The War of the Training Cruisers: Kitakami (J) vs. Falken (A) - RA 4.5

[John 3rd]

YES! It is not a problem. Michael and I have done without issue.

[Captain Cruft]

Can you explain why Jehol needs to go to a size 9 airbase please?

[Kitakami]

@Captain Cruft: The 2nd Air Div of the IJAAF is restricted to Manchukuo. Although the game allows the Japanese player to just buy out the HQ with PPs and take all air units with it for free, I find it a bit... gamey... for my taste. So what I do is move the HQ and its bombers to Jehol, and do missions in China. A larger airfield means more arplanes operational and better service turnaround. You do not NEED a level-9 airbase, but it is nice if you can get it to that size. Besides, there a a number of Const units in Manchukuo that do not have much else to do except build.

I have edited the wording in my previous regarding Jehol to reflect the fact that expanding its airfield is a need, but getting it to size-9 is a preference. Thanks for helping me write more clearly.

[John 3rd]

I did the same thing and bumped Jehol up to Sz-9. It works well and you can bomb just about anywhere in northern China.

[Falken]

Ok,,,, Just finished my Allied turn for day 1.

Basically, verified everything, checked each and every A/C to make sure that our house rule was intact, made plans (didn't change yet) for all current TFs, and made sure that Force Z was heading for the killzone. Some people try to save Force Z right away, but i'm keeping all TFs to their original destinations as per day 1 history. If it survives the attack, then all bets are off.

Since I was checking all of the bases anyway, did some checking on what's different in RA. Although it hurts my side for a while, I really really like the fact that the WC is currently low on everything, including supplies and fuel. Allies get enough extras, it's nice to know that i'm at least strained for a while. (guess i'm a glutton for punishment...)

However, John or anyone else, something strange occurred that we didn't anticipate. Note that this is related to WITP, and not RA. When I started my side of turn 1, I notified Kitakami that the Combat Animations and Combat Summaries were "off". Through agreement, I turned them "on" before saving my turn; however, when Kitakami loaded up the turn, it did not run through the animations. It was still turned off on his side.

Is it safe to say that only the IJN side can set preferences, and the Allied side is "overwritten" automatically?

Not sure if we did something in the wrong order. I would have thought that as long as the run didn't run, that my setting of the animations and summaries would have worked???

[ny59giants]

The Japanese player has more control over in game Preferences than an Allied player. The Combat Replay and Animations can only be done by Japan. When doing his orders, he can hit the "P" key to bring up Preferences. Those NOT greyed out, can be changed. Each side can micro-manage the speed of each part of the Combat Replay using both the left and right click. Nice to have the ground combat go faster when having large stacks of units involved.

My new game as Allies had my Japanese opponent forget to turn these two options on, but was able to get them started after the first few turns.

[Kitakami]

I will turn those options ON for turn 1. Now, the Dec 7th, 1941 combat report and comments:

Dec. 7th, 1941:

Air strikes:

Pearl Harbor not the best I have seen, not by a VERY long shot. And that includes the fact that only one port could be attacked, so I threw even the kitchen sink against it. Anyway:

Morning Air attack on Pearl Harbor , at 180,107

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 67
B5N2 Kate x 123
D3A1 Val x 147

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 12 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 10 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Nevada, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
AM Bobolink, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Arizona, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB California, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires
DMS Trevor, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Laida, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 1
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 2
CL Honolulu, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Detroit, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Helm, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
AR Medusa, Bomb hits 1
DD Shaw, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires

Repair Shipyard hits 4
Port hits 29
Port fuel hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
27 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
13 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
14 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
24 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
10 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
12 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
21 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
10 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
24 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
13 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
12 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
City Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
23 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
12 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
City Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Afternoon Air attack on Pearl Harbor , at 180,107

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 111 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 47 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
B5N2 Kate x 24

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-36A Mohawk: 1 destroyed
P-40B Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB California, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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

Repair Shipyard hits 5
Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
City Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
13 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb

CAP engaged:
18th PG/19th PS with P-40B Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
15th PG/45th PS with P-36A Mohawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

Training flight from 18th PG/19th PS has been caught up in attack
Training flight from 15th PG/45th PS has been caught up in attack

Total ships sunk: 1. An AM!!!! At least 2x BBs swallowed four fishes and 4x BBs swallowed three. And the other two BBs got an 800 Kg bomb each, at least. That puts all of them out of the picture for a while... but I am certain that they will come back to haunt me :S

The Philippines fared better but I did take a risk I hadn't taken before. Look at the bombing altitude. I decided to take the risk on the surprise turn, but I will not continue from turn 2 onwards... AAA would do me in.

First, the sweeps:

Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27

Allied aircraft
P-26A x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-26A: 3 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet *

CAP engaged:
6th PS PAAC with P-26A (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes

Morning Air attack on Clark Field , at 79,76

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27

Allied aircraft
P-40B Warhawk x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
24th PG/Hq Sqn with P-40B Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes

For some odd reason which I can't fathom, the Chutai that should have swept Iba, escorted the Manila raid instead :/

Then, the bombers:

Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
G4M1 Betty x 27

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
SOC-1 Seagull: 4 damaged
SOC-1 Seagull: 1 destroyed on ground
PBY-4 Catalina: 26 damaged
PBY-4 Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground
P-40E Warhawk: 7 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground

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

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 30

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on Iba , at 78,75

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
G4M1 Betty x 27

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 28 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed on ground

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

Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 12
Runway hits 61

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on Clark Field , at 79,76

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 27

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 19 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 50 damaged
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed on ground
O-47A: 13 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 12 damaged
P-40B Warhawk: 3 damaged
P-40B Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 22
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 66

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on Cagayan , at 79,89

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 9

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 11 damaged

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 31

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Pre-Invasion action off San Fernando (80,74)

92 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DD Inazuma
PB Rokko Maru #2
PB Chohakusan Maru
PB Akitsui Maru
xAP Kamo Maru

Japanese ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
71 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

DD Inazuma firing at 11th PA Infantry Division
PB Rokko Maru #2 fired at enemy troops
PB Chohakusan Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Akitsui Maru fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

Amphibious Assault at San Fernando (80,74)

TF 8 troops unloading over beach at San Fernando, 80,74

Japanese ground losses:
492 casualties reported
Squads: 24 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (6 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 6 (6 destroyed, 0 disabled)

75mm T94 Mtn Gun lost overboard during unload of 48th FA Rgt
10cm T91 Howitzer lost in surf during unload of 48th FA Rgt
7.7mm T99 AAMG dropped into water during unload of 48th FA Rgt
75mm T94 Mtn Gun damaged beyond repair during unload of 48th FA Rgt
75mm T94 Mtn Gun damaged beyond repair during unload of 48th FA Rgt
75mm T94 Mtn Gun accidentally lost during unload of 48th FA Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad accidentally lost during unload of 47th Infantry Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost overboard during unload of 47th Infantry Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad accidentally lost during unload of 47th Infantry Rgt
75mm Infantry Gun lost in surf during unload of 47th Infantry Rgt
37mm Type 94 AT Gun lost overboard during unload of 47th Infantry Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 47th Infantry Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad accidentally lost during unload of 47th Infantry Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost in surf during unload of 47th Infantry Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost in surf during unload of 47th Infantry Rgt
12 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 47th Infantry Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost in surf during unload of 1st Formosa Inf. Rgt
10 troops of a IJA HMG Section lost from landing craft during unload of 1st Formosa Inf. Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad accidentally lost during unload of 1st Formosa Inf. Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost in surf during unload of 1st Formosa Inf. Rgt
37mm Type 94 AT Gun damaged beyond repair during unload of 1st Formosa Inf. Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 1st Formosa Inf. Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad accidentally lost during unload of 1st Formosa Inf. Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost in surf during unload of 1st Formosa Inf. Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 1st Formosa Inf. Rgt
12 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 1st Formosa Inf. Rgt
12 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 1st Formosa Inf. Rgt
Motorized Support accidentally lost during unload of 4th Tank Rgt
Motorized Support dropped into water during unload of 7th Tank Rgt
Type 89A Medium Tank lost from landing craft during unload of 7th Tank Rgt
Type 89A Medium Tank lost in surf during unload of 7th Tank Rgt
16 troops of a IJA Engineer Squad accidentally lost during unload of 48th Engr Rgt
12 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 48th Engr Rgt
Motorized Support accidentally lost during unload of 48th Recon Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad accidentally lost during unload of Tanaka Det
12 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 40th JAAF AF Bn
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of Tanaka Det
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 28th JAAF AF Bn

Pre-Invasion action off San Fernando (80,74)

70 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
TB Kamo
TB Kiji
APD Kaki

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

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

TB Kamo fired at enemy troops
TB Kiji fired at enemy troops
APD Kaki fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards

Amphibious Assault at San Fernando (80,74)

TF 96 troops unloading over beach at San Fernando, 80,74

Japanese ground losses:
71 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

12 Engineers lost from landing craft during unload of 21st Div
16 troops of a IJA Engineer Squad accidentally lost during unload of 21st Div /3
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost in surf during unload of 21st Div
12 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 21st Div
12 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 21st Div
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad accidentally lost during unload of 21st Div
12 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 21st Div
12 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 21st Div
12 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 21st Div
12 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 21st Div

Ground combat at Davao (79,91)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 495 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 37

Defending force 363 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 18

Japanese adjusted assault: 24

Allied adjusted defense: 4

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Davao !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-4 Catalina: 2 destroyed

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

Allied ground losses:
130 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Assaulting units:
1st Para Assault Div /1

Defending units:
1st /101st PA Battalion

The Iba and Clark Field raids produced the intended result: serious runway damage. The Manila raid was not as successful... so I will have to be careful. But I can't really complain overall. Even the Cagayan attack will help, as the B-17s will have a harder time flying offensive missions from there... and the LCUs will have less time to entrench before the Japanese Imperial Army pays them a visit.

I am not sure if landing in San Fernando was worth it or not. It shortened my time to Clark Field for sure, but it increased my disruption, so my losses will be higher, I am sure. We'll see if it was worth it or not in the next two weeks of game time.

Paras are now the easiest way of taking Davao on turn 1, if that is what the Japanese player wants. I did With the port in my hands, things will begin moving that way from turn 2.

Now we go to Malaya and its neighboring waters:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Mersing at 52,82

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
G3M2 Nell x 30
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
G3M2 Nell: 15 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 5 destroyed

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
BC Repulse, Torpedo hits 6, and is sunk
DD Express
DD Electra
DD Vampire

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
13 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
No.453 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
No.488 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (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
No.243 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Mersing at 52,82

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
G4M1 Betty x 20

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Express
DD Tenedos, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Electra

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
No.243 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (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
No.488 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (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
No.453 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (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

I had hoped to get both capital ships, as my esteemed opponent had put severe historical constraints on himself for turn 1, but bagging the DD was a definite plus. The 5 destroyed Buffaloes are also a bonus, as there will be 5 less fighters defending Singapore in the later stages of the Malaya campaign.

Morning Air attack on Alor Star , at 49,73

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 19

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 11 damaged
Blenheim I: 1 destroyed on ground

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

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 22

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 2000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on Georgetown , at 49,74

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 25

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IF x 4
Buffalo I x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IF: 1 damaged
Blenheim IF: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 20

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 2000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.21 Sqn RAAF with Buffalo I (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 9 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 80 minutes
No.27 Sqn RAF with Blenheim IF (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes

Morning Air attack on Kota Bharu , at 51,75

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 1
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 22
Ki-27b Nate x 19

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 1 damaged
Hudson I: 9 damaged

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

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 15000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on Kota Bharu , at 51,75

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 2
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 55

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 damaged
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed on ground
Hudson I: 7 damaged
Hudson I: 1 destroyed on ground
Vildebeest III: 3 damaged
Vildebeest III: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 36

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 100 kg GP Bomb
30 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 100 kg GP Bomb

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kota Bharu at 51,75

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 5
Ki-27b Nate x 14

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 4
Blenheim IF x 3
Buffalo I x 9
Hudson I x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Hudson I bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
4 x Blenheim I bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
11th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Fuso-1 with F1M2 Pete (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Yamashiro-1 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Takao-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Atago-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

Pre-Invasion action off Kota Bharu (51,75)

39 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Ayatosan Maru
AK Sakura Maru
AK Sasako Maru
DD Ayanami

Allied ground losses:
106 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

xAK Ayatosan Maru firing at 8th Indian Brigade
xAK Ayatosan Maru fired at enemy troops
AK Sakura Maru fired at enemy troops
AK Sasako Maru fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

Amphibious Assault at Kota Bharu (51,75)

TF 85 troops unloading over beach at Kota Bharu, 51,75

Japanese ground losses:
188 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

10cm T92 Gun damaged beyond repair during unload of 18th Medium FA Rgt
7.7mm T99 AAMG lost from landing craft during unload of 18th Medium FA Rgt
10cm T92 Gun dropped into water during unload of 18th Medium FA Rgt
12 Engineers lost in surf during unload of 11th Shipping Engr Rgt
12 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 11th Shipping Engr Rgt
12 Naval Support troops lost in surf during unload of 11th Shipping Engr Rgt
15cm T96 Howitzer dropped into water during unload of 3rd Medium FA Rgt /2
12 Engineers accidentally lost during unload of 4th Ind. Engr Rgt
12 Engineers lost from landing craft during unload of 15th Ind. Engr Rgt
12 Engineers lost overboard during unload of 23rd Ind. Engr Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 55th Infantry Rgt
12 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 55th Infantry Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost in surf during unload of 55th Infantry Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 114th Infantry Rgt /1
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 114th Infantry Rgt /1
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad accidentally lost during unload of 114th Infantry Rgt /1
12 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 55th Infantry Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad accidentally lost during unload of 114th Infantry Rgt
19 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost overboard during unload of 114th Infantry Rgt
12 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 114th Infantry Rgt

Pre-Invasion action off Kota Bharu (51,75)

28 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DD Shinonome
xAK Hokuzyu Maru
DD Shirakumo

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

Allied ground losses:
114 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

DD Shinonome firing at 8th Indian Brigade
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards

Amphibious Assault at Kota Bharu (51,75)

TF 92 troops unloading over beach at Kota Bharu, 51,75

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

17 troops of a IJA Motorized Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 22nd Recon Rgt
17 troops of a IJA Motorized Squad lost in surf during unload of 22nd Recon Rgt
75mm T94 Mtn Gun lost from landing craft during unload of 18th Mtn Gun Rgt
Motorized Support lost in surf during unload of 22nd Recon Rgt

Ground combat at Victoria Point (51,66)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 804 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 34

Defending force 531 troops, 12 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 4

Japanese adjusted assault: 10

Allied adjusted defense: 5

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

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 Raiding Rgt /1

Defending units:
108th/2 Base Force

All in all, a decent turn in Malaya. No Japanes ship was hit by Allied bombers, with even the Petes served the greater glory of the Empire. Also, the Japanese bombers did their share.

I expect Kota Bharu to fall on turn 2... but I have been known to be wrong Also, I had hoped to capture Victoria Point with the paratroopers... and I didn't. Will try again next turn.

Borneo:

I tried not to bee too gamey here. That, and in RA there are additional Allied air units that make more careful play the best course of action, I think. So, only one landing on turn 1.

Pre-Invasion action off Miri (64,87)

7 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PB Eiko Maru
APD Aoi
AV Sagara Maru

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

PB Eiko Maru fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

Amphibious Assault at Miri (64,87)

TF 98 troops unloading over beach at Miri, 64,87

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

17 troops of a SNLF Squad accidentally lost during unload of 91st Nav Gd
17 troops of a SNLF Squad accidentally lost during unload of 91st Nav Gd
17 troops of a SNLF Squad lost in surf during unload of 91st Nav Gd

To me, Miri is very important to take early, one of the reasons being that I want to know how damaged it will be. This helps plan other things earlier. I tried to send a force large enough to take it on turn 2. We'll see if I did or not.

Hong Kong:

Morning Air attack on Hong Kong , at 77,61

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 23

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Walrus II: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 27

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Hong Kong at 77,61

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 4 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Thanet
DD Scout

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Bombing the airfield went well, but attacking the destroyers did not. I had hoped to hit at least one of them. They will have to be hunted by surface units now.

China:

Morning Air attack on Changsha , at 82,52

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 18
Ki-30 Ann x 12

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
DB-3M: 1 damaged
A-29A Hudson: 3 damaged
SB-III: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

The other way of training pilots... bombing in China. Not much damage done, but then not much was expected. I need to get better planes in this theater if I want my pilots to do more.

Now on to the Pacific theater:

Wake:

Afternoon Air attack on Wake Island , at 136,98

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 30

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 37

Aircraft Attacking:
29 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VMF-211 Det with F4F-3 Wildcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

A decent prelude for what is comming against these Marines soon...

Guam:

Pre-Invasion action off Guam (106,95)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DD Tachikaze
TB Tomozuru
PB Nanpo Maru
PB Kiso Maru
PB Aso Maru #3
APD Nadakaze

DD Tachikaze firing at Guam USN Base Force
TB Tomozuru fired at enemy troops
PB Nanpo Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Kiso Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Aso Maru #3 fired at enemy troops
DD Tachikaze fired at enemy troops

Amphibious Assault at Guam (106,95)

TF 90 troops unloading over beach at Guam, 106,95

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

Type 97 Medium Tank lost from landing craft during unload of 2nd Tank Rgt

I hope to take Guam next turn. An unusual unit to do this with, I know, but others were (or will be) busy elsewhere.

Midway:

Naval bombardment of Midway Island at 158,91 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-4 Catalina: 9 damaged
PBY-4 Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground

16 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
BB Hiei
BB Haruna
BB Kongo
DD Hatsushima
DD Nenohi
DD Kasumi
DD Arare
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Yukikaze
DD Yugumo
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Susuzuki

Allied ground losses:
444 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 43 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 37 (10 destroyed, 27 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 47
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

BB Kirishima firing at Midway Island
BB Hiei firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at BB Hiei
BB Haruna firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at BB Haruna
BB Kongo firing at Midway Island
DD Hatsushima firing at Midway Island
DD Nenohi firing at Midway Island
DD Kasumi firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion firing at DD Kasumi
DD Arare firing at 6th Marine Defense Battalion
DD Tokitsukaze firing at Midway Island
DD Yukikaze firing at Midway Island
DD Yugumo firing at Midway Island
DD Hatsuzuki firing at Midway Island
DD Susuzuki firing at Midway Island

Pre-Invasion action off Midway Island (158,91)

17 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Seattle Maru, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
TB Sagi
AK Sakito Maru

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

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

155mm M1918 GPF Battery engaging xAK Seattle Maru at 14,000 yards
TB Sagi firing to suppress enemy battery at 14,000 yards
TB Sagi fired at enemy guns
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

Amphibious Assault at Midway Island (158,91)

TF 43 troops unloading over beach at Midway Island, 158,91

Japanese ground losses:
144 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of Guards Mixed Bde /2
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost in surf during unload of Guards Mixed Bde /2
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad accidentally lost during unload of Guards Mixed Bde /3
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost overboard during unload of Guards Mixed Bde /3
12 Support troops lost overboard during unload of Guards Mixed Bde /3
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost in surf during unload of Guards Mixed Bde /5
12 Support troops lost overboard during unload of Guards Mixed Bde /5
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost overboard during unload of Guards Mixed Bde /6

Ground combat at Midway Island (158,91)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 692 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 18

Defending force 6732 troops, 40 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 240

Allied ground losses:
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
116th USAAF Base Force
6th Marine Defense Battalion

Defending units:
Guards Mixed Bde /1

Ground combat at Midway Island (158,91)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 6732 troops, 40 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 240

Defending force 2703 troops, 53 guns, 60 vehicles, Assault Value = 18

Japanese adjusted assault: 154

Allied adjusted defense: 3

Japanese assault odds: 51 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Midway Island !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-4 Catalina: 7 destroyed

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

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

Allied ground losses:
1937 casualties reported
Squads: 48 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 199 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 9 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 57 (57 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 76 (76 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 2

Assaulting units:
Guards Mixed Bde /1

Defending units:
116th USAAF Base Force
6th Marine Defense Battalion

With the ability to send the Japanese Guards Mixed Brigade to many places, I chose Midway. I believe that it is better to take it on turn 1, or don't even try to. As things went, I probably sent too strong a force to get it, and there are certain risks... calculated risks... that I took.

Well, that is the combat report of turn 1. With this being a combined AAR, there are things I can't write about until they actually do happen, but please feel free to comment on anything and everything you read in this post. Events that have already happened are free game.

Now, to move several hundred cargo ships, and to send the second wave of invasion forces...

[Kitakami]

<the bridge of the DNTK Oi>

The radio operator drops the pencil, removes the headphones, and runs to the ship's captain.
"Daisa-sama! An urgent report from Combined Fleet Headquarters". He bowed his head as he used both hands to offer the piece of rice paper to Captain Morishita Nobue.
Captain Morishita took the message with both hands, grunting his acknowledgement. As he unfolded the paper, he could see three kanji that made him smile:
"Operation Mo successful"

It was a good way to start a war.

[Falken]

hmmmm,,

You took my Midway.... I had plans for Midway... You took my Midway...... ggggrrr
The sleeping Giant is now fully awake, and alert, ..... and he's not happy......

Good turn.... enjoy it.... )))

[Falken]

Kitakami,

Watching the replay, the combat report seems to indicate that no A/C were damaged or destroyed on the initial attack to Pearl Harbor. I'll be able to confirm once I load up the turn, but it's interesting none the less.
Was just wondering if this was intentional, or if the Mission Orders didn't go as planned.....

[Kitakami]

It was intentional... although Vals carry 250 Kg bombs that basically bounce off a BB's deck armor, I had hoped some of them would hit (and hopefully sink) a few cruisers. Yet, only 4 cruisers were hit, and of those only 2 were damaged severely according to the combat report.

VP-wise, one sunk cruiser would have netted me more points than the average 20 planes I destroy bombing the airfields. Long term-wise 20 planes are just a drop in the sea, while in the short to mid-term I fear the US cruisers more.

Yet, the gamble failed. Shikata ga nai.

[Kitakami]

Turn 2 sent to my esteemed opponent... 502 Japanese TFs on the map!

I will post the combat report and make comments when I get the turn back, which will take a few days, but I wanted to let people know that this VERY SLOW game is moving forward.

[Falken]

Maybe it's a PBEM thing, but i've never seen this type of mismatch before.
When Kitakami sent me the Combat file (file 001) for turn 1, the generated Combat reports highlighted that Victoria Point was captured, and that the BB Nevada was sunk at Pearl.

However, when I actually loaded the turn file (file 008) (to start giving orders for turn 2), it overwrote some of my Combat files, and now it correctly shows Victoria sill in my hands, and that no BB was actually sunk at PH. All of them will be gone for a year for repairs, but not one sank.

Now, I understand that there is Fog of War between what Kitakami sees, and what i see, but i'm surprised that the Combat Replay file would show me a different result than what the actual Turn file would display.

Is this "disparity" normal? Makes looking at the Combat Replay kinda useless, might as well just load the Turn itself to see what actually happened....

[Kitakami]

As I wrote above, a very disappointing attack at Pearl. Yet, I have Midway, and other things are going half-decent for me, so I can't really complain. The next few turns will decide the course of the next few months of the war... it will be fun!

[Falken]

Ok... Just sent my second turn to Kitakami. Let see what happens now that i've had an opportunity to issue some orders.

The Day 1 attack wasn't too bad for the allies. Although all of my BBs at PH are heavily damaged, not one of them sank. So, I will be able to use all of them in about 1 year or so. Not so bad.... Since my opponent did not focus on my A/C at PH, there will definitely be a surprise if he comes for a second round. However, he did capture Midway. This will definitely slow down my tempo for the next few months.

For those who have never played RA before as Allies, here are my first few learnings on Day 1 and Day2:
- Very little fuel or supplies at the beginning of the war. I really like this. Slows the tempo, and will allow the Japanese opponent to do what needs to be done early in the war.
- Most of the industries on the West Coast need time to ramp up. There are not operating at peak efficiency yet. Again, I like this a lot with this scenario.
- Position of the Carriers and other starting TFs is very different in this game. This is not a problem, but new.
- Although I did not take a count, there seems to be a lot less TKs and AOs at the beginning of the war. Again, a nice change.
- Training squadrons on the West Coast. Really cool concept, and it takes a little time to figure out how to use them properly. I like the idea of dedicated training squadrons. Makes sense, just never seen this before, therefore, was pleasantly surprised when I discovered them.

Very nice scenario so far. Now, since my opponent did mention that he created over 500 TFs, I have a funny feeling that i'm about to get handed a can of WoopA(* very soon. Damn, I love this game.....

[Kitakami]

Falken,

Of those 500+ TF, most of them are merchantmen and escorts moving to their new home ports. Many, MANY TFs by necessity. Now, that does not mean I have just a handful of combat TFs, but I am definitely NOT taking the whole map by assault on turn 3

Will now run the turn and see what fate has decreed!

[Kitakami]

Ok... here is the report for round two...

Dec. 8th, 1941:

Night-time Actions:

Allied mine clearing efforts in both Singapore and Bataan. Those mines delayed him a bit, at least, and allowed my air and sea assets to get closer before the enemy flees.
Invasion support actions at San Fernando, Kota Bharu, Guam, and Miri. Nothing spectacular to report. There are however, a few night surface and sub actions worthy of note:

The merchantmen at Hong Kong try to escape, but the mighty IJN is waiting for them. Orphan Annie reports 3 CVs and many cruisers and other ships sunk, but a special envoy of the Combined Fleet reports this:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Hong Kong at 77,62, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Naka
DD Natsugumo
DD Minegumo
DD Asagumo
DD Murasame
DD Harusame
DD Yudachi
DD Samidare

Allied Ships
xAKL Chengtu, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Joan Moller, Shell hits 17, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Kanchow, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
xAKL Soochow, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Yat Shing, Shell hits 17, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Halldor, Shell hits 24, and is sunk

There is a failed attack by I-121 on a TK. I believe sinking Allied TKs and AOs is much more important in RA than in other scenarios:

Submarine attack near Tandjoengpinang at 50,85

Japanese Ships
SS I-121

Allied Ships
TK Pinna

TK Pinna is sighted by SS I-121
SS I-121 launches 2 torpedoes at TK Pinna

A minor firefight near Guam, and Penguin got off rather easy:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Guam at 105,94, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Tachikaze

Allied Ships
AM Penguin, Shell hits 3

S-122 had better aim than its sister. Too bad it was not a fuel or oil carrier:

Submarine attack near Tandjoengpinang at 51,86

Japanese Ships
SS I-122

Allied Ships
xAK Demodocus, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

xAK Demodocus is sighted by SS I-122
SS I-122 attacking on the surface

RO-34 fails to it its target, and is hunted back in return. No damage received, though:

Sub attack near Puerto Princesa at 73,85

Japanese Ships
SS RO-34

Allied Ships
AVP Heron

SS RO-34 launches 2 torpedoes
RO-34 diving deep ....
AVP Heron fails to find sub, continues to search...
AVP Heron fails to find sub, continues to search...
AVP Heron fails to find sub, continues to search...
AVP Heron fails to find sub, continues to search...
AVP Heron fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Another surface action, this time in Southern Luzon. Not much but, hey, I don't look at a gift horse in the mouth!

Night Time Surface Combat, near Legaspi at 82,82, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara
CL Tenryu
CL Tatsuta
CL Yubari
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Mutsuki
DD Kisaragi
DD Yayoi
DD Mochizuki

Allied Ships
xAK Governor Wright, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Ravnaas, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Night Time Surface Combat, near Legaspi at 82,82, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara
CL Tenryu
CL Tatsuta
CL Yubari
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Mutsuki
DD Kisaragi
DD Yayoi
DD Mochizuki

Allied Ships
xAKL Dos Hermanos, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
xAKL Elcano, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
xAKL Escalante R, Shell hits 24, and is sunk
xAKL Sarangami, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
xAKL Taurus, Shell hits 17, and is sunk

One minor invasion in the Pacific. This one had me nervous because of the relocation of Allied ships, but it got in. Now, to have those ships flee!

Amphibious Assault at Makin (136,125)

TF 15 troops unloading over beach at Makin, 136,125

12 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 51st Nav Gd

Day-time actions:

Another sub finds a target. This time, near Rangoon:

Submarine attack near Rangoon at 52,55

Japanese Ships
SS I-164

Allied Ships
xAKL Ardent, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

xAKL Ardent is sighted by SS I-164
SS I-164 launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Ardent

The ships from Hong Kong run for it, but not without consequences:

Day Time Surface Combat, near Hong Kong at 76,63, Range 15,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Naka, Shell hits 2
DD Natsugumo
DD Minegumo
DD Asagumo
DD Murasame
DD Harusame
DD Yudachi, Shell hits 1
DD Samidare

Allied Ships
DD Scout
DD Thanet, Shell hits 6, on fire
DM Thracian

Day Time Surface Combat, near Hong Kong at 74,65, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Tsuta
DD Yomogi

Allied Ships
xAK Bennevis, Shell hits 30, and is sunk
xAK Fatshan, Shell hits 3, on fire
xAK Hanyang, Shell hits 14, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Ming Sang, Shell hits 3, on fire
xAK Nanning, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Haraldsvang, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Hai Lee, Shell hits 3, on fire

Day Time Surface Combat, near Hong Kong at 75,66, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Tsuta
DD Yomogi

Allied Ships
xAKL Kanchow, heavy fires, heavy damage

In Southern Luzon I bag another fuel carrier:

Day Time Surface Combat, near Legaspi at 82,82, Range 19,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara
CL Tenryu
CL Tatsuta
CL Yubari
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Mutsuki
DD Kisaragi
DD Yayoi
DD Mochizuki

Allied Ships
TK Manatawny, Shell hits 24, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

And finally, near Singkawang, another sub finds a home for its fishes:

Submarine attack near Singkawang at 55,88

Japanese Ships
SS I-159

Allied Ships
xAKL Shinai, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

xAKL Shinai is sighted by SS I-159
SS I-159 attacking on the surface

There was an attempt by an American sub to dp some damage at the ships gathered in San Fernando (Northern Luzon), but no damage was done.

Sub attack near San Fernando at 79,72

Japanese Ships
xAK Sydney Maru
xAK Chuko Maru
xAK Yamadori Maru
xAK Atlas Maru
xAK Kotoku Maru
xAK Anyo Maru
PB Kyo Maru #13
PB Kyo Maru #12
PB Taiko Maru

Allied Ships
SS Pike

SS Pike launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Sydney Maru
Pike diving deep ....
PB Kyo Maru #13 fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Kyo Maru #12 fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Taiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Taiko Maru attacking submerged sub ....
PB Taiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Taiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Taiko Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Air strikes:

Philippines:
Losses have been minimal so far, but I did wish that the Zeros sweeping Iba would arrive before the bombers. The one thing I do find curious is that most of my Betties and Zeroes from Takao did not fly today. That should not have happened... it lets Allied engineers repair the airfields.

Morning Air attack on Iba , at 78,75

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
G4M1 Betty x 21

Allied aircraft
P-26A x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-26A: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 24

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
6th PS PAAC with P-26A (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

Morning Air attack on Iba , at 78,75

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

Morning Air attack on Cagayan , at 79,89

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 9

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on 11th PA Infantry Division, at 80,74 (San Fernando)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 1
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 15
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 13

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
139 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
15 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

A couple of merchantmen fleeing the Philippines get bagged as they are almost out of danger.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sangi at 77,96

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 33
B5N2 Kate x 17

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAKL Montanes, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Mauban, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Hong Kong:
Trying to keep the engineers busy at the airport, and thus not able to dig more trenches. Lillies do not have much throw weight, but I have to use what I've got.

Morning Air attack on Hong Kong , at 77,61

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 5
Ki-30 Ann x 3
Ki-32 Mary x 5
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
5 x Ki-32 Mary bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

At least the naval side of things was a bit better:

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Hong Kong at 77,62

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 8
Ki-27b Nate x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Scout
DD Thanet, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

China:
China is a secondary theater (at least for now). Compared to the action in other places, not much is happening here (at least not yet).

Morning Air attack on Chuhsien , at 88,56

Weather in hex: Light cloud

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 7
Ki-30 Ann x 6

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on Pakhoi , at 72,58

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 6

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on Changsha , at 82,52

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 8
Ki-30 Ann x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-30 Ann: 2 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Malaya:
I did not fare too bad here. My land units are (mostly) safely ashore, and none of my ships have been hit by Allied bombers. This is what happened:

Morning Air attack on Alor Star , at 49,73

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 54
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 30

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 10 damaged
Blenheim I: 1 destroyed on ground


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

Airbase hits 23
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 51

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
30 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 100 kg GP Bomb
29 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on Alor Star , at 49,73

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 16

No Japanese losses

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on TF, near Kota Bharu at 51,75

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 6
Ki-27b Nate x 6
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 6
Ki-44-Ia Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 7
Blenheim IV x 8
Hudson I x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
Blenheim IV: 4 damaged
Hudson I: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
AK Sasako Maru
CA Mikuma
CL Jintsu
BB Fuso

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Hudson I bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
8 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
7 x Blenheim I bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (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
11th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (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
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-Ia Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
59th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (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 20000
Raid is overhead
64th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (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 20000
Raid is overhead
Fuso-1 with F1M2 Pete (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Yamashiro-1 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Takao-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Atago-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Mogami-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead

Morning Air attack on TF, near Kota Bharu at 51,75

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 5
Ki-27b Nate x 24
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 12
Ki-44-Ia Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish I: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
59th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 98 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 73 minutes
11th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
1st Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
Fuso-1 with F1M2 Pete (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Takao-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Atago-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Mogami-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-Ia Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kota Bharu at 51,75

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 8
Ki-27b Nate x 3

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 6
Vildebeest III x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed by flak
Vildebeest III: 1 damaged
Vildebeest III: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
xAK Tatutaki Maru
CA Mogami

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Blenheim IV bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
2 x Vildebeest III launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (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
Fuso-1 with F1M2 Pete (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Yamashiro-1 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Takao-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Atago-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Mogami-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Mikuma-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Suzuya-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Raid is overhead

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Singora at 51,72

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 3
Ki-27b Nate x 35
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 25
Ki-44-Ia Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
11th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (5 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
47th I.F.Chutai with Ki-44-Ia Tojo (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
Kamikawa Maru-1 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Sanyo Maru-1 with F1M2 Pete (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
59th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (3 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
1st Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (4 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

Ground Combat:

Philippines:
Batan Island was invaded, and San Fernando in Luzon was taken. You'll note that the first wave into San Fernando included two divisions (21st & 48th), and two Tank regiments (4th & 7th). 65th Brigade is nowhere to be seen... at least not yet

Amphibious Assault at Batan Island (85,70)

TF 19 troops unloading over beach at Batan Island, 85,70

Ground combat at San Fernando (80,74)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 28819 troops, 282 guns, 277 vehicles, Assault Value = 1001

Defending force 4701 troops, 82 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 174

Japanese adjusted assault: 1307

Allied adjusted defense: 17

Japanese assault odds: 76 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE San Fernando !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
421 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 43 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2701 casualties reported
Squads: 127 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 30 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 24 (24 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
2nd Formosa Inf. Regiment
21st Division
47th Infantry Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
48th Engineer Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
28th JAAF AF Bn
48th Field Artillery Regiment
40th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
11th PA Infantry Division

The Pacific:

Guam:
I thought Guam would be taken today, but wasn't. Still, it was a 2-1 shock attack, that will continue next turn.

Ground combat at Guam (106,95)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 667 troops, 0 guns, 101 vehicles, Assault Value = 57

Defending force 806 troops, 0 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 9

Japanese adjusted assault: 24

Allied adjusted defense: 11

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

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

Assaulting units:
2nd Tank Regiment

Defending units:
Guam USN Base Force

Makin is taken. I was a little nervous for a bit there.

Ground combat at Makin (136,125)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1620 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 61

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 54

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 54 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Makin !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
51st Naval Guard Unit

DEI:

Miri:
Miri is one of those critical spots where I'd rather know early how I fared. As things went, only 3 oil heads and 3 refineries were damaged. That is a good omen for future conquests! In the past I learned by doing things the wrong way that if you want to take production undamaged, it is better to use a DA than a Shock attack. I am being more careful in this game.

Ground combat at Miri (64,87)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2786 troops, 19 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 102

Defending force 480 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 73

Allied adjusted defense: 3

Japanese assault odds: 24 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Miri !!!

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

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


Allied ground losses:
254 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Units retreated 1


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
I./124th Infantry Battalion
91st Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
100th RN Base Force

Malaya:
Still building up momentum here. Things may look slow, but I am almost happy with what has happened so far. The only exception would be Victoria Point. I thought I'd have it by now. 18th Div is about ready to take Kota Bharu.

Ground combat at Kota Bharu (51,75)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4110 troops, 40 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 140

Defending force 18438 troops, 265 guns, 142 vehicles, Assault Value = 473

Allied ground losses:
300 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
FMSV Brigade
8th Indian Brigade
3rd ISF Base Force

Defending units:
22nd Recon Regiment
56th Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
55th Infantry Regiment
12th Engineer Regiment
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
1st RF Gun Battalion
5th JAAF AF Coy
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
4th Ind. Engineer Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
26th Fld AA Gun Co
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
23rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
11th Shipping Engineer Regiment
35th Fld AA Gun Co
15th Ind. Engineer Regiment
5th FA Rgt /3

Ground combat at Victoria Point (51,66)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 826 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 35

Defending force 526 troops, 12 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 3

Japanese adjusted assault: 4

Allied adjusted defense: 3

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Assaulting units:
1st Raiding Rgt /1

Defending units:
108th/2 Base Force

Well, that is about it. I made a few gambles here and there, and not all of them paid off. There are 6 divisions plus the 65th Bde and other small units that have not made contact with the enemy yet, so the question is... where are they headed? Malaya definitely will get more that what it has, or Singapore will never be taken, but it will definitelly not get that many troops.

So, Falken, where am I heading? If you find the answer to that one, you may just have the time to counter me...

[Kitakami]

Had a quiet weekend, so turn 3 has been sent to Falken.

[Falken]

Finished my Turn tonight. The new thing that I have learned about this scenario is that although it's based on DBB, it's not DBB. I was finishing my setup of OZ, NZ and a few other countries, based on some notes that I had prepared based on my memory of how DBB was setup. However,...

Took me a bit longer to finish the turn because I soon realized that not everything was where it was supposed to be. This is now painfully obvious to me, but unfortunately, when I started the scenario, with my understanding of DBB, I started this game with incorrect assumptions. As the saying goes,,,, "never assume anything"... It's nothing bad, but I had spent some time making notes that had to be thrown away.... oh well... slowly learning ....

From a game play perspective, since I have so little of everything in early december, I have made some moves that will hopefully help me in a few months, but in order to do this, i've had to sacrifice a few merchantmen. I used a few ships as a type of decoy. For the Japanese player, a sunk ship (even a small one) is a good thing. For me as Allies, I needed to make sure that other ships be saved, even if it meant sacrificing a few others.

Although this is just a game, I do try to play my games with some sense of reality, and I don't think i've liked my early strategy of using some ships as decoys. It may have worked so far, but i'm not sure I would use this again in future PBEMs.....

[Kitakami]

ORIGINAL: Falken
Finished my Turn tonight. The new thing that I have learned about this scenario is that although it's based on DBB, it's not DBB. I was finishing my setup of OZ, NZ and a few other countries, based on some notes that I had prepared based on my memory of how DBB was setup. <snip>

Agreed! I need to remind myself every turn to see where my SNLF Assault Divs are, what they are doing now, and what will they be doing next. Otherwise I waste a number of rather good units...

Turn received and ran. Will post comments tonight, tomorrow at the latest.