31 March 1942
New Hebrides
Enemy subs have taken position off Noumea, my largest active forward base with Pearl shut down. We got a few hits on one in the shallows but not enough to sink it. The same sub appeared later to torpedo a cargo ship and was depth charged again, I still don't think we got it. The cargo ship survived and is being repaired in port.
Our bombers attacked transports at Luganville but the escorting fighters took a beating, 7 P-40s when down along with an A-20 bomber. We had no kills of our own.
Sumatra
An enemy destroyer squadron made its way up the channel to Palembang. They ran into the KIX and KXII on coastal patrol duty and depth charged them both for moderate damage. They then proceeded to the port and shelled it, sinking a minesweeper which one DD hit a defensive mine.
Japan
Setting a new record for bad luck, USS Swordfish attacked a cargo ship on the surface, firing multiple torpedo salvoes, scoring 8 hits--none of which detonated. The cargo ship was left on fire from gun hits as Swordfish returns to base in shame and frustration.
Java
We lost 3 Hurricanes trying to protect our forces that retreated to Tjilapjap. Raids on enemy units near Surabaya cost us 3 fighters and 5 bombers without dealing much damage, we only took down 2 Zeroes with us.
Our ground forces at Tjepoe took an absolute beating by the Kirishima and her escorts, as well as waves of bombers that we just don't have enough fighters to stop. I had ordered by troops to attack today, and they did, but the disruption caused by the bombardments was too much and we failed to take the base, taking 1038 casualties in the attempt. We came so close to taking this beachhead, but our forces are now combat ineffective due to severe disruption, and it's going to stay that way if he can keep up the naval bombardments.
Bangkok
With the north secure, I refocused my bombers on the Bangkok area, which led to a small disaster as our fighters failed to link up with the bombers, many arriving unescorted. We lost 8 Hudsons and 4 Blenhiems with no enemy fighters shot down. This will degrade our offensive ability going forward as we just don't have a lot of replacements right now.
Hawaii
3 of the 4 BB were back, supporting what appears to have been a resupply landing, although it looks like some troops came ashore too--probably replacement combat engineers. We shot up 4 transports pretty good but I'm sure they served their purpose.
China
I threw more troops at the enemy army (the 104th Division) outside Nanchang and routed them. Casualties 4093 to 1400. I think I'll chase these guys for awhile.
__________________
|