 44 - 7/31/2019 11:14:56 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		11-12 Jun 44

Highlights – Jolo taken; Pagan and Tawi-Tawi landings go in.

Jpn ships sunk:
E: 1
PB: 1
TK: 2
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 14
Allied: 25

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 2 ships hit (TK, xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Tawi-Tawi (SWPAC)
Pagan (CENPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Jolo (SWPAC)
Pisanuloke (SE Asia)

SIGINT/Intel: IJN subs still stalking for targets off the SW Marianas, but I don’t think anything “more” is supporting this effort.

West Coast/Admin: On the Admin side, going to start reorganizing the Assault Transports dispositions throughout Theater - with Pagan/Rota troops ashore, the fleet - and the assault transports - will now focus against the Philippines. Additional transports will be pulled from SWPAC now that Jolo/Tawi-Tawi troops are ashore, but for every transport pulled there, they will be replaced from SE Asia - Brit ships. All this will happen in the next few turns as not to impact ongoing or forthcoming operations….in theory.

In NOPAC, going to start pushing troops for the Kurile operation up to the Aleutians. Most are still Stateside or Hawaii. Target date for the Kuriles is still pretty loose, but possibly as early as August if events in the Philippines unfold as planned.

In CENPAC, troops go ashore at Pagan in good order, and bombardments by the BB TF (4BB, DDs) and CA TF (3CA, CL, DDs) do well, inflicting about 700 casualties. Air attacks inflict another 250 casualties. Troops need a turn of rest due to the landings, and more naval bombardments will go in prior to the attack. IJN subs manage one attack on a DE, missing it SE of Guam - the CV TFs well to the NE. A number of subs are claimed hit by ASW a/c and two damaged by ASW TFs. Will continue to prosecute ASW attacks on the subs which are still fairly concentrated around Guam - which of course is a likely route for the US bombardment TFs heading back to Woleai to replenish. Lastly, assault transports have successfully offloaded and will head to Kavieng and SOPAC. As ships pulling troops off Rota offload, they will return to Pagan for the same mission. CV TFs will also pull out of Theater in the coming turns, but the CVE TF and a CA TF will remain to provide cover for the convoys coming in and going out. While I may look to grab some of the small atolls near Pagan if lightly or undefended, the Pagan operation will largely end active operations in CENPAC for a while.

In SOPAC, Cagayan LBA strikes on ground targets this turn achieve little, although it does look like troops remain - so its likely the troops moving have departed. Focus remains shifted troops slated for PI landings to embarkation sites, and as assault transports arrive at Kavieng released from CENPAC, assemble the amphib TFs necessary for the multi division landings.

In SWPAC, small CA TFs (CA, CL, DDs / 2CA, CL, DDs) bombard Jolo and Tawi respectively - and do enough damage at Jolo to eliminate the 200 or so reported defenders, so Jolo is taken without a fight - and with it, the level 3 AF, although that will need much repair. Tawi landings go in with about 175 troops lost to mishaps - again, troops not fully prepped. Defenders here are an SNLF Co which shouldn’t be too tough to overcome, but troops need a turn to rest. A series of IJN fighter sweeps roll over Jolo as the Fleet moved to Tawi, the six sweeps of Georges do run into some LRCAP wondering from Tawi, a mix of P-38s and Corsairs, and the Allied fighters take the worst of it, losing 6 P-38s and 3 Corsairs in exchange for 4 Georges. No follow up strikes come in, which is a bit perplexing as an LST TF remained in the hex, and would have been vulnerable. LBA will focus on the AF origin of the Georges - which appears to be the AF of San Jose on the island of Panay in the PI. Fighters will sweep, and bombers will come in at night for the initial attack, while additional fighters will augment the LRCAP over Jolo. The CVEs and CA TF will head back to Jolo to cover some remaining supplies to be offloaded from a pair of AKAs, and cover the support convoys that should begin to arrive next turn to get the AF in operation - the field was found to be heavily damaged. Tawi support convoys will remain at Balikpapan for another turn. As these transports complete offloading, the majority will depart Theater for SOPAC, and will be replaced by the Brit assault transports being released from SE Asia - which will provide the backbone of assault shipping for forthcoming amphib attacks in the coming turns - but likely after the next amphib landing, slated for Palawan.

In China, strangely, in the fairly usual IJA bombardment attacks, the Chinese defenders normally take the worst of it with maybe a hundred or so troops lost. Nothing significant. But this past turn had one for the ages - IJA bombardment in a wooded hex SW of Kweilin where the East African Division is augmenting the defending Chinese inflicted about 900 casualties on the IJA for no Allied loss. Nice change of pace!

In SE Asia, the reduction of the Rahaeng pocket continues with troops advancing from Rahaeng and taking Pisanuloke with a shock attack after crossing the river, assisted by solid support of Heavies hitting troops in the target hex. Focus remains reducing the Rahaeng Pocket. Available assault shipping, along with some warships, will depart Theater for SWPAC where they will be used until needed again for the upcoming landings in Indochina.


(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1282
13-14 Jun 44 - 8/7/2019 11:50:32 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		13-14 Jun 44

Highlights – More IJN subs killed off the Marianas.

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 2 (I-27, I-54)
PB: 1
AMc: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 22

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Loewoek (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Soebi-besar (SE Asia)
Togian-eilanden (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Japanese a/c seem to be massing on the island of Panay’s three bases - around 700 a/c over the three airfields, none of which is greater than level 2….about to launch some serious Kamikaze attacks at the Allied Naval forces near Jolo is my guess.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1283
RE: 13-14 Jun 44 - 8/7/2019 11:51:32 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, the US 6th ID departs San Francisco for the Aleutians and NOPAC will increase recon flights out of Attu on the Kuriles.

In CENPAC, US TFs prosecute a series of good attacks against IJN subs around Guam/Tinian - two are forced to the surface and sunk with gunfire (I really HATE when that happens as the subs always manage to launch a torp or two when surfaced!), two others are reportedly hit by DD’s depth charges and two more are claimed hit by ASW a/c. Still, subs remain in the area, and could get lucky - will continue to focus ASW efforts to eliminate the subs as the fleet begins to pull away from the Marianas. Ground troops will begin the ground assault on Pagan next turn.

In SOPAC, troops land at Loewoek on Celebes and find it abandoned, will secure it next turn. Bombers out of Morotai will hit Panay’s San Jose AF next turn at night - weather has so far precluded strikes. Fighters out of Talaud will fly LRCAP to Jolo to support the landing of support troops, so will take a break from sweep missions over Mindanao. Assault transports should start assembling at Kavieng next turn from CENPAC - some will undergo refit/upgrade (about 6 remaining), but the majority will be used for landings at Mindanao.

In SWPAC, I’m assuming weather precluded any strikes against the Allied naval forces off Jolo, but gotta figure they’ll come in next turn - just too many a/c sighted on Panay’s three airfields for any other purpose. I’ve reinforced the two CVE TFs with two CAs each to assist in AA work, and possibly draw off some Kamis, and maintained two cruiser TFs for cover in case of another MTB attack - as well as PTs coming up from Kudat. The majority of the transports have headed back home, but a number are still arriving with the engineers in the coming turns. The level 3 AF is still in a damaged state precluding flight operations, but two P-47 squadrons are flown in, in the hope that engineers can get some minimal flight ops going for the second day. LRCAP will come in from Jesselton and all three AFs on Panay will be hit at night by Heavies - to include B-29s brought up to Palopo that have been sitting idle off Sumatra. I expect a tough day over Jolo’s skies - while the two CVE TFs can muster over 400 fighters, most are of course FM-2s. Nearby at Tawi, troops will begin the assault and should carry the island. Support troops however are held aboard ships at Balikpapan until CVEs can move from Jolo to provide cover.

In China, other than the night time Sonia raid on Kweilen which was intercepted by night flying Chinese P-40s, it was quiet. Not even a bombardment could be heard.

In SE Asia, recon sights what may be a counter attack forming up to cut off the advanced Allied elements attempting to flank Bangkok. Recon reports “7 units” moving west through Nakhon Ratchasima which would potentially, if successfully, cut off an Indian division that is due east of Bangkok. So, all available bombers will focus on this target - as well as additional recon. Additional ground troops will also be routed to reinforce this area, but it will take a few days for the troops to move into position - especially with the portions of the Rahaeng Pocket still holding out. So it could be a few interesting turns ahead in Thailand!



Attachment (1)

< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 8/7/2019 11:52:16 PM >

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Post #: 1284
15-16 Jun 44 - 9/3/2019 12:35:54 AM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		15-16 Jun 44

Both L_S_T and I are back from our respective late summer vacations, so on with the game!

Highlights – Pagan and Tawi taken.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 18
Allied: 13

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Pagan (CENPAC)
Tawi Tawi (SOPAC)
Sandakan (SWPAC)
Loewoek (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Still showing some a/c on Panay’s AFs, but no strikes on shipping off Jolo - maybe just fighters protecting a reinforcement convoy? Perhaps….

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, troops take Pagan in the first attack, 1700 troops eliminated with the two Naval Guard units at a cost of about 70 Marines. Combat troops will begin pulling out as transports come in with support troops - similar to the process winding down at Rota. CV TFs and associated support TFs head to Manus for a brief visit to repair minor damages, and exchange three Essex carriers with those just refit/upgraded. Three Independence CVLs with DD escort are going to be cut loose to head to Soerabaja for their refit/updrades as the three CVLs currently at Soerabaja should finish out their upgrades next turn. Focus in CENPAC will now be building up Rota and Pagan and keeping Saipan, Tinian and Guam suppressed. The Rota troops are now prepping for Guam, but that is a ways off.

In SOPAC, Assault Transports arriving at Kavieng are broken down into TFs and begin to head to Lae and Hansa Bay to embark troops for the Mindanao landings. Will still take a few days to sort out the available assault shipping and get some minor repairs done for the fleet - landings are probably about a week or so away. Other than fighters at Talaud flying LRCAP over Jolo, most LBA rest.

In SWPAC, I’m surprised its still quiet over Jolo and Tawi - no enemy strikes are launched, and weather prohibits most strikes against Panay AFs. Only one, San Jose is hit at night with minimal effect. Recon still shows many planes at Panay AFs, although a bit less at San Jose’s AF. Troops easily secure Tawi, destroying the defending SNLF company at a cost of about 50 troops. Transports will now come up from Balikpapan with the support troops, with the CVE and CA TFs moving from Jolo to Tawi to cover. Jolo will rely on Army fighters for CAP to provide cover for a few scattered convoys still bringing in support troops and supplies. Most APAs have been cut loose from these landings and are heading to either to SOPAC or to Lautem to embark troops for the Puerto Princesa landing - trying to get this landing in before I need to cut the CVEs to support the SOPAC Mindanao landings. Still working to shuttle engineers forward to recently secured bases, especially Jesselton and Kudat. Lastly, the famous 2/9 Aussie Cdo Bn secures yet another undefended base on Borneo with a paradrop - Sandakan.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, bombers repeatedly hit IJA troops on the move near Nakhon Ratchasima with good effect. Numerous strikes from both Heavies and Mediums tally about 1700 casualties inflicted; no CAP. Will continue those strikes next turn as recon continues to report IJA troops attempting to head west. East of Bangkok, the Indian 14th Div attacks and defeats 1/3 of the IJA 1st Tank Div, inflicting over 800 casualties and destroying about 40 AFVs. The 14th Indian is still in a precarious position if the IJA force at Nakhon continues to head west. Still, one IN Bde from the 14th Indian will attempt to cut off Bangkok while troops coming up from the west will attempt to block the IJA’s Nakhon counter-attack. In the north, the Rhaeng Pocket continues to be reduced, with a Bde of the IJA 56th Div destroyed at Pisanuloke, losing about 2500 troops.




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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1285
17-18 Jun 44 - 9/6/2019 5:40:47 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		17-18 Jun 44

Highlights – L_S_T and I have been at this PBEM now for 5yrs this month! Now that's a highlight!

Jpn ships sunk:
E: 2
PB: 1
xAK: 2
AG: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 49
Allied: 15

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Tapul (SWPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: Looks like transports at Roxas on Panay could be the reason for the airfields being packed - pulling troops out?

West Coast/Admin: With the Fleet arriving at Manus for some quick repairs, I’m taking this opportunity to plus up the fighter strength - all CVLs will be equipped with just Hellcats, the TBFs going ashore. That’s an additional 10 fighters per. Also pulling the TBFs off the Lex and Sara and expanding the Corsair squadron from 12 to 30 planes, as well as the Brit CVL Unicorn will also lose its Barracuda squadron, and expanding its Corsairs to fill the deck. Lastly, three Essex class CVs go into refit at Manus as three are completed.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, troops begin loading at Pagan to head off the island, and engineers start coming in covered by CVEs. No sign of interference by L_S_T.

In SOPAC, assault transports begin loading at both Hansa Bay and Lae for the upcoming landings at Digos on Mindanao. Two US Infantry divisions plus the usual support will go in. Will likely take a few days to complete loading as port facilities are minimal. Amph TFs will link up at Hollandia, where they will be joined by supporting cruisers and other escorts. The question then is timing - the CVEs still need to be cut loose from SWPAC and the Fleet repairs need to be completed. Still looking to land troops before the month is out. Screenshot below shows the overall major landing operations currently in planning to secure the PI as well as their intended sequence over the next couple of weeks - hoping for getting the southern Luzon landings in at the beginning of July, with northern Luzon following later in the month. Perhaps....



In SWPAC, it remains quiet over Tawi and Jolo, and a big convoy will begin landing engineers at Tawi next turn, covered by the two CVE TFs - a solid target for Kamikazes. US Heavies do well this time over Panay’s AFs at night, destroying 32 Zeros, 4 Georges and 5 Judys on the ground while losing a pair of B-24s to Flak. AFs remain packed with fighters and some bombers, so Heavies will revisit again at night. IJN transports look to be docked at Roxas on the eastern tip of Panay - a bit far for fighters to fly escort right now. B-29s lay mines to perhaps disrupt port operations, but its not going to stop the flow of troops. The Puerto Princessa Amphib begins loading at Lautem, but is short assault shipping for the supporting engineers. Will take another few days to complete loading - in the meantime, will focus some additional recon flights over Puerto Princessa - intial recon shows the base empty, so perhaps an major Bde size amphib won’t be necessary.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, bombers continue to hit IJA troops on the move near Nakhon Ratchasima with excellent effect, casualties estimated at around 2500 men from numerous sorties. Bombers will continue to prosecute this target area as it remains both a threat and a target rich environment. On the ground, troops continue to move to cut off Bangkok - and remain exposed until the troops from the Rahaeng area can reinforce.

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< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 9/6/2019 5:41:40 PM >

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1286
19-20 Jun 44 - 9/7/2019 7:32:09 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		19-20 Jun 44

Highlights – A rare showing of the IJN as a CL TF raids Jolo.

Jpn ships sunk:
TK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 29
Allied: 12

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (AKE dam)

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv: None

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated: None

SIGINT/Intel: IJN ships no longer observed at Roxas on Panay, but a sub sights a big convoy sighted off northern Luzon - too far to be the same sighting, and unsure if this convoy was inbound the PI or outbound.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, NSTR.

In SOPAC, Digo Amph TFs complete loading at both Hansa Bay and Lae - surprised this was done so quickly with the small ports and minimal naval support. So now the two division sized Amph TF will head to Hollandia to gain additional supporting warships. The Fleet remains at Manus, still needing some additional time, and should complete the majority of the minor repairs needed next turn.

In SWPAC, I get a surprise as an IJN CL TF (CL, 2DD) raids the Jolo anchorage, but only finds a PT squadron - two small convoys missed the action, arriving the second day. The PTs fire a couple of torps which miss, and lose a PT to a 6” round. First sortie of the IJN in a while - and finds only PTs - had they hit Tawi, they might have run into the two CVE and Cruiser TFs escorting a larger engineer laden convoy. This force will now move Jolo next turn to offload some remaining supplies and provide cover for a few more arriving transports. With the CVEs providing air cover, the fighters on Jolo will go over to the offensive and fly sweeps over Panay bases in support of the first daylight Heavy raids to shut down the two level 2 AFs there. The night raids only claimed 8 more fighters destroyed on the ground - I figure these were mostly damaged airframes, and the majority of the planes have pulled out. But I want to shut down these AFs to limit potential Kamikaze bases. On Palawan, recon still shows Puerto Princessa ungarrisoned, so as the Amph TFs complete loading at Lautem and head to stage at Balikpapan, the vaunted Aussie Cdo paras will attempt to grab the base - if they can, the Aus In Bde will remain at Balikpapan, and only the engineers will head to target - allowing the CVE TFs to detach to SOPAC early which is becoming more and more advantageous. Fingers crossed the recon was accurate!

In China, with continued quiet, I’m pulling back three US fighter squadrons to support operations in Thailand.

In SE Asia, bombers continue have good results interdicting the troop movements in the Nakhon area - at least 3000 casualties inflicting, and the troops appear to no longer be heading west, but rather now east - in retreat. One Indian Bde has succeeded in cutting off the Bangkok/Ayuthia area with an estimated 50k+ troops. Unclear how many are combat troops, and will attempt to reinforce that sole Bde with the remainder of the division, but if L_S_T wants to break out, there is a good chance of success. Airpower will now shift from Nakhon to Bangkok/Ayuthia, hitting both troop targets as well as the bases themselves. Fighting continues to reduce the two remaining positions of the Rahaeng pocket, and two attacks against RTA troops at Uttaradt result in forts being reduced from 3 to 1, but casualties are about even at about 1000 each. Allied troops are now heavily fatigued, and will need to rest before continuing to reduce the position.





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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1287
21-22 Jun 44 - 9/8/2019 5:26:40 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		21-22 Jun 44

Highlights – Puerto Princessa taken; good results on Panay strikes.

Jpn ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Oyodo)
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 24
Allied: 6

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph/Airborne Inv:
Puerto Princessa (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Puerto Princessa (SWPAC)
Tambelan-eilanden (SWPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: Found those ships that raided Jolo at Panay's Iloilo port - still much activity at Roxas, apparently now mainly barge traffic.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, 6th ID troops begin arriving from the US in the Aleutians. The Kurile build-up officially begins.

In CENPAC, US Navy Heavies out of Yap begin hitting Babeldaob AF as a bit of a diversion to the Mindanao landings. Figure L_S_T’s air search will detect the increase in transports moving across northern New Guinea waters, perhaps this will question where the blow will land.

In SOPAC, Digo Amph TFs rendezvous with CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs) at Hollandia and will now head along the New Guinea coast to vicinity of Sorong/Sansapor where the Fleet will also link up before heading to final staging at Talaud-eilanden. New Zealand troops load landing craft to cross the channel from Morotai and land at Galeia to begin clearing out the rest of the Moluccas. Heavies will begin softening up targets on Mindanao next turn. Lastly, the Cotabato Amphib begins loading at Madang in order to quickly follow on the Digos landings. Going to be busy in SOPAC for a bit, although will likely hold off landings on Luzon due to developments in SE Asia.

In SWPAC, Heavies do well against targets in Panay, finding a few ships (CL, AV, 2DD) tied up at the pier at Iloilo reportedly sinking the CL and crippling the others. AFs at San Jose were also hit hard and reported to be closed. Will attempt to interdict the barge operation ongoing at Roxas port area next turn while most Heavies continue to attempt to shut down AFs. The best news was the redoubtable Aussie 2/9 Cdo Bn secured the undefended Puerto Princessa base on Palawan - so the Aussie IN Bde will stand down, while the engineers earmarked will accelerate movement (as much as feasible…ships can only move so fast). This also will release the CVE TFs to SOPAC early - no need to cover a major landing at Palawan. Taytay on the east coast of Palawan also looks undefended, so 2/9 Cdo will look to jump there within the week. The AFs on Palawan are major coup - they need lots of engineer work to build up (level 0 and 1 respectively now), but they will bring both Manila and Clark AFs in fighter range - both of which I expect to be heavily contested; will start putting recon flights over Luzon next turn.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, most bombers switch off Nakhon to reducing targets in Bangkok and Ayuthia - which are heavily supported by AA, so bombers have to stay higher and effects suffer. I’ve got this uneasy feeling that L_S_T has pulled out of the remainder of major forces in Thailand and Indochina, so I’m shifting much recon effort to see what’s remaining - I’ve still got a major force (8+ Division equivalents and support) in Sumatra/Java earmarked for liberating Indochina by sea, and I will try and accelerate their landings; likely pulling transports back from SOPAC after the Digos landing to get troops across the South China Sea.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1288
23-24 Jun 44 - 9/8/2019 8:48:53 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		23-24 Jun 44

Highlights – Kamikazes strike Puerto Princessa bound engineer convoy; recon shows Indochina minimally garrisoned.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Umigiri)
xAP: 1
AMc: 2

Allied ships sunk:
LST: 1
LCI: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 54
Allied: 14

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph Inv:
Donggala (SWPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Uttaradit (SE Asia)
Banggi (SWPAC - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: Recon finds Indochina bases minimally garrisoned - looks like the once large IJA Burma-Thailand Army has largely pulled out into SW China.

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Heavies out of Yap continue to hit Babeldaob.

In SOPAC, Digo Amph TFs carrying two US Army divisions and support will now head to the final staging area of Talaud-eilanden where they will rendezvous with the CVE TFs sailing from covering Jolo in SWPAC. CV TFs will gather at Morotai to take on a few more fighters that will fill out all squadrons. Primary purpose of the CVs is likely to be a Kamikaze target - although at this point, I think that isn’t very likely - most Jpn air concentration appears to be in the Manila/Clark area, leaving Mindanao undefended except for ground units. Can potentially expect the MTB and SSX surge attacks perhaps, so will keep the Fleet out to sea a bit and well protected by DD TFs. Heavies have started to softening up process, having good results against Cotabato, Davao and Cagayan AFs - all of which will be hit again in the coming turn. Digos itself looks to be minimally defended. The Cotabato Amph TF has finished loading at Madang and will head to Sarmi where additional troops will load with available transports also moving to the port - they will also stage at Talaud and move to target once the Digos landings are completed and CVEs can be freed up.

In SWPAC, the initial reinforcement convoy of engineers bound for Puerto Princessa gets hit by Lily flavored Kamikazes which sink an LST and two LCIs in two attacks at a cost of 25 planes. LRCAP failed to show, and about 250 engineers were lost. Fortunately, it was a small convoy! A second convoy with a larger engineer battalion aboard should make Puerto Princessa under darkness where a more concerted attempt by LRCAP out of Jesselton and Jolo will attempt to cover it. Other inbound convoys will be re-routed along the northern Borneo coast in an effort to avoid at sea Kamikaze strikes - making the dash from the Borneo coast to Palawan largely under darkness - that’s the plan anyway. 2/9 Cdo will land at Taytay next turn to secure all of Palawan and grab the level 1 AF there. A rear area landing of some engineers to secure Donggala in NW Celebes had a rude surprise when they encountered some IJA remnants holding the base. For now, they are on their own, except for some DDs coming to bombard. Will look to reinforce once the size of the IJA defenders is known. Lastly, SWPAC will lose much of its APA/AKAs to SE Asia, but will gain some from SOPAC after the Digo landings in order to land troops on Panay as quickly as feasible.

In China, NSTR.

In SE Asia, recon has indeed confirmed the lack of IJA presence in Indochina - apparently the IJA’s Bangkok line was more of economy of force to delay than a serious attempt to hold. It succeeded. Now that the jig is up, Allied troops should be able to complete the reduction of the Rahaeng and Bangkok pockets without threat of a major counter attack. Further, the troops in Java and Sumatra had been earmarked for major opposed landings along the Indochina coast from Tourane to Soc Tran - now those initial landings will be scaled back in size, but accelerated in time to begin as soon as possible at Soc Tran and Cam Ranh Bay, gaining footholds where follow on forces will land, liberating Indochina largely by ground. Gathering the assault transports will begin next turn, the wait will be freeing up the CVEs and moving the Fleet into the South China Sea just in case the KB comes into play and to thwart the ever present threat of Kamikazes. Lastly, the Indian XV Corps with about 4 divisions (two Indian and two African) and support is now in position to begin moving into the Malay peninsula in force, and will slowly but surely clear IJA bases from north to south.





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(in reply to IdahoNYer)
Post #: 1289
25-26 Jun 44 - 9/18/2019 11:15:08 PM   
IdahoNYer


Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
Status: offline 		25-26 Jun 44

Highlights – Taytay secured and troops ashore at Galeia on the Moluccas; IJA fighter sweeps do well over Kweilin.

Jpn ships sunk:
CV: 1 (Hiyo - replaces Soryu in sunk list)
PC: 1
PB: 1
AMc: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
CV: 1 (Soryu)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 43
Allied: 24

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

Jpn Amph Inv: None

Allied Amph/Airborne Inv:
Taytay (SWPAC)
Galeia (SOPAC)

Bases lost: None

Bases Liberated:
Taytay (SWPAC)
Miri (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Large numbers of Jpn aircraft listed as operational losses (31) this turn - so lots of air transfers taking place….the question is where to and why….

West Coast/Admin: NSTR.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, Babeldaob is hit by Heavies for the last time as bombers will switch focus to hitting Marianas targets starting with Guam. Peleliu and Babeldaob will be bypassed.

In SOPAC, Digo Amph TFs arrive at the final staging area, Talaud-eilanden and link up with CA and CVE TFs there. They’ll make the final sprint to Digos next turn, landing two divisions on what’s expected to be a very lightly defended beach. Heavies will go in to hit ground targets, but the CA TFs will not bombard. The Fleet arrived at Morotai to take on a few more fighters, and will sortie off Mindanao to provide cover - perhaps Kamikaze bait, but I doubt little else will sortie against this landing - I doubt even Kamis will fly, but you never know. The Cotabato Amph will begin moving toward Talaud as well - the US 31st ID with some engineers is loaded now, but the 25th ID and additional support will load by regiment at Sarmi as move as loading is completed - may take a few days. Also, NZ Bdes earmarked to seize Davao and Cagayan still need to be moved from eastern New Guinea ports forward, and transports have been dispatched from Manas to begin moving them forward. While Mindanao is the main event in Theater, the NZ Fiji Bde made the cross channel assault from Morotai to Galeia in the Moluccas primarily by landing craft to find it defended by a Naval Guard unit - a bit more defenders than expected for a rear area mop-up operation. So bombers will begin some focused support and the BB TF (4BBs including the newly arrived California) will sortie to bombard prior to the Fiji troopers attacking in a few days.

In SWPAC, the vaunted 2/9 Cdo Bn seizes Taytay unopposed, completing the liberation of Palawan. Was surprised that no Kamikazes flew against the engineers coming into Puerto Princessa, and that will continue, with LRCAP off of Jesselton and Jolo continuing to fly cover. B-25s out of Jolo flew sorties to disrupt barge traffic off Roxas on Panay and sunk over a dozen barges but failed to hit any escorts - which I’d rather sink as they are damn good anti-sub platforms. Will continue to fly naval interdiction over the western PI islands out of Jolo to disrupt troop movements, hopefully avoiding a CAP trap. With Palawan secured, the focus will shift to landing troops on Panay and building up the newly won bases, especially those on Palawan. Lastly, the Lushai Bde took Miri on the first assault, brushing aside a few remnant IJA support units which withdrew into the Borneo jungles. With Miri secured, the Indian Lushai Bde will detach back to SE Asia Theater - via airborne attack.

In China, Kweilin again becomes the focus on LBA attack - night bombers which are nullified by a squadron of Chinese P-40s, but sweeping Georges do well against the Aussie Spit VIII squadron on CAP. 12 Spits lost to 7 Georges. Will fly back a squadron of P-47s as well as fly some P-38s on LRCAP over Kweilin to see if the Georges return. Not sure what the attraction is to hitting Kweilin….

In SE Asia, I’ve decided to change the plan a bit. With the success of the Aussie 2/9 Cdo Bn’s airborne drops in SWPAC, why not seize the undefended Indochina ports with airborne assault? So the Lushai Bde at Miri will be transported across the South China Sea to seize Soc Tran and the Indian 77th LRP at Pegu, near Rangoon, will drop to seize Quinhon. If successful, this will seize the AFs to provide the foothold along the coast to establish air superiority in order to bring the bulk of the ground forces across the South China Sea by transports without the need for the US Fleet to provide cover. A bit of risk in this plan of course, the paras will be exposed to counterattack for probably about a week before Bde size ground elements can reinforce by sea, and those convoys will rely totally on LRCAP out of Borneo as well as the recently seized AFs in Indochina. Will see how those airborne attacks do next turn, weather permitting, and troops will begin loading at Batavia for transit next turn as well. On the ground, one attack against the Rahaeng pocket does well inflicting over 800 casualties at a cost of less than 50, but the bulk of the remaining pocket has managed to move to block the roadway west of Rahaeng that leads to Rangoon - in other words the main supply route (MSR) to Allied forces in northern Thailand. Also, as the Rahaeng pocket is reduced, it begins to fragment with a few IJA remnants moving into the jungles. Will look to clear the MSR, but not too concerned on the wondering remnants in the jungles. While the Indian 14th Army will advance as practical in central Thailand, the majority of its troops will be tied down reducing the IJA troops isolated in the Rahaeng Pocket and seizing Bangkok for the next few weeks.




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