Anyone interested in some intellectual exercise?

This is true, it may be disruption or forcing them to avoid large concentrations/good targets. (It is a real world effect and is modelled in the game also) I will continue the KI-51 strikes and look to see if I can scrape up any additional units to add.

I will give orders that the units keep well closed up and not strung out, so they will be in good position to defend against such a move. I'll send small units to secure the MSR and rear unitl the larger SNLF units can arrive. I'll see if I can find any units I can get to Hankow quicker.

Yes, in this area we are having better than expected results. Mainly, from having sufficient forces and the right mix of forces in place. Having adequate and the right mix of air support, and sticking to the overall plan, but adapting to opportunities as they present themselves. We have virtually destroyed 3 Chinese Corps and are threatening two of their major base of operations. The loss of both Nanning and Wuchow will present a severe blow and require them to pull forces from other areas to protect their interior bases.

 

Office of Minister of War
Wednesday 15 October 1941
continued....

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Oct 14, 41

Grid 8359 is occupied by the Japanese
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Wenchow
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), 1 day(s) remaining
13th SNLF Field Artillery Regiment packing for load on xAP Tatsuta Maru (TF 36), 1 day(s) remaining
13th SNLF Field Artillery Regiment packing for load on xAP Asama Maru (TF 36), 1 day(s) remaining
CS Convoy TF 11 begins loading Resources at Samah for delivery to Haiphong
Coastwatcher Report: 9 ships in port at Hong Kong
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Pakhoi
E7K2 Alf sighting report: 2 Allied ships at 81,63 near Swatow, speed 20, Moving Southwest
E7K2 Alf reports object near surface at 83, 62 near Amoy
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Aparri
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 Laoag
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Hong Kong
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Hong Kong
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Wuchow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Aparri
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 Laoag
A5M4 Claude from JVNF-08 is damaged on landing
CS Convoy TF 5 begins loading Oil at Muroran for delivery to Ominato
CS Convoy TF 20 begins loading Resources at Shanghai for delivery to Kagoshima
Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 7256 !!!
Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 7757 !!!
Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 9148 !!!
Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 7858 !!!
Our security zones are rapidly expanding and on schedule with plan. These SASO operations are not glamorous but are of great import. Bringing access to population and resources, while denying the same to the enemy. They also provide a standoff distance from our bases and major Chinese population centers.
Japanese forces CAPTURE Kwangchowan !!!
Port Arthur expands airfield to size 6
Cam Ranh Bay expands airfield to size 5
Pengpu expands fortifications to size 2
F0B 7859 expands fortifications to size 1
Our first FOB is ready to become operational.
APD-01 Shimakaze beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
APD-02 Nadakaze beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure
Repairs completed on PC-120 at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-121 at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-122 at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-123 at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
7th SNLF Raider Co. Battalion takes replacements from Nagano
1st Airborne 's TOE was upgraded to T42 Airborne Co. at Cam Ranh Bay
2d Airborne 's TOE was upgraded to T42 Airborne Co. at Cam Ranh Bay
3d Airborne 's TOE was upgraded to T42 Airborne Co. at Cam Ranh Bay
131st NavyAvMaint C 's TOE was upgraded to IJA AvSupport Co.2 at Swatow
SS I-25 arrives at Fukuoka
JVNTSP-904 arrives at Tsu

 

Office of Aviation Procurement, IIMC
15 October 1941

We've been in contact with Aichi and they have a mockup of an Army version of the D3A Val ready for flight testing. We fast tracked the conversion by pulling an existing D3A, fitting an uprated engine, adding armor to the cowling and crew compartment, changed the 7.7 mm guns in both the cowling and rear gunner to 12.7 mm H)-103/104, added additional structure to support this change, removed carrier specific equipment. Will start flight testing today. A second D3A with the same improvements, but with self-sealing tanks is being finished also. If the initial test goes well I recommend preparing to put the aircraft into production. We feel that it will present a more effective anti-personnel, ground attack platform than the existing KI-51.
note: to Admiral Takao, the mockup D3A retains Navy Style controls, modification to Army type awaits your decision on whether to modify controls on aircraft produced for both Army and Navy to service specific requirements, to go with a standard type control or to just focus on retraining to the specfic airframe.

Respectfully,

 

Saw the reference to navy aviation maintenence in pos 2902 near the bottom. It got me thinking. In Shattered Sword one of the more critical losses noted was the ground crews for the carrier planes. That implies to me that training ground crew might have been almost as important as training air crew. I don't know if this is accurate or not or whether it's relevant to the game but it has me curoius.

 

"cases like the 40 Ki-51s inflicting only 28 casualties may seem like a poor return"-

Wonderful to hear our resounding victories continue. Our news outlets will be informed, people will rejoice over the fact a mere 20 of our superior aircraft managed to slaughter 72 enemy combatants.
Fortuitous news, considering our Nov 25 deadline on whether to go to war.
Ah, lunch time. Pardon me.

 

Yes it is relevant, in that unless you train up your aviation support devices to a sufficient level your aircraft which are damaged due to combat, operational damage or just wear and tear will not be repaired or repaired slowly. A simplified explaination of the game mechanics related to this is 1.) manpower points, supply and some vehicle/armament points are used to generate an aviation support squad device. 2.) This device starts with a basic level of ability based upon it's nationality (i.e. Americans and British start at a higher start point than Japanese because those nations by virtue of their culture and society were more mechanically inclined. Chinese start at a lower level than Japanes for the same reason) 3.) The unit is trained on map for a period of time, how long we train is dependant upon us, the more training the more proficient, the less training less proficient, all the while these units consume supply, suffer attrition from attacks, weather, disease, etc. 4.) When employed they are placed in operational/combat status they maintain the aircraft and repair damage (mechanical and airframe). With sufficient aviation support a unit has minimal non-operational aircraft, less mission aborts and less attacks cut short due to mechanical issues. Lack of support and fairly rapidly your number of operational aircraft will decline. Aircraft have a base repair time based upon the actual historical aircraft, for instance the A6M may have a repair factor of 1, while the KI-61 has a repair factor of 3, IIRC. Single engine aircraft require 1 aviation support squad per aircraft, multi-engine aircraft 2, any additional support above this base requirement keeps aircraft in better repair, any below this level and more aircraft become non-operational or are scrapped due to damage. Operational damage decreases with increased airfield size (per the game this is due to the type of airfields and number of repair facilities and warehouses, so while a level one may be a grass field with tents for storage and maintenance, a level nine has multiple landing strips, taxi ways, hardstand for parking, hangers, warehouses, machine shops, etc), increases due to aircraft overcrowding, more opreational losses the further they fly, (for instance if I'm flying ASW search missions out 200 miles my operational losses are much less than if I'm flying them out to 500 miles) and many, many, more factors, or combination thereof, but you get basic idea. We need to raise sufficient aviation support units, we need to train them up, if you'll notice in the Operational reports there are often statements that I've upgraded aviation support units or they're taking replacements, this is why.

 

If a carrier gets hit can you put a priority on saving avaiation support personel as well as aviators? Given the IJN damage control doctrine they aren't going to do much good on the ship in any case. For that matter can you change damage conrol doctrine?

 

I cannot change damage control doctrine, how many are saved depends upon the number and types of ships escorting. I don't think to single out aviation support personnel would be accurate though. I think it's whoever's in the water or on rafts/lifeboats.

 

As far as I Chang, if it appears that we will suffer heavy casualties and possibly lose the city, then I recommend abandoning the post and using the troops elsewhere. When I have played the allies the Japanese do give up the city. I would like to see a screen shot, but based on memory I don't think I chang gives us a lot of benefit. Simply holding territory for the prestige does not mean victory. also consider using some cavalry units from Mongolia to strike towards the oil centers in the northern deserts.

 

As for damage control, I think we've discussed it before but the IJN doctrine was to train part of the crew in damage control and that became their specialty. That worked well until they were overwhelmed, isolated, or injured/killed by subsequent damage. At that point most of the crew didn't know what to do.

As for rescueing I was thinking more the removing personel from vessels that were seriously damaged and needed to be scuttled. Again from what I remember reading in Shattered Sword they made a prefferential effort to get the flight crews off the carriers but neglected the ground crews.

Sounds like both of these are beyond what can be affected in the game though.

 

Office of Minister of War
Thursday 16 October 1941

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 15, 41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 68th Chinese Corps, at 83,48 (Ichang)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 22

No Japanese losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb

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


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

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 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 3rd New Chinese Corps, at 85,54 (Nanchang)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 17

No Japanese losses

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

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



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

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

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

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 18

Allied aircraft
SB-III x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SB-III: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
JVNF-03 with A5M4 Claude (6 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes



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

Weather in hex: Severe storms

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27B Nate x 4
Ki-51 Sonia x 15

No Japanese losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 3000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 16th Group Army, at 76,57 (Wuchow)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 9

No Japanese losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
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



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 16th Group Army, at 76,57 (Wuchow)

Weather in hex: Moderate 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:
50 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 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



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

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

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

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
27 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 67th Chinese Corps, at 83,48 (Ichang)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 1,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
107 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
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



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

Ground combat at grid 7658

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 21506 troops, 287 guns, 381 vehicles, Assault Value = 696

Defending force 2466 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 31

Japanese adjusted assault: 739

Allied adjusted defense: 9

Japanese assault odds: 82 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 7658 !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), morale(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
74 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
933 casualties reported
Squads: 126 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 32 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 29 (29 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
15th Infantry Battalion
15th Armored Battalion
47th Infantry Division
3d Light Tank Battalion
4th Med Tank Battalion

Defending units:
2nd Prov Chinese Corps

This is the location directly south, across the river from Wuchow. I had thought the 2d Provisional Corps would retreat north across the river into Wuchow, but they retreated west. Since first engaging 2d Corps we have inflicted an estimated 2,999 casualties on it. Therefore, I suggest we split our force facing it, sending the 15th Armored and 15th Infantry BN's north to threaten the river crossing at Wuchow, this should help spread the defenses so our forces approaching from the east and northeast have an easier time taking the city. If a favorable sitation arises, 15th Armored/15th Infantry are authorized to force a crossing of the river, but only if it appears we will only incur light casualties. 3d Lt Tank Bn, 4th Medium Tank Bn and 47th infantry division will continue the pursuit of 2d Corps.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

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

Defending force 7233 troops, 51 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 41

Allied ground losses:
114 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
21st Sinyang
90th SASO
94th SASO
91st SASO
97th SASO
96th SASO
4th RoC Grn Dragon Regiment
98th SASO
93d SASO
95th SASO
92d 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

Defending units:
29th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1556 troops, 91 guns, 91 vehicles, Assault Value = 312

Defending force 45602 troops, 301 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1306

Allied ground losses:
200 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 7 (5 destroyed, 2 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
67th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
45th 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 = 364

Defending force 890 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9

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


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

Ground combat at grid 9645

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: 8

Allied adjusted defense: 1

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 9645 !!!

This location completes our clearing of enemy forces from the Chefoo->Weihsen coastal road and surrounding areas, 29th SASO ordered to begin construction of a FOB and start SASO operations. This provides an alternate LOS/LOC for our units operating in this area based out of the port of Chefoo.

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(+), leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
29th SASO


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

Ground combat at grid 9051

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 9051 !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
50th SASO
51st SASO

This is a key road junction north of and across the river from Nanking, crucial for securing this area. 50th SASO ordered to establish defenses and a FLB (Forward Logistics Base) for our next phase operations, the beginning of clearing operations for Army of Central China. Also clears and secures the MSR to Pengpu that the Chinese attacked earlier this month.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at grid 7057

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 388 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 481

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 7057 !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
49th Infantry Division
148th SASO


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

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7119 troops, 50 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 36

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

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

Assaulting units:
29th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
92d SASO
21st Sinyang
90th SASO
93d SASO
91st SASO
97th SASO
98th SASO
96th SASO
4th RoC Grn Dragon Regiment
94th 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 Ichang (83,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4480 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1286

Defending force 8976 troops, 123 guns, 95 vehicles, Assault Value = 312

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

Assaulting units:
45th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
67th 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 5662 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 175

Defending force 10660 troops, 152 guns, 29 vehicles, Assault Value = 273

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

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

Assaulting units:
3rd New Chinese Corps

Defending units:
84th SASO
80th SASO
85th SASO
33d Nanchang Battalion
88th SASO
87th SASO
86th SASO
83d SASO
184th Regimental Combat Team
81st SASO
82d SASO
89th SASO
8th C.China SASO Detachment
105th ArmyAvMaint C
145th ArmyAvMaint C
1042d AA Battalion
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Oct 15, 41

Grid 8060 is occupied by the Japanese
Coastwatcher Report: 8 ships in port at Hong Kong
Repairs completed on APD-02 Nadakaze at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on APD-01 Shimakaze at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on E RoCN 03 Tientsin at Port Arthur, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on E RoCN 02 Shanghai at Port Arthur, ship returned to service
CS Convoy TF 7 will load Supplies at Fukuoka for return to Fusan
E7K2 Alf sighting report: 8 Allied ships at 84,62 near Pescadores, speed 15, Moving Northwest
E7K2 Alf reports periscope at 83, 61 near Amoy
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Changsha
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of San Fernando
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Japanese unit at Ichang
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Changsha
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Tuguegarao
E7K2 Alf reports diving submarine at 81, 62 near Swatow
E7K2 Alf sighting report: 7 Allied ships at 81,63 near Swatow, speed 20, Moving Southwest
E7K2 Alf reports turbulence in water at 86, 60 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 Allied unit at Chengchow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Chengchow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Wuchow
Ki-51 Sonia from 13th LtBmb Hikotai crashes on landing
Pilot killed in landing accident of Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily from 204th BmbAttk Grp
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily from 204th BmbAttk Grp is damaged on landing
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily from 205th BmbAttk Grp crashes on landing
These are the two KI-48 squadrons recently transferred to Hankow to support our position at Ichang. Don't know what's up with this flurry of operational accidents. Checked fatigue and it's not too high, adequate aviation support and a level 6 airfield, expanding, plus not overcrowded. If it continues may change the Air HQ commander.
CS Convoy TF 4 begins loading Resources at Hakodate for delivery to Hirosaki/Aomori
Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 7658 !!!
Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 9645 !!!
Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 9051 !!!
Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 7057 !!!
Tientsin expands airfield to size 2
34th Hankow Battalion - some devices have been upgraded at Hankow
Repairs completed on PC-110 at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-111 at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-112 at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-113 at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-114 at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-115 at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-116 at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-117 at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-118 at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-119 at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service
Hakodate NavSuppDet Base Force takes replacements from Asahikawa
Muroran NavSuppDet Base Force takes replacements from Asahikawa
1st RoC "Tiger" Division takes replacements from Ichang
Device(s) upgraded in 2d Imperial Guards Regiment supplied from Cam Ranh Bay
JVNTSP-904 converting to size 24 from 12
62d Infantry Regimental Combat Team's TOE was upgraded to T41 Infantry Regimental Combat Team at Tungchow
1st Imperial Guards Regimental Combat Team's TOE was upgraded to T42 Infantry Regimental Combat Team at Cam Ranh Bay
2d Imperial Guards Regimental Combat Team's TOE was upgraded to T42 Infantry Regimental Combat Team at Cam Ranh Bay
34th Hankow Regiment's TOE was upgraded to RoC Infantry Regiment at Hankow

 

Office of Minister of War
Friday 17 October 1941

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 16, 41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lusu War Area , at 92,50 (Hwaiyin)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 22

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 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 3rd New Chinese Corps, at 85,54 (Nanchang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 18

No Japanese losses

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

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



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

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 39

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
163 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
16 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

Also attacking 62nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 16th Group Army ...
Also attacking 62nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 13th Chinese Base Force ...
Also attacking 62nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 16th Group Army ...
Also attacking 13th Chinese Base Force ...
Also attacking 62nd Chinese Corps ...


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

Ground combat at Wuchow (76,57)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 23094 troops, 331 guns, 81 vehicles, Assault Value = 809

Defending force 3643 troops, 27 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 36

Assaulting units:
12th Infantry Regimental Combat Team
16th Armored Battalion
46th Infantry Division
14th Infantry Battalion
3d Med Tank Battalion

Defending units:
62nd Chinese Corps
16th Group Army
13th Chinese Base Force


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

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

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

Defending force 7189 troops, 50 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 41

Allied ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
98th SASO
90th SASO
95th SASO
93d SASO
91st SASO
94th SASO
21st Sinyang
97th SASO
92d 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

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 = 326

Defending force 45486 troops, 296 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1292

Allied ground losses:
307 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 23 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 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
45th Chinese Corps
67th 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 = 364

Defending force 857 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 6

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


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

Ground combat at grid 9047

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: 8

Allied adjusted defense: 1

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 9047 !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
33d SASO


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

Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 35431 troops, 230 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1261

Defending force 9160 troops, 126 guns, 95 vehicles, Assault Value = 326

Allied adjusted assault: 440

Japanese adjusted defense: 149

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
277 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
802 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 106 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

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

The Chinese managed to pull off a fairly coordinated assult using about 35,000 of the troops arrayed against us. Our defensive works were heavily damaged but our defenses held. The enemy called off their attack after only taking 800 casualties, which makes me wonder if our long term attrition has destroyed their morale and their officers can't press them forward against strong resistance. Our relief force is now about 70 miles out of Hankow and unless it meets heavy opposition should reach Ichang tomorrow evening (actually tonite since we're receiving reports the day after they are generated), or the following day.
Note to Kanada Keshi: The 1st Roc "Tiger" Division has performed extremely well during the seige. A Chinese Corps is normally composed of three divisions, and we're facing six Corps at Ichang. I think stories in the papers of major occupied Chinese cities about the heroic "Tiger" Division, surrounded and holding off 18 Chinese Divisions and being supported with air and artillery by their Japanese allies makes for an epic story. It should build pride in the Chinese military, increase recruitment efforts, and lessen fear of Chiang's KMT or the Communist Chinese armies. See if you can leak it to the western press also. The public will then be given the impression of Chinese fighting Chinese, and not Japan oppressing China. If the seige is resolved successfully, I'd like to get press photos of the 2d "Red Dragon" Brigade linkking up and relieving the heroic "Tiger" division. Once, we have a major victory by our Chinese, we can reform the government and announce a ten year plan for Chinese independance. Need to do these things from a position of strength, not let it appear we are forced into it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7133 troops, 49 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 41

Defending force 9852 troops, 154 guns, 96 vehicles, Assault Value = 282

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

Assaulting units:
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
91st SASO
90th SASO
98th SASO
21st Sinyang
94th SASO
92d SASO
95th SASO
97th SASO
4th RoC Grn Dragon Regiment
93d SASO
96th 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 Wuchow (76,57)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1645 troops, 27 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 36

Defending force 25929 troops, 331 guns, 297 vehicles, Assault Value = 809

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

Assaulting units:
62nd Chinese Corps
16th Group Army
13th Chinese Base Force

Defending units:
16th Armored Battalion
12th Infantry Regimental Combat Team
14th Infantry Battalion
46th Infantry Division
3d Med Tank Battalion


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

Ground combat at Nanchang (85,54)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5641 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 174

Defending force 10655 troops, 152 guns, 29 vehicles, Assault Value = 274

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

Assaulting units:
3rd New Chinese Corps

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

No Air attacks by the two newly transferred KI-48 squadrons against Ichang. This along with yesterday's flurry of accidents concerns me. Should I relieve the squadron commanders or send a new HQ element with an aggressive commander to that location to coordinate or air efforts along with the neighboring city of Wuchang?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Oct 16, 41

Grid 9052 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
CS Convoy TF 18 begins loading Resources at Hakodate for delivery to Hirosaki/Aomori
Coastwatcher Report: 4 ships in port at Pakhoi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Wenchow
E7K2 Alf reports oil slick at 83, 62 near Amoy
E7K2 Alf sighting report: 5 Allied ships at 83,62 near Amoy, speed 12, Moving Northwest
E7K2 Alf reports diving submarine at 84, 62 near Pescadores
E7K2 Alf reports submarine wake at 86, 60 near Foochow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Wuchow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Wuchow
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 Wuchow
Ki-27B Nate from 21st Fighter Hikota is damaged on landing
E7K2 Alf reports submarine at 83, 63 near Pescadores
E7K2 Alf reports diving submarine at 86, 61 near Foochow
E7K2 Alf reports oil slick at 86, 60 near Foochow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Hong Kong
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Hong Kong
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Changteh
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Changteh
CS Convoy TF 5 begins loading Oil at Muroran for delivery to Ominato
CS Convoy TF 7 begins loading Resources at Fusan for delivery to Fukuoka
Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 9047 !!!
Fusan expands port to size 5
Cam Ranh Bay expands port to size 6
F0B 9248 expands fortifications to size 1
F0B 7858 expands fortifications to size 1
CA-05 Myoko beginning refit in shipyard at Nagasaki/Sasebo
CA-06 Nachi beginning refit in shipyard at Nagasaki/Sasebo
CL-111 Nagara beginning refit in shipyard at Yokohama/Yokosuka
CL-112 Isuzu beginning refit in shipyard at Yokohama/Yokosuka
CL-113 Yura beginning refit in shipyard at Yokohama/Yokosuka
CL-110 Kiso beginning refit in shipyard at Yokohama/Yokosuka
DE-15 Karukaya beginning refit in shipyard at Port Arthur
DE-13 Yugao beginning refit in shipyard at Port Arthur
DE-01 Hasu beginning refit in shipyard at Port Arthur
DE-02 Kuri beginning refit in shipyard at Port Arthur
DE-03 Tsuga beginning refit in shipyard at Port Arthur
DE-04 Hishu beginning refit in shipyard at Port Arthur
DE-05 Kiku beginning refit in shipyard at Port Arthur
DE-06 Susuki beginning refit in shipyard at Port Arthur
DE-07 Tsuta beginning refit in shipyard at Port Arthur
DE-08 Yomogi beginning refit in shipyard at Port Arthur
18th Soochow - some devices have been upgraded at Soochow
Repairs completed on PC-100 at Nagasaki/Sasebo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-101 at Nagasaki/Sasebo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-102 at Nagasaki/Sasebo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-103 at Nagasaki/Sasebo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-104 at Nagasaki/Sasebo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-105 at Nagasaki/Sasebo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-106 at Nagasaki/Sasebo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-107 at Nagasaki/Sasebo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-108 at Nagasaki/Sasebo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PC-109 at Nagasaki/Sasebo, ship returned to service
2d Imperial Guards Regimental Combat Team takes replacements from Bangkok
Fusan Naval Base Force takes replacements from Mukden
62d Infantry Regimental Combat Team's TOE was upgraded to T42 Infantry Regimental Combat Team at Tungchow
1st Imperial Guards Regimental Combat Team's TOE was upgraded to T43 Infantry Regimental Combat Team at Cam Ranh Bay
2d Imperial Guards Regimental Combat Team's TOE was upgraded to T43 Infantry Regimental Combat Team at Cam Ranh Bay
18th Soochow Battalion's TOE was upgraded to RoC Infantry Battalion at Soochow
25th Hangchow Regiment's TOE was upgraded to RoC Infantry Regiment at Hangchow
26th Hangchow Regiment's TOE was upgraded to RoC Infantry Regiment at Hangchow
34th Hankow Regiment's TOE was upgraded to T41-B RoC Infantry Regiment at Hankow

 

Weekly Summary
Friday 17 October 1941

Gentlemen,

Last week I informed you, "Every friday we will release a weekly loss summary for the preceeding week."

Here is the second weekly report covering the time period from the last report through the 16th. Total for Campaign in blue and parenthesis ().
Combat casualties dead and wounded for 09-16 October 1941 are as follows:
Chinese Forces (Hostile) 12,059 (29,540) all causes
Japanese/RoC-627 (950) our casualties doubled over the previous week, the majority due to ground assaults at Ichang. 123 on the 11th, 101 on the 14th and 277 16th=501 79.9% of the total.
Civilian casualties not reported.

 

I would like to request permission of the council, in the absence of Prime Minister Belasar, to send the following communication to Washington. I would prefer that it be carried by an officer courier and he be transported by air as soon as possible.

17 October, 1941

FM: Foreign Minister of Japan, Yōsuke Matsuoka

To: The Honorable President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt
The Honorable Secretary of State, Cordell Hull
The Honorable, Senator Gerald Nye, North Dakota

Gentlemen,

On the night of 02 October, instant, radical elements of our military and civilian government, attempted to kidnap our Emperor and stage a coup to gain control of our nation’s government. These conspirators were pro-war elements of our military and some of their supporters within our government. Many lives were lost in suppressing this revolt, but we are happy to report that our nation rallied around our elected officials and hereditary head of state, the Emperor Hirohito. We have identified and arrested many individuals associated with this treasonous plot, they are now imprisoned and will as rapidly as possible be given a fair, civil trial.
Many of the military officers involved had previously been involved in a number of incidents that have led to increased tensions between your government and ours. Their political allies within our government provided them with political cover, to excuse their actions and to deflect criticism. The debate between the pro-war and pro-peace elements within our government has allowed our two great nations to become estranged, and has had a detrimental effect on negotiations between your nation and ours. With the removal of the divisive elements within our political and military institutions it is hoped that we can now refocus on peace.
We would also like to state, unequivocally, that Japan seeks to avoid conflict with the western nations, especially the United States, if at all possible. Peace and the resumption of normalized relations between us, is our greatest desire and primary goal. We realize that armed conflict should always be the last resort of civilized nations and that war can only lead to unimaginable tragedy between two nations that have been friends for so many years.
At present the war raging in Europe threatens to draw all nations into a new world wide conflict. We stood staunchly beside our British, American and French allies in the last “War to End Wars” and now, barely 30 years since it’s end we face the real possibility of another global conflagration. We wish to avoid this at all costs. We have no interest in participation in another war between European nations bent on expanding or retaining their empires. The costs in lives and treasure from the last war, was too great to justify the ends achieved.
What we ask is that negotiations between our nations once more be resumed, a new start putting the past unpleasantness behind us. Let us do the right thing by our citizens and our posterity.
We must also caution you though; there are elements within your own government that seek to become engaged in the new troubles in Europe. To draw your nation into the conflict to support imagined interests. Please, ignore these voices pushing your nation into war. Your course and ours should be to avoid these conflicts that date back to antiquity.

Respectfully,

松岡洋右

Yōsuke Matsuoka
Foreign Minister, Japan

I would also request that the officer courier carry, in his diplomatic pouch, new special codes for our diplomats in Washington. Messages will be encoded and then further encrypted with the Type B Cipher Machine before being transmitted. The security of our diplomatic correspondance is of utmost importance. We will chance the codes weekly from this point forward. Both the pre-coding and machine coding.

 

I would like to request permission of the council, in the absence of Prime Minister Belasar, to send the following communication to Washington.

I concur. It is worth trying to keep the lines of communication open and to disassociate ourselves from the policies of the past, although to be honest I am not optimistic. The Americans have a strong affinity for China and, for some reason, the Chiang regime, even though it is doing little for the Chinese people. The American demand as I understand it has been for our total withdrawal from China. Your tack of offering a better alternative for Chinese governance is the right one, but it will take time to achieve credibility - time we may not have if we cannot wait to secure the resources of the Southern Resource Area.

<stepping outside the timeline for a moment, if we are successful we may not need to play WITP>

One small point of protocol, if this is coming from our Foreign Minister it might be more appropriately addressed to his American counterpart than the head of state. No doubt the President will be informed.

No Air attacks by the two newly transferred KI-48 squadrons against Ichang. This along with yesterday's flurry of accidents concerns me. Should I relieve the squadron commanders or send a new HQ element with an aggressive commander to that location to coordinate or air efforts along with the neighboring city of Wuchang?

I am concerned also. Those squadrons were sent specifically to support our ground forces in a critical situation, which is rapidly approaching a climax. Whatever one does in the game to get them off their duffs and into action needs to be done.

 

Thank you for the approval. I think it important that we utilize all the weapons in our arsenal, military, political, diplomatic and propoganda. The reason I included the American President in the header is that I do not want to give him the opportunity to ignore our communication. He might blame delays on the State Department. I want to place him on the political "hotseat". We know he desires to become more fully engaged in supporting England. He has pushed the envelope in finding creative means to offer them greater support than the United States official neutral policy should allow. We need to give his opposition ammunition. This is what I'm attempting to do. I fully expect the leader of the opposition/isolationist camp Senator Nye to release our communication to their media. If not I will have our agents do it themselves. When the public sees it, they will not think about official protocal, they will think, "Why has our President ignored this?" "This was a reasonable request on the part of the Japanese." "Why aren't we seeking a diplomatic solution?" "Is our government using Japan as a scapegoat to help push us into war?" "Are we treating the Japanese as enemies to help preserve Britain's Asian empire?" "I had forgotten, or did not realize, Japan fought alongside us in the last war. Why are we treating them differently than our other allies?"
We have our follow on communications, "moves" already prepared.

 

Out of character: That is actually one of the more frustrating, but realistic aspects of the game. Unlike many games where you issue orders and they are executed on an equal basis, which is not actually realistic. In this game you issue orders and the execution is modified by the personal, and professional traits of the unit commander. A more skilled commander will have better combat results. A timid commander may never execute an order. An overly aggressive commander may execute orders despite an adverse situation with prohibitive casualties. An inspirational commander may inspire such high morale that a unit performs above it's capabilities or remains combat capable past the point other units fall apart. An commander with poor administrative ability, but above average combat and inspirational skills may achieve great combat results in the short term, but he will quickly end up with more aircraft down than operational, and long term morale may suffer from his inability to keep the unit adequately supplied. Then modify the individual unit commanders abilities by those of their higher command. A higher command with an aggressive commander, may force an otherwise timid squadron commander into acting when he normally wouldn't. It's really a balancing act where leadership is concerned. That is however what we wanted is it not? An accurate, nuanced simulation.
Also when I mention in my commentary of the Combat Action Reports a specific officer, either positively or negatively, they should be noted, because we may want to cashier them or assign them to a critical mission because of their abilities.

Back in character: I am ordering a higher HQ with an aggressive commander to Hankow to coordinate and keep a closer eye on the squadron commanders. Hopefully, it's not too late and he can increase effectiveness quickly. I will order he be transported immediately by air. I am also in the process of sending a military airlift sqadron to the area to begin ferrying replacements and supplies into the Ichang garrison.

 

Office of Minister of War
Saturday 18 October 1941

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 17, 41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 75th Chinese Corps, at 83,48 (Ichang)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 22

No Japanese losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb

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


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

Weather in hex: Light cloud

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 22

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 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 3rd New Chinese Corps, at 85,54 (Nanchang)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 15

No Japanese losses

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

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



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

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 39

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
162 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
16 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

Also attacking 62nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 16th Group Army ...
Also attacking 13th Chinese Base Force ...
Also attacking 62nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 16th Group Army ...
Also attacking 13th Chinese Base Force ...
Also attacking 62nd Chinese Corps ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Prov Chinese Corps, at 75,58

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily x 29

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

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



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Prov Chinese Corps, at 75,58

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

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

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 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 10th Anking Regiment, at 88,52 (Anking)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 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, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SB-III bombing from 7000 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 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
JNTF(A)-T08 with A5M4 Claude (20 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
20 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead

Training flight from JNTF(A)-T08 has been caught up in attack


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

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27B Nate x 10
Ki-51 Sonia x 15

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 3000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 110lb GP Bomb



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

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

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

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 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



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

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 13

No Japanese losses

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



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

Ground combat at Wuchow (76,57)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 23081 troops, 331 guns, 81 vehicles, Assault Value = 809

Defending force 3593 troops, 27 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 30

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

Assaulting units:
12th Infantry Regimental Combat Team
16th Armored Battalion
46th Infantry Division
14th Infantry Battalion
3d Med Tank Battalion

Defending units:
62nd Chinese Corps
16th Group Army
13th Chinese Base Force


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

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

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

Defending force 7141 troops, 49 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 44

Allied ground losses:
196 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
93d SASO
92d SASO
91st SASO
4th RoC Grn Dragon Regiment
21st Sinyang
98th SASO
95th SASO
97th SASO
94th SASO
90th SASO
96th 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 1572 troops, 91 guns, 91 vehicles, Assault Value = 297

Defending force 44428 troops, 294 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1173

Allied ground losses:
280 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 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
45th Chinese Corps
67th 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 = 364

Defending force 827 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3

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

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


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

Ground combat at grid 8449

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 388 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 400

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 8449 !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
78th Infantry Division
72d SASO
70th SASO
73d SASO

This is the first 40 mile section of the MSR between Hankow and Ichang. We have it secured and will construct a FOB. The 78th is following the 2d RoC "Red Dragon" Brigade and 2d Hankow Armored Car Bn clearing behind them. These last two units progress towards Ichang has now slowed due to increased resistance. I could order the 78th to cease it's current operation and rush forward to support the relief force and help them break through. That is risky though, we could end up with all three of the main units involved in the relief cut off if the Chinese infiltrate around and cut the MSR. The three SASO units lack the strength to resist a major attack, if left on their own. Once, bases with adequate defenses are constructed and a mechanized QRF is formed we can hold these areas long enough to reinforce if a large hostile force threatens.The situation in the whole Hankow, Sinyang, Ichang area is deteriorating. Recent recon flights and reconaissance patrols have identified a number of new enemy formations entering the area of operations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at 8549

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 378 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 373

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 8549 !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
79th Infantry Division
71st SASO

This is the first 40 mile stretch of the road MSR between Hankow and Sinyang. We will establish a defensive position to keep the road clear, due to a large enemy force detected nearby I have decided to retain the 79th Division in this area instead of pushing into Sinyang. 71st SASO will set up the defensive FOB and be responsible for the long term security of the route.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6946 troops, 47 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 36

Defending force 9848 troops, 154 guns, 96 vehicles, Assault Value = 281

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

Assaulting units:
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
96th SASO
21st Sinyang
93d SASO
97th SASO
4th RoC Grn Dragon Regiment
95th SASO
94th SASO
90th SASO
91st SASO
98th SASO
92d 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 Ichang (83,48)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24743 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1149

Defending force 8941 troops, 126 guns, 95 vehicles, Assault Value = 297

Allied adjusted assault: 119

Japanese adjusted defense: 198

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 1)

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
340 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

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

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

Another major attack by the Chinese. 25,000 enemy troops attacked and for the first time the casualties were in their favor! I am worried.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Wuchow (76,57)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1657 troops, 27 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 30

Defending force 25916 troops, 331 guns, 297 vehicles, Assault Value = 809

Assaulting units:
62nd Chinese Corps
16th Group Army
13th Chinese Base Force

Defending units:
14th Infantry Battalion
46th Infantry Division
16th Armored Battalion
12th Infantry Regimental Combat Team
3d Med Tank Battalion


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

Ground combat at Nanchang (85,54)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5638 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 174

Defending force 10674 troops, 152 guns, 29 vehicles, Assault Value = 275

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

Assaulting units:
3rd New Chinese Corps

Defending units:
83d SASO
85th SASO
81st SASO
86th SASO
87th SASO
84th SASO
82d SASO
33d Nanchang Battalion
80th SASO
184th Regimental Combat Team
88th SASO
89th SASO
8th C.China SASO Detachment
105th ArmyAvMaint C
145th ArmyAvMaint C
1042d AA Battalion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR Oct 17, 41

Grid 8952 is occupied by the Japanese
Coastwatcher Report: 8 ships in port at Hong Kong
Repairs completed on AK-68 Kumagawa Maru at Yokohama/Yokosuka, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on AMc Tamozono Maru #1 at Samah, ship returned to service
CS Convoy TF 13 begins loading Supplies at Yokohama/Yokosuka for delivery to Truk
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Pakhoi
Coastwatcher Report: 3 ships in port at Wenchow
CS Convoy TF 11 will load Resources at Haiphong for return to Samah
CS Convoy TF 13 unable to load any cargo at Yokohama/Yokosuka
E7K2 Alf sighting report: 10 Allied ships at 83,61 near Amoy, speed 16, Moving West
E7K2 Alf reports submarine at 83, 61 near Amoy
E7K2 Alf reports possible submarine at 86, 61 near Foochow
E7K2 Alf reports suspected submarine at 86, 61 near Foochow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Changsha
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Wuchow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Aparri
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Wuchow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Allied unit at Changsha
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Wuchow
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Laoag
Ki-48-IB (UA) Lily from 203d BmbAttk Grp is damaged on landing
E7K2 Alf sighting report: 6 Allied ships at 78,63 near Hong Kong, speed 14, Moving East
E7K2 Alf reports periscope wake at 83, 62 near Amoy
E7K2 Alf reports possible submarine at 86, 61 near Foochow
F1M2 Pete sighting report: 3 Allied ships at 64,72 near Cam Ranh Bay, speed 19, Moving Southeast
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Laoag
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Banggi
Ki-15-II Babs takes recon photos of Laoag
Repairs completed on AK-81 Keisyo Maru at Nagasaki/Sasebo, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on AK-84 Nozima Maru at Nagasaki/Sasebo, ship returned to service
CS Convoy TF 3 begins loading Oil at Shikuka for delivery to Sapporo
CS Convoy TF 10 begins loading Resources at Shikuka for delivery to Sapporo
CS Convoy TF 23 begins loading Resources at Hakodate for delivery to Hirosaki/Aomori
CS Convoy TF 32 begins loading Resources at Shanghai for delivery to Kagoshima
Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 8449 !!!
Japanese forces CAPTURE grid 8549 !!!
DE-09 Wakatake beginning refit in shipyard at Port Arthur
DE-10 Kuretake beginning refit in shipyard at Port Arthur
DE-11 Sanae beginning refit in shipyard at Port Arthur
DE-12 Asagao beginning refit in shipyard at Port Arthur
DE-14 Fuyo beginning refit in shipyard at Port Arthur
Tsingtao Naval Base Force takes replacements from Nanking
2d Imperial Guards Regimental Combat Team takes replacements from Cam Ranh Bay
25th Hangchow Regiment's TOE was upgraded to T41-B RoC Infantry Regiment at Hangchow
25th Hangchow Regiment's TOE was upgraded to T41-B RoC Infantry Regiment at Hangchow

 

Concerning the Army's Aichi D3A version...Has it been out fitted to fight as a level bomber?

I believe that this is the reason behind the small kill numbers of the Mitsubishi Ki-51...They are acting in the capacity of a level bomber instead of as a dive-bomber.

As the Ki-51 was capable of both dive-bombing and level-bombing. Does the game differentiate between dive-bombing and level-bombing?

 

"As the Ki-51 was capable of both dive-bombing and level-bombing. Does the game differentiate between dive-bombing and level-bombing?" Yes it does. I'll look into why they're not dive bombing. Good catch.