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

[Kitakami]

Dec 15-21, 1941

With one eye in not that good a shape (immune system malfunction... my body wants to eat my right eye, so massive steroid therapy in the next few days), I will not be as thorough as I'd like to, but I will try to write about everything, even if a bit. Here it goes... be patient if I do this in chunks, please.

China

Dec. 15th:

Ki-48-Ib Lilies from Manchukuo are being put to use instead of training. With the quality of Chinese AA assets, I am using bombing altitudes of 6K and even 2K feet. The shorter legged Ki-30 Anns and Ki-32 Marys are also being used, especially since they pack a 250 Kg GP bomb. I am bombing airfields where I don't want the Chinese to entrench (Changsha, Wuchow), and executing ground attacks when I want to disrupt troops (Paotow).

I order a deliberate attack in Changsha, which is not as successful as I'd have liked. At least the price is a lot of disruption but few lost squads. I will need to seriously reinforce if I want to take the city:

Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 36795 troops, 455 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1597
Defending force 58574 troops, 332 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1420
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3
Japanese adjusted assault: 960
Allied adjusted defense: 1373
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
3857 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 434 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 38 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 48 disabled
Allied ground losses:
580 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 68 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 9 (3 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Assaulting units:
13th Division
6th Division
13th Tank Regiment
3rd Division
40th Division
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
11th Army
8th Ind. Engineer Regiment
2nd Ind. Engineer Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
Defending units:
72nd Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
9th War Area
19th Group Army
27th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force
29th Group Army
41st AA Regiment

Yenan is another area of interest of mine. Although the garrison requirements are steep (360 AV), I believe the city can be taken, and held. This is a preliminary combat, in which the losses ratio is definitely in my favor:

Ground combat at 89,38 (near Yenan)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 11813 troops, 112 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 384
Defending force 4849 troops, 40 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 108
Japanese adjusted assault: 289
Allied adjusted defense: 46
Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
206 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
3079 casualties reported
Squads: 153 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 114 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 14 (9 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Units retreated 3
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
37th Division
Defending units:
19th Chinese Corps
23rd Chinese Corps
6th Group Army

Singyang is a whole different story. I did not protect it as I should (or evacuated it if I couldn't) so my losses are rather heavy here. At least I lost no units.

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 11210 troops, 81 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 270
Defending force 2616 troops, 24 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 69
Allied adjusted assault: 239
Japanese adjusted defense: 23
Allied assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 1)
Allied forces CAPTURE Sinyang !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
1048 casualties reported
Squads: 41 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 52 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 25 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 10 (9 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 4
Allied ground losses:
105 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
2nd Group Army
3rd Group Army
31st Group Army
Defending units:
12th RGC Temp. Division
18th RGC Temp. Division
52nd Road Const Co
67th JAAF AF Coy

Dec. 16th

Mineclearing operations begin in Hong Kong. The port is quite useful, and I got a lot of fuel with it, so clearing the mines is a priority.

Bombing of the Liuchow, Nanyang, and Pakhoi airfields continue. Troops in Yenan and Paotow are bombarded by Lilys.

Decide to bombard Changsha while the land units recoperate. I can clearly see that I'll need a few more divisions if I want to wind that battle. This is the result:

Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 45332 troops, 559 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1272
Defending force 62294 troops, 367 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1435

Japanese ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
13th Division
13th Tank Regiment
6th Division
3rd Division
40th Division
2nd Ind. Engineer Regiment
8th Ind. Engineer Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Army
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
Defending units:
99th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
9th War Area
30th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force
27th Group Army
19th Group Army
29th Group Army
41st AA Regiment

Another combat, this one with a much more favorable results:

Ground combat at 88,41 (near Kaoping)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 16696 troops, 169 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 536
Defending force 7814 troops, 79 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 150
Japanese adjusted assault: 387
Allied adjusted defense: 151
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), disruption(-), morale(-)
experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
256 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
2944 casualties reported
Squads: 187 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 45 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 27 (27 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
41st Division
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
Defending units:
33rd Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
7th Group Army

I also bombarded Paotow, waiting until I have enogh force there for a good shock assault:

Ground combat at Paotow (92,34)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 8442 troops, 78 guns, 100 vehicles, Assault Value = 352
Defending force 10216 troops, 86 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 296

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

Assaulting units:
1st Cavalry Brigade
12th Tank Regiment
4th Cavalry Brigade
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
Defending units:
11th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
17th Group Army

Dec. 17th

Wuchow, Changsha, Chuhsien, and Pakhoi airfields are bombed. Troops Yenan and Paotow are bombarded by Lilys.

The land bombardment of Changsha continues. One interesting fact about this battle: it is drawing all the nearby Chinese units into eat. I will have to find a way to capitalize on it (like capturing as many weakly-defended cities as I can).

Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 45464 troops, 559 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1287
Defending force 67257 troops, 410 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1600

Japanese ground losses:
141 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
13th Division
13th Tank Regiment
3rd Division
6th Division
40th Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
11th Army
8th Ind. Engineer Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind. Engineer Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
Defending units:
73rd Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
17th Chinese Base Force
29th Group Army
19th Group Army
27th Group Army
9th War Area
30th Group Army
41st AA Regiment

Paotow is also bombarded. Almost strong enough to assault.

Ground combat at Paotow (92,34)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 8425 troops, 78 guns, 100 vehicles, Assault Value = 349
Defending force 10185 troops, 86 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 295

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

Assaulting units:
12th Tank Regiment
1st Cavalry Brigade
4th Cavalry Brigade
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
Defending units:
11th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
17th Group Army

But something unexpected happened: the Chinese attacked! I love it when I am actually prepared to receive such an attack. I will reply in kind soon.

Ground combat at Paotow (92,34)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 9188 troops, 86 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 294
Defending force 9385 troops, 78 guns, 244 vehicles, Assault Value = 349
Allied adjusted assault: 53
Japanese adjusted defense: 646
Allied assault odds: 1 to 12 (fort level 1)

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

Japanese ground losses:
65 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
254 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 50 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled

Assaulting units:
11th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
17th Group Army
Defending units:
12th Tank Regiment
1st Cavalry Brigade
4th Cavalry Brigade
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade

Dec. 18th

Wuchow, Changsha, Chuhsien and Pakhoi airports are bombed. Troops in Yenan and Paotow are bombarded.

And Paotow is attacked again! Now, this is REALLY unexpected!

Ground combat at Paotow (92,34)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 8670 troops, 86 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 235
Defending force 13214 troops, 111 guns, 244 vehicles, Assault Value = 474
Allied adjusted assault: 125
Japanese adjusted defense: 586
Allied assault odds: 1 to 4 (fort level 1)

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

Japanese ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
329 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
11th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
17th Group Army
Defending units:
4th Cavalry Brigade
12th Tank Regiment
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st Cavalry Brigade
110th/C Division

Dec. 19th

Chuhsien, Changsha, and Pakhoi airports are bombed. Troops in Yenan and Paotow are bombarded. The Chinese also bomb the troops in Changsha.

Changsha is bombarded once again. Forces are nearing parity.

Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 60885 troops, 683 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 1803
Defending force 67985 troops, 410 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1633

Japanese ground losses:
76 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
6th Division
40th Division
13th Tank Regiment
13th Division
39th Division
3rd Division
87th Infantry Regiment
8th Ind. Engineer Regiment
2nd Ind. Engineer Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
11th Army
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
Defending units:
72nd Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
19th Group Army
30th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force
29th Group Army
27th Group Army
9th War Area
41st AA Regiment

Chuhsien is bombarded without any effect.

Ground combat at Chuhsien (88,56)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 12749 troops, 151 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 848
Defending force 7818 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 177

Assaulting units:
15th Division
17th Division
13th Army
4th Mortar Battalion
Defending units:
88th Chinese Corps
16th Construction Regiment
3rd War Area
10th Group Army

And so is Paotow.

Ground combat at Paotow (92,34)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 8319 troops, 78 guns, 100 vehicles, Assault Value = 503
Defending force 9441 troops, 86 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 207

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

Assaulting units:
4th Cavalry Brigade
1st Cavalry Brigade
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th Tank Regiment
12th Tank Regiment
110th/C Division
Defending units:
11th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
17th Group Army

Dec. 20th

Changsha, Chuhsien, and Pakhoi airports are bombed. Troops in Yenan and Paotow are bombarded by Lilys. The Chinese once again bomb Japanese troops in Changsha.

Changsha is once again bombarded by LCUs. Still need more troops. The question is... which troops can I move this way... and when?

Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 61065 troops, 683 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 1819
Defending force 68192 troops, 410 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1654

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

Assaulting units:
13th Division
3rd Division
40th Division
13th Tank Regiment
6th Division
39th Division
87th Infantry Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Engineer Regiment
8th Ind. Engineer Regiment
11th Army
1st Mortar Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
Defending units:
58th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
27th Group Army
29th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force
9th War Area
30th Group Army
19th Group Army
41st AA Regiment

Chuhsien is finally assaulted, and taken.

Ground combat at Chuhsien (88,56)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 24412 troops, 253 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 857
Defending force 7818 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 177
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 1202
Allied adjusted defense: 103
Japanese assault odds: 11 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Chuhsien !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
157 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
3231 casualties reported
Squads: 78 destroyed, 87 disabled
Non Combat: 135 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 26 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 24 (13 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Units retreated 4
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
15th Division
17th Division
13th Army
4th Mortar Battalion
Defending units:
88th Chinese Corps
16th Construction Regiment
3rd War Area
10th Group Army

And Paotow is bombarded yet again... for no effect.

Ground combat at Paotow (92,34)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 8380 troops, 78 guns, 100 vehicles, Assault Value = 786
Defending force 9439 troops, 86 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 207

Assaulting units:
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
110th/B Division
1st Cavalry Brigade
4th Cavalry Brigade
15th Tank Regiment
12th Tank Regiment
110th/A Division
110th/C Division
Defending units:
11th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
17th Group Army

Dec. 21st

Changsha and Pakhoi airfields are bombed. Troops in Paotow are bombarded by Lilys yet again. Chinese bombers once again attacked Japanese troops in Changsha.

Paotow is finally assaulted, and Chinese troops are kicked out.

Ground combat at Paotow (92,34)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 21718 troops, 180 guns, 294 vehicles, Assault Value = 1261
Defending force 9451 troops, 86 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 207
Japanese adjusted assault: 749
Allied adjusted defense: 139
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
324 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 36 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
1797 casualties reported
Squads: 135 destroyed, 22 disabled
Non Combat: 121 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 21 (10 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Units retreated 3
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
15th Tank Regiment
1st Cavalry Brigade
110th/B Division
4th Cavalry Brigade
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
26th Division
110th/A Division
12th Tank Regiment
110th/C Division
Defending units:
11th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
17th Group Army

Changsha is ground bombarded once again.

Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 61263 troops, 683 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 1840
Defending force 68367 troops, 409 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1659

Japanese ground losses:
45 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
6th Division
13th Tank Regiment
13th Division
40th Division
3rd Division
39th Division
87th Infantry Regiment
2nd Ind. Engineer Regiment
11th Army
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
8th Ind. Engineer Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
Defending units:
20th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
27th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force
30th Group Army
29th Group Army
9th War Area
19th Group Army
41st AA Regiment

Sinyang is bombarded. Good thing I bombarded before attacking... need to seriously reinforce my attack here.

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 18693 troops, 134 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 773
Defending force 41945 troops, 233 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1158

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

Assaulting units:
14th Ind.Mixed Brigade
58th Infantry Regiment
140th Infantry Regiment
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
138th Infantry Regiment
Defending units:
29th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
2nd Group Army
21st Group Army
3rd Group Army
31st Group Army

I catch a couple of Chinese corps near Tsiaotso, and proceed to kill a number of them.

Ground combat at 87,41 (near Tsiaotso)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 10851 troops, 102 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 351
Defending force 6970 troops, 45 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 182
Japanese adjusted assault: 506
Allied adjusted defense: 208
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
405 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 43 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
2269 casualties reported
Squads: 97 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 47 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (6 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 3
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
41st Division
Defending units:
43rd Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
8th Group Army

All in all, I can't really complain about how China is going. There are a couple of places where I could be doing better but. overall, Chinese losses have been heavy, while Japanese losses have been light.

[Kitakami]

Dec 15-21, 1941

Ok... next installment. I will try to learn to be brief... my last post was just too long!

Burma and Malaya

Dec. 15th:

108th/2 Base Force, at 51,65 near Victoria Point is subject to daily bombing attacks by Ki-30's and/or Ki-48-Ib's flying at 2K feet. Trying to train those pilots with a not so tough target.

Daily bombing attacks on Alor Star's airfield to stop the troops there from entrenching. For some reason I could not set the escorts correctly, so I lost a number of army bombers until I did. Funny thing is that sweeps did their job, but they tended to arrive AFTER the bombing raids!

Dec. 16th:

Daily sweeps of Singapore begin. Zeroes sweeping at 20K feet generaly give 3x or more than they get against Buffalo I's and Huricane IIb's. By Dec. 21st, 1 fighter is reported by Recce in Singapore, which means the rest were either destroyed, or relocated.

Dec. 17th:

Alor Star is shock attacked with the troops landed in Singora, with the notable absence of the Imperial Division. The slow move south begins!

round combat at Alor Star (49,73)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 18522 troops, 109 guns, 252 vehicles, Assault Value = 717
Defending force 5849 troops, 54 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 227
Japanese adjusted assault: 608
Allied adjusted defense: 53
Japanese assault odds: 11 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Alor Star !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
......472 casualties reported
.........Squads: 3 destroyed, 70 disabled
.........Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
.........Engineers: 1 destroyed, 17 disabled
......Guns lost 17 (1 destroyed, 16 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
......3454 casualties reported
.........Squads: 128 destroyed, 57 disabled
.........Non Combat: 116 destroyed, 19 disabled
.........Engineers: 30 destroyed, 0 disabled
......Guns lost 39 (29 destroyed, 10 disabled)
......Vehicles lost 25 (23 destroyed, 2 disabled)
......Units retreated 4
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
....21st Infantry Regiment
....42nd Infantry Regiment
....5th Engineer Regiment
....5th Recon Regiment
....14th Tank Regiment
....11th Infantry Regiment
....1st Tank Regiment
....41st Infantry Regiment
....25th Army
Defending units:
....6th Indian Brigade
....15th Indian Brigade
....109th RAF Base Force
....137/155th Field Regiment

After building up the supply stores, Port Blair is finally taken by the paratroopers.

Ground combat at Port Blair (46,58)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 863 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 36
Defending force 741 troops, 13 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 5
Japanese adjusted assault: 13
Allied adjusted defense: 5
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Port Blair !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
......9 casualties reported
.........Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
.........Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
.........Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
......748 casualties reported
.........Squads: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
.........Non Combat: 33 destroyed, 0 disabled
.........Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
......Guns lost 14 (14 destroyed, 0 disabled)
......Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
......Units destroyed 2

Assaulting units:
....1st Raiding Regiment
Defending units:
....Port Blair RN Det Base Force
....Pt Blair Coastal Gun Battalion

Dec. 18th:

The air bombing of the units expelled from Alor Star begins at 50,74 near Georgetown.

Allied bomber attacks against the Japanese ships anchored in Kota Bharu begin again, but no ships are hit. A few bombers are lost in exchange for a few Petes.

The 143rd Infantry Regiment, joined by 15th Army's HQ capture an undefended Tavoy.

Dec. 20th:

A couple of British HDML's are sunk by Japanese naval air.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Tandjoengpinang at 50,85
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
......A6M2 Zero x 22
......B5N2 Kate x 3
......D3A1 Val x 6
Japanese aircraft losses
......D3A1 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
......HDML 1062, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
......HDML 1063, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
.......2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000' *
...............Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
.......3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
...............Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
.......4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000' *
...............Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Dec. 21st:

Another pair of HDML's are sunk near Singapore.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Singapore at 50,84
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
......A6M2 Zero x 22
......B5N2 Kate x 6
No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
......HDML Pennigat, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
......HDML Pahalwan, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
.......3 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet *
...............Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
.......3 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet *
...............Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

The British units fleeing from Alor Star are attacked by fast pursuing Japanese units before they reach Georgetown.

Ground combat at 50,74 (near Georgetown)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 509 troops, 0 guns, 80 vehicles, Assault Value = 101
Defending force 2655 troops, 22 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 43
Japanese adjusted assault: 72
Allied adjusted defense: 9
Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
......1062 casualties reported
.........Squads: 45 destroyed, 20 disabled
.........Non Combat: 85 destroyed, 3 disabled
.........Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
......Guns lost 9 (8 destroyed, 1 disabled)
......Vehicles lost 7 (2 destroyed, 5 disabled)
......Units retreated 3
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
....1st Tank Regiment
....14th Tank Regiment
Defending units:
....6th Indian Brigade
....15th Indian Brigade
....137/155th Field Regiment

All in all, I can't complain in this theater either. The historical fall of Singapore was on February 15th, and I do intend to have it under Japanese control before then. The Japanese advance may seem slow, but I have wasted no time (except to reform units into divisions, and even not much at that) before moving to the attack.

The fact that hardly any fighters remain in Singapore is a minor victory in itself. I need to start bombing the place soon!

[Kitakami]

Dec 15-21, 1941

Ok... next installment. Although Java and Sumatra have not been attacked yet, there is enough action to report.

Dutch East Indies

Dec. 15th:

The night beginn with a cruiser bombardment of Ambon. As I expected, a unit of Banshees is parked there. Not enormous damage done, but enough to begin to soften up the place.

Then there are a few naval air attacks on TF fleeing the Philippines. I would have done more damage were it not for the fact that I ran out of torpedoes.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Ternate at 78,102
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
......A6M2 Zero x 14
......B5N1 Kate x 5
......B5N2 Kate x 9
No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
......DD Pillsbury, Bomb hits 1, on fire
......xAP President Madison
......xAKL Palawan, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Aircraft Attacking:
.......9 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
...............Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
.......5 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
...............Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Morning Air attack on TF, near Bara at 74,106
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
......A6M2 Zero x 8
......B5N2 Kate x 9
No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
......AO Trinity, Bomb hits 1
......PG Tulsa
Aircraft Attacking:
.......9 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
...............Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ternate at 78,102
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
......A6M2 Zero x 12
......B5N1 Kate x 5
......B5N2 Kate x 9
No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
......DD Pillsbury
......xAP President Madison
......xAKL Anakan
Aircraft Attacking:
.......9 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
...............Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
.......5 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
...............Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Bara at 74,106
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
......A6M2 Zero x 8
......B5N2 Kate x 9
No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
......AO Trinity, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
......TK Gertrude Kellogg
......AM Lark
Aircraft Attacking:
.......9 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
...............Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
Massive explosion on AO Trinity
Massive explosion on AO Trinity
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AO Trinity

Dec 16th:

The night begins with two successful attacks by the same sub.

Submarine attack near Buitenzorg at 47,100
Japanese Ships
......SS I-165
Allied Ships
......xAKL Siaoe, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

xAKL Siaoe is sighted by SS I-165
SS I-165 launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Siaoe

Submarine attack near Buitenzorg at 47,100
Japanese Ships
......SS I-165
Allied Ships
......xAKL Lee Sang, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage

xAKL Lee Sang is sighted by SS I-165
SS I-165 attacking xAKL Lee Sang on the surface

Then the Allies attack a Japanese heavy cruiser without causing any damage.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Gebe at 82,104
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
......F1M2 Pete x 3
Allied aircraft
......Hudson I x 3
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
......CA Nachi
Aircraft Attacking:
.......3 x Hudson I bombing from 6000 feet
...............Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Myoko-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
......1 plane(s) intercepting now.
......Group patrol altitude is 20000
......Raid is overhead
Haguro-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
......1 plane(s) intercepting now.
......Group patrol altitude is 20000
......Raid is overhead
Nachi-2 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
......1 plane(s) intercepting now.
......Group patrol altitude is 20000
......Raid is overhead

Dec. 17th:

The cruisers return to bombard Ambon. By now, the Banshees are gone.

Dec. 18th:

The 16th Naval Guard unloads over beach at Ternate.

There is an Allied bombing attack on BB Ise. I love Petes in the first month or two!

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sidate at 75,101
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
......F1M2 Pete x 6
Allied aircraft
......139WH-3 x 3
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
......139WH-3: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
......BB Ise
Aircraft Attacking:
.......3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 6000 feet
...............Naval Attack: 3 x 300 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Nagato-1 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
......1 plane(s) intercepting now.
......Group patrol altitude is 20000
......Raid is overhead
Mutsu-1 with F1M2 Pete (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
......1 plane(s) intercepting now.
......Group patrol altitude is 20000
......Raid is overhead
Ise-1 with F1M2 Pete (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
......2 plane(s) intercepting now.
......Group patrol altitude is 20000
......Raid is overhead
Hyuga-1 with F1M2 Pete (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
......2 plane(s) intercepting now.
......Group patrol altitude is 20000
......Raid is overhead

And then a Japanese transport is hit near Ternate.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ternate at 78,102
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 3 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Allied aircraft
......Hudson I x 3
Allied aircraft losses
......Hudson I: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
......xAK Zyuyo Maru, Bomb hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
.......3 x Hudson I bombing from 6000 feet
...............Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

Dec. 19th:

There is a battleship bombardment of Ambon by Hyuga, Ise, Mutsu and Nagato. Damage is heavier than when the cruisers bombarded.

2nd Tank Regiment and 8th JNAF company unload over beach at Manado.

Ternate is captured.

Ground combat at Ternate (78,102)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 1971 troops, 11 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 65
Defending force 156 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1
Japanese adjusted assault: 29
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 29 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Ternate !!!

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

Allied ground losses:
......212 casualties reported
.........Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
.........Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 0 disabled
.........Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
......Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
......Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
....16th Naval Guard Unit
....6th JNAF Coy
Defending units:
....Ternate Det. Base Force

The Allies bombard the Japanese at Manado.

Ground combat at Manado (75,99)
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 962 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 49
Defending force 1189 troops, 0 guns, 101 vehicles, Assault Value = 64

Assaulting units:
....Manado Garrison Battalion
....Manado Base Force
Defending units:
....2nd Tank Regiment
....8th JNAF Coy

Dec. 20th:

SS I-153 attacks... and misses. I would have loved it if one of those torpedoes had hit.

Sub attack near Pamekasan at 58,106

Japanese Ships
......SS I-153
Allied Ships
......CM Gouden Leeuw
......CM Krakatau

SS I-153 launches 4 torpedoes at CM Gouden Leeuw
I-153 diving deep ....
Escort abandons search for sub

And the battleship task force bombards Ambon yet again! As they retreat, the battlewagons find a lone transport and sinks it.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Namlea at 76,107, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
......BB Nagato
......BB Mutsu
......BB Ise
......BB Hyuga
......DD Kagero
......DD Isokaze
......DD Shiranui
......DD Mikazuki
Allied Ships
......xAKL Palawan, Shell hits 3, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 20,000 yards
Japanese launch Long Lance torpedoes at 20,000 yards before allies detect Japanese presence
xAKL Palawan sunk by BB Hyuga at 20,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

Manado is captured.

Ground combat at Manado (75,99)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 660 troops, 0 guns, 101 vehicles, Assault Value = 67
Defending force 1556 troops, 13 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 49
Japanese adjusted assault: 25
Allied adjusted defense: 7
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Manado !!!

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

Allied ground losses:
......844 casualties reported
.........Squads: 21 destroyed, 18 disabled
.........Non Combat: 19 destroyed, 3 disabled
.........Engineers: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
......Guns lost 9 (9 destroyed, 0 disabled)
......Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
......Units retreated 2
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
....2nd Tank Regiment
....8th JNAF Coy
Defending units:
....Manado Garrison Battalion
....Manado Base Force

Dec. 21st:

The assault of Singkawang begins, and the defenders make a bombardment attack without causing any damage.

Pre-Invasion action off Singkawang (56,88)
16 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
......CL Kitakami
......DD Hatsuyuki
......DD Shirayuki
......DD Usugumo
......xAP Miike Maru

Japanese ground losses:
......21 casualties reported
.........Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
.........Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
.........Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
......27 casualties reported
.........Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
.........Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
.........Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

CL Kitakami firing at Singkawang Base Force
DD Hatsuyuki firing at West Borneo KNIL Battalion
DD Shirayuki firing at West Borneo KNIL Battalion
DD Usugumo firing at Singkawang Base Force
DD Hatsuyuki fired at enemy troops
DD Shirayuki 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 1,000 yards

Amphibious Assault at Singkawang (56,88)

TF 8 troops unloading over beach at Singkawang, 56,88

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

17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost in surf during unload of 21st Ind.Mixed Bde
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 21st Ind.Mixed Bde
Type 95 Light Tank lost from landing craft during unload of 21st Ind.Mixed Bde
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost overboard during unload of 21st Ind.Mixed Bde
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad accidentally lost during unload of 21st Ind.Mixed Bde /2
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 21st Ind.Mixed Bde /2
12 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 21st Ind.Mixed Bde /2
12 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 21st Ind.Mixed Bde /2

Invasion Support action off Singkawang (56,88)

7 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
......xAP Miike Maru
......DD Hatsuyuki

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

Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

Invasion Support action off Singkawang (56,88)
7 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
......xAP Miike Maru
......DD Hatsuyuki

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

Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

Ground combat at Singkawang (56,88)
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 818 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 32
Defending force 3644 troops, 40 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 115

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

Assaulting units:
....West Borneo KNIL Battalion
....Singkawang Base Force
Defending units:
....21st Ind.Mixed Bde /1

There is a Zero sweep of both Ambon and Kendari.

Morning Air attack on Ambon , at 76,109
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
......A6M2 Zero x 6
No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
.......6 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

Morning Air attack on Kendari , at 70,106
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
......A6M2 Zero x 8
No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
.......8 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet

And Brunei is captured. Oilhead and refinery are not intact (I do blame the engineers in the base forces), but most of them are safe.

Ground combat at Brunei (65,87)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 2811 troops, 19 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 103
Defending force 804 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2
Japanese adjusted assault: 86
Allied adjusted defense: 7
Japanese assault odds: 12 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Brunei !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
......14 casualties reported
.........Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
.........Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
.........Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
......359 casualties reported
.........Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
.........Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 6 disabled
.........Engineers: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
......Units retreated 2
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
....I./124th Infantry Battalion
....91st Naval Guard Unit
Defending units:
....107th RN Base Force
....100th RN Base Force

I know I have not been the fastest at conquering the DEI, but I do not want to lose too many ships that I may need later, nor to attrite my LCUs. The Dutch bombers and the Banshees do command respect from this apprentice Japanese admiral.

[Kitakami]

Dec 15-21, 1941

Ok... next installment. Things here are getting hot, and I want to wrap this up as soon as possible, as I need the divisions elsewhere.

The Philippines

There are daily sweeps of 20+ Zeros in Iba, Clark Field and Manila. They are there to clear the path for Betty and Nell bombers, so that the airfields remain almost shut down. The destruction of enemy fighters (and hopefully their pilots) is also an important consideration. Army bombers bomb Iba too.

Dec. 15th:

Two forces of PT boats decides to attack my escorted cruiser force blockading Manila.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Bataan at 77,77, Range 14,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
......CA Maya
......CA Ashigara
......CL Natori
......CL Kuma
......DD Satsuki
......DD Minazuki
......DD Fumizuki
......DD Nagatsuki
Allied Ships
......PT-31
......PT-32
......PT-33, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
......PT-34

Poor visibility due to Rain
Maximum visibility in Rain: 15,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 14,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 14,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages PT-31 at 14,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT-34 at 14,000 yards
CA Maya engages PT-34 at 14,000 yards
CL Kuma engages PT-34 at 14,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages PT-34 at 14,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages PT-34 at 14,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages PT-34 at 14,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT-34 at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
CA Maya engages PT-33 at 13,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages PT-33 at 13,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages PT-34 at 13,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages PT-34 at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CL Kuma engages PT-34 at 9,000 yards
CL Natori engages PT-34 at 9,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages PT-34 at 9,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages PT-34 at 9,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT-33 at 9,000 yards
Berg, F.A. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages PT-34 at 10,000 yards
CA Maya engages PT-34 at 10,000 yards
CL Kuma engages PT-34 at 10,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages PT-33 at 10,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages PT-33 at 10,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages PT-33 at 10,000 yards
PT-33 sunk by DD Satsuki at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages PT-34 at 13,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT-34 at 13,000 yards
Berg, F.A. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 12,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages PT-34 at 12,000 yards
CA Maya engages PT-34 at 12,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages PT-34 at 12,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages PT-34 at 12,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT-34 at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages PT-34 at 14,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages PT-34 at 14,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages PT-32 at 14,000 yards
Range increases to 15,000 yards
CL Kuma engages PT-34 at 15,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages PT-34 at 15,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages PT-32 at 15,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT-34 at 15,000 yards
Range increases to 22,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Day Time Surface Combat, near Bataan at 77,77, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
......CA Maya
......CA Ashigara
......CL Natori
......CL Kuma
......DD Satsuki
......DD Minazuki
......DD Fumizuki
......DD Nagatsuki
Allied Ships
......PT-35
......PT-41
......PT Q-111
......PT Q-112, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Poor visibility due to Rain
Maximum visibility in Rain: 10,000 yards
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 10,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages PT-35 at 8,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages PT Q-112 at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
PT Q-112 sunk by CA Maya at 6,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT-35 at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages PT-35 at 8,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT-35 at 8,000 yards
Leira U. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages PT Q-111 at 10,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages PT-35 at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
CL Kuma engages PT Q-111 at 13,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages PT Q-111 at 13,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT-35 at 13,000 yards
Range increases to 16,000 yards
CA Maya engages PT Q-111 at 16,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT-41 at 16,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages PT-35 at 17,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages PT-35 at 17,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT Q-111 at 17,000 yards
CL Kuma engages PT Q-111 at 17,000 yards
CL Natori engages PT Q-111 at 17,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages PT-41 at 17,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages PT Q-111 at 17,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages PT-35 at 17,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT Q-111 at 17,000 yards
Range increases to 19,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages PT Q-111 at 19,000 yards
CL Kuma engages PT Q-111 at 19,000 yards
CL Natori engages PT Q-111 at 19,000 yards
Range increases to 20,000 yards
Range increases to 25,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages PT-41 at 25,000 yards
Task forces break off...

An empty Aparri is captured.

Ground combat at Aparri (82,73)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 630 troops, 0 guns, 94 vehicles, Assault Value = 53
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 51
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 51 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Aparri !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
4th Tank Regiment

And the same happens to an empty Oroqueta. The supply flow from the one source of supply in Mindanao has been blocked.

Ground combat at Oroquieta (78,88)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 12037 troops, 107 guns, 61 vehicles, Assault Value = 420
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 400
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 400 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Oroquieta !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(+)

Assaulting units:
56th Division

Dec 16th:

Cagayan airfield is bombed by Betties.

Dec. 17th:

An empty Tuguegarao is taken.

Ground combat at Tuguegarao (82,74)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 630 troops, 0 guns, 94 vehicles, Assault Value = 53
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 25
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 25 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Tuguegarao !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
4th Tank Regiment

Dec. 18th:

The two PT forces attack a small escorted cruiser force blockading Manila.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Bataan at 77,77, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CL Natori
DD Satsuki
DD Minazuki
Allied Ships
PT-31
PT-32
PT-34

Reduced sighting due to 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 0% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
DD Satsuki engages PT-34 at 1,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT-32 at 1,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT-31 at 1,000 yards
Berg, F.A. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 2,000 yards
CA Maya engages PT-31 at 2,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages PT-34 at 2,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT-31 at 2,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Night Time Surface Combat, near Bataan at 77,77, Range 4,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CL Natori
DD Satsuki
DD Minazuki

Allied Ships
PT-35
PT-41
PT Q-111

Reduced sighting due to 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 0% moonlight: 5,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 4,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 4,000 yards
CL Natori engages PT Q-111 at 4,000 yards
Zambudio F. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 3,000 yards
CL Natori engages PT Q-111 at 3,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT Q-111 at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages PT Q-111 at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages PT Q-111 at 10,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages PT Q-111 at 10,000 yards
Task forces break off...

56th/C div troops unload over the beaches at Zambonga

Pre-Invasion action off Zamboanga (75,89)
6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
CL Kinu
DD Sanae
AMC Bankok Maru
DD Karukaya

CL Kinu firing at 4th PI Base Force
DD Sanae firing at 4th PI Base Force
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 Zamboanga (75,89)
TF 44 troops unloading over beach at Zamboanga, 75,89

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

70mm T92 Howitzer lost from landing craft during unload of 56th/C Div /1
7.7mm T99 AAMG lost in surf during unload of 56th/C Div /1
Motorized Support lost in surf during unload of 56th/C Div /1
12 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 56th/C Div /1
10 troops of a IJA HMG Section lost from landing craft during unload of 56th/C Div /3
12 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 56th/C Div /3
12 Engineers accidentally lost during unload of 56th/C Div /6

Dec. 19th:

Unloading of troops continues in Zambonga, and is taken. The one supply source in Davao is now in Japanese hands.

Ground combat at Zamboanga (75,89)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 3931 troops, 32 guns, 18 vehicles, Assault Value = 139
Defending force 662 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 29
Japanese adjusted assault: 112
Allied adjusted defense: 4
Japanese assault odds: 28 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Zamboanga !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
......47 casualties reported
.........Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
.........Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
.........Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
......169 casualties reported
.........Squads: 6 destroyed, 9 disabled
.........Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 4 disabled
.........Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
......Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)
......Units retreated 2
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
....56th/C Division
Defending units:
....4th/101st PA Battalion
....4th PI Base Force

Atimonan it taken.

Ground combat at Atimonan (80,79)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 1005 troops, 4 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 38
Defending force 359 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 6
Japanese adjusted assault: 32
Allied adjusted defense: 2
Japanese assault odds: 16 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Atimonan !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
......10 casualties reported
.........Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
.........Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
.........Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
......136 casualties reported
.........Squads: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
.........Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 2 disabled
.........Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
......Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
......Units retreated 1
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
....16th Recon Regiment
Defending units:
....1st/45th PS Inf Battalion

Iba is also taken. One less airfield in Luzon to worry about, and one step closer to Manila.

Ground combat at Iba (78,75)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 13865 troops, 166 guns, 66 vehicles, Assault Value = 449
Defending force 5169 troops, 86 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 198
Japanese adjusted assault: 380
Allied adjusted defense: 73
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Iba !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed

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

Japanese ground losses:
990 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 134 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
Guns lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
2218 casualties reported
Squads: 74 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 42 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 31 (30 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Assaulting units:
48th Division
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
Defending units:
31st PA Infantry Division
1st PI Base Force

Dec. 20th:

Cagayan is bombed by Bettys once again.

The Army bombers in the Philippines switch targets. They now ground bomb the troops in Subic Bay.

Dec. 21st:

The Army bombers switch targets yet again. They now ground bomb the troops in Clark Field.

The Japanese ground forces shock attack Clark Field. The attack reduced fortifications to zero, but failed to dislodge the defenders. A few days of bombardment, and then once again!

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 20230 troops, 229 guns, 101 vehicles, Assault Value = 700
Defending force 15128 troops, 242 guns, 441 vehicles, Assault Value = 355
Japanese adjusted assault: 606
Allied adjusted defense: 472
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
1105 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 230 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Guns lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
173 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Assaulting units:
21st Division
65th Brigade
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
14th Army
21st Ind. Engineer Regiment
Defending units:
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
14th PS Engineer Regiment
21st PA Infantry Division
192nd Tank Battalion
194th Tank Battalion
11th PA Infantry Division
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
Far East USAAF
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment

With the exception of the shock attack on Clark Field, which in hindsight should have been a determined attack, I can't really complain on how things are going in this theater. Even in Clark, the losses were mostly disorganization, so I can live with that.

As more airfields are taken, air units will be transfered to other theaters, with the DEI having top priority now.

[Kitakami]

Dec 15-21, 1941

Ok... next installment.

The South Seas

This is an area where I wish I could do more, but I must have the discipline to do what I NEED to do before doing what I'd LIKE to do. So, I do what I can, when I can, with what I can have.

Dec. 18th:

Two Allied bombers attack a light transport near Manus. No damage done.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Manus at 101,119
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 2
No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Shoyu Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Hudson I bombing from 6000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

Dec. 20th:

Again, Hudsons attack a light transport near Manus without causing damage.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Manus at 101,119
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3
No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Shoyu Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing from 6000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Manus at 101,119
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 2 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3
No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Shoyu Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing from 6000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

Dec. 21st:

A cruiser force bombards Rabaul at night.

Night Naval bombardment of Rabaul at 106,125 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
18 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
......CA Kako, Shell hits 1
......CA Furutaka, Shell hits 1
......CA Kinugasa
......CA Aoba
......CL Tama
......CL Abukuma
......CL Isuzu

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

Runway hits 6
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

CA Kako firing at Rabaul Coastal Gun Battalion
Rabaul Coastal Gun Battalion firing at CA Kako
CA Furutaka firing at Rabaul Coastal Gun Battalion
Rabaul Coastal Gun Battalion firing at CA Furutaka
CA Kinugasa firing at Rabaul
CA Aoba firing at Rabaul Coastal Gun Battalion
Rabaul Coastal Gun Battalion firing at CA Aoba
CL Tama firing at Rabaul
CL Abukuma firing at Rabaul
CL Isuzu firing at Rabaul Coastal Gun Battalion

And the attack on the Shoyu Maru continues, again without any damage.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Manus at 101,119
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 2
No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Shoyu Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Hudson I bombing from 6000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

Note that the above are NOT the only things happening in the South Seas, but they are the ones that my esteemed knows about. Even though this is a secondary theater of operations, do expect a bit more action soon!

[Falken]

Dec 25th...

Well, it's christmas day. I've tried to convince my opponent to give up and surrender, but for some reason, I don't think that he's going to oblige....

From an Allied side, things are still going as expected. My cunning opponent is now starting to take PI piece by piece, and the same can be said for eastern DEI. He's done better than I expected in China, but it's not too bad yet. My IJN opponent will take PI and Malaya, and most of DEI by mid January, but i'll still give him a good fight.

I have to say that I had an exciting turn a couple of days ago. One of my bombers actually hit a warship. It was cause for celebration. It showed the rest of the allies that it can be done. We can make the IJN bleed a bit.

I believe that my cunning opponent has setup a very nice trap for me. Very well executed, and it might pay off. It all depends on the next turn. It could be a very bad turn for the allies, but like in real life, I might still get off a lucky shot (or in this case, a lucky torp)

The next combat replay should be very interesting.

[Kitakami]

VERY short status report.

A few bombs did hit the BB Yamashiro... unfortunately for the Allies, they all bounced off the deck armor. Unfortunately for the beautiful forests of Northern Honshu, the wooden deck over the armor will have to be patched with new cedar planking.

The trap that Falken alluded to... did not materialize. At least if it is the trap I think he refers to. The reasons I will leave unstated, to further confuse my enemy as to the existance of that trap... and many others!

On the other hand, on Christmas Day, 1941, the 2nd Infantry division of the glorious Imperial Army of Japan landed in Mersing. It is expected that by the 26th, all of the division will be asore, and will move inland by the 27th. It is interesting to note that both Army and Navy recon planes have reported that most, if not all, Allied units in the Malay Penninsula are in the same locations where they started the war, with the exception of those that have been pushed back by our glorious army.

Let the war continue!

[Falken]

Well, Although it's been quiet in our AAR, the war continues. We are now at Dec 31st, and it's 1 day before the New Year.

Basically, it's been the pretty standard fare since the last time we posted, but I wanted to post for 3 reasons today:
1) My DEI bombers actually hit 2 IJN transports. I actually yelled out a cheer out load. Wife thought I was nuts... but I've only sunk 1 ship so far in 1 month (with Fog of War), so basically, I was pretty excited

[Falken]

crap... saved too fast... sorry about that..

Continued:

2) a battle in China (Yenan) actually caused massive casualties for the IJN. Again exciting for me, and lastly,
3) Kitakami just captued Palembang at Sumatra.

Although the last one is not good for me, it is showing how well my opponent is progressing, especially in the last few days. He has most of northing PI now, and closing in on Clark Field and Manila. Over half of Malaya is his, and now Sumatra is starting to fall.

So far so good, especially since I've kept my CVs intact so far. My opponent knows that I don't like gamey moves in our game, so rest assured that my CVs on still on-map. I would never use the offmap areas as sanctuary, but so far, i've been lucky in keeping them moving and out of the way.... On the other hand, I haven't really been able to do anything with them yet, so really, they are not much of a threat for my opponent.

On to '42.....

[Falken]

It's now Jan 4th..... the war continues...

The IJN have now taken Clark Field. Not much left in PI except for Bataan and Manila. My opponent should have both within the month. He's also making good progress in Malaya.

As for DEI, he has started to attack Soerabaja and Kendari. He should take kendari next turn. I had set a few traps in DEI for his CVs and Bombardment TFs, but for some reason, my Dutch flyboys don't want to pull the trigger.. They apparently have forgotten that Naval attack means attacking ships.... ugh...

My CVs are still safe for now. It's hard to hit something without being too aggressive. Any miscalculation and my CVs could see the bottom of the ocean. It's very tricky at this stage, and right now, they are too important to lose.

I'm happy the way i'm playing so far. Haven't made too many mistakes. Kitakami is also playing very well. Haven't made too many mistakes either, and he's taking things piecemeal. He hasn't lost too many ships, and that is because of his attention to detail, and not being overly aggressive....

It's been a good game so far....

[Falken]

Well, it's the 13th of January, and we are still going strong. Kitakami has most of the Philippines. He should get both Bataan and Manila by the end of the month.

As far as Malaya, he's made really good progress in the last two weeks. I would say within 2 weeks he should have most of his forces surrounding Singapore. Borneo is going a little slow, which is good for me, but I believe that it will be taken over by at least early Feb.

For DEI, he has Palembang, and going south in Sumatra. He's taken a few pot shots at Batavia and Soerabaja at Java, but that is the right thing to do. He will probably wait until the end of the month before making a real strong offensive there, and by that time, he'll have most of DEI.

As for the Allies, i'm doing ok so far. Lost a few good Dutch CLs and DDs near Kuching in a gamble move on my part, which didn't work, but overall, i'm happy with my play. I"ve only lost 103 ships so far, and my CVs are still intact, and although heavily damaged, so are my BBs. China is now pretty much at a standstill, and i'm sure that my IJN opponent will fix that soon.

[Falken]

Well... it finally happened.

Got cocky on an attack to retake Midway, and I just lost 2 of my 4 carriers. This was an absolute pure newbie PBEM mistake. Never ever thought that Kitakami would get there that fast, thought for sure I had one more turn of attack left before he would show up, and I was absolutely and totally wrong.

Both CV TFs were decimated, and now i'm down to 2 carriers, and it's only Jan 16th, 1942. IJN will now have a heck of easier time for the next few months in doing whatever they like. There will be very little to stop them now.

The only two good things that came out of this were:
1) I've learned a lesson that I will not repeat in future PBEMs, and hopefully, this one as well.
2) 1942 and 1943 are going to very very interesting as Kitakami should have a very very strong foothold on most of the Pacific before I have a chance to regroup and get strong again.

[Kitakami]

I am sorry to say my time has had severe constraints imposed on it due to serious health problems and work load increase, so I've not been able to update this AAR as I would have hoped to. Still, I will try to write down a few of the happenings, and a few thoughts on Japanese production for this scenario.

So far, there have been 2 major naval battles. The first one was a night action on Jan 6th, between a Dutch cruiser force, and a Japanese force sent to defend Palembang from the said Dutch force. Thing is, I got really lucky, and I intercepted the Dutch cruisers before they bombarded Palembang again. If the combat report can be trusted, the Dutch lost CLs Java and De Ruyter (and later the Tromp to Nells), DDs Van Nes, Evertsen and Kortenaer (with Banckert, Witte de With, and Piet Hein damaged). The Japanese force that intercepted them consisted of BBs Fuso and Yamashiro, CAs Takao and Atago, CL Jintsu and 4 DDs. Japanese losses amounted to DD Asagiri, plus repairable damage in other ships.

The second battle occurred last turn (Jan 15) and may still continue for a day or two (depending on pursuit and the speed of the stragglers). I can't take credit for setting up a trap or anything like that. I was just extremely lucky. One day before my Emilys detected the USN forces approaching Midway, I had sent Kido Butai to look for shipping to sink in the vicinity of Johnston Island. When I saw the search reports, all I had to do was to redirect the carriers and their escorts to a new destination. That was what gave me the one-day advantage. Pure, sheer luck!

Confirmed sinkings in that battle so far are CV Lexington, CAs Chicago, Astoria, Salt Lake City, and Northampton, and DD Flusser. CV Entreprise was hit by 1 bomb, 4 torpedoes, and had an ammo storage explosion and a fuel storage explosion, so if she has not gone down yet, I am quite certain that she will this turn. CA Chester took 9 bombs and has heavy fires and heavy damage, CA Portland took 4 bombs and has heavy fires and heavy damage, and CA Minneapolis took 1 bomb. I think I will bag the first two, if they have not sunk already. USN plane losses amounted (allegedly) to 42 SBD-3 Dauntless, 34 TBD-1 Devastators, 31 F4F-3A Wildcats, 26 SBD-2 Dauntless, 17 SOC-1 Seagulls, and 6 OS2U-3 Kingfishers. USN air attacks scored no hits, and IJN plane losses were very light: 1 Zeros and 2 Kates destroyed in action, maybe some others crash landed but, if so, just a very few.

Another interesting point in this game has been the total (alleged) fighter losses: 105 Buffaloes, 85 P-40E Warhawks, 81 H81-A3, 38 F4F-3A Wildcats, 33 P-40B Warhawks, 32 Hurricane IIb Trops, 31 B-339D's, 14 P-26A's, 12 F4F-3 Wildcats, plus other minor plane totals for 430+ allied fighters lost in 5 weeks of fighting, against 100 Zeros, 15 Oscar Ib's, 11 Oscar Ic's, 10 Nates, 2 Tojos and 1 Claude for a total of 139 planes. That gives Japan a 3-1 edge in fighters destroyed. If I can keep up with that ratio for a year or so, I won't do that bad in the end Bombers is another thing entirely! I am always in need of more land-based bombers. I have lost far more than I care for, some of them to mistakes, the rest to sweeps arriving after the bombers or to FLAK. Still, it is the fighters that I have been concentrating on, and will continue to do so in the future.

Now, regarding the economy, I have been running on negative supply from day 1. I ALMOST have it under control, but just not quite. I need to conquer supply-producing bases because, the alternative, is much more complicated: to build more HI in Manchuria or the Home Islands. I think it will take 2-4 weeks to get to parity, and from there on I should be able to start increasing stockpiles. It is true that this scenario gives the Japanese player a lot more toys, but it also gives enough rope to hang oneself if one is not careful. The use of the stockpiles in Takao, Pescadores, and Samah, plus the supplies that can be captured, are basically what one runs on in the beginning.

Resources from the NRA must start flowing almost from turn one, as well as oil from Formosa, Hokaido, and Brunei/Miri. If the Japanese do not do this, they are slowly getting into a hole they will not be able to get out from. Then, as soon as it is safe (no sense risking precious tankers and oilers), oil from the DEI must start flowing to the Home Islands, and fuel must be sent wherever the IJN needs it.

All in all, a great game, and I have the greatest of admirations for those who worked on the scenario. Kudos guys, really!

[John 3rd]

Thanks for the comment. I always follow any of the RA AARs. Looks like you guys are doing pretty well. Keep up the good work.

[Falken]

Well, next turn will be Feb 1st, 1942. Major milestone for both of us.

In Summary so far:
1) Have 2 carriers left (due to dumbo mistake on my part in January)
2) Bataan and Manila still survive in PI. They will be gone soon, but they keep hanging on
3) Singapore and Kuantan still surviving in Malaya. I've held on to Malaya and PI longer than expected, which is good, but it won't last long
4) Kuching and Tarakan, in Borneo, are still operating, and have to admit, this is a nice surprise for me. Thought for sure that they would have been taken already.
5) Burma still going strong, but Rangoon is being attacked (a lot)
6) China is still holding strong, especially at Changsha and Sinyang. I"m planning on keeping these two bases active for a while.

Basically, things are as expected. Hopefully, I'll be able to have a stronger fight in Feb, as so far, my offensive has been ,,,, ummm,,, very quiet. Supplies and ships will be coming soon in the next few months which should help a bit.

Gotta admit, that RA, is tougher on bother the Allies and IJN, which oddly enough, is something that both my good opponent and I actually really like. I really like the fact that, at least at the beginning, the Allies have very little to play with, including supplies, fuel, etc., and as Kitakami has mentioned, the IJN also have to be extremely careful in ensuring that they can actually be in a position to use their increased number of assets.

[Falken]

Well, for anyone who might have been reading this AAR previously, just wanted to give a quick update.

Due to personal issues, we had to put our last game on hold for a while. At the end of March 2013, we were able to finally get back to a PBEM. Since we were playing version 5.4 at the time, we decided to restart our game with the latest R.A 5.5 version.

Well, as of today, we are back to Feb 1st, 1942 in our new game. Since we actually stopped our previous PBEM on this date, I thought it would be interesting to give a few bullets on the differences between the two games.

1) Through luck this time, I have not lost any carriers YET (as compared to losing two in our last game)
2) Bataan, Clark Field and Manila still survive (as per our last game)
3) Have totally lost Malaya to Kitakami. This is different from our last game
4) Most of Borneo is still in Allied hands, but this will change dramatically in the next couple of weeks.
5) Burma is still strong. Lost Moulmein not too long ago, and he is going after Pegu and Rangoon next
6) China is very different from our last game. He is really aggressive this time, and it shows. He has already taken a lot of bases, and destroyed many Chinese units

Probably the 3 biggest differences this time for the allies are:
1) Still have my carriers
2) Still have Midway Island (I figured that he was going after Midway again in this PBEM, but this time, I was prepared for it, and was able to repulse the early Dec attack)
3) My Dutch pilots actually hit and sunk about a dozen APs/AKs. This is about 12 more than last time

Our new game is just as fun as last time. We are not the quickest players, but we are having fun. Our problem is going to be : "What will we do when the RA team brings out version 6.0?" I don't think either of us wants to restart again, so hopefully, an upgrade will be possible.....