At Dawn We Slept--Japan's Version

[John 3rd]

Good day! Michael (NY Giants) and I had started a Big B's 1,4 Extended Map campaign a few weeks ago and he convinced me to try out the RHSRAO Mod for something different. Don't worry Brian I am still playing the Japanese against Canoerebel and the Allies against Bogo.

After going through the rather tedious task of loading about 1,000,000 files into yet another copy of WitP, I got the final update yesterday and started planning. Initial reactions were:

1. WHAT A MAP! It is spectacular and TOTALLY different then anything I have seen. I really like AB's Extended but (no offense) this buries that. It even has Madagascar on it...

2. The land units....uummmm....I have gotten used to the Japanese Order of Battle and this is REALLY different. I spent 30 minutes trying to find my Paratroopers. Were they listed AS PARAS...no. It was interesting.

3. Ships--very nice art--and I love the variety of choices. I about fell over when I found APs that could go 21 Knots! I want MORE of them! This scenario is a CV friendly variant and I am very interested in seeign how it plays out. Got to say that I like organic air units on the CVEs!

4. Aircraft--nice art again--are also quite different. Different types of planes as well as the old standbys but even they are different when it comes to range and mission.

Going to be a learning curve getting used to the new variants of the units.

5. Economy--I have gotten pretty good at working with the Japanese economy but am leery to tinker too much to start with since everything is changed. I'll detail my decisions as I go on this topic.

These are my initial thoughts.

I've sent the first turn and we shall see what happens.

Next posting will detail the battleplan that I intend to follow.

[John 3rd]

I've done a serious shake-up of my normal moves. I've gotten the impression that I have become somewhat predictable and I HATE THAT! Time for some changes.

In no real order let me walk through my plans:

1. Port Attacks--Michael allows for TWO and I will take full advantage of that.

a. Pearl Harbor
The KB will strike Pearl as planned but with a slightly smaller punch. I agonized over pulling Yamaguchi's Car Div 2 (Hiryu/Soryu) out of the attack to strengthen my Manila assault. I had tried this earlier and was very unhappy with the PH damage. Decided to do something different. From the KB TF, Zuikaku, CL Abukuma , and 3 DD were detached to help with Manila. This leaves the five CVs to do the heavy lifting. I've assigned all five TB Daitai to Port Attack, four of five DB Daitai to the same (the other to hit the AF), and have two Daitai of Zeros on Airfield Attack. All remaining Zeros are on Escort with CAP set at 20%. This should give me an attack force of approximately 75 Zero, 125 Vals, and 125 Kates. We'll see if we can get lucky...

b. Manila
EVERY other CV/CVL/CVE is set to rendezvous one hex to the east of Manila (range 2) to attack the port there. With RHS things are different so let me run through which ships are here with their plane complement behind their name: CV Zuikaku (18 Zero/27 Val/27 Kate), CV Ryujo (22 Claude/18 Kate), CVL Zuiho (16 Claude/12 Kate), CVE Taiyo (12 Zero/14 Val), and CVE Hosho (11 Claude/8 Jean). For players of the Japanese, notice the different compositions of the air groups. Taiyo and Hosho are certainly enhanced by this. Those are their 'normal' air groups. Ryujo has had her air group reduced from 48 down to 40 which is more realistic (she was kind of Ranger-like with TOO many planes crammed onto a small hull). When tallied, I should have a total of 30 Zero, 49 Claude, 41 Val, 57 Kates, and 8 Jeans. I set for all the Zero to fly at 0% CAP and the Claude are on 50% CAP. Working the math, the Manila strike should be about 30 Zero, 25 Claude, 41 Val, and 65 TB. I consider that a pretty respectable strike package. GIVE ME Subs!

Anyone who has played the Japanese know that this force is coming from 5 locations for this attack. As soon as it is over, I will reorganize the ships into two TF comprising: 2CV, 1CVL, 2CVE, 2 CA, 3 CL, and 14 DD. Realisitcally--I'll put Zuikaku and Ryujo together with 2 CA and 8 DD and split Zuiho off with the 2 CVE, 3 CL, and 6 DD. The job AFTER Manila will be to kill little helpless FLEEING ships...

Reinforcements and Changes to the OOB:

1. Palau--I send BBs Ise/Hyuga and Fuso/Yamashiro, 2 CL, and 4 DD to augment the forces already present. I send the 65th Brigade there to strengthen the land element. This provides me with two Brigades to go after the Eastern DEI with support forces helping.

2. Saipan--Dan Roper has shown me how Allied ships can escape from the Philippines by going EAST. This will not happen this time. I've ordered a force of 2 CS, 5AV, and 4 DD to meet at Saipan. I will then make them into two TF and they will serve as an Eastern shield if Michael tries to flee in that direction. They field 32 Jake and 30 USELESS Pete.

3. Kwajalein--Here is the big change to my normal opening. My typical move is to gather extra forces at Truk and grab Rabaul, Port Moresby, and New Caledonia within the first 30-45 days of the war. NOT SO this time! I have truly moved firepower here for a new strategy.

Beyond this base's normal land forces, I add the following major units: the South Seas Force (it has a different name that I forgot to write down), 56th Division (Brigade), 16th Infantry Division, 5th Independent Tank Company, Bako Base Force, and JNAV 231st BF, as well as the HQs of the Combined Fleet and 1st Fleet. Once gathered within the first week of the war, they shall sail and capture in one major operation: Palmyra (16th ID), Canton (56th), and Pago-Pago (SSF). Instead of attacking South, I will go EAST! Never done it and it should be FUN!

To facilitate this, I have added portions of the Combined Fleet. The following have been sent to Kwajalein: BB Mutsu/Nagato and BC Kongo/Haruna, four CA (the Aoba's), eight DD, 3 Armed Merchant Raiders, two AE, and two AR. There are already three CL and six DD present.

To cover this massive operation, the KB will strike PH once, move north to refuel and then swing around the EAST side of Hawaii heading towards Palmyra and points south.

This is the GRAND PLAN. Thoughts?

I will hit Singapore with everything I have and try to take it by January 10th. The Philippines can wait a while. I will deal with them in a leisurely fashion although I shall try to destroy the airpower ASAP there as well as shipping as detailed earlier.

SUBS: The Japanese have CRAPPY sub Captains and I am recalling nearly 50% of the SS around PH to remove their Captains with someone more useful. The remainder are spreading out along the Palmyra, Canton, Pago-Pago line. About 3-4 are left near PH to keep an eye on things.

The DEI SS are not recalled but they are moved to cover major ports throughout the DEI and west of Manila.

Normal bombing missions are assigned to hit Clark and Singapore. Will also target the northern Malaya AFs and Manila's AF.

Questions?

It is late and I am STILL WAITING for Michael to send the turn back.

B---A---N---Z---A---I

[TenChiMato]

Use Kaga instead of Zuikaku, she is slower(unless its different in RHS) than all the other KB CVs and will fit better with the mini-KB

[John 3rd]

That is a GREAT thought!  Since I just found out from Michael that the upgrade put out a few days ago didn't take hold, I will change that.  Wonderful thinking!

Now I just have to redo the ENITIRE turn...[:o][:o]

[TenChiMato]

Regarding ships fleeing east away from the PI :
- bombard Naga on turn1; even a small TF (CLs+DD) will usually do enough damages
- use the 3CS to attack Cagayan and strafe its airfield with your F1M2; you will not destroy many B17s but will likely damage quite a few; a follow up naval bombardment and it will take days to repair them; a damaged plane is almost as good as a destroyed one and by the time they repair your troops will be there. So strafe exposed airfields
 
 

[John 3rd]

Nice ideas as well.  Am waiting to make sure that the Scenario is currectly updated and then I will begin to re-work the turn.

I could also divert a Sentai of Sallys from Formosa to hit the Cagayan AF...

[John 3rd]

Goodness. I just finished doing the opening turn for the second time. I had updated Scenario 71 of RHS and missed one little update file that caused issues for Michael so I had to find the missing file and then make sure it was good for him. In doing so, I had to redo the whole darned turn! [:o] Anyone who has played the Japanese KNOW how big a pain that is...

In getting the chance to rework the turn, I decided to break away from my standard attacks even more. I know Michael has read my AAR against Mandrake as well as my older one against Wolfpack so I want to keep him off balance. To do this, I have done what I described up above but added and tweaked some. Let me touch on the modifications:

1. As by the suggestion above, I pulled Kaga from the KB and moved her to join the Manila Port Attack instead of Zuikaku. This makes Nagumo's KB a 6/6 speed TF now and I like that. Kaga maintains the level of firepower I want directed at Manila Bay so it made VERY GOOD sense. Thanks to TenChiMato for that.

2. Air Base Attacks--I have added several new targets to my sweep on Dec 7th.
a. Cagayan will get two Daitai of Bombers (27 Betty--27 Nell). I hate those 4EB there and want to see if I can get a few of them before they run away.

b. Manila--I detail the two Sentai of Lily and 1 Sentai of Sally in Formosa to hit this AF. Roughly 60 Bombers shall do this and they SHOULD have fighter escort. Hitting this AF in conjunction with the Naval Port Attack could be rather spectacular.

c. Malaya--Several Sentai of Divebombers and Lilys get tasked with hitting the northern AF in Malaya. Normal heavy blows to be sent to Kuantan and Singapore itself.

Normally I land at Kuantan but have decided to relax for a change and land at the traditional site of Kota Bharu.

3. Paratroopers--It took me forever to figure out that there are THREE paratrooper units now. They are spread through Palau, Truk, and Kwajalein. I order severel fast AK (and in this game they are FAST meaning 18-20 Knots) to bring over to Palau the unit at Truk. I move several Tina and Mavis transport units into Palau. I have about 25 of each type.

The Tinas are dropping Paras at Jolo so I can have the AF.

The Mavis (HUGE range) are getting tasked with Taytay and Puerto Princessa.

4. Additional Landings:
a. I put together an Invasion Force to start the campaign about 8 hexes NW of Jolo. These are shipping lanes so I figure it is not an abuse of my own rules regarding 1st turn landings. This TF has a Base Force and two SNLF units. With their 18 Knot speed, I should have them ready to take Jolo in case the Paras fail by Dec 8th/9th.

b. Since I pulled the old South Seas Force from landing at Guam, I had to find a substitute. From the Pescadores I loaded the Shuzan Nvl Guard, 3rd Indian Eng Regiment, and 3rd Ind. Tank Company for a total of 75 Assault Points. Nice balanced little assault force. Kind of like a German Battlegroup... They should easily take out Guam.

As far as I am concerned, my opening landings are quite conservative. I will hit Kota Bharu, Guam, and Batan on Dec 7th. Paras shall grab Jolo, Puerto Princessa, and TayTay. That is it. I will start loading my Invasion Forces for everything else beginning on the 8th.

After that...look out! I'll move so damned fast, no one SHOULD be able to catch me.

I'll get the turn back tomorrow and see how it plays out. Will also look at production tomorrow as well.

Well??

[1EyedJacks]

Just curious - in the Empires Ablaze mod I have very few spare DD/APD/PG/PC starting out. The few I have are already assigned to other TFs. It was a primary reason why I went after the subs on turn 1. How are you on ships that can escort your convoys and provide ASW support in December?

[John 3rd]

Hey Sir!

I agree with your observation that the smaller escorts appear to be rather weak. Didn't look too close though due to most of my convoy traffic going to major hub bases for turn one--Truk, Kwajalein, and Palau. My few Invasion Forces all have IJN Cover Forces so I didn't attach too much in the way of PS/SC/PG/APD. We'll see if that is a mistake or not.

Since Michael provides me the option, I cannot wait to sink some SS at Manila. Hopefully I will get the S-Boats since their TTs work! My hope with nearly 100 Attack Planes going in is to sink about 10 SS and damage another 10 or so. Knocking them out will seriously buy some time for me. The British and Dutch SS are good and I hate the fact that they will score time and again but if I hit Manila hard enough, that should account for nearly 50% of the available SS in the DEI Region.

I HAVE to hit Pearl Harbor but seldom does the attack actually DO anything exciting. How often does the Japanese player actually sink TWO BB in the initial attack?!! I hope to hit the BBs but, more importantly, I hope to hit CAs and CLs. Those are the truly valuable ships to the Americans in 1942. Only they can aid the fast CV TF. With 4 Daitai of Vals and all 5 Daitai of Kates going in on Port Attack, my PH Attack will actually be flinging more planes directly at the US Pacific Fleet. What shall the results be???

I'd better find out tomorrow! [8|]

[John 3rd]

The war has commenced! The Imperial March has begun that shall only lead to the inevitable destruction of either Japan or the United States. The war begins with a shattering attack upon Pearl Harbor!

I remind the readers that I decided to pull IJN Kaga out of the KB to strengthen the secondary attack upon Manila Bay. For some reason, Kaga didn't make it in time to launch at Manila and so this dispersion of power appeared to be for naught. Thankfully--the Gods favored the Japanese attack and the results were QUITE good.

The attack was carried out by the five remaining carriers of the KB. Over the TF, CAP was set at 20% with two Zero Daitais on Airfield Attack as well as Hiryu's DB Daitai. The remaining four Val Daitai and and all five Kate Daitai were set to Port Attack.

Here we go!

On the morning of December 7th, the skies were filled with a combined strike of 66 Zero, 108 Val, and 117 Kate. Surprise was complete with only 6 P-40s rising to meet the incoming aerial armada. The separate elements broke up to hit the airfields and port. Lets handle each:

Airfield Results--The three Daitai assigned to the assault did amazingly well. When the attack was over, the airfields around PH were wiped out! Preliminary results of destroyed American aircraft are 41 Fighters of all sorts, 1 B-17, 16 other bombers, 5 SBD, 7 Transports, 3 Float Planes, and 20 PBYs--total 93 aircraft! Pretty good for roughly 60 planes work.

Port Attack--This attack, though costly, was magnificently done! The Vals spread their attacks quite well hitting the BBs as well as cruisers and destroyers. Of the five Kate Daitai THREE (Hiryu, Soryu, and Zuikaku) dropped torpedos! I will name the BB, how many 800 Kg bombs hit it, torpedo hits, and then smaller bombs:

Arizona (2 800 Kg and 3 TT) On Fire
Pennsylvania (4 800 Kg, 2 TT, 3 bombs) Heavy Damage
Oklahoma (3 800 Kg, 1 TT, 12 bombs) On Fire
Maryland (4 800 Kg, 2 TT, 7 bombs) Heavy Damage
West Virginia (2 800 Kg, 3 TT, 8 Bombs) On Fire
California (3 800 Kg and 5 bombs) On Fire
Tennessee (1 800 Kb, 5 TT, 9 bombs) Heavy Damage
Nevada (2 800 Kg, 4 TT, 12 bombs) Heavy Damage

All BB are strongly hit with Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Nevada in deep trouble. I will HOPE for one or two to go down. Regardless--the BB Line is OUT OF THE PICTURE!

More improtantly, my pilots struck at numerous other shipping targets:
CA San Fransisco (1 800 Kg) and New Orleans (1 TT)
CL Phoenix (1 800 Kg), Helena (1 bomb), and Detroit (1 800 Kg, 2 bombs)
DD Case, Dewey, Schley, Ward, Monaghan, and Downes (1 bomb or TT each)
Other: AD Dobbin (1 bomb), SS Tautog (1 TT), and DM Ramsey (1 bomb)

For me, this result is fantastic. All these ships cannot be used immediately to support the American CV TF. Doesn't get much better then that!

Losses: 8 Zero, 11 Val, 33 Kate

These losses are about 15-20 planes heavier then I like. Soryu lost 15 planes and Zuikaku 16. Most of these were Kates. I think my Kates took it on the chin due to so many attacking with TTs.

Thoughts?

[John 3rd]

I struck throughout the Philippines. 

Clark Field was hit by 96 Zero and 130 Bombers.  For NO LOSS, we destroyed 41 Fighters, 4 B-17, inflicted 2,400 Cas, and heavily damaged the base itself.

Manila Field was hit by 87 Zero and 39 Bombers.  For NO LOSS (again), the Japanese destroyed 11 P-40s, 4 PBY, and inflicted 1,100 Cas, with heavy damage done to the field.

Cagayan Field was a disppointing assault.  Over 40 Betty/Nell hit this field and do serious damage but don't destroy any 4 EB.

The Mini-KB (minus Kaga getting lost) of Ryujo, Taiyo, Hosho, and Zuiho launch at Manila Bay.  As Manila's AF was under attack--16 Claude, 14 Val, and 38 TT Planes swoop into the crowded harbor.  As they prepare to attack, they are jumped by 8 P-40s and lose 2 Val and 4 Jean.  The remaining bombers go to work and hit AVD Childs, DD John Ford, an AK, plus 7  Fleet Subs and 1 S-Boat.  Where were Kaga's 54 Val and Kate??!!

Still--since this attack is allowed within our house rules, I am happy to get what I got.  Nearly 1/3 of Manila's SS are hit and that is good.

The Philippine AF is also knocked out too.  Good work for the opening round!
 

[John 3rd]

As the Japanese troops begin unloading at Kota Bharu, planes range up and down the Malay Peninsula causing significant damage!

Kota Bharu is hit by 54 bombers that significantly damage the AF as well as destroy 3 Hudsons on the ground.

Alot Star gets 17 Bombers that mange to destroy two Blenheim bombers.

Kuantan is struck by 55 bombers and the AF takes real damage.

Singapore gets the attention of 90 Nell and Betty WITHOUT ZERO escort and has to fight through 12 Buffalo Fighters.  At a cost of 6 Nell and 2 Betty the Japanese destroy 5 Buffalo, 1 PBY, 4 Swordfish TB, and 1 Blenheim bomber.  The AF gets CRUSHED from the attack! 

Several small strikes attempt to hit the invasion convoys asa they unload at Kota Bharu for no effect.  Using Singora as a base, I have Oscars flying LR CAP.  In series of small battles, 19 Oscars manage to shoot down 11 Vildebeest and 2 Blenheim.

Total for the day is 5 Buffalo, 1 PBY, 11 Vildebeest, 4 Swordfish, 5 Blenheim, and 3 Hudson--total 29 Planes.
 

[John 3rd]

Using Paratroopers, I grab TayTay and Puerto Princessa.  At TayTay, 3 AK are scuttled as I take the town.  The more important capture is Jolo.  The Americans surrender and the TF I stationed 6 hexes to the NW immediately goes to full speed where it will begin unloading tomorrow.

Five small STF spread out east and west of Jolo to catch fleeing ships.  Additionally, I lay minefields in two hexes W and SW of Manila Bay.  A group of seven Ro- and I-Boats also spread out to catch shipping. 

I capture Batan Isle in a standard opening invasion.

Palau
Shipping gathers for the assault to the south.  I have two Brigades here now.  One will take Kendari and the other will grab Amboina.  Several smaller NLFs and SNLFs will take a series of bases leading to those two targets.  Once they are grabbed, the larger Infantry units will combine to take Timor. 

Batavia  I-156 draws first SS blood of the war when it sinks an AK and misses DD Evertsen in a second attack.

[John 3rd]

At Kwajalein a hoste of Japanese shipping and striking power gathers.  Most of the convoys I formed prior to Dec 7th are at Kwajalein or close by.  What is present?

Warships:
BB Mutsu and Nagato
BC Kongo and Haruna
CA Aoba, Kako, Kinugasa, and Furutaka
CL  4
DD  14

I replace the Captains of 16 SS (both Ro- and I-Boat) there and send them to cover Canton, Palymra, Christmas, and Pago-Pago.

Invasion Plans:
Phase One
1.  The capture of the Line Islands--Palmyra (56th Division Brigade and JNAF 21st) and Christmas Isle (IJA Nanyo (old South Seas Force) and JNAF Engineer Aviation Battalion). 
2.  Tarawa shall be taken by a small, token SNLF unit.
3.  16th Infantry Division shall be held in reserve while prepping for Canton Isle.
4.  Will begin loading for Wake tomorrow.

Phase Two
1.  Capture of Midway
2.  Capture of Johnston Isle

The KB shall be covering all these operations.  It immediately headed SW towards Kwajalein.  I need to reach a port with 20,000+ supply so I can replace my lost pilots.

This set of plans is a radical departure for me.  Normally I head due south and grab Rabaul, Port Moresby, and Noumea.  This shall happen but not until late-February or March.

[John 3rd]

I begin my normal expansion of the Japanese economy.  I generally focus on expanding Naval Shipyards, Repair Yards, and heavy industry.  This is what I did:

Hakodake--Raise the Nvl Shipyard from 5 to 15 and convert the Merchant Yard to 15 Naval.  I double the Repair Yard from 18 to 36.

Sapporo--Increase the Nvl Yard from 3 to 12, increase the Merch Yard from 3 to 12, and massively raise the Repair Yard from 6 to 48.

Aomori--+30 Heavy Industry

Mutsu--+30 Heavy Industry

Sendai--Raise the Nvl Yard  from 1 to 8, Raise the Merchant Yard from 1 to 8 and convert it to a Nvl Yard, and raise the Repair Yard to 16.

Nagasaki--Repair Yard raised from 77 to 154.

Shanghai--Raise the Repair Yard from 20 to 80 and the Nvl Yard from 10 to 20.

Harbin--Raise the Armament from 5 to 20.

Manchuria--Raise Heavy Ind by 90 and increase Armaments by 40.

Totals:  Naval Yards +60, Merchant Yards +9, Repair Yards +213, Heavy Ind +150, and Armaments +55.  This is a start to my expansion.  Since this is a new Mod, I don't want to get TOO carried away.

Aircraft Increases:  +63 Zeros, +31 Oscars, and +36 Betty.

Naval Construction:  Accelerated Junyo and Hiyo as well as Shoho and Ryuho.  I was staggered to see that I get Yamato in FOUR days!  Stopped Shinano and let Musashi continue building.

Bought a Daitai of 30 Nells in Toyko and assigned them to the 4th Fleet.  They flew to Saipan to hit anything trying to escape from the Philippines.  Once that phase is over, they will move eastwards to the newly captured Islands.

Economy Thoughts???

[Farragut]

Amazing new adventure!!
 
Post some map too, if possible.
 
Will keep following this AAR.
 
HIT HARD AND FAST !!!
 
Long life to the Emperor !!
 
Farragut

[John 3rd]

Operations begin to unfold and Michael's reaction should be pretty interesting.  I will cover the Pacific by topic and then region:

Sub Operations:
1.  Ro-33 hits TWO ships near Manila--an AK and AP (Madison) take a TT each.  Since she laid mines in that hex, Ro-33 heads for Saigon to replennish.

2.  I-158 sinks two MSW at Batavia and takes 3 DC in return.

3.  I-164 misses an American DD at Balikpapan and takes 5 DC for her effort.

4.  KXVI hits an AP with a TT near Jolo.

Landings:
1.  Kota Bharu continues to get troops.  I will attack on the 10th and take the hex.
2.  Guam is taken and an AO as well as MSW are scuttled.  The first 1300 Prisoners-of-War enter the Japanese bag.

Philippines
I continue to hit Clark, Cagayan, and Manila Fields.  At Manila, I strike with 132 Zero and 89 Bombers.  A group of 20 P-40s rise to fight and I WIPE them out!  As the battle develops over over the harbor, 11 P-40s fall and 1 B-17, 1 PBY, and a P-35 are destroyed on the ground.  The harbor is mostly cleared but an LCM is hit by bombs.

I move planes to Jolo:  12 Lily, 9 Kate, and 9 Babs move in before any Base Force troops can unload.  While the Jolo Invasion Force begins unloading, my ships sink PG Isabel and an AP.

My Baby-KB sinks a PG in the central Philippines.

Malaya
As at the Philippines, my airpower continues to pound the airfields.  Kota Bharu, Kuantan, and Alor Star all get my attention.  The Allies fly a series of airstrikes at my convoys unloading at Singora and Kota Bharu.  In a series of dogfights, my Oscars shoot down 5 Vildebeest, 1 Hudson, and 3 Blenheim.  On the Allied side they manage to put a TT into CL Sendai and an AP.  Nothing is in sinking condition.

China
A Sentai of Lily and Chutai of Kate hit PGs Peterol and Wake sinking them.


I begin loading invasion convoys:

Palau
1.  Morotai Invasion Force loads two small SNLF into 2 AP and 2 AK.
2.  Weda Invasion Force loads the same type of force with the same composition of shipping.

Saigon
1.  The Kuching Invasion Force begins loading the 4th Independant Mixed Brigade and JAAF 31st.

Cam Rahn Bay
1.  The Brunei Invasion Force of two small SNLF, a Construction unit, and JAAF 15th Air Sector is loading.

Samah
1.  A Fast Convoy of 3 AP and 4 AK--speed 18 knots--loads 2 SNLF and 2 Construction units for Truk.

Truk
1.  The Kavieng Invasion Force loads to small Naval Guards.


KB News
After a full speed sprint on the 8th, the KB is due north of Johnston Island heading for Kwajalein.  I NEED them to get to that base so I can replennish my lost planes.  Want be at full strength when the KB moves to support the Lines Island Invasion Forces.

Total Sinkings for Day:  4 PG, 2 MSW, 1 AP, and 1 AO.

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
December 9, 1941

As the Allies attempt to scatter to the four winds, my ships and planes are doing their utmost to SINK THEM! Operations are pretty crazy and trying to tell it in an easy-to-read manner will not be easy. I'll give it a try and see if it makes sense:

Sub and ASW Action:
1. Ro-64 hits an AK with 4 Shell/1 TT near Manila
2. On the West Coast, I-172 puts a TT into a Tanker and spots the Saratoga moving westward
3. At Soerabaja I-166 MISSES a shot at CA Exeter! DRAT...
4. Off Kota Bharu, my ASW heavily damages KXI with 5 DC
5. At Singora, ASW hits KXVII with 2 DC (one is a critical hit) and puts it on Fire

Not bad heavily damaging TWO of those effective K-Class SS!

SW of the Philippines
It APPEARS that Michael is moving all of his ships from Manila Bay toward Tarakan and Balikpapan. My planes and STF begin causing havoc. I have five small STF of 2-3 ships sailing about the Jolo base area.

1. CA Nachi and 2 DD sink Brit DDs Scout and Thanet and probably sink DM Thracien as well as 2 PG
2. DD Peary is planted by a pair of DD. CL Boise is also 'caught' by two Jap DD and she SINKS them with her 6" guns. Down goes IJN Suzukaze and Umikaze. The Boise legend among American Fan Boys can continue until I SINK her!
3. NW of Jolo a CL and 6 DD sink a PG

Mini-KB sinks an AP and AK due south of Mindanao.

Regional Reports:

Philippines
Hit Manila, Cagayan, and Clark AFs. I attack Manila Bay (shot down 5 P-40s) again and manage to hit an AR, AS, and LCM. Down goes the AR.

Malaya
Bombard Kuantan with BBs Ise and Hyuga. I hit Kota Bharu, Alor Star, and Kula Lumphur. At Kuala I lose 2 Zero and 1 Bomber for 6 Buffalo and 1 Vildebeest. The ineffective Allied attacks against my Invasion Forces mage to see about 8-10 Allied bombers shot down.

Attack Kota Bharu, get 1-2, and drop Forts down to 0. Will take the base tomorrow!

Invasion Forces:

Palau
The Morotai and Weda Invasion Forces depart the harbor.

Two new Invasion TF form-up and head for Manado (2 SNLF) and Kendari (56th Ind Brigade and IJN 41st Special BF

Kwajalein
Operation Eastern Wind takes full form. After much internal discussion, the High Command has issued the following Invasion Orders:

1. Christmas Island Invasion Force (South Seas Detachment and BF) to be covered by a CL and 4 DD.
2. Palymra Invasion Force (16th Infantry Division and BF) covered by BB Mutsu, CA Kako, 1 CL, and 4 DD.
3. Canton Invasion Force (56th Brigade and BF) covered by BB Mutsu, CA Aoba, 1 CL, and 5 DD.
4. Wake Island Invasion Force (2 Naval Guard plus an SNLF) covered by CAs Kinugasa and Furutaka, 1 CL, and 1 DD

The KB is moving at Full Speed to reach Kwajalein and THEN cover the Invasions. There is plenty of fuel and a few AOs standing by.

To cause some chaos, I add the 4 CL-Maru commerce raiders into the mix. They sail individually eastward from Kwajalein to hit the commerce lanes between the West Coast and Line Islands.

Busy turn but pretty straight-forward.

[1EyedJacks]

Hi John,

This is the version with Russia active? If so, what are you doing in that theatre?

[1EyedJacks]

Wuzz up? <laughter>

It looks like the turns have slooooowed down.