It Lives! (No vicberg)

[witpqs]

This is the AAR that just...would...not...die! [X(]

DaBabes Scenario 28 (the most awesome scenario yet devised), me as Allies, forum member vicberg as Imperial Japan. House Rules/Settings are attached.

We plan a bit of a slower pace this time around, and are definitely in for the long haul.

Kindly comment and say what you would like to see.

Enjoy!

[witpqs]

1941-12-07

Suddenly and deliberately...

A midget sub lands a torp on a BB at Pearl Harbor, but that is the only action on that side of the world.

Manila is smashed by carrier and land based air. 20 subs, 3 DD, and lots of other ships. The number of temporarily floating wrecks is frightening.

Also hit by air are Clark, Bataan, Georgetown, Hong Kong, Wuchow, Kuantan, and various Chinese ground units.

Invaded are San Fernando, Iba, Lingayen, Mersing, Batangas, Kota Bharu, Singkawang, Palembang, Kendari, and undefended Cabanatuan is taken by air assault.

Allied air attacks on the invasion fleets are ineffective.

A map of the enemy's Luzon offensive:

[aprezto]

Ha ha - you're a sucker for punishment.
 
Into the breach...

[witpqs]

1941-12-08

Parasol troops attacked Clark Field. Many were shot down; the rest attacked at 1 to 99 odds and were wiped out by attrition. Iba held firm. Had it not, the troops there would have found the pass held by the doomed enemy at Clark and been denied retreat.

Lingayan, Kota Bharu, Mersing, Makin, Palembang, and Sinkawang all did succumb. The royal air arms of the British and Dutch empires had their say, damaging several enemy ships and sinking others. CA Takao was torpedoed by a Swordfish at Palembang. Rivers are dangerous places for heavy cruisers! CL Maritius and DD Jupiter were among those ships sortied from Singapore to attack the enemy transports at Mersing. They found the enemy escort equal to the task, doing only minor damage for the loss of the two aforementioned ships.

A tanker found the KB in a night encounter that caused a change of skivvies on both sides. KB and other aerial forces continued slaughtering the ragtag collection of escapees from Manila and surrounding environs. The British MTB's fleeing from Hong Kong chanced into a transport TF in daylight near Luzon, gained tactical advantage, overcame the screen, and holed two xAK's with torpedoes. Undoubtedly made possible by the weak escort, this is the most amazing (and longest) combat report of a PT-type encounter that I've seen. Pasted here:

Day Time Surface Combat, near Laoag at 80,72, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Samidare
PB Kyo Maru #12
PB Kyo Maru #13
SC Ch 15
SC Ch 16
SC Ch 17
SC Ch 18
xAK Sydney Maru
xAK Anyo Maru
xAK Kumagawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1
xAK Tatukami Maru
xAK Okiyu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Kosei Maru
xAK Kotoku Maru
xAK Keisho Maru
xAK Hokuan Maru
xAK Maya Maru
xAK Takaoka Maru
xAK Atlas Maru
xAK Kamoi Maru
xAK Shinyubari Maru
xAK Shirogane Maru
xAK Tenzan Maru
xAK Yamadori Maru
xAK Karachi Maru
xAK Pacific Maru
xAK Kuwayama Maru
xAK Siraha Maru
xAK Chuko Maru

Allied Ships
MTB 7
MTB 8
MTB 9
MTB 10
MTB 11
MTB 12, Shell hits 1, on fire
MTB 26, Shell hits 1
MTB 27, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Japanese ground losses:
126 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 18,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 18,000 yards
Gilchrist S. gains tactical advantage
xAK Hokuan Maru collides with xAK Tenzan Maru at 80 , 72
xAK Chuko Maru , xAK Siraha Maru , xAK Kuwayama Maru ,
xAK Pacific Maru , xAK Karachi Maru , xAK Yamadori Maru ,
xAK Tenzan Maru , xAK Shirogane Maru , xAK Shinyubari Maru ,
xAK Kamoi Maru , xAK Atlas Maru , xAK Takaoka Maru ,
xAK Maya Maru , xAK Hokuan Maru , xAK Keisho Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Samidare , PB Kyo Maru #13 , SC Ch 18 ,
SC Ch 17
DD Samidare engages MTB 9 at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
xAK Chuko Maru , xAK Siraha Maru , xAK Kuwayama Maru ,
xAK Pacific Maru , xAK Karachi Maru , xAK Yamadori Maru screened from combat
- escorted by PB Kyo Maru #13
DD Samidare engages MTB 27 at 17,000 yards
DD Samidare engages MTB 10 at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
xAK Chuko Maru , xAK Siraha Maru , xAK Kuwayama Maru ,
xAK Pacific Maru , xAK Karachi Maru , xAK Yamadori Maru screened from combat
DD Samidare engages MTB 11 at 15,000 yards
DD Samidare engages MTB 10 at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
DD Samidare engages MTB 26 at 11,000 yards
MTB 12 engages PB Kyo Maru #12 at 11,000 yards
SC Ch 17 engages MTB 27 at 11,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Kotoku Maru at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
xAK Chuko Maru , xAK Siraha Maru , xAK Kuwayama Maru ,
xAK Pacific Maru , xAK Karachi Maru , xAK Yamadori Maru ,
xAK Tenzan Maru , xAK Shirogane Maru , xAK Shinyubari Maru ,
xAK Kamoi Maru , xAK Atlas Maru , xAK Takaoka Maru ,
xAK Maya Maru , xAK Hokuan Maru , xAK Keisho Maru ,
xAK Kotoku Maru , xAK Kosei Maru , xAK Okiyu Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Samidare , PB Kyo Maru #12 , SC Ch 18 ,
SC Ch 16
Range increases to 9,000 yards
xAK Chuko Maru , xAK Siraha Maru , xAK Kuwayama Maru ,
xAK Pacific Maru , xAK Karachi Maru , xAK Yamadori Maru ,
xAK Tenzan Maru , xAK Shirogane Maru , xAK Shinyubari Maru ,
xAK Kamoi Maru screened from combat
- escorted by PB Kyo Maru #12 , SC Ch 16
MTB 26 engages xAK Kumagawa Maru at 9,000 yards
SC Ch 17 engages MTB 27 at 9,000 yards
MTB 7 engages xAK Maya Maru at 9,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Okiyu Maru at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
xAK Chuko Maru , xAK Siraha Maru , xAK Kuwayama Maru screened from combat
MTB 27 engages xAK Kumagawa Maru at 8,000 yards
MTB 27 engages PB Kyo Maru #12 at 8,000 yards
SC Ch 18 engages MTB 27 at 8,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Anyo Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Samidare engages MTB 27 at 8,000 yards
PB Kyo Maru #13 engages MTB 27 at 8,000 yards
MTB 12 engages xAK Anyo Maru at 8,000 yards
SC Ch 17 engages MTB 10 at 8,000 yards
MTB 9 engages xAK Sydney Maru at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
xAK Chuko Maru , xAK Siraha Maru , xAK Kuwayama Maru ,
xAK Pacific Maru , xAK Karachi Maru , xAK Yamadori Maru ,
xAK Tenzan Maru , xAK Shirogane Maru , xAK Shinyubari Maru ,
xAK Kamoi Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Samidare , SC Ch 18
MTB 27 engages SC Ch 17 at 10,000 yards
SC Ch 15 engages MTB 27 at 10,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Maya Maru at 10,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Kotoku Maru at 10,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Anyo Maru at 10,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Sydney Maru at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
xAK Chuko Maru , xAK Siraha Maru , xAK Kuwayama Maru ,
xAK Pacific Maru screened from combat
- escorted by PB Kyo Maru #13
MTB 26 engages xAK Okiyu Maru at 7,000 yards
SC Ch 17 engages MTB 27 at 7,000 yards
SC Ch 15 engages MTB 27 at 7,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Yamadori Maru at 7,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Keisho Maru at 7,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Tatukami Maru at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
xAK Chuko Maru , xAK Siraha Maru , xAK Kuwayama Maru ,
xAK Pacific Maru , xAK Karachi Maru , xAK Yamadori Maru screened from combat
- escorted by PB Kyo Maru #13
MTB 27 engages PB Kyo Maru #12 at 5,000 yards
MTB 12 engages xAK Tenzan Maru at 5,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Shirogane Maru at 5,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Kosei Maru at 5,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Okiyu Maru at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
xAK Chuko Maru , xAK Siraha Maru , xAK Kuwayama Maru ,
xAK Pacific Maru , xAK Karachi Maru , xAK Yamadori Maru ,
xAK Tenzan Maru , xAK Shirogane Maru , xAK Shinyubari Maru screened from combat
- escorted by PB Kyo Maru #12 , SC Ch 18
DD Samidare engages MTB 8 at 3,000 yards
PB Kyo Maru #13 engages MTB 27 at 3,000 yards
SC Ch 17 engages MTB 8 at 3,000 yards
SC Ch 16 engages MTB 27 at 3,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Maya Maru at 3,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Okiyu Maru at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
xAK Chuko Maru , xAK Siraha Maru , xAK Kuwayama Maru ,
xAK Pacific Maru , xAK Karachi Maru , xAK Yamadori Maru ,
xAK Tenzan Maru , xAK Shirogane Maru , xAK Shinyubari Maru ,
xAK Kamoi Maru , xAK Atlas Maru , xAK Takaoka Maru ,
xAK Maya Maru , xAK Hokuan Maru , xAK Keisho Maru ,
xAK Kotoku Maru , xAK Kosei Maru screened from combat
MTB 27 engages xAK Sydney Maru at 2,000 yards
SC Ch 18 engages MTB 27 at 2,000 yards
SC Ch 17 engages MTB 9 at 2,000 yards
SC Ch 16 engages MTB 12 at 2,000 yards
MTB 8 engages xAK Kumagawa Maru at 2,000 yards
MTB 10 engages xAK Okiyu Maru at 2,000 yards
MTB 12 engages xAK Kumagawa Maru at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
xAK Chuko Maru screened from combat
MTB 27 engages xAK Shirogane Maru at 8,000 yards
PB Kyo Maru #12 engages MTB 27 at 8,000 yards
MTB 11 engages xAK Kumagawa Maru at 8,000 yards
SC Ch 16 engages MTB 27 at 8,000 yards
MTB 8 engages xAK Atlas Maru at 8,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Maya Maru at 8,000 yards
MTB 27 engages xAK Hokuan Maru at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
xAK Chuko Maru , xAK Siraha Maru , xAK Kuwayama Maru ,
xAK Pacific Maru , xAK Karachi Maru , xAK Yamadori Maru ,
xAK Tenzan Maru , xAK Shirogane Maru , xAK Shinyubari Maru ,
xAK Kamoi Maru , xAK Atlas Maru , xAK Takaoka Maru ,
xAK Maya Maru , xAK Hokuan Maru , xAK Keisho Maru ,
xAK Kotoku Maru , xAK Kosei Maru , xAK Okiyu Maru ,
xAK Tatukami Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Samidare , PB Kyo Maru #13 , PB Kyo Maru #12 ,
SC Ch 18 , SC Ch 17
MTB 27 sunk by DD Samidare at 13,000 yards
DD Samidare engages MTB 26 at 13,000 yards
DD Samidare engages MTB 10 at 13,000 yards
DD Samidare engages MTB 9 at 13,000 yards
DD Samidare engages MTB 8 at 13,000 yards
DD Samidare engages MTB 7 at 13,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
xAK Chuko Maru , xAK Siraha Maru , xAK Kuwayama Maru ,
xAK Pacific Maru , xAK Karachi Maru , xAK Yamadori Maru ,
xAK Tenzan Maru screened from combat
- escorted by DD Samidare , SC Ch 16
DD Samidare engages MTB 26 at 18,000 yards
DD Samidare engages MTB 8 at 18,000 yards
orders Allied TF to disengage
Task forces break off...

Current Ops
Force Z and the Force Y (the Yanks cruiser/destroyer force) are refueling at Soerabaja. They will make for the eastern DEI where perhaps they can catch some IJ adventurers overextending themselves.

The enemy landing at Mersing clearly aims to cut off forces from reaching Singapore. Many units are strat moving to the fortress, others can't and won't have time when they could otherwise. Medium bombers from Singapore are ordered to attack the ground units moving out from Mersing to delay them. The Vildebeasts, which scored several hits today, will continue on anti-ship duty.

American B-17's and all available Dutch bombers will commence bombing the oil facilities at Palembang.

Movements of troops are underway on Luzon, and counterattack will be made at Batangas when another PA unit arrives.


Allied Ships Sunk Dec 7 & 8
ACM Colonel Harrison
AM Finch
AM Lark
AM Quail
AM Tanager
AM Whippoorwill
AO Pecos
AO Trinity
AV Langley
AVD Childs
CL Mauritius
CM Kung Wo
DD John D. Ford
DD Jupiter
DD Peary
DD Pillsbury
DD Pope
MTB MTB 27
PG Asheville
PG Isabel
PG Tulsa
PT PT-31
PT PT-33
PT PT-34
PT PT-35
PT PT-41
PT Q-112
PT Q-113
SS Perch
SS Permit
SS Pike
SS S-38
SS S-40
SS S-41
SS Sailfish
SS Salmon
SS Sargo
SS Saury
SS Sculpin
SS Seal
SS Sealion
SS Searaven
SS Seawolf
SS Shark
SS Skipjack
SS Snapper
SS Spearfish
SS Swordfish
SS Tarpon
TK Gertrude Kellogg
TK Hai Kwang
TK La Estrella Caltex
TK Mindanao
xAK American Leader
xAK Cape Fairweather
xAK Capillo
xAK Demosthenes
xAK Ethel Edwards
xAK Governor Wright
xAK Hanyang
xAK Ravnaas
xAK Si Kiang
xAK Tantalus
xAK Wing Sang
xAK Yu Sang
xAKL Anakan
xAKL Bisayas
xAKL Compagnia Filipinas
xAKL Corregidor
xAKL Dai Tung
xAKL Escalante
xAKL Paz
xAKL Raub
xAKL Sagoland
xAKL Taurus
xAP Don Esteban
xAP Hong Siang
xAP Kelantan
xAP Neptuna
YO YO-41


An overview of IJ penetrations so far. Note that the KB is probably east or northeast of Mindinao.

[crsutton]

Interesting pounding Manila. I just don't think the 20 subs are worth it. Allied subs just are not the threat that they posed in the actual war. I think I would have preferred taking out a bunch of BBs and with luck some precious crusiers at Pearl instead. Matter of taste, I suppose.

[witpqs]

Pretty sure I've never lost a cruiser there. Anywhere from zero to all battleships, though. In addition to the subs pretty much everything else at Manila gets smoked, and there are so many extra anti-shipping planes in place with KB that the slaughter of the lambs is greatly increased as the humans flee the Cylon tyranny, er, you know.

---

1941-12-09

Iba was overcome, but the demise of the enemy skyborne troops yesterday allowed our boys to retreat back to Clark Today. Two very inexperienced, understrength PA divisions will attack at Batangas tomorrow. Perhaps we can grind one enemy unit into the beach sand.

Betties and Nells flew with torpedoes out of Palembang today, and they hit many ships. Oh, the horror. Enemy aircraft are in strength at Kendari too, and 3 enemy convoys are passing south through the Moluccas. Presuming they are troop convoys bound for Amboy, Boela, Koepang, Lautem? Many ships were also hit running from the Philippines. KB appears to still be NE of Mindinao based upon attacks by large numbers carrier aircraft.

A total of 10 oil hits were made on Palembang. Recon shows 780 still operating, though of course that's subject to FOW. The campaign will continue. When the IJA forces at Mersing cross the peninsula and cut the roads and rails to the north, the bombers in Singapore will discontinue attacks on them and join other Allied bombers in pounding Palembang's oil production.

Only one attack on enemy shipping succeeded today, as CA Atago was torpedoed at Palembang by Swordfish. Bravo! Two CA's nailed at Palembang now.

Kuching was bombarded to stop anti-shipping attacks, but the mighty Wirraways had already departed! Air attacks against bases and ground forces continued across the battle theaters, and were joined by a number of fighter sweeps. Some sweeps were wasted, so the Allies are doing well being less than obvious about deployments. Sweeps over Clark were painfully effective, and the air battle on Luzon will likely be short.

Most Allied maneuvers in the combat areas right now could be characterized as ducking, dodging, and weaving to avoid or delay destruction. CV Enterprise might have better chances. A source of heavy radio traffic has been detected about 1/3 of the way between the Marshalls and Wake Island. She has picked up the USMC fighters from Wake for extra cover.

[witpqs]

1941-12-10

A busy day. In a surprise to both parties, Hong Kong fell to the first IJA attack. That frees up powerful IJA units entirely too early for my taste. Redeployments in China have been going well on both sides. Ichang was liberated today, alas as an open city so no enemy units were battered and pursued. Wuchow is threatened by the IJA 104 Division, which caught and pushed back the 62 Chinese Corps into the city. Another corps will arrive to aid the defense before the 104 invests the city, but forces now free from besieging Hong Kong...

San Fernando held and might be throwing a small monkey wrench into the enemy's plans. Even better, the 41 and 51 PA Infantry Divisions at Batangas attacked the Sasebo 1 SNLF at 10 to 1 odds. Casualties were modest (although more than 10% disablements for the defenders), but attacks will continue with the hope that the trapped enemy unit (ships have departed) will quickly crumble under the weight of numbers.

Ternate was invaded, and Ambon received a naval bombardment. Both bases are evacuating aircraft and support ships are fleeing. Three additional enemy TF's, apparently convoys, are seen north of Ambon. I still consider it likely that one or more of them is intended for Timor.

A port attack on Batavia battered many ships there, which I had simply overlooked moving on December 8th. Just as well, as the airfield was not attacked so they served as a useful distraction. The mission of air in the DEI now is the reduction of Palembang's oil production. Recon reports facilities at 751 (IIRC), and raids went in today. IJA blocking forces have yet to cross the Malay Peninsula, so British, et al bombers from Singapore continue interdicting their movement. Forces from points north arrive at Singapore daily, but clearly several will be cut off. At least 2 additional enemy units are seen fast moving (rail?) down the the Isthmus of Kra but still above Malaysia. Praboemoelih, next to Palembang was captured as the IJA 91st Naval Guard Unit crossed the river. Lost were the L212 Dutch bombers, willingly risked to stay in range of attacking Palembang's oil.

Air attacks were received across the battle theaters again. The "Scouting Tanker" - TK Manatawny, the same one which found the KB - last night found CVL Zuiho and CVE Hosho in company with 6 battleships, 6 light cruisers, and 9 destroyers at grid reference (hereafter GR) 96,85. They might be steaming for the South Pacific. There were no air attacks during the day, so perhaps they were running silent. The DEI surface fleet - Force Z, Force Y, and Force D (for "Dutch") have evaded detection. There are indications that KB is still in the waters north of the eastern DEI, perhaps to take ambush position against Allied surface forces endeavoring to interfere with matters there. It is also possible that the KB has split and the greater part is steaming east to engage the American carriers. Enterprise is nearly in ambush position off of Wake Island. From here present position it is likely that an invasion convoy is out of here search range, and that tomorrow could be perfect timing. She should be safe there from enemy carriers for at least 3 days, but caution will rule the day.

Lexington has completed her first assignment splendidly:

[SoliInvictus202]

now that is very interesting:
Hong Kong fell on the first assault without the 104th Division in support of the 38th? - never saw that one before....

R.

[witpqs]

1941-12-11

On Luzon, San Fernando fell. Clark is a little weak considering the number of IJA units both present and moving in, and fortifications have not built at all due to constant bombing. 4th Marines are moving up from their position on Bataan to stiffen defenses, but the divisions at Batangas are sorely needed. At least they are succeeding in reducing the Sasebo 1st SNLF - today's attack was 45 to 1 odds with much higher casualties than yesterday. All were disablements, though, indicating a seasoned enemy unit.

Guam was invaded, and Kavieng was captured. Units are being consolidated in Port Moresby as quickly as possible. The exception is Lark Bn, which is being sea-lifted to mainland Australia.

The air, sea, and undersea slaughter continued in the Philippines and DEI with the I-boats themselves picking up 3 new victims. Ambon was invaded as expected following yesterday's bombardment.

The Mersing invaders still have yet to cut the road and rail to the west. Attacks on Palembang oil continued, including one mistaken drop on the refineries. Recon shows Oil at 707 and Refinery at 915.

That SigInt radio source contact finally showed itself near Wake, and Enterprise was ready:

[witpqs]

1941-12-12

A quieter day in terms of sea combat. Guam, Chengchow, Tsiaotso, and Ternate all fell today. Surprisingly, Ambon resisted a shock attack. Combat in China was mixed, with 2 IJA divisions blunting themselves a bit on 4 Chinese corps in the woods east of Changsha.

Air attacks continued claiming Allied ships, as did sweeps claim planes. The IJA has cut off Singapore, so Jahore Bahru is being evacuated to get remaining forces into the fortress. Units cut off are either defending in place or moving to obstruct the rail lines.

This also frees up the bombers out of Singapore to hit Palembang. Unfortunately, there are now about 4 dozen fighters figured to be at Palembang, and they shot down several B-17's today. Palembang Oil is reconnoitered at 666, and attacks will continue into the fighter opposition.

The attack at Batangas went in at 168 to 1 odds and destroyed squads for the first time. Hopefully this is the sign that Sasebo 1st SNLF is ready to crack. The defender showed minuses for both fatigue and disruption in addition to preparation. Unmodified Assault Value was only 15.

[witpqs]

1941-12-13

Georgetown, Emirau Island, Sambas, and Ambon fell today. The slaughter at sea continued apace. At least it diverts attention from the air bases supporting the attacks on Palembang oil facilities. Some units will be roughed up in China, but that seems almost inevitable at scenario start.

Big fighter sweeps over Singapore today took out about 15 Buffaloes. Worse, the British bombers out of Singapore did not fly, likely due to the lack of escort (too little range) plus enemy fighters over the target. Mediums out of Java do fly as some fighters can reach Palembang. Accordingly, all air in Singapore has been relocated to Java, with planes under repair to follow. Let's see if we can darken the skies over Palembang tomorrow! Oil facilities there are reconnoitered at 626.

Manila is invested by an enemy combat unit of unknown strength, but it will be enough to take the city as the two victors from Batangas will not arrive in time. Perhaps a blessing in disguise, the Manila base force plus the aviation unit transiting the hex will likely retreat to Batangas (Clark being invested with many enemy units), so planes repairing in Manila have been transferred to Batangas. That base is undamaged, so this might accelerate getting out the remaining B-17's. The 4th Marines are at least two days out from Clark, and now the two PA divisions at Batangas likely will never get there. With three more combat units up north, Vic's strategy of obstructing the consolidation of the defenders has worked better than he thought it had. The two divisions in Batangas could have withdrawn in time, but crushing a seasoned enemy unit seemed worthy bait.

BTW, the two PA divisions in Batangas gained no experience for all that combat. Bombardments, deliberate attacks, destroying an enemy unit - nothing. Is that just bad luck?

The whereabouts of all enemy carriers has been lost. Some guesses can be made about possible travel distance from most recent sightings plus lack of search hits in areas of coverage, but the point is they are off the radar. If he wants to make a move on Koepang and/or Lautem it is likely carrier support will be involved, as the Allied surface forces have remained undetected for several days now. The central and south Pacific also will require carrier support, as he now knows that my carriers are close by. Moreover, he expected my carriers to be either far to the south or back at Pearl. Now he understands that there are unknown likelihoods of the Allied carriers being deployed anywhere they can reach.

[witpqs]

1941-12-14

Manila fell today as predicted. The aviation unit in transit made it to Clark, while the Manila base force retreated to Batangas. Unfortunately, the attacking unit has strength equal to both PA divs at Batangas, so a counter attack is off. The remaining B-17's and Catalinas arrived at Batangas and with luck - and lack of enemy interference - will repair there for evacuation.

Palembang is reconnoitered at 605 oil facilities. Steady progress, but the enemy's fighter presence grows.

At least one enemy CVE has been sighted at Kendari. Of course scouting (naval search) puts that contact at at least 6 enemy CVE... [:D]

It looks like the Singapore defense will be based on about 800 AS. Enemy units are marching overland on Borneo. Maneuvering and skirmishes continue in China, where the real struggle is to establish defensible positions covering strategically vital areas. The Pacific east of Guam has been nicely quiet since the USN carriers raids. [:)] B-17 units have been arriving in Australia after their long transfer flights. One more plus straggling planes are en route.

Here is a snapshot of air losses to date (all the ones I could fit onto one screen):

[witpqs]

1941-12-15

Loyang fell today, as an open city. Clark was bombarded for the first time, which showed that the defenders at 900 AS barely outnumber the attackers currently in the hex. Roughly 400 AS is locked out of Clark. Vic's tactics have succeeded in a measurable way. A small victory in China, where several (hopefully) escaping and evading units retreated an IJA regiment, inflicting heavy casualties.

Batavia airfield was bombed for the first time today, and although damaged put up a good defense. It will probably undergo naval bombardment this evening, as an IJN BB and cruiser group was sighted only 2 hexes away. That group chased a lone fleeing MTB from the South China Sea, engaging it 5 times in 5 separate hexes over several hundred miles before sinking it 80 miles from Batavia. Swordfish are on alert, but will they even have a target in range when the sun rises?

Meanwhile, Palembang oil facilities are believed now at 570. Keep pounding away, boys!

[witpqs]

1941-12-16

Batavia was indeed pummeled from the sea and from the air, with facilities now standing at 67% runway damage, mid-30's airfield service, and a few port. The bombers have been moved to Bandoeng and support troops are following. Strikes flying out of Kalidjati and Bandoeng did take Palembang oil down to 562, although the drop was clearly less than days when all the bombers flew. As the most important objective they have is to take down Palembang oil, the sacrifices are worth it. At one repair per day, it will take 339 days to fully repair oil production there once repairs begin. And the fat lady ain't sang in this show yet.

The consequences of Hong Kong's early demise are being seen, as Wuchow is invested with one unit and at least 12 more are on the way. About 3 enemy units are also heading for Nanning, so likely the southern flank is an objective, including at least Liuchow, Kweilin in addition to those cities already threatened. Likewise, there are enemy forces moving along the two northern routes toward Sian (one route also threatens Yenan). I suspect this is toward an overall strategic objective of cutting China's overland supply route across the Asian wastelands. Measures have been taken.

Victoria Point, Alor Star, Malacca, and Taiping all fell today. The only Intel on carrier positions is (in my estimation) "at least one" small carrier at Kendari. Only a few ships remain in the gauntlet of the Philippines/DEI. Perhaps I should bring some back to take pressure off of Batavia? [:'(] Even though losses of Allied planes are high (as expected), we took out another 10 Zeros today and are generally doing alright in that department.

[witpqs]

1941-12-17

Chuhsien (undefended) and Wuchow fell today. We got beat up at Wuchow, and a bit less in a combat with some cut off units out on the eastern plains. Slightly making up for that, the first enemy attack at Clark was repulsed with a few thousand casualties, although most of them were disablements. In better news, all of the B-17's are now out of Luzon. Losing Manila wasn't all bad!

Question: Will the industry in Manila (Japanese held city) continue production if I put Allied combat forces in the hex? Anybody know?

Palembang oil facilities are now reconnoitered at 556, the reduction probably representing yesterday's bombing as there was none today. Weather probably was a factor, although Palembang did get flights out to attack Batavia. The B-17's have been moved to Soerabaja, still within their normal range, while the mediums are all at Bandoeng and Kalidjati. Torpedo bombers are spread out to provide coverage.

This radio DF hit is in a place where it could be KB, but it also could be an invasion force aimed at Rabaul with small carriers escorting:

[witpqs]

1941-12-18

Wake, Vigan, and Pontianak fell today. Wake Island was attacked by strong carrier air forces, bombarded from the sea, then invaded and captured by a strong assault force. Clearly no chances were taken the second time around! Our subs counter attacked but they hit nothing (at least with torpedoes that exploded [;)]). Estimate at least half the KB is there, but that's without the benefit of any sightings.

A few oil hits on Palembang, but recon still reads 556. Obviously recon results reflect information post-previous day's raids, and not current day's raids.

Lots of dancing in China. Kukong is receiving a lot of attention by air and, in addition to troops from the Canton/Hong Kong axis being in the area, enemy units are moving in from the south east. Kukong is being reinforced heavily and will constitute a hard target before it is invested (if that is the enemy's intention).

Invaders are on the move in the eastern DEI! Two TF's appear to be moving on Timor, although which base? The westernmost TF (west of the carriers) could be an invasion TF aimed at Denpasar or Java. It could also be a SCTF screening the carrier TF. If so, then the carriers are likely meaning to transit to the Indian Ocean to support the invasion of Timor.

[witpqs]

1941-12-19

A pretty fair amount of action today. First off, Pucheng (undefended), Lahat, and Tioman Island fell today. Two IJA divisions and an FA regiment were stopped on the eastern approaches to Sian when several Chinese corps withstood a shock attack at 1 to 1 odds. Much greater casualties were inflicted on the IJA, although almost all disablements. More Chinese units are on the way as that route must be well blocked. The last Chinese unit will arrive at Nanyang tomorrow, and a withdrawal northward into defensible terrain will begin shortly thereafter. About 8 Chinese units (including 2 HQ's) are cut off and running across the plains to make as much trouble as they can. Two more Corps plus an HQ are in the woods far south of Nanyang performing similar duties.

Batavia was bombarded by a small enemy task force, but it's enough to keep the field closed. Malang was bombarded by a powerful enemy task force built around battleships Yamashiro, Fuso, Mutsu, Nagato and 6 light cruisers. The base is empty. [:D] The invasion TF is one hex away at Pamekasan, as are the carriers, and presumably will land tomorrow. A carrier-air attack on Soerabaja was only slightly effective. Conversely, a torpedo bomber attack on the enemy carriers was repulsed with heavy losses.

Cruisers and destroyers bombarded Merak, which is well defended, after which the invasion group landed well over 700 AS. Merak now seems less well defended. [:(] There were a number of landing accidents that caused casualties, but the really good news is that in 4 separate air attacks torpedo bombers scored numerous torpedo and bomb hits:

Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 12
CW-21B Demon x 4


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Taibun Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Shoho Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Yuzan Maru, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Zuiko Maru, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk

=======

Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 5
B-339D x 3
CW-21B Demon x 2


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Ume Maru, Torpedo hits 1
xAK Tone Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

=======

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 11
Vildebeest III x 12


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Eiko Maru #2
xAK Sanuki Maru, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Nansin Maru
xAK Tatsuho Maru

=======

Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 5
B-339D x 4
CW-21B Demon x 3


Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish I: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Natori
xAK Amagi Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Troop losses were not revealed. All of the enemy units landed show as fragments, so there might be more troops to land tomorrow. More torpedoes are being prepared.

Invasion forces are also closing in on Koepang, which was attacked by air out of Kendari. Unfortunately, the Allied surface forces have all been spotted. They will patrol up to Koepang tomorrow anyway, to be in position to intercept should the enemy invasion group proceed.

[witpqs]

1941-12-20

A raid flew against Palembang oil today but achieved nothing. Recon shows 557, which indicates that enemy commanders are confident enough to begin repairs. I think they are right. Merak was captured, and aircraft are present - they must be fighters. The xAP Mizuho Maru was torpedoed at Merak with heavy damage by British attack planes and looks likely to sink. The B-17's are being sent on to Calcutta as the airfield at Bandoeng is simply too crowded to operate them. There will be few days remaining to operate that airfield at all, and even the mediums have it overcrowded. Those bombers will attempt to get more oil hits, as modestly bad weather is expected and could yield some protection from enemy CAP.

Multiple small Dutch surface forces tangled with an invasion force at Probolonggo, and another with that same BB group. Both groups seem to have dropped anchor off Malang, the presumed landing spot. British attack planes put two aerial torpedoes into BB Nagato and noted heavy damage. She is reported as sunk by Intel sources...[8|]

Soerabaja was pummeled by a large air raid from Kendari, but torpedo bombers will operate tomorrow in spite of airfield damage. Especially opportune, as enemy carrier coverage withdrew to the east to provide cover for the nearly ambushed Koepang invasion force (see graphic).

[witpqs]

1941-12-21

The big news of the day is - no invasion of eastern Java. Not sure why, or if it was just a feint to begin with. PG Soerabaja put to sea with a small group of cohorts and was sunk by air from Kendari. Probably due to weather, the enemy carriers and the Koepang invasion group have disappeared. Search assets are adequate, but a little more have been added. After more ineffective raids on Palembang the British and Australian air groups are withdrawing. The torpedo planes, mostly depleted anyway, and some fighters are going by way of Denpasar. Happily, the air HQ at Soerabaja stretches that far, allowing torpedo load outs. There are two enemy TF's about a hundred miles north of Denpasar, although sightings have them as all cruisers (CA/CL). One of them might be the carriers. We'll see. The Allied surface groups are refueling at Port Hedland.

Playing into the decision to pull out non-Dutch air, Bandoeng was hit, suffering modest damage. A concentrated effort will close it, and Batavia will likely fall the day after enemy ground forces arrive from Merak. That could be tomorrow. Likewise, Soerabaja can be closed by further strikes from Kendari. Unless the Dutch boys can do more, it looks like 11 months of repairs on Palembang oil is the deal.

Chinese forces at Nanyang got only one day of travel in move mode before the first enemy unit arrived. In theory they could make it out tomorrow in move mode, but if one or two units is hit by the air attacks that come in every turn they would be left behind to be mauled. So the host has switched to combat mode and will need either two or three days to make the favorable terrain.

A group of 12 IJ units was spotted in the wooded hex to the east of Wuchow, on a road that leads to both Kukong and Kweilin. Kukong has been getting lots of aerial attention, but that could just be for show. Currently Kukong has about 1,500 AS with more en route through the countryside. Kweilin has much less, but more is on the way there as well, including the vanquished defenders of Wuchow. Presumed target at this time is Kukong.

The 69th Ind.Infantry Battalion and 30th RGC Division were mauled (by some of those Chinese forces moving to Kukong) at 81,58. A small victory.

Australian search out of Ocean Island spotted a TF at Jaluit through the rain. A bare sighting is all, confirmation of 1 ship present. Given the time since the Wake invasion this must be the next round of expansions with KB covering.

[witpqs]

1941-12-22

Jahore Bahru fell. There are more enemy planes at Merak, presumably torpedo-armed bombers. IJ ground forces have yet to make Batavia. Soerabaja and Bandoeng were both hit by LBA again, with Soerabaja also being hit by carrier air.

Koepang was invaded today - naval search obviously failed to pick up the whereabouts of the invasion forces yesterday, so Allied surface forces were out of position refueling. Drat!

There are 13 IJA units in Nanyang today and more seem to be on their way. Meanwhile, all Chinese non-combat forces have made their exit to the good terrain along the road. Even better, all Chinese combat units in the city are in combat mode at 45 miles traveled out of 46 to make their exit. They all will long gone before ground combat tomorrow.

Naval search is showing nothing at all in the Central Pacific after yesterday's flimsy contact at Jaluit. Much heavy radio traffic at Truk.