14th February 1944 (Full Version)

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Speedysteve -> 14th February 1944 (11/6/2006 4:04:09 PM)

Hi all,

Good good. No enemy airstrikes were launched at either CLAA Capetown or CV Formidable. 420 more miles now remain until Moulmein is reached. P38J's will cover all the way....provided she doesn't sink - 57/37/2

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

Rangoon was shelled again with a further 1200 casualties being caused.

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

SS Tally Ho sank AK Tokiwa Maru with 2 torpedoes 120 miles ENE of Palembang.

SS I-11 missed DD Racecourse near Victoria Point.

SS Greenling hit a troop carrying freighter 120 miles SE of Rabaul with a torpedo.

Air sightings = 14
Air attacks = 0

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

An LCI(G) and a DE arrive in theatre tomorrow.




Speedysteve -> 15th February 1944 (11/8/2006 12:56:25 PM)

Hi all,

Good news. Bad weather prevented any enemy airstrikes from attacking or even detecting CV Formidable. She only has 240 more miles to go to reach Moulmein.

Rangoon was bombarded heavily again causing 1400 casualties.

Victoria Point was raided again by 118 x Liberator escorted by 23 x P47D. 38 x enemy fighter were on CAP (Zeke, Irving, Tony). The enemy lost 50 planes on the ground and 25 in the air. I lost 7 planes in total.

We go again tomorrow hopefully.

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

More supplies ashore at Maumere. Every day brings:

More supplies into the SRA.

More fortifications/airfields being constructed.

More Spitfire VIII's being produced to convert Spitfire Vb's.

More supplies, fuel, support and combat troops to Darwin.

A further 4 x BF and 9 x US air groups are moving through the Marshalls to the SRA inculding 84 x Corsairs[:)]

Very soon I will have Spitfire's, Corsair's, TBM/Beaufort's at Lautem, Koepang and Maumere. Then we'll advance to more bases.

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

SS Trespasser scored twice today. She sank freighter Shinei Maru with 2 torpedoes late morning 180 miles ENE of Palembang and later on damaged AK Shozui Maru with a torpedo. The 3 x MSW escorts faield to locate her.

Air sightings = 8
Air attacks = 0

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

An AK, AP, DE, LCI and LCI(G) arrive in theatre tomorrow as does a B25J BG at Karachi.




Speedysteve -> 16th February 1944 (11/8/2006 6:42:22 PM)

Hi all,

CV Formidable has 60 miles to go until she reaches Mouilmein's harbour. She should be fine now [:)]

20+ Sallies attacked shipping around Moulmein today causing light damage to CLAA Caradoc with a 250KG bomb hit in the bow area.

These planes came from Bangkok which will receive a blitzing all being well tomorrow.

Victoria Point was heavily damaged again today. A few Irving's tried to intercept but they were outclassed by the escorting Thunderbolts. 47 enemy planes were lost throughout the day to my 7.

I have decided Liberator's from Moulmein will reduce all enemy industry production in range to rubble. Firstly though time for a strike on Bangkok's airfields..........

Chinese advance units are within 60 miles of Lashio now. Recon indicates it's empty of Japanese units.

Rangoon was bombarded as were IJA troops at Mandalay and Pagan.

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

More supplies ashore at Maumere and further airgroups have moved in.

A Sunderland spotted a probable SC TF approaching. As such my AK's are to move back to Koepang.

I have the following in place:

Maumere:

Sunderland patrol
P38J FG
16 x Vengeance

Koepang:

Sunderland patrol
P47D FG
16 x Beaufort

Lautem:

48 x Spitfire
16 x Beaufort

Soon to arrive: 16 x SB2C, 32 x TBM....................

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

SS Trident found a lone AK and surfaced before blowing it to pieces with 3 x torpeodes and 5 shells.......AK Venice Maru quickly sank 120 miles NW of Singapore.

SS Tally Ho sank the previously damaged AK Shozui Maru with 2 torpedoes 120 miles ENE of Palembang.

SS Cero hit PG Yoshida Maru with dud torpedoes 120 miles ESE of Saigon. The other PG's hit Cero with 1 x DC hit - 11/29/0. She will return to Darwin.

Air sightings = 9
Air attacks = 0

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

An AO and 2 x AK arrive in theatre tomorrow as do 64 x Dakota at Karachi.

[image]local://upfiles/4211/3AC2C3D04AB54C708F4332057583049E.jpg[/image]




niceguy2005 -> RE: 16th February 1944 (11/8/2006 6:57:12 PM)

Speedy, maybe I missed it in your post, but what's up with that enemy TF on your map? ANy thoughts on what it is and where is it?




Mike Solli -> RE: 16th February 1944 (11/8/2006 6:59:08 PM)

It's the new and improved IJN ready to turn the tide. [:D]




Speedysteve -> 17th February 1944 (11/9/2006 4:36:52 PM)

Hi all,

Hi Niceguy - I sure did and I was right. It was an SC TF heading for Maumere (clear in today's action).

Mike - pfffffttttttt. B*llocks[:'(]

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

As mentioned I was right to sail my AK's back to Koepang. Hiei/Kirishima & Co visited Maumere causing moderate damage to the airfields and torching 19 planes (Sunderland, Vengeance and Lightnings). Little major damage was sustained by my LCU's though so they will quickly repair the damage.

I am sending my AK's back in now to unload the remaining 24,000 tonnes of supply.

My TBM's/SB2C's are readying now at Darwin.]

1 of the operational TBM Squadrons - 31st RNZAF Squadron has flown to Koepang.

Once Maumere is fully operational again i'll move in a TBM and SB2C Squadron to 'deter' future bombardments if the enemy ships stray within 240 miles of my airfields[:)]

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

Bad weather over Burma prevented Moulmein from bombing Bangkok.

CV Formidable reached Moulmein and has docked in the size 3 port - 57/41/0.

Still reconning away and bombing troops at Mandalay and Pagan.

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

SS Scamp sank the empty AP Miike Maru wiith 3 torpedoes in the port 60 miles east of Soerabaja. The escorting PG/MSW/DD vessels dropped DC's 1 of which was nearby - 11/0/0.

Air sightings = 7
Air attacks = 0

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

An LCI(G) and an AK arrive in theatre tomorrow.




Speedysteve -> 18th February 1944 (11/10/2006 3:37:46 PM)

Hi all,

Another routine day in the war...........

Allied air raids against Mandalay. Bangkok is attacked for the first time. Surprisingly there are no enemy fighters on CAP. 100+ Liberators escorted by P38J's smash all known airfields in the area causing 110 planes to be destroyed on the ground.

Excellent. Orders have been given for them to destroy the resources there tomorrow. The good news is that my P38J's can escort them even to Hanoi[:)]

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

Vengeance's attacked another small Japanese convoy at Macassar. 2 x AK were attacked and AK Nanman Maru received 2 bomb hits.

Supplies unloading at Maumere again.

110,000 tonnes of fuel should reach Darwin within 5 days.

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

SS Corvina missed AK Kenkon Maru with 4 torpeodes 180 miles east of Tarakan. The escorts dropped 2 x DC nearby - 8/8/0.

SS Saury evaded convoy escorts 240 miles south of Truk.

SS Scamp missed ML Katoku 60 miles east of Soerabaja[:-]

SS Sea Rover sank ML Saishu with a torpedo 60 miles west of Malacca.

Air sightings = 16
Air attacks = 0

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

3 x AK, an LCI(G) and a DE arrive in thetare tomorrow as does 711th USA Tank Bn.




Speedysteve -> 19th February 1944 (11/10/2006 9:57:37 PM)

Hi all,

Woohoo. BB Kirishima was tagged today by SS Swordfish SW of Balikpapan. Only 1 hit and no noticeable damage but still a message has been sent. In return 2 x DC landed nearby - 16/0/0

SS Aspro heavily damaged AK Shinetsu Maru with a torpedo 180 NE of Ulithi. The 3 x PC escorts failed to locate my submarine.

AP Awa Maru sank today 180 miles ESE of Camranh Bay taking with her 49th Division elements.

Air sightings = 7
Air attacks = 0

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

Rangoon was heavily bombarded again causing 1800 casualties.

I want your thoughts here guys:

I have 2 x Division + 4 x Bde = 1200 AV in Chandpur that i'm not sure what to do with.

Due to the loss of 2 x CV I can't land at Kuala Lumpur (as was the plan). I can't paradrop anywhere which means I have to go for somewhere under Fighter cover OR reinforce a current hotspot.

The only options I see are:

1. Land at Rangoon - 7 enemy units - 60,000 men + 400 guns + 400 AFV.

2. Land at Tavoy = 8 enemy units - 90,000 men.

3. Land at Victoria Point (the riskiest invasion since the furthest away) = 3 enemy units - 16,000 men.

4. March from Akyab down the trail to Rangoon and cut the rail line above Rangoon to stop supply getting to Mandalay.

5. Reinforce Mandalay/Pagan.

I don't feel I have much chance of success for 1 or 2.

I feel that 4 would take too long and he could react.

3 is tempting but to what end? I take Victroia Point but where could I go with only 6 units? Maybe I could use some of the ARM units at Moulmein too? I still think it's risky and to what potential gain?

Thoughts all?

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

Usual resting in CenPac. Ships repairing/upgrading and LCU's resting and preparing.

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

An AGP, LCI(G) and a DD arrive in theatre tomorrow.




Capt. Harlock -> RE: 19th February 1944 (11/10/2006 10:37:20 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Speedy


I want your thoughts here guys:

I have 2 x Division + 4 x Bde = 1200 AV in Chandpur that i'm not sure what to do with.

Due to the loss of 2 x CV I can't land at Kuala Lumpur (as was the plan). I can't paradrop anywhere which means I have to go for somewhere under Fighter cover OR reinforce a current hotspot.

The only options I see are:

1. Land at Rangoon - 7 enemy units - 60,000 men + 400 guns + 400 AFV.

2. Land at Tavoy = 8 enemy units - 90,000 men.

3. Land at Victoria Point (the riskiest invasion since the furthest away) = 3 enemy units - 16,000 men.

4. March from Akyab down the trail to Rangoon and cut the rail line above Rangoon to stop supply getting to Mandalay.

5. Reinforce Mandalay/Pagan.

I don't feel I have much chance of success for 1 or 2.

I feel that 4 would take too long and he could react.

3 is tempting but to what end? I take Victroia Point but where could I go with only 6 units? Maybe I could use some of the ARM units at Moulmein too? I still think it's risky and to what potential gain?

Thoughts all?



My personal inclination is to number 4. Sure, Faber can react, but any reaction will draw troops away from useful employment elsewhere. Then you use your intel reports to find where the weaknesses have been opened up. If nothing else, you might be able to catch troops marching in the open with bomber strikes.




Speedysteve -> 20th February 1944 (11/10/2006 11:35:56 PM)

Hi all,

Hi Capt. Thanks for your thoughts. They are taken on board. I will think more on this.

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

Well a shock today! Enemy CV's approached Timor from the west! I was not expecting this. Luckily I had LBA on Koepang and Maumere to attack his bombardment runs. As it turned out they have struck a severe blow to the enemy:

Day Air attack on TF at 25,74

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 44

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 9
Vengeance I x 6
P-38J Lightning x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 22 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire VIII: 4 destroyed
Vengeance I: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
P-38J Lightning: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 25,74

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 10

Allied aircraft
TBM Avenger x 14
Beaufort V-IX x 12
P-47D Thunderbolt x 39
B-25J Mitchell x 45

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 13 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged
Beaufort V-IX: 1 destroyed
P-47D Thunderbolt: 5 destroyed, 2 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryuho, Bomb hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
CV Hiyo
CV Kaga
CVE Hosho, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Yahagi
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Maumere at 28,73

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 25
D4Y Judy x 46
B6N Jill x 43

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 5
P-38J Lightning x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 9 destroyed, 1 damaged
D4Y Judy: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged
B6N Jill: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire VIII: 1 destroyed
P-38J Lightning: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Samuel K. Barlow, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Samuel F. Miller, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Thomas Nelson
DD Quiberon
DD Quickmatch
AK Thomas Nast, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Samuel Adams, Bomb hits 3, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 25,74

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 9

Allied aircraft
TBM Avenger x 9
Beaufort V-IX x 8
P-47D Thunderbolt x 33
B-25J Mitchell x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
Beaufort V-IX: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-47D Thunderbolt: 2 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 13, on fire
DD Kishinami
CA Haguro
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 5, on fire

CVL Ryuho was confirmed sunk by Intel giving me 143 points. CVE Hosho looks heavily damaged and Kaga and Hiyo moderately damaged.

Most of my airgroups are still in good shape morale wise. There are many damaged planes thouigh.

The enemy lost 56 planes to my 34 today (50 x Zeke!) My P38J's performed particularly well against the Zeke's. 1st LT A Reynolds of 49th FG achieved 4 kills today bringing his tally to 11 in 103 missions.

Hopefully we can catch some more damaged CV's tomorrow. An SB2C Squadron has moved into Maumere to support this effort.

Very happy with this. Attrition of CV's in a LBA/land hopping area not even remotely affecting my main CentPac forces.

He did hit my supply TF at Maumere though with AK Smauel K. Barlow sinking and 2 more may sink.

Definitely my victory though.

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

Bad weather still prevents Moulmein LBA from bombing Bangkok's resources.

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

SS Sunfish evaded an MSW 180 miles west of Batan Island.

SS Mingo evaded 4 x ASW vessels 60 miles east of Tarakan.

SS Triton was attacked by convoy escorts NW of Brunei. 1 x DC near miss - 16/2/0

SS Tang sank the oil laden TK Shinkoku Maru with 2 torpedoes 240 miles NW of Bataan. 1 x DC hit Tang - 27/23/0. Returning to Darwin. My most experienced Submarine - 85/86 crew experience!

SS Tinosa heavily damaged AS Tsukushi Maru with 2 torpeodes SE of Menado.

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

An AP, APD and a DE arrive in theatre tomorrow as does 77th USA Division.

[image]local://upfiles/4211/494D5EBF0F9547B5B44E19A82FA4FD64.jpg[/image]




niceguy2005 -> RE: 14th February 1944 (11/11/2006 12:20:06 AM)

Hi Speedy,

I would agree with Capt. Harlock. I would probably choose option 4 for pretty much the same reasons. Also, while the march may take a while any sort of opposed landing will cause unit disablement and disruption. I don't like opposed landings if there is any other alternative.




Terminus -> RE: 14th February 1944 (11/11/2006 12:32:02 AM)

You can't imagine the Penguinista swearing on faber's AAR. I've never heard such language![:D]




Elladan -> RE: 14th February 1944 (11/11/2006 12:37:34 AM)

How about taking Sabang with P-38 cover from Andamans? This would then lead to landing options along the Malacca Strait.




Alfred -> RE: 14th February 1944 (11/11/2006 6:52:06 AM)

Speedy,

I would choose option 4 - the Akyab advance.

As the great German chess grandmaster Tarrasch once said, the threat is stronger than the execution.  You can assume that the penguin lacks a nearby strategic reserve otherwise your position at Moulmein would be under greater pressure.  If he sees your developing flanking action then he has 2 difficult decisions to make - (1) determine whether it is an Allied feint, and (2) if not a feint, then either withdraw to escape encirclement or commit whatever reserve he may have been assembling to deal with the current siotuation to now oppose the Akyab advance.  Either way you gain as follows:

(a) penguin withdrawal from central Burma

Allied forces in Burma will link up and invest Rangoon, which being cut off, will not survive long.  Admittedly the penguin would shorten his lines but then he also has to be prepared to counter a future Allied land drive either to Singapore or Saigon (or both simultaneously)

(b) Penguin reserves used to counter Akyab advance

Firstly,with an additional frontline, Allied airpower has more opportunities to "attrite" (what an ugly word) Japanese capabilities.  More strain would also be placed on penguin logistics which, judged by the results of Allied sub operations, must be under some pressure in tropical waters so far from the south pole.

Secondly, with reserves rushed here, how many penguins do you think would be left to oppose the coming CENTPAC offensive.  If you are lucky, you might even find that the reserves he redeploys to counter the slow turning movement are caught en route to Burma when you open the CENTPAC offensive or when some other weakened quiet front is activated by the Allies.

The point is that you have the initiative.  Keep it by making him react to your moves.  Advancing from Akyab into open air forces the penguin to react and fight on terrain of your choosing.  Options 1, 2, 3 and 5 require the Allied force to engage on Japanese chosen ground.

Alfred




Speedysteve -> 21st February 1944 (11/11/2006 11:04:20 AM)

Hi all,

Thanks for your thoughts guys. Much appreciated. Alfred - excellent analysis. I concur. After thinking on what you said it makes perfect sense. As from tomorrow forces will embark at Chandpur for the short 'hop' to Akyab.

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

Well I was hoping to bag more IJN shipping today around Timor. Most of Faber's ships steamed towards Java but the stricken CVE Hosho was located around Lunchtime and SB2C's from Maumere located her putting a further 2 x 1000lbers into her. I doubt she'll survive.

It is assumed the other 2 TF's spotted contain Hiyo and Kaga................

A freighter was also attacked at Macassar. The escorting P38J's, now veterans, tore through the enemy CAP shooting down 13 enemy planes (9 x Tojo) for no loss. A 500lb bomb punctured the deck of AK Nankai Maru.

A NZ TBM Squadron has now flown into Maumere for service.

4 x NZ Corsair Squadrons are to be picked up from Auckland in the next month.

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

Rangoon was smacked throughout the night.

Recon detected 2 ships at Andaman Island. As such a CLAA/DD force will investigate from Moulmein tomorrow.

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

SS Tinosa avoided DD Arashi NW of Menado.

SS Bluegill damaged AP Aikoku Maru with a torpedo NE of Lingayen. She later on missed AP Taiho Maru with 6 torpedoes.

SS Porpoise evaded convoy escorts in the morning but later on probably sank the empty transport Kasuga Maru #2 with 2 torpeodes 240 miles SE of Iwo Jima. The escorts landed 2 x DC nearby - 12/2/0.

Air sightings = 11
Air attacks = 1

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

SS Taurus arrive at Karachi tomorrow.

[image]local://upfiles/4211/89A9DCCB6BA5459DB9D5EFC640DBAA89.jpg[/image]




Capt. Harlock -> RE: 20th February 1944 (11/11/2006 8:00:01 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Speedy


CVL Ryuho was confirmed sunk by Intel giving me 143 points. CVE Hosho looks heavily damaged and Kaga and Hiyo moderately damaged.

Most of my airgroups are still in good shape morale wise. There are many damaged planes thouigh.

The enemy lost 56 planes to my 34 today (50 x Zeke!) My P38J's performed particularly well against the Zeke's. 1st LT A Reynolds of 49th FG achieved 4 kills today bringing his tally to 11 in 103 missions.

Hopefully we can catch some more damaged CV's tomorrow. An SB2C Squadron has moved into Maumere to support this effort.

Very happy with this. Attrition of CV's in a LBA/land hopping area not even remotely affecting my main CentPac forces.




Impressive performance by your LBA! I assume is was the Mitchells landing the majority of the bombs -- I didn't see any torpedo hits.




Speedysteve -> 22nd February 1944 (11/12/2006 11:29:25 AM)

Hi all,

Hi Capt. - Yes the Mitchells achieved most of the hits from 8,000 feet. Having said that no torpeodes were used (unfortunately) due to the range to target. If torpedoes were used I guess another CV could've gone down too.

Having said that i'm fairly happy at sinking Ryuho and now Hosho and damaging Kaga and Hiyo for no real loss my end.

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

Rangoon was hit again today and 1500 caualties were sustained through the bombardment.

My CLAA force should reach Andaman Island tomorrow to investigate.

Both Mandalay and Pagan were heavily hit.

Bangkok was hit today and Resource production is 75% disabled now.

The Chinese are only 40 miles from Lashio now. Very soon another 800 AV will be pushed towards Mandalay from Lashio (another 400-600 more on their way from China too)[:)]

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

CVE Hosho was confirmed sunk today 60 miles SE of Lombok. Another 52 VP's to me......i've attached the top sunk ships list below..........

A lot of TF's are moving to Darwin now. Let me think. There is an MLE/ML TF, A DE TF, 2 x BF TF's, 2 x Troops/plane/supply TF's, amd 1 x plane TF.

I have noticed something 'odd' in the South Pacific. The number of aircraft operating from the Solomans/NG/NB has diminished dramatically. For example intel only indicates a recon airgroup at Lunga. I think Faber may be pulling out of the area. As such i'm directing a 3 x DE TF to move towards Darwin but just south of Lunga and past Gili Gili to see if I receive any enemy attention.

As such I have directed AK's to pick up another 7 x air groups from Noumea - 2 x Corsair, 1 x PBY, 2 x B25J, 2 x SB2C.

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

SS Drum damaged AK Nichinan with a torpeod 60 miles NW of San Marcelino.

SS Swordfish achieved the most successful attack I have seen with a submarine to date. She surfaced to attack the damaged AK Nankai Maru (from Macassar fame). She raked her with 40mm fire and then put 2 torpedoes into her. The AK fought back though and hit Swordfish with 3 x 3" shells (21/10/0)! As punishment more 40mm was thrown back at her and 3 more torpeodes hit home which obliterated the ship! 5 x torpedo hits in all! This took place 120 miles SW of Balikpapan.

SS Aspro was attacked by an ASW TF 180 miles NE of Ulithi. PC Mutsure dropped DC's - 2 x nearby -15/0/0.

SS Sunfish missed TK San Diego Maru with 6 torpedoes 240 miles NW of Vigan[:-]

Air sightings = 18
Air attacks = 0

TK Sinkoku Maru and AS Tsukushi Maru were both confirmed sunk today.

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

A DD arrives in theatre tomorrow.

[image]local://upfiles/4211/12B9569200234EE38BF37C78F8952ED8.jpg[/image]




pauk -> RE: 22nd February 1944 (11/12/2006 12:09:23 PM)

hi Speedy, you are doing so well... obiviously Penguins are not best suited for Tropical Empire[;)]

I would like to hear your thoughts about late war period, when you have enough time. Something like:
I'm interested in your timetable - do you have any schedule for reaching Malaya, Borneo, PI, Mariana...etc?

Do you feel you can continue your advance on rapid tempo you have (so perhaps you (un)consiously (sp?) will limit your tempo?)? If not what is your limitation (not enough LCU ---hah a good joke, ships, logistics)... and stuff like that

thanks in advance[:)]




Speedysteve -> 23rd February 1944 (11/12/2006 3:44:29 PM)

Hi all,

Hi Pauk (dumbass[;)]). Sure no problem. Timetables are hard to keep to though due to unforseen evebnts. For example: Wake should have bene taken 7 months earlier than it was but it was delayed due to my bungled first invasion. Also one KEY aspect of the following is that IF any of my 3 fronts develops better than expected the other 2 fronts may radically alter their aims.

CentPac:

Saipan - May/June 1944
Iwo Jima - HEAVILY depends on state of USN and army after Saipan but hopefully November 1944
From there either HI or Okinawa to cut off rest of SRA - March 1945

I plan to avoid PI.

SRA:

Raba - March 1944
Bali - April/May 1944
Java - June 1944
From there either Borneo (Banjarmasin or Pontianak area) OR Sumatra - Palembang. Hard to judge this since unknown resistance on Java. Maybe November 1944.

Burma:

Totally sketchy due to unkown affects of upcoming march from Akyab. He may collapse after this and if so Malaya and Indo China will follow within months. If not then slugfest will continue until December 1944.

Potentially Rangoon - June 1944. Bangkok - September/October 1944.

As for tempo - no real problem for me. The KEY is LOGISTICS. I have enough LCU's and combat ships (for CentPac) and Airpower to go where I want when (within reason). So the only shortfall is AK's, AP's etc to get enough supply/fuel forward to continue air ops OR to keep enough men in supply. Also their are more LCU's than can be transported at one time. I feel i'm pretty good at keeping supplies moving though which helps. Very few AK's/TK's are not either moving stuff around or in place awaiting to move stuff around.

I will post my forces for Saipan soon and you will be SHOCKED (I hope).

The heart of CentPac USN is attached below...........

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

A quieter day today...........

Bad weather prevented most air ops.

My CLAA force found nothing at Andaman Island BUT a force of Betties and Sallies attacked from Sabang. 7 of the b*stards were shot down by AA but both CLAA Ceres and CLAA Caledon took a torpedo. Both will be ok though. The worst off Caledon - 39/39/12.

We are moving these forces back to Trincomalee to form a new SC TF around Renown and Queen Elizabeth[:)]

All Rangoon bound forces are leaving Chandpur today for Akyab...........

Recon indicates Zeke's present at Hanoi. As such a P38G FG will sweep the air tomorrow from Yunan, hopefully.

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

110,000 tonnes of fuel are unloading at Darwin.

Almost all supplies are ashore at Maumere (30,000)

Time to start bombing again. Heavies at Darwin will hit Amboina's airfields tomorrow before hitting the repairing oil tanks soon after.

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

SS S-18 performed well today. She surfaced after her radar detected a ship. She closed the gap and detected an enemy AK. 3 out of 4 torpedoes hit home as did 5 shells into AK Holland Maru 240 miles east of Aomori.

SS Scorpion missed MSW Banshu Maru #18 east of Balikpapan. This is an ASW TF so she is relocating.

Air sightings = 14
Air attacks = 2

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

2 x AK and an APD arrive in theatre tomorrow.

[image]local://upfiles/4211/1869B46A256F433D8450A28502880505.jpg[/image]




Alfred -> RE: 23rd February 1944 (11/13/2006 7:19:34 AM)

Speedy,

That's a 500lb orca at Pearl patiently waiting for dinner.

Alfred




Speedysteve -> 24th February 1944 (11/13/2006 5:46:12 PM)

Hi all,

A pretty decent day all round. Looksee:

Sub attack at 36,61

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Torpedo hits 1
DD Nenohi
DD Oshio
DD Nowaki
DD Amatsukaze
CL Yura
CL Noshiro
CL Agano

Allied Ships
SS Corvina

No heavy damage reported but this is all handy. This took place 180 miles east of Tarakan.

SS Whale sank AP Keizan Maru with 2 torpedoes 60 miles NW of Tori Shima. The escorts landed 2 x DC nearby - 29/7/0.

SS Scorpion was attacked by convoy escorts 120 miles east of Balikpapan. 1 x DC near miss - 13/9/0.

SS S-37 strangely enough surfaced to attack AK Thames Maru but only landed 4 x 4" shells but all 4 torpedoes missed. This took place 60 miles NW of Macassar.

Air sightings = 8
Air attacks = 2

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

Air attacks in Burma and Marshalls. Bangkok now has very few resources left.

The sweer over Hanoi was pretty disappointing. 14 x Zeke were shot down but 7 x P38G were lost.




Speedysteve -> 25th February 1944 (11/13/2006 6:13:50 PM)

Hi all,

All troops should be ashore at Akyab over the next 2 days.

Pagan is heavily attacked by Liberator's.

Bangkok has no resources left now.

Rangoon was shelled again by 2 x BB divisions.

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

AK Thames Maru (of SS S-37 fame) was smacked today. SB2C's and TBM's were despatched from Maumere to attack her sneaking along the south coast of Sulawesi. I assume Faber is desparately trying to sneak single ships in and out. 8 bombs reportedly hit the ship leaving her burning fiercely. Nick's were flying CAP. 2 were shot down but one of them managed to shoot down a Spitfire VIII.

Almsot all supplies are ashore at Maumere now.

Amboina was hit by Heavies. 4 x Dinah recon were torched on the ground and the airfield shut. Tomorrow we hopefully go for the oil depots.

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

SS Sculpin evaded convoy escorts throughout the day. 1 x DC landed nearby.

SS Drum heavily damaged the oil laden TK Tonan Maru 3 with 1 torpedo 60 miles NW of San Marcelino.

SS Scorpion sank MSW Banshu Maru with 2 torpedoes 120 miles east of Balikpapan.

SS Sea Rover blew up ML Ma 4 with 2 torpedoes west of Singapore. That's good. Both of the small ML's are now gone.

Air sightings = 16
Air attacks = 3




Speedysteve -> 26th February 1944 (11/16/2006 11:47:39 AM)

Hi all,

Away at work this week so less time for gaming.

A good day for my submarines:

SS Parche sank the troop laden AP Atuta Maru with 3 torpedoes deep in the Phillipine Sea. Elements of Southern Fleet HQ were rescued.

She then aggresively attacked again heavily damaging AP Nichiren Maru with 2 torpedoes.

SS Burrfish damaged AK Kinshu Maru with a torpedo 180 miles west of Sasebo.

SS Hackleback evaded CL's and DD's NE of Tawi Tawi. I believe this to be the Hiei/Kirishima group due to CL Noshiro and CL Agano being spotted.

SS Pompon heavily damaged AK Nasusan Maru with a torpedo east of Balikpapan.

Air sightings = 14
Air attacks = 2

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

Rangoon was bombarded by heavy surface units throughout the night.

Bangkok's Resources are down to 25 remaining now. We go for Heavy Industry next.

All troops should be ashore at Akyab by tomorrow.

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

Amboina's remaining Oil was damaged.

All AK's have unloaded at Maumere and are now returning to Koepang before moving to Australia.

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

A DD arrive in theatre tomorrow.




Speedysteve -> 27th February 1944 (11/16/2006 7:18:55 PM)

Hi all,

A further fairly quiet day.

The Heavy Industry at Bangkok has been reduced to rubble. Next stop for my Moulmein heavies is Tavoy's resources............

CV Formidable is leaving Moulmein today to head back to Columbo for repairs. She is at 56 SYS damage.

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

A poor day for my submarines:

SS Sculpin evaded 4 x ASW craft 180 miles east of Tarakan.

SS Burrfish evaded a DD ASW TF 180 miles west of Sasebo.

SS Peto was heavily damaged by the convoy escort PC Manju 240 miles south of Iwo Jima. 1 x near miss DC, 2 x hit DC - 54/89/0. Trying to make Wake Island.

SS Pampanito missed AK Hohuku Maru with 4 torpedoes 240 miles NNE of Guam.

Air sightings = 11
Air attacks = 1

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

2 x AK, a DE, MSW and an LST arrive in theatre tomorrow.




Speedysteve -> 28th February 1944 (11/17/2006 11:29:40 AM)

Hi all,

Well the last day of February 1944 passes..................

All men are ashore at Akyab and the advance has been ordered to move through 120 miles of trail towards Rangoon.....I hope this works out. If I can just break though Burma so much real estate lies ahead of me - Malaya and Indochina.............

Tavoy's Resources were hit today. We hopefully go again tomorrow.

Rangoon shelled again.

Akyab bombed again by Liberators and troop positions by FB's. Once his AV reaches below 350 I may attack again. The bombing seems to be slowly but surely attriting his men there:

Ground combat at Pagan

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 32634 troops, 292 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 775

Defending force 21050 troops, 59 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 420


Japanese ground losses:
41 casualties reported

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

More forts and airfield construction on going over Timor and Maumere.

Several TF's are moving through the narrows between PNG and Australia. Once the majority of these reach Darwin i'll have a lot of force available.

Next stop Raba.............

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

Marshalls bombed heavily.

CentPac forces resting at PH.

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

Good ol' Submarines:

SS Sculpin sank ML Kurosaki with 2 torpedoes 60 miles east of Balikpapan.

SS Drum damaged the empty Tanker Koryu Maru with a torpedo west of Lingayen. DC's were dropped by PC Sonan Maru #5 to no avail.

SS Angler
damaged the empty AP Zenyo Maru with a torpedo 240 miles WNE of Tori Shima.

SS Sand Lance achieved her first kill of the war by sinking MSW Toshi Maru #5 with a torpedo 60 miles NE of Brunei.

AP Nichiren Maru was confirmed sunk today carrying elements of Southern Fleet.

Air sightings = 7
Air attacks = 1

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

An AK, DE and DD arrive in theatre tomorrow as does an SBD Squadron at San Francisco.




Speedysteve -> End of february............. (11/17/2006 11:54:55 AM)

Hi all,

Points:

Japanese: +921
Allied: +2074

Bases:

Japanese: -1 base (-13 points)
Allied: +1 base (+32 points)

Planes:

Allies lost: 451
Japanese lost: 1189

Troops:

Allies lost: 59 points
Japanese lost: 216 points

Ships:

Allies lost: 7 ships - 424 points. The big losses here are from CV Victorious and CV Illustrious.
Japanese lost: 61 ships - 760 points. The big losses here are from CVL Chiyoda showing in the points CVL Ryuho and CVE Hosho. My submarines accounted for 30 ships this month - a mixture of AK, AP, TK, AO, MSW and ML ships. The other ships were accounted for by my British CV's in their SRA foray and the sinking of AK's at Rangoon harbour (7 of them).

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

Thoughts:

Overall not a bad month. It would've been great if I hadn't lost my British CV's but other than that good air loss ratio and happy with the number of enemy ships sunk.

Next month will still see a quiet CentPac but both the SRA and Burma could see more action.

[image]local://upfiles/4211/25F5E09F1C1A4BF5A401976899B069F3.jpg[/image]




Speedysteve -> 1st March 1944 (11/17/2006 6:38:54 PM)

Hi all,

Well a disappointing start to the month..............

My submarines had a bad day:

SS Drum missed the large TK San Luis 60 miles NE of San Marcelino[:-]

SS Triton was attacked by convoy escorts NW of Brunei. MSW Wa 12 dropped 1 x DC near miss - 20/0/0

SS Pampanito missed DD Hibiki with 4 torpedoes 240 miles NW of Ulithi[:-]

SS Peto sank today due to her wounds sustained a few days ago[:(]

Air sightings = 14
Air attacks = 1

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

Some of my convoys passing past Gili Gili and upto Darwin were attacked by LBA from PM and Gili Gili.

2 x empty AK were hit near Gili and Gili and troop laden AK's were hit past Thursday Island. They had just moved out of CAP range[8|] 1 x AK carrying SeeBee's is heavily damaged by a torpedo another AK is lightly damaged.

Airfield symbols also indicate Faber has moved planes back into Lunga.

As such i'm routing convoys further south again before moving up to Darwin.

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

Intel indiactes 2nd Amphibious Brigade is at Bali now. Thank you SigInt. I will attack that place in force then.

I thnik i'll be going for Raba within 2 weeks. I just need to get some SeeBee's and supply ready to go since the place is empty.

LBA from Maumere can cover the area.

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

A Catalina spotted 2 x AK at Andaman Island. Luckily I have CV Formidable passing nearby. As such 2 x DD will leave that TF and move to Andaman to investigate.

Pagan hit.

Bad weather prevents most other air raids.

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

2 x AK and an AO arrive in theatre tomorrow.




rtrapasso -> RE: 1st March 1944 (11/17/2006 6:40:30 PM)

Be sure to see the new movie opening today - you might get some clues as to faber's plans...

[image]local://upfiles/7543/CD66F2092BBC44368B4F88F3FF77D276.jpg[/image]

PS - Be sure to see the correct version - there is also one for Onime, and a "general release" film as well...




Speedysteve -> RE: 1st March 1944 (11/17/2006 6:42:11 PM)

[X(]

Atom Bomb is secretly being tested[:D]




Speedysteve -> 2nd March 1944 (11/17/2006 11:39:48 PM)

Hi all,

Well Lashio in Burma has been reached by the Chinese.....HQ unit[:D] Infantry is another 4-7 days away. At least they can establish a brothel and cocktail bar in the meantime[;)]

The DD's strangely found nothing at Andaman Island.

Tavoy resource production down to 10%. LBA moving onto Bandou's resources next.

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

Sorong's airfields will be targetted by Darwin Heavies tomorrow.

Very soon both Kendari and Maccasar will be closed leaving more free sea space for me......

Japanese LBA hit 2 troop convoys today. Firstly, a SeeBee carrying AK was heavily damaged by Betties near Thursday Island. As such 2 x heavily damaged AK will unload at Merauke instead.

The other TF was due SW of Lunga. SC SC-709 was blown up by a torpedo and 3 AK's are damaged (all be ok if no more damage is sustained).

My complacency is damaging here. I saw Faber move planes out of the area so I moved through it.

All being well no major damage will be sustained from now on.

Screenie below shows the current disposition.

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

SS Drum finished off her torpedo supply by sinking AK Boston Maru with 2 torpeodes 60 miles NW of San Marcelino.

SS Apogon heavily damaged AK Yamatsuru Maru with a torpedo 240 miles south of Iwo Jima. Later on in the day she missed AK Gyokurei Maru and DD Chidori landed 1 x DC nearby - 12/0/0.

SS Corvina evaded 3 x APD convoy escorts 180 miles east if Tarakan.

Air sightings = 7
Air attacks = 2

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

CVE Santee, an LCI, LSD and DE arrive in theatre tomorrow.

[image]local://upfiles/4211/8FA96A5F1E5B4AE69E2E08A5C16412C3.jpg[/image]




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