A mixed bag this turn, lessons learned (and taught).
MALAYA
We all know what is about to be written. More fighter sweeps against Singapore, more Buffs hitting the ground and not many Zeroes joining them. Japanese troops have reached Alor Star, just as the last remnants of the British forces are boarding trains for the south. Not sure if they'll make it before they're over-run.
All of the composite elements of 11th Indian Div have arrived in Singapore, the division is planned to be rebuilt. British command (i.e. me) is trying to decide on the feasibility of using their unrestricted status to evacuate the division, either to Java or back to India.
I am still undecided on the Australian AIF brigades. Haul them out and save them, or use them as a sacrifice to hold Singapore for a few days longer? I'm leaning towards moving at least one out even with the PP costs involved and the risk in losing more ships.
The situation would appear to be either an all or nothing approach to the plan. Currently Singapore has 821 AV with just shy of 200 more making it's way to the island. Withdrawing 11th Indian would massively weaken the defence by (300 AV) and the two Australian Bdes add another 200AV to the defence, in addition to the engineers etc that would be moved.
Moving these units would (a) deny GBL the VPs for their destruction (b) provide extra troops for other areas (c) make taking Singapore easier (d) tie up Allied ships. It seems like a worthwhile effort, it'll take a lot more time and effort to destroy the troops in India rather than cooped up on an island prison.
INDIA & BURMA
No. 5 Sqn traded in their obsolete biplanes for some Mohwak fighters. The squadron will provide some rear area defence along the Indian border until new shipments of fighters arrive. The first elements of the Bengal coastal garrison have arrived and are hurriedly digging fortifications.
The AVG and RAF defenders at Rangoon have now notched up an impressive tally of three kills between them. It's a wonder that Tojo carries on flying in the face of such a defence!
EAST INDIES
Today (well yesterday really) saw the first Allied victory (although a day later than desirable). USS Marblehead and her destroyer flock caught the Japanese invasion fleet at Sorong. With the IJN caught flat-footed two ships were sunk and several more damaged (I'm hoping that three more will sink on the way home). The US ships escaped without damage after bombarding Japanese troops.
Elsewhere an anti-shipping sweep by Boise and the Royal Navy failed to locate any prey, instead Boise bombarded Japanese positions on Ternate.
S-37 has continued the trend set by the US subs, sinking (obliterating) a small Japanese minesweeper near Miri.
PHILIPPINES
A lot like Malaya, but further East. And with more Zeroes shot down. The lack of available fighter aircraft has meant that the process of folding the remaining aircraft into the surviving squadrons has begun.
A Japanese cruise sank the Si Kiang, no great loss in itself, but the ship was carrying the last surviving elements of the Cavite Base Force [:(]
PACIFIC
Victory number 2 for the Allies was offset by another defeat. A Japanese landing at Wake Island suffered heavy casualties at the hands of the Marine defenders. Also at Wake, the flight of the Penguin continues as the plucky ship and her crew escaped the clutches of yet more Japanese warships before setting course for Hawaii.
Adelaide was lost at Shortlands however, after moving to intercept Japanese landings she was surprised by a heavy cruiser went down after a brief but courageous fight. She held her own until struck by two Long Lance torpedoes which sent her to the bottom [:(]
This was followed by Japanese landings at Tulagi to the south. There are some Allied forces in the area that can intercept the invaders though. Lexington is about 1000 miles to the east and a high speed dash might just put her within striking range for her airgroup. There is also the Louisville to the south, she is being ordered to delay her arrival however, as a lone ship she's too vulnerable to Japanese escort ships to be risked at the moment. Australia and Perth are both too far away to play any part in the action.
