Jan. 11th, 1942:
The 2 American APs at Amchitka turned out to be AVD Childs instead. In a battle of epic proportions during which not a single shot was fired the PG Chohakusan Maru and the AVD quickly opened up the range again.
CA Kumano and its accompanying destroyers fared better during their foray into Palembang harbor. First the squadron engages and sinks 3 Australian MSWs, then the oil-laden TK Iris and finally manage to surprise the PT squadron guarding the anchorage. The dutch officers must have really been asleep to miss all the other sinkings but who I am to complain. The engagement is short with no hit scored by either side. I am starting to wonder if the Allies can run out of MSWs in 1942.
Another bomber attack at Rangoon destroys a Dinah on the ground but does otherwise little damage. Again quite a lot of the attacking bombers are sent home damaged and we are starting to witness first ops losses here.
As retribution for the rough handling of our Oscars 50 Zeros sweep Mandalay and from a significant height advantage manage to butcher the P-40Es of the AVG. 14 American planes are shot down for a single Zero loss. BANZAI!
The 7th Mixed Brigade received their new marching orders and boarded the waiting transports in Changkufeng. They will be sent to Kiska for now to secure our grip on that island. Another brigade that will be bought out in ~10 days may be used for offensive adventures.
To the emperor's complete and utter surprise both Lautem and Bandjermasin manage to hold. Sigh.
In China a isolated guerrilla brigade surrendered. Two more units in the same stack still fight on.
Finally another deliberate attack at Singapore comes off at 0:1 but the engineers manage to reduce the forts to 4. It is encouraging to see that the Commonwealth troops suffer roughly 1000 casualties more.
The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
The Allied player must be happy that his small commitment of 1 RCT plus support seems to have sucked a lot of the IJN north.
Interdum feror cupidine partium magnarum Europae vincendarum
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
Perhaps but I cannot let him hold Attu. Attu in allied hands is a dagger at Japan's throat and I don't particularly want to see the Allies landing on Hokkaido in 1943. And if he is trying to send supply or additional units it could finally mean meeting the American fleet. So far Daniel's naval strategy seems to be to not seek naval engagements.
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 12th, 1942:
Daniel has started using his Blenheim IFs against Rangoon. So far they seem more of a danger to the pilots than to my troops.
Yet another SAG visits Palembang. This time CL Jintsu and 6 DDs only engage the enemy PTs. 4 of them are sunk in return for a single MG hit on Shirakumo. I hope these actions are going to convince the ABDA command to concentrate its bombers here where the next invasion is NOT going to land.
A naval bombardment at Attu roughs up the defending troops but does no damage to the base itself.
During the day 6 B-17Ds approach Rangoon without fighter cover. 50 Oscars are waiting for them and begin the slow task of trying to bring down these monsters. The B-17s absorb firing pass after firing pass but in the end 3 are falling out of the sky. The remaining 3 drop their bombs into the wilderness.
The Mini KB visits Batavia which has been neglected for a while. 7 enemy fighters are brought down and then the Kates put 3 torps into ML Rigel. The ships will now head to Kuching to refuel before they return.
On the ground things went not well - again. The Banjarmasin assault failed at 0:1 as did the first attack at PM. Sometimes I really hate the way AV gets adjusted. At PM losses were about equal while I have a 2:1 advantage in raw AV. A brigade that arrives in Truk in several days will probably be sent down here to speed up the process.
Also Maumere and Nanumea were both captured against no opposition.
Daniel has started using his Blenheim IFs against Rangoon. So far they seem more of a danger to the pilots than to my troops.
Yet another SAG visits Palembang. This time CL Jintsu and 6 DDs only engage the enemy PTs. 4 of them are sunk in return for a single MG hit on Shirakumo. I hope these actions are going to convince the ABDA command to concentrate its bombers here where the next invasion is NOT going to land.
A naval bombardment at Attu roughs up the defending troops but does no damage to the base itself.
During the day 6 B-17Ds approach Rangoon without fighter cover. 50 Oscars are waiting for them and begin the slow task of trying to bring down these monsters. The B-17s absorb firing pass after firing pass but in the end 3 are falling out of the sky. The remaining 3 drop their bombs into the wilderness.
The Mini KB visits Batavia which has been neglected for a while. 7 enemy fighters are brought down and then the Kates put 3 torps into ML Rigel. The ships will now head to Kuching to refuel before they return.
On the ground things went not well - again. The Banjarmasin assault failed at 0:1 as did the first attack at PM. Sometimes I really hate the way AV gets adjusted. At PM losses were about equal while I have a 2:1 advantage in raw AV. A brigade that arrives in Truk in several days will probably be sent down here to speed up the process.
Also Maumere and Nanumea were both captured against no opposition.
- Attachments
-
- pt.gif (158.96 KiB) Viewed 357 times
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 13th, 1942:
After yesterday's bombardment of Attu the Americans return the favor by having BBs Colorado and Arizona visit Kiska. If they come back again, I should have a nice surprise waiting for them. Also some I-boats should be in position to attempt an attack.
During the night Fuso and Yamashiro also shell the defenders of Lautem.
The air war over Burma is active again. Some 2e bombers lightly damage Rangoon (this turn without a CAP) while 49 Zeros are sent to play with the AVG again. The Zeros do me proud and trash the supposedly veteran American unit (see screenshot) but my concern over pilot losses is mounting. Yet also Daniel should have problems finding enough P-40E airframes sooner or later.
Near Singkawang allied planes attack a convoy and manage to put a bomb into a small AK in exchange for 5 planes. The ship is heading back to be disbanded at Kuching.
After the bombardment by the 14" guns the defenders of Lautem finally give up and over 1000 dutch defenders are taken prisoner.
In China yet another guerilla brigade surrendered and only 1 is remaining in the stack. Additional forces are moving to Pucheng but movement over the trails is SLLLOOOOOOOWWWWW.
In the Pacific Wake has expanded its airfield to lvl. 4. The engineers have shifted their focus to improving the island's fortifications.
After yesterday's bombardment of Attu the Americans return the favor by having BBs Colorado and Arizona visit Kiska. If they come back again, I should have a nice surprise waiting for them. Also some I-boats should be in position to attempt an attack.
During the night Fuso and Yamashiro also shell the defenders of Lautem.
The air war over Burma is active again. Some 2e bombers lightly damage Rangoon (this turn without a CAP) while 49 Zeros are sent to play with the AVG again. The Zeros do me proud and trash the supposedly veteran American unit (see screenshot) but my concern over pilot losses is mounting. Yet also Daniel should have problems finding enough P-40E airframes sooner or later.
Near Singkawang allied planes attack a convoy and manage to put a bomb into a small AK in exchange for 5 planes. The ship is heading back to be disbanded at Kuching.
After the bombardment by the 14" guns the defenders of Lautem finally give up and over 1000 dutch defenders are taken prisoner.
In China yet another guerilla brigade surrendered and only 1 is remaining in the stack. Additional forces are moving to Pucheng but movement over the trails is SLLLOOOOOOOWWWWW.
In the Pacific Wake has expanded its airfield to lvl. 4. The engineers have shifted their focus to improving the island's fortifications.
- Attachments
-
- air.gif (190.25 KiB) Viewed 357 times
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 14th, 1942:
Good news arrived during the night phase as the dutch minelaying sub O-19 sank off the Malayan coast.
Also SAGs shelled PM and Bandjermasin for minor damage.
It seems the Dutch naval bombers finally realized that there are several troop convoys hugging the coast of Borneo. It is the Java invasion force (2 infantry divisions, 2 brigades). Recon reveals 11 units at Batavia so the most likely invasion target is Kragen. The bad news is that the convoys got slightly dispersed (despite having the same home-port, the same speed and the same destination) and that made several attack runs possible. At least 4 T.IVas won't be coming back to haunt us. 2 APs are damaged but since shipping losses have been incredibly late so far I am quite willing to sink them to get the troops to Java. The troop ships are escorted by a SAG centered around 2 Kongos and the Mini-KB.
Regarding naval losses I can really, really recommend putting immediately a Naval HQ into Kuching after its capture. Ideally another one is available for a lvl. 3 or 4 port in the southern DEI. It really makes a difference when trying to pump out ships.
An airstrike against Batavia shot down 4 defending fighters, heavily damaged the AP Van Landsberge and sank the AP Rochussen.
Ground combat was fairly sedate today. The last Chinese guerrilla brigade surrendered so there are no enemy units or bad ZOCs remaining behind the frontlines. The cut off Indian brigade north of Mersing continues to resist and may last longer than Singapore itself.
On the industry front Tracker tells me that I need to capture some 600 oil centers to fuel my industry. A few can be repaired at Brunei and Tarakan but capturing Palembang at least somewhat intact will be necessary. Repairs to resource and manpower centers have been turned off.
Good news arrived during the night phase as the dutch minelaying sub O-19 sank off the Malayan coast.
Also SAGs shelled PM and Bandjermasin for minor damage.
It seems the Dutch naval bombers finally realized that there are several troop convoys hugging the coast of Borneo. It is the Java invasion force (2 infantry divisions, 2 brigades). Recon reveals 11 units at Batavia so the most likely invasion target is Kragen. The bad news is that the convoys got slightly dispersed (despite having the same home-port, the same speed and the same destination) and that made several attack runs possible. At least 4 T.IVas won't be coming back to haunt us. 2 APs are damaged but since shipping losses have been incredibly late so far I am quite willing to sink them to get the troops to Java. The troop ships are escorted by a SAG centered around 2 Kongos and the Mini-KB.
Regarding naval losses I can really, really recommend putting immediately a Naval HQ into Kuching after its capture. Ideally another one is available for a lvl. 3 or 4 port in the southern DEI. It really makes a difference when trying to pump out ships.
An airstrike against Batavia shot down 4 defending fighters, heavily damaged the AP Van Landsberge and sank the AP Rochussen.
Ground combat was fairly sedate today. The last Chinese guerrilla brigade surrendered so there are no enemy units or bad ZOCs remaining behind the frontlines. The cut off Indian brigade north of Mersing continues to resist and may last longer than Singapore itself.
On the industry front Tracker tells me that I need to capture some 600 oil centers to fuel my industry. A few can be repaired at Brunei and Tarakan but capturing Palembang at least somewhat intact will be necessary. Repairs to resource and manpower centers have been turned off.
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 15th, 1942:
Quiet turn.
During the night Blenheim IFs continue to attack Rangoon and they continue to get damaged.
Kates have spotted shipping near Amchitka. Plans have been made to investigate this.
A small bomber strike sorties the against Java convoys. Amazingly the 2 Martins get through the Zero CAP only to be warmly welcomed by the Kongo. Paratroopers will attempt to seize Kragen while the transports move into position.
During the day IJA bombers attack the Australian positions around Singapore but to little avail. The deliberate attack comes off at 0:1 and doesn't touch the forts. [:(]
The defenders of Manila try to eject the RCT holding them in place but also their attack fails miserably. The units worth about 350 AV won't be able to escape or help their brethren at Clark.
Quiet turn.
During the night Blenheim IFs continue to attack Rangoon and they continue to get damaged.
Kates have spotted shipping near Amchitka. Plans have been made to investigate this.
A small bomber strike sorties the against Java convoys. Amazingly the 2 Martins get through the Zero CAP only to be warmly welcomed by the Kongo. Paratroopers will attempt to seize Kragen while the transports move into position.
During the day IJA bombers attack the Australian positions around Singapore but to little avail. The deliberate attack comes off at 0:1 and doesn't touch the forts. [:(]
The defenders of Manila try to eject the RCT holding them in place but also their attack fails miserably. The units worth about 350 AV won't be able to escape or help their brethren at Clark.
- Attachments
-
- java.gif (205.46 KiB) Viewed 357 times
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 16th, 1942:
This turn was certainly not quiet.
The dutch sent in their airforce to sink the approaching fleet and they had help from the Brits. Multiple waves of attackers continued to press the attack throughout the day. While the Zeros and Pete floatfighters destroyed lots of planes, several got through. The first hit of the day was a bomb hit on CA Haguro which did only scratch the paint. A formation of T.IVas though got lucky. They planted 2 torpedoes into PC Shonan Maru #7 (sank later during the day) and 1 into AP Kaimyo Maru. During the afternoon these planes also managed to hit AP Koei Maru once. Ironically all of these ships and the ones attacked yesterday carry the 4th Mixed Brigade, apparently a not very lucky unit. A counterstrike at Batavia demolished the already damaged AP Van Landsberge and destroyed even more dutch fighters. All in all roughly 50 attackers met their doom while the Empire's losses so far consist of a few Petes, 1 PC and probably 3 small APs.
Even better the paratroopers seized an undefended Kragen and split the defenders in two.
Equally important is the seizure of Clark Field. After the arrival of the 21st Division our units conducted another shock attack. The engineers reduced forts to zero and the attack itself came off at solid 5:1. Over 40k troops have been forced back to Bataan. The soldiers will now stay for a few days at Clark for R&R and then pursue the Americans. The 14th Army staff has decided to reduce Bataan first before attempting to tackle Manila's urban terrain.
In other news Meiktila, Gasmata and Pomala were also captured.
This turn was certainly not quiet.
The dutch sent in their airforce to sink the approaching fleet and they had help from the Brits. Multiple waves of attackers continued to press the attack throughout the day. While the Zeros and Pete floatfighters destroyed lots of planes, several got through. The first hit of the day was a bomb hit on CA Haguro which did only scratch the paint. A formation of T.IVas though got lucky. They planted 2 torpedoes into PC Shonan Maru #7 (sank later during the day) and 1 into AP Kaimyo Maru. During the afternoon these planes also managed to hit AP Koei Maru once. Ironically all of these ships and the ones attacked yesterday carry the 4th Mixed Brigade, apparently a not very lucky unit. A counterstrike at Batavia demolished the already damaged AP Van Landsberge and destroyed even more dutch fighters. All in all roughly 50 attackers met their doom while the Empire's losses so far consist of a few Petes, 1 PC and probably 3 small APs.
Even better the paratroopers seized an undefended Kragen and split the defenders in two.
Equally important is the seizure of Clark Field. After the arrival of the 21st Division our units conducted another shock attack. The engineers reduced forts to zero and the attack itself came off at solid 5:1. Over 40k troops have been forced back to Bataan. The soldiers will now stay for a few days at Clark for R&R and then pursue the Americans. The 14th Army staff has decided to reduce Bataan first before attempting to tackle Manila's urban terrain.
In other news Meiktila, Gasmata and Pomala were also captured.
- Attachments
-
- pi.gif (138.01 KiB) Viewed 357 times
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 17th, 1942:
The turn begins when 4 DDs raid Amchitka's harbor to clear the way for a bombardment TF. In separate actions AVDs Gillis and Williamson are sunk for no damage. The bombardment itself was rather anemic.
CL Jintsu and company also visited Palembang again. Another dutch PT was sunk (6 remaining) and afterwards they dispatched a heavily burning MSW Burnie with a single torpedo hit.
During the day the dutch and British bombers returned to Kragen but they paid for a lack of fighter cover. Another 16 planes were shot down including 10 TBs. There were still quite a few leakers coming through the CAP but this turn they did not score a single hit.
On the ground the Nav Gd finally managed to capture Bandjermasin and chased the defenders into the jungle. Bali is now the only remaining lvl. 3 airfield under dutch control outside of Java and Sumatra.
Current naval losses:
Japan: 1 PC, 2 MSW, 1 SS, 3 AP, 2 AK; another 2-3 small APs are likely to sink
Allies: BB Tennessee, 1 DMS, 4 AVD, 3 ML, 18 MSW, 1 PC, 12 PT, 5 SS, 1 AD, 7 AP, 18 AK, 2 TK
The turn begins when 4 DDs raid Amchitka's harbor to clear the way for a bombardment TF. In separate actions AVDs Gillis and Williamson are sunk for no damage. The bombardment itself was rather anemic.
CL Jintsu and company also visited Palembang again. Another dutch PT was sunk (6 remaining) and afterwards they dispatched a heavily burning MSW Burnie with a single torpedo hit.
During the day the dutch and British bombers returned to Kragen but they paid for a lack of fighter cover. Another 16 planes were shot down including 10 TBs. There were still quite a few leakers coming through the CAP but this turn they did not score a single hit.
On the ground the Nav Gd finally managed to capture Bandjermasin and chased the defenders into the jungle. Bali is now the only remaining lvl. 3 airfield under dutch control outside of Java and Sumatra.
Current naval losses:
Japan: 1 PC, 2 MSW, 1 SS, 3 AP, 2 AK; another 2-3 small APs are likely to sink
Allies: BB Tennessee, 1 DMS, 4 AVD, 3 ML, 18 MSW, 1 PC, 12 PT, 5 SS, 1 AD, 7 AP, 18 AK, 2 TK
- Attachments
-
- amchitka.gif (152.96 KiB) Viewed 357 times
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 18th, 1942:
Another sweep over Mandalay came off worse than previous attempts. The AVG still contests the base and this time they bounced our Zeros during the entire fight. Some Buffolas were also present which did not do so well. In the end 11 P-40Es and 4 Buffalos were exchanged for 8 Zeros.
The Brits currently have 4 LCUs at Taung Gyi and 4 at Mandalay while several Chinese units march over the trail to Lashio. The Burma Area Army currently has 1 1/2 divisions to oppose them while the rest of the 55th Division is being airlifted into Moulmain. I might try to go for Mandalay with the current troops while I hope that the airlifted troops will arrive in time to stop any counter-attack from Taung Gyi or dig in until more units become available. I haven't decided yet.
Only recon planes dared to show themselves over Kragen today as the troopships continue to unload their cargo. The plan is for the main body to move south and seize Soerabaja while a smaller thrust will hopefully bottle up the ABDA formations at Batavia.
Southwest of Saigon one of the two APD ASW TFs (how is that for acronyms?) found and engaged the dutch KXIII. APD 32 scored 3 direct hits and sent the sub to the bottom.
NLFs captured Dobodura and Waingapu today.
Another sweep over Mandalay came off worse than previous attempts. The AVG still contests the base and this time they bounced our Zeros during the entire fight. Some Buffolas were also present which did not do so well. In the end 11 P-40Es and 4 Buffalos were exchanged for 8 Zeros.
The Brits currently have 4 LCUs at Taung Gyi and 4 at Mandalay while several Chinese units march over the trail to Lashio. The Burma Area Army currently has 1 1/2 divisions to oppose them while the rest of the 55th Division is being airlifted into Moulmain. I might try to go for Mandalay with the current troops while I hope that the airlifted troops will arrive in time to stop any counter-attack from Taung Gyi or dig in until more units become available. I haven't decided yet.
Only recon planes dared to show themselves over Kragen today as the troopships continue to unload their cargo. The plan is for the main body to move south and seize Soerabaja while a smaller thrust will hopefully bottle up the ABDA formations at Batavia.
Southwest of Saigon one of the two APD ASW TFs (how is that for acronyms?) found and engaged the dutch KXIII. APD 32 scored 3 direct hits and sent the sub to the bottom.
NLFs captured Dobodura and Waingapu today.
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 19th, 1942:
[>:] Very quiet. Lousy weather shuts down most ops and for the first time during this game Japan looses a total of zero airframes during the day.
South of Moulmain a construction battalion trades blows with a british base force. The Brits have been forced to retreat two times and are surely out of supply but still refuse to surrender. The Mersing pocket also continues to resist our two tank regiments. Further east Merauke and Kavieng are added to the empire.
[>:] Very quiet. Lousy weather shuts down most ops and for the first time during this game Japan looses a total of zero airframes during the day.
South of Moulmain a construction battalion trades blows with a british base force. The Brits have been forced to retreat two times and are surely out of supply but still refuse to surrender. The Mersing pocket also continues to resist our two tank regiments. Further east Merauke and Kavieng are added to the empire.
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 20th, 1942:
During the day an air attack against Taung Gyi was intercepted by 5 P-40Es. One Oscar and one Lily each were shot down in exchange for 2 Warhawks and a couple of hits on the base.
More interesting was an attack by dutch torpedo bombers against a fast transport TF near Batavia. Having just delivered parts of an aviation regiment to Kragen the TF commander decided to sail dangerously close to the enemy base. Promised LRCAP from Kuching did not materialize either. A total of 10 TBs attack the CA Mikuma and 2 escorting DDs but thankfully score no hits. About half of the attackers are damaged.
Most of the troopships will now leave Java again under the Mini-KB's watchful eye. Several ships stay behind under land-based Zero cover to unload further supplies.
At Pucheng a probing attack comes off at 3:1 and reduces forts to 4. The city is not expected to provide prolonged resistance.
The latest intelligence estimate from Burma - the AVG continues to stay in Mandalay:
During the day an air attack against Taung Gyi was intercepted by 5 P-40Es. One Oscar and one Lily each were shot down in exchange for 2 Warhawks and a couple of hits on the base.
More interesting was an attack by dutch torpedo bombers against a fast transport TF near Batavia. Having just delivered parts of an aviation regiment to Kragen the TF commander decided to sail dangerously close to the enemy base. Promised LRCAP from Kuching did not materialize either. A total of 10 TBs attack the CA Mikuma and 2 escorting DDs but thankfully score no hits. About half of the attackers are damaged.
Most of the troopships will now leave Java again under the Mini-KB's watchful eye. Several ships stay behind under land-based Zero cover to unload further supplies.
At Pucheng a probing attack comes off at 3:1 and reduces forts to 4. The city is not expected to provide prolonged resistance.
The latest intelligence estimate from Burma - the AVG continues to stay in Mandalay:
- Attachments
-
- burma.gif (279.55 KiB) Viewed 357 times
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 21st, 1942:
The day was a bit more exciting. An air raid against Bataan eliminatedthe last vestige of allied airpower (1 P-35A) in the PI and dropped a few bombs on the airfield. Singapore's defenders also received the loving attention of the IJAAF again.
Having seen the Mini-KB leave Kragen the Swordfishs were again back and planted a bomb into AP Ayato Maru. Most of the supply has already left the ships though and the rest should follow during the coming night.
After some earlier setbacks the regiment guarding Zamboanga was finally forced to surrender by a mixture of SNLF and NLF detachments. These will rest a bit and then continue to clear out isolated Phillipine troop concentrations. Since most of the islands have small resource centers the Emperor thinks it is best to stop the supply production there as soon as it becomes practical.
The South Sea Detachment took another stab at PM and got a 1:1 deliberate attack. Forts were reduced to two and so the attack will continue tomorrow. The troops have been aided in their efforts by Betties flying ground support missions from Rabaul.
In China Pucheng was overrun today and 30000 Chinese soldiers were freed from their oppressive KMT leaders. The troops will now begin the long trek back over the trails.
On Java the 4th Brigade took an abandoned Djokjakarta and will continue to move north. 2 recon planes had been left behind on the tarmac.
Singapore itself has also seen renewed fighting. Gen. Yamashita's new tactic of ordering a shock attack instead of the more careful last attacks has paid off and forts are reduced to 3. Allied losses were significantly lower compared to the earlier deliberate attacks though.
The day was a bit more exciting. An air raid against Bataan eliminatedthe last vestige of allied airpower (1 P-35A) in the PI and dropped a few bombs on the airfield. Singapore's defenders also received the loving attention of the IJAAF again.
Having seen the Mini-KB leave Kragen the Swordfishs were again back and planted a bomb into AP Ayato Maru. Most of the supply has already left the ships though and the rest should follow during the coming night.
After some earlier setbacks the regiment guarding Zamboanga was finally forced to surrender by a mixture of SNLF and NLF detachments. These will rest a bit and then continue to clear out isolated Phillipine troop concentrations. Since most of the islands have small resource centers the Emperor thinks it is best to stop the supply production there as soon as it becomes practical.
The South Sea Detachment took another stab at PM and got a 1:1 deliberate attack. Forts were reduced to two and so the attack will continue tomorrow. The troops have been aided in their efforts by Betties flying ground support missions from Rabaul.
In China Pucheng was overrun today and 30000 Chinese soldiers were freed from their oppressive KMT leaders. The troops will now begin the long trek back over the trails.
On Java the 4th Brigade took an abandoned Djokjakarta and will continue to move north. 2 recon planes had been left behind on the tarmac.
Singapore itself has also seen renewed fighting. Gen. Yamashita's new tactic of ordering a shock attack instead of the more careful last attacks has paid off and forts are reduced to 3. Allied losses were significantly lower compared to the earlier deliberate attacks though.
- Attachments
-
- singers.gif (186.17 KiB) Viewed 357 times
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 22nd, 1942:
A visit by CA Kumano to Palembang harbor was a success. An exemplary engagement saw the Japanese squadron surprise the 6 PT boats which allowed them to sink 2 with accurate 5" fire. Then they immediately withdrew before the dutch could respond.
Near Kragen the O21 found and hit the AP Ayato Maru, the same ship that was damaged by a Swordfish yesterday. The Captain has been ordered to try and reach Kuching but he is not hopeful.
Another brigade was released from the Kwantung army and will be shipped to the Aleutans. I'll likely transfer an infantry regiment to garrison the Kuriles next and then focus on buying out air units for a while.
On the ground the SSD achieved a 3:1 result at PM and should be able to take the base quickly. The additional infantry brigade will likely not be needed and will be diverted to Lae instead.
In Burma a construction battalion took an undefended Magwe. The oil centers are undamaged for now but I guess that sooner or later 4e bombers will come to call.
On Java an undefended Madioen was added to the empire. It seems the resistance here will be restricted to Batavia and to a lesser extent Soerabaja.
Finally the 14th Army reached Bataan. An artillery attack has been ordered to check the defenders' readiness.
A visit by CA Kumano to Palembang harbor was a success. An exemplary engagement saw the Japanese squadron surprise the 6 PT boats which allowed them to sink 2 with accurate 5" fire. Then they immediately withdrew before the dutch could respond.
Near Kragen the O21 found and hit the AP Ayato Maru, the same ship that was damaged by a Swordfish yesterday. The Captain has been ordered to try and reach Kuching but he is not hopeful.
Another brigade was released from the Kwantung army and will be shipped to the Aleutans. I'll likely transfer an infantry regiment to garrison the Kuriles next and then focus on buying out air units for a while.
On the ground the SSD achieved a 3:1 result at PM and should be able to take the base quickly. The additional infantry brigade will likely not be needed and will be diverted to Lae instead.
In Burma a construction battalion took an undefended Magwe. The oil centers are undamaged for now but I guess that sooner or later 4e bombers will come to call.
On Java an undefended Madioen was added to the empire. It seems the resistance here will be restricted to Batavia and to a lesser extent Soerabaja.
Finally the 14th Army reached Bataan. An artillery attack has been ordered to check the defenders' readiness.
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 23rd, 1942:
Disaster over Mandalay. [:(]
40 Zeros ran into 43 P-40Es of the AVG and also 14 Hurricanes. The dice gods were smiling upon the Allies today and 21 Zeros were shot down in exchange for 7 Warhawks and 12 Hurricanes. The sweeps will be abandoned for now as they are getting too expensive.
On the bright side CVL Shoho jointed the fleet today. Augmenting her airgroup and partially replacing losses has emptied the IJN air pool for good.
At least the Commonwealth forces are in the process of evacuating Taung Gyi and probably want to concentrate at Mandalay. I am not sure if the IJA can stop them but we'll try.
Near Kragen the unlucky Ayato Maru drew another strike and received a bomb and torpedo hit each. The ship is surprisingly still afloat though not for much longer. A smaller strike attacked the Mini-KB but the Swordfishs immediately turned around after the first one was damaged.
PM fell to our victorious forces today. The Australian defenders were chased into the mountains where they can starve. Several US PBY Catalinas were destroyed on the ground.
The bombardment at Bataan showed an assault value of 899 there (against 1825 AV for the IJA). The 14th Army staff will continue to evaluate the situation.
Disaster over Mandalay. [:(]
40 Zeros ran into 43 P-40Es of the AVG and also 14 Hurricanes. The dice gods were smiling upon the Allies today and 21 Zeros were shot down in exchange for 7 Warhawks and 12 Hurricanes. The sweeps will be abandoned for now as they are getting too expensive.
On the bright side CVL Shoho jointed the fleet today. Augmenting her airgroup and partially replacing losses has emptied the IJN air pool for good.
At least the Commonwealth forces are in the process of evacuating Taung Gyi and probably want to concentrate at Mandalay. I am not sure if the IJA can stop them but we'll try.
Near Kragen the unlucky Ayato Maru drew another strike and received a bomb and torpedo hit each. The ship is surprisingly still afloat though not for much longer. A smaller strike attacked the Mini-KB but the Swordfishs immediately turned around after the first one was damaged.
PM fell to our victorious forces today. The Australian defenders were chased into the mountains where they can starve. Several US PBY Catalinas were destroyed on the ground.
The bombardment at Bataan showed an assault value of 899 there (against 1825 AV for the IJA). The 14th Army staff will continue to evaluate the situation.
- Attachments
-
- burma.gif (316.67 KiB) Viewed 357 times
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 24th, 1942:
Revenge can be sweet. [:D]
The day started off with a scare. Near Kiska SS Nautilus attacked BB Ise but thankfully the torpedoes failed to detonate. The escorting DDs attacked twice but scored only one near miss. The mixed brigade is almost fully unloaded though and then I'll pull the covering force back.
Nagato and Mutsu also roughed up the base facilities at Lae a little bit.
The Ayato Maru was attacked again by TBs although this time they missed. It did not matter much as the ship slipped beneath the waves later during the day.
Vals also attacked the MSW Tanager that is docked at Manila but missed. That ship has absorbed 3x 250 kg bombs so far.
During the afternoon phase there was a second interesting report. 4 Allied ships were spotted NE of Makin heading west at 14 knots. A Nell strike from Kwajalain failed to locate them though. 2 AKs were positively identified by overflying flying boats so I am not sure what the allied intentions are. A surprise invasion or a TF that has been re-routed by the less than perfect pathfinding algorithm? All decent airfields in the region have at least a Nav Gd as garrison which should force the allies to commit significant forces. Additional Betties have been flown in so I guess we'll find out more tomorrow.
Ground combat was great for the empire today.
A shock attack at Singapore scored a 1:1 (nearly 2:1) and reduced forts to 2. In a few days there will be the next attack. The two lead brigades are in bad shape and will continue to be wrecked but so be it.
Tjilitjap fell to the advancing IJA troops as the static dutch unit there surrendered. Several Vildebeests and Martins had been abandoned by the fleeing KNIL troops and were accordingly torched. An AP was also scuttled. I am not sure why Daniel did not move it out though I guess the end result would have been the same. This is not the first time where I have been able to scuttle ships at port although each time there have been assets in place to hunt down any blockade breakers. Strange. [&:]
The situation at Bataan ass also looking good. AV was 1867 to 900 although one beat-up SNLF had joined the stack there. For the next few days we'll bomb the airfield and then the 14th Army may start a deliberate attack to check forts and burn up supplies.
The most important action was to be found in Burma though. At Mandalay the 4th Division crossed the river and shock attacked the base. My surprise was great when only one of the 4 units there turned out to be a combat brigade. Daniel clearly kept the bulk of his forces too long at Taung Gyi but even that leaves 2 (IIRC) brigades unaccounted for. Anyway, the attack came off at 5:1 and took the base. The resource and oil centers were completely wrecked though and will not be repaired. The defeated ground units retreated towards Lashio where they and the Chinese reinforcements will have a hard time getting enough supplies. The true kicker was however that a big part (if not all) of the AVG and at least 1 British Hurricane squadron was still at the airfield and were accordingly wiped out. Together with the dutch losses a total of 79 (!) planes were destroyed on the ground today, many of them hopefully irreplaceable P-40Es. BANZAI!
The 2nd Parachute Rgt. took an empty Akyab but that is almost a footnote to the success detailed above.
Revenge can be sweet. [:D]
The day started off with a scare. Near Kiska SS Nautilus attacked BB Ise but thankfully the torpedoes failed to detonate. The escorting DDs attacked twice but scored only one near miss. The mixed brigade is almost fully unloaded though and then I'll pull the covering force back.
Nagato and Mutsu also roughed up the base facilities at Lae a little bit.
The Ayato Maru was attacked again by TBs although this time they missed. It did not matter much as the ship slipped beneath the waves later during the day.
Vals also attacked the MSW Tanager that is docked at Manila but missed. That ship has absorbed 3x 250 kg bombs so far.
During the afternoon phase there was a second interesting report. 4 Allied ships were spotted NE of Makin heading west at 14 knots. A Nell strike from Kwajalain failed to locate them though. 2 AKs were positively identified by overflying flying boats so I am not sure what the allied intentions are. A surprise invasion or a TF that has been re-routed by the less than perfect pathfinding algorithm? All decent airfields in the region have at least a Nav Gd as garrison which should force the allies to commit significant forces. Additional Betties have been flown in so I guess we'll find out more tomorrow.
Ground combat was great for the empire today.
A shock attack at Singapore scored a 1:1 (nearly 2:1) and reduced forts to 2. In a few days there will be the next attack. The two lead brigades are in bad shape and will continue to be wrecked but so be it.
Tjilitjap fell to the advancing IJA troops as the static dutch unit there surrendered. Several Vildebeests and Martins had been abandoned by the fleeing KNIL troops and were accordingly torched. An AP was also scuttled. I am not sure why Daniel did not move it out though I guess the end result would have been the same. This is not the first time where I have been able to scuttle ships at port although each time there have been assets in place to hunt down any blockade breakers. Strange. [&:]
The situation at Bataan ass also looking good. AV was 1867 to 900 although one beat-up SNLF had joined the stack there. For the next few days we'll bomb the airfield and then the 14th Army may start a deliberate attack to check forts and burn up supplies.
The most important action was to be found in Burma though. At Mandalay the 4th Division crossed the river and shock attacked the base. My surprise was great when only one of the 4 units there turned out to be a combat brigade. Daniel clearly kept the bulk of his forces too long at Taung Gyi but even that leaves 2 (IIRC) brigades unaccounted for. Anyway, the attack came off at 5:1 and took the base. The resource and oil centers were completely wrecked though and will not be repaired. The defeated ground units retreated towards Lashio where they and the Chinese reinforcements will have a hard time getting enough supplies. The true kicker was however that a big part (if not all) of the AVG and at least 1 British Hurricane squadron was still at the airfield and were accordingly wiped out. Together with the dutch losses a total of 79 (!) planes were destroyed on the ground today, many of them hopefully irreplaceable P-40Es. BANZAI!
The 2nd Parachute Rgt. took an empty Akyab but that is almost a footnote to the success detailed above.
- Attachments
-
- mandalay.gif (301.57 KiB) Viewed 357 times
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
Daniel is a bit frustrated about what happened at Mandalay which I can understand. I also noticed a small error: it was the 33rd and not the 4th Division that took the base.
January 25th, 1942:
2 CLs and a couple of DDs bombarded Attu during the night. A total of 8 supply hits were scored which will hopefully inconvenience the American troops.
SS Saury missed BB Mutsu near Rabaul. The second attack on a BB in a row does make Adm. Yamamato uncomfortable.
Near Manila MSW Tanager received the 4th 250 kg bomb hit. The ship is still afloat. [X(]
The grand attack on the merchants near Makin did not materialize. A total of 6 Nells launched and scored a hit on AK Escalante R. The other ~100 bomber pilots rather drank sake instead.
A couple of T.IVa attacked Tjilitjap's empty airfield and the Zeros shot down two of them. Anything which cause losses to the dangerous torpedo bombers is nice.
Intel reports 3 P-40E and 2 P-38E/F ops losses today. I wonder when the Americans will finally run out of Warhawks. Nearly 200 of them have been destroyed since the start of the war.
The first deliberate attack at Soerabaja came off at 1:1 and reduced forts to 3. The base is defended by the 6th Regiment reinforced by some KNIL Marines. Once disruption goes down we'll attack again. Malang was also liberated by the 35th brigade which forced a base force to surrender there.
Bataan's AV continues to grow at a rate of 1 per day which likely caused by our bombardments.
January 25th, 1942:
2 CLs and a couple of DDs bombarded Attu during the night. A total of 8 supply hits were scored which will hopefully inconvenience the American troops.
SS Saury missed BB Mutsu near Rabaul. The second attack on a BB in a row does make Adm. Yamamato uncomfortable.
Near Manila MSW Tanager received the 4th 250 kg bomb hit. The ship is still afloat. [X(]
The grand attack on the merchants near Makin did not materialize. A total of 6 Nells launched and scored a hit on AK Escalante R. The other ~100 bomber pilots rather drank sake instead.
A couple of T.IVa attacked Tjilitjap's empty airfield and the Zeros shot down two of them. Anything which cause losses to the dangerous torpedo bombers is nice.
Intel reports 3 P-40E and 2 P-38E/F ops losses today. I wonder when the Americans will finally run out of Warhawks. Nearly 200 of them have been destroyed since the start of the war.
The first deliberate attack at Soerabaja came off at 1:1 and reduced forts to 3. The base is defended by the 6th Regiment reinforced by some KNIL Marines. Once disruption goes down we'll attack again. Malang was also liberated by the 35th brigade which forced a base force to surrender there.
Bataan's AV continues to grow at a rate of 1 per day which likely caused by our bombardments.
- Attachments
-
- java.gif (213.37 KiB) Viewed 357 times
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 26th, 1942:
DD Ralph Talbot found one of our sub-laid mine near Cold Bay and destroyed it. It seems that the American BB task-force might be back in business there.
Jintsu and company sank another PT at Palembang. Hagikaze was hit by a MG salvo though and will need some time in the yard.
Manila saw the Vals return and they hit MSW Tanager for the fifth time. The ship is finally confirmed as sunk.
Near Makin we finally got more launches. AK Escalante R received 3 torpedo hits while AK Taurus got 4. AK Elcano was also identified but got away. I still have no idea what these ships are doing there.
The NGVR Battalion was finally kicked out of Lae today. A SNLF will now follow them and take the rest of the bases in the region.
At Bataan Allied AV stayed constant at 901 AV. Flak fire was still heavy over the hex however.
The dreaded IJA construction battalion again showed its martial prowess today and forced the cut-off base force south of Moulmain to surrender. [:D]
DD Ralph Talbot found one of our sub-laid mine near Cold Bay and destroyed it. It seems that the American BB task-force might be back in business there.
Jintsu and company sank another PT at Palembang. Hagikaze was hit by a MG salvo though and will need some time in the yard.
Manila saw the Vals return and they hit MSW Tanager for the fifth time. The ship is finally confirmed as sunk.
Near Makin we finally got more launches. AK Escalante R received 3 torpedo hits while AK Taurus got 4. AK Elcano was also identified but got away. I still have no idea what these ships are doing there.
The NGVR Battalion was finally kicked out of Lae today. A SNLF will now follow them and take the rest of the bases in the region.
At Bataan Allied AV stayed constant at 901 AV. Flak fire was still heavy over the hex however.
The dreaded IJA construction battalion again showed its martial prowess today and forced the cut-off base force south of Moulmain to surrender. [:D]
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 27th, 1942:
The last few days have seen a number of subs spotted around major ports again. Mostly the just get the occasional depth charge dropped on them but once in a while they do get lucky.
Southeast of Legaspi the S-40 put a torpedo into APD-34. The rest of the TF scored some slight damage on the sub in retaliation but certainly not enough to put it out of commission. The APD will try to make for Legaspi's port to see if it can be saved.
East of Kiska we also spotted an American TF moving in. From float-plane sightings noticing our subs in the region we do know that there are some bigger ships included. We'll soon find out what the Americans are up to. Kiska has been mined and several subs have been moved in the projected movement path so we might get lucky.
Both sides have began to fly some minor air attacks over Burma. More bombs hit the jungle than anything else.
On Java an empty Bandoeng was taken. The dutch now only control Soerabaja, Batavia and Merak.
The last few days have seen a number of subs spotted around major ports again. Mostly the just get the occasional depth charge dropped on them but once in a while they do get lucky.
Southeast of Legaspi the S-40 put a torpedo into APD-34. The rest of the TF scored some slight damage on the sub in retaliation but certainly not enough to put it out of commission. The APD will try to make for Legaspi's port to see if it can be saved.
East of Kiska we also spotted an American TF moving in. From float-plane sightings noticing our subs in the region we do know that there are some bigger ships included. We'll soon find out what the Americans are up to. Kiska has been mined and several subs have been moved in the projected movement path so we might get lucky.
Both sides have began to fly some minor air attacks over Burma. More bombs hit the jungle than anything else.
On Java an empty Bandoeng was taken. The dutch now only control Soerabaja, Batavia and Merak.
- Attachments
-
- pi.gif (130.19 KiB) Viewed 357 times
RE: The Leader Bug strikes - BigB 1.5 Japanese version
January 28th, 1942:
BBs Fuso and Yamashiro shelled Soerabaja's defenders during the night. Sadly during the attack DD Yukikaze hit an allied Mk. 6 mine. The modern destroyer can still make 20 knots and should reach Kendari.
In the Aleutans I-23 was able to escape several attacks and spotted at least 3 different task forces. Due having to refuel its destroyers the Ise TF would not have reached Kiska during the night so there will be no attempt to intercept any bombardment. BB Colorado, CA Portland and at least 8 DDs are present.
Also the American S-38 was confirmed sunk. It is always nice to reduce the number of subs with working torpedoes.
During the day the allies ordered a Warhawk sweep of Mandalay (unopposed) and several B-17s continued their ineffectual attacks on Magwe. The IJA is busy shuffling addtional base forces and another aviation regiment into the area.
Also 31 Oscars engaged 11 obsolete dutch planes over Palembang. 6 Demons were shot down while 1 Oscar was damaged.
At Soerabaja a deliberate attack yields 2:1 and drops forts to 3. I am loathe to order a shock attack here in order to reduce damage to the oil and resources in the hex.
Singapore sees also another attack. It came off at 1:1 and drops forts to 1.
BBs Fuso and Yamashiro shelled Soerabaja's defenders during the night. Sadly during the attack DD Yukikaze hit an allied Mk. 6 mine. The modern destroyer can still make 20 knots and should reach Kendari.
In the Aleutans I-23 was able to escape several attacks and spotted at least 3 different task forces. Due having to refuel its destroyers the Ise TF would not have reached Kiska during the night so there will be no attempt to intercept any bombardment. BB Colorado, CA Portland and at least 8 DDs are present.
Also the American S-38 was confirmed sunk. It is always nice to reduce the number of subs with working torpedoes.
During the day the allies ordered a Warhawk sweep of Mandalay (unopposed) and several B-17s continued their ineffectual attacks on Magwe. The IJA is busy shuffling addtional base forces and another aviation regiment into the area.
Also 31 Oscars engaged 11 obsolete dutch planes over Palembang. 6 Demons were shot down while 1 Oscar was damaged.
At Soerabaja a deliberate attack yields 2:1 and drops forts to 3. I am loathe to order a shock attack here in order to reduce damage to the oil and resources in the hex.
Singapore sees also another attack. It came off at 1:1 and drops forts to 1.