Eyebrow on the Money witpqs (A) vs vicberg (J) {No vicberg}

[witpqs]

1942 January 04

The Empire captured:
Batu Pahat
Kanhsien
Kwangchowan

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Shortlands

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


A powerful cruiser for bombarded Ambon, but there was no accompanying ground assault. LBA struck Port Moresby, causing light casualties. Kanhsien was seized in a river-crossing shock attack by an IJA division and mixed brigade. Across the river from Moulmein, the 13th Indian Brigade joined the defenses of the 16th Indian Brigade just in time. The 2nd RTA Division crossed perhaps a day ahead of its companion division and suffered badly.

Ground combat at 56,54 (near Moulmein)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 4477 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 121

Defending force 6843 troops, 47 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 198

Japanese adjusted assault: 0

Allied adjusted defense: 241

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 99

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-), disruption(-), fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
775 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 139 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
2nd RTA Division

Defending units:
13th Indian Brigade
16th Indian Brigade
107th RAF Base Force

With luck this will slow down the Imperial thrust into Burma and allow some additional supplies to arrive in China via the Burma Road being open. The ship yard at Cape Town has been forced to shove aside other repairs and conversions just to repair Dominion Monarch in time for its exit date. Bureaucrats!

[witpqs]

1942 January 05

The Empire captured:
Tagbilaran
Johore Bahru
Shortlands

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Shortlands
Balabac

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Ambon was again bombarded heavily both from the sea and the air and again there was no ground assault. The Imperial troops must be in tough shape and resting because they outnumber the defenders handily at this point. Along the coast leading out of Balikpapan DD Umikaze was seen to hit a mine and sustain heavy damage. The attacks on Manila's industry continue. Various Chinese units continue to duck, dodge, and weave for survival as the try to withdraw to defensible areas. Nanyang, which perhaps is indefensible so early at any rate, is under sustained heavy aerial bombardment which daily inflicts heavy casualties. There are no supplies to replace the losses, and hardly any even to fight with.

But take heart, there were two key Allied victories on the ground today! First, at Batavia on Java the Empire threw what might be its remaining combat strength on Java into the fight. The result was a major victory for the Dutch defenders!

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7199 troops, 64 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 472

Defending force 22648 troops, 271 guns, 187 vehicles, Assault Value = 489

Japanese adjusted assault: 19

Allied adjusted defense: 503

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 26 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
1437 casualties reported
Squads: 41 destroyed, 163 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
165 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
38th Division
124th Infantry Regiment
Sasebo 8th SNLF
Yokosuka 2nd SNLF

Defending units:
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
4th KNIL Regiment
2nd KNIL Regiment
1st Regt Cavalerie
1st KNIL Regiment
Mobiele Eenheid Battalion
Lijfwacht Cav Sqn
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
6th KNIL Regiment
Batavia KM Base Force
Far East Cmd (ABDA)
KNI Zeemacht
KNI Leger
1st KNIL AA Battalion
Batavia Defenses

This victory might buy substantial time as Imperial forces redeploy to adjust. Next came the second victory in two days in the jungle between Moulmein and Pegu. USA B-17s flying from Calcutta, harassing the Imperial advance for several days (squadrons rotating each day), put on a maximum effort to disrupt the river crossing. This aided the 13th and 16th Indian Brigades in dishing out another drubbing to the Royal Thai Army.

Ground combat at 56,54 (near Moulmein)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 4368 troops, 34 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 134

Defending force 6816 troops, 47 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 195

Japanese adjusted assault: 0

Allied adjusted defense: 201

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 99

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), disruption(-), fatigue(-)
morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-), morale(-)

Japanese ground losses:
1131 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 69 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2nd RTA Division
4th RTA Division

Defending units:
13th Indian Brigade
16th Indian Brigade
107th RAF Base Force

[kfsgo]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

This victory might buy substantial time as Imperial forces redeploy to adjust. Next came the second victory in two days in the jungle between Moulmein and Pegu. USA B-17s flying from Calcutta, harassing the Imperial advance for several days (squadrons rotating each day), put on a maximum effort to disrupt the river crossing. This aided the 13th and 16th Indian Brigades in dishing out another drubbing to the Royal Thai Army.

Do you think you can push them back across the Salween? The Thais get no reinforcements; once destroyed, they ain't coming back.

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: kfsgo

ORIGINAL: witpqs

This victory might buy substantial time as Imperial forces redeploy to adjust. Next came the second victory in two days in the jungle between Moulmein and Pegu. USA B-17s flying from Calcutta, harassing the Imperial advance for several days (squadrons rotating each day), put on a maximum effort to disrupt the river crossing. This aided the 13th and 16th Indian Brigades in dishing out another drubbing to the Royal Thai Army.

Do you think you can push them back across the Salween? The Thais get no reinforcements; once destroyed, they ain't coming back.

The Allied units in Burma are very weak. They have low experience and many have Burmese squads, which are weak in firepower. Second is covering against para drops and meeting garrison requirements. Rangoon IIRC has 120AV required. Mandalay has a low level required but due to the units there starting with disabled squads I had to send in another unit to make the requirement. I have a brigade with the battalion at the river crossing near Tyung Gyi because IJ players seem to have a penchant for sending armored units in that way. Complicating this is that I have sent all the Allied reinforcements for Singapore and Burma to India because I expect Vic to go for some substantial part of India.

What it boils down to is that the Allied forces in Burma were good enough to hold under those conditions, but I'm not so sure they can pull off a victory.

I think the overall way in which Vic has deployed his forces supports a plan for substantial conquest in either India or Australia. There are numerous units (although of unknown strength) bearing down on Singapore. The armored units - four of them - have pushed to the gates of Singapore, and there are 28 additional units right behind them. I don't know what is in those 28 units, but the number alone tells me Vic plans to take out Singapore as quickly as possible. It's also clear that he planned to take out Java with the forces now in Batavia. Luzon is configured to whither in place.

The current situation in the Pacific makes it easier to reinforcement Australia. That plus the Australian army being a tougher nut to crack makes me figure India will be under heavy pressure, hence keeping those early reinforcements there. This is in contrast to the other game where I am (so far successfully) sneaking in all the reinforcements to Burma. If Vic and Walter compare notes, things will go off the rails in Burma & India! [:D]

[witpqs]

kfsgo,

There might be such an opportunity after all! Keep your fingers crossed.

---

1942 January 06

The Empire captured:
Balabac

The Allies captured:
Moulmein

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Empire put a stop to troublesome air attacks eminating from Kendari, as a powerful battleship force smashed the place and blew up all the supply - all of it!. In China fleeing forces continued suffering abuse, with an infantry corps and HQ ground to complete ineffectiveness as the entered Kukong. The infantry corps should be able to retreat to the rear to recover. Ambon held as the defenders continue punching above their weight. They suffered a bit more than the attackers, and of course there will be no resupply, but they are stoic.

The surprise is Moulmein reverting to Allied control, even as the two RTA divisions withdraw toward it. Air units will be moved back to Burma from India to support the ordered ground attacks on those units. Perhaps we can deal them a greater set back? See the graphic below - AFAIK supply will not pass to the two RTA divisions unless/until the Empire controls Moulmein.

[witpqs]

1942 January 07

The Empire captured:
Polillo
Oroquieta

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Namlea
Tulagi

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Pakanbaroe Det. on Sumatra was started marching to aid in the eventual defense of Palembang before the Empire even invaded it. Two days ago they made Palembang, serving as a monkey wrench in the works. They have not been attacked from the ground in any way, but last night an IJN force bombarded the detachment. They were already far too weak to assault the base even if no combat forces are present, but this bombardment proves that they have indeed made themselves a thorn in the empire's side! Alas, the detachment is no more. They were so small that the naval bombardment destroyed them.

The beating continues in China, but the tables are turned in Burma. Blenheims and B-17s in separate raids inflicted casualties on the RTA and aided an effective ground attack.

Ground combat at 56,54 (near Moulmein)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6643 troops, 43 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 197

Defending force 7336 troops, 74 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 20

Allied adjusted assault: 67

Japanese adjusted defense: 25

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
135 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
13th Indian Brigade
16th Indian Brigade
107th RAF Base Force

Defending units:
2nd RTA Division
4th RTA Division

2 to 1 odds and no retreat, that must be because Moulmein is in Allied hands. The attacks will continue until the formations are destroyed or relieved.

The Empire is expanding into the vast unmilitarized areas of the South Pacific. The Intel Monkeys advise that the KB is probably providing cover.

[witpqs]

1942 January 08

The Empire captured:
Mersing
Namlea
Tulagi
Sidate
Beaufort

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Namlea
Tulagi
Ambon

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Ambon saw another battleship bombardment and the landing of more Imperial troops. The current roster:
Sasebo 3rd SNLF
8th Tank Regiment
Yokosuka 1st SNLF
Kure 2nd SNLF
Bandasan SNLF
Yokosuka 4th SNLF
3rd JNAF AF Unit
The air attacks on Nanyang are so damaging that Chinese forces will likely have to pull back into the favorable terrain. Today's attack on the two hapless RTA divisions north of Moulmein yielded good results, in addition to continuing to pile on combat experience for the two Indian Brigades.

Ground combat at 56,54 (near Moulmein)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6645 troops, 43 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 196

Defending force 7204 troops, 74 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 12

Allied adjusted assault: 100

Japanese adjusted defense: 15

Allied assault odds: 6 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
130 casualties reported
Squads: 22 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
170 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
13th Indian Brigade
16th Indian Brigade
107th RAF Base Force

Defending units:
2nd RTA Division
4th RTA Division

Nimitz is taking over Pacific Fleet HQ.

[witpqs]

1942 January 09

The Empire captured:
Salamaua
Ambon

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Ambon

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Still more Imperial troops unloaded at Ambon and made the issue a certainty. Heavy bombing raids on Sabang again today as the Empire seeks to destroy the air bridge bringing out Australian combat squads. The supply situation at Sabang had deteriorated so badly what with feeding the troops flown in plus fueling and repairing the flying boats that a number of solo, small cargo ships were dispatched from Colombo one after another. The first is on its way back, but three are at the dock now unloading. Another three are en route and have been ordered to unload their cargo instead at Sibolga, from where it can make its way overland to Sabang as needed. At Nanyang the Allied army began pulling out yesterday. Today the same murderous air attacks were followed by a ground assault. Casualties were somewhat worse for the attackers. Perhaps that will slow them down long enough to allow an orderly withdrawal.

Ground combat at Nanyang (85,45)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 67257 troops, 597 guns, 221 vehicles, Assault Value = 1958

Defending force 63617 troops, 263 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1430

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 483

Allied adjusted defense: 469

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
4120 casualties reported
Squads: 72 destroyed, 246 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 14 (1 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Vehicles lost 33 (1 destroyed, 32 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2611 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 225 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 55 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 15 disabled

Assaulting units:
63rd Division
36th Division
5th Armored Car Co
37th Division
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
12th Tank Regiment
26th Division
110th Division
41st Division
138th Infantry Regiment
1st Army
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
21st AA Regiment

Defending units:
29th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
4th Construction Regiment
2nd Group Army
22nd Group Army
5th War Area
31st Group Army

The Allied attack on the RTA divisions was again successful but only destroyed a few squads. One squadron of P-40E and one of USA dive bombers have departed Brisbane by rail for Alice Springs. Once there they will assemble their aircraft and begin hopping into the DEI theater to see if they can surprise a convoy or two. Better trained pilots were flown in from the West Coast and Hawaii to staff the squadrons. The KB's whereabouts are unknown but surmised to be the South Pacific within a day's sailing of Tulagi. A large convoy including badly needed combat aircraft for Australia is passing through the South Pacific now, so the possible location of KB is of unusually keen interest.

[witpqs]

1942 January 10

The Empire captured:
Babuyan

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Sabang took a beating as the Empire is really, really serious about clamping down. Leaflets recovered from the debris indicate that if the air bridge does not cease the Emperor himself will write a dunning letter. The two hapless RTA divisions have escaped to Moulmein, so the Allied forces are pursuing. Kendari was blasted into the last century by another heavy naval bombardment, this one by 5 cruisers and 6 destroyers. The usual beatings in China continue. No attack at Nanyang. One more day should do it as the forces will pull out on the second day. Port Moresby is still repairing from KB's visit. There is a MapInt (a map icon without a corresponding SigInt report) of ships roughly 400nm E of Kavieng.

[witpqs]

1942 January 11

The Empire captured:
Moulmein

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


SVC has been charged by the Emperor with stopping the Singapore-Sabang-Colombo air bridge, and he has decided that the Emperor's letter writing campaign, although magnificent, would be too slow. Instead he has sent waves of bombers over Singapore followed closely by hordes of troops. The shock attack took a toll on the Imperial host, destroying one unit.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 69038 troops, 697 guns, 454 vehicles, Assault Value = 2140

Defending force 52590 troops, 494 guns, 347 vehicles, Assault Value = 916

Japanese adjusted assault: 797

Allied adjusted defense: 1287

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
3898 casualties reported
Squads: 75 destroyed, 430 disabled
Non Combat: 28 destroyed, 41 disabled
Engineers: 17 destroyed, 69 disabled
Guns lost 22 (4 destroyed, 18 disabled)
Vehicles lost 69 (12 destroyed, 57 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Allied ground losses:
4581 casualties reported
Squads: 44 destroyed, 203 disabled
Non Combat: 25 destroyed, 241 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 33 disabled
Guns lost 83 (21 destroyed, 62 disabled)
Vehicles lost 30 (1 destroyed, 29 disabled)

Assaulting units:
4th Ind Engineer Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
15th Ind Engineer Regiment
55th Cavalry Regiment
56th Recon Regiment
112th Infantry Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
18th Division
55th Engineer Regiment
1st Tank Regiment
5th Division
23rd Ind Engineer Regiment
Imperial Guards Division
41st Infantry Regiment
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Mortar Battalion
5th Mortar Battalion
41st JAAF AF Bn
56th Field Artillery Regiment
15th Army
36th JAAF AF Bn
25th Army
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
20th AA Regiment
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
5th JAAF AF Coy

Defending units:
22nd Australian Brigade
SSVF Brigade
2/17 Dogra Battalion
3rd SSVF Battalion
11th Indian Division
2nd Loyal Battalion
2nd Gordons Battalion
27th Australian Brigade
2nd Malay Battalion
FMSV Brigade
3rd Cavalry Regiment
1st Manchester Battalion
1st Malay Battalion
9th Indian Division
3rd Heavy AA Regiment
3rd HK&S Light AA Regiment
Malaya Army
AHQ Far East
223 Group RAF
Malayan Air Wing
III Indian Corps
111th RAF Adv Base Force
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
Singapore Base Force
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
224 Group RAF
112th RAF Adv Base Force
113th RAF Adv Base Force
1st ISF Base Force
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
110th RAF Adv Base Force
Singapore Fortress
109th RAF Adv Base Force
1st Hyderabad Battalion
2nd ISF Base Force
109th RN Base Force

The swift completion of this campaign will also solve the Burma and Java problems for the Empire. Kendari is also on the receiving end of suppressing air raids daily. Now there are enemy ships parked off shore, but their composition is unknown. Port Moresby should be back building fortifications after another two or three days.

That contact has moved...

[witpqs]

1942 January 12

The Empire captured:
Tioman Island
Manus
Nanyang
Pontianak

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Manus

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The mighty Imperial Navy spent most of the day chasing MTBs and PT boats attempting to escape from the Philippines and stand watch at Tarakan. IJA fighters swept Rangoon but their invitation to party was ignored. Kendari, Singapore, and points on Luzon and in China felt the wrath of Imperial aircraft. In a small but large victory for the Allies, the Empire's ground forces shock attacked an undefended Nanyang. Just in time! No - it was not planned that way. An Imperial host is moving toward Changsha.

[witpqs]

1942 January 13

The Empire captured:
Tandjoengpinang

The Allies captured:
Pucheng

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Kendari

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The IJN continued chasing and sinking PTs/MTBs. I-264 struck a mine at Singapore. Two more RTA divisions made Moulmein before our forces crossed the river. Bushwhacked!

Ground combat at Moulmein (55,55)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 7597 troops, 43 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 224

Defending force 16460 troops, 149 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 322

Allied adjusted assault: 68

Japanese adjusted defense: 73

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

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), preparation(-), morale(-)
experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
233 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
474 casualties reported
Squads: 22 destroyed, 32 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Assaulting units:
10th Burma Rifles Battalion
4th Burma Rifles Battalion
13th Indian Brigade
16th Indian Brigade

Defending units:
2nd RTA Division
6th RTA Division
4th RTA Division
7th RTA Division

All units are highly disrupted, and the two battalions are just about wiped out. Hopefully the regiments can hold for an orderly withdrawal. They are being ordered to sit tight as I think that will reduce disruption most quickly. In better news, Dutch float plane pilots pulled off a small coup:

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 70,106

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 5

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma, Bomb hits 2
xAP Hakone Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x T.IVa bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x T.IVa bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Imperial warships sighted west of Wake Island, heading east...

[witpqs]

1942 January 14

The Empire captured:
Torokina

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Kendari

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The garrison held on only because of the Imperial troops focus on overcoming the fortifications. The next attack will sweep them away. That IJN TF is indeed closing on Wake Island. There is also a submarine contact near Johnston Island (to the east) which is the first near Hawaii in some time. The Dutch float planes are getting good!

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kendari at 70,106

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 4

Allied aircraft losses
T.IVa: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAP Hakone Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Mikuma, Bomb hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x T.IVa bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x T.IVa bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Kendari (70,106)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

2 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DD Yukikaze
DD Wakaba
xAP Hakone Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage

DD Yukikaze fired at enemy troops
DD Wakaba fired at enemy troops

Note that in the later invasion support Hakone Maru is in bad shape. Those two small squadrons need a break to repair their aircraft. There also just is too little aviation support at Makassar, so they've moved to Java. Meanwhile, the USA 27th BG/17th BS flew in from Darwin and will have a go tomorrow. Their fighter support is following behind, so hopefully sKB will not make a close appearance.

Barring further attacks, Port Moresby will resume building fortifications some time tomorrow. The large aircraft and supply convoy is now 7 days out from Sydney, owing likely to a collision. xAK Walter Luckenback and TK Manzanillo have flotation and engine damage and are unable to keep the pace. They will be detached to increase convoy speed back to 5 days remaining. Escorts are being dispatched from Sydney as the convoy's protection will not be weakened for these two ships carrying only supplies and fuel. The air bridge through Sabang has almost completed its work with the two Australian brigades. All of the Dornier flying boats - sans those repairing and following - have moved to other stations with naval attack orders. The Dutch Catalinas are finishing up pulling a few more infantry squads out of Singapore and pushing same to Colombo. The two USN PBY-4 groups at Colombo have stood down to recover and await further orders.

[witpqs]

1942 January 15

The Empire captured:
Vella Lavella
Kendari

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Tarakan

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Kendari, Tarakan, and Wake Island all suffered the wrath of IJN surface forces over night. Kendari fell, Tarakan will see more troops coming ashore, and Wake Island was closely inspected by almost 250 of the KB's finest. A mass of Betties hit Makassar, damaging several A-24s and other planes. Adding insult to injury the ships that hurled steel toward the Kendari defenders were out of sight when the sun rose. Port Moresby is damaged again but only slightly. It seems that daily LBA raids will be kept up to suppress build up.

Where is KB? The world doesn't need to wonder!

[witpqs]

1942 January 16

The Empire captured:
Choiseul Bay
Nauru Island
Wake Island

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Wake Island
Nauru Island
Cebu

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The IJN bombarded Wake Island and Cebu, and again KB's fliers blasted Wake. There were various other air and ground attacks, but notably none at Moulmein where our troops continue to withdraw. The IJA 6th Tank Regiment tried to flank the defenses of western Java by racing to Buitenzorg, but the Dutch defenders know the terrain well and were in place to defend.

Ground combat at Buitenzorg (48,99)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 156 troops, 0 guns, 47 vehicles, Assault Value = 35

Defending force 1656 troops, 7 guns, 109 vehicles, Assault Value = 95

Japanese adjusted assault: 29

Allied adjusted defense: 67

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
6th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
Mobiele Eenheid Battalion
Lijfwacht Cav Sqn
Marinier Battalion

A bit of shuffling around all over the place, especially trying to make units efficiently upgrade squads in the various Allied services. The Empire's horde bombarded at Singapore today. No telling when they will feel ready to begin the final assault. Here is a view of the area around western Java.

[witpqs]

1942 January 17

The Empire captured:
Auki

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Empire has transited a surface force to the Sabang region, where they overcame an HDML. No sign of them before that, so it's unclear if they sailed through the Sunda Strait or crept by Singapore after the ground force moved in.
CA Maya
CA Ashigara
CL Natori
CL Kuma
DD Satsuki
DD Minazuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Nagatsuki

An RO-boat is operating on the Australian east coast, and announced itself by sinking an xAKL 80nm SE of Brisbane. Depending on where it ended the day that sub could pose a danger to the large convoy nearing Sydney, which will make port early the day after tomorrow. There were the usual air attacks, but little ground combat. There was this:

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 72674 troops, 749 guns, 436 vehicles, Assault Value = 2523

Defending force 50301 troops, 477 guns, 346 vehicles, Assault Value = 778

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 928

Allied adjusted defense: 1259

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
1371 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 130 disabled
Non Combat: 48 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 24 destroyed, 58 disabled
Guns lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Vehicles lost 45 (9 destroyed, 36 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Allied ground losses:
3483 casualties reported
Squads: 153 destroyed, 90 disabled
Non Combat: 19 destroyed, 136 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Guns lost 48 (15 destroyed, 33 disabled)
Vehicles lost 32 (10 destroyed, 22 disabled)

Assaulting units:
15th Ind Engineer Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
4th Division
55th Engineer Regiment
55th Cavalry Regiment
5th Division
113th Infantry Regiment
33rd Division
56th Recon Regiment
23rd Ind Engineer Regiment
112th Infantry Regiment
1st Tank Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
Imperial Guards Division
18th Division
41st Infantry Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Mortar Battalion
25th Army
20th AA Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th Army
5th Mortar Battalion
56th Field Artillery Regiment
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
SSVF Brigade
1st Manchester Battalion
FMSV Brigade
1st Malay Battalion
3rd Cavalry Regiment
11th Indian Division
3rd SSVF Battalion
2nd Gordons Battalion
2/17 Dogra Battalion
2nd Malay Battalion
2nd Loyal Battalion
9th Indian Division
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
111th RAF Adv Base Force
27th Australian Brigade
2nd ISF Base Force
Malayan Air Wing
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
223 Group RAF
224 Group RAF
109th RAF Adv Base Force
Singapore Fortress
3rd Heavy AA Regiment
110th RAF Adv Base Force
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
1st Hyderabad Battalion
AHQ Far East
Malaya Army
112th RAF Adv Base Force
1st ISF Base Force
113th RAF Adv Base Force
3rd HK&S Light AA Regiment
109th RN Base Force
Singapore Base Force
III Indian Corps
22nd Australian Bde /2

Tarakan also withstood Imperial assault. An IJN carrier is operating SE of Mindanao and struck Malaybalay today. KB is not located but search is working from Midway. Here is an overview map.

[witpqs]

1942 January 18

The Empire captured:
Kuantan
Ocean Island

The Allies captured:
Kanhsien

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Loewoek
Madang
Ocean Island

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Koepang was hit by LBA for the first time. Damage is minor but engineers are few. An Imperial raid on Liuchow arrived without escort and the AVG was ready for them. The Lilies and Sallies lost probably 20 between them. Only an artillery bombardment at Singapore, but the Imperial horde weighs four times what our beleaguered boys carry. Two Allied units have withdrawn from Moulmein and the other two will cross the river in the morning. It seems the two original RTA divisions were literally hors de combat, and the two divisions that reinforced them were not willing to risk battle. The burning question at the moment is what is next after Wake Island? In other words, where is KB headed? Whatever the answer, the Allies have the Empire stopped for the moment on western Java.

[witpqs]

1942 January 19

The Empire captured:
Russell Islands
Pucheng
Madang

The Allies captured:
Kanhsien

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Loewoek
Madang
Koepang

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Amid the chaos, Cebu held on though did weaken. CL Sumatra arrived at Soerabaja with 20 sys damage and will beat a hasty retreat. Both the main Australia bound convoy and its two detached ships made Sydney and are unloading. The sudden appearance of so many aircraft has caused the continent to heel slightly. The beast took about 18K fuel to fill tanks (though not the AO's cargo tanks). Luckily they brought about 80K fuel with them. No further word on KB. Another bombardment at Singapore but surely soon the Imperial horde will have its bellies full and begin the final reduction.

Here is what was saved of the Australian 22nd and 27th brigades by the air bridge Sumatra-Sabang-Colombo.

[witpqs]

1942 January 20

The Empire captured:
Treasury Islands
Kanhsien

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Loewoek
Koepang

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Dutch Flying boats claimed their first victim!

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Pontianak at 56,90

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
Do-24K-1 x 2

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Gosei Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires

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

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Do-24K-1 bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 300 kg SAP Bomb

Koepang just barely held on, but at Cebu the defenders kicked some butt.

Ground combat at Cebu (80,86)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2020 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 66

Defending force 2596 troops, 35 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 73

Japanese adjusted assault: 21

Allied adjusted defense: 29

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
157 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
81st Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
81st PA Infantry Division

SVC notes that he can't find my convoy routes. Here is an overview map. Can you find them?

[witpqs]

1942 January 21

The Empire captured:
Tassafaronga

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Loewoek
Koepang

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Several small Imperial TFs raided Makassar, all targeting the MTBs defending the port. Dutch flying boats delivered another egg, this near Loewoek. Koepang suffered a heavy bombardment by battleships, heavy and light cruisers, and destroyers. Mercifully, there was no synchronized ground assault. The ground attack results for the day were surprising in favor of the Allies. Singapore withstood a deliberate attack and inflicted meaningful casualties. The weight of the attackers is still overwhelming given the ratio of losses.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 82887 troops, 849 guns, 443 vehicles, Assault Value = 2447

Defending force 47720 troops, 465 guns, 337 vehicles, Assault Value = 634

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 1646

Allied adjusted defense: 941

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
2842 casualties reported
Squads: 102 destroyed, 129 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 46 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Guns lost 28 (4 destroyed, 24 disabled)
Vehicles lost 39 (2 destroyed, 37 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1654 casualties reported
Squads: 41 destroyed, 60 disabled
Non Combat: 91 destroyed, 146 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 18 disabled
Guns lost 41 (17 destroyed, 24 disabled)
Vehicles lost 69 (61 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Units destroyed 2

Assaulting units:
113th Infantry Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
1st Tank Regiment
18th Division
33rd Division
5th Division
112th Infantry Regiment
55th Cavalry Regiment
23rd Ind Engineer Regiment
56th Recon Regiment
55th Engineer Regiment
4th Division
Imperial Guards Division
41st Infantry Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
20th AA Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion
25th Army
56th Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Mortar Battalion
15th Army
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
2/17 Dogra Battalion
3rd Cavalry Regiment
FMSV Brigade
2nd Malay Battalion
2nd Gordons Battalion
3rd SSVF Battalion
2nd Loyal Battalion
1st Malay Battalion
11th Indian Division
9th Indian Division
SSVF Brigade
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
22nd Australian Bde /2
III Indian Corps
3rd HK&S Light AA Regiment
112th RAF Adv Base Force
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
Singapore Base Force
113th RAF Adv Base Force
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
223 Group RAF
109th RAF Adv Base Force
3rd Heavy AA Regiment
2nd ISF Base Force
1st ISF Base Force
111th RAF Adv Base Force
Malaya Army
Malayan Air Wing
Singapore Fortress
AHQ Far East
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
109th RN Base Force
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
1st Manchester Battalion
1st Hyderabad Battalion
224 Group RAF
110th RAF Adv Base Force
27th Australian Bde /2

At Tarakan the Empire suffered a setback, possibly due to attacking while fatigued.

Ground combat at Tarakan (67,91)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1762 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 61

Defending force 2000 troops, 43 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 42

Japanese adjusted assault: 20

Allied adjusted defense: 25

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

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

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

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

Assaulting units:
16th Naval Guard Unit
6th JNAF Coy

Defending units:
VII KNIL Battalion
Tarakan Base Force
Tarakan Defenses

Cebu held on in another, although very small, setback for the Empire.

Ground combat at Cebu (80,86)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1909 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 53

Defending force 2584 troops, 35 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 71

Japanese adjusted assault: 37

Allied adjusted defense: 17

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
81st Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
81st PA Infantry Division

The two Australian refugee brigades have been shuttled to a southern Indian port, hoped a less obvious port of departure for Australia, and will embark when sufficient escorts arrive. Another convoy has left Aden bearing 3 Australian brigades for duty in India. Escort is light so hopefully they will fast enough to outrun the sub which was spotted west of Colombo yesterday. Air units have been pulled out of Burma as the IJA began to assert itself sweeping and bombing Rangoon. The Allied air forces in India are feverishly preparing. With the virtual destruction of the Dutch Air Force there is much less need for aviation support in that theater. Several airfield support squadrons are being bought out and air lifted to western Australia. The USA dive bombers are at Denpasar on Bali. Two of their number are on board a merchant dodging IJN warships at Makassar and will join them on Bali - or not, if you know what I mean. From there they will evac to Australia when the time comes and before that airfield support squadron is air lifted to western Australia. Supplies became so tight at and around Darwin that the P-40E squadron had to be pulled back to Alice Springs (in stages without drop tanks!). A supply convoy is en route and seeks to slip by the fracas at Koepang.