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

[witpqs]

1942 March 06

The Empire captured:
Cox's Bazar
Dili
Port Blair
Prome

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Dili
Groot Natoena

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


A Japanese mine sweeper blew itself up clearing Soerabaja harbor. The height of the day came at Koepang, though, when Betties twice tried to attack shipping there - without fighter escort!

Morning Air attack on TF, near Koepang at 68,116

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 2 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
Ambon Patrouille with Hurricane IIb Trop (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
20th PS (P) with P-40E Warhawk (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
33rd PS (P) with P-40E Warhawk (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Koepang at 68,116

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
Ambon Patrouille with Hurricane IIb Trop (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
20th PS (P) with P-40E Warhawk (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
33rd PS (P) with P-40E Warhawk (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes

Intel believes that 19 Betties were taken in air to air combat. At Denpasar it seems like one of those "who ordered this?" force allocation moments.

Ground combat at Denpasar (58,108)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 403 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 15

Defending force 1313 troops, 2 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 49

Japanese adjusted assault: 5

Allied adjusted defense: 13

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
1st Indpt SNLF Coy

Defending units:
Prajoda Garrison Battalion

The occupation of Cox's Bazar and the capture by air assault of Prome point to DAW's aggressive posture in and around Burma.

[witpqs]

1942 March 07

The Empire captured:
Groot Natoena

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Flying Dutchmen, assisted by USA fighters, were on the attack again today. It was a tough day for the Warhawks, though, as 5 of them were lost to Zeros (likely on LRCAP) against none of the Zeros.
{quote]
Morning Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,115

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 15
P-40E Warhawk x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 5 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Minazuki
DD Hatakaze
xAK Kumagawa Maru
xAK Keiyo Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb
6 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 Det A with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 18000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,115

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
PBY-5 Catalina x 11

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-5 Catalina: 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hokaze
DD Nagatsuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Kinu

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PBY-5 Catalina bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x PBY-5 Catalina bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x PBY-5 Catalina bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 Det A with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 65 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,115

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 13
P-40E Warhawk x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 6 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Hokaze
xAK Keiyo Maru
CL Kinu

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg GP Bomb
4 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 Det A with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 18000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,115

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 1,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
PBY-5 Catalina x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-5 Catalina: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Satsuki
CL Kinu

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PBY-5 Catalina bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 Det A with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters to 15080.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
[/quote]
Bandoeng held off an Imperial assault but was weakened in the process.

Ground combat at Bandoeng (50,100)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 21741 troops, 262 guns, 65 vehicles, Assault Value = 619

Defending force 8973 troops, 149 guns, 110 vehicles, Assault Value = 266

Japanese adjusted assault: 313

Allied adjusted defense: 310

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
1495 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 121 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
734 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 62 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Vehicles lost 13 (4 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Assaulting units:
36th Infantry Regiment
40th Inf Group Brigade
30th Infantry Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
56th Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
4th KNIL Regiment
Mobiele Eenheid Battalion
Lijfwacht Cav Sqn
6th KNIL Regiment
3rd KNIL AA Battalion
Andir ML Base Force

Pearl Harbor is not spied this day, so we will play cat and mouse by sortieing Yorktown and Enterprise toward the Ellice Islands to sting the Empire's feelers.

[witpqs]

1942 March 08

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Terempa

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


When yesterday's Allied air attacks on the Imperial ships at Dili failed to hit the invaders, the invaders became more bold. As their own air attacks against merchants at Koepang also lacked effect, the IJN ships moved in. This, of course, was followed by still more Dutch and American air attacks, this time catching the IJN without fighter cover.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Koepang at 68,116, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Kinu
DD Satsuki
DD Minazuki
DD Hatakaze
DD Hakaze
DD Hokaze

Allied Ships
xAK Cycle, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 18,000 yards
Japanese launch Long Lance torpedoes at 18,000 yards before allies detect Japanese presence
xAK Cycle sunk by CL Kinu at 18,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Koepang at 68,116

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 13
PBY-5 Catalina x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 2

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 3 damaged
139WH-3: 1 destroyed by flak
PBY-5 Catalina: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Minazuki
CL Kinu, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb
4 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb
2 x PBY-5 Catalina bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Koepang at 68,116

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 1
PBY-5 Catalina x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 8

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Hakaze

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x PBY-5 Catalina bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Koepang at 68,116

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 1
A-24 Banshee x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 3

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Banshee: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Kinu

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Lots of air raids around China, and several in the DEI. Also in China a probing bombardment.

Ground combat at 81,54 (near Hengyang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3882 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 661

Defending force 28388 troops, 165 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 782

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

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

Assaulting units:
12th Ind.Mixed Brigade
12th Indpt Infantry Regiment
12th Tank Regiment
5th Armored Car Co
53rd Infantry Brigade
54th Infantry Brigade
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
18th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Division
50th Chinese Corps
39th New Chinese Division

Moulmein is slowly repairing, hopeful of getting back to the task of building fortifications. There are 3 enemy units present - although Intel on them is lacking - and another is on the way. The defense is a mixed bag of units comprising 623 AV presently. They wait behind level 3 forts. Of course the real fly in the ointment is the IJA division that is known to be working its way inland from Akyab, which will then start working with the paratroopers that air-assaulted into Prome. Too many enemy troops and too few friendly troops!

The whereabouts of the KB is a mystery and the next step in DAW's plan for world (or at least on-map) domination is a matter of guesswork. The point of India must be considered under threat due to the SigInt received earlier, and that currently limits the options for deployment of units in India.

It looks like the navy boys have made it out of Pearl without being discovered.

[witpqs]

1942 March 09

The Empire captured:
Terempa
Vaitupu

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Vaitupu

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Japanese recon has been sighted near Dutch Harbor. No Intel on KB. CVE Hosho is being reported as sunk. The Flying Dutchmen ride again!

Morning Air attack on TF, near Denpasar at 58,108

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Do-24K-1 x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Daido Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Do-24K-1 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 300 kg SAP Bomb

Daido Maru dead in the water ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Denpasar at 58,108

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
Do-24K-1 x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Daido Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Do-24K-1 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 300 kg SAP Bomb

Daido Maru dead in the water ...

I think Daido Maru is toast. The end is in sight for Wenchow.

Ground combat at Wenchow (89,58)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 32474 troops, 260 guns, 38 vehicles, Assault Value = 893

Defending force 15978 troops, 60 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 273

Japanese adjusted assault: 560

Allied adjusted defense: 544

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
913 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 93 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Allied ground losses:
882 casualties reported
Squads: 21 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 36 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 13 (10 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Assaulting units:
8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
39th/A Division
116th/B Division
116th/A Division
15th/B Division
15th/C Division
116th/C Division

Defending units:
88th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
25th Group Army

I think the Vaitupu invasion is the Empire reaching out little by little with low-risk invasions until challenged. At that point, either they stop of bring a bigger stick. Yorktown and Enterprise are on their way to smite them, and 3 x USMC Raider Bns are loading for the South Pacific to stage there for fast invasions of the Ellice Islands. The recon of Dutch Harbor - I don't have an opinion on it yet. It could be anything - just plain recon, recon for invasion planning, distraction, you name it.

The blockade of Burma:

[witpqs]

1942 March 10

The Empire captured:
Palembang
Funafuti

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Langsa
Langsa
Funafuti

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


KB is off the coast of Burma, both covering the invasion of Ramree Island and participating in a joint LBA-carrier effort to smash the Allies heretofore significant resistance in the air. Rangoon was bombed by Vals, but only after many sweeps from both land and sea battered defending fighters. Ironically the land based Oscars seemed to be the winners on the day. See the air losses below.

Bandoeng and Wenchow both held out, but Palembang fell.

Ground combat at Bandoeng (50,100)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 21095 troops, 262 guns, 65 vehicles, Assault Value = 555

Defending force 8605 troops, 149 guns, 106 vehicles, Assault Value = 223

Japanese adjusted assault: 182

Allied adjusted defense: 499

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
1001 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 123 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
318 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)
Vehicles lost 20 (4 destroyed, 16 disabled)

Assaulting units:
30th Infantry Regiment
36th Infantry Regiment
40th Inf Group Brigade
41st Infantry Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
56th Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
Lijfwacht Cav Sqn
Mobiele Eenheid Battalion
4th KNIL Regiment
6th KNIL Regiment
3rd KNIL AA Battalion
Andir ML Base Force

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Palembang (48,91)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14379 troops, 72 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 437

Defending force 5834 troops, 53 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 178

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 264

Allied adjusted defense: 118

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Palembang !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
1037 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 46 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 18 destroyed, 12 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2703 casualties reported
Squads: 59 destroyed, 30 disabled
Non Combat: 74 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 45 (36 destroyed, 9 disabled)
Vehicles lost 7 (7 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 5
Units destroyed 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
56th Engineer Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
78th Infantry Regiment
12th Engineer Regiment
16th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
Zuid KNIL Battalion
Riouw KNIL Battalion
Tapanoeli Gsn Battalion
So.Sumatra Garrison Battalion
Padang Base Force
Palembang ML Base Force

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Wenchow (89,58)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 31811 troops, 260 guns, 38 vehicles, Assault Value = 828

Defending force 15275 troops, 49 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 233

Japanese adjusted assault: 528

Allied adjusted defense: 643

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
1609 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 104 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled

Allied ground losses:
984 casualties reported
Squads: 26 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 87 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 9 (8 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
116th/B Division
116th/A Division
39th/A Division
15th/B Division
8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th/C Division
116th/C Division

Defending units:
88th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
25th Group Army

Here is the line-up at Moulmein, after an Intel bombardment by the Empire.

Ground combat at Moulmein (55,55)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 465 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 556

Defending force 21066 troops, 205 guns, 225 vehicles, Assault Value = 633

Japanese ground losses:
33 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 14 (1 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Assaulting units:
55th Infantry Regiment
1st Tank Regiment
33rd Division
5th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
19thAustralian Brigade
6th Burma Rifles Battalion
11th Burma Rifles Battalion
16th Australian Brigade
46th Indian Brigade
Tenasserim BAF Battalion
2nd Burma Brigade
48th Gurkha Brigade
107th RAF Base Force

Nor sure how much longer we can keep the Burma road open. It all depends on keeping lines of withdrawal open so the forces in Burma are not trapped and destroyed. Here are the air losses on the day.

[witpqs]

1942 March 11

The Empire captured:
Langsa
Ramree Island
Nukufetau

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Nukufetau

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The air war over Burma was the same as yesterday - tough on both sides but tougher on our side. Again the KB's fliers suffered far more than their land-based counterparts. There was an air attack from Akyab on the 18th Div 40nm NE Rangoon as it heads for Prome, obviously meant to slow it down. It did not slow down, perhaps covered by the jungle canopy. An IJA unit is now moving to cross the river behind Moulmein to cut off a possible retreat. Already waiting there to greet them is an armored unit and an infantry regiment has been moving for two days now to join the party. All the while at sea Allied submarines try to get their sites on a carrier...

A submarine has been spotted to the east of Canton Island, so the carriers will divert to a more direct route to the Ellice Islands. This is also necessary because the third island was taken today and the carriers must hurry to catch any prey at all. The sub was spotted by a carrier dive bomber, so if the sub identified the aircraft surprise has been exhausted. Here is a look at the chase.

[BBfanboy]

The course you are steering looks good for cutting off those ships in port even if they do leave now, assuming they are slow transports and not warships.
Any sign of Glen aircraft from the scout subs? I assume there is more than one out there.

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

The course you are steering looks good for cutting off those ships in port even if they do leave now, assuming they are slow transports and not warships.
Any sign of Glen aircraft from the scout subs? I assume there is more than one out there.

Not yet...

[witpqs]

1942 March 12

The Empire captured:
Bassein
Wenchow

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Djemadja

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Wenchow finally fell, after taking down plenty of Imperial squads over time. Today's performance was less, as expected. The results at Cagayan were much better, quite good for our team.

Ground combat at Wenchow (89,58)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 31278 troops, 260 guns, 38 vehicles, Assault Value = 767

Defending force 14455 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 201

Japanese adjusted assault: 1016

Allied adjusted defense: 370

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Wenchow !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
895 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 112 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled

Allied ground losses:
15033 casualties reported
Squads: 641 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 827 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 30 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 64 (64 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 4

Assaulting units:
116th/A Division
15th/C Division
15th/B Division
8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
39th/A Division
116th/B Division
116th/C Division

Defending units:
100th Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
88th Chinese Corps
25th Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Cagayan (79,89)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12991 troops, 108 guns, 19 vehicles, Assault Value = 415

Defending force 11006 troops, 50 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 325

Japanese adjusted assault: 108

Allied adjusted defense: 193

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
1386 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 191 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled

Allied ground losses:
461 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Assaulting units:
146th Infantry Regiment
II/124th Infantry Battalion
Yokosuka 2nd SNLF
23rd Nav Gd Unit
32nd Nav Gsn Unit
15th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
103rd PA Infantry Regiment
102nd PA Infantry Regiment
3rd PA Constabulary Regiment
1st /101st PA Battalion
102nd PA Infantry Division
2nd/101st PA Battalion
III Philippine Corps

Cagayan base is out of supplies, but the troops themselves still have some. Allied fighter strength in Burma has been badly eroded and most squadrons have withdrawn to India. Rebuilding will be slow. There remain two squadrons at Pegu, and damaged aircraft from other squadrons have been railed to Mandalay.

Last chance - Full Speed!!!

[witpqs]

1942 March 13

The Empire captured:
Sawahloento
Djemadja

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Medan got the treatment to soften up the defenders for the IJA.

Night Naval bombardment of Medan at 46,76

Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
BB Mutsu
CA Ashigara
CA Haguro
CA Maya

Allied ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Refinery hits 2
Manpower hits 3
Oil hits 1
Fires 482
Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 19
Port hits 9
Port fuel hits 3

BB Ise firing at Medan
BB Yamashiro firing at Medan
BB Mutsu firing at Medan
CA Ashigara firing at Medan
CA Haguro firing at Medan
CA Maya firing at Medan Garrison Battalion

for its part, Sabang was raided by KB's Vals. The unused runway was hit along with the base and supplies, the latter two of which will soon (or already?) shut down flying boat naval search operations.

Imperial battleships and other TFs are seen moving in the direction of Timor, so it can be assumed that a similar treatment is in the offing. Only one more day of combat is available to the USA dive bombers and fighters at Koepang after which they must withdraw. Perhaps the Imperial planners know this and are waiting outside of effective range? Or perhaps they do not know this and will sally within range tomorrow and give the fliers one more go...

Out of sight of land, from a clear blue sky:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Nanumea at 134,142

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 14
F4F-3 Wildcat x 12
SBD-2 Dauntless x 27
SBD-3 Dauntless x 27
TBD-1 Devastator x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Kotobuki Maru #5, Bomb hits 10, and is sunk
xAK Daihachikyo Maru, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Rozan Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Konsan Maru, Bomb hits 12, and is sunk
PB Shonon Maru #15, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Japanese ground losses:
177 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
4 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Kotobuki Maru #5
Massive explosion on xAK Daihachikyo Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Daihachikyo Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Rozan Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Konsan Maru

Three Marine Raider Bns are on their way to Pago Pago where they will transfer to APDs for the liberation of the Ellice Islands. Hopefully the Imperials cooperate by not bringing in superior forces in the meantime.

Bandoeng held firmly although the defense was weakened by today's assault.

Ground combat at Bandoeng (50,100)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 28398 troops, 314 guns, 65 vehicles, Assault Value = 887

Defending force 8468 troops, 148 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 211

Japanese adjusted assault: 364

Allied adjusted defense: 232

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1421 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 191 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
516 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 37 disabled
Non Combat: 16 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 23 (2 destroyed, 21 disabled)
Vehicles lost 30 (23 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
114th Infantry Regiment
36th Infantry Regiment
40th Inf Group Brigade
11th Infantry Regiment
30th Infantry Regiment
21st Infantry Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
56th Field Artillery Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
4th KNIL Regiment
Mobiele Eenheid Battalion
Lijfwacht Cav Sqn
6th KNIL Regiment
3rd KNIL AA Battalion
Andir ML Base Force

The air Losses today greatly favored our side, as seen below. These came from all over the map: Burma, China, Timor, perhaps even Java.

[witpqs]

1942 March 14

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Lautem

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Numerous aircraft squadrons withdrew at the end of this day, including those at Koepang that just made unsuccessful dive bombing attacks on the Imperial light carriers. Those carriers showed up at Lautem and between their deadly fighter cover and deft maneuvering they evaded attacks made by Dutch medium bombers, Dutch flying boats, and USA dive bombers. The USA and Dutch fighter escorts were virtually sacrificial. For their part the Imperial carrier squadrons claimed an AM and 2 x xAKL that were attempting to unload supplies at Koepang.

So it turns out that the Allied position on Timor has annoyed the Emperor sufficiently that he issued the order to DAW "Deal with them!" and as a result the following forces, at a minimum, have been assigned to the problem:

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Nagato
BB Fuso
CA Nachi
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Maikaze
DD Isokaze
DD Urakaze
DD Sanae

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo
CVL Shoho

The carriers' escorts were not identified.

In the good news department, USN SS Pickeral humbled two today.

Submarine attack near Makassar at 65,106

Japanese Ships
xAP Teikyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Pickerel

xAP Teikyo Maru is sighted by SS Pickeral
SS Pickerel launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Teikyo Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Makassar at 65,106

Japanese Ships
xAK Nako Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
PB Aso Maru #7

Allied Ships
SS Pickerel, hits 2

SS Pickerel launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Nako Maru
Pickerel bottoming out ....
PB Aso Maru #7 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Aso Maru #7 attacking submerged sub ....
PB Aso Maru #7 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Aso Maru #7 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Aso Maru #7 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Bandoeng is staring at the end of its Resistance, stubborn though it has been.

Ground combat at Bandoeng (50,100)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30947 troops, 340 guns, 65 vehicles, Assault Value = 766

Defending force 7947 troops, 146 guns, 83 vehicles, Assault Value = 168

Japanese adjusted assault: 453

Allied adjusted defense: 286

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
590 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 77 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
840 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 66 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Guns lost 29 (9 destroyed, 20 disabled)
Vehicles lost 26 (5 destroyed, 21 disabled)

KB is seen 40nm east of Medan in the Malacca Strait. The P-40s and Hurricanes over Burma had a tough time, but in the end they did manage to catch a Sally raid on the 18th British Division sans escort. Intel claims that the Empire has been denied the future use of 9 Sallies.

Koepang looks to be in for an Imperial battleship bombardment, and Darwin for a blockade.

[witpqs]

1942 March 15

The Empire captured:
Little Andaman
Bandoeng
Lautem

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Denpasar

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Bandoeng met its end as foreseen. Koepang is now a wreck and effectively under siege.

Night Naval bombardment of Koepang at 68,116

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 6 damaged
139WH-3: 1 destroyed on ground
PBY-5 Catalina: 2 damaged
L-18 Lodestar: 9 damaged
L-18 Lodestar: 1 destroyed on ground
Do-24K-1: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
BB Nagato
BB Kongo
CA Kumano
CA Suzuya
CA Nachi

Allied ground losses:
192 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 31
Port hits 10
Port supply hits 1

BB Fuso firing at Koepang
BB Nagato firing at Koepang
BB Kongo firing at Koepang
CA Kumano firing at Koepang
CA Suzuya firing at Koepang
CA Nachi firing at Koepang

An air attack against the bombarding force was rejected by sKB CAP. There were two bright spots. First, the IJN forgot about the dangers of getting too close to PT boats.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Batavia at 49,98, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsuharu
DD Fubuki
DD Usugumo, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
TM-14
MTB 9

Reduced sighting due to 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 0% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
Ikeda, Shunsaku crosses the 'T'
DD Usugumo engages MTB 9 at 1,000 yards
DD Usugumo engages TM-14 at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
DD Usugumo engages MTB 9 at 2,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Next was a surprise; the raider's presence was unknown.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Hoorn Islands at 138,154

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 12
SBD-3 Dauntless x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AMC Kinryu Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AMC Kinryu Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Hoorn Islands at 138,154

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 12
SBD-3 Dauntless x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AMC Kinryu Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AMC Kinryu Maru

KB is at Singapore. Battleships and scout plane cruisers are in the Strait of Malacca.

[witpqs]

1942 March 16

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Denpasar

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Empire landed more troops at Denpasar but combat this day still favored the defenders. Some unescorted Lily bombers fell in the skies over Changsha due to neglected orders on the part of DAW. Hopefully the Emperor will not find out or the game will be cut short by a beheading!

The situation in Burma is beginning to resemble a dike with more leaks than there are fingers available to plug them.

[witpqs]

1942 March 17

The Empire captured:
Denpasar
Padang

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Denpasar
Koepang

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Flying Dutchmen live!

Morning Air attack on TF, near Koepang at 68,116

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Yamada Det S-2 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Koepang at 68,116

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
PBY-5 Catalina x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-5 Catalina: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Soyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
APD Shimakaze

Japanese ground losses:
79 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PBY-5 Catalina bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x PBY-5 Catalina bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Yamada Det S-2 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes

The replay was different than the combat report snippets above, so apparently we are having a sync bug. In the replay there were two attacks in which two ships were hit by one bomb each. There was also one attack were a single ship was hit. As you can see above there is just one ship hit, although by two bombs. I don't know which version made it into the save file! Either way it might be the last ride of the Flying Dutchmen as the Empire has put ashore a regiment that will surely crush the defense. The only question is will they last multiple turns? With fortifications at level 2, the fly boys will stay for one more day to see if they can hit sKB.

Ground combat at Koepang (68,116)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1756 troops, 9 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 66

Defending force 4541 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 124

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

Assaulting units:
Timor Garrison Battalion
Dili Detachment
5th Base Group
Del Monte AAF Base Force
Ambon Base Force

Defending units:
144th Infantry Regiment

At Prome the 18th British Div and friends have found two Imperial units, at least in part, clearly air-lifted in and so hopefully lacking in heavy weapons. They will attack tomorrow.

The whereabouts of the KB and all those battleships that were in the Malacca Strait is unknown. They could be in the Indian Ocean by now. The small carriers, at least 2 x CVL, are off Koepang.

[witpqs]

1942 March 18

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Koepang

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Flying Dutchmen ain't heard no fat lady.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Koepang at 68,116

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Chowa Maru, Bomb hits 1
xAK Kurohime Maru, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb
4 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Yamada Det S-2 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Taliaboe at 73,105

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes


Allied aircraft
PBY-5 Catalina x 3

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-5 Catalina: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Sydney Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PBY-5 Catalina bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Koepang at 68,116

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 7
PBY-5 Catalina x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Yamada Det S-2 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Mataram at 60,111

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
Do-24K-1 x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Do-24K-1: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAP Kanzyu Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

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

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

Subs made unsuccessful attacks around Koepang as well. In China there were bombing raids and sweeps all over the place. The AVG did well knocking down several bombers while avoiding their own demise. In Burma the attack at Prome went well and will require another go.

Ground combat at Prome (55,50)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12378 troops, 181 guns, 173 vehicles, Assault Value = 432

Defending force 4008 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 129

Allied adjusted assault: 159

Japanese adjusted defense: 99

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
515 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
179 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Assaulting units:
18th British Division
2nd Royal Tank Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Raiding Regiment
112th Infantry Regiment

As the whereabouts of KB is not fixed they could show up and spoil the party with an effective air raid on the troops, but the orders are on anyway.

Exmouth and Dutch harbor - opposite ends of the theater - were both overflown by Imperial aircraft, probably from subs. Then there are the subs looking for our carriers in the South Pacific.

[witpqs]

1942 March 19

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Prome

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


RNN SS KX put down xAKL Minowa Maru with one torpedo near Phuket. O24 was hunted by ASW from a surface combat group with at least 2 x CA in the same area. The Flying Dutchmen made numerous attacks, only one of which hit home. Several aircraft were lost. The lone attack that launched from battered Batavia found Fuso at Soerabaja but flak was too heavy for steady aim. The attack that did connect:

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sawoe-eilanden at 65,116

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Tenryu Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires

Japanese ground losses:
186 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-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 15000
Raid is overhead

The defenders at Koepang rejected an attack with results that could eventually cause the Empire to bring in more troops. Provided the battle wagons and carriers don't intervene.

Ground combat at Koepang (68,116)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4575 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 126

Defending force 3886 troops, 34 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 66

Japanese adjusted assault: 54

Allied adjusted defense: 75

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
69 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
144th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
Timor Garrison Battalion
Dili Detachment
Del Monte AAF Base Force
5th Base Group
Ambon Base Force

The news at Prome was even better.

Ground combat at Prome (55,50)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12218 troops, 180 guns, 173 vehicles, Assault Value = 412

Defending force 3631 troops, 22 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 89

Allied adjusted assault: 165

Japanese adjusted defense: 46

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

Allied forces CAPTURE Prome !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1239 casualties reported
Squads: 37 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 32 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (7 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Allied ground losses:
95 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
18th British Division
2nd Royal Tank Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Raiding Regiment
112th Infantry Regiment

Valuable experience for the 18th, and a much needed victory amidst the Imperial boa constrictor maneuvers. Ships near Dutch Harbor, Exmouth, and Carnavon sighted by IJ aircraft. A third sub spotted hunting for American carriers, this one SE Suva.

While the small carriers loiter just off Koepang, Allied High Command's prediction about more troops landing appears about to become reality.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: witpqs


[/color]
The Allies captured:
Prome
]

Bravo! Jog my memory - is this the first base retaken by the Allies?

[witpqs]

Hmm, I doubt it. I think a base on Java was - very temporarily - liberated during the maneuvering there. This is possibly the first out and out assault-liberation in this game. There are more coming of course!

[witpqs]

1942 March 20

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Koepang
Saumlaki

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Yes, yes it's those wacky Flying Dutchmen again!

Morning Air attack on TF, near Koepang at 68,116

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 6

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Kogane Maru
xAK Toei Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Yamada Det S-2 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Alor at 69,113

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
Do-24K-1 x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Do-24K-1: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Sydney Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

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

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

CAP engaged:
Shoho-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 15000
Raid is overhead
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

A couple of other attacks missed their targets. There are now enough forces in place at both Koepang and Batavia to take away the Flying Dutchmen's fun.

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1026 troops, 99 guns, 58 vehicles, Assault Value = 735

Defending force 20686 troops, 167 guns, 78 vehicles, Assault Value = 443

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
16th Recon Regiment
20th Recon Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
38th Division
41st Infantry Regiment
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

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

Ground combat at Koepang (68,116)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1698 troops, 10 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 62

Defending force 8597 troops, 85 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 232

Assaulting units:
Timor Garrison Battalion
Dili Detachment
5th Base Group
Del Monte AAF Base Force
Ambon Base Force

Defending units:
144th Infantry Regiment
Kimura Det
Kure 2nd SNLF

Lots of radio traffic at Singapore. Here is a look at Burma. The two oncoming TFs near the bottom are BBs & CAs in one and totally unknown for the other.

[witpqs]

1942 March 21

The Empire captured:
Saumlaki
Medan

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Pantar

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Moulmein was bombarded in the most focused bombardment I've yet seen. All fire went at only one of the LCUs present, ignoring the base entirely and all the other LCUs.

Night Naval bombardment of Moulmein at 55,55

Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
BB Mutsu
CA Ashigara
CA Haguro
CA Maya

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

BB Ise firing at 19thAustralian Brigade
BB Yamashiro firing at 19thAustralian Brigade
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for BB Mutsu
BB Mutsu firing at 19thAustralian Brigade
CA Ashigara firing at 19thAustralian Brigade
CA Haguro firing at 19thAustralian Brigade
CA Maya firing at 19thAustralian Brigade

The 19th is in tough shape with massive disruption but is ordered to continue its movement. The Flying Dutchmen made hay today.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Ruteng at 64,112

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
PBY-5 Catalina x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Shinyubari Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PBY-5 Catalina bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ruteng at 64,112

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Atlas Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 300 kg SAP Bomb

Several unsuccessful attacks were also made. The small carriers' CAP was quite good. At Koepang itself the fortifications were reduced and the Imperials inflicted more casualties than they took. The base will fall either tomorrow of the next day.

Near Changsha there was a surprise as I did not know DAW had built up his forces in the hex so much and a second surprise when the results of the potentially lopsided battle came in.

Ground combat at 83,52 (near Changsha)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 103543 troops, 879 guns, 56 vehicles, Assault Value = 3011

Defending force 42305 troops, 151 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1196

Japanese adjusted assault: 1453

Allied adjusted defense: 1027

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
12823 casualties reported
Squads: 232 destroyed, 389 disabled
Non Combat: 33 destroyed, 78 disabled
Engineers: 20 destroyed, 51 disabled
Guns lost 69 (22 destroyed, 47 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1310 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 223 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled

Assaulting units:
110th Division
17th Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th Division
6th Division
15th Ind.Mixed Brigade
35th Division
40th Division
13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
57th Infantry Brigade
37th Division
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
1st Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion

Defending units:
73rd Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps

The casualty ratio is quite good for our side, but a closer look reveals that the ratio of combat squad casualties taken, while still good for us, was not as extreme as the overall 'troop' casualty ratio. Over stacking was probably a significant factor here. Although there was no supply(-) listed for the attacker it probably should have been listed. The limit for the hex is 55,000 per side. The Empire was more than 88% over that, so at the end of last turn they should have taken a massive supply penalty. And that means their units in the hex should have been under supplied for the attack this turn, and possibly taken some fatigue and disruption also (although maybe minor after only one turn).