The Sequel: laxplayer (A) vs. rroberson (J) - NO ROB!

[Laxplayer]

JANUARY 16th and 17th

Subs:
CS Chitose takes another 2 torpedo hits from the SS KXI. This makes 4 torpedo strikes in the past 5 days. She was only 2 hexes south Kendari, so there is a slim chance she might make port, but FLT damage must be at least 80's by now... that is if I really did strike the CS Chitose both times (her graphic was smoking pretty good in the combat animation during the second attack). I'm hoping she sunk immediately. There is another possibilty that I really struck the CV Hiryu, but FOW showed it as the Chitose. Another fact which supports this idea is the hex that this attack was made in is a more likely to be the track of the Hiryu, split off of the KB and heading for Kendari from off the SE coast of Java where she was originally struck, as opposed to the CS Chitose who was struck near Sorong/Ambon area. There really wouldn't be a reason for the CS Chitose to travel through this area, when she should be returning to a port.

Derby Invasion:
An invasion fleet appeared about 2 days sail NE of Derby, and I'm guessing Derby is where it's headed since a.) it's the next base in line along the north coast of Oz, and b.) SIGINT has been telling me that for a couple days now. Not knowing where the KB is makes me hesitant to intercede... but I just might do it anyways. I've ramped up search a bit to see if I can pick up the KB. And a couple flights of Hudsons tried to hit it today, bit missed. There was a very small 4 plane CAP from the "3rd Ku S-1" which is a land-based Zero sqdn, probably based at Koepang. A landing at Derby will cut off the troops at Broome from a retreat via road, so I'd like to catch this invasion before it can dump troops, but I doubt that can happen. These troops might have to flee across the desert to Port Hedland, as the Darwin Invasion force has pushed my defenders nearly back to Daly Waters, which is his likely stopping point.

My troops are massing at Tennant Creek, but supply REFUSES to go there. I've sucked over 27k supply to Alice Springs, but it won't suck to Tennant Creek from there.

DEI:
Watampone (north of Makassar) fell.
Samarinda (adjacent Balikpapan) fell.
Madjene fell.

Borneo and Celebes are almost completely conquered.

Overall:
Next turn I will post some pictures of the theatres of combat and hopefully give a better overall picture of my situation at the different hotspots.

[ny59giants]

My troops are massing at Tennant Creek, but supply REFUSES to go there. I've sucked over 27k supply to Alice Springs, but it won't suck to Tennant Creek from there.

Check your other bases and see if there are some that you can turn down their request to free up supply.

[Laxplayer]

ny59giants:
Yeah, that's what I'm doing. I turned up Alice Springs to max request. It quickly went to 27k supply. Then I turned Alice Springs request off and turned Tennant Creek up to max request. The supply all left Alice Springs but lord knows where it went, because Tennant is still sitting at 20 supply. I'm trying it again now. If it doesn't work, I'll try Cloncurry or whatever that empty base to the SE is.

JANUARY 18th

Derby Invasion:
Troops landed today during the day phase and started unloading a few troops. Quick bombardment by some CLs, but that's it. I still haven't seen hide nor hair of the KB, so I'm sending in my surface force comprised of the CA Houston, CA Canberra, 3 CLs and another 5-6 mixed-class DDs. They should arrive during the Day Phase, unfortunately... but we'll see how things go. I've got a good leader with decent aggression and naval skill so I'm hoping for a good fight, and with a bit of luck I'll catch them unloading and/or cross the T.

CV Hiryu mystery:
Well, the CV Hiryu showed up on my sunk ships list... listed as sunk by a dutch sub torpedo "near Kendari" which is the hex that I shot what was listed as the CS Chitose. Also interesting, was the CS Chiyoda also showed up as sunk by "unknown" where I supposedly shot the CS Chitose the first time on the 11th. This would be a nice blow to the IJN this early in the war. Unfortunately Rob doesn't chat much and hasn't said a word about it in email. If I ask about stuff like this I usually just get back a cryptic answer with a smiley face emoticon. Guess I'll have to wait until mid-June to find out for sure. [:(]

Below is a pic of the situation in Northern Oz.

[Laxplayer]

JANUARY 19th

Derby Invasion:
My Surface TF missed. I have a feeling Rob might have spied it coming, as they only dropped off maybe 500 troops and 20 AV. Daytime found them about 160 miles north of Derby. The IJN surface force that was with them popped up about 120 miles to the NE of Port Hedland, and luckily for me, in range of the Vildebeest I have stationed there (along with an Air HQ for torpedoes!). They flew in the PM phase and put a torpedo into the CA Nachi. I've sent my Surface force back to Port Hedland where I'm hoping to either meet them there, or at least cross paths. He will need more troops to conquer Derby. Currently, there are only the Derby BF and an RN BF rescued from Borneo, but they can hold out vs. 20 AV and did so when he deliberate attacked this turn.

SOPAC/SWPAC:
I see a large TF just about to pass through the straights at Finschafen. The typical BB BB BB BB CA CS CS BB BB report. I'm thinking it might be the spearhead of a PM invasion. I also see another TF hovering to the north back near Admiralty Island, but no info with regards to composition. I'm hoping it's the KB. I don't have anything to stop him with in the area. Rob grabbed PM pretty early in our previous game, but it was just a blocking move to keep me from bombing Rabaul. He never garrisoned it with anything more than the IJA troops he landed with and never flew air from it.... nor could he once I started hammering it daily with B17s and B25s from Cairns and Townsville. Speaking of which, a very large convoy full of SWPAC air units from the US West Coast (bombers and fighters) is a couple days out of Sydney. They will be put to use pretty quickly in the north and the NE if this truly is a PM invasion coming.

[ny59giants]

Yeah, that's what I'm doing. I turned up Alice Springs to max request. It quickly went to 27k supply. Then I turned Alice Springs request off and turned Tennant Creek up to max request. The supply all left Alice Springs but lord knows where it went, because Tennant is still sitting at 20 supply. I'm trying it again now. If it doesn't work, I'll try Cloncurry or whatever that empty base to the SE is.

Maybe I wasn't clear enough. Look at ALL your bases in Australia to see which ones can be reduced for their supply request. I'm just guessing that others have their settings too high and the AI sees they need more and send it there vs Tennant Creek. Either this is the solution or you need a lot more supply in Australia.

[Laxplayer]

ny59giants:I understand you. What I'm trying to say is that NONE of my bases other than Alice and Tennant Creek have any +supply requests set. I could definitely use some more supply in Oz, and I just dropped off like 60k in Perth over the past couple days. That said, I had problems in my last game and I had well over a couple million supply on the continent (Perth and Sydney both had over 500k) by 11/42 when Rob invaded Northern Oz, and I had the same problem then. It simply doesn't seem to want to travel north of Alice Springs.

JANUARY 20th

Overall:
The turn started out kind of ugly, but boy did it have some great moments as it wore on. Here's the highlights!

My surface task force, that I'd sent to intercede at Derby, was leaving the base on its way to Port Hedland when it ran into a very large force with a TON of small escorts on its way into of Derby.... and it resulted in yet another quick hit and run battle. And it seemed that during the battle, my boats sat around and took far more shots than they tried to give, even though we had early detection with radar, and we crossed the T. Aggravating to say the least.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Broome at 64,124, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
APD Shimakaze
APD Nadakaze
TB Chidori
TB Manazuru, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
TB Hatsukari
TB Tomozuru, Shell hits 4, on fire
DMS W-13
DMS W-14
PB Aso Maru #3
PB Kiso Maru
PB Nanpo Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
CM Tsubame, Shell hits 1, on fire
PB Kyo Maru #2
PB Kyo Maru #11
PB Shonan Maru #1
PB Shonan Maru #2
PB Shonan Maru #17
AV Sanuki Maru, Shell hits 1
xAKL Kumakawa Maru
xAKL Hakuyo Maru
xAKL Fukuei Maru
xAKL Korei Maru

Allied Ships
CA Houston, Shell hits 3
CA Canberra, Shell hits 1
CL Hobart
CL Marblehead
CL Boise, Shell hits 1
DD Alden, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Barker
DD Bulmer, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Edsall, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD John D. Edwards
DD Stuart

Reduced sighting due to 10% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 10% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
Arliss, H.T. crosses the 'T'
------------------------------------------------------------------------

After this disappointment, I got to watch IJN cruiser TFs tear up my PT boats at both Soerabaja and Port Hedland. Honestly, PTs have been nerfed a LOT in AE... maybe too much so. But as I was reminiscing about sinking BBs in WITP with PT boats, I see this: [:D]
----------------------------------------------
TF 19 encounters mine field at Soerabaja (56,104)

Japanese Ships
DD Asakaze, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Satsuki, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Maya, Mine hits 1
CA Ashigara, Mine hits 1, heavy damage
---------------------------------------------------------
NICE! This is the first time I've seen enemy ships take mine damage since WITP. It was beautiful! After that, I got to see my AMc TFs in Soerabaja and Port Hedland get torn up by the same Cruiser TFs... though in Soerabaja, it was just DD's for some reason.

Then SS O21 puts two fat torpedoes into the gigantic TK Nisshin Maru #2 while she sat at Kendari. Later in the day, she took a shot at TK Nisshin Maru, but missed and got depth charged for her troubles. Very minor sys damage, so she will stay on station.

Jsut when I thought it couldn't get any better, the AM air phase starts, and I see this:
-----------------------------------------------------------
Allied aircraft
PBY-4 Catalina x 5


Allied aircraft losses
PBY-4 Catalina: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Hokuan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
xAKL Jinsan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
------------------------------------------------------------------
That makes 5 ships hit by this same Catalina Sqdn out of Manila. I'm even thinking of flying the other one back into the PI! [:D] I just wish I would have started this sooner... like Day 1 perhaps. What's even better? In the PM phase, they flew again against the same TF and sunk the xAK Bunzan Maru with a torpedo... make it 6!

Later, Martins out of Soerabaja find the CA Ashigara and the CA Maya limping home from their mine incident in Soerabaja and one of the Martins puts a bomb into the Maya and sets her ablaze... which merely made it easier for the Sqdn of Vildebeest flying out of Soerabaja to find them.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 12

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CA Maya, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
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The Dutch are finding revenge!

Now for the surprise I was hoping for. When I sent that Surface TF against the Derby Invasion, I also followed it up with the CV Lexington and the CV Saratoga, traveling a bit behind, just in case the KB showed herself. The coast was clear since nothing happened to a group of xAKLs that blundered through where I thought the KB was on their way to drop off fuel at Port Hedland. So I brought the CVs around Exmouth and off of Port Hedland where they were able to get 2 attacks (1AM and 1PM) off at the IJN cruiser group that rampaged my PT and AMc TFs there. I wasn't very happy with the accuracy of the Dauntless, nor with the fact that only 3 of the 4 DB squadrons flew. Here's the result:
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Broome at 63,122

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 16
F4F-3 Wildcat x 16
SBD-2 Dauntless x 17
SBD-3 Dauntless x 17

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-2 Dauntless: 4 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CA Haguro
DD Oyashio

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x SBD-2 Dauntless bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
17 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Myoko
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depressing. During the PM phase, only 1 DB squadron of 17 planes flew, and they didn't hit a thing. I'm going to let them continue their ENE track and see if I can get another shot off at the IJN cruisers, or even better... hit that large escort force that made my cruiser TF look silly the night before.

[Laxplayer]

As promised... here are a series of pictures looking at the big picture. Let's start with the strategic map.

I've been very surprised by his glacial pace in SOPAC and SWPAC. Though we may be seeing the beginning of his SE Guinea and Solomons campaign with his invasion of Finschafen yesterday, he's still way behind schedule in SOPAC. The Japanese player needs to push here early in order to lengthen my supply lines from the US to Oz, thus buying him more time to do what he wants in the DEI and SWPAC... aka the Southern Resource Area (SRA). I think his operation in northern Oz has affected this, and I am more than happy to cede a few bases on the northern coast of Oz in order to strengthen my supply routes in SOPAC. I am not sure how he plans to operate in SOPAC this time around, but last time, he committed very little to the area, and didn't build up the bases past basic airfields. He took Luganville/Efate and Lunga/Tulagi, and Port Moresby. But he really didn't commit much to them other than a couple regiments or guard units and maybe an AF unit. There was very little air power in the area, even coming out of Rabaul, thus making it very easy to take back. We will see if he changes this strategy.

As for my current supply line situation... Fiji is already becoming a rock, and once I've got its defenses up and solid, I will then transfer the extra base forces/support/LCU/Air units from there to Noumea. When Fiji is up, I estimate only 1 week until Noumea can be on nearly an equal footing with regards to units in place. Christmas Island is another major hub that is currently being built up. Pago Pago is as well, but on a slightly smaller scale. Once Noumea is up and running strong, I will start to strengthen nearby bases Efate and Luganville and lastly Ndeni. Around Suva/Pago Pago, I will build up Vavau, Savaii, and Rarotonga. I don't plan to make them into the fortresses like Noumea/Suva, and in some cases (like Efate and Savaii) there will only be a USN sea bee unit, a USMC Def Bn, a NZ or USA Reg and a USAAF BF. Luganville will become a major base should Rob invade and build up Lunga/Tulagi into something more than a speed bump.

LEGEND:
The RED arrows show his main thrusts and smaller captures.
The RED circles show areas that are either just beginning to be invaded, or under imminent threat based on sighted invasion TFs, SIGINT, etc.
The YELLOW circles show areas that I believe will be threatened once the RED circled areas are conquered or at least underway. These are based on what I've seen Rob do in our previous game, as well as basic JFB strategy and history

[Laxplayer]

Here is the SE DEI. He has really captured a lot of little out of the way bases here already.

[Laxplayer]

Here is NW DEI and Southern Malaya and Sumatra. You can see where he hit Sinkawang hard, then jumped to Palembang. After that, small invasions were able to easily take the oil fields along the northern coast of Borneo. His drive down Malaya from Singora has been slow and methodical... and made all the more easier by my full out Sir Robin along this peninsula.

[Laxplayer]

Here's southern China. You can see that I'm trying to cut off as many roads as I can.

[Laxplayer]

Here's Northern China. I am holding out fairly well in the dot base where we are clashing. Though supply is an issue, it's all much better after the patch!

[Laxplayer]

Here is the Phillipenes situation. Very slow and methodical. And so far no southern landing on Luzon. I'm guessing those troops were tasked to the drive towards Darwin.

[Laxplayer]

JANUARY 21st

Northern Oz:
Well the KB showed showed herself today... or should I say, her air wings showed themselves. I never actually saw the KB, just a red line to her general whereabouts. She flew attacks against my CVs in two waves, 1 in each of the air phases. The first flew against the CV Saratoga in the morning, and luckily they only flew with bombs...

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Roti at 65,119

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 51 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 40
B5N2 Kate x 70

Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 9
F4F-3 Wildcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F2A-3 Buffalo: 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 9, heavy fires
CA Northampton
DD Cummings, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Drayton
CA Portland, Bomb hits 3, on fire
DD Lamson
DD Selfridge
DD Dunlap, Bomb hits 1
DD Ellet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...and in the PM phase against the CV Lexington, where they flew just a little more than half the planes of their previous strike, and scored significantly fewer hits, again with only bombs.
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Roti at 65,119

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 51 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
B5N1 Kate x 8
B5N2 Kate x 36



Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
CA Astoria
CA Chicago, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Monaghan
DD Benham
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Both CVs made it out with mid-30s in SYS damage. For the CV Lexington, both FLT and ENG damage are under 10, with a 2 in fires. The CV Saratoga took more strikes, and has FLT and ENG both at 12, but only 26 SYS damage. Her fires are a little more threatening at 8, but they should be out quickly. Both the CAs that took hits (Chicago and Portland) are in nearly identical shape as the CVs, but without fires. The only ship that was critically damaged was the DD Cummings which had to be scuttled (all damages in the red, including fires). That is the one Escort TF you see split from the main body. The DD that was split off to escort the Cummings was rejoined to the Battle Group after scuttling was complete.

Both Battle Groups have doubled CAP and have been set to flank speed on a WSW bearing and will return to Perth. I wouldn't normally risk damaged ships at flank speed, but the current danger of the KB outweighs the danger of increasing FLT damage and incurring more SYS damage from the high speed. Better a little more banged up and safe in a harbor than at the bottom of the Indian Ocean. They can still make 26-28 knots at full speed, and I'm hoping they will outrun the KB. I'm guessing her strike was made at max Kate range because the Vals did not fly. That would likely have been devastating for all ships involved.

Things I'm wondering:
Did he full-speed the KB to reach me? Did he actually fly at max range, forcing him to use bombs and leave the Vals at home? Or was he actually closer, but screwed up some setting on the Vals (and maybe Kates too), and is out of torpedos?

Well no matter what, I'm going to hoof it for Perth and hope for the best.

Now... for the good news... even though the KB hit me and is forcing me to retreat, I was able to get off 5 strikes against 3 different TFs in the area while my CVs were being bombed.

The first caught an invasion TF near Dili and sunk some transports.
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Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 14
SBD-3 Dauntless x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
APD Nadakaze, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Korei Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
APD Shimakaze
AV Sanuki Maru
xAKL Hakuyo Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
295 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The second caught the big escort surface group that my cruisers tangled with a couple days ago near Derby and brutalized it...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1



Allied aircraft
SBD-2 Dauntless x 16
TBD-1 Devastator x 32


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-2 Dauntless: 3 damaged
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
PB Shonan Maru #1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DMS W-13, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
PB Shonan Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
TB Tomozuru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
PB Kyo Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
DMS W-14, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PB Nanpo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PB Shonan Maru #17, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PB Kyo Maru #11, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PB Kiso Maru, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next, a squadron of Dauntless was sent to dispatch the CA Myoko, still smoldering after yesterday's strikes and being escorted by a single DD.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 16
SBD-3 Dauntless x 13

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsukaze
CA Myoko, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the afternoon, we flew a 2nd wave against that same invasion TF near Dili, heavily damaging 2 more transports with troops aboard.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 5
SBD-3 Dauntless x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
APD Shimakaze, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Fukuei Maru
CM Tsubame
xAKL Kumakawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
207 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lastly, a single squadron of Dauntless were sent to clean up what was left of the small escort surface group.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 13
SBD-2 Dauntless x 16

Japanese Ships
PB Nanpo Maru, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
PB Aso Maru #3, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



DEI:
There was action elsewhere this turn as well. First, the SS S-38 found a very large invasion TF just off of Sinkawang, where she was able to strike a xAK carrying ground troops with 2 torpedoes. It was a large TF including multiple xAPs, xAKs, PBs, CAs, and DDs. This discovery, coupled with the BB Haruna and BB Kongo, with 2 CA and 3 DD escorts, bombarding Batavia in the middle of the night, leads me to believe that Rob plans to land on Java sometime very soon. He started bombing and sweeping there a few days ago. The bombardment had very little effect. Dutch Martins then flew a few waves of naval attack against the invasion TF, but none were able to get through the zero CAP. It's out of my fighter range, so I will have to wait until they get closer before I can potentially hit them.

It's too bad my CVs got so banged up this turn. I would have loved to hit invasions like this. Last game, Rob would invade and support his invasions with the KB on the NE side of Java, while my CVs would come up from the SW and smash them while remaining out of range of the KB. That probably won't happen this time around. My CVs probably have at least a month worth of patch work to do, and Sydney is the only place big enough to do it... other than Capetown, but that is too far away for what little damage they have at the present time. That may change after this next turn running them at full speed.

Port Blair:
For about a week or so, my SIGINT has been lighting up with reports of troops on tranports headed to Port Blair. I dispatched several cruisers and escort DDs into a task force and put them just NW of Port Blair. I stayed back a little as the Baby KB ran over a sub coming up the Malacca Straits three days ago, so I figured I should stay back a bit. I've stationed a Hurricane Sqdn there in case he tries to fly some bombing missions against it, though I doubt that will happen. He is in for a rude surprise though, as I took the entire 11th Indian Division out of Singapore and dropped it at Port Blair, along with 2 light AA units. As soon as I can get one, I will stick an Air HQ and Air Wing there and put a couple Vildebeest and Hurricane (and probably a p40 sqdn) squadrons there. I want to hold Port Blair tightly because once that is gone, I won't be able to see what he's bringing up into the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. I may not keep it forever, but want him to REALLY want it. It would be a great place for a few USMC Def Bns, or a CD unit or 3... unfortunately that won't be happening.

SWPAC:
I am moving up a few little surprises for all the ships Rob has hovering around Finschafen. They will arrive in 2 days.

Lastly.... here is a pic of the CV Battle of Northern Oz. Bask in the glory that is my art work through the medium of MS Paint...

[Laxplayer]

JANUARY 22nd

DEI:
Invasion and Bombardment TF are on their way to Batavia and should make landfall this coming night. Several waves of Martins and any bomber the Dutch could find flew against this TF but none scored any hits, and several were shot down by the CAP of 17 Oscars. I've moved in another Buffalo sqdn and the Vildebeest sqdn from Soerabaja to beef up presence here. I hope they get some strikes, especially on the 2 BBs.

SWPAC:
Japan has conquered Merauke, the base on the south side of Guinea between Darwin and Port Moresby. All he would need to do is station some Jakes here and I can no long use this as a sneaky back door entrance to the DEI. I've only used it a little bit this game, but I used it a ton last game with good success, especially with CV raids when he started invading northern Oz.

Landings have begun at Lae as well. My little surprise will spring this turn. I've brought up 2 Banshee sqdns from Brisbane and put them at Port Moresby. If he doesn't have CAP (or a very small one), then I should hammer some of these invasion fleets sitting at Finschafen and Lae. I believe he's got a BB TF baby-sitting them as well, guarding in case I bring my cruiser force in again. The Banshee pilots have gotten their NavB skill up to high 40s and 50s, so I'm hoping for at least some moderate success. No CAP and disembarking ships will make nice easy targets for the rookies. I just don't want to lose too many airframes, which we might if we go against the BBs.

Port Blair:
The Baby KB hit 2 xAKs that were dropping off some units and supplies and sunk them. That might have depleted his torpedo magazine. No sight of the invasion TF yet.

[Laxplayer]

JANUARY 23rd

Northern Oz:
KB smacks an empty transport TF leaving Port Hedland after dropping off 2 CD gun units I reallocated from the southern reaches. Still no sight of the actual Kido Butai by my search patterns, but based on the vector of the attack, I'm guessing she's somewhere north of Derby, about 300 miles from the coast. My CVs have rounded Exmouth and are continuing south to Perth. I have a replenishment TF sitting in their path, and I'm hoping they take advantage as both of my CV tfs are a bit low on fuel. If Rob continues the chase past Exmouth, I will refuel at Perth, then continue my exodus south to Sydney. I will probably drop off the Wildcats and the dauntless sqds at Perth if he does chase. That will be a nice unsinkable CV force for him to run into. I've already got several Air units in Perth ready to help... 2x P40Es, 2x P39s, and 2x Banshee squadrons. I almost WANT him to chase me. [:D]

Port Blair:
The invasion force has been spotted by my search planes, just clearing the Malacca Straits with the Baby KB and a BB surface force covering. Probably 2 days before landfall. I'd love to have some sqds of Albacores or Vengeance DBs right about now. As it stands, I only have a Buffalo and a Hurricane sqdrn there. I put the Hurricanes on Naval Attack. We'll see if they actually fly it.

SWPAC:
The Banshees score! They struck 2 different TFs in both the AM and PM phase, sinking or severely damaging and setting ablaze several troop laden ships. And all with the loss of only 1 air frame. I will leave them for one more turn before I rotate them back to Oz for some R&R. Because of their lack of EXP, just this one day of combat missions brought their Fatigue up into the 30s.

Java:
All bombers from Batavia and Bandoeng are now flying against the incoming ships. They scored some hits this turn and set some troop ships ablaze, but not enough. They landed at Merak, the empty base NW of Batavia. The Battle for Java has begun.

Rob has also begun to invade some islands to the SE of the tip of south Java, and the Dutch Martins are flying against them. We were able to put several bombs into the AMC Saigon Maru, as well as 2 other xAKs with troops.

Singapore:
IJA performed it's first Deliberate attack today at 3:1, dropping forts down a notch to level 2, and inflicted 3k casualties while taking only 1k. It won't be long now.

[Laxplayer]

JANUARY 24th

Northern Oz:
PT boats at Port Hedland still sighting all kinds of Japanese Torpedo and Dive Bombers, so I'm not out of the woods yet. I've moved a very small empty transport TF up just NW of Exmouth, the base at the extreme NW corner of Oz. So if the KB comes down the west coast of Oz after my CVs, I will know. I doubt he will, but just want to be safe.

Singapore:
The city falls on the 2nd day of deliberate attacks. I'm sure I will be seeing those troops in either Java or Burma very soon.

Battle of Java:
IJN/IJA forces capture Merak and are continuing to unload troops. The Dutch air force continues to try and bomb them, but with very little success. The Vildebeest sqdn is nearly wiped out. I will rotate out the worst hit air units to Soerabaja and rotate in the Martin and fighter units to Batavia from Soerabaja as they are full and mostly rested. This Java invasion is coming a lot earlier than I wanted it to come. I had hoped to build Bandoeng into a fortress, but it's barely begun to build forts or prepare for defense.

SWPAC:
All IJN TFs disappeared this turn. Must be pulling back until they can get some air support. Objective achieved!

[Laxplayer]

JANUARY 25th

Northern Oz and the KB:
The small tf I sent to Exmouth was pulverized by the KB. Apparently the KB was in the hex exactly between my tf and Exmouth. I was "spotted" with nearly a dozen and a half Vals and Kates on NavSearch, so he is REALLY looking hard for me. My CVs are each a hex away from Perth. They will refuel and continue south. I've got a B17 sqdn at Perth now on Search, along with the Hudsons, so if he continues south, I will see him. I've got a decent amount of air assets waiting for him should he proceed. My CVs are in even better shape than before, having repaired the FLT and ENG damage to under 10 for both ships while underway!

Port Blair:
The invasion TF is 3 hexes away from landing. It will land in the night this next turn. I have an RN surface force of mostly cruisers and DDs. It's fast, and it's been loitering just out of kate/val range of the Baby KB. It's also less than 1 full speed phase away from Port Blair, so they are going in to break up the invasion.

SWPAC and Port Moresby:
2nd day of no IJN vessels in range. Unescorted betties have been bombing a supply TF there (no hits so far), so I've brought in a sqdn of P39s. They aren't much in Air to Air vs fighters, but they can take down unescorted bombers.

Batavia:
IJN troops continue to offload at Merak. And the Dutch Air Farce continues to miss.

[Laxplayer]

JANUARY 26th

KB:
Well she is still steaming south, this time right off the coast at Carnavaron. I screwed up and allowed a 4 tanker TF to blunder into her range. I thought I had sent her due west from Perth for 2-3 days, then north for the return to Abadan to avoid her. They actually popped into a combat animation for a surface engagement twice, but both forces evaded on both occasions. It did give me a list of the ships in the KB TF.... the CV Hiryu was absent, and in her place was the CVE Hosho and CVL Zuiho. It's looking more and more like the CV Hiryu is sunk.

Their sacrifice was not in vain as it allowed me to see she was still coming for me... kind of like Jason in the Friday the 13th movies... he just keeps coming, slowly and inexoribly towards his victim. I have emptied Perth of everything that floats and sent them to Sydney. My CVs have refueled and continued on as well.

Port Blair Invasion:
Holy giant invasions Batman! My surface force encountered this force in 3 seperate engagements. The first 2 were against the entire TF, and the final engagement was with the flaming and damaged ships which had been split off from the first engagement. There was VERY little escort, but they screened the transports valiantly. Even so, I was able to sink or heavily damage a lot of his ships... I'm guessing at least 20% of the overall invasion force is in ruins, and according to my combat report nearly 2500 troop casualties from the sinkings. Not a single Japanese boot touched the sands at Port Blair. In all, my entire surface group only took 4 shell hits in all 3 engagements combined. The only reason I lost the DD Express, is because she took a lucky torpedo shot from an IJN sub after the first engagement, sinking her.

The size of this invasion makes me wonder however. Did he know I had an entire division at Port Blair? Or was this actually multiple invasions which simply started with Port Blair and then continued to Akyab, Cox's Bazaar, and Chittagong? Or maybe Ceylon? If so, why not wait for the KB for an operation this large? And why not cover it closer with the Baby KB so that should I attempt to break it up with surface forces, he could hammer me?

And will they simply return tomorrow? If so, I doubt I can perform an encore as many of my ships are very low on ammo. It seems the DDs in my group did most of the work and the CAs and CLs only fired maybe 25% of their big gun ammo. I would have liked to see a little more aggression vs. the transports. It also would have been nice to have the BB Royal Sovereign in my task force, but she's a bit slow and I probably couldn't have darted in as quickly.

Here are the reports:

This first engagement, my ships detected the Japanese with radar, and surprised them:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Blair at 46,58, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Shinonome, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Shirakumo, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
APD Fuji, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
APD Hagi, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
PB Chosa Maru
PB Heiei Maru #7, Shell hits 18, and is sunk
xAK Kashii Maru
xAK Aobasan Maru
xAK Asosan Maru
xAK Atutasan Maru
xAK Kinugawa Maru
xAK Nako Maru
xAK Syoka Maru
xAK Osaka Maru
xAK Rokko Maru
xAK Atago Maru
xAK Meiyo Maru
xAK Santos Maru
xAK Thames Maru
xAK Tihuku Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAK Kyokusei Maru
xAK Tazan Maru
xAK Syoto Maru
xAK Nanko Maru
xAK Hakodate Maru
xAK Hokuzyu Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAK Seizan Maru
xAK Yahiko Maru
xAK Tamaki Maru
xAK Kyokko Maru
xAK Igasa Maru, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Nansin Maru, Shell hits 2
xAKL Nichizui Maru, Shell hits 1
xAKL Nissen Maru #2
xAK Nittei Maru
xAKL Ryoyu Maru #21, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Ryugi Maru
xAK Ryujo Maru, Shell hits 1
xAKL Saiko Maru
xAK Sanuki Maru
xAKL Sasago Maru
xAK Shoho Maru
xAK Taibun Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Tatsuho Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire
xAK Tone Maru, Shell hits 5, heavy fires
xAK Uyo Maru
xAK Ume Maru
xAP Naminoue Maru, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Amakusa Maru, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Zyuyo Maru, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Yubari Maru, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Azuchisan Maru, Shell hits 6, on fire
xAK Yuzan Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAKL Akita Maru, Shell hits 2
xAKL Fukuyo Maru, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Okuni Maru, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall
CA Exeter
CL Enterprise
CL Dauntless, Shell hits 1
CL Glasgow
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Tenedos
DD Thanet
DD Thracian
DD Encounter, Shell hits 1
DD Express, Shell hits 1, on fire after this fight, she was torpedoed by an IJN sub and sunk immediately
DD Isis
DD Jupiter

Japanese ground losses:
1051 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 43 disabled
Non Combat: 19 destroyed, 60 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 14 (3 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Poor visibility due to Rain with 71% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 71% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 6,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The second engagement was helped by radar as well. We were able to reacquire the IJN TF on radar and close in. While we didn't surprise them, our commander was able to cross the T. More of the screening escorts were sunk, and several more transports were heavily damaged and set ablaze.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Blair at 46,58, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Shinonome, Shell hits 13, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Chosa Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire
xAK Kashii Maru
xAK Aobasan Maru
xAK Asosan Maru
xAK Atutasan Maru
xAK Kinugawa Maru
xAK Nako Maru
xAK Syoka Maru
xAK Osaka Maru
xAK Rokko Maru
xAK Atago Maru
xAK Meiyo Maru
xAK Santos Maru
xAK Thames Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Tihuku Maru, on fire
xAK Kyokusei Maru
xAK Tazan Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Syoto Maru
xAK Nanko Maru
xAK Hakodate Maru
xAK Hokuzyu Maru, on fire
xAK Seizan Maru
xAK Yahiko Maru, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
xAK Tamaki Maru
xAK Kyokko Maru
xAK Igasa Maru, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Nansin Maru
xAKL Nichizui Maru
xAKL Nissen Maru #2
xAK Nittei Maru
xAKL Ryoyu Maru #21, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Ryugi Maru
xAK Ryujo Maru
xAKL Saiko Maru
xAK Sanuki Maru
xAKL Sasago Maru
xAK Shoho Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Taibun Maru, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Tatsuho Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
xAK Tone Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Uyo Maru, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Ume Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire
xAK Zyuyo Maru, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Akita Maru, on fire
xAKL Hidaka Maru
xAKL Raizan Maru
xAKL Tonegawa Maru
LSD Shinshu Maru, Shell hits 6, heavy fires
xAP Naminoue Maru, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Azuchisan Maru, Shell hits 4, heavy fires

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall
CA Exeter
CL Enterprise
CL Dauntless, Shell hits 1
CL Glasgow
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Tenedos
DD Thanet
DD Thracian
DD Encounter
DD Isis
DD Jupiter

Japanese ground losses:
1002 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 52 disabled
Non Combat: 19 destroyed, 38 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Reduced visibility due to Rain with 71% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 71% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
Manwaring, P.C.W. crosses the 'T'
xAK Hokuzyu Maru collides with xAK Tazan Maru at 46 , 58 [:)]
xAK Yahiko Maru collides with xAK Tazan Maru at 46 , 58[:D]
xAKL Nichizui Maru collides with xAK Syoto Maru at 46 , 58
xAK Taibun Maru collides with xAK Tazan Maru at 46 , 58
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The final engagement involves what looked to be the crippled remnants that had been split from the main body. When the combat animation started, all of the ships were already on fire.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Blair at 46,58, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
xAK Tihuku Maru, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Tazan Maru, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
xAK Syoto Maru, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
xAK Hokuzyu Maru, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Yahiko Maru, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Nichizui Maru, Shell hits 6, on fire
xAK Tatsuho Maru, Shell hits 23, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Tone Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Uyo Maru, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Ume Maru, Shell hits 23, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Azuchisan Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Naminoue Maru, Shell hits 8, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall
CA Exeter
CL Enterprise
CL Dauntless
CL Glasgow
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Tenedos
DD Thanet
DD Thracian
DD Encounter
DD Isis
DD Jupiter

Japanese ground losses:
493 casualties reported
Squads: 22 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 17 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Low visibility due to Rain with 78% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 78% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Manwaring, P.C.W. crosses the 'T'

[scott64]

[Laxplayer]

JANUARY 27th

Port Blair:
Looks as if everyone is headed home. Good. I need time to regroup/rearm/refuel... and I need more time to get some better air units there.

Subs:
During the night phase, the SS O24 put a torpedo into the xAK Senko Maru, which heavily damaged her and set her ablaze. She was carrying troops.
Later in the day phase, the SS KXIII put 2 torpedoes into the CL Oi... who was escorting what looks to be the same troop transport TF. The TF was heading around the south of Kendari from the NE. Probably another invasion force for the islands around Timor or possible Northern Oz.


Western OZ:
The KB came within range of Perth this turn. Good thing I had emptied it. Unfortunately, I forgot to reset the homeport of a group of a dozen or so xAKLs that I was using to shuttle fuel from Soerabaja, and they started heading home... right into the path of the KB. Nearly all ships were sunk in the first wave. But then a second wave of 13 Kates arrived unescorted, and some of my CAP from Perth shot down 6 of them. I have a sqdn of P39s and the F4F-3's from the Saratoga based at Perth now.

The afternoon phase resulted in a yet another wave, this time he hit the Perth airfield. Our CAP was ready for it and shot down a good number of bombers while only losing 2 of our own fighters. Now that he sees my dauntlesses and banshees there, I'm wondering if he'll try to bomb the base harder, or if he'll head home. The KB was out of my escort range this last turn, so unless he moves closer, I doubt my DBs will fly. Even so, any chance to attrite those experienced KB pilots, I'll take it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Perth , at 49,147

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
B5N2 Kate x 10
D3A1 Val x 41

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 25
F4F-3 Wildcat x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged
D3A1 Val: 11 destroyed, 20 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
A-24 Banshee: 2 destroyed on ground
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 destroyed on ground
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed on ground
SBD-2 Dauntless: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------