Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies)

[SqzMyLemon]

March 18/42 Update:

What a turn! The replay lasted roughly 40mins. Smeulders indeed came out to disrupt my landings on Java in force, although he risked no BB's or CV's...yet. The Dutch Navy was relied upon heavily, so the sea was filled with CL's and DD's. The CA Houston and friends made an appearance as well. There were good moments for both forces in the series of engagements which follow, but I think the sacrifice of an 8 ship TF on my part may not have been needed in hindsight. These losses ended up padding the list of Japanese sinkings which otherwise would have been minimal. I believe the Allies got the worst of it overall, but it had the potential to be a crushing Allied defeat. I'll discuss post battle feelings after I finish the summary of the days events. I'll break away from my usual format to show some combat replay results. There is just too much going on today to write it all out. I'll just mention naval combat in this post, air action will follow in the next one. Enjoy

So it begins!.

Sub Ops:

Japanese submarines decided to make an appearance today, I can only hope it's a sign of things to come.

SS I-173 discovers a Dutch TF near Semarang heading northwest to disrupt the landings, but just sends a report and decides to not attack. The TF is reported to consist of 2 CL's and 4 DD's. At least I know there will be naval action today.
SS I-156 launches 8 torpedoes at the DD Stronghold southwest of Oosthaven and no hits! The ASW attack is very effective and records 8 hits on the I-156, two of which are direct hits.
SS I-20 in the Cook Islands spots a juicy Allied TF of transports and puts 3 fish into the xAP Barnett, sinking her. In return she receives one DC hit. More importantly I've learned how Smeulders is routing his TF's to Australia. I will vector more long range submarines into the area. All this time I was patrolling around Fiji and Pago Pago and Smeulders has been south of this line the whole time.

The SS Gato launches a torp salvo at PB Shoei Maru west of Luzon and misses. An ASW attack is launched, but no hits are recorded.

Billiton:

Just south of Billiton a small (sacrificial?) Japanese invasion TF was spotted and completely mauled by an Allied SCTF led by the CA Houston and friends. I purposely sent this force alongside my carrier TF in order to draw a potential night time surface action away from the carriers. It worked, but at too high of a cost. The Allied TF consisted of the CA Houston, CL Marblehead, CL Boise and 5 DD's. The results:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Billiton at 52,95, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships:
PB Shuko Maru #2, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PB Shonon Maru #10, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
AK Arima Maru, Shell hits 15, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Awazisan Maru, Shell hits 7
xAK Kyokko Maru, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
xAK Meiu Maru, Shell hits 24, and is sunk
xAKL Arizama Maru, Shell hits 2
xAKL Kurama Maru, Shell hits 13, and is sunk

Japanese ground losses: (A Naval Guard unit bound for Kalidjati)
1020 casualties reported
Squads: 38 destroyed, 47 disabled
Non Combat: 36 destroyed, 49 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)
------------------------------------------

Java:

My support SCTF (2 BB's, 3 CA's, 2 CL's and 5 DD's) engages 7 PT Boats offshore at Kalidjati and after the CA Atago takes a burst of MG fire, promptly breaks off contact...nice! Moonlight was 0% so maybe that was a critical factor?

Next came in the assault force proper and the supporting combat ships opened up!

Pre-Invasion action off Kalidjati - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

226 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 2
CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba
CL Katori, Shell hits 7, on fire
DD Ayanami
DD Shirakumo
DD Hibiki
xAK Kumagawa Maru, Shell hits 3, heavy fires (will later sink)
xAK Keiyo Maru
AK Hirokawa Maru
--------------------------

Invasion Support action off Kalidjati

8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Nissyu Maru, Shell hits 1, heavy fires (will later sink from just one 75mm round, a lucky shot)
DD Ayanami
BB Nagato
xAK Keiyo Maru
CA Kinugasa
AK Hirokawa Maru
DD Hibiki
----------------

In the morning the 7 PT Boat force shows up again at Kalidjati, and once again both forces evade combat. I'm happy, I wasn't keen on getting lots of transports torpedoed!

In the morning the CA Houston and friends finish off my small invasion TF off the coast of Billiton. I lose in total: 2 PB's, 2 AK's, 2 xAK's and 2 xAKL's and a Naval Guard unit...sigh, but if they deflected an attack on my carriers, it may have been worth it. [&:]

Day Time Surface Combat, near Billiton at 52,95, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
AK Awazisan Maru, Shell hits 41, and is sunk
xAKL Arizama Maru, Shell hits 24, and is sunk
----------------------------------------------------------------
Action off Merak came out with the Japanese SCTF holding their own outnumbered.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Merak at 48,97, Range 25,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Akebono, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
DD Sazanami, Shell hits 4, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Danae, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Dragon, Shell hits 3
CL Durban, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Vendetta, Shell hits 1
DD Stronghold, Shell hits 5, heavy fires
DD Electra, Shell hits 2, on fire
-----------------------------------------

I lose the MTB G-1 as well shortly after, curiousity kills as they say.

Next was a naval engagement off the coast of Batavia. Considering what I had committed here, I was disappointed in the poor showing of my TF.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Batavia at 51,96, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Shell hits 1
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 1
CA Atago, Shell hits 1
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 1
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 1
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 1
CL Abukuma
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Asagumo
DD Yugure, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Ariake
DD Shinonome

Allied Ships
CL Java
CL Sumatra, Shell hits 2
CL De Ruyter, Shell hits 1
CL Tromp, Shell hits 6, heavy fires
DD Banckert
DD Van Nes, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Witte de With
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Kortenaer
DD Piet Hein
DD Van Ghent
----------------------

Sumatra:

At Oosthaven, the creation of barge TF's on my part was premature, an Allied TF of 3 CL's and 3 DD's made mincemeat of these craft, sinking all 12 barges and some troops loading.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 18/42 update continued:

I was a little surprised at the lack of a substantial Allied air presence in Java. Perhaps the bombing of the airfields has contributed somewhat, or else Smeulders it waiting to transfer in more squadrons next turn to pound the transports while unloading supplies. Here we go!

Java:

North of Batavia, B-339D's (9) are intercepted by Zero's (4) from Oosthaven. 2 B-339D's are shot down for no Zero losses.

My carrier TF gets into the fun and time for some payback on CA Houston and friends!

Morning Air attack on TF, near Batavia at 49,98

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
B5N1 Kate x 9
B5N2 Kate x 20
D3A1 Val x 42

Allied aircraft
B-339D x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 2 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
D3A1 Val: 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-339D: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA Houston, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires
CL Durban, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
CL Boise
CL Marblehead, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Dragon, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Electra, heavy fires
DD Stewart
DD Stronghold, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Barker, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Vendetta, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
---------------------------------------------------------

Then a fragment of an Allied TF is found near Kalidjati. Allied fighters intercept but are handled by the escorts. A rather poor attack overall.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Kalidjati at 51,98

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
B5N2 Kate x 13

Allied aircraft
B-339D x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-339D: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL Java, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL De Ruyter
--------------------------------------------

Another Allied TF fragment. The Vals were very good overall for me today.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Batavia at 51,96

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
D3A1 Val x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Sumatra, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires
-------------------------------------------------------

An Allied naval air attack appeared over Merak to attack the unloading transports. Zero's (6) intercepted escorting P40E's (5) and 139WH-3's (6) but were handled roughly. I lost one Zero to no damage or kills against the enemy, no bombing attack was made though.

Betty's (6) from Palembang braved the air over Batavia to try and get to grips with the CL Durban, but no bombs hit. 2 Betty's were shot down with a further 2 damaged after being intercepted by B-339D's (6).

Another Allied naval bombing strike arrived over Kalidjati attacking the transports unloading. LRCAP from Ryujo intercepts. Zero's (5) swoop down on Buffalo's (11) escorting 139WH-3's (6) and...nothing. 1 Zero is downed to the damaging of only 4 of the 139WH-3's. What's up with my poor fighter results today? No bomb hits are recorded so I can't really complain.

Carrier TF again launches afternoon strikes!

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kalidjati at 51,98

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
B5N1 Kate x 8
B5N2 Kate x 13
D3A1 Val x 21

Allied aircraft
B-339D x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 2 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 9 damaged
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-339D: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL De Ruyter, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Van Nes, on fire
DD Evertsen, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Java, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage (has anyone noticed the lack of torpedo hits so far?)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Batavia at 51,96

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
B5N2 Kate x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Van Ghent, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Tromp, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Sumatra, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Piet Hein
----------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Batavia at 49,98

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
D3A1 Val x 19

Allied aircraft
B-339D x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-339D: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL Boise, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
DD Bulmer, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
-----------------------------------------------------

So ends the air action for today. I had a lot of aircraft miss today, with the worst being the torpedo bombers. I heard splash after splash during the replay. Hopefully tomorrow I will have better results against what remains of the Allied Fleet. On to the land combat for the day.

China:

Ichang is liberated at no loss.

The Philippines:

Another Deliberate attack went ahead. The forts are level 0 and casualties were comparitively close, 1788 for Japanese forces, and 2365 for the Allies. My forces are pretty fatigued and disrupted at the moment, I may rest a turn or two, and await some reinforcements, then launch the final assault.

Sumatra:

Sibolga was catured today after a Deliberate attack forced out the defenders. 145 Dutch casualites littered the field, Japanese losses were only 21.

So there we have it. The next turn I hope to build upon the momentum gained today, and deal with any Allied threat that may appear. The lack of torpedo hits means that his CL's are still viable and are still a threat to my invasion TF's. They will have to be dealt with. It was not the decisive result I had hoped for, but tomorrow is another day. I'll update the screenshots and discuss the next plan of action. Now that I have some hard targets in my sights, I want to destroy everything I can before Smeulders possibly sends substantial reinforcements into the area. No sign of Allied carriers or BB's yet, but the hairs on the back of my neck are standing up. He still has substantial forces out there and if he's massed his carriers he may make a run if they are close. I truly think he's used the CL's to just soften me up, use up my air sorties, and then strike with his carriers and capital ships. I wonder if his carriers are lying in wait south of Java, out of search range, and then will steal in for a naval air strike against the transports next turn? So many possibilities!

[SqzMyLemon]

March 19/42 Update:

The major events of the day revolved once again around the invasion of Java. With the effectiveness of Allied submarines so far in the war, I’ve been very reluctant to expose my carriers in submarine infested waters to support an operation. Today my worst fear was realized, the CV Hiryu was torpedoed off the coast of Batavia, damage is extensive and I’m not sure whether she will make it past tomorrow. I was willing to take losses in invading Java, but to sustain a lucky torpedo hit on one of my fleet carriers from a submarine has been quite a blow. Here is the update.

Sub Ops:

SS I-16 spots the DD Witte de With off the coast of Kalidjati, launches 8 torps and…misses!
SS I-173 spots the DD Van Ness of the coast of Kalidjati, launches 4 torps and…misses!
SS I-156 spots the DD Electra off the coast of Merak, launches 8 torps and...misses!
SS I-157 spots the DD Electra off the coast of Merak, launches 8 torps and...misses!
SS I-162 spots the CL Marblehead off the coast of Semarang, launches 4 torps and...a hit! On fire and heavy damage.
SS Truant spots my carrier TF near Batavia, puts the Hiryu in the crosshairs, launches 6 torps and...a hit...sigh. On fire and heavy damage.
SS I-22 spots the DD Van Nes off the coast of Semarang, launches 6 torpedoes and...misses!
SS I-173 is spotted by the DD Paul Jones before she can make an attack and chooses to avoid any action.
SS I-158 spots the wounded CL Marblehead near Semarang, launches 8 torps and...2 hits! On fire and heavy damage.
SS I-162 spots the DD Stewart near Semarang, launches 4 torps and...1 hit! Heavy Damage
SS Truant, apparently not content, is spotted trailing a transport TF, but then slinks away avoiding a DC attack.

Just for the record. As you can see in this days action, the Japanese submarines are not uber in this PBEM. Of 50 torpedoes launched only 4 hits are scored, thats 8%. Yet only one Allied submarine attack the entire turn nets a heavily damaged CV that may sink next turn. This is not really out of sorts with the performance of my submarine forces so far. All that being said, I'm extremely happy to have at least got this many attacks in today.

Java:

Naval Combat:

Transports continue to unload at Kalidjati and continue to take damage from the coastal batteries. The xAK Keiyo Maru (later sinks), xAK Johore Maru (later sinks), xAK Nako Maru (later sinks), xAK Koei Maru and xAK Keisyo Maru all take shell hits. This same amphibious TF encounters 3 Allied SCTF's during the night and one repeat engagement during the day.

The first was against seven PT Boats that launched an attack on the unloading transports. The xAK Keiyo Maru takes 3 shell hits while the xAP Huso Maru takes 2 torpedo hits and sinks, one PT Boat, the TM-4, is sunk by fire from the supporting warships which included a BB, 2 CA's, 1 CL and 7 DD's. Needless to say, the results were disappointing, but than again could have been worse for me too.

The second is a special guest appearance from the CL Marblehead before she is later torpedoed by the SS I-158, both TF's evade combat.
The third encounter is against 2 Allied DD's. The BB Nagato takes 7 shell hits and the xAK Mogamigawa and xAP Kobe Maru each take 1 shell hit each. The DD Parrott is hit 5 times by shellfire and takes 1 torpedo hit and then sinks, the DD Stewart takes 5 shell hits and will later take a torpedo from I-162.
Then during the day, the 6 remaining PT Boats appear again, but both sides evade combat.

Near Batavia, the Allied DD Piet Hein catches one of my ASW TF’s and promptly sinks the SC Ch-18 and puts 3 shells into the SC Ch-12, setting her afire.

Prior to the torpedoing of the CV Hiryu, my carrier TF encountered the DD Electra twice during the night. On the first occasion near Merak, my TF consisting of 3 CV's, 2 CVL's, 1 CVE, 2 BB's, 3 CA's, 1 CL and 7 DD's apparently felt they were outmatched against the lone DD and decided to evade combat. The second time they encountered the DD Electra there was an engagement, but no hits were scored on either side and both TF's withdrew. I can't help but think the Ops points lost from my encounters with the DD Electra somehow contributed to the successful submarine attack that followed. I have no idea if this is the case, but it makes me feel better blaming it on something other than bad luck. I can't help thinking though, that if my TF's movement is uninterrupted it avoids the SS Truant. Not to mention the DD Electra avoided 16 torpedos launched against her, prior to even coming into contact with my carrier TF, what may have transpired had she been sunk before hand? [&:]

Air Combat:

Despite some dismal naval results from all the surface TF's in contact this turn, the Japanese airforce's performance today somewhat made up for that.

A sweep of Zero's (9) over Soerabaja caught some Buffalo's (5) and P40E Warhawk's (2) on CAP. Two Buffalo's and one P40E were downed to no Japanese losses.

Another sweep of Zero's (5) over Semarang engaged some B-339D's (8) flying CAP. Three B-339D's were shot down for no loss.

An unescorted G4M1 Betty raid of 12 aircraft on the port at Batavia resulted in the CMc Pro Patria and the CM Willem v d Zaan taking one bomb hit each, causing heavy fires and damage to the CMc and setting the CM ablaze. One B-339D was on CAP, one Betty was lost with another 4 damaged.

Allied bombing attacks against Oosthaven and Merak resulted in the downing of two 139WH-3's, one B-339D and one Hurricane IIb Trop for no Japanese fighter losses. Overall the results against the bombers were disappointing, 24 total bombers and only 2 downed including a raid of 139WH-3's (9) that were unescorted intercepted by six Zero's

A morning airborne naval strike from my carriers seeking revenge for the Hiryu spotted an Allied TF of 2 DD's and a CL near Semarang. Zero's (22) escorting Kate's (13) and Val's (13) attacked. The DD Witte de With received a bomb hit causing heavy fires, the DD Banckert sunk after one bomb hit, and the CL Durban was torpedoed by a Kate. Seven Kate's and four Val's are damaged. Another disappointing result.

An afternoon airborne naval strike from my carriers this time found the lone CL Durban. Val's (16) put four bombs into the cruiser causing haevy fires and damage.

At least none of my ships were hit today by bombers and I lost no fighters directly to A2A combat, so I have to say it was a good day despite some poor individual actions.

Ground combat:

Kalidjati was Shock attacked and the defenders received a drubbing. The beachhead and base is secure at the price of 19 casualites compared to 1543 for the Allies, most of which were destroyed.
Merak's assault force secured the beach and captured the base as well at the cost of 34 troops to the Allies 169.

The Philippines:

Bataan received another artillery bombardment today, 28 Allied casualties were reported. I'll launch another Deliberate attack tomorrow.
Sibyan was captured.

New Guinea:

Terapo was captured today by the 16th Inf. Rgt. that had marched overland from Lae.

The Celebes:

My troops are ashore and completely offloaded at Kendari, a Shock attack will be launched tomorrow.

So far in Java, I'm ashore, I've bloodied the Dutch Fleet and been in control of the air, however possibly losing the CV Hiryu has soured an overall successful operation to date. The float damage right now is sitting at 88% and instead of retreating to Oosthaven, which was the nearest port, the AI has sent her north towards Singapore. Fires are still raging, but I am hoping I may be able to make Billiton. I am not optimistic. She has to control the flooding and avoid more torpedo attacks. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but if I lose a fleet CV this early to a critical torpedo hit I'll be pretty choked.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 20/42 Update:

After last turn, this one was pretty quiet. The main focus is on trying to save the Hiryu. Flotation damage increased to 88% (up 1) and there are still fires at 3%. I changed course from Singapore to Billiton where I hope to get her out of harms way of any submarines. So far so good, she didn't sink this turn as expected.

Sub Ops:

SS I-169 spots the DD Van Nes near Pamakasan, launches 4 torpedoes and...misses!
SS Gudgeon launches 6 torpedoes at the xAK Nissen Maru near Batjan and misses. This was the extent of any naval action today.

Java:

I swept Soerabaja with Zero's (11) and they caught a weak CAP of one Buffalo and three Hurricane IIb Trop's. The Buffalo and one Hurricane were shot down to no loss of Zero's.

Two separate afternoon bombing raids of four unescorted 139WH-3's appeared over Batavia, my CAP of Zero's (5) intercepted twice and shot down two enemy bombers in total. No hits were scored on any shipping.
Another unescorted force of 139WH-3's (5) tried to hit Merak, but a lone KI-43-Ic on CAP shot down one bomber and dispersed the others.

The Phillipines:

The planned Deliberate attack went as planned today. Forts are level 0 but I only achieved 1:1 odds today. Japanese losses were 1606 casualties. However Bataan will fall shortly, Allied losses were 1598, but almost all were destroyed. AV comparison right now is 1735 to 456 in Japan's favour of course.

Sumatra:

I continue to beat up on the Dutch forces on Sumatra. South of Padang a Deliberate attack pushed the defenders back inflicting 1124 casualites, most destroyed, to the loss of only 6 Japanese troops.

In the north, south of Sabang, another Deliberate attack sent the Dutch reeling with 462 casualties for no loss to Japanese forces.

The Celebes:

I forgot I'd sent another TF to Kendari, a Base Force. It will unload tomorrow, then I'll finally attack.

Miscellaneous:

Two more tranpsorts succumb to damage received during the Kalidjati invasion, the xAK Koei Maru and xAK Keisyo Maru.
SS I-30 arrives in Port Arthur and will base at Singapore.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 21/42 Update:

The Hiryu has made Billiton, flotation damage has remained at 88% and the fires have been reduced to 2%. I've moved a unit of KI-43-Ic Oscar's to the base to provide CAP. If I was Smeulders I'd send every bomber I have to try and sink her in port. Stay tuned.

Java:

Another air sweep over Batavia. Ki-43-Ic Oscar's (13) at 18,000 ft catch some B-339D's flying CAP. Three Allied fighters are downed at no loss. I'm experimenting with different altitudes to try and learn which is the most effective. This was a good result.

I bombed the port at Batavia again today with Betty's based at Palembang. The CM Willem v d Zaan received another bomb hit and heavy fires and damage was reported. Five Betty's were damaged.

I launched a small port attack against Semarang with carrier based VAL's (21) escorted by Zero's (17) and wasn't happy with the results. The AVP Poolster took only one bomb hit, yet one Val was destroyed and 2 damaged. Only one bomb hit from 21 attacking DB's, a poor result to say the least, maybe from the lack of recon?

Yet another unescorted raid of 139WH-3's (how many of these things are there?)[8|] tried to hit Oosthaven in the morning. Again my CAP of Zero's (5) intercepted, and again only one bomber was shot down before the others retired. Another raid in the afternoon this time nets two 2 more bombers destroyed.

I see that my CAP is only at 8000 ft. I forgot to change it back from an earlier escort altitude, so I'm having to climb to 18,000 ft before I intercept. No wonder I'm not shredding the bombers. There are so many settings to have to check it's not hard to forget. These little errors though are making the difference between a result like above, and a complete thrashing of Smeulders' air force. I must do better in the future.

China:

All is quiet here except the daily air bombing of Chinese forces. I continue to reorganize and shuffle formations around while building up some fort and air base levels.

The Philippines:

Success! [&o] Bataan falls. A Deliberate attack goes in at 3:1 odds and finally ends resistance on Luzon. Japanese losses in the final assault amounted to 1122, but the capture of 64124 Allied troops is well worth it.

I totally misplayed Bataan. I did not bring enough troops to bear on the base and my attack coincided with the introduction of patch 3 limiting the effectiveness of my artillery. The delay has been very costly in terms of my expansion, but it has fallen now and I can concentrate on pressing forward. However, there is also more delay to be endured. I had 3 DMS minesweepers waiting to move into the port to clear mines once the base had fallen. Not to be, they were set to automatic upgrade and are now out of commision till complete. I'm re-routing more minesweepers to Bataan, so yet more delay. I'm not going to risk losing DD's to minesweeping operations though.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 22/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS Argonaut surfaces at Merak and attacks a barge, LB-118, unloading supplies and sinks it. Cheeky! [:-]
SS KXIII is spotted near Ketapang and my ASW forces records damage from 2 hits.
SS S-37 is spotted near Kalidjati and slinks away.
SS KXVIII is spotted near Talaud Island by a PB and is DC'd, one hit is recorded.
SS Gato off the coast of Luzon launches 6 torpedos at the TK Manju Maru and misses! I dodged one there.

Java:

Minesweepers are clearing mines at Kalidjati, 58 are cleared.
I sent a SCTF of 3 CL's and 3 DD's from Kalidjati towards Semerang in hopes of engaging the TF of pesky PT Boats that keep appearing to cause trouble. A day time surface fight ensued with one out of six PT Boats being sunk, the TM-6. Wow, I have awful gunnery against these things.

The Betty's hit the port at Batavia again today, the CM Willem v d Zaan receives yet another bomb hit. Won't this ship just sink already? No Betty's were lost.

Billiton:

As expected the sky over the base was filled with Allied bombers trying to knock out the CV Hiryu in the morning. I put the CAP over the base at 100% so 42 KI-43-Ic Oscar's at 18,000 ft. Unescorted 139WH-3's (29) attacked and were handled roughly, with 7 being shotdown and 4 damaged. 14 managed to get through though, but no bomb hits on the carrier.

Then two PBY-5 Catalina's tried to break through the CAP of 32 Oscar's, but were forced to retire. [X(]

Next, 3 Swordfish I's make an attempt. Oscar's (32) destroy two of the torpedo planes, the 3rd turns tail.

Borneo:

I sent the Kimura Det. at Balikpapan into the jungle to track down and wipe out the remaining Dutch units in the area. A Shock attack failed resulting in 176 Japanese casualties to only 63 Allied. Smeulders almost always gets a leader(+) modifier, yet I've changed most of my leaders. Is it land skill you want or leadership?

The Celebes:

I launched a Shock attack against the defenders at Kendari, but I only get 1:1 odds and am repulsed. Japanese losses were 71 compared to 161 for the Allies. Forts level was knocked from 1 to 0, I'll try again tomorrow. I was surprised at the result, the AV comparison was 142 to 33 yet the defenders held.

Miscellaneous:

Billiton expanded to a level 2 airbase. The goal is to get it to level 4 so I can base bombers on ASW patrol here.
Hankow expands fortifications to level 5.
Manila expands fortifications to level 1.
Davao expands fortifications to level 2.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 23/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS Seal spots the CVE Taiyo leaving Nagasaki and launches 4 torpedos which...miss! If I lost the CVE so close on the heels of the CV Hiryu getting hit, I'd have freaked. [:@]
SS S-37 spots the xAK Koto Maru near Kalidjati and launches 4 torpedoes and...misses.

Java:

Bad luck. I clear the remaining 27 mines at Kalidjati, but not before the DD Kamikaze hits the 28th. She's on fire with heavy damage.

At Merak, the PT Boat TF that I can't destroy catches more barges at night and promptly sinks 5 of them. These guys are really starting to get under my skin, they evade everything.

The DD Sanae then encounters the same force and...nothing. After a few desultory exchanges both TF's break off. I'm starting to really hate my SCTF combat results, I come out on the short end every time!

The CL Katori bombards the port at Semarang and hits the AVP Poolster with one shell hit. Yet another Allied ship that is not sunk despite being bombed by Val's previously. This is really a trend that I'm starting to have a lot of trouble with, my forces continue to engage support ships and fail to sink even those in one go. In fact, considering the forces I've brought to bear I'm very surprised I haven't wiped out the Allied naval presence here, it's getting depressing. [:(]

Yet another putrid surface combat. The CL Katori encounters the same force of PT Boats off the coast of Kalidjati and after one salvo from the cruiser, which misses of course, the two TF's break off. I mean come on, what is up with this?

Batavia's port is then bombed again by Betty's, no sign of the AVP Poolster, is she finally sunk? I hope so, for only 2 port and one port supply hits I lose a Betty to Flak and 4 are damaged.

Two CA's, the Maya and Atago get in on the bombardment action at Batavia and cause 87 Allied casualties, 11 AB, 4 ABS and 33 Runway hits on the airfield.

I land a paratroop unit at Buitenzorg, capture the base and completely isolate Batavia from the rest of the island. Ground forces will first capture Bandoeng before assaulting Batavia. I continue to land reinforcements, but am hampered by not being able to eliminate the PT Boats.

The Celebes:

I land a Naval Guard unit on Boela.
I capture Kendari today though. My losses are only 13 compared to 303 for the Allies, the remaining Allied forces retreat.

Borneo:

I launch another Shock attack against Dutch forces with the Kimura Det. and get repulsed again. I get 1:3 odds and suffer 41 casualties while inflicting only 25 to the Allies.

Miscellaneous:

Nagasaki expands to a level 6 port.
Tavoy expands to a level 1 fort.

The CV Hiryu is still suffering from fires of 2% so I cannot dock to begin repairs. Flotation damage is still holding at 88%, but I fear something bad will happen if the fires cannot be extinguished soon.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 24/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS KX launches 2 torpedoes at a troop laden TF off the coast of Tandjoengselor bound for Balikpapan and luckily misses the AMC Awata Maru. ASW attacks, but no hits are recorded.
SS Tarpon spots the xAK Kosin Maru off the coast of Fukue-jima and launches 2 torpedoes and...1 hit, the transport suffers minor damage and should make port.

Java:

Once again I send out my 3 CL's and 3 DD's to try and destroy the Allied PT Boats. My SCTF locates and attacks the enemy TF in 50% moonlight of the coast of Semarang. Another round of salvos and no hits on any of the five PT Boats. [8|] I give up, this is getting ridiculous.

The CA's Maya and Atago again bombard Batavia. 1 AB and 11 Runway hits.

Wow, another Betty attack on the port at Batavia, once again the CM Willem v d Zaan is alive and kicking, suffers another bomb hit resulting in imaginary fires and heavy damage no doubt. Seven Betty's out of 10 are damaged.

Allied bombers appear over Kalidjati, spot the CL Abukuma and attack. No bomb hits are recorded for one damaged 139WH-3 out of five.
Vildebeest III's (10) escorted by P40E Warhawks (9) are intercepted trying to hit my two CA's by one lone Zero near Batavia . A Vildebeest is destroyed to Flak and 7 damaged. No hits on the cruisers.
Vildebeest III's (2) escorted by Hurricane IIb Trop's (7) attack the CL Kiso at Kalidjati, but no torpedoes find their mark.

Sumatra:

Japanese forces entered Sabang last turn and attacked today. Despite a fort level of 1 the Dutch defenders are overwhelmed and retreat taking 432 casualties while inflicting only 9 on Japanese forces. The base is mine.

The Celebes:

Boela is captured. Another small source of oil for Japan.

Miscellaneous:

Wake expands to a level 3 fort.

The CV Hiryu continues to have 2% fires which make docking and repairs impossible. Is this a bug or can fires last this long?

[SqzMyLemon]

I have an important question that I hope to get an answer on soon. The Hiryu is disbanded at Billiton, has 88 flotation and 2 fire damage. The fire damage has remained at 2 for the last 3 days. Is this common? I cannot dock and start repairs on her until the fire is out, is there anything I can do? Bring in a certain kind of support or repair ship? Does systems and engine damage have any bearing? I'd hate to end up losing the CV if there was something I could be doing right now to prevent that. Thanks in advance.

[crsutton]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

I have an important question that I hope to get an answer on soon. The Hiryu is disbanded at Billiton, has 88 flotation and 2 fire damage. The fire damage has remained at 2 for the last 3 days. Is this common? I cannot dock and start repairs on her until the fire is out, is there anything I can do? Bring in a certain kind of support or repair ship? Does systems and engine damage have any bearing? I'd hate to end up losing the CV if there was something I could be doing right now to prevent that. Thanks in advance.

It really depends on your sys damage as well. I had two BBs just burn up at Pearl with all that support. Started out as small fires and continued to grow until they sank. The day one attack put massive sys damage on them. I would suppose even moderate sys damage on Hiryu in a small port would pose a problem.

[SqzMyLemon]

Thanks crsutton. I have a feeling the system damage might have something to do with it as well. I'll just have to cross my fingers for now. I don't think there is a chance Hiryu can make it to Singapore in her current condition.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 25/42 Update:

Sumatra:

The xAK Somedono Maru carrying troops from Singapore to Palembang hits a mine at 49,85 and sinks.

The Philippines:

171 mines are cleared at Bataan.

Java:

I sent out three DD's to hunt for the five PT Boat TF and they caught it off the coast of Semarang. Two PT Boats, the TM-8 and TM-9 were sunk, that leaves three remaining.

Over Merak, I believe an escort of Hurricane IIb Trop's 97) were separated from their bombers and swept instead at 18,000 ft. Zero's (5) on CAP accounted for the downing of two Hurricanes for no loss.

Another raid over Merak of 139WH-3's (5) escorted by B-339D's (4) was intercepted by Zero's (5) and two bombers and one fighter were shot down, No Japanese losses, and no ships were hit.

An unopposed flight of Vildebeest III's (5) escorted by P-40E Warhawks (9) attacked Batavia and fortunately no Japanese ships were hit for the loss of one Vildebeest to Flak and 4 damaged.

Borneo:

I continue to attack with the Kimura Det. east of Balikpapan. A deliberate attack causes 54 Allied casualties to 4 for Japan, the Dutch hold firm.

The Celebes:

Makassar is captured today. Japan's losses were light, only 25 casualites to the destruction of the 421 troops of the defending BF. Another nice airbase is in Japanese hands and will be expanded to level 4.

Burma:

Shwebo is captured by the 33rd/A Div.

Miscellaneous:

Babeldoab expands to a level 4 port.
Bataan expands to a level 1 fort.
Moulmein expands to a level 1 fort.
Nanyang expands to a level 1 fort.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 26/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS Pike torpedos the transport xAK Nitiren Maru and sinks her off the coast of Toyohara along with her cargo of resources.

The Philippines:

176 mines are swept at Bataan.

Java:

The DD Sanae patrolling off Batavia is attacked by the three remaing PT Boats of TF "Pain in the Butt" and promptly sinks all three of them. Finally this nuisance has been dealt with. The Captain of the DD Sanae is given a lifetime membership to Yuko's Geisha and Sake Emporium back in Tokyo.

Yet another small bomber raid of 139WH-3's (7) escorted by B-339D's (4) is intercepted by Zero's (5) flying CAP. Another bomber and fighter are shot down for no Japanese losses, and the CA Maya was not hit. Following this, 2 more 139WH-3's appeared unescorted and one was shot down.

The Banda Sea:

I sent out my carrier TF from Balikpapan for no reason other than the hope of finding something and just off the coast ot Mataram they spotted the CM Krakatau. Val's scored 5 bomb hits and sank the minelayer.

Borneo:

The Kimura Det. finally cracks the stubborn defence of the Dutch and sends them reeling into the jungle after leaving 325 of their number behind. Japanese casualties were 11 for the Deliberate attack.

Sumatra:

Japanese forces on the West coast drive back another Dutch force after a Deliberate attack. Japanese suffer 28 casualties to 414 for the Allies.

China:

A poorly planned Shock attack by Chinese rabble at Yenan is repulsed as they try and cross the river. Chinese losses are 331, all destroyed, for no Japanese loss.

Burma:

Lashio is captured by the 33rd/B Div. This ends offensive operations in Burma until I can consolidate my gains and bring in additional forces.

Miscellaneous:

Buna expands to a level 2 airbase.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 27/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS KVII torpedoes the troop laden xAK Koyo Maru East of Kendari. She hasn't sunk yet, but flotation damage is 56 so I'm sure she'll sink next turn. I will lose half of a JAAF AF Bn when she does.

The Philippines:

The remaining 82 mines were swept at Bataan. Transports will move in to start the immediate transportation of units for offensive operations in Java and Timor.

Southeast Pacific:

A small invasion force has landed at Baker Island today and captured it for no other reason than that I can [:D]. I'm really just trying to get some kind of reaction from Smeulders to see if he'll send naval units out.

Java:

All was quiet here today. No more suicidal attacks by 139WH-3's over Batavia or Merak. I will increase CAP in case it's just a breather for Smeulders to gather a larger raid together.

I tried a Deliberate attack against Bandoeng today. Engineers reduced the forts to level 2, but Japanese losses were 333 to only 227 for the Allies. I will attack again tomorrow.

Miscellaneous:

Madjene expanded to a level 1 airbase.

It's been awhile since I updated the many theatres with screenshots, so here is the situation as of March 27/42.

Burma:

[SqzMyLemon]

Java:

[SqzMyLemon]

The Banda Sea:

[SqzMyLemon]

New Guinea:

[SqzMyLemon]

The Philippines:

[SqzMyLemon]

Southern China:

[SqzMyLemon]

Northern China: