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

[witpqs]

1942 January 22

The Empire captured:
Finschhafen
Loewoek

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Loewoek

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


In a surprise move after the Dutch MTBs were not removed from Makassar yesterday, the Empire sent in a modestly escorted amphibious convoy. Low moonlight, stout hearted defenders... you know what happened.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Makassar at 64,105, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsukaze
DD Natsushio
xAK Meigen Maru
xAK Nittai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
xAK Shinkoku Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Shinsei Maru
xAK Ujigawa Maru
xAK Yamafuku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Ural Maru
xAP Kowa Maru

Allied Ships
TM-4
TM-5
TM-6
TM-7
TM-8
TM-9

Japanese ground losses:
1103 casualties reported
Squads: 18 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 26 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 8 (8 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (10 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Reduced sighting due to 28% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 28% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
TM-6 engages xAP Ural Maru at 2,000 yards
xAK Yamafuku Maru sunk by TM-5 at 2,000 yards
TM-9 engages xAK Nittai Maru at 2,000 yards
TM-9 engages xAK Meigen Maru at 2,000 yards
TM-7 engages xAP Ural Maru at 2,000 yards
TM-6 engages xAK Meigen Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Natsushio engages TM-9 at 2,000 yards
DD Hatsukaze engages TM-8 at 2,000 yards
TM-8 engages xAK Ujigawa Maru at 2,000 yards
TM-4 engages xAP Ural Maru at 2,000 yards
TM-9 engages xAK Shinkoku Maru at 2,000 yards
TM-9 engages xAK Meigen Maru at 2,000 yards
Mondriaan W. orders Allied TF to disengage
DD Hatsukaze engages TM-8 at 2,000 yards
TM-4 engages xAP Ural Maru at 2,000 yards
Task forces break off...

The convoy moved off and Makassar was not invaded this day. While air attacks hit various bases and troops - as usual - Rangoon was hit very hard, confirming the decision to pull out air units. Koepang held, and despite bad odds the tired Imperial troops inflicted more casualties than they suffered. At Cebu the odds were better and the attackers not fatigued, but the results worse. The 81st Naval Guard Unit is running into trouble. Nates went down 8 to 0 at the hands of the AVG, but Tojos took 1. There are 15 IJA units headed for Wuchow - time to bug out!

[witpqs]

1942 January 23

The Empire captured:
Bengkalis
Tarawa

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Sorong
Tarawa

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


This day Imperial destroyers destroyed 4 x MTB at or near Makassar, clearly intent on performing a better sweep than last time. Most else was the same. We will try an AVG ambush at Changsha. A large convoy made Pearl Harbor and unloaded the various land units that are prepping for Central Pacific targets. It also brought Colorado and Warspite as part of the escort, and many APs and AKs which will remain forward deployed at Pearl. In five days three battleships will finish upgrades at Pearl, making six battle ready there including Warspite. Arizona's AA suite will not be modernized until April, however. Here is KB's suspected location based on a combination of SigInt and combat operations. There have been a number of airborne contacts around Johnston Island, presumably SVC monitoring for the transit of USN carriers.

[witpqs]

1942 January 24

The Empire captured:
Umboi Island
Koepang

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Sorong

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


A big port strike on Soerabaja ended the careers of many of the small support ships there, the few remaining are barely floating. At Makassar a scratch group of Dutch and British MTBs - 4 in all - was the only defense for the harbor. They survived the night dodging shells the whole time. The second Dutch MTB squadron is en route back from Soerabaja where they withdrew after the battles two days ago. Rangoon was bombed heavily again. Singapore held off a deliberate attack although fortifications were reduced.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 79761 troops, 831 guns, 441 vehicles, Assault Value = 2339

Defending force 46005 troops, 451 guns, 292 vehicles, Assault Value = 584

Japanese adjusted assault: 1994

Allied adjusted defense: 1031

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
3746 casualties reported
Squads: 35 destroyed, 258 disabled
Non Combat: 40 destroyed, 29 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 35 disabled
Guns lost 23 (5 destroyed, 18 disabled)
Vehicles lost 41 (22 destroyed, 19 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Allied ground losses:
3838 casualties reported
Squads: 106 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 93 destroyed, 95 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 18 disabled
Guns lost 51 (19 destroyed, 32 disabled)
Vehicles lost 25 (7 destroyed, 18 disabled)
Units destroyed 2

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

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

The AVG ambush over Changsha went well as seen by the Nate and some Nell and Sally losses below. Many bombs did fall on the base, but damage was light enough to repair by the end of the day. The KB has shown up smack in the middle of the Solomon Sea, heading SW straight at the Jomard Passage. Does this mean that Port Moresby and Horn Island are next? Port Moresby is defended by about 164AV behind fortification level 2. Daily bombings have completely prevented additional fortification since they began. See the situation below the day's air losses.

[witpqs]

1942 January 25

The Empire captured:
Lunga
Sorong
Tabiteuea

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Sorong
Tabiteuea

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Buitenzorg, astride Batavia, was bombarded by an Imperial cruiser force. The base was hit hard but the defenders' trenches were untouched. IJN surface forces spent the day dealing with those pesky MTBs and other small combatants. First a small force caught and sank 3 x HDML escaping south after gamely defending Tarakan for the whole war to date. The rest was done by a powerful heavy cruiser unit.
CA Chokai
CA Mogami
CA Mikuma
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Maikaze
DD Hagikaze
DD Fubuki
DD Shinonome
DD Usugumo
DD Shirakumo

They caught the returning Dutch MTBs as they made Makassar to again take up defense. At 20,000yds there was little either side could do, but in broad daylight the Imperial behemoth closed the range to suit itself and sank 4 out of 6. Later the same beast caught the scratch force of Dutch and British MTBs and destroyed the just repaired British boats. Virtually finishing the job, an air strike on Makassar destroyed the AGP tender that was repairing and rearming the little combatants. S-41 dealt a blow for our side to the north near Balikpapan: "xAP Palau Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage"

Meanwhile Singapore suffered a blow.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 76551 troops, 824 guns, 400 vehicles, Assault Value = 2068

Defending force 43200 troops, 437 guns, 285 vehicles, Assault Value = 528

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 958

Allied adjusted defense: 1013

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
1240 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 130 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 14 (1 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Vehicles lost 39 (8 destroyed, 31 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2288 casualties reported
Squads: 40 destroyed, 91 disabled
Non Combat: 95 destroyed, 136 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 12 disabled
Guns lost 47 (10 destroyed, 37 disabled)
Vehicles lost 15 (8 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Units destroyed 4

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

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

KB, or perhaps a KB with 4 fleet carriers, is 120nm SSE of Port Moresby. The survivors of the Soerabaja port strike are putting to sea to make their escape.

[witpqs]

1942 January 26

The Empire captured:
Namatanai
Wuchow

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


One of the four remaining Dutch MTBs was sunk and one damaged. All three are out of torpedoes and now they cannot reload at Makassar so off to Soerabaja they go. Later at Kendari SS KXIV claimed revenge on the same Imperial TF, hitting CA Mogami with a torpedo, but no signs of damage noted. In true partisan fashion, Mogami is claimed sunk! It was an empty Wuchow that fell. Singapore soldiers on as the Empire's minions rest by bombarding. Two TFs are seen off of Port Moresby and KB is 120nm SSE. Fortifications are stopped at level 2 due to continued bombing, so all that remains to see is how much weight the Empire has assigned to this target. A small freighter is unloading supplies at Horn Island, unseen by Sauron's Eye.

A bombardment also came in at Batavia, most likely to gather Intel.

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 19871 troops, 162 guns, 40 vehicles, Assault Value = 619

Defending force 23703 troops, 276 guns, 78 vehicles, Assault Value = 532

Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

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

Defending units:
2nd KNIL Regiment
4th KNIL Regiment
1st Regt Cavalerie
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st KNIL Regiment
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
6th KNIL Regiment
KNI Zeemacht
ABDA
Batavia KM Base Force
KNI Leger
1st KNIL AA Battalion
Batavia Defenses

SVC is right to be wondering where are all the forces on Java. Batavia has fortification level 3 and hopefully can hold its own for now. Buitenzorg has everything else the Dutch can muster, with the last unit needing two more days to unpack before attacking. If they can route the Imperial armored unit there they will press on to Merak in an attempt to outflank and cut off supplies to the combat forces besieging Batavia.

[witpqs]

1942 January 27

The Empire captured:
Tabar Island
Cebu

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Buna
Wewak

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


There were three separate bombardments of Port Moresby! A cruiser group hit the place twice and a battleship group once. The Empire seems to have implemented stringent anti PT policies as the three surviving Dutch MTBs were shot up by Zeros on their way toward Soerabaja. BB Idaho was torpedoed just outside of San Francisco but will only need two weeks in that large facility. Heavy volume of radio transmissions detected at Tokyo. The media has been alerted. In one more day the troops at Buitenzorg will be ready to attack. Aerial recon failed today but will continue.

[witpqs]

1942 January 28

The Empire captured:
Buna
Wewak

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Wewak
Milne Bay
Bandjermasin
Port Moresby

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Singapore held off a deliberate attack but was reduced further in strength. Tarakan continues to hold, but it got more dangerous for the two refugee USN PTs present when Zeros attacked and damaged one. xAKL Bangalow was too slow unloading at Horn Island and when the KB danced anti-sub style she was spotted and sunk. The IJA 2nd Division is landing at Port Moresby with most assault strength already ashore. Tomorrow the infantry at Buitenzorg will deliberate attack and the armor will pursue. Recon was stopped by severe storms, but no delay can be had. The Dutch should have a great superiority in force.

[witpqs]

1942 January 29

The Empire captured:
Iloilo

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Port Moresby
Bandjermasin
Milne Bay

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Ah, the best laid plans of mice and men. The Dutch ad-hoc army was not equal to throwing out the IJA 6th Tank Regiment and got only 1 to 1 odds while taking the only casualties. So the armor will join in the assault, which means no immediate pursuit. In addition to gunfire landing support, Port Moresby was bombarded by a force consisting of battleships, heavy cruisers, light cruisers, and destroyers - the full circuit! Imperial fighter sweeps got somewhat the better of the AVG as superior numbers were brought to bear at Changsha, although losses were close to even. Time to move. Singapore held on by the skin of the skinny defenders teeth.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 75110 troops, 834 guns, 395 vehicles, Assault Value = 1958

Defending force 38926 troops, 417 guns, 276 vehicles, Assault Value = 255

Japanese adjusted assault: 884

Allied adjusted defense: 339

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
426 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 53 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 13 (1 destroyed, 12 disabled)
Vehicles lost 55 (5 destroyed, 50 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2373 casualties reported
Squads: 66 destroyed, 111 disabled
Non Combat: 32 destroyed, 142 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 33 disabled
Guns lost 37 (10 destroyed, 27 disabled)
Vehicles lost 18 (1 destroyed, 17 disabled)

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

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

As you can see, Port Moresby has been stomped hard by all the bombardments.

[witpqs]

1942 January 30

The Empire captured:
Abemama

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Bandjermasin
Port Moresby
Milne Bay

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Even with the 'tanks' added into the attack at Buitenzorg the Dutch could not dislodge the 6th Tank Regiment and again took the only casualties. Only the tiny recon unit was left on pursuit, and would have made no difference to the outcome. Tomorrow is all-in: all units on shock attack. Singapore was spared an attack, but as soon as the Imperial horde is ready the base is sure to fall. KB is still around Port Moresby, which is still being bombarded and invaded but no assault to date. There are some minor swirls going on in China.

[witpqs]

1942 January 31

The Empire captured:
Milne Bay
Singapore
Bandjermasin

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Bandjermasin

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


A large air raid on Soerabaja sank USN SS Pickeral, which was refueling. 35,500 Allied casualties this day with the loss of Singapore alone. Port Moresby held, but the trend after just one attack is with the Empire. Force comparison is better than 2.5 to 1 for the attacker, and squad casualties were less than 1 to 2. And they have supply coming in, our boys don't. Tarakan continues to hold under similar conditions. Finally the 6th Tank Regiment broke at Buitenzorg. They took what seem to be light casualties but the Dutch forces will pursue anyway. The plan is intact but tenuous, as the task is possibly beyond the ability of the troops so tasked, and additional forces will surely be rushed in from the ashes of Singapore by the Imperial Navy.

Ground combat at Buitenzorg (48,99)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 6845 troops, 36 guns, 128 vehicles, Assault Value = 268

Defending force 138 troops, 0 guns, 46 vehicles, Assault Value = 29

Allied adjusted assault: 192

Japanese adjusted defense: 52

Allied assault odds: 3 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 12 (6 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Allied ground losses:
185 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 22 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
2nd KNIL Landstorm Battalion
3rd KNIL Landstorm Battalion
Mobiele Eenheid Battalion
Marinier Battalion
Tjilatjap KNIL Battalion
Lijfwacht Cav Sqn
West Borneo KNIL Battalion
SE Borneo KNIL Battalion

Defending units:
6th Tank Regiment

Meanwhile the IJA is moving to flank defenses of Changsha (via Pingsiang) and is also moving on Ichang. The fall of Singapore will also spell doom for Burma, but all is not lost. The Viper Force has arrived! KB (or 2/3rd of it) is 80nm ENE Milne Bay. Is KB going elsewhere, replenishing, or meeting a new invasion force to escort?

[witpqs]

1942 February 01

The Empire captured:
Dagua
Port Moresby

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Continued bombings of Soerabaja are a problem for subs replenishing there, KXIV was hit today. Torpedo reloads can no longer be had there either, so subs will have to commence re-basing. The Empire today commenced bombing of troops at bases on Sumatra, hitting units at Medan and Benkoelen. Even as Port Moresby fell, the Allies are trying to extract what price can wherever it can be had. Near Kanhsien two beleaguered IJA units are being punished by Chinese troops. Air attacks are harassing the invaders to slow them long enough to allow a rout.

Ground combat at 80,57 (near Kanhsien)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17060 troops, 81 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 548

Defending force 8595 troops, 76 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 110

Allied adjusted assault: 232

Japanese adjusted defense: 267

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
447 casualties reported
Squads: 39 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
459 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 67 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled

Assaulting units:
63rd Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
12th Ind.Mixed Brigade
102nd Infantry Regiment

KB is in about the same position, in the Solomon Sea. Here is an overview map.

[witpqs]

1942 February 02

The Empire captured:
Dumaguete
Kolaka

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Heavy air raids on Hengyang today to stop the pressure the Chinese Air Force was putting on those two troubled IJA units. There was no ground attack as I screwed up the orders - yesterday's result was 1 to 2 and I failed to realize that automatically canceled the attack orders. Units at Sabang joined those being bombed on Sumatra. The Empire also bombed units at Buitenzorg to slow the pursuit of the 6th. Most of the pursuit has caught up anyway and will shock attack tomorrow. The only unit tardy is a powerful battalion slowed by the bombing and their firepower will be missed. One of the four Imperial units at Batavia has pulled back to Merak and their combat power will almost certainly be enough to thwart any Dutch attempt to seize that port. It should be mentioned that Makassar has been empty for some time, all ground personnel having been airlifted out. There are some damaged aircraft which could not be repaired amidst the then constant air attacks. Alert! Imperial units moving on Manila from Cabanatuan.

The horde that overran Wuchow has turned toward Kukong, which I suppose can't be held against a determined assault anyway. We shall ask a price. The other, probably larger, horde that was just east of Changsha is making it's way around. Is the Empire's operations to seize the Changsha area or to trap and destroy the units at Pingsiang? Either way, those corps must be preserved to fight winning battles so they shall withdraw to the west one hex and join with reinforcements that will be waiting for them there.

[witpqs]

1942 February 03

The Empire captured:
Baybay

The Allies captured:
Kanhsien

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


International news sources report that the Emperor is upset with SVC over the effectiveness of Allied submarine opposition to his expansion plans! Four different subs achieved results today:

DD Uranami, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

CL Naka, Torpedo hits 1

xAK Mantai Maru, Torpedo hits 1

DD Uranami, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Surely DD Uranami can't be afloat? In response SVC has ordered the continued pounding of Soerabaja from the air. The IJA 6th Tank Regiment was pushed back to Merak.

Ground combat at 48,98 (near Batavia)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 5062 troops, 16 guns, 109 vehicles, Assault Value = 255

Defending force 132 troops, 0 guns, 40 vehicles, Assault Value = 18

Allied adjusted assault: 99

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 99 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 27 (10 destroyed, 17 disabled)
Units retreated 1

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

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
Mobiele Eenheid Battalion
3rd KNIL Landstorm Battalion
Tjilatjap KNIL Battalion
West Borneo KNIL Battalion
Marinier Battalion
Lijfwacht Cav Sqn
2nd KNIL Landstorm Battalion
SE Borneo KNIL Battalion

Defending units:
6th Tank Regiment

That might have been the last hurrah, as the attacking Dutch forces simply lack the strength to assault the Yokosuka 2nd SNLF, which withdrew to Merak from Batavia to cover the Imperial port of invasion. SigInt shows the IJA 9th Division at sea bound for Merak. The battle between Kukong and Kanhsien, the only one in China where things are going the Allies' way, continued so. IJA forces are rushing to relieve the hapless troops as they struggle to break out of their position, cut-off from ground-moved supply by the liberation of Kanhsien.

Ground combat at 80,57 (near Kanhsien)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 16558 troops, 81 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 488

Defending force 8204 troops, 76 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 97

Allied adjusted assault: 203

Japanese adjusted defense: 141

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1032 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 74 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
371 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 42 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
63rd Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
12th Ind.Mixed Brigade
102nd Infantry Regiment

Darwin suffered its first air raid with minor damage. KB is likely one of these two SigInt contacts.

[witpqs]

1942 February 04

The Empire captured:
Kokoda

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Changsha airfield was bombed to suppress the attacks on trapped IJA units. Damage to the airfield is light but several air craft were damaged. The AVG dealt with the sweeps admirably but were overwhelmed by sheer numbers. 14 x H81-A3 went down versus 11 x A6M2 Zero and 4 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar. Another attack on Darwin caused light damage but did hit supplies. The Empire is enough concerned about the counter attack on Java that the forces who crushed the 6th were bombarded from the sea. Being in movement mode they took some casualties. 8 imperial units have arrived at Manila. There is an sKB 40nm E of Singapore and 108 ships scouted in port there. China looks like a US football pay where the IJA line is moving left trying to find a weak spot.

[Cap Mandrake]

Looks like the Australia/South Pacific/New Zealand gambit.....or maybe not[:)]

[witpqs]

Maybe, although early on my instinct was India. Vic is a very aggressive player and I figure he'll run an operation to one of those places.

Either way, the fast flush of the DEI has put a lot of Allied combat aircraft in both India and Australia training for most of the war so far. Force Z is off western Australia. I'm awaiting enough escorts and fast shipping to make San Francisco so the next round of reinforcements can be lifted to Australia: about 13 air groups, some base forces, construction engineers, and an air HQ. The Australian army is in decent shape, concentrated around the family jewels. The survivors of the two Bdes pulled from Singapore are shipping to Oz now and can join with Lark/Sparrow/Gull Bns to form a division. Hopefully more of Lark can be airlifted from New Guinea.

The Aus I Corps troops are all going to India and will stay there for the foreseeable future. Cadres were pulled from Hong Kong and those units are reconstituting (got the Canadian Army into the war!). All the Singapore and Burma reinforcements were rerouted to India.

New Zealand is certainly vulnerable, as I guess it was IRL.

[witpqs]

1942 February 05

The Empire captured:
Dinagat

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Pingsiang

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The two hapless IJA units near Kukong are on the verge of being rescued by a larger IJA unit which smashed its way into Kanhsien today. There are only two weak, previously battered Chinese units there. Betties pounding Soerabaja hit Sealion badly while she was refueling. She will move to Denpasar to pump out water and then make for Australia. Dutch Naval Air, irked at the insult toward their guest, took revenge.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Bandjermasin at 60,102

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 2

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Shinkoku Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
332 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

The coup de grace was given to the insulted guest navy.

Submarine attack near Bandjermasin at 60,102

Japanese Ships
xAK Shinkoku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Perch

xAK Shinkoku Maru is sighted by SS Perch
SS Perch launches 2 torpedoes

The ex-maru's invasion convoy is heading west in the Java Sea out of the Makassar Strait. A convoy has already made Merak and disgorged troops who are moving to pursue the Dutch counter attack force. The fall back to Bandoeng will not be long in coming. Port Moresby shows as damage Airfield=36 and Port=100 with 35 fighters present. 35 x B-17E bombers have moved to Charters Towers, guarded by 25 x P-40E at Townsville, and will commence bombing Port Moresby ASAP after recovering fatigue. KB is not scouted but may be at Kwajalein as a heavy radio transmission source. Here is a look at the Java Sea. All capable subs in theater are swarming in for the final battle.

[witpqs]

1942 February 06

The Empire captured:
Oro Bay

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Buitenzorg

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The big news is the invasion of Buitenzorg by the IJA 18th Division. Batavia must now be abandoned. Bombing kept substantial forces from reaching Buitenzorg this day, so the withdrawal will be even slower. The remaining pursuit forces should make Buitenzorg tomorrow, but chances are good the 18th will smash their defenses. There is a SigInt hit 120nm WSW of Makassar but all the search planes are ferrying troops. Here is a look at the Empire's efforts to subdue lower China.

[witpqs]

1942 February 07

The Empire captured:
Maiana
Kanhsien

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Buitenzorg
Tjepoe

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The two shadows of Chinese fighting units at Kanhsien were crushed and pushed out of the city. The last of the two hapless IJA regiments made Kanhsien and safety. The Dutch at Buitenzorg held off the 18th Division. At sea, O23 hit xAK Yamaura Maru with a torpedo, but perhaps she was empty. Other units on Java, whatever can move, is repositioning to Bandoeng.

[witpqs]

1942 February 08

The Empire captured:
Long Island
Tjepoe

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Tjepoe
Buitenzorg
Tandjoengbalai
Loemadjang

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Multiple invasions now underway on Java and one on Sumatra (in the Malacca Strait). Luckily an Imperial attack at Batavia went well for the Dutch.

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 18161 troops, 143 guns, 38 vehicles, Assault Value = 576

Defending force 25846 troops, 286 guns, 78 vehicles, Assault Value = 631

Japanese adjusted assault: 274

Allied adjusted defense: 1291

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 4 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
3113 casualties reported
Squads: 44 destroyed, 179 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 31 (2 destroyed, 29 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
93 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

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

Defending units:
2nd KNIL Regiment
1st KNIL Regiment
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
4th KNIL Regiment
1st Regt Cavalerie
6th KNIL Regiment
Makassar Garrison Battalion
Batavia KM Base Force
ABDA
KNI Zeemacht
KNI Leger
1st KNIL AA Battalion
Batavia Defenses

Not so luckily I failed to look closely last turn at the movement status of the troops leaving Buitenzorg. They were heading through Batavia as the road is better. I have reversed those orders and will take a chance with the infantry in "move" mode to make up the lost time. At sea xAK Yamaura Maru was again torpedoed (or was it also torpedoed in the other AAR?) by KXV and left with heavy damage and heavy fires. The air raid(s) on Port Moresby went well as all the B-17s made it home, plus:

A6M2 Zero: 11 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 20

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4

I'm of 6 or 7 different minds about what to do in China (that means I have no bloody idea).