Mines without coastal batteries means he will be capable to sweep them easily if he is careful.. of course that means he will need to devote at least the 1st day to minesweeping, which is also good for you, as every day counts!
And there are many places to invade and so many DMS available, he will need to take his chances on some places or go slower
LST vs. IdahoNYer (DBB-C, A AAR) 6 yrs and done! VJ Day!
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
-
Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
12-13 Dec 1941
12-13 Dec 1941
Jpn ships sunk:
DD:2 (reportedly by collision in two separate locations!)
xAK:1
Allied ships sunk:
CL:1 (Tromp)
DD:2
PG:1
AM:1
TK:1
xAK:5
xAKL:10
Air loss:
Jpn: 27
Allied: 20
Subwar:
Jpn: 4xAttack: no hits
Allies: 7xAttack: 2xships hit: CA Haguro dam, xAK sunk
Amph Inv:
Hollandia (SWPAC)
Vanimo (SWPAC)
Legaspi (PI)
Miri (DEI)
Wake Is (CENPAC)
Bases lost:
Aparri (PI)
Guam (CENPAC)
Wake Is (CENPAC)
Kudat (DEI)
SIGINT:
Heavy volume of radio traffic detected at Truk: I figure this is the KB arriving at Truk from the PH raid.
“Battle for the Exodus”, heats up as the IJN shifts focus to the more eastern routes south, and has some success in sinking the slower xAKLs and xAKs heading towards Darwin with both CA TFs and naval air. As for the Allied counterthrust into the Celebes Sea, the shifting in IJN focus runs right into Doorman’s strike force heading north with predictable results. Elsewhere in the Pacific, it’s pretty quiet all things considered.
West Coast’s first reinforcement effort departed LA on schedule on the 12th, but the transports didn’t fully load, so they will turn back to LA…that could turn into an expensive goof on my part if the IJN move quickly in the SOPAC. Lesson learned, ensure the transports load fully before having them depart - it takes another turn, but it’s worth it.
In NOPAC, its still quiet. The engineer battalion has reached Dutch Harbor and linked up with escorts and will depart for Adak.
In CENPAC, Wake Is falls without much of a whimper. SB2Us manage 2xbomb hits on an AMC but doesn’t sink, and shore batteries hit 2xCL, and the island falls in the first assault. Big E TF begins to loiter near Christmas Is waiting for the Marine Def Bn TF heading to Canton which departed PH successfully on the 12th. Lexington TF is approaching Ocean/Nauru Is and its searches have seen nothing. Its naval air will hit the port facilities at Nauru if no better targets are found.
Quiet in SOPAC, not even a sub contact.
In SWPAC, in response to Jpn landings on the northern central coast of New Guinea, the CL Adelaide will sortie from Kavieng to disrupt their operations. The assembling Cruiser Strike Force should rendezvous near Russell Island shortly. Air search out of Rabaul has seen only empty ocean.
In the Philippines, Zeros sweep Manila and Clark, but US fighters stay on the ground. US and Filipino ground forces continue to solidify Bataan, Clark and Manila areas. At sea, off Samar, Jpn BBs Ise and Hyuga, coming from the north, attempt to blockade sinking a couple of xAKLs. With only minimal DD escort, we’ll move some PTs and subs into their last known locations.
In the China theater, Japanese ground forces begin bombarding Hong Kong. Flying tigers debut outside of Changsa claiming 6xSonia without loss.
In Malaya, the withdrawal to the south continues, Jpn air attacks focus on the 15th Ind Bde at Alor Star. Still no raids against Singapore.
In the DEI, things did heat up, but not exactly according to plan. It starts out well with the Dutch sub KXIV hitting the CA Haguro off Jolo with a torp (which apparently just scratched the paint, as the Haguro will appear again shortly). The Jpn naval units in the Celebes Sea though weren’t focused on supporting Jolo, they were now focused on stopping the exodus of shipping moving south toward the Ceram Sea and Darwin. Ryujo and at least one CS used almost every available aircraft on naval strike to stop the flow of ships - and it paid off. xAKs and xAKLs were hit by Petes, Jakes, and Claudes (but not a single Kate sortie?). The CA TFs seen in the Malacca Straits sailed around the east coast of Celebes looking for shipping, but also found Doorman’s TF heading north. First encountering CA Myoko and 4xDD, then CA Nachi and 3xDD and then finally CA Haguro and 2xDDs in a series of daylight engagements. Needless to say, the Dutch CLs and DDs came off second best. When the smoke cleared, CL Tromp and 2xDDs were sunk, 2xDDs were heavily damaged and taking refuge in Ternate. CL DeRuyter with 1xDD escaped pretty much without damage. As for the Jpn CA TFs, 2-3 DDs were moderately damaged. Not much of a gain. In the Straits of Malacca, Force Z encountered no opposition and is ready to bombard Jolo come nightfall; they will retire back through the Straits. With no shipping observed near Jolo, Shalfroth’s TF will be diverted to Kendari via the east coast of Celebes - hopefully catching the Jpn CA TFs still trolling for shipping and low on ammo. The other actions of the counter thrust, the 2x US DDs hit the Jpn TF offloading at Miri and managed to cripple an APD and an xAKL, but withdraw toward Batavia without doing further serious damage. Most disappointing was the PTs from Puerto Princessa - they found a single big xAK off Balabac, just SW of Palawan, and failed to score a torp hit! They did make it safely to Jesselton which is something, but without torps of course.
Jpn ships sunk:
DD:2 (reportedly by collision in two separate locations!)
xAK:1
Allied ships sunk:
CL:1 (Tromp)
DD:2
PG:1
AM:1
TK:1
xAK:5
xAKL:10
Air loss:
Jpn: 27
Allied: 20
Subwar:
Jpn: 4xAttack: no hits
Allies: 7xAttack: 2xships hit: CA Haguro dam, xAK sunk
Amph Inv:
Hollandia (SWPAC)
Vanimo (SWPAC)
Legaspi (PI)
Miri (DEI)
Wake Is (CENPAC)
Bases lost:
Aparri (PI)
Guam (CENPAC)
Wake Is (CENPAC)
Kudat (DEI)
SIGINT:
Heavy volume of radio traffic detected at Truk: I figure this is the KB arriving at Truk from the PH raid.
“Battle for the Exodus”, heats up as the IJN shifts focus to the more eastern routes south, and has some success in sinking the slower xAKLs and xAKs heading towards Darwin with both CA TFs and naval air. As for the Allied counterthrust into the Celebes Sea, the shifting in IJN focus runs right into Doorman’s strike force heading north with predictable results. Elsewhere in the Pacific, it’s pretty quiet all things considered.
West Coast’s first reinforcement effort departed LA on schedule on the 12th, but the transports didn’t fully load, so they will turn back to LA…that could turn into an expensive goof on my part if the IJN move quickly in the SOPAC. Lesson learned, ensure the transports load fully before having them depart - it takes another turn, but it’s worth it.
In NOPAC, its still quiet. The engineer battalion has reached Dutch Harbor and linked up with escorts and will depart for Adak.
In CENPAC, Wake Is falls without much of a whimper. SB2Us manage 2xbomb hits on an AMC but doesn’t sink, and shore batteries hit 2xCL, and the island falls in the first assault. Big E TF begins to loiter near Christmas Is waiting for the Marine Def Bn TF heading to Canton which departed PH successfully on the 12th. Lexington TF is approaching Ocean/Nauru Is and its searches have seen nothing. Its naval air will hit the port facilities at Nauru if no better targets are found.
Quiet in SOPAC, not even a sub contact.
In SWPAC, in response to Jpn landings on the northern central coast of New Guinea, the CL Adelaide will sortie from Kavieng to disrupt their operations. The assembling Cruiser Strike Force should rendezvous near Russell Island shortly. Air search out of Rabaul has seen only empty ocean.
In the Philippines, Zeros sweep Manila and Clark, but US fighters stay on the ground. US and Filipino ground forces continue to solidify Bataan, Clark and Manila areas. At sea, off Samar, Jpn BBs Ise and Hyuga, coming from the north, attempt to blockade sinking a couple of xAKLs. With only minimal DD escort, we’ll move some PTs and subs into their last known locations.
In the China theater, Japanese ground forces begin bombarding Hong Kong. Flying tigers debut outside of Changsa claiming 6xSonia without loss.
In Malaya, the withdrawal to the south continues, Jpn air attacks focus on the 15th Ind Bde at Alor Star. Still no raids against Singapore.
In the DEI, things did heat up, but not exactly according to plan. It starts out well with the Dutch sub KXIV hitting the CA Haguro off Jolo with a torp (which apparently just scratched the paint, as the Haguro will appear again shortly). The Jpn naval units in the Celebes Sea though weren’t focused on supporting Jolo, they were now focused on stopping the exodus of shipping moving south toward the Ceram Sea and Darwin. Ryujo and at least one CS used almost every available aircraft on naval strike to stop the flow of ships - and it paid off. xAKs and xAKLs were hit by Petes, Jakes, and Claudes (but not a single Kate sortie?). The CA TFs seen in the Malacca Straits sailed around the east coast of Celebes looking for shipping, but also found Doorman’s TF heading north. First encountering CA Myoko and 4xDD, then CA Nachi and 3xDD and then finally CA Haguro and 2xDDs in a series of daylight engagements. Needless to say, the Dutch CLs and DDs came off second best. When the smoke cleared, CL Tromp and 2xDDs were sunk, 2xDDs were heavily damaged and taking refuge in Ternate. CL DeRuyter with 1xDD escaped pretty much without damage. As for the Jpn CA TFs, 2-3 DDs were moderately damaged. Not much of a gain. In the Straits of Malacca, Force Z encountered no opposition and is ready to bombard Jolo come nightfall; they will retire back through the Straits. With no shipping observed near Jolo, Shalfroth’s TF will be diverted to Kendari via the east coast of Celebes - hopefully catching the Jpn CA TFs still trolling for shipping and low on ammo. The other actions of the counter thrust, the 2x US DDs hit the Jpn TF offloading at Miri and managed to cripple an APD and an xAKL, but withdraw toward Batavia without doing further serious damage. Most disappointing was the PTs from Puerto Princessa - they found a single big xAK off Balabac, just SW of Palawan, and failed to score a torp hit! They did make it safely to Jesselton which is something, but without torps of course.
- Attachments
-
- CelebesSe..2Dec41.jpg (152.55 KiB) Viewed 263 times
RE: 12-13 Dec 1941
14-15 Dec 1941
Jpn ships sunk:
xAP:1
Allied ships sunk:
PT: 2
MTB: 3
xAK:3
xAKL:1
Air loss:
Jpn: 27
Allied: 14
Subwar:
Jpn: 11xAttack: 3xships hits; CA Louisville hit by 2xtorp (76 flot), 2x xAK sunk
Allies: 9xAttack: 2xships hit: xAP sunk, AV dam
Amph Inv:
Taytay (PI)
Bases lost:
Talaud-eilanden (DEI)
Hollandia (SWPAC)
Vanimo (SWPAC)
Miri (DEI) -looks like hv dam to oil and refinery!
Hong Kong (China) - early collapse frees up the 38th ID and support troops!
SIGINT/Intel:
- 12/4th Division is loaded on xAK moving to Truk: This is a PIR - one of the second echelon divisions is heading to the Pacific and not the DEI/Malaya. Station Hypo’s analysis is that this reduces the threat toward India and signals a early major commitment towards SOPAC.
- CV Kaga sighted 200 miles SW of Marcus Is with 2xDD escort. Presumably heading for Japan?
“Battle for the Exodus”, winds down as ships start arriving in Darwin and Java. Subs for both sides begin to have more targets of opportunity. Hong Kong falls. Overall though, it’s pretty quiet out there.
West Coast is still sorting out convoy departures. A small convoy carrying the 34th Reg to Christmas Is departed as scheduled out of SF. LA is ready to push out AF1 (Auckland Fast) departing on the 17th with TK(11), xAP(2), xAK(3),AKE(1) and escorted by DD(1),KV(1) and an APD(1). While PBYs patrol protecting the approaching of Seattle, SF and LA, no subs have been sighted off the west coast.
In NOPAC, the engineer battalion landed without incident at Adak and work begins to fortify. PBYs are shifted from Dutch Harbor to Adak. So far, so good.
In CENPAC, Lexington TF finds nothing near Nauru Is and will pull back toward Canton to join the Enterprise TF and refuel, then support the Defense Battalion reinforcing Canton Is.
In SOPAC, an RO sub puts 2xtorps into the CA Louisville off Munda while she was enroute to join the CA TF gathering near Rossel Is. PBYs reach Suva and establish an air search while the first B-17s out of PH reach Auckland, enroute to Australia. With the Jpn 4th ID enroute to Truk, reinforcements can’t arrive in SOPAC fast enough.
In SWPAC, CL Adelaide finds nothing near Vanimo, and will patrol the north coast to Hollandia and then return to Rabaul. So far, still quiet. Allied CA/CL TF is assembling at Rossel Is. The first provisional P-40 Squadron arrives in Australia.
In the Philippines, Oscars and Tojos sweep to find the skies empty. Manila receives its first heavy bombing attack of over 80xNetties which does little damage. About 20 US P-40s remain in Luzon, split between Bataan and Manila, but they’re staying on the ground for a while. Was a bit surprised to see 2xBBs bombarding Cagayan - fortunately not causing too much damage as that is where remaining B-17s are based. xAKLs and subs continue to bring in limited supplies from as far away as Tarakan, and that will continue for as long as possible. The Exodus is pretty much over. Although a number of ships were lost, many made it through - to include 2xAS and all warships. A couple of xAKs are still fleeing toward Midway - one even blundered into the CV Kaga and 2xDD about 200 miles south of Marcus Is - fortunately the weather was bad and the xAK continued east without further incident.
In the China theater, Japanese ground forces take Hong Kong on the second assault. This was after Jpn BBs bombarded - was hoping for a bit more lengthy fight here. Flying tigers did well outside of Changsa again, tallying about 20+ Nates for no loss. With Hong Kong fight over, time to move the AVG out of Changsa as I’m sure it will get some significant airpower against it shortly.
In Malaya, the 15th Indian Bde is isolated east of Alor Star as the unit apparently got lost enroute south. It will try and head towards Patani and disrupt Jpn operations there. Not really much preventing the Japanese from heading south along the west coast with the 15th Bde getting lost. Georgetown retains a small battalion size garrison, and I’ll push up a battalion to Taiping to delay south, but the first heavy resistance the Jpn will hit is at Kluong. Still no air attacks against Singapore. Brit units withdrawing from Tavoy are hit by Jpn Army planes, and the one squadron of AVG in Rangoon will fly some LR Cap to see if they can interdict the next raid.
In the DEI, Force Z successfully bombards Jolo - which only had Jakes on it - to fairly good effect and withdrew back down the Malacca Straits towards Java. Shalfroth’s Cruiser TF came up empty east of Celebes as the Jpn CA TFs had withdrawn, and will arrive in Kendari shortly. Jpn subs are moving into the Java Sea, with a couple of unescorted xAKs sunk off Singkawang (coming from Hong Kong) and the damaged Brit DM Thracian being missed at least three times. In Java, ships arriving from the PI aren’t staying long, they are heading back out toward Cape Town, Perth, Darwin or Colombo as soon as they refuel.
Jpn ships sunk:
xAP:1
Allied ships sunk:
PT: 2
MTB: 3
xAK:3
xAKL:1
Air loss:
Jpn: 27
Allied: 14
Subwar:
Jpn: 11xAttack: 3xships hits; CA Louisville hit by 2xtorp (76 flot), 2x xAK sunk
Allies: 9xAttack: 2xships hit: xAP sunk, AV dam
Amph Inv:
Taytay (PI)
Bases lost:
Talaud-eilanden (DEI)
Hollandia (SWPAC)
Vanimo (SWPAC)
Miri (DEI) -looks like hv dam to oil and refinery!
Hong Kong (China) - early collapse frees up the 38th ID and support troops!
SIGINT/Intel:
- 12/4th Division is loaded on xAK moving to Truk: This is a PIR - one of the second echelon divisions is heading to the Pacific and not the DEI/Malaya. Station Hypo’s analysis is that this reduces the threat toward India and signals a early major commitment towards SOPAC.
- CV Kaga sighted 200 miles SW of Marcus Is with 2xDD escort. Presumably heading for Japan?
“Battle for the Exodus”, winds down as ships start arriving in Darwin and Java. Subs for both sides begin to have more targets of opportunity. Hong Kong falls. Overall though, it’s pretty quiet out there.
West Coast is still sorting out convoy departures. A small convoy carrying the 34th Reg to Christmas Is departed as scheduled out of SF. LA is ready to push out AF1 (Auckland Fast) departing on the 17th with TK(11), xAP(2), xAK(3),AKE(1) and escorted by DD(1),KV(1) and an APD(1). While PBYs patrol protecting the approaching of Seattle, SF and LA, no subs have been sighted off the west coast.
In NOPAC, the engineer battalion landed without incident at Adak and work begins to fortify. PBYs are shifted from Dutch Harbor to Adak. So far, so good.
In CENPAC, Lexington TF finds nothing near Nauru Is and will pull back toward Canton to join the Enterprise TF and refuel, then support the Defense Battalion reinforcing Canton Is.
In SOPAC, an RO sub puts 2xtorps into the CA Louisville off Munda while she was enroute to join the CA TF gathering near Rossel Is. PBYs reach Suva and establish an air search while the first B-17s out of PH reach Auckland, enroute to Australia. With the Jpn 4th ID enroute to Truk, reinforcements can’t arrive in SOPAC fast enough.
In SWPAC, CL Adelaide finds nothing near Vanimo, and will patrol the north coast to Hollandia and then return to Rabaul. So far, still quiet. Allied CA/CL TF is assembling at Rossel Is. The first provisional P-40 Squadron arrives in Australia.
In the Philippines, Oscars and Tojos sweep to find the skies empty. Manila receives its first heavy bombing attack of over 80xNetties which does little damage. About 20 US P-40s remain in Luzon, split between Bataan and Manila, but they’re staying on the ground for a while. Was a bit surprised to see 2xBBs bombarding Cagayan - fortunately not causing too much damage as that is where remaining B-17s are based. xAKLs and subs continue to bring in limited supplies from as far away as Tarakan, and that will continue for as long as possible. The Exodus is pretty much over. Although a number of ships were lost, many made it through - to include 2xAS and all warships. A couple of xAKs are still fleeing toward Midway - one even blundered into the CV Kaga and 2xDD about 200 miles south of Marcus Is - fortunately the weather was bad and the xAK continued east without further incident.
In the China theater, Japanese ground forces take Hong Kong on the second assault. This was after Jpn BBs bombarded - was hoping for a bit more lengthy fight here. Flying tigers did well outside of Changsa again, tallying about 20+ Nates for no loss. With Hong Kong fight over, time to move the AVG out of Changsa as I’m sure it will get some significant airpower against it shortly.
In Malaya, the 15th Indian Bde is isolated east of Alor Star as the unit apparently got lost enroute south. It will try and head towards Patani and disrupt Jpn operations there. Not really much preventing the Japanese from heading south along the west coast with the 15th Bde getting lost. Georgetown retains a small battalion size garrison, and I’ll push up a battalion to Taiping to delay south, but the first heavy resistance the Jpn will hit is at Kluong. Still no air attacks against Singapore. Brit units withdrawing from Tavoy are hit by Jpn Army planes, and the one squadron of AVG in Rangoon will fly some LR Cap to see if they can interdict the next raid.
In the DEI, Force Z successfully bombards Jolo - which only had Jakes on it - to fairly good effect and withdrew back down the Malacca Straits towards Java. Shalfroth’s Cruiser TF came up empty east of Celebes as the Jpn CA TFs had withdrawn, and will arrive in Kendari shortly. Jpn subs are moving into the Java Sea, with a couple of unescorted xAKs sunk off Singkawang (coming from Hong Kong) and the damaged Brit DM Thracian being missed at least three times. In Java, ships arriving from the PI aren’t staying long, they are heading back out toward Cape Town, Perth, Darwin or Colombo as soon as they refuel.
RE: 16-17 Dec 1941
16-17 Dec 1941
Jpn ships sunk:
CM:1
Allied ships sunk:
PT: 1
AM:1
xAK:1
xAKL:1
YO:1
Air loss:
Jpn: 6
Allied: 3
Subwar:
Jpn: 2xAttack: 2xships hits; xAK sunk, xAK dam
Allies: 5xAttack: 2xships hit: CM sunk, AO dam
Amph Inv:
None
Bases lost:
Alor Star (Malaya)
Langkawi (Malaya)
Taytay (PI)
Tuguegarao (PI)
Vigan (PI)
SIGINT/Intel:
NSTR (Nothing significant to report)
A very quiet two days. Minimal activity across the Pacific, although activity looks to be increasing in the Celebes Sea.
West Coast is getting convoys sported out. Convoy AF1 totaling 17 ships with 3 escorts departed as scheduled on the 17th. AF 2 is forming to depart on the 18th and is a major troop push for SOPAC and SWPAC transporting 3xEng units, a Base Force, 2xCst Art, Marine Def Bn, AA Bn, two Marine HQ, a Marine F and DB squadron. Basically every unit I can assemble and move without costing PPs. Of course, as convoys are starting to get sorted out, the first contact with a Jpn sub is made just south of SF.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, an RO class sub torpedoes and damages a lone xAK north of Wake Is - fleeing from PI. Otherwise, quiet.
In SOPAC, the first US troops arrive in Noumea - a Base Force and 2xFA Bns begin offloading. Convoy LAF 1 (Los Angeles Fast) consisting of 34 empty ships from the ANZAC areas with only 2xescorts assembles in Auckland to depart on the 18th.
In SWPAC, CL Adelaide returns to Rabaul. CA TF (2xCA,3xCL, DDs) assembled at Rossel Is refuels and awaits the Japanese thrust. CA Louisville still afloat, creeping to Townsville with one DD as escort. Outlying garrisons in New Guinea and Kavieng are being slowly evac’d to Horn Is by seaplane.
In the Philippines, heavy Jpn air raids on Manila port sink a few remaining ships, but miss the AS - which is the only ship left that matters. Jpn army forces begin moving south from Aparri. xAKLs with subs continue to bring in supplies, but the clock is ticking down on the xAKLs ability to transit around the PI and the Celebes Sea.
In China NSTR.
In Malaya, NSTR.
In the DEI, Force Z returns to Soerabaja, rearms, and becomes the Center Striking Force. Repulse is detached with 3xDDs and will sail for Batavia where it will link up the newly arrived CA Exeter and CL Enterprise with additional Brit, Dutch and US DDs forming the Western Striking Force. Shalfroth picks up the remaining ships from Doorman’s TF awaits the next move at Kendari as the Eastern Striking Force (CA, 3xCL, 6xDD). Major Jpn naval elements are observed moving back into the Celebes Sea. We wait the next push.
Jpn ships sunk:
CM:1
Allied ships sunk:
PT: 1
AM:1
xAK:1
xAKL:1
YO:1
Air loss:
Jpn: 6
Allied: 3
Subwar:
Jpn: 2xAttack: 2xships hits; xAK sunk, xAK dam
Allies: 5xAttack: 2xships hit: CM sunk, AO dam
Amph Inv:
None
Bases lost:
Alor Star (Malaya)
Langkawi (Malaya)
Taytay (PI)
Tuguegarao (PI)
Vigan (PI)
SIGINT/Intel:
NSTR (Nothing significant to report)
A very quiet two days. Minimal activity across the Pacific, although activity looks to be increasing in the Celebes Sea.
West Coast is getting convoys sported out. Convoy AF1 totaling 17 ships with 3 escorts departed as scheduled on the 17th. AF 2 is forming to depart on the 18th and is a major troop push for SOPAC and SWPAC transporting 3xEng units, a Base Force, 2xCst Art, Marine Def Bn, AA Bn, two Marine HQ, a Marine F and DB squadron. Basically every unit I can assemble and move without costing PPs. Of course, as convoys are starting to get sorted out, the first contact with a Jpn sub is made just south of SF.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, an RO class sub torpedoes and damages a lone xAK north of Wake Is - fleeing from PI. Otherwise, quiet.
In SOPAC, the first US troops arrive in Noumea - a Base Force and 2xFA Bns begin offloading. Convoy LAF 1 (Los Angeles Fast) consisting of 34 empty ships from the ANZAC areas with only 2xescorts assembles in Auckland to depart on the 18th.
In SWPAC, CL Adelaide returns to Rabaul. CA TF (2xCA,3xCL, DDs) assembled at Rossel Is refuels and awaits the Japanese thrust. CA Louisville still afloat, creeping to Townsville with one DD as escort. Outlying garrisons in New Guinea and Kavieng are being slowly evac’d to Horn Is by seaplane.
In the Philippines, heavy Jpn air raids on Manila port sink a few remaining ships, but miss the AS - which is the only ship left that matters. Jpn army forces begin moving south from Aparri. xAKLs with subs continue to bring in supplies, but the clock is ticking down on the xAKLs ability to transit around the PI and the Celebes Sea.
In China NSTR.
In Malaya, NSTR.
In the DEI, Force Z returns to Soerabaja, rearms, and becomes the Center Striking Force. Repulse is detached with 3xDDs and will sail for Batavia where it will link up the newly arrived CA Exeter and CL Enterprise with additional Brit, Dutch and US DDs forming the Western Striking Force. Shalfroth picks up the remaining ships from Doorman’s TF awaits the next move at Kendari as the Eastern Striking Force (CA, 3xCL, 6xDD). Major Jpn naval elements are observed moving back into the Celebes Sea. We wait the next push.
RE: 18-19 Dec 1941
18-19 Dec 1941
Jpn ships sunk:
xAP:1
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1
xAK:1
xAKL:4
Air loss:
Jpn: 4
Allied: 4
Subwar:
Jpn: 5xAttack: 1xship hit; SS (KVIII) sunk off Kuching by I-164 80m NW of Sambas
Allies: 3xAttack: 2xships hit: xAP sunk, xAKL dam
Amph Inv:
Manado (DEI)
Surigao (PI)
Bases lost:
Georgetown (Malaya)
Banggi (DEI)
Jesselton (DEI)
Hwaiyin (China)
Kweiteh (China)
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
Another pretty quiet two days, but things are building up in the DEI. Bad weather apparently grounds many Jpn air raids in the Malaya/PI areas. Minimal activity across the western Pacific other than subs. Jpn thrusts moving on Kuching and Menado in the DEI area.
West Coast. Convoy AF2 now to depart LA on 20 Dec. The first slow convoy will form up within a week. xAP Queen Elizabeth preparing for a solo transport mission to Auckland.
In NOPAC, engineers land on Umnak to begin building an airstrip. Still quiet in the Aleutians.
In CENPAC, as the Canton Island reinforcement convoy nears within 100 miles Canton, TF Lex ASW patrols pick up 2x subs in the vicinity of both the CV TF and Canton Is. TF Lex will move south out of the projected sub’s path. Enterprise TF refuels SSE of Christmas Is and will move to join Sara TF heading near Pago Pago, leaving the Lexington near Canton for the time being; I want Lex to head to PH to re-equip with F4F-3s and linkup with Yorktown in the next few weeks. With luck, it will remain quiet in the Western Pacific.
In SOPAC it remains quiet, no contact. Convoy LAF 1 departed on schedule from Auckland and Convoy LAS1 (slow convoy) with 40 ships will depart Auckland on the 20th. It will drop (3)xAPs and excorts at Penrhyn Is to pick up the US Port Maint Eng Bn that arrived there as a reinforcement and return it to Auckland. Until the convoys out of LA reach Auckland, escorts are in very, very short supply.
In SWPAC, 5xBanshee arrive in Rabaul, the rest of the provisional US Army squadrons remain in Australia training. Rabaul will attempt a PBY recon over Truk on the 20th to see what is brewing.
In the Philippines, torpedo armed Kates attack the Cebu area sinking a couple of xAKLs resupplying Luzon. Strikes seem a bit heavy for the Ryujo, so perhaps the Kaga is in the Philippine Sea? With weather clearing and carrier planes back, the (4)xAKLs currently offloading at Lucena south of Manila could be the last surface resupply. Jpn land on Mindinao at Surigao unopposed. Still, we can still strike back - 5xMTBs from Hong Kong moving towards Tarakan will sortie against suspected shipping near Jolo.
In China two bases are lost as the Chinese forces abandon eastern open hexes. Jpn ground forces catch a withdrawing Chinese Corps in the open near Sinyang causing over 4k casualties.
In Malaya, Georgetown rear guard falls as expected. 28th Gurkha Bde arrives at Mersing, solidifying the positions north of Singapore. Now we dig and wait for the Jpn ground forces to march south.
In the DEI, Jpn land at Manado supported by a major surface escort (search shows multiple BBs - at least one Kongo BB confirmed). Kuching is also approached by an invasion TF, escorted by a CA TF. The Eastern Striking Force (CA, 3xCL, DDs) at Kendari isn’t enough to disrupt the landing at Menado, and will remain at Kendari. Establishing bases at both Jolo and Menado will effectively shut down the Celebes Sea for both counterattack and resupplying Luzon, but he’s massing forces covering the Menado landing and its not worth expending the few naval assets available for little expected gain. However, the landing at Kuching is still relatively exposed - unless there’s a CV TF unidentified in the South China Sea of course! The Western Striking Force (BC, CA, 3xCL, DDs) will sortie to disrupt the Kuching landings - supported by as much air that can range from Singapore and remaining bases in Borneo. The Center Force, with the PoW will remain in Soerabaja, conducting some minor repairs.
Jpn ships sunk:
xAP:1
Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1
xAK:1
xAKL:4
Air loss:
Jpn: 4
Allied: 4
Subwar:
Jpn: 5xAttack: 1xship hit; SS (KVIII) sunk off Kuching by I-164 80m NW of Sambas
Allies: 3xAttack: 2xships hit: xAP sunk, xAKL dam
Amph Inv:
Manado (DEI)
Surigao (PI)
Bases lost:
Georgetown (Malaya)
Banggi (DEI)
Jesselton (DEI)
Hwaiyin (China)
Kweiteh (China)
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
Another pretty quiet two days, but things are building up in the DEI. Bad weather apparently grounds many Jpn air raids in the Malaya/PI areas. Minimal activity across the western Pacific other than subs. Jpn thrusts moving on Kuching and Menado in the DEI area.
West Coast. Convoy AF2 now to depart LA on 20 Dec. The first slow convoy will form up within a week. xAP Queen Elizabeth preparing for a solo transport mission to Auckland.
In NOPAC, engineers land on Umnak to begin building an airstrip. Still quiet in the Aleutians.
In CENPAC, as the Canton Island reinforcement convoy nears within 100 miles Canton, TF Lex ASW patrols pick up 2x subs in the vicinity of both the CV TF and Canton Is. TF Lex will move south out of the projected sub’s path. Enterprise TF refuels SSE of Christmas Is and will move to join Sara TF heading near Pago Pago, leaving the Lexington near Canton for the time being; I want Lex to head to PH to re-equip with F4F-3s and linkup with Yorktown in the next few weeks. With luck, it will remain quiet in the Western Pacific.
In SOPAC it remains quiet, no contact. Convoy LAF 1 departed on schedule from Auckland and Convoy LAS1 (slow convoy) with 40 ships will depart Auckland on the 20th. It will drop (3)xAPs and excorts at Penrhyn Is to pick up the US Port Maint Eng Bn that arrived there as a reinforcement and return it to Auckland. Until the convoys out of LA reach Auckland, escorts are in very, very short supply.
In SWPAC, 5xBanshee arrive in Rabaul, the rest of the provisional US Army squadrons remain in Australia training. Rabaul will attempt a PBY recon over Truk on the 20th to see what is brewing.
In the Philippines, torpedo armed Kates attack the Cebu area sinking a couple of xAKLs resupplying Luzon. Strikes seem a bit heavy for the Ryujo, so perhaps the Kaga is in the Philippine Sea? With weather clearing and carrier planes back, the (4)xAKLs currently offloading at Lucena south of Manila could be the last surface resupply. Jpn land on Mindinao at Surigao unopposed. Still, we can still strike back - 5xMTBs from Hong Kong moving towards Tarakan will sortie against suspected shipping near Jolo.
In China two bases are lost as the Chinese forces abandon eastern open hexes. Jpn ground forces catch a withdrawing Chinese Corps in the open near Sinyang causing over 4k casualties.
In Malaya, Georgetown rear guard falls as expected. 28th Gurkha Bde arrives at Mersing, solidifying the positions north of Singapore. Now we dig and wait for the Jpn ground forces to march south.
In the DEI, Jpn land at Manado supported by a major surface escort (search shows multiple BBs - at least one Kongo BB confirmed). Kuching is also approached by an invasion TF, escorted by a CA TF. The Eastern Striking Force (CA, 3xCL, DDs) at Kendari isn’t enough to disrupt the landing at Menado, and will remain at Kendari. Establishing bases at both Jolo and Menado will effectively shut down the Celebes Sea for both counterattack and resupplying Luzon, but he’s massing forces covering the Menado landing and its not worth expending the few naval assets available for little expected gain. However, the landing at Kuching is still relatively exposed - unless there’s a CV TF unidentified in the South China Sea of course! The Western Striking Force (BC, CA, 3xCL, DDs) will sortie to disrupt the Kuching landings - supported by as much air that can range from Singapore and remaining bases in Borneo. The Center Force, with the PoW will remain in Soerabaja, conducting some minor repairs.
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Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
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- Location: Montreal
RE: 18-19 Dec 1941
Good luck!
are you planning to run at full speed? be careful with fuel... you might want to keep one TK fully loaded in Palembang or Pontianak in case you spend a lot of fuel during battle
are you planning to run at full speed? be careful with fuel... you might want to keep one TK fully loaded in Palembang or Pontianak in case you spend a lot of fuel during battle
RE: 18-19 Dec 1941
are you planning to run at full speed?
I seldom, if ever use full speed. Mission speed should get me around Pontianak at the end of the first day, and then into Kuching during the next night pulse. Two day sail time, hit on second night.
20-21 Dec 1941; Raid on Rabaul
20-21 Dec 1941
Jpn ships sunk:
CL:1 (Kashii)
DMS:2
AK:1
xAK:1
Allied ships sunk:
CL: 2 (Adelaide, Durban)
PT:2
xAKL:2
Air loss:
Jpn: 27
Allied: 43
Subwar:
Jpn: 1xAttack: no ships hit
RO-66 heavily damaged (if not sunk) by DCs off DD Phelps at Canton Is.
Allies: 2xAttack: 1xship hit: CL (Kashii) dam
Swordfish dam by A/C off Foochow (should make port)
O-16 dam by A/C off Babeldaob (should make port)
(Heavy increase in Jpn LBA devoted to ASW the past two turns)
Amph Inv:
Kuching (DEI)
Bases lost:
Victoria Point (Burma)
Surigao(PI)
Naga (PI)
Bayombong (PI)
SIGINT/Intel:
KB sighted in the Solomon Sea. PIR triggered; likely prelude to invasion of Rabaul and potentially Port Moresby.
Tempo seems to be picking up in a few areas. KB makes a surprise visit in the Solomon Sea, avoiding all searches and hitting Rabaul. Battle of Kuching is the first Allied victory (at least from the Allied point of view!) of the war.
West Coast. Convoy AF2 (22 ships incl 5 escorts) departed LA on 20 Dec and was immediately attack by an I-boat off the Channel Islands. At least one, maybe two I-boats are in the vicinity of LA/San Diego and well focus some ASW efforts (be what they may in Dec ’41) to attempt to clear the area. xAP Queen Elizabeth begins loading the 53rd (Sep) In Reg, bound for SOPAC.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, as the 3rd Mar DB begins offloading at Canton Is, RO-66 fails to penetrate the screen and is heavily damaged by DD Phelps. CVs Lex and Enterprise patrol some 200 miles SSE and prepare to refuel from AO Neosho.
In SOPAC, Convoy LAS1 with 40 ships (3xescort) departed Auckland as scheduled on the 20th. With the sighting of the KB in the Solomon Sea, Noumea port will empty shortly - just in case.
In SWPAC, the KB avoids Rabaul’s air search and appears as if by magic in the Solomon Sea about 200 miles NNW of Rossel Is on the 20th and launches a large strike against Rabual’s port and airfield doing moderate damage - Rabaul’s defenses are minimal (8xCatalina, 5xBanshee, 8xB17s). What was surprising (and very, very fortunate) was the KB not sighting the CA TF loitering at Rossel Is - which will now make itself very scarce. I figured that Rossel Is was far enough out of harm’s way if they KB came calling at Rabaul - never expected him to head into the Solomon Sea before hitting Rabual! On the 21st, the KB moved off Finschhafen, hitting Rabaul again, this time massing against the CL Adelaide which is hit over 10 times and is sunk. Based on the size of the strikes, the KB has at least 5xCV. If the KB stays in full support, this likely signals the start to seize not only Rabaul, but also Moresby and bases in the Solomons. That said, coastal shipping along Australia’s NE coast is already being diverted, just in case the KB decides to raid the Australian coast - which there really isn’t much that can prevent that at this point in the war.
In the Philippines, Jpn take Naga as they start to march towards Manila from the south. Surigao falls unopposed.
In China the corps screening Kaifeng is pushed back with heavy loss. We continue to delay towards the west, and hope our forces move just fast enough to prevent encirclement. Did I mention I hate China?
In Malaya, Singapore gets full treatment by Zero sweeps which do their job against the Buffalo. Still, Singapore reaches fort level 3 and packed with heavy AA. Buffaloes will now focus on escorting naval strikes should the IJN come within range.
Jpn ships sunk:
CL:1 (Kashii)
DMS:2
AK:1
xAK:1
Allied ships sunk:
CL: 2 (Adelaide, Durban)
PT:2
xAKL:2
Air loss:
Jpn: 27
Allied: 43
Subwar:
Jpn: 1xAttack: no ships hit
RO-66 heavily damaged (if not sunk) by DCs off DD Phelps at Canton Is.
Allies: 2xAttack: 1xship hit: CL (Kashii) dam
Swordfish dam by A/C off Foochow (should make port)
O-16 dam by A/C off Babeldaob (should make port)
(Heavy increase in Jpn LBA devoted to ASW the past two turns)
Amph Inv:
Kuching (DEI)
Bases lost:
Victoria Point (Burma)
Surigao(PI)
Naga (PI)
Bayombong (PI)
SIGINT/Intel:
KB sighted in the Solomon Sea. PIR triggered; likely prelude to invasion of Rabaul and potentially Port Moresby.
Tempo seems to be picking up in a few areas. KB makes a surprise visit in the Solomon Sea, avoiding all searches and hitting Rabaul. Battle of Kuching is the first Allied victory (at least from the Allied point of view!) of the war.
West Coast. Convoy AF2 (22 ships incl 5 escorts) departed LA on 20 Dec and was immediately attack by an I-boat off the Channel Islands. At least one, maybe two I-boats are in the vicinity of LA/San Diego and well focus some ASW efforts (be what they may in Dec ’41) to attempt to clear the area. xAP Queen Elizabeth begins loading the 53rd (Sep) In Reg, bound for SOPAC.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, as the 3rd Mar DB begins offloading at Canton Is, RO-66 fails to penetrate the screen and is heavily damaged by DD Phelps. CVs Lex and Enterprise patrol some 200 miles SSE and prepare to refuel from AO Neosho.
In SOPAC, Convoy LAS1 with 40 ships (3xescort) departed Auckland as scheduled on the 20th. With the sighting of the KB in the Solomon Sea, Noumea port will empty shortly - just in case.
In SWPAC, the KB avoids Rabaul’s air search and appears as if by magic in the Solomon Sea about 200 miles NNW of Rossel Is on the 20th and launches a large strike against Rabual’s port and airfield doing moderate damage - Rabaul’s defenses are minimal (8xCatalina, 5xBanshee, 8xB17s). What was surprising (and very, very fortunate) was the KB not sighting the CA TF loitering at Rossel Is - which will now make itself very scarce. I figured that Rossel Is was far enough out of harm’s way if they KB came calling at Rabaul - never expected him to head into the Solomon Sea before hitting Rabual! On the 21st, the KB moved off Finschhafen, hitting Rabaul again, this time massing against the CL Adelaide which is hit over 10 times and is sunk. Based on the size of the strikes, the KB has at least 5xCV. If the KB stays in full support, this likely signals the start to seize not only Rabaul, but also Moresby and bases in the Solomons. That said, coastal shipping along Australia’s NE coast is already being diverted, just in case the KB decides to raid the Australian coast - which there really isn’t much that can prevent that at this point in the war.
In the Philippines, Jpn take Naga as they start to march towards Manila from the south. Surigao falls unopposed.
In China the corps screening Kaifeng is pushed back with heavy loss. We continue to delay towards the west, and hope our forces move just fast enough to prevent encirclement. Did I mention I hate China?
In Malaya, Singapore gets full treatment by Zero sweeps which do their job against the Buffalo. Still, Singapore reaches fort level 3 and packed with heavy AA. Buffaloes will now focus on escorting naval strikes should the IJN come within range.
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20-21 Dec 1941; Kuching
In the DEI, Manado falls quickly as expected. Not as expected was the Battle of Kuching, in which the British TF had some incredible good luck, which of course is quite rare in Dec ’41. The battle starts off on the 20th with the Dutch sub KXIII missing DD Fubuki while penetrating the harbor, and then putting 2xtorp into the CL Kashii which burns, but does not sink. On the 21st, the burning Kashii draws Adm Younger’s Western Striking Force as Younger somehow manages to avoid the surface task force guarding the invasion. Although likely already mortally wounded, the Kashii, along with DD Ayanami, attempt to buy time for the IJN ships to get underway. Kashii draws most of the attention and goes down fighting, and before Ayanami can put a torp into CL Durban, the invasion TF is mauled.
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RE: 20-21 Dec 1941; Kuching 2
The scuffle with the transports does get the attention of the powerful IJN surface force which intercepts Younger before he can make good his escape. With moonlight at only 7%, both sides close to 7000 yds before the IJN opens fire and Younger’s ships engage CA Ashigara, quickly setting her afire by a 15” shell from Repulse. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Younger does not attempt to withdraw, but continues to close the range. In the confused melee that follows, the British ships somehow avoid every torpedo fired from all IJN ships. Repulse shrugs off numerous hits, none which penetrate her armor. CA Exeter and CL Enterprise also take gunnery damage, but nothing hitting vitals. British gunnery concentrates on CA Ashigara which takes 20 hits ranging in caliber from 4” to 15” and is left with heavy fires and heavy damage - likely not survivable. Ranges varied from 7000 to 5000, then out to 11,000 and back down to 6000 before finally disengaging - a long, confused fight. Both sides gunnery was poor, but torpedo accuracy (fortunately) was atrocious - not a single torp from either side found their mark. Following the fight, both sides withdrew, the IJN force (less Ashigara) stumbling on the damaged CL Durban with a DD escort and putting the CL under the waves without much problem. Exeter and Enterprise are also detached with 2xDDs as escort, but successfully clear the area. Now, if the British ships, now in two TFs with minimal escort from prowling subs can make it back to Soerabaja….
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Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
RE: 20-21 Dec 1941; Kuching 2
Well done! [&o]
You should send some submarines to look for Ashigara just in case. You also know he shall be heading to Saigon, the only place where it can get fixed. Also look for float planes lost during the turn; 1 Jake and 2 Petes
How bad was the damage on Repulse? any fire?
You should send some submarines to look for Ashigara just in case. You also know he shall be heading to Saigon, the only place where it can get fixed. Also look for float planes lost during the turn; 1 Jake and 2 Petes
How bad was the damage on Repulse? any fire?
RE: 20-21 Dec 1941; Kuching 2
Also look for float planes lost during the turn; 1 Jake and 2 Petes
Right you are! 1xJake, 2xPete and an Alf (Kashii) all listed as ground losses. I should know this....thanks for the reminder!
As for damage, I got very lucky....no major systems destroyed either.
Repulse: 11(sys)/0(float)/0(Eng)
Exeter: 15/11/3
Enterprise: 31/36/11
Will likely send Enterprise back to Colombo. Will see about Exeter. Will patch up Repulse as time permits in Java.
This assumes I-Boats don't get a good shot off in the Java Sea of course.
RE: 20-21 Dec 1941; Kuching 2
I smell cavalry.
Honestly, I wish you two would play this out w/o this nasty flying stuff. With iron, not aluminium.
Jutland style.
Not Shweinfurts.
Honestly, I wish you two would play this out w/o this nasty flying stuff. With iron, not aluminium.
Jutland style.
Not Shweinfurts.
RE: 22-23 Dec 1941
22-23 Dec 1941
Jpn ships sunk:
SS:1 (I-154)
Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 15
Allied: 12
Subwar:
Jpn: 3xAttack: 1 ship hit; xAP
I-154 listed as sunk by DD Pillsbury off Batavia
Allies: 3xAttack: no ships hit
S-37 dam by A/C off Formosa (should make port) Continued heavy pressure by Jpn air forces relocation of numerous subs.
Amph Inv:
Dumanquilas (PI)
Bases lost:
San Fernando (PI)
Catanduanes (PI)
Tablas (PI)
Kuching (DEI)
Tsiaotso (China)
SIGINT/Intel:
19/38 Div loaded on AK to Singora - Another PIR - 38th ID (currently at Hong Kong) looks to be heading for Malaya - and heading to Singora rather than another amphibious landing at Mersing.
While the naval battle at Kuching didn’t affect losing Kuching, it may have given the IJN pause - even well protected invasions can be interdicted. Little activity in the DEI since Kuching and Manado were taken. Will await the next major thrust in the DEI. KB now north of Rabual, invasion task forces sighted north of Kavieng.
West Coast. I-boat(s) continue to roam off LA/San Diego and 2xASW TFs are sent to deal with the threat, as well as an increase of air focused on ASW. xAP Queen Elizabeth will depart on the 24th regardless.
In NOPAC, P-40 squadron arrives in Kodiak; will move to Umnak when base ready.
In CENPAC, 3rd Mar DB completes offloading at Canton Is, but I-21 makes 4 attempts to penetrate the anchorage - on the fourth try, puts 3xtorps into xAP St. Mihel which is sunk.
In SOPAC, with the KB staying north of the Solomons, for now, it remains quiet.
In SWPAC, the KB moves north of Rabaul and pounds the airfield with two strikes of over 250 a/c each. Small raids from Truk add to the carnage. The airfield is effectively shut down. Aus Catalinas will relocate to Pt. Moresby. Surviving 4xBanshees are damaged and 3 damaged B-17s will likely never fly again. Long term, I don’t mind the bombing and closing the AF….Rabaul is lost anyway, its just going to take that much longer for Japanese engineers to make the base operational for their own use. In any case, the first arriving subs to Townsville out of PH are quickly refueled and sent to the waters around New Britain and New Ireland. That is about the best we can offer in the way of defense north of Australia at this point. Port Moresby has not been reinforced yet, and I’m debating whether to move in any forces. I have a CD unit and an Aussie Bde staged, but need political points to release them in any case.
In the Philippines, Jpn take San Fernando on the second assault and land at Dumanquilas on the western side of Mindanao. On the positive side, Bataan reaches fort level 3.
In China, the Jpn forces continue to press in the eastern part of the country, while Chinese forces attempt to NOT get encircled.
In Malaya, Singapore is bombed for the first time - CAP stays on the ground. Damage is minimal as bombers stay at 23k.
In the DEI, Kuching falls in the first assault. Transports were fully offloaded when Repulse and her consorts paid their visit. Repulse makes it safely to Soerabaja; DD Pillsbury departed Batavia to provide additional ASW protection, sinks I-154 enroute to the rendezvous with Repulse. Exeter and Enterprise still transiting the Java Sea, an ASW TF will depart Soerabaja to assist. Repulse and Exeter will stay in the DEI and need some repair, and its not exactly clear where the IJN will strike next. Shalfroth’s Eastern Striking Force has temporarily relocated to Soerabaja in order for the ABDA Fleet to reorganize. With the entire fleet in one port, we’re extremely vulnerable for the moment. Will send fleet units back out as soon as practical.
Jpn ships sunk:
SS:1 (I-154)
Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 1
Air loss:
Jpn: 15
Allied: 12
Subwar:
Jpn: 3xAttack: 1 ship hit; xAP
I-154 listed as sunk by DD Pillsbury off Batavia
Allies: 3xAttack: no ships hit
S-37 dam by A/C off Formosa (should make port) Continued heavy pressure by Jpn air forces relocation of numerous subs.
Amph Inv:
Dumanquilas (PI)
Bases lost:
San Fernando (PI)
Catanduanes (PI)
Tablas (PI)
Kuching (DEI)
Tsiaotso (China)
SIGINT/Intel:
19/38 Div loaded on AK to Singora - Another PIR - 38th ID (currently at Hong Kong) looks to be heading for Malaya - and heading to Singora rather than another amphibious landing at Mersing.
While the naval battle at Kuching didn’t affect losing Kuching, it may have given the IJN pause - even well protected invasions can be interdicted. Little activity in the DEI since Kuching and Manado were taken. Will await the next major thrust in the DEI. KB now north of Rabual, invasion task forces sighted north of Kavieng.
West Coast. I-boat(s) continue to roam off LA/San Diego and 2xASW TFs are sent to deal with the threat, as well as an increase of air focused on ASW. xAP Queen Elizabeth will depart on the 24th regardless.
In NOPAC, P-40 squadron arrives in Kodiak; will move to Umnak when base ready.
In CENPAC, 3rd Mar DB completes offloading at Canton Is, but I-21 makes 4 attempts to penetrate the anchorage - on the fourth try, puts 3xtorps into xAP St. Mihel which is sunk.
In SOPAC, with the KB staying north of the Solomons, for now, it remains quiet.
In SWPAC, the KB moves north of Rabaul and pounds the airfield with two strikes of over 250 a/c each. Small raids from Truk add to the carnage. The airfield is effectively shut down. Aus Catalinas will relocate to Pt. Moresby. Surviving 4xBanshees are damaged and 3 damaged B-17s will likely never fly again. Long term, I don’t mind the bombing and closing the AF….Rabaul is lost anyway, its just going to take that much longer for Japanese engineers to make the base operational for their own use. In any case, the first arriving subs to Townsville out of PH are quickly refueled and sent to the waters around New Britain and New Ireland. That is about the best we can offer in the way of defense north of Australia at this point. Port Moresby has not been reinforced yet, and I’m debating whether to move in any forces. I have a CD unit and an Aussie Bde staged, but need political points to release them in any case.
In the Philippines, Jpn take San Fernando on the second assault and land at Dumanquilas on the western side of Mindanao. On the positive side, Bataan reaches fort level 3.
In China, the Jpn forces continue to press in the eastern part of the country, while Chinese forces attempt to NOT get encircled.
In Malaya, Singapore is bombed for the first time - CAP stays on the ground. Damage is minimal as bombers stay at 23k.
In the DEI, Kuching falls in the first assault. Transports were fully offloaded when Repulse and her consorts paid their visit. Repulse makes it safely to Soerabaja; DD Pillsbury departed Batavia to provide additional ASW protection, sinks I-154 enroute to the rendezvous with Repulse. Exeter and Enterprise still transiting the Java Sea, an ASW TF will depart Soerabaja to assist. Repulse and Exeter will stay in the DEI and need some repair, and its not exactly clear where the IJN will strike next. Shalfroth’s Eastern Striking Force has temporarily relocated to Soerabaja in order for the ABDA Fleet to reorganize. With the entire fleet in one port, we’re extremely vulnerable for the moment. Will send fleet units back out as soon as practical.
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Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
RE: 22-23 Dec 1941
Question on Rabaul air raid; do you think the lost planes is a good tradeoff for the heavily damaged airfield?
they would had been safer in P.Moresby; but I like forcing KB to bomb a place they will need very soon [:)]
they would had been safer in P.Moresby; but I like forcing KB to bomb a place they will need very soon [:)]
RE: 22-23 Dec 1941
Question on Rabaul air raid; do you think the lost planes is a good tradeoff for the heavily damaged airfield?
Short answer - yes.
Longer answer - wasn't expecting the KB to "pop in" undetected. Figured by having the Cats up there, I'd see him coming, and move the bombers if the KB was coming. Thought there was a possibility of a Kavieng force without massive KB support could be hit by the bombers.
In any case, losing about half dozen planes on the ground and no pilots (pilots are resting comfortably now in the reserve pool) is well worth Rabaul airfield being closed by damage.
24-25 Dec 1941 Christmas in the Pacific
24-25 Dec 1941
Jpn ships sunk:
SS:2 (I-2, I-3)
Allied ships sunk:
AG:: 1
xAKL:1
Air loss:
Jpn: 5
Allied: 9
Subwar:
Jpn: 3xAttack: 1 ship hit; AG
I-2 and I-3 listed as sunk by scuttling off Canton Is (tracker); RO-66 and I-170 listed as hitting mines at Canton Is (Combat Reporter).
Allies: 1xAttack: no ships hit
Amph Inv:
Iba (PI)
Rabaul (SWPAC)
Manokwari (SWPAC)
Bases lost:
Butuan (PI)
Dumanquilas (PI)
Sibuyan(PI)
Taiping (Malaya)
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
DEI remains strangely quiet while Jpn airpower focuses on Singapore. KB still providing cover for Rabaul invasion while Jpn subs appear to be reaching their patrol zones sub activity is on the increase.
West Coast. I-boat(s) off San Diego are now the focus of 3xASW groups. xAP Queen Elizabeth departed on the 24th without issue. First Slow Convoy to Auckland begins forming at LA.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, hectic day around Canton Is. DMs escorting the 3rd Mar DB convoy lay minefield which has immediate, but confusing results. Separate reports list I-2 and I-3 both scuttled (likely due to mines?) off Canton, while other reports have the RO-66 and I-170 both hitting mines. In any case, mines hit something! Lex and Enterprise move toward Christmas Is to provide ASW air cover to convoy landing army regiment. Other than subs patrolling off the islands of Hawaii, Midway, Palmyra and Canton, its quiet in CENPAC.
In SOPAC, still quiet. xAPs carrying Marines approaching Suva and Noumea with CV Sara in support.
In SWPAC, IJN begins landing at Rabaul, and a TF is closing on Kavieng as well. KB still patrolling in the vicinity and US subs are closing on patrol zones in the area. Still debating on whether to reinforce Moresby. CA Louisville limps into Townsville at 52/73/24. Tough girl, amazing she made it!
In the Philippines, no bombing of either Bataan or Manila which I find odd - weather is good. Manila reaches Fort Level 2. Clark still at level 1 as engineers still repairing damage from airstrikes. xAKLs still bringing in limited supply and resources from outer islands and Tarakan.
In China, Wenchow on the coast is bombarded by 2xBBs. Little damage.
In Malaya, heavy air attacks on Singapore continue - CAP stays on the ground. Damage is minimal as bombers stay at 23k and damage is repaired by engineers - but - forts are not able to expand due to damage inflicted. Some squadrons are moved/dispersed to Johore Bahru.
In the DEI, Exeter and Enterprise reach Soerabaja. Enterprise will sail shortly under escort for Colombo. Exeter will repair on site. With the heavies in port doing some repairs, ASW TFs are formed to hunt subs in the Java Sea - which are more heavily concentrated on Batavia right now.
Jpn ships sunk:
SS:2 (I-2, I-3)
Allied ships sunk:
AG:: 1
xAKL:1
Air loss:
Jpn: 5
Allied: 9
Subwar:
Jpn: 3xAttack: 1 ship hit; AG
I-2 and I-3 listed as sunk by scuttling off Canton Is (tracker); RO-66 and I-170 listed as hitting mines at Canton Is (Combat Reporter).
Allies: 1xAttack: no ships hit
Amph Inv:
Iba (PI)
Rabaul (SWPAC)
Manokwari (SWPAC)
Bases lost:
Butuan (PI)
Dumanquilas (PI)
Sibuyan(PI)
Taiping (Malaya)
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
DEI remains strangely quiet while Jpn airpower focuses on Singapore. KB still providing cover for Rabaul invasion while Jpn subs appear to be reaching their patrol zones sub activity is on the increase.
West Coast. I-boat(s) off San Diego are now the focus of 3xASW groups. xAP Queen Elizabeth departed on the 24th without issue. First Slow Convoy to Auckland begins forming at LA.
In NOPAC, NSTR.
In CENPAC, hectic day around Canton Is. DMs escorting the 3rd Mar DB convoy lay minefield which has immediate, but confusing results. Separate reports list I-2 and I-3 both scuttled (likely due to mines?) off Canton, while other reports have the RO-66 and I-170 both hitting mines. In any case, mines hit something! Lex and Enterprise move toward Christmas Is to provide ASW air cover to convoy landing army regiment. Other than subs patrolling off the islands of Hawaii, Midway, Palmyra and Canton, its quiet in CENPAC.
In SOPAC, still quiet. xAPs carrying Marines approaching Suva and Noumea with CV Sara in support.
In SWPAC, IJN begins landing at Rabaul, and a TF is closing on Kavieng as well. KB still patrolling in the vicinity and US subs are closing on patrol zones in the area. Still debating on whether to reinforce Moresby. CA Louisville limps into Townsville at 52/73/24. Tough girl, amazing she made it!
In the Philippines, no bombing of either Bataan or Manila which I find odd - weather is good. Manila reaches Fort Level 2. Clark still at level 1 as engineers still repairing damage from airstrikes. xAKLs still bringing in limited supply and resources from outer islands and Tarakan.
In China, Wenchow on the coast is bombarded by 2xBBs. Little damage.
In Malaya, heavy air attacks on Singapore continue - CAP stays on the ground. Damage is minimal as bombers stay at 23k and damage is repaired by engineers - but - forts are not able to expand due to damage inflicted. Some squadrons are moved/dispersed to Johore Bahru.
In the DEI, Exeter and Enterprise reach Soerabaja. Enterprise will sail shortly under escort for Colombo. Exeter will repair on site. With the heavies in port doing some repairs, ASW TFs are formed to hunt subs in the Java Sea - which are more heavily concentrated on Batavia right now.
RE: 24-25 Dec 1941 Christmas in the Pacific
Early focus like that on Singapore & ignoring the Philippines might mean an early push on India - keep your head up....
Never Underestimate the Power of a Small Tactical Nuclear Weapon...
RE: 24-25 Dec 1941 Christmas in the Pacific
Early focus like that on Singapore & ignoring the Philippines might mean an early push on India - keep your head up....
You may be right - I've diverted Singapore bound troops to Ceylon and other than fortify bases there's not much else I can do in India, right?
I'm more concerned in SOPAC right now - Jpn 4th ID heading to, or in, Truk with the KB roaming around Rabaul spells trouble - not much can stop a full Jpn division in either SWPAC (incl Aus) or SOPAC.
RE: 26-27 Dec 1941
26-27 Dec 1941
Jpn ships sunk:
None
Allied ships sunk:
AVP:: 2 (small Dutch)
xAK:1
xAKL: 3
Air loss:
Jpn: 12
Allied: 14
Subwar:
Jpn: 5xAttack: 1 ship hit; xAK sunk
Allies: 1xAttack: no ships hit
Amph Inv:
Utan Melintang (Malaya - with barges)
Bases lost:
Iba (PI)
Utan Melintang (Malaya)
Rabaul(SWPAC)
Manokwari (SWPAC)
SIGINT/Intel:
Elements of Kure 2nd SNLF moving on xAK to Ambon
Activity in DEI increases as Mini-KB moves toward Ambon which is a logical next invasion as it effectively isolates the DEI from Darwin. Rabaul falls early, but not to either the 4th ID or 144th Reg - but to SNLF units. This likely means this is just the first step, in a series of Amphibs - is Moresby the next big target or is the IJN going deep toward Noumea? KB still providing cover for Rabaul - so where the KB heads next should provide us that info - not that we have enough force anywhere just yet….
West Coast. 2x I-boat(s) confirmed off San Diego/LA and so far our ASW TFs are just drawing torpedo attacks. Convoy AS1 will depart LA regardless on the 28th.
In NOPAC. 201st Sep In Reg boards transports at Kodiak, bound for the South Pacific (by way of St. Rupert and LA). Taking some risk here, but troops are needed in SOPAC/SWPAC more than NOPAC at the moment. No Jpn activity up north yet.
In CENPAC, 34th In Reg lands at Christmas Is, so far without issue. No activity at Canton as transports will return to PH. Enterprise and Lex TFs remain patrolling vicinity of Christmas. Once offloading completed, Lex will head to PH to exchange its Buffaloes for Wildcats and link up with Yorktown out of Diego. Enterprise TF will head to SOPAC..
In SOPAC, still quiet. xAPs carrying Marines land at Suva and its now I realize that my 13,000 ton xAP can’t dock at Suva….could have sworn it was 12,000 when it left LA. Add a larger font to my WiTP wishlist.
In SWPAC, loss of Rabaul comes a few days earlier than expected, but it was inevitable. Horn Is reinforced by garrisons of Kavieng and Lae so far. No additional troops yet for Moresby - this is my tough call right now - put more troops in or let if fall as is? If the Jpn want Moresby, they can take it regardless of what I can currently commit. However, if I let it fall without a prolonged fight, it could just speed up the Jpn timetable. I need a SIGINT hit on where he’s going next!
In the Philippines, IJN has a small CL/DD TF roaming the islands attempting to stop the xAKLs heading to Luzon. Three are lost, but a couple manage to sneak by. Battle of Clark Field should begin shortly.
In China, with Wenchow the target of 2xBBs with about 4xDDs as escort, will send a sub to mine Wenchow and keep a sub off the coast to try and interdict. Troops continue to pull back west under pressure.
In Malaya, more air attacks on Singers do little but prevent further fortification (which is probably accomplishing the mission of those attacks). Was surprised by a barge launched amphib on the Malayan west coast - won’t cut anything off except perhaps a rear guard battalion, but it was a surprise.
In the DEI, the Mini-KB roams north of Ambon, sinking 2xDutch AVPs off Ambon. Nells (out of Manado) hit Kendari which is also a likely immediate target. All I can muster in the Ceram/Banda Sea area are some subs. Allied Fleet remains in Soerabaja for the time being.
Jpn ships sunk:
None
Allied ships sunk:
AVP:: 2 (small Dutch)
xAK:1
xAKL: 3
Air loss:
Jpn: 12
Allied: 14
Subwar:
Jpn: 5xAttack: 1 ship hit; xAK sunk
Allies: 1xAttack: no ships hit
Amph Inv:
Utan Melintang (Malaya - with barges)
Bases lost:
Iba (PI)
Utan Melintang (Malaya)
Rabaul(SWPAC)
Manokwari (SWPAC)
SIGINT/Intel:
Elements of Kure 2nd SNLF moving on xAK to Ambon
Activity in DEI increases as Mini-KB moves toward Ambon which is a logical next invasion as it effectively isolates the DEI from Darwin. Rabaul falls early, but not to either the 4th ID or 144th Reg - but to SNLF units. This likely means this is just the first step, in a series of Amphibs - is Moresby the next big target or is the IJN going deep toward Noumea? KB still providing cover for Rabaul - so where the KB heads next should provide us that info - not that we have enough force anywhere just yet….
West Coast. 2x I-boat(s) confirmed off San Diego/LA and so far our ASW TFs are just drawing torpedo attacks. Convoy AS1 will depart LA regardless on the 28th.
In NOPAC. 201st Sep In Reg boards transports at Kodiak, bound for the South Pacific (by way of St. Rupert and LA). Taking some risk here, but troops are needed in SOPAC/SWPAC more than NOPAC at the moment. No Jpn activity up north yet.
In CENPAC, 34th In Reg lands at Christmas Is, so far without issue. No activity at Canton as transports will return to PH. Enterprise and Lex TFs remain patrolling vicinity of Christmas. Once offloading completed, Lex will head to PH to exchange its Buffaloes for Wildcats and link up with Yorktown out of Diego. Enterprise TF will head to SOPAC..
In SOPAC, still quiet. xAPs carrying Marines land at Suva and its now I realize that my 13,000 ton xAP can’t dock at Suva….could have sworn it was 12,000 when it left LA. Add a larger font to my WiTP wishlist.
In SWPAC, loss of Rabaul comes a few days earlier than expected, but it was inevitable. Horn Is reinforced by garrisons of Kavieng and Lae so far. No additional troops yet for Moresby - this is my tough call right now - put more troops in or let if fall as is? If the Jpn want Moresby, they can take it regardless of what I can currently commit. However, if I let it fall without a prolonged fight, it could just speed up the Jpn timetable. I need a SIGINT hit on where he’s going next!
In the Philippines, IJN has a small CL/DD TF roaming the islands attempting to stop the xAKLs heading to Luzon. Three are lost, but a couple manage to sneak by. Battle of Clark Field should begin shortly.
In China, with Wenchow the target of 2xBBs with about 4xDDs as escort, will send a sub to mine Wenchow and keep a sub off the coast to try and interdict. Troops continue to pull back west under pressure.
In Malaya, more air attacks on Singers do little but prevent further fortification (which is probably accomplishing the mission of those attacks). Was surprised by a barge launched amphib on the Malayan west coast - won’t cut anything off except perhaps a rear guard battalion, but it was a surprise.
In the DEI, the Mini-KB roams north of Ambon, sinking 2xDutch AVPs off Ambon. Nells (out of Manado) hit Kendari which is also a likely immediate target. All I can muster in the Ceram/Banda Sea area are some subs. Allied Fleet remains in Soerabaja for the time being.