SUN AGAINST EAGLE (DaBigBabes). DivePac(J) vs Roger Nielson II(A).

[DivePac88]

December 20th,



6th Fleet Submarines.


Overnight I-4 sinks a small American steamer by gunfire and a torpedo to the northeast of Pearl Harbour.




16th Army Area.


Our Troops finished coming ashore at Butuan today, then successfully drove the American/Filipino regiment from the area securing the port and town. This ground action was supported by a JNAF bombing strike on the enemy troop positions.



14th Army Area.


During the night an American submarine attempted to attack our transports unloading at Legaspi, but was driven-off and damaged by the close escort.

We sent a large JAAF medium bomber raid against Clark Field today, and the enemy put fighters up again defend the air-base. In the subsequent air-battle we lost 1 Ki-43 to 3 enemy fighters, and out bombers were able to successfully bomb the enemy airfields without loss.



Hong Kong


A force of our coastal minesweepers have almost completed clearing approach to the port at Hong Kong of mines today. As soon as this mine-sweeping is completed, we will get the port back into full operation.



25th Army Area.


A JNAF attack bomber strike on enemy shipping loading troops at Georgetown, successfully sunk a British transport today. The 1 enemy fighter defending the port was easily driven-off by our escorting fighters.



2nd Fleet Submarines.


Last night I-153 operating to the southeast of Singapore sighted an enemy submarine running on the surface. I-153 was able to close the enemy submarine unobserved and launch 4 torpedoes, 1 of which hit the enemy submarine now identified as the Dutch KVI sinking it.



The patrol submarine I-153 before the war -

[DivePac88]

December 21st,



16th Army Area.

Our mobile force ( 8 tank regiment, and 56 recon regiment) which had pursed the American/Filipino regiment that retreated from Butuan yesterday. Assaulted that enemy regiment at Surigao today, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the remnant to retreat into the mountains. The mobile force will now march south over the centre of Mindanao, to guard the flank of our infantry regiments which a marching west to attack Cagayan.



14th Army Area.

Overnight an American submarine attempts to attack an empty troop convoy withdrawing to the south from Legaspi. Fortunately the close escort sight the enemy submarine, and drive it off before it can cause any damage.

Then again overnight our 2nd Fleet heavy battle force, which includes the battleships Nagato, and Matsu encounters a force of USN minesweepers while conducting a sweep to the west of Manila. The battle force promptly attacks this enemy force, managing to sink 3 and damaging 1 of the enemy ships.

In the air today a force of JNAF G4M1 medium bombers escorted by A6M2 fighters attack, and damage the Port of Manila. American fighters tried to intercept this raid, but were driven off by the escort losing 2 off their number.

Later in the day the JAAF launch a raid against the American airfields at Clark Field, and again American fighters attempt to disrupt this raid. But enemy fighters are engaged my escorting JAAF Ki-43-Ic fighters and also driven off losing 1 of their number.



South China Sea Area.

Our operations in this area commenced overnight with naval infantry landing at Brunei and Miri. But off Brunei the naval landing force encountered a force of 3 American gunboats, and in the resulting engagement damage was inflicted to vessels on both sides. Then the covering force consisting of the Heavy cruisers Mogami, Mikuma, Kumano, Suzuya, and 3 destroyers encounters 2 small enemy steamers off Brunei. These enemy transports are promptly sunk by our cruiser force, before they can escape to the open sea.



25th Army Area.

In the morning JNAF attack torpedo bombers operating from Saigon attack enemy transports loading troops at Georgetown, and manage to sink an Allied transport, and a small freighter. Then in the afternoon JNAF torpedo bombers again operating from Saigon attack a British destroyer. But the enemy destroyer was able to evade to torpedos by using high speed manoeuvring.



2nd Fleet Submarines.

Overnight I-123 sights and attacks a large British freighter in the Southern part of the Java Sea, and successfully torpedoes and sinks this enemy ship now identified as the Bellerophon.


JNAF G4M1 attack torpedo bombers operating over Malaya -

[DivePac88]

December 22nd,



4th Fleet Area.

Divepac command is very happy today, because the news is that Wake has fallen to a combined naval operation on the first assault. Our Landing force arrived off the Island overnight, and commenced to unload special naval landing force troops into their landing craft.

There was some gunfire exchanged between our landing force ships and the American shore defences during the night, and in the morning. With some light damage done to some of transports and close escorts by the enemy shore defence guns.

Then in the morning our Mobile Striking Force carriers which is covering this operation, launched half their aircraft striking power against Wake’s ground defences and airfield. The other half of the carrier force’s aircraft being kept in readiness, for a strike against any enemy Naval forces that might attempt to interfere with our operation.

Also the fast battleships Krishima, and Hiei screened by 2 destroyers were detached from the Mobile Striking Force to provide gunfire support to the landing operation. These 2 battleships were able to completely silence the enemies shore defence batteries, so that when the landings commenced in the afternoon there was no fire from these guns.

The Special naval landing troops in their landing craft stormed the beach in the afternoon, and were easily able to secure a beachhead. Our naval troops were then able to easily overrun, and secure the Island within a few hours. The 2 SNLF battalions, and a Naval Guard unit suffered only 77 casualties in this operation, while the American force of over 1500 was either killed or captured.



South China Sea Area.


Our landing operations on the Sarawak coast managed to capture the port of Miri today, forcing the British defenders to flee into the Jungle. But the enemies defences at Brunei seemed to be better prepared, and were able to hold against our naval troops today, the assault will continue again tomorrow here.

There has been some enemy naval activity at Kuching at the western end of the Sarawak Coast, with RN destroyers being spotted off the port. It is expected that this enemy naval force will attempt to interfere with the landings at Brunei or Miri. Also the presence of the RN heavy naval units could be a possibility, with this in mind a heavy battle force has been ordered to this area.



25th Army Area.

In the air today over Malaya, the JAAF launched a medium bomber raid on the airfield at Singapore, with considerable damage been done to the RAF base, for the loss of only 1 of our bombers to flak.

Then in the afternoon a detachment of JNAF G4M1 torpedo bombers operating from Saigon attacked 2 RAAN minesweepers off the Port of Singapore. One of the enemy minesweepers was hit and sunk, but the other managed to evade our attack.



Special Naval Landing Force infantry storming ashore on Wake Island -

[DivePac88]

December 23rd



6th Fleet Submarines.

Overnight I-168 patrolling to the east of Christmas Island in the South Pacific, sights a small lone American freighter. The I-168’s Captain elects to attack the enemy ship on the surface with the submarines gun armament. After a sharp surface engagement in which the American vessel manages rake I-168 with heavy machine gun fire, the American freighter is sunk by 15 hits from our submarines main gun.



14th Army Area.

JAAF Ki-21-IIa medium bomber, and Ki-43-Ic fighter aircraft based on Formosa launch a 70+ aircraft raid on the American defences at Bataan today. But Americans managed to put-up 18 fighters in defence of this raid, and cause the loss of 3 of our attacking aircraft. With our raid doing significant damage to the enemies installations and destroying 1 USAAF fighter.



South China Sea.

During the night an RN/USN combined force consisting of the British cruiser Mauritius and 6 destroyers strikes at our landing convoy off Brunei. The enemy manages to surprise our naval force at anchor, and sink 2 medium freighters and a patrol ship, while also damaging 3 destroyers. But it is gratifying that our 3 destroyers manage to score a number of hits on the attackers, leaving a USN 4- stack destroyer with heavy fires.

Our landing force had fortunately managed to have unloaded all the troops, and the bulk of the supplies that it was carrying before the engagement took place. Also the troops that had landed at Brunei were able to clear the enemy from the port and town today, leaving Brunei in our hands.



25th Army Area.

The Imperial Guards division was able to take Georgetown today, forcing a Penang Fortress, and the RAF base force to surrender. While also forcing the remnant of an enemy infantry brigade and a battalion to retreat to the south down the Coast. The Imperial Guards division was also heavily supported by JAAF raids on the enemy defences before the ground attack went in.

The JAAF also launched a large medium bomber raid on Singapore today, from our newly acquired airbase at Alor Star. The RAF did not put any fighters up in defence of this raid, and our aircraft were able to heavily damage the airfield runways and installations as a result of the lack of opposition.



A Ki-15 Reconnaissance aircraft over Singapore today -

[DivePac88]

Latest aircraft airframe build situation -

[DivePac88]

Latest aircraft airframe research and development situation -

[ny59giants]

I like to increase the Glens to 15/month and once I get enough in the pool convert the factory to something more useful.

You have two Army transports (Topsy and Thalia). Why?? The Topsy I should automatically upgrade to the II models, so you have a free factory.

Emily vs Mavis - You should decide on the Emily and not have two Navy patrol planes, IMO.

You have two models of Oscars. Why?? You will end up with 30 of the Ib and 110 of the Ic models. Then, when the IIa is done in 8/42 (90 planes) you will 230 planes/month in Oscars?? The IIa is good in limited role as long range escorts only. I would have one of the IIa factories convert over to another Army fighter (Tojo IIa). The Oscar IIIa is great as a kami due to altitude advantage.

Army bombers - Which will be your main one - Lily, Sally, or Helen?? I like the Lily IIa only due to it having armor (survivability). I like the Helen Ia to be my ASW bomber and then the IIa as my main bomber and focus in it.

Tony - is OK at point defense (CAP only), but you will need to focus more on Tojo, Frank, and George more than any other fighter. Maybe 30/mo of the Tony max.

Click on 'Factory Upgrades' to see what factories upgrade to the next model in that series. you will want to have some Tojo and Zero able to upgrade to the next model and due so "BEFORE" they start into production to push your R&D efforts forward.

[DivePac88]

Hi ny59giants...

I like your idea on E14Y1 production, and will put it into operation.

On H6K and H8K production, I like both because they use different engines, and I want to be somewhat realistic and historic in this game.

I'm building Ki-43-Ibs at the old Ki-27 factory at Harbin because it allows me to keep 2 fully-equipped fighter groups running in the early game.

And again because I want to be a wee bit historic, and have some fun. I want to keep some spread in my airframe build of most types. But I am not saying that I'll build everything, but maybe do what happens in RL, if an aircraft works well then build it.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I want to play this game like the Japanese did, learning what worked and what didn't as they went. I know that to run an efficient war effort, that I should specialize down to one or two types of aircraft. But I want to really feel like the Japanese did, and that is finding out if an aircraft is a dog or not in the field. Also with the doctrines and tactics I employ with these aircraft types, I want to learn as I go.

[DivePac88]

December 24th,



6th Fleet Submarines.

Last night I-168 which is patrolling east of Christmas Island (Pacific), sighted a small unescorted American freighter. Our submarine’s captain elected to attack the enemy ship on the surface with gunfire, but after taking some light damage from the freighter's heavy machine gun called of the action. I-168 shadowed then attacked the American vessel after first light, but unfortunately the 2 torpedoes launched at the target both missed.



Southeast Fleet.

The landing force which had arrived off Rabaul on the day before yesterday, finding that the enemy had evacuated the town and port. Then subsequently landing it’s naval guard troops yesterday, will today finish occupying the port and town area, and securing the enemy airfield.

Finding that Rabaul has been abandoned by the Australians, will prove very auspicious for our operation in this area. Being able to use a small naval guard detachment to secure Rabaul, and not the infantry regiment originally planned. This now means that our operations in this area are 2 weeks ahead of schedule.



14th Army Area.

Our 48th division launched an assault on the enemy troops defending Lingayen on Luzon today, and were easily able to secure the town and small port. Also it is reported that the American/Filipino unit defending Lingayen, which was identified as the 21st PA infantry division, was completely destroyed in this action.



South China Sea.

Sadly a Dutch submarine patrolling off Brunei last night was able to torpedo, and sink our Fubuki class destroyer Hatsuyuki, which had been badly damaged in action against the Allied naval force the night before.

Also overnight the Allied naval force operating on the Sarawak paid another visit to Brunei, but this time was sighted and attacked by the South China Sea Cruiser force commanded by Vice Admiral Sonosuke Kobayashi. Our force which contained the 4 heavy cruisers of the Mogami class and 3 destroyers, easily drove off the British light cruiser Mauritius and 4 destroyers. Badly damaging the RN cruiser and 2 enemy destroyers in the action, while only 1 of our heavy cruisers taking 1 hit from the enemy’s gunfire.

Morning air-search by JNAF G3M2 bombers operating from Saigon, managed sighted the damaged ships of Allied naval force withdrawing to the west along the Sarawak coast. A detachment of 12 G3M2 bombers equipped with torpedos were despatched from Saigon in the Afternoon to attack these ships. This strike was then able to locate the enemy ships, and sink the Mauritius, and 2 Allied destroyers.



25th Army Area.

The only air activity over Malaya today, was a raid my JAAF Ki-48-Ib bombers operating from Kota Bharu against enemy troops withdrawing south at Taiping.



The Mogami class heavy cruiser Mikuma -

[DivePac88]

December 25th,



6th Fleet Submarines.

Overnight I-171 which is patrolling to the north of Palmyra, put 1 torpedo into a Large American transport carrying troops. It is not known at this time if the enemy vessel, which has been identified as the Poelau Laut sunk of not.



16th Army Area.

Today the carriers of the 2nd Fleet Mobile Force which is operating in the Celebes Sea, launched a number of air strikes on enemy shipping in the area. These strikes sunk an American minesweeper, and a British destroyer, also heavily damaging a large enemy freighter.



25th Army Area.


The JAAF launched another heavy air raid on the RAF airfields at Singapore today, from our base at Alor Star. This raid which was again not intercepted by RAF fighters, did considerable damage to the British installations. With 1 of our Ki-21-IIa medium bombers being lost to Flak, and a damaged Ki-43-1b fighter crashing on landing.

The JAAF also struck at the Dutch airfields at Medan, where RAF fighter have been operating from. This raid by Ki-48-Ib medium bombers, and escorted by Ki-43-Ib fighters operating from Kota Bharu badly damaged the Dutch base. Again there was no enemy fighter opposition to this raid, and all our aircraft return safely to base.

Today in the Straits of Malacca the JNAF launched several anti shipping strikes from our airfields in Thailand. These strikes lead to the sinking of 3 Allied transports, and 1 small merchant vessel. It was noted that some of these enemy ships were carrying Troops, and the sinking caused heavy loss of life.



The light-carrier Ryujo operating in the Celebes Sea -

[DivePac88]

December 26th,



6th Fleet Submarines.

A good night for our 6th fleet submarines last night, with two successful attacks.

The attack first of the night was I-170 which sighted and launched 2 torpedoes at a large American merchantman east of Palmyra. Both torpedoes struck the enemy ship which identified as the Peisander, leave the vessel in heavily damaged, and likely to sink.

Then in the second attack of the night I- 171 patrolling to the north of Palmyra, sighted and launched 2 torpedoes at another American freighter. Again both torpedoes find their target, and sink the American ship now identified as the Admiral Y. Williams.

Also today it was admitted by the Allies that the Dutch transport Poelau Laut, which was torpedoed by I-171 the previous night in the Palmyra area, sunk during the day.



Southeast Fleet Area.

The 1st Fleet Mobile Force arrived at Truk today, the carriers and escorting units of this force will now rest and refit here for sometime. The next operation for this force is to cover the Port Moresby landing operation, which begins in two weeks time.



14th Army Area.

The JAAF launched a heavy raid on the American airfield at Bataan today, as our air reconnaissance has shown that the last enemy fighters on Luzon are based here. Our raid of 58 Ki-21-IIa bombers escorted by 28 Ki-43-Ic fighters was heavily engaged by enemy fighters defending the air base at Bataan. In the resulting battle over the target 3 enemy fighters were shot down, for the loss of 1 of our fighters, and damage to 2 bombers. But the JAAF raid was able to get though, and successfully bomb the enemy airfield. Doing heavy damage to the enemy installations, and destroying some aircraft on the ground.



25th Army Area.

On the ground in Malaya today we took Taiping, capturing a RAF base force, and destroying the remnant of the 6th Indian Brigade. Our unit involved here was the 5th infantry division, and it will continue it’s advance south without rest.

The JAAF in Malaya also launched another heavy 50+ bomber raid on the RAF airfields on Singapore today, losing only 1 Ki-21-IIa to the heavy flak over the target. Again there was no fighter defence from the RAF, and it would appear that the enemy has withdrawn all it’s remaining fighters from Malaya.



Vehicles of reconnaissance regiment of the 5th infantry division advancing south from Taiping -

[DivePac88]

December 27th,


16th Army Area.

A force of D3A1 dive bombers escorted by A6M2 fighters from the 2nd Fleet Mobile Force’s carriers attacked and sunk a Dutch supply ship unloading at Manado in the Celebes today.


14th Army Area.

The 16th infantry division that began landing at Atimonan yesterday, has to day secured the port and town. This division will now make all hast to close up on Manila, and force the Americans to chose between defending the city or Clark Field.


25th Army Area.

JNAF torpedo attack bombers operating from Saigon, strike at a convoy of small Allied steamers heading north off Victoria Point today. The G3M2 aircraft manage to sink 2 of the 3 ships in the convoy, and all return safely to their base in Thailand.


2nd Fleet Submarines.

Overnight I-156 which is operating just to the southwest of Singapore, sighted and attacked the British transport Hong Siang. Both of the torpedoes that our submarine fired at the enemy ship struck home, and it is almost certain than this vessel sunk.



The first wake of Troops landing over the beach at Atimonan, in Southern Luzon -

[DivePac88]

December 28th,


4th Fleet Submarines.

It was a busy night and day in the Pacific today, with several successful attacks on enemy shipping.

The first encounter was off Christmas Island during the night, when I-168 torpedoed the big American transport W.A. Holbrook, which has since been reported as sunk. Also overnight I-17 which is patrolling off Fraser Island on the east coast of Australia, torpedoed the American tanker Mindanao. Then in the last attack of the night I-25 also operating off Newcastle, Australia, torpedoed the Allied freighter Anshun.

The first attack of the day was east of Pago Pago, when I- 24 torpedoed the USN seaplane tender Tangiers. Then I-3 attacked but missed the Australian heavy cruiser Canberra north of Koumac on New Caledonia. The last incident of the night was an encounter between I-25 and a Allied task force north west of Sydney. When I-25 fired a torpedo at a USN destroyer escorting the cruiser Achilles, while sadly the torpedo missed, I-25 was able to evade the enemy counter attack.


25th Army Area.

The JAAF launched a heavy bombing raid on the Port of Singapore today, and the absence of RAF fighter opposition meant that all of our 49 bombers were reach to bomb the target. This raid did considerable damage to the port installations, and also scored a number of hits on enemy ships, including a submarine and 2 destroyers.

The JNAF also launched a raid by torpedo attack bombers on Allied shipping in the port, which resulted in the sinking of 2 small minesweepers, and heavy damage to another.


2nd Fleet Submarines.

A calamity of huge proportions happened overnight, when 3 of our large I-boats ran into the enemy’s defensive minefield protecting Singapore. Our 3 submarines were transiting the Straits of Malacca to the Indian Ocean, where they were to take-up patrol stations off the Indian coast. It would seem that for some reason DivePac command had routed these I-boats though the waters off the port entrance to Singapore. This huge mistake resulted in the 3 submarines striking mines, causing 2 to sink immediately, and 1 so badly damaged that it is unlikely to make port.


Game Statistics to date -

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

You have two Army transports (Topsy and Thalia). Why?? The Topsy I should automatically upgrade to the II models, so you have a free factory.

Hi DivePac88,

In a PDU on game I settled for the Thalia as my main transport plane for the simple reason it has a one hex further range. This to me, outweighs consideration for the Topsy. I don't know how many times I've tried to paradrop troops or supplies and ended up one hex short. I don't recall the differences in load or anything like that, but I just remember thinking the Thalia was a better fit for my operations, that one hex seems to make a world of difference. Something to consider when choosing your transport aircraft.

[DivePac88]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

You have two Army transports (Topsy and Thalia). Why?? The Topsy I should automatically upgrade to the II models, so you have a free factory.

Hi DivePac88,

In a PDU on game I settled for the Thalia as my main transport plane for the simple reason it has a one hex further range. This to me, outweighs consideration for the Topsy. I don't know how many times I've tried to paradrop troops or supplies and ended up one hex short. I don't recall the differences in load or anything like that, but I just remember thinking the Thalia was a better fit for my operations, that one hex seems to make a world of difference. Something to consider when choosing your transport aircraft.

Hi there SqzMyLemon (Love that Post-name).

Yes I have taken your advice, and I am only building 12x Ki-57-Is now. I've also rationalized some of my other airframe/research and development build.

[DivePac88]

December 29/30th,

I have got a couple of days behind on this AAR, because I have started another PBEM campaign/AAR against vettim89. I will also have to modify the format of this AAR, and use the combat report, as with 2 AARs to do time is going to be a problem.

So here goes,

There was 2 successes for my submarines over the last 2 days with;

29th Dec:

Submarine attack near Lahaina at 197,103

Japanese Ships
SS I-7

Allied Ships
xAK Iron Chieftan, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

30thDec:

Submarine attack near Port Moresby at 98,134

Japanese Ships
SS RO-34

Allied Ships
xAKL Coolana, Shell hits 25, heavy fires, heavy damage

Then in the air over Luzon, I continue the suppression of the American airfield at Bataan -

29Dec:

Morning Air attack on Bataan , at 78,77

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 23


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed

Morning Air attack on Bataan , at 78,77

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 18



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 11


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed

30th Dec:

Morning Air attack on Bataan , at 78,77

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 140 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 58
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 27



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 15


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground



Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5

I am also pounding the British airfields at Singapore and Rangoon, to suppress both the airfields, and any building of fortification.

Also Roger appears to be building up troop numbers at Port Blair, and also has fighters now stationed there. So I have been working over the airfield there-

29th Dec:

Afternoon Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 87 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
G3M2 Nell x 21



Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 16


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged
Buffalo I: 3 destroyed on ground
PBY-4 Catalina: 3 destroyed on ground
Catalina I: 2 destroyed on ground

30th Dec:

Afternoon Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 108 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 20
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 14



No Japanese losses


Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Then on the 30th I got an anti-shipping strike, and lets hope this is the start of things to come -

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 46,58

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 54 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
G3M2 Nell x 13



Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 3


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CL Dauntless
CL Ceres, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage

On the ground to yesterday I captured Moulmein in Southern Burma, where I will now build-up supplies, before moving on Rangoon. Then today my forces on Mindanao assaulted Cagayan, but they failed to take the town. I am confident of securing Cagayan tomorrow as we inflicted a lot for casualties on the enemy than we lost.

[DivePac88]

December 31st,

South Pacific.

A strange contact this morning east of the South Pacific, southeast of the Solomon Islands. When air-search from the Kido Butai TF sighted the Australian heavy cruiser Canberra in the area. When spotted the Australian cruiser was on a northeasterly course, just east of Ontong Java. Now where was this cruiser going I am asking myself, maybe to bombard Rabaul?

But there are now G4M1 torpedo armed bombers at Rabaul, and also H6K4 flying boats searching in the direction his TF is coming from. So he should have guessed that, given that I have had Rabaul for several days now. So is this heavy cruiser doing something else, maybe covering a landing in the Solomon's somewhere. Well we will find if that is the case tomorrow, when Kido Butai closes the Solomon's. But it doesn’t make sense for that cruiser to be so far east of a landing, unless it was on picket!

Morning Air attack on TF, near Ontong Java at 117,131

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
D3A1 Val x 18



Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 10 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 1




Andaman Islands.

JNAF G3M2 attack bombers escorted by A6M2 Fighters operating from Bangkok, attacked British shipping off Port Blair today. Roger appears to have landed a brigade sized force at Port Blair, supported by RAF fighters, and some flying boats.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 46,58

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 64 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
G3M2 Nell x 18



Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 4


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
xAKL Lematang, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Meroendoeng

End.

[DivePac88]

January 1st 1942,


South Seas.

Kido Butai swept south overnight, and will turn west in the morning to air-search the Southern Solomon Islands for any sign of Allied activity. There was an action overnight when the Australian heavy cruiser Canberra was sighted, and engaged. The position of this action is to well to the south of Canberra’s position yesterday. So it would appear the enemy cruiser is withdrawing from area.

After this encounter with the Australian cruiser, Roger will now know that Kido Butai’s carrier component is down to 3. But this might work for me, as Shokaku, Zuiho, and Shoho will all be joining the this force within the week. I think that Roger will have 4 large carriers available by now, and probably all equipped with Wildcats. So there is always the possibility that he might think that 4 against 3 gives him an edge.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Ontong Java at 119,132, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga
CV Zuikaku
CV Akagi
CS Chiyoda
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima
CA Chikuma
CA Maya
CL Abukuma
DD Yugumo
DD Akigumo
DD Kagero
DD Isokaze
DD Urakaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Tanikaze
DD Arare

Allied Ships
CA Canberra, Shell hits 3, on fire

Also an American submarine tried to attack the South Sea Cruiser Force off Rabaul.

Sub attack near Rabaul at 106,125

Japanese Ships
DD Sazanami
CA Kako
CA Kinugasa
CL Sendai
DD Yugiri
DD Sagiri
DD Ushio

Allied Ships
SS Tuna, hits 5




Moluccas.

Landed small forces of naval infantry at Sorong, and Sansapor today, and found that the Dutch force at Sorong has been evacuated. Both these bases will be secured tomorrow, and I suspect that Roger has moved the force at Sorong back to Ambon.

Luzon.

Started softening up Clarke field today with an artillery barrage, and tomorrow I will also start air-strikes on the ground units there. There will be no ground assault on Clark Field until the 16th division arrives, after it takes Manila in maybe 2 weeks. The plan is to push Roger into Bataan, and just siege him there until his forces starve. Also when his forces are successfully bottled up in Bataan the 21 division will be withdrawn for the Java operation.

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1122 troops, 102 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 969

Defending force 19581 troops, 246 guns, 204 vehicles, Assault Value = 722



Assaulting units:
4th Tank Regiment
65th Brigade
2nd Formosa Inf. Regiment
21st Division
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
48th Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
91st PA Infantry Division
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
31st PA Infantry Division
192nd Tank Battalion
3rd/12th PA Inf Battalion
194th Tank Battalion
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
14th PS Engineer Regiment
11th PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
I Philippine Corps
PAF Aviation
II Philippine Corps
1st PI Base Force

Malaya.

I took Kuala Lumpur today with my mobile force, and retreated the 22nd Indian brigade to Port Swettenham. The Mobile force will now move on Port Dickson and hopefully trap the Indian brigade.

Ground combat at Kuala Lumpur (49,79)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1424 troops, 2 guns, 140 vehicles, Assault Value = 95

Defending force 2911 troops, 13 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 108

Japanese adjusted assault: 60

Allied adjusted defense: 17

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Kuala Lumpur !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1263 casualties reported
Squads: 24 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 35 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (7 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Tank Regiment
5th Recon Regiment

Defending units:
22nd Indian Brigade

My air operations to close down the Port of Singapore had some success today, with 2 air-strikes by both the JAAF and JNAF.


Morning Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 135 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 23
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 53



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 12 damaged
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD John D. Ford, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Klang, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Amra, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage


Port hits 2


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Singapore at 50,84

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 116 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 18



Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
xAP Hong Peng, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AMc Digoel, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AMc Djampea
DD Jupiter
AMc Endeh, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Larut, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


Submaines.


Submarine attack near Noumea at 113,160

Japanese Ships
SS I-2

Allied Ships
xAK Koomilya, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Submarine attack near Toboali at 51,93

Japanese Ships
SS I-164

Allied Ships
xAP Bontekoe, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Submarine attack near Toboali at 51,93

Japanese Ships
SS I-164

Allied Ships
xAP Van Landsberge, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Submarine attack near Noumea at 113,160

Japanese Ships
SS I-2

Allied Ships
xAK Kauri, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Submarine attack near Johnston Island at 169,109

Japanese Ships
SS I-174

Allied Ships
AP William Ward Burrows, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

End.

[DivePac88]

January 2,


Moluccas.

Small naval infantry forces that landed at Sorong and Sansapor, secured both of these bases today. One of these units will now move south down the coast of Dutch New Guinea and secure Biak Island. While the other unit will land and take Sidate in the Celebes, before the main landing at Manado.


Luzon

JAAF Ki-43-Ic Oscars of the 24th Sentai based at Takao on Formosa launched an offensive sweep over Clark Field today. This raid managed to destroy another four enemy fighters, which according to air reconnaissance leaves the Americans with only ten fighters on Luzon now.


Morning Air attack on Clark Field , at 79,76

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 23



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 13


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed


Andaman Islands

JNAF aircraft based at Bangkok raided the British base at Port Blair today, again inflicting heavy casualties and damage on the enemy.

Afternoon Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
G3M2 Nell x 29



Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 6


Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
PBY-4 Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground


Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 21

Submarines.


Submarine attack near Fraser Island at 98,156

Japanese Ships
SS I-17

Allied Ships
xAK American Leader, Torpedo hits 1

Sub attack near Johnston Island at 165,112

Japanese Ships
SS I-174

Allied Ships
CM Oglala, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DM Montgomery

Sub attack near Palmyra at 175,128

Japanese Ships
SS I-170

Allied Ships
xAK British Columbia, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

End.

[DivePac88]

January 3,

Moluccas.

I captured the port of Ternate south of Manado in the Moluccas today, and again there was not opposition as Roger had evacuated the Dutch garrison. The next operation in this area is landings at Manado and Sedate, with the coal of securing the northern approaches to Ambon.

Luzon.

In the air over Luzon today my campaign for air-superiority continued with an offensive fighter sweep against Clark Field.

Morning Air attack on Clark Field , at 79,76

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 22



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 11


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed

Malaya.

The air campaign also continued with against the RAF based at Singapore today, with a morning offensive fighter sweep against RAF field there. This was then followed in the afternoon with a medium bomber raid on the airfield.

Morning Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 22



Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 11


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed

Afternoon Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 40
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 18



Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 3


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged


Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 12

A unit of torpedo equipped B5N1 Kates started operating from Georgetown today, with heavy losses in Kates when they encountered fighter opposition over Sabang.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sabang at 44,70

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 22 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N1 Kate x 7



Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 5


Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAP Poelau Bras

I also launched a JAAF raid against the Indian Brigade trapped at Port Swettenham today with good results, but I was lucky there was no RAF fighter cover as my escort failed to coordinate.

Morning Air attack on 22nd Indian Brigade, at 48,79 (Port Swettenham)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 52



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 6 damaged


Allied ground losses:
301 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Submarines

ubmarine attack near Tandjoengbalai at 47,77

Japanese Ships
SS I-156

Allied Ships
xAKL Hermelin, Shell hits 9, heavy fires


Allied ground losses:
43 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabledS

Now for the big news of the day, when in the morning my I-24 patrolling east of Pago Pago sighted the American carrier Saratoga. But it gets better as I-24 was able to put a torpedo into Saratoga, and this will cause some complications for Roger. Because he will probably have to limp this carrier back to the east Coast of the US for repairs.

Sub attack near Ta'u at 150,160

Japanese Ships
SS I-24

Allied Ships
CV Saratoga, Torpedo hits 1
CL Concord
DD Dent
DD Kilty
DD Crane
DD Kennison

End.

What a beautiful sight!