No time to post a full day's summary yet, but let's just say Feb 8 is filled with air battles that generally go our way and that recon reveals the enemy's strategy - 26 units in Koepang. Fortress Timor it is. Any suggestions for this are welcome.
Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
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SqzMyLemon
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RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Hi Cribtop,
I just got caught up on your AAR. I really enjoy your style and analysis, and it's always great to follow another game on the Japanese side of things. You seem to have an overall plan which is great, I just kind of flounder in mine until I get an epiphany now and then [:D]. I am particularly looking at how you arrive at your tactical decisions and the assessment of your opponent's actions, something I need to improve on. It's been an enjoyable read and enlightening for me, thanks for the effort. Good luck the rest of the way.
I just got caught up on your AAR. I really enjoy your style and analysis, and it's always great to follow another game on the Japanese side of things. You seem to have an overall plan which is great, I just kind of flounder in mine until I get an epiphany now and then [:D]. I am particularly looking at how you arrive at your tactical decisions and the assessment of your opponent's actions, something I need to improve on. It's been an enjoyable read and enlightening for me, thanks for the effort. Good luck the rest of the way.
Luck is the residue of design - John Milton
Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)
Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Thanks, Sqz! I feel like I am an above average newbie JFB as I've spent my whole life in wargaming and almost went to West Point - so you won't catch me short on planning. That said, my excellent and honorable opponent DSwain is providing plenty of "teachable moments," proving that a good newbie is still a newbie. My next opponent better watch out. [:D] Google "MTETT analysis" if you want to see where I got my planning abilities.
Feb 8, 1942
Subs
O-16 sinks CM Tsubame on her way to drop a few mines at Ambon. Dutch subs have real stingers! Shark duds on an ASW TF near Pescadores.
4th Fleet
Recon shows Canton still occupied by only the starting BF. The Op BC fleet is ordered to proceed past the point of no return. Two Construction units begin to unload at TB.
SE Fleet
The enemy returns to Port Moresby, but our Zeros are again ready. We destroy 4 B-26 and damage 17; a later raid sees a few LB-30 damaged. The airfield is virtually unharmed. A victory in the air for the IJNAF! Banzai!
16th Army
Three DMS sweep out the Allied mines at Ambon, while a CM lays a small minefield of our own. Kendari is hit by Dutch & Aussie bombers as usual, but a few B-17E join the party. Tomorrow they may not enjoy a milk run!
The news of the day: Mavis from Ternate recon Koepang and spot 26 enemy LCUs! [X(] Fortress Timor it is! The enemy's plan is at last revealed. Cribtop HQ estimates it will take at least 3 Divs (preferably 4) to crack this nut. Given this recon, operational sequencing for Op Katana will be: 1) Makassar Strait op (see previous postings); 2) Kuching rescue op; 3) Timor invasion.
25th Army
Our troops continue to rest, but our arty launches a BA. Casualties are 139(15) vs 14(1). The large number of destroyed squads for the enemy is encouraging. SA soon.
Burma
IJAAF assets begin moving into place for an improved air offensive. Meanwhile, we put every available fighter in the air over Rahaeng. The enemy obilges with sweeps followed by airfield attacks. Results are generally good for us: Total daily air losses are 34:20 in our favor. The only negative is that one of DSwain's super Buffalos downs a Tojo. [:@] That said, we fight off the enemy raids and even have the pleasure of jumping unescorted bombers late in the PM phase. Many enemy bombers fail to return home. We desperately need to get AA and base forces into Rahaeng asap in order to keep this up. Fortunately, the enemy probably assumes we have enough AV support already.
China
Kwangchowan falls. Pakhoi is next. The first LCUs for the southern offensive arrive by rail in Hangchow.
Feb 8, 1942
Subs
O-16 sinks CM Tsubame on her way to drop a few mines at Ambon. Dutch subs have real stingers! Shark duds on an ASW TF near Pescadores.
4th Fleet
Recon shows Canton still occupied by only the starting BF. The Op BC fleet is ordered to proceed past the point of no return. Two Construction units begin to unload at TB.
SE Fleet
The enemy returns to Port Moresby, but our Zeros are again ready. We destroy 4 B-26 and damage 17; a later raid sees a few LB-30 damaged. The airfield is virtually unharmed. A victory in the air for the IJNAF! Banzai!
16th Army
Three DMS sweep out the Allied mines at Ambon, while a CM lays a small minefield of our own. Kendari is hit by Dutch & Aussie bombers as usual, but a few B-17E join the party. Tomorrow they may not enjoy a milk run!
The news of the day: Mavis from Ternate recon Koepang and spot 26 enemy LCUs! [X(] Fortress Timor it is! The enemy's plan is at last revealed. Cribtop HQ estimates it will take at least 3 Divs (preferably 4) to crack this nut. Given this recon, operational sequencing for Op Katana will be: 1) Makassar Strait op (see previous postings); 2) Kuching rescue op; 3) Timor invasion.
25th Army
Our troops continue to rest, but our arty launches a BA. Casualties are 139(15) vs 14(1). The large number of destroyed squads for the enemy is encouraging. SA soon.
Burma
IJAAF assets begin moving into place for an improved air offensive. Meanwhile, we put every available fighter in the air over Rahaeng. The enemy obilges with sweeps followed by airfield attacks. Results are generally good for us: Total daily air losses are 34:20 in our favor. The only negative is that one of DSwain's super Buffalos downs a Tojo. [:@] That said, we fight off the enemy raids and even have the pleasure of jumping unescorted bombers late in the PM phase. Many enemy bombers fail to return home. We desperately need to get AA and base forces into Rahaeng asap in order to keep this up. Fortunately, the enemy probably assumes we have enough AV support already.
China
Kwangchowan falls. Pakhoi is next. The first LCUs for the southern offensive arrive by rail in Hangchow.
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Feb 9, 1942
Subs
K-VII misses a DMS near Ambon. We have several fleet boats headed for India. Our sub transport TF again drops supplies to our troops at Kuching.
4th Fleet
The construction units are finished unloading at TB. The Op BC fleet is ordered into its D minus 1 hex.
SE Fleet
Enemy bombers choose not to return to PM. We may be winning this battle.
16th Army
MKB LRCAPs Kendari. The result is glorious. Dutch and Aussie bombers come in unescorted and are simply massacred by the elite A6M2 pilots. At least 10 139WH-3s, 12 Hudsons and 2 Wirraways are shot down for no loss. Daily losses in the air are 27:9 in our favor. Banzai! [&o] The last 48 hours have seen improvements in our air combat ratios, remedying an identified weakness while playing off DSwain's tendency towards predictability.
25th Army
BA Singapore results in casualties for the enemy of 214(21). We are ready to SA tomorrow and have a 50/50 or better chance of taking the base.
Burma
Both sides try some tricks. We launch 36 Nells on a night port attack against Rangoon. We don't net much because DSwain launches a small surprise amphib attack against Moulmein. Fortunately, the garrison requirements meant that a cavalry regt was at the base. We doubt the enemy will make much progress with this, but order a brigade of 33rd Div back to Moulmein just in case. One enemy LCU has moved to block our flanking op against Pegu. What to do? We will press on as Cribtop HQ believes the Imperial Guards Div and several armored units will be released for Burma action soon.
Subs
K-VII misses a DMS near Ambon. We have several fleet boats headed for India. Our sub transport TF again drops supplies to our troops at Kuching.
4th Fleet
The construction units are finished unloading at TB. The Op BC fleet is ordered into its D minus 1 hex.
SE Fleet
Enemy bombers choose not to return to PM. We may be winning this battle.
16th Army
MKB LRCAPs Kendari. The result is glorious. Dutch and Aussie bombers come in unescorted and are simply massacred by the elite A6M2 pilots. At least 10 139WH-3s, 12 Hudsons and 2 Wirraways are shot down for no loss. Daily losses in the air are 27:9 in our favor. Banzai! [&o] The last 48 hours have seen improvements in our air combat ratios, remedying an identified weakness while playing off DSwain's tendency towards predictability.
25th Army
BA Singapore results in casualties for the enemy of 214(21). We are ready to SA tomorrow and have a 50/50 or better chance of taking the base.
Burma
Both sides try some tricks. We launch 36 Nells on a night port attack against Rangoon. We don't net much because DSwain launches a small surprise amphib attack against Moulmein. Fortunately, the garrison requirements meant that a cavalry regt was at the base. We doubt the enemy will make much progress with this, but order a brigade of 33rd Div back to Moulmein just in case. One enemy LCU has moved to block our flanking op against Pegu. What to do? We will press on as Cribtop HQ believes the Imperial Guards Div and several armored units will be released for Burma action soon.
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Feb 10, 1942
A good day for the Empire and the last turn for a while (more on that later).
Subs
Our submarine force makes its presence felt in the Indian Ocean for the first time as I-162 sinks xAK Bandra near Colombo. Have we indeed found a new happy hunting ground as predicted by Cribtop Intel? We shall see.
4th Fleet
We are in position to simultaneously invade Baker and Canton Islands tomorrow. That will conclude our territorial desires in this AO per the initial war plan. However, if DSwain continues to ignore the Pacific we may seize Midway just to keep him guessing. This would strictly be an outpost if we do it.
SE Fleet
Vella Lavella is occupied. I like saying Vella Lavella for some reason. [:)] A new base force arrives in Tokyo that is probably destined for Milne Bay. We plan to build up Lae to lvl 4, Buna and Milne to lvl 2 to create supporting bases from which PM can be defended. We are preparing to seize Merauke by air assault and may even try for Horn Is.
16th Army
A quiet day in this AO. Our invasion fleet for Samarinda, etc. gathers at Jolo while 11th Air Fleet HQ unloads at Ambon. Ambon is bombed by Allied 4E operating from Oz to minimal effect. BTW, DSwain's commentary on yesterday's "Kendari Turkey shoot" was simply "OUCH!" [:D]
25th Army
The main event, an SA at Singers, achieves 7:1 odds - Singapore falls to our glorious armies! Banzai indeed! [&o][&o] 27 enemy units surrender, only one, an HQ unit, was a fragment. Casualties are 35,056(6,586) vs 2,211(12). We have taken the Gibraltar of the East with only minimal damage to our forces. The only bad news is that all facilities other than 2 manpower points, including the precious shipyard, are 100% damaged. [:(] We will probably repair the shipyard but little else. Any advice on whether even the SY is worth it? We could use Hong Kong, but Singers is just so damn conveniently placed.
Burma
Lots of action as our planes bomb the enemy invasion fleet at Moulmein - which oddly is only capped by 1 AVG fighter. To spare a long recounting, the only thing our attacks achieve is a lot of small bomb-shaped splashes and one larger Nell-shaped splash. Enemy air raids against our troops near Pegu are escorted by a lot fewer fighters than is typical - attrition is beginning to take hold after yesterday's victory at Rahaeng. Base forces have arrived by rail at Pisanloke and are marching into the base. Once they get there, we will be able to unleash a decisive air campaign. Likewise, an air HQ arrives by rail at Bangkok to "torp enable" the Nells now based there. We will no longer tolerate enemy shipping near Rangoon (although we should have done this ages ago - more lessons learned). Air recon reveals that the unit blocking our flanking move to the NE of Pegu is the 7th Armored Bde (7th Armoured Bde for our UK readers).
On the ground, our brigade marches 30 miles toward Moulmein. The enemy, consisting of Viper Force and elements of the 5th Mahratta Battalion, launch a shock attack which fails with 1:2 odds; casualties are 110(2) vs 6(0). Banzai! Our gallant cavalry regt has probably saved the day as the enemy will be in no shape to attack again prior to arrival of our reinforcements. Of course, delay and harassment was the purpose of the op, so from DSwain's perspective this is probably still a success. We assume he thought only a base force was present - he was probably not aware how trashed Moulmein was as he abandoned it to the looters so long ago.
Planning & the Business Trip
The fall of Singapore is always a watershed moment. In addition to usually putting the Japanese VP total above that of the Allies for the first time (which it does in this game as well), it releases numerous LCUs for action elsewhere and provides the Japanese with an excellent base in the DEI. We have 5 Division equivalents that can serve elsewhere and will have to think about where they are headed after a few days' rest.
Cribtop HQ has already firmly decided that the Imperial Guards and the 3 tank regts will move immediately by rail to Burma to seize Rangoon, and hopefully the entire colony without need for further reinforcement. We tentatively plan to release 2 Divs for the invasion of Timor, then Java (both ops in concert with 38th & 20th Divs), while one division will be sent to Sumatra to capture Palembang and Medan. 3rd Air Div is definitely heading to Burma as well, along with the planes and many of the base forces and AA units currently located at Kuala Lumpur, Alor Star and Khota Baru. However, these plans are not yet firm.
Fortunately and unfortunately, I have a big trade show to attend beginning tomorrow and running through Thursday morning, so we won't be able to complete any more turns until Friday, May 28. In some ways, this slight break in the game comes at the perfect time as we consider our options, but of course it's frustrating to have to put the game on the shelf for even that long (note to self, buy laptop). The silver lining is that we get a four day weekend for the Memorial Day holiday from Friday the 28th through Monday the 31st, so we will get back at it with a vengeance.
Thanks to those of you (and your numbers seem to be growing) who have been with me this far on the adventure of my first PBEM. I look forward to continuing the journey with all of you, and with my excellent and fair opponent DSwain, in a little less than one week's time.
A good day for the Empire and the last turn for a while (more on that later).
Subs
Our submarine force makes its presence felt in the Indian Ocean for the first time as I-162 sinks xAK Bandra near Colombo. Have we indeed found a new happy hunting ground as predicted by Cribtop Intel? We shall see.
4th Fleet
We are in position to simultaneously invade Baker and Canton Islands tomorrow. That will conclude our territorial desires in this AO per the initial war plan. However, if DSwain continues to ignore the Pacific we may seize Midway just to keep him guessing. This would strictly be an outpost if we do it.
SE Fleet
Vella Lavella is occupied. I like saying Vella Lavella for some reason. [:)] A new base force arrives in Tokyo that is probably destined for Milne Bay. We plan to build up Lae to lvl 4, Buna and Milne to lvl 2 to create supporting bases from which PM can be defended. We are preparing to seize Merauke by air assault and may even try for Horn Is.
16th Army
A quiet day in this AO. Our invasion fleet for Samarinda, etc. gathers at Jolo while 11th Air Fleet HQ unloads at Ambon. Ambon is bombed by Allied 4E operating from Oz to minimal effect. BTW, DSwain's commentary on yesterday's "Kendari Turkey shoot" was simply "OUCH!" [:D]
25th Army
The main event, an SA at Singers, achieves 7:1 odds - Singapore falls to our glorious armies! Banzai indeed! [&o][&o] 27 enemy units surrender, only one, an HQ unit, was a fragment. Casualties are 35,056(6,586) vs 2,211(12). We have taken the Gibraltar of the East with only minimal damage to our forces. The only bad news is that all facilities other than 2 manpower points, including the precious shipyard, are 100% damaged. [:(] We will probably repair the shipyard but little else. Any advice on whether even the SY is worth it? We could use Hong Kong, but Singers is just so damn conveniently placed.
Burma
Lots of action as our planes bomb the enemy invasion fleet at Moulmein - which oddly is only capped by 1 AVG fighter. To spare a long recounting, the only thing our attacks achieve is a lot of small bomb-shaped splashes and one larger Nell-shaped splash. Enemy air raids against our troops near Pegu are escorted by a lot fewer fighters than is typical - attrition is beginning to take hold after yesterday's victory at Rahaeng. Base forces have arrived by rail at Pisanloke and are marching into the base. Once they get there, we will be able to unleash a decisive air campaign. Likewise, an air HQ arrives by rail at Bangkok to "torp enable" the Nells now based there. We will no longer tolerate enemy shipping near Rangoon (although we should have done this ages ago - more lessons learned). Air recon reveals that the unit blocking our flanking move to the NE of Pegu is the 7th Armored Bde (7th Armoured Bde for our UK readers).
On the ground, our brigade marches 30 miles toward Moulmein. The enemy, consisting of Viper Force and elements of the 5th Mahratta Battalion, launch a shock attack which fails with 1:2 odds; casualties are 110(2) vs 6(0). Banzai! Our gallant cavalry regt has probably saved the day as the enemy will be in no shape to attack again prior to arrival of our reinforcements. Of course, delay and harassment was the purpose of the op, so from DSwain's perspective this is probably still a success. We assume he thought only a base force was present - he was probably not aware how trashed Moulmein was as he abandoned it to the looters so long ago.
Planning & the Business Trip
The fall of Singapore is always a watershed moment. In addition to usually putting the Japanese VP total above that of the Allies for the first time (which it does in this game as well), it releases numerous LCUs for action elsewhere and provides the Japanese with an excellent base in the DEI. We have 5 Division equivalents that can serve elsewhere and will have to think about where they are headed after a few days' rest.
Cribtop HQ has already firmly decided that the Imperial Guards and the 3 tank regts will move immediately by rail to Burma to seize Rangoon, and hopefully the entire colony without need for further reinforcement. We tentatively plan to release 2 Divs for the invasion of Timor, then Java (both ops in concert with 38th & 20th Divs), while one division will be sent to Sumatra to capture Palembang and Medan. 3rd Air Div is definitely heading to Burma as well, along with the planes and many of the base forces and AA units currently located at Kuala Lumpur, Alor Star and Khota Baru. However, these plans are not yet firm.
Fortunately and unfortunately, I have a big trade show to attend beginning tomorrow and running through Thursday morning, so we won't be able to complete any more turns until Friday, May 28. In some ways, this slight break in the game comes at the perfect time as we consider our options, but of course it's frustrating to have to put the game on the shelf for even that long (note to self, buy laptop). The silver lining is that we get a four day weekend for the Memorial Day holiday from Friday the 28th through Monday the 31st, so we will get back at it with a vengeance.
Thanks to those of you (and your numbers seem to be growing) who have been with me this far on the adventure of my first PBEM. I look forward to continuing the journey with all of you, and with my excellent and fair opponent DSwain, in a little less than one week's time.
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Aaaaannnnddd....
We're back from our conference! More turns will be forthcoming soon.
Further thought has led to some solidification of the 1 Div plus 3 TK regts to Burma, 1 Div to Sumatra, 2 Divs to Timor/Java plan (2 Divs from Singers for a total of 4 Divs plus 3 TK regts). Can DSwain be strong in both Timor & Java? How will we invade these targets? In what order? Read and find out!
We're back from our conference! More turns will be forthcoming soon.
Further thought has led to some solidification of the 1 Div plus 3 TK regts to Burma, 1 Div to Sumatra, 2 Divs to Timor/Java plan (2 Divs from Singers for a total of 4 Divs plus 3 TK regts). Can DSwain be strong in both Timor & Java? How will we invade these targets? In what order? Read and find out!
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
The Feb 11 turn is away...
A quick update on upcoming actions:
1) A large invasion force is gathering in the eastern DEI.
2) We will hit both Baker and Canton in the next replay.
3) We have taken steps to improve our air situation post-Singapore, esp in Burma.
4) A whole lot of choo-choo trains are moving troops to South China for the next offensive.
5) Super sub I-155 is repaired and launches for more raiding.
A quick update on upcoming actions:
1) A large invasion force is gathering in the eastern DEI.
2) We will hit both Baker and Canton in the next replay.
3) We have taken steps to improve our air situation post-Singapore, esp in Burma.
4) A whole lot of choo-choo trains are moving troops to South China for the next offensive.
5) Super sub I-155 is repaired and launches for more raiding.
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Feb 11, 1942
Subs
I-174 guns and later torps xAKL Pulganbar near Cairns. I-172 torps xAK Edgar Luckenbach (a big one, hehe) near Canberra. Scratch two more Allied merchies! DD Tenedos gets a hit on I-166 in the well traveled waters near Billiton. The sub should survive, but has to return to Saigon.
4th Fleet
Lots of action in this AO today as Operation BC goes off without a hitch. Both Baker and Canton Islands are taken by shock attack. Baker is empty, at Canton the USN base force surrenders (Odds, 16:1; Casualties, 824(108) vs 0(0)).
Best of all, we catch a squadron of Catalinas, as there is an airfield symbol at the base when it falls and 8 Cats show up as Ops losses on the daily losses intel screen. Banzai!
Between this, the Pearl Harbor raid, and low production, DSwain must be hurting for long range nav search assets.
Both Baker and Canton are just outposts for the Marshalls and Gilberts, only the original invading units will be left as garrisons. Canton still had 4,000 of its original 8,000 fuel on hand. Our DDs and CLs top off on American gas while the transports will spend one more day unloading supplies. Then we will retire on Kwaj and prepare defenses, other than a few "clean up" invasions in the Gilberts.
SE Fleet
Not much of interest here except that recon spots 6 enemy ships at Horn Island. Are they evacuating, reinforcing, or preparing to bombard PM? Our Zeros are safe at Lae if the latter, but we put our Netties on full alert. A sub minelaying mission will visit the port in two days, but it may be too late. We do vector subs to both PM and Horn Is just for fun.
16th Army
Djailolo is occupied. 11th Air fleet unloads at Ambon and a large invasion fleet gathers south of Jolo for bases in the Makassar Strait. DA at Butuan chases the survivors of Cagayan to their last bolt hole. 16:1 odds; casualties 2785(358) vs 120(0). Elements of 38th and 20th Divs are moving toward or unloading at Babel in preparation for the invasion of Timor (this will take a while). Kendari, after being ignored since the LRCAP episode and receiving regular FT TF runs, is finally in the "yellow" for supply. Sadly, this is a big improvement. Nonetheless, our planes are beginning to take the air in the eastern DEI from the enemy, and his room to manuever is dropping sharply while our freedom of action increases. We will soon invade Samarinda, Balikpapan, Makassar and Banjermasin in one fell swoop. Operation SB will not be detailed for operational security reasons until a few days hence, however.
14th Army
A few tank regiments move toward Laoag for shipment to Babel and then (someday) Java.
25th Army
The enemy sends a few USN CAs, a CL and some DDs to bombard Singapore! [X(] Really shouldn't be a surprise as we have no mines or coastal guns in place to stop him and DSwain's doctrine strongly favors immediate attacks on captured bases. Damage is minor, but we must secure this base for our Netties in order to finish Borneo and invade Sumatra. MSWs and sub minelaying missions are launched from Saigon and Cam Ranh Bay. We will clear enemy mines and lay some of our own. If only we had a few CD units nearby. Nine construction LCUs and several base force and AA units are climbing into railcars for the journey to Singers. The first should arrive tomorrow. Recon of Medan shows only 1 LCU present. We will recon Palembang tomorrow. It appears that the enemy bombardment fleet, along with Dutch and B-17 bombers, are present here as Singers is bombed from Palembang today for minimal damage.
We are re-organizing our air assets, sending many to the Burma front while some prepare to jump to Kuala Lumpur to support attacks on Sumatra and Borneo.
Burma
The RAF focuses on bombing our regiments flanking Pegu, these raids achieve little. The flanking move is having the desired effect as troops leave Pegu to protect the LoC toward Toungoo. Meanwhile, Imp. Gds and several tank units will rail in to Thailand, join the bulk of 15th Army, and assault Pegu directly.
Our air force was ordered to raid enemy shipping near Moulmein, with ground attack as the secondary mission. The 42 Nates set to escort(Moulmein) don't fly, while the Zeros lose contact with the raid. 11 Zeros easily down 1 H81-A3, but then 24 Lilys fly into over 15 Allied fighters on LRCAP and suffer 11 losses. Odd that the Zeros didn't find the main enemy force, never seen that happen. Such is life, but every day the enemy chooses not to return to Rahaeng is a day closer to stocking the base with AV support and AA units. Then we will be ready to take control of the air in southern Burma once and for all.
A brigade of troops have entered Molmein from the Pegu line. In concert with the existing garrison, they will shock attack tomorrow and clear out the failed amphibious counterattack here.
China
The last reinforcements for the Kukong offensive arrive by rail at Hangchow today and begin the long march to the jumping off point. In the far north, our mini-offensive to secure a line to the Outer Mongolian border while cutting off two Chinese corps kicks off tomorrow. We will call this Operation JK (for Jenghis Khan, as there are no bases to use for initials).
Other
We may need one or two more ACMs to man Singapore harbor's anticipated minefield (same for Palembang, Miri, Brunei and Balikpapan come to think of it). Cribtop HQ is not happy with the number of Sentai still flying Nates, so we double the Oscar Ic factory to 128.
Coming soon - Analysis of the current strategic situation and planned operations through the end of spring 1942.
Subs
I-174 guns and later torps xAKL Pulganbar near Cairns. I-172 torps xAK Edgar Luckenbach (a big one, hehe) near Canberra. Scratch two more Allied merchies! DD Tenedos gets a hit on I-166 in the well traveled waters near Billiton. The sub should survive, but has to return to Saigon.
4th Fleet
Lots of action in this AO today as Operation BC goes off without a hitch. Both Baker and Canton Islands are taken by shock attack. Baker is empty, at Canton the USN base force surrenders (Odds, 16:1; Casualties, 824(108) vs 0(0)).
Best of all, we catch a squadron of Catalinas, as there is an airfield symbol at the base when it falls and 8 Cats show up as Ops losses on the daily losses intel screen. Banzai!
Between this, the Pearl Harbor raid, and low production, DSwain must be hurting for long range nav search assets. Both Baker and Canton are just outposts for the Marshalls and Gilberts, only the original invading units will be left as garrisons. Canton still had 4,000 of its original 8,000 fuel on hand. Our DDs and CLs top off on American gas while the transports will spend one more day unloading supplies. Then we will retire on Kwaj and prepare defenses, other than a few "clean up" invasions in the Gilberts.
SE Fleet
Not much of interest here except that recon spots 6 enemy ships at Horn Island. Are they evacuating, reinforcing, or preparing to bombard PM? Our Zeros are safe at Lae if the latter, but we put our Netties on full alert. A sub minelaying mission will visit the port in two days, but it may be too late. We do vector subs to both PM and Horn Is just for fun.
16th Army
Djailolo is occupied. 11th Air fleet unloads at Ambon and a large invasion fleet gathers south of Jolo for bases in the Makassar Strait. DA at Butuan chases the survivors of Cagayan to their last bolt hole. 16:1 odds; casualties 2785(358) vs 120(0). Elements of 38th and 20th Divs are moving toward or unloading at Babel in preparation for the invasion of Timor (this will take a while). Kendari, after being ignored since the LRCAP episode and receiving regular FT TF runs, is finally in the "yellow" for supply. Sadly, this is a big improvement. Nonetheless, our planes are beginning to take the air in the eastern DEI from the enemy, and his room to manuever is dropping sharply while our freedom of action increases. We will soon invade Samarinda, Balikpapan, Makassar and Banjermasin in one fell swoop. Operation SB will not be detailed for operational security reasons until a few days hence, however.
14th Army
A few tank regiments move toward Laoag for shipment to Babel and then (someday) Java.
25th Army
The enemy sends a few USN CAs, a CL and some DDs to bombard Singapore! [X(] Really shouldn't be a surprise as we have no mines or coastal guns in place to stop him and DSwain's doctrine strongly favors immediate attacks on captured bases. Damage is minor, but we must secure this base for our Netties in order to finish Borneo and invade Sumatra. MSWs and sub minelaying missions are launched from Saigon and Cam Ranh Bay. We will clear enemy mines and lay some of our own. If only we had a few CD units nearby. Nine construction LCUs and several base force and AA units are climbing into railcars for the journey to Singers. The first should arrive tomorrow. Recon of Medan shows only 1 LCU present. We will recon Palembang tomorrow. It appears that the enemy bombardment fleet, along with Dutch and B-17 bombers, are present here as Singers is bombed from Palembang today for minimal damage.
We are re-organizing our air assets, sending many to the Burma front while some prepare to jump to Kuala Lumpur to support attacks on Sumatra and Borneo.
Burma
The RAF focuses on bombing our regiments flanking Pegu, these raids achieve little. The flanking move is having the desired effect as troops leave Pegu to protect the LoC toward Toungoo. Meanwhile, Imp. Gds and several tank units will rail in to Thailand, join the bulk of 15th Army, and assault Pegu directly.
Our air force was ordered to raid enemy shipping near Moulmein, with ground attack as the secondary mission. The 42 Nates set to escort(Moulmein) don't fly, while the Zeros lose contact with the raid. 11 Zeros easily down 1 H81-A3, but then 24 Lilys fly into over 15 Allied fighters on LRCAP and suffer 11 losses. Odd that the Zeros didn't find the main enemy force, never seen that happen. Such is life, but every day the enemy chooses not to return to Rahaeng is a day closer to stocking the base with AV support and AA units. Then we will be ready to take control of the air in southern Burma once and for all.
A brigade of troops have entered Molmein from the Pegu line. In concert with the existing garrison, they will shock attack tomorrow and clear out the failed amphibious counterattack here.
China
The last reinforcements for the Kukong offensive arrive by rail at Hangchow today and begin the long march to the jumping off point. In the far north, our mini-offensive to secure a line to the Outer Mongolian border while cutting off two Chinese corps kicks off tomorrow. We will call this Operation JK (for Jenghis Khan, as there are no bases to use for initials).
Other
We may need one or two more ACMs to man Singapore harbor's anticipated minefield (same for Palembang, Miri, Brunei and Balikpapan come to think of it). Cribtop HQ is not happy with the number of Sentai still flying Nates, so we double the Oscar Ic factory to 128.
Coming soon - Analysis of the current strategic situation and planned operations through the end of spring 1942.
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Screenie on Operation JK. Not exactly the Normandy invasion, but it will conclude offensive ops in Northern China while creating a solid line of IJA forces from the Mongolian border to the South China Sea.
1 = 1 Tank regt and 2 cav regts move out to secure a line to the border and cut off the 2 Chinese corps to the east.
2 = 1 Independent Brigade and 1 Cav regt move against the enemy directly.
3 = 1 NCPC unit moves against the enemy's flank
4 = 1 Nate Chutai and 2 units of Sonias at Kalgan provide air support.
EDIT - PS, meant to add that DSwain is taking a class for much of the month of June, so the game and thus the AAR may slow down a bit. We've been pretty close to 1 turn/day with 2/day on the weekends, but that may fall off a bit for a few weeks. [:(]
1 = 1 Tank regt and 2 cav regts move out to secure a line to the border and cut off the 2 Chinese corps to the east.
2 = 1 Independent Brigade and 1 Cav regt move against the enemy directly.
3 = 1 NCPC unit moves against the enemy's flank
4 = 1 Nate Chutai and 2 units of Sonias at Kalgan provide air support.
EDIT - PS, meant to add that DSwain is taking a class for much of the month of June, so the game and thus the AAR may slow down a bit. We've been pretty close to 1 turn/day with 2/day on the weekends, but that may fall off a bit for a few weeks. [:(]
- Attachments
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- Operation JK.jpg (260.55 KiB) Viewed 364 times
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Feb 12, 1942
Subs
Nothing today, but numerous subs are arriving in the Eastern DEI and are now patrolling off Java, Timor and the southern entrance to the Makassar Strait. We are positioning additional subs in the Indian Ocean.
4th Fleet
The Operation BC fleet saddles up and retires toward Kwaj. We are now able to use Canton as a sub re-fueling base until the USN gas runs out. Cribtop HQ is still tickled pink about destroying a unit of Catalinas.
SE Fleet
Panggoe is occupied. It turns out the enemy was apparently evacuating Horn Island. Netties visit today and sink an xAP (the Kedah) with troops on board [8D]. The daily recon shows the number of units down from 3 to 2, hence the assumption the enemy is bugging out. We will probably drop small para units to seize Horn and Meruake soon. Tomorrow a sub and the Netties will continue to harass the enemy TF if they stick around.
16th Army
146th Regt returns to Cagayan for transport to Indochina. This unit will join with her brethren to re-form 56th Div. 11th Air Fleet finishes unloading at Ambon just in time to experience a raid by Allied 4Es. Damage is minimal, but the base is still trashed from our battle to take it. Balabac falls to a company size SNLF on clean up duty.
And now, we pull back the screen on Operation SB. In brief, the majority of the Indes Fleet (2BB, 6CA, 6DD) will escort an invasion force to seize the unoccupied Samarinda on the 14th of Feb. In support, MKB will enter the southern waters of the Makassar Strait to provide air cover and keep away the SCTF bogeyman. An ASW TF will be in support for good measure. Fleet Oilers are at Jolo and everyone begins the op fully tanked up. The sneaky part is this: On D+1, a second invasion fleet, with 1BB, 2CA, numerous DD and patrol vessels, supported by an LCTF with 3CL & 6DD, will move around the SE tip of Celebes to land at Makassar while 2nd Raiding Regt seizes Banjermasin by paradrop. The entire op will be supported further by 21st Air Flotilla's Netties & Zeros from Manado. The theory, other than capturing several key bases, is to hope DSwain jumps in aircraft to Makassar and Banjermasin to oppose the landings or bomb airfields (particularly Banjermasin as it should fall to a SA in one day). We would thus bag the planes as a bonus. Recon has revealed enemy strength at all targets and will probe once more tomorrow just to make sure. From Samarinda, strong LCUs will cross the river to capture Balikpapan, thus denying the enemy's CD units a free shot (although we may take a glancing shot on the way up the river to Samarinda). Finally, after the capture of Makassar, empty xAKs will rescue the remnants of the Zero Hikotai still trapped in Kendari. If successful, Op SB will put us in control of the northern DEI and in possession of bases needed to begin reduction of Java and Timor.
25th Army
The first engineers arrive at Singers while the armor moves out by train. More troops will flow in and out over the coming days. 22nd Air Flotilla will move into Singapore once the base is operational so that Netties can make the western Java Sea a very unhealthy place for the Allies and to support the planned Kuching rescue op.
Burma
We SA at Moulmein and force the remnants of 5th Mahratta Bttn and Viper Force to surrender. Casualties are 934(66) vs 5(0). This front is at a temporary stalemate, but the Imperial Guards are coming! Our IJAAF fighter base at Rahaeng will be better staffed with air support and should be ready for offensive ops soon. We will also soon have 4 Sally and 2 Lily Sentai available from Bangkok.
China
We kick off Operation JK and reinforcements continue to march towards 13th Army. Otherwise quiet, but Pakhoi should fall in the next two days, meaning that all Chinese ports are in Japanese hands.
Other
Hankow makes lvl 7 airfield (allows upgrades); PM makes lvl 2 forts.
Subs
Nothing today, but numerous subs are arriving in the Eastern DEI and are now patrolling off Java, Timor and the southern entrance to the Makassar Strait. We are positioning additional subs in the Indian Ocean.
4th Fleet
The Operation BC fleet saddles up and retires toward Kwaj. We are now able to use Canton as a sub re-fueling base until the USN gas runs out. Cribtop HQ is still tickled pink about destroying a unit of Catalinas.
SE Fleet
Panggoe is occupied. It turns out the enemy was apparently evacuating Horn Island. Netties visit today and sink an xAP (the Kedah) with troops on board [8D]. The daily recon shows the number of units down from 3 to 2, hence the assumption the enemy is bugging out. We will probably drop small para units to seize Horn and Meruake soon. Tomorrow a sub and the Netties will continue to harass the enemy TF if they stick around.
16th Army
146th Regt returns to Cagayan for transport to Indochina. This unit will join with her brethren to re-form 56th Div. 11th Air Fleet finishes unloading at Ambon just in time to experience a raid by Allied 4Es. Damage is minimal, but the base is still trashed from our battle to take it. Balabac falls to a company size SNLF on clean up duty.
And now, we pull back the screen on Operation SB. In brief, the majority of the Indes Fleet (2BB, 6CA, 6DD) will escort an invasion force to seize the unoccupied Samarinda on the 14th of Feb. In support, MKB will enter the southern waters of the Makassar Strait to provide air cover and keep away the SCTF bogeyman. An ASW TF will be in support for good measure. Fleet Oilers are at Jolo and everyone begins the op fully tanked up. The sneaky part is this: On D+1, a second invasion fleet, with 1BB, 2CA, numerous DD and patrol vessels, supported by an LCTF with 3CL & 6DD, will move around the SE tip of Celebes to land at Makassar while 2nd Raiding Regt seizes Banjermasin by paradrop. The entire op will be supported further by 21st Air Flotilla's Netties & Zeros from Manado. The theory, other than capturing several key bases, is to hope DSwain jumps in aircraft to Makassar and Banjermasin to oppose the landings or bomb airfields (particularly Banjermasin as it should fall to a SA in one day). We would thus bag the planes as a bonus. Recon has revealed enemy strength at all targets and will probe once more tomorrow just to make sure. From Samarinda, strong LCUs will cross the river to capture Balikpapan, thus denying the enemy's CD units a free shot (although we may take a glancing shot on the way up the river to Samarinda). Finally, after the capture of Makassar, empty xAKs will rescue the remnants of the Zero Hikotai still trapped in Kendari. If successful, Op SB will put us in control of the northern DEI and in possession of bases needed to begin reduction of Java and Timor.
25th Army
The first engineers arrive at Singers while the armor moves out by train. More troops will flow in and out over the coming days. 22nd Air Flotilla will move into Singapore once the base is operational so that Netties can make the western Java Sea a very unhealthy place for the Allies and to support the planned Kuching rescue op.
Burma
We SA at Moulmein and force the remnants of 5th Mahratta Bttn and Viper Force to surrender. Casualties are 934(66) vs 5(0). This front is at a temporary stalemate, but the Imperial Guards are coming! Our IJAAF fighter base at Rahaeng will be better staffed with air support and should be ready for offensive ops soon. We will also soon have 4 Sally and 2 Lily Sentai available from Bangkok.
China
We kick off Operation JK and reinforcements continue to march towards 13th Army. Otherwise quiet, but Pakhoi should fall in the next two days, meaning that all Chinese ports are in Japanese hands.
Other
Hankow makes lvl 7 airfield (allows upgrades); PM makes lvl 2 forts.
- Attachments
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- Operation SB.jpg (148.92 KiB) Viewed 364 times
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Feb 13, 1942
Op SB has a little hiccup today. [:@]
Subs
Swordfish duds on a resource convoy out of Shanghai. Lots of fleet boats are moving toward the Indian Ocean. One, with a Glen aboard, will scout out the Torres Strait and Darwin on the way.
4th Fleet
Beru occupied. Based on this smashing victory, we have formally requested America's surrender.
SE Fleet
The enemy TF flees Horn Is for safer waters. We load up a small infantry unit to begin "clean up" conquests in the Solomons. 5 Nav Guard and 1 construction unit arrive in the Home Islands. Where will we use these forces? Cribtop HQ still favors a descent on the Hebrides & Caledonia, but the window is closing and we are not confident in undertaking the op without carrier support. Classic Japanese problem - it's hard to properly execute major amphib offensives in two AOs at once. Mines are laid at PM and an ACM is on the way. We will try to make PM and Rabaul "bombardment proof."
16th Army
All the action is here. The debacle of the day occurred after the replay. We somehow left the Indes Fleet on "retirement allowed," so the most powerful surface force in the Pacific Theater retires on Jolo for Mai Tais! [:@] We consider postponing tomorrow's invasion, but realize that at full speed (burning precious fuel and incurring sys dmg [:@]), Indes Fleet can still be on station. We cannibalize 2 Kongo BB, 2 CA and 2 DD from MKB's escort to provide close support and order the invasion in anyway.
Meanwhile, the entire Op SB fleet was somehow unspotted. DSwain thus gets a rude surprise as we happen upon numerous TKs in or near Balikpapan. The AM phase is open season, with raids by Netties and MKB sinking 2 TKs and a PG while putting another TK and a DD in sinking condition. The only thing that saves the survivors is storms over MKB's hex in the PM phase. The DD hit is the Scout , which has been an IJN sub damager in the past. We are glad to repay the favor. In the PM phase, Netties ineffectually raid a small convoy of xAKLs near Lomblen. Looks like the enemy is pulling up stakes in this part of the world.
For tomorrow, there are numerous small ships spotted in Balikpapan and Makassar. Cribtop Intel believes they are mostly PTs as they have been spotted many times without triggering a Netty raid from Manado. The invasion fleet is timed to invade in the daytime phase just in case (no harm as Samarinda is empty). Excluding reaction moves, this should mean that enemy surface ships have to run the gauntlet of MKB strikes, Indes Fleet, and the augmented invasion TF escorts. Zeros will LRCAP the invasion TF for good measure, but recon reveals only auxiliary planes in Balikpapan and Makassar. The Makassar invasion is joined by the LCTF and will move into its jump off point. 2nd Raiding Sentai is moved to Combat op mode. We hit Makassar and Banjermasin on the 15th. Big ops are what make this game fun. Let's see how this one turns out. [&:] Cribtop HQ feels we have every advantage possible - CVs, SCTF, LCTF, ASW assets, LBA cover, etc. Banzai!
At Babeldoab, DD Kuroshio completes repairs and returns to duty. This rather ordinary event is more important than usual because Kuroshio is the first ship damaged in the ill-fated Davao invasion to complete repairs. She is the harbinger of many ships to come back to service in the next few weeks, including two CS that we were lucky to save (although some will require yard time in Japan).
The daily strafing run by Falcons is rudely received as our troops get lucky and shoot down three enemy planes. With a major invasion brewing, this is small potatoes to the world at large; but to the weary Japanese at Kuching it's a major victory, no doubt.
25th Army
Singapore is being repaired by a lot of Construction units, AA and base forces arrive and Nates are flown in to defend the base. Imp Guard finally move out by rail today for Burma.
Burma
The first new base forces arrive at Rahaeng, with 3 AA and two more BFs coming soon. We are itching to resume the offensive here.
China
The Op JK forces have already cut off the enemy from the NW and entered his hex in strength. Air attack shows that the enemy consists of a Corps and an HQ unit. This should be over quickly.
Op SB has a little hiccup today. [:@]
Subs
Swordfish duds on a resource convoy out of Shanghai. Lots of fleet boats are moving toward the Indian Ocean. One, with a Glen aboard, will scout out the Torres Strait and Darwin on the way.
4th Fleet
Beru occupied. Based on this smashing victory, we have formally requested America's surrender.
SE Fleet
The enemy TF flees Horn Is for safer waters. We load up a small infantry unit to begin "clean up" conquests in the Solomons. 5 Nav Guard and 1 construction unit arrive in the Home Islands. Where will we use these forces? Cribtop HQ still favors a descent on the Hebrides & Caledonia, but the window is closing and we are not confident in undertaking the op without carrier support. Classic Japanese problem - it's hard to properly execute major amphib offensives in two AOs at once. Mines are laid at PM and an ACM is on the way. We will try to make PM and Rabaul "bombardment proof."
16th Army
All the action is here. The debacle of the day occurred after the replay. We somehow left the Indes Fleet on "retirement allowed," so the most powerful surface force in the Pacific Theater retires on Jolo for Mai Tais! [:@] We consider postponing tomorrow's invasion, but realize that at full speed (burning precious fuel and incurring sys dmg [:@]), Indes Fleet can still be on station. We cannibalize 2 Kongo BB, 2 CA and 2 DD from MKB's escort to provide close support and order the invasion in anyway.
Meanwhile, the entire Op SB fleet was somehow unspotted. DSwain thus gets a rude surprise as we happen upon numerous TKs in or near Balikpapan. The AM phase is open season, with raids by Netties and MKB sinking 2 TKs and a PG while putting another TK and a DD in sinking condition. The only thing that saves the survivors is storms over MKB's hex in the PM phase. The DD hit is the Scout , which has been an IJN sub damager in the past. We are glad to repay the favor. In the PM phase, Netties ineffectually raid a small convoy of xAKLs near Lomblen. Looks like the enemy is pulling up stakes in this part of the world.
For tomorrow, there are numerous small ships spotted in Balikpapan and Makassar. Cribtop Intel believes they are mostly PTs as they have been spotted many times without triggering a Netty raid from Manado. The invasion fleet is timed to invade in the daytime phase just in case (no harm as Samarinda is empty). Excluding reaction moves, this should mean that enemy surface ships have to run the gauntlet of MKB strikes, Indes Fleet, and the augmented invasion TF escorts. Zeros will LRCAP the invasion TF for good measure, but recon reveals only auxiliary planes in Balikpapan and Makassar. The Makassar invasion is joined by the LCTF and will move into its jump off point. 2nd Raiding Sentai is moved to Combat op mode. We hit Makassar and Banjermasin on the 15th. Big ops are what make this game fun. Let's see how this one turns out. [&:] Cribtop HQ feels we have every advantage possible - CVs, SCTF, LCTF, ASW assets, LBA cover, etc. Banzai!
At Babeldoab, DD Kuroshio completes repairs and returns to duty. This rather ordinary event is more important than usual because Kuroshio is the first ship damaged in the ill-fated Davao invasion to complete repairs. She is the harbinger of many ships to come back to service in the next few weeks, including two CS that we were lucky to save (although some will require yard time in Japan).
The daily strafing run by Falcons is rudely received as our troops get lucky and shoot down three enemy planes. With a major invasion brewing, this is small potatoes to the world at large; but to the weary Japanese at Kuching it's a major victory, no doubt.
25th Army
Singapore is being repaired by a lot of Construction units, AA and base forces arrive and Nates are flown in to defend the base. Imp Guard finally move out by rail today for Burma.
Burma
The first new base forces arrive at Rahaeng, with 3 AA and two more BFs coming soon. We are itching to resume the offensive here.
China
The Op JK forces have already cut off the enemy from the NW and entered his hex in strength. Air attack shows that the enemy consists of a Corps and an HQ unit. This should be over quickly.
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Feb 14, 1942
Happy virtual Valentine's Day!
Subs
RO-66 announces the presence of Operation SB's submarine screen by gunning xAKL Benkalis near Makassar. Enemy troops were on board, probably evacuating the base. We're not sure she sank, unfortunately. I-10 sinks xAKL Oorama (odd Aussie name) near Flinder Is. I-172 duds [:@] on xAK Florence Luckenbach near Canberra. We get word in the replay that I-166 sinks while crawling back to Saigon, but it's only fog of war! Banzai!
4th & SE Fleets
Pretty quiet other than subs. We are dropping more mines and an ACM at PM.
16th Army
Where to begin? Samarinda is invaded without incident, but the heavies we sent to merge with the invasion TF are found near Babeldoab! We forgot they couldn't merge with the TF and move up the river so they headed home. What a calamity our SCTFs have been in this op. [:@] MKB slaughters enemy merchies fleeing Balikpapan in all directions. At least 3 xAKL are sunk, 3 heavily (probably fatally) damaged. A DD (probably the crippled Scout) is reported hit by a Kate on Nav Search. No enemy resistance is offered to the invasion.
Elsewhere, an FT TF unloads at Kuching, but a DMS takes a "massive explosion damage" hit from the only shot fired by the coastal guns [:(]. Once again, the FoW gods smile on us. She is hit with 45 FLT but isn't sunk. Sandakan is invaded as part of a clean up op.
And then, the best news of the day! One Zero at Kendari's rebuilt airstrip is repaired and flies out to Davao, promptly becoming the parent unit - the Hikotai is finally free! Banzai! [&o] This is like getting a new air unit and comes at a great time. Elite pilots and many Zeros rejoin the unit, they should be back in action soon.
And then, the worst news of the day! MKB chose today to re-fuel and is really hurting on Ops points. Two CVs are tapped out and most have burned up 400-600 points. [:@] Arggh! Why can't we stop virtual Admirals from re-fueling without need at critical times? MKB is hanging its ass out in the breeze for tomorrow's turn. Cribtop HQ concludes DSwain fortunately doesn't know this and probably won't challenge our fearsome armada, but if he does, we could be cooked. We order the Indes fleet to abandon the transports and move into MKB's hex in the hope of absorbing bombs if it comes to that. Ugghh. There will be a few heads rolling after Op SB.
25th Army
As troops move out of Singapore for new offensives, Nates, AA and base forces pour in. 10 B-17s are met in the skies over the base and are rudely harassed by 34 Nates and newly employed ack-ack. 9 are damaged and at least 2 appear to be lost to Ops.
Burma
Both sides size each other up today. We are moving a lot of IJAAF assets into place.
Other
Babel makes a lvl 4 port and another DD is finished with repairs.
Happy virtual Valentine's Day!
Subs
RO-66 announces the presence of Operation SB's submarine screen by gunning xAKL Benkalis near Makassar. Enemy troops were on board, probably evacuating the base. We're not sure she sank, unfortunately. I-10 sinks xAKL Oorama (odd Aussie name) near Flinder Is. I-172 duds [:@] on xAK Florence Luckenbach near Canberra. We get word in the replay that I-166 sinks while crawling back to Saigon, but it's only fog of war! Banzai!
4th & SE Fleets
Pretty quiet other than subs. We are dropping more mines and an ACM at PM.
16th Army
Where to begin? Samarinda is invaded without incident, but the heavies we sent to merge with the invasion TF are found near Babeldoab! We forgot they couldn't merge with the TF and move up the river so they headed home. What a calamity our SCTFs have been in this op. [:@] MKB slaughters enemy merchies fleeing Balikpapan in all directions. At least 3 xAKL are sunk, 3 heavily (probably fatally) damaged. A DD (probably the crippled Scout) is reported hit by a Kate on Nav Search. No enemy resistance is offered to the invasion.
Elsewhere, an FT TF unloads at Kuching, but a DMS takes a "massive explosion damage" hit from the only shot fired by the coastal guns [:(]. Once again, the FoW gods smile on us. She is hit with 45 FLT but isn't sunk. Sandakan is invaded as part of a clean up op.
And then, the best news of the day! One Zero at Kendari's rebuilt airstrip is repaired and flies out to Davao, promptly becoming the parent unit - the Hikotai is finally free! Banzai! [&o] This is like getting a new air unit and comes at a great time. Elite pilots and many Zeros rejoin the unit, they should be back in action soon.
And then, the worst news of the day! MKB chose today to re-fuel and is really hurting on Ops points. Two CVs are tapped out and most have burned up 400-600 points. [:@] Arggh! Why can't we stop virtual Admirals from re-fueling without need at critical times? MKB is hanging its ass out in the breeze for tomorrow's turn. Cribtop HQ concludes DSwain fortunately doesn't know this and probably won't challenge our fearsome armada, but if he does, we could be cooked. We order the Indes fleet to abandon the transports and move into MKB's hex in the hope of absorbing bombs if it comes to that. Ugghh. There will be a few heads rolling after Op SB.
25th Army
As troops move out of Singapore for new offensives, Nates, AA and base forces pour in. 10 B-17s are met in the skies over the base and are rudely harassed by 34 Nates and newly employed ack-ack. 9 are damaged and at least 2 appear to be lost to Ops.
Burma
Both sides size each other up today. We are moving a lot of IJAAF assets into place.
Other
Babel makes a lvl 4 port and another DD is finished with repairs.
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Feb 15, 1942
A day that fortunately turns out ok - MKB was exposed but no one twists the tail of the paper tiger.
Subs
Our sub screen turns out to be perfectly positioned to serve as a wall between the Balikpapan survivors and safety. A massacre ensues. Mighty I-155, just back to the front, expends all her torpedoes on two TKs (Francol & Harpa) near Tjepoe. One definitely sinks, one may be FoW, but Allied merchant marine units are beginning to have nightmares about this elite sub. [&o] I-158 sinks xAKL Ngakata (say that five times after five beers) near Kangean. I-10 sinks the xAKL Matthew Flinders, appropriately enough off Flinders Is.
4th Fleet & SE Fleet
[>:] Reinforcements move into place, we begin a clean up op in the Bismarks, lots of digging. Cribtop HQ is thinking hard about timing of Phase 2 ops in the New Hebrides.
16th Army
We hold our breath - but not one enemy plane or ship challenges MKB. We may yet lose the war in an afternoon, but not today.
Everything else goes like clockwork. First, the LCTF accompanying the Makassar invasion TF chases off the PTs in the harbor. We have made some mistakes in this campaign, but it seems the idea of an LCTF composed of CLs & DDs to deal with PTs is one of our better inventions. Then the invasion goes in with attached heavies pounding the natives into utter submission. Casualties are 468(14) and it looks like all available guns are silenced. Samarinda and Sandakan fall, while Bandjermasin falls to air assault by 2nd Raiding Regt. Note I think we are finally spelling this place right now that we can see the street signs in person.
The air phase is a shooting gallery, with MKB strikes sinking 4 xAKLs, an AM and another TK. There are lots of unexplained Allied sinking sounds in the damage control phase. The last attempt to pull out fuel and resources from Balikpapan is turning into the Pacific Theater's answer to Convoy PQ-17. Still, from DSwain's perspective, most of the ships are Dutch (but not some of the TKs, hehe), and fuel or resources at the bottom of the Makassar Strait can't help the Japanese war effort.
We will DA Makassar tomorrow and fully expect to take the base outright, thus bringing Operation SB to a shaky but successful conclusion. The only disappointment other than the many goofed up orders is that the enemy didn't jump any air units into some of the bases as we had hoped. Oh, well. We have taken a big step toward isolating Java and Timor.
25th Army
Seven B-17s return to Singers and meet lots of trouble. All 7 enemy planes are damaged many times in exchange for a single runway hit. We are sweeping Allied mines from the harbor and preparing to drop our own. Recon of Sumatra shows the place is lightly defended. Small elements in Medan and Sabang (1 LCU each), with about 11,000 troops (many engineers, no doubt) holding Palembang. Invasion of this Island is imminent.
Burma
Despite lots of supplies at the base and an Air HQ and orders to use torps and being well within range, Nells out of Bangkok use bombs to sink one xAKL fleeing Rangoon. Had they brought torps this would have been a much better raid.
We are finally ready in Rahaeng. Tomorrow we sweep Rangoon with over 80 fighters. Banzai!
China
The enemy is cut off in Operation JK and passively awaiting his fate. Tomorrow we will have an unbroken string of units on the front lines from the Outer Mongolian border to the South China Sea.
Other
We have a lot to analyze, and will publish a two part study over the weekend. One will focus on lessons learned from Op SB, the other on future operations.
5 DDs complete January upgrades at HK.
A day that fortunately turns out ok - MKB was exposed but no one twists the tail of the paper tiger.
Subs
Our sub screen turns out to be perfectly positioned to serve as a wall between the Balikpapan survivors and safety. A massacre ensues. Mighty I-155, just back to the front, expends all her torpedoes on two TKs (Francol & Harpa) near Tjepoe. One definitely sinks, one may be FoW, but Allied merchant marine units are beginning to have nightmares about this elite sub. [&o] I-158 sinks xAKL Ngakata (say that five times after five beers) near Kangean. I-10 sinks the xAKL Matthew Flinders, appropriately enough off Flinders Is.
4th Fleet & SE Fleet
[>:] Reinforcements move into place, we begin a clean up op in the Bismarks, lots of digging. Cribtop HQ is thinking hard about timing of Phase 2 ops in the New Hebrides.
16th Army
We hold our breath - but not one enemy plane or ship challenges MKB. We may yet lose the war in an afternoon, but not today.
Everything else goes like clockwork. First, the LCTF accompanying the Makassar invasion TF chases off the PTs in the harbor. We have made some mistakes in this campaign, but it seems the idea of an LCTF composed of CLs & DDs to deal with PTs is one of our better inventions. Then the invasion goes in with attached heavies pounding the natives into utter submission. Casualties are 468(14) and it looks like all available guns are silenced. Samarinda and Sandakan fall, while Bandjermasin falls to air assault by 2nd Raiding Regt. Note I think we are finally spelling this place right now that we can see the street signs in person.
The air phase is a shooting gallery, with MKB strikes sinking 4 xAKLs, an AM and another TK. There are lots of unexplained Allied sinking sounds in the damage control phase. The last attempt to pull out fuel and resources from Balikpapan is turning into the Pacific Theater's answer to Convoy PQ-17. Still, from DSwain's perspective, most of the ships are Dutch (but not some of the TKs, hehe), and fuel or resources at the bottom of the Makassar Strait can't help the Japanese war effort.
We will DA Makassar tomorrow and fully expect to take the base outright, thus bringing Operation SB to a shaky but successful conclusion. The only disappointment other than the many goofed up orders is that the enemy didn't jump any air units into some of the bases as we had hoped. Oh, well. We have taken a big step toward isolating Java and Timor.
25th Army
Seven B-17s return to Singers and meet lots of trouble. All 7 enemy planes are damaged many times in exchange for a single runway hit. We are sweeping Allied mines from the harbor and preparing to drop our own. Recon of Sumatra shows the place is lightly defended. Small elements in Medan and Sabang (1 LCU each), with about 11,000 troops (many engineers, no doubt) holding Palembang. Invasion of this Island is imminent.
Burma
Despite lots of supplies at the base and an Air HQ and orders to use torps and being well within range, Nells out of Bangkok use bombs to sink one xAKL fleeing Rangoon. Had they brought torps this would have been a much better raid.
We are finally ready in Rahaeng. Tomorrow we sweep Rangoon with over 80 fighters. Banzai!
China
The enemy is cut off in Operation JK and passively awaiting his fate. Tomorrow we will have an unbroken string of units on the front lines from the Outer Mongolian border to the South China Sea.
Other
We have a lot to analyze, and will publish a two part study over the weekend. One will focus on lessons learned from Op SB, the other on future operations.
5 DDs complete January upgrades at HK.
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Analysis - Feb 15, 1942
Part I - Operation SB AAR
As we undertook Operation SB, Cribtop HQ felt confident about the plan, and with good reason. We had assets to deal with air, sea and land threats in place, enemy targets were fully recce'd, and our CVs were moving forward en masse with strong LBA and SCTF backup.
Execution, however, was sorely lacking. When we refueled the fleet from the Oilers off Jolo, we obviously forgot to refuel MKB's two TFs. The most important ships in the fleet and we didn't top them off. The carriers still had sufficient fuel to complete the mission, but this error left us open to the dreaded AI's refueling decisions. The CVs were thus stuck without Ops in the middle of Indian country. Only the fact that we have strategic superiority in CVs for the moment kept the enemy from intervening. If he had, DSwain could have scored a historic victory and we would be an embarrasment to JFBs everywhere. [8|]
This error was then compounded by leaving the Indes Fleet on "retirement allowed" status, causing them to return to Jolo on D minus 1. I can only imagine the horror on the invasion fleet commander's face as the huge battle wagons turned north while flashing the signal "Have fun storming the castle!" We made up for this by detaching elements of MKB's rather oversized surface escorts (4 Kongo Class BBs and 6 CAs). This was fine as the large escort for the CVs is designed to be detached in part on occasion to deal with contingencies just like this. Then we forgot the heavies couldn't sail up the river to hit Samarinda, so they too sailed blissfully for home.
The point of all this self-flagellation is to drive home the point that in AE a well-planned Op can fall apart if you forget a few mouse clicks. A lesson for us newbies. Odd that we would screw this up, as I confess to being a rather anal player who often double-checks these things. However, the bigger the Op, the more likely these errors are to creep into your game as big Ops usually involve multiple TFs with complicated orders.
All that said, the operation in the end was a complete success, and our LCTF doctrine seems to be a very effective anti-PT tactic. One thing I love about this game is that the complexity level means you think along the lines of "what can I do to counter PTs - well, in the war the natural predators of PTs were CLs leading DDs, so let's try that." In other games, there is usually a "counter PT" button so to speak. AE's genius is in the richer experience that usually makes you feel as if this is really a war rather than a game.
Part II - General Analysis
Friendly Situation
Operation Katana has been a resounding victory, with all objectives except Timor captured with minimal losses, leaving Japan in effective control of the northern tier of islands in the DEI. We now have a good number of bases in the Eastern DEI from which to mount further operations, and DSwain's 4Es can't close them all. The escape of the long suffering Zero Hikotai from Kendari dramatically enhances land-based fighter strength. From the logistics standpoint, we are pumping reinforcements, fuel and supplies into Babel in quantities sufficient to support large ops against Timor and Java. The fall of Singapore outflanks the enemy's bases in western Borneo and opens the road to Sumatra and Java from the west. In Burma, we have finally gathered the logistical support necessary to achieve air superiority and large reinforcements are moving into position to break the deadlock at Pegu. In short, things are looking good.
Enemy Situation and Intentions
DSwain chose not to strenuously oppose Operation Katana after the fall of Ambon and the intervention of MKB at the "Kendari Turkey Shoot." The enemy is defending Timor in strength. The eastern Pacific remains a ghost town virtually ignored by the enemy. Even our subs find nothing to feast on other than a few ships along the eastern coast of Oz. While Burma is being actively defended, it does not appear that significant enemy LCU reinforcements have moved to this front, at least in the south. Cribtop Intel is unsure whether the enemy has reserves in central or northern Burma, but we expect to find some Chinese units holding Lashio. The real question is very simple - is Fortress Timor DSwain's main gambit, or merely an outpost of a larger Fortress Java approach? We just won't know until we recon Java, a process that begins tomorrow with a flight over Soerebaja. We will also move a few Glen boats to recon bases from the Indian Ocean side.
Cribtop Intel has received 3 or 4 "heavy volume of radio transmissions from Perth" messages over the last two weeks. While Japanese SigInt is an exercise in reading tea leaves, these messages provide support for two rather logical hypotheses. 1) DSwain is ignoring the eastern half of the map and bringing convoys from the US East Coast via off map movement all the way to Karachi and Perth; 2) the enemy CVs are most likely based at Perth. The latter assumption makes sense as this is a good spot for AFBs to post their carriers generally, but in particular if they plan on strong defense of Timor/Java. Based at Perth, the Allied CVs are kept safe both by distance and the ability to run east, putting the bulk of Australia between them and the IJN. By the same token, the enemy is well positioned to intervene in the southern DEI if the opportunity presents itself. There are certainly no guarantees, but it looks like Perth is the best bet, and we will assume the Allied CVs are in position to harass operations against Timor or Java.
Desired Endstate
The desired endstate is the reduction and capture of the southern tier of DEI islands and Burma. Quite a mouthful, but we have 5 divisions from Malaya looking for work. Speed is essential, as April 1 is coming soon. The clock is ticking and we must complete conquest of these Phase I objectives and get the oil flowing to the Home Islands. That said, DSwain has proven to be a very competent adversary, and we are moving into his MLR in the DEI. Thus, hasty invasions of Java and Timor are unlikely to meet with good results. We must seize the air, pummel the invasion beaches, and then go ashore with overwhelming force.
Forces Employed
No need to go into a lot of detail here, suffice it to say we are throwing the kitchen sink at the southern DEI, while allocating 3 Divisions, 3 tank regts and the bulk of 3rd Air Division to Burma.
Execution
As mentioned previously, we have four divisions (2nd, 5th, 20th & 38th) and supporting elements allocated to seize Timor and invade Java, with 56th Div currently at Singers as a theater reserve if needed. We have a good understanding of enemy dispositions on Timor, but we must recon Java to gauge how heavily defended the island is at present. We expect that it has been reinforced, but the large contingent at Koepang means that the enemy hasn't gone "all in" on Java.
Once Java is recce'd, we will launch air/sea offensives against targets in both Timor and Java. Cribtop HQ envisions bombardments by the Indes Fleet and raids by MKB and LBA on targets in eastern Java and Koepang. We are considering starting with a raid on Darwin. The purpose of this raid would be to catch the large units of LB-30 and B-17E that are known to be operating from this base and to reduce its ability to provide air defense over Koepang.
The final phase will of course be invasion, but targets and operational sequencing will not be known until enemy dispositions on Java are better understood. The draft plan calls for hammering Timor's port and airfield while determining whether enemy mines are a threat. We will make a few ground attacks for recon purposes as the combat report reveals which LCU was bombed. Then we invade with four divisions while SNLF descend on Dili & Lautem. Subsequently, we will invade Java at a beach to be named later.
All of this will take some time. For example, 2nd & 5th Divs are only just moving out toward Saigon by rail for pickup. In the interim, MKB and the Indes Fleet will move to Cam Ranh Bay and escort invasion TFs to Kuching and Djambi. We will avenge our defeat at Kuching and rescue the troops of the original invasion (who are still in good condition thanks to regular sub transport missions and the occasional FT TF). Because the bases near Kuching are reduced in strategic value by our capture of Singapore, the troops will march from Kuching around the horn to Pontianak, taking bases as they go. This will free up MKB and the Indes Fleet to return to the eastern DEI to reduce Timor & Java. Both of these units may spend a few days at Cam Ranh Bay to clear up SYS damage and refill air units (not that there have been many losses), but there is not yet the need nor is there the time for an extended stay in the yard. The invasion of southern Sumatra will involve 18th Div, at least two base forces and two independent engineer regts. This invasion will land at Djambi and march to Palembang and then Oosthaven or Oosterbeek or whatever it's called. This is a little thin on forces, but so far recon shows Sumatra pretty empty, and we have 56th Div and various SNLF in reserve if needed.
If/when we complete the conquests of Sumatra, Java, Timor and Burma, we will turn to Phase II of the overall war plan - invasion of NW Oz and capture of the New Hebrides and New Caledonia. Then we are sure DSwain will sue for peace, right? [;)]
Part I - Operation SB AAR
As we undertook Operation SB, Cribtop HQ felt confident about the plan, and with good reason. We had assets to deal with air, sea and land threats in place, enemy targets were fully recce'd, and our CVs were moving forward en masse with strong LBA and SCTF backup.
Execution, however, was sorely lacking. When we refueled the fleet from the Oilers off Jolo, we obviously forgot to refuel MKB's two TFs. The most important ships in the fleet and we didn't top them off. The carriers still had sufficient fuel to complete the mission, but this error left us open to the dreaded AI's refueling decisions. The CVs were thus stuck without Ops in the middle of Indian country. Only the fact that we have strategic superiority in CVs for the moment kept the enemy from intervening. If he had, DSwain could have scored a historic victory and we would be an embarrasment to JFBs everywhere. [8|]
This error was then compounded by leaving the Indes Fleet on "retirement allowed" status, causing them to return to Jolo on D minus 1. I can only imagine the horror on the invasion fleet commander's face as the huge battle wagons turned north while flashing the signal "Have fun storming the castle!" We made up for this by detaching elements of MKB's rather oversized surface escorts (4 Kongo Class BBs and 6 CAs). This was fine as the large escort for the CVs is designed to be detached in part on occasion to deal with contingencies just like this. Then we forgot the heavies couldn't sail up the river to hit Samarinda, so they too sailed blissfully for home.
The point of all this self-flagellation is to drive home the point that in AE a well-planned Op can fall apart if you forget a few mouse clicks. A lesson for us newbies. Odd that we would screw this up, as I confess to being a rather anal player who often double-checks these things. However, the bigger the Op, the more likely these errors are to creep into your game as big Ops usually involve multiple TFs with complicated orders.
All that said, the operation in the end was a complete success, and our LCTF doctrine seems to be a very effective anti-PT tactic. One thing I love about this game is that the complexity level means you think along the lines of "what can I do to counter PTs - well, in the war the natural predators of PTs were CLs leading DDs, so let's try that." In other games, there is usually a "counter PT" button so to speak. AE's genius is in the richer experience that usually makes you feel as if this is really a war rather than a game.
Part II - General Analysis
Friendly Situation
Operation Katana has been a resounding victory, with all objectives except Timor captured with minimal losses, leaving Japan in effective control of the northern tier of islands in the DEI. We now have a good number of bases in the Eastern DEI from which to mount further operations, and DSwain's 4Es can't close them all. The escape of the long suffering Zero Hikotai from Kendari dramatically enhances land-based fighter strength. From the logistics standpoint, we are pumping reinforcements, fuel and supplies into Babel in quantities sufficient to support large ops against Timor and Java. The fall of Singapore outflanks the enemy's bases in western Borneo and opens the road to Sumatra and Java from the west. In Burma, we have finally gathered the logistical support necessary to achieve air superiority and large reinforcements are moving into position to break the deadlock at Pegu. In short, things are looking good.
Enemy Situation and Intentions
DSwain chose not to strenuously oppose Operation Katana after the fall of Ambon and the intervention of MKB at the "Kendari Turkey Shoot." The enemy is defending Timor in strength. The eastern Pacific remains a ghost town virtually ignored by the enemy. Even our subs find nothing to feast on other than a few ships along the eastern coast of Oz. While Burma is being actively defended, it does not appear that significant enemy LCU reinforcements have moved to this front, at least in the south. Cribtop Intel is unsure whether the enemy has reserves in central or northern Burma, but we expect to find some Chinese units holding Lashio. The real question is very simple - is Fortress Timor DSwain's main gambit, or merely an outpost of a larger Fortress Java approach? We just won't know until we recon Java, a process that begins tomorrow with a flight over Soerebaja. We will also move a few Glen boats to recon bases from the Indian Ocean side.
Cribtop Intel has received 3 or 4 "heavy volume of radio transmissions from Perth" messages over the last two weeks. While Japanese SigInt is an exercise in reading tea leaves, these messages provide support for two rather logical hypotheses. 1) DSwain is ignoring the eastern half of the map and bringing convoys from the US East Coast via off map movement all the way to Karachi and Perth; 2) the enemy CVs are most likely based at Perth. The latter assumption makes sense as this is a good spot for AFBs to post their carriers generally, but in particular if they plan on strong defense of Timor/Java. Based at Perth, the Allied CVs are kept safe both by distance and the ability to run east, putting the bulk of Australia between them and the IJN. By the same token, the enemy is well positioned to intervene in the southern DEI if the opportunity presents itself. There are certainly no guarantees, but it looks like Perth is the best bet, and we will assume the Allied CVs are in position to harass operations against Timor or Java.
Desired Endstate
The desired endstate is the reduction and capture of the southern tier of DEI islands and Burma. Quite a mouthful, but we have 5 divisions from Malaya looking for work. Speed is essential, as April 1 is coming soon. The clock is ticking and we must complete conquest of these Phase I objectives and get the oil flowing to the Home Islands. That said, DSwain has proven to be a very competent adversary, and we are moving into his MLR in the DEI. Thus, hasty invasions of Java and Timor are unlikely to meet with good results. We must seize the air, pummel the invasion beaches, and then go ashore with overwhelming force.
Forces Employed
No need to go into a lot of detail here, suffice it to say we are throwing the kitchen sink at the southern DEI, while allocating 3 Divisions, 3 tank regts and the bulk of 3rd Air Division to Burma.
Execution
As mentioned previously, we have four divisions (2nd, 5th, 20th & 38th) and supporting elements allocated to seize Timor and invade Java, with 56th Div currently at Singers as a theater reserve if needed. We have a good understanding of enemy dispositions on Timor, but we must recon Java to gauge how heavily defended the island is at present. We expect that it has been reinforced, but the large contingent at Koepang means that the enemy hasn't gone "all in" on Java.
Once Java is recce'd, we will launch air/sea offensives against targets in both Timor and Java. Cribtop HQ envisions bombardments by the Indes Fleet and raids by MKB and LBA on targets in eastern Java and Koepang. We are considering starting with a raid on Darwin. The purpose of this raid would be to catch the large units of LB-30 and B-17E that are known to be operating from this base and to reduce its ability to provide air defense over Koepang.
The final phase will of course be invasion, but targets and operational sequencing will not be known until enemy dispositions on Java are better understood. The draft plan calls for hammering Timor's port and airfield while determining whether enemy mines are a threat. We will make a few ground attacks for recon purposes as the combat report reveals which LCU was bombed. Then we invade with four divisions while SNLF descend on Dili & Lautem. Subsequently, we will invade Java at a beach to be named later.
All of this will take some time. For example, 2nd & 5th Divs are only just moving out toward Saigon by rail for pickup. In the interim, MKB and the Indes Fleet will move to Cam Ranh Bay and escort invasion TFs to Kuching and Djambi. We will avenge our defeat at Kuching and rescue the troops of the original invasion (who are still in good condition thanks to regular sub transport missions and the occasional FT TF). Because the bases near Kuching are reduced in strategic value by our capture of Singapore, the troops will march from Kuching around the horn to Pontianak, taking bases as they go. This will free up MKB and the Indes Fleet to return to the eastern DEI to reduce Timor & Java. Both of these units may spend a few days at Cam Ranh Bay to clear up SYS damage and refill air units (not that there have been many losses), but there is not yet the need nor is there the time for an extended stay in the yard. The invasion of southern Sumatra will involve 18th Div, at least two base forces and two independent engineer regts. This invasion will land at Djambi and march to Palembang and then Oosthaven or Oosterbeek or whatever it's called. This is a little thin on forces, but so far recon shows Sumatra pretty empty, and we have 56th Div and various SNLF in reserve if needed.
If/when we complete the conquests of Sumatra, Java, Timor and Burma, we will turn to Phase II of the overall war plan - invasion of NW Oz and capture of the New Hebrides and New Caledonia. Then we are sure DSwain will sue for peace, right? [;)]
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Feb 16, 1942
Subs
RO-61 sinks PC Formalhaut near Koepang. A Glen boat was supposed to recon Darwin today, but the mission was scrapped by weather. We'll try again tomorrow.
SE Fleet
Reinforcements are moving towards Truk. We are dropping an SNLF at Marcus Island to prevent easy Allied capture (not sure this is DSwain's style, but other AFBs have grabbed Marcus early and we just don't need the hassle).
16th Army
Makassar falls easily to a DA, 74:1 odds, casualties 406(62) vs 5(0). The enemy's ships and planes still fail to challenge us, other than a PT boat raid which is driven off by our LCTF with the loss of one PT. Unfortunately, in the confusion a DD collides with a PB in the invasion TF, but damage is not too serious. The only thing MKB's bored pilots are required do is harass a TF with several xAKLs that is oddly proceeding NE up the Makassar Strait toward Balikpapan. Did DSwain forget to turn these ships around a la Boela? Most of the ships are reported hit by searching aircraft, a formal raid is not launched. Apparently Nagumo thinks this target is beneath him. [;)]
Tomorrow all ships will retire up the Strait towards Jolo. The invasion TFs will then sail for Babel while the warships move toward Cam Ranh Bay to support the return to Kuching. The LCTF will prowl towards the lost enemy xAKLs with retirement allowed orders to Jolo. Maybe we'll get lucky and finish these ships off.
Recon assets move into both Makassar and Kendari to begin snooping on the enemy's bases from eastern Java to the tip of Timor.
25th Army
We order the first air raid out of Singapore to hit the Palembang airfield. We will soon bomb the ground forces there to get some recon. The air flotilla based at Bangkok will move to Singers as 3rd Air Div has arrived in Bangkok.
Burma
Our massive raid on Rangoon is scrapped by storms. The weather report for tomorrow is better so we will try, try again.
China
Reinforcements are closing in on the rendezvous with 13th Army. Our offensive will begin soon. Operation JK will shift from BAs to DAs as soon as a few more units crawl into the mountain fastness of the enemy. No rush here. We have decided to move an IJAAF bomber wing (2 Sally Sentais and 1 Lily Sentai make up a bomber wing in Cribtop HQ parlance, FYI) to 16th Army AO to assist with tough campaigns to come against Timor and Java. This unit was originally to be used to help reduce Kukong first, but the DEI is a higher priority.
Other
TB makes a lvl 2 airfield, Nanyang makes lvl 3 forts.
Subs
RO-61 sinks PC Formalhaut near Koepang. A Glen boat was supposed to recon Darwin today, but the mission was scrapped by weather. We'll try again tomorrow.
SE Fleet
Reinforcements are moving towards Truk. We are dropping an SNLF at Marcus Island to prevent easy Allied capture (not sure this is DSwain's style, but other AFBs have grabbed Marcus early and we just don't need the hassle).
16th Army
Makassar falls easily to a DA, 74:1 odds, casualties 406(62) vs 5(0). The enemy's ships and planes still fail to challenge us, other than a PT boat raid which is driven off by our LCTF with the loss of one PT. Unfortunately, in the confusion a DD collides with a PB in the invasion TF, but damage is not too serious. The only thing MKB's bored pilots are required do is harass a TF with several xAKLs that is oddly proceeding NE up the Makassar Strait toward Balikpapan. Did DSwain forget to turn these ships around a la Boela? Most of the ships are reported hit by searching aircraft, a formal raid is not launched. Apparently Nagumo thinks this target is beneath him. [;)]
Tomorrow all ships will retire up the Strait towards Jolo. The invasion TFs will then sail for Babel while the warships move toward Cam Ranh Bay to support the return to Kuching. The LCTF will prowl towards the lost enemy xAKLs with retirement allowed orders to Jolo. Maybe we'll get lucky and finish these ships off.
Recon assets move into both Makassar and Kendari to begin snooping on the enemy's bases from eastern Java to the tip of Timor.
25th Army
We order the first air raid out of Singapore to hit the Palembang airfield. We will soon bomb the ground forces there to get some recon. The air flotilla based at Bangkok will move to Singers as 3rd Air Div has arrived in Bangkok.
Burma
Our massive raid on Rangoon is scrapped by storms. The weather report for tomorrow is better so we will try, try again.
China
Reinforcements are closing in on the rendezvous with 13th Army. Our offensive will begin soon. Operation JK will shift from BAs to DAs as soon as a few more units crawl into the mountain fastness of the enemy. No rush here. We have decided to move an IJAAF bomber wing (2 Sally Sentais and 1 Lily Sentai make up a bomber wing in Cribtop HQ parlance, FYI) to 16th Army AO to assist with tough campaigns to come against Timor and Java. This unit was originally to be used to help reduce Kukong first, but the DEI is a higher priority.
Other
TB makes a lvl 2 airfield, Nanyang makes lvl 3 forts.
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Feb 17, 1942
Subs
I-15 torpedoes, but apparently does not sink, CM Bungaree off Nadi. Rare sighting of the enemy in these waters. RO-61 blunders into Koepang and strikes two mines. Needless to say she sinks, but at least we confirm the presence of mines in the harbor. [8|]
4th Fleet
The Operation BC fleet returns to Kwaj. The South Seas Fleet sails immediately for Truk, while the Marshalls Sqdn resumes its position guarding Kwaj & Roi Namur. This AO is pretty much done as far as offensive ops, so we will move all but a skeleton fleet of transports and escorts back to Truk. We will probably leave about 6 xAKs and 3 xAKLs along with 10ish PBs. A small clean up op will begin soon in the Gilberts and we plan for a possible descent on Midway. CVE Taiho will soon pay a visit to Roi Namur to re-size the 9 plane Zero unit.
SE Fleet
We are considering an air assault on Merauke and Horn Island. Other than that things are quiet, except that Noumea makes a lvl 4 AF. Hmmm... We have two Emilys at Tulagi to perform some long range recon in the Hebrides and Caledonia. If we can confirm the location of the enemy CVs we may make a dash for the Hebrides, but this op is just a contingency plan to date.
16th Army
A Glen recons Darwin and finds... 1 enemy LCU. This immediately creates an idea for a move to be designated "Operation CT." This one is still just a possibility, but it's so cool it will have to stay under wraps in Cribtop HQ for now. Other recon flights show that Soerabaja is lightly held. Koepang, now spotted up to detection level 9/10, shows 34 enemy LCUs and over 240 aircraft. I'd say this is it. The unit symbol is brown, indicating a majority of British units. Surely these are the early war reinforcements such as 18th Div, etc. This concentration of force is so strong that we begin to suspect Java will be defended mostly by the original Dutch garrison. The wheels are turning indeed. Fortunately we are getting to the point in the game where the mad dash of invasions is slowing down a bit. This allows us to plan and execute a more thoughtful attack. The Java invasion may well be moved up if recon shows the island is there for the taking.
We take Surigao, forcing the main US force on Mindanao to surrender. 5 LCUs are in the bag, losses are 9156(855) vs 7(0). Only Zamboanga is still held by enemy trooops. Our clean up force leaves Sandakan for Tawau (sp?).
14th Army
After several weeks of blockade by the IJN and constant airfield attacks at Clark and Bataan, we try another BA at Clark Field. To our disgust, the enemy's AV here is at 1704 - still going up. There's no way DSwain is still slipping in supply ships (although I'm sure subs are visiting). The siege of Luzon will just take a while. This result causes Cribtop HQ to decide to buy another division out of Manchukuo for operations in the DEI.
25th Army
Singapore harbor is cleared of Allied mines. Two subs will drop IJN mines in their place tomorrow. The first air raid on Palembang brushes aside a single 339D fighter and destroys 3 Allied a/c, including at least one hated B-17, on the ground. Damage to the field itself is nominal.
Burma
Once again, bad weather grounds our sweeps from Rahaeng. However, it does not ground 18 A6M2s and 25 Nells that raid Rangoon. The sweeps were supposed to clear the skies for this low flying raid, instead we suffer a horrendous bounce attack by enemy fighters. The replay shows 8 Zeros lost. In reality, we only lose 4, and the brave Zeros keep the enemy away from the fragile Nells, who proceed to torpedo and sink four enemy xAKs that are loading or unloading supplies. Angry telegrams fly from Bangkok to Rahaeng, with the IJNAF accusing the IJAAF of cowardice and worse.
China
Pakhoi falls. Another war aim in this AO is achieved as all Chinese ports have now been conquered, err, liberated.
Other
A whole lot of February upgrade DDs are almost ready to rejoin the fight. Our pilot pools are in excellent shape, with numerous 70+ pilots in reserve and hundreds more training. The economy is humming at a good pitch, with no shortages except for Oscar Ic and Sally IIa, both of which have had production expanded. We make the painful decision to spend 50,000 supply repairing the shipyard at Singapore.
Subs
I-15 torpedoes, but apparently does not sink, CM Bungaree off Nadi. Rare sighting of the enemy in these waters. RO-61 blunders into Koepang and strikes two mines. Needless to say she sinks, but at least we confirm the presence of mines in the harbor. [8|]
4th Fleet
The Operation BC fleet returns to Kwaj. The South Seas Fleet sails immediately for Truk, while the Marshalls Sqdn resumes its position guarding Kwaj & Roi Namur. This AO is pretty much done as far as offensive ops, so we will move all but a skeleton fleet of transports and escorts back to Truk. We will probably leave about 6 xAKs and 3 xAKLs along with 10ish PBs. A small clean up op will begin soon in the Gilberts and we plan for a possible descent on Midway. CVE Taiho will soon pay a visit to Roi Namur to re-size the 9 plane Zero unit.
SE Fleet
We are considering an air assault on Merauke and Horn Island. Other than that things are quiet, except that Noumea makes a lvl 4 AF. Hmmm... We have two Emilys at Tulagi to perform some long range recon in the Hebrides and Caledonia. If we can confirm the location of the enemy CVs we may make a dash for the Hebrides, but this op is just a contingency plan to date.
16th Army
A Glen recons Darwin and finds... 1 enemy LCU. This immediately creates an idea for a move to be designated "Operation CT." This one is still just a possibility, but it's so cool it will have to stay under wraps in Cribtop HQ for now. Other recon flights show that Soerabaja is lightly held. Koepang, now spotted up to detection level 9/10, shows 34 enemy LCUs and over 240 aircraft. I'd say this is it. The unit symbol is brown, indicating a majority of British units. Surely these are the early war reinforcements such as 18th Div, etc. This concentration of force is so strong that we begin to suspect Java will be defended mostly by the original Dutch garrison. The wheels are turning indeed. Fortunately we are getting to the point in the game where the mad dash of invasions is slowing down a bit. This allows us to plan and execute a more thoughtful attack. The Java invasion may well be moved up if recon shows the island is there for the taking.
We take Surigao, forcing the main US force on Mindanao to surrender. 5 LCUs are in the bag, losses are 9156(855) vs 7(0). Only Zamboanga is still held by enemy trooops. Our clean up force leaves Sandakan for Tawau (sp?).
14th Army
After several weeks of blockade by the IJN and constant airfield attacks at Clark and Bataan, we try another BA at Clark Field. To our disgust, the enemy's AV here is at 1704 - still going up. There's no way DSwain is still slipping in supply ships (although I'm sure subs are visiting). The siege of Luzon will just take a while. This result causes Cribtop HQ to decide to buy another division out of Manchukuo for operations in the DEI.
25th Army
Singapore harbor is cleared of Allied mines. Two subs will drop IJN mines in their place tomorrow. The first air raid on Palembang brushes aside a single 339D fighter and destroys 3 Allied a/c, including at least one hated B-17, on the ground. Damage to the field itself is nominal.
Burma
Once again, bad weather grounds our sweeps from Rahaeng. However, it does not ground 18 A6M2s and 25 Nells that raid Rangoon. The sweeps were supposed to clear the skies for this low flying raid, instead we suffer a horrendous bounce attack by enemy fighters. The replay shows 8 Zeros lost. In reality, we only lose 4, and the brave Zeros keep the enemy away from the fragile Nells, who proceed to torpedo and sink four enemy xAKs that are loading or unloading supplies. Angry telegrams fly from Bangkok to Rahaeng, with the IJNAF accusing the IJAAF of cowardice and worse.
China
Pakhoi falls. Another war aim in this AO is achieved as all Chinese ports have now been conquered, err, liberated.
Other
A whole lot of February upgrade DDs are almost ready to rejoin the fight. Our pilot pools are in excellent shape, with numerous 70+ pilots in reserve and hundreds more training. The economy is humming at a good pitch, with no shortages except for Oscar Ic and Sally IIa, both of which have had production expanded. We make the painful decision to spend 50,000 supply repairing the shipyard at Singapore.
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Feb 18, 1942
Subs
Many times in war, we marvel at the random events that, once set on a collision course, result in unusual but important outcomes. Confederate soldiers looking for shoes in a small town called Gettysburg comes to mind. Today, I-18 arrived at Canton from the Northwest carrying a mini-sub to provide a modicum of harbor defense for the island. From the East, a smallish SCTF built around the recently repaired BB Warspite arrived from the East. No doubt DSwain was moving her from the West Coast to the more active theaters of the war and thought to stop off at Canton for a little target practice. The result is I-18 putting two torpedoes into the big Man 'o War. Banzai! [&o] Warspite shows up as sunk on the Intel screen, but we don't hear sinking noises and the combat report doesn't show "heavy damage." However, when the bombardment occurs shortly after the sub attack, Warspite is not present in the TF. Either she sank outright or she is so badly damaged she is in an Escort TF. Either way, she is crippled and a goodly distance from safety.
Elsewhere, I-19 is interrupted in her efforts to recon Katherine by ML 423. The sub shoots but misses this rather speedy target. The recon of Katherine shows nobody home. NW Oz is surprisingly vacant. Hmm.
4th and SE Fleets
[>:] Hansa Bay is invaded by our clean up op. Our Emilys got roughed up on the long flight from Truk to Tulagi and it will be a few days before we can begin recon of the Hebrides & Caledonia.
16th Army
Tawau is invaded by clean up forces. The fleet is at Jolo and engages in "Aggie refueling" off of the invasion TF. The invasion forces head for Babel while Indes Fleet and MKB will make for Cam Ranh Bay, where the second Kuching invasion TF is loading. Enemy 4Es visit Makassar and do moderate damage. Tomorrow we will LRCAP the place from Kendari. Ambon has been reinforced with a base force and is well on the way to being repaired. Recon of Malang shows the base empty. Since this is one of two usual allied redoubts on Java, the evidence for a light defense of the island is mounting.
25th Army
We sweep Allied mines at Mersing on the way home from Singapore. Another raid on Palembang produces decent results. Tanjoengpinang (is this really a name or the result of a random letter generating experiment gone horribly wrong?), the Dutch base 1 hex SE of Singapore, is occupied.
Burma
Rangoon makes a lvl 7 airfield. Is DSwain planning on keeping the place or just pre-building a 4E base for later in the war? At long last, 67 Oscar and 4 Tojo sweep Rangoon and feast on P-40s and Hurricanes. Stated losses are 4:0, but per the replay and the Intel screen we did about twice that. Cribtop Intel estimates that at a minimum 5 P-40s were shot down outright. Oddly, the daily milk run on our troops near Pegu includes 11 Fulmar IIs. What are they doing here? The attack clearly came from land, no CVs are present. One of the Fulmars is shot down by flak. Armor reinforcements are off the trains and marching for the front. Imperial Guards Div will be de-training tomorrow. Rangoon's days are numbered.
China
In a rare offensive move, 23 AVG fighters sweep Wuchang, followed by a bomber raid that does minimal damage. Our reinforcements for 13th Army have crossed a key phase line and the Chinese allied units begin the "swinging gate" move detailed in a screenshot posted in the February 3rd AAR above.
Other
CV Junyo arrives! Banzai! We now accerlate her sister ship Hiyo.
Subs
Many times in war, we marvel at the random events that, once set on a collision course, result in unusual but important outcomes. Confederate soldiers looking for shoes in a small town called Gettysburg comes to mind. Today, I-18 arrived at Canton from the Northwest carrying a mini-sub to provide a modicum of harbor defense for the island. From the East, a smallish SCTF built around the recently repaired BB Warspite arrived from the East. No doubt DSwain was moving her from the West Coast to the more active theaters of the war and thought to stop off at Canton for a little target practice. The result is I-18 putting two torpedoes into the big Man 'o War. Banzai! [&o] Warspite shows up as sunk on the Intel screen, but we don't hear sinking noises and the combat report doesn't show "heavy damage." However, when the bombardment occurs shortly after the sub attack, Warspite is not present in the TF. Either she sank outright or she is so badly damaged she is in an Escort TF. Either way, she is crippled and a goodly distance from safety.
Elsewhere, I-19 is interrupted in her efforts to recon Katherine by ML 423. The sub shoots but misses this rather speedy target. The recon of Katherine shows nobody home. NW Oz is surprisingly vacant. Hmm.
4th and SE Fleets
[>:] Hansa Bay is invaded by our clean up op. Our Emilys got roughed up on the long flight from Truk to Tulagi and it will be a few days before we can begin recon of the Hebrides & Caledonia.
16th Army
Tawau is invaded by clean up forces. The fleet is at Jolo and engages in "Aggie refueling" off of the invasion TF. The invasion forces head for Babel while Indes Fleet and MKB will make for Cam Ranh Bay, where the second Kuching invasion TF is loading. Enemy 4Es visit Makassar and do moderate damage. Tomorrow we will LRCAP the place from Kendari. Ambon has been reinforced with a base force and is well on the way to being repaired. Recon of Malang shows the base empty. Since this is one of two usual allied redoubts on Java, the evidence for a light defense of the island is mounting.
25th Army
We sweep Allied mines at Mersing on the way home from Singapore. Another raid on Palembang produces decent results. Tanjoengpinang (is this really a name or the result of a random letter generating experiment gone horribly wrong?), the Dutch base 1 hex SE of Singapore, is occupied.
Burma
Rangoon makes a lvl 7 airfield. Is DSwain planning on keeping the place or just pre-building a 4E base for later in the war? At long last, 67 Oscar and 4 Tojo sweep Rangoon and feast on P-40s and Hurricanes. Stated losses are 4:0, but per the replay and the Intel screen we did about twice that. Cribtop Intel estimates that at a minimum 5 P-40s were shot down outright. Oddly, the daily milk run on our troops near Pegu includes 11 Fulmar IIs. What are they doing here? The attack clearly came from land, no CVs are present. One of the Fulmars is shot down by flak. Armor reinforcements are off the trains and marching for the front. Imperial Guards Div will be de-training tomorrow. Rangoon's days are numbered.
China
In a rare offensive move, 23 AVG fighters sweep Wuchang, followed by a bomber raid that does minimal damage. Our reinforcements for 13th Army have crossed a key phase line and the Chinese allied units begin the "swinging gate" move detailed in a screenshot posted in the February 3rd AAR above.
Other
CV Junyo arrives! Banzai! We now accerlate her sister ship Hiyo.
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Feb 19, 1942
Subs
I-158, cruising near Pamakasan, stumbles on to two relatively large enemy convoys. The escorts chase her away, but mouseover reveals a lot of merchies on the move.
4th Fleet
Onotoa, near TB, occupied. No sign of the enemy near Canton.
SE Fleet
Hansa Bay falls. On to Siador!
16th Army
A large enemy 4E raid on Makassar. 8 Zeros on LRCAP damage 5 of them, but they still achieve 52 runway hits. The enemy bombers have definitely moved from Darwin to Koepang. In an odd incident, DD John D. Ford bombards Bandjermasin. We assume DSwain was checking for the presence of mines before his heavies visit. Not much we can do about it in the short run other than vector a sub into the hex and hope for a repeat of Canton.
Tawau falls. We are reloading the fleet AOs at Tarakan. Our troops will cross the river and SA Balikpapan tomorrow.
Recon shows 10 LCUs at Dili. Fortress Timor is bristling with bad guys.
25th Army
Recon has pretty much confirmed Sumatra is empty other than light garrisons. We will invade as soon as transports can move from Cam Ranh Bay to Singapore.
Burma
An ugly day. We planned to sweep from Rahaeng and then have all IJNAF and IJAAF bombers based in Bangkok launch nav attacks on enemy xAKs still stubbornly visiting Rangoon. Naturally, the IJNAF raid precedes the sweep and is murdered. 5 Zeros and 8 Nells are lost. One squadron of the AVG has switched to "normal" P-40E, and Pappy Boyington himself gets in on the slaughter. Eventually we damage his plane, but I'm sure he'll be back. Then the sweep arrives and shoots down the remaining two enemy fighters on CAP. Thanks to this little fiasco, air losses today are 24:4 in the enemy's favor. [:@][:(] We will constrain the Nell & Zero ranges to stay outside the port and commence a program of sweeps and airfield raids. The only good news is that the Imperial Guards are now on the march toward Rangoon.
China
The enemy repeats his raids on Wuchang. We may have to address this.
Subs
I-158, cruising near Pamakasan, stumbles on to two relatively large enemy convoys. The escorts chase her away, but mouseover reveals a lot of merchies on the move.
4th Fleet
Onotoa, near TB, occupied. No sign of the enemy near Canton.
SE Fleet
Hansa Bay falls. On to Siador!
16th Army
A large enemy 4E raid on Makassar. 8 Zeros on LRCAP damage 5 of them, but they still achieve 52 runway hits. The enemy bombers have definitely moved from Darwin to Koepang. In an odd incident, DD John D. Ford bombards Bandjermasin. We assume DSwain was checking for the presence of mines before his heavies visit. Not much we can do about it in the short run other than vector a sub into the hex and hope for a repeat of Canton.
Tawau falls. We are reloading the fleet AOs at Tarakan. Our troops will cross the river and SA Balikpapan tomorrow.
Recon shows 10 LCUs at Dili. Fortress Timor is bristling with bad guys.
25th Army
Recon has pretty much confirmed Sumatra is empty other than light garrisons. We will invade as soon as transports can move from Cam Ranh Bay to Singapore.
Burma
An ugly day. We planned to sweep from Rahaeng and then have all IJNAF and IJAAF bombers based in Bangkok launch nav attacks on enemy xAKs still stubbornly visiting Rangoon. Naturally, the IJNAF raid precedes the sweep and is murdered. 5 Zeros and 8 Nells are lost. One squadron of the AVG has switched to "normal" P-40E, and Pappy Boyington himself gets in on the slaughter. Eventually we damage his plane, but I'm sure he'll be back. Then the sweep arrives and shoots down the remaining two enemy fighters on CAP. Thanks to this little fiasco, air losses today are 24:4 in the enemy's favor. [:@][:(] We will constrain the Nell & Zero ranges to stay outside the port and commence a program of sweeps and airfield raids. The only good news is that the Imperial Guards are now on the march toward Rangoon.
China
The enemy repeats his raids on Wuchang. We may have to address this.
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Feb 20, 1942
Subs
RO-66 duds on xAKL Ipoh near Timor. Must've been using captured USN torps. I-15 moved toward Suva on a hunch and finishes off CM Bungaree . Odd ship, looks like a converted merchie.
SE Fleet
The mighty South Seas Fleet arrives in Truk and goes to anchor for some well-deserved R&R. SYS damage is minimal and everything should be at 0 in just a few days. The recently Taiyo expanded Daitai wings back toward the Marshalls.
16th Army
Dinagat occupied. Cribtop HQ has been considering a variety of important moves in the DEI. The conclusion is to crush Sumatra, western Borneo (Kuching area) and then invade what appears to be a denuded Java ASAP. Doing this will allow oil to begin flowing to the Home Islands and will minimize the mischief the enemy can create as we attempt to reduce Timor. Phase I of this op is already loading and we will hit Kuching and Djambi very soon. To assist with this, Cribtop HQ orders the two regiments of 30th Div still in Korea bought out and deployed (the third regt starts with 25th Army and is currently at Singapore). This means we will have 2nd, 5th, 20th, 30th, 38th & 56th Divs operating in the key DEI AO. Also available are 4 tank regts, numerous SNLF and base forces. We will allocate two Air Flotillas and 11th Air Fleet, along with elements of 5th Air Division to the fight. The bulk of the IJN remains on call in the region, of course.
Bandjermasin is bombed by Dutch 139s and Hudsons to no effect and B-17s (probably from Batavia) to little effect. We SA at Balikpapan as our troops cross the river and achieve a good result - 2:1 odds; forts dropped from 2 to 0; casualties 698(6) vs 206(0). We are almost relieved we didn't take the base outright as we suspect the SA at Singapore was in part responsible for the 100% damage. I'd rather take Balikpapan by DA in a few turns to (maybe) preserve the precious oil. IJNAF bombers from Manado will be set to Nav Atk/Ground Atk to soften the enemy up a bit. Because Bandjermasin is ours we believe we'll get a surrender of the 7 LCUs defending the base.
25th Army
Recon of Oosthaven reveals 1 LCU. Sumatra is practically undefended.
Burma
Another big sweep and a juicy one. We net 6:2 losses in the replay, many more in the daily Intel recap. DSwain can't maintain a presence here too much longer - his precious P-40s and Hurricanes are dying at an unsustainable rate.
Most importantly, we shot down at least two of the "super Buffalos." Banzai! We will sweep again tomorrow AND bring to bear two air wings of IJAAF bombers to hit Rangoon's airfield. The IJNAF will bomb the port for good measure as ships are still present. An I-boat lurks off the harbor for their inevitable departure. Elsewhere the tanks and Guards are on the march. This AO is finally looking up. We may have been too cautious in waiting for reinforcements before risking the SA in crossing the Salween River into Pegu, but Cribtop HQ feared 15th Army would be rendered combat ineffective if the enemy forces were tough. Live and learn. Rangoon will probably still fall around the historical March 7 date.
Humorously, 18 Zeros and 18 Nells way overkill the AMc Patna just off Rangoon. She was no doubt hunting our I-boat.
China
DA in the mountains of North China produces a 3:1 result, but casualties are not to our liking - 139(3) vs 206(0). Such is the nature of fighting in the mountains outside a base hex. We will press on as the enemy is doomed and already shows on the combat report as low on supply. An object lesson in how much the Chinese defense will stiffen if we pursue them off of the plains, however.
Other
Canton makes lvl 4 forts, TB makes a lvl 1 port.
Subs
RO-66 duds on xAKL Ipoh near Timor. Must've been using captured USN torps. I-15 moved toward Suva on a hunch and finishes off CM Bungaree . Odd ship, looks like a converted merchie.
SE Fleet
The mighty South Seas Fleet arrives in Truk and goes to anchor for some well-deserved R&R. SYS damage is minimal and everything should be at 0 in just a few days. The recently Taiyo expanded Daitai wings back toward the Marshalls.
16th Army
Dinagat occupied. Cribtop HQ has been considering a variety of important moves in the DEI. The conclusion is to crush Sumatra, western Borneo (Kuching area) and then invade what appears to be a denuded Java ASAP. Doing this will allow oil to begin flowing to the Home Islands and will minimize the mischief the enemy can create as we attempt to reduce Timor. Phase I of this op is already loading and we will hit Kuching and Djambi very soon. To assist with this, Cribtop HQ orders the two regiments of 30th Div still in Korea bought out and deployed (the third regt starts with 25th Army and is currently at Singapore). This means we will have 2nd, 5th, 20th, 30th, 38th & 56th Divs operating in the key DEI AO. Also available are 4 tank regts, numerous SNLF and base forces. We will allocate two Air Flotillas and 11th Air Fleet, along with elements of 5th Air Division to the fight. The bulk of the IJN remains on call in the region, of course.
Bandjermasin is bombed by Dutch 139s and Hudsons to no effect and B-17s (probably from Batavia) to little effect. We SA at Balikpapan as our troops cross the river and achieve a good result - 2:1 odds; forts dropped from 2 to 0; casualties 698(6) vs 206(0). We are almost relieved we didn't take the base outright as we suspect the SA at Singapore was in part responsible for the 100% damage. I'd rather take Balikpapan by DA in a few turns to (maybe) preserve the precious oil. IJNAF bombers from Manado will be set to Nav Atk/Ground Atk to soften the enemy up a bit. Because Bandjermasin is ours we believe we'll get a surrender of the 7 LCUs defending the base.
25th Army
Recon of Oosthaven reveals 1 LCU. Sumatra is practically undefended.
Burma
Another big sweep and a juicy one. We net 6:2 losses in the replay, many more in the daily Intel recap. DSwain can't maintain a presence here too much longer - his precious P-40s and Hurricanes are dying at an unsustainable rate.
Most importantly, we shot down at least two of the "super Buffalos." Banzai! We will sweep again tomorrow AND bring to bear two air wings of IJAAF bombers to hit Rangoon's airfield. The IJNAF will bomb the port for good measure as ships are still present. An I-boat lurks off the harbor for their inevitable departure. Elsewhere the tanks and Guards are on the march. This AO is finally looking up. We may have been too cautious in waiting for reinforcements before risking the SA in crossing the Salween River into Pegu, but Cribtop HQ feared 15th Army would be rendered combat ineffective if the enemy forces were tough. Live and learn. Rangoon will probably still fall around the historical March 7 date.Humorously, 18 Zeros and 18 Nells way overkill the AMc Patna just off Rangoon. She was no doubt hunting our I-boat.
China
DA in the mountains of North China produces a 3:1 result, but casualties are not to our liking - 139(3) vs 206(0). Such is the nature of fighting in the mountains outside a base hex. We will press on as the enemy is doomed and already shows on the combat report as low on supply. An object lesson in how much the Chinese defense will stiffen if we pursue them off of the plains, however.
Other
Canton makes lvl 4 forts, TB makes a lvl 1 port.
RE: Basejumping the Learning Cliff - Cribtop(J) v DSwain(A) No DSwain Pls
Feb 21, 1942
Second page! Gentlemen, where is the love? [;)]
A difficult day for the Empire, but nothing serious.
Subs
As expected, an enemy SCTF based on 3 CLs and 3 DDs shows up to bombard Bandjermasin. Damage to the base is nominal, and we have I-158 in position to "pull a Canton." Unfortunately, she misses CL Ceres. Frustrating to anticipate the enemy but have it all come to naught. Kind of a theme for the day. [:(]
SE Fleet
South Seas Fleet rides happily at anchor at Truk and has already just about fully repaired. Reinforcements, fuel and supplies are headed to this AO. We are moving the small paratroop units by ship from Rabaul to Lae in anticipation of airborne assaults on Meruake and Horn Is.
Emily recon discovers 3 enemy LCUs, 8,200 troops and 85 AFVs in Nomea. So the base is reinforced, but still doable. Excellent.
16th Army
4Es hit Kendari to some effect, but we note enemy bomber strength is down from Ops losses and the recent LRCAP. More of that to come. 42 139s and 6 Hudsons bomb Bandjermasin to minimal effect (although supplies are critical as we are still relying on airborne deliveries). Cribtop HQ estimates a DA at Balikpapan in 48 hours. We are about to move significant air assets into place in Kendari and Ambon, including 1.5 Zero Hikotai and a full wing of IJAAF bombers. We have a rough plan for how to reduce Timor once Sumatra and Java are taken.
MKB and Indes Fleet are at or near Cam Ranh Bay. Troops are already loaded for the second Kuching invasion and transports will launch tomorrow for Singapore to ferry the Djambi invasion over the Malacca Strait.
25th Army
Waiting for the transports to arrive to invade Sumatra while bombing Palembang and reconning Batavia.
15th Army
Burma is the scene of huge air battles today. Our orders are executed well, but the result is poor. First, we sweep Rangoon with 67 Oscar and 5 Tojo and achieve a 4:1 kill ratio. [&o] Unfortunately, our airfield and port raids in Rangoon are somehow met with a larger CAP than that which faced the sweeps and we are smacked. Losses are 1:7 with only 3 runway hits and 4 Blenheims damaged on the ground plus the xAK Clan Freesia sunk to show for it. Beginning tomorrow we will sweep until Rangoon is cleared, forgoing the airfield and port attacks. Despite these frustrations, recon flights show enemy fighters left in Rangoon down to 17 plus a few in Pegu, while our losses in the combat replay were partially FoW. In sum, we are winning the battle of attrition while our ground troops continue to march to the front. Rahaeng has used the reprieve granted it by DSwain to add air support, AA units and planes. If he had continued to bomb this base, the enemy might have hurt us, but now we are strong here.
China
DA in the mountains results in a disappointing 1:1; casualties 141(1) vs 226(0). We will wait a few days before trying again. Interestingly, recon shows that the enemy has abandoned Wenchow in South China. [&:]
Other
Perth makes port lvl 6. I-boats are on the way to snoop for enemy CVs which we suspect are based here.
Second page! Gentlemen, where is the love? [;)]
A difficult day for the Empire, but nothing serious.
Subs
As expected, an enemy SCTF based on 3 CLs and 3 DDs shows up to bombard Bandjermasin. Damage to the base is nominal, and we have I-158 in position to "pull a Canton." Unfortunately, she misses CL Ceres. Frustrating to anticipate the enemy but have it all come to naught. Kind of a theme for the day. [:(]
SE Fleet
South Seas Fleet rides happily at anchor at Truk and has already just about fully repaired. Reinforcements, fuel and supplies are headed to this AO. We are moving the small paratroop units by ship from Rabaul to Lae in anticipation of airborne assaults on Meruake and Horn Is.
Emily recon discovers 3 enemy LCUs, 8,200 troops and 85 AFVs in Nomea. So the base is reinforced, but still doable. Excellent.
16th Army
4Es hit Kendari to some effect, but we note enemy bomber strength is down from Ops losses and the recent LRCAP. More of that to come. 42 139s and 6 Hudsons bomb Bandjermasin to minimal effect (although supplies are critical as we are still relying on airborne deliveries). Cribtop HQ estimates a DA at Balikpapan in 48 hours. We are about to move significant air assets into place in Kendari and Ambon, including 1.5 Zero Hikotai and a full wing of IJAAF bombers. We have a rough plan for how to reduce Timor once Sumatra and Java are taken.
MKB and Indes Fleet are at or near Cam Ranh Bay. Troops are already loaded for the second Kuching invasion and transports will launch tomorrow for Singapore to ferry the Djambi invasion over the Malacca Strait.
25th Army
Waiting for the transports to arrive to invade Sumatra while bombing Palembang and reconning Batavia.
15th Army
Burma is the scene of huge air battles today. Our orders are executed well, but the result is poor. First, we sweep Rangoon with 67 Oscar and 5 Tojo and achieve a 4:1 kill ratio. [&o] Unfortunately, our airfield and port raids in Rangoon are somehow met with a larger CAP than that which faced the sweeps and we are smacked. Losses are 1:7 with only 3 runway hits and 4 Blenheims damaged on the ground plus the xAK Clan Freesia sunk to show for it. Beginning tomorrow we will sweep until Rangoon is cleared, forgoing the airfield and port attacks. Despite these frustrations, recon flights show enemy fighters left in Rangoon down to 17 plus a few in Pegu, while our losses in the combat replay were partially FoW. In sum, we are winning the battle of attrition while our ground troops continue to march to the front. Rahaeng has used the reprieve granted it by DSwain to add air support, AA units and planes. If he had continued to bomb this base, the enemy might have hurt us, but now we are strong here.
China
DA in the mountains results in a disappointing 1:1; casualties 141(1) vs 226(0). We will wait a few days before trying again. Interestingly, recon shows that the enemy has abandoned Wenchow in South China. [&:]
Other
Perth makes port lvl 6. I-boats are on the way to snoop for enemy CVs which we suspect are based here.