1942-02-09
Highlights
Air attacks continue throughout the active battle areas. Wenchow repulsed yet another enemy attack, this one at 1 to 3 odds. As expected, enemy units plunged into the woods on the road to Ankang. Other movements are observed throughout China.
Palembang's skies were swept by carrier based Zeros, costing some defending Buffaloes and fewer Zeros. The small carrier TF has taken up station between Palembang and Singapore, but no flying boats were intercepted. ABDA command has ordered that Dutch submarines intercept the interlopers. Palembang AS stands at 832.
AE Really Confidential (vicberg Welcome)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
1942-02-09
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
1942-02-10
1942-02-10
Tidbits
Pare Pare slurped. Clark Field has again reached level 1 fortifications. Palembang: 848 AS, level 3 fortifications, 85.5k supplies.
Tidbits
Pare Pare slurped. Clark Field has again reached level 1 fortifications. Palembang: 848 AS, level 3 fortifications, 85.5k supplies.
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
1942-02-11
1942-02-11
Invasions!
Legaspi, Loewoek, and Ambon all invaded this turn. Ambon is defended so surely the invaders will be hurled into the sea? The initial artillery bombardment yielded no results but that was just practice!
Sacrifice
In an effort to gain Neptune's favor, an xAK was sacrificed to the Cracken, which took the form of an I-boat far into the Pacific off the US west coast. Ship, crew, and embarked supplies were lost.
Land Battles
Enemy attacks were repulsed in China and the Philippines. Nanning, invested by 2 enemy Bde/Reg units held at 1 to 2 odds with casualties twice for the attackers. Wenchow beat that performance in a larger battle with 1 to 3 odds and casualties for the attackers 10 times the defenders.
Malaybalay on Mindinao was hammered at 2 to 1 odds, but casualties were still higher for the attackers. All 3 bases figure to keep holding with the current force levels, although Wenchow and Malaybalay will certainly run out of supplies. Wenchow also reports more enemy nearby.
Land Maneuvers
The enemy units moving on Ankang must be either armored or recon as their speed to too great for infantry. Defenses are prepared in the woods on rough ground behind the river crossing. Enemy strength is uncertain, but consists of 3 units.
The Evil Imperial Guards Division is now advancing after being hit by air yesterday. Another, unidentified unit has emerged on the parallel road leading to Magwe (where the oil is). It looks as though the EIGD means to attack through the bases past Magwe and then swing around, joining other units for an Empire Strikes Backward stroke. The target of air affection has been switched to the new unit for today. Friendly units to the east are pulling back to upper Burma and units at Magwe are beginning a withdrawal to the India/Burma border along the coast. The goal is to delay while preserving enough unit strength to tie down enemy units with Burma garrison duty.
DEI
Units are seen advancing eastward along the north coast road of Java. All three remaining staffed airfields - Kalidjati, Bandoeng, and Tjilatjap - remain closed.
Palembang received another fighter sweep today. The small carrier group is dancing to avoid becoming sub food, but they are closing in. Assault Strength stands at 860.
Invasions!
Legaspi, Loewoek, and Ambon all invaded this turn. Ambon is defended so surely the invaders will be hurled into the sea? The initial artillery bombardment yielded no results but that was just practice!
Sacrifice
In an effort to gain Neptune's favor, an xAK was sacrificed to the Cracken, which took the form of an I-boat far into the Pacific off the US west coast. Ship, crew, and embarked supplies were lost.
Land Battles
Enemy attacks were repulsed in China and the Philippines. Nanning, invested by 2 enemy Bde/Reg units held at 1 to 2 odds with casualties twice for the attackers. Wenchow beat that performance in a larger battle with 1 to 3 odds and casualties for the attackers 10 times the defenders.
Malaybalay on Mindinao was hammered at 2 to 1 odds, but casualties were still higher for the attackers. All 3 bases figure to keep holding with the current force levels, although Wenchow and Malaybalay will certainly run out of supplies. Wenchow also reports more enemy nearby.
Land Maneuvers
The enemy units moving on Ankang must be either armored or recon as their speed to too great for infantry. Defenses are prepared in the woods on rough ground behind the river crossing. Enemy strength is uncertain, but consists of 3 units.
The Evil Imperial Guards Division is now advancing after being hit by air yesterday. Another, unidentified unit has emerged on the parallel road leading to Magwe (where the oil is). It looks as though the EIGD means to attack through the bases past Magwe and then swing around, joining other units for an Empire Strikes Backward stroke. The target of air affection has been switched to the new unit for today. Friendly units to the east are pulling back to upper Burma and units at Magwe are beginning a withdrawal to the India/Burma border along the coast. The goal is to delay while preserving enough unit strength to tie down enemy units with Burma garrison duty.
DEI
Units are seen advancing eastward along the north coast road of Java. All three remaining staffed airfields - Kalidjati, Bandoeng, and Tjilatjap - remain closed.
Palembang received another fighter sweep today. The small carrier group is dancing to avoid becoming sub food, but they are closing in. Assault Strength stands at 860.
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
1942-02-12
1942-02-12
Slurping
Legaspi and Loewoek fell.
China
The town of Pingsiang was captured, part of the enemy's attempt to outflank defenses in the woods between Kukong and Hengyang. Chinese forces arrived too late to intervene, but are on the way in force. At Wenchow the enemy made better progress than yesterday by shock attacking, and took only 4 times the casualties of the defenders. Odds were 1 to 3. The boys in the woods at grid square 86,49 also held off a shock attack at 1 to 1 odds, even though out-gunned 3 to 1. Enemy casualties were 2 1/2 times our own. The defenses south of Ankang were tested as the swiftly moving enemy units crossed the river, shock attacking in the process. The 15th Tank Regiment, 12th Tank Regiment, and 1st Recon Regiment attcked the 29th Chinese Corps at 1 to 1 odds. A much stronger unit will arrive in combat formation to join the 29th tomorrow.
Philippines
Clark Field continues building fortifications as the air attacks are focused on ground units themselves. Malaybalay also held off a shock attack, but ominously friendly casualties were higher than enemy casualties.
DEI
Ambon saw the continued unloading of troops with at least one enemy troop ship handled very roughly indeed by the defensive batteries. Enemy troops appear equal in number to our own. They are doomed!
Palembang was swept again, costing defending fighters. Assault Strength stands at 884.
Slurping
Legaspi and Loewoek fell.
China
The town of Pingsiang was captured, part of the enemy's attempt to outflank defenses in the woods between Kukong and Hengyang. Chinese forces arrived too late to intervene, but are on the way in force. At Wenchow the enemy made better progress than yesterday by shock attacking, and took only 4 times the casualties of the defenders. Odds were 1 to 3. The boys in the woods at grid square 86,49 also held off a shock attack at 1 to 1 odds, even though out-gunned 3 to 1. Enemy casualties were 2 1/2 times our own. The defenses south of Ankang were tested as the swiftly moving enemy units crossed the river, shock attacking in the process. The 15th Tank Regiment, 12th Tank Regiment, and 1st Recon Regiment attcked the 29th Chinese Corps at 1 to 1 odds. A much stronger unit will arrive in combat formation to join the 29th tomorrow.
Philippines
Clark Field continues building fortifications as the air attacks are focused on ground units themselves. Malaybalay also held off a shock attack, but ominously friendly casualties were higher than enemy casualties.
DEI
Ambon saw the continued unloading of troops with at least one enemy troop ship handled very roughly indeed by the defensive batteries. Enemy troops appear equal in number to our own. They are doomed!
Palembang was swept again, costing defending fighters. Assault Strength stands at 884.
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
1942-02-13
1942-02-13
China
The forces trapped in the woods near Sinyang (grid square 86,49) hold off another attack and continue to dish out more than they receive. The surprise reinforcement near Ankang went well for the Chinese forces, as the enemy made a deliberate attack that reaped 1 to 18 odds. Enemy casualties were modest, though. In the hopes that that the enemy mobile forces suffered disruption and are vulnerable, SAC has ordered a shock attack with the present 3 to 1 Assault Strength advantage. Smashing the enemy's mobile forces is an opportunity that must be seized.
Philippines & Eastern DEI
Tired and disrupted attackers at Malaybalay accepted 1 to 2 odds and twice the casualties of the defenders. Meanwhile, enemy forces at Ambon sit quietly and await their destruction.
Western DEI & Singapore
Palembang has reached 2 milestones. Assault Strength now stands at 903, the rough equivalent of 2 full heavy divisions. With almost 90,000 supply (and growing) there should also be adequate heavy equipment. The second milestone is that Singapore was attacked today, effectively ending the airlift from that beleaguered fortress. The odds were 1 to 2, but engineers reduced the fortifications to 2 and casualties were roughly even. HQ's are being airlifted into Palembang from Java to direct the final defense. Between Sumatra and far eastern Java it is theoretically possible to bring in more than 100 additional AS. We will see what enemy action allows.
China
The forces trapped in the woods near Sinyang (grid square 86,49) hold off another attack and continue to dish out more than they receive. The surprise reinforcement near Ankang went well for the Chinese forces, as the enemy made a deliberate attack that reaped 1 to 18 odds. Enemy casualties were modest, though. In the hopes that that the enemy mobile forces suffered disruption and are vulnerable, SAC has ordered a shock attack with the present 3 to 1 Assault Strength advantage. Smashing the enemy's mobile forces is an opportunity that must be seized.
Philippines & Eastern DEI
Tired and disrupted attackers at Malaybalay accepted 1 to 2 odds and twice the casualties of the defenders. Meanwhile, enemy forces at Ambon sit quietly and await their destruction.
Western DEI & Singapore
Palembang has reached 2 milestones. Assault Strength now stands at 903, the rough equivalent of 2 full heavy divisions. With almost 90,000 supply (and growing) there should also be adequate heavy equipment. The second milestone is that Singapore was attacked today, effectively ending the airlift from that beleaguered fortress. The odds were 1 to 2, but engineers reduced the fortifications to 2 and casualties were roughly even. HQ's are being airlifted into Palembang from Java to direct the final defense. Between Sumatra and far eastern Java it is theoretically possible to bring in more than 100 additional AS. We will see what enemy action allows.
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
1942-02-14
1942-02-14
Avalanche at Ankang!!!
Immediately upon the heels of yesterdays ambush defensive victory, Chinese forces fell upon the disrupted mobile IJA forces and routed them. About 1/4 of the enemy's vehicles were destroyed and a number of supporting squads smashed.
Sinyang Forest
Elsewhere in China forces blocked in the forest below Sinyang continue to offer effective resistance, holding an attack by superior forces to 1 to 1 odds and even casualties.
Changsha Clash
27 Oscars made a sweep of Changsha, but more than half will not return. Defenders are all safe.
Clark Field
A heavy attack with heavy casualties, thankfully most for the enemy. Commander's report follows.
Singapore
Like a broken record, the same story at Singapore!
Palembang
British Hurricanes handle the Zeros more evenly than the Buffaloes did. Assault Strength stands at 918 with multiple airlifts underway.
Avalanche at Ankang!!!
Immediately upon the heels of yesterdays ambush defensive victory, Chinese forces fell upon the disrupted mobile IJA forces and routed them. About 1/4 of the enemy's vehicles were destroyed and a number of supporting squads smashed.
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Ground combat at 82,43
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 15355 troops, 75 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 374
Defending force 1110 troops, 4 guns, 162 vehicles, Assault Value = 96
Allied adjusted assault: 538
Japanese adjusted defense: 178
Allied assault odds: 3 to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)
Japanese ground losses:
74 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 33 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 47 (40 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Units retreated 3
Allied ground losses:
361 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
Assaulting units:
29th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
Defending units:
15th Tank Regiment
12th Tank Regiment
1st Recon Regiment
Sinyang Forest
Elsewhere in China forces blocked in the forest below Sinyang continue to offer effective resistance, holding an attack by superior forces to 1 to 1 odds and even casualties.
Changsha Clash
27 Oscars made a sweep of Changsha, but more than half will not return. Defenders are all safe.
Clark Field
A heavy attack with heavy casualties, thankfully most for the enemy. Commander's report follows.
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Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 65833 troops, 755 guns, 374 vehicles, Assault Value = 2264
Defending force 48614 troops, 775 guns, 225 vehicles, Assault Value = 1223
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1
Japanese adjusted assault: 827
Allied adjusted defense: 2347
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 1)
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
6430 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 317 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 117 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 28 disabled
Vehicles lost 79 (7 destroyed, 72 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
1994 casualties reported
Squads: 33 destroyed, 45 disabled
Non Combat: 51 destroyed, 72 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 6 disabled
Vehicles lost 23 (9 destroyed, 14 disabled)
Units destroyed 1
Assaulting units:
38th Division
4th Division
9th Division
33rd Division
48th Division
2nd Tank Regiment
21st Division
7th Tank Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
47th Field AA Battalion
14th Army
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
45th Field AA Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
48th Field AA Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
Defending units:
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
14th PS Engineer Regiment
192nd Tank Battalion
41st PA Infantry Division
31st PA Infantry Division
86th PS Coastal Artillery Battalion
3rd/12th PA Inf Battalion
3rd/45th PS Inf Battalion
4th PA Constabulary Regiment
21st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
91st PA Infantry Division
Subic Bay Defenses
102nd PA Infantry Division
4th Marine Regiment
1st/45th PS Inf Battalion
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
31st Infantry Regiment
71st PA Infantry Division
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
11th PA Infantry Division
51st PA Infantry Division
1st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constblry HW Regiment
PAF Aviation
USAFFE
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
301st Construction Battalion
Nichols Field AAF Base Force
II Philippine Corps
Provisional GMC Grp
Far East USAAF
I Philippine Corps
1st USMC AA Battalion
Clark Field AAF Base Force
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
301st PA Field Artillery Regiment
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Singapore
Like a broken record, the same story at Singapore!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 40983 troops, 517 guns, 191 vehicles, Assault Value = 1155
Defending force 36577 troops, 428 guns, 264 vehicles, Assault Value = 445
Japanese adjusted assault: 222
Allied adjusted defense: 731
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3 (fort level 2)
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
2260 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 83 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 88 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 45 disabled
Vehicles lost 25 (1 destroyed, 24 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
691 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 95 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Vehicles lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Assaulting units:
18th Division
23rd Ind Engineer Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
5th Division
56th Engineer Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion
20th AA Regiment
56th Field Artillery Regiment
25th Army
35th Fld AA Gun Co
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st RF Gun Battalion
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
54th Const Co
31st Field AA Battalion
3rd Mortar Battalion
53rd Const Co
55th Const Co
Defending units:
22nd Australian Brigade
27th Australian Brigade
Singapore Fortress
FMSV Brigade
2/17 Dogra Battalion
8th Indian Brigade
3rd SSVF Battalion
2nd Gordons Battalion
2nd Malay Battalion
1st Manchester Battalion
1st Mysore Battalion
1st Malay Battalion
3rd Cavalry Regiment
2nd Loyal Battalion
3/16th Punjab Bn /1
Malaya Army
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
110th RAF Adv Base Force
2nd ISF Base Force
III Indian Corps
272/273rd Bty 80th AT Gun Regiment
AHQ Far East
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
11 Battery/3 HAA
111th RAF Adv Base Force
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
29 Battery/3 HAA
112th RAF Adv Base Force
224 Group RAF
30 Battery/3 HAA
2/215th Bty 80th AT Gun Regiment
223 Group RAF
Singapore Base Force
113th RAF Adv Base Force
109th RN Base Force
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
Malayan Air Wing
5th Field Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Palembang
British Hurricanes handle the Zeros more evenly than the Buffaloes did. Assault Strength stands at 918 with multiple airlifts underway.
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
-
Central Blue
- Posts: 695
- Joined: Fri Aug 20, 2004 5:31 pm
RE: 1942-01-28
ORIGINAL: witpqs
The problem that I have had with Palembang - and all the oil producing centers - is that it seems no matter how strongly they were defended, no matter how many engineers present, they have always been captured with no damage or just a trivial amount. My two objectives here are 1) have it be severely damaged upon capture, and 2) hold it for as long as possible. I can only influence #1 by causing as much battle there as possible, and having as many engineers on hand as possible. I can influence #2 the same way. So, yeah it's an oldie but a goody!
One of the most requested fixes down through the years -- starting with: "Can we at least repair the damage?"
Anytime I see the "Mersing Gambit" I think of the "Palembang Defense." If I knew anything about chess I'ld be tempted to come up with more.
Any chance you might comment on how you deploy the variety of support and engineering assets as they become available? RL is keeping me out of the game these days (even against the AI) but I follow Da Babes as I can.
USS St. Louis firing on Guam, July 1944. The Cardinals and Browns faced each other in the World Series that year
Engineers
So far there have been a very limited number of base-type forces arriving. A fair-sized batch - around 8 - either arrived just after start or were there at start at one of the southern US west coast bases. They were all around 40-50% filled out. I paid PP to put each in an unrestricted command. I have 3 or 4 (I would have to look, but I think it's 4) on the way to Australia with that big batch of SWPac air groups that comes in early. IIRC they fill out to about 72 aviation support, which will be sorely needed as Australia is very tight on av support now.
Most of the rest have arrived in India or Aden (all for India), one on Ceylon, and maybe a couple in Australia. If I notice anything else done to date I'll add to a later post, and I'll cover those dispositions more routinely, too.
Most of the rest have arrived in India or Aden (all for India), one on Ceylon, and maybe a couple in Australia. If I notice anything else done to date I'll add to a later post, and I'll cover those dispositions more routinely, too.
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
1942-02-15
1942-02-15
Land Day
Today was a day of land combat (with the usual - now expected - air attacks), and of additional enemy movements noted in China. Grid square 86,49 in the woods near Sinyang saw Chinese defenders again hold off a superior force's shock attack at 1 to 1 odds but inflicting 2 to 1 casualties on the enemy. Clark Field held at 1 to 2 odds with less casualties than the besiegers. Malaybalay held off a shock attack by a disrupted enemy at 1 to 2 odds and also took fewer casualties. Kalidjati was slurped after being successfully evacuated and Manila has been invested by an enemy unit of undetermined strength. Will this stop production of supply by Manila's Light Industry?
Palembang
Assault Strength stands at 932 as the airlift continues. Fragments/parents of command, army, and air HQ's are present.
Land Day
Today was a day of land combat (with the usual - now expected - air attacks), and of additional enemy movements noted in China. Grid square 86,49 in the woods near Sinyang saw Chinese defenders again hold off a superior force's shock attack at 1 to 1 odds but inflicting 2 to 1 casualties on the enemy. Clark Field held at 1 to 2 odds with less casualties than the besiegers. Malaybalay held off a shock attack by a disrupted enemy at 1 to 2 odds and also took fewer casualties. Kalidjati was slurped after being successfully evacuated and Manila has been invested by an enemy unit of undetermined strength. Will this stop production of supply by Manila's Light Industry?
Palembang
Assault Strength stands at 932 as the airlift continues. Fragments/parents of command, army, and air HQ's are present.
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
1942-02-16
1942-02-16
Highlights
The IJN lent a hand at Wenchow with a naval bombardment. It was quite effective (600 fires) and might even destroy some industry. The IJA followed up with... a land bombardment. At grid 86,49 (near Sinyang) another IJA attack was repulsed at 1 to 2 odds, with defender casualties about 2/3's of attackers losses. Ambon saw more enemy land, so perhaps the enemy's destruction will have to wait. The Kure 1st SNLF and Sasebo 8th SNLF attacked the ex-defenders of Koepang in the jungles of Timor and pushed them toward Dili. Air attacks continued around the battle areas, except (again) Burma. The withdrawal is going well without interference from the air.
Still more maneuvering is seen in China, with a large number of units bearing down on Changsha, and others moving west from Kukong toward Wuchow and perhaps Kweilin. Changsha has level 6 forts and strong defenders, with more on the move, so that would be a welcome place to tie down an IJA spearhead.
The IJA forces north of Kukong might have been drawn down to provide forces for the move toward Wuchow. Tomorrow's bombardment will assess enemy strength. If they have created a weak spot, an attack and follow up drive on Kukong will begin.
Chinese forces superior to the invaders will be in place in Pingsiang tomorrow (SE of Hengyang and SW of Changsha). More are passing through Changsha already, and together they will retake Pingsiang and perhaps liberate recently captured Chinese cities beyond.
Other operations are underway in China, but this publication has not received clearance to print them. [:'(]
Palembang stands at 951 AS and 90,000 supplies. The airlift continues.
The whereabouts of all enemy carriers is unknown.
Highlights
The IJN lent a hand at Wenchow with a naval bombardment. It was quite effective (600 fires) and might even destroy some industry. The IJA followed up with... a land bombardment. At grid 86,49 (near Sinyang) another IJA attack was repulsed at 1 to 2 odds, with defender casualties about 2/3's of attackers losses. Ambon saw more enemy land, so perhaps the enemy's destruction will have to wait. The Kure 1st SNLF and Sasebo 8th SNLF attacked the ex-defenders of Koepang in the jungles of Timor and pushed them toward Dili. Air attacks continued around the battle areas, except (again) Burma. The withdrawal is going well without interference from the air.
Still more maneuvering is seen in China, with a large number of units bearing down on Changsha, and others moving west from Kukong toward Wuchow and perhaps Kweilin. Changsha has level 6 forts and strong defenders, with more on the move, so that would be a welcome place to tie down an IJA spearhead.
The IJA forces north of Kukong might have been drawn down to provide forces for the move toward Wuchow. Tomorrow's bombardment will assess enemy strength. If they have created a weak spot, an attack and follow up drive on Kukong will begin.
Chinese forces superior to the invaders will be in place in Pingsiang tomorrow (SE of Hengyang and SW of Changsha). More are passing through Changsha already, and together they will retake Pingsiang and perhaps liberate recently captured Chinese cities beyond.
Other operations are underway in China, but this publication has not received clearance to print them. [:'(]
Palembang stands at 951 AS and 90,000 supplies. The airlift continues.
The whereabouts of all enemy carriers is unknown.
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
1942-02-17
1942-02-17
Highlights
Meiktila, Naga, and Cheribon fell today. Cheribon, on the north coast of Java put up a fight but was overwhelmed. More invading troops landed at Ambon. Apparently they wish to delay their destruction by a long time. An unexpected development at Singapore: a deliberate attack was trounced, with the enemy taking more than twice the defenders' casualties while failing to overrun any of the fortifications.
Palembang AS is 969 and the airlift continues.
There will be news of China tomorrow, but will it be good or bad?
Highlights
Meiktila, Naga, and Cheribon fell today. Cheribon, on the north coast of Java put up a fight but was overwhelmed. More invading troops landed at Ambon. Apparently they wish to delay their destruction by a long time. An unexpected development at Singapore: a deliberate attack was trounced, with the enemy taking more than twice the defenders' casualties while failing to overrun any of the fortifications.
Palembang AS is 969 and the airlift continues.
There will be news of China tomorrow, but will it be good or bad?
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
1942-02-18
1942-02-18
China
The attack on the two Japanese divisions in the rough ground between Kukong and Hengyang went poorly. Friendly casualties were heavy and about 5 times the enemy, but at least the IJA had a bite taken out of them. If it had succeeded it would have opened a major gap in the enemy's offensive. Wenchow was bombarded by land and sea again. One unidentified IJA unit has arrived at Changsha and is followed closely by 14 more. Fort level 6, over 2,600 AS and 600 more AS to arrive in two days await them. If needed, another 1,000 AS could be diverted from the Pingsiang offensive. Currently in Pingsiang (rough terrain) there are 607 Chinese AS versus 211 Japanese. Another IJA unit is moving to reinforce, as are the 1,000 Chinese AS.
Slurped
Magwe and Boac. Bombing of Magwe's oil center will commence at once.
Other News
More enemy landed at Ambon. Malaybalay held firm against a disrupted enemy, but casualties are more nearly evening out. Palembang AS is now 990, poised to pass what must be the final milestone. Forts are 3 and building as more engineers have been uncrated and hydrated. There are now British and Dutch Hurricanes patrolling the skies over Sumatra.
Engineers
Retrospective information - very little was pulled out of the Philippines. Asiatic Fleet HQ, plus 2 (sort of 4) base units. One is the 1st Port Maint Eng Btn. The other is/were 3 sub-units of the 5th Base Group. I forget the names of the individual units, but they Rebuilt to the 5th Base Group. Whereas each had a very modest TOE, the 5th BG is a good sized unit that will fill out to 72 aviation support. All were gotten to Darwin and are hoofing it to scenic Alice Springs. BTW, Darwin is under periodic air attack from Koepang, is running low on supplies, and it is obvious that it has for some time been impossible to supply bases on that coast by sea without heavy air escort, which of course is unavailable.
China
The attack on the two Japanese divisions in the rough ground between Kukong and Hengyang went poorly. Friendly casualties were heavy and about 5 times the enemy, but at least the IJA had a bite taken out of them. If it had succeeded it would have opened a major gap in the enemy's offensive. Wenchow was bombarded by land and sea again. One unidentified IJA unit has arrived at Changsha and is followed closely by 14 more. Fort level 6, over 2,600 AS and 600 more AS to arrive in two days await them. If needed, another 1,000 AS could be diverted from the Pingsiang offensive. Currently in Pingsiang (rough terrain) there are 607 Chinese AS versus 211 Japanese. Another IJA unit is moving to reinforce, as are the 1,000 Chinese AS.
Slurped
Magwe and Boac. Bombing of Magwe's oil center will commence at once.
Other News
More enemy landed at Ambon. Malaybalay held firm against a disrupted enemy, but casualties are more nearly evening out. Palembang AS is now 990, poised to pass what must be the final milestone. Forts are 3 and building as more engineers have been uncrated and hydrated. There are now British and Dutch Hurricanes patrolling the skies over Sumatra.
Engineers
Retrospective information - very little was pulled out of the Philippines. Asiatic Fleet HQ, plus 2 (sort of 4) base units. One is the 1st Port Maint Eng Btn. The other is/were 3 sub-units of the 5th Base Group. I forget the names of the individual units, but they Rebuilt to the 5th Base Group. Whereas each had a very modest TOE, the 5th BG is a good sized unit that will fill out to 72 aviation support. All were gotten to Darwin and are hoofing it to scenic Alice Springs. BTW, Darwin is under periodic air attack from Koepang, is running low on supplies, and it is obvious that it has for some time been impossible to supply bases on that coast by sea without heavy air escort, which of course is unavailable.
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
-
Central Blue
- Posts: 695
- Joined: Fri Aug 20, 2004 5:31 pm
RE: 1942-02-18
Thank you for the engineering reports. Much appreciated.
[&o]
[&o]
USS St. Louis firing on Guam, July 1944. The Cardinals and Browns faced each other in the World Series that year
1942-02-19
Sure thing! I have a long way to go before I see the real variety of them. Except for the British base forces in India, which so far appear much as Scenario 1.
1942-02-19
Slurping & Slapping
Palopo was slurped, while Manila was captured. Malaybalay held off another attack, but this one cost the defender more than it cost the attacker. Perhaps the worm has turned there. In the woods below Sinyang (grid square 86,49) the cut-off Chinese were dislodged and pushed into open country with heavy casualties. They are now running and will sow whatever consternation they may.
Oil!
British and American bombers destroyed about 21 Oil facilities at Magwe. A good start for a modestly sized raiding force. They shall continue as long as they can or until enemy fighter activity dictates they stop.
Palembang AS is 1,004. That number is now too long to write so I shan't report it daily anymore. The airlift continues, forts continue to build, and soon the number of supplies will reach an unwritable number.
Strategic
The enemy is tightening the noose on Clark, although there appears to be time remaining unless he reinforces. Malaybalay is nearing its end and that will free up forces. Enemy formations are moving on Bandoeng. With forts and mountainous terrain that will take at least a short time, perhaps a bit longer. The Singapore surprise is that it still holds. When it falls, which must be any day now, that will free up over 1,000 enemy strength. Palembang remains, but the amphibious landing bonus will not last forever. Will he strike at Palembang as soon as those forces are free, or leave it for later?
The whereabouts of the enemy carriers are all unknown. Perhaps they are refitting, or perhaps they are even now making haste to targets in the Pacific.
1942-02-19
Slurping & Slapping
Palopo was slurped, while Manila was captured. Malaybalay held off another attack, but this one cost the defender more than it cost the attacker. Perhaps the worm has turned there. In the woods below Sinyang (grid square 86,49) the cut-off Chinese were dislodged and pushed into open country with heavy casualties. They are now running and will sow whatever consternation they may.
Oil!
British and American bombers destroyed about 21 Oil facilities at Magwe. A good start for a modestly sized raiding force. They shall continue as long as they can or until enemy fighter activity dictates they stop.
Palembang AS is 1,004. That number is now too long to write so I shan't report it daily anymore. The airlift continues, forts continue to build, and soon the number of supplies will reach an unwritable number.
Strategic
The enemy is tightening the noose on Clark, although there appears to be time remaining unless he reinforces. Malaybalay is nearing its end and that will free up forces. Enemy formations are moving on Bandoeng. With forts and mountainous terrain that will take at least a short time, perhaps a bit longer. The Singapore surprise is that it still holds. When it falls, which must be any day now, that will free up over 1,000 enemy strength. Palembang remains, but the amphibious landing bonus will not last forever. Will he strike at Palembang as soon as those forces are free, or leave it for later?
The whereabouts of the enemy carriers are all unknown. Perhaps they are refitting, or perhaps they are even now making haste to targets in the Pacific.
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
1942-02-20
1942-02-20
Changes
Mandalay was slurped and Malaybalay was finally overcome. Filipino forces have retreated to the mountains to the west, but they lack supplies and are well and truly smashed.
Highlights
Air attacks continued around the battle areas. Magwe was socked in, so the Allied bombers got to rest. The use of heavy air attacks on Singapore and Bandoeng point to concentrated enemy efforts. One unidentified enemy unit has invested Bandoeng and at least one more is on the way.
After repeated RDF contacts at Truk and Babeldoab over two weeks' time, there were two hits today on heavy radio traffic ~100 miles SW of Truk. Could this be a Rabaul area invasion force? All Allied forces in the area are at Port Moresby.
Changes
Mandalay was slurped and Malaybalay was finally overcome. Filipino forces have retreated to the mountains to the west, but they lack supplies and are well and truly smashed.
Highlights
Air attacks continued around the battle areas. Magwe was socked in, so the Allied bombers got to rest. The use of heavy air attacks on Singapore and Bandoeng point to concentrated enemy efforts. One unidentified enemy unit has invested Bandoeng and at least one more is on the way.
After repeated RDF contacts at Truk and Babeldoab over two weeks' time, there were two hits today on heavy radio traffic ~100 miles SW of Truk. Could this be a Rabaul area invasion force? All Allied forces in the area are at Port Moresby.
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
The End - Until Next Time!
We are calling this one early. Vic is going to have a look at the AAR and hopefully we can have a discussion on whatever was taking place behind the scenes.
There have been a few reader comments, so I hope to get your comments on any strategic or tactical issues that strike your fancy, and also on the AAR itself. Was the style to your liking? Etc.
There have been a few reader comments, so I hope to get your comments on any strategic or tactical issues that strike your fancy, and also on the AAR itself. Was the style to your liking? Etc.
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home