12 February 1942
When it rains, it pours...
Royal Sovereign and friends were sent down west of Cochin to try and catch a TF I've seen lurking there. There indeed was a surface force there, which went on to smack Cochin, splattering airplanes all over the place. Unfortunately there were also carriers nearby, putting two torps into the BB and one in a CA. Unless he aggressively pursues, they should make it back. It's hard to fight the urge to
DO SOMETHING, but I have to get used to thinking long term -- not continue to play the high risk slot machine.
Wasu falls in the north of China. an entire road line gone. I suppose I could say I've taken it up the Wasu, but I'll refrain.
He's had troops at Batavia for awhile now, but hasn't started an offensive yet.
A big transport TF is at Sydney, unloading a good part of the 5th AF. Three base forces plus a construction unit are included. One base force is off to Cloncurry, to meet with the two Aussie base forces headed there. Once built up enough, I'll start harassing with my B-17s. The bombers stuck at Kat are the Ds that escaped the Philippines. I've got a full group at Noumea of Es, and I'll probably bring them over when support allows. I have plenty of Marauders at Brisbane, along with lots of 40s and 39s. I would like to beef up Moresby, but that's a dangerous route right now. I've got a smaller supply convoy on the way there to test the waters a bit. If it gets through unscathed, I'll consider a big one with troops and support.
Another couple shots were taken at
Queen Elizabeth off Noumea. I've re-routed her to Koumac and she'll be there instantly to finish the job. the fragment can walk back to Noumea. All that's left is about 6 motorized supports and a radar.
There's a landing at Kirakira. He's determined to fill out the Solomons. I figure that's most likely a Mavis base. I think I'll be paying them a visit in the near future.
Maryland,
Nevada and one other battleship I can't remember are out of the yard at Los Angeles. They're be at San Fran next turn. The plan is to have two escort a people transport TF to Noumea and stay deployed there. Cruisers from Pearl will meet them enroute. I'm going to keep the presence to two for now. I want two in S/SWPAC and another two in Alaska. The rest go to Pearl for a future invasion at some point.
Original: Sangeli
The Bora-Bora reinforcements are some of the most annoying reinforcements to deal with. That being said, they do have a use. Those USA infantry and AA battalions are rare and you can't split up regiments to get them either and Bora-Bora gives you one of each. They are ideal for defending small atolls because of their small size. That way you can have infantry, AA, engineers, etc, without going over the limit. It's pretty unfortunate for the Allies that the vast majority of their small infantry units are just commando type units which aren't well suited for static island defense
I'm just glad i looked ahead and saw them. I've given then enough to eat right now and a transport should be there within a week. I'll probably put them on Pago Pago. I want to develop that base as a backup to a move on Suva.
All my guessing with KB: I'm just assuming at some point he'll get them combined again. The longer he plays around with the divisions like he has, the better chance I may get a 4 v 2 bounce on one of them. I'll gladly sacrifice one to bag a division. I'll feel better when
Hornet and
Wasp arrive. I do want to offload the 8" guns before getting too brave with them.
I think I've moved a USN VP squadron to Geraldton. I'd like some good eyes watching West in case something develops.
Intel Primate gave me this news:
1942-02-11 Maizuru 2nd SNLF - is planning for an attack on Baker Island
1942-01-25 Maizuru 2nd SNLF - is located at Kwajalein Island
1942-01-10 9th Division - is located at 111,43
1942-02-03 9th Division - is located at 111,43
1942-02-11 9th Division - is planning for an attack on Auckland
111,43 is like three hexes north of Vladivostok, on the Manchu side of the border. I'm not too concerned about Baker Island apart from his spies watching my convoys. If he takes it, it may become a waypoint for every surface group going to/from Oz.
The 9th has to be seriously long term, like I mean months. Maybe I should consider building up my US forces there. The thing is that I don't want to commit too highly to this part of the map. I want the Marshalls, not the Solomons. I'll keep what I have to to protect the routes to Australia, but that's about it. By protect, I mean Pago Pago, Suva, Noumea and Port Moresby -- Probably Luganville, too, if the situation allows.
Ed-
