Days of Infamy--RA Scen 70

[John 3rd]

A quick-and-easy report for the Central Pacific.

Johnston Isle is invaded and surrenders on New Year's Eve 1941. Nearly 2,000 prisoners are taken in a swift coup-de-main. The Invasion Force drops off 20,000 supply and picks up one of the three SNLF used in the attack before heading back for Kwajalein. An engineering unit from Manchuria will begin landing here tomorrow to begin base repair and Fort construction.

Midway just gained a large Engineering unit from Manchuria to go with its two SNLF and one Base Force. Atoll population is at 5,000 and I doubt if I will move much more in for a while. A Daitai of Betty and Chutai of Zero are detailed to join the Mavis flying from this base. Got a bunch of American SS in the area and think I will attempt to bag a few with low-level ASW Sweeps by my Bettys.

The KB covered this landing, retired to Midway for fuel, and is now moving into the sea lanes between Pearl Harbor and the West Coast. I ordered total Emcon with no searches for the last two days and tomorrow. CAP is 50% and I hope to find something starting the 7th...

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
December 31-January 5, 1942
South Pacific

The transfer of troops continues between Truk and Rabaul/Lae. The AF at Rabaul is expanding rapidly and and I've got great amounts of supply and fuel moving in to stock-up my future bastion in this region.

The AF has 36 Zero and over 60 Betty flying from it. They have been hitting Port Moresby daily and are plastering the AF. Since Lae's AF is not up-and-running, I need to keep PM down as I run my supply and troop convoys and begin that base's expansion.

Welcome surface reinforcements have arrived in the form of 7 modern DD.

These ships will help but it is not in time before a surface fight near Townsville. On New Year's Eve a Japanese STF of 2 CA, 1 CL, and 3 DD catch the USS Indianapolis and 5 DMS 80 miles from Townsville. A running battle then takes place as the American TF retreats towards its base and the Japanese persue. The results are disappointing I have one CA moderately damaged in exchange for heavy damage to the American CA and 2 DMS. One DMS was sunk.

Luckily there is no action from the air so my STF makes it back to Rabaul without difficulty.

I am done with this nickel-and-dime stuff. On the 5th, Orders are sent to Babeldoap to BatDiv2 to form up and head for Rabaul. Two battlewagons, one CL, and 6 DD head for new destinations. Once can almost hear the LOVELY sound of 14" Shells smashing into Port Moresby...

In an "Enemy Intentions" thought, I throughly expect to see at least a pair of American CVs down here. There has been no real sign of the US CVs and I know Lew is aggressive. I will wager his trigger finger is mighty itchy and he will attempt to scratch HERE. (My secondary bet would be around Timor)

Port Moresby--As noted earlier in other Posts, I know Lew dropped off that 'at sea' Convoy here at this forward base. This will mean at least an Aussie Brigade waiting for a Japanese landing. I will need at least three times that to succeed.

Moresby Planning:
1. A Fast TF of 1 CL and 8 DD will move and take Milne Bay. Engineers will then move in to build this base. It is the KEY to Moresby.

2. In the first real Infantry purchase I have made, 1st Brigade of the 19th Inf Division is bought out of Korea and begins loading for Rabaul. It is prepping for PM. There were enough Political Points that I also bought the 4th Ind Heavy Artillery Bn.

3. After the Raid near Pearl Harbor, the KB shall travel to Truk, rest, and then move down into the Coral Sea for an extended raid. I also hope to bring about a CV Engagement in doing this.

The region:

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
Dec 31-Jan 5, 1942
The Philippines

My opponent's behavior really perplexes me in the Philippines. He has allowed me to slice up the Allied Force into smaller pieces with a real possibility of ending the campaign sooner rather then later.

I have posted a hex control map here to see the exact scenario. As hoped when I took Batangas on the 1st, the two Allied units retreated EAST into the Mauban hex. That move, couple with his inablility to kick my TKs out of Manila have created the following situation:

Mauban--3 Units (12,000 men) isolated when my 4 Inf Regiments and 1 TK Reg enter the hex tomorrow. There should be enough Japanese strength here to induce a surrender.

Manila--2 Units (10,000 men) facing 2 TK Reg and a Recon Element. A TK REg is about to enter the hex from Clark. That SHOULD cut off any form of Allied retreat in that direction. I tried a Shock Attack on the 2nd and got a 1-1. He tried to Shock Attack on the 3rd and 4th and got 1-2 and 1-3 odds.

Iba--2 Units (10,000 men) trapped here for the last 10 days. The 65th Inf Brigade doesn't have enough punch to take the hex so I have two SNLF and some Artillery moving into the hex within a couple of days. This MIGHT be enough.

Clark--18 Units (40,000 men) starting to retreat (it appears) into Bataan. They have the 21st and 48th ID facing them as well as 7 Artillery units, and 14th Army HQ. I will wait one day and then attack.

PLAN: I will force a surrender in Mauban, then move into Manila to force another surrender, and then advance into Clark from the south. If he is retreating from Clark then this shall be even easier...

In Mindanao, the Japanese land and capture Cagayan on the 31st. The 3 Inf Reg/Brigade then immediately move towards Malaybalay. All the forces of Mindanao are present there and I expect a surrender on my first serious attack.

Once free, these three units are scheduled to move on Darwin, however, I amy be crazy and fling them into Luzon if the situation looks good. A little operational flexibility might be needed.

[Q-Ball]

That is not a good defense of the Phillipines; provided the Japanese player keeps force concentrated and doesn't do anything stupid, the only real strategy is to fall back on Clark. (A clumsy invasion does open opportunities for counterattack).

I prefer to leave the PI for later, but if your opponent offers you an opportunity like this, by all means, liquidate it now.

Retreating into Bataan is a bad idea. The terrain is better at Clark.

[John 3rd]

Qball makes sound points. It will take me about 10 days to finish off Mindanao and then get back to Cagayan. It should be pretty apparent by that time if the Luzon situation is as good as it appears. If it is then I will reinforce the attack and try for a quick KO. If not, those boys have a date in Australia...

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
Yamaguchi's Raid
Dec 31-January 5, 1942

Action is this region of the DEI was definite but fairly muted. The most exciting part of the week was the ever aggressive Yamaguchi Tamon leading CarDiv2 on a raid that crossed Timor, passed NE Australia, threatened Perth and then ended with a series of attacks upon Soerabaja.

Eastern DEI:
The Japanese landed at Ambon on the 31st but don't have enough strength to blast the enemy away from the base. Since the full strength of the 16th Army is up in Mindanao, I am trying to get as far as I can with very limited ground forces.

Three Infantry Battalions were at Ternate. I decided to use them to finish off the forces at Sidate, Sulawasi and then move them to Ambon in the hopes of breaking the stalemate in both locations.

At Sidate the Infantry was dropped off by Fast DD TF and they achieved their goal by knocking the Allies out of that hex on January 3rd. Those DDs are currently (as of the 5th) picking up the Infantry and will take them to Ambon. I imagine these troops should be enough to bring about victory.

Central DEI:
Balikpapan and its neighbor fall without too much fuss on the 31st. These landings are covered by a BB TF and my two CVE. There is no outside interference other then Allied SS.

The nearby base (cannot think of its name) falls with no damage to the facilities and Balikpapan only suffers minor damage (27 oil and refinery). This is solid, good news for the Japanese.

A Daitai of Zero and Betty fly in on the 5th.

CARDIV2
As stated above Rear-Admiral Yamaguchi is released from the boredom of covering landings on the 28th of Decemeber. He then takes his 2 CV, 3 CA, and 6 DD in a wide loop as described above. Off the NW Corner of Australia (Jan 1st) the CVs sink a TF of 2 AVP, 2 TK, 1 AO, and a PC.

With fuel beginning to run short, the Admiral decides to investigate Soerabaja and he finds a veritable smorgasborg of shipping! Strikes are flown on the 2nd and 3rd that sink 3 CM, 2 AO, 1 AVP, and 4 AM. CLs De Ruyter and Mauritius are hit by 2-3 bombs each and seriously damaged.

Sadly BC Repulse is spotted but not attacked! DRAT! Fuel becomes critical on the 3rd so the TF heads for Balikpapan. It refuels and replaces aircraft on the 4th. I cannot do anything about Sorties or Torps but the fuel helps.

This is said due to seeing over 50 ships in Soerabaja's Port. A RIPE target to say the least. Tomorrow will see Yamaguchi head south again and launch shipping strikes against any TF in the area. The 6th will see Port Attacks against Soerabaja. Yummmmmmmy!

[ny59giants]

Where are your Lima Class AKEs?? They take 21 days to convert and should be on their way to needed bases (Balebdoab and Truk) for starters.

[John 3rd]

Hey Sir!

Funny you mentioned that. They sailed just yesterday for ports (Balikpapan, Ternate, Rabaul, Attu, and Kwajalein) throughout the entire Pacific! My first batch of conversions just finished and they will be used NOW.

Will call you in a bit this morning.

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
Malaya and Borneo
Dec 31-Jan 5, 1942


Malaya
In a similar scenario to that of the Philippines, the Allied Malay defense has been split into pieces. This event is no fault of Lew's. Japanese Paras did extraordinary work in keeping the British Forces split up and unable to retreat into Singapore. Those Paras are rebuilding as we speak in Bangkok and prepping for Port Blair.

The breakout from Mersing has brought the Imperial Forces to north of Malacca and the brink of Singapore in the south:

1. Northward Advance--Two Inf Regiments advance along the coast. They will attack tomorrow and drive the enemy back into Kuala Lumphur. A hex to the east has two TK units about to drive into Kuala Lumphur. Imperial Guards and friends push south...

2. Singapore--The 5th of January sees the order given to crossover from Johore Bharu into Singapore. The AV crossing is nearly 1700! With 50% of the British Forces north of Malacca, I expect a FAST surrender.

The units that win at Singapore will immediately begin prepping for the 'Left Hook' into India. I want to be in India by February 1st.

Borneo
Singakwang--This base is taken by the 38th ID on New Year's Day. Two convoys arrive the following day carrying a large Base Force and Air Flotilla HQ. The AF isn't damage too badly so I move 27 Zero and 12 Oscar there on the 2nd. More will follow...

My CVEs (Taiyo and Hosho--24 Zero, 12 Val, and 6 Kate) are approaching Singkawang and will link-up with the TF there. A re-shuffle of the ships will occur with 2 BB moving over to strengthen the screen of the CVEs and a pair of CA will leave the CAs to aid the Invasion Force. We are headed to Palembang and those BB cannot make it up the river.

Once Palembang is gone the 38th shall land at Merak in Java.

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
China
Dec 31-Jan 5, 1942

In another head scratcher, the Chinese have taken NO ACTION to stop the shallow and deep envelopment of Chinese Forces around Chengchow and Loyang. I cannot understand why there isn't any movement in this region by the Chinese.

Shallow Envelopment:
Tomorrow shall see Japanese Forces enter the hex, cutting the last road, to the west of Loyang. Inf Div have now been ordered to enter the actual city hexes and complete the encirclement. It is only at that point will we know if I have enough power in my units to destroy the Chinese and capture the cities.

Deep Envelopment:
North of Loyang sees the Japanese steamrollering towards Sian. They have driven back the units in front of them three times so far. To the south the Japanese just entered Nanyang (5 Units and 20,000 men reported). The 2 Inf Div and 3 Artillery units will attempt to grab the town within the next day or two. I expect a 50-50 shot at quick success. If not, there is a 3rd ID coming over to help in the assault.



Japanese air hits every base/group of troops I've mentioned and slows their movement. I worry about a Squadron of the AVG showing up and trashing my strikes so we'll have to see if that idea occurs to my opponent. Since we haven't seen the AVG YET who knows where they might be...

[John 3rd]

Last Turn I sent a message to my opponent saying that the Emperor wanted to send a personal 'Thank You' to those who developed those WONDERFUL American TTs for the start of the war! I had a turn on the 4th where there were--literally--TEN US SS attacks on various ships (including CV Soryu) where NOT ONE Torp actually detonated. Wow...

Japanese SS have been active but haven't scored much in the way of kills this week:

I-158 hit an AK (with Troops) SE of Ceylon on the 2nd
I-18 sank an AK in nearly the same place on the 3rd

The 2nd also saw 3 Midget subs launched into Trincomalee and Columbo with no success. Certainly makes Lew think a bit though.

All my mining SS are getting used dropping little minefields along the Australian coast, coast at Ceylon, and western India coast. Have heard the occasional mine explosion but haven't gotten any public results. I know they are working just don't know against what...

I-160 hit a mine at Merak and is limping back into Singkawang before going home for repairs.

[John 3rd]

This is NEVER an image you want to see with your Carrier TF!





The bad news is that the fight lasted ELEVEN gunnery rounds with both Shokaku and Zuikaku taking hits (3 and 1 respectively). The good news is that the rounds were all 5" and armor is my friend!

Net Result: Minneapolis, Raleigh, and 3 DD severely damaged while the Japanese have 3 DD damaged.

I separate the DDs and send them to Midway. Emcon is cancelled and we shall BAG the damaged ships tomorrow. Additionally, I-6 attacked a Convoy about 8 hexes away so I know there is shipping nearby...

Still--the Surface Action did cause a minor heart attack while watching and cringing every time those American 8" Batteries fired on CARDIV5.

[John 3rd]

The situation in Luzon took a very positive turn on January 6th:

Mauban--A Japanese TK Regiment from Manchuria does a Shock Attack that nets a 2-1 result (barely) and 6,525 POWs are taken. There were two Phil ID.

Manila--A HUGE surprise occurs when my 3 TK Reg attack this turn! They get a 14-1 result, take the city, and capture an additional 5,545 troops. Two more Ph ID are wiped off the map.

BANZAI!

The TK Reg are all ordered to Iba to finish off the units trapped up there. The Infantry moves on the Manila and then Clark.

As can be seen on the bottom of the screenshot, my forces enter the final base possessed by the Allies in Mindanao. I will take it tomorrow and then decide if those troops shall reinforce Luzon or stay with the planned invasion of Darwin.

[ny59giants]

As can be seen on the bottom of the screenshot, my forces enter the final base possessed by the Allies in Mindanao. I will take it tomorrow and then decide if those troops shall reinforce Luzon or stay with the planned invasion of Darwin.

Not so fast my friend. [:-] Those troops will retreat due west as this is still a viable Allied base to retreat towards. In my game I took both those bases BEFORE capturing Zamboanga. Then, the Infantry Rgt was shipped over to help with the rest of the Mindandao. your getting land combat down, slowly, but surely. [;)]

[Q-Ball]

Few Comments:

SOERBAYA: What is your opponent doing with ships docked there? They are within bomber range from Balikpapan, never mind the CVs. I hate using Betties for Port/Airfield attacks, but this is the exception; get a bunch there and attack the port. Nice job.

CV/SURFACE BATTLE: Dan did that to me a couple times around Hawaii, including with CL ST LOUIS. Same thing happened: A couple shell hits, but nothing major, and the escorting warships dished out pretty good punishment, enough to sink 3 DDs or so during the night, and damage ST LOUIS enough that Vals easily finished her off at daylight. Very nerve wracking though!!!!!!!

MINDANAO: Michael is right. In fact, I like to take Zamboanga first, as it is the only supply source on Mindanao, and the Allies don't start with very much there. In my game vs. Dan I bypassed the place; he still "holds" it in April 1942.

[John 3rd]

Hey Guys. I already gabbed with Michael on the phone earlier today so I'll recap some of that and answer Qball's thoughts.

Mindanao: I had sent that TK Reg along the west coast taking Cotabato, the hex NE of there and is now about to take the empty base it is sitting in. Zamboanga isn't set to be taken quickly. I TRULY hope they don't retreat to the west. Had ASSUMED since my unit went through all the hexes on the west coast, the Allies couldn't retreat that way. I ordered an assault for the next turn at Malaybalay...

Soerabaja: I spotted over 55 ships present in Soerabaja and immediately sent CARDIV2 back into the area. I've got two Betty Daitai resting at Balikpapan after flying in this turn. They will augment the assault after a day of rest. I THINK Prince of Wales, Repulse, and a number of Allied warships are present. Also saw nearly a dozen subs in Port...

WHAT A TARGET!

The surface engagement scared the bejeebers out of me. I nearly sacrificed one of my cats to protect the CVs!

[ny59giants]

Sir John,

Your still thinking too much along WITP lines when it comes to ZOC. You don't gain "permanent" custody of a hex once you go through it. It is only for a short time.

To take Zamboango, first capture both of the bases further in from the western peninsula. This will not allow any troops to retreat in towards the rest of Mindanao. I had not captured most of Mindanao before I complete these smaller operations. Below is my current situation in late Feb 42. Next turn the 2nd & 3rd tank regiments will arrive and take the base and push his last few troops into Cagayan. The turn or two after that a full division will enter the hex from the east.

[John 3rd]

[FatR]

The idea of surface attack against a carrier TF looks tempting in theory, but I've only seen someone actually managing to cripple enemy carrier strength with a surface attack once. There are many PBEM examples to the contrary, including one from mine own, when carriers successfully avoided engagement or were successfully protected by the escort. I don't think that seeking a purely surface battle with enemy carrier fleets is a good idea. A fleet capable of defeating typical surface escorts of KB or TF 58 is too valuable to be gambled on a chance that it intercepts successfully. Sending an SCTF forward when you're expecting a carrier battle, though, might be a good idea, which I eventually want to try when it will be time to defend the Empire (as this obviously requires knowledge of enemy fleet's position).

Your opponent makes quite a lot of mistakes John. In land war, particularly. I wonder why so many people try to protect more than one hex on Luzon, and by passive defense, no less. A counterattack against early landings might do something, but this is just a way of getting your army defeated piecemeal.

[John 3rd]

The Captain of the USS Astoria is a brave opponent!

The Screen Commander for CARDIV1 is to be thrown overboard at Dawn: