This AAR covers a rematch between old UV opponents - Canoerebel (Rebels - Allies) vs. Miller (Redcoats - Japs). I'm in Georgia, Miller in UK. We are playing Big B Mod (Scenario 192) on AB's Extended Map. Lots of house rules (25 in all, so I won't list them).
This is my first WitP email match and Miller's third, I believe. He and I faced off in a hard-fought UV game that ended last August. It was Scenario 19, he took the Japs, and it went all the way to 12/31/43. He outplayed me, but the Allies achieved a minimal victory simply because they can't be beat in UV barring a Jap auto-victory or the Allied player becoming demoralized and quitting.
My training for WitP consisted of (a) starting a few games against the AI, and (b) reading a lot of threads. The latter were helpful, although what I learned boiled down to two things: (a) Any advice given by one player will be countered by equal and opposite advice from other players - things like "The Allies should withdraw from the Phillipines ASAP" leads to "The Allies need to stick around and fight"'; (b) Advice given on stock games may be worthless for the Big B Mod ("Allies are toast in China" seems to apply to the stock game, but not the Big B Mod).
As the Allied player in UV I strongly preferred the "run and hide" opening. Miller knows that, so I'm going to stick around and fight at Singapore, Phillipines, and Java.
12/07/41 - One of our house rules is that I can only issue orders to ships at sea and to units in China on 12/7. At the start of each UV game I vowed to keep U.S. CVs out of harm's way; then I promptly got them all sunk. So I'm trying reverse psychology - I'm taking some risks with the U.S. CVs hoping I'll end up saving them. They're ordered due west. I'll transfer the Wake Wildcats to a CV and then skedaddle, either south or north depending on circumstances.
The only thing I know about China is that Changsha and Yenin seem important from what I've read in other AARs, so I've ordered reinforcements there.
Here's what happened during the A.M. strike at Pearl Harbor (see p.m. strike below):
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 11 destroyed, 7 damaged
D3A Val: 6 destroyed, 26 damaged
B5N Kate: 12 destroyed, 42 damaged
F1M2 Pete: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
P-36A Mohawk: 6 destroyed
P-40C Tomahawk: 5 destroyed
P-40E-1-CU Warhawk: 9 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 22 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 20 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 5 destroyed
A-20B Boston: 4 destroyed
B-18A Bolo: 3 destroyed
B-17D Fortress: 3 destroyed
Allied Ships
BB Arizona, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage - the only capital ship hit hard enough to possibly sink - Sys 87% - to this point anyhow
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AD Dobbin, Bomb hits 1, on fire
PT PT-29, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP U.S. Grant, Bomb hits 1
CL Honolulu, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB California, Torpedo hits 1
CL Raleigh, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 1
Allied ground losses:
205 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Airbase hits 31
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 143
Second Pearl Strike (p.m.)
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 40
D3A Val x 42
Allied aircraft
P-36A Mohawk x 2
P-40E-1-CU Warhawk x 2
P-40B Tomahawk x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
D3A Val: 4 destroyed, 23 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-36A Mohawk: 2 destroyed
P-40E-1-CU Warhawk: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
PBY Catalina: 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed
Allied ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Runway hits 27
Runway is barely closed (57% damage). These planes might have been more effectively used against shipping.
Borneo - Miller invades Kuching and Balikpan.
Phillipines - The usual targets + large bombing raid vs. Clark.
Malaysia - He invades the two airfield hexes between Kota Bharu and Singapore.
Singapore - Bombs the airfield.
Central Pacific - Invades Tarawa.
12/08/42 Planning - US CVs weren't detected, so they continue towards Wake. I think Miller will hit Pearl Harbor again given his p.m. strike against the airfields.
Phillipines - Exodus from Manila Harbor
DEI - Most Allied surface ships (including Force Z from Singapore) ordered to Koeping.
China - 1/3rd of the AVG ordered to Hong Kong for the day.
Pearl Harbor - All ships remain in port for now.
Rebels (Canoerebel) vs. Redcoats (Miller) - Big B 192
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
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Canoerebel
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Rebels (Canoerebel) vs. Redcoats (Miller) - Big B 192
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
RE: Rebels (Allies) vs. Redcoats (Axis)
Hi, as the enemy this will be my first and only post here (I have not looked at your first entry above - honest[;)]).
Dan and Myself played a game of UV through to completion last year. I kicked his ass for the first half of it and he kicked mine for the second[:D] In the end he won a narrow points victory.
As this is his first WITP game and only my 3rd (and first as the Japs) I expect we will both make a few slip ups along the way.....will hopefully add to the fun!
I will bow out now and let Dan get on describing the action. Here's to a long and honourable game[&o]
Dan and Myself played a game of UV through to completion last year. I kicked his ass for the first half of it and he kicked mine for the second[:D] In the end he won a narrow points victory.
As this is his first WITP game and only my 3rd (and first as the Japs) I expect we will both make a few slip ups along the way.....will hopefully add to the fun!
I will bow out now and let Dan get on describing the action. Here's to a long and honourable game[&o]
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Canoerebel
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Round 2 vs. Pearl Harbor
12/08/41
China - The AVG at Hong Kong ambush Jap bombers:
Japanese aircraft - Ki-51 Sonia x 18
Allied aircraft - Curtis H81-3A x 14
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
Jap army besieges Hong Kong.
Singapore - Jap subs sink two MSW; MSW register two hits on a Jap sub; CAP ambushes Nells:
Japanese aircraft - G3M Nell x 24
Allied aircraft - Buffalo I x 15
Japanese aircraft losses - G3M Nell: 7 destroyed, 10 damaged
Allied aircraft losses - Buffalo I: 4 damaged
Malaysia - Japs continue landings at Mersing and Kuantan; Allied aircraft register a few hits on Jap transports - one Swordfish scores a torpedo hit:
Allied aircraft - Swordfish x 4, Vildebeest IV x 2
Allied aircraft losses - Swordfish: 1 destroyed, Vildebeest IV: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships - CL Isuzu, AP Hinko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
Phillipines – Large air strike hits remaining Allied shipping in Manila (a few AKs, etc, take moderate damage).
Borneo - Japs continue invasion of Kuching; At Balikpan, Allies form SC TF with DDs and CL Marblehead, but forget to give orders to leave the base; strong Jap cruiser force Strikes hard:
Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Shell hits 3, on fire
CA Haguro, Nachi
CL Nagara
8 DD (including DD Tokitsukaze, Shell hits 1)
Allied Ships
CL Marblehead, Shell hits 3
DD Barker, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bulmer, Shell hits 1
DD Paul Jones, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Parrott, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Stewart, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
Scattered Allied ships also hit later in the day, two of the DDs sink.
CenPac – Wake garrison holds; Wildcat squadron evacuated to Lexington; US CVs continue to steam west hoping to get a strike at Wake invasion force next turn.
Pearl Harbor – Japs strike twice (pretty sharp blows):
A. First Strike (by Kates)
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
B5N Kate x 121
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
P-36A Mohawk x 3
P-40C Tomahawk x 1
P-40E-1-CU Warhawk x 4
P-40B Tomahawk x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
B5N Kate: 14 destroyed, 46 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-36A Mohawk: 1 destroyed
P-40E-1-CU Warhawk: 1 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage
BB Oklahoma, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Nevada, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
BB California, Torpedo hits 1
CL Helena, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
B. Second Strike (By Vals)
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
D3A Val x 84
Allied aircraft
P-36A Mohawk x 1
P-40C Tomahawk x 1
P-40E-1-CU Warhawk x 1
P-40B Tomahawk x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
D3A Val: 5 destroyed, 57 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-40C Tomahawk: 1 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Laida, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB Nevada, Bomb hits 3, on fire
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 3, heavy damage
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB California, Bomb hits 3
BB Arizona, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Case, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 1
CL Helena, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Port hits 1
12/09/42 Planning – Allied eyes on US CV TF approaching Wake; after this turn the TF will turn north or south, more likely the latter. Things will get much harder for the Allies as soon as Kuching falls (probably 12/09).
China - The AVG at Hong Kong ambush Jap bombers:
Japanese aircraft - Ki-51 Sonia x 18
Allied aircraft - Curtis H81-3A x 14
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
Jap army besieges Hong Kong.
Singapore - Jap subs sink two MSW; MSW register two hits on a Jap sub; CAP ambushes Nells:
Japanese aircraft - G3M Nell x 24
Allied aircraft - Buffalo I x 15
Japanese aircraft losses - G3M Nell: 7 destroyed, 10 damaged
Allied aircraft losses - Buffalo I: 4 damaged
Malaysia - Japs continue landings at Mersing and Kuantan; Allied aircraft register a few hits on Jap transports - one Swordfish scores a torpedo hit:
Allied aircraft - Swordfish x 4, Vildebeest IV x 2
Allied aircraft losses - Swordfish: 1 destroyed, Vildebeest IV: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships - CL Isuzu, AP Hinko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
Phillipines – Large air strike hits remaining Allied shipping in Manila (a few AKs, etc, take moderate damage).
Borneo - Japs continue invasion of Kuching; At Balikpan, Allies form SC TF with DDs and CL Marblehead, but forget to give orders to leave the base; strong Jap cruiser force Strikes hard:
Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Shell hits 3, on fire
CA Haguro, Nachi
CL Nagara
8 DD (including DD Tokitsukaze, Shell hits 1)
Allied Ships
CL Marblehead, Shell hits 3
DD Barker, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bulmer, Shell hits 1
DD Paul Jones, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Parrott, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Stewart, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
Scattered Allied ships also hit later in the day, two of the DDs sink.
CenPac – Wake garrison holds; Wildcat squadron evacuated to Lexington; US CVs continue to steam west hoping to get a strike at Wake invasion force next turn.
Pearl Harbor – Japs strike twice (pretty sharp blows):
A. First Strike (by Kates)
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
B5N Kate x 121
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
P-36A Mohawk x 3
P-40C Tomahawk x 1
P-40E-1-CU Warhawk x 4
P-40B Tomahawk x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
B5N Kate: 14 destroyed, 46 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-36A Mohawk: 1 destroyed
P-40E-1-CU Warhawk: 1 damaged
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage
BB Oklahoma, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Nevada, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
BB California, Torpedo hits 1
CL Helena, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
B. Second Strike (By Vals)
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
D3A Val x 84
Allied aircraft
P-36A Mohawk x 1
P-40C Tomahawk x 1
P-40E-1-CU Warhawk x 1
P-40B Tomahawk x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
D3A Val: 5 destroyed, 57 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-40C Tomahawk: 1 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Allied Ships
AK Laida, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB Nevada, Bomb hits 3, on fire
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 3, heavy damage
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB California, Bomb hits 3
BB Arizona, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Case, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 1
CL Helena, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Port hits 1
12/09/42 Planning – Allied eyes on US CV TF approaching Wake; after this turn the TF will turn north or south, more likely the latter. Things will get much harder for the Allies as soon as Kuching falls (probably 12/09).
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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Allies Hit Wake and Run
12/09/41
Radio Intercept from Miller: Nice move on Wake...the emperor is most displeased!...although you have revealed where your carriers are...
Lexington and Enterprise arrive 4 hexes ESE Wake Island and launch two attacks:
A.M.
Allied aircraft
F2A Buffalo x 11
F4F-3 Wildcat x 18
SBD Dauntless x 67
TBD Devastator x 27
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 3 damaged
TBD Devastator: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AK Kongo Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Katori, Bomb hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayate, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kisaragi, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied aircraft
F2A Buffalo x 12
F4F-3 Wildcat x 14
SBD Dauntless x 48
TBD Devastator x 13
P.M.
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
AP Kinryu Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kisaragi, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayate, on fire, heavy damage
Planning for 12/10/41 - What to do now that I've hit Wake and Miller knows the location of my CVs? I was torn between several options - break to the NW and then N toward the Aleutians, break to the SSE toward Pago Pago, or divide. I chose to divide. Lexington TF heads NW hoping to sneak by Wake just to the east. All planes ordered to remain aboard (including float planes) hoping to escape detection. Enterprise TF heads SSE hoping to slide to the east of Maloelap. KB located WNW of Pearl (it appears he was pulling back after his second raid on Pearl; would have helped me had he headed east). I've made my bed, so it's time to lie in it.
Elsewhere:
Borneo: Kuching falls.
Malaysia: Allied aircraft continue to pester Jap shipping - three or four more Jap merchants hit; several ship/sub actions near Singapore result in the sinking of an Allied MSW with two Jap subs (RO 65 and RO 34) taking hits.
Phillipines: Large Nell/Betty force shuts down Clark. Japs lose 2 Nells and 6 Bettys. Mini-KB just east of PI launches effective strikes against an AK and a TK.
Timor: Combat ships continue to make for Koepang. Combat TF will be formed to hunt Japs as long as Mini-KB isn't in the area.
China: Hong Kong holds against a deliberate attack.
Radio Intercept from Miller: Nice move on Wake...the emperor is most displeased!...although you have revealed where your carriers are...
Lexington and Enterprise arrive 4 hexes ESE Wake Island and launch two attacks:
A.M.
Allied aircraft
F2A Buffalo x 11
F4F-3 Wildcat x 18
SBD Dauntless x 67
TBD Devastator x 27
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 3 damaged
TBD Devastator: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AK Kongo Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Katori, Bomb hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayate, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kisaragi, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Allied aircraft
F2A Buffalo x 12
F4F-3 Wildcat x 14
SBD Dauntless x 48
TBD Devastator x 13
P.M.
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
AP Kinryu Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kisaragi, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayate, on fire, heavy damage
Planning for 12/10/41 - What to do now that I've hit Wake and Miller knows the location of my CVs? I was torn between several options - break to the NW and then N toward the Aleutians, break to the SSE toward Pago Pago, or divide. I chose to divide. Lexington TF heads NW hoping to sneak by Wake just to the east. All planes ordered to remain aboard (including float planes) hoping to escape detection. Enterprise TF heads SSE hoping to slide to the east of Maloelap. KB located WNW of Pearl (it appears he was pulling back after his second raid on Pearl; would have helped me had he headed east). I've made my bed, so it's time to lie in it.
Elsewhere:
Borneo: Kuching falls.
Malaysia: Allied aircraft continue to pester Jap shipping - three or four more Jap merchants hit; several ship/sub actions near Singapore result in the sinking of an Allied MSW with two Jap subs (RO 65 and RO 34) taking hits.
Phillipines: Large Nell/Betty force shuts down Clark. Japs lose 2 Nells and 6 Bettys. Mini-KB just east of PI launches effective strikes against an AK and a TK.
Timor: Combat ships continue to make for Koepang. Combat TF will be formed to hunt Japs as long as Mini-KB isn't in the area.
China: Hong Kong holds against a deliberate attack.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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Enterprise and Lex Continue their Sprints to Safety
12/10/41
American CVs - So far so good. KB steamed west (ending up 6 hexes NNE Johnston Is.) while Enterprise (12 SE Wake) and Lex (6 due N Wake) split. My carriers may get away.
Malaysia - More sub/ASW clashes near Singapore - I-162 takes 5 hits; I-157 one hit. Japs take Kota Bharu and paratroops seize Tavoy. A Jap unit is one hex NW of Rahaeng. Brit recon unit at Rangoon will check it out. Bombers from Singapore:
A) Strike One
Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 3
Wirraway x 4
Buffalo I x 15
Vildebeest IV x 22
Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Vildebeest IV: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Kasasagi
CL Kashii, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Awazisan Maru
AP Kashiwara Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Teia Maru
B) Strike Two
Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 3
Buffalo I x 11
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
AP Hinko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Phillipines - Another major raid against Clark. Bombers from Mini-KB just off the east coast of Central Phillipines sink several more merchants and a PG. Naga falls. Japs invade Davao.
Timor - Ordered some combat ships to rendezvous at Kendari. A 4 DD TF steaming for Koepang well NW of Kendari ended the turn just one hex from a small Allied port filled with Jap merchant shipping. I diverted the DDs to the port to see if they can get in a lick.
China - Hong Kong forts fall from 8 to 7.
American CVs - So far so good. KB steamed west (ending up 6 hexes NNE Johnston Is.) while Enterprise (12 SE Wake) and Lex (6 due N Wake) split. My carriers may get away.
Malaysia - More sub/ASW clashes near Singapore - I-162 takes 5 hits; I-157 one hit. Japs take Kota Bharu and paratroops seize Tavoy. A Jap unit is one hex NW of Rahaeng. Brit recon unit at Rangoon will check it out. Bombers from Singapore:
A) Strike One
Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 3
Wirraway x 4
Buffalo I x 15
Vildebeest IV x 22
Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Vildebeest IV: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Kasasagi
CL Kashii, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Awazisan Maru
AP Kashiwara Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Teia Maru
B) Strike Two
Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 3
Buffalo I x 11
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
AP Hinko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Phillipines - Another major raid against Clark. Bombers from Mini-KB just off the east coast of Central Phillipines sink several more merchants and a PG. Naga falls. Japs invade Davao.
Timor - Ordered some combat ships to rendezvous at Kendari. A 4 DD TF steaming for Koepang well NW of Kendari ended the turn just one hex from a small Allied port filled with Jap merchant shipping. I diverted the DDs to the port to see if they can get in a lick.
China - Hong Kong forts fall from 8 to 7.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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RE: Enterprise and Lex Continue their Sprints to Safety
12/11/41
US CVs: KB 4 hexes SW of Johnston Island. Lex and Enterprise seem to have escaped. Lex continues to steam towards the Aleutians, Enterprise to Pago Pago. The only real danger now is submarines.
Malatoi: Allied TF (4DDs) hit small Jap invasion force, crippling or sinking a PC and AP.
Malaysia: Jap paratroops land at Victoria Point which holds momentarily.
Borneo: Jap bombers from Kuching strike scattered merchant ships from Batavia to Singapore.
Mini-KB: Now south of Davao, strikes from its aircraft hit a number of isolated merchant convoys fleeing Phillipines.
China: Japs bombard only. (Hoping the lull means the garrison will hold awhile, I transfer part of the AVG from Mandalay to Hong Kong to greet Jap aircraft on 12/12).
Singapore and vicinity: Jap land-based air strikes prevent Allies from working on forts. Mersing and Kuantan garrisons still holding out.
South China Sea: Overrun with Jap TFs. With Jap airforce at Kuching and apparent lack of Allied combat ships in the vicinity, Miller feels pretty secure in this area.
Kendari: Allied combat ships gathering here in preparation for a sortie north (unless Mini KB is in the vicinity).
US CVs: KB 4 hexes SW of Johnston Island. Lex and Enterprise seem to have escaped. Lex continues to steam towards the Aleutians, Enterprise to Pago Pago. The only real danger now is submarines.
Malatoi: Allied TF (4DDs) hit small Jap invasion force, crippling or sinking a PC and AP.
Malaysia: Jap paratroops land at Victoria Point which holds momentarily.
Borneo: Jap bombers from Kuching strike scattered merchant ships from Batavia to Singapore.
Mini-KB: Now south of Davao, strikes from its aircraft hit a number of isolated merchant convoys fleeing Phillipines.
China: Japs bombard only. (Hoping the lull means the garrison will hold awhile, I transfer part of the AVG from Mandalay to Hong Kong to greet Jap aircraft on 12/12).
Singapore and vicinity: Jap land-based air strikes prevent Allies from working on forts. Mersing and Kuantan garrisons still holding out.
South China Sea: Overrun with Jap TFs. With Jap airforce at Kuching and apparent lack of Allied combat ships in the vicinity, Miller feels pretty secure in this area.
Kendari: Allied combat ships gathering here in preparation for a sortie north (unless Mini KB is in the vicinity).
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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RE: Enterprise and Lex Continue their Sprints to Safety
12/12/41
A Redcoat sub torpedoes and sinks ML Pro Patria east of Batavia. SS Trout, a Rebel ship, returns the favor by putting a fish in the side of AP Unkai Maru near Wake Island.
This is the day when alot of Allied cities fall to the Redcoats: Kuantan, Davao, Victoria Point, Nauru, and Weda. But Rebel garrisons at Mersing and Hong Kong continue to hold out, the former after handsomely repulsing a Redcoat deliberate attack.
Mini-KB (east of Borneo) and Redcoat aircraft from Kuching get the best of the Rebels this turn. Lots of damage to scattered merchant ships and a DD in Singapore.
Burma: Remains of three B-17 squadrons transferred to Mandalay. I begin loading the Rangoon CD to move it to that li'l island off the coast. Why am I doing this? I read in a thread that it's a wise thing to do. I read lots more threads last night and realized that (a) some is outdated (b) some is so anal-retentive/micro-management that it would take the fun out of the game for me (c) every recommendation is countered by an equal and opposite recommendation. There's alot of good information there, but it may be more fun to just play the game and learn.
China: AVG at Hong Kong intercepted Redcoat bombers, but weren't very effective. They are sent back to Mandalay.
U.S. CVs: Lex and Ent continue their respective escapes, heading to ports far north and far south. Not sure where they'll go next. Saratoga is on the West Coast at the moment.
KB: Not spotted. Last seen yesterday near Johnston Island. I think the biggest threat would be for KB to head south towards New Guinea. That's about the only area where the Allies might try combat ships the short term.
Mini-KB: East of Borneo and uncomfortably close to my combat ships at Kendari if Miller makes a quick sprint that way. I order Houston and Boise to Koepang. Dutch ships at Kendari form two small, fast TFs for bombardment runs to two Redcoat bases on the small islands just west of New Guinea.
Damaged Allied Ships: No ships (well, one PT) sank at Pearl Harbor. No remaining flotation damage. Six BBs suffer heavy damage (Sys 80-90). Marblehead, the flag of a Rebel TF hit hard at Balikpan on 12/8, made it to Koepang without trouble and is now on her way to Australia.
Aircraft: Rebels have lost about 350 aircraft, Redcoats about 180.
A Redcoat sub torpedoes and sinks ML Pro Patria east of Batavia. SS Trout, a Rebel ship, returns the favor by putting a fish in the side of AP Unkai Maru near Wake Island.
This is the day when alot of Allied cities fall to the Redcoats: Kuantan, Davao, Victoria Point, Nauru, and Weda. But Rebel garrisons at Mersing and Hong Kong continue to hold out, the former after handsomely repulsing a Redcoat deliberate attack.
Mini-KB (east of Borneo) and Redcoat aircraft from Kuching get the best of the Rebels this turn. Lots of damage to scattered merchant ships and a DD in Singapore.
Burma: Remains of three B-17 squadrons transferred to Mandalay. I begin loading the Rangoon CD to move it to that li'l island off the coast. Why am I doing this? I read in a thread that it's a wise thing to do. I read lots more threads last night and realized that (a) some is outdated (b) some is so anal-retentive/micro-management that it would take the fun out of the game for me (c) every recommendation is countered by an equal and opposite recommendation. There's alot of good information there, but it may be more fun to just play the game and learn.
China: AVG at Hong Kong intercepted Redcoat bombers, but weren't very effective. They are sent back to Mandalay.
U.S. CVs: Lex and Ent continue their respective escapes, heading to ports far north and far south. Not sure where they'll go next. Saratoga is on the West Coast at the moment.
KB: Not spotted. Last seen yesterday near Johnston Island. I think the biggest threat would be for KB to head south towards New Guinea. That's about the only area where the Allies might try combat ships the short term.
Mini-KB: East of Borneo and uncomfortably close to my combat ships at Kendari if Miller makes a quick sprint that way. I order Houston and Boise to Koepang. Dutch ships at Kendari form two small, fast TFs for bombardment runs to two Redcoat bases on the small islands just west of New Guinea.
Damaged Allied Ships: No ships (well, one PT) sank at Pearl Harbor. No remaining flotation damage. Six BBs suffer heavy damage (Sys 80-90). Marblehead, the flag of a Rebel TF hit hard at Balikpan on 12/8, made it to Koepang without trouble and is now on her way to Australia.
Aircraft: Rebels have lost about 350 aircraft, Redcoats about 180.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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Wake wake (12/13-14/41)
12/13/41
Malaysia - Redcoat deliberate attack at Alor Star repulsed, Redcoats lose 270 soldiers and 15 guns; Rebels lose 58/2; fort level remains 5. Four powerful Redcoat bombardment TFs whack Mersing good, inflicting better than 1,000 casualties.
Phillipines - Redcoat unit shows up in Manila. What the heck? Three Rebel units set to launch a deliberate attack.
At Sea: Mini KB one hex from Davao, so two small Reb combat TFs set to bombard Weda (in the Moluccas) and Manokwari (West NG). No sign of KB. Rebs send the first Pearl Harbor victims back toward the West Coast (a damaged CL and DD).
Kuching: A major Redcoat base already, unleashes more harmful strikes on Reb shipping, sinking a DD and several smaller ships in Singapore. Zeros strafe PTs at Balikpan. What the heck??
12/14/41
Phillipines - Redcoat "unit" in Manila turns out to be a division. Rebel deliberate attack thwarted (Rebs lose 576 men, 42 guns; Redcoast 41/4). Uh oh.
Wada: Reb bombardment TF hits Wada inflicting 117/1 casualties on the Red garrison. No big deal, but fun to sting the mighty Reds here and there. A second bombardment group will strike Wada tomorrow.
At Sea: Swordfish puts a torp in Nagato between Sing and Kuching. Mini KB at Davao. KB shows up three hexes north of Wake and launches assault against Reb garrison (!). Intercepted message from frustrated Redcoat leader: My Wake invasion has been a total disaster.......I don't understand how one CD unit can cause so much damage.....grrr......
China (Hong Kong): Deliberate attack at 2:1 odds (uh oh) yields 143/5 Reds, 88/9 Rebs.
Malaysia - Redcoat deliberate attack at Alor Star repulsed, Redcoats lose 270 soldiers and 15 guns; Rebels lose 58/2; fort level remains 5. Four powerful Redcoat bombardment TFs whack Mersing good, inflicting better than 1,000 casualties.
Phillipines - Redcoat unit shows up in Manila. What the heck? Three Rebel units set to launch a deliberate attack.
At Sea: Mini KB one hex from Davao, so two small Reb combat TFs set to bombard Weda (in the Moluccas) and Manokwari (West NG). No sign of KB. Rebs send the first Pearl Harbor victims back toward the West Coast (a damaged CL and DD).
Kuching: A major Redcoat base already, unleashes more harmful strikes on Reb shipping, sinking a DD and several smaller ships in Singapore. Zeros strafe PTs at Balikpan. What the heck??
12/14/41
Phillipines - Redcoat "unit" in Manila turns out to be a division. Rebel deliberate attack thwarted (Rebs lose 576 men, 42 guns; Redcoast 41/4). Uh oh.
Wada: Reb bombardment TF hits Wada inflicting 117/1 casualties on the Red garrison. No big deal, but fun to sting the mighty Reds here and there. A second bombardment group will strike Wada tomorrow.
At Sea: Swordfish puts a torp in Nagato between Sing and Kuching. Mini KB at Davao. KB shows up three hexes north of Wake and launches assault against Reb garrison (!). Intercepted message from frustrated Redcoat leader: My Wake invasion has been a total disaster.......I don't understand how one CD unit can cause so much damage.....grrr......
China (Hong Kong): Deliberate attack at 2:1 odds (uh oh) yields 143/5 Reds, 88/9 Rebs.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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RE: Wake wake (12/13-14/41)
12/15/41
Subs: Porpoise torpedoes a MSW at Samah.
Wake Island: 50+ Nells from Kwajalein hit Wake. Rebs survive a shock attack, inflicting 101/4 on the Reds while suffering 100/6/1.
Hong Kong: Redcoats lose 259/4 in a deliberate attack at 0-1; Rebs suffer 139/10/1.
Strategic Situation: With Mini KB at Davao and KB out of sight (last seen near Wake Is. last turn), the real pressure points right now are Wake, Hong Kong, Alor Star, Mersing, and Japanese air at Kuching. No immediate threats against Java, Timor, New Guinea, Solomons.
12/16/41
Kuching: Two Dutch PTs invade Kuching Harbor, put a torp in DD Maikaze; both PTs sink in a blaze of glory.
Subs: Jap sub in the straits between Java and Sumatra (Sunda Straits??) torpedoes two AKs (two hits each).
Wake: Another Nell strike followed by a shock attack and the Marine garrison surrenders after putting up a valiant 9-day defense that frustrated Miller.
Alor Star: Redcoat deliberate attack repulsed with 203/23/1 losses to the Reds, 74/4 to the Rebs. I'm shuttling a few Allied squadrons out of PI and DEI to Burma/India using Singapore and Rangoon as way points.
US CVs: Lex nears Alaska; Enterprise approaches Pago Pago; Saratoga is still in port on the West Coast. I may keep the CVs dispersed like this for awhile. Seems like a good way not to get them all sunk at once, like I always did in UV.
Supply: A few single merchant ships have departed the West Coast bound for different islands in the Central and South Pacific. I haven't moved any land reinforcemnts off the West Coast yet. Waiting to make sure part of KB isn't lurking.
Air Reinforcements: I already have three P-38 fighter squadrons. Isn't that way early? I sent one to Alaska to offer CAP for Lex in case the Japs had spotted her and gave chase. A B-17 squadron sent to Pearl.
Shipping: Most of the shipping evacuated from PI, Singapore, etc. went to South Australia with some to India. Seemed like a good idea. Don't know what I'll do with them when they arrive at Perth, Adelaide, etc. All eyes are on one gravely damaged merchant vessel (90+ sys) that left Manila a week ago. I sent her north. She's rounding the north tip of (Luzon?) now and then will make for Pearl, one hex at a time. So far I don't believe the Reds have laid eyes on her.
Subs: Porpoise torpedoes a MSW at Samah.
Wake Island: 50+ Nells from Kwajalein hit Wake. Rebs survive a shock attack, inflicting 101/4 on the Reds while suffering 100/6/1.
Hong Kong: Redcoats lose 259/4 in a deliberate attack at 0-1; Rebs suffer 139/10/1.
Strategic Situation: With Mini KB at Davao and KB out of sight (last seen near Wake Is. last turn), the real pressure points right now are Wake, Hong Kong, Alor Star, Mersing, and Japanese air at Kuching. No immediate threats against Java, Timor, New Guinea, Solomons.
12/16/41
Kuching: Two Dutch PTs invade Kuching Harbor, put a torp in DD Maikaze; both PTs sink in a blaze of glory.
Subs: Jap sub in the straits between Java and Sumatra (Sunda Straits??) torpedoes two AKs (two hits each).
Wake: Another Nell strike followed by a shock attack and the Marine garrison surrenders after putting up a valiant 9-day defense that frustrated Miller.
Alor Star: Redcoat deliberate attack repulsed with 203/23/1 losses to the Reds, 74/4 to the Rebs. I'm shuttling a few Allied squadrons out of PI and DEI to Burma/India using Singapore and Rangoon as way points.
US CVs: Lex nears Alaska; Enterprise approaches Pago Pago; Saratoga is still in port on the West Coast. I may keep the CVs dispersed like this for awhile. Seems like a good way not to get them all sunk at once, like I always did in UV.
Supply: A few single merchant ships have departed the West Coast bound for different islands in the Central and South Pacific. I haven't moved any land reinforcemnts off the West Coast yet. Waiting to make sure part of KB isn't lurking.
Air Reinforcements: I already have three P-38 fighter squadrons. Isn't that way early? I sent one to Alaska to offer CAP for Lex in case the Japs had spotted her and gave chase. A B-17 squadron sent to Pearl.
Shipping: Most of the shipping evacuated from PI, Singapore, etc. went to South Australia with some to India. Seemed like a good idea. Don't know what I'll do with them when they arrive at Perth, Adelaide, etc. All eyes are on one gravely damaged merchant vessel (90+ sys) that left Manila a week ago. I sent her north. She's rounding the north tip of (Luzon?) now and then will make for Pearl, one hex at a time. So far I don't believe the Reds have laid eyes on her.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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Mini KB Moves SE toward Kendari
12/17/41
Subs: Four DDs four hexes out of SF depth charge I-23, scoring 9 hits. KXVIII puts two torps into AP Tatuso Maru at Mersing. RO-68 sinks MSW Penguin in Rabaul. The two AKs torpedoed in the Sunda Straits last turn sink.
CVs: Mini-KB on the move SE toward the Maluccas (possibly responding to my earlier bombardment runs, or possibly signalling a major move toward Java).
Recon: Redcoats send recon planes to Batavia, Soerbaja, Amboia, and Kendari.
Land battles: Redcoats bombard at Alor Star, Hong Kong, Mersing.
Pearl Victims: More moderately damaged combat ships (including BB Nevada) make a break for the West Coast.
12/18/41
Malaysia: Redcoat aircraft strike at Alor Star (230 planes from Kota Bahru) and Singapore (130 from Kuching).
Land Battles: More bombardments at Alor Star, Hong Kong, Mersing.
Mini KB: Continues course SE toward Maluccas. The few Rebel ships in Kendari moved out of harm's way.
China: Redcoats arrive at Changsha. Rebs consider a shock attack, but remembering what happend at Manila a few days ago, chicken out and instead order a bombardment.
Subs: Four DDs four hexes out of SF depth charge I-23, scoring 9 hits. KXVIII puts two torps into AP Tatuso Maru at Mersing. RO-68 sinks MSW Penguin in Rabaul. The two AKs torpedoed in the Sunda Straits last turn sink.
CVs: Mini-KB on the move SE toward the Maluccas (possibly responding to my earlier bombardment runs, or possibly signalling a major move toward Java).
Recon: Redcoats send recon planes to Batavia, Soerbaja, Amboia, and Kendari.
Land battles: Redcoats bombard at Alor Star, Hong Kong, Mersing.
Pearl Victims: More moderately damaged combat ships (including BB Nevada) make a break for the West Coast.
12/18/41
Malaysia: Redcoat aircraft strike at Alor Star (230 planes from Kota Bahru) and Singapore (130 from Kuching).
Land Battles: More bombardments at Alor Star, Hong Kong, Mersing.
Mini KB: Continues course SE toward Maluccas. The few Rebel ships in Kendari moved out of harm's way.
China: Redcoats arrive at Changsha. Rebs consider a shock attack, but remembering what happend at Manila a few days ago, chicken out and instead order a bombardment.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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First Battle of Changsha
12/19/41
Subs: O16 puts 2 TT into AP Kakuyo Maru at Brunei
Maylaya: Redcoat bombardments at Mersing and Alor Star; bombardment TF hits Mersing.
Hong Kong: Redcoat bombardment inflicts 56/2 on the Rebs.
China: Reb bombardment on Red division at Changsha inflicts just 8 casualties, but confirms that the Red contingent is 20,358 men with 231 guns. Surely 80,000+ Reds can handle that, so I order a shock attack.
KB/Mini-KB: No sign of the KB; Mini-KB continues lurking near Moluccas in a position to strike toward Kendari or Amboina or to move east toward Rabaul.
Brunei: Redcoat invasion.
12/20/41
Subs: Truant puts 3 TT into AK Akasian Maru near Mersing.
Dutch PTs: Two PTs attack a Red invasion convoy nearing Tarakan and put 1 TT in AP Haaburu Maru.
Mersing/Alor Star/Hong Kong: Reds continue to bombard only; the Reb garrisons of these cities have held out well; I think all three will fall soon.
Changsha: Reb shock attack evicts the Red invaders, inflicting 660/30 and suffering 310/22. The Red division had some 20,439 troops.
KB/Mini-KB: No sign of them now.
Strategic situation: Pretty quiet right now. No major Redcoat thrusts. At the moment Java, Timor, Solomons not threatened.
Planning for 12/21/41: Emboldened by success at Changsha, Rebs order a shock attack in hopes of evicting the Red division at Manila.
Subs: O16 puts 2 TT into AP Kakuyo Maru at Brunei
Maylaya: Redcoat bombardments at Mersing and Alor Star; bombardment TF hits Mersing.
Hong Kong: Redcoat bombardment inflicts 56/2 on the Rebs.
China: Reb bombardment on Red division at Changsha inflicts just 8 casualties, but confirms that the Red contingent is 20,358 men with 231 guns. Surely 80,000+ Reds can handle that, so I order a shock attack.
KB/Mini-KB: No sign of the KB; Mini-KB continues lurking near Moluccas in a position to strike toward Kendari or Amboina or to move east toward Rabaul.
Brunei: Redcoat invasion.
12/20/41
Subs: Truant puts 3 TT into AK Akasian Maru near Mersing.
Dutch PTs: Two PTs attack a Red invasion convoy nearing Tarakan and put 1 TT in AP Haaburu Maru.
Mersing/Alor Star/Hong Kong: Reds continue to bombard only; the Reb garrisons of these cities have held out well; I think all three will fall soon.
Changsha: Reb shock attack evicts the Red invaders, inflicting 660/30 and suffering 310/22. The Red division had some 20,439 troops.
KB/Mini-KB: No sign of them now.
Strategic situation: Pretty quiet right now. No major Redcoat thrusts. At the moment Java, Timor, Solomons not threatened.
Planning for 12/21/41: Emboldened by success at Changsha, Rebs order a shock attack in hopes of evicting the Red division at Manila.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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First and Unhappy Battle of Manila
12/21/41
Subs: KXI depth charged at Mersing, 50 Sys/50 flooding; SS 40 puts one TT in AP Kamikaze Maru at Brunei; SS 38 puts 2 TT in TK Funakawa Maru.
PTs: A PT puts a TT in Kure Maru.
On the Ground: Deliberate attacks at (1) Hong Kong reduced forts from 6 to 5, inflicting 1024/23/2 on the Redcoats (Japs) and 101/8 on the Rebs; (2) Mersing: 1:1 attack inflicts 627/17 Redcoast to 30/1; and (3) 2:1 attack at Alor Star yeilds 28/7 Reds and 90/1 Rebs. I think all three Reb bastions will fall shortly.
Manila: Rebel shock attack against 16th Division suffers brutal repulse despite 1:1 odds - 306/20/1 Reds against 1897/39/1 Rebs. Computer, however, recommends another shock attack and I assent despite my misgivings.
KBs: No signs of them anywhere.
Forlorn Hopes: Three Reb ships fleeing Manila around the north tip of Luzon have made it thus far - AK Corregidor (90 Sys) is well east of Luzon (perhaps 15 hexes now); MSW Quail (90 Sys) and MSW Whipporwill (undamaged) are just off the north cape and in harm's way. Can these three ships make it to Pearl?
Cargo: Beginning to move a few supplies, planes, and troops from the West Coast.
Strategic Situation: The Rebs have fought well to this point. Miller is momentarily bogged down in Malaya, Wake was an irritation, Hong Kong remains an irritation, and Rebel subs, PTs, and planes have stung here and there. The absence of KB and Mini KB probably means Miller is assembling forces for his next thrust. Forces in DEI, Moluccas, New Guinea, and Solomons all cast a wary eye north and west.
Subs: KXI depth charged at Mersing, 50 Sys/50 flooding; SS 40 puts one TT in AP Kamikaze Maru at Brunei; SS 38 puts 2 TT in TK Funakawa Maru.
PTs: A PT puts a TT in Kure Maru.
On the Ground: Deliberate attacks at (1) Hong Kong reduced forts from 6 to 5, inflicting 1024/23/2 on the Redcoats (Japs) and 101/8 on the Rebs; (2) Mersing: 1:1 attack inflicts 627/17 Redcoast to 30/1; and (3) 2:1 attack at Alor Star yeilds 28/7 Reds and 90/1 Rebs. I think all three Reb bastions will fall shortly.
Manila: Rebel shock attack against 16th Division suffers brutal repulse despite 1:1 odds - 306/20/1 Reds against 1897/39/1 Rebs. Computer, however, recommends another shock attack and I assent despite my misgivings.
KBs: No signs of them anywhere.
Forlorn Hopes: Three Reb ships fleeing Manila around the north tip of Luzon have made it thus far - AK Corregidor (90 Sys) is well east of Luzon (perhaps 15 hexes now); MSW Quail (90 Sys) and MSW Whipporwill (undamaged) are just off the north cape and in harm's way. Can these three ships make it to Pearl?
Cargo: Beginning to move a few supplies, planes, and troops from the West Coast.
Strategic Situation: The Rebs have fought well to this point. Miller is momentarily bogged down in Malaya, Wake was an irritation, Hong Kong remains an irritation, and Rebel subs, PTs, and planes have stung here and there. The absence of KB and Mini KB probably means Miller is assembling forces for his next thrust. Forces in DEI, Moluccas, New Guinea, and Solomons all cast a wary eye north and west.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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Allies Prevail at First Battle of Manila
12/22/41
PTs: Two separate PT attacks near Kuching fizzle.
China: Miller deliberate attack at Hong Kong; forts 4; 1:1 odds. Miller loses 454/13, I lose 147/6/1. So the Brits are holding for the moment.
Malaya: Miller delib attack at Mersing; forts 2; 1:1; Miller loses 399/10/1 to 46. He'll probably rest for a few turns. Alor Star: Uh oh. Miller delib attack at 4:1; forts fall from 4 to 3. He loses 273/5 and I lose 207/1. It looks bleak here.
PI: Miller seizes an undefended Clark Field. My shock attack at Manila is successful, sending the 16th Divison back to Clark Field, but at what cost? Miller loses 305/9/1 and I lose 832/20/2.
KBs: Mini-KB in the northeast Celebes Sea. No sign of KB.
US: CVs: One each on the West Coast, nearing the West Coast, and nearing New Zealand.
New Caledonia: NZ Brigade boarding ships bound for Noumea.
Forlorn Hopes: Three ships making break for Pearl from Manila around the north cape of Luzon, two at 90 Sys and the third (MSW Whipporwill) undamaged. Whipporwill sighted, but these ships continue to lead charmed lives at the moment.
DEI Vicinity: No visible movement by Miller towards DEI, Timor, Moluccas; nor towards NG or the Solomons. Is he gathering his forces, or could he be concentrating on Singapore and Manila at the moment. I confess that I have no idea.
PTs: Two separate PT attacks near Kuching fizzle.
China: Miller deliberate attack at Hong Kong; forts 4; 1:1 odds. Miller loses 454/13, I lose 147/6/1. So the Brits are holding for the moment.
Malaya: Miller delib attack at Mersing; forts 2; 1:1; Miller loses 399/10/1 to 46. He'll probably rest for a few turns. Alor Star: Uh oh. Miller delib attack at 4:1; forts fall from 4 to 3. He loses 273/5 and I lose 207/1. It looks bleak here.
PI: Miller seizes an undefended Clark Field. My shock attack at Manila is successful, sending the 16th Divison back to Clark Field, but at what cost? Miller loses 305/9/1 and I lose 832/20/2.
KBs: Mini-KB in the northeast Celebes Sea. No sign of KB.
US: CVs: One each on the West Coast, nearing the West Coast, and nearing New Zealand.
New Caledonia: NZ Brigade boarding ships bound for Noumea.
Forlorn Hopes: Three ships making break for Pearl from Manila around the north cape of Luzon, two at 90 Sys and the third (MSW Whipporwill) undamaged. Whipporwill sighted, but these ships continue to lead charmed lives at the moment.
DEI Vicinity: No visible movement by Miller towards DEI, Timor, Moluccas; nor towards NG or the Solomons. Is he gathering his forces, or could he be concentrating on Singapore and Manila at the moment. I confess that I have no idea.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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Mersing and Alor Star Fall - 12/23/41
12/23/41
PTs: Three PT TF engage the enemy near Kuching and at Tarakan, but don't score any hits and lose two boats (but Martins score a hit apiece on APs Haaburu Maru and Taiyo Maru near Tarakan)
Subs: I-159 depth charged near Koepang, taking three hits from Dutch DDs; I-160 takes 5 hits from a DD TF at Darwin; O-20 puts a TT in AK Misaki Maru off the west coast of Luzon.
Malaya: A sad day for the Allies; At Mersing, more bombardments and a bombing raid of 85 Nells and Bettys from Kuching soften up the defense and the garrison succumbs to a deliberate attack at 8:1 odds, retreating to Johore Bharu. Alor Star likewise falls to a 4:1 enemy attack with the beleaugered defenders retreating to Georgetown. I transfer three understrength B-17 squadrons (a total of about 22 aircraft) from Mandalay to Singapore and order a strike against Miller's airfield at Kuching.
Hong Kong: Brit resistance stiffens; deliberate attack at 0-1 inflicts 117/3 on the defenders while the Japanese suffer 98/0. The enemy force includes the 38th Division and 19th Brigade. I have toyed with the idea of airlifting in some reinforcements from Bataan. I decide not to try because it would likely be too little too late. I wonder if anyone else has tried this (I'm not even sure if the game permits it).
Phillipines: Recon shows 18 enemy units at Vigan. I think Miller is making a full-scale effort to "liberate" the Phillipines.
KBs: Mini-KB at the north entrance to the Makassar Straits. No sign of the KB.
PTs: Three PT TF engage the enemy near Kuching and at Tarakan, but don't score any hits and lose two boats (but Martins score a hit apiece on APs Haaburu Maru and Taiyo Maru near Tarakan)
Subs: I-159 depth charged near Koepang, taking three hits from Dutch DDs; I-160 takes 5 hits from a DD TF at Darwin; O-20 puts a TT in AK Misaki Maru off the west coast of Luzon.
Malaya: A sad day for the Allies; At Mersing, more bombardments and a bombing raid of 85 Nells and Bettys from Kuching soften up the defense and the garrison succumbs to a deliberate attack at 8:1 odds, retreating to Johore Bharu. Alor Star likewise falls to a 4:1 enemy attack with the beleaugered defenders retreating to Georgetown. I transfer three understrength B-17 squadrons (a total of about 22 aircraft) from Mandalay to Singapore and order a strike against Miller's airfield at Kuching.
Hong Kong: Brit resistance stiffens; deliberate attack at 0-1 inflicts 117/3 on the defenders while the Japanese suffer 98/0. The enemy force includes the 38th Division and 19th Brigade. I have toyed with the idea of airlifting in some reinforcements from Bataan. I decide not to try because it would likely be too little too late. I wonder if anyone else has tried this (I'm not even sure if the game permits it).
Phillipines: Recon shows 18 enemy units at Vigan. I think Miller is making a full-scale effort to "liberate" the Phillipines.
KBs: Mini-KB at the north entrance to the Makassar Straits. No sign of the KB.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
RE: Mersing and Alor Star Fall - 12/23/41
Canoerebel,
I like the area summary format. IMHO too many AARs are padded with combat reports which usually add little of value. Any chance of an occasional map to enhance the AAR?
As the redcoats have been slow to move down the Malay peninsula, is there any chance for you to run supply convoys into Singapore from Palembang. You also still have a window of opportunity to air drop supply into Singapore using 4E bombers and Dutch Martins and patrol planes.
If the redcoats are massing at Vigan, does this mean that Mindanao and in particular Jolo are escaping their attentions. As long as Jolo remains in rebel hands you can still attempt to resupply Luzon. Therefore you might care to consider extricating your dispersed Filipino garrisons and concentrating them at Jolo. With air units relocated from Luzon to Jolo (and no need to pay PP), the baby KB alone might not then be able to close the supply route.
Alfred
I like the area summary format. IMHO too many AARs are padded with combat reports which usually add little of value. Any chance of an occasional map to enhance the AAR?
As the redcoats have been slow to move down the Malay peninsula, is there any chance for you to run supply convoys into Singapore from Palembang. You also still have a window of opportunity to air drop supply into Singapore using 4E bombers and Dutch Martins and patrol planes.
If the redcoats are massing at Vigan, does this mean that Mindanao and in particular Jolo are escaping their attentions. As long as Jolo remains in rebel hands you can still attempt to resupply Luzon. Therefore you might care to consider extricating your dispersed Filipino garrisons and concentrating them at Jolo. With air units relocated from Luzon to Jolo (and no need to pay PP), the baby KB alone might not then be able to close the supply route.
Alfred
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Canoerebel
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Merry Christmas Singapore and Darwin
[Reply to Alfred: A few AKs with supplies are heading toward Singapore. The enemy already hold Jolo, so for now I'll continue to concentrate at Manila. I'll do maps as soon as I figure out how to capture screen shots without buying a program.]
12/24/41
Small Craft: 6 PT hits Kaaburu Maru with 2 TT at Tarakan - the troop transport sinks with 1958 casualties; I-16 takes a depth charge from MSW Oriole near Atka.
Solomons: CA TF bombards Rabaul, minor damage.
Malaya: 200+ Lily, Sally, Oscar from Kota Bharu hit Singapore with moderate damage to the airfield; Miller loses 8 planes to the Allies' 5. 15 B-17s from Singapore hit Kuching destroying 6 Zeros, 1 Babs, and 1 Mary.
PI: Miller sends 90 aircraft against Manila and is opposed by 13 fighters; Miller loses 5 Nates, 3 Ann and 7 Lily; Defenders lose 1 Warhawk and, on the ground, a Catalina.
China: 100+ aircraft hit Changsha; 3 Tomahawks rise to contest the skies and down 4 aircraft. At Nanchang, a deliberate attack by Miller's garrison (including 15th Division) ousts three Chinese guerilla units. Japanese bombardment at Hong Kong inflicts 132/3 on the Brits, Japanese lose 6/1.
Air Losses: For the day, Miller loses 51 aircraft to the Allies' 8. That's a good day's work for the Allies.
Java: A force of 11 Hudsons hit APD-36 near Tarakan. Three Hudsons score one hit vs. TK Mirii Maru.
KBs: Mini KB has moved south to the southern reaches of the Makassar Sraits; a large TF including Akagi spotted two hexes east of Amboina. I evacuate a small combat TF from Darwin, but another (a CL and four DD) is heading into port very low on fuel. The two KBs now form pincers with the Celebes in between. I have a fair amount of shipping moving between the West Coast and Pearl Harbor and I've declared a moratorium on further departures for awhile just in case Miller sent part of the KB to patrol the area.
Forlorn Hopes: Three small Allied craft continue unmolested across the Phillipine Sea toward Pearl Harbor.
Christmas Day, 1941
Malaya: A tough day in Singapore - a powerful bombardment TF inflicts a reported 8700 casualties while a strike by a combined 270 bombers from Kota Bharu and Kuching ravage the airfield. (Miller turns the air loss table today - destroying 48 Allied aircraft while losing only 19 of his own). The only good news in the area is that SS Truant puts three torpodoes in AP Rakuto Maru near Mersing. Two small Brit TFs from India will bombard Tavoy tonight.
PI: 100+ bombers hit Manila but do little damage.
DEI: The KBs make a sudden leap forward, the Mini-KB ending up on the north shore of Flores Island; the KB, seemingly in full force, enters the Timor Sea and pushes SW of Darwin. My poor surface fleet refueling in Darwin is decimated - CL De
Ruyter and four DDs go to the bottom under the full weight of an attack by 138 Kates and 104 Vals. Where does he go from here? [Also, I have a small combat TF at Lombok that is far too close to Mini-KB for comfort and I send it north on a surface combat mission aimed at Miller's invasion fleet at Tarakan. Probably a suicide mission.]
USA: With most (all?) of the KB in the Timor Sea, I decide to igo ahead and increase traffic between the West Coast and Pearl Harbor.
US CVs: Two are on the West Coast, one in New Zealand. Yorktown is about 21 days out of Panama City. No plans to employ them yet.
China: Doesn't seem to be alot going on here yet. Miller is hitting Changsha with bombers each turn; he's also reconnoitering Yenen by air. Bombardment attack at Hong Kong causes little damage.
Forlorn Hopes: Sailing merrily along.
12/24/41
Small Craft: 6 PT hits Kaaburu Maru with 2 TT at Tarakan - the troop transport sinks with 1958 casualties; I-16 takes a depth charge from MSW Oriole near Atka.
Solomons: CA TF bombards Rabaul, minor damage.
Malaya: 200+ Lily, Sally, Oscar from Kota Bharu hit Singapore with moderate damage to the airfield; Miller loses 8 planes to the Allies' 5. 15 B-17s from Singapore hit Kuching destroying 6 Zeros, 1 Babs, and 1 Mary.
PI: Miller sends 90 aircraft against Manila and is opposed by 13 fighters; Miller loses 5 Nates, 3 Ann and 7 Lily; Defenders lose 1 Warhawk and, on the ground, a Catalina.
China: 100+ aircraft hit Changsha; 3 Tomahawks rise to contest the skies and down 4 aircraft. At Nanchang, a deliberate attack by Miller's garrison (including 15th Division) ousts three Chinese guerilla units. Japanese bombardment at Hong Kong inflicts 132/3 on the Brits, Japanese lose 6/1.
Air Losses: For the day, Miller loses 51 aircraft to the Allies' 8. That's a good day's work for the Allies.
Java: A force of 11 Hudsons hit APD-36 near Tarakan. Three Hudsons score one hit vs. TK Mirii Maru.
KBs: Mini KB has moved south to the southern reaches of the Makassar Sraits; a large TF including Akagi spotted two hexes east of Amboina. I evacuate a small combat TF from Darwin, but another (a CL and four DD) is heading into port very low on fuel. The two KBs now form pincers with the Celebes in between. I have a fair amount of shipping moving between the West Coast and Pearl Harbor and I've declared a moratorium on further departures for awhile just in case Miller sent part of the KB to patrol the area.
Forlorn Hopes: Three small Allied craft continue unmolested across the Phillipine Sea toward Pearl Harbor.
Christmas Day, 1941
Malaya: A tough day in Singapore - a powerful bombardment TF inflicts a reported 8700 casualties while a strike by a combined 270 bombers from Kota Bharu and Kuching ravage the airfield. (Miller turns the air loss table today - destroying 48 Allied aircraft while losing only 19 of his own). The only good news in the area is that SS Truant puts three torpodoes in AP Rakuto Maru near Mersing. Two small Brit TFs from India will bombard Tavoy tonight.
PI: 100+ bombers hit Manila but do little damage.
DEI: The KBs make a sudden leap forward, the Mini-KB ending up on the north shore of Flores Island; the KB, seemingly in full force, enters the Timor Sea and pushes SW of Darwin. My poor surface fleet refueling in Darwin is decimated - CL De
Ruyter and four DDs go to the bottom under the full weight of an attack by 138 Kates and 104 Vals. Where does he go from here? [Also, I have a small combat TF at Lombok that is far too close to Mini-KB for comfort and I send it north on a surface combat mission aimed at Miller's invasion fleet at Tarakan. Probably a suicide mission.]
USA: With most (all?) of the KB in the Timor Sea, I decide to igo ahead and increase traffic between the West Coast and Pearl Harbor.
US CVs: Two are on the West Coast, one in New Zealand. Yorktown is about 21 days out of Panama City. No plans to employ them yet.
China: Doesn't seem to be alot going on here yet. Miller is hitting Changsha with bombers each turn; he's also reconnoitering Yenen by air. Bombardment attack at Hong Kong causes little damage.
Forlorn Hopes: Sailing merrily along.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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Mini KB Chases Wild Geese Through Makassar Straits
12/26 through 12/28/41
On Land: Georgetown and Tarakan fall.
Small Craft: Allied PTs give Miller fits. Over two turns, two PT TFs mix it up with a lightly escorted Jap merchant fleet west of Manila, decimating a handful of AKs and small escorts. Five AKs, an MSW, and a PG damaged heavily and all should go down. At Mersing, the Allies' MGS (Most Gallant Sub) Truant puts another TT in an AP.
Larger Craft: My bombardment forces set to hit Victoria Point for some reason aren't doing so. The two small TFs are just sitting in a hex near Andaman Islands refusing to go in. I re-direct them to hit Tavoy and Moulmein (a Jap division just entered the latter hex). A CL and two DD bombard Admiralty Island causing light casualties.
KBs: The KB pulls back from Darwin and by the 28th is cruising just off (north of) Timor, possibly making for Soerabaja area. The Mini-KB has pulled back into the Makassar Straits, chasing a wild goose of a Dutch TF (CL Tromp, 4DD) fleeing north in the Straits. Mini-KB has launched about ten air strikes against this Dutch force over two turns, but not a single hit. These ships must be zig-zag prodigies. On the 27th, I order this TF to make for Manila, with the Mini-KB perhaps ten to 12 hexes behind. My force only seems to creep forward while the Mini-KB flies ahead and makes port in Tarakan (possibly Miller sent it there so that his cruiser escorts would protect Tarakan if the Dutch TF made a a bombardment run). The Dutch TF ends up just a five or so hexes ENE of Tarakan. Now I've split the TF up. The CL and a DD both low on fuel head east hoping to quickly refuel at one of the few remaining Allied bases in the Celebes. The remaining three DD to head into Tarakan and try to mix it up (along with some PTs coming north from Balikpan) with Miller's ships.
PI: Large air raids vs. Manila.
Malaya: Large air raids vs. Singapore.
Cargo: With the location of most (or possibly all) Jap CVs known, Allies continue to work hard on shipping between the West Coast and Central and South Pacific. The first Pearl Harbor BB (Nevada) reaches the West Coast for repairs. The first large ground unit (a division) is embarking at Los Angeles and heading for Suva.
China: Hong Kong withstands a 1:1 deliberate attack on the 28th, forts reduced to three with losses of 327/6 (Miller) and 232/7 (Good Guys). The defense is cracking. Hong Kong projected to fall before the New Year. At Changsha, forts increased by one to 7. No Jap ground units in the hex (nor at Yenen) yet.
Forlorn Hopes: MSW Whipporwill now east of Saipan; MSW Quail approaches Chichi Jima; AK Corregidor west of Saipan; all of them leading charmed lives.
On Land: Georgetown and Tarakan fall.
Small Craft: Allied PTs give Miller fits. Over two turns, two PT TFs mix it up with a lightly escorted Jap merchant fleet west of Manila, decimating a handful of AKs and small escorts. Five AKs, an MSW, and a PG damaged heavily and all should go down. At Mersing, the Allies' MGS (Most Gallant Sub) Truant puts another TT in an AP.
Larger Craft: My bombardment forces set to hit Victoria Point for some reason aren't doing so. The two small TFs are just sitting in a hex near Andaman Islands refusing to go in. I re-direct them to hit Tavoy and Moulmein (a Jap division just entered the latter hex). A CL and two DD bombard Admiralty Island causing light casualties.
KBs: The KB pulls back from Darwin and by the 28th is cruising just off (north of) Timor, possibly making for Soerabaja area. The Mini-KB has pulled back into the Makassar Straits, chasing a wild goose of a Dutch TF (CL Tromp, 4DD) fleeing north in the Straits. Mini-KB has launched about ten air strikes against this Dutch force over two turns, but not a single hit. These ships must be zig-zag prodigies. On the 27th, I order this TF to make for Manila, with the Mini-KB perhaps ten to 12 hexes behind. My force only seems to creep forward while the Mini-KB flies ahead and makes port in Tarakan (possibly Miller sent it there so that his cruiser escorts would protect Tarakan if the Dutch TF made a a bombardment run). The Dutch TF ends up just a five or so hexes ENE of Tarakan. Now I've split the TF up. The CL and a DD both low on fuel head east hoping to quickly refuel at one of the few remaining Allied bases in the Celebes. The remaining three DD to head into Tarakan and try to mix it up (along with some PTs coming north from Balikpan) with Miller's ships.
PI: Large air raids vs. Manila.
Malaya: Large air raids vs. Singapore.
Cargo: With the location of most (or possibly all) Jap CVs known, Allies continue to work hard on shipping between the West Coast and Central and South Pacific. The first Pearl Harbor BB (Nevada) reaches the West Coast for repairs. The first large ground unit (a division) is embarking at Los Angeles and heading for Suva.
China: Hong Kong withstands a 1:1 deliberate attack on the 28th, forts reduced to three with losses of 327/6 (Miller) and 232/7 (Good Guys). The defense is cracking. Hong Kong projected to fall before the New Year. At Changsha, forts increased by one to 7. No Jap ground units in the hex (nor at Yenen) yet.
Forlorn Hopes: MSW Whipporwill now east of Saipan; MSW Quail approaches Chichi Jima; AK Corregidor west of Saipan; all of them leading charmed lives.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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Map of KBs in the Macassar Straits
Situation in the Macassar Straits 12/30/41:
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"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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First Battle of Singapore
12/29/41
Smaller Craft: Dutch 3 DD TF enters the Port of Tarakan and is promptly chewed to pieces by a Japanese 6 DD TF; Dutch lose two DDs. MSW Oriole takes two torpedoes at Atka and sinks.
Malaya: An overanxious 23rd Mixed Brigade tries to force entry into Singapore, lauches a shock attack, and is repulsed suffering 1167/33 to 68/1 for the Allis. I order a shock attack for tomorrow. At Moulmein, the Japanese division launches a deliberate attack at 0:1 against 2 forts and suffers 337/20/2 to 68/5. A small force of Blenheims and B-17s from Rangoon hit this unit inflicting a few casualties. Small bombardment TF will hit it tonight.
China: During a deliberate attack at Hong Kong, forts fall to 2 and Miller loses 286/15 to 188/2. I still belive H.K. will fall before the New Year. Elsewhere it remains quiet.
KBs: KB is in the southern reaches of the Macassar Straits while the Mini-KB remains at Tarakan.
Combat TFs: Miller has two large combat TFs cruising between Borneo and Java. Allied bombers from Soerabaja and Batavia hit BB Kongo with one small bomb, but are otherwise ineffective.
PI: Japanese units are arriving at Manila. I don't order an attack.
Solomons: Invasion TF arrives at Kuching. I order a light combat TF (CL and 2 DD) to head that way from the vicinity of Lae.
Midway: I sent in 3 DMs to mine the island, they had a brief skirmsih with a sub, then they retreated without laying mines (I forgot to toggle off the "do not lay mines" switch).
Forlorn Hopes: Row-row-row-your-boat continues; the SYS of the two damaged ships increase from 90 to, respectively, 91 and 92, so now I wonder if they might run the gauntlent only to flounder.
12/30/41
Smaller Craft: I-153 sinks AP Van Heck, just out of Soerabaja, with 3 TT. 3 Dutch PTs put 57 shells (but no torps) into an already burning AK Minato Maru NW of Manila. I-39 takes three depth charges just north of Luzon.
Bombardments: A small British CA/CL TF bombards Tavoy, destroying some fuel and supplies. A single CA bombards Miller's division at Moulmein, inflicting 28/2. CL Tromp and DD Vampire hit a small Japanese outpost in the Moluccas, but then blunder into a tough Japanese combat TF (4 CA, CL, 7 DD) north of the western tip of NG and suffer grievously. Vampire goes down, Tromp may survive (moderate sys, float, fires).
PI: Miller has the 16th and 48th Divisions here; they bombard but don't do any damage.
Singapore: Miller's 21st Divison, 23rd Mixed Brigade, and Imperial Guards cross the river and launch an ill-advised shock attack, suffering 2149/83/9 against 257/17. Then the Allies lauch a counter-shock attack at an encouraging 4:1 and send the Japanese back to Johore Bharu, but the Allies suffer the greater casualties: 922/20 to 158/16.
China: Japanese 3rd Division is North of Changsha (where it retreated after losing a brief skirmish to the Chinese about a week ago). In Hong Kong, Japanese bombard.
Strategic Situation: At the moment, it seems that Miller is bogged down in Malaya, Manila, Moulmein, and China. There are no immediate crises for the Allies. I think we end the year in a decent position, all things considered, but I know Miller is marshalling his forces to strike soon.
Smaller Craft: Dutch 3 DD TF enters the Port of Tarakan and is promptly chewed to pieces by a Japanese 6 DD TF; Dutch lose two DDs. MSW Oriole takes two torpedoes at Atka and sinks.
Malaya: An overanxious 23rd Mixed Brigade tries to force entry into Singapore, lauches a shock attack, and is repulsed suffering 1167/33 to 68/1 for the Allis. I order a shock attack for tomorrow. At Moulmein, the Japanese division launches a deliberate attack at 0:1 against 2 forts and suffers 337/20/2 to 68/5. A small force of Blenheims and B-17s from Rangoon hit this unit inflicting a few casualties. Small bombardment TF will hit it tonight.
China: During a deliberate attack at Hong Kong, forts fall to 2 and Miller loses 286/15 to 188/2. I still belive H.K. will fall before the New Year. Elsewhere it remains quiet.
KBs: KB is in the southern reaches of the Macassar Straits while the Mini-KB remains at Tarakan.
Combat TFs: Miller has two large combat TFs cruising between Borneo and Java. Allied bombers from Soerabaja and Batavia hit BB Kongo with one small bomb, but are otherwise ineffective.
PI: Japanese units are arriving at Manila. I don't order an attack.
Solomons: Invasion TF arrives at Kuching. I order a light combat TF (CL and 2 DD) to head that way from the vicinity of Lae.
Midway: I sent in 3 DMs to mine the island, they had a brief skirmsih with a sub, then they retreated without laying mines (I forgot to toggle off the "do not lay mines" switch).
Forlorn Hopes: Row-row-row-your-boat continues; the SYS of the two damaged ships increase from 90 to, respectively, 91 and 92, so now I wonder if they might run the gauntlent only to flounder.
12/30/41
Smaller Craft: I-153 sinks AP Van Heck, just out of Soerabaja, with 3 TT. 3 Dutch PTs put 57 shells (but no torps) into an already burning AK Minato Maru NW of Manila. I-39 takes three depth charges just north of Luzon.
Bombardments: A small British CA/CL TF bombards Tavoy, destroying some fuel and supplies. A single CA bombards Miller's division at Moulmein, inflicting 28/2. CL Tromp and DD Vampire hit a small Japanese outpost in the Moluccas, but then blunder into a tough Japanese combat TF (4 CA, CL, 7 DD) north of the western tip of NG and suffer grievously. Vampire goes down, Tromp may survive (moderate sys, float, fires).
PI: Miller has the 16th and 48th Divisions here; they bombard but don't do any damage.
Singapore: Miller's 21st Divison, 23rd Mixed Brigade, and Imperial Guards cross the river and launch an ill-advised shock attack, suffering 2149/83/9 against 257/17. Then the Allies lauch a counter-shock attack at an encouraging 4:1 and send the Japanese back to Johore Bharu, but the Allies suffer the greater casualties: 922/20 to 158/16.
China: Japanese 3rd Division is North of Changsha (where it retreated after losing a brief skirmish to the Chinese about a week ago). In Hong Kong, Japanese bombard.
Strategic Situation: At the moment, it seems that Miller is bogged down in Malaya, Manila, Moulmein, and China. There are no immediate crises for the Allies. I think we end the year in a decent position, all things considered, but I know Miller is marshalling his forces to strike soon.
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"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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Happy New Year (and all is well)!
12/31/41
Small Craft: 3 PT put 2 TT into PG Tamo Maru.
Surface Combat: CL Perth and 2 DD hit a lightly guarded Japanese invasion force at Kaeving, scoring single TT strikes on a PG, PC, and AK Chiro Maru, and also hit another PG with gunfire.
Bombardment: A small CA/CL force bombards the Japanese division at Moulmain inflicting 51/1.
Invasions: Japanese TF arrives at Shortlands. Perth and her DD friends will stop by for a visit on their way back to Cairns.
On the Ground: Japanese bombardments at Hong Kong and Manila ineffective. Hong Kong ends the year in British hands reminding me once again that I'm no prophet.
British Withdrawal: Brits must withdraw a CL and 2 DD. I have just the ships waiting in Calcutta.
Forlorn Hopes: Just keep truckin' along.
Strategic situation at year's end: No big unpleasant surprises for the Allies and a few, perhaps, for the Japanese. The Allies are presently firmly in control at Singapore and Manila, have a tenuous grip on Hong Kong, and do not yet feel any pressure in Changsha, Yenen, Java, Australia, New Guinea, Solomons, South Pacific or Cen Pacific. The Japanese advance toward Burma has momentarily halted at Moulmein. The KBs have been in the Straits of Macassar for much of the past week where recon aircraft kept tabs on them, eliminating the usual "Where is the KBI" stress. So, I can relax, right?
Small Craft: 3 PT put 2 TT into PG Tamo Maru.
Surface Combat: CL Perth and 2 DD hit a lightly guarded Japanese invasion force at Kaeving, scoring single TT strikes on a PG, PC, and AK Chiro Maru, and also hit another PG with gunfire.
Bombardment: A small CA/CL force bombards the Japanese division at Moulmain inflicting 51/1.
Invasions: Japanese TF arrives at Shortlands. Perth and her DD friends will stop by for a visit on their way back to Cairns.
On the Ground: Japanese bombardments at Hong Kong and Manila ineffective. Hong Kong ends the year in British hands reminding me once again that I'm no prophet.
British Withdrawal: Brits must withdraw a CL and 2 DD. I have just the ships waiting in Calcutta.
Forlorn Hopes: Just keep truckin' along.
Strategic situation at year's end: No big unpleasant surprises for the Allies and a few, perhaps, for the Japanese. The Allies are presently firmly in control at Singapore and Manila, have a tenuous grip on Hong Kong, and do not yet feel any pressure in Changsha, Yenen, Java, Australia, New Guinea, Solomons, South Pacific or Cen Pacific. The Japanese advance toward Burma has momentarily halted at Moulmein. The KBs have been in the Straits of Macassar for much of the past week where recon aircraft kept tabs on them, eliminating the usual "Where is the KBI" stress. So, I can relax, right?
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"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.