42年8月1日～18日の戦闘

8月1日～10日は特筆すべき戦闘なし、11日いったい何度目かわからないルンガ上陸があり、地上部隊が反撃したところ、

Ground combat at Lunga (114,138)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 4884 troops, 50 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 177
 
Defending force 434 troops, 0 guns, 97 vehicles, Assault Value = 40
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 97 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 7 
 
Japanese assault odds: 13 to 1 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), preparation(-), fatigue(-)
Attacker: shock(+)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      341 casualties reported
         Squads: 2 destroyed, 36 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Allied ground losses:
      Vehicles lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)
 
Assaulting units:
    Yokosuka 5th SNLF
    Sasebo 5th SNLF
    86th Naval Guard Unit
    39th JNAF AF Unit 
 
Defending units:
    1st USMC Tank Bn /5

と戦闘力は優っているのにこちらに大きな損害が。おそらく米軍の戦車相手に有効な対戦車火器が不足していると思われます。陸軍の速射砲大隊の派遣を考慮したほうがいいのかもしれません。翌12日も地上部隊が攻撃に出ましたが、

Ground combat at Lunga (114,138)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 4579 troops, 50 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 142
 
Defending force 682 troops, 0 guns, 127 vehicles, Assault Value = 44
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 35 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 51 
 
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), preparation(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      444 casualties reported
         Squads: 10 destroyed, 39 disabled
         Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 3 disabled
         Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
 
Allied ground losses:
      Units destroyed 1
 
Assaulting units:
    Yokosuka 5th SNLF
    Sasebo 5th SNLF
    86th Naval Guard Unit
    39th JNAF AF Unit 
 
Defending units:
    1st USMC Tank Battalion
    2nd USMC Parachute Bn /1

とやはり戦車相手に苦戦している模様です。これ以上の攻撃は損害を増やすだけと判断し、上陸地点への攻撃を控え、遅滞戦闘に徹することとしました。

13日・14日は特筆すべき戦闘なし、15日、ニューヘブリデイズ沖で潜水艦が敵空母を捕捉

Submarine attack near Ambrym  at 121,153
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-172
 
Allied Ships
      CVE Long Island, Torpedo hits 3,  on fire,  heavy damage

と護衛空母相手に魚雷３発が命中。おそらく撃沈したものと思われます。護衛空母相手ですが、先月の空母戦の敗北に一矢報いることができました。また中国戦線ではついに西安に主力が到着し総攻撃

Ground combat at Sian (83,41)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 168844 troops, 1529 guns, 459 vehicles, Assault Value = 5062
 
Defending force 58889 troops, 316 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1752
 
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 4
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 4431 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1201 
 
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 4) 
 
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 4
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), preparation(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: 
 
Japanese ground losses:
      12273 casualties reported
         Squads: 43 destroyed, 1071 disabled
         Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 144 disabled
         Engineers: 3 destroyed, 84 disabled
      Guns lost 70 (6 destroyed, 64 disabled)
 
Allied ground losses:
      7286 casualties reported
         Squads: 48 destroyed, 517 disabled
         Non Combat: 80 destroyed, 292 disabled
         Engineers: 43 destroyed, 45 disabled
      Guns lost 114 (10 destroyed, 104 disabled)
      Units destroyed 2
 
Assaulting units:
    26th Division
    7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    36th Division
    2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    110th Division
    13th Tank Regiment
    27th Division
    15th Division
    40th Division
    35th Division
    58th Division
    9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    63rd Division
    17th Division
    69th Division
    37th Division
    8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    138th Infantry Regiment
    11th Army
    15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    North China Area Army
    Mongol Garrison Army
    2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
    1st Army
    1st Mortar Battalion
    51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    13th Army
    14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
 
Defending units:
    47th Chinese Corps
    76th Chinese Corps
    3rd Chinese Corps
    1st Chinese Corps
    91st Chinese Corps
    40th Chinese Corps
    2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
    57th Chinese Corps
    93rd Chinese Corps
    16th Chinese Corps
    3rd Prov Chinese Corps
    35th Chinese Corps
    37th Group Army
    38th Group Army
    24th Group Army
    10th Chinese Base Force
    34th Group Army
    Red Chinese Army
    80th Chinese Corps
    15th Chinese Base Force
    3rd Construction Regiment

12個師団他多数の兵力を投入しているだけあり、戦闘力比は日本側優位です。陣地がしっかり構築されているため、損害は出ていますが、中国軍にもダメージは与えており、じっくり攻略することは可能でしょう。

16日・17日は特筆すべき戦闘なし、18日西安に再度の総攻撃

Ground combat at Sian (83,41)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 161500 troops, 1524 guns, 459 vehicles, Assault Value = 4279
 
Defending force 52993 troops, 303 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1221
 
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 4027 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 855 
 
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 3) 
 
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 3
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), preparation(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: 
 
Japanese ground losses:
      3916 casualties reported
         Squads: 58 destroyed, 432 disabled
         Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 69 disabled
         Engineers: 1 destroyed, 29 disabled
      Guns lost 32 (3 destroyed, 29 disabled)
 
Allied ground losses:
      8710 casualties reported
         Squads: 241 destroyed, 545 disabled
         Non Combat: 51 destroyed, 306 disabled
         Engineers: 25 destroyed, 66 disabled
      Guns lost 123 (17 destroyed, 106 disabled)
 
Assaulting units:
    13th Tank Regiment
    35th Division
    110th Division
    17th Division
    7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    26th Division
    3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    69th Division
    58th Division
    36th Division
    27th Division
    40th Division
    15th Division
    63rd Division
    37th Division
    9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    138th Infantry Regiment
    14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
    11th Army
    15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    13th Army
    51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    1st Army
    1st Mortar Battalion
    North China Area Army
    Mongol Garrison Army
    6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
 
Defending units:
    57th Chinese Corps
    16th Chinese Corps
    91st Chinese Corps
    93rd Chinese Corps
    76th Chinese Corps
    40th Chinese Corps
    1st Chinese Corps
    2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
    3rd Chinese Corps
    3rd Prov Chinese Corps
    10th Chinese Base Force
    80th Chinese Corps
    35th Chinese Corps
    37th Group Army
    15th Chinese Base Force
    38th Group Army
    34th Group Army
    Red Chinese Army
    3rd Construction Regiment

じっくりと押し込んで中国軍の陣地を破壊しつつあり、あと1，2回の総攻撃で陥落するものと思われます。

またこの日はルンガに上陸した米軍が初めて日本側に対して攻勢に出てきました。

Ground combat at Lunga (114,138)
 
Allied Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 1218 troops, 9 guns, 162 vehicles, Assault Value = 128
 
Defending force 5572 troops, 60 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 130
 
Allied adjusted assault: 27 
 
Japanese adjusted defense: 111 
 
Allied assault odds: 1 to 4 (fort level 2) 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), fatigue(-)
Attacker: 
 
Japanese ground losses:
      243 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 33 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Assaulting units:
    2nd USMC Parachute Battalion
    1st Marine Division
    1st Marine Raider Battalion
    1st USMC Tank Battalion
 
Defending units:
    Yokosuka 5th SNLF
    Sasebo 5th SNLF
    86th Naval Guard Unit
    39th JNAF AF Unit 

時間はかせげていますが、やはり戦車への対応が難しいようです。

42年はソロモン諸島方面で守備を固めて時間を稼ぐ間に、中国やインド方面での陸軍の攻勢の成功を待つ作戦になりそうです。今のところ戦車に苦戦している以外は順調ですがはたしてどうなるか…。

42年7月23日～31日の戦闘・8月1日の戦況図

23日は特筆すべき戦闘なし、24日はルンガに再度米海兵隊の上陸。船団の大多数は洋上で水上艦により撃沈しましたが、すり抜けた一部の部隊に上陸されました。

25日、上陸してきた敵部隊に地上部隊が突撃、

Ground combat at Lunga (114,138)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 5005 troops, 50 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 189
 
Defending force 126 troops, 0 guns, 8 vehicles, Assault Value = 9
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 207 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1 
 
Japanese assault odds: 207 to 1 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), preparation(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      60 casualties reported
         Squads: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Allied ground losses:
      132 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 22 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Vehicles lost 8 (8 destroyed, 0 disabled)
      Units destroyed 2
 
Assaulting units:
    Yokosuka 5th SNLF
    Sasebo 5th SNLF
    86th Naval Guard Unit
    39th JNAF AF Unit 
 
Defending units:
    1st USMC Tank Bn /2
    I US Amphib Corps

あっさりと上陸第2派も撃退できました。島嶼部での防衛作戦は対人戦でないと、ちょっとAIが下手すぎて面白みがないかもしれません。

26日も特筆すべき戦闘なし、27日中国戦線での追撃戦、

Ground combat at 86,43 (near Loyang)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 126056 troops, 1221 guns, 316 vehicles, Assault Value = 3183
 
Defending force 31084 troops, 257 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 192
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 2799 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 80 
 
Japanese assault odds: 34 to 1 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      1607 casualties reported
         Squads: 10 destroyed, 269 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 27 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
 
Allied ground losses:
      12294 casualties reported
         Squads: 643 destroyed, 7 disabled
         Non Combat: 1118 destroyed, 96 disabled
         Engineers: 143 destroyed, 104 disabled
      Guns lost 187 (115 destroyed, 72 disabled)
      Units retreated 14
      Units destroyed 6
 
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
 
Assaulting units:
    40th Division
    110th Division
    7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    63rd Division
    9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    15th Division
    13th Tank Regiment
    26th Division
    37th Division
    58th Division
    27th Division
    69th Division
    3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    138th Infantry Regiment
    11th Army
    15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    1st Army
    Mongol Garrison Army
    2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
    14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    North China Area Army
    13th Army
    1st Mortar Battalion
    6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
 
Defending units:
    38th Chinese Corps
    9th Chinese Corps
    16th Chinese Corps
    80th Chinese Corps
    2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
    1st Chinese Corps
    22nd Chinese Corps
    93rd Chinese Corps
    47th Chinese Corps
    40th Chinese Corps
    3rd Prov Chinese Corps
    1st War Area 
    10th Chinese Base Force
    15th Chinese Corps
    96th Chinese Corps
    24th Group Army
    3rd Construction Regiment
    35th Chinese Corps
    15th Group Army
    7th Construction Regiment

この日は追撃も強烈に決まり、いつもよりさらに多い戦果があがりました。

28日は前日上陸していた米軍の第3派相手に地上部隊が突撃、

Ground combat at Lunga (114,138)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 4923 troops, 50 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 182
 
Defending force 511 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 28
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 137 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1 
 
Japanese assault odds: 137 to 1 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), preparation(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      378 casualties reported
         Squads: 5 destroyed, 20 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Allied ground losses:
      556 casualties reported
         Squads: 50 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 18 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Units destroyed 2
 
Assaulting units:
    Sasebo 5th SNLF
    Yokosuka 5th SNLF
    86th Naval Guard Unit
    39th JNAF AF Unit 
 
Defending units:
    2nd USMC Parachute Bn /1
    1st Marine Raider Bn /1

今回は洋上撃破できていなかったせいか地上部隊にも被害が出ていますが、殲滅自体には成功しました。

29日～31日は特筆すべき戦闘なしでした。翌8月1日の戦況と作戦計画の状況です。

（別端末のためサイズがいつもと違います）まず中国戦線ですが、青丸で囲った味方主力が赤線の方向、西安に向かって進撃中です。途中にいる敵部隊が追撃中の敵主力ですが、すでに大いに弱っています。西安の兵力は不明ですが、地形が平地ですのでおそらく落とせるでしょう。

ビルマ戦線では第2段階作戦の本命、チッタゴン攻略に向けてまずアキャブへの進軍を開始しました、2個師団を投入しており、経路の地形が険しいこと以外には問題がないはずです。ビルマ周辺での防御線の確立に向けては、ビルマ内の主要拠点では最後に残ったミイトキーナへの進軍中です。こちらは守備隊がいないようなので問題なく占領できそうです。また、雲南からの中国軍の攻撃に備え、こちらも守備隊不在だった保山の拠点を占領し、陣地を構築させています。ここに当面1個師団を配備すれば、相当な兵力が来ない限り雲南からの攻撃は心配ないでしょう。

豪北方面ではティモール島西部クーパンを占領しました。また西部ニューギニアのバボも占領するとともに、ケンダリーアンボンーボエラのラインに陸海軍の戦闘機を配備し爆撃を妨害する態勢をとれました。ボエラとバボからは若干の原油も産出しますので、数隻のタンカーを運航しています。今後はティモール島東部（実際はポルトガル領ですが、ゲーム的にはオランダ領扱い）を攻略し、防御線を前に進める予定です。

ニューギニア・ソロモン方面は、ルンガでたびたび戦闘になっています。前回お伝えした通り機動部隊は壊滅的打撃を被り、主力空母は翔鶴・瑞鶴の2隻を残すのみですので、攻勢に出るどころではありません。むしろトラックからの遠さを考えると、ルンガと隣のツラギはあくまで遅滞戦闘と考えて、最終的にムンダまで下がることを考えています。時間を稼げれば十分な基地建設と基地航空隊の進出ができそうですので、そうすれば空母の数が減った状態でも安心して迎撃が出来るのではと考えています。

空母の壊滅で太平洋方面は暗雲が立ち込めていますが、第2段階作戦の主眼は陸路での進撃ですので、ニューギニア・ソロモン方面や太平洋方面で防御がうまくいけばまだ攻勢には出られるのではと期待していきます。

42年7月17日～22日の戦闘

17日、主力機動部隊に飛鷹・隼鷹の2隻が合流、無事に空母6隻の大機動部隊になりました。この艦隊は再度南下させ、上陸船団もしくは米豪間の輸送船団を攻撃させることします。この日は実際に輸送船団を発見、近隣基地からの戦闘機も蹴散らし輸送船4隻を撃沈、3隻を大破させました。

18日、この日はルンガで再度味方部隊が突撃、

Ground combat at Lunga (114,138)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 4425 troops, 41 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 191
 
Defending force 405 troops, 34 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 10
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 86 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1 
 
Japanese assault odds: 86 to 1 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), disruption(-), fatigue(-)
 supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      16 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Allied ground losses:
      180 casualties reported
         Squads: 21 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 6 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Guns lost 17 (17 destroyed, 0 disabled)
 
Assaulting units:
    Sasebo 5th SNLF
    Yokosuka 5th SNLF
    86th Naval Guard Unit
    39th JNAF AF Unit 
 
Defending units:
    7th Marine Rgt /1
 

Allied Unit(s) Wiped Out at Lunga by attrition!!!!!!

と消耗しきった海兵は完全に掃討されました。ガダルカナルでの最初の米軍の反抗作戦は撃退成功です。

19日、前日の成功を受けて艦隊を引き上げても良かったのですが、せっかく燃料を消費してここまで進出したのでと考え、さらに輸送船を攻撃させます。この日は4隻を撃沈、5隻を大破させました。また、中国戦線では鄭州から撤退中の敵主力への追撃戦が発生、

Ground combat at 87,44 (near Chengchow)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 123796 troops, 1221 guns, 313 vehicles, Assault Value = 2938
 
Defending force 46658 troops, 313 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 334
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 1851 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 190 
 
Japanese assault odds: 9 to 1 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: 
 
Japanese ground losses:
      2112 casualties reported
         Squads: 7 destroyed, 192 disabled
         Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 23 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 40 disabled
      Guns lost 23 (3 destroyed, 20 disabled)
 
Allied ground losses:
      9995 casualties reported
         Squads: 1028 destroyed, 13 disabled
         Non Combat: 957 destroyed, 140 disabled
         Engineers: 76 destroyed, 45 disabled
      Guns lost 129 (68 destroyed, 61 disabled)
      Units retreated 20
      Units destroyed 4
 
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
 
Assaulting units:
    110th Division
    8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    15th Division
    13th Tank Regiment
    69th Division
    40th Division
    37th Division
    26th Division
    58th Division
    7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    27th Division
    3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    63rd Division
    138th Infantry Regiment
    2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
    1st Mortar Battalion
    15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    13th Army
    North China Area Army
    1st Army
    11th Army
    Mongol Garrison Army
    51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
 
Defending units:
    36th Chinese Corps
    40th Chinese Corps
    2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
    80th Chinese Corps
    16th Chinese Corps
    93rd Chinese Corps
    47th Chinese Corps
    9th Chinese Corps
    38th Chinese Corps
    1st Chinese Corps
    22nd Chinese Corps
    3rd Prov Chinese Corps
    4th Group Army
    15th Chinese Corps
    14th Group Army
    35th Chinese Corps
    1st War Area 
    83rd Chinese Corps
    3rd Construction Regiment
    98th Chinese Corps
    8th New Chinese Corps
    10th Chinese Base Force
    96th Chinese Corps
    24th Group Army
    15th Group Army
    7th Construction Regiment

とまたも大きな損害を与えました、引き続きこの部隊の追撃・殲滅にあたります。

一方で太平洋方面では驚きの報告が、ギルバート諸島に敵艦載機の攻撃がありました、

Afternoon Air attack on Tabiteuea , at 137,134 
 
Weather in hex: Overcast
 
Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
 
Allied aircraft
      F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
      F4F-4 Wildcat x 44
      SBD-3 Dauntless x 30
      TBD-1 Devastator x 12
 
No Allied losses
 
Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10

戦闘機約50機、艦攻艦爆約40機ですので、１～３隻程度の空母が出てきているものと思われます、この時点での我が機動部隊との位置関係ですが、

このように、敵艦隊が逃亡しなければ十分に決戦を挑める距離です。さらに付近には潜水艦を集中して展開していたエリアがあり、決戦前に待ち伏せによる漸減を図れる理想的な展開です。こちらの機動部隊は空母6隻（赤城・加賀・蒼龍・飛龍・飛鷹・隼鷹）、水上機母艦1隻（千代田）、重巡2隻（利根・筑摩）、駆逐艦14隻です。護衛の水上艦艇の大型艦が少なく、またこれまでの作戦行動で水上艦の燃料にやや不安がありますが、空母の準備は万端で、他の艦艇も索敵能力の高い艦がいますので、前面に集中すれば入念な索敵を行えるはずです。

ここで敵機動部隊に決戦を挑まない手はないと判断し、こちらの機動部隊の進路を図のようにまっすぐ敵機動部隊に向けました。さらに水上機に加え一部の艦攻も索敵に投入、万が一予想外の進路をとった場合にも発見できる態勢を整えました。

このような状況下、必勝を確信して20日のターンを動かすと、まず潜水艦が敵機動部隊に遭遇、

Sub attack near Arorae  at 139,139
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-159
 
Allied Ships
      CV Saratoga, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
      DD Monaghan
 ASW attack near Nanumea  at 139,140
 
Japanese Ships
      SS RO-68
 
Allied Ships
      BB Prince of Wales
      DD Monaghan

敵空母に魚雷一発が命中、惜しくも敵戦艦には命中しませんでしたが、決戦前に幸先の良いスタートです。

さらに夜明けとともに、まずこちらの艦載機が敵機動部隊を空襲、

Morning Air attack on TF, near Funafuti at 135,148
 
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
 
Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 59
      B5N2 Kate x 48
      D3A1 Val x 102
 
Allied aircraft
      F4F-3 Wildcat x 18
      F4F-4 Wildcat x 105
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M2 Zero: 14 destroyed
      B5N2 Kate: 12 destroyed, 12 damaged
      D3A1 Val: 26 destroyed, 24 damaged
      D3A1 Val: 7 destroyed by flak
 
Allied aircraft losses
      F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
      F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 destroyed
 
Allied Ships
      CLAA San Diego
      CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
      CV Hornet
      CV Wasp, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3,  on fire,  heavy damage
      CA Houston, Bomb hits 1
      CV Enterprise
      CV Lexington
      CV Saratoga,  on fire
      DD Case, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
      CA Quincy, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage

しかしなんと120機もの敵戦闘機の迎撃を受けました。こちらの援護戦闘機の倍となるとさすがに多数の艦攻艦爆を落とされます。しかしなんとか迎撃を潜り抜けた機体が攻撃、ただここでも想定以上の対空砲火を浴び、戦果は空母・重巡各1隻大破の外は大した戦果なし。しかも驚くべきことに、敵空母が6隻も展開していることが判明しました。これは前日の空襲から予想した数とは大きく異なります。どおりで迎撃に上がる戦闘機が多いわけです。さらに言えば、敵空母が想定外に多いということは、攻撃してくる敵艦載機も予想より多いということになります。実際にこの日の攻撃はまず午前中

Morning Air attack on TF, near Funafuti at 131,149
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 44
 
Allied aircraft
      F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
      F4F-4 Wildcat x 44
      SBD-3 Dauntless x 174
      TBD-1 Devastator x 24
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
      SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 destroyed, 12 damaged
      TBD-1 Devastator: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      CV Akagi, Bomb hits 2,  on fire
      CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 5,  heavy fires
      CV Kaga, Bomb hits 6,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      CV Soryu, Bomb hits 3,  heavy fires
      DD Makigumo
      DD Kuroshio
      DD Inazuma
      CV Junyo, Bomb hits 2,  heavy fires
      CA Tone
      CV Hiryu
      DD Tokitsukaze
      DD Oshio
      DD Yugumo, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
      DD Natsushio
      CS Chiyoda, Bomb hits 2,  heavy fires
      CA Chikuma, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
      DD Michishio
      DD Arashio
      DD Kagero, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
      DD Oyashio, Bomb hits 1

Morning Air attack on TF, near Funafuti at 131,149
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 19
 
Allied aircraft
      TBF-1 Avenger x 12
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      TBF-1 Avenger: 7 destroyed

Morning Air attack on TF, near Funafuti at 131,149
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 12
 
Allied aircraft
      TBF-1 Avenger x 12
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      TBF-1 Avenger: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Tone
      CV Soryu, Torpedo hits 1,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      CV Hiryu

Morning Air attack on TF, near Funafuti at 131,149
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 6
 
Allied aircraft
      TBF-1 Avenger x 12
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      CV Akagi,  heavy fires
      CA Chikuma,  on fire

と凄まじいものがありました。まず最初の一撃で170機もの敵艦爆に襲われ、加賀が大破大火災、蒼龍・飛鷹・隼鷹が大火災、赤城が火災となります。さらに合流に失敗した少数の雷撃機に襲われ、蒼龍が被雷、さらに回避を続けている間に赤城の火災も大火災へと悪化します。午前中の戦闘のみでこちらは飛龍1隻以外戦闘力を喪失する大惨事であり、

CV Hiyo sinks at sea

と午後を迎えるころには飛鷹が沈没。なおも午後にも戦闘は続き、

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Funafuti at 131,149
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 4
 
Allied aircraft
      F4F-3 Wildcat x 7
      F4F-4 Wildcat x 32
      SBD-3 Dauntless x 169
      TBD-1 Devastator x 10
      TBF-1 Avenger x 25
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      SBD-3 Dauntless: 5 damaged
      TBF-1 Avenger: 3 damaged
      TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak
 
Japanese Ships
      CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 3,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      CA Tone, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
      CA Chikuma, Bomb hits 3,  on fire
      CS Chiyoda, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
      CV Soryu, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
      DD Arashio
      CV Akagi, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
      DD Oshio
      CV Kaga, Bomb hits 5,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      CV Junyo, Bomb hits 2,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      DD Ikazuchi
      DD Kuroshio
      DD Kagero, Bomb hits 4,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      DD Nowaki
      DD Oyashio, Bomb hits 3,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      DD Inazuma
      DD Natsushio

CV Kaga sinks at sea
CV Hiryu sinks at sea
CV Junyo sinks at sea
DD Kagero sinks at sea
DD Oyashio sinks at sea

と赤城以外の空母5隻と水上機母艦千代田、駆逐艦2隻を失う大敗北になってしまいました…。

翌21日、この時点で残存している赤城は大破しており速力が3ノットしかでません。助ける術はないと判断し、無事離脱出来る可能性のある重巡と駆逐艦を優先して脱出させることとします。とりあえず艦載機の搭乗員を部隊から全員引き抜き、燃料切れとなった駆逐艦2隻と赤城を残して無事な艦はツラギに向けて航行させます。この作戦が功を奏したのか、この日は残った赤城と駆逐艦2隻に攻撃が集中し、他の艦艇への攻撃はありませんでした。

翌22日、どうやらこちらの空母を沈めたあと敵機動部隊は離脱したようで、この日も攻撃はなく、あと2日ほどで味方と合流できる位置まで航行できましたので、なんとか残存部隊の脱出は成功したと言えそうです。

しかしこの決戦の結果、日本側は空母6隻（赤城・加賀・蒼龍・飛龍・飛鷹・隼鷹）、水上機母艦1隻（千代田）、駆逐艦4隻を喪失しました。一方米側に与えた損害は、空母1隻と重巡1隻の大破。大破した艦はひょっとしたら沈んでいるかもしれませんが、おそらくは沈んでいないと思われますので、史実のミッドウェー海戦を遥かに超える完全な敗北を喫しました。

この大敗からどう戦争を続けるか、一気にプレイ状況が変わっていきそうです。

42年7月9日～16日の戦闘

9日も前日からの上陸作戦が続いていますが、それ以外には特筆すべき戦闘なし。

10日は機動部隊がルンガ沖に到達し、いざ上陸船団攻撃と思いきや、悪天候のため終日艦載機が出撃できず空振りに。一方中国戦線では鄭州への総攻撃、

Ground combat at Chengchow (88,44)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 126423 troops, 1276 guns, 304 vehicles, Assault Value = 2609
 
Defending force 66610 troops, 404 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 406
 
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 2155 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 474 
 
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 1) 
 
Japanese forces CAPTURE Chengchow !!!
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: experience(-)
Attacker: 
 
Japanese ground losses:
      2782 casualties reported
         Squads: 105 destroyed, 169 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
      Guns lost 26 (1 destroyed, 25 disabled)
 
Allied ground losses:
      15977 casualties reported
         Squads: 456 destroyed, 10 disabled
         Non Combat: 1581 destroyed, 275 disabled
         Engineers: 260 destroyed, 4 disabled
      Guns lost 117 (101 destroyed, 16 disabled)
      Units retreated 26
      Units destroyed 3
 
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
 
Assaulting units:
    68th Division
    110th Division
    2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    40th Division
    27th Division
    9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    63rd Division
    37th Division
    58th Division
    13th Tank Regiment
    15th Division
    26th Division
    8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    69th Division
    138th Infantry Regiment
    11th Army
    1st Army
    52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    North China Area Army
    1st Mortar Battalion
    2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
    15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    13th Army
    Mongol Garrison Army
    14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
 
Defending units:
    96th Chinese Corps
    8th New Chinese Corps
    9th Chinese Corps
    22nd Chinese Corps
    1st Chinese Corps
    47th Chinese Corps
    16th Chinese Corps
    40th Chinese Corps
    93rd Chinese Corps
    3rd Construction Regiment
    38th Chinese Corps
    36th Chinese Corps
    80th Chinese Corps
    15th Chinese Corps
    2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
    3rd Prov Chinese Corps
    7th Construction Regiment
    14th Group Army
    36th Group Army
    35th Chinese Corps
    4th Group Army
    15th Group Army
    98th Chinese Corps
    1st War Area 
    Jingcha War Area 
    39th Group Army
    24th Group Army
    83rd Chinese Corps
    10th Chinese Base Force
と無事攻略し大打撃を与えました。敵部隊は西安方面に撤退しようとしていますので、引き続き主力はこれを追撃させます。

11日、前日の空振りを受けて、ルンガ沖の機動部隊は護衛の巡洋艦の一部を切り離し、上陸地点に突入させることとします。機動部隊本隊は引き続き周辺で艦載機出撃の機会を伺います。その結果、

Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 114,138, Range 1,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Mogami
      CA Mikuma
      DD Yukikaze
      DD Amatsukaze
 
Allied Ships
      xAK Maetsuycker, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
      AM Kiwi, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
      xAK Aspasia Nomikos, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
 
Allied ground losses:
      481 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 45 destroyed, 37 disabled
         Engineers: 9 destroyed, 21 disabled
      Guns lost 102 (93 destroyed, 9 disabled)
      Vehicles lost 40 (35 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Morning Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 114,138
 
Weather in hex: Light rain
 
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 24
      D3A1 Val x 14
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      D3A1 Val: 1 damaged
 
Allied Ships
      xAK Anna Odland, Bomb hits 6,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      AM Cessnock, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Morning Air attack on TF, near Torres Islands at 116,147
 
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
 
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 8
      B5N2 Kate x 22
      D3A1 Val x 22
 
Allied aircraft
      F2A-2 Buffalo x 4
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged
      D3A1 Val: 2 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
      F2A-2 Buffalo: 1 destroyed
 
Allied Ships
      xAK Elisavet, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
      xAKL Wollongbar, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
      xAK Idaho, Bomb hits 2,  on fire
      xAK Moonta, Bomb hits 4,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      xAK Dumosa
      xAK Coast Trader
      xAK Shinkuang, Bomb hits 3,  on fire
      xAK Indianan, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
      xAKL Carlisle
      xAK Montanan, Bomb hits 5,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      xAK Talune, Bomb hits 2,  on fire
      xAKL William McArthur, Bomb hits 3,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
 
Allied ground losses:
      1857 casualties reported
         Squads: 19 destroyed, 40 disabled
         Non Combat: 67 destroyed, 65 disabled
         Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
      Guns lost 47 (28 destroyed, 19 disabled)
      Vehicles lost 29 (21 destroyed, 8 disabled)

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Torres Islands at 116,147
 
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
 
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 25
      B5N2 Kate x 23
 
Allied aircraft
      F2A-2 Buffalo x 3
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      B5N2 Kate: 3 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
      F2A-2 Buffalo: 2 destroyed
 
Allied Ships
      xAKL Darvel, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
      xAK Coast Trader, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
      xAK Bandra, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
      xAK Idaho,  on fire
      xAK Mangola, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
      xAKL Fiona, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
      xAK Dumosa, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
 
Allied ground losses:
      3055 casualties reported
         Squads: 41 destroyed, 125 disabled
         Non Combat: 38 destroyed, 171 disabled
         Engineers: 25 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Guns lost 51 (43 destroyed, 8 disabled)
      Vehicles lost 33 (28 destroyed, 5 disabled)

と、上陸地点の船団を突入した巡洋艦が撃沈。さらに周辺海域の増援船団を艦載機で撃破しました。2か所合わせて上陸部隊に大きな打撃を与えたはずです。護衛の艦艇が貧弱なのは、AIの上陸作戦下手を示しているところです。一方ルンガでは、上陸した敵部隊が攻撃を仕掛けてきました。

Ground combat at Lunga (114,138)
 
Allied Bombardment attack
 
Attacking force 43 troops, 12 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 46
 
Defending force 1101 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 10
 
Japanese ground losses:
      6 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
 
Assaulting units:
    7th Marine Rgt /1
    1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion
 
Defending units:
    39th JNAF AF Unit 

と海兵連隊が上陸していたようですが、後続の船団を撃破しましたので、増援の陸戦隊が到着すればこちらも殲滅できるでしょう。

12日は機動部隊をさらに南下させ、退避するであろう残りの船団を追撃、この日も大打撃を与えました。

13日は、連日の戦闘で魚雷を使い切った空母も出たことから、いったんルンガ近隣のツラギに艦隊を集結させることとしました。トラックから出撃させた弾薬を満載した貨物船や燃料を積んだタンカーの外、空母飛鷹・隼鷹も来ていますので、米軍のさらなる来週に備えて、態勢を整えることとします。

14日は引き続きツラギへの移動を続けているほか、逆上陸部隊の第1陣がルンガに上陸を開始。

15日、巡洋艦の艦砲射撃や艦載機による航空支援の下、逆上陸部隊が敵部隊に向けて突撃、

Ground combat at Lunga (114,138)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 2835 troops, 29 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 73
 
Defending force 565 troops, 57 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 34
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 32 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1 
 
Japanese assault odds: 32 to 1 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), preparation(-), fatigue(-)
 supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      49 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Allied ground losses:
      81 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
      Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
 
Assaulting units:
    Yokosuka 5th SNLF
    39th JNAF AF Unit 
 
Defending units:
    7th Marine Rgt /1
    1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion
    2nd USMC FA Bn /1

戦力差では圧倒していますが、降伏に追い込むことは出来ませんでした。

16日も再度突撃、

Ground combat at Lunga (114,138)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 2788 troops, 29 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 104
 
Defending force 473 troops, 51 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 19
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 28 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1 
 
Japanese assault odds: 28 to 1 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), preparation(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-)
 
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:
      69 casualties reported
         Squads: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
      Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
 
Assaulting units:
    Yokosuka 5th SNLF
    86th Nav Gd /1
    39th JNAF AF Unit 
 
Defending units:
    7th Marine Rgt /1
    1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion

1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion Wiped Out at Lunga by attrition!!!

全滅には追い込めませんでしたが、砲兵部隊が消耗で崩壊したようです。流石に米海兵隊は粘り強いですが、あと一歩といったところでしょう。

7月はソロモン南部の戦いが焦点になりそうですが、今のところ連合国に大きな被害を与えられていますので、引き続き来襲する連合国軍を撃破していきたいところです。

42年7月1日～8日の戦闘

7月1日はアンダマン諸島攻略を開始。空挺部隊が降下し守備隊と交戦しました。

Ground combat at Port Blair (46,58)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 184 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 14
 
Defending force 378 troops, 12 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 7
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 9 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 5 
 
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2) 
 
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      7 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Allied ground losses:
      24 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
 
Assaulting units:
    2nd Raiding Rgt /1
 
Defending units:
    Port Blair RN Det 

増援が降下すれば攻略できそうな戦況ですのでさらに降下を続けて翌2日、

Ground combat at Port Blair (46,58)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 364 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 20
 
Defending force 384 troops, 12 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 4
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 24 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 3 
 
Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 1) 
 
Japanese forces CAPTURE Port Blair !!!
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), fatigue(-), morale(-)
 experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(+)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      10 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Allied ground losses:
      552 casualties reported
         Squads: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 15 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Guns lost 16 (16 destroyed, 0 disabled)
      Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
      Units destroyed 1
 
Assaulting units:
    2nd Raiding Rgt /1
 
Defending units:
    Port Blair RN Det 

と無事攻略しました。陸攻を安定して運用するには飛行場の規模が小さいですので、飛行場と港湾の拡張のための基地要員を、海路で送り込むこととします。

3日は鄭州に総攻撃、

Ground combat at Chengchow (88,44)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 133911 troops, 1284 guns, 316 vehicles, Assault Value = 3301
 
Defending force 82327 troops, 413 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1650
 
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 1706 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 2000 
 
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3) 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), experience(-)
Attacker: 
 
Japanese ground losses:
      5387 casualties reported
         Squads: 73 destroyed, 1084 disabled
         Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 98 disabled
         Engineers: 3 destroyed, 81 disabled
      Guns lost 29 (3 destroyed, 26 disabled)
 
Allied ground losses:
      5201 casualties reported
         Squads: 70 destroyed, 350 disabled
         Non Combat: 71 destroyed, 150 disabled
         Engineers: 18 destroyed, 55 disabled
      Guns lost 47 (2 destroyed, 45 disabled)
 
Assaulting units:
    110th Division
    8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    13th Tank Regiment
    2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    27th Division
    26th Division
    13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    63rd Division
    68th Division
    40th Division
    69th Division
    9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    37th Division
    7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    58th Division
    15th Division
    138th Infantry Regiment
    15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    13th Army
    North China Area Army
    11th Army
    1st Mortar Battalion
    14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    Mongol Garrison Army
    1st Army
    2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
    52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
 
Defending units:
    16th Chinese Corps
    3rd Prov Chinese Corps
    80th Chinese Corps
    40th Chinese Corps
    15th Chinese Corps
    36th Chinese Corps
    47th Chinese Corps
    93rd Chinese Corps
    2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
    22nd Chinese Corps
    3rd Construction Regiment
    96th Chinese Corps
    1st Chinese Corps
    9th Chinese Corps
    8th New Chinese Corps
    38th Chinese Corps
    7th Construction Regiment
    36th Group Army
    14th Group Army
    Jingcha War Area 
    39th Group Army
    83rd Chinese Corps
    35th Chinese Corps
    4th Group Army
    24th Group Army
    15th Group Army
    1st War Area 
    98th Chinese Corps
    10th Chinese Base Force

工兵隊が中国軍の陣地構築をさらに低下させますが、戦闘力比が良くないです。ただ敵戦力へのダメージは確実に与えていますので、この日は運が悪かっただけと考えられます。

と思っていたら4日、中国軍が反攻に出てきました。

Ground combat at Chengchow (88,44)
 
Allied Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 34323 troops, 175 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1273
 
Defending force 139698 troops, 1314 guns, 576 vehicles, Assault Value = 2444
 
Allied adjusted assault: 186 
 
Japanese adjusted defense: 1796 
 
Allied assault odds: 1 to 9 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+), preparation(-)
Attacker: 
 
Japanese ground losses:
      743 casualties reported
         Squads: 4 destroyed, 56 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
      Guns lost 28 (1 destroyed, 27 disabled)
 
Allied ground losses:
      7259 casualties reported
         Squads: 234 destroyed, 543 disabled
         Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 62 disabled
         Engineers: 17 destroyed, 57 disabled
      Guns lost 21 (2 destroyed, 19 disabled)
 
Assaulting units:
    16th Chinese Corps
    22nd Chinese Corps
    38th Chinese Corps
    93rd Chinese Corps
    3rd Prov Chinese Corps
    47th Chinese Corps
    8th New Chinese Corps
    9th Chinese Corps
    96th Chinese Corps
    1st Chinese Corps
    15th Chinese Corps
    80th Chinese Corps
    2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
    36th Chinese Corps
    40th Chinese Corps
    7th Construction Regiment
    39th Group Army
    4th Group Army
    1st War Area 
    98th Chinese Corps
    10th Chinese Base Force
    36th Group Army
    24th Group Army
    35th Chinese Corps
    14th Group Army
    Jingcha War Area 
    83rd Chinese Corps
    15th Group Army
    3rd Construction Regiment
 
Defending units:
    110th Division
    7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    63rd Division
    69th Division
    40th Division
    15th Division
    26th Division
    2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    37th Division
    68th Division
    13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    58th Division
    8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    27th Division
    13th Tank Regiment
    138th Infantry Regiment
    1st Mortar Battalion
    Mongol Garrison Army
    51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
    14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    11th Army
    13th Army
    North China Area Army
    1st Army
    15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
 流石にこれは戦力差が大きく日本側が圧勝。中国軍に大きなダメージを与えましたので、鄭州の攻略が早まりそうです。

5日は特筆すべき戦闘なし、6日は日本側の態勢が整ったので鄭州で総攻撃、

Ground combat at Chengchow (88,44)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 124048 troops, 1254 guns, 316 vehicles, Assault Value = 2527
 
Defending force 71220 troops, 408 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 667
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 1677 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 579 
 
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 3) 
 
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), experience(-)
Attacker: 
 
Japanese ground losses:
      3594 casualties reported
         Squads: 95 destroyed, 247 disabled
         Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 49 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
      Vehicles lost 41 (12 destroyed, 29 disabled)
 
Allied ground losses:
      5844 casualties reported
         Squads: 267 destroyed, 286 disabled
         Non Combat: 52 destroyed, 189 disabled
         Engineers: 32 destroyed, 40 disabled
      Guns lost 31 (4 destroyed, 27 disabled)
 
Assaulting units:
    13th Tank Regiment
    7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    58th Division
    110th Division
    9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    15th Division
    26th Division
    69th Division
    68th Division
    2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    27th Division
    8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    63rd Division
    37th Division
    40th Division
    3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    138th Infantry Regiment
    51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    13th Army
    2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
    Mongol Garrison Army
    14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    1st Army
    North China Area Army
    1st Mortar Battalion
    11th Army
    15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
 
Defending units:
    1st Chinese Corps
    3rd Prov Chinese Corps
    80th Chinese Corps
    93rd Chinese Corps
    16th Chinese Corps
    9th Chinese Corps
    2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
    3rd Construction Regiment
    47th Chinese Corps
    36th Chinese Corps
    15th Chinese Corps
    8th New Chinese Corps
    38th Chinese Corps
    40th Chinese Corps
    22nd Chinese Corps
    96th Chinese Corps
    7th Construction Regiment
    98th Chinese Corps
    39th Group Army
    15th Group Army
    1st War Area 
    35th Chinese Corps
    36th Group Army
    83rd Chinese Corps
    14th Group Army
    24th Group Army
    Jingcha War Area 
    4th Group Army
    10th Chinese Base Force

やはり先ほどの反攻失敗が効いており日本側が優位をとれています。あと１，２回総攻撃をかけれれば攻略できそうです。

7日は特筆すべき戦闘なし、8日、米軍がついに反攻作戦を開始したのか、ルンガに敵上陸船団が来襲しました。ルンガは先日、基地建設のための要員を上陸させていましたが、戦闘部隊はほぼいません。至急地上部隊をトラックから派遣するとともに、ニューギニア方面にいた機動部隊を船団攻撃に向かわせることとしました。赤城・加賀・飛龍・蒼龍4隻を含みますが、敵機動部隊がいる可能性に備えて、トラックからさらに飛鷹・隼鷹も派遣します（翔鶴・瑞鶴は内地でレーダー搭載工事中）。

ついに反攻作戦が始まりましたが、AIプレイヤーは上陸戦があまりうまくありませんので、一方的に上陸船団を沈める展開かもしれません。

42年6月23日～30日の戦闘・7月1日戦況図

23日は特筆すべき戦闘なし、24日はアンボン上陸第2派を加えた総攻撃を前に、十分な火力支援を加えるべく、艦砲射撃の第3派を実施、

Night Naval bombardment of Ambon at 76,109 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Hudson III (LR): 3 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      BB Hyuga
      BB Ise
      BB Yamashiro
      BB Fuso
      BB Mutsu
      BB Nagato
 
Allied ground losses:
      326 casualties reported
         Squads: 6 destroyed, 4 disabled
         Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 8 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Guns lost 6 (5 destroyed, 1 disabled)
 
Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 23
Port hits 8
Port supply hits 1

Night Naval bombardment of Ambon at 76,109
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Hudson III (LR): 2 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Haguro
      CA Myoko
      CA Chokai
      CL Sendai
 
Allied ground losses:
      335 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
         Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 20 disabled
         Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
 
Airbase hits 18
Runway hits 35
Port hits 6
Port supply hits 1

これまでで最も大きな効果が出ているようです。続いて地上部隊の総攻撃、

Ground combat at Ambon (76,109)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 3625 troops, 41 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 115
 
Defending force 1775 troops, 21 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 31
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 59 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 25 
 
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 3) 
 
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), disruption(-), preparation(-)
 fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker: fatigue(-)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      53 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Allied ground losses:
      71 casualties reported
         Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Assaulting units:
    Sasebo 3rd SNLF
    1st Raiding Regiment
    Sasebo 8th SNLF
 
Defending units:
    Molukken Garrison Battalion
    Ambon Base Force

地形面の不利が効いているのか、これほどの砲弾を撃ち込んでも即攻略とはなりませんが、流石に戦闘力で上回り敵陣地構築を1段階下げました。上陸第3派として歩兵1個連隊も乗船完了していたのですが、どうやら既存部隊だけで攻略できそうです。

25日・26日は特筆すべき戦闘なし、27日は総攻撃の前に念のためもう一度戦艦部隊による艦砲射撃、

Night Naval bombardment of Ambon at 76,109
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Hudson III (LR): 3 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      BB Hyuga
      BB Ise
      BB Yamashiro
      BB Fuso
      BB Mutsu
      BB Nagato
 
Allied ground losses:
      357 casualties reported
         Squads: 10 destroyed, 5 disabled
         Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 11 disabled
         Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
 
Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 24
Port hits 11
Port supply hits 3

計4回の地上砲撃任務、現実にやったら主砲の砲身が大変なことになりそうですが、さすがにこの壮大なゲームでも砲身命数の概念はありません。続いて地上部隊の総攻撃、

Ground combat at Ambon (76,109)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 3876 troops, 41 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 144
 
Defending force 1488 troops, 21 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 25
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 59 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 7 
 
Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 2) 
 
Japanese forces CAPTURE Ambon !!!
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Hudson III (LR): 3 destroyed
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(-), disruption(-)
 preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: leaders(-)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      195 casualties reported
         Squads: 2 destroyed, 17 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Allied ground losses:
      1310 casualties reported
         Squads: 53 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 102 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 12 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Guns lost 18 (18 destroyed, 0 disabled)
      Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
      Units destroyed 2
 
Assaulting units:
    1st Raiding Regiment
    Sasebo 3rd SNLF
    Sasebo 8th SNLF
 
Defending units:
    Molukken Garrison Battalion
    Ambon Base Force

と無事アンボンの攻略に成功しました。28日・29日は特筆すべき戦闘なし。

30日は鄭州に集結した地上部隊が総攻撃開始、

Ground combat at Chengchow (88,44)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 145778 troops, 1329 guns, 316 vehicles, Assault Value = 4114
 
Defending force 88263 troops, 414 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2152
 
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 4
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 1902 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1345 
 
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 4) 
 
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 4
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), experience(-)
Attacker: 
 
Japanese ground losses:
      9405 casualties reported
         Squads: 271 destroyed, 1212 disabled
         Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 131 disabled
         Engineers: 17 destroyed, 91 disabled
      Guns lost 104 (5 destroyed, 99 disabled)
 
Allied ground losses:
      8296 casualties reported
         Squads: 190 destroyed, 600 disabled
         Non Combat: 47 destroyed, 223 disabled
         Engineers: 20 destroyed, 140 disabled
      Guns lost 87 (1 destroyed, 86 disabled)
 
Assaulting units:
    13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    15th Division
    26th Division
    69th Division
    68th Division
    40th Division
    27th Division
    8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    63rd Division
    110th Division
    7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    58th Division
    3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    13th Tank Regiment
    37th Division
    138th Infantry Regiment
    51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    1st Army
    14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    North China Area Army
    52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
    11th Army
    13th Army
    1st Mortar Battalion
    15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    Mongol Garrison Army
    6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
 
Defending units:
    38th Chinese Corps
    15th Chinese Corps
    36th Chinese Corps
    40th Chinese Corps
    9th Chinese Corps
    2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
    1st Chinese Corps
    93rd Chinese Corps
    80th Chinese Corps
    22nd Chinese Corps
    8th New Chinese Corps
    16th Chinese Corps
    3rd Construction Regiment
    3rd Prov Chinese Corps
    47th Chinese Corps
    96th Chinese Corps
    7th Construction Regiment
    98th Chinese Corps
    83rd Chinese Corps
    Jingcha War Area 
    15th Group Army
    4th Group Army
    24th Group Army
    14th Group Army
    36th Group Army
    1st War Area 
    35th Chinese Corps
    39th Group Army
    10th Chinese Base Force

中国側もかなりの部隊数に加えて十分な陣地構築をしています。各師団工兵隊が1段階低下させてくれましたがそれでもレベル４の陣地があり、こちらにも大きな被害が出ました。ただ中国軍の被害も大きく、戦闘力比も悪くないですので、数日間で回復したのちは再度の総攻撃に出る予定です。

ここでちょうど7月1日時点の各戦線の戦況図を説明します。

まず中国戦線、動きはゆっくりでしたが、洛陽を攻略しその隣の鄭州の攻略にかかっています。それ以外は膠着状態。

つづいてビルマ方面、まずベンガル湾の哨戒拠点として、アンダマン諸島を確保するべく、ポートブレアへの空挺作戦を準備中です。すでに偵察は完了し敵航空隊の不在を確認済みですので、数日中には降下予定。さらにビルマ外縁部の拠点を確保し、まずは防御態勢を確立するべく、ミイトキーナへの進軍とアラカン山系の拠点の確保を実行中です。すでに英軍主力はインドに撤退していますので、問題なく達成できる見込み。

つづいて豪北方面、ケンダリとアンボンを新たに確保し、当面の進出線としてはあとはバボを残すのみです。ただダーウィンから度々長距離爆撃機が飛んできており、輸送船の運航に懸念があるところですので、早めにこれらの拠点の飛行場を拡張・修理し、戦闘機隊を進出させたいところです。

最後にニューギニア・ソロモン諸島方面、サンタクルーズ諸島で輸送船が度々目撃されているため、連合国の攻勢が近いのではないか？と予想。早々に飛行場適地を確保されては面白くありませんので、ルンガに先んじて上陸、拠点を構築することを目指します。当面はソロモン南部ーサンタクルーズ諸島間に防御線のようなものを張れれば、距離があって防御しやすいはずです。

とりあえず各戦線、ゆっくりでしたが順調に進んだ約1か月でした。

42年6月15日～22日の戦闘

15日は特筆すべき戦闘なし、16日はちょっと珍しい海戦が、

Sub vs Sub: SS I-19 attacking SS Tuna  at 172,113
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-19
 
Allied Ships
      SS Tuna, Torpedo hits 2,  heavy damage
 

ハワイ沖でこちらの潜水艦が米潜水艦を攻撃、見事魚雷2発命中でおそらく撃沈したと思われます。浮上航行中の潜水艦を偶然発見したパターンかと思われますが、ゲーム的には少し珍しい展開でした。

17日、洛陽攻略部隊が渡河。これに合わせて先行して洛陽に到着していた部隊が総攻撃

Ground combat at Loyang (87,43)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 72601 troops, 722 guns, 243 vehicles, Assault Value = 5314
 
Defending force 58732 troops, 348 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1176
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 1253 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1643 
 
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 5) 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      10477 casualties reported
         Squads: 109 destroyed, 707 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 83 disabled
         Engineers: 5 destroyed, 75 disabled
 
Allied ground losses:
      4824 casualties reported
         Squads: 45 destroyed, 518 disabled
         Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 228 disabled
         Engineers: 8 destroyed, 117 disabled
      Guns lost 38 (5 destroyed, 33 disabled)
 
Assaulting units:
    63rd Division
    1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
    26th Division
    3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    37th Division
    7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    110th Division
    27th Division
    13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    15th Division
    40th Division
    58th Division
    68th Division
    13th Tank Regiment
    8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    69th Division
    138th Infantry Regiment
    52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    1st Mortar Battalion
    51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    1st Army
    North China Area Army
    13th Army
    2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
    Mongol Garrison Army
    15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    11th Army
    6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
 
Defending units:
    93rd Chinese Corps
    36th Chinese Corps
    34th Chinese Corps
    47th Chinese Corps
    80th Chinese Corps
    5th New Chinese Corps
    2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
    35th Chinese Corps
    83rd Chinese Corps
    27th Chinese Corps
    98th Chinese Corps
    3rd Prov Chinese Corps
    Jingcha War Area 
    15th Group Army
    14th Group Army
    4th Group Army
    36th Group Army
    11th Chinese Corps

このコンバットリポートでは分かりにくいですが、何故か渡河した部隊は攻撃に参加しませんでした。なぜ？？となりましたが、ルールを調べてもよく分かりませんでした。総戦力の半分以下で攻撃することになったので、敵陣地構築にダメージを与えられず、兵員の被害も甚大ではありますが、中国軍にも一定の損害を与えたので、次に全戦力を投入した攻撃を行えば、何度かの総攻撃で洛陽を攻略するめどは立ちそうです。

18日、またも潜水艦を潜水艦が攻撃、

Sub vs Sub: SS I-9 attacking SS Dolphin  at 179,107  - near Pearl Harbor
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-9
 
Allied Ships
      SS Dolphin, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage

とまたも米潜水艦をおそらく撃沈しました。日本軍潜水艦がなぜか好調です。続いて洛陽では、17日に渡河に成功した部隊が攻撃、17日に攻撃に出て損害を負った部隊は休息させました。その結果、

Ground combat at Loyang (87,43)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 90028 troops, 824 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 4569
 
Defending force 53885 troops, 344 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 744
 
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 4
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 4003 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 1390 
 
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 4) 
 
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 4
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker: 
 
Japanese ground losses:
      5159 casualties reported
         Squads: 17 destroyed, 506 disabled
         Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 31 disabled
         Engineers: 2 destroyed, 27 disabled
      Guns lost 37 (1 destroyed, 36 disabled)
 
Allied ground losses:
      4091 casualties reported
         Squads: 125 destroyed, 74 disabled
         Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 247 disabled
         Engineers: 26 destroyed, 28 disabled
      Guns lost 93 (66 destroyed, 27 disabled)
 
Assaulting units:
    7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    58th Division
    68th Division
    27th Division
    13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    13th Tank Regiment
    63rd Division
    37th Division
    9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    26th Division
    1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
    2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    15th Division
    40th Division
    110th Division
    69th Division
    3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    138th Infantry Regiment
    15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    11th Army
    52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    13th Army
    1st Army
    14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    1st Mortar Battalion
    Mongol Garrison Army
    North China Area Army
    2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
    51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
 
Defending units:
    35th Chinese Corps
    47th Chinese Corps
    93rd Chinese Corps
    83rd Chinese Corps
    98th Chinese Corps
    2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
    80th Chinese Corps
    36th Chinese Corps
    5th New Chinese Corps
    27th Chinese Corps
    34th Chinese Corps
    3rd Prov Chinese Corps
    36th Group Army
    14th Group Army
    15th Group Army
    Jingcha War Area 
    4th Group Army
    11th Chinese Corps

中国軍の陣地構築を1段階下げ、敵部隊にも大きな被害を与えました。中国軍も大軍ですが、日本側の戦力集結も十分なようです。

続いて19日、アンボンに空挺攻撃を開始。まずは事前の艦砲射撃からです。

Night Naval bombardment of Ambon at 76,109 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
 
Allied aircraft
      no flights
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Hudson III (LR): 2 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      BB Hyuga
      BB Ise
      BB Yamashiro
      BB Fuso
      BB Mutsu
      BB Nagato
 
Allied ground losses:
      287 casualties reported
         Squads: 8 destroyed, 15 disabled
         Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 31 disabled
         Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
      Guns lost 5 (2 destroyed, 3 disabled)
 
Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 28

Night Naval bombardment of Ambon at 76,109 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
 
10 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Haguro
      CA Myoko
      CA Chokai
      CL Sendai
 
Allied ground losses:
      76 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4

戦艦6隻、巡洋艦4隻の砲撃はやはり強力です。しかし空挺部隊の攻撃結果は、

Ground combat at Ambon (76,109)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 703 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 45
 
Defending force 2467 troops, 27 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 62
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 5 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 118 
 
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 23 (fort level 3) 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(-), disruption(-)
 preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      351 casualties reported
         Squads: 15 destroyed, 29 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Guns lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)
      Units destroyed 1
 
Allied ground losses:
      25 casualties reported
         Squads: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Assaulting units:
    Yokosuka 1st SNLF /1
    1st Raiding Rgt /1
 
Defending units:
    Molukken Garrison Battalion
    4th Coastal Gun Battalion
    Ambon Base Force

と壊滅的でした。いかに艦砲射撃をしようとも、守りやすい地形の数千人の部隊を空挺で攻略するのは無理のようです。特に横須賀第一特別陸戦隊の損害は大きく降下した部隊が壊滅してしまいました。

仕方がないので。翌20日から予備戦力の上陸作戦に入ります。

Pre-Invasion action off Ambon (76,109) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
 
28 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Kumano
      CA Suzuya
      DD Usugumo
      AK Arima Maru, Shell hits 2,  on fire
      DD Ayanami
      LSD Akitsu Maru
 
Allied ground losses:
      7 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

案の定沿岸砲台により輸送船が炎上、ただ大火災ではないのでなんとかなるかもしれません。また、この日は洛陽でも再度の攻撃を敢行、

Ground combat at Loyang (87,43)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 95284 troops, 889 guns, 178 vehicles, Assault Value = 4250
 
Defending force 50407 troops, 299 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 608
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 2490 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 583 
 
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 4) 
 
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 3
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker: 
 
Japanese ground losses:
      1945 casualties reported
         Squads: 18 destroyed, 476 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 31 disabled
      Guns lost 25 (1 destroyed, 24 disabled)
 
Allied ground losses:
      6956 casualties reported
         Squads: 204 destroyed, 59 disabled
         Non Combat: 29 destroyed, 325 disabled
         Engineers: 64 destroyed, 35 disabled
      Guns lost 64 (41 destroyed, 23 disabled)
 
Assaulting units:
    27th Division
    9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    69th Division
    13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    110th Division
    2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
    3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    58th Division
    40th Division
    26th Division
    15th Division
    37th Division
    68th Division
    13th Tank Regiment
    63rd Division
    8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    138th Infantry Regiment
    52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    Mongol Garrison Army
    2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
    15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    1st Army
    13th Army
    1st Mortar Battalion
    14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    North China Area Army
    11th Army
    6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
 
Defending units:
    98th Chinese Corps
    27th Chinese Corps
    93rd Chinese Corps
    80th Chinese Corps
    83rd Chinese Corps
    2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
    47th Chinese Corps
    34th Chinese Corps
    36th Chinese Corps
    3rd Prov Chinese Corps
    35th Chinese Corps
    4th Group Army
    14th Group Army
    Jingcha War Area 
    36th Group Army
    15th Group Army
    11th Chinese Corps
    5th New Chinese Corps

既にかなりの戦闘力差がありますが、陣地構築の影響もありこの日は攻略できず。しかし攻略は時間の問題と思われます。

21日、再度アンボンに艦砲射撃、

Night Naval bombardment of Ambon at 76,109 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
 
Japanese Ships
      BB Hyuga
      BB Ise
      BB Yamashiro
      BB Mutsu
      BB Nagato
 
Allied ground losses:
      85 casualties reported
         Squads: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 2 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
 
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 7

しかし戦果は微妙でした。とにかく火力支援を急ぐあまり、戦艦の主砲弾の補給が間に合わなかったのがまずかったと思われます。この火力支援に呼応して上陸部隊が攻撃しましたが、

Ground combat at Ambon (76,109)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 2155 troops, 22 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 63
 
Defending force 2375 troops, 27 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 62
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 33 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 61 
 
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3) 
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(-), disruption(-)
 preparation(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker: disruption(-)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      174 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Allied ground losses:
      55 casualties reported
         Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
         Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
Assaulting units:
    Sasebo 3rd SNLF
    1st Raiding Rgt /1
 
Defending units:
    Molukken Garrison Battalion
    4th Coastal Gun Battalion
    Ambon Base Force
と結果失敗に。ただこれまでの艦砲射撃も効いているのか、損害は抑えられています。ただしこの戦力では落としきれないため、さらに上陸部隊の増援と巡洋艦の艦砲射撃を翌22日実施、

Night Naval bombardment of Ambon at 76,109
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Haguro
      CA Myoko
      CA Chokai
      CL Sendai
 
Allied ground losses:
      142 casualties reported
         Squads: 4 destroyed, 5 disabled
         Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 4 disabled
         Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
      Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)
 
Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 13
Port hits 23
Port supply hits 4

Pre-Invasion action off Ambon (76,109)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
 
17 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      DMS W-9
      DMS W-8
      DMS W-6
      AK Amagisan Maru
 
Japanese ground losses:
      5 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Invasion Support action off Ambon (76,109)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
 
10 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      xAK Zenyo Maru
      DMS W-8
      DMS W-6
      DMS W-9
      AK Amagisan Maru
 
Japanese ground losses:
      6 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

これまでの攻撃の成果か、沿岸砲台の活動が明らかに不活発になっており、輸送船に損害無く上陸成功しました。この調子であればなんとかアンボンの攻略は出来そうです。続いてこの日は洛陽に総攻撃を実施、

Ground combat at Loyang (87,43)
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 144840 troops, 1329 guns, 316 vehicles, Assault Value = 4016
 
Defending force 45694 troops, 257 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 480
 
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 3683 
 
Allied adjusted defense: 307 
 
Japanese assault odds: 11 to 1 (fort level 2) 
 
Japanese forces CAPTURE Loyang !!!
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker: 
 
Japanese ground losses:
      2937 casualties reported
         Squads: 4 destroyed, 272 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
      Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)
 
Allied ground losses:
      19690 casualties reported
         Squads: 258 destroyed, 110 disabled
         Non Combat: 1194 destroyed, 137 disabled
         Engineers: 112 destroyed, 2 disabled
      Guns lost 126 (102 destroyed, 24 disabled)
      Units retreated 15
      Units destroyed 3
 
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
 
Assaulting units:
    63rd Division
    9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    40th Division
    37th Division
    69th Division
    26th Division
    68th Division
    110th Division
    3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
    13th Tank Regiment
    27th Division
    7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    58th Division
    15th Division
    1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
    13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
    138th Infantry Regiment
    13th Army
    2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
    52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
    North China Area Army
    1st Mortar Battalion
    1st Army
    Mongol Garrison Army
    15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
    11th Army
    6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
 
Defending units:
    34th Chinese Corps
    5th New Chinese Corps
    36th Chinese Corps
    80th Chinese Corps
    27th Chinese Corps
    83rd Chinese Corps
    2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
    47th Chinese Corps
    3rd Prov Chinese Corps
    36th Group Army
    11th Chinese Corps
    35th Chinese Corps
    15th Group Army
    93rd Chinese Corps
    14th Group Army
    Jingcha War Area 
    4th Group Army
    98th Chinese Corps

と洛陽の攻略に成功しまし、敵主力は大きな損害を出しながら鄭州に撤退しました。しばらくはこの敵主力を追撃することが、中国戦線の大きな動きになりそうです。