SummaryThe opening round of the Japanese offensive in eastern China has been fairly successful, with the capture of two American bases in the northern area of operations. However, the targeted base in the southern area of operations was not captured. Considerable damage was inflicted on Japanese forward bases by American B-26 bombers and their aging P-40E fighter-bombers.
Japanese A6M5 fighters took heavy losses when arrayed against the American’s new P-51b fighters, however, the Japanese Ki-61 fighter-bombers were particularly effective in the opening of the Offensive, playing a crucial role in the capture of both bases providing cover for Army troops and bombing a base into oblivion. Surprisingly, the Ki-67 bombers were not especially effective, being largely denied their southern target by P-51 fighters.
General Claire Chenault, CiC US 14th Airforce has requested and received some of the new P-47 fighter-bombers to replace the high losses sustained by the P-40Es.
ResultsAmericanA37
This base was attacked by a strong combined operation of the Japanese Imperial Army and the Air Force. It was eventually over-run and occupied by the Army by the end of the first half of the frame although the Japanese Army took heavy casualties from American A-20 attack bombers. They in turn shot down a considerable number of the bombers.
A32
The American’s most northern base was attacked in the second half of the frame by a strong force of Ki-61 fighter-bombers. Despite a defense by P-40Es the Ki-61s severely damaged the base (3 hangers, 5 fuel, 4 ammo and 2 barracks destroyed). The Japanese ground forces are occupying it with logistical forces close behind to get it ready for a renewed assault.
A42
The American’s central base was attacked but a strong defence prevented any damage.
A60
The American’s southern forward base was attacked by low flying Ki-67 bombers, but only minor damage was sustained.
JapaneseV33
The vehicle hanger was knocked out by P-40 fighter-bombers in the first half, although this had no affect on the fighting.
A38
Despite a strong attack by American B-26s only minor damage was inflicted on the Japanese airbase, however, the nearby town was heavily damaged. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek was not pleased, as the populace is easily swayed towards the side that is not killing them.
A43
American bombers hit this crucial base repeatedly throughout the frame causing considerable damage to the fuel and ammo stores. None of the hangers were damaged. This will set back the Japanese plans as they will have to restock ammo and fuel.
A61
American bombers also hit this crucial southern base repeatedly throughout the frame causing considerable damage, with all of the fuel and ammo stores being destroyed. None of the hangers were damaged, but the Chinese town nearby sustained some damage. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek was not pleased, as the populace is easily swayed when it comes to being killed or not. This will set back the Japanese plans as they will have to restock ammo and fuel.
New DevelopmentsThe Americans will receive new P-47 fighter-bombers to replace their P-40Es.
The Japanese have turned a Vehicle Hanger along the Yangtse River into an airbase, this should relieve some of the pressure on A61 in the south. (V51 was turned into A51 with a new update of the terrain.)
Front Line for Frame 2
