25 August 1942
Large tanker hits mine on shallow-water route, believed sunk
South China Sea
The Nissin Maru, a Tonan Whaler class tanker (13,340 tons, their largest) hit a very recently laid mine along the shallow-water route from Miri/Brunei to the Philippines. Yes, shallow water helps him depth charge my subs, but it also makes great places to leave mines, and now that I know about this route, it's a deathtrap for him. Skipping ahead a little bit, intel will report this ship sinks tomorrow, which means it was very likely already loaded with fuel/oil and the explosion set it on fire.
Japan
Two of my subs attacked unescorted cargo ships in the Kyushu-Okinawa gap. Gudgeon made a successful submerged attack, getting one detonating Mk14 hit for a likely kill. Tambor made a surface attack, getting 3 detonations with its final salvo after bouncing at least 3 duds off its hull, that's a confirmed kill.
Thailand/Burma
We offloaded that last arriving convoy safely despite a few attacks. Two Zeroes were shot down by Rangoon's CAP. Air losses at Tavoy were a Rufe, an Oscar, and a Hurricane.
Reinforcements and Refits
DD Bailey beginning refit in shipyard at San Francisco
AO Tappahanock arrives at Cristobal
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