Anyone interested in some intellectual exercise?

....continued

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Oct 09, 41

Grid 8360 is occupied by the Japanese
Coastwatcher Report: 8 ships in port at Hong Kong
CS Convoy TF 4 begins loading Resources at Hakodate for delivery to Hirosaki/Aomori
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Pakhoi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Wenchow
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Kwangchowan
CS Convoy TF 7 will load Supplies at Fukuoka for return to Fusan
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Hong Kong
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Changsha
PO1 Matsumura K. of JVNF-03 is credited with kill number 2
PO1 Matsumura K. of JVNF-03 is credited with kill number 3
We need to keep an eye on PO1 Matsumura, three kills in a week! Perhaps transfer him to one of our A6M squadrons preparing for Malaysia?
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Changsha
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Changsha
Ki-51 Sonia from 13th LtBmb Hikotai is damaged on landing
Ki-51 Sonia from 19th LtBmb Hikotai crashes on landing
E7K2 Alf sighting report: 5 Allied ships at 82,63 near Pescadores, speed 16, Moving West
E7K2 Alf reports object near surface at 86, 60 near Foochow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Hong Kong
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Aparri
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Chengchow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Tuguegarao
Ki-27B Nate from 13th Fighter Hikota is damaged on landing
Ki-27B Nate from 13th Fighter Hikota is damaged on landing
Japanese forces secure grid 7156 !!!
Japanese forces secure grid 7758 !!!
Japanese forces secure grid 6956 !!!
Japanese forces secure grid 6855 !!!
Japanese forces secure grid 6957 !!!
Repairs completed on SST I-6 at Shimonoseki, ship returned to service
I'd like to order this 1st conversion to Yokohama to begin training with the SNLF Raider Co.'s there.
Hakodate NavSuppDet Base Force takes replacements from Asahikawa
Muroran NavSuppDet Base Force takes replacements from Asahikawa
17th Suchow Battalion's TOE was upgraded to RoC Infantry Battalion at Suchow
104th ArmyAvMaint C 's TOE was upgraded to IJA AvSupport Co.5 at Wuchang
JNTDB-T101 arrives at Kagoshima
JNTDB-T102 arrives at Kagoshima
JNTDB-T103 arrives at Kagoshima
JNTDB-T104 arrives at Kagoshima
JNTF(A)-T13 arrives at Camp Fuji
JNTF(A)-T14 arrives at Camp Fuji
JNTF(A)-T15 arrives at Camp Fuji
JNTF(A)-T16 arrives at Camp Fuji
JNTF(A)-T17 arrives at Camp Fuji
JNTF(A)-T18 arrives at Camp Fuji
JNTF(A)-T19 arrives at Camp Fuji
SNBF Naha HQ Detachment arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
SNBF Naha arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
SNBF Marcus Is HQ Detachment arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
SNBF Marcus Is arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka

 

We're now about a week into our new government (in game terms). Would the council members prefer I give more information, less information, a modified report, additional reports. You feedback please.

 

I know we were originally going to have you focus on the Burma, Thailand, SE Asia, but that's when we still had Nishio (Gebirgsjaeger, he hasn't logged on since last Sept. 3rd) so he must be replaced. He was helping formulate our strategy for China and Northern Indochina. I have implemented our initial plans and they are actually progressing more rapidly than I had anticipated. Our long term strategy and doctrine is in place and thus far effective, no need to re-evaluate or modify it at this time. We (the War Council) need to design follow up operations in China so as not to surrender the initiative to our enemy. We need to determine where to proceed once the current operations the Army of South China AO (Canton/Lang Son/Kwangchowan operation) and our Army of North China clearing operations from the railline running from Tientsin, through Tsinan, to Suchow, to the railroad crossing of the Huang (Yellow) River, back eastward to the coast. We further are expanding the port facilities and base at Tsingtao to serve as our logistical hub in that AO. We intend to secure the surrounding countryside and begin stability and economic development projects so that we can fully exploit the argricultural potential, vital resources and manpower in this area.

If interested, your input would be greatly appreciated. I will propose to the council that you replace General Nishio as Commander, Japanese Expeditionary Forces, China.

 

We will also be having a representative from the Foreign Ministry join our ranks. His primary focus will be information dissemination to foreign nations (propoganda) and using the same to shape public opinion in those countries. He can and hopefully will, express his opinions on areas and topics outside his area of expertise. This is something I would like to encourage within our members, naval commanders need not limit their opinions to naval subjects, ground commanders to land combat, nor military men to simply military matters. We seek diplomats giving opinion on military subjects and military officers on diplomatic efforts. Admiral's on land operations and Generals on naval operations.
Gentlemen I would like to introduce the honorable Foreign Secretary for Information, Kanada Keshi (literally Canadian Poppy). Welcome to the council

 

Weekly Summary
Friday 10 October 1941

Gentlemen,

Every friday we will release a weekly loss summary for the preceeding week. Today is that day.

Combat casualties dead and wounded for 03-09 October 1941 are as follows:
Chinese Forces (Hostile) 17,481 all causes
Japanese/RoC 316 (all but 13 due to ground combat/artillery)
Civilian casualties not reported.

Some notes on casualties thus far:
1.) The effectiveness of our air strikes were initially higher and are trending lower. An indication that the enemy is taking measures to counter their effectiveness. Expect this trend to continue when engaging Chinese forces. We will probably see the effectiveness spike again once we engage western forces until they begin to gain experience.
2.) Initial casualties inflicted upon enemy units were quite high.This was primarily a result of the type of combat involved. IDF fire was particularly effective. Enemy forces were massing against strong defensive positions, we believe in preparation for ground assaults. Thus exposed and our forces with ample artillery and well supplied with ammunition, we experienced very good results. As the nature/type of combat changes, so likely will these lopsided victories.
3.) We were very effective in our ground assaults. This was largely due to our employment of a combined arms doctrine. Enemy Chinese forces are not well equipped with anti-armor weapons or ample artillery. This situation will change once we begin engaging western forces.
4.) Well protected lines of communication/supply aided our operations. We are clearing areas and establishing defensive positions to protect our lines of communication as we move forward in China. This is to counter the common Chinese tactic of infiltrating around large units and cutting their LOC/LOS. Once, managing to get the unit to refocus on re-establishing it's supply line, it's advance stalls. As supplies are consumed in the fighting, firepower is decreased in order to compensate for lack of resupply. Friendly, forces are forced to attack a series of strong enemy positions in order to re-establish their MSR. Meanwhile, the friendly unit is fixed and enemy forces can probe our lines and search for weak points that they can exploit by localized attacks, slowly attritting our forces. This plays to their greatest strengths, their ample manpower and lightness and tactical mobility of their forces. Once, we are forced to fight on their terms, casualties will be more equal.
5.) Enemy forces have not been able to mass in overwhelming numbers. Thanks to our air strikes and IDF fires from established defensive positions, enemy Chinese forces have not managed to establish a significant numerical superiority in numbers of troops engaged with us. If and when they manage to assemble a force with a large numerical advantage, we will get hurt. I have commented several times on the numbers of Chinese Corps arrayed against our forces at Ichang and Sinyang. This is the area where we will probably take our first bloody nose.
Advice on our course of action at these two locations is requested.

Our losses (13) to air attack are primarily a result of two factors 1.) Lack of hostile Chinese capability (few aircraft) and lack of training in their air crews. 2.) Numerically, superior numbers of friendly CAP over target areas. Do not expect us to retain said advantages in all areas going forward.


Air Sorties flown to date, all types:
Allied-377
IJA/N-7804

Aircraft losses: A2A=Air to air combat-AA=Anti aircraft fire-Grd=aircraft destroyed on the ground-Ops=operational losses/accidents

Allied (by Type, stated as A2A/AA/Grd/Ops): A29A 5/0/0/0 DB-3M 1/0/1/1 SB-III 7/0/0/1 Total 13/0/1/2=16 aircraft
Japan (by Type, stated as A2A/AA/Grd/Ops): KI-15 0/0/0/1 (training sqdns) KI-51 0/0/0/1 KI-48 0/0/0/1 Total 0/0/0/3=3 aircraft


respectfully,

 

Office of Minister of War
Saturday 11 October 1941

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 10, 41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Changsha , at 82,52

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27B Nate x 6
Ki-51 Sonia x 22

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lusu War Area , at 92,50 (Hwaiyin)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 22

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 15000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 110lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Changsha , at 82,52

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 14

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 13th Chinese Base Force, at 76,57 (Wuchow)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 22

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
113 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb
9 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 16th Group Army ...
Also attacking 13th Chinese Base Force ...

The two units thus far identified at Wuchow are Headquarters and support units.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 13th Chinese Base Force, at 76,57 (Wuchow)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 14

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
77 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Prov Chinese Corps, at 76,58

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 17

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Prov Chinese Corps, at 76,58

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
84 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Prov Chinese Corps, at 76,58

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 6

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1044th AA Battalion, at 88,52 (Anking)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 17

Allied aircraft
SB-III x 5

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
JVNF-03 with A5M4 Claude (5 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 65th Chinese Corps, at 80,59

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 14

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
61 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level *
Ground Attack: 2 x 220lb GP Bomb, 4 x 33lb GP Bomb
5 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level *
Ground Attack: 2 x 220lb GP Bomb, 4 x 33lb GP Bomb



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

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1680 troops, 96 guns, 96 vehicles, Assault Value = 282

Defending force 7983 troops, 68 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 66

Allied ground losses:
118 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
21st Sinyang
90th SASO
93d SASO
4th RoC Grn Dragon Regiment
98th SASO
96th SASO
97th SASO
95th SASO
91st SASO
92d SASO
94th SASO
99th SASO
103d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
102d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
6th Seige Gun Brigade
9th C.China SASO Detachment

Defending units:
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1580 troops, 91 guns, 91 vehicles, Assault Value = 327

Defending force 27588 troops, 144 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 857

Allied ground losses:
155 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st RoC "Tiger" Division
Ichang MP Co.
105th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
104th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
7th Seige Gun Brigade

Defending units:
2nd Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at Kweiteh (90,46)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1380 troops, 108 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 363

Defending force 1314 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 33

Allied ground losses:
191 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
24th Infantry Brigade
25th Infantry Battalion
2d 274mm Mtr Battalion
1st 150mm Mtr Battalion
8th Field Artillery Regiment
3d 274mm Mtr Battalion

Defending units:
69th Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5560 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 64

Defending force 9857 troops, 154 guns, 96 vehicles, Assault Value = 282

Assaulting units:
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
94th SASO
92d SASO
93d SASO
90th SASO
4th RoC Grn Dragon Regiment
96th SASO
98th SASO
21st Sinyang
97th SASO
91st SASO
95th SASO
99th SASO
102d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
103d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
6th Seige Gun Brigade
9th C.China SASO Detachment


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

Ground combat at Nanchang (85,54)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5722 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 182

Defending force 10650 troops, 152 guns, 29 vehicles, Assault Value = 273

Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
3rd New Chinese Corps

Defending units:
87th SASO
84th SASO
82d SASO
85th SASO
81st SASO
184th Regimental Combat Team
88th SASO
86th SASO
33d Nanchang Battalion
83d SASO
80th SASO
89th SASO
8th C.China SASO Detachment
145th ArmyAvMaint C
105th ArmyAvMaint C
1042d AA Battalion

Air and IDF action only today.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

SUNDAY
12 OCTOBER 1941

Imperial Council does not meet.

 

Office of Minister of War
Monday 13 October 1941

Combat over the last two days.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 11, 41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 84th Chinese Corps, at 86,49 , near Sinyang

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27B Nate x 4
Ki-51 Sonia x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 15000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 7th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 84th Chinese Corps ...

This action at Sinyang while minor identifies two more Chinese Corps operating against this location. Previously we've had contact with the 12th and 29th Chinese Corps. Today we engage (air) the 7th and 84th. The situation here bears watching.
I see three options, 1.) Continue the defensive operations we have been conducting; 2.) Transfer heavy bomber units to airfields in the operational area, and attempt to disrupt and attrit the enemies forces; 3.) Send relief forces from Hankow to break the seige. I await directions on this matter and in the meantime will continue the current stance, but increase light bomber sorties.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Changsha , at 82,52

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27B Nate x 7
Ki-51 Sonia x 25

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-29A Hudson: 1 damaged
SB-III: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lusu War Area , at 92,50 (Hwaiyin)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 22

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 15000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 110lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Changsha , at 82,52

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 14

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1st RoC ReserveArmy Corps, at 91,52 (Nanking)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27B Nate x 12

Allied aircraft
A-29A Hudson x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-29A Hudson: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
17th Fighter Hikota with Ki-27B Nate (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes



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

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1680 troops, 96 guns, 96 vehicles, Assault Value = 281

Defending force 7911 troops, 68 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 65

Allied ground losses:
143 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
94th SASO
90th SASO
4th RoC Grn Dragon Regiment
93d SASO
97th SASO
92d SASO
91st SASO
96th SASO
95th SASO
21st Sinyang
98th SASO
99th SASO
102d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
6th Seige Gun Brigade
103d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
9th C.China SASO Detachment

Defending units:
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1572 troops, 91 guns, 91 vehicles, Assault Value = 327

Defending force 38028 troops, 219 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1121

Allied ground losses:
332 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
1st RoC "Tiger" Division
Ichang MP Co.
104th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
105th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
7th Seige Gun Brigade

Defending units:
68th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps

Add the 8th Chinese Corps to the already identified 2d, 68th and 75th Corps. The enemy has sufficient forces arrayed to possibly take this position by gound assault. The situation here is critical. Request direction!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Kweiteh (90,46)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1380 troops, 108 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 363

Defending force 1180 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 26

Allied ground losses:
135 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
24th Infantry Brigade
25th Infantry Battalion
8th Field Artillery Regiment
2d 274mm Mtr Battalion
1st 150mm Mtr Battalion
3d 274mm Mtr Battalion

Defending units:
69th Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at grid 9646

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 388 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 13

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 7

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces clear and secure grid 9646 !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
27th SASO

FOB 9646 started.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at 9745

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 388 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 13

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 15

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 15 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces clear and secure grid 9745 !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(+)

Assaulting units:
28th SASO

FOB 9745 started. We have secured 2/3d's of the coastal road from Chefoo to Weihsen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 10542 troops, 75 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1096

Defending force 9010 troops, 119 guns, 95 vehicles, Assault Value = 327

Allied adjusted assault: 80

Japanese adjusted defense: 303

Allied assault odds: 1 to 3 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
123 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
361 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 42 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
68th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
1st RoC "Tiger" Division
Ichang MP Co.
105th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
104th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
7th Seige Gun Brigade

We were heavily blooded in repelling this ground assault on our defensive positions. Fortunately, the hostile Chinese forces were sufficiently disorganized by previous action that only 1/4 of their forces participated in the attack. Primarily the newly arrived 8th Chinese Corps, with only light support from the other three corps. I again must reiterate this situation is critical. Request direction!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5555 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 63

Defending force 9846 troops, 154 guns, 96 vehicles, Assault Value = 281

Assaulting units:
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
4th RoC Grn Dragon Regiment
92d SASO
95th SASO
98th SASO
93d SASO
21st Sinyang
96th SASO
97th SASO
91st SASO
94th SASO
90th SASO
99th SASO
103d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
102d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
6th Seige Gun Brigade
9th C.China SASO Detachment


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

Ground combat at Nanchang (85,54)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5713 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 181

Defending force 10655 troops, 152 guns, 29 vehicles, Assault Value = 273

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
33 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
3rd New Chinese Corps

Defending units:
81st SASO
82d SASO
184th Regimental Combat Team
80th SASO
33d Nanchang Battalion
88th SASO
86th SASO
84th SASO
87th SASO
85th SASO
83d SASO
89th SASO
8th C.China SASO Detachment
105th ArmyAvMaint C
145th ArmyAvMaint C
1042d AA Battalion

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

Select entries from 11 Oct Operational Report

PC-120 taken out of commission to begin refit at Yokohama/Yokosuka
PC-121 taken out of commission to begin refit at Yokohama/Yokosuka
PC-122 taken out of commission to begin refit at Yokohama/Yokosuka
PC-123 taken out of commission to begin refit at Yokohama/Yokosuka

Repairs completed on PC-P01 Nire at Port Arthur, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-P02 Take at Port Arthur, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-P03 Kaki at Port Arthur, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-P04 Ashi at Port Arthur, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-P05 Sumire at Port Arthur, ship returned to service

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 12, 41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Kwangchowan (73,60)

TF 26 troops unloading over beach at Kwangchowan, 73,60

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Troops landing to secure this French Port, opposition disorganized local Free French and Chinese.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 68th Chinese Corps, at 83,48 (Ichang)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27B Nate x 10
Ki-51 Sonia x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 15000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 2nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 68th Chinese Corps ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 68th Chinese Corps, at 83,48 (Ichang)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 39

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb
17 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 75th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 8th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 68th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 75th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 68th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 75th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 68th Chinese Corps ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lusu War Area , at 92,50 (Hwaiyin)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 22

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 15000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 110lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Prov Chinese Corps, at 76,58
Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 46

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
183 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb
23 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 65th Chinese Corps, at 80,59

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 27

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level *
Ground Attack: 2 x 220lb GP Bomb, 4 x 33lb GP Bomb
12 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level *
Ground Attack: 2 x 220lb GP Bomb, 4 x 33lb GP Bomb



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

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1675 troops, 96 guns, 96 vehicles, Assault Value = 282

Defending force 7867 troops, 66 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 69

Allied ground losses:
124 casualties reported
Squads: 31 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (8 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
96th SASO
93d SASO
97th SASO
21st Sinyang
92d SASO
90th SASO
98th SASO
4th RoC Grn Dragon Regiment
94th SASO
95th SASO
91st SASO
99th SASO
102d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
6th Seige Gun Brigade
103d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
9th C.China SASO Detachment

Defending units:
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1556 troops, 91 guns, 91 vehicles, Assault Value = 311

Defending force 37488 troops, 217 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1061

Allied ground losses:
62 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st RoC "Tiger" Division
Ichang MP Co.
105th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
104th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
7th Seige Gun Brigade

Defending units:
68th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at Kweiteh (90,46)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1380 troops, 108 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 365

Defending force 1099 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 20

Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
24th Infantry Brigade
25th Infantry Battalion
8th Field Artillery Regiment
1st 150mm Mtr Battalion
2d 274mm Mtr Battalion
3d 274mm Mtr Battalion

Defending units:
69th Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at 8659

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 388 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 13

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 15

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 15 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces clear and secure 8659 !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(+)

Assaulting units:
110th SASO

FOB 8659 started, area NE of Foochow secured.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5520 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 63

Defending force 9847 troops, 154 guns, 96 vehicles, Assault Value = 282

Allied ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
95th SASO
98th SASO
21st Sinyang
97th SASO
92d SASO
90th SASO
94th SASO
93d SASO
91st SASO
4th RoC Grn Dragon Regiment
96th SASO
99th SASO
102d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
6th Seige Gun Brigade
103d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
9th C.China SASO Detachment


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

Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 17158 troops, 75 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1049

Defending force 8887 troops, 119 guns, 95 vehicles, Assault Value = 311

Assaulting units:
68th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
1st RoC "Tiger" Division
Ichang MP Co.
104th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
105th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
7th Seige Gun Brigade


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

Ground combat at Nanchang (85,54)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5715 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 182

Defending force 10655 troops, 152 guns, 29 vehicles, Assault Value = 273

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
3rd New Chinese Corps

Defending units:
83d SASO
88th SASO
87th SASO
86th SASO
81st SASO
80th SASO
85th SASO
82d SASO
33d Nanchang Battalion
84th SASO
184th Regimental Combat Team
89th SASO
8th C.China SASO Detachment
145th ArmyAvMaint C
105th ArmyAvMaint C
1042d AA Battalion
------------------------------------------------------------------


Select entries from 12 Oct Operational Report

PC-110 taken out of commission to begin refit at Hiroshima/Kure
PC-111 taken out of commission to begin refit at Hiroshima/Kure
PC-112 taken out of commission to begin refit at Hiroshima/Kure
PC-113 taken out of commission to begin refit at Hiroshima/Kure
PC-114 taken out of commission to begin refit at Hiroshima/Kure
PC-115 taken out of commission to begin refit at Hiroshima/Kure
PC-116 taken out of commission to begin refit at Hiroshima/Kure
PC-117 taken out of commission to begin refit at Hiroshima/Kure
PC-118 taken out of commission to begin refit at Hiroshima/Kure
PC-119 taken out of commission to begin refit at Hiroshima/Kure

 

I appreciate the information as provided, thought I must confess I skim through most of it pretty quickly except for reading all of your "red notes". I would appreciate more brief summaries on the order of "Rotating Minekaze class destroyers through shipyards for installation of additional AA guns."

I must also confess to not being familiar with our objectives in China. Are we trying to make major inroads into the hinterland, or just secure our positions and communications? I think you have the right idea in not offering the Chinese the chance to use their infiltration tactics against our LOS/LOCs.

Could you brief us on the situation around Ichang and Sinyang?

What is the action going on around Hanoi in Indochina? Who are we fighting there? The abrupt dispersal of the Vichy army is curious, any indication how or why that happened? Not a good sign if we are hoping to get Vichy forces on our side. We had also discussed allowing them to reactivate their warships in Indochinese ports, including the cruiser Lamotte-Piquet; do we need to reconsider this?

On the naval side, I note the proposed conversion - thought I wouldn't think too much work would be required - of submarine I-6 for the transport/raider role. We had earlier discussed using submarines in this manner, primarily those with hangars accessible from the hull while submerged. Do we have a proposal for how many to use, or assigned missions for them? Does the game recognize the value of letting ships and troops train together?

Overall I continue to be impressed with your work.

 

My impression is that the movements to set up the FOBs show up as "attacks" note that there were no defenders listed (at least the ones I looked at).

Are operational losses listed elsewhere or is this an area that is neglected in the game? All those early war planes attacking during severe storms makes me wonder a bit.

 

<Homer Simpson voice> d'Oh! No defenders...........no doubt you're right, thanks.

 

The skimming through is what is intended, just so everyone has an awareness of what operations are ongoing. I added the red notes as explainations about things not fully covered in the summary, such as "attack was a forced river crossing". I also try and provide information as to what I see evolving. I'm glad you're using the red notes. The other data contained is usefull for certain things such as altitudes. We at one point weren't getting good interception to the Chinese bombing attacks on Anking. I noted that the attacks were coming in at 5-10,000 ft above the altitude the the CAP was operating at, I split the orders to the two squadrons and had one set at 10,000ft and the second at 20,000ft and our intercepts went up. If you're bombing at 5,000ft and you notice taking significant AA damage you may want to adjust your bombing altitude to 8,000, 10.000, 12,000 feet whatever. I too skim the reports just noting where the action is taking place, results and units involved. I will get deeper into a specific entry, using the indepth data presented, if I think I need to make adjustments, otherwise the combat is in the hands of the officer commanding, once I give operational orders.
The primary upgrades so far on escort type ships has primarily been to ASW fit, adding depth charge racks and acoustic sensors when lacking, some light 25mm mounts have been added, but I'm holding off on the more comprehensive refits until we can produce the 40mm Bofors, if that happens, and have sufficient stockpiled 20mm Oerlikons and depth charge throwers to do a more extensive upgrade. In my last several reports I've cut out much of the information except the ships rotating in and out of upgrades. The repair yards at Port Arthur are now empty so I've ordered another group of 10 older DD's there for refit, it will come across in the operational report when they enter the yards.

Initially, Nishio and I had planned to clear and secure the surrounding countryside and road rail system in coastal areas of the AoNC region (Peiping to Huang/Yellow River). At present in all areas we really just control the population centers and large enemy formations or guerilla bands control the countryside. We planned on simultaneously clearing the area around Canton, AoSC area (south/west of the Yangtzee to French Indochina). We decided upon that area because there were numerous large Chinese units, not many large population centers, and we wanted the area secure before we had to turn south against Hong Kong. We decided that the enemy dispositions and enemy held population centers could best be attacked in unison with a column pushing east out of Lang Son (e. of Hanoi and since we would be moving through areas looking for contact we might as well clear and hold the areas we've driven the enemy out of. The central China area had the largest concentration of enemy forces, but also the most poulation centers. It really requires more combat strength than we currently have deployed there. We were anticipating shifting forces from the other two areas to the Army of Central China AO, once our initial ops in AoNC and AoSC wound up (we planned on 30 days to accomplish our initial opbjectives, we're actually a little bit ahead of plan). We would open a coordinated offensive to clear the coastal region then slowly move away from the coast until reaching Nanchang, Wuchang, Hankow, Sinyang areas. Enemy attacks at Nanchang, Sinyang, Hangchow, Pengpu, Hwaiyin etc. have threatened to disrupt this plan, forcing us to commit reinforcements planned for other areas, or training for our offensive against British and Dutch positions in late November. Currently, Ichang is really the only position I'm actually worried about.

I've tried to keep you up to date in the red notes, but here's a summary. Ichang is out on a limb, 100-120 miles nnw of Hankow, Sinyang is about 80 miles nne. The MSR to both is not secure and regularly interrupted. We have both locations moderately fortified with large concentrations of IDF weapons at each. None of the area around either location is secure. We have spotted 6 Chinese Corps around each with two others in the area in between, for a total of 14 enemy Corps facing us in this area (there are also smaller Chinese formations operating against the supply lines). There are right now around 38,000 with 219 artillery pieces (mortar on up) Chinese facing our garrison at Ichang about 9,000 men and 119 guns, but the largest part of our artillery are heavier pieces and we have aerial spotting. If we had an experienced Japanese division as the primary ground force I'd be less worried, but the main defending formation is the RoC 1st Tiger Division, some of the best of the Chinese forces, but not as reliable as our own troops.

Good points, yes at present we might want to reconsider. I have no control over the Vichy French forces, they are allied (but, computer controlled) they have not been attacked, so I'd suspect they were ill supplied and had very low morale and disease and desertion caused the majority to disappear. Noka and I had discussed the creation of an indigenous Viet Minh colonial army. We need to do some negotiating with the Vichy Government before doing this, they may have their units reconstitute.

I-6 has completed upgrade and is currently on it's way from the Naval Repair Yard at Shimonseki to Yokohama/Yokosuka. The Shimonseki Repair Yards have a capacity of 15,000 tons and I currently have 10,675 tons of shipping undergoing work there. This includes, the J-1 Class submarines I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4 and I-5. All are being converted to SST configuration. Yes, training and pre-deployment planning for objectives greatly enhances unit effectiveness and capability. At present we are planning to use them to land SNLF Raider Company's at Medan to seize the oil fields, in conjunction with SNLF parachute units.

Lwd wrote:

Partially correct, you can move through an area without controlling it. The moves you are referring to are actually attacks, combat sweep operations, there are small enemy units in the area, mainly guerilla's, if they choose not to defend they pull out, back towards friendly lines. This shows up as zero defenders in the Combat summary because they chose not to defend. However, they would not have pulled out had we not undertaken deliberate offensive operations. The game interface will not allow you to build a base unless the hex/grid is cleared of enemy forces. Over time adjacent grids, unoccupied for extended periods, will come under friendly control, but we're taking them back, forcibly. We're building FOB's to prevent re-infiltration.

Aviation operational losses are listed in the full Operations report. Example on the 3d "Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily from 205th BmbAttk Grp is damaged on landing", or this from the 5th "Ki-51 Sonia from 15th LtBmb Hikotai is damaged on landing". Ground unit operational losses, attrition is shown in another report that I have not been including because it is boring except to a logistitian. Attrition is higher in malarial areas, particularly during certain parts of the year, infrastructure, housing has an effect, supply or lack thereof has an effect, overcrowding, morale, etc. are modelled. Supplies spoil and rot if too many are stockpiled without facilities to store them, weather increases or decreases spoilage, ships take damage simply from operating, the weather or being parked in areas with inadequate port facilities. I just stood down and started pierside repairs to a number of small xAK's I had parked at Samah because the report showed they had somehow picked up some minor damage.

Notice also that they're attacking from higher altitudes, 15,-19,000 feet. The computer controlled squadron commander has them going in at higher altitudes to avoid the weather and there is a huge decrease in effectiveness. Not shown in the operations report, but shown in the messages that pop up during the turn animation, and are shown in another report, are the sorties cancelled due to bad weather at the home airfield or scrubbed because weather was too bad at the target hex. I can include them but they're one of the reports I stated earlier that I was not including because I thought they were not of import to the council.

Lastly, it's good to see your user name pop up in the thread. Your input is always good to have, and is always valuable.

 

Good day, gentlemen.
Kanada Kishi reporting. Pardon my tardiness.
Want to assure the cabinate that my promotion is due to hard work, not any familial relationship. My work in Hawaii was cut short, in order to help at home. Sacrifices must be made.
Some are called to duty and death, others must work behind the lines and under cover. Living so that others may learn how to live in the face of Western aggression.
It is nearing lunch, and must prepare. My next report should be more informative.

(sorry guys, thats all i got. will try to get the hang of this)

 

Thanks for the additional information. Since you asked for input, here are my admittedly non-expert thoughts:

I see three options, 1.) Continue the defensive operations we have been conducting; 2.) Transfer heavy bomber units to airfields in the operational area, and attempt to disrupt and attrit the enemies forces; 3.) Send relief forces from Hankow to break the seige. I await directions on this matter and in the meantime will continue the current stance, but increase light bomber sorties.

1.) Seems to just perpetuate the situation we are concerned about, ongoing attrition with a chance of real trouble if the Chinese get their act together.

2.) Is a temporary solution, bombers can inflict losses and delay Chinese preparations, but they can't defeat ground troops by themselves. Nor can we tie down our bombers in one area indefinitely.

Which seems to leave us with 3.) Might a concentration of Chinese forces be an opportunity for us? I gather we have ground/mechanized units around Hankow which can reach the area? We could start with our bombers as in 2.) and then achieve a decisive result in an air-ground offensive.

 

This seems a wise course Admiral. I will pull two squadrons of KI-48's and send them to Hankow. We will stand up two new KI-48 Squadrons at Canton and assign basically trained airmen and allow them to practice on the remnants of the Chinese forces in that area. That will leave us two experienced and two new squadrons of KI-48's at Canton. We will send a strong mechanized/infantry force towards Ichang with the intention of opening the MSR and dispersing the enemy forces. In the meantime I will order additional small units, will probably have to use SNLF, to be transported to Hankow by gunboat to secure the areas cleared by the relief force and to protect their rear. Sinyang will remain in it's current status unless we note additional enemy movement in their direction. Recon flights will be increased.

Does said course of action meet with your approval?

respectfully,

 

Admiral Karonada,

Additional info for you...

Orders issued:

-21st and 23d Maizuru SNLF battalions, plus 13th SNLF Field Artillery Regiment (located at Samah) ordered to load out for transport to Shanghai. From there we'll run them upriver to Hankow by gunboat and Daihatsu. They can be used to secure the immediate vicinity of Hankow.
-The Hankow airfield is too crowded to accomodate the two KI-48 squadrons we're sending from Swatow (changed and decided to use two squadrons from Swatow as they had more operational aircraft).
-I've ordered the 19th Lt. Bomb Hikotai transferred to Nanchang. They can begin airstrikes on the 3d New Chinese Corps threatening our base there.
-Two KI-48 squadrons 204th and 205th BmbAttk Squadrons ordered to Hankow from Swatow. Advance party leaving immediately. A number of aircraft are down due to maintenance and damage. Left these aircraft and least experienced air crews with rear echelon. This rear echelon will join the advance group
once aircraft become operational.
-78th ID, 2d RoC "Red Dragon" Bde, 2d Hankow armored car Bn and 70th SASO Co. sent from Hankow nnw towards Ichang.
-79th ID, and 71st SASO Co.sent from Hankow ne towards Sinyang.
(sent a column towards Sinyand also to try and split hostile Chinese response to our movements once they observe them. Sinyang advance is a diversion.)

-Two new KI-48 squadrons ordered to begin forming at Nagasaki. We have 88 in our poool so two 36 aircraft squadrons can be raised but will effect our ability to replace aircraft for a time, drawing our pool down very low.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval matters you expressed interest in:

Hiroshima/Kure (100K)-20,100t 10x No. 1 class Aux minesweepers and DD-01->03 06->14 (Minekaze class)
Yokohama/Yokosuka (90K)-35,978t 4x No. 1 class Aux minesweepers, and 6 x CLAA Cl-104->109 (Tenryu and Kuma class)
Nagasaki/Sasebo (90K)-42,306t CA-01->04 Furutaka and Aoba class'
Kobe (90K)-none
Truk (building)
Shanghai (50K)-none
Maizuru (30K)-none
Port Arthur (25K)-1670t two former Momo class finished, being place back in service (transfer to RoC)
Osaka/Kyoto (25K)-none
Okayama (25K)-none
Fusan (15K)-none
Shimonseki (15K)-10,675 5x SST 01->05
Hakodate (15K)-none
Fukuyama (10K)-none
Saigon (10K)-none
Pescadores (10K)-none
Tokyo (10K)-none
Nagoya (10K)-none
Kagoshima (10K)-none
Naha (5K)-none
Nago (5K)-none
New orders issued or in progress:
5 Wakatake class DD (2d Class) sent to Port Arthur for upgrade to DE. DE-11 ->DE-15.
6 Additional DD's scheduled for upgrade at Hiroshima/Kure DD-15 ->DD-20 (Kamikaze class)
4 additional DD's sent to Okayama for upgrade DD-21 -> 24 (Kamikaze class).

 

Office of Minister of War
Tuesday 14 October 1941

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 13, 41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lusu War Area , at 92,50 (Hwaiyin)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 22

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 15000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 110lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Prov Chinese Corps, at 76,58

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 20

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb
3 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Prov Chinese Corps, at 76,58

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
84 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Prov Chinese Corps, at 76,58

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 1st RoC ReserveArmy Corps, at 91,52 (Nanking)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27B Nate x 12

Allied aircraft
A-29A Hudson x 1

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
17th Fighter Hikota with Ki-27B Nate (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes



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

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1680 troops, 96 guns, 96 vehicles, Assault Value = 282

Defending force 7580 troops, 57 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 57

Allied ground losses:
282 casualties reported
Squads: 32 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (6 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
21st Sinyang
92d SASO
94th SASO
96th SASO
93d SASO
97th SASO
98th SASO
90th SASO
4th RoC Grn Dragon Regiment
95th SASO
91st SASO
99th SASO
103d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
102d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
6th Seige Gun Brigade
9th C.China SASO Detachment

Defending units:
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1556 troops, 91 guns, 91 vehicles, Assault Value = 321

Defending force 37458 troops, 217 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1053

Allied ground losses:
166 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st RoC "Tiger" Division
Ichang MP Co.
104th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
105th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
7th Seige Gun Brigade

Defending units:
68th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at Kweiteh (90,46)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1380 troops, 108 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 365

Defending force 1038 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 18

Allied ground losses:
178 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 14 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
24th Infantry Brigade
25th Infantry Battalion
8th Field Artillery Regiment
2d 274mm Mtr Battalion
1st 150mm Mtr Battalion
3d 274mm Mtr Battalion

Defending units:
69th Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at grid 9445

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 388 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 77

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 7

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 9445 !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
2d Mech Infantry Battalion
20th SASO


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

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1965 troops, 16 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 53

Defending force 9857 troops, 154 guns, 96 vehicles, Assault Value = 282

Assaulting units:
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
97th SASO
91st SASO
96th SASO
93d SASO
92d SASO
4th RoC Grn Dragon Regiment
90th SASO
95th SASO
98th SASO
21st Sinyang
94th SASO
99th SASO
102d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
6th Seige Gun Brigade
103d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
9th C.China SASO Detachment


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

Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 17110 troops, 75 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1045

Defending force 9023 troops, 123 guns, 95 vehicles, Assault Value = 321

Assaulting units:
68th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
1st RoC "Tiger" Division
Ichang MP Co.
105th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
104th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
7th Seige Gun Brigade


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

Ground combat at Nanchang (85,54)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5669 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 176

Defending force 10654 troops, 152 guns, 29 vehicles, Assault Value = 272

Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
3rd New Chinese Corps

Defending units:
33d Nanchang Battalion
184th Regimental Combat Team
81st SASO
80th SASO
84th SASO
86th SASO
83d SASO
87th SASO
88th SASO
85th SASO
82d SASO
89th SASO
8th C.China SASO Detachment
145th ArmyAvMaint C
105th ArmyAvMaint C
1042d AA Battalion
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Oct 13, 41

Grid 7660 is occupied by the Japanese
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Pakhoi
CS Convoy TF 7 will load Supplies at Fukuoka for return to Fusan
21st Maizuru SNLF packing for load on xAP Miike Maru (TF 36), 2 day(s) remaining
23d Maizuru SNLF Battalion packing for load on xAP Suwa Maru (TF 36), 1 day(s) remaining
13th SNLF Field Artillery Regiment packing for load on xAP Tatsuta Maru (TF 36), 2 day(s) remaining
13th SNLF Field Artillery Regiment packing for load on xAP Asama Maru (TF 36), 2 day(s) remaining
Coastwatcher Report: 6 ships in port at Hong Kong
Coastwatcher Report: 1 ship in port at Wenchow
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Kwangchowan
CS Convoy TF 18 will load Supplies at Hirosaki/Aomori for return to Hakodate
21st Maizuru SNLF packing for load on xAP Miike Maru (TF 36), 2 day(s) remaining
23d Maizuru SNLF Battalion packing for load on xAP Suwa Maru (TF 36), 1 day(s) remaining
13th SNLF Field Artillery Regiment packing for load on xAP Tatsuta Maru (TF 36), 2 day(s) remaining
13th SNLF Field Artillery Regiment packing for load on xAP Asama Maru (TF 36), 2 day(s) remaining
E7K2 Alf reports submarine at 86, 60 near Foochow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Changsha
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Changsha
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Changsha
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Changteh
E7K2 Alf reports submarine wake at 81, 63 near Swatow
E7K2 Alf reports conning tower at 86, 61 near Foochow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Changteh
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Chengchow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Wuchow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Chengchow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Chengchow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Wuchow
Ki-27B Nate from 13th Fighter Hikota is damaged on landing
CS Convoy TF 7 begins loading Resources at Fusan for delivery to Fukuoka
CS Convoy TF 22 begins loading Resources at Shikuka for delivery to Sapporo
CS Convoy TF 23 begins loading Resources at Hakodate for delivery to Hirosaki/Aomori
Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 9445 !!!
DD-16 Kamikaze beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD-17 Asakaze beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD-18 Harukaze beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD-19 Matsukaze beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD-20 Hatakaze beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
DD-15 Numakaze beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
PC-100 taken out of commission to begin refit at Nagasaki/Sasebo
PC-101 taken out of commission to begin refit at Nagasaki/Sasebo
PC-102 taken out of commission to begin refit at Nagasaki/Sasebo
PC-103 taken out of commission to begin refit at Nagasaki/Sasebo
PC-104 taken out of commission to begin refit at Nagasaki/Sasebo
PC-105 taken out of commission to begin refit at Nagasaki/Sasebo
PC-106 taken out of commission to begin refit at Nagasaki/Sasebo
PC-107 taken out of commission to begin refit at Nagasaki/Sasebo
PC-108 taken out of commission to begin refit at Nagasaki/Sasebo
PC-109 taken out of commission to begin refit at Nagasaki/Sasebo
Fusan Naval Base Force takes replacements from Rashin
CVNF-06 on CV-06 Shokaku converting to size 25 from 38
CVNF-07 on CV-07 Zuikaku converting to size 25 from 38
JNT-T21 converting to size 75 from 50
5th SNLF Raider Co. Battalion's TOE was upgraded to T42 Raider Battalion at Yokohama/Yokosuka
7th SNLF Raider Co. Battalion's TOE was upgraded to T42 Raider Battalion at Yokohama/Yokosuka
Shibayama M. now available for reassignment
142d NavSS Detachment arrives at Kagoshima
143d NavSS Detachment arrives at Kagoshima
144th NavSS Detachment arrives at Kagoshima
166th IAFSS arrives at IJAS Iwakuni

The items and blue are related to the information I provided you in post#2896. Ships are additional vessels ordered into refit after/or contained in the information I provided as to what was already in the repair yards.
The SNLF units loading, are those I'm sending from Samah to Shanghai for eventual movement to Hankow.

 

Hai!

 

Office of Minister of War
Wednesday 15 October 1941

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 14, 41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 68th Chinese Corps, at 83,48 (Ichang)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27B Nate x 10
Ki-51 Sonia x 18

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 15000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 2nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 68th Chinese Corps ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 8th Chinese Corps, at 83,48 (Ichang)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 22

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 75th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 8th Chinese Corps ...

Total of 30 KI-51's involved in these two strikes against enemy forces near Ichang (18 + 22), only 28 enemy casualties inflicted. Considering cancelling KI-51 sorties, this area in the temporarily.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lusu War Area , at 92,50 (Hwaiyin)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 22

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 15000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 110lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Prov Chinese Corps, at 76,58

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 17

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
58 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Prov Chinese Corps, at 76,58

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Prov Chinese Corps, at 76,58

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 75th Chinese Corps, at 83,48 (Ichang)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 42

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
267 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb
18 x Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily bombing and strafing from low level
Ground Attack: 4 x 220lb GP Bomb, 8 x 33lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 2nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 75th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 2nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 75th Chinese Corps ...

First airstrike from the newly arrived KI-48 squadrons, good effect.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 1044th AA Battalion, at 88,52 (Anking)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 18

Allied aircraft
SB-III x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SB-III bombing from 12000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 220lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
JVNF-03 with A5M4 Claude (6 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes



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

Ground combat at grid 7256

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 45845 troops, 612 guns, 488 vehicles, Assault Value = 1371

Defending force 5117 troops, 25 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 6

Japanese adjusted assault: 1196

Allied adjusted defense: 6

Japanese assault odds: 199 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 7256 !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
4324 casualties reported
Squads: 314 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 76 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 16 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 22 (22 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
42d Infantry Regimental Combat Team
5th Lt. Tank Battalion
40th Infantry Brigade
41st Infantry Brigade
4th Lt. Tank Battalion
5th Med. Tank Battalion
48th Infantry Division

Defending units:
52nd Chinese Corps

This is the force that initially attacked out of Lang Son, continuing their pursuit of the Chinese 52d Corps they defeated earlier. They caught them while crossing the river to Nanning. The 52d has been decimated. Pursuit to continue and Nanning is to be captured. Have ordered Armored units to swing east to attack the city in flank while the infantry component forces a crossing of the river.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1680 troops, 96 guns, 96 vehicles, Assault Value = 282

Defending force 7380 troops, 52 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 53

Allied ground losses:
204 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
94th SASO
4th RoC Grn Dragon Regiment
96th SASO
97th SASO
98th SASO
92d SASO
90th SASO
91st SASO
21st Sinyang
93d SASO
95th SASO
99th SASO
6th Seige Gun Brigade
102d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
103d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
9th C.China SASO Detachment

Defending units:
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1556 troops, 91 guns, 91 vehicles, Assault Value = 323

Defending force 46226 troops, 302 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1367

Allied ground losses:
301 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
1st RoC "Tiger" Division
Ichang MP Co.
105th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
104th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
7th Seige Gun Brigade

Defending units:
2nd Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps

We can add two more enemy Corps to the enemy effort to take Ichang, the 67th and 45th Chinese Corps'. This situation remains our most critical. Actions taken under advice from Admiral Karonada show the potential for stabilizing this situation.
Some of my earlier warnings:

"Add the 8th Chinese Corps to the already identified 2d, 68th and 75th Corps. The enemy has sufficient forces arrayed to possibly take this position by gound assault. The situation here is critical. Request direction!!"

"We were heavily blooded in repelling this ground assault on our defensive positions. Fortunately, the hostile Chinese forces were sufficiently disorganized by previous action that only 1/4 of their forces participated in the attack. Primarily the newly arrived 8th Chinese Corps, with only light support from the other three corps. I again must reiterate this situation is critical. Request direction!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Kweiteh (90,46)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1380 troops, 108 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 364

Defending force 906 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 12

Allied ground losses:
46 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
24th Infantry Brigade
25th Infantry Battalion
2d 274mm Mtr Battalion
8th Field Artillery Regiment
1st 150mm Mtr Battalion
3d 274mm Mtr Battalion

Defending units:
69th Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at grid 7757

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2205 troops, 0 guns, 132 vehicles, Assault Value = 134

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 89

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 89 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 7757 !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
14th Armored Battalion
2d Light Tank Battalion

This is the eastern suburbs of Wuchow, 14th Armored will pause here allowing 2d Lt. Tank to get into position NE of the city. 10th Corps is moving into the city from the SE and the southern arm of the operation is closing with retreating 2d Provisional Chinese Corps (defeated in an earlier battle by Col. C. Oye) south of the city and across the river.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at grid 9148

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 388 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 26

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 8

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 9148 !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: op mode(-)

Assaulting units:
30th SASO
34th SASO

30th SASO establishing FOB.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at grid 7858

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 388 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 391

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 8

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 7858 !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
16th Infantry Battalion
17th Infantry Brigade
132d SASO
15th Corps

FOB being established.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Kwangchowan (73,60)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1387 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 57

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 28

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 28 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Kwangchowan !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
22d Maizuru SNLF Battalion
102d SNLF HQ Detachment

We now have control of the Port of Kwangchowan.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7223 troops, 52 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 43

Defending force 9857 troops, 154 guns, 96 vehicles, Assault Value = 282

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

Assaulting units:
29th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
96th SASO
95th SASO
4th RoC Grn Dragon Regiment
90th SASO
97th SASO
91st SASO
93d SASO
94th SASO
92d SASO
21st Sinyang
98th SASO
99th SASO
6th Seige Gun Brigade
102d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
103d RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
9th C.China SASO Detachment


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

Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8284 troops, 37 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1345

Defending force 9045 troops, 123 guns, 95 vehicles, Assault Value = 323

Allied adjusted assault: 440

Japanese adjusted defense: 228

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
101 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
287 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
2nd Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
1st RoC "Tiger" Division
Ichang MP Co.
104th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
105th RoC Inf Gun Field Artillery Battalion
7th Seige Gun Brigade

As I feared another ground assault on Ichang. Only a small portion of the enemy force was committed. This could be due to disruption by the early morning air strikes. Not sure.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Nanchang (85,54)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5668 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 176

Defending force 10663 troops, 152 guns, 29 vehicles, Assault Value = 273

Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
3rd New Chinese Corps

Defending units:
83d SASO
87th SASO
82d SASO
88th SASO
81st SASO
84th SASO
184th Regimental Combat Team
80th SASO
85th SASO
33d Nanchang Battalion
86th SASO
89th SASO
8th C.China SASO Detachment
105th ArmyAvMaint C
145th ArmyAvMaint C
1042d AA Battalion

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

 

Clearly a challenging situation continues around Ichang. We've had a couple of instances of Chinese forces appearing disorganized and bringing less than their full strength to bear, which may be a result of our air attacks. I know cases like the 40 Ki-51s inflicting only 28 casualties may seem like a poor return, but perhaps the payoff is in the disruption inflicted on the enemy. I encourage our airmen to continue pounding the enemy until our ground reinforcements arrive.

Speaking of which, I have read that one Chinese strategem is to besiege a point with the intention of ambushing the force sent to its relief; we should be prepared for this. In particular our air forces in the Ichang-Sinyang-Hankow area can quickly respond wherever needed. If we are properly prepared, engagements with significant Chinese forces can be an opportunity rather than a danger.

The operations around Nanning and Wuchow appear to show excellent use of armored forces and maneuver, keep up the good work!