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RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 9/19/2016 10:42:38 PM   
BBfanboy


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quote:

Leandros: The bomber and patrol planes based on Vigan, Aparri, Batan Island and Penghu made the best of it ...


Where is this Penghu you keep referring to? I cannot find it on my stock map. There is a Pengpu in China - far inland NW of Nanking - kind of out of position for a naval strike, but is that the one you refer to?

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No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 421
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 9/20/2016 4:45:35 AM   
rms1pa

 

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quote:

Good point but I think there must be something else, maybe something in the game. After all, it concerns three
(Bogue-class) of six CVE's in the same TF - the three others were a different class. These three acted normally,
flew their a***** off according to orders while those in question did not fly ONE mission. All ordnance intact and
99 percent pilot morale with no fatigue on all three ships. They had the same orders.

After I found this out I tested them again with the same result. That said, now I see other ships which haven't had
any problems where the captain's name is also not "live" - that is, cannot be changed.


those squadrons are VR's?

those tend to be to big for ops on an escort carrier.

rms/pa

_____________________________

there is a technical term for those who confuse the opinions of an author's characters for the opinions of the author.
the term is IDIOT.

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Post #: 422
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 9/20/2016 8:27:12 AM   
Leandros


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quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

The ship's captain is not responsible for the air group's performance - squadron commanders are!


I came to think of that, too, and I believed I'd found the problem. Looking in at the six different squadron leaders
I saw that all were described as "very promising and careful officer". Aha, I thought - that's the problem!

I switched all of them with "aggressive" squadron leaders. No change!

Fred

P.S.: Penghu is on the Pescadores. I believe I have quoted them together
several times. An important Japanese base when I took it. Has a wharf, too.

< Message edited by Leandros -- 9/20/2016 10:20:18 AM >

_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 423
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 9/20/2016 8:31:08 AM   
Leandros


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quote:

ORIGINAL: rms1pa

those squadrons are VR's?

those tend to be to big for ops on an escort carrier.

rms/pa


Yes, they are - 24 planes in each squadron. And, they're all there after a couple of weeks' operations.....?

Fred


_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to rms1pa)
Post #: 424
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 9/20/2016 4:08:22 PM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Leandros

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

The ship's captain is not responsible for the air group's performance - squadron commanders are!


I came to think of that, too, and I believed I'd found the problem. Looking in at the six different squadron leaders
I saw that all were described as "very promising and careful officer". Aha, I thought - that's the problem!

I switched all of them with "aggressive" squadron leaders. No change!

Fred

P.S.: Penghu is on the Pescadores. I believe I have quoted them together
several times. An important Japanese base when I took it. Has a wharf, too.


On my map Pescadores is only called that - there is no separate base name. I looked at your first post and could not see which version of the game you are playing, so I am not sure if you are using the same map as me (Scenario 1 stock) or a modded one. Or maybe you looked at a historic map that had base names on it?


_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 425
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 9/20/2016 8:25:16 PM   
rms1pa

 

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quote:

Yes, they are - 24 planes in each squadron. And, they're all there after a couple of weeks' operations.....?


ahhh i put those cve's in a replenishment TF with the oilers. as long as they are in transfer range of the fleet carriers ( with quibbles) they will replace aircraft for the bigboys squadrons. plus if the VR's are in transfer range of an air HQ (with quibbles) the VRS will draw aircraft to replace those sent to the bigboys.

rms/pa

_____________________________

there is a technical term for those who confuse the opinions of an author's characters for the opinions of the author.
the term is IDIOT.

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 426
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 9/21/2016 10:34:09 AM   
Leandros


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quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

On my map Pescadores is only called that - there is no separate base name. I looked at your first post and could not see which version of the game you are playing, so I am not sure if you are using the same map as me (Scenario 1 stock) or a modded one. Or maybe you looked at a historic map that had base names on it?

Hi, BB - sorry for confusing you. This is just my way to relate to the happenings in a somewhat more "RL" way. The
Pescadores is an island group with, if I remember correctly, about 60 small and larger islands. Penghu is the name
of the largest island as well as the central city. Penghu was central for the Japanese defense of Formosa
since the end of the 19th century. It was well garrisoned during WW2.

For your information I am using this thread to save events to be used in the final book of my experimental
series which I have called "Saving MacArthur". When I have finished that I shall go back and rework it into one
book.

This "experiment" I have found so interesting that I'm playing with the idea of starting all over again when I have
finished it, to play the game against a veteran WITP'er that can act the Japanese side as historically as
possible. The US side (me) would act accordingly to the parameters I have set down in this thread to see how that
would work out against others than the AI. Then, I would write a book about that, too.

Fred




_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 427
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 9/21/2016 10:41:49 AM   
Leandros


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quote:

ORIGINAL: rms1pa

ahhh i put those cve's in a replenishment TF with the oilers. as long as they are in transfer range of the fleet carriers ( with quibbles) they will replace aircraft for the bigboys squadrons. plus if the VR's are in transfer range of an air HQ (with quibbles) the VRS will draw aircraft to replace those sent to the bigboys.

rms/pa

I don't want them to supply the large ones but to fight on their own.......besides the other CV's are far away
now.

I have now split the squadrons of the three Bogue-class CVE's and transferred 1/3 of the planes to Port Blair, the
Andamans. See if that works better. Those still aboard are missioned to bomb Rangoon. Has to take care of the
other areas of the Theatre, as well.......it's on FIRE!

Fred




_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to rms1pa)
Post #: 428
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 9/21/2016 4:34:02 PM   
Leandros


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Leandros

I have now split the squadrons of the three Bogue-class CVE's and transferred 1/3 of the planes to Port Blair, the
Andamans. See if that works better. Those still aboard are missioned to bomb Rangoon. Has to take care of the
other areas of the Theatre, as well.......it's on FIRE!

Fred

Hah - that did the trick! Now the dive bombers of the three CVE's attacked the airfield in Rangoon escorted by
Wildcat fighters, without own losses. The fighters and bombers that transferred to Port Blair also flew
their missions as ordered. Some Wildcats even ventured over to Tavoy on the northern part of the Malaccan peninsula
and engaged enemy fighters there. One Oscar was downed.

An enemy bombing mission launched from Rangoon was rejected by own CAP.

Fred


< Message edited by Leandros -- 9/21/2016 4:38:52 PM >

_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

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Post #: 429
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 9/26/2016 12:06:32 AM   
Leandros


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Sitrap April 4th 1943 – afternoon.

Burma, the seas on the outside and the heavens above it, have virtually been on fire this last week. To start in the north - on the second day of 111th’s drop outside Toungoo, the advance party of a Chinese division arrived in the area. On the third day they together drove the enemy out, he is presently withdrawing south along the railway line. Every important city in Burma north of Rangoon is now in British hands. The first British reconnaissance units have reached Rangoon after forced marches from Akyab. A couple of days behind is the 19th Indian division. As soon as it is in place the attack on Rangoon shall start. Chinese ground and air units in and around Mandalay and Meiktila are halted and resting in preparation for their return to China, only a couple of divisions are still on the move south to consolidate the capture of terrain, they have all done an outstanding job.

The very large enemy air force contingent in Rangoon is finally starting to wear down. Daily bombing attacks from Port Blair and Akyab, lightly escorted by fighters flying from Shwebo, they are worn down, too, are showing its effects. He has also spent much resources in attacking the diversity of ground forces advancing south. The last couple of days the USN contingent outside Rangoon, three escort carriers, a battleship and cruisers, has also made some healthy contributions. Their dive-bombers have attacked the airfields around Rangoon, with heavy losses, I am sorry to say, in spite of a solid own escort, but with quite good results on ground targets. Both yesterday and today several missions were flown by the enemy against the CVE carriers Nassau, Altamaha and Prince William, they are hovering between the northern tip of The Andamans and Burma’s coast. So far the enemy has achieved nothing but it might just be the proper time to withdraw now. At least for Nassau which has lost most of her SBD’s in her bombing attacks.

At two occasions the USN battleship and cruisers have also stepped in. A battleship, USS New Mexico executed a nightly bombardment of Moulmein, the river up to Rangoon is too shallow for battleships and the last night cruiser Cleveland ventured all the way into Rangoon harbour and plastered enemy airfields with fire directed from her scout plane in the clear, full-moon night – and got away with it. Dozens of planes were destroyed or damaged on the ground.

Ki-48-IIa Lily: 11 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-27b Nate: 3 damaged
Ki-46-III Dinah: 10 damaged
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-51 Sonia: 8 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 8 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-46-II Dinah: 2 damaged

That is not all. The enemy has also been pushed back on the eastern side of Sumatra by the British forces advancing south from Sabang, this afternoon Medang was captured. The main allied unit here is the 9th Australian Division. It is going well in the other side of the Strait, too. After first having been turned back, the landing attempt by the 5th Indian Division went well on the second try. The enemy was too weak to resist it and he is withdrawing south to Georgetown. That should secure Singora on the eastern side of the peninsula as a base. Unfortunately, the amphibian transport Empire Battleaxe was sunk by an enemy submarine on her return to Sabanga to pick up another load of troops. Very inconvenient, we had great hopes for her in the coming advance down the Strait.

At the same time a small disaster has taken place in the Indian Ocean. After constant requests from the British to the USN, to contribute with an MTB (PT) squadron as a force equalizer to help block the Malaccan Strait, a task force carrying 12 PT’s and supplies, and a PT tender, was organized. As it yesterday proceeded north, west of Sumatra, it was discovered by enemy scout planes, most probably from a carrier, they arrived from south. This wasn’t entirely surprising as early in the morning a small allied convoy, a tanker and sub-chaser on their way to Abadan, reported having bumped into an enemy carrier force in the dark, rainy night. Some were very large. They escaped in the dark but the tanker was torpedoed the day after.

Based on this report he “PT” convoy split, the fastest ships set a north-west course while the slower turned south-east to join up with a British carrier, Illustrious, also on her way north through the Indian ocean. Today, the scouts appeared again and through the day both convoys were attacked by powerful formations of carrier-based planes. Illustrious evaded destruction but one of the ships following her was heavily damaged. Her Martlets kept the attackers away from the carrier. In the other convoy things became more dramatic. First of all, the basis for the whole purpose of the mission, PT tender Mobjack, was sunk by a combination of bombs and torpedoes. Shortly after, she was followed into the deep by airplane transport Athene and destroyers Hammann and O’Brien. DD Hammann was one of the veterans of the first fighting in the defense of Port Moresby and spent many weeks there in provisional repair until she could transfer to the Brisbane wharf for a proper overhaul.

This is serious, there hasn’t been a living sign from the enemy carriers in a long time. While the fighting was still on in the mountains east of Port Moresby they popped up from time to time but with decreasing results and increasing losses as the air defense of PM grew stronger. What are their intentions now? If they turn into the Andaman Sea they shall enter a hornet’s nest but one inhabited by hornets that have shown little proficiency towards enemy ships in the past. More likely they shall position themselves north-west of Sabang, outside the range of our planes, and hammer our ships in Sabang and Port Blair. Even if assembled the six small allied escort carriers in the area shall have problems if this is, as judged, the Kido Butai. If it continues to Colombo or Ceylon that city and island have very little to defend themselves with.

There has been an unexpected development in Amoy, China. Two days ago quite suddenly the Japanese 102nd Infantry Regiment arrived in the eastern suburbs of Amoy. It had made a forced march from Tsinkiang, where it was based, they were probably under the impression that the US combat troops had all marched inland to support the Chinese forces there and hoped for a quick capture of Amoy. While all the combat regiments had left Amoy there were still plenty of troops left that were able and willing to fight. The first attacks were rejected. Within two days a Marine base defense battalion was transferred from Penghu to Amoy in landing craft lying dormant in Penghu. It all went very snappy. With this action the enemy may get an unpleasant surprise. An US army regiment holding a cross-road north of Tsinkiang has been ordered to proceed south as quickly as possible, to take Tsinkiang and cut off the rear of the unit attacking Amoy.

Fred


_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 430
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 10/5/2016 11:58:00 AM   
Leandros


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Joined: 3/5/2015
Status: offline 		Sitrap April 17th 1943 – afternoon.

Halleluja, Rangoon has fallen! That is, captured by the British. After a week of constant probing and attacks this jewel is finally back in British hands. With Pegu, just east of Rangoon, under siege, too, their hegemony in Burma shall soon be over. As soon as Pegu is taken next stop is Moulmein. This has been a very trying process with heavy air attacks on the British forces advancing south and the frustrating inability to build up the fighter force in Prome due to lack of supplies and service personnel. It was just getting in order when the city fell. Now the two railway lines to the Burmese interior are cleared so that reinforcements can be poured in from north. The Chinese ground units have started their long journey back to their homeland, job well done. Only the 100th Chinese division is still in the south of Burma, participating in the attack on Pegu. From Lashio the Chinese units shall have to foot-slog the rest of the way home. They are quite insufficient in transport.

The three USN escort carriers, a battleship and a heavy cruiser with several destroyers, have done a good job in supporting the British in this operation, to the extent that most of the carriers’ air complement has been lost in the process. Naval bombardments have been carried out on Rangoon, Pegu and Moulmein. That helped keep the enemy air forces down. CVE Altamaha is repairing damage after bomb hits in Port Blair. The USN units shall return to Australia now.

The advance down the east side of Sumatra and the clearing of the Malaccan Peninsula east of Georgetown have been less problematic but equally exciting. The railway line from Sabang past Medang is now intact, too. With a lost Burma the enemy shall probably give up the forcing of the Straits and the British forces shall have a long rest when Moulmein is in their hands. With other British forces barring the way to Pegu some of the enemy units in Rangoon fled west, towards Bassein. They shall be left alone for the time being.

In the Indian Ocean the Kido Butai has withdrawn south. They did manage to create a lot of havoc, several transports and tankers sunk, too, but nothing that shall change the general picture, even if the PT relief operation was hindered. RN’s carrier Illustrious was able to side-step the enemy on its way north and is now approaching Colombo.

The operations in China are going well, too. Chiang-Kai-Shek has been able to concentrate and keep up his forces and large reinforcements are now streaming south-east from Chungking. The US army units have been very useful to bolster the Chinese situation between Hong Kong and Shanghai and the enemy army units seem to constantly lose their bite. In the mean-time a large force of Marine and army units is gearing up at Mindanao. An abundance of landing crafts has been assembled in Cagayan and Davao. What shall be the next important target?

The main US carrier force has been replenishing in Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan and is soon ready for new excursions.

This morning the 8th Marines, out of Pago Pago, started landing on Funafuti supported by a USN battle group on its way to Australia. This operation was initiated on the request of our New Zealand partners, to counter an enemy build-up in the Solomons and frequent bombing raids on Espiritu Santo. Enemy resistance has been quite weak so far.

Some days ago two enemy transport with a couple of escorts very surprisingly made a landing attempt near Ambon. Within a day allied warships from Koepang, Kendari and Menado arrived to plaster the landing forces. Even if there were no mobile infantry units in Ambon the strong defensive garrison made a determined counter-attack which was supported by a large number of bombers stationed at the local airfields. One of the transports got away, the other ships were sunk.

Fred


< Message edited by Leandros -- 10/5/2016 12:10:59 PM >

_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 431
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 10/10/2016 10:14:45 PM   
Leandros


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Sitrap April 23rd 1943 – afternoon.

Pegu, east of Rangoon, has also fallen to our troops. They are now preparing for the advance south to Moulmein. The enemy troops that were driven out of Rangoon, together with other stray units, have assembled in Bassein, the only Japanese stronghold left in Burma proper except for one stray unit north of Pegu which, incidentally, has blocked the railway line to the south. This shall be taken care of shortly. Apart from that both the eastern and western north-south railway lines have, until recently, been used extensively after they were freed up. The Chinese air forces, which have had little to do the last couple of weeks as the enemy has been pushed south, have all transferred to Kunming to reorganise for new efforts in China proper.

Georgetown, on the western side of the Malaccan Peninsula is now totally surrounded. An amphibious operation against that enemy base is under planning. On Sumatra our forces are now approaching Sibolga on the west coast. That port could be handy for landing troops. Take over the job of Sabang - has a good airfield, too.

The Royal Navy carrier Illustrious has arrived in the Andaman Sea and is operating in company with escort carrier USS Nassau. There shall be little for them to do before our ground forces have made Moulmein. Amphibious and para operations are planned to assist the ground forces there. With the expected relative quiet in the Malaccan Strait many warships are now on their way to the wharfs in Colombo, Madras and Calcutta for repairs.

The only enemy local air forces left are those in Moulmein and their capabilities have diminished considerably. He lost more than 100 planes on the ground when Pegu was captured. As Rangoon is now well stacked up with fighters and proper ground support for those, he is generating more losses for himself by every attack. The air loss statistics are now back to where they were some time back, 1:3 in allied favour.

In China the war is going quite well in spite of a couple of local enemy successes. Generally, his operational capability seems to be paling, typical is the almost total lack of air strikes in the last few weeks. He has been chased east from Pakhoi, a town fought over since the Japanese arrived in the area, soon his connection between Hainan and the mainland shall be broken. Reinforcements arriving south from Chunking are now starting to take effect.

He is reinforcing his garrison on eastern Formosa, Taichu, and has lost several transports in that connection. Battleship Tennessee was hit by a torpedo in Penghu harbour by Bettys flying from Okinawa. Not serious, she in the local wharf.

Our forces on Luzon has started to move, too. One infantry regiment each from Vigan and Aparri are converging on Laoag. As soon as that city is secured our forces shall move south, direction Manila. Depending on how this operation develops more troops shall be landed on Luzon. Not a major force, though. Important is the progress in China and the advance towards Japan and its supply lines.

The “Big Story” the last few days has been a large enemy carrier force pushing into the Moluccan islands interior. This may have been planned as a support for the recent failure to land a force on Ambon. As we know, that failed. Or he may have believed that, with our strong forces up north, in China and in Penghu, our bases along the supply route have been weakened. He put his neck into a base “noose” consisting of Denpasar, Macassar, Kendari, Koepang, Ambon, Menado and Sorong. This is the Kido Butai, with at least three major carriers and a couple of smaller. Numerous reports state that at least Zuikaku, Shokaku and Akagi were present. Also at least two heavy cruisers and a couple of tankers. This may be the carrier force that was operating in the Indian Ocean recently. No proper identification was made of those at that time.

It started on mid-day the 19th with a large strike on shipping in Macassar (see ships lost-list). The next day he was reported south of Kendari from where he attacked shipping in that port. This was a surprise for the allies, they didn’t believe he dared venture into the Banda Sea or Moluccans. That he did, generated a powerful reaction. While most of the bases around this area had sound fighter protection many of the units are composed of relatively “fresh” pilots, if with full complements. Therefore, the enemy’s losses were relatively light on those two days. At the third day he was reported north-east of Ambon. Here he met the first serious opposition when he tried to repeat the successes of Macassar and Kendari. Beginning the day before a great shifting of fighter and bomber units had begun to take place. Units were moved up from Darwin and down from The Philippines. Ambon was very much reinforced and this showed in the enemy’s losses This worked quite well with the fighters but in spite of this, own bombers achieved very little. The flotilla was picked up by many scouts but only a couple of raids by PBY’s went through, with no known results. Several different naval task forces were also sent looking for him but only one made contact. During the conditions its commander withdrew into Ambon. Our carriers Yorktown and Hornet, Yorktown from her station north in the Celebes Strait and Hornet in Puerto Princesa, in the meantime met up in the Celebes Sea, just north of Morotai. They positioned themselves so that they could cover both the eastern and northern exits from The Moluccans.

It was expected that he would try to get out of the frying pan that the Moluccans was now developing into, and leave by the eastern exit, but no such thing. The next day he was back south of Kendari. Why is unknown, he might have picked up that an enemy carrier task force was approaching the area he was planning to exit through, or that a battleship-led task force had been ordered down to the east side of Morotai.

By this time he was able only to deliver impotent air strikes and his air losses when trying have increased dramatically. This is understood by the US naval leadership, too, so the two carriers are now ordered to proceed down to Kendari in case he doesn’t leave the area immediately. If he tries to exit towards west there’s another possible problem for him. When the Kido Butai proceeded east the first time, a number of own submarines patrolling the Java Sea was directed to close off the passage just south of Macassar. The same for the PT boat units stationed in Madjene, Macassar and Kendari. They are now positioned across the western exit route, supported by an APG that was rushed up from Koepang to Siljaras, in the middle of where the Java and Banda Seas are meeting. What major naval units are available are re-fuelled and ordered out to choke points.

Where shall he show up – and what to do about it - in the morning?

Fred





Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Leandros -- 10/10/2016 10:17:07 PM >

_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 432
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 10/11/2016 11:09:53 AM   
Leandros


Posts: 1740
Joined: 3/5/2015
Status: offline 		SitMap evening April 23rd 1943

Shall the enemy carrier TF exit the Moluccas towards east or repeat its earlier pattern, go back west. It has expended most of its plane complement.

The US carrier TF, and Oklahoma with cohorts, are ordered to proceed at max. speed towards its latest reported position. If it goes east it can escape, but still within bomber range. If it goes west there is good hope it can be intercepted.

Fred




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Leandros -- 10/11/2016 11:10:28 AM >

_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 433
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 10/11/2016 4:54:46 PM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline 		The enemy carriers will try to avoid TFs that it has detected, but might blunder into those it does not know about. Check your D/L on your TFs.
My bet is that it tried to head for the nearest friendly port of level 5+ to replenish. If that is Babeldaob and the shortest path there is past Ternate, that is the route I would bet on. If the CVs go east around the island it is a longer trip and you still have a chance to intercept if your ships have gone over the top of the Molluccas.

PS - I don't know how "smart" the AI is about these things but if the programmers were able to build it in the CVs could replenish aircraft from nearby land bases by swapping out depleted squadrons and flying on fresh ones. They likely have lots of sorties left.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 434
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 10/13/2016 6:05:31 PM   
Leandros


Posts: 1740
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Sitrap April 27th 1943 – afternoon

Anti-climax! The Kido Butai high-tailed out of the Moluccans into the Philippine Sea, heading for Palau or Truk - reconnaissance will tell. With our carrier task force just south of Ambon in the morning there was no sense in pursuing it, the more so as there was a need for refuelling and the whole area suffers from fuel starvation. No fuel in neither Ambon, Namlea, Kendari, Menado nor Sorong. Tankers are now unloading in Kendari and Ambon. Yorktown and Hornet are in Kendari with heavies Oklahoma and New Orleans and their cohorts, others are refuelling in -Ambon.

An alternative plan developed when it was known that the enemy had left the area. If he was as depleted of air power as it seemed, he would be vulnerable in whatever port he retreated to. It is therefore decided to go for it if the Kido Butai is found in Palau. To that effect the carriers Wasp, Saratoga and Enterprise, with a proper escort, have left Penghu, the Pescadores, for Cagayan on Mindanao. When the two other carriers have finished fuelling in Kendari they shall all meet in the Philippine Sea for an attack on Palau port and airfields. If he is not there an attack on Palau’s airfields is still justified as he has become increasingly bothersome lately with his attacks against Davao, Cagayan and Sorong, all most probably coming from Palau.

The ground forces advancing from Pegu to attack Moulmein are struggling to get there, roads are bad and the enemy forces withdrawing south are using delaying tactics. In the mean-time the amphibious force in Port Blair is nearly ready while the 77th and 111th Chindit Para Brigades are recuperating and honing their skills in Rangoon. The air transport fleet is in Akyab, just waiting for the order to leave for Rangoon.

In the Malaccan Strait the 5th British Brigade has started the crossing over from the peninsula to Georgetown. Here is also an amphibious force prepared to participate in the attack, on ships in Sabang. The local dive bomber force, Vengeances, have been concentrated in Alor Star for the attack, in a number of more 50. USN Avengers, based in Medan, are also kicking in. As the British fighter forces have been rather reduced in the latter period, two transports were sunk in the port of Sabang today, and one farther south, by enemy bombers flying from Singapore, carrier Illustrious has stepped in to help. Martlets were flown in to Medan from a position north-west of Sibolga. In due time her Avengers shall also assist in the final attack on Georgetown.

Some important fighting is taking place in China, mainly around Hangkow and Wuchang,on each side of the river. Large forces stand against each other here and the Chinese are reinforcing frantically from north and west. This is eased by the fact that the central east west railway link, Tuyun-Changsa, has been freed up. US ground forces have been relatively passive except for the eastern contingent. It is now pressing for the Yang-Tse-Kiang Estuary, in the van, ahead of 185th IR and the 2nd Marine Raiders, is the Chinese 10th Corps.

The enemy’s supply route from Hanoi has been barred by a Chinese division. It’s digging in just east of the Indo-China/China border.

The allies are now in control of The Ellices, north of Pago Pago, the main islands have been captured and sea-based patrol planes are already in place. Several construction units have arrived, too, and shall soon have an airfield up and going. Holding the islands is supposed to be an ANZAC job in the future. The USN battle force has left the area for Brisbane, their support wasn’t really needed, to support the Milne Bay landings. Assembly of forces for this purpose is going according to plan. Main departure points shall be Brisbane and Sidney. This shall go off in a week’s time. Not really MacArthur’s piece of cake but the Aussies are pressing for action to do something useful with their constantly increasing forces. It’s a practical development, too, as Buna is presently supplied by air from Port Moresby. With Milne Bay in own hands this can be done by sea transport. Much more efficient.

Fred


_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 435
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 10/16/2016 1:22:53 PM   
Leandros


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Sitrap April 30th 1943 – afternoon

The planned amphibious landing at Georgetown in the Malaccan Strait was never needed. As soon as the 5th British Brigade was across the sound between the island and the mainland, it attacked the worn-down Japanese defenders. They broke, but in the confused situation many were able to flee over to the peninsula, retreating towards Khota Baru.

The advance south, towards Moulmein, is going too slow. The British leadership has therefore decided to push forward the planned amphibious landing, this force has been ready in Port Blair for some days. Its main core is the 14th British and 48th Gurkha Brigades. It is feared that if the enemy forces retreating towards Moulmein joins up with the existing garrison, the defense of the city shall be too strong for a quick capture. There is some concern connected with this as the invasion fleet mainly consists of provisional “amphibious” ships.

More than 50 transport planes have been transferred from Akyab to Rangoon to lift the 77th and 111th Chindit Para Brigades into the attack. The 111th is starting the show. That shall take several days.

The five carriers Enterprise, Saratoga, Wasp, Yorktown and Hornet have joined up east of Menado for their planned attack on Palau. They are planned to stay for two days. As soon as this is over they shall all proceed north to support the landings on two, so far secret, locations. Those two attack forces shall start out from Penghu, The Pescadores and Davao. The Penghu contingent, the main force being the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Tank Battalion and the 2nd Marine Engineering Regiment, is almost fully loaded up. The second, consisting mainly of the 43rd Infantry division, is starting its first RCT north from Davao tomorrow.

The recently started ground offensive on Luzon is going well. The enemy has been chased south from Lingayen Bay towards Manila. MacArthur is pestering his subordinate commanders, he is aiming to have Manila in his hand on the 1-year anniversary of the fall of Corregidor.

Otherwise, naval activity has been rather slow the last two days, none of the parties have been able to inflict losses on the opposition. In the air, however, with approximately 2.000 sorties flown by each party, the loss ratio has improved considerably for the allies – 1:3 if claims are to be believed.

Fred


_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 436
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 10/18/2016 10:30:49 AM   
Leandros


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Sitrap May 6th 1943 – afternoon

The sea-borne attack on Moulmein has lasted for almost a week now. There was some heavy resistance in the beginning, with some quite bothersome enemy artillery in the landing area. The last couple of days, however, there has been very little of this, reinforcements are landing all the time with minimal losses. The airborne landings went well the first couple of days but on the third day several formations were turned back by enemy fighters and some C-47’s were shot down. A change in the escort tactics took care of this. Instead of assigning escort groups to separate bomber and transport missions, all fighter planes in Rangoon and Pegu were positioned on constant air patrols over Moulmein. With the short distance to the own airfields, and equipped with drop-tanks, this gave better fighter coverage. At the same time several timely nocturnal naval bombardments, among them the battleship New Mexico, broke their back. Scouts report large numbers of planes on the ground, fighters and bombers, but only a few of them are flying. Bomber strikes have been flown by Liberators from Port Blair and B-25s and Wellingtons from Akyab.

Stray enemy ground units in central Burma have managed to assemble and re-capture Mandalay. At the moment this is little more than a nuisance, the main events are taking place in the south, but strong own forces are concentrating around Mandalay to eradicate that enemy enclave once and for all. Fortunately, not all Chinese units had started their trek back to China from Lashio, to where they had travelled by train. Two divisions have been ordered back to Mandalay to assist the British there.

The enemy has not lost his spirit completely in the Malaccan Strait. Just recently, a cruiser-led destroyer force steamed up the Strait and sank two transports south of Medan, they were on their way to Tandjoengbalai. He has constantly bombed that port and airfield to keep it out of operation and has, for a large part, succeeded but now supplies and ground support are finally in place and our fighters are re-claiming air superiority again. Some Marine Wildcats have been flown in, too.

The three escort carriers Nassau, Altamaha and Prince William have replenished in Port Blair for a couple of days. They shall not be put into the fight again but return south to Australia as soon their fighters have finished the job ashore. Altamaha, however, shall have to call on the wharf in Colombo before that.

Sibolga, on the west coast of Sumatra has been captured by the 9th Australian division. The British leadership is somewhat at loss on what to do with this newly won base. Both airfield and port are minimal so it would take a lot of resources to develop it. Could be useful for supplying the bases on the eastern side of the island. The first cargo ship shall arrive there in the morning.

The railway line on the eastern coast of Sumatra is now in full use to transport forces south from Sabang. Much safer than chancing sea transport down the strait. The enemy still has a large air force in Singapore that strikes north every day.

There have been some resounding successes in China the last few days. Three important cities have been captured – Nanning, near the Indo-China border, and Wuchang on the Yang-Tse-Kiang River, among them. This last victory was particularly important as there has been an even greater battle going on, on the other side of the river, around Hangkow, with more than 150.000 Chinese troops participating. The fall of Wuchang frees up Chinese forces that can cross the river and decide that other battle. The Chinese shall then be in control of both sides of this important river.

Another equally important, and very sudden and surprising event, is that a Chinese division has reached the outskirts of Hanchow, a town across the bay of Shanghai. This division has been operating together with the 185th US Infantry Division and the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion. Its mission was to scout ahead to see how far they could go before they met any new resistance, they had recently brushed aside an enemy force further west. As it were, the Chinese met no resistance until they reached Hanchow and have now taken up position outside it. The Americans are following in forced marches.

This last development can have repercussions for the upcoming amphibious attacks. One of the two prongs may be used to secure Hanchow instead of what was planned, as that shall give a short route to Shanghai. To attack Shanghai from the sea would probably be very costly. Reconnaissance says it is strongly defended.

The two amphibious forces are now almost ready, one is complete in Penghu, the other, carrying the 43rd US Army Infantry division, is about to enter the port of Batan Island, south of Formosa.

The carrier attack on Palau has just been broken off after five days of constant air fighting. It was planned to last only two days but the task force commander, VAdm Marc Mitscher, was not happy with the initial results and decided to stay on. This turned out to be a costly decision, the five carriers arrived on their “starting points” with more than 400 aircraft, they left the area with only about 300. Even worse is that both Yorktown and Enterprise received torpedo hits, suffered during attacks by quite small numbers of Betty and Kate torpedo bombers. Yorktown was hit twice on one of the first days, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Her crew managed, however, to remedy the damage of the first before receiving the second, and it stood through the whole mission. It is still operational. Enterprise’s single hit was more serious and did a good deal of damage to her propulsion machinery. She is now in Davao, making emergency repairs before proceeding to the wharf in Penghu. Some comfort that very little air resistance was encountered on the last day’s strikes. Part of this should be ascribed to the several nocturnal naval bombardments by the carriers’ escorts. Still, with a couple of days in Penghu, at least three of the carriers shall be able to participate in the upcoming landings. Probably four.

A new enemy fighter-type operated over Palau, its code name is “Tony”.

MacArthur did not get his Manila on the Anniversary Day, as he had hoped for. His forces are, however, standing before the city and it is good consolation that the other part of the enemy main force on Luzon is now barred up on Bataan. Considering that so little resources have been put into this operation, the results must be judged quite good.

The main part of the Milne Bay invasion fleet is assembled in Brisbane.

Fred


_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 437
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 10/18/2016 11:44:13 PM   
Leandros


Posts: 1740
Joined: 3/5/2015
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Sitrap May 8th 1943 – afternoon

The enemy is trying desperately to stem our consolidation on both sides of the Malaccan Strait. For a couple of days now an elusive task force has created havoc in the mid-part of it, sunk a couple of transports and generally made it impossible to supply Medan and Tandjoengbalai from the sea. He has got away with it because most of our naval fighting units have been occupied with the Moulmein landings, only a couple of serviceable destroyers in the Strait, and our local dive bomber pilots, both British and American, are totally worn down. There are about seventy dive bombers, Vengeance and Avengers, available in the area but they achieve nothing under the present conditions. They have been stood down until further.

Instead the Catalina and medium bomber forces have been reinforced with units from Port Blair, two Blenheim and one Beaufort squadron transferred to Sabang. Presently, the air defense in Tandjoengbalai shall be taken care of by AA artillery of which three regiments have arrived by train from Sabang. The British are very good at AA artillery.

There is a re-shuffling taking place between the units on both sides of the Strait.

As the first convoy left Penghu, The Pescadores, carrying an air support Base Force for Hangchow to prepare the airfield there for our fighter protection for the upcoming landings, an interesting problem developed. This morning Puerto Princesa on Palawan was suddenly attacked by carrier planes. A little later Tay Tay was also attacked. These attacks did not have much sting and were properly rejected by our fighter screens. But, there was an enemy carrier force out there! Reconnaissance through the day reported it to consist of three light carriers, two heavy cruisers – and a battleship. They were heading in a north-easterly direction, obviously intending to break through to the homeland. This is probably the same carrier force that operated for a couple of weeks in the Indian ocean and that sank half a dozen of our transports. HMS Illustrious only barely got off the hook as she was heading for Colombo.

One should think he had learnt from earlier experience of forcing our Formosa-Luzon blockade, he suffered a great deal of damage the last time as some of the heavies pushed through. At that time none of our heavies, or carriers, were ready to meet them. Now they are! Not that I have too much hope on what can be achieved, the Japanese navy guys are some very slick types. They may have been thinking that our carriers and big ships are still down south, or that our whole fleet was sunk by them. They are fortunately extremely good at over-estimating their own achievements. Even more than ours! That is to our advantage.

Anyway, he is coming at the right time now – for us. Our four carriers, Yorktown, Hornet, Saratoga and Wasp, reached Batan Island just today, and got only a couple of hour’s rest before they were ordered out again to take up positions to meet the enemy. One each pair shall be placed north-east and south-east of Batan Island, under cover by that base’s fighters – as well as their own. Tomorrow morning their dive bombers and torpedo-planes shall reach out towards west for the enemy. They are not alone. Bomber and patrol planes from all the western Philippine bases shall also be out - from Puerto Princesa, Tay Tay, Iba, Vigan, Aparri, Batan Island and Penghu. In all, about two hundred planes shall be looking for them. West of our carriers are two battleship/cruiser forces, under the carriers’ fighter umbrellas. One is led by the old battle-wagon Oklahoma. He shall probably try to get through in the dark of the night.

In the remote possibility that he tries to break through the northern passage, between Formosa and the Chinese mainland, four of our heavy cruisers are positioned there – Vincennes, Louisville, Chester and Quincy, covered by the recently repaired escort carrier Long Island and half a dozen destroyers.

The grinding battle in Moulmein is still going on.

Interesting times!

Fred


_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 438
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 10/20/2016 10:25:46 AM   
Leandros


Posts: 1740
Joined: 3/5/2015
Status: offline 		Sitrap May 11th 1943 – afternoon

Moulmein finally fell today. A nice, little bonus in that respect:

“Allied forces CAPTURE Moulmein !!!

Ki-48-IIa Lily: 23 destroyed
Ki-46-III Dinah: 18 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 17 destroyed
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 22 destroyed
Ki-51 Sonia: 25 destroyed
Ki-27b Nate: 45 destroyed
Ki-46-II Dinah: 10 destroyed”

Mandalay was taken back on this day, too. The stray enemy units in the Burmese interior shall now be hunted down.

US Marines and Army forces have started the siege of Manila and Bataan.

Anti-climax in the South China Sea again. Not sure if their carrier force was just on a leisure-trip up along the west coast of Luzon or if they smelt a rat. Last time they were reported they were heading in a north-westerly direction – heading for Hanoi/Haiphong or Saigon and this morning three Kates attacked a Chinese unit on the mainland opposite Hainan. They must be frustrated.

It was as well for them that they turned away, in the meantime a couple of dozens of PT’s were also stationed in the narrow approaches between Formosa and Luzon. This enemy carrier force incident has delayed the planned eastward advance.

Fred


< Message edited by Leandros -- 10/20/2016 10:36:01 AM >

_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 439
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 10/26/2016 5:26:11 PM   
Leandros


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Sitrap May 16th 1943 – afternoon

The last few days it’s been all about the enemy carrier force hovering out in the South China Sea – he was bound to try anew and on the 12th he moved east again - an impotent raid was flown against shipping in Vigan, he achieved nothing, just gave his position away. On the 13th he was even closer, obviously preparing for a quick break-through. Finally, on the morning of the 14th he was within range, heading for the strait between Formosa and Batan Island. A raid with 32 SBDs and two TBDs was launched from the southern carrier group against a group of enemy ships identified as BB Hiei and CVLs Zuiho, Chitose and Chiyoda. Unfortunately, there was a foul-up with the escort, the bombers arrived over the enemy task force with no fighter protection and as they were met by 26 Zero fighters this resulted in the loss of 21 SBDs and the two TBDs. Consequently, no hits were claimed by the bombers.

No escorts turned up on the second try of the day, either, this time from the northern carrier group, it consisted of 28 SBDs and 12 TBFs. Bomb hit claims were made on Zuiho, Chiyoda and battleship Hiei. Only six Zeros turned up, one SBD was downed and an Avenger lost to anti-air fire.

More attacks followed through the day as the enemy fighter defense became weaker. PBYs and Devastators flying from Batan Island claimed bomb hits on Zuiho and Chitose, creating fires – one PBY and five TBDs were shot down by Zeros and anti-air.

Following several inconsequential attacks another major raid by SBDs flying from Batan Island with 20 SBDs developed. Only one Zero showed up and Zuiho went down after seven bomb hits. Chiyoda was further damaged, too. A new attack from the southern carrier group resulted in heavy fires on Chitose and two more hits on Hiei. Destroyer Isonami was also damaged.

After that followed needle stings by Batan Island Kingfishers, nine of them together with seven PBYs. More hits on Hiei, followed by an attack by 12 more Kingfishers. The enemy force turned around and fled.

On the morning of the 15th battleship Hiei was found, and attacked, south of Hong Kong by Liberators and Marauders flying from Vigan. Japanese Army Oscars from Hong Kong flying CAP chased the bombers away. Enemy destroyers were also reported in the port of Hong Kong and a third task force heading in a south-westerly direction through the South China Sea. This split-up indicated ships suffering from various degrees of damage. The four allied carriers and most of the heavies that had been part of the ambush were ordered to proceed at highest practicable speed to an assembly point east of Hainan, south of Hong Kong.

That morning started with carrier Yorktown receiving a torpedo hit, courtesy of enemy submarine RO-67. It had managed to infiltrate the large task force undetected. Good damage control quickly got the situation under control, Yorktown could continue as planned. After that, two Kates suddenly appeared but was chased away by the CAP, one was shot down while fleeing. These were probably just scouting as immediately after 26 Lilys and 32 Oscars popped up. Nine Wildcats were up, but this was not enough to stop all the bombers, some got through and scored four hits on Yorktown and one on Hornet.

At the same time four B-25s flying from Penghu, The Pescadores, found two enemy destroyers heading south from Hong Kong. One was damaged by bomb hits. This generated a major strike from the USN carriers, 42 SDBs escorted by 33 Wildcats found them at approximately the same place and damaged both. Of the enemy CAP of seven Zeros and three Oscars, four were destroyed, One Wildcat was lost. 10 Wildcats with 100 lbs. bombs also attacked the destroyers. More damage. At the same time Yorktown was hit again. Eight Lilys escorted by 10 Oscars came through, followed by 22 Marys, all flying from Hong Kong The final positive results for the USN carrier planes were two hits on battleship Hiei, position just south of Samah on Hainan Island. The attack was carried out by nine SBDs.

So, this was the situation in the afternoon. The enemy was fleeing towards west and south, should we continue the pursuit? Anyway, Yorktown would have to be given escort back to the wharf in Penghu, she would probably be out of the fight for months. One thing’s for sure: If a general withdrawal is decided upon the USN heavies shall make a swing into Hong Kong port and give back a little to the enemy planes on the airfield there before they retreat.

In this same period a drawn-out battle was also going on in the Malaccan Strait. The Japanese air attacks had lost their effect as the Allied air defense was improved in the Strait area due to the fall of Moulmein. The Japanese Navy was sent in again to sweep the board. From Singapore came light cruiser Kitakami, the “torpedo cruiser”, with four destroyers - two were detached to roam the Andamans. In their usual fashion Kitakami and her cohorts performed their ballet between the various British bases, aiming at sinking whatever enemy transport came in sight. However, as in the air, the Allied sea defenses had improved decisively the last few days, the USN combat ships that had supported their escort carriers in the Andamans transferred down to the Strait. Simultaneously, there had been an influx of newly repaired British ships from Colombo. Wherever Kitakami turned up with her destroyer friends there was somebody there to meet them. In a final nocturnal battle outside Tandjoenbalai, Kitakami was given her death blow by torpedoes fired from the four USN destroyers Abbot, Case, Aulick and Barton. She sank as she was trying to withdraw to Singapore. Destroyer Numakaze was expedited to the bottom on site.

The two northern enemy destroyers probed Port -Blair during the night-of the 15th but were scared off by two British motor launches, 189 and 200, which were sent out to give the impression of a defense - they were quickly sunk by the Japanese destroyers. In the mean-time signals were picked up from the battle south of them, the Strait was obviously too heavily defended by the enemy. The two destroyers withdrew full speed out in the Indian ocean. A search and destroy mission was set up with HMS Illustrious and USS Sangamon, both replenishing in Sabang, and CVE Prince William that had just put in at Colombo, all were directed to positions to cover the enemy’s eventual withdrawal. Next day he was nowhere to be seen, the Allied carriers returned to their respective departure points.

As the withdrawal of the enemy naval force in the South China Sea was confirmed, the first amphibious ships were sent out east from Penghu, to be ready to take advantage of the first enemy port captured near Shanghai. This force is spearheaded by the 5th Marines.

Fred





Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Leandros -- 10/26/2016 5:27:35 PM >

_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 440
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 11/1/2016 7:45:43 PM   
Leandros


Posts: 1740
Joined: 3/5/2015
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Sitrap May 26th 1943 – afternoon

Yorktown never made it back to the wharf in Penghu. As the hope of her survival soared after three days of struggling east on 5 knots, an internal explosion finished her off, in spite of the assistance by several ships following her. She went down with her full aircraft complement, among it, two dozen valuable Hellcat fighters. To fill the cup, escort carrier Long Island was torpedoed later that day as she left Penghu for Shanghai to support the landings there. As a comfort, the new carrier Essex passed through the Panama Canal on the same day, heading for an intermediary stop in Pearl Harbor before she proceeds west.

The landing in Shanghai has developed into a costly business, still not finished. The original target was Nimbo, on the opposite side of the bay to Shanghai. However, before the advanced landing party reached its destination that town was captured by the 185th IR that had marched down from north, it was weakly defended. It was decided instead to go directly for Shanghai as the 100th Chinese Army Corps had already arrived there over land. Shanghai was heavily defended – and mined – heavy losses were inflicted on the landing forces and their landing crafts, some hit mines. First in was the 5th Marines and a Marine tank battalion.

It took several days before the defense was so reduced that landings could continue with relatively minor losses. Minesweeping was arranged for and some very heavy naval bombardments created more than 1.000 fires in the city. After more than a week's fighting, and more US and Chinese forces poured in, the enemy’s strength has slackened considerably. Two more Chinese Army Corps have arrived from north and two regiments of the 43rd IR division are ashore. Tomorrow the 185th IR shall board ships in Ningbo and take the jump across the bay, the third regiment of the 43rd is also on its way. Three naval bombardment groups, including the three battleships Washington, Oklahoma and West Virginia, are planned for tomorrow, on Penghu are 93 level bombers.

British forces have now crossed the border into Thailand, 254th and 267th Armoured Brigades have closed the city of Rahaeng. From there, there are good roads south to Bangkok. Behind those armoured units follow the 4th Gurkha Brigade and the 19th Indian Division. The 2nd RTR is only a two-day march from Tavoy.

Advancing south on the west side of Sumatra, approaching Padang, are 2nd and 45th Recce Regiments. That shall bring British air forces well within range of Singapore. On the Malaccan Peninsula the British forces are consolidating on the line Taiping-Patana.

The Australian preparations for the landings in Milne Bay are going slowly but according to plan. Some assistance shall be given by US air forces. Most of the invasion forces, centered around the 2nd Australian Division, are assembled on amphibious ships and landing craft in Cooktown. The Australian 1st Para Bn. is also there, at its disposal are 49 Marine R4Ds and C-47s. Two units are still missing – the 6th Australian Brigade is presently transferring from transports to landing craft in Townsville and an MG Bn. has just left Brisbane. Its ships shall have to refuel in Bundaberg as there was no fuel left in Brisbane.

More bombers and fighters are standing by to transfer to Port Moresby, a battleship bombardment group is made ready, too. The landings shall start within a week.

Fred


_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 441
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 11/11/2016 1:31:52 PM   
Leandros


Posts: 1740
Joined: 3/5/2015
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Sitrap June 3rd 1943 – afternoon.

Manila was captured by US forces today – one happy general! Even with the enemy forces split between the Bataan Peninsula and Manila, all US forces eventually had to be concentrated against Manila. The resistance was tougher than what was expected based on the preliminary information. More forces had to be brought in from TayTay, Lubang and Cagayan. In the end four Marine and two Army regiments, with numerous support units, participated in the storming. 503rd Para Regiment jumped over Mabaun, with orders to march on Manila from there. This movement had not started when Manila fell, paratroopers are instead redirected to Batangas where the beaten enemy forces have withdrawn from Manila.

There are now three enemy defense pockets on Luzon – Bataan, Basanga and a stray unit south-west of Aparri, from where they were ousted. How these shall be handled is under evaluation. Guard ships are positioned on the outside to warn of any relief attempts. First point now is to get Manila up and going as the Southwest pacific HQ, its staff is presently on ships destined for Davao but these have been re-directed to Manila. Manila port and airfields are in relatively good shape as a minimum of bombing and naval bombardments were used in this attack. Enemy air activity has been completely subdued for some time.

US carriers Enterprise and Wasp are hovering in the sea west of Luzon. Wasp is waiting for the Manila approaches to be cleared, she need to “see” the wharf there as she has been hit by a torpedo from an enemy submarine.

Sorry to say, the attack on Shanghai has not gone that well, even when, as in Manila, additional units have been poured in from the US-occupied ports along the southern Chinese coast. The enemy’s defences seem to have stabilized, no matter what is thrown at him. It has been a costly fight for the Allies, with much damage to ships, even if only a few have been sunk. There have been serious losses in many of the landing ground units and the wharf in Penghu is over-loaded with work. In conference with the Chinese it has been decided to change the allied strategy. Shanghai shall be besieged, but only with so much forces as is necessary. The most intact own units shall be pulled out and instead start an offensive over the Yang-Tse-Kiang river via Nanking in the north. This is also necessary to cut off the city of Hangkow where 300.000 Chinese and Japanese troops stand against each other in another stand-still. The railway line going north-east from Hangkow has been broken by own forces.

In south-west China the enemy resistance is more or less broken, stray units are being hunted down remorselessly. Chinese forces have even crossed into Indo-China and are only a couple of days’ march from Hanoi and Haiphong. Hong Kong, however, is still holding out. Until further, no major resources shall be used to change that.

The landings in Milne Bay have been going on for some days. No surprises but it’s going slow due to lack of dedicated amphibious vessels, even if some USN landing craft are participating. CVE Barnes, newly arrived from the US, has also assisted. The landings are organised around the 2nd, 6th and 10th Australian Brigades, with numerous ancillary units. It is expected that the enemy shall be driven out of Mine Bay tomorrow but to be sure all off-loaded ships are returning to Port Moresby to load up with reinforcements if need be.

The British leadership has executed a brilliant operation in Thailand. As the British were advancing on, and taking, the city of Rahaeng, right across the border in Thailand, with the intention of pressing on towards Pisanuloke further east, it was found that the small town of Ayuthia, only a day’s march north of Bangkok, was practically undefended. The 77th and 111th Chindits (paras), in Rangoon, were put on stand-by as transport planes were transferred to Rangoon. The purpose? To jump into Ayuthia to secure the railway line between Pisanuloke and Ayuthia. With that stretch in British hands the advance south to Bangkok can be shortened considerably. Ayuthia also has a small airfield.

The same day the attack was set to go in on Pisanuloke, 500 troops from the 111th Chindits jumped over Ayuthia – a gamble before Pisanuloke was captured. Both towns were immediately secured. The 16th Light Cavalry and 25th and 257th Armd. Brigades are presently loading up on trains in Pisanuloke. Right behind them is the whole 19th Indian Division.

Fred


_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 442
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 11/20/2016 4:45:42 PM   
Leandros


Posts: 1740
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Sitrap June 26th 1943 – afternoon

The Philippines and Burma are now totally cleansed of enemy forces. On Luzon, the 5th Marines have almost reached Legaspi in a thorough search for any stray enemy units and in Burma the last enemy force forces have withdrawn across the border, heading for Chiang Mai in central Thailand. Unfortunately for them the railway line to Bangkok is in allied hands. All Chinese forces have left Burma, the first ones returning have already joined the fighting in central China.

The British are now concentrating everything on a quick capture of Bangkok as their forces’ long supply line from Moulmein has drawn heavily on the supplies of the besieging forces which now consist of the two Chindit Para brigades and the 19th Indian Division, with ancillary units. To that effect, on the request of the British, a large force of B-24 bombers and transport planes have staged through Denpasar, Bali, on their way to bases within range of Bangkok - Sabang, Alor Star, Port Blair, Moulmein and Rangoon. Several hundred bombers and transports are now in place to assist in the attack on Bangkok. Three squadrons of P-38 Lightnings have also transferred there.

At the same time an amphibious force, destined for Tavoy, has loaded up in Madras. The attack on Tavoy shall be combined with a land-based attack by forces which with great difficulty have fought their way down from Rangoon. These are still a couple of days’ march from Tavoy. The four USN escort carriers are still there and shall participate in the attack on Tavoy, they have recently received a healthy volume of aircraft replenishments. Royal Navy’s carrier Illustrious is also present.

The advance on the Malaccan Peninsula is going quite well, British recce forces are almost in Kota Bahru. On Sumatra Padang is being feverishly prepared for a bombing offensive against Singapore by all available Vengeances in the Theatre, around 50 have been concentrated there. The expansion of the airfield has taken longer than hoped for.

The Chinese advance on Hanoi was broken but after a minor setback new, reinforced, forces are again on the march towards west. The Chinese leadership believes it important to take Hanoi and Haiphong, to cut off enemy supplies coming in that way, as well as receive own.

There’s still a standstill in Hong Kong and Shanghai but this is soon to change in Shanghai. Three separate amphibious regiment-sized forces are now ready to make a renewed effort to take the city from the sea-side. The 32nd Division is besieging Hong Kong.

Some of the forces that captured Milne Bay have since gone ashore on Goodenough and Ferguson islands. The enemy was quickly subdued on both locations. There are no immediate plans for a further advance along the north-eastern coast of Papua New Guinea, the Aussies have complete air superiority, as is the case in most areas of the various Theatres. The changing of the guards on the line Bali-Makassar-Kendari-Ambon-Port Moresby-Buna-Milne Bay is soon finished. The Aussies have taken over responsibility including and south of this line, but still have some US air support.

When Shanghai is captured preparations shall start for the first landings on the Japanese main-land. In the mean-time all possible carrier and bombardment forces shall be put in order. It should go off within a month. A large force of minesweepers has just left Pago Pago to participate in this operation.

Fred


_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 443
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 11/26/2016 11:51:32 PM   
Leandros


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Sitrap July 1st 1943 – afternoon

The IJN has probably made their last serious effort to pierce the allied defences of the Malacca Strait. A battleship force led by BB Nagato with two light cruisers and three destroyers of the Kagero-class was surprised by an allied destroyer force just after leaving Singapore on a northerly strike. This sortie followed several nightly bombardments by allied destroyers based in Tandjoengbalai. In an overcast moon-less night the Japanese were taken completely by surprise and given some very rough handling by the destroyers Saufley, Case, Nepal and Relentless. Nagato received an early torpedo hit, IJN Arashio received the first, concentrated shell barrages of the allied destroyer division. Hit by 25 x 5-inch shells she rolled over and sank within minutes. Light cruiser Noshiro was also more or less neutralized and has since been further damaged in Singapore harbour by several bomber strikes flown by the Padang Vengeances. The enemy task force withdrew to Singapore in confusion and Nagato was later reported to have gone down. Two USN destroyers were damaged, only USS Case of any importance, she received 5 x 12,7 cm. shell hits.

The British are keeping up the tempo on both sides of the Malaccan Strait. An armoured recce regiment has reached Kota Bahru and is making ready for an immediate attack, on Sumatra Djangi has been captured by the 2nd and 45th recce regiments. This last event puts Palembang within a couple of days’ march for these fast-moving units. However, little is known of the enemy defences in Palembang, probably the most important oil installations on Sumatra. Some very unconventional moves are necessary to keep up the momentum and take this important city before the enemy has time to respond. The best chance is probably to make use of the large US Air Corps’ transport force as it returns to eastern bases for the attack on Japan. The operation depends on how quickly Tavoy falls as that would free up the two Indian para brigades now participating in that attack.

Bangkok was captured on June 30th and these two units were immediately prepared to reinforce the attack on Tavoy, they have been dropped piecemeal through the last few days and the defenses of Tavoy is quickly getting weaker. Hanoi was captured on the same day as Bangkok! The Chinese forces got very little rest, they were immediately ordered to move south to take Haiphong, as well.

The fighting in the central parts of China have hardened considerably. Shanghai is still holding up even after the second amphibious operations started and the enemy is fighting just as stubbornly in Nanking and Hankow. These two cities both flank the important Yang-Tse-Kiang river and are important for supplies and replenishments of the enemy’s forces in the Chinese interior. The loss or gain of one of these cities shall probably be decisive for the whole Chinese Theatre.

Palau is held down by constant bomber strikes from Morotai. This base has been gradually expanded to accommodate a couple of hundred bombers, mainly B-25, B-24 and a couple of squadrons of the new SBD-5. Two P-38 squadrons are looking after the escort side. This has made it possible for the allied ships to travel freely on the eastern side of The Philippines. The generous airplane numbers and light “work-load” has made this an excellent training ground for newly arrived units. The combined force placed on Morotai is intended to move as a complete entity to whatever suitable base when the invasion of Japan starts.

The stubborn enemy stance in China has given the allied leaders much reason for thought on how he eventually shall defend his home-land – how shall this problem be tackled? Presently, the aim is for the Nagasaki/Sasebo area as the first invasion area.

Fred





Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Leandros -- 11/27/2016 12:04:43 AM >

_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 444
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 11/29/2016 12:23:39 PM   
Leandros


Posts: 1740
Joined: 3/5/2015
Status: offline 		Sitrap July 7th 1943 – afternoon

Tavoy in the north and Kota Bahru in the south on the Malaccan Peninsula have been captured and the major part of the attack force of Tavoy is already on the road south to Mergui, the bombing offensive is switched over from Tavoy and the eventual capture of Mergui shall end the northern southward advance on the peninsula. Now that Bangkok and Tavoy are captured the large US air transport fleet is stood down before it returns east. Its last important mission in the South-East Asia Theatre shall be the transport south of the two Indian para brigades planned for the capture of Palembang.

Two large enemy convoys have been spotted south of Saigon, course south-west. Two reduced B-24 squadrons have been ordered down from Port Blair to Kota Bahru to try to track, and eventually destroy, those convoys. Kota Bahru has good airfields and ground service personnel is transferred over by C-47’s from Tandjoengabalai.

Obviously out of naval forces to speak of in Singapore the enemy has now for the first time used MTB’s to inderdict sea transport in the northern part of the Strait. The first day he went as far north as Medan, fortunately nothing was to be found there. A destroyer force went out from Tandjoengbalai to look for them but they slipped past back to Singapore. The next night they didn’t and two of them were sunk in the Strait. Weather permitting, the Padang-based Vengeances bomb Singapore harbour every day, the light cruiser Noshiro has been hit repeatedly, a destroyer sunk.

Haiphong is captured, as well – the enemy is withdrawing south along the coast and the two recce regiments in Cambodia are fast approaching Pnom Penh. From there they shall advance against Saigon. Otherwise, the situation in China is looking bleaker and bleaker, it seems impossible to crush the Hong Kong, Shanghai, Nanking and Hankow defenders. Chinese supplies and morale is dwindling. Something’s soon got to give. More and more transports are assembling in Hengchow in expectance of the fall of Shanghai and the next big move, the jump over to Japan.

Battleship Mississippi, on her way to the wharf in Brisbane to repair previous damage, was torpedoed by an enemy submarine one day north of Brisbane. She avoided five torpedoes but the sixth was a hitter. The submarine was hunted down and sunk by her two escorting destroyers. Luckily, she was capable to continue to -Brisbane under own power.

The enemy submarine forces have had heavy losses the last week.

Fred





Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Leandros -- 11/29/2016 12:37:21 PM >

_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 445
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 12/5/2016 12:54:03 PM   
Leandros


Posts: 1740
Joined: 3/5/2015
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Sitrap July 11th 1943 – afternoon

The hope that the enemy had done his worst in the Malaccan Strait was in vain. Three days ago, another strike force, led by the heavy cruiser Aoba, moved north from Singapore. The main force, centered around Aoba hovered between Medan and Tandjoengbalai, speeding south before daybreak and going north again in the evenings. A light cruiser with two destroyers penetrated as far north as Port Blair where it was bombed the first day by Port Blair-based B-24’s. That force disappeared westwards during the day.

Aoba and her cohorts, however, had a couple of rough days, on the first night she was intercepted by the allied destroyers Barton, Meade, Nepal, Relentless and Rotherham. In the brisk change of fire DD Relentless received 11 shell hits, she sunk while trying to get back to Tandjoengbalai. The enemy force turned south with the allied destroyers in hot pursuit. During this chase the two enemy MTB’s of his original four-boat division crossed the course of the pursuing destroyers, one of the MTB’s were sunk in the running fight. In the morning, the four remaining allied destroyers bombarded Singapore. DD Minekaze, already severely damaged, was further damaged when hanging on to her mooring lines on the pier. CA Aoba was claimed sunk by a torpedo hit but was reported afloat in Singapore in the afternoon by a Padang-based Vengeance.

The next night the light cruiser HMS Enterprise and destroyer Lang, both fresh out of the wharf in Colombo, joined the allied force in Tandjoengbalai. In their first excursion that night the sole remaining enemy MTB was encountered, and consequently sunk. Heading south to bombard Singapore they had a surprise welcome party waiting for them. CA Aoba was out again, full of fight, if not fully fit. In a confused fight, Aoba and her two destroyer friends received more than they gave and withdrew to Singapore. Light cruiser Enterprise was supported by five powerful USN and RN destroyers. Before light she withdrew north again and the Japanese task force turned back on a northerly course, too, probably with any serious damage remedied in the meantime. Now only DD Okikaze followed Aoba. All through the day they were pestered by Catalinas and B-25’s flying out of Alor Star and Tandjoengbalai, but no serious damage was inflicted on them.

Next night the pattern pretty much repeated itself but with a second allied task force joining the meddle - the destroyers Abbot, Mahan, Griffin, Inconstant and Redoubt, some of these having become old veterans now. This time the enemy task force did not stay but retreated all the way to Singapore, just to be pestered all through the day by frequent bombing raids. Aoba was the recipient of further bomb hits. Before light Enterprise bombarded Singapore, scoring some hits on the airfield.

The next day, whatever was left of the enemy naval force stayed in Singapore port - Aoba was bombed again. An interesting development is that the allied carrier force, consisting of Illustrious and four USN escort carriers have now moved down the Strait, to well south of Tandjoengbalai, to participate in tomorrow’s air attacks on Singapore. The task force commander considers to have air superiority so he shall be able to defend himself against eventual enemy raids. Not unreasonable, we shall see how that works out. He is even considering to pass out the Singapore sound and return to the Pescadores that way. Actually that is not such a bad idea considering the large enemy ship assembly south of Saigon. He might give a shot at them when passing by.

There has been another interesting sighting, a north-east-bound enemy task force a day’s journey south-west of Sabang. This can be the unit that skirted Port Blair a few days ago. If it is intending to enter the Strait east of Sabang it might get a nasty surprise as battleship New Mexico with heavy cruiser Wichita and two light cruisers are just north of Sabang, arriving from Colombo after ammo refit. The allied task force commander has split up his unit, Wichita and one of the light cruisers shall seek for the enemy unit, New Mexico and the other light cruiser stays in her position north of Sabang.

There has been a change of strategy regarding southern Sumatra. Due to the distances involved the para operations shall necessarily take some days, if at all. There is probably necessary to make two fuel stops enroute with the complications that involve. Having seen how fast the two recce regiments approaching Palembang have moved, it has instead been decided not to push them towards Palembang, but rather turn them around and let them advance on Benkoelen on the west side of Sumatra. The reason for this is that the 11th African Rifles have arrived in Padang on ships from Mombasa. They are kept aboard awaiting the capture of Benkoelen so that they can unload there in an orderly fashion. From Bankoelen it is 4-5 days’ march to Palembang. The possible complication here is that the Benkoelen port has a very low capacity so the unloading shall take some time. In the mean-time the Paras are also being prepared for a south-bound move. They shall not be put in piecemeal if not necessary.

Not much news from China other than that some of the air attack resources have been switched over to Nanking as there are signs of an immediate break-through there. This has also been facilitated by using much of the light cruisers and destroyers in the area to bombard that city. They have sailed up the Yang-Tse-Kiang. This has been made possible because the cities on the western side of the river all the way up to Nanking have been captured. As a bonus a large cargo ship was intercepted in the river south of Nanking and sunk.

The last couple of days two enemy light cruisers have been torpedoed, respectively outside Cam Rahn Bay and Nagasaki/Sasebo. Both are claimed sunk.

Some interesting loss figures based on recently updated intelligence – Japan:

5 battleships – inclusive of Musashi
14 heavy cruisers
21 light cruisers
5 CV/CVL – only one “large” – Kaga. The others being Shoho, Zuiho, Chitose, Chiyoda
62 submarines – all types. 24 large and medium-sized.

Many of the enemy surface ships have gone down in the Malaccan Strait and the Andaman Sea. IOW, mostly scored by the British.

Fred


_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 446
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 12/13/2016 7:14:39 PM   
Leandros


Posts: 1740
Joined: 3/5/2015
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Sitrap July 17th 1943 – afternoon

The enemy definitively has problems in South-East Asia. On Sumatra’s south-west coast the 2nd Recce Regt. has reached the outskirts of Bengoelen, only 3-4 day’s march to Palembang, one of the most important oil facilities in the Dutch East Indies. With only symbolic enemy forces in Bengoelen, the 45th Recce Regt., only a day behind the 2nd, has been re-directed to proceed directly towards Palembang.

On ships in Padang is the 11th African Rifles Division. One of its ships is weighing anchor this evening to start landing an advanced party in Bengoelen tomorrow evening. This shall immediately start for Palembang, too. The other transports shall follow as the small port in Bengoelen can handle the traffic.

Airlift of a small aircraft handling group from Padang to Bengoelen starts tomorrow. Bombing attacks from Singapore on the ships in the port can be expected so a fighter defense shall be established immediately even if reconnaissance claims the Singapore airfields are quite paralyzed with only few, if any, airplanes of an offensive type. Today’s reconnaissance also reports an enemy heavy cruiser in Singapore so the bombing and bombardment program shall continue. So far, it has proven quite effective in keeping the enemy down.

The British forces in Pnom Penh, Indo-China, is gearing up for the advance on Saigon.

Today, for the first time, the enemy’s defences in Shanghai showed signs of weakening. This may be because the whole weight of the naval bombardments has been switched from Nanking to Shanghai.

Trials have shown that the Sasebo naval base area is out of range if the para transports are to fly from Ningpo. Ningpo is the Chinese base closest to Nagasaki/Sasebo. An alternative plan is set up for the paras. Shall come back on that.

USS Lexington is out of the wharf in Pearl Harbor, she is soon in Brisbane. Lexington II is about to pass through the Panama Canal as is Yorktown II and several “light” and escort carriers. An abundance of landing crafts and assault ships are in place on the Chinese coast ready for the jump over to Japan. First, however, Shanghai needs to be captured.

In San Francisco, the main part of the 35th Infantry Division has loaded up on the passenger liner Queen Elisabeth. The rest shall go on Queen Mary, due out of the wharf in three days.

Ships have also been assembled in SF to carry the 1st Cavalry Division west. It shall leave for the South-West Pacific in a couple of days.

Fred


_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 447
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 12/20/2016 12:52:06 PM   
Leandros


Posts: 1740
Joined: 3/5/2015
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Sitrap July 23rd 1943 – afternoon

The fight for Kompong Tach, on the south-western corner of Indo-China, has started with an attack by the British 267th Armd. Bde. It has a complement of 6.000 troops with 52 Stuart light tanks and 104 Lees. It is assisted by the 25th Armd. Bde. with 27 light AFV’s. 765 men of the 111th Chindits, flown over from Tavoy, have also been dropped outside the city. The city is expected to be captured within a day or two.

The main part of the 26th Indian Brigade is advancing fast from Pnom Penh towards Saigon, the 4th Gurkha Brigade is right behind.

On Southern Sumatra, the unloading of the 11th African rifles is going very slow. There has been a change of plans regarding the use of the 77th Chindits against Palembang as reconnaissance still reports the defense there to be quite weak. The ground forces presently advancing on Palembang are supposed to suffice. If not, parts of the 77th Chindits shall still be in reserve in Padang. Their transfer there has been delayed by the need to use air transport for the attack on Kompong Tach. Instead, an operation against Oosthaven, on the southern-most point of Sumatra is contemplated for the 77th. That would give control of the important strait between Sumatra and Java.

Shanghai was finally captured on the 20th – a great relief. All enemy air assets not destroyed on the airport in previous attacks got away. However, four mini-subs were captured in the port. The triangle Shanghai-Hangchow-Ningpo is now being stocked up with construction units working at airfields and port installations. These three bases shall be departure points for the first allied forces landing in Japan. Target date for that is August 7th.

Fred


_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 448
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 12/20/2016 1:49:58 PM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline 		I see you have both Lexingtons. You can rename the new one if you want to lessen the confusion. How about USS Incredible??

< Message edited by BBfanboy -- 12/20/2016 1:50:21 PM >

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Leandros)
Post #: 449
RE: Saving MacArthur - Rookie AAR - 12/20/2016 3:47:04 PM   
Leandros


Posts: 1740
Joined: 3/5/2015
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

I see you have both Lexingtons. You can rename the new one if you want to lessen the confusion. How about USS Incredible??


Thank you for your suggestion but don't you think the enemy shall be more confused than me.......

Fred

_____________________________

River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion - www.fredleander.com
Saving MacArthur - a book series on how The Philippines were saved - in 1942! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D34QCWQ/?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref=series_rw_dp_labf

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 450
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