Niceguy vs Graycompany: Death to the Meatball....Strategy talk

[niceguy2005]

OUCH!



Its been almost a week in the game since I last posted and the Allies had a couple of small victories, but were dealt a crushing blow at Sorebaja. Read on...

[niceguy2005]

Operational Report DEI. Operation Castle (Defense of Java) suffered a crushing blow this week as Allied forces at Sorebaja were forced to surrender after a month long siege. Attempts by forces of the 102nd RCT, the 12th Aus Bde and the Timor garrison battalion failed in their attempt to reach Sorebaja and reinforce the defenders. 2 Dutch Regiments and 2 Dutch Base force units, along with the Sorebaja garrison surrendered, an estimated loss of 17,000 men. Though defenders put up staunch resistance, their defeat is a bitter failure for Operation Castle. A major reason for the failure of the defense was the total Japanese air superiority over the island. An estimated bombing 100-150 sorties were flown against Sorebaja daily for the last two weeks. Also, with allied airfields badly damaged in the area, the allies were unable to launch ground attack missions of their own.

Palembang is still holding up well. Only one Japanese brigade has landed so far (map reference 3).

The loss of Sorebaja now means that air resupply of Java from Timor is impossible. A strong Japanese Carrier force is known to be operating in the area.


4/4/42
Attempt by Allies to clear the path to Sorebaja (Map reference 1)
Ground combat at 43,40

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 123831 troops, 679 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 50429 troops, 467 guns, 12 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
653 casualties reported
Guns lost 12

Allied ground losses:
874 casualties reported
Guns lost 46

----------------------------------------------------------------
4/5/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese attack on Sorebaja Fort Level 4
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 67787 troops, 497 guns, 21 vehicles

Defending force 13089 troops, 52 guns, 8 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 3


Japanese ground losses:
258 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Allied ground losses:
529 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Vehicles lost 2

------------------------------------------------------------------

4/7/42
Ground combat at Soerabaja
Final Japanese attack begining fort level 3
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 68070 troops, 485 guns, 21 vehicles

Defending force 12791 troops, 56 guns, 7 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Soerabaja base !!!



Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Do 24K-2: 2 destroyed
F.K.51: 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
370 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
17663 casualties reported
Guns lost 50
Vehicles lost 1

ABDA command does not feel its current defensive position in tenable. Each of the three remaing main defensive points for the Allies (Palembang, Batavia, and Sorebaja) can each be isolated, allowing the enemy to topple one at a time. A new defensive strategy must be drawn up that can hold back the 3 Divisions and 3 Bdes currently on Java. The most likely strategy will be to consolidate forces.

[niceguy2005]

Operational Update Timor Sea

Operation Back Door (recapture of Koepang) has been seriously compromised. The 6th Aus Cav Bde and the 30th Aus Bde were 60 miles off the 120 miles South of Koepang when reconissance planes spotted a strong carrier force closing fast on 4/6/42 (map reference 1). Lex and Saratoga were screening the operation and in fact had launched an air strike against a transport TF that just landed troops off Koepang (map reference 2). After careful consideration operations were called off and all forces retreated toward Derby (map reference 5).

Japanese forces in the area are weak, carrier force not withstanding. The USAAC has been conducting approximately 50 sorties a day against ground forces at Koepang. Intelligence believes that the Koepang garrison consists of the 16 Nav Guard, a large base force and 2 construction engineering units. Air power consists of 1-2 zero squadrons. Other than the carrier force no other Japanese combat vessels are in the area.

The 7th BG is stationed at Derby and is flying LB-30s. The US CVs will stay at Derby, protected by a squadron of P-40Bs and one of P-40Es. The 8th FG at Darwin can also support with 64 P-39s. The strategy will be to try and draw the Japanese Carrier TF south within striking range of Allied medium bombers including two squadrons of Beauforts.

Day Air attack on TF at 29,76
Lex and Saratoga attack Japanese Transports
Note: The allies were flying heavy CAP over the Allied transports.
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 72


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Chidori, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hayo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
PG Nanpo Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
PG Okuyo Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Zyuyo Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

[niceguy2005]

Operational Update Wake Is.

Operation Rapier (invasion of Wake)
IT'S A TRAP!!!!!

The operation which has been planning and staging now for a month is underway and only 2-3 days from landing. The invasion force consists of the 25th USA Div and 193rd Tank Battalion, with the 111th RCT in reserve at Midway. A fast Carrier force consisting of Yorktown, Enterprise, and Hornet commanded by Sprauce is screening the invasion. Also a bombardment TF with the BBs New Mexico and Mississipi and the Cruisers Chester, New Orleans and San Francisco are escorting. 12 LB-30s flying from Midway attacked the Airfield at Wake. Incoming intelligence of the situation is extremely unsettling....

The SS Pollack today spotted a carrier group 120 miles south of Wake. This is likely a group of 1-2 CV and 1-2CVL.

SS-42 spotted a TF just off Wake. This could be a transport TF or it could be a surface combat group.

Air reconnisance shows high levels of AF damage probably not caused by recent air raids, but by Naval bombardments from several weeks ago. Intelligence had indicated that the 6 units currently at Wake were primarily engineering forces. However, it now appears that engineers may not even be present and in fact the 6 units are NLF. This could put actual enemy combat troops at around 10,000 or more.

Central Command is considering scrubbing the operation yet again.

[niceguy2005]

OK....HELP!!!

Adivse..anyone...anyone?

[fabertong]

O.K. deep breath......you have already won the war......

As the allies, unless you are playing autovic. .....you have already won the war........the only question is when.......

In spring 1942....raid as allies...don't invade......

Your subs and LRB will carry the fight till Oct'........

Why take Wake........it is of little use to you until spring 1943.......

Mass your forces in the background, while your b-17s reduce his dreams to rubble........

If you hold Java untill June......that is a great victory........

You still hold Palambang........

Bomb Resources,oil.....and any airgroups........

lift with your legs....not your back....

Always wash woolens by hand.........

[niceguy2005]

ORIGINAL: fabertong

Always wash woolens by hand.........

Dang! I knew I was doing something wrong! [:)]

[niceguy2005]

ORIGINAL: fabertong

O.K. deep breath......you have already won the war......

As the allies, unless you are playing autovic. .....you have already won the war........the only question is when.......

In spring 1942....raid as allies...don't invade......

Your subs and LRB will carry the fight till Oct'........

Why take Wake........it is of little use to you until spring 1943.......

Mass your forces in the background, while your b-17s reduce his dreams to rubble........

If you hold Java untill June......that is a great victory........

You still hold Palambang........

Bomb Resources,oil.....and any airgroups........

lift with your legs....not your back....

Always wash woolens by hand.........

Ok, my biggest concern at the moment is that the UK in India is fighting for survival, but doing ok at the moment. If he sends 2 more Divisions from DEI to help I will be very hard pressed. If he sends 3...forget about it. I get enough reinforcements at Karachi in 45 days to hold out against his current troop levels, maybe I can take on one more Div.

Wake I don't need. It would be nice as the later into the war it gets the more costly it is to take ground. I would love to have a fully operational base at Wake by late 42 at which I could strike at Eniwetok or Marcus Is. Its not critical. However, I am still thinking of sending in the Navy to attack his carriers. With Wake airfield marginally operational he only has a few Bettys from Eniwetok that could hit me. May be the best early war chance I get to strike at his carriers....plus Spraunce is in command and just salivating over the possibilities.

One of the big questions is what to do about DEI, including Timor. I can't strike at Timor with probably 4 CVs sitting right there. Good news is that now his blockade of Tjilitjap is out of place. WIth good seamanship I might be able to slip the 7th Aus Div into Tjilitjap - it is currently just of the Northwest corner of Oz on transports. WIth a full division and good troop positioning I could hold out on Java possibly until reinforcements arrive in June. High risk, but high gain, plus keeps the pressure off of India. Supplies would become problematic though within one month.

I will try and update the India situation tomorrow. However, the RN has just sent a TF from Ceylon headed by 2 CVs. If this can link up with US CV force now it is close to a match for IJN CV group in the area.

Overall strategy is still to stretch Japan...keep them running and reacting....keep them unfocused and off balance while the allies build up.

[ny59giants]

From Wake, where do you go??? It gives him something to isolate with his subs and attack occasionally. I would have gone for an island in the Gilberts (if you still have Baker). Gives you a place to begin the long attrition of Japanese pilot pool, in the Central Pacific area.
In Java, it looks like a self supporting POW camp for your troops. He could use it for training of his planes besides using China. If most of the Japanese CV's are over there preventing reinforcement and causing you to cancel invading Timor, it is doing something useful.
Is northern Oz built up sufficiently to deal with any possible invasion?? Possible concern since troops are in Java, not there.

[niceguy2005]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

From Wake, where do you go??? It gives him something to isolate with his subs and attack occasionally. I would have gone for an island in the Gilberts (if you still have Baker). Gives you a place to begin the long attrition of Japanese pilot pool, in the Central Pacific area.
In Java, it looks like a self supporting POW camp for your troops. He could use it for training of his planes besides using China. If most of the Japanese CV's are over there preventing reinforcement and causing you to cancel invading Timor, it is doing something useful.
Is northern Oz built up sufficiently to deal with any possible invasion?? Possible concern since troops are in Java, not there.

Well, you are right about needing to watch OZ. Northern Oz is in good shape...I think. I have anywhere from a Bde+CD to a Div+CD at each port. This is not enough to repulse an invasion, but should be enough to slow one considerably. Fort levels vary, but most are at about 4.5 to 6. Airpower is very strong. I am almost certain that with him attacking eastern India, he will not attack OZ as well. He will have to press home his attack on India, IMO. Eastern Oz is a little weak, but still has 2 Div and 3 Bde defending it. I'm less concerned with an invasion there. His forces in the Solomons are massed at Lunga. I do fear for Luganville right now. I will update situation shortly.

I have decided to scrub the Wake mission permanently. He is now too prepared for me. I'm not ready for a full scale attack on the Gilberts. Again, I think his defensive position is too well prepared. Even Baker Is looks like it could be tough to crack. The first sea bees unit arrives tomorrow. I'll keep my engineers busy building AF and keep building up.

I have not decided what to do about Java and Timor. I hesitate to send more troops right now. I would LOVE though to draw him into a naval battle with favorable conditions to the allies. If I can slip the RN CVs down there undetected and fight within range of my LBA, then maybe...

This battle has been useful so far. The Dutch, with just the smallest amount of aid have been able to keep a large portion of the IJA army and air power busy for over a month. It could possibly take him another month to finish me off there.

[niceguy2005]

Theater Update: INDIA

India has been relatively quiet with most of JPNs air power trying to pound the Dutch into submission the allies have had relatively free run of the skies. The IJA last week did launch two attacks against Ansonal (sp?). Neither gained Japan any ground. Fort level are approaching 6, troops are rested and well supplied. However, Japan has brought 3 Div and 2 Arm units to bear, plus heavy art. See Map reference 1.

At map reference #2, 3 Chinese divisions plus base forces are trying to make their way through the wilderness to rejoin allied forces at Ansonal.

A UK Arm Battalion has taken up a position just south of Ansonal with the mission of preventing flanking attacks. It is important that this unit holds its position. Troops are furiously working on fortifications and allied air are pounding endangering units.

Benares, map ref 4, is about to become the site of a small battle. Japanese paratroopers took the town 2 weeks ago. The small UK tank regiment has moved into the base to keep the enemy pinned down while a Battalion from the 2nd UK Div moves in to counter-attack.

Goals for this theaater in the coming week.

1. Hold the defensive positions.
2. Continue to supply Burmese army at Impahl by air transport
3. Allied air will continue to bomb army attacking Ansonal.

1 Div + 1 Bde arrive in just 45 more days. I can upgrade fighters to Spits in one more month.

[niceguy2005]

Theater Update China

Date: 4/11/1942

The Japanese army is making slow, but continued progress in central China. The battle at Sian is going poorly. Japan has made two successful deliberate attacks on Sian, taking fort levels from 6 down to 4 and achieving 1:1 odds.

Two divisions are blocking supplies and the retreat path to Chunking - map reference 2. A large force of 7 Corps and 2 Div are moving to attack the Japanese divisions. A massive bombing campaign is being launched from Chunking to weaken these divisions. Supply level remain horribly low throughout China so the success of this operation is questionable...

A large army has made repeated attacks on the Japanese force on the rail line just outside Canton, but with little success so far. I will attack again tomorrow and failing that, I will withdraw half the force to Chunking.

Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 132467 troops, 1055 guns, 9 vehicles

Defending force 77834 troops, 271 guns, 62 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 5)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 4


Japanese ground losses:
1492 casualties reported
Guns lost 70
Vehicles lost 3

Allied ground losses:
1550 casualties reported
Guns lost 20
Vehicles lost 1

[niceguy2005]

4/11/42

Other updates...The 2nd UK Div/Battalion B along with the Caribineers RGT forced the retreat of a JPN Para Rgt from Benares. WHile a relatively minor battle, it had strategic importance as the base could have provided JPN with the ability to mount air or para attacks on the interior of India.

Also in India the 255th Arm Bde along with a Dutch BF engaged the 4th ENGR regiment trying to flank the UK forces dug in at Asansol. Only 36 days until more UK reinforcements. The RAF still controls the skies in India.

US forces made good their escape from the trap at Wake (Japan ALMOST had its Midway). Allied sup packs are hunting IJN carriers near Wake. SS-42 got off a shot at a CV, but the torp was a dud [:(]

CentPac is being retasked. It primary mission now, beyond the defense of US supply bases is to transport and assist in the buildup of SouthPac bases. The enemy still appears poised for a second invasion attempt at Luganville. The 2nd USMC Div is on its way.

[niceguy2005]

4/12/06

Things are fairly quite throughout most of the Pacific as the various theaters are reaching stalemate. India is stable, SouthPac, CenPac are stable. The Japanese are massing for a big push on Java. The 48th Div of the IJA took the island just of the entrance to Sorebaja. No naval activity, no sub activity. However, the skies were full of bombers trying to soften up targets. Japan attacked Palembang and Tjilitjap in force. A combined force of USAAF, RAF and Chinese Air Force elements attacked 2 IJA Divisoins west of Sian in anticipation of a major offensive. Also bombers from SouthWestPac hammered the AF at Koepang.

Day Air attack on Palembang , at 20,55

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
Ki-21 Sally x 32
Ki-49 Helen x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 6 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 4 damaged


Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 40

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 7000 feet
18 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 7000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tjilitjap , at 19,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-21 Sally x 68
Ki-46-II Dinah x 5

Allied aircraft
Hawk 75A x 3
CW-21B Demon x 5
Brewster 339D x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hawk 75A: 1 damaged
CW-21B Demon: 1 damaged
PBY Catalina: 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 45

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
7 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tjilitjap , at 19,62

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 87

Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 5
Brewster 339D x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 14

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 13000 feet
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 12000 feet
19 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 12000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 13000 feet
12 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 12000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 12000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Koepang , at 28,77


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 47


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
40 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Koepang , at 28,77


Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 27


No Allied losses

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 37th Division, at 46,29


Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 15
Blenheim IV x 8
Hudson I x 9
B-25C Mitchell x 13
B-17E Fortress x 9
IL-4c x 4


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
153 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
8 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Blenheim I bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Blenheim I bombing at 6000 feet
13 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 41st Division, at 46,29


Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 12
Blenheim IV x 6
Hudson I x 3
B-25C Mitchell x 9
B-17E Fortress x 7
IL-4c x 6


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
146 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet

[niceguy2005]

4/13/42

Events were quiet again today. LBA attacks continued on both sides. The JPN attacks on Java are seriously eating into supplies because the engineers are using them all up repairing air fields I can't use because I have no planes left. [:@] this was something the 1.8 patch should have addressed

There also was a failed attack by Chinese forces on the JPN army blocking the road to Canton, but Chinese commanders are insistant.

Given that things are so slow, I thought I would update the status of the Allied fleet, now over four months into the war.

The combined Allied fleet (U.S., UK, Oz, Dutch and NZ) are finally reaching battle readiness again. The US, Australian and Dutch navies fought a series of skirmishes with the IJN to delay the invasions between 12/14/41 and 2/28/42. While this strategy was somewhat successful, the USN in particular took a beating. Cruiser and Destroyer losses were heavy. This combined with BB losses at PH and the loss of force Z left the overall Allied Navy very weak. During this time however the Allied Navy had one standing order, avoid a major naval battle at all costs. However, March and the first part of April saw naval repair yards busy and finally, The allied fleet is returning to fighting shape.

Current status
Active and ships being repaired
CV = 7
CVE = 1
BB = 10 (But Arizona is still at 88 Sys damage)
CA = 17
CL = 23
CLAA = 4
DD = 99

Total Allied Naval Ships sunk to date
CVL = 1
BB = 6
BC = 1
CA = 2
CL = 5
CLAA = 1
DD = 14

The following is a report on active ship damage levels. As you can see, CA/CL, DDs and BBs are all becoming available again.

[niceguy2005]

While the surface fleet is reaching a battle readiness condition, the sub fleet is another matter. With the withdrawl of the Allied surface fleet throughout March and April subs have played a heavier role in trying to interdict the IJN. They also have played a vital role in evacuating displaced Dutch units to bases on Java and in India. The toll on the submarine fleet though has been high as they have constantly been at sea. Some sub captians have had to operate sub transport missions with sys damage as high as 35%.

Condition of Submarine fleet.
36 Ready (less than 5%sys damage)
7 Lightly damage (6-10%syss damage)
22 Moderate to heavy damage (11%-99% sys damage)
12 Sunk

[ny59giants]

I hope you have a good amount of AK's being converted to AS's, AD's, and AR's. They should be ready by mid-42 to help reduce the sys damage. [:D]

[niceguy2005]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

I hope you have a good amount of AK's being converted to AS's, AD's, and AR's. They should be ready by mid-42 to help reduce the sys damage. [:D]

Not nearly as many as I would have hoped. In Jan '42 the IJN subs chewed up my cargo ships coming out of the WC. Consequently, I have somewhere around 9-12 AS,AR,AD and MLE becoming ready, i think around June. All the ports in NZ are being built up though. They will serve to repair most of my ships smaller than CA/CL size.

[niceguy2005]

4/1442

Another fairly quiet day of bombing. The Japanese have been making a little noise in the Aluetians. I will update the North Pacific theater shortly. Today I dispatched a surface fleet of 3CL and 3DD to attack shipping at Kiska. I had hoped to catch more of his ships off guard with such a bold move (attacking his ships at one of his ports). Turns out I just surprised a cargo ship, which was expediantly dispatched to the bottom of the icey waters. [:D]

Night Time Surface Combat, near Kiska Island at 92,35

Japanese Ships
AK Akagi Maru, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Raleigh
CL Detroit
CL Helena
DD MacDonough
DD Allen
DD Humphreys

[niceguy2005]

Operational Update

Operation Badgers Den (defense of Java) is about to hit a new phase. With the fall of Sorebaja Japanese Army units are advancing toward Tjilitjap. Supplies are becoming critical - though a supply convoy with 8000 points is unloading at Batavia now. The 1st Dutch Rgt has been dispatched from Batavia to help reinforce Tjilitjap. The road between the two must be held. The Timor Garrison battalion must hold the flank. The 2nd SNLF is closing on them now. This leaves Batavia particularly weak. I have a transport heading for Padang now to pick up the WS Garrison Battalion to reinforce Batavia. This is the best battle plan I can come up with for now. It is still my hope to hold Java until reinforced.

The RN has 2 CVs that are about to pass the southern tip of Sumatra that will link up with Lex and Saratoga. The 2 USN CVs just raided Timor in an effort to draw off the blockading IJN CV force stationed about 300 miles off Tjilitjap. The Hornet is also racing at full speed to join this fleet. Once combinded the Allies will seek to engage the blockading IJN CVs. Intelligence believes the force consists of 4 fleet CVs. The allies expect heavy damage in this engagement, but hope to inflict the same. The attacking fleet will also have 2 BBs and 3 CLAA so AA fire will be heavy. My personal hope is for a Coral Sea scenario in which I may lose a carrier or two, but force the enemy to witdraw his blockade.