War in the Pacific AAR Thread - ML vs JFranzen

Molon Labe · 03-12-23, 07:57 PM

8 January 1944
Beaufighters from China strike troop convoy moving through Strait of Luzon

Philippines and surrounding seas
USS Sargo hit an ammunition ship (3675 tons) twice in the Strait of Luzon, sending it to the bottom.

Also in the Strait, a troop convoy of at least 10 ships is approaching from the east and was engaged by 10 Beaufighters flying out of Amoy:
xAK Enzyu Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 2, on fire
xAK Achou Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Denmark Maru, Shell hits 1, Bomb hits 2, on fire
So that's very likely one ship sinking, and those fires on the other two are going to cause DOT-like casualties to the troops aboard. That they're moving such vulnerable convoys through here really shows how badly the noose has tightened.

Near Jolo, the two DDs I detached from the carriers found both enemy subs. One was severely damaged an almost certainly sank shortly after the engagement. The other was moderately damaged and escaped, but based on Avengers' claims later it appears this sub was retreating and getting bombed along the way. In any case, our CVBG can enter the Sulu Sea now.

But, recon of Manila shows that instead of an air force balanced between fighters and bombers, it's just fighters now. 100 of them. I don't know where the bombers went. My concern now is that a strike on Manila might set up a riposte--they have enough fighters to chew up my airstrike, and then my weakened CVBG might face a powerful retaliatory attack, perhaps from the KB. So for now I'm going to give Manila a pass and hit Legaspi instead. There is troop movement in that area so maybe I'll catch some transports. More likely an ASW group. And, I might be able to get a portion of Manila's fighters if they have a long-range CAP over them--better than taking on all 100 at once.

DEI
Air strikes:
Babeldaob (airbase): 7 hits (possible destruction of Jake on the ground)
Koepang (ground forces): 10 casualties
Kendari (ground forces and port): 2 port hits, no casualties

Burma and Thailand
Air strikes:
Bangkok (airbase and sweeps): 9 hits; No joy on the sweeps

Pisanuloke (ground forces): 11 B-25s escorted by 6 Hurricanes and 17 P-40Ks intercepted by 18 Georges. 2 Georges shot down, 3 P-40s and 3 Hurricanes lost. Bombers completed mission, 168 casualties on the ground.

Reinforcements and Repairs
USS Princeton has been repaired from the torpedo damage sustained in the Truk operation. I'm giving her a screening force and sending her to Wake for now. May link up with the big fleet later.
DE James E. Craig arrives at Eastern USA
SS Surf arrives at Aden
No.1833 Sqn FAA arrives at Colombo
VMF(N)-532 arrives at Los Angeles
VP-18 arrives at Eastern USA
VB-151 arrives at Oak Harbor

03-12-23, 07:57 PM	#11
Molon Labe Silent Hunter Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Along the Watchtower Posts: 3,810 Downloads: 27 Uploads: 5	8 January 1944 Beaufighters from China strike troop convoy moving through Strait of Luzon Philippines and surrounding seas USS Sargo hit an ammunition ship (3675 tons) twice in the Strait of Luzon, sending it to the bottom. Also in the Strait, a troop convoy of at least 10 ships is approaching from the east and was engaged by 10 Beaufighters flying out of Amoy: xAK Enzyu Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 2, on fire xAK Achou Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage xAK Denmark Maru, Shell hits 1, Bomb hits 2, on fire So that's very likely one ship sinking, and those fires on the other two are going to cause DOT-like casualties to the troops aboard. That they're moving such vulnerable convoys through here really shows how badly the noose has tightened. Near Jolo, the two DDs I detached from the carriers found both enemy subs. One was severely damaged an almost certainly sank shortly after the engagement. The other was moderately damaged and escaped, but based on Avengers' claims later it appears this sub was retreating and getting bombed along the way. In any case, our CVBG can enter the Sulu Sea now. But, recon of Manila shows that instead of an air force balanced between fighters and bombers, it's just fighters now. 100 of them. I don't know where the bombers went. My concern now is that a strike on Manila might set up a riposte--they have enough fighters to chew up my airstrike, and then my weakened CVBG might face a powerful retaliatory attack, perhaps from the KB. So for now I'm going to give Manila a pass and hit Legaspi instead. There is troop movement in that area so maybe I'll catch some transports. More likely an ASW group. And, I might be able to get a portion of Manila's fighters if they have a long-range CAP over them--better than taking on all 100 at once. DEI Air strikes: Babeldaob (airbase): 7 hits (possible destruction of Jake on the ground) Koepang (ground forces): 10 casualties Kendari (ground forces and port): 2 port hits, no casualties Burma and Thailand Air strikes: Bangkok (airbase and sweeps): 9 hits; No joy on the sweeps Pisanuloke (ground forces): 11 B-25s escorted by 6 Hurricanes and 17 P-40Ks intercepted by 18 Georges. 2 Georges shot down, 3 P-40s and 3 Hurricanes lost. Bombers completed mission, 168 casualties on the ground. Reinforcements and Repairs USS Princeton has been repaired from the torpedo damage sustained in the Truk operation. I'm giving her a screening force and sending her to Wake for now. May link up with the big fleet later. DE James E. Craig arrives at Eastern USA SS Surf arrives at Aden No.1833 Sqn FAA arrives at Colombo VMF(N)-532 arrives at Los Angeles VP-18 arrives at Eastern USA VB-151 arrives at Oak Harbor __________________ Last edited by Molon Labe; 03-19-23 at 11:17 AM.