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End of September 1943......... - 2/8/2012 6:00:26 PM

Speedysteve

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

Not too much to report from this month with my main prepartions being for Operation Reindeer.

On the sea the main reinforcements (other than the oodles of Auxilliary ships and escorts) are CVL Monterey, 2 x CVE (1 British), 4 x SS and the first 2 x AGC's.

In the air the main entrants are the F4U-1A and some Brit variants (Seafire's, Wildcat's etc).

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

Points:

Allies: +598 points
Japanese: +230 points

Bases:

Allies: -1 (+56 points)
Japanese: +1 (+55 points)

Planes:

Allies: +143 lost
Japanese: +180 lost

Troops:

Allies: +2 Lost
Japanese: +34 Lost

Ships:

Allies: +4 (+30 points. 2 x AK and 2 x SS)
Japanese: +38 (+344 points. All from subs except 3 ships in small convoy off Espiritu Santu)

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

Sub Kills:

33 of 57 were successful = 57.89% success.

Dutch Boats:

PB - 4 (1 mine)
AK - 33 (+1)
TK - 6
CM - 3
DD - 5 (+1)
TB - 1
DMS - 2 (-1)
E - 1
APD - 1
ACM - 1
AP - 1

= 58 ships
-------------------------------

British Boats:

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

= 11 ships

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

Fleet Boats:

AK - 123 (+10)
SC - 8
AP - 4 (+2)
PB - 20 (+2)
TK - 22 (+2)
AKE - 1
CM - 5 (+1)
ACM - 2
E - 1
APD - 2 (+1)
DD - 2
CL - 1 (Oi) (-1)
AO - 3
PC - 1

= 195 ships
--------------------------------

S-Boats:

AK - 20 (+2)
AP - 2
CM - 1
PB - 5
DMS - 1
SC - 4 (+1)
TK - 1

= 34 ships

= 298 ships = 50% of reported sunk ships total.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 691

1-3rd October 1943 - 2/11/2012 2:37:22 PM

Speedysteve

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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

Operation Reindeer:

The past 3 days has produced quick results.

Cocos Japanese defenders were bombed for 2 days solid and the troops went in on the next. My well trained and prepared men overwhelmed the Japanese Garrison and wiped them out within a day:

Ground combat at Cocos Islands (33,101)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 10095 troops, 309 guns, 104 vehicles, Assault Value = 569

Defending force 2223 troops, 22 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 46

Allied adjusted assault: 343

Japanese adjusted defense: 2

Allied assault odds: 171 to 1 (fort level 5)

Allied forces CAPTURE Cocos Islands !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), leaders(+), disruption(-), preparation(-)
experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
1076 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 29 disabled
Engineers: 62 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 17 (16 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 12 (11 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
260 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 38 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
22nd (East African) Bde /1
2nd British Div /1

Defending units:
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
Sasebo 8th SNLF

Interestingly on the 2nd October a PBY located a suspected Japanese TF containing a CV heading west to intercept the limping Enterprise. As such I ordered my CV's to head SE to intercept them on the 3rd. This didn't happen as the Japanese scarpered.

Enterprise will now probably head to Cocos for emergency repairs and then Cape Town.

My Christmas Island invasion forces headed east from Cocos. My CV's will (probably) head back to protect them on the 4th as a Japanese Betty raid came from Java on the 3rd. The CVE's did their job and the 70+ CAP saw off the attacker for heavy loss to them (10 claimed enemy for 1 friendly).

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

Submarine Warfare:

2 dud/missed attacks.

SS Bluefish heavily damaged AK Yodogawa Maru with a torpedo off Palau.

2 enemy subs have been claimed off Cocos.

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RE: 1-3rd October 1943 - 2/11/2012 4:36:40 PM

crsutton

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Speedy, you are back. Remind us of where you are time wise. You might want to date (war time) your lead ins. Perhaps a summary of the past few months. I was enjoying this one.

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Post #: 693

RE: 1-3rd October 1943 - 2/11/2012 7:17:37 PM

Speedysteve

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

I always put the date period in the subject of my posts

To re-cap the last few months is quite simple. After I re-took Midway and Wake Island between March and May 1943 it's been a period of Phoney War (except by the Submarines). The main reason for this is the need to repair damaged ships (after 2 big CV battles in which Faber lost virtually all of his current CV/CVL's) and the need to shift troops around for the follow up invasions.

Operation 1 is underway - Operation Reindeer. Operations 2 and 3 are summarised below from an earlier post. If there's more specific info you'd like let me know

quote:

ORIGINAL: Speedy

Here's an overview of the situation and an idea of upcoming invasions.

Ideal World would be to go straight for the Mariana's bbut I need more CV strength to ensure a safer landing. As such I may as well use the assets I have and land forces to re-conquer other territory until that point.

As such.........

1.) Invasion of Cocos/Christmas Island. These are exposed and not built up that I know off. Substantial land forces and my CV's almost ensure an easy victory. Handy bases for sub depots and as a springboard for Sumatra/Java invasions in the future. ETA = roughly 2 months.

2.) I have oodles of men and planes in Aus, NZ and Fuji so I may as well use them in a land campaign on New Guinea, New Caledonia and the Islands south of Ceram. CV's will support these Ops on their way, back to PH, from Operation 1. ETA 3-4 months.

3.) Simultaneous land campaign in Burma by masses of LCU's air support and invasion of the Mariana's by America's finest. That will be the biggest invasion yet. By this time a further 1 x CV (Intrepid), 4 x CVL and 10 x offensive CVE will be on the scene.

This would put the CV force (barring any losses up till then) at:

CV - 9
CVL - 7
CVE (offensive) - 16

ETA 6 monthsish.

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RE: 1-3rd October 1943 - 2/11/2012 9:09:55 PM

castor troy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

Speedy, you are back. Remind us of where you are time wise. You might want to date (war time) your lead ins. Perhaps a summary of the past few months. I was enjoying this one.

lol, took me probably a year back in the ol� WITP days to realize speedy always puts the date in the subject.

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Post #: 695

4th October 1943 - 2/12/2012 8:48:49 AM

Speedysteve

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

I know everyone likes a CV Battle.....so I thought I'd serve up another one. In the end I decided to continue routing my CV's south on the 4th to attempt to locate the enemy TF. It was the right decision looking at it!

Search planes located the enemy TF SW on the dawn of the 4th. Both sides launched air raids, however, the Japanese TF only contained 2 reported CV's (Amagi and Unryu) so I have a much larger force. my PM strike wiped the floor....almost. Here's the snapshot from the CR:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island IO at 44,114

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 26
B6N2 Jill x 14
D4Y1 Judy x 17
D4Y3 Judy x 15

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 150

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 3 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 9 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 8 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y3 Judy: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVL Belleau Wood
CV Essex

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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Exmouth at 40,119

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 28

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 71
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 106
TBF-1 Avenger x 72

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 3 destroyed
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Unryu, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Amagi, Bomb hits 1
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 1
DD Yukikaze
CA Takao, Bomb hits 1
DD Niizuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Sazanami
CA Atago, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
DD Urakaze

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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Exmouth at 40,119

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 87
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 85
TBF-1 Avenger x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 6 damaged
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Amagi, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 10, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hatakaze, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Ushio, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
CA Atago, Bomb hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Sazanami, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Yukikaze, Bomb hits 1
DD Urakaze, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Niizuki, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Takao, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kawakaze

Air losses were 54 Allied for 110 Japanese for the day. This was skewed by the Japanese losing 30 planes on the ground (i.e. Unryu). Interestingly I lost more F6F vs Zero (21 vs 14).

I'm staying on station to clean up any stragglers.

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

Cocos Island -

Further north at Cocos the convoys continue to unload support units, airgroups, supply and fuel. However, Faber conducted a well executed hit and run in the early hours by a small SC TF:

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara, Shell hits 5
DD Kasumi, Shell hits 1
DD Murasame
DD Yamakaze
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Isonami

Allied Ships
CL Achilles, Shell hits 1
CL Sumatra, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Detroit, Shell hits 2
DE Barker
DE Edsall
DD Voyager, Shell hits 7, heavy fires
DD Vampire
DD Kortenaer
DD Tenedos, Shell hits 10, on fire
DD Thracian
APD Little
AM Lithgow, Shell hits 1, on fire
AM Strahan
AM Wagga
SC-519
SC-520
SC-521
SC-522
SC-630
SC-638
APA Henry T. Allen
APA George Clymer
xAP St. Mihel
APA Warren
APA Wayne
APA Elmore
APA Fayette
xAP Mount Vernon, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Monterey, Shell hits 1
xAK Steel Mariner
xAK Steel Scientist, Shell hits 3
xAK Makawao
xAK Manulani
xAP Cape Neddick
xAP Arundel Castle
xAP Dunnatar Castle
xAP Empress ' Asia
xAP Devonshire
xAP Dilwara
xAP Santhia
xAP Sarpedonia
xAP Chilka
xAP Egra
xAP Jaladuta
xAP Jacalope
xAP Anglo Canadian
xAP Benrinnes
xAP Clan Macbean
LSI(L) Glenorchy
AMC Chitral, Shell hits 3
xAP Kota Pinang, Shell hits 2, on fire
KV Cyclamen
xAP Rangitiki, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Mataroa
xAP Taroona, and is sunk

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

Submarine Warfare -

Both sides had success today.

SS Guardfish claimed TK Mutsuyo Maru south of Takao.

SS O19 broke PB Yahonui Maru in half in the Malacca Strait.

On the other side I-Boats capitalised on the carnage caused by Faber's SC TF. 2 stragglers were sunk by I-Boats - AP Malaita and AK Fultala

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Speedy -- 2/12/2012 8:51:50 AM >

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Post #: 696

5-8th October 1943 - 2/16/2012 7:19:21 PM

Speedysteve

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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

Operation Reindeer -

Operation Reindeer has now achieved most of its objectives. Christmas Island fell on the 8th October. The Japanese are still present (Garrison Unit) but have lost control of the majority of the island.

Faber also threw more forces into the fray.....

The 5-7th saw my forces slowly maneuvering towards Christmas Island. A temporary lull in the action except for the presence of Jap subs. CV Enterprise finally slipped beneath the waves on the 5th after being tracked and hit by 2 more torpedoes from SS I-30

The 7th sae IJNAF forces attack my ships with Betties, Zeroes and Jacks from Batavia. 90% of enemy planes were destroyed or driven off (90 losses for 10 friendly) and no hits were sustained by my ships.

The 8th was action packed! With 100's of ships anchored off Christmas Island unloading men and material, the 3 x SC TF in the distance providing cover and further still the many CV's providing air cover for the invasion the IJN decided to show up by night and day. A small IJN TF was scared off in the night:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Christmas Island IO at 45,104, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Kasumi
DD Murasame
DD Yamakaze, Shell hits 1
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Isonami

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
BB New Mexico, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1
BB Mississippi, Shell hits 1
CA Louisville
CA Chicago
CA Astoria
CA Quincy
CL Phoenix
CL Honolulu
DD Tucker
DD Cassin
DD Downes
DD Porter, Shell hits 1
DD Selfridge
DD Phelps, Shell hits 1
DD Farragut
DD Worden
DD Dale
DD Monaghan
DD Aylwin

The main event came in the day though in the form of BB Fuso:

Day Time Surface Combat, near Christmas Island IO at 45,104, Range 27,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso, Shell hits 2
CL Natori
DD Akatsuki
DD Usugumo
DD Shirakumo
DD Fumizuki, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Nevada
BB Oklahoma, Shell hits 1
BB Arizona, Shell hits 1
CA Chester, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA Minneapolis
CA San Francisco
CL Helena
CL Mobile
DD Mahan
DD Cummings
DD Drayton
DD Lamson
DD Case
DD Conyngham
DD Shaw
DD Perkins
DD Smith
DD Reid
DD Flusser

The SC TF's did their duty in preventing the IJN from interfering with the transports. The US CV's exacted a terrible price for IJN braveness:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island IO at 45,103

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 13

Allied aircraft
FM-1 Wildcat x 6
F6F-3 Hellcat x 79
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 54

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 13 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 16, heavy fires
DD Usugumo, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Akatsuki, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
CL Natori, Bomb hits 3, on fire

And the coup de grace:

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island IO at 45,103

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 20
FM-1 Wildcat x 5
F6F-3 Hellcat x 73
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 100
SBD-3 Dauntless x 36
SBD-5 Dauntless x 13
TBF-1 Avenger x 194

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 6 damaged
SBD-5 Dauntless: 2 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 11 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Bomb hits 12, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 6, and is sunk
DD Usugumo, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
DD Akatsuki, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

I wonder if Faber will attempt anymore air or sea interference in this area now. Certainly he still has a lot of subs around. Intel is also detecting many land units heading for Java. Probably rushing defences in case of an invasion. Once my supply and material is ashore and I have LBA projection I'll retire my ships to Perth with my CV's launching a few raids against Java to say hello.

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

Submarine Warfare -

3 dud/missed attacks.

SS Guardfish heavily damaged TK Shichiyo Maru on Itbayat Island on the 5th.

SS Growler damaged AK Monji Maru with a torpedo off Saipan.

SS Swordfish blew up TK Jinei Maru with 4 torpedoes north of Kuching.

SS Balao sank TK Kanto Maru off Balikpapan on the 6th.

On the other side DD Voyager was sunk off Cocos Islands by SS I-157.

AK Indiriya was sunk by I-164 off the Cocos Islands.

SS I-32 sank AK Ho Kiang and AK Hunan off Cocos Islands.

In return 3 x IJN subs have been reported sunk off Cocos Islands.

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Post #: 697

RE: 5-8th October 1943 - 2/16/2012 7:26:17 PM

castor troy

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have you asked Faber why he showed up during the day? Or was this a borked naval movement? I hardly could see a reason why a IJ player would send in his ships during the day, let alone when he's aware of a big Allied CV TF sitting in the area.

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RE: 5-8th October 1943 - 2/17/2012 7:28:21 AM

Speedysteve

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Faber mentioned that he planned for Fuso to reach there at nighttime but either mis-judged it or aa borked movement.

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9-12th October 1943 - 2/23/2012 7:29:45 PM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Operation Reindeer -

Unloading continues at Christmas and Cocos Islands. Cocos has it's first Runway and Christmas will do in a day or 2. Planes are already ashore at both Islands ready to operate (P47FG, TBF, B26 at Christmas and P40N1's, Lib II and Catalina's at Cocos.)

Once the airfield is up and running at Christmas my CV's will depart via a strike at Java. I will then commence Operation Boxing Day. This is an addendum to Reindeer following on from it's success and a suggestion by a helpful reader a while ago. More on that soon.

On land the Japanese fragments were annihilated during the day of the 9th. Over 1000 men perished.

Faber has not attempted to interfere with any more surface threats. The Japanese attempted an air raids on the 11th. 4 x Jack, 11 x Zero and 14 x Betty were claimed for the loss of 9 x Friendlies. No bombers dared venture to attack my ships.

His subs are another matter though.....

Quiet on other fronts.

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

Submarine Warfare -

1 dud/missed attack.

SS Lapon missed a freighter off Balikpapan but managed to sink PB Kyo Maru #13 on the 9th.

SS Crevalle heavily damaged the troop laden AK Mexico Maru south of Okinawa on the 10th. Later in the day she blew up troop laden AK Aikura Maru from the same convoy.

SS Lapon made amends for the 9th by claiming AK Unkai Maru #6 sunk off Balikpapan.

SS Crevalle located the stricken AK Mexico Maru on the 11th and put her under. Bon voyage moth*r *******

3 of my subs have beeen damaged by Jap LBA off Sakhalin Island.

On the other side....

AK Stanmore and Clan Macilwraith were heavily damaged and limped to port on Christmas Island.

AK Jalaganga, AO Cimarron, AK Tanfield, AK Jalayamuna were all sunk

CV Saratoga was hit by a torpedo but the tough bird only has 7/12/5 damage.

In return my ASW efforts have netted decent results with the following claimed sunk:

I-28
I-178
I-180
I-164
I-176
I-5
I-24

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13-18th October 1943 - 3/16/2012 6:17:38 PM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Operation Reindeer -

Officially ended Operation Reindeer on 18th October as all transports at Christmas Island have finished unloading and started heading back towards Cape Town/Mombasa. My 4 x CV TF's headed east towards Soerabaja to attack shipping, the port and airfields on the 18th. Recon didn't detect any TF's so raids were launched against the Port and Airfields. Results were satisfactory. No planes were detected but a few ships were claimed sunk in the port:

2 x SS
3 x SSX
1 x AKL
2 x SC

A few TF's were detected at the end of the day so tomorrow we'll stay around for 1 more day and also launch attacks against the Oil and Fuel Refineries before heading west.

No Japanese attacks were launched against Christmas/Cocos Islands over the past week.

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

All quiet elsewhere except a Japanese Fighter Sweep over Ledo by Oscar's. Hurri's engaged them about 10 planes were lost by both sides.

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

Submarine Warfare -

5 x dud/missed attacks.

SS Escolar claimed AK Marei Maru sunk off Taiwan on the 14th.

SS Steelhead sank AP Kasado Maru south of Tokyo on the 15th.

SS Jack damaged TK San Diego Maru with a torpedo north of Kuching on the 17th.

SS KXVI claimed sinking the troop laden AMC Bangkok Maru north of Kuching on the 18th.

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< Message edited by Speedy -- 4/17/2012 7:52:54 AM >

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19-27th October 1943 - 4/17/2012 8:30:36 AM

Speedysteve

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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

Apologies for the slow updates. RL has been pretty busy of late.

Java -

The raids by my CV's on the 19th were also a success. Several Japanese ships were claimed sunk (1 x DD, 1 x SS, 1 x AK, 2 x E, 1 x TK) and the same number heavily damaged. Also importantly, about 40% of oil and fuel production was damaged. There was little Japanese interference in the air.

Further north, my CVE Group, raids Japanese shipping off Palembang with mixed results. Many important shiops were hit but losses were heavy (65 planes over the day

):

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 25
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
FM-1 Wildcat x 9
F6F-3 Hellcat x 4
TBF-1 Avenger x 41

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 destroyed
FM-1 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 6 destroyed, 11 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi
AO Ashizuri
AO Ken'yo Maru
TK San Luis Maru
TK Azuma Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Okuni Maru
TK Rikko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
TK Tsushima Maru
DD Akigumo
TK Ayayuki Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

And:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 25
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22
FM-1 Wildcat x 13
F6F-3 Hellcat x 8
TBF-1 Avenger x 46

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
FM-1 Wildcat: 5 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 3 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
AO Erimo, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kikuzuki
TK Ogura Maru #3, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Amakusa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
TK Okigawa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
PB Choko Maru #2
PB Tama Maru #8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PB Takunan Maru #2
DD Hatsuzuki
xAK Taian Maru
TK Meisan Maru
TK Kaijo Maru

All ships are retiring now to refuel and re-arm. My CVE's are at Columbo and my CV's are approaching Perth.

It will probably be towards the end of November before Operation Boxing Day will be launched. More on that in due course.

Engineers have gradually expanded the facilities at Cocos and Christmas Islands and a series of fighter sweeps started from Christmas towards Batavia. 3 x FS of P47D2's conducted these using Drop Tanks. Results so far have been disappointing. On the 27th October for example I lost 27 x P47D2 vs 18 x A6M5, J2M Jack and Ki61 Tony.

All quiet elsewhere.

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

Submarine Warfare -

7 x dud/missed attacks.

SS Capelin claimed sinking TK Tatekawa Maru with a torpedo off Singkawang on the 19th.

SS Jack sank SC Ch 15 off Kuching on the 20th.

SS Balao sank AP Argentina Maru off Balikpapan on the 21st with 3 torpedoes.

SS Capelin was in action again on the 22nd sinking TK San Diego Maru.

SS Bonefish damaged the troop laden AK Kyokko Maru off Makassar with a torpedo.

SS Albacore reported sinking troop laden AK Nitii Maru with 2 torpedoes off Agrihan on the 24th.

On the 27th SS Skate hunted the hunter and sank E Kiku south of Tokyo.

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Post #: 702

28-31st October 1943 - 4/24/2012 7:18:47 AM

Speedysteve

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

Operation Boxing Day -

All ships that took place in Operation Reindeer are back to base/will be there in 3 days - CV's at Perth, CVE's at Columbo and Transports at Columbo, Cape Town and Mombasa.

I'm now just awaiting the arrival of ther last AP's needed to Mombasa. Troops, Equipment and supplies will be loaded up and then Operation Boxing Day will be on!

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

All quiet elsewhere. I'm starting to upgrade the airforces in India in preparation for the planned offensive there planned for early 44. This process includes introducing Wellingtons and Liberators to Bombers Sqns and introducing Spits to replace Hurri's. Once Thunderbolt I's come onlione from 1/44 things will be much better for fighter rates.

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

Submarine Warfare -

3 dud/missed attacks.

Just the one successful attack reported by SS Sculpin sinking TK Anjo Maru with 2 torpedoes off Toyohara.

< Message edited by Speedy -- 4/24/2012 5:47:27 PM >

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Post #: 703

End of October 1943........ - 4/24/2012 6:18:38 PM

Speedysteve

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

***The sub kill tally will be added over the next day or 2***

October 1943 marked the start of a series of Allied invasions and campaigns against the Japanese. Operation Reindeer (occupation of Cocos and Christmas Islands) went off fairly successfuly. The only casualty of note was CV Enterprise which was sunk by Japanese submarines

In return BB Fuso was sunk trying to intercept my transports and a small CV battle ensued when Faber tried to intercept the doomed CV Enterprise. This battle led to the presumed loss of CV Unryu, CV Amagi, 2 x CA and 4 x DD.

November will see forces prepare and launch off for a follow up invasion inspired by our reader crsutton. Operation Boxing Day will be a small operation against Siberoet (I say small as I don't expect major opposition except maybe by air). It will involve all my CV's though to provide adequate protection. This will be used to build up a large airfield to dominate the region (hopefully) in due course.

November sees the arrival of Spit VIII's and TBM1C's in the air. On sea the highlights are CVL Cabot, CVE Manila Bay, CVE St. Lo, 9 x SS and the usual plethora of auxilliary ships.

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

Points:

Allies: +2210 points
Japanese: +848 points

Bases:

Allies: +2 (+62 points)
Japanese: +2 (+85 points)

Planes:

Allies: +416 lost
Japanese: +393 lost

Troops:

Allies: +5 lost
Japanese: +115 lost

Ships:

Allies: +15 (+512 points. Mainly from CV Enterprise and the rest from transports and auxilliaries in the Operation Reindeer invasion).
Japanese: +59 (+1096 points. A mixture of losses from my CV's including the Soerabaja raids and some by subs).

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 704

RE: 28-31st October 1943 - 4/24/2012 7:51:00 PM

khyberbill

Posts: 1941
Joined: 9/11/2007
From: new milford, ct
Status: offline

quote:

I'm now just awaiting the arrival of ther last AP's needed to Mombasa.

Is Mombasa a staging port?

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Post #: 705

RE: 28-31st October 1943 - 4/24/2012 9:54:00 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
Joined: 9/11/2001
From: Reading, England
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It is for this little Opp as there's an African div and bde being used for Boxing Day

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Post #: 706

RE: 28-31st October 1943 - 4/24/2012 9:56:54 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
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From: Reading, England
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Duplicate

< Message edited by Speedy -- 4/24/2012 9:57:32 PM >

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Post #: 707

End of October 1943........sub kills - 4/25/2012 7:39:18 PM

Speedysteve

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

Hi all,

Here's the current sub tallies.

Sub Kills:

24 of 45 were successful = 53.33% success.

Dutch Boats:

PB - 5 (1 mine) (+1)
AK - 33
TK - 6
CM - 3
DD - 4 (-1)
TB - 1
DMS - 3 (+1)
E - 1
APD - 1
ACM - 1
AP - 1
AMC - 1 (+1)

= 60 ships
-------------------------------

British Boats:

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

= 12 ships

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

Fleet Boats:

AK - 137 (+14)
SC - 9 (+1)
AP - 6 (+2)
PB - 21 (+1)
TK - 28 (+6)
AKE - 1
CM - 4 (-1)
ACM - 2
E - 2 (+1)
APD - 2
DD - 2
CL - 2 (Oi, Kashima) (+1)
AO - 3
PC - 1

= 220 ships
--------------------------------

S-Boats:

AK - 20
AP - 2
CM - 1
PB - 5
DMS - 1
SC - 4
TK - 1

= 34 ships

= 326 ships = 49.77% of reported sunk ships total.

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Post #: 708

1-12th November 1943 - 5/11/2012 7:31:31 AM

Speedysteve

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

Operation Boxing Day -

A fairly inauspicious start to November 1943 as the preparations for Operation Boxing Day continue.

As such there's been little offensive action taking place.

On the 11th preparations were reported complete and 2 x African Division's left Mombasa along with a Construction Rgt and 3 x AA Bde's. At the same time Base Force personnel and 6 x air groups left Aden bound for Columbo and then Siberoet.

Over the next 10 days my CV's will ready at Perth and head north for a rendevous with the assault forces.

Mossie Recon planes are now based at Christmas Island and are scanning the enemy held area. No enemy forces are reported at Siberoet.

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

CBI -

Preparation continues here for the 44 offensive. 3/4 of the LBA are now equipped with Mitchells, Liberators or Wellingtons. About 40% of the fighter force are Spitfires with the rest aiming to convert to Spits, Seafires, Thunderbolts (1/44) and Corsairs (1/44).

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

Submarine Warfare -

11 x dud/missed attacks

The most famous of submarine attacks to date was reported posthomously.....

On the 10th November SS Shark reached the waters off Onnekotan-jima after SigInt reported an enemy convoy here. She set her sights on AK Victoria Maru and sunk her with 2 torpedoes. E Kamo then located, attacked and forced SS Shark to surface. The heroics began as Shark sank 2 more AK's and put shells into 2 others before she was blown to pieces. The most famous attack by a submarine in my years of playing AE

Sub attack near Onnekotan-jima at 136,48

Japanese Ships
xAK Victoria Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Akasi Maru
E Kamo
xAK Sinkoku Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Miyadono Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAK Kyuma Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Eli Maru, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
SS Shark, hits 19, heavy fires, heavy damage

SS Growler reported sinking PB Kozan Maru north of Saipan on the 4th.

SS Scamp blew up E Kanju south of Tokyo on the 7th.

On the 8th SS Corvina, patrolling off Ominato north Japan, located and sunk AK Ansyu Maru with 2 torpedoes.

SS Mingo blew up AK Kashii Maru with 4 torpedoes SW of Tokyo.

SS Rasher reported sinking AK Sansho Maru east of Formosa.

Mine's laid by SS Argonaut claimed AM Wa 101 at Saipan.

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Post #: 709

RE: 1-12th November 1943 - 5/11/2012 7:33:51 AM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
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From: Reading, England
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To push post to top of forum..........

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Post #: 710

RE: 1-12th November 1943 - 5/11/2012 10:40:02 AM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Speedy

The most famous of submarine attacks to date was reported posthomously.....

On the 10th November SS Shark reached the waters off Onnekotan-jima after SigInt reported an enemy convoy here. She set her sights on AK Victoria Maru and sunk her with 2 torpedoes. E Kamo then located, attacked and forced SS Shark to surface. The heroics began as Shark sank 2 more AK's and put shells into 2 others before she was blown to pieces. The most famous attack by a submarine in my years of playing AE

That's truly amazing, Speedy.

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Post #: 711

RE: 1-12th November 1943 - 5/12/2012 9:21:17 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
Joined: 9/11/2001
From: Reading, England
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Never seen any sub attack like it!

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Post #: 712

RE: 1-12th November 1943 - 5/23/2012 7:28:04 PM

comsolut

Posts: 484
Joined: 5/30/2004
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Just wanted to thank you for posting your AAR. I have been reading your China sections to pick up good ideas. And yes it is a lot of work to do an AAR, but very much appreciated!

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Post #: 713

RE: 1-12th November 1943 - 6/6/2012 8:42:43 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
Joined: 9/11/2001
From: Reading, England
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Thanks comsolut. Kind of you. Is there anything specific you'd like more info on?

I've been away in Spain on holiday for over a week so slow on the turns but there'll be an update soon.

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Post #: 714

13-27th November 1943 - 6/13/2012 6:46:58 PM

Speedysteve

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

It's been a fairly quiet period with the Japanese conducting very few attacks (other than the odd air raid in China). On the Allied little is happening as my forces are still moving for the next invasion. Invasion forces are approaching from Mombasa and are due on map in 10 days time. Soon my CV's and fleet elements will sail from Perth and Columbo to meet the invasion forces for their final run in to Siberoet.

As such the only action to 'note' is the odd air raid by 4E in Carnarvon to keep Port Hedland supressed afrom Norfolk Island to keep Noumea supressed.

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

Submarine Warfare:

13 x dud/missed attacks.

The 13th was a bumper day with SS Perch damaging TK Asashio Maru with a torpedo near Jolo. She had time to line up another attack and reported sinking TK Kyokuho Maru with 2 torpedoes.

SS Snapper also got in on the action sinking an escort off this convoy - PB Kaikei Maru and then capsizing TK Palembang Maru with 3 torpedoes. All in all a good day with 3 ships reported sunk and 1 damaged from this TK Convoy.

Further west SS Kingfish blew up TK Eikyo Maru off Balikpapan.

On the 14th SS Rasher left AK Kurohime Maru heavily damaged near Kume-jima.

SS Devilfish reported hitting DD Hatsuyuki with a torpedo.

On the 17th SS Seawolf sank PB Tokati Maru north of Kuching.

SS Narwhal damaged AK Toyokawa Maru with 3 x 6" shells.

On the 19th SS Cabrilla left TK Koho Maru heavily damaged with a torpedo hit.

SS S-46 claimed AV Sagara Maru sunk off Iwo Jima.

The 20th saw SS Seadragon sink PB Shonon Maru #10 off Billiton.

SS Lapon sunk AK Shinsei Maru off Soerabaja on the 22nd.

SS Tautog sunk AK Koei Maru north of Pagan with 2 torpedoes on the 23rd.

SS Greenling saw action again sinking E Shirataka in an ASW TF off Hachijo-jima on the 24th.

The 25th saw SS Cisco sink AK Daiya Maru with 3 torpedoes off Chichi-jima.

Tullibee blew up SC CHa-55 off Fukue-jima.

SS Snook obliterated AKL Tihuku Maru off Formosa with 3 torpedoes.

SS Devilfish heavily damaged the troop filled AP Tenzan Maru off Orchid Island on the 26th.

Sub laid mines at Rnagoon claimed DMS W-17

< Message edited by Speedy -- 6/13/2012 6:47:07 PM >

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Post #: 715

RE: 13-27th November 1943 - 6/13/2012 11:42:37 PM

crsutton

Posts: 9590
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Speedy, you still around?

Siboret Island is a gem for the Allies to take. Level 9 airfield in range of most Japanese oil production..

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Post #: 716

RE: 13-27th November 1943 - 6/14/2012 8:32:23 AM

Speedysteve

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

Yup. I'm still here. Game is relatively slow though and there's little point in updating on a daily basis as the only action of note are the sub attacks. Sorry for being boring for readers

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Post #: 717

28-30th November 1943 - 6/18/2012 6:34:37 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

Last few days of November come to a close. With Invasion forces approaching the map from Mombasa my CV's left Perth on the 29th and orders were sent for support forces, support troops and plane groups to leave Columbo on the 30th.

As such the only combat of note once more was by my subs:

2 x dud/missed attacks.

SS Hackleback damaged TK Nitiei Maru with a torpedo on the 28th.

The 30th was a better day starting off with SS Tullibee heavily damaging AK Fusemi Maru west of Japan.

Later in the day it was Tanker time! SS Salmon reported sinking TK Ayagiri Maru off Toyohara.

SS O20 and SS Swordfish teamed up on a convoy west of Singkawang with O20 sinking TK Manju Maru and Swordfish sinking TK Nissyo Maru. O20 was located by DD Hatsuyuki and sunk with the loss of all hands

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Post #: 718

End of November 1943....... - 6/28/2012 7:16:42 PM

Speedysteve

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

November 1943 is at an end. Mainly a prep month for Operation Boxing Day so the main action points were by my subs once more. Siberoet Island will be invaded in mid-December. I expect little resistance excpet maybe by IJAF and IJN subs.

Some decent ship arrivals are due in December - CV Intrepid, CVE Wake Island, CVE Kalinin Bay, CVL Langley, BB Valiant, BB Queen Elizbeth, BC Renown BB CL Biloxi and 13 x Subs!

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

Points:

Allies: +682 points
Japanese: +194 points

Bases:

Allies: 0 (+270 points)
Japanese: 0 (+47 points)

Planes:

Allies: +125 lost
Japanese: +59 lost

Troops:

Allies: +2 lost
Japanese: +18 lost

Ships:

Allies: +3 (+20 points. 2 x Subs and 1 x YMS due to a collision).
Japanese: +33 (+658 points. Mainly sub kills).

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

Sub Kills:

35 of 61 were successful = 57.38% success.

Dutch Boats:

PB - 5 (1 mine)
AK - 34 (+1)
TK - 7 (+1)
CM - 3
DD - 4
TB - 1
DMS - 3
E - 1
APD - 1
ACM - 1
AP - 1
AMC - 1

= 62 ships
-------------------------------

British Boats:

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

= 13 ships

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

Fleet Boats:

AK - 140 (+3)
SC - 10 (+1)
AP - 6
PB - 27 (+6)
TK - 34 (+6)
AKE - 1
CM - 5 (+1)
ACM - 2
E - 4 (+2)
APD - 2
DD - 3 (+1)
CL - 3 (Oi, Kashima, Sendai) (+1)
AO - 3
PC - 1

= 241 ships
--------------------------------

S-Boats:

AK - 20
AP - 2
CM - 1
PB - 5
DMS - 1
SC - 4
TK - 1

= 34 ships

= 350 ships = 50.87% of reported sunk ships total.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 719

1-10th December 1943 - 7/7/2012 10:44:02 AM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

Operation Boxing Day:

The fleets were assembled by 9th December when they set off towards Siberoet. On the 10th they were sighted repeatedly by enemy LBA and Patrol planes. It's not a major problem as there's not a lot Faber can do to stop this. I do expect airpower to be employed from Singapore, Palembang and potentially Padang though.

I've attached a screenie showing my fleet's positions. The TF's to the north are support elements (planes, troops and supplies) from Columbo along with 170 planes aboard CVE's.

Siberoet itself is totally un-occupied so no problem there. Padang does contain a Rgt and SigInt has tracked a lot of troops and support units moving to Java, Palembang, Medan and Singapore.

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

Quiet elsewhere except a lone Oscar Fighter Sweep over Ledo lost 13 x Oscar for 13 x Hurri, Spit V and P38H.

I'm still gradually upgrading Hurri's in India to Spit's, Seafire's etc in preparation for the 44 offensive.

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

Submarine Warfare:

8 x dud/missed attacks.

SS Cisco starts the month off with a bang by sinking AK Taijima Maru off Chichi-jima.

On the 3rd SS Rasher claimed AK Utide Maru off Nago.

SS Pompano heavily damaged the troop laden AK Sasako Maru off Aogoshima.

On the 4th SS Pompon heavily damaged AK Kiyoshima Maru off Quinhon.

Later in the day TK Arita Maru was sunk by SS Flasher off Torishima.

On the 7th AK Yamahagi Maru was sunk by 2 attacks from SS Drum and SS Greenling.

SS Shad got in on the action on the 8th sinking AK Hiyama Maru off Makassar.

On the 9th SS Cod attacked a convoy off Gorontalo sinking PB Teibo Maru #2 and AK Mitu Maru.

SS Tautog sank AK Surabaya Maru off Pagan on the 10th.

SS Kingfish operating off Balikpapan sank AKL Kitahuku Maru with a torpedo.