Rumble in the Southwest witpqs-A vs Andav-J 2011-11-29 to 2017-02-08

[witpqs]

1941 December 21

The Empire captured:
Loyang
Chengchow
Davao
Singkawang
Finschhafen
Beaufort

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Singkawang
Finschhafen
Sidate

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


IJN subs continue to congregate in the waters of Hawaii and USN ASW groups continue to hunt them. If there is any crew experience gain for the hunters from this it is slow and difficult to notice. The up side is that those subs are sometimes hit, there is a chance of sinking them, and of course their location is known so that potential targets can be routed elsewhere.

A convoy is in the vicinity of Kavieng and Rabaul, protected by KB. Meanwhile the presence of Claudes (in addition to Zeros) protecting the landing ships at Sidate indicates that at least one sKB provides cover. With that and the amphibious convoy there forces at Kendari might find targets. The trouble is that strong battleship force is present in a forward position. Several raids by B-17s and Dutch 2EBs scored no hits and suffered some losses.

Force Y shall make for the ASW group and try to pick it off.

[witpqs]

1941 December 22

The Empire captured:
Masbate
Pakhoi
Sidate

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Sidate
Rabaul

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Force Y dispatched 2 x PB ascting as ASW screen for the Sidate/Manado invasion groups. They did suffer the ignominity of the PBs getting off the first shot! Imperial walkers are already on their way to Manado. Kuching is simply waiting for the now vastly superior enemy to attack. The seas nearby held better news, as O16 scored: "xAK Eihuku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage"

Rabaul is invaded as noted above, and there are unidentified TFs seen at Kavieng and 80nm south of Port Moresby. KB itself is 40nm east of Buna and spent the day sinking a merchant carrying supplies.

Four brigades are almost finished unloading at Rangoon unobserved by the Empire AFAIK. We shall attempt to follow suite with the units of the 18th UK and of course many, many supplies.

[witpqs]

1941 December 23

The Empire captured:
Boac
Kuching

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Rabaul

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The IJN forces south of Sidate have moved toward Kendari. Force Z and Force Y moved south during the night to be in position but out of carrier air attack range. The IJA has invested Manila with 502AV:

Kimura Det
65th Brigade
II./4th Infantry Battalion
Kure 1st SNLF
Sasebo 1st SNLF

In defense we have 5 x PA Div, 1 x PA Rgt, and 2 x base forces. A Dutch flying boat was intercepted over Singapore, but hopefully that will not signal the beginning of aerial interdiction. So far we have extracted cadres of two air HQs, engineers from the NZ engineer units (to build fortifications at Palembang), and are seeking to extract as many infantry squads from the two Australian regiments as possible. The ships unloading at Rangoon remain undiscovered. KB is 40nm E of Buna.

The Empire appears to be moving on Burma from the side door...

[witpqs]

1941 December 24

The Empire captured:
Busuanga
Tarawa
Rabaul

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Rabaul
Tarawa
Lae
Balabac
Morotai

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


KB is moving through the Jomard Passage. sKB is slowly moving down the eastern side of Celebes, screen by surface combat and ASW TFs. A shock attack at Johore Bahru was repulsed with about 5 times the casualties to the attackers. More Imperial troops are coming but hopefully this will at least forestall the next attack. Some troops are cut off, including an Indian brigade, so the Mersing landing has been at least partially successful for DAW.

Cadres are being flown out of Port Moresby as the movement of the KB into the Coral Sea quite possibly foretells of an invasion there.

[witpqs]

1941 December 25

The Empire captured:
Iba
Kluong
Balabac
Morotai
Lae

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Lae
Balabac
Morotai
Oroquieta

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


SigInt tells of Imperial storm troopers on board ship and headed for Port Moresby, so the evac of cadres continues. KB is 160nm SE of PM. Combats were largely more of the same - beatings of retreating units in China, Malaya, invasions of undefended locales.

Force D, the Dutch fleet station at Batavia came under repeated air attack today. The nimble ships avoided harm and the Dutch 339D fighters took a toll on the attackers, hopefully including good pilots. Two more Dutch squadrons, the farthest along in their training, have moved in to stiffen further the defenses. Three British squadrons, training and still recovering from being stomped flat at Singapore, have moved to the eastern part of the island. All of Java is short of aviation support. Makassar served as the hub for evacuating bases forces from the Philippines, so a transport TF will load tomorrow to bring to Java the Del Monte AAF Base Force, 1st Port Maint Engr Bn, and the 5th Base Group (which has built from its component units). Once on Java they will begin taking replacements and hopefully will quickly bolster available aviation support. The B-17D squadrons from the Philippines have assembled at Soerabaja. Meanwhile the B-17E squadrons from Australia have assembled at Darwin and will transfer to Java, either at Batavia or Bandoeng. Supply is being loaded at Cape Town for Java.

[witpqs]

1941 December 26

The Empire captured:
Burias
Johore Bahru
Georgetown
Oroquieta
Kavieng

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Oroquieta
Tandjoengselor

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Sweeps and air attacks on troops and bases were the way of the day, as usual. Finally the Empire learned of its great combat superiority in Johore Bahru and smashed the retreating troops with a shock attack, destroying 3 units and pushing 4 across the marshes to Singapore. KB remains in position, as if daring the Allies to do anything about it. Afraid of coastal defense guns? Try the Tarakan Two Step!

[witpqs]

1941 December 27

The Empire captured:
Tawi Tawi
Tandjoengselor
Ocean Island
Pucheng

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Tandjoengselor
Salamaua
Ocean Island
Puerto Princesa

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Empire made an air raid of Pegu of all places. Fighter cover from Rangoon dealt it a severe blow.

Morning Air attack on Pegu , at 55,53

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-30 Ann x 21
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 10

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 8
Buffalo I x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-30 Ann: 9 destroyed, 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
AVG/1st Sqn with H81-A3 (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
No.67 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

Intel believes that 14 Anns out of the 21 were destroyed. Why Pegu? Possibly it is a para drop target to cut off defense of Moulmein and the jungle behind Moulmein? If so, the forces in Rangoon can drive there in real force. One regiment will be moved there preemptively to prevent capture in the event of an airborne assault, and thereby possibly allow for destruction of the assault element. It will be several days before the 18th UK arrives at Rangoon, in two separate convoys. Hopefully DAW's attention will remain elsewhere, or at closest on Pegu.

Here is KB shepherding an unspotted heavy radio transmission source in the Solomon Sea.

[witpqs]

1941 December 28

The Empire captured:
Sibuyan
Utan Melintang

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Puerto Princesa
Lolobato
Manokwari

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Imperial troops are marching west from Chiang Mai and are also 46mi SE of Moulmein. The weather is predicted to clear, bad for the arriving convoys! There is a small (CL based) surface force at Boela, which is a Dutch search base. This might be a prelude to invasion as the Empire seeks to flank defenses in the DEI and gain better search of its own, or might simply be a raid to deny good search to the Allies. Force Z is more than 12 hours away even at full speed and so will move into a position to intercept the day after tomorrow. Force Y will move from its current location to Force Z's current location. Tomorrow a new force will depart Soerabaja for Force Y's current location. This rotation will allow nearly continuous coverage of key areas. The yards and wharfs of Soerabaja are busy indeed! Meanwhile the airfields of Soerabaja are packed with craft of American manufacture and crew, each sporting four large radial engines. Search planes from Palembang will recon Singkawang tomorrow for targeting Intel. The day after, the beasts will strike a coordinated blow.

KB has rounded its way into the Coral Sea, being followed by its charges.

[witpqs]

1941 December 29

The Empire captured:
Tablas
Kuala Lumpur
Temuloh
Lolobato
Manokwari
Salamaua

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Manokwari
Tawau
Dumanquilas

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Empire is now invading places I haven't heard of, and I thought I knew the AE map! USN SS Saury kept attacking and firing torpedoes until one worked on xAP Haruna Maru causing heavy damage. KB is about 100nm SW of Port Moresby. Search is ordered for the Arafura Sea to detect potential passage of the KB. The first of the two convoys carrying the 18th UK will make Rangoon tomorrow/tonight. The other is about three days out. Shipping to/from Rangoon is still unspotted AFAIK, so the Eye of Sauron is focusing elsewhere. 3 x PBY-4 were shot down today bringing troops out of Singapore.

That IJN TF which struck at Boela yesterday was caught probing even farther into Allied controlled waters last night by Force Z. No sign of any sKB in spite of good search coverage.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Kai-eilanden at 80,115, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
DD Okikaze
DD Yakaze
DD Nokaze, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
BC Repulse, Shell hits 3
DD Bulmer
DD Stewart
DD Vampire
DD Tenedos
DD Electra
DD Express

Improved night sighting under 82% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 82% moonlight: 11,000 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
BB Prince of Wales engages CL Kiso at 11,000 yards
BC Repulse engages CL Kiso at 11,000 yards
DD Nokaze engages DD Electra at 11,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Nokaze at 11,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Yakaze at 11,000 yards
DD Yakaze engages DD Stewart at 11,000 yards
DD Nokaze engages DD Bulmer at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
DD Stewart engages DD Nokaze at 8,000 yards
DD Yakaze engages DD Tenedos at 8,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages DD Vampire at 8,000 yards
DD Nokaze engages DD Tenedos at 8,000 yards
DD Nokaze engages DD Vampire at 8,000 yards
DD Nokaze engages DD Stewart at 8,000 yards
DD Yakaze engages DD Bulmer at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
BB Prince of Wales engages CL Kiso at 9,000 yards
CL Kiso sunk by BC Repulse at 9,000 yards
DD Express engages DD Yakaze at 9,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages DD Electra at 9,000 yards
DD Nokaze engages DD Bulmer at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages DD Nokaze at 12,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Nokaze at 12,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages DD Vampire at 12,000 yards
DD Electra engages DD Yakaze at 12,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Okikaze at 12,000 yards
DD Yakaze engages DD Vampire at 12,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages DD Nokaze at 12,000 yards
DD Nokaze engages DD Tenedos at 12,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Nokaze at 12,000 yards
DD Express engages DD Okikaze at 12,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages DD Vampire at 12,000 yards
DD Yakaze engages DD Stewart at 12,000 yards
BB Prince of Wales engages DD Nokaze at 12,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Yakaze at 12,000 yards
DD Express engages DD Okikaze at 12,000 yards
DD Nokaze engages DD Electra at 12,000 yards
DD Nokaze engages DD Tenedos at 12,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages DD Vampire at 12,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages DD Stewart at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
DD Nokaze engages DD Express at 11,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Yakaze at 11,000 yards
DD Nokaze engages DD Express at 11,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages DD Electra at 11,000 yards
DD Nokaze engages DD Tenedos at 11,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages DD Stewart at 11,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages DD Yakaze at 11,000 yards
Ono, Takeji* orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range closes to 9,000 yards
BB Prince of Wales engages DD Nokaze at 9,000 yards
DD Yakaze engages DD Vampire at 9,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages DD Express at 9,000 yards
DD Yakaze engages DD Electra at 9,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Nokaze at 9,000 yards
DD Okikaze engages DD Stewart at 9,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages DD Nokaze at 9,000 yards
Task forces break off...

The battle occurred at the highlighted GR on the map below.

[witpqs]

1941 December 30

The Empire captured:
Dumanquilas
Tawau
Subic Bay
Puerto Princesa

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Tawau
Port Moresby

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Some losses for the Chinese army trying to get off of the northern plain. To be expected, but still painful. KB is 80nm W of Port Moresby and the IJA 4th Div is ashore with more than 400 AV. The base is expected to fall within two days. What a simple task when you have the tools - the large crane needed to aid repairs on CA Cornwall's front main turret is available at Colombo and after all that travel time full repairs are anticipated in three days. Although Rangoon was cursedly under clear skies no Imperial snoopers made an appearance as the first 18th UK convoy pulled up to the docks. The second 18th UK convoy - also still unnoticed - will make full speed and barring mishap enter Rangoon harbor by the end of tomorrow.

Coverage in the DEI is pretty good, if only the KB will stay away...

[witpqs]

1941 December 31

The Empire captured:
Tapul
Malacca
Batu Pahat
Pontianak
Mergui
Nauru Island

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Pontianak
Port Moresby
Cotabato
Nauru Island

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Allies finished out the year beating the Empire in the air, losing one Dutch flying boat versus about 10 assorted Imperial air frames. The Empire seized six bases in return. That CL TF nearing Makassar tried to bombard the base but ran into PT boats of various nations, and a USN group claimed a torpedo hit on CL Nagara. No fire was noted in subsequent engagements, so the claim is suspect. Meanwhile heavy weather kept the intruders from being found by either air or surface forces, and they disappeared from plotting boards after the engagements at Makassar. Rain is forecast for tomorrow. The good guys did suffer though: "CL Ceres collides with DD Banckert". Banckert is in tough shape but will likely make Soerabaja. The Imperial battleships are back, 80nm S of Manado and in position for a speed run to bombard either Kendari or Ambon.

The IJA continued doling out punishment on the plains of China, and began the reduction of Manila.

Ground combat at Manila (79,77)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 26989 troops, 235 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 844

Defending force 21869 troops, 258 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 696

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 550

Allied adjusted defense: 513

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
949 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 224 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 27 (1 destroyed, 26 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1310 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 128 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
Kimura Det
Kure 1st SNLF
65th Brigade
20th Infantry Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
II./4th Infantry Battalion
16th Engineer Regiment
Sasebo 1st SNLF
2nd Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
41st PA Infantry Division
51st PA Infantry Division
91st PA Infantry Division
71st PA Infantry Division
1st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
South Luzon Force
Cavite USN Base Force

The Allies at Manila will try to make Clark.

The situation in Burma is better, although it has complications. An unspotted Imperial force has shown up 46mi E of Pegu in the jungle, and is on the road in position to cut off the route to Moulmein. A brigade is being moved onto that road and the enemy unit will be bombed to slow its movement. Two brigades are being railed to Moulmein to stiffen defenses there, and a fourth brigade is being moved to Pegu along with a mountain gun Rgt. The 18th UK elements are partially unloaded and will finish that process in one or two days at most. They will then reform the division and 18th UK will act as a counter attacking force. If DAW is truly unaware of the presence of the Indian, Gurkha, and British reinforcements in Burma then the unit east of Pegu might be small enough to be routed. BSqn 3rd Hussars Rgt and 251st Recce Bn are railing to Tyung Gyi and will move to stiffen the river crossing defenses (already 1 x Rgt, 1 x Bn + 1 x Rgt 40mi away) against Imperial armored units that might try to out flank Allied defenses. If none appear they might reconnoiter forward.

[witpqs]

1942 January 01

The Empire captured:
Port Swettenham
Port Moresby
Cotabato

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Manus
Hollandia
Taytay
Ternate

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


I-18 found and dispatched xAP Macdhui near the Isle of Pines. In retaliation, USA dive bombers pushed through Imperial fighter cover and planted one on BB Hyuga.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Ambon at 76,109

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 7
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
B-339D x 3
A-24 Banshee x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-339D: 1 destroyed
A-24 Banshee: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged
A-24 Banshee: 2 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kawai Det with A5M4 Claude (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Tainan Ku S-1 Det A with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Ryujo-1 with A5M4 Claude (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (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 10000
Raid is overhead

The Banshees suffered for their gain, losing 8 of their number. CL Nagara was attacked by Dutch medium bombers at GR70,96 near Donggala and showed no evidence of torpedo damage. She was not seen with here destroyers, so perhaps there was hidden damage and she detached to sail alone? Naturally she is listed as sunk. [:'(]

As predicted the overwhelming Imperial horde at Port Moresby took the base smartly. The survivors headed inland for the high country of Dobadura and have a long way to march before any thought of extraction.

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12804 troops, 100 guns, 14 vehicles, Assault Value = 404

Defending force 3661 troops, 44 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 74

Japanese adjusted assault: 176

Allied adjusted defense: 23

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Port Moresby !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
382 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 36 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
716 casualties reported
Squads: 32 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 79 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 13 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 26 (24 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 40 (39 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 7

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
4th Division

Defending units:
49th Australian Battalion
C Coy/NG Rifles
D Coy/NG Rifles
A Coy/NG Rifles
Papuan Inf Battalion
13th Field Regiment
15th RAN Base Force

DAW ordered a strong effort on Luzon, as the first attack on Clark followed by a day the opening attack on Manila.

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 31792 troops, 321 guns, 354 vehicles, Assault Value = 1093

Defending force 28776 troops, 329 guns, 251 vehicles, Assault Value = 764

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 587

Allied adjusted defense: 766

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
2356 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 128 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 36 disabled
Engineers: 46 destroyed, 85 disabled
Guns lost 24 (1 destroyed, 23 disabled)
Vehicles lost 49 (10 destroyed, 39 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2155 casualties reported
Squads: 39 destroyed, 97 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 19 destroyed, 36 disabled
Guns lost 43 (13 destroyed, 30 disabled)
Vehicles lost 36 (8 destroyed, 28 disabled)

Assaulting units:
48th Engineer Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
2nd Engineer Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
21st Ind Engineer Regiment
Tanaka
Yokosuka 1st SNLF
7th Tank Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
38th Division
I./4th Infantry Battalion
3rd Ind Engineer Regiment
Yokosuka 3rd SNLF
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
48th Field Artillery Regiment
14th Army
39th Field Const Co

Defending units:
3rd/45th PS Inf Battalion
14th PS Engineer Regiment
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
31st Infantry Regiment
1st/45th PS Inf Battalion
11th PA Infantry Division
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
194th Tank Battalion
192nd Tank Battalion
21st PA Infantry Division
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
Clark Field AAF Base Force
Far East USAAF
803rd Aviation Engineer Battalion
USAFFE
1st USMC AA Battalion
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
I Philippine Corps
1st PI Base Force

In a slightly surprising development, DAW ordered an immediate followup attack on Manila. The surprise was completed when the attack was rejected.

Ground combat at Manila (79,77)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 25438 troops, 235 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 683

Defending force 20968 troops, 258 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 577

Japanese adjusted assault: 343

Allied adjusted defense: 359

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
2660 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 211 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 37 disabled

Allied ground losses:
890 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 98 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Assaulting units:
65th Brigade
16th Engineer Regiment
20th Infantry Regiment
II./4th Infantry Battalion
16th Recon Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
Kure 1st SNLF
Kimura Det
Sasebo 1st SNLF
2nd Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
91st PA Infantry Division
1st PA Infantry Division
51st PA Infantry Division
41st PA Infantry Division
71st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
II Philippine Corps
Cavite USN Base Force

SigInt says the IJA 14th Division is planning for an attack on Calicut. True plan for India or misinformation? Here is a look at the Empire's move on Ambon.

[witpqs]

1942 January 02

The Empire captured:
Taytay
Ternate
Manus
Hollandia
Chuhsien

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Buna

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Clark Field repulsed an attack and dished out more casualties than received. There are no fortifications to speak of, though. The day after tomorrow the troops from Manila should pull in, barring disaster.

The B-17E raid against Singkawang went well with some base hits and 3 aircraft destroyed on the ground. The B-17Ds go tomorrow, and while they have less defensive armament they will carry their full bomb load as the target is within normal range. Meanwhile Imperial battleships are moving down the western end of the Java Sea in position to bombard Batavia. Force Z just made Soerabaja to rearm and is too far away to intercept. However they might be able to catch the raiders on the way out and will attempt to do so.

KB is about halfway between Port Moresby and Horn Island. She's been dancing around in standard sub-avoidance fashion, so this might not mean that an invasion of Horn Island is imminent, but most likely it is.

The 18th UK has finished disembarking at Rangoon. The 251st Recce Bn is being recalled from Tyung Gyi as it is part of the 18th and is needed to rebuild the division. They'll meet up at Pegu.

Nimitz took over at Pacific Fleet HQ yesterday. Here is a map of the western Java Sea.

[witpqs]

1942 January 03

The Empire captured:
Maiana
Buna

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Ketapang
Vanimo

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


After relative quiet, Imperial submarines made their presence felt in the Banda Sea. AVP Reiger and TK Havfru were destroyed, and CL Dragon was felled, making the small port of Babar - where she was attacked - with 23-47(39)-0-0 damage. Of course the real significance is that the Empire has found a refueling point. Luckily there are others already in place, and this one will be moved post haste.

The Royal Dutch Navy did take down xAK Kinsyo Maru, but the remaining Allied sub attacks were without effect. There was no bombardment or attempt at Batavia. Instead it seems the operation is the invasion of Ketapang. Force Z was been firmly spotted, although the hordes of Betty and Nell bombers that passed overhead were on their way to bomb land bases. The force shall with draw to Soerabaja to replace the fuel used in the high speed run and to confound the attackers that will surely seek them out tomorrow. The Emperor must be pressuring Devious Admiral Wa, as DAW ordered a shock attack against the forces withdrawing from Manila. The result was the equivalent of half a division knocked down.

Ground combat at Manila (79,77)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 24296 troops, 235 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 577

Defending force 20305 troops, 258 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 493

Japanese adjusted assault: 495

Allied adjusted defense: 383

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
2602 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 175 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled

Allied ground losses:
870 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 53 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 20 (1 destroyed, 19 disabled)

Assaulting units:
9th Infantry Regiment
Kure 1st SNLF
65th Brigade
20th Infantry Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
II./4th Infantry Battalion
16th Engineer Regiment
Kimura Det
Sasebo 1st SNLF
2nd Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
41st PA Infantry Division
91st PA Infantry Division
71st PA Infantry Division
1st PA Infantry Division
51st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
II Philippine Corps
Cavite USN Base Force

KB is in the same position as yesterday, so whereas Port Moresby is secured already those troops must be embarking or others sailing in. It appears that the movement of troops into Burma has succeeded without being observed by Imperial spies or eyes. The mystery unit near Pegu appears to be a very small recon/armor type unit. It's been a while since an overview map, so here's one.

[witpqs]

Well, we have a little game-hiccup. Admiral Wa - excuse me - Devious Admiral Wa has informed me that upon turn resolution two regiments of the 4th Division landed on Horn Island and captured it, then disappeared. I informed him

Besides, those results are out of whack - my guys on Horn Island are hardened veterans of Outback alligator wrestling. There is no way that a bunch of skinny little guys swimming ashore could get the better of them - must be a programming error!

So he's going to post the issue for Michael. If he can't fix it then we'll try the old altering-the-turn-a-little-bit trick and see if it works.

[witpqs]

Problem solved - all hail MichaelM!!!

---

1942 January 04

The Empire captured:
Tioman Island
Port Dickson
Ketapang
Vanimo
Horn Island

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Vanimo
Horn Island
Tulagi
Ambon

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


A tough day for the Allied navies in the DEI. Three times Allied subs took shots at CS Chiyoda, three times no joy. It was a bad omen. An sKB, likely including Chiyoda, slid south of Ceram and found the new stalking location of Force Y (multinational) via air search. The results (consolidated):

CL Danae, Bomb hits 1
CL Durban, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage

CL Boise, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
CL Durban, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

This war business is dangerous! Near Wenchow a retreating Chinese force put the hurt on pursuers.

Ground combat at 88,57 (near Wenchow)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8799 troops, 70 guns, 17 vehicles, Assault Value = 667

Defending force 7329 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 180

Japanese adjusted assault: 132

Allied adjusted defense: 538

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 4

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

Japanese ground losses:
1014 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 102 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
116th Division
39th/A Division
39th/C Division

Defending units:
88th Chinese Corps
3rd War Area

In sweeps over that light recon unit in Burma the AVG was able to down 9 Oscars for 1 of their own H81-A3 aircraft. Two brigades are now moving on that IJA recon unit.

Anybody out there who knows - if the Allies send units across the Thai border are there any Thai reinforcements that get triggered?

[witpqs]

1942 January 05

The Empire captured:
Treasury Islands
Manila
Tulagi

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Ambon
Tulagi
Sandakan
Tarakan

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Allied subs had a good day, hitting a merchant near Ambon and an AO near Sangi. Both Mk14s! A shock attack at Singapore went well for the good guys.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 46903 troops, 393 guns, 67 vehicles, Assault Value = 1334

Defending force 49867 troops, 444 guns, 263 vehicles, Assault Value = 915

Japanese adjusted assault: 445

Allied adjusted defense: 993

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
8776 casualties reported
Squads: 42 destroyed, 818 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 81 disabled
Engineers: 35 destroyed, 57 disabled
Guns lost 83 (3 destroyed, 80 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1867 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 107 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 49 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 9 disabled
Guns lost 47 (7 destroyed, 40 disabled)
Vehicles lost 5 (2 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Assaulting units:
21st Division
4th Ind Engineer Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
15th Ind Engineer Regiment
24th Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
23rd Ind Engineer Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
33rd Division
16th Infantry Regiment
56th Engr Rgt /3
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
56th Field Artillery Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
22nd Indian Brigade
SSVF Brigade
1st Manchester Battalion
2/17 Dogra Battalion
5/14th Punjab Battalion
11th Indian Division
3rd SSVF Battalion
2nd Malay Battalion
2nd Loyal Battalion
1st Hyderabad Battalion
2nd Gordons Battalion
1st Malay Battalion
12th Indian Brigade
III Indian Corps
Singapore Base Force
AHQ Far East
22nd Australian Brigade
5th Field Regiment
109th RN Base Force
109th RAF Adv Base Force
1st ISF Base Force
Malayan Air Wing
112th RAF Adv Base Force
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
224 Group RAF
223 Group RAF
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
24th NZ Pioneer Coy /1
3rd Heavy AA Regiment
2nd ISF Base Force
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
Singapore Fortress
111th RAF Adv Base Force
3rd HK&S Light AA Regiment
Malaya Army
110th RAF Adv Base Force
113th RAF Adv Base Force
27th Australian Bde /1

Significantly the fortifications were not reduced and stand at a solid level 3. With about 2 divisions worth of squads disabled or destroyed, the Emperor is going to have to give DAW time to recover his forces and perhaps even reinforce before the next attempt. KB is 80nm ESE Horn Island. When the forces from Manila made it to Clark Field yesterday the place was jammed, supplies disappeared, hence the starving began.

Burma is getting more interesting. A unit of unknown type and size is now spotted across the river - and across the border into Thailand - from the small recon unit that our two brigades are advancing on. Aerial recon has been ordered. In one more day the 18th Div will be able to rebuild at Pegu. The other Imperial unit, probably an RTA division, has made Moulmein. Tomorrow it will be bombed from Rangoon and attacked on the ground. The Allied units at Moulmein are inexperienced, so even if they don't defeat the invader at once the experience will be invaluable provided they are not crushed.

[witpqs]

1942 January 06

The Empire captured:
Tavoy
Sandakan

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Tarakan
Namlea
Surigao

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Overall a good day for the Allies. To be sure things in the DEI will change when the KB begins operating there, and there were some losses in the air, but overall a good day. Imperial Zero sweeps over Oosthaven baged a few Allied fighters. In return the B-17Es hit Singkawang, and although they lost 2 of their own number they destroyed 8 x Betties on the ground and caused minor damage to the base. Imperial ships in landing operations had a bit of a rough day. At Tarakan "xAK Arima Maru, Shell hits 3, heavy fires" and "xAP Manzyu Maru, Shell hits 2"; while at Namlea SS KXIII scored (suffering hits 3) "xAK Syoka Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage"

The Empire made air attacks against the brigades moving on its recon unit east of Pegu. The 7th RTA Division was routed at Moulmein.

Ground combat at Moulmein (55,55)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8463 troops, 36 guns, 45 vehicles, Assault Value = 320

Defending force 4591 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 142

Allied adjusted assault: 140

Japanese adjusted defense: 25

Allied assault odds: 5 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1465 casualties reported
Squads: 66 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 46 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (9 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Allied ground losses:
249 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
6th Burma Rifles Battalion
Tenasserim BAF Battalion
11th Burma Rifles Battalion
2nd Burma Brigade
46th Indian Brigade
16th Indian Brigade
107th RAF Base Force

Defending units:
7th RTA Division

So DAW now knows that the Burma reinforcements are in place. Possibly he does not have Intel that the 18th Division is also in Burma.

KB is in basically the same place as yesterday and so must be guarding embarkation of troops. But these two units are moving north in a hurry - do they need to rebuild after the Singapore river crossing or are they reinforcements for Burma?

[witpqs]

1942 January 07

The Empire captured:
Tandjoengpinang
Surigao
Namlea

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
San Jose
Hansa Bay

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


That mystery unit 92mi E of Pegu appears to be the 1st and 4th RTA Divisions. As you can see, there are more Imperial minions moving cross-country to gain the Burma frontier.

[witpqs]

1942 January 08

The Empire captured:
San Jose
Tarakan

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Ambon
Terapo
Zamboanga

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


xAK Mikasa Maru took heavy damage and ground casualties before making Zamboanga with the invasion fleet. The KB has given us the slip. The Arafura Sea and points beyond seem to be clear, but with the vagaries of search that's uncertain. Another Imperial CL-type force is trying to recreate that stealth aka impenetrable bomb-shield run in the Makassar Strait. Didn't work.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Donggala at 68,97

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu, Bomb hits 1, on fire

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

The weather is predicted clear for tomorrow. It will be interesting to see if the rest of the force continue on.