John 3rd
Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005 From: La Salle, Colorado Status: offline
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Here is a regional review of where things currently stand in the war to date. I have provided enough information to Bigred for him to get a basic feel of the past as well as committed Japanese force levels: Theatre-by-Theatre Summary March 17, 1942 NoPac The Japanese moved into the central and western Aleutians early and with fairly substantial forces. Two Inf Brigades were Identified and regular convoys have been seen going back-and-forth. Mainly lite naval forces seen up in this region. A Japanese Carrier Division was seen in this area in early-February where they sank BB Warspite in the Gulf of Alaska. CenPac Midway and Wake taken early. SNLF Assault Brigades used at both locations. The Line Islands fell in late-January where a naval battle was fought between elements of the Pacific Fleet and Japanese CarDiv1 (Akagi-Kaga-2 CVL). It was a pretty one-sided affair ranging from February 1-3, 1942: SUNK: CV Hornet (12 B and 1 TT), CVL King’s Mountain (6 B and 1 TT), CA Chester, San Francisco, CL Honolulu, 4 DD, Ground troops seen in landings were an Infantry Division and Infantry Brigade plus a lot of support units. Heavy Japanese SS activity in the Hawaiian Waters. Between NoPac and CenPac, Hawaii APPEARS to be an area of interest for Japan. SoPac Solomons and New Britain fell in February. Lae and Rabaul are primary Japanese bases. Build-Up in Rabaul noticed by air search. Movement imminent in this area. Major forces seen include an Inf Division and aircraft of about 40-50 Zero and 50 or so Bombers. Major Fleet units have been seen periodically. Australia Darwin raided several times by Naval Air and Task Forces. Wyndham taken by an Infantry Division. Currently a Raid is in progress by CarDiv1 and CarDiv5 (4 CV and 4 CVL). Losses are currently: SUNK: CA Australia and Pensacola, CL Detroit, 2 DD, 1 AMC, 1 AK , and 3 AKL. DAMAGED: BC Constellation (13 Bombs and 6 14” Shell Hits) and 3 DD Philippines Enemy retreated into Bataan quickly and in fairly strong position there. There are 4 Japanese Inf Div known to be on Luzon. Clean-Up occurring in Central Phil and surrounding area. DEI Mostly taken except for minor locations. Sumatra Mostly taken. Known units consist of a Brigade and Inf Div. Java Eastern Java still held by Allies. Japanese have at least two Infantry Divisions doing the heavy lifting. A lot of airpower in this area. Burma Pretty taken without a fight. Mandalay southwards all occupied by Japanese. Two Infantry Divisions and several Tank Regiments used here. Akyab taken just recently by an Infantry Division and Brigade. Indian Ocean Several Japanese CV Raids have been staged here by CarDiv2 (Hiryu-Soryu-2 CVL). The Carriers and numerous SS have been used throughout the area around Ceylon and the southern tip of India. China To slow down Chinese Operations, I am not moving any troops on a Chinese target until they are at least 50% prepped. This has been somewhat effective but the Japanese have driven the Chinese pretty hard in several clashes. Heavy Japanese air commitment here including Naval and Army Air units. Current KNOWN Japanese Carrier OOB: CarDiv1: CV Akagi—Amagi CAV Tokachi--Kushiro CarDiv2: CV Hiryu—Soryu CVL Shoho--Ryujo CarDiv5: CV Shokaku—Zuikaku CVL Karasu—Ryukaku CVE TF: 3 CVE
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