Clear-Cutting AE (No Treespider)

[witpqs]

1941-12-30

Port Swettenham, Temuloh, Rabaul, Langsa, and Tagbilaran fell today. There were no more fireworks near Kendari as the IJN withdrew to Ternate. The true extent of damage to Imperial vessels is unknown, but seems to have been worth the encounter. Unfortunately they were able to put troops ashore who are now marching on Kendari. Force M will remain within range and might bombard when enemy troops reach the base. The para units that seized Kolaka have not been seen since then. Either they are being air lifted out by seaplane or they are also marching on Kendari. If the latter, they should appear soon. Imperial troops appear to be marching from Lansa south toward Medan. Vessels are also seen but not what variety. Perhaps they slipped past Singapore or maybe they are barges out of George Town.

In response to EHQ's good, well targeted use of para forces, we are flying reinforcements to Denpasar in the form of the VII Knil Bn from Tarakan. There are already Hawk fighters in place to welcome any air transports properly.

USA dive bombers are now present on Java and Timor with more on the way. Of course, their naval bombing skills are in the teens, indicating a bomb release as likely to hit a wingman as an enemy target.

The B-17s had a rough go today, losing 5 over Singkawang. Low experience likely coupled with high enemy experience did the deed. B-17s (E model) from Australia are being brought into the DEI. They have good skills for this early in the war.

The Central Pacific still gives the appearance of being empty. Where are they?

[Andav]

So I see it looks like you are using Search Arches in one of the previous screen shots. I always thought this was always a very cool feature and was disappointed when they did not work right. How are the working now?

Walter

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: Andav

So I see it looks like you are using Search Arches in one of the previous screen shots. I always thought this was always a very cool feature and was disappointed when they did not work right. How are the working now?

Walter

They work fantastic. I also use 'no arcs' (aka 'random arcs') just a little bit, but search arcs I use the vast majority of the time. Even more than they just work now, Michael has improved them so they can be set to run in either direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) and with color codes showing when AM and PM search phases overlap, allowing the player to fine tune them for critical areas.

[witpqs]

We had a little hiatus while some TOE issues were resolved. They are really present in the OOB of this scenario and DBB which it is based upon, and also (either completely or mostly) in Scenario 1. So, MichaelM took the opportunity to put logic into the code that would largely take care of the various mismatches when editor-created sub-units are merged together to "Rebuild" parent units. Treespider and JWE have also been working on the OOB itself to remove those mismatches.

---

1941-12-31

Tarawa and Lubang fell today. Otherwise things are proceeding roughly apace with recent days. The KB - or a KB - has been sighted patrolling east of the Gilberts (see graphic). It seems that EHQ is taking care with the real threat of Allied Surface forces.

RN CL Danae simply refuses to sink. She is about halfway back to Soerabaja, but will try to make port at Makassar to get fires out. They are now 67, with system damage at 85. Engine damage is 30, but the hull is intact with only minor flooding of 7 due to fire fighting. Perhaps all the combustibles will burn off and she will live?

[witpqs]

1941-01-01

Dinagat and Ku-shih fell today. Danae Succumbed to her wounds. Air raids, cleaning up of small Allied garrisons, and like activities continue. Yesterday the 102nd PA Inf Div arrived at Cagayan, roughly doubling the defenders' depleted strength. The Empire did not attack, but they did today:

Ground combat at Cagayan (79,89)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4006 troops, 32 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 187

Defending force 10287 troops, 53 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 356

Japanese adjusted assault: 43

Allied adjusted defense: 125

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
428 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled


Allied ground losses:
71 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
8th Tank Regiment
146th Infantry Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment

Defending units:
103rd PA Infantry Regiment
2nd/101st PA Battalion
102nd PA Infantry Division
102nd PA Infantry Regiment
1st /101st PA Battalion
3rd PA Constabulary Regiment
3rd/101st PA Battalion
III Philippine Corps
Del Monte AAF Base Force /1

A fatigued attacker with a great reduction in AV that suffered about 6 to 1 casualties = time for a shock attack by the defenders! Cross your fingers.

Imperial forces seem to be making yet another naval incursion into the Eastern DEI. Form M will seek to intervene.

[witpqs]

1941-01-02

Polillo fell today. Heng Shui was liberated. Brunei withstood assault. The shock attack at Cagayan ran into a third Imperial unit which arrived just in time and kept the odds at 1 to 1. Casualties were 200+ for the Empire and over 900 for the Filipino patriots.

IJN fast convoys have been running into Kolaka. At first I thought there was a convoy, then it appeared that perhaps a damaged DD had merely anchored there, but now the situation is clear. There is at least one ships anchored at Kolaka now and a small convoy SW of Kendari, probably on the way in. Force M will patrol toward Kolaka from the east, while Force Z proceeds to bombard Kolaka. Force W is moving in from the west and will be able to react to contacts or take up station in place of Force M if required.

Many TFs have popped up NE of Baker Island, apparently bound for the Line Islands as they show heading east (see graphic).

[witpqs]

1941-01-03

Malaybalay, Malacca, Port Dickson, and Brunei fell today. The Empire is relentless but very slow in its march down the Malay peninsula. Imperial units have marched to Medan.

IJN battle forces are 280nm west of Palmyra and closing at a measured pace. Behind them by another 280nm are large forces of unknown composition.

A nice outcome in the northwest Banda Sea:

DD Kuroshio is reported to have been sunk near Kolaka on Jan 03, 1942
DD Oyashio is reported to have been sunk near Kolaka on Jan 03, 1942
DD Hatsukaze is reported to have been sunk near Kolaka on Jan 03, 1942
DD Sagiri is reported to have been sunk near Kolaka on Jan 03, 1942

They went down fighting but were overwhelmed by the sheer weight that the RN and friends threw at them.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Kolaka at 68,105, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio
DD Oyashio, Shell hits 1
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Sagiri, Shell hits 4, on fire

Allied Ships (This is Force Z)
BC Repulse, Shell hits 2
CL Durban, Shell hits 2
DD Vampire, Shell hits 1
DD Kortenaer
DD Tenedos
DD Thracian



Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 100% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Sagiri at 11,000 yards
DD Hatsukaze engages DD Tenedos at 11,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Kortenaer at 11,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Sagiri at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
DD Hatsukaze engages BC Repulse at 10,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Hatsukaze at 10,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Thracian at 10,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Vampire at 10,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Kuroshio at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD Vampire at 9,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages CL Durban at 9,000 yards
DD Thracian engages DD Hatsukaze at 9,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Kuroshio at 9,000 yards
DD Hatsukaze engages DD Kortenaer at 9,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Vampire at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Sagiri at 8,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages CL Durban at 8,000 yards
DD Thracian engages DD Oyashio at 8,000 yards
DD Thracian engages DD Kuroshio at 8,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Kortenaer at 8,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Oyashio at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Kuroshio at 9,000 yards
DD Hatsukaze engages DD Vampire at 9,000 yards
DD Thracian engages DD Sagiri at 9,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD Tenedos at 9,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD Vampire at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD Vampire at 10,000 yards
CL Durban engages DD Hatsukaze at 10,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Tenedos at 10,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Hatsukaze at 10,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Sagiri at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Kuroshio at 11,000 yards
DD Hatsukaze engages DD Thracian at 11,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Oyashio at 11,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Sagiri at 11,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Sagiri at 11,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Sagiri at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Sagiri at 13,000 yards
DD Hatsukaze engages DD Kortenaer at 13,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Oyashio at 13,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD Tenedos at 13,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Oyashio at 13,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Vampire at 13,000 yards
Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Kolaka at 68,105, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio, Shell hits 1
DD Oyashio
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
DD Sagiri, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships (This is Force Z)
BC Repulse
CL Durban, Shell hits 2
DD Vampire, Shell hits 1
DD Kortenaer, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Tenedos, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Thracian



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 23,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Oyashio at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 22,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Oyashio at 19,000 yards
CL Durban engages DD Oyashio at 19,000 yards
CL Durban engages DD Kuroshio at 19,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Hatsukaze at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Kuroshio at 16,000 yards
CL Durban engages DD Hatsukaze at 16,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Thracian at 16,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Hatsukaze at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Kuroshio at 13,000 yards
DD Hatsukaze engages DD Kortenaer at 13,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Tenedos at 13,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Kortenaer at 13,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Vampire at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Sagiri at 12,000 yards
CL Durban engages DD Kuroshio at 12,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Thracian at 12,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Oyashio at 12,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Kuroshio at 12,000 yards
DD Hatsukaze engages DD Vampire at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Hatsukaze at 10,000 yards
DD Hatsukaze engages DD Vampire at 10,000 yards
DD Thracian engages DD Kuroshio at 10,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Kuroshio at 10,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD Vampire at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
DD Sagiri sunk by BC Repulse at 7,000 yards
DD Thracian engages DD Oyashio at 7,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Tenedos at 7,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Hatsukaze at 7,000 yards
DD Hatsukaze engages DD Vampire at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
DD Hatsukaze sunk by BC Repulse at 9,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Thracian at 9,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Tenedos at 9,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Oyashio at 9,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Oyashio at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 15,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Oyashio at 15,000 yards
CL Durban engages DD Kuroshio at 15,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Thracian at 15,000 yards
Range increases to 21,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Oyashio at 21,000 yards
Range increases to 26,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Oyashio at 26,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Kolaka at 68,106, Range 22,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Oyashio, Shell hits 9, and is sunk

Allied Ships (This is Force Z)
BC Repulse, Shell hits 2
CL Durban
DD Vampire
DD Kortenaer, on fire
DD Tenedos, heavy fires
DD Thracian



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 22,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 22,000 yards
BC Repulse fires at DD Oyashio at 22,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Oyashio at 19,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Kortenaer at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Oyashio at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Oyashio at 12,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Thracian at 12,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Tenedos at 12,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Kortenaer at 12,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Kuroshio at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Oyashio at 10,000 yards
CL Durban engages DD Oyashio at 10,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Thracian at 10,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Oyashio at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Oyashio at 9,000 yards
CL Durban engages DD Kuroshio at 9,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Thracian at 9,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Oyashio at 9,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Oyashio at 9,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Oyashio at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Oyashio at 13,000 yards
CL Durban engages DD Kuroshio at 13,000 yards
DD Kortenaer engages DD Kuroshio at 13,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Vampire at 13,000 yards
Phillips, Tom S.V. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 16,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Oyashio at 16,000 yards
CL Durban engages DD Oyashio at 16,000 yards
Range increases to 21,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Oyashio at 21,000 yards
Range increases to 26,000 yards
DD Oyashio sunk by BC Repulse at 26,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Kolaka at 68,105, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships (This is Force M)
CA Cornwall
CA Exeter
CL Enterprise
CL Mauritius
CL Glasgow
CL Caledon
DD Whipple
DD Parrott
DD Vendetta
DD Piet Hein
DD Evertsen
DD Van Nes
DD Van Ghent



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards
CA Exeter engages DD Kuroshio at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
CA Exeter engages DD Kuroshio at 18,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages DD Kuroshio at 18,000 yards
CL Enterprise engages DD Kuroshio at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
CL Caledon engages DD Kuroshio at 15,000 yards
DD Van Nes engages DD Kuroshio at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards
CA Exeter engages DD Kuroshio at 14,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages DD Kuroshio at 14,000 yards
DD Van Ghent engages DD Kuroshio at 14,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Piet Hein at 14,000 yards
DD Parrott engages DD Kuroshio at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
CA Exeter engages DD Kuroshio at 13,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages DD Kuroshio at 13,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Van Nes at 13,000 yards
DD Evertsen engages DD Kuroshio at 13,000 yards
DD Whipple engages DD Kuroshio at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CA Exeter engages DD Kuroshio at 9,000 yards
DD Van Nes engages DD Kuroshio at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
CA Exeter engages DD Kuroshio at 12,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages DD Kuroshio at 12,000 yards
DD Parrott engages DD Kuroshio at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 19,000 yards
DD Van Nes engages DD Kuroshio at 19,000 yards
Range increases to 24,000 yards
CA Exeter engages DD Kuroshio at 24,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Kolaka at 68,105, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio, Shell hits 20, and is sunk

Allied Ships (This is Force W)
CL Dauntless
CL Ceres
CL Capetown
CL Colombo
DD Encounter
DD Isis



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 11,000 yards
CL Dauntless launches Torpedoes at DD Kuroshio at 11,000 yards
DD Encounter launches Torpedoes at DD Kuroshio at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Kuroshio at 9,000 yards
CL Ceres engages DD Kuroshio at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CL Colombo engages DD Kuroshio at 6,000 yards
CL Ceres engages DD Kuroshio at 6,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Kuroshio at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Kuroshio at 5,000 yards
CL Capetown engages DD Kuroshio at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
DD Kuroshio sunk by DD Isis at 6,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...

Scouting indicates there are now 6 ships anchored at Kolaka. Force M, which still has 91% gun ammo and 100% torpedo load-out will closely bombard Kolaka and hopefully engage the sheltering enemy. Force M consists of 2 x CA, 4 x CL, and 7 x DD.

The toll exacted by the 4 Imperial destroyers:

[witpqs]

1941-01-04

Utan Melintang fell today. Medan withstood attack, although the defenders are green recruits. xAK Miiko Maru was taken down by SS KXIII near Miri. Imperial air forces hit Bandoeng, leaving the airfield with moderate damage. The forecast for today was rain, so orders were held for one day and ENQ beat us to the punch. Tonight B-17Ds from Bandoeng will hit Singkawang, then tomorrow B-17Es from Batavia and Kalidjati will follow up with daylight raids.

The Banda Sea continues to be a fruitful hunting area.

Night Naval bombardment of Kolaka at 68,105

Japanese Ships
DD Fumizuki, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 6, heavy fires
DD Minazuki, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Satsuki, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships (Force M)
CA Exeter
CA Cornwall
CL Caledon
CL Glasgow
CL Mauritius
CL Enterprise
DD Van Ghent
DD Van Nes
DD Evertsen
DD Piet Hein
DD Vendetta
DD Parrott
DD Whipple



Resources hits 4
Port hits 54
Port supply hits 15

CA Exeter firing at Kolaka
CA Cornwall firing at Kolaka
CL Caledon firing at Kolaka
CL Glasgow firing at Kolaka
CL Mauritius firing at Kolaka
CL Enterprise firing at Kolaka
DD Van Ghent firing at Kolaka
DD Van Nes firing at Kolaka
DD Evertsen firing at Kolaka
DD Piet Hein firing at Kolaka
DD Vendetta firing at Kolaka
DD Parrott firing at Kolaka
DD Whipple firing at Kolaka

Force W will attack tonight. Force Z, reconstituted with BC Repulse plus the American and Dutch cruisers and available destroyers from all three nations, will put to sea and follow up if needed.

Imperial forces seem to be pulling back or perhaps drifting about in the Central Pacific. Perhaps they had contacts giving concern of an imminent USN attack, but none was shown. This gives rise to the thought that the real target might be other than the Line Islands or that the entire operation was a ploy intended to bring the American carriers to battle.

[Capt. Harlock]

The shock attack at Cagayan ran into a third Imperial unit which arrived just in time and kept the odds at 1 to 1. Casualties were 200+ for the Empire and over 900 for the Filipino patriots.

Rats! Well, at least the non-Western Allied troops aren't rolling over and playing dead.

[witpqs]

No! They are fighting pretty well. The biggest problem they have is a profound lack of supply.

---

1941-01-05

Serasan fell today. IJA forces are pushing hard to outmaneuver Chinese forces in Sinyang and Ichang, while resisting the same treatment at Nanyang. Imperial forces are slowly moving by ground on the South China Sea coast of Borneo. At Medan in upper Sumatra, Imperial forces apparently rest and await supplies. Betties from Manado raided Makassar and sunk AVP Heron in an apparent effort to suppress our search assets.

The B-17s raided Singkawang as planned, both day and night. Airfield damage is assessed at 11% and the bombers are good to go again tomorrow.

Force W's raid on Kolaka yielded results, and Force Z will pay a visit tonight as scouts believe there are 2 more ships at anchor there.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Kolaka at 68,106, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Satsuki
DD Fumizuki, Shell hits 10, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Dauntless
CL Ceres
CL Capetown
CL Colombo, Shell hits 2
DD Encounter
DD Isis



Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms with 89% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 89% moonlight: 3,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 3,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 3,000 yards
CL Colombo engages DD Fumizuki at 3,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages CL Colombo at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CL Colombo engages DD Fumizuki at 2,000 yards
CL Capetown engages DD Fumizuki at 2,000 yards
CL Dauntless engages DD Fumizuki at 2,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Satsuki at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CL Colombo engages DD Fumizuki at 6,000 yards
DD Fumizuki sunk by CL Capetown at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages DD Isis at 4,000 yards
CL Ceres engages DD Satsuki at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
CL Colombo engages DD Satsuki at 9,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages DD Encounter at 9,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Night Naval bombardment of Kolaka at 68,105

Japanese Ships
DD Minazuki, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CL Colombo
CL Capetown
CL Ceres
CL Dauntless



Resources hits 1
Port hits 16
Port supply hits 2

CL Colombo firing at Kolaka
CL Capetown firing at Kolaka
CL Ceres firing at Kolaka
CL Dauntless firing at Kolaka

Meanwhile, Imperial troops denied sea transport walk toward Kendari. An Australian commando company is being unloaded tonight to stiffen the defense. When enemy troops arrive at Kendari the Allied navies will bombard them. Currently, destroying their supporting ships and supplies ashore is the most effective way to aid Kendari.

In the Central Pacific the Imperial battle forces are either withdrawing, awaiting convoys, or simply offering bait. See overview graphic for their current position.

[witpqs]

1941-01-06

Heng Shui, Sambas, and Ch'i-hsien fell today. Imperial battle fleets in the Central Pacific have vanished. Imperial bombers hit Dutch forces at Medan. B-17s added to the damage at Singkawang and will rest until ready. While still flying, raiders out of Singkawang were reduced in number. Imperial units are moving on Clark Field from multiple directions.

After smashing Kolaka yet again, there are still scouting reports of 2 ships present so it shall be hit again.

Night Naval bombardment of Kolaka at 68,105

Japanese Ships
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 2, heavy damage
DD Minazuki, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BC Repulse
CA Houston
CL Boise
CL Marblehead
CL De Ruyter



Resources hits 3
Port hits 26
Port supply hits 5

BC Repulse firing at Kolaka
CA Houston firing at Kolaka
CL Boise firing at Kolaka
CL Marblehead firing at Kolaka
CL De Ruyter firing at Kolaka

In China, the Empire has brought sufficient forces to the flanks of the Nanyang and Sinyang salients that Chinese forces will begin withdrawing. Chinese forces start very weak in terms of morale, experience, and disabled squads, so the month gained tying up Imperial forces has been helpful. See graphic.

[witpqs]

1941-01-07

Lihir fell today. Still no sign of the Imperial battle fleets in the Central Pacific. Perhaps the success of the Allied navies has caused a change in plans where the weight of the IJN is required in the DEI. Some IJN heavy units are seen possibly making for the Kendari area. Meanwhile, Force M scored again, although two IJN submarines attempted to intervene (perhaps the same sub was seen twice).

Night Naval bombardment of Kolaka at 68,105

Japanese Ships
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Minazuki, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Exeter
CA Cornwall
CL Caledon
CL Glasgow
CL Mauritius
CL Enterprise
DD Van Ghent
DD Van Nes
DD Evertsen
DD Piet Hein
DD Vendetta
DD Parrott
DD Whipple

Resources hits 6
Port hits 42
Port supply hits 9

CA Exeter firing at Kolaka
CA Cornwall firing at Kolaka
CL Caledon firing at Kolaka
CL Glasgow firing at Kolaka
CL Mauritius firing at Kolaka
CL Enterprise firing at Kolaka
DD Van Ghent firing at Kolaka
DD Van Nes firing at Kolaka
DD Evertsen firing at Kolaka
DD Piet Hein firing at Kolaka
DD Vendetta firing at Kolaka
DD Parrott firing at Kolaka
DD Whipple firing at Kolaka

No additional ships were sighted at anchor at Kolaka. This series of actions seems to have netted a very healthy catch of Imperial destroyers.

[Capt. Harlock]

This series of actions seems to have netted a very healthy catch of Imperial destroyers.

Indeed it has! And no long Lances were received in return.

[witpqs]

I haven't counted them up yet, but I know the sunk ships list is short. The Empire is always miserly about releasing bad news!

---

1941-01-08

Mauban, Hsu-chang, Ch'ueh-shan, Tavoy, Dagua fell today. Damaging air raids continue on the defenders at Medan. At Singkawang, KXIV attacked xAKL Kaisyo Maru, achieving "Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage". Additional Imperial ships are in convoy there. The 22nd Indian Bde has completed crossing the sir bridge to Port Blair. Only 1 vehicle was left behind in Kuantan.

Force W's bombardment of forces closing on Kendari from the west was ineffective.

Night Naval bombardment of Kendari at 69,106

Allied Ships
CL Colombo
CL Capetown
CL Ceres
CL Dauntless
CL Hobart

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

CL Colombo firing at Sasebo 1st SNLF
CL Capetown firing at Sasebo 1st SNLF
CL Ceres firing at Yokosuka 1st SNLF
CL Dauntless firing at Yokosuka 3rd SNLF
CL Hobart firing at Yokosuka 1st SNLF

Whether transiting or laying her own mines to combat the Allied navies' bombardments, SS I-166 hit a mine at Kendari and was in condition "on fire, heavy damage". Intel has confirmed that I-166 was not the sub which was attacked by Force M yesterday.

More Imperial ships are entering the Eastern DEI (see graphic). Force Z is taking an appropriate position and Force M is on the way back after rearming. Force H (Hermes) will be on the edge of strike range in 3 days. S squadron of Dutch light bombers has been moved from Ambon to Makassar (they were on Naval Attack and hitting Namlea while not flying) and in their place arrived a 5-strong HQ squadron of US Army dive bombers. Naval Bomb skills are in the mid-20s.

[witpqs]

1941-01-09

Kluang and Bengkalis fell today. Hsin-Hsiang was liberated. Imperial units are moving west from Rahaeng, in concert with units moving up the road from a now conquered Tavoy it appears the battle for Burma is about to commence.

The B-17Ds at night missed their target, but the B-17Es attacking during the day hit Singkawang. They destroyed a Zero on the ground and raised airfield damage to 18%

Betties from Manado found BC Repulse and put 3 torpedoes into her. She is at 22-62(45)-0-0 but is only 80nm from a sighted force of IJN carriers and battleships! She will put on full speed for one day in a sprint toward Koepang (see graphic). Kudos to EHQ for finding a way to improve search in the area to allow targeting. The remainder of Force Z and Force M will both seek to engage at night and clear the danger zone by sunup. Force W has rearmed and will rush in from the west.

On the air side, Force H will put on full speed with the intent of being at Larantoeka, just within torpedo strike range of the Imperial fleet's current position. She has taken on a second squadron of Swordfish to add 5 raiders to her deck. Falcon light bombers have moved to Kendari to attack at low altitude. Banshees are at Makassar, Ambon, and Koepang. Wildebeests and Hudsons are at Koepang. Hermes will be covered by P-40Bs out of Koepang.

Submarines already swarm the routes to the east and northeast, so hopefully the way in was the only free passage for the Empire.

The sighting of carriers in that fleet might be false. There are only auxiliary types of aircraft noted, and the position is awfully forward and exposed for carriers. Further, they are interposed between their land forces and Allied ships that would bombard them. If it is the Empire's battleships and heavy cruisers then we shall give them battle as well. Repulse's 15" guns and sure aim will be missed, but all of our many destroyers and all the UK and Commonwealth cruisers have torpedoes. In the closed waters they sail in we stand a fair chance of doing serious damage even to Imperial battleships.

[witpqs]

A Red Day

---

1941-01-10

Calayan and Medan fell today. Tawau was invaded from the sea. Imperial troops are moving west from Chiang Mai, to cut off Moulmein from supply. A TF with 2 ships identified as a CV and a CS is 360nm west of Palmyra, but no other contacts in the area. The B-17s continued to pound Singkawang.

There were no IJN carriers near Kendari, but there were plenty of worthy targets. Most of them shot back. 4 night surface combats and 2 day surface combats were followed by a number of air attacks on both sides. Betties played the role of scavengers and without them the day would have been heavily in the Allies' favor, as they disposed of 3 Allied cruisers. Allied air power, too, from 3 nations connected for effect. Warships from 5 different navies touched bottom this turn.

Force Z drew first blood.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Kendari at 70,106, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DMS W-2, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DMS W-3, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Houston
CL De Ruyter
CL Marblehead
CL Boise
DD Bulmer
DD John D. Edwards
DD Vampire

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 42% moonlight: 9,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 7,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
DMS W-3 sunk by CA Houston at 7,000 yards
CA Houston engages DMS W-2 at 7,000 yards
DMS W-2 sunk by DD Vampire at 7,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Loewoek at 70,103, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Japanese Ships
CS Mizuho, Shell hits 32, and is sunk
CL Sendai, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Harukaze, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Houston, Shell hits 2
CL De Ruyter
CL Marblehead
CL Boise, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Bulmer, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 1
DD Vampire

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 42% moonlight: 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 12,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 12,000 yards
CA Houston fires at CL Sendai at 12,000 yards
CL Boise fires at CL Sendai at 12,000 yards
CL Marblehead fires at DD Harukaze at 12,000 yards
CL De Ruyter fires at CL Sendai at 12,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards fires at CL Sendai at 12,000 yards
DD Bulmer fires at CL Sendai at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CA Houston at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Boise at 10,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Bulmer at 10,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD John D. Edwards at 10,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages DD Harukaze at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CA Houston engages CL Sendai at 6,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages CS Mizuho at 6,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD John D. Edwards at 6,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Vampire at 6,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD John D. Edwards at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CA Houston at 4,000 yards
CL Boise engages CS Mizuho at 4,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Marblehead at 4,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL De Ruyter at 4,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Vampire at 4,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Harukaze at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CA Houston at 5,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages CS Mizuho at 5,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Vampire at 5,000 yards
CL De Ruyter engages CL Sendai at 5,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages CS Mizuho at 5,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages CS Mizuho at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
CA Houston engages CL Sendai at 7,000 yards
CL Boise engages CS Mizuho at 7,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages CL Sendai at 7,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Harukaze at 7,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages CS Mizuho at 7,000 yards
Banno U. orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CA Houston at 8,000 yards
CL Boise engages CL Sendai at 8,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages CL Sendai at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL De Ruyter at 8,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Vampire at 8,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD John D. Edwards at 8,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Bulmer at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CA Houston at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Boise at 10,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages CL Sendai at 10,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages DD Harukaze at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CA Houston engages CS Mizuho at 8,000 yards
CL Boise engages CS Mizuho at 8,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Vampire at 8,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Bulmer at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
CL Boise engages DD Harukaze at 11,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages CS Mizuho at 11,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Vampire at 11,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages CS Mizuho at 11,000 yards
Banno U. orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range closes to 10,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages CS Mizuho at 10,000 yards
CL Boise engages DD Harukaze at 10,000 yards
CL De Ruyter engages CS Mizuho at 10,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages CS Mizuho at 10,000 yards
CA Houston engages CS Mizuho at 10,000 yards
CL De Ruyter engages CS Mizuho at 10,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Bulmer at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CA Houston engages CS Mizuho at 6,000 yards
CL Boise engages DD Harukaze at 6,000 yards
CL De Ruyter engages CS Mizuho at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
CA Houston engages CS Mizuho at 5,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages DD Harukaze at 5,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages CS Mizuho at 5,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Harukaze at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CA Houston engages CS Mizuho at 6,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Harukaze at 6,000 yards
CL De Ruyter engages CS Mizuho at 6,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Bulmer at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages CS Mizuho at 7,000 yards
CL Boise engages CS Mizuho at 7,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages CS Mizuho at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
CA Houston engages CS Mizuho at 8,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Bulmer at 8,000 yards
DD Vampire engages CS Mizuho at 8,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Bulmer at 8,000 yards
CA Houston engages CS Mizuho at 8,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Bulmer at 8,000 yards
CL De Ruyter engages CS Mizuho at 8,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages CS Mizuho at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
CS Mizuho sunk by CA Houston at 7,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Harukaze at 7,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Harukaze at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
CL Boise engages DD Harukaze at 12,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Loewoek at 71,103, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Harukaze, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Houston
CL De Ruyter
CL Marblehead
CL Boise, on fire
DD Bulmer, on fire
DD John D. Edwards
DD Vampire

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 42% moonlight: 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 10,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD John D. Edwards at 10,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Harukaze at 10,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Harukaze at 10,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Harukaze at 10,000 yards
CL De Ruyter engages DD Harukaze at 10,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Harukaze at 10,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Harukaze at 10,000 yards
CL Boise engages DD Harukaze at 10,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Harukaze at 10,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD John D. Edwards at 10,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Harukaze at 10,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Bulmer at 10,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Harukaze at 10,000 yards
Willis, A.N. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 9,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Harukaze at 9,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Harukaze at 9,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Ammo in Force Z must have been scarce by this point. Force M steamed into the breach and was roundly abused.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Kendari at 69,107, Range 11,000 Yards

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 1
BB Ise, Shell hits 2
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 1
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano, Shell hits 1
CL Naka, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Natsushio, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
DD Maikaze, Shell hits 1
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
DD Hagikaze, Shell hits 1
DD Yamagumo

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall, Shell hits 6, on fire
CA Exeter, Shell hits 9, heavy fires
CL Enterprise, Shell hits 4, on fire
CL Mauritius, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
CL Glasgow, Shell hits 2
CL Caledon, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
DD Whipple
DD Parrott, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Vendetta, Shell hits 1
DD Piet Hein
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 1
DD Van Nes, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 10, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 42% moonlight: 12,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
CL Enterprise collides with DD Van Ghent at 69 , 107
BB Hyuga engages CL Mauritius at 11,000 yards
CL Mauritius engages CA Kumano at 11,000 yards
CL Enterprise engages CL Naka at 11,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages DD Van Ghent at 11,000 yards
CL Naka engages DD Van Nes at 11,000 yards
DD Arashi engages DD Evertsen at 11,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Arashi at 11,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages DD Vendetta at 11,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages DD Whipple at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CL Naka engages CA Exeter at 6,000 yards
BB Ise engages CA Cornwall at 6,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Caledon at 6,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Glasgow at 6,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Mauritius at 6,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages CL Naka at 6,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages DD Van Ghent at 6,000 yards
DD Vendetta engages DD Arashi at 6,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Arashi at 6,000 yards
DD Vendetta engages DD Maikaze at 6,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages DD Van Ghent at 6,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages DD Whipple at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CA Exeter at 3,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages CA Kumano at 3,000 yards
CL Mauritius engages BB Kongo at 3,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Mauritius at 3,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Caledon at 3,000 yards
CL Naka engages CA Cornwall at 3,000 yards
DD Van Ghent engages DD Arashi at 3,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages DD Evertsen at 3,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Piet Hein at 3,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Vendetta at 3,000 yards
DD Van Ghent engages DD Natsushio at 3,000 yards
DD Whipple engages DD Maikaze at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CA Exeter at 4,000 yards
CA Exeter engages BB Ise at 4,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Caledon at 4,000 yards
CA Exeter engages CA Kumano at 4,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Enterprise at 4,000 yards
DD Yamagumo engages DD Van Ghent at 4,000 yards
DD Van Nes engages DD Nowaki at 4,000 yards
DD Van Ghent engages DD Nowaki at 4,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Van Nes at 4,000 yards
DD Whipple engages DD Natsushio at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CA Exeter engages CL Naka at 6,000 yards
CL Naka engages CA Cornwall at 6,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Caledon at 6,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Glasgow at 6,000 yards
CL Mauritius engages CL Naka at 6,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Enterprise at 6,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages DD Van Ghent at 6,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages DD Evertsen at 6,000 yards
DD Van Ghent engages DD Nowaki at 6,000 yards
DD Van Nes engages DD Maikaze at 6,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Parrott at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CL Mauritius at 8,000 yards
BB Ise engages CL Glasgow at 8,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Glasgow at 8,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Caledon at 8,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Caledon at 8,000 yards
CL Naka engages CA Cornwall at 8,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Van Nes at 8,000 yards
DD Arashi engages DD Vendetta at 8,000 yards
DD Arashi engages DD Piet Hein at 8,000 yards
DD Arashi engages DD Vendetta at 8,000 yards
DD Parrott engages DD Arashi at 8,000 yards
DD Arashi engages DD Whipple at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CA Exeter at 11,000 yards
BB Ise engages CA Exeter at 11,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CA Exeter at 11,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Caledon at 11,000 yards
CL Mauritius engages CA Suzuya at 11,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages CL Naka at 11,000 yards
DD Van Ghent engages DD Hagikaze at 11,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Van Nes at 11,000 yards
DD Evertsen engages DD Arashi at 11,000 yards
DD Vendetta engages DD Nowaki at 11,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages DD Vendetta at 11,000 yards
DD Whipple engages DD Natsushio at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CL Caledon sunk by BB Hyuga at 9,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages CA Kumano at 9,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Mauritius at 9,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Enterprise at 9,000 yards
DD Van Ghent engages DD Yamagumo at 9,000 yards
DD Van Nes engages DD Yamagumo at 9,000 yards
DD Arashi engages DD Van Ghent at 9,000 yards
DD Parrott engages DD Nowaki at 9,000 yards
DD Arashi engages DD Vendetta at 9,000 yards
DD Arashi engages DD Parrott at 9,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Whipple at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
DD Yamagumo collides with CL Naka at 69 , 107
CA Exeter engages BB Hyuga at 10,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CA Cornwall at 10,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Mauritius at 10,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Mauritius at 10,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Enterprise at 10,000 yards
CL Naka engages CA Exeter at 10,000 yards
DD Yamagumo engages DD Parrott at 10,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Vendetta at 10,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Arashi at 10,000 yards
DD Arashi engages DD Parrott at 10,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages DD Whipple at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CL Glasgow at 8,000 yards
CA Cornwall engages CA Kumano at 8,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages CA Kumano at 8,000 yards
CL Mauritius engages CL Naka at 8,000 yards
CL Enterprise engages CA Suzuya at 8,000 yards
DD Van Ghent engages DD Arashi at 8,000 yards
DD Van Ghent engages DD Yamagumo at 8,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Hagikaze at 8,000 yards
DD Arashi engages DD Whipple at 8,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Evertsen at 8,000 yards
DD Van Ghent sunk by DD Natsushio at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CL Naka engages CA Exeter at 10,000 yards
BB Ise engages CA Exeter at 10,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Enterprise at 10,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Mauritius at 10,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Mauritius at 10,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Mauritius at 10,000 yards
DD Parrott engages DD Yamagumo at 10,000 yards
DD Vendetta engages DD Arashi at 10,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Parrott at 10,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Maikaze at 10,000 yards
DD Evertsen engages DD Natsushio at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
BB Ise engages CA Exeter at 8,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Glasgow at 8,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CA Cornwall at 8,000 yards
DD Van Nes engages DD Natsushio at 8,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages DD Evertsen at 8,000 yards
DD Vendetta engages DD Natsushio at 8,000 yards
DD Parrott engages DD Arashi at 8,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Parrott at 8,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages DD Parrott at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CL Enterprise at 11,000 yards
CL Mauritius sunk by BB Ise at 11,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CA Exeter at 11,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Enterprise at 11,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Yamagumo at 11,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Natsushio at 11,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages DD Whipple at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CA Exeter at 13,000 yards
BB Ise engages CA Cornwall at 13,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Glasgow at 13,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Enterprise at 13,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CA Exeter at 13,000 yards
CL Naka engages DD Evertsen at 13,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Arashi at 13,000 yards
DD Vendetta engages DD Hagikaze at 13,000 yards
DD Parrott engages DD Yamagumo at 13,000 yards
DD Yamagumo engages DD Whipple at 13,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Piet Hein at 13,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages DD Van Nes at 13,000 yards
Task forces break off...

This turned out to be only one of the IJN BB TFs present. The other one found an exhausted Force Z in daylight.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Kendari at 70,107, Range 23,000 Yards

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 5
BB Fuso, Shell hits 1
CA Chokai
CA Myoko
CA Haguro, Shell hits 1
CL Kuma, Shell hits 1
DD Umikaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Hishu
DD Susuki
TB Kiji, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
TB Kamo, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CA Houston, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CL De Ruyter, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Marblehead, Shell hits 2
CL Boise, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bulmer, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Vampire, Shell hits 1, on fire

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 23,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CA Houston at 23,000 yards
CA Houston engages CA Haguro at 23,000 yards
BB Nagato engages DD Vampire at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CA Houston at 16,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Boise at 16,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 16,000 yards
BB Nagato engages DD Vampire at 16,000 yards
BB Nagato engages DD John D. Edwards at 16,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Umikaze at 16,000 yards
CA Houston engages TB Kamo at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Boise at 9,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 9,000 yards
CA Houston engages CA Myoko at 9,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CA Houston at 9,000 yards
DD Umikaze engages DD John D. Edwards at 9,000 yards
DD Umikaze engages DD Bulmer at 9,000 yards
DD Hishu engages DD John D. Edwards at 9,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Suzukaze at 9,000 yards
DD Umikaze engages DD Bulmer at 9,000 yards
CA Houston engages TB Kamo at 9,000 yards
CA Houston engages TB Kiji at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CA Houston at 5,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages BB Nagato at 5,000 yards
CA Myoko engages CA Houston at 5,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CA Houston at 5,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Umikaze at 5,000 yards
DD Umikaze engages DD Bulmer at 5,000 yards
DD Hishu engages DD Vampire at 5,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DD Bulmer at 5,000 yards
TB Kiji engages CA Houston at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CA Houston at 8,000 yards
CL Boise engages CA Haguro at 8,000 yards
CA Houston engages CA Haguro at 8,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL De Ruyter at 8,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CA Houston at 8,000 yards
CL Kuma engages CA Houston at 8,000 yards
DD Umikaze engages DD Bulmer at 8,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages DD Hishu at 8,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages DD Umikaze at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CA Houston at 10,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Boise at 10,000 yards
CA Houston sunk by CA Haguro at 10,000 yards
DD Umikaze engages DD Vampire at 10,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DD John D. Edwards at 10,000 yards
DD Susuki engages DD Vampire at 10,000 yards
DD Hishu engages DD Vampire at 10,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Suzukaze at 10,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Umikaze at 10,000 yards
Willis, A.N. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 14,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Boise at 14,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 14,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL De Ruyter at 14,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Umikaze at 14,000 yards
CL Boise engages CA Chokai at 14,000 yards
CL Kuma engages DD Bulmer at 14,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Susuki at 14,000 yards
DD Hishu engages DD Vampire at 14,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DD Bulmer at 14,000 yards
CL Boise engages TB Kamo at 14,000 yards
CL Boise engages TB Kiji at 14,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Boise at 18,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Boise at 18,000 yards
CA Haguro engages CL Boise at 18,000 yards
CL Boise engages CA Myoko at 18,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages DD Suzukaze at 18,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Susuki at 18,000 yards
DD Hishu engages DD Vampire at 18,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Suzukaze at 18,000 yards
DD Umikaze engages DD Vampire at 18,000 yards
CL Boise engages TB Kamo at 18,000 yards
Range increases to 21,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Boise at 21,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Boise at 21,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL De Ruyter at 21,000 yards
BB Nagato engages DD Vampire at 21,000 yards
CL Boise engages CA Chokai at 21,000 yards
CL Kuma engages CL Boise at 21,000 yards
CL Boise engages DD Susuki at 21,000 yards
CL Boise engages DD Umikaze at 21,000 yards
CL Boise engages TB Kamo at 21,000 yards
CL Boise engages TB Kiji at 21,000 yards
Range increases to 24,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Boise at 24,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 24,000 yards
CL De Ruyter engages CA Haguro at 24,000 yards
CA Myoko engages CL Boise at 24,000 yards
BB Nagato engages DD John D. Edwards at 24,000 yards
CL Boise engages CL Kuma at 24,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Susuki at 24,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Hishu at 24,000 yards
CL Boise engages DD Umikaze at 24,000 yards
CL Boise engages TB Kamo at 24,000 yards
Range increases to 26,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Boise at 26,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Boise at 26,000 yards
CA Myoko engages DD Vampire at 26,000 yards
CL Boise engages CL Kuma at 26,000 yards
CL Boise engages DD Susuki at 26,000 yards
CL Boise engages DD Umikaze at 26,000 yards
Range increases to 27,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Boise at 27,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages CA Haguro at 27,000 yards
CL De Ruyter engages CA Haguro at 27,000 yards
CA Myoko engages CL De Ruyter at 27,000 yards
CA Myoko engages CL Boise at 27,000 yards
Range increases to 28,000 yards
Range closes to 26,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Boise at 26,000 yards
CA Haguro engages CL Boise at 26,000 yards
CL Boise engages DD Hishu at 26,000 yards
CL Boise engages DD Umikaze at 26,000 yards
Willis, A.N. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 24,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Boise at 24,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 24,000 yards
CA Haguro engages CL Boise at 24,000 yards
CL Boise engages DD Umikaze at 24,000 yards
CL Boise engages TB Kiji at 24,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL De Ruyter at 21,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 21,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages CA Haguro at 21,000 yards
CL Boise engages CA Myoko at 21,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CL Boise at 21,000 yards
CL Kuma engages CL Boise at 21,000 yards
CL De Ruyter engages DD Suzukaze at 21,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages TB Kamo at 21,000 yards
Willis, A.N. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 20,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Boise at 20,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Boise at 20,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL De Ruyter at 20,000 yards
BB Fuso engages DD Vampire at 20,000 yards
CL Kuma engages CL De Ruyter at 20,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DD Bulmer at 20,000 yards
DD Umikaze engages DD Bulmer at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Boise at 17,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 17,000 yards
CA Haguro engages CL Boise at 17,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Hishu at 17,000 yards
DD Suzukaze engages DD John D. Edwards at 17,000 yards
CL Kuma engages CL Boise at 17,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages DD Susuki at 17,000 yards
DD Hishu engages DD Bulmer at 17,000 yards
DD Umikaze engages DD Vampire at 17,000 yards
CL Boise engages TB Kamo at 17,000 yards
Range increases to 22,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Suzukaze at 22,000 yards
Range increases to 27,000 yards
CL De Ruyter engages CA Haguro at 27,000 yards
CL Boise engages CA Myoko at 27,000 yards
Range increases to 30,000 yards
CA Myoko engages CL Boise at 30,000 yards
Willis, A.N. orders Allied TF to disengage
Task forces break off...

Force W, at the end of its sprint range, made it into the fray in time to bleed but also drew blood.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Kendari at 69,107, Range 23,000 Yards

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 2
BB Ise, Shell hits 3, on fire
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 4, on fire
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 2
CA Kumano, Shell hits 7, on fire
DD Maikaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Nowaki
DD Hagikaze, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CL Hobart, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CL Dauntless, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
CL Ceres, Shell hits 7, on fire
CL Capetown, Shell hits 2
CL Colombo, Shell hits 2
DD Thracian, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Electra, Shell hits 1
DD Encounter
DD Isis, Shell hits 1, on fire



Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 23,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CL Hobart at 23,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Hobart at 23,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Hobart at 23,000 yards
BB Kongo engages DD Isis at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CL Hobart at 18,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Capetown at 18,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Hobart at 18,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Hobart at 18,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Nowaki at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CL Capetown at 15,000 yards
BB Ise engages CL Hobart at 15,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Hobart at 15,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Hobart at 15,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Hobart at 15,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Isis at 15,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Encounter at 15,000 yards
BB Ise engages DD Thracian at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
CL Hobart engages BB Hyuga at 11,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Capetown at 11,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Capetown at 11,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Dauntless at 11,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Hobart at 11,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Isis at 11,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Encounter at 11,000 yards
DD Electra engages DD Maikaze at 11,000 yards
DD Thracian engages DD Nowaki at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CL Colombo at 10,000 yards
BB Ise engages CL Hobart at 10,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Ceres at 10,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Dauntless at 10,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Dauntless at 10,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Encounter at 10,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Electra at 10,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Encounter at 10,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Thracian at 10,000 yards
Howden, H.L. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 9,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CL Dauntless at 9,000 yards
CL Ceres engages BB Ise at 9,000 yards
CL Ceres engages BB Kongo at 9,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Dauntless at 9,000 yards
CL Hobart engages CA Suzuya at 9,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Encounter at 9,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Encounter at 9,000 yards
DD Electra engages DD Hagikaze at 9,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Thracian at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Colombo at 12,000 yards
BB Ise engages CL Ceres at 12,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Ceres at 12,000 yards
CL Hobart engages CA Kumano at 12,000 yards
CL Colombo engages CA Suzuya at 12,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Hagikaze at 12,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Encounter at 12,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Thracian at 12,000 yards
DD Thracian engages DD Maikaze at 12,000 yards
CL Colombo engages CA Kumano at 12,000 yards
BB Ise engages CL Ceres at 12,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Ceres at 12,000 yards
CL Dauntless engages CA Kumano at 12,000 yards
DD Electra engages DD Hagikaze at 12,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Encounter at 12,000 yards
DD Electra engages DD Nowaki at 12,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Thracian at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Colombo at 8,000 yards
CL Hobart sunk by BB Ise at 8,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Ceres at 8,000 yards
CL Ceres engages CA Kumano at 8,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Hagikaze at 8,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Maikaze at 8,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Maikaze at 8,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Thracian at 8,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CL Ceres at 8,000 yards
CL Capetown engages CA Suzuya at 8,000 yards
CL Capetown engages BB Kongo at 8,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Capetown at 8,000 yards
CL Dauntless engages CA Suzuya at 8,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Encounter at 8,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Nowaki at 8,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Electra at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
CL Colombo engages CA Suzuya at 13,000 yards
BB Ise engages DD Electra at 13,000 yards
CL Ceres engages CA Kumano at 13,000 yards
CL Colombo engages CA Kumano at 13,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Isis at 13,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Encounter at 13,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Electra at 13,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Thracian at 13,000 yards
Range increases to 16,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CL Colombo at 16,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Capetown at 16,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Capetown at 16,000 yards
CL Colombo engages CA Kumano at 16,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Ceres at 16,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Encounter at 16,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Electra at 16,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Thracian at 16,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Colombo at 18,000 yards
BB Ise engages CL Ceres at 18,000 yards
CL Ceres engages CA Kumano at 18,000 yards
CL Ceres engages CA Kumano at 18,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Maikaze at 18,000 yards
Range increases to 20,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Colombo at 20,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Capetown at 20,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Ceres at 20,000 yards
CL Dauntless engages CA Kumano at 20,000 yards
CL Dauntless engages CA Suzuya at 20,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Electra at 20,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Maikaze at 20,000 yards
Howden, H.L. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 22,000 yards
BB Ise engages CL Colombo at 22,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Capetown at 22,000 yards
BB Kongo engages CL Ceres at 22,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages DD Encounter at 22,000 yards
BB Ise engages DD Thracian at 22,000 yards
Range increases to 24,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CL Ceres at 24,000 yards
BB Ise engages CL Colombo at 24,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages DD Isis at 24,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages DD Thracian at 24,000 yards
Range increases to 30,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CL Capetown at 30,000 yards
BB Ise engages CL Capetown at 30,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CL Ceres at 30,000 yards
BB Ise engages CL Dauntless at 30,000 yards
BB Ise engages DD Isis at 30,000 yards
Task forces break off...

I-162, suppressed in an earlier attack, put 3 torpedoes into Boise and finished her.

The fliers must have had quite a view of smoking wreckage vaguely resembling ships. The first action was an escort from Koepang that separated from its protectees. Betties from Manado scored heavily. Falcons, Banshees, and - in the aerial victory of the day - Swordfish all scored as well. Hermes was attacked multiple times but evaded the weapons her surviving attackers launched.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 69,107

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-35A x 6


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x P-35A sweeping at 20000 feet *



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Salajar at 66,108

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6



Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CA Exeter, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CA Cornwall, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 69,107

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-339D x 3
CW-22 Falcon x 5


Allied aircraft losses
CW-22 Falcon: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Ise, Bomb hits 1, on fire



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x CW-22 Falcon bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 69,107

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes


Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 2


Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Banshee: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Ise, Bomb hits 1, on fire



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 69,107

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes


Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 6


Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish I: 1 damaged
Swordfish I: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Ise, on fire



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Swordfish I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 69,107

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-35A x 12


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x P-35A sweeping at 20000 feet *



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Larantoeka at 67,113

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 2
G4M1 Betty x 5



Allied aircraft
P-35A x 1
P-40B Warhawk x 1


Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CVL Hermes



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
1 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
35th PG/34th PS with P-35A (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
24th PG/20th PS with P-40B Warhawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Larantoeka at 67,113

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 9



Allied aircraft
P-35A x 4


Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CVL Hermes



Aircraft Attacking:
7 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
35th PG/34th PS with P-35A (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 69,107

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 55 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 5



Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CL Ceres
DD Encounter



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 69,107

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 2


Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Banshee: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Salajar at 66,108

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 83 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3



Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Enterprise, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

The toll of ships taken this day is shown below (see graphic), along with air losses for the day as it might gives clues about true Imperial ship losses. The remnants of the Allies once powerful armada are still in danger. Some are making for Kendari and others for Makassar. Either way, wounded ships will then have to get underway as soon as possible as Imperial carriers are sure to come looking for prey.

[aprezto]

You don't have much to play with, but you've certainly made them punch above their weight. Going to the well too often can of course lead to losses. He'll be roundly cursing your approach though. Where oh where is sKB? V Nice hit notifications with the swordfish - if you can get them to target they're great planes.

[witpqs]

sKB has been absent for an extended period. The only explanation is that carriers joined for the foray into the Central Pacific, although as you know the fish were not biting! It's a mystery why there were no landings associated with that appearance.

---

1941-01-11

Tawau, Chusin, and Surigao fell today. Kendari withstood an enemy shock attack, a surprise move because there are still 4 Imperial units moving on Kendari. 3 of those units are para troops that assaulted Kolaka and are presumed to be of high quality. The interpretation is that we are materially impeding the Empire's schedule and EHQ wants to hurry up things. Casualties were roughly even although the Empire had almost twice the combat squads disabled. Odds were 1 to 2. Singkawang airfield damage is up to 38%. While undoubtedly some Imperial aircraft moved to support the Kendari advance, the pressure on Singkawang has taken some pressure off of Palembang. Likewise, enemy air diverted to the Medan offensive has taken the pressure off Singapore to where stuck planes are being readied and flown out. The Dutch are counter attacking toward Medan. The first target is Langsa, where a stout Bn from Sabang will arrive in about 3 days.

More detailed scouting shows 6 Imperial units moving west from Chiang Mai. Coupled with 13 units moving from Rahaeng, there is too much force for the inexperienced Allied units to both hold Moulmein and prevent it from being encircled. Troops are rushing to take positions in front of the Chiang Mai spearhead before it crosses the river, and most likely the Allies will withdraw from Moulmein and make a stand behind the river there as well.

All Allied ships clung to the surface today, and the Imperial battle fleets have withdrawn. Those swift enough have cleared the Spice Islands, while the rest are making their way out more slowly. A single ship is 80nm east of Kendari, and 6 ships are at Taliaboe, 160nm distant. Our subs are hunting them just as the I-boats hunt our cripples. Betties and Nells from Manado attacked ships pulling into Makassar for emergency damage control and fought their way through defending P-40s. Torpedo armed Nells missed, but Betties put 3 bombs into an already stricken Cornwall. In return, P-40s claimed fewer but Intel suggests they got 7 Betties and 2 Nells, with another Nell going down to flak. All ships at Makassar have put out fires and will make for Soerabaja tomorrow. Several damaged ships are already leaving Koepang to make for distant points of repair.

Hyuga has come off of the sunk ships list, but Kongo has appeared with reported 8" shells sinking her. Hyuga is certainly hurt but was not necessarily in sinking condition. Kongo is a surprise and might be an incorrect report.

[witpqs]

1941-01-12

Jahore Bahru and Mersing fell today. Rossel Island is invaded. For the second day in a row USN sub Pickerel fires torpedoes at heavily damaged I-166 (already listed as sunk) and misses or they fail to work properly.

I-158 slammed a torpedo into Hermes and devastated her (see graphic). She is making for Koepang. The sunk ships list is now like a yo-yo. Suffice it to say that the Imperial Navy was hurt, just how much is unknown. Banshees from Ambon will raid the port at Ternate where 2 ships are seen to be taking shelter. Still no sign of the Imperial carriers.

[aprezto]

Yeaooouch!!!
 
That's one devastating torpedo. Mind you, I suppose she's not a very big ship. Get to anywhere to get those priceless stringbags off. I-158 is one of those 8 forward tubes?