3 July 1942
Bay of Bengal
2 enemy submarines were detected on the track of the CVBG-escorted tanker convoy, one in close enough proxmity to be engaged by destroyers, causing moderate damage. Meanwhile the enemy heavies are moving northwest up the Indian Ocean coast of Sumatra--looking more like a bombardment group than commerce raiders now.
I'm doglegging everyone involved to avoid the subs. The CVBG is going to break off from the tankers to see if they can get a shot at the heavies. The tanker convoy is aborting their transit--no need to push this.
China
Our air forces are getting worn down while the enemy is reinforcing. 50 Zeroes swept Chengchow today, shooting down 1 Lancer. When my bombers came, they broke through and shot down 4 SBIII bombers.
AVG squadrons 2 and 3 are withdrawing as scheduled, and 2 US Army P-40s are taking their place. AVG3's aircraft went to the Chinese Air Force, AVG2's to the U.S.
The enemy death star at Chengchow made another push despite their earlier losses. Casualties 21631 to 6767 favoring us. Forts held.
Burma and Thailand
The 2 P-40 squadrons headed to China are the two that were resting at Raheng. The Mohawks on their way will help balance that out.
Zeroes swept Raheng, kiting P-40s from Moulmein and shooting down 3.
N. Australia
Darwin: 2 P-39s and 1 AUS P-40 down, no kills for us.
Sumatra
This time we got at the unescorted Sallies. 14 shot down.
Malaya
More sweeps at Singapore--4 Oscars down vs 1 Mohawk and 1 Hurricane. Maybe these planes should be escorting those Sallies?
Hawaii
Our probing attack shows one of the divisions in Oahu is a hollow unit, so it looks to me like he hasn't reinforced, he's moved troops from Oahu to Lahaina. Also, he's moved in another fighter squadron to Lahaina, which is concerning. Finally, there is a 4-ship task force approaching from the southwest that includes a destroyer.
The shelling of Lahaina will proceed, I'll try to attack from long enough range that a likely substantial minefield won't be a huge threat--I have 3 DMSs in company to help with that. Fighters from Hickam to provide air cover. I'm also activating my dive bomber squadron to perform some ASUW.
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