Remember the Enterprise - RHS Test 6B - RAO vs Polynick

[el cid again]

22 December 1941

The night turn began with landings at Rabaul - and DMS Ishigaki was hit - while the Allies inflicted 231 casualties. Later Nagato and Mutsu group bombarded taking one hit on CA Furutaka, inflicting 168 casualties and 16 other hits of various kinds. Later still, planes from a 3 carrier section of KB hit Lark Force at Rabaul, causing 74 more casualties and 1 gun lost.

Next, 3 destroyers at Kwajalein attacked - and hit - USN submarine Tautog. 6 DMS tried to return the compliment at Layton Island
SE of Mideay - on I-23 - but failed. Later in the day 4 destroyers attacked - and hit - USN submarine Sailfish at San Fernando. This seems unusually lucky - and possibly the ships are getting more experience. Sailfish was set on fire. Two for two - a lot better than a couple of weeks ago.

Next, a cruiser group shelled Sinkawang - and later in the day troops began landing there. The CVL group also arrived to cover the landings - and a follow on TF - really planning for points farther South - will arrive tomorrow - just in case more muscle is needed.

An air attack on Rangoon encountered no opposition - inflicted 48 casualties and 28 other hits - and made it clear he has no intention of defending even Central Burma. This makes it possible to go for an airmobile campaign - and everything not in the jungle crossings is headed for the airheads - and one division is recalled from the jungle. Later in the day Moulmein fell (undefended) to airborne attack - and our big problem is - how to follow up effectively as fast as possible. Not having planned for air bridge into Burma - our units are still moving into position for airlift - so we will send in Thai troops to occupy and defend Southern Burma - pending the exit from the jungle of the Japanese units most of the way there. We are going to reassemble the First Airborne Brigade to take points north in a week or so.

88 Zeros swept Manila - encountering 8 P-26 - but after the first one was shot down they bugged out. 15 P-35s managed two anti-naval strikes - one NW of Luzon - one East of it - and both failed to do any damage.

In South China near Indochina two Japanese units were hit by separate ROC air strikes. One did no damage - the other caused 11 casualties. Most Japanese air power concentrated on units on the rail line running from Shanghai. These inflicted many casualties - but one of them lost 2 Ki-51s - which dive down into machine gun AA cielings. An attack by 21,000 Japanese on 7,000 ROC soldiers - which are isolated - didn't work out well - and 0 to 1 odds resulted in 254 (to 95) casualties lost. But a repeat attack on 4 guerilla units in Central China - 4 because we drove them together out of the flatlands of East China - at about 10 : 1 - got rated at 75 : 1- and they all ran still farther West - clearing a LOC at last. Our LOC situation is pretty good except for the main line west from Shanghai - which his potentially isolate units walked onto today. We are going to have to clear it out - and will continue to do so. The whole ROC force in the area has only one supply source - inadequate for their numbers.

A small air strike on the Guam Insular Force caused 40 more casualties. We will try another ground attack in two days.

2 Ansons out of Port Moresby attacked an AK near Lae - in spite of fighter cover from there by 6 Zeros. Nobody got hurt on either side. Then 11 Nells out of Bangkok hit Commonwealth River Tanker No 5 at Hinzada - torpedoing it twice. 6 Nells out of Kuching attacked an AK at Toboali but it was covered by 6 Dutch Buffalos - and the Nells lost one - for no hits. 5 Kingfisher floatplanes - possibly operating out of Cebu - attacked a DD and MSW unit on ASW duty near Legaspi - were opposed by 4 Nates and 3 Petes - and nobody got hurt. Next 3 Hudsons out of PM attacked an APD at Rabaul - encountered only on lone Pete - and yet again - the only effect of which was one damaged Hudson. [Good little Pete] Next those same 6 Nells out of Kuching attacked AO Anglo Indian at Palembang - and this time there was no fighter cover - so they hit it twice. But they hit it with 250 kg bombs - because Kuching is too small to feed them torpedoes. 5 more Nells hit AK Mapia at Pontianak - hitting it 5 times with 250 kg bombs - and it sank later in the day.

A small naval landing party landed at Tulagi - and will attack the still present garrison - about 3 platoons of the Australian 2nd Independent Company (which has 5 platoons). [The 2nd for Second World War FYI]

An attack by 16th Division at Lucena South of Manila - at 3 : 1 count - also turned out badly - 0 to 1 odds - 190 to 41 casualties.

An attack by a brigade combat team of Imperial Guards Division at Kuantan - nominally against a brigade - took the place on the first assault - and revealed the enemy formation was down to 426 troops and 1 heavy weapon. They retreated down the coast - fine - let them rot on the slow moving and lousy supply feed of the trail. The main force is collecting at Jahore Bahru - and a small task force - another third of IG Division plus tanks and armor and the HQ unit - will divert to clean up a pocket in the West. Supply situation is very good - unlike history - but it MIGHT have been that good IRL had they obtained the momentum we have done. Poly writes he miscalculated the power of the Japanese units and misallocated his units.

[el cid again]

23 December 1941

The turn began with more Japanese landings at Sinkawang. No significant opposition. The force is large and well supported by surface action group and light carrier group. The SAG bombarded - twice. A second invasion TF - really for Pontianak - also landed - putting ashore way more troops than required. The ground attack took the place - the transports reloaded one assault unit - and everyone except the garrison took off to hit Pontianak tomorrow. Aircraft will supply the base until a supply convoy arrives. RN sub Trusty was detected at Sinkawang - twice - but it neither hurt anything nor got hurt.

Next - and repeatedly - I-172 at French Frigate Shoal was engaged and hit - 2 times - 4 times - then 4 times more - I should have moved it yesterday after it was attacked - but forgot. It will survive unless attacked on the way home - but ASW is way too easy - and when detected subs should always move.

Next two four pipers - Peary and Pillsbury - in the center of the South China Sea - intercepted AP Kashi Maru- already damaged - and hit it twice - setting it ablaze. But I saw them on recon yesterday - set a Cruiser force out to hunt them - and it cought them later in the day - sinking both. 4 Mogami Class CA, CL Sendai and DD Hayabusa (all the ships repaired up at Saigon) put 20 shells into the two DD - with only 1 4 inch hit in reply.

Submarine Searaven was attacked but not hurt at Taan Hainan - by two AVDs. I sent large ASW TF from Saigon to back them up - and the local bombers are also 100 per cent on ASW patrol.

87 Zeros swept Manila - encountering 8 P-26A - killing four of them - with no losses.

ROCAF bombed 2nd Yobeiki Regiment Near Indochina - without effect. JAAF bombarded 3 weak Field Armies near Shanghai - with effect - losing one plane (there were multiple attacks). A ground attack at Pakhoi failed- he moved in an extra field army and had actual superiority. A ground attack on the rail line near Shanghai - vs 3 Field Armies - failed - 600 to 200 casualties - but it cannot do them any good to expend supplies and take combat losses: there is no adequate supply source in the area. We will pause to resupply - and hit them again - until the rail line is cleared and they retreat into the mountains - where we will pound them until dead.

1 Kate was lost bombarding the Lark Force battalion at Rabaul. 24 casualties were inflicted. Nells out of Truk bombarded the same unit - but there were no casualties. Nagato and Mutsu bombarded - causing 39 casualties, 1 vehicle lost, and 42 other hits. Not too surprisingly the ground assault took the place - in spite of not being with a large force (5346 men). We need time to repair the port and airfields - but many TFs began moving units, supplies and fuel on PM - and we are staging for the attack on PM next.

4 Nells operating out of newly opened Kuching air base hit a Tanker at Palembang - hitting it twice with 250 kg bombs because Kuching is too small to load torpedoes. The Zeros at Kuching did not escort - and the Buffalos at Palembang were apparently doing LRCAP somewhere else.
This process was repeated at Tabaoli - except the 2 hits were vs an AK.

Ansons and Hudsons out of PM attacked a convoy at Lae 3 times - and in spite of Zero opposition delivered 7 bombs on 3 ships - setting 2 of those ablaze. I lowered the altitude of the Zeros - increased CAP to 90 per cent.

A 10 unit ASW force at Bako attacked USS Sargo - without effect.

689 men in a naval landing party took Tulagi from the 189 defenders.

Malaya is split into three pockets - we will leave Singapore to rot in the black while we reduce KL - then the pocket in the East - before taking it on. Reinforcements are streaming in. We want the supplies from captured towns to help reduce Singapore.

Burma is similar - the Airborne is capturing resource centers - and we are flying in other formations - while two forces will come in by trails in due course. The only opposition we can see is 3 units at Rangoon - 2 of those being static - and 20 survivors of a forward air station near Tavoy. We are going for the NE-SW rail line and supply centers first - while we fly in or walk in big units.

Luzon is building up for the attack on Manila. This should be interesting given reports it is hard to take. It is bright green and most of the enemy units are there - a bastion defense.

[el cid again]

Christmas Eve, 1941

The turn began with Dutch submarine KXI being detected by Mogami and Suzuya - kind of sort of - but not localized - and not attacked - in the South China sea. Then 6 DD detected SS Tautog at Kwajalein - and also failed to localize. The same DD repeated this again later in the day. Then two more DD at Legaspi detected but failed to attack SS Sturgeon. Later in the day 3 DD at Rabaul did the same thing to SS Triton. Not a good turn for Japanese ASW.

Next the bombardment force hit Pontianak - and met stiff (if low caliber) resistence - 4 ships were hit. Later in the day a CSNLF began landing there. A carrier force also steamed in. No less than 3 subs were hunting these units - at the wrong place - they had been invading Sinkawang only yesterday. We set the lead part of the CSNLF to attack tomorrow. No casualties, but 23 hits were inflicted.

12 Ki-51 dive bombers - escorted by 40 Ki-27s - attacked Changsha - and met 8 ancient I-16s - shooting down 4 before the others bugged out. 52 casualties, 1 gun lost and 17 other hits were inflicted. Then 15 Sallies - escorted by 40 Oscars - hit Rangoon - meeting 6 Buffalos - also shooting down 4 before they rest bugged out. Next 19 Ki-48s escorted by 3 Oscars hit Tarakan for the first time. In spite of an aircraft symbol, nothing was encountered or destroyed on the ground in terms of planes. 22 casualties, 1 gun lost, and 14 other hits inflicted. 88 Zeros swept Manila - encountering 6 P-26s - whose morale is low after days of this - only 2 were destroyed before the rest gave up. We are only sending one unit to sweep tomorrow - the lower morale unit is going to rest. The higher morale unit has 51 kills - more than one for each of its 43 pilots. We also rebuilt it to 48 planes.

2 ROCAF ground attacks in South China were combat ineffective - in spite of not being opposed. A JAAF air strike in East China was also combat ineffective - unusual - and lost 1 Kate. A follow up ground attack vs the Muslim 82nd Field Army - although opposed by 3 Hawk 75s - inflicted 49 casualties. Air strikes on the Guam Insular Force and a forward air station in Burma both inflicted only 4 casualties.

Haguro and Myoko in the South China Sea were attacked by 8 Kingfishers - and 4 were lost to AA fire. A ground strike at Kappa Kappa failed to inflict casaualties on the 1st Yokosuka Airborne SNLF element there. Then 13 Nells from Kuching delivered 4 bombs to 2 tankers at Palembang - in spite of beign opposed by 1 Buffalo. Next 13 Betty's - out of Cam Rahn Bay - hit 2 of 3 PGs in Manila - 3 torpedo hits total. Next 6 Nells from Kuching failed to hit 2 AKs at Tabaoli.

[el cid again]

ORIGINAL: el cid again

Christmas Eve, 1941

The turn began with Dutch submarine KXI being detected by Mogami and Suzuya - kind of sort of - but not localized - and not attacked - in the South China sea. Then 6 DD detected SS Tautog at Kwajalein - and also failed to localize. The same DD repeated this again later in the day. Then two more DD at Legaspi detected but failed to attack SS Sturgeon. Later in the day 3 DD at Rabaul did the same thing to SS Triton. Not a good turn for Japanese ASW.

Next the bombardment force hit Pontianak - and met stiff (if low caliber) resistence - 4 ships were hit. Later in the day a CSNLF began landing there. A carrier force also steamed in. No less than 3 subs were hunting these units - at the wrong place - they had been invading Sinkawang only yesterday. We set the lead part of the CSNLF to attack tomorrow. No casualties, but 23 hits were inflicted.

12 Ki-51 dive bombers - escorted by 40 Ki-27s - attacked Changsha - and met 8 ancient I-16s - shooting down 4 before the others bugged out. 52 casualties, 1 gun lost and 17 other hits were inflicted. Then 15 Sallies - escorted by 40 Oscars - hit Rangoon - meeting 6 Buffalos - also shooting down 4 before they rest bugged out. Next 19 Ki-48s escorted by 3 Oscars hit Tarakan for the first time. In spite of an aircraft symbol, nothing was encountered or destroyed on the ground in terms of planes. 22 casualties, 1 gun lost, and 14 other hits inflicted. 88 Zeros swept Manila - encountering 6 P-26s - whose morale is low after days of this - only 2 were destroyed before the rest gave up. We are only sending one unit to sweep tomorrow - the lower morale unit is going to rest. The higher morale unit has 51 kills - more than one for each of its 43 pilots. We also rebuilt it to 48 planes.

2 ROCAF ground attacks in South China were combat ineffective - in spite of not being opposed. A JAAF air strike in East China was also combat ineffective - unusual - and lost 1 Kate. A follow up ground attack vs the Muslim 82nd Field Army - although opposed by 3 Hawk 75s - inflicted 49 casualties. Air strikes on the Guam Insular Force and a forward air station in Burma both inflicted only 4 casualties.

Haguro and Myoko in the South China Sea were attacked by 8 Kingfishers - and 4 were lost to AA fire. A ground strike at Kappa Kappa failed to inflict casaualties on the 1st Yokosuka Airborne SNLF element there. Then 13 Nells from Kuching delivered 4 bombs to 2 tankers at Palembang - in spite of beign opposed by 1 Buffalo. Next 13 Betty's - out of Cam Rahn Bay - hit 2 of 3 PGs in Manila - 3 torpedo hits total. Next 6 Nells from Kuching failed to hit 2 AKs at Tabaoli. 2 Kingfishers out of Cebu also failed to hit 1 AK at Cagayan.

More ASW attacks on Sturgeon and Thresher failed to localize, but then 13 ASW units at Palau hit S-40 - twice.

More to follow (going back to work)

[el cid again]

Next came daytime landings at Pontianak - and the coastal guns continued to be active - firing 14 shots at 3 ships - and scoring 1 hit on the CL Isuzu. In spite of this, the landings were subatantially successful - although there were 143 Japanese casualties - and also unusually 15 Allied casualties. Enough troops got ashore - more or less equal to an SNLF - that a ground assault was ordered for tomorrow. The new Ki-48 base at Brunei will support with an air strike - permitting Kuching to continue to hunt ships with its naval bombers.

An interesting action occurred at Dien Bien Phu - where the Viet Ming First Battalion was forming up under a very junior officer named Giap. He had increased the formation from about a platoon when the war began to 172 men - more or less company strength. It was not up to an attack by a naval landing force - admittedly supported by air strikes - and it withdrew - to Luangprabang.

Another naval landing party assaulted Tulagi - and defeated the "T Force" - a tiny element of the Australian Second Independent Company - on the first assault (in spite of the mountainous terrain: the small element was too small to be effective). [FYI the five platoons of this company are all present - but instead of being in 5 places - they are all either at Kavieng or Tulagi. IRL they were spread as far as Fiji - in just platoon strength - but that would take 5 slots.]

Several Allied bombardment attacks - in China - and at Pontianak Borneo - caused either no or miniscule casualties.

The final action of the day was a company sized attack on Meiktila Burma. Instead of encountering no resistence, there were 2165 troops in the hex. It is not clear exactly what that might be? The number of combat squads indicates it may be a very weak brigade. It was a mistake to assume lower Burma had been abandoned - and to attack without prior recon. In effect the airborne turned into the recon party. In spite of this nominal setback - we will do the same thing again tomorrow - next door - at Toungoo. A two company element of the First Raider Brigade moved up the rail line toward the town - but will need at least two more days to take the place. We ordered RTA 4th Division to move up into its present position - at the rail junction East of Rangoon - while the airborne continues to more NE toward Toungoo - hopefully gaining another hex tomorrow. This means the LOC from Southern Burma North is friendly - and the resource hexes will feed supplies to the Japanese - and not to the defenders (3 units of which are at Rangoon - another at Meiktila - and about 4 more at Mandalay). IF Toungoo turns out to be undefended - as I suspect - this will provide another hex generating supplies - and provide a retreat path for the company in trouble at Meiktila into the main rail net (instead of down the trail system to Thailand - at a cost of 90 supply points per point delivered). It also will facilitate the reunification of most of the Brigade. Two companies marching down the rail line - one flying in - one at Meiktila - will all unite at Toungoo. Another company marching up from Tavoy will catch up after defeating the tiny remnant of a forward air station. Two other elements are landing from ships at Saigon and Cam Rahn bay - and should be at Bien Hoa airmobile base in 2 or 3 days. A maximum effort by the raider airborne transport group delivers only about a company at a time.

In Malaya we will attack 2 units at Malacca - the first stage of reducing the Kuala Lumpur pocket. Since it cannot retreat - it may last a while. Then we will work on KL itself - it is already not generating supplies - but got some from Malacca until today - when we marched in. It is not yet in the black - so we will take our time - and use the steady pressure approach. Then we will reduce the pocket in the East - around Mersing - where 4 units retreated from the battle from Johore Bahru - more retreated from Kuantan - and likely still more were at Mersing itself. That too may take time. But all the while Singapore will become ever more disabled - wholly cut off from supplies - and it should not be too hard to take after that - by which time all the forces in the area will be concentrated. The position at Johore Bahru is bright green - in good supply.

Luzon is similarly way ahead of plan: there is resistence in only two hexes - Manila with 35 units in a bastion type defense - and Olongapo/Bataan - showing 8 units - not abandoned but quite stiff. We had 48th Division in the hex - and the Army HQ as well - and an armor regiment - but we are waiting for the artillery to join them for the attack. One regiment of 150s is 3/4 of the way there from Clark - and we sent another regiment of 150s to help.

In China we will renew the drive along the main line from Shanghai West tomorrow - and I think we set the force in the South to reinforce the Pakhoi position - and reinforce with a tank company from the coast.

In Burma we have the prospects of cutting the Burma Road in a few days - and that is way ahead of plan. We are going to invest the central part of the country instead of reduce Rangoon at once - no need for the Port until Singapore falls anyway - and two divisions need a while to walk in for that job. We want a supply base to support them - and air bases - and to isolate Rangoon from outside supply to help make it weaker. Also to cut that road to China.

[el cid again]

Christmas Day 1941 (Black Christmas, the day Hong Kong fell IRL)

The night turn began with the landing of the rest of the CSNLF at Pontianak and then a bombardment of it by cruisers. This surprise invasion one day after invading Sinkawang cought enemy submarines out of position. The force took the port during the day - but the ships left - empty - and both Pontianak and Sinkawang are short of supply. On the other hand - they won't be used as enemy bases any more - and will be resupplied in due course.

Next Tacloban was bombarded by CL Natori - scoring 3 hits - but none on a ship we thought was in port there.

DD Suzukaze detected S-37, but failed to localize and engage. USS Trout was detected at Truk - but also not engaged. Ro-66 torpedoed AK Chatanooga City at Midway.

The day turn began with 37 Ki-48s attacking Kwellin in South China. Surprised by the AVG - they were engaged by 11 P-40Bs - and 3 bombers were shot down. Nevertheless they penetrated, killed a Vildebeeste on the ground, and damaged 2 of the P-40s - inflicted 161 casualties, 3 guns lost and 18 other hits - not too bad.

The daily sweep of Manila was unopposed.

6 ROCAF SB-2s (escorted by 3 Hawks) attacked 3rd Division in China - without effect - but losing one of their number to light AA fire. 6 IL-4s escorted by 9 AVG P-40Bs attacked Kainan Guard SNLF - with no effect or loss. 2 B-10s did better - inflicting 12 casualties on 38th Division. Four JAAF air strikes in China were all more effective - but 2 Nate and 1 Ki-51 were lost. 3 JAAF attacks in Malaya and one JNAF attack on Guam were all effective and without lost aircraft.

4 Kingfisher's attacked CA Chokai at sea - and 3 were shot down. 17 Vildebeeste attacked CA Atago at sea - and also 3 were shot down. 6 Dutch B-10s out of Palembang attacked 2 AKs - without effect or losses. Later 7 Vildebeeste attacked a nameless naval target - but were driven away by Zero and Pete CAP. These actions in the waters between Singapore, South Sumatra and West Borneo. Then 2 Vildebeeste (out of Singapore) tried to attack some nameless ship at Kota Bahru - but failed to penetrate the CAP of 6 Oscars - one was shot down and the other bugged out.

16 Sally's out of Thailand attacked a river tanker at Hinzada - but missed it. Then 12 Ki-48s put a bomb in a Dhou group - also at Hinzada. 9 of the Sally's tried to hit the same two AKs - and missed - later in the day.

9 Nell's out of Kuching put 5 bombs in TK Anglo Indian at Palembang. Later 7 of them struck Tabaoli - putting 1 bomb each in 2 AKs.

6 Hudson's attacked Lae - met 7 Zeros - and one bomber was lost. They penetrated but failed to hit an AK.

The ground attack at Guam succeeded.

A Japanese ground attack (experimental) at Hanyang Wuhan failed miserably - with almost 3000 casualties - never mind de facto superiority of about 2:1. Another attack - at de facto 5:1 - was rated at only 2:1 - but forced 3 Field Armies to retreat down the rail line West of Shanghai.

A Japanese attack at Malacca caused a brigade to surrender and caused the complete isolation of KL.

An Allied attack at Meiktila Burma drove the airborne remnants there into the jungle. 39 Allied troops were casualties - but only 11 Airborne. In spite of this - the Japanese position in Central Burma is working out nicely- the entire rail line from the hex west of Meiktila all the way to Ye is under control - RTA 4th Division is substantially on it - as are 3 elements of airborne - and a division walks out of the jungle in 5 days.

[el cid again]

26 December 1941

The night turn began with ASW attacks on Allied submarines S-41 and Triton at San Fernando and Rabaul - both ineffective. The attack on S-41 was repeated - equally without effect. [But such attacks probably do cause ops points to be expended]

The day turn began with a sweep by 32 Ki-27 on Rangoon. It encountered 3 Buffalos - shooting down 1 - before the rest retired.

17 Ki-48s escorted by 7 Ki-43s raided Tarakan - putting 2 bombs into an AK. They met 6 Warhawks - but no planes were lost on either side. There were also 21 casualties, 2 guns lost, 1 vehicle lost, and 2 port hits.

A sweep of Olongapo indicated no CAP present. 4 ROCAF attacks were almost ineffective - producing 5, 3, 2 and 0 casualties respectively. This last attack was not in China but in Indochina. A fifth attack on a reserve regiment in South China also was ineffective.

15 Betty's raided Corregedor - 2 were lost - and only 7 casualties inflicted. Another attack on 51st Philippine Division was ineffective.

2 JAAF attacks on 65th Field Army in South China produced opposite results: one was ineffective, the other caused 46 casualties and 4 guns lost. A similar attack in North China on Red 15th Guerilla Regiment caused 25 casualties.

An Allied air strike on the First Raiding Brigade forward in Burma was ineffective. The Brigade continued to consolodate - and be reinforced by RTA 4th Division - at the Northern end of the main rail line - where it forks - at Toungoo. It is a race to move in enough fast enough in Central Burma - where we are almost unopposed. There is - however - resistence at Meiktila - just East of Toungoo.

3 Allied anti shipping strikes failed to hit targets. But 6 Nells out of Kuching put 5 bombs into already damaged tanker Anglo Indian at Palembang. There was no air opposition. Then twice as many Nells put 3 bombs into an AK at sea near Banka Island. Then 13 Nells out of Cagayan put a torpedo into an AK near Mambarau in the Visaya's. Later 5 more Nells of the same force put two torpedoes in a different AK near San Jose. Then 9 Ki-21s put 2 bombs in a Dhou Group in Burma. Still later 15 Nells out of Cagayan torpedoed PG Isabel in Manila. This busy unit became demoralized - and we are having trouble getting enough bomber units of high morale for anti-naval strikes at forward bases. Many bomber units are on recon, or resting.

2 ASW attacks at Bako failed to harm USS Sargo.

A ground attack at Pakhoi South China failed - but casualties indicate it will fall soon. 191 casualties vs 244 - in spite of 0 to 1 odds at Fort Level 3.

A ground attack at Lucena SW of Manila took the location - and the enemy is reduced to only two hexes on Luzon - Olongapo and Manila. Both are turning black - his supply state is not good. He cannot retreat from one to the other. There are 6 units at Olongapo - so we attack it first.

A ground attack at Johore Bahru by 33 000 men - vs 1500 - drove the last enemy unit out of the location - and puts us right next to Singapore. We will reduce KL first - then another pocket in the East - then Singapore - which already is turning black and not fighting well in the air.

Vientianne Laos was occuplied by RTA troops.

[el cid again]

27 December 1941

The night turn began with detection of a minefield at Miri. Then CA Maya hit one - and was badly damaged. She went to Brunei to fight fires and flooding - pending return to Saigon for full repairs.

Next came a successful attack on O16 - one of the Best Dutch submarines - off Saigon. Hit 8 times, it was sunk outright. The ASW groups seem to gain experience and get better. This will change in 7.9 - when subs have more durability - and ASW ships have many fewer shots to hunt with. Nevertheless - the principle will remain - ASW groups will get better with experience - and will benefit from land based ASW air strikes. These may damage a sub - but vitally they locate it for ASW groups to target and engage. In this case, he either was leaving due to damage or he was trying to stand off on the SLOC - but land based air located the sub - and the ASW group went after it. If detected, a sub should always move.

USN sub Tautog was also detected, localized, attacked and hit - twice - at Kwajalein. During the day turn the same force repeated the performance - except they hit the sub 3 times - presumably sending it home.

The day turn began when 51 Sallys - escorted by 28 Zeros - out of Kota Bahru - came in on Singapore. They were met by 15 Buffalos - who did unusually well - scoring the first 3 kills vs Zeros - but then lost 5 of their number. The CAP penetrated the escort and killed bombers as well. The bombers were badly chopped up by AAA - a total of 8 were lost to CAP or AAA. Even so, the bombers killed 5 bombers and 2 patrol planes on the ground - caused 9 casualties and 52 other hits. Later a sweep from more distant Indochina saw 41 Zeros opposed by 10 Buffalos. The Buffalos still displayed some skill - and shot down 2 Zeros - but all ten were lost eventually - overwhelmed by numbers. Taken together this was a good air offensive.

22 Ki-48s - escorted by 8 Ki-43s - did a port attack at Tarakan - where recon says there is a damaged ship in port. They hit it with a bomb - after a tangle with a dozen fighters of two types in which no aircraft were lost on either side. There were also 22 casualties, 1 gun lost, 1 vehicle lost and 1 port hit.

ROC made 4 air strikes on ground units - 3 were wholly ineffective - one caused 11 casualties - and no planes were lost. JAAF attacked ROC 25th Field Army with many planes - lost 1 Kate to AA fire - and caused 81 casualties and 2 guns lost. Another strike by fighters alone vs 65th Field Army was ineffective. But 16 Ki-30s caused 57 casualties to the Red 15th Guerilla Regiment.

In Burma 27 Sallys caused 48 casualties to the Indian Army 16th Brigade. This unit potentially threatens the weak point unit of the Japanese ground offensive. Then 8 Blenheims attacked the First Raiding Brigade - in the next hex (at the point of the spear) - and were combat ineffective.

On Luzon an attack on Olongapo caused 3 of 12 Claudes to be shot down by AA fire - and they failed to damage anything. This area must have both organic base AAA and at least one of the two mobile AAA regiments on Luzon. Since he only has this hex and Manila - that is not too surprising.

3 B-10s from Tarakan attacked CA Atago at Brunei - met 4 Ki-43s CAP - and lost one of their number - for no hits. 12 Hawks out of Manila attacked BB Yamashiro - but she was covered by 11 Zeros and Claudes from a light carrier group - and 6 were lost - for not hits. 8 more of those Hawks later attacked a DD at Legaspi - met 1 Ki-27 and 3 Petes - but evaded them - to engage without effect - and also without losses.

9 Ansons and Hudsons out of PM were more effective. Attacking 2 AKs at Buna - they met 8 Zeros on LRCAP - but all penetrated - and one bomb hit AK Venice Maru.

15 Ki-48s out of Thailand attacked a river tanker near Hinzada - putting 3 bombs into it. Then 28 Ki-27s swept Rangoon - met 2 Buffalos - and shot down 1 - before the other one bugged out.

47 Zeros out of Formosa swept Manila - met 14 fighters of 2 types - and shot down 10 of them - losing none of their number.

3 other Allied anti shipping air attacks were combat ineffective.

4 Allied bombardment attacks caused minor casualties.

Japanese forces are mainly moving to exploit opportunities and set up future attacks. 16th Division will enter Manila - not to attack - but to prevent supply generation - weakening it. A ground attack will be attempted at Olongapo/Bataan - just to test the water. Air power will whittle a way at KL and Singapore a bit. Ships in port at Cebu will be attacked. And a new air base established at Moulmein. 55th Division brigade will march out of the jungle into Tavoy tomorrow - and a Burma HQ the day after that. We ordered the airborne to Moulmein - along with ground support - so it can be used in deep penetration. We will isolate Rangoon and let it starve for a while - going after supply centers and cutting the Burma road to China first. We will reduce the pockets in Malaya and let Singapore starve for a while.

[el cid again]

28 December 1941

The night turn began with mineclearing at Saigon. I wonder why not also at Hong Kong? Must check.

The day turn began with a raid by 26 Sallys (escorted by 29 Zeros) on Singapore. There was no air opposition- but 7 were destroyed by FLAK -only 9 casualties and 36 hits were scored. No planes were destroyed on the ground and recon says all fighters have withdrawn. Bombers continue to operate from the base.

24 Nells (escorted by 27 Nates) put a bomb in damaged Ethel Edwards in port at Cebu - with no opposition.

3 ROCAF air attacks were combat ineffective.

2 Soviet air strikes on the 8th Mongol Cavalry Brigade caused 40 and 23 casualties respectively. Later in the day this unit took Oboto in the Gobi Desert.

2 Allied tankers and 1 submarine sank - overcome by flooding and/or fires.

12 Blenheims attacked RTA 4th Division at the tip of the spear in Central Burma - but did no damage. We are mainly flying in more troops and maneuvering for position. It appears Rangoon is evacuated by all non-static units and nothing serious exists south of Toungoo in central Burma.

2 B-10s out of Tarakan attacked BB Hyuga in the South China Sea. Covered by 11 fighters from a CVE group - both bombers were damaged - and they went home. Ten Hawks attacked a CL and an AK - these came from Manila - but did not score. The same 10 Hawks did exactly the same thing a second time - which is to say attacked the same two ships - and nobody got hurt on either side.

11 Allied bombers of 2 types out of PM put 2 bombs in an AK unloading at Buna - in spite of encountering 5 Zeros on LRCAP out of Lae.

Rabaul came up enough to transfer in the first land based air unit - 12 Kates set to ASW duty - vs a submarine which has moved into Rabaul itself. Most ASW filights still come from Kavieng - and from 4 of KB's carriers operating nearby. We are moving Nanyo detachment forward to Kappa Kappa from Rabaul - and also from Buna. We will invade on the power of KB - rather than build up land based air as planned.

10 Vildebeestes out of Singapore attacked the CVL group near the Western tip of Northern Borneo. They met 25 Claudes - which were not effective because the Vildebeestes came in low - and also 12 Petes - which WERE effective - destroying 3 and sending the rest home without any penetration of the defensive CAP. I fly the Petes low for this purpose.

A small ASW group at Legaspi detected, localized, attacked and hit three times USS Sturgeon.

A test attack at Olongapo/Bataan by 17,000 men encountered 20,000 defenders - and failed. 1400 casualties were lost vs 52 on the Allied side. This place needs more time to wither - and a stronger assault force. Working on it. I see a unit moved into Maubon Bay - which we do not occupy but which is Japanese - and we will not oppose it. We are about to enter Manila - it will more than compentate for any supplies generated at Maubon bay - and it will lock his units so they are not free to move. As the last Allied supply source of significance on Luzon - it means the entire force will wither much faster. Manila has supply stores, resources, industry and stored oil - so it produces significantly unless the enemy enters the hex. Once that happens - and in this case given NO other source generating supplies - the 40 odd units are doomed to wither.

One Japanese bombardment in China caused 22 casualties. Two ROC bombardments in China were combat ineffective.

In Malaya KL seems doomed - we will do an experimental ground assault with air support tomorrow - and we already are moving on the Eastern pocket - since we don't seem to need to concentrate on KL to take it. We are repairing up forward airfields to support the assault on Singapore.

[el cid again]

29 December 1941

The night turn began with USS Pickeral attacking CVE Taiyo - leading an ASW group to Brunei. [Oddly similar to history, all three Taiyo class CVEs were sunk by submarines.] But while she attacked twice, the first time the torpedoes failed to detonate, and the second time - they missed. The second attack was a bad idea - the escorts managed to localize and hit the Pickeral - 4 times.

An Allied ASW group managed to give I-2 a bad time - hitting her 4 times. ASW is far too easy (see the previous case as well).

Japanese mineclearing continued at Hong Kong. Allied mineclearing continued at Balikpapan - with a glitch - a ship hit a mine.

The day turn began with RTAF Ki-30s putting a bomb into a barge group - in port at Hinzada - and inflicting 3 other port related hits. Nells out of Cagayan did the same think to an AK at Cebu.

In South China 3 ROCAF strikes at Pakhoi caused modest casualties. A JAAF strike in the same hex caused only 4 casualties.

In Mongolia 2 Soviet AF strikes caused 10 casualties each and 1 gun lost - for a loss of 2 light bombers - which hardly seems worth it.
My view is that this "offensive" will cost the Soviets more than it is worth - and is likely to cause mis deployment - weakening his critical defense positions.

At KL - one Japanese and one Allied air strikes caused minor losses (9 and 4 casualties respectively). A similar Allied strike at Jahore Bahru was combat ineffective.

At Palembang - 7 Kates operating from the CVL group put 3 torpedoes into PCs. Then 28 Zeros - flying out of Kota Bahru - swept - met by 9 Buffalos. 1 Zero and 9 Buffalos were lost.

At Jolo 3 Hudsons - unopposed - but a bomb in an AP. Later the same 3 failed to hit an AK at sea - presumably because it was moving.

I-26 - operating near the big Island of Hawaii - was hit by an ASW group. At Legaspi USS Sturgeon was missed by a simlar Japanese ASW group.

A ground assault at Kuala Lumpur went in at 1:1 odds for the first time, caused ONLY Allied losses, and failed to demoralize any attackers. The place - defended only by static units - is likely to fall tomorrow. Even supported by a static combat unit, the KL supply sink is not causing major problems.

An Allied tank unit captured Maubon Bay - unopposed. Manila and Olongapo hexes are turning black. We need to insure the LOC to 16th division is not cut - but otherwise things are going well on Luzon. To insure this I attempted to lock the enemy tank unit at Maubon Bay by moving in a tank company. 16th Division will withdraw back to Lucena - it cut production at Manila for a moment and it will do so again - periodically - but no point in being isolated.

In Burma the problem is getting enough units forward to exploit - we need a few days. We sent too many troops forward - and have problems with garrison in Thailand - but we will manage. Finally the first units to enter the jungle have emerged at Tavoy - so it is up the road and RR - and looks like we can take Rangoon - which is only defended by static forces.

[el cid again]

30 December 1941

The night turn began with 6 IJN DD bombarding Davao. Aside from causing 13 casualties and 9 other hits, they put 3 shells into AK Ruth Alexander. Later a CNSLF began landings - and recon revealed the Philippine Army division assigned to defend is still there (it had not been showing up - and it is as big as a CSNLF is - in spite of being grossly understrength). A day bombardment by the same destroyer TF hit Ruth Alexander 2 more times - she is not likely to go home- in addition to causing 5 casualties and 37 other hits. Coastal guns fired 80 shots at the landing force - hitting an AK and and APD once each - and 113 casualties were lost by the landing force. It is in good shape - and will conduct a ground assault tomorrow.

Next USS Trout put a torpedo into AK Katano Maru at sea - but was hit twice by her escorts.

Landings continued by two TFs at Pakhoi South China - without casualties. We will make another ground assault tomorrow - supported by air strikes.

Minesweepers completed mineclearing at Saigon - and finally the Saigon ASW group was able to retire for repairs - no subs being in range for the first time in weeks.

Other minesweepers continued mineclearing operations at Brunei.

The day turn began with 13 Ki-30s putting 3 bombs into Commonwealth River Tanker No 6 at Hinzada, Burma.

35 bombers out of Formosa, escorted by 91 Zeros, raided Manila. They were met by 12 P-26 Peashooters of the Philippine Air Force - 3 of which were shot down - before penetrating. The raid got 1 P-35 on the ground, caused 47 casualties, 2 guns lost, 2 vehicles lost, and 12 other hits.

23 Land based Kates out of Lae hit PM - causing 16 hits without any damage or lost planes.

ROCAF made 2 raids on a ground unit which was combat ineffective. The Soviet Air Force made 1 raid on the 8th Mongol Cavalry Brigade which caused 18 casualties and 1 vehicle lost (up in Mongolia).

JAAF made a raid on a field army in Eastern China causing 144 casualties and 7 guns lost at a cost of 1 damaged Ki-51. A raid in South China caused 37 casualties. A raid in North China on the Red 15th Gurilla Regiment caused 44 casualties. Yet another raid in East China caused 26 casualties and 1 gun lost.

At KL a raid on the Indian Army 16th Brigade caused 45 casualties and 2 guns lost. A raid in the same hex on the Kuala Lumpur Industrial Fortress was combat ineffective (the workers are hiding????).

An Allied raid on the RTA 4th Division at the tip of the speer in Central Burma was combat ineffective - mostly because only 3 bombers showed up.

2 B-10s attacked BB Fuso - but were met by 11 carrier fighters of 2 types - and 1 got shot down - for no damage done.

9 Allied bombers of 2 types operating out of PM attacked AK Koshin Maru at Buna - but were intercepted by 11 Zeros on LRCAP out of Lae - and 1 got shot down - while none scored any hits.

10 B-10s out of Batavia attacked 6 AKs and APs unloading at Sinkawang. They were met by 5 Ki-27 LRCAP out of Kuching. They penetrated, attacked six ships, and hit one of them: it started a fire. Poly scores like this due to the sheer number of attacks he tries to mount. 6 of these B-10s tried again - and penetrated to raid two ships - but failed to hit either. Then 21 of them raided a third time - and it was a scary battle because all 21 penetrated the 5 Ki-27s still on LRCAP. But while they attacked 5 ships - they failed to hit any of them.

3 Hudsons - possibly out of Manado - or Ambon - attacked Davao - but didn't hit anything. This was repeated a second time.

Initial landings occurred at Jesselton - British North Borneo. Unopposed - this is an engineer unit.

Over 12,000 men at Pakhoi South China attacked nearly 9,000 men - and lost 373 to 162 casualties. For reasons I do not understand the hex remains bright - and is not yet out of supplies. It must have stockpiled them before the assault force arrived. Nevertheless - the issue is not in doubt.

A tiny field army entered Wuchang - only 1000 men - but because it crossed a river it was required to conduct a shock attack. Only 11 Allied casualties were suffered - he was lucky. A similar event occurred at Hanyang - and it cost the enemy 32 casualties and 8 guns lost.


13000 men bombarded 20000 men at Olongapo / Bataan - causing 67 to 7 casualties in our favor. This hex - and Manila - ARE turning black.

A ground attack by 35000 men - vs 88000 at KL - caused 172 Allied and 7 Japanese casualties. The position is weak - and may fall any time now.

Over 32000 men attacked a force of 7500 at Ichang Central China. There were 337 Allied and 178 Japanese casualties, but we lost 12 guns - and they only lost 5 - indicating die rolls.


We are exploiting in Burma, mopping up isolated forces in 3 pockets in Malaya, and starving out 43 units on Luzon. We have begun follow up operations in the Southern Philippines and Eastern Borneo. We seem to be outfoxing 4 submarines off Western Borneo - moving where they do not expect. And the Nanyo detachment is sailing to Kappa Kappa under cover of half the KB - to assemble for the assault of PM.

[el cid again]

New Year's Eve, 1941 (Dec 31):

The night turn began with continuing landings at Jesselton (British North Borneo) and Davao (Mindinao) - with minor casualties.

Next Tomodzuru - a famous "torpedo boat" (light destroyer) was torpedoed by USS Sturgeon at Legaspi (this ship had a terrible accident revealing the overweight condition of Japanese ships in the 1930s). Sturgeon put a fish into her - and tried again later but missed - while all ASW units in the TF failed to score - either time. A daytime ASW attack on Sturgeon failed to hit her.

6 DD bombarded Davao - putting 2 shells into AK Ruth Alexander in port - and this repeated (with 3 hits on the same ship) in the daytime. There were 60 casualties, 1 gun lost and 20 other hits in the night attack. There were no casualties but 30 other hits in the day attack.

Japanese escorts detected and cleared mines at Jolo and Kwajalein.

30 Zeros out of Kota Bahru swept Palembang - and met 6 Buffalos in prolonged air combat. 2 Buffalos were lost - so was 1 Zero.
Eventually the Buffalo's bugged out.

A port attack at Hinzada failed to hit any ships - they seem to have left - but did score 2 port hits of other kinds.

12 Ki-51 dive bombers hit Manila - unescorted - and were met by 9 P-26As. 7 of the dive bombers were shot down causing 138 casualties,
7 guns lost, 13 vehicles lost, plus 1 runway hit.

12 Kates out of Buna hit PM - causing 6 airbase hits of 2 types.

More to follow - this was a day of significant land battles in most theaters.

[el cid again]

New Year's Eve: Continued

9 ROCAF bombers raided the 3rd Square Division - but failed to do any damage. 6 ROCAF bombers raided the 18th Independent Mixed Brigade - causing 13 casualties and 1 gun lost. 23 Soviet Sturmoviks (in the limited war in Mongolia) raided the 8th Mongol Cavalry Brigade - causing 28 casualties. 12 JAAF bombers of 2 types raided the 23rd Field Army - causing 28 casualties and 1 gun lost. 57 JAAF bombers raided 25th Field Army causing 76 casualties an 1 gun lost. 10 Ki-43s made an ineffective raid on 65th Field Army in the South. Japanese land bombardment at Wuchang caused 10 casualties and 2 guns lost. Allied bombardment at the same location caused 8 casualties. 2 other land bombardments by the Allies in China caused no losses.

11 RAF Blenheims raided the 4th RTA Division at the tip of the spear in Burma - but were combat ineffective. 5 Ki-48s put 5 bombs into the Hinzada Dhou Group in the same area.

23 Nells made an ineffective raid on the Philippine 101st Division at Davao. 16 of them returned and caused 9 casualties.

21 Ki-51s caused 27 casualties to the Kuala Lumpur Industrial Fortress. 15 Ki-32s caused 15 casualties to the Kuala Lumpur Base Fortress (a military unit, not a supply sink). Then 29 Sallys made an ineffective raid on the same unit.

9 Allied bombers of 2 types attacked AK Koshin Maru at Buna - AFTER it loaded part of the Nanyo Detachment. In spite of opposition from 4 Zeros on LRCAP out of Lae - they managed to put 3 bombs into the ship - causing severe damage, fires and 43 casualties plus 1 gun lost. The ship is now trying to unload the troops just loaded.

15 Hawks out of Manila attacked Jintsu in the South China sea - but missed her and PT boats in company with her. 14 of them then raided Legaspi and attacked MSW there - but missed again. A lone Pete opposed them - but could not catch them.

3 B-10s raided Pontianak - aiming at naval targets - but were driven away by 3 Ki-27 fighters. Then 3 B-10s attacked AK Taibun Maru at sea - and missed her - in the Eastern Coral Sea. 6 B-10s attacked the CVL TF in the same area - met 11 Claudes - and were driven away after 2 got damaged - indicating low morale units. 3 of them tried again - but bugged out immediately - without losses. Then a stronger raid of 21 put 3 bombs into Taibun Maru in the same hex - in spite of meeting 8 Claudes - but 1 was lost and 3 were damaged.

69 Vals of KB raided PM, destroying 3 bombers of 2 types, causing 47 runway and 11 other hits, for 2 Vals lost. KB is escorting most of the Nanyo Detachment to Kappa Kappa - the forward assembly point. PM is not down - immediately after 2 Hudsons from there attackd CL Yubari at Rabaul - although they missed her.

2 Hudsons based in NEI attacked AK Eiko Maru at Davao - but missed her.

510 Japanese Naval paras took Jaure New Guinea - after having marched overland from Buna.

Almost 16,000 Japanese troops attacked 20,000 Allied troops at Olongapo - in spite of 0 to 1 odds they inflicted 109 casualties - and suffered only 89 - indicating a weak defense.

35000 Japanese troops attacked and took KL from 88000 defenders - but only 45000 surrendered - and nobody retreated - the rest what? Were civilians who melted into the population? I never saw that before.

902 engineers took Jesselton - which was not defended.

3500 Japanese troops attacked 3300 Allies in the Philippine 101st Division at Davao - achieved 4:1 odds - and the 101st retreated!!! However, it cost 418 casualties and 5 guns lost to only 5 casualties and 1 gun lost - and I suspect the unit was already moving away from the hex.

68 JAAF Paratroopers took Magwe Burma without opposition - insuring many supplies for forces using the main rail corredor - and creating the illusion of a serious deep penetration of Burma.

[el cid again]

New Year's Day 1942

The turn begins with two ASW units unsuccessfully attacked USS Sturgeon at Legaspi. A larger six DD TF attacked USS Tambor near Kwajalein - also without success. An Allied submarine actually at Kwajalein was sunk by an air strike later in the day.

The day turn began with a strange air strike on Manila I have not figured out: 4 Ki-51s attacked some sort of land target - all were lost - 3 of them to P-26 Peachooters - one to AAA - in spite of the presence of overwhelming numbers of Zeros. I could not find a unit directed to make such an attack either, nor one that was not at full strength for Ki-51s - so it is confusing. But next 33 horizontal bombers escorted by 36 Zeros made a raid also on Manila - 3 of each were damaged - and 8 Peashooters shot down: possibly the Ki-51s were too far in front of the escort?
The second raid caused 19 casualties - 1 gun lost - and 14 other hits. This modest result because it was a fairly high level raid - to avoid the medium AA guns of Manila.

12 Kates from Lae did a strike on PM - destroying 1 Hudson on the ground and causing 8 other hits. Later in the day 66 Vals escorted by 15 Zeros put 52 bombs into airfield related targets at PM. 1 Val was lost to AA. Recon says only 1 plane remains on the ground.

3 ROCAF ground strikes in China were combat ineffective. One caused 8 casualties and 2 guns lost to the 35th Division. 32 Russian SB-2Ms caused 13 casualties to the 8th Mongol Cavalry Brigade - which is now 71 per cent disrupted. We will try covering it with fighters. 24 JAAF bombers of 2 types caused 74 casualties and 2 guns lost to the ROC 65th Field Army. 67 bombers of 6 types caused 160 casualties and 5 guns lost to the 20th Field Army. Japanese bombardment at Wuchang caused 74 casualties and 1 gun lost.

In Malaya, 17 Sallys caused 23 casualties to the 27th AIF Brigade. In general units are moving over some distances to consolodate the position and begin reducing the Eastern pocket - the Western pocket having been wholly eliminated. 5 units are in the Eastern pocket - in two hexes.

9 Allied bombers attacked the First Raiding Brigade in Burma - without effect. Prome was occupied by invisible patrols. 16 bombers of 2 types put 7 bombs into the Hinzada Dhou Group - which sank.

3 Hudsons made an ineffective attack on a lone AK near Mindinao. They came back later but did no better.

Japanese bombardment at Olongapo/Bataan caused 26 casualties and 1 gun lost.

[el cid again]

ORIGINAL: el cid again

New Year's Day 1942

The turn begins with two ASW units unsuccessfully attacked USS Sturgeon at Legaspi. A larger six DD TF attacked USS Tambor near Kwajalein - also without success. An Allied submarine actually at Kwajalein was sunk by an air strike later in the day.

The day turn began with a strange air strike on Manila I have not figured out: 4 Ki-51s attacked some sort of land target - all were lost - 3 of them to P-26 Peachooters - one to AAA - in spite of the presence of overwhelming numbers of Zeros. I could not find a unit directed to make such an attack either, nor one that was not at full strength for Ki-51s - so it is confusing. But next 33 horizontal bombers escorted by 36 Zeros made a raid also on Manila - 3 of each were damaged - and 8 Peashooters shot down: possibly the Ki-51s were too far in front of the escort?
The second raid caused 19 casualties - 1 gun lost - and 14 other hits. This modest result because it was a fairly high level raid - to avoid the medium AA guns of Manila.

12 Kates from Lae did a strike on PM - destroying 1 Hudson on the ground and causing 8 other hits. Later in the day 66 Vals escorted by 15 Zeros put 52 bombs into airfield related targets at PM. 1 Val was lost to AA. Recon says only 1 plane remains on the ground.

3 ROCAF ground strikes in China were combat ineffective. One caused 8 casualties and 2 guns lost to the 35th Division. 32 Russian SB-2Ms caused 13 casualties to the 8th Mongol Cavalry Brigade - which is now 71 per cent disrupted. We will try covering it with fighters. 24 JAAF bombers of 2 types caused 74 casualties and 2 guns lost to the ROC 65th Field Army. 67 bombers of 6 types caused 160 casualties and 5 guns lost to the 20th Field Army. Japanese bombardment at Wuchang caused 74 casualties and 1 gun lost. Allied bombardment at Chengchow caused 22 casualties and 1 gun lost.

In Malaya, 17 Sallys caused 23 casualties to the 27th AIF Brigade. In general units are moving over some distances to consolodate the position and begin reducing the Eastern pocket - the Western pocket having been wholly eliminated. 5 units are in the Eastern pocket - in two hexes.

9 Allied bombers attacked the First Raiding Brigade in Burma - without effect. Prome was occupied by invisible patrols. 16 bombers of 2 types put 7 bombs into the Hinzada Dhou Group - which sank. Hinzada was taken by a company of paras - and Rangoon is wholly isolated from external sources of supply for the first time. No troops being in position to attack it - and no other profitable air targets being in range - we will reduce Rangoon by air bombardment. Only two static units remain to defend the place - one of them a strong port defense force - the other a supply sink. It is already turning black.

3 Hudsons made an ineffective attack on a lone AK near Mindinao. They came back later but did no better.

Japanese bombardment at Olongapo/Bataan caused 26 casualties and 1 gun lost.

[el cid again]

2 January 1942

Night turn: Dutch sub KXVI was hit three times by an ASW TF at Naga.

Day turn: 44 Bettys and 14 Helens escorted by 33 Zeros raided Manila. 4 P-26 were met in the air - of which 3 were lost. 2 Bettys were lost to AA fire. 64 casualties, 2 guns lost, 2 vehicles lost, 27 other hits.

ROCAF air strikes on 3rd and 110th Divisions and on 15th Tank Regiment were ineffective. 6 IL-4s caused 9 casualties to the Kainan Guard SNLF. JAAF air strike on 65th Field Army was ineffective.

In Malaya, JAAF air strike on 27th AIF Brigade caused 128 casualties, 6 guns lost and 1 vehicle lost. Units continue playing musical chairs re reducing the Eastern pocket.

In Burma an air strike on 2nd Burma Brigade caused 49 casualties and 5 guns lost. Units continue to march North along the main rail line. A surprise occurred at the point of the spear - an enemy unit entered the Magwe hex after 10 Blenheims attacked the weak airborne company there - causing 30 casualties - so we will reinforce there (almost nothing is present) and bomb it - while 33 Division elements march to relieve. 4th RTA division will attack tomorrow on the branch headed toward Mandalay. Two air strikes on Rangoon were ineffective, another caused 36 casualties and 1 gun lost. 1 Ki-48 was lost.

5 Vildebeestes attacked the CVL force in the South China Sea - 1 was lost to 15 Claudes on CAP - the rest ran. 6 B-10s tried to hit an AP in the same hex - but met the same 15 Claudes - and 1 bomber was damaged. They penetrated, but failed to hit. Then they attacked DM Hatsutaka at Tabaoli - and similarly failed. 3 Vildebeeste went into Kuching - met 5 Ki-27s - and attacked an AK - all without effect to either side. Then 6 B-10s and 5 Vildebeestes got together to try again on the transports escorted by the CVL force, met 27 Claude and 14 Petes, and it was not a pretty sight. Most ran when engaged, 2 Vildebeeste were lost, 3 other bombers damaged, and only 3 penetrated - for no hits on an AP.

20 Hawks out of Manila attacked CL Yura and and AP in company - with no effect. 3 Hudsons made an ineffective long range attack on an AP near Tagbularan. They repeated this negative performance vs BB Fuso near Davao. 19 of the Hawks attacked 4 ships near Legaspi - failed to hit any of them - and lost 1 of their number trying.

3 Ki-51s went into Manila Bay to strafe a PT unit - scoring 4 shell hits from MG.

USS Sturgeon was hit 3 times in an ASW attack near Legaspi.

A deliberate attack at Pakhoi South China failed - 411 to 117 casualties. This isolated place is bright yellow - it must have supply stocks.

Japanese bombardment attacks caused 16 casualties at Wuhan and 47 plus 1 gun lost at Onongapo - which has heavy guns - and which caused 168 casualties and 2 guns lost in reply.

Allied shock attack at Hanyang (automatic as a unit crossed a river) caused them 42 casualties and 7 guns lost - for 26 casualties and 1 vehicle lost by the Japanese.

119 Japanese paras took Bassein Burma - which was undefended.

[el cid again]

3 January 1942 (US Time = 4 January Tokyo Time)

The night turn began with extensive mineclearing at Brunei and discovery of mines at Davao and Kwajalein.

Then 9 Ki-30s made a night raid on Honan - causing 11 casualties and 1 gun lost and 3 other hits - but 1 was lost
(to .50 cal AA) - this test of .50 cals was ran at 3000 feet (they reach 4000 feet).

6 DD near Kwajalein (operating on air intel a hex out) hit USS Tambor 6 times with DC.

BB Hiei led a bombardment of PM causing 46 casualties and 15 other hits.

I-25 - near the SE corner of the Big Island of Hawaii - took 2 hits from 6 ASW ships. Later she foolishly attacked them -
missed - and took 4 more hits.

The day turn began with 28 Ki-51s escorted by 45 Zeros out of Canton attacked a pesky air base Kwelin South China.
Met by 6 Mohawks, they shot them all down, but 2 Ki-51s were lost to AA fire. 170 casualties, 2 guns lost, 25 other hits,
plus 1 IL-4 bomber destroyed on the ground.

2 ROCAF ground attacks were ineffective. One Soviet one on the Mongol 2nd Cavalry Brigade caused 7 casulaties.
13 Sallys returned the compliment on the other side's Mongol 2nd Cavalry Brigade - one hex away - causing 26 casualties.
35 JAAF bombers of 3 types caused 104 casualties and 3 guns lost to the ROC 8th Guerilla Regiment in Central China.
23 JAAF bombers of 2 types caused 8 casualties and 1 gun lost to the Misc Southern Factions 6th Division in South China.

In Malaya, 64 JAAF bombers of 3 types caused 138 casualties and 2 guns lost to the AIF 27th Brigade.

In Burma, at Magwe, 13 Ki-30s caused 44 casualties and 2 guns lost to the Indian Army 13th Brigade. Then 6 Ki-48s caused 30 more casualties to the same unit. Then at the same location 10 Blenheims attacked a company of the First Airborne Brigade - but did no damage.

5 B-17s attacked Hiei at Kappa Kappa - penetrated the LRCAP of 4 Zeros (out of Buna) - but did no damage - nor were any planes damaged on either side. 3 more B-17s tried to get CL Kashima at the same location - met 7 Zeros of the same LRCAP force - also penetrated without losses - and also failed to score at all.

22 P-35s attacked 2 AKs off Borongon, Samar. Met by one Pete - I have no clue how but it must be out of Legaspi - they all penetrated - missed one ship - and put 4 bombs into the other, starting fires and causing heavy damage. I decided to offload the supplies right there.

Ro-33 put a torpedo into PC Arend & Serius at Batavia - but was not hit itself.

Japanese ground bombardment at Pakhoi, South Chana caused 30 casualties and 1 gun lost. Bombardment at Wuchang/Wuhan caused 12 casualties. Bombardment at Olongapo caused 39 casualties and 1 gun lost.

A deliberate attack at Meiktila, Burma took the place. 125 casualties and 4 guns lost for Japan vs only 6 casualties and 1 gun lost for the Allies, the Japanese attack achieved 2:1 odds and captured a valuable resource and base hex on the main rail line not far from Mandalay.

An Allied deliberate attack at Chengchow Central China by 50,000 men- vs 38000 Japanese - achieved 1:1 odds - and inflicted 382 Japanese casusalties, 14 guns lost and 6 vehicles lost vs 667 Allied casualties and 34 guns lost - which we thought was worth it - so we stayed put in spite of supply issues. We are moving up fresh units - but not using them yet - many being stuck in wilderness areas from hunting guerilla units. Also - we messed up supply in China badly by not observing the garrison requirements - which seem irrational (not where they should be nor the size they should be).

Allied bombardment at Wuchang/Wuhan caused 2 Japanese casualties.

At Magwe the Indian Army 13th Brigade took the place in a shock attack vs less than a company of the 1st Raiding Brigade and a platoon of 33rd Division. A company of Raiders got lost in the air - and went to the wrong location in Burma - but it would not have made any difference.
Magwe was taken for supplies - we lack the force to fight for it just now - and his unit there is almost trapped - there being no way out unless he uses the river - which no Allied player seems to understand is the real "highway" in Burma (Kipling called it "the road to Mandalay"). I don't mind - and we have troops coming up the main rail line. Our thrust tomorrow will be to isolate Mandalay itself by an airborne assault behind it - at Shwebo - cutting its LOC - and putting us in spitting distance of this thrust's objective - cutting the Burma Road (at Mietkyina). In WITP cutting the Burma Road stops China from getting 500 free supply per day.

[el cid again]

This is another case of a delayed report: the site was down and duty called - so I am reconstructing from archive.

4 January 1942 (Hawaii Time)

No night turn.

The day turn began with an air raid on Hilar, Manchukuo by the Soviet Air Force. Are we at war?
7 IL-2s were met by 3 Ki-27s. 1 fighter and 2 bombers lost - plus 54 casualties on the ground -
1 gun lost, 1 vehicle lost and 3 airbase hits. Pretty small war. Not how I imagined a war would begin.
We are sliding into this sideways - literally - due to Mongols in Mongolia. And the position there is not
good - Tomsag is not ripe to fall - and is being supported by a Soviet unit on its LOC.

18 Ki-51s escorted by 48 Zeros and 21 Nates attacked Kwelin in South China - in a counter air raid.
13 P-40Bs were flying CAP. 12 were shot down, as were 1 Zero, 4 Nates and 3 Ki-51s. 28 casualties,
1 gun lost, 9 other hits. 3 IL-2s from this same base raided the Kainan Guard SNLF - without effect -
later in the day.

31 Zeros out of Kota Bahru swept Singapore - but met no opposition.
13 Zeros swept Manila - but met no opposition.

18 Ki-51s caused 50 casualties and 4 guns lost to the Soviet allied 2nd Mongol Cavalry Brigade at Tomsag.
Two other raids by tens of Ki-30s and Ki-21s respectively were combat ineffective - not a good day in Mongolia.
In spite of this - access to the hex by trail is blocked - and over the desert assault by the Japanese allied
2nd Mongol Cavalry Brigade would take weeks. It is not in condition to do it.

30 JAAF bombers of 2 types caused 36 casualties and 1 gun lost to the ROC 8th Guerilla Regiment.

3 Hudsons missed a tanker at Jolo. 3 more missed BB Hyuga at Davao. They came back and put one bomb into her later.

7 B-10s missed DM Hatsutaka at Taboali.

23 Hawks out of Manila put 2 bombs into AK Shinubari Maru - but missed her escort - in the Philippine Sea. 19 of them
came back but missed CL Jintsu and 2 more AKs. 3 more came back, but missed.

7 B-17s out of Australia put a bomb into a AK Aki Maru, setting her afire at Kappa Kappa, New Guinea.
They were met by 15 Zeros and 4 Petes - and 3 were shot down.

An SNLF with 929 men attacked a ROC Guerilla Regiment with 786, failed to achieve odds, and suffered 48 to 8 casualties,
plus 4 guns lost. After weeks of bombing and isolation the self supplied guerilla unit is in good shape.

Almost 16,000 Japanese attacked 20,000 Allies at Olongapo/Bataan - suffering 768 casualties and 16 guns lost. They
caused 110 Allied casualties, 4 guns lost and 1 vehicle lost for the Allies.

753 Japanese attacked the future Gen Giap's First Viet Minh Battalion at Luangprabang, Laos. Giap had only 144 men - but
won. 19 Japanese casualties - and the position was held - but fortifications reduced to 1.

49,000 Allies attacked 38,000 Japanese at Chengchow. 568 Japanese casualties, 30 guns and 15 vehicles lost. 918 casualties
and 43 guns lost for the Allies. Almost 32,000 ROC troops attacked 7,000 Japanese at Ichang. 646 casualties, 30 guns lost,
2 vehicles lost for Japan. 201 casualties and 10 guns lost for the Allies. Allied bombardment at Pakhoi and Wuchang caused minor
casualties.

94 Japanese paras took Schwebo, Burma. This means Mandalay is isolated from RR supply. We will try to cut the Burma Road tomorrow.
Why is the Burma Road a trail???

[EUBanana]

The Allies seem very capable of putting up an early defence in this mod.  Probably more realistic I imagine? 

Reading the opening moves was very much [X(][X(][X(] for me.  I mean, wow.  Was that sheer luck, the mod, or you being caught with your pants down?  [:D]

[el cid again]

This answer is that Poly is a competent and aggressive player - in spite of bad luck with Enterprise TF (which has no business tangling with KB on turn one).

I was lucky - to get Big E - but otherwise things are going fairly well. WITP is a war for position - and I am winning that. The difference here is that Poly makes me pay for it - no Sir Robin for him.

There is one other game like this - see Shock and Awe - a test of a later file set. This system is very even handed and the Allies can fight well.
Naval warfare also involves luck - and you are rewarded for using fresh units. See Shock and Awe for a dramatic withdrawall from Kuala Lumpur now underway - after weeks of stopping Yamashita's army cold. Both this game and that one have strong positions on Luzon I have no idea when - or how - to break?

I always said an offensive defensive was far better for the Allies - and these players proove it.

RHS added a lot of terrain. Mountains make things tougher - particularly in China. P-40s and even Buffalos will do well enough IF you keep em fresh. You can bring in Hurricanes, Sea Hurricanes, and P-39s and P-400s to help.