2 August 1942
Chengchow holds off another major attack, major enemy bomber losses in Sumatra
Thailand
We downed a Zero and a Sally going after our troops near Bangkok, but they're still getting through and doing damage.
Near Raheng, we've crossed the river to the east and taken the minor base of Uttaradit so that we can take Pisanouke without having to cross the river under fire. Taking Pisanouke will help keep our troops attacking Bangkok supplied.
I'm starting to wonder if it would be practical to bypass Bangkok and just start working my way down the Malayan peninsula. If I can take and hold Victoria Point I have some prospect of keeping troops supplied to the south. From there, if I can take Georgetown I'd be close enough to Singapore to airlift supplies.
Sumatra
An air raid against forces just outside Palembang was intercepted by Hurricanes, along with raids on Palembang proper. Total losses were 4 Zeroes and 21 Sallies. Many of those Sallies arrived unescorted. The impact of relocating fighters to Bangkok is kicking in.
China
Raiding the enemy army at Chengchow cost me 3 P-43s. The army attacked in force, bringing our fortifications down to level 2, casualties 15818 to 5048 favoring us. Even with the forts coming down, the numbers don't look too good for him. And maybe he agrees--at least some of the enemy units are pulling out after the battle.
Hawaii
I resumed heavy bomber raids on Lahaina. The raid was resisted by 6 Zeroes--is the KB still lurking nearby? One Wildcat and one Zero down.
West Coast
A sub was detected near Seattle yesterday by ASW aircraft. Today, one of three ASW task forces found the sub and attacked, but missed. Sub activity off the west coast is rare so far.
Reinforcements and refits
BB Nevada beginning refit in shipyard at San Francisco (AA upgrade, 40mm Befors replacing 1.1" AA mounts)
DD Woodworth beginning refit in shipyard at San Francisco (Bristol class; Bofors+Kguns)
AMc Scarba arrives at Auckland
2/215th Bty 80th AT Gun Regiment arrives at Aden (unrestricted, empty unit -- but plenty of AT guns in the pool to fill this out)