Aussies vs Amis - World Defence(no Joe or Nik)

[jrcar]

Please to find herein the reports of our glorious defence of the free world, beer and bikini's (H'mm maybe the order is wrong) from the evil empire that has staggered into existence under the control of Nik and Joe...

Background
All four of us are involved in the AE development effort. Joe and Nik are well known to the community. Tony and myself are mainly BETA testers for the last 12 months... although we have been known to comment on other things, including land combat stuff.

We are both military morons of the Army officer type, Tony is still serving, I left after 12 years and now do computer games for a living... well look after simulation development for the Australian Army...

We are playing a 2x2 team game, which is new to both Tony and I. OTOH I have played all three PBEM during the last 12 months so have a reasonable idea of everyone’s strengths and weaknesses.

Organisation
After thought, discussion and beer we have initially split the responsibilities as such.

Tony left side.

Me Right side

[:D]

The dividing line goes through Borneo and the DEI (Java west is Tony’s)

The PI is mine, from Miri to Tarakan is mine, and the Moluccas/Timor/Australia/Pacic.

Basically Tony is a slightly better land player than me (IMO) so China was obvious for him. You can’t separate China from India (well you are mad if you do) and likewise India from Malaya, Sumatra and Java He is also more tactically minded.

I tend to focus at the operations and economy level, but am no slouch tactically (well except when in command of carriers…. Tony is nervous already!).

Will go into planning info soon; suffice to say we are aggressive active players as Allies, none of this cowardly run away stuff! (We DO fall back to more defendable locations though…).

Cheers
Rob

[scott64]

[jrcar]

Outline Plan
Conduct a fighting withdrawal to key locations.

Develop bases in order to conduct offensive actions by the end of 1942.

Attrite Japanese forces, in particular ZERO's.

Interdict Japanese economy.


By Theatre.
India - Defend. Act as base of support for future offensive actions. Slight reinforcement of Burma, in particular Akyab.

Burma. Withdraw, concentrate, defend. Attempt to maintain at least one base in Burma for future offensive operations.

Malaya. Delay. Attempt to destroy resources during withdraw.

Sumatra/Java. Delay. Use surface combat TF to forces Japanese to slow down advance.

Rest DEI. Delay, strike back where possible. Concentrate for defence of Timor and protective arc nth of Darwin to keep Darwin open.

Philippines. Manila Defence (just to see what happens!). Transporting some units to both Darwin, and Southern China...

Australia. Concentrate and prepare as a base for offensive operations in DEI and SWPAC. Defend Darwin/ Townsville areas.

South Pac. Defend Fiji. Once secure develop Noumea if safe.

Cent Pac. Minimal extra force.

Nor Pac. Develop as a base for sub actions in nth Japan. Develop to support offensive operations.

China. Try to force Japanese to commit supplies and not withdraw forces for use elsewhere.


In addition try to be where KB isn't. Strike back with light forces at every opportunity. Force Japanese to concentrate, then slip through holes to strike.

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

Turn one was historical surprise on. We are playing with PDU on.

We only loose 1 BB.

If there is a second strike on PH we may loose 2-3 more.

Force Z is hammered, Repulse is at 90 Float, but POW isn't to bad off... there is a chance they will get to safety.

We begin moving forces to strong points.

Using the forces destined for Singapore and already afloat we will reinforce Burma, Darwin and Koepang.

Pump as much supply into Burma as we can in order to get supply into China.

We have pulled the largely intact B-17 Sqns back to Sorebaya in prep for actions in the DEI (against airfields - Zero's).

Trying to rescue fighters from Wake, then concentrate the fleet vic Eastern Australia.

Moving merchant ships in preparation for moving forces to Eastern Australia.

Setting air units to training.

Cheers

Rob

We have pulled the largely intact B-17 Sqns back to Sorebaya in prep for actions in the DEI (against airfields - Zero's).

Trying to resuce fighters from Wake, then concentrate the fleet vic Eastern Australia.

Moving merchant ships in preparation for moving forces to Eastern Australia.

Setting airunits to training.

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

Turn 2

Well the Luck of The Luke continues (I always contend that Tony is just lucky in our various games, I'm self-evidently the better player... and now this time I get to share his luck, rather than being on the recieving end!).

Key outcomes...

KB Retires from PH [EDIT: KB hangs around Hawaii, but launches only one small strike, looses around 8 Val on seach to the CAP over Hawaii. It looks like they gambled that we would flee PH rather than stay... looks like we guessed right, them wrong!]. In the process sending only one smallish strike against a TF of a CL and 4 DD's. The CAP from Hawaii protects the TF shooting down one of the 15 Val (while avoiding the 43 Zero) and loosing only one DD.

Earlier in the Day a US sub shoots at KB but misses [8|] [EDIT: I hit but the torps fail to detonate in Hiru [:(] ]

Forces leaving Manila sweep the sub mines (I set a lot of single ship minesweeper missions) and I haven't lost a ship yet...

Repulse gets hit by a Sub... she should be sunk...

Back over the Phillipines 13 unescorted Nell attempt to strike an xAKL at Manila... and is met by 20 P-40. 9 of 13 go down in flames, an awesome start to the attrition process!

The airforce in Malaya launches a few times to little effect, except for using up the AA ammunition [:(]



Overall turn 2 is very good for the Allies. The lost of only 1 capital ship at PH and POW probably getting away will make the Japanese have to fight a lot harder later...

I'm not sure I've experianced as good a start as Allies before.

And this makes up for the game with Joe where even with a second KB strike on PH I didn't sink a single BB as the Japanese!

The question is will they now stay for a third day, having lost another 10+ Val, or will they retire...

Cheers

Rob

Edits because I finally watched the combat replay, not just read the text report.

[jrcar]

Turn 3 has been delayed.

As CinC of "The right side of the Map" I have begun my tour of bases.

First off is Sydney. As you can see "big grey things" are gathering for offensive operations (I do wish we had FFG's and FFL's in this game...)

[jrcar]

This crane was commisioned between the wars and I believe was the only one in the southern hemishpere at the time capable of removing a turret from a CA/BB (Not sure on the later...). Its what makes Sydney very important as a Naval base.

The small hill behind the ships is riddled with tunnels. Years ago when I was serving I used to run around there each morning for PT.

[jrcar]

This is the entrance to the Dry Dock, that is an old US LST that was converted in Australia to an LPA (Ship is Manoora). I was on her when she was being fitted out, it is a BIG ship, and hopefully gives an idea of the scale of the drydock.

[jrcar]

Finally this is the roof of the WW2 Navy fuel oil bunker, built into the side of the hill and camoflaged, now it is a park... just don't open the lids and jump inside!

That concludes the survey of Sydney... next stop is Brisbane, but I won't get much of a chance to take photos of anything interesting.

I will be in LA in Nov this year.... and am trying to think of a good excuse to go via Hawaii Need to check out the facilities in person you know!

[jrcar]

Ok Back into it, turn results soon.

My review of Brisbane went well... so well in fact I'm back there again this week...


The key outcome from the reply is the withdrawel of KB to the west. A poor start to the Japanese, only getting 1 BB and a couple of DD's.

The Wildcats from Wake are rescued and the CV's are heading sth and West, I have detected an enemy surface force via sigint and may get to intercept as it takes Christmas island.

Otherwise ships and supplies are moving, but waiting for KB to clear out.

Dutch and Brit subs do good in the DEI sinking a DMS, a big 20 point AP (that will hurt) and some AKL's.

POW is almost to temporary safety.

Masses of ships are succesfully fleeing the PI, some carrying troops for the new ABDA mega base being designed at a secret location....

The B-17 are almost all safely out as well. This is a big coup, and the rest of the US Airforce in the Area is in pretty good shape.

So far an almost dream start.

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

10 Dec
Well the Japanese subs strike back this turn, sinking 2 TK's and harassing a number of other TF near Palembang.

In the soutern Phillipines strong Japanese SCTF (BB's and CA's) sink ships fleeing the PI, the only benefit is they are using their LongLance and Main Armament, so will have to rearm.

The important news is the invasion of Kavieng. This points to an early assault on Rabaul and almost certainly PM. We will adjust our defensive plans accordiningly...

Hong Kong survives a Shock attack.... just.

We have moved supplies from HK to the the Free French City, and have flown out some forces from the PI. The aim is to be a real pain to the Japanese supply lines Mainly to interupt the flow of reseources from Indo China.

This plan is working well, we have got a fair bit of supply out, but the ships are now being targeted.

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

11 Dec
Another good turn for the Allies.

In the CENTPAC one ov the US Cv's hits the Tarawa invasion force.
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 10
SBD-3 Dauntless x 13


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kaito Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Toyotsu Maru, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Aratama Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Katsura Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
302 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 10
SBD-3 Dauntless x 11


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Aratama Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Santos Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAKL Kaito Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Tenposan Maru

Japanese ground losses:
234 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


In the Phillipines the P-40's do low level attacks aginst light opposition...

Allied aircraft
P-40B Warhawk x 5
P-40E Warhawk x 23


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27b Nate: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Siraha Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Karachi Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Keisho Maru, Shell hits 3
xAK Kotoku Maru
xAK Okiyu Maru



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x P-40B Warhawk attacking from 100 feet
8 x P-40E Warhawk attacking from 100 feet *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 lb GP Bomb
10 x P-40E Warhawk sweeping at 15000 feet *


In China we attempt some attacks, but while the AV may be there the combat power isn't.

The subs on both sides are quiet active, with again the Allies doing good:

Sub attack near Taihoku at 90,62

Japanese Ships
xAK Holland Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Manyo Maru
xAKL Chosen Maru
SC Ch 23
SC Ch 22
SC Ch 21

Allied Ships
SS Sculpin

Submarine attack near Sampit at 54,97

Japanese Ships
SS I-155

Allied Ships
TK Manvantara, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Submarine attack near Sampit at 54,97

Japanese Ships
SS I-164

Allied Ships
TK Iris


And finally this was an interesting combat:

Day Time Surface Combat, near Talaud Island at 83,96, Range 5,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo, Shell hits 1
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
DD Kuroshio
DD Oyashio
DD Hatsukaze
DD Natsushio
DD Hayashio
DD Amatsukaze

Allied Ships
AM Bittern, Shell hits 8, and is sunk


With KB heading Towards Truk we expect action in the SWPAC soon.

Forces are moving, will detail in a few days.

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

Still waiting for the next trun, I think the Joe and Nik are drowning their sorrows in Sake

I'm back in Brisbane and will try to get some photos of the dry dock here and a few pictures of where the main military port facilities used to be... they are now apartments.

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

Well we have the turn, so in the morning we should have some more results to post.

Some thoughts.

While we didn't loose many BB's at PH (1) the rest are fairly banged up and will take a while to fix. This means a CENTPAC strategy is possible earlier than historically, but is our least preferred option. At this stage we still plan to fight in SWPAC/DEI initially to slow the enemy, but later to counterattack.

We have decided therefore to move the 41st Div from the West Coast to India/Burma. That and the two Aussie Div's will give us some options there, or we can move to DEI/Nth Australia.

The Centpac will be largely left undefended, the exception being Fiji (I lived there for 12 months as a kid and have strong feelings about the place!). Suva will be our main port, refueling point, and a potential base of attack into the South Pacific or CENTPAC.

Pago Pago is needed initially to help ferry aircraft. A trip wire of Catalina Bases will act as a screen.

PM will be allocated some more troops, once they arrive from the West coast. The priority though is aircraft.

Forces in Australia are rushing to Townsville and Darwin, then later Perth.

Burma we intend to defned Scwebo, but not really reinforce Burma at all. Ceylon will be the main forward base and will be heavily built up.

China we will just try to annoy the Japanese, chew supplies and hopefully tie down units...

We are still waiting for the Japanese thrust lines to materialise, so far only Malaya and the PI (where we are trying a Manila defence).

Cheers
Rob

[jrcar]

12 Dec
Lots of sub action with the enemy getting two ships (including a tanker).

Enemey forces landed at Miri, I have just about finished air evacuating out the BF though.

The P-40E attack shiping in the PI, againts moderate opposition, don't hit anything and loose an aircraft.

In China an AVG Ambush nets at least 5 Ann.

In the Centpac I hit Tarawa port, but am moving fast towards Oz.

In SWPAc the enemy lands at Wewak and Hollianda.

In Malaya they take Kota Bharu.

The Luck of the Luke continues and Hong Kong Survives another attack.


No real action in the DEI yet, most ships and the Manila Naval Baseforce is mostly evacuated (destination Darwin).

I'm setting up a screen of units nth of Darwin by air evacuating the Dutch from Sorong and Ternate.

Manado has a small airforce (12 Hudon, 3 Buffaloe), but I'm air evacuating out the combat troops, and suck as much supply out while I can.

We still haven't identified the Japanes plans, but it is looking increasingly likley that the SWPAC will be a focus. We have moved subs to around Truk to try and ID forces there and to give some warning.

Forces are moving from the West coast to Australia in the initial waves, then later the focus will be Fiji.

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

I'm back in Brisbane and managed to survey the "yard" today. Here we can see preparation of HMAS Diamantina... she looks almost ready to roll

[jrcar]

And this the picture of the drydock in Brisbane, definately won't get a CV in here

[jrcar]

Sorry for a lack of reporting on this AAR, time has really gotten away from me, plus from an Allied perspective not a lot to report.

A quick update then.

22 Dec 1941

Situtaion
Japanese forces continue to advance. Allied subs have been very effective in recent turns, in part because the Japanese advance has been slow, methodical and predictable. This has enabled us to place assets in position. This approach from the Japanes is low risk, but is unlikely to allow them to do anything fancy.

BurmaTwo of the Singapore Reinforcement brigades have now landed to bolster the defence. That plus pumping in as much supply as possible should see a credible defence of Burma. The main line of resistance will be inland.

MalayaJapanes forces are about 1/3rd of the way down. We have begun hitting the leading units with air, including B-17's. The Japanese forces are focusing their air shallow in support of their leading units. We are planning some unusal defencsive locations to try to force the Japanese player to reset their planning. Singapore is lvl 3 forts heading to 4.

Sumatra Concentrating defences at Palembang.

Java Concentraing in the Sorebaya area.. Have a significant surface combat force ready for action, but the strong and methodical Japanese approach is not giving us much of an opportunity to use them though.

Borneo Kuching and Miri now Japanese. Kuching defences roughed the Japanese up nicely, but the overwhelming force could not be stopped. We have pulled out the smaller Brit baseforces and are trying to provide a base to attack from when we can.

East DEI The japanese have threatened with surface forces, including mini KB (which got some PI straggers) but mostly quiet. Using patrol aircraft to try and concentrate combat forces in some key locations. Brit units are arriving for the defences... more to follow

Phillipines We are concentrating on a Manila Defence. The Japanese advance is again slow, and most of the PI airforce is intact, and fighting . We are setting up a defencsive line 1 hex out of Manial so we can create as much supply as possible. Forts are 3 heading to 4 at Manila. Elsewhere Davao is Japanese and they are clearing out Mindanao.

Australia Darwin and Townsville are the focus with US forces arriving. the Caviate BF is largely intact and servicing the US fleet in the area. Aircraft are begining to arrive and focus is on preparing the airfields to support offensive actions.

PNG Port Moresby is the focus. Getting in supply while we can and pulling in some of the outer garrisons. At rabaul the hudsons are harsing the Japanese at Kavieng. B-17 operating from PM are keeping the enemy honest.

Pacific Fiji will be the future forward preparation base with supplies and forces begining to arrive. Basically everything else apart from Pearl will not be defended.

NORPAC Forces are arriving in the area. Intention is to set up a sub base to interdict Japanese resource convoys.

Friendly Forces The fleets are intact and in position to seize opportunities. We are trying to create these opportunities at the moment... Land forces are still ill prepared but moving. Airforces are also ill prepared and poorly positioned. The focus at the moment is Australia to help defend PM and the east DEI, and Burma to cause delay and prepare for offensive actions.

Mission
No change. Defend key locations to delay the Japanese and prepare for future offensive action.

Outline Plan
No change. So far the plan is working and there is no need to modify it.

Analysis
So far so good for both sides! While Tony and I shake our heads at the slow Japanese approach (compared to how we play as Japanese) there is significant benefit in this approach and it will make them hard to attack. Joe and Nik are playing the long game.

Will try to update more often but been traveling for 5 out of the last 7 weeks...

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

24-25 Dec
The predictable Japanese offensive pays dividends for us time at Sorong.

Over the two days a combined submarine and air attack hits:

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kidokawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-36

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 3
Hudson I x 6


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kidokawa Maru, on fire, heavy damage
xAKL Kashiwa Maru

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kidokawa Maru, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Submarine attack near Sorong at 82,107

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kidokawa Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-36

Sub attack near Sorong at 82,107

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kashiwa Maru, Shell hits 17, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-36, hits 3

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kashiwa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-36


Have also done well in the Philippines where the Allied airforce is intact, and a series of sweeps over a lightly defended target gets very good results...

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
Ki-27b Nate x 1



Allied aircraft
P-40B Warhawk x 19


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27b Nate: 1 destroyed



Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 18


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed


Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-27b Nate x 2



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 21


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27b Nate: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
Ki-27b Nate x 1



Allied aircraft
P-40B Warhawk x 19


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27b Nate: 1 destroyed


Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 2



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 16


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27b Nate: 1 destroyed

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 15


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed





Some good results against the Imperial Guards

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 3



Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 6
Blenheim IV x 9
Hudson I x 12
B-17D Fortress x 6


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 3 damaged
Hudson I: 1 damaged
B-17D Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
157 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)



Overall observation, destroying the Allied Airforce in the Philippines early is a good thing for the Japanese. Yes you will eventually get them (less the B-17) but they will make you pay. Destroying the B-17 on the ground is a priority in my opinion...

Overall another couple of good days for the Allies, a habit that we are aiming to keep going!

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

Should get a turn back today.

Some thoughts while I have time.

Philippines

In the Philippines our defence is on Manila, however we are currently defending in strength at Batangas, Clark and the hex east of Clark (cabantuan). There is a gap in the defence that can dislocate us, that being the hex east of Batangas (Mauban), however that leads to s slow road to Manila and will therefore create delay (the purpose of all this after all). The defence one hex out is to allo the production of as much supply as possible. The forts at Manila are now 3 and 10% to 4. We expect that we will be at 4 by the time the Japanese arrive, which is "good enough".

Joe and Nik are using Aparri as the main point of entry. This is very safe and means we can't strike the beach head with PT's like other west coast hexes allow. As a consequence the PT's have left to fight at another time and place where we can achieve a tactical advantage. They have built aparii up to support air operations (alreday lvl4 airfield) and we can expect the aerial bombardment to begin soon.

Fighter strength for the defence is good (about 50 P-40E and 20 P-40B), and they recently received some good experience shooting Japanese aircraft. This should give us 2-6 days grace before the air bombardment stops the building of forts.

It looks like we should have about 1500AV for the defence of Manila.


DEI

In the DEI we are using the patrol aircraft from the Philippines, and the Dutch ones to move force around and consolidate. The focus will be to defend Timor, if we can hold even one base here it will unhinge the future defence of the area by the Japanese. It will force them to attack in strength, which will take planning and co-ordination, and therefore cause delay. The disadvantage is if they take the area then they probably have enough force for a decent action in nth Australia (which I consider possible but unlikely given Joe and Niks temperament).

The plan is 2 Indian bdes to reinforce Koepang, with a focus of defence on Lautum (which now has 60+ and climbing, a dutch CD unit and a USA FA battalion, aussies and Dutch).

I am busy shipping out as much supply and fuel as possible to the main line of resistance, while keeping strike aircraft forward to present the perception that we are defending forward (Sorong being and example). Manado is now just about all striped, with Ambon and Kendari being drawn down.

Kendari is currently home to two strong surface combat forces, with a third hovering near Timor. These will try for an interception, but will flee when the CV's turn up

The sinking of the Sorong invasion force was a nice bonus, and I'm a bit surprised it wasn't better supported. Most of the troops got ashore though so it should fall. Patrol aircraft based here though will possibly give recon of our area so I will attempt to suppress the base for as long as possible.

Nth Australia
Reinforcements supply and fuel are arriving. The US baseforces that start near Canton Island and the FA units are now ashore. The brit 54 and 55 Bdes are on their way and once unloaded I'll declare Darwin "safe".

The trade off for these units (the 2 Indian bdes and the two brits) for the DEI is that the 1st Australian Corps will be used in the Burma area, along with reinforcements from the USA (41st Div).

Other Australian reinforcements are now nth of Tennant Creek.

SWPAC
The focus here is getting supply to Port Moresby while I can, and building Townsville/Cairns as the support area. I'm also prepping forces for Milne Bay.

2 CV's are in the vicinity with a third on its way. They main limitation is fuel, and while I'm tempted to move some of the US BB fleet to the region we just don't have the fuel to support.

Sydney is an interesting mix of warships from many nations, and give heart to the Australian people that the yellow peril will soon be defeated!

Strike aircraft, Banshee and B-17 are now arriving but we are critically short of fighters.

The HQ II fighter group is in route, as is the 8th Marines. They will be used in the defence of PM/Milne bay area.


Pacific
I'm moving lots of stuff to Pearl, land and air units, as a preliminary staging area, and to ensure the defence in case of an unlikely second strike. Once a strong enough package is ready we shall descend on Fiji. The main island is being prepared for our arriving, and a large load of sheep have recently arrived from New Zealand!

As I said earlier nothing else will be defended, but we shall attempt to maintain a series of surveillance stations as early warning for our future convoys.

On the other half of the map:

Malaya
Our forces are falling back in good order to the initial line of resistance. Tony has "done good" here. Again the aim is delay delay delay!

Burma
Reinforcements and supply are pouring in, fuel is going out. The Main line of resistance will be inland, but again we have a delaying force to attempt to slow the enemy. Chinese forces are now arriving, but they are in poor shape. The supplies should soon see these units fill out.

Cheers

Rob