Ivory Hunt: obvert(J) vs. Historiker(A)

[pharmy]

you are the spawn of all evil. I'm a JFB playing my first Allied PBEM and my Catalinas spot KB two hexes from Lihue. The Tf NW of them are the AOs and on the other side of Lihue the Allied TF are PH survivors BB West Virginia, BB Pennsylvania, CA New Orleans, CA Minneapolis, 3 CLs and a 7 destroyers (heading toward Suva since my opponent made a dec 7th landing there). For some reason they only made two hexes on the 8th.

[pharmy]

So I send out 3 DDs TFs to hook north of Lihue and decide to ride the BBs in from the south. Long story short, BBs sink half of the oilers scaring Nagumo north, KB hits first DD TF, then bounces into another one three times before finally disengaging into this.

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Niihau at 175,105, Range 24,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga, Shell hits 5, on fire
CV Hiryu, Shell hits 2
CV Soryu, Shell hits 1
CV Shokaku, Shell hits 1
CV Zuikaku
CV Akagi
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 14, on fire
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 1
DD Kagero
DD Isokaze, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Shiranui
DD Urakaze, Shell hits 2
DD Hamakaze
DD Tanikaze
DD Arare
DD Kasumi

Allied Ships
BB West Virginia, Shell hits 2
BB Pennsylvania, Shell hits 2
CA New Orleans, Shell hits 2
CA Minneapolis
CL Detroit, Shell hits 2
CL Helena, Shell hits 1
CL Phoenix, Shell hits 2
CL Honolulu, Shell hits 1
DD Bagley, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Blue
DD Mugford
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Henley
DD Patterson, Shell hits 1
DD Jarvis




EDIT Twice 2x
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Niihau at 174,106, Range 24,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
CV Hiryu
CV Soryu, Shell hits 1
CV Shokaku
CV Zuikaku
CV Akagi
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 11, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Kagero
DD Shiranui, Shell hits 3
DD Urakaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Hamakaze
DD Tanikaze
DD Arare

Allied Ships
BB West Virginia
BB Pennsylvania, Shell hits 1
CA New Orleans
CA Minneapolis
CL Detroit
CL Helena
CL Phoenix
CL Honolulu
DD Bagley, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Blue, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Mugford
DD Ralph Talbot, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Henley
DD Patterson, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Jarvis, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage

[princep01]

Admiral, a laudable plan and it should further unhinge your opponent's timetable and perhaps his psyche. The latter, in the long run, can produce a short and victorious game.

A thought for you admiral. I once had remarkable results by sending three US CVs to Perth in December 41 and then to a position just south of Java. When the Japanese struck the northern coast of Java in early February 1942,, they came with a large invasion fleet and supported it with the LKB (2 CVL, 2 CVE and a CS). I was a little slow committing my CVs to battle and was one turn late in catching his APs with large numbers of troops on board. But, the result was overwhelming good nonetheless. All the CVL/CVE/CSs were sunk and their airgroups all but destroyed. The Allied CV TF was unscathed. The supply ladened, invasion fleet lost at least 1/2 their numbers. The IJA was still able to take Java ultimately, but the timetable was so disrupted that the IJ player later commented that it set them back at least 1.5 months. The result was that the Allies were able to not only stop the Japanese advance in Burma, but also totally eliminate any threat to India. By May, the Allies were fully on the offensive in Burma.

A similar example was recently seen with Canoerebels victory obver Chez in a Scenario 2 game. While the Allies did employe the Palembang fortress defense in full therein, the same or similar results can be attained jusing only the Palembang speedbump gambit you are vcommitted to here.

I would suggest thought be given to redeploying 3-4 US CVs to operate in the DEI area. Japanese failure in the DEI is, as you know, catatrophic.

Regardless of your approach....good hunting. you are off to a great start.

[witpqs]

IRL that's one of the reasons they didn't want to hang around!

[pharmy]

Got some icing on cake too

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Niihau at 175,105, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
AO Ken'yo Maru, Shell hits 1
AO Kokuyo Maru
AO Kyokuto Maru
AO Nippon Maru, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
AO Shinkoku Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
AO Toei Maru
AO Toho Maru, Shell hits 10, heavy fires
Allied Ships
BB West Virginia
BB Pennsylvania
CA New Orleans
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 1
CL Detroit
CL Helena
CL Phoenix
CL Honolulu
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Niihau at 174,105, Range 16,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
AO Ken'yo Maru, Shell hits 5, heavy fires
AO Kokuyo Maru, Shell hits 13, heavy fires
AO Kyokuto Maru, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
AO Toei Maru, Shell hits 12, heavy fires

Allied Ships
DD Allen
DD Litchfield
DD Chew
DD Schley

[Historiker]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

IRL that's one of the reasons they didn't want to hang around!

Absolutly! Especially as IRL doesn't mean you have to guess the new KB position, but can change the course of your SCTFs every minute to adjust the course according to newest sighting reports...

ORIGINAL: princep01

Admiral, a laudable plan and it should further unhinge your opponent's timetable and perhaps his psyche. The latter, in the long run, can produce a short and victorious game.

A thought for you admiral. I once had remarkable results by sending three US CVs to Perth in December 41 and then to a position just south of Java. When the Japanese struck the northern coast of Java in early February 1942,, they came with a large invasion fleet and supported it with the LKB (2 CVL, 2 CVE and a CS). I was a little slow committing my CVs to battle and was one turn late in catching his APs with large numbers of troops on board. But, the result was overwhelming good nonetheless. All the CVL/CVE/CSs were sunk and their airgroups all but destroyed. The Allied CV TF was unscathed. The supply ladened, invasion fleet lost at least 1/2 their numbers. The IJA was still able to take Java ultimately, but the timetable was so disrupted that the IJ player later commented that it set them back at least 1.5 months. The result was that the Allies were able to not only stop the Japanese advance in Burma, but also totally eliminate any threat to India. By May, the Allies were fully on the offensive in Burma.

A similar example was recently seen with Canoerebels victory obver Chez in a Scenario 2 game. While the Allies did employe the Palembang fortress defense in full therein, the same or similar results can be attained jusing only the Palembang speedbump gambit you are vcommitted to here.

I would suggest thought be given to redeploying 3-4 US CVs to operate in the DEI area. Japanese failure in the DEI is, as you know, catatrophic.

Regardless of your approach....good hunting. you are off to a great start.

I always send the two CVs initially at sea to the DEI. I said that in my two turn game with PJH and obvert has read that. So I initially decided not to do it again. Big E got a torpedo hit and will take another two or three weeks until the damage is fixed.

Right now, I think about transfering the US CVs Via CT to India. He will only expect the Brit. CVs there and propably react to a fortified Burma with an invasion on Ceylon or even in India.
Would be nice to have more than the British fleet there, especially as it is unkown how much of the British fleet will be left when the fight for DEI is done [;)]

[princep01]

I see. Transfer via CT is just another way to achive the same end, so that works as well.

As to Obvert trying for India should he face a built up Burma...it is extremely doubtful given the state of his CV forces. I do think he will try very hard to conclude the conquest of the DEI and then will try to lure you into committing your CVs too soon where he has a good chance to use LBA to make up for the reduced KB. His offensive days outside the DEI/Phillipines, Wake Island and China are likely over.

As a word on security. I have looked at his AAR in its infancy. I have not revisited since. Even if I had, I would never voice anything on strategy in your AAR based on what he said in those first entries. The observations I make on strategic choices are mine alone.

[Historiker]

12/25/41

China:
Heavy airstrikes on my units. Damn, those are effective. I will bring additional baseforces, so I can intercept more of his raids. Several times, unescorted netties strike my troops heavily and cause hundreds of casualties.

PI:
Another fast xAK trying to break through to PI is sunk. Another one seems to get through, but two days are left. Knowing on wood...
The Japanese land at Naga with one unit, 3.200 men strong according to our intel. If it doesn't get more, I'll start a counterattack and try to trash the unit.

Malaya:
The Japanese reach Kuala Lumpur. A rearguard unit is just packed this turn, so it'll get out via railroad in time. Every base en route is guarded by a unit to defend against para drops. Singapore has reached lvl. 3 in forts, and the units in the base are gaining quite a lot experience by being set at "Rest/Training".

[Historiker]

ORIGINAL: princep01

I see. Transfer via CT is just another way to achive the same end, so that works as well.

As to Obvert trying for India should he face a built up Burma...it is extremely doubtful given the state of his CV forces. I do think he will try very hard to conclude the conquest of the DEI and then will try to lure you into committing your CVs too soon where he has a good chance to use LBA to make up for the reduced KB. His offensive days outside the DEI/Phillipines, Wake Island and China are likely over.

As a word on security. I have looked at his AAR in its infancy. I have not revisited since. Even if I had, I would never voice anything on strategy in your AAR based on what he said in those first entries. The observations I make on strategic choices are mine alone.

His forces aren't THAT weak, if he faces no enemy.
He gets two more CVs within a few months and will be able to assist those 5 CVs with an equal number of light carriers. That's quite some power!
If he replaces some strike planes with Zeros, he'll be powerfull enough to cover an invasion on Ceylon or near Calcutta to cut off Burma - at least unless he faces US CVs.

The only downside to that is, that the plan only works when I keep the CVs hidden. To keep them hidden, I can't use them. Not really attractive... But what could I use them for right now? I thought about a reinforcemnt convoy to the PI or China. A million supplies with some divisions and dozends of airgroups. But my losses would be way too high. I can do some small moves with serious risk right now, so it seems that sending the CVs to CT might be no big loss in the pacific.
Especially as he can't strike in the Pacifici unless he knows where the US CVs are. So all I have to do is keep them in hiding untill there's a really attractive target.

[princep01]

Admiral, over the same period he receives Junyo, Unyo and Shoho, you get Yorktown, Hornet and Wasp. That is a one sided reinforcement schedule in your favor. Yes, it is theortically possible for him to attack Ceylon, but a) it not a likely target given his situation and b) you receive many land reinforcements at Aden and Capetown to properly garrison Ceylon and still move, in strength, on Burma over the next three months. Personally, I would not give defending Ceylon another serious thought, but would leave a decent garrison while embroiled in Burma. But, I'd fight like the hounds of hell to keep Rangoon and keep the Burma Trail open. By April or sooner, you will see the Chinese supply situation improve markedly as a result. No way I'd concede Burma to him now.

I would bring US firepower (CV firepower and perhaps a nice wing of Marine SBDs) to the Ceylon area. Personally, I'd then prepare a nice big fat, February trap for him at Java or another place in the DEI. Even Blair Island or Rangoon might be a good place for them to strike. Before sending any of them to ceylon, I would raid Kwajalein and see if I could destroy his AS/AD/ support units there and make him think I was still at Pearl Harbor or at least in the eastern Pacific. You could even split the US CVs after the raid and show a pair off Wake Is, Parashimo Jima or some other outpost to continue the facade that you have them in the eastern Pacific. Lots of possible feints and whatnot now that KB has been reduced to manageable size.

With your brilliant success at reducing KB, you are certainly in a good position to effectuate a limited offensive along his extended perimeter. I know first hand how short of troops you are and how ill trained they are at this point. I am not suggesting anything rash or overly bold, just the application of pressure to force him to play your game. It is something you have done admirably well to this point. I hope you continue on this course rather than succumbing to the usual Allied Sir Robin defense.

[Historiker]

12/26/41

PI:
USS Peary (DD) was hit heavily in the initial airraid on Manila. She was in serious damaged, so it was decided to keep her in Manila and risk repairing her. The repairs were finally completed yesterday, so she was ordered to run with full speed to Balikpapan, to refuel there and then meet with the rest of the fleet.
While running home, she meets a Jap TF and shows that even the old 4-stackers still have some teeth left. Nice work!
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Jolo at 73,88, Range 14,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Shuko Maru #2, Shell hits 1
PB Shonon Maru #10, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Seizan Maru, Shell hits 2
xAKL Nittatsu Maru, Shell hits 5
xAK Fukko Maru, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Miyako Maru, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Peary

Japanese ground losses:
632 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 8 (4 destroyed, 4 disabled)



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 27,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 14,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 14,000 yards
DD Peary fires at xAK Seizan Maru at 14,000 yards
DD Peary fires at xAK Fukko Maru at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
DD Peary engages xAK Seizan Maru at 11,000 yards
DD Peary engages xAK Fukko Maru at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
DD Peary engages PB Shuko Maru #2 at 9,000 yards
DD Peary engages xAK Seizan Maru at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
xAK Fukko Maru , xAK Seizan Maru screened from combat
- escorted by PB Shonon Maru #10
DD Peary engages PB Shuko Maru #2 at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
xAK Fukko Maru , xAK Seizan Maru , xAKL Miyako Maru screened from combat
- escorted by PB Shonon Maru #10
DD Peary engages PB Shuko Maru #2 at 7,000 yards
xAK Fukko Maru , xAK Seizan Maru , xAKL Miyako Maru screened from combat
- escorted by PB Shonon Maru #10
DD Peary engages PB Shuko Maru #2 at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
xAK Fukko Maru screened from combat
DD Peary engages PB Shonon Maru #10 at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
DD Peary engages PB Shuko Maru #2 at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
DD Peary engages xAKL Nittatsu Maru at 6,000 yards
DD Peary engages xAK Fukko Maru at 6,000 yards
DD Peary engages xAKL Nittatsu Maru at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
xAK Fukko Maru , xAK Seizan Maru , xAKL Miyako Maru screened from combat
- escorted by PB Shonon Maru #10
DD Peary engages xAKL Nittatsu Maru at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
xAK Fukko Maru , xAK Seizan Maru screened from combat
DD Peary engages PB Shonon Maru #10 at 8,000 yards
DD Peary engages xAKL Miyako Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Peary engages xAKL Nittatsu Maru at 8,000 yards
Webster, V.W. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 9,000 yards
DD Peary engages PB Shonon Maru #10 at 9,000 yards
DD Peary engages xAKL Miyako Maru at 9,000 yards
DD Peary engages xAKL Nittatsu Maru at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
xAK Fukko Maru , xAK Seizan Maru , xAKL Miyako Maru screened from combat
- escorted by PB Shonon Maru #10
DD Peary engages PB Shuko Maru #2 at 12,000 yards
DD Peary engages xAKL Nittatsu Maru at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 16,000 yards
xAK Fukko Maru , xAK Seizan Maru , xAKL Miyako Maru screened from combat
- escorted by PB Shonon Maru #10
Task forces break off...


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Also: xAK Bellerophon, carrying 6.400 tons of supplies, seems to have made it through to besieged PI. She is just two hex' away from Manila and it looks good that some additional supplies will make it through! [:)]

Malaya:
The 1st Mysore Battalion is wiped out by a Jap TK unit, as it was in stratigic mode. Damn, those 30 squads could've been usefull in Singapore...
He sweeps Singapore heavily, but I keep my units out of the base. Its airfields and the air HQ there might be of some use in a couple of days, though...

DEI:
Kendari will be invaded next turn. He has a group with several "DD" and a group with several "BB" and "CV" one hex off the base. As Java is about to get encircled now, it is time to start the evacuation of my ships. Everythign valuable starts evacuating to Perth. Smaller ships, usefull for supply runs and troop transport - but at the same time not valuable doe to short range or cargo capacity - will stay at Java.

China:
The 70th Corps is pushed out of the way by a Japanese division one hex away from Nanchang. Damn, despite almost equal AV, my chinese units are no match against the Japanese, yet.

Palembang:
Palembang invasion is approaching. Singkept got invaded, but the combat troops on the island were flown out just in time to reinforce Palembang. If his forces were about to invade Palembang right away, he wouldn't waste units for such sideshows. But his approach shows, that his invasion will likely be only a couple of days away.
Time to get my forces into position...
Palembang is intended as a serious trap. I want to get as much of his shipping as possible, the base is only the bait. Through my builtup, he is forced to throw a lot fo his troops onto the base. Those forces must come with a lot of shipping, which has to be protected. This is my chance!

I will commit up to 22 cruisers (some are in repairs right now and it is uncertain how many will be ready for combat by then) to get the shipping with big guns. Several different strike groups will advance on the two yellow pathes. Depending on my intel, I will both try to get a hit on the landing convoys as well as on the likely escorting carriers. As the TF now at Kendari had CV sightings for about a week now, he will most likely have only three of his light carriers. If they are protected by BBs, I might only go for the convoys. But if they are protected with less firepower, I'll try to cause some fires on board at night.
At day, more than 70 TBs, >100 LB trained in naval bombing and ~ 100 F will attack the shipping off Palembang from the bases in red.

[Historiker]

It was an invasion, but for whatever reasons only a brigade.
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Ground combat at Palembang (48,91)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6636 troops, 79 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 276

Defending force 6473 troops, 31 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 234

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



Assaulting units:
West Borneo KNIL Bn /1
Zuid KNIL Battalion
4th KNIL Landstorm Bn /1
4th KNIL Regiment
2/15 Punjab Battalion
Padang Garrison Battalion
Riouw KNIL Bn /1
ML-KNIL /1
Teloekbetoeng Base Force
Bintan Det. Base Force
106th RN Base Force /1
Djambi Base Force
Bengkalis Base Force /1
Palembang Base Force
1 ML-KNIL Aviation /1

Defending units:
65th Brigade

Now comes the exciting part of the game: Should I let the trap snap, or not?

The fort isn't at 2, yet, as those Dutch units almost all don't have engineers. So it might already fall, in theory. But if I commit everything, three TFs with more than 10 CL and all my airgroups, all I might get is a few transports as this seems to be a result of PJH's counseling: a probe attack.
So if I strike, I reveal everything.

If I wait, he might have an Air HQ at Kuching tomorrow and strike my cruisers in Batavia without giving me another chance to send them into battle...

Exciting

[princep01]

Attack, repeat, Attack! This is an expendable fleet of mostly old CR/DDs They have value, but not a lot. If you penetrate his sceen and eliminate his TPs, that is a good thing. You will also have aircover to provide some protection against his AC.

f you also manage to penetrate his escort and sink/damamge more CVL/CVE. that is a victory that will cripple his offensive ops in the DEI. You risk little and stand to gain a lot. That is a worthy investment!

Attack!

[Historiker]

When going to sleep, I indeed decided to attack. The targets aren't that juicy, but I have to keep him weary. I will only use British and Dutch cruisers and destroyers, that are of little use anyways. They are either withdrawing (so in game terms gone like they are destroyed) or a "cruiser" with less firepower than some destroyers and with less range than most of them...
The goal now is to push him back and slow him down. Burma will need every day it gets.

12/27/41

China:
More heavy bombardements. Sinyang is almost surrounded and the LCU in the city are down to one digit fatigue and disruption. Additional 1,5k AV will arrive within about four days. DA after that will show whether I'll get the city after all.

Malaya:
All in retreat. The enemy has taken Kuala Lumpur and his first units are likely only about 10 days away. Singapore is at 3 fortification and has 855AV so far. Some 200 additional AV are under way from the north. I used the time to train my units extensively, some units have about 10 additional XP by now.

DEI:
Kendari is invaded. It will likely fall tomorrow. My naval fleet in Soerabaya is ordered to leave the shipyards and ready for operations. The 6CAs and 5CLs are of British, Australian, New Zealand and US origin and will retreat - hopefully unseen - to Pearth after getting ready to sail.

Palembang
It is invaded by just one brigade. Likely a probing attack. I still decide to attack, as it is quite possible that he establishes airpower at Kuching and prevents later strikes and takes out my airforce.
More than 300 planes and 11 Cruisers will attack his shipping off Palembang.
Hopefully my, according to AV, stronger forces in Palembang will hold. But while his unit likely has 90 XP and Morale, mine are at about 30 to 40. So you can't know...

PI:
After some sweeps, I expect a bombing run and put my fighters on CAP. They fight hard, but the Zero still prooves superior. The losses are heavy, but acceptable. I didn't plan to evacuate the groups anyways, so they will remain there until destroyed.

[Historiker]

12/28/41

China:
Shifting troops, a few aerial encounters and more attacks on my troops. Sinyang will be attacked in two days.

Palembang:
It obviously was a probing attack. He immediately withdrew all his ships and left the brigade in Palembang. The two CVLs were in range to strike my ships. He put one torpedo in CL Caledon anc CL Ceres each, Caledon is heavily damaged (37-86-1-0) and will likely go down as she has to return to Batavia. Sending her to Palembang seems useless, as she'll be trapped there for sure.
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 49,90

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
B5N1 Kate x 17



Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 1 damaged
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CL Caledon, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Ceres, Torpedo hits 1



Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo



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My own strikes cause no damage and are fended off with heavy casualties. But, I am lucky: No TB flies, so he maybe doesn't know they are there! They also stay undamaged this way.
I will immediately retreat my planes and ships back to Java, as he'll very likely react with sweeps and airfield attacks. Also, he has learned and the two CVLs are protected by at least two BBs and 4 DDs in the same TF, as well as by a SCTF with 1BB and 3CL spotted. As it is highly unlikely that my light cruisers can get through here, I won't waste them.

[Historiker]

More 12/28/41:

DEI:
A Japanese invasion happened at Tarkan. He protected his forces with at least one BB. Other BBs were at Kendari, which was not attacked as well - obviously another probe attack.
But while he tries to lure me into his carrier ranges - quite funny in fact, as he can only have two of his small carriers on each side and even one US CV would be enough to take them out... - the force of Belikpapan can only consist of cruisers and smaller units (or so I guess [;)])...
This means, I will strike them tomorrow with two cruiser TFs from Soerabaja.

[Historiker]

12/29/41

Palembang:
He sends a SCTF with 4 CA which find three destroyers that were intended to merge with the two crippled CLs. Luckily, the DDs get away with little damage as their commander crosses the T at night, but strikes at day sink both CLs with bombs. The rest of the fleet is back at Batavia.

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 49,90, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CA Mikuma
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Michishio
DD Samidare
DD Shirayuki
DD Hatsuyuki

Allied Ships
DD Banckert, Shell hits 1
DD Witte de With
DD Piet Hein, Shell hits 2



Improved night sighting under 75% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 75% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 10,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Chompff, J.M.L.I. crosses the 'T'
DD Michishio engages DD Piet Hein at 10,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages DD Witte de With at 10,000 yards
DD Michishio engages DD Banckert at 10,000 yards
CA Mogami engages DD Piet Hein at 10,000 yards
DD Banckert engages DD Hatsuyuki at 10,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Banckert at 10,000 yards
DD Banckert engages DD Hagikaze at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Piet Hein at 8,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages DD Piet Hein at 8,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages DD Piet Hein at 8,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Banckert at 8,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Arashi at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CA Kumano engages DD Piet Hein at 10,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages DD Piet Hein at 10,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages DD Banckert at 10,000 yards
CA Mogami engages DD Piet Hein at 10,000 yards
DD Piet Hein engages DD Hatsuyuki at 10,000 yards
DD Shirayuki engages DD Piet Hein at 10,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Piet Hein at 10,000 yards
DD Michishio engages DD Piet Hein at 10,000 yards
DD Hagikaze engages DD Banckert at 10,000 yards
DD Arashi engages DD Piet Hein at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
DD Michishio engages DD Piet Hein at 9,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages DD Piet Hein at 9,000 yards
DD Banckert engages DD Arashi at 9,000 yards
CA Mogami engages DD Piet Hein at 9,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Piet Hein at 9,000 yards
DD Michishio engages DD Witte de With at 9,000 yards
Task forces break off...
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DEI:
My TFs strike with some success, but the Japanese Navy shows here worth even against heavier forces. According to the intel, only three enemy DDs are sunk so far. With a little luck, one CA might go down.
On our side, we have two heavily damaged DDs which are still burning. Several damaged ships should stay afloat unless they are caught by SS. Also, the DDs took most of the beating, so my cruisers are almost out of escorts. I have to hope he doesn't have too many SS on their way home...

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Samarinda at 65,96, Range 21,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Oyashio, Shell hits 6, heavy fires
DD Umikaze
DD Uranami, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
DD Shikinami, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Leander, Shell hits 1
CL Achilles
CL Perth
CL Glasgow, Shell hits 1
DD Tenedos, Shell hits 1
DD Encounter
DD Isis, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Le Triomphant



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 21,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 21,000 yards
CL Perth engages DD Oyashio at 21,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Encounter at 21,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Tenedos at 21,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Isis at 21,000 yards
CL Achilles engages DD Oyashio at 21,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages DD Oyashio at 21,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Le Triomphant at 21,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Tenedos at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Le Triomphant at 19,000 yards
DD Le Triomphant engages DD Uranami at 19,000 yards
DD Le Triomphant engages DD Umikaze at 19,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Le Triomphant at 19,000 yards
DD Le Triomphant engages DD Uranami at 19,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Oyashio at 19,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Tenedos at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages DD Oyashio at 17,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Uranami at 17,000 yards
CL Achilles engages DD Oyashio at 17,000 yards
CL Leander engages DD Oyashio at 17,000 yards
DD Le Triomphant engages DD Kuroshio at 17,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Isis at 17,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Shikinami at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages DD Oyashio at 13,000 yards
CL Perth engages DD Uranami at 13,000 yards
CL Achilles engages DD Oyashio at 13,000 yards
CL Leander engages DD Oyashio at 13,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Le Triomphant at 13,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Shikinami at 13,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Encounter at 13,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Tenedos at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages DD Oyashio at 10,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Uranami at 10,000 yards
CL Achilles engages DD Umikaze at 10,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Oyashio at 10,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Le Triomphant at 10,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Uranami at 10,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Encounter at 10,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Tenedos at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages DD Shikinami at 8,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Encounter at 8,000 yards
DD Umikaze engages CL Achilles at 8,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Le Triomphant at 8,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Encounter at 8,000 yards
DD Umikaze engages DD Isis at 8,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Kuroshio at 8,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Umikaze at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Le Triomphant at 10,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Isis at 10,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Umikaze at 10,000 yards
CL Leander engages DD Oyashio at 10,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Le Triomphant at 10,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Isis at 10,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Shikinami at 10,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Oyashio at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages DD Oyashio at 13,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Le Triomphant at 13,000 yards
CL Achilles engages DD Oyashio at 13,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Encounter at 13,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Umikaze at 13,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Encounter at 13,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Tenedos at 13,000 yards
Range increases to 16,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages DD Oyashio at 16,000 yards
CL Perth engages DD Oyashio at 16,000 yards
DD Umikaze engages DD Encounter at 16,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Oyashio at 16,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Encounter at 16,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Isis at 16,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Encounter at 16,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Tenedos at 16,000 yards
Range increases to 19,000 yards
CL Perth engages DD Oyashio at 19,000 yards
CL Achilles engages DD Oyashio at 19,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Le Triomphant at 19,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Isis at 19,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Tenedos at 19,000 yards
Range increases to 21,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages DD Shikinami at 21,000 yards
CL Perth engages DD Oyashio at 21,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages DD Umikaze at 21,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages DD Oyashio at 21,000 yards
Range increases to 24,000 yards
CL Perth engages DD Oyashio at 24,000 yards
CL Achilles engages DD Umikaze at 24,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages DD Oyashio at 24,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages DD Kuroshio at 24,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Samarinda at 65,96, Range 25,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Shell hits 5
CA Chokai, Shell hits 2
DD Oshio
DD Arashio
DD Minegumo
DD Hibiki
DD Asagiri
DD Sagiri, Shell hits 1
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships
CL Leander, Shell hits 2
CL Achilles
CL Perth
CL Glasgow
DD Tenedos, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
DD Encounter, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Isis, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Le Triomphant, Shell hits 1



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 25,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 25,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CL Glasgow at 25,000 yards
CA Atago engages CL Glasgow at 25,000 yards
CL Achilles engages CA Chokai at 25,000 yards
CA Atago engages CL Leander at 25,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages DD Asagiri at 25,000 yards
CA Chokai engages DD Isis at 25,000 yards
CL Leander engages DD Oshio at 25,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CL Leander at 20,000 yards
CA Atago engages CL Leander at 20,000 yards
CL Achilles engages DD Yugiri at 20,000 yards
CA Atago engages CL Leander at 20,000 yards
DD Arashio engages DD Le Triomphant at 20,000 yards
DD Oshio engages DD Isis at 20,000 yards
DD Minegumo engages DD Isis at 20,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Oshio at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
CL Achilles engages CA Chokai at 17,000 yards
CL Leander engages CA Atago at 17,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Yugiri at 17,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD Isis at 17,000 yards
DD Minegumo engages DD Le Triomphant at 17,000 yards
DD Arashio engages DD Isis at 17,000 yards
DD Minegumo engages DD Isis at 17,000 yards
DD Le Triomphant engages DD Arashio at 17,000 yards
DD Oshio engages DD Isis at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards
CL Achilles engages CA Chokai at 14,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages CA Atago at 14,000 yards
CA Atago engages CL Achilles at 14,000 yards
CL Leander engages CA Atago at 14,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Asagiri at 14,000 yards
DD Le Triomphant engages DD Hibiki at 14,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Arashio at 14,000 yards
DD Arashio engages DD Isis at 14,000 yards
DD Oshio engages DD Encounter at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CA Atago engages CL Leander at 10,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Encounter at 10,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD Isis at 10,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Le Triomphant at 10,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Arashio at 10,000 yards
DD Minegumo engages DD Isis at 10,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Tenedos at 10,000 yards
DD Oshio engages DD Le Triomphant at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CL Glasgow at 8,000 yards
CA Atago engages CL Achilles at 8,000 yards
CL Achilles engages CA Chokai at 8,000 yards
CL Leander engages CA Atago at 8,000 yards
DD Le Triomphant engages DD Sagiri at 8,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Hibiki at 8,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Asagiri at 8,000 yards
DD Arashio engages DD Encounter at 8,000 yards
DD Oshio engages DD Isis at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages CA Chokai at 12,000 yards
CL Perth engages CA Atago at 12,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Tenedos at 12,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD Tenedos at 12,000 yards
DD Le Triomphant engages DD Asagiri at 12,000 yards
DD Isis engages DD Minegumo at 12,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Arashio at 12,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD Tenedos at 12,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Oshio at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CL Perth at 17,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CL Perth at 17,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CL Achilles at 17,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Sagiri at 17,000 yards
DD Oshio engages DD Le Triomphant at 17,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD Isis at 17,000 yards
DD Oshio engages DD Encounter at 17,000 yards
DD Oshio engages DD Tenedos at 17,000 yards
Range increases to 24,000 yards
CL Glasgow engages CA Atago at 24,000 yards
CA Atago engages CL Perth at 24,000 yards
CA Atago engages CL Achilles at 24,000 yards
CL Leander engages CA Chokai at 24,000 yards
CA Atago engages DD Le Triomphant at 24,000 yards
CA Atago engages DD Isis at 24,000 yards
CA Atago engages DD Encounter at 24,000 yards
CA Chokai engages DD Tenedos at 24,000 yards
Range increases to 29,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CL Achilles at 29,000 yards
CL Achilles engages CA Atago at 29,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Samarinda at 65,96, Range 24,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Atago
CA Chokai
DD Oshio
DD Arashio
DD Minegumo
DD Hibiki
DD Asagiri
DD Sagiri
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships
CL Achilles
CL Perth
CL Glasgow
DD Le Triomphant



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 23,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 24,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 24,000 yards
CL Perth engages DD Hibiki at 24,000 yards
CL Perth engages DD Minegumo at 24,000 yards
Range increases to 27,000 yards
CA Atago engages CL Glasgow at 27,000 yards
Range increases to 28,000 yards
CA Atago engages CL Glasgow at 28,000 yards
CA Atago engages CL Achilles at 28,000 yards
Range increases to 29,000 yards
Range increases to 30,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Samarinda at 65,96, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Chokai, Shell hits 3
DD Oshio
DD Arashio
DD Minegumo, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hibiki
DD Asagiri
DD Sagiri
DD Yugiri, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Houston, Shell hits 2
CA Louisville
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 1
CA Canberra
DD Alden
DD Barker, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 2
DD Parrott, Shell hits 1



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 20,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
CA Louisville engages DD Yugiri at 20,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Sagiri at 20,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages DD Asagiri at 20,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages DD Hibiki at 20,000 yards
DD Arashio engages DD Barker at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CA Pensacola at 18,000 yards
CA Houston engages CA Chokai at 18,000 yards
DD Minegumo engages DD John D. Edwards at 18,000 yards
DD Oshio engages DD Barker at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CA Pensacola at 16,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Minegumo at 16,000 yards
DD Barker engages DD Asagiri at 16,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages DD John D. Edwards at 16,000 yards
DD Minegumo engages DD John D. Edwards at 16,000 yards
DD Minegumo engages DD Alden at 16,000 yards
DD Oshio engages DD Barker at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CA Chokai at 12,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Barker at 12,000 yards
DD Barker engages DD Sagiri at 12,000 yards
DD Parrott engages DD Minegumo at 12,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD John D. Edwards at 12,000 yards
DD Minegumo engages DD Barker at 12,000 yards
DD Arashio engages DD John D. Edwards at 12,000 yards
DD Oshio engages DD John D. Edwards at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CA Atago engages CA Houston at 9,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Atago at 9,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD John D. Edwards at 9,000 yards
DD Parrott engages DD Hibiki at 9,000 yards
DD Minegumo engages DD Barker at 9,000 yards
DD Alden engages DD Oshio at 9,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Oshio at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Chokai at 11,000 yards
CA Atago engages CA Louisville at 11,000 yards
CA Atago engages CA Louisville at 11,000 yards
CA Houston engages CA Atago at 11,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Parrott at 11,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD John D. Edwards at 11,000 yards
DD Minegumo engages DD Parrott at 11,000 yards
DD Parrott engages DD Arashio at 11,000 yards
DD Alden engages DD Oshio at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
CA Atago engages CA Canberra at 13,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Atago at 13,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Chokai at 13,000 yards
CA Atago engages CA Houston at 13,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Parrott at 13,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Asagiri at 13,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Barker at 13,000 yards
DD Minegumo engages DD Alden at 13,000 yards
DD Oshio engages DD John D. Edwards at 13,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CA Canberra at 17,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CA Pensacola at 17,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Atago at 17,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Sagiri at 17,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Hibiki at 17,000 yards
DD Barker engages DD Asagiri at 17,000 yards
DD Alden engages DD Yugiri at 17,000 yards
DD Oshio engages DD Barker at 17,000 yards
Range increases to 19,000 yards
CA Houston engages CA Chokai at 19,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages DD Parrott at 19,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages DD Alden at 19,000 yards
Range increases to 22,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CA Chokai at 22,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Atago at 22,000 yards
CA Louisville engages DD Yugiri at 22,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Sagiri at 22,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Hibiki at 22,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Oshio at 22,000 yards
Range increases to 26,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CA Atago at 26,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CA Atago at 26,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Minegumo at 26,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Oshio at 26,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Samarinda at 65,96, Range 22,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio, heavy fires
DD Oyashio, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Umikaze
DD Uranami, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
DD Shikinami, Shell hits 3, heavy fires

Allied Ships
CA Houston
CA Louisville
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 1
CA Canberra
DD Alden
DD Barker, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Parrott, Shell hits 1



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 22,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 22,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Shikinami at 22,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages DD Uranami at 22,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Oyashio at 22,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Shikinami at 20,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages DD Oyashio at 20,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Kuroshio at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Oyashio at 17,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages DD Oyashio at 17,000 yards
CA Louisville engages DD Oyashio at 17,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Oyashio at 17,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Parrott at 17,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD John D. Edwards at 17,000 yards
DD Barker engages DD Uranami at 17,000 yards
DD Alden engages DD Kuroshio at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Shikinami at 14,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Parrott at 14,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Alden at 14,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD John D. Edwards at 14,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Barker at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD John D. Edwards at 11,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages DD Uranami at 11,000 yards
CA Louisville engages DD Oyashio at 11,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Oyashio at 11,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Parrott at 11,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD John D. Edwards at 11,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Barker at 11,000 yards
DD Alden engages DD Kuroshio at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Shikinami at 9,000 yards
DD Barker engages DD Umikaze at 9,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Barker at 9,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD John D. Edwards at 9,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD John D. Edwards at 9,000 yards
DD Barker engages DD Uranami at 9,000 yards
DD Alden engages DD Umikaze at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Alden at 13,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages DD Uranami at 13,000 yards
DD Umikaze engages DD Alden at 13,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Oyashio at 13,000 yards
DD Parrott engages DD Kuroshio at 13,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD John D. Edwards at 13,000 yards
DD Barker engages DD Uranami at 13,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Alden at 13,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Shikinami at 17,000 yards
DD Parrott engages DD Uranami at 17,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Oyashio at 17,000 yards
DD Parrott engages DD Kuroshio at 17,000 yards
Range increases to 20,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Shikinami at 20,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Uranami at 20,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Oyashio at 20,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Parrott at 20,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Kuroshio at 20,000 yards
DD Kuroshio engages DD Alden at 20,000 yards
Range increases to 23,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Shikinami at 23,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages DD Oyashio at 23,000 yards
Range increases to 25,000 yards
CA Canberra engages DD Shikinami at 25,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages DD Oyashio at 25,000 yards
CA Louisville engages DD Oyashio at 25,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Oyashio at 25,000 yards
Range increases to 28,000 yards
CA Louisville engages DD Uranami at 28,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Samarinda at 65,96, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Houston
CA Louisville
CA Pensacola
CA Canberra
DD Alden



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 20,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Getting, F.E. crosses the 'T'
CA Pensacola engages CA Chokai at 20,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CA Chokai at 20,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CA Chokai at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CA Chokai at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CA Canberra at 16,000 yards
CA Chokai engages DD Alden at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CA Canberra at 14,000 yards
CA Houston engages CA Chokai at 14,000 yards
CA Chokai engages DD Alden at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CA Chokai at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages CA Chokai at 10,000 yards
CA Chokai engages CA Louisville at 10,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Samarinda at 65,96, Range 22,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Umikaze, Shell hits 3, heavy fires

Allied Ships
CA Houston
CA Louisville
CA Pensacola
CA Canberra
DD Alden



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 22,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 22,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages DD Umikaze at 22,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards
CA Louisville engages DD Umikaze at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Umikaze at 19,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages DD Umikaze at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Umikaze at 17,000 yards
Getting, F.E. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 14,000 yards
CA Pensacola engages DD Umikaze at 14,000 yards
CA Houston engages DD Umikaze at 14,000 yards
DD Alden engages DD Umikaze at 14,000 yards
Range increases to 19,000 yards
CA Louisville engages DD Umikaze at 19,000 yards
Range increases to 25,000 yards
Task forces break off...


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

Wake:
Not to forget Wake... He sends his Nells to bomb wake, just to finde some fighters. 21 Nells are shot down without losses!

[Historiker]

12/30/41

Palembang:
Through new reinforcements marching and railing in, Palembang has climed from 190 to 420 AV within two turns. While almost all are Dutch units with an XP in their 30ths, I hope he trys a shock attack to push them out after finding just Dutch units there. They have not only doubled in strength, but Palembang is also finally up to lvl 2 fortification!

DEI:
The Jap subs strike. They sink one of my valuable British DDs, who was unmatched with his 8 ASW in this phase of the game. CL Leander takes two torpedoes and is at 49-77-5-0, 5 hex away from Soerabaja through sub infested waters. Also: BBs and CVs appear off Belikpapan.

China:
I decided to DA Sinyang after today's turn. He pushed a roadblock aside with one division and a TK unit. After having already sent one additional division, this seems to be the last chance.
My units are in one digit to 0 disruption and fatigue and fully supplied. He will likely be back up to fortress two, but I think I have a decent chance to get at least a 1 on 1. Additional 1.2k AV are under way, but thanks to his bombing will likely not arrive before his units are there.
The units at Nanchang are really smashed. I still leave them in the city to force him committing his forces here as well.
The whole Chinese 5th Corps is evacuated to India and Burma and starts gaining XP and strength thanks to the significantly improved supply situation.

Burma:
Rabaul is at 850 AV and Moulmein at 360. Every other base in Burma is also garrisoned to do at least a little against possible para assaults.
More reinforcements are under way.

[princep01]

Admiral, nice job in that series of cruiser attacks. This will make him even more prone to hesitate and that is something he cannot afford to do in the DEI.. Another such victory and you may have played out the expendables in the DEI, but it ha scost him dearly in both ships and time. Well done.

And, while you are not doing the fortress gambit, I like the "speed bump" you have installed. This is going to create a major panic for him when he discovers the fortified 500 Av of fighting Dutch!

[Historiker]

Thank you!

Unfortunately, Leander is one of the usefull CLs, as she is NZ and doesn't withdraw. She also has a range of more then 10.000nm IIRC. But there are some expendables left, I still have four or more C and D class CLs and all Dutch "wannabe" CLs.
So while my usefull cruisers will propably stay behind and only strike if there's another chance and are planned to survive, this CLs are powerfull enough to do some damage.