Zen and the Art of Waging War - TLG (J) vs adsoul64 (A)

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: TheLoneGunman

Regarding the Bear. I've done some peeking around the Turn 1 Allied side of things (aside from my earlier games as the Allies) and I see that the Soviet Union has (correct me if I'm wrong) 1600 Light Industry, but no resources other than what are stockpiled to supply all of that industry. The only route for the Soviets to get resources if I cut the railways to the Far East is via China. Would a successful push in China combined with the cutting of the Trans-Siberian railway result in the Soviets slowly starving for supplies? Or would they receive some off-map resource convoys that I am unaware of? Successfully dealing with the Soviets is predicated on my ability to cut off the majority of his forces on the Pacific Coast, and destroy them there. The Soviet replacement rate is such, that I need to pocket and destroy his units, in rather the exact opposite fashion of dealing with the Chinese, who because they respawn in Chunking if destroyed with free replacements are better left to retreat as worthless shells. I believe I will need to come to a decision on whether or not to commit to an invasion of Russia by Jaunuary of 1942. The invading Kwantung Army must be capable of handling the fight by itself, the only exception being supply shipments to keep them fighting. I don't want to pull forces from other theaters to deal with the Soviets (unless it's 1944 and they're attempting some massive counteroffensive).

I believe due to our HRs, we could expect a rather realistic campaign against the Soviets, with the other Allies attempting to support Uncle Joe via supply convoys and trying to open up second fronts, instead of the highly implausible campaigns I've seen thus far where B-17s and US Army Divisions are fighting side-by-side with Russian Il-2s and T-34s.

I don't think the forces in theatre for IJ can take on both China and the SOV simultaneously. To be effective in China, I've had to use some of the Manchurian forces arrayed against the SOV. However, I will certainly be watching this with great interest if you decide to go after the SOV.

BANZAI!!!!

[TheLoneGunman_MatrixForum]

I've given myself a month's time to consider such a move. So we'll see how China is looking by January, as well as our other prime objectives. If things are looking good, we'll invade. If not, we'll hold fast, and I'll probably start buying out Kwantung units to help my war effort.

Another R&D update. I've done a tally of the aircraft I'm focusing on accelerating thus far (I believe there are still a few R&D facilities researching aircraft I have no intention of ever using, so I still have some wiggle room). Here is what I come up with:

A6M2-N Rufe - 4 R&D Facilities
A7M2 Sam - 11 R&D Facilities
DY41 Judy - 6 R&D Facilities
Ki-44-IIa Tojo - 8 R&D Facilities
Ki-83 - 11 R&D Facilities
Ki-84a Frank - 12 R&D Facilities

At present levels would this be enough to significantly advance the 3 late war fighters I want to focus on? Or do they need closer to 15+ facilities to see a large advancement?

Some facilities will be rededicated to other late war research if they've reached their developmental endpoint. So to use the Ki-83 as an example, as soon as it goes into production, I can take all of the excess R&D facilities that I'm not converting to production and shift them (I'm willing to take the damage) to a new aircraft, say the Ki-201 and try to push that out before I have Allied troops swarming the Home Islands.

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: TheLoneGunman

I believe I will need to come to a decision on whether or not to commit to an invasion of Russia by Jaunuary of 1942.

I absolutely agree. I think IJ needs a rather complete plan to start. Then of course, you need the flexibility to adapt to your opponent after hostilities are initiated. However, IJ can maintain the initiative through mid-43 if they play/plan well.

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: TheLoneGunman

I've given myself a month's time to consider such a move. So we'll see how China is looking by January, as well as our other prime objectives. If things are looking good, we'll invade. If not, we'll hold fast, and I'll probably start buying out Kwantung units to help my war effort.

Another R&D update. I've done a tally of the aircraft I'm focusing on accelerating thus far (I believe there are still a few R&D facilities researching aircraft I have no intention of ever using, so I still have some wiggle room). Here is what I come up with:

A6M2-N Rufe - 4 R&D Facilities
A7M2 Sam - 11 R&D Facilities
DY41 Judy - 6 R&D Facilities
Ki-44-IIa Tojo - 8 R&D Facilities
Ki-83 - 11 R&D Facilities
Ki-84a Frank - 12 R&D Facilities

At present levels would this be enough to significantly advance the 3 late war fighters I want to focus on? Or do they need closer to 15+ facilities to see a large advancement?

Some facilities will be rededicated to other late war research if they've reached their developmental endpoint. So to use the Ki-83 as an example, as soon as it goes into production, I can take all of the excess R&D facilities that I'm not converting to production and shift them (I'm willing to take the damage) to a new aircraft, say the Ki-201 and try to push that out before I have Allied troops swarming the Home Islands.

First, you're committing 1,716,000 supply here to R&D. The issue isn't whether you can afford it, it is when can you afford it. I haven't played DBB C yet, but in terms of supply it is closer to Scen 1 than 2 AFAIK. In Scen 1, I wouldn't have 1716K of spare supply until about Apr/May 42 dependent upon how much I capture in the early conquests. YMMV. (Obviously you can start the R&D factory buiild earlier, but ...)

Next, I gave you the estimates above for the pull for 4 factories, so you should be able to extrapolate to see if your commitments will work. Once the factories are repaired, the start date will move forward very quickly. The question is how fast will they repair? A lot of different answers to that.

[TheLoneGunman_MatrixForum]

I know that the closer to the original design date you are, the faster the R&D factories will repair. So in order not to completely burn myself out of supply in the early going, I will start my R&D efforts with the earlier aircraft as that is more likely to generate initial gains. For the first few months of the war, I'll gradually increase the rest, similar to what I'm doing with production at this time (I'm planning on adjusting production on a turn-by-turn basis initially).

After loading up the game to do a quick double-check, in DaIronBabes (which is DBB but with Scenario 2 changes), I presently have a grand total of slightly more than 3 million supply. My HI and LI generate about 19k and 9k of supplies respectively. Refineries generate 0 supply.

Even though I could afford the conversion right away, I'll go down the slow expansion route.

It's almost time to get this war started! [8D]

[TheLoneGunman_MatrixForum]

I've sent adsoul an e-mail letting him know that I'm pretty much finished with Turn 1. Will continue to adjust and make preparations for my plans in the meantime until I hear back from him. I've determined which Kwantung units will gather along the Soviet border in anticipation for a green light to open hostilities. I've also assigned restricted Home Island units new prep targets so that if I buy them out sometime in 42 or 43 they will be ready to engage in either the Indian or the Australian theater.

I'm going to run a few test turns to make sure everything looks good.

[TheLoneGunman_MatrixForum]

Ok Turn 1 is complete. The turn is now off to adsoul. Soon we'll see if all of my planning has paid off!

[TheLoneGunman_MatrixForum]

[center]NIITAKA-YAMA NOBORE

"The Way of the Samurai is one of immediacy, and it is best to dash in headlong."
Yamamoto Tsunetomo [/center]

December 7th, 1941

It is important when one seeks the Way, to reflect upon bold and decisive action. The philosophers of war across all ages have exclaimed that war is not merely won by battles alone. It is easy for one to lose a war in fact without one ever fighting a single battle. The great Empire of Japan, intentionally starved of resources by the United States and British Empire was now at risk of losing such a war. There was only one alternative. Attack. A single devestating blow to the United States would render it helpless long enough for Imperial troops to conquer great swathes of territory. This would allow Japan to gain access to the resources it needs to continue to sustain itself, and lead to its ultimate victory.

Word of war would reach Admiral Chûichi Nagumo this morning. A coded message dispatched by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto read, "Niitaka-Yama Nobore" - Climb Mount Niitaka. The message gave Admiral Nagumo permission to unleash the greatest assembled fleet of aircraft carriers in history upon the US Pacific Fleet. Within hours, over 350 aircraft from the Kido Butai would descend upon Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Yet, this attack would only be the beginning, all across the Pacific there were Japanese forces preparing strikes by air and landings by sea. The forces of Japan were poised to dash in headlong.

The attack on Pearl Harbor is carried out by 6 fleet carriers of the Imperial Japanese Navy, the Akagi, Kaga, Sôryû, Hiryû, Shôkaku, and Zuikaku. In addition to the fleet carriers, the light carrier Ryûjô was also dispatched to support the attack, as well as the fast battleships Hiei and Kirishima providing cover. The A5M4 Claudes from the Ryûjô were ordered to provide escort for the rest of the aircraft in the case that enemy CAP was airborn at the time the attack was launched. As the aircraft approached their target, no Allied fighters were sighted. The A6M2 Zeroes were outfitted for the attack with 60kg bombs and ordered to strike the Hawaiian airfields, they would fly in and drop their ordnance at 10k feet. The D3A1 Val dive bombers would use their heavier 250kg bombs to do further damage to the airfields and any aircraft on the ground. Meanwhile, the B5N1 and B5N2 Kates would use their torpedoes and larger 800kg AP bombs to attack the ships in the harbor.

Morning Air attack on Pearl Harbor , at 180,107

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 98 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 6
A6M2 Zero x 108
B5N1 Kate x 12
B5N2 Kate x 144
D3A1 Val x 135



Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 8 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Warhawk: 1 destroyed, 73 damaged
P-40B Warhawk: 8 destroyed on ground
B-17D Fortress: 55 damaged
R3D-2: 1 destroyed on ground
B-18A Bolo: 43 damaged
B-18A Bolo: 2 destroyed on ground
PBY-5 Catalina: 137 damaged
PBY-5 Catalina: 4 destroyed on ground
SBD-1 Dauntless: 39 damaged
SBD-1 Dauntless: 3 destroyed on ground
B-17E Fortress: 9 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed on ground
P-36A Mohawk: 20 damaged
P-36A Mohawk: 1 destroyed on ground
F4F-3 Wildcat: 11 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed on ground
A-20A Havoc: 31 damaged
A-20A Havoc: 1 destroyed on ground
O-47A: 11 damaged
O-47A: 1 destroyed on ground
C-33: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Arizona, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, on fire
BB California, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 3, on fire
BB Nevada, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2
DD Selfridge, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 1
CL Detroit, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
SS Cachalot, Bomb hits 1
DM Pruitt, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Helena, Bomb hits 1, on fire


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


Repair Shipyard hits 1
Airbase hits 75
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 132
Port hits 21
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

When the attack was complete, Admiral Nagumo transmitted the coded message "Tora Tora Tora" - Tiger Tiger Tiger, to indicate that complete surprise had been achieved. Sadly, none of the US carriers were present at Pearl Harbor when the attack occurred. Combat reports also indicated the battleships Tennessee and Nevada were only minimally damaged, and that none of the battleships were sunk outright. The airfields were another matter entirely, hundreds of aircraft had been damaged, several destroyed outright, and the runways had been thoroughly cratered from the bombing. Such damage would leave Pearl Harbor vulnerable from the air to a second day of attacks if Admiral Nagumo was willing to commit to a follow-up strike. Losses were exceedingly light, 1 Kate and 1 Val were lost to enemy flak, the only two pilots to be killed in combat operations for the entire day for Japan. A few of the other bombers were damaged, but all managed to make it back to the carriers.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Embassy attempts to deliver a 14-page letter to the United States before the attacks commence, but the letters are delivered only after the US government receives word of the Pearl Harbor attack. In Japan, newspapers publish the official declaration of war against the United States of America and the British Empire.

Imperial Rescript

We, by grace of heaven, Emperor of Japan, seated on the Throne of a line unbroken for ages eternal, enjoin upon ye, Our loyal and brave subjects:

We hereby declare war on the United States of America and the British Empire. The men and officers of Our army and navy shall do their utmost in prosecuting the war, Our public servants of various departments shall perform faithfully and diligently their appointed tasks, and all other subjects of Ours shall pursue their respective duties; the entire nation with a united will shall mobilize their total strength so that nothing will miscarry in the attainment of our war aims.

To insure the stability of East Asia and to contribute to world peace is the far-sighted policy which was formulated by Our Great Illustrious Imperial Grandsire and our Great Imperial Sire succeeding Him, and which We lay constantly to heart. To cultivate friendship among nation and to enjoy prosperity in common with all nations has always been the guiding principle of Our Empire's foreign policy. It has been truly unavoidable and far from Our wishes that Our Empire has now been brought to cross swords with America and Britain. More than four years have passed since China, failing to comprehend the true intentions of Our Empire, and recklessly courting trouble, disturbed the peace of East Asia and compelled Our Empire to take up arms. Although there has been re-established the National Government of China, with which Japan has effected neighbourly intercourse and cooperation, the regime which has survived at Chungking, relying upon American and British protection, still continues its fratricidal opposition. Eager for the realization of their inordinate ambition to dominate the Orient, both America and Britain, giving support to the Chungking regime in the name of peace, have aggravated the disturbances in East Asia. Moreover, these two Powers, inducing other countries to follow suit, increased military preparations on all sides of Our Empire to challenge us. They have obstructed by every means our peaceful commerce, and finally resorted to a direct severance of economic relations, menacing gravely the existence of Our Empire. Patiently have We waited and long have We endured, in the hope that Our Government might retrieve the situation in peace. But our adversaries, showing not the least spirit of conciliation, have unduly delayed a settlement; and in the meantime, they have intensified economic and military pressure to compel thereby Our Empire to submission. This trend of affairs would, if left unchecked, not only nullify Our Empire's efforts of many years for the sake of the stabilization of East Asia, but also endanger the very existence of Our nation. The situation being such as it is, Our Empire for its existence and self-defense has no other recourse but to appeal to arms and to crush every obstacle in its path.

The hallowed spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors guarding Us from above, We rely upon the loyalty and courage of Our Subjects in Our confident expectation that the task bequeathed by Our Forefathers will be carried forward, and that the sources of evil will be speedily eradicated and an enduring peace immutably established in East Asia, preserving thereby the glory of Our Empire.

The 8th day of the 12th month of the 16th year of Showa.

Admiral Nagumo is left with a difficult decision. Have the Kido Butai remain near the Hawaiian Islands to launch a second strike on the 8th of December, or withdraw as planned and refuel for new operations. There is a risk that the US Pacific Fleet may attempt to sortie with its large number of relatively undamaged warships and seek a naval battle with Nagumo's carriers. Such an event could sink one or more of Japan's precious aircraft carriers, a loss that would be difficult to recover from.

Alternately, Nagumo could anticipate an Allied sortie and make preparations for an ambush. Such a plan could successfully deplete the US Navy of vital destroyers, cruisers, and even possibly one of the less damaged battleships. The downside is that the enemy may not even seek a naval battle, which would result in an entire day wasted when the Kido Butai could either be attacking or moving on.

The last option is to attempt to move away from a naval engagement while remaining close enough to Hawaii to launch a second strike. It is likely that aircraft losses would be much higher now that the element of surprise has been lost, but plans to reduce losses are also prepared. Bombers would be instructed to bomb from higher altitudes to avoid enemy flak, dive bombers would use either glide bombing or level bombing and torpedo bombers would use level bombing exclusively.

A hybrid option could involve setting the Kido Butai's entire contingent of dive bombers on "Naval Attack" orders while the torpedo bombers attempt to finish off any battleships languishing at Pearl Harbor. There is a risk that such an operation will leave one of the groups of bombers without an escort however, and this must be taken into account.



I look forward to discussing philosophy and war with you on this and many other subjects. [:D]

[TheLoneGunman_MatrixForum]

Malaya

Japanese efforts in the region rely on the swift conquest of Singapore from the enemy. Initial landings were conducted at Kota Baru with Ki-27 Nates and Ki-43 Oscars providing CAP over the landing sites with several of the Nates also outfitted with small 50kg bombs to strike the enemy airfield. Ki-21 Sally bombers were also dispatched to provide ground support for the invasion. Oscars were ordered to sweep the surrounding areas, and more Sallies and Lily bombers were to strike Alor Star.

Morning Air attack on Kota Bharu , at 51,75

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 31
Ki-27b Nate x 40



Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 1


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses


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


Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 31

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

Morning Air attack on Georgetown , at 49,74

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 24



Allied aircraft
Blenheim IF x 2


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IF: 1 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-43-Ia Oscar sweeping at 15000 feet

CAP engaged:
No.27 Sqn RAF with Blenheim IF (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Raid is overhead

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

Morning Air attack on Alor Star , at 49,73

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 48
Ki-27b Nate x 19
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 13
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 55



Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 19 damaged
Blenheim I: 1 destroyed on ground



Airbase hits 28
Airbase supply hits 10
Runway hits 90

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Singora , at 51,72

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 20



Allied aircraft
Blenheim IF x 3
Buffalo I x 13


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IF: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
11th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (4 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
1st Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Singora , at 51,72

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 18



Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
11th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 68 minutes
1st Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes


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

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 21
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 7



Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 6


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed by flak



CAP engaged:
11th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 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 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
1st Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
77th Sentai Det A with Ki-27b Nate (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

British bombers attempted to disrupt the invasion at Kota Baru and the landings at Singora and Patani, but were shot down or driven away. No Japanese shipping was lost or even damaged during the operations. Securing Kota Baru alone will not be enough to cut off and capture Singapore. What is needed is to capture a large enough airfield that can house naval bombers for an interdiction campaign across Southern Malaya and portions of the Dutch East Indies.

Borneo

Luckily for the Japanese, such an airfield already exists at Singkawang. Pre-war intelligence indicated that the area was only lightly defended, but was close enough to Singapore and Johore Bahru that it was vulnerable to enemy air attacks. This made an invasion risky, but the rewards of a successful landing would be far greater, especially if surprise was achieved. In an attempt to supress British bombers from striking the invasion force, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched an airstrike on the airfields located at Johore Bahru. A large surface action group being led by the battleships Kongo and Haruna would provide cover for the operation to dissuade the Prince of Wales and Repulse from intervening. On their way to Singkawang, the battleships score the first confirmed ship sinking of the war by destroying the XAKL Dai Tung with only two hits.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Kuantan at 53,78, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Jintsu
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki

Allied Ships
xAKL Dai Tung, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

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

Morning Air attack on Johore Bahru , at 50,83

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
G3M2 Nell x 72
G4M1 Betty x 27



Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 9 damaged


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


Airbase hits 27
Airbase supply hits 15
Runway hits 95

No enemy bombers ever attempt to attack the Singkawang invasion force, the results are credited to the successful bombing of Johore Bahru and a lack of fighter escorts with enough range to reach the area. As a result, none of the ships are sunk or damaged during landing operations.

Philippines

The invasion of the Philippine Islands is another important early objective for the Japanese Army. It is essential that the bulk of Philippine and American ground forces be routed early on so that operations elsewhere may continue unabated. To accomplish this, Japanese military planners have called for a bold invasion of Luzon in close proximity to Clark Field and the US Asiatic Fleet. A spearhead landing at Iba would place Japanese troops close enough to Clark field to capture it within days, while Iba itself was expected to fall on December 8th. By seizing Clark Field, the Japanese will have successfully driven a wedge between the largest concentrations of Allied troops on the island, dividing Bataan and Subic Bay from Manila. Then, Japanese troops would proceed toward Manila, and only after seizing the city would operations against the remnants in Bataan need to take place.

Weary of American airstrikes, the Japanese would attack Clark Field in the morning with over 100 bombers from both the Army and Navy. Several squadrons of cruisers and destroyers would also be included in the operations to ward off enemy surface forces as well as submarines. In addition, it was deemed critical that the forces located in Northern Luzon not be allowed a direct route toward Manila, so the Yokosuka 1st SNLF would conduct a paratroop landing of Cabanatuan. It was determined that any attempt by the enemy to dislodge the forces at Cabanatuan would cost them in terms of defense to Manila, and that if the main invasion force at Iba could move quickly enough that the paratroops would be able to link up within a week's time.

Morning Air attack on Clark Field , at 79,76

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 90
G3M2 Nell x 36
G4M1 Betty x 54
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 18
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 27



Allied aircraft
P-26A x 4


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-26A: 2 destroyed
P-35A: 1 destroyed on ground



Airbase hits 28
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 74

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

Ground combat at Cabanatuan (80,76)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 369 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 24

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

Japanese adjusted assault: 18

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 18 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cabanatuan !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
B-10B: 1 destroyed

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



Assaulting units:
Yokosuka 1st SNLF /1

With Clark Field reduced to smoldering ruins, the invasion of Iba occurs without incident. No Allied bombers attempt an attack on the invasion force, and the Yokosuka 1st SNLF successfully seizes Cabanatuan from the enemy, also reporting that it discovered and destroyed an enemy bomber in the area.

Moluccas and Celebes

Landing operations begin at Ambon and Kendari. A small contingent of Dutch bombers attacks the task forces at Kendari but fails to score any hits. Neither invasion suffers any ship losses. Both bases are expected to fall on the 8th.

Rabaul

The highlight of our bold and aggressive strategy. Rabaul is bombarded by Japanese cruisers and destroyers covering an invasion of the area. It is essential that the base fall quickly, or the troops landed there could easily become isolated by Allied air and sea power. The light cruiser Nagara and the destroyers Umikaze, Kawakaze, and Yukikaze will remain on station to protect the landing force from Allied warships. There are no ships lost on day one of operations, the British are taken by complete surprise and offer no resistance from the air.

China

Chinese forces seem to be preparing for an attempted push into Ichang. Efforts to reinfoce the area are underway while Army High Command considers a withdrawal from the area. Forces progress towards Hong Kong and bombers strike the Hong Kong airfields damaging several British bombers.

Overall

It is critical to the pace of Japanese operations that the Imperial Japanese Military strike deep into enemy territory. Airfields, ports, and any areas capable of producing indigenous supply will be prioritzed first. All other areas can be starved and conquered in follow-up operations so as not to slow the rate of expansion. Ambon, Kendari, Iba, Singkawang, and Kota Baru are all expected to fall on December 8th. Rabaul may hold out for more than one day, but barring any unforseen circumstances should be seized by the Japanese within a week's time.

This will put major pressure on Allied shipping in several regions, denying them the ability to organize an effective retreat from areas such as Singapore and the Philippines. Hopefully, Allied naval losses will increase sharply as a result of these actions, and Japan will be able to deny transfer of supply throughout the region. Follow-up invasions are also being planned or are underway, with a task force already en route to Kuantan in Malaya, and a force steaming towards Palambang that can easily be diverted to Mersing if needed.



Only 5 Japanese aircraft are lost in the entire day's worth of operations. The only two pilots killed were the pilots of two bombers shot down over Pearl Harbor during the attack. Meanwhile, the destruction to the Allied air forces is great, and does not include damage inflicted to hundreds of other airframes that must now be repaired.

The Japanese report no ships lost, and the only ship to be confirmed sunk from the Allies is the Dai Tung.

All of our planning and efforts have bore fruit. It is a glorious day for the Empire.

[TheLoneGunman_MatrixForum]

Turn 2 has been in adsoul's inbox for over a week. He's out of town with family, so I've been suffering withdrawal, and a game against the AI won't cut it.

While I wait, the AAR will be on hold and I have posted a message seeking a second opponent.

In the meantime, I have planned a few traps for adsoul's forces!

[TheLoneGunman_MatrixForum]

adsoul sent me turn 2.

The replay took an hour to watch! [X(]

I laid a trap near Pearl with the Kido Butai to see if adsoul would try and attack by sea or by air, no dice.

Nearly all of my initial landings made it without incident, though I did lose one ship to a collision off of Iba when he sent a small squadron of PT boats after my landing force.

Force Z also made its first appearance attempting to disrupt my landing operations at Singkawang. The battleships Kongo and Haruna as well as a compliment of cruisers and destroyers were there to meet them in a vicious night battle that ended up being nearly half the time it took for me to watch the replay. Tune in later to hear about the results! [:D]

[TheLoneGunman_MatrixForum]

[center]"To overcome the intelligent by folly is contrary to the natural order of things; to overcome the foolish by intelligence is in accord with the natural order. To overcome the intelligent by intelligence, however, is a matter of opportunity."
Zhuge Liang[/center]

December 8th, 1941

There can be no doubt that catching the Allies off guard with a number of deep penetrating strikes is critical to achieving rapid victory across numerous fronts. If one understands this, it is easier to see why utilizing the surprise attacks on December 7th to their full potential is so important. Only on that day is there available a single advantage that is capable of setting a pace for the entire duration of offensive actions. Those who take their time to restructure and alter the order of battle in that opening day, lose the ability to strike long distances into an unprepared enemy's belly. Such petty details can be corrected at a later time, when such an advantage can no longer be conferred. These opportunities once lost, are lost forever.

Hawaii

The Kido Butai, now divided into the 1st and 2nd Carrier Divisions moves under cover of darkness to a distance of approximately 240 miles from Pearl Harbor. As day breaks, a small contingent of Zeroes sweep the area south of Pearl Harbor in order to determine the enemy's air strength, only a handful of P-40 Warhawks offer resistance and one of these is shot down. None of the Zeroes are lost in the operation. As the day progresses, Allied aircraft spot the 1st Carrier Division, but no strike is launched against the Japanese carriers. The Kido Butai had left the majority of its fighters on alert, actually hoping for such an attempt. Now the carriers will slip away from the Hawaiian theater and begin to cover the next phase of operations.

Philippines

The invasion of Luzon continues, ships and men pour into Iba from the Japanese landing forces. The Allies attempt to disrupt the landings with a squadron of PT boats, but none of the PT boats manages to land a single successful torpedo strike. In the confusion of the battle however, the xAK Keiyo Maru collides with xAK Kurama Maru while attempting to avoid the enemy torpedo salvo, the Kurama Maru sinks from the damage.

Following the brief naval battle, Japanese aircraft launch attacks on Clark Field and Iba. One group of bombers arrives over Iba without an escort and suffers losses, but the rest of the operations are considered successful. Air strikes against Manila are aborted due to poor weather.

Japanese ground forces then launch an attack on the defenses at Iba. The meager defenses are decimated and the base falls to Japan. As the base falls, the Allies are forced to abandon 3 P-40E Warhawks at the airfield.

Ground combat at Iba (78,75)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 18846 troops, 190 guns, 295 vehicles, Assault Value = 577

Defending force 4193 troops, 56 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 130

Japanese adjusted assault: 751

Allied adjusted defense: 28

Japanese assault odds: 26 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Iba !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed

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

Japanese ground losses:
390 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1208 casualties reported
Squads: 47 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 57 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 18 (18 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2


Assaulting units:
41st Guard Battalion
47th Infantry Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
Kanno
4th Tank Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
Tanaka
3rd Ind Engineer Regiment
21st Ind Engineer Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
14th Army
51st Field AA Battalion
31st Fld AA Gun Co
40th JAAF AF Bn
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
3rd Construction Battalion
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
28th JAAF AF Bn
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
56th Const Co
30th Fld AA Gun Co
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
9th Field Construction Battalion
9th JAAF AF Coy

Defending units:
31st PA Infantry Division
1st PI Base Force

Malaya

Landings at Kota Bharu are completed without incident. The Japanese plan to cripple British air power in the area via striking key airfields appears to be paying dividends. Japanese bombers attack Kuantan and level the airfield, damaging and outright destroying several aircraft on the ground.

Morning Air attack on Kuantan , at 51,79

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
G3M2 Nell x 35
G4M1 Betty x 13
Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 3



Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 7 damaged
Blenheim I: 1 destroyed on ground
Hudson I: 5 damaged
Hudson I: 1 destroyed on ground



Airbase hits 27
Airbase supply hits 13
Runway hits 58

Close air support is also provided over Kota Bharu to suppress the enemy ground forces and ensure that the attack later in the day succeeds.

Morning Air attack on 8th Indian Brigade, at 51,75 (Kota Bharu)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 47
Ki-30 Ann x 12
Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 9
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 17



Allied aircraft
Blenheim IF x 2
Buffalo I x 9


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ia Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IF: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
238 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Kota Bharu then falls to our ground forces as planned.

Ground combat at Kota Bharu (51,75)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 14966 troops, 151 guns, 21 vehicles, Assault Value = 561

Defending force 4004 troops, 39 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 106

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 421

Allied adjusted defense: 2

Japanese assault odds: 210 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Kota Bharu !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 5 destroyed
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed

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

Japanese ground losses:
153 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 27 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Allied ground losses:
2573 casualties reported
Squads: 135 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 62 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 21 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 18 (18 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2
Units destroyed 1

The Allies appear to have either been oblivious to the risks of leaving aircraft at invaded bases, or did not believe that those bases would be seized within such a short time span, as this invasion, much like the capture of Iba yields Allied aircraft abandoned on the ground in the face of ground occupation. Either way, these aircraft will not be able to assist the British in the future defense of Singapore now.

Moluccas and Celebes

Invasions of Kendari and Ambon wrap up after an unsuccessful air attack on the landing forces at Ambon. Japanese ground forces launch their attacks, and Kendari succumbs to the assault.

Ground combat at Kendari (70,106)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2787 troops, 27 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 71

Defending force 962 troops, 15 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 22

Japanese adjusted assault: 114

Allied adjusted defense: 35

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Kendari !!!

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

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


Allied ground losses:
491 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 24 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (5 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
Sasebo 1st SNLF
24th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
Kendari Garrison Battalion
Kendari Base Force

The defenders of Ambon manage to hold out for the day, but Japanese engineers manage to breach their fortifications. They are expected to fall within the next two days.

Ground combat at Ambon (76,109)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 4668 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 134

Defending force 2199 troops, 30 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 51

Japanese adjusted assault: 114

Allied adjusted defense: 70

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

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


Allied ground losses:
190 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
15th Naval Guard Unit
16th Naval Guard Unit
6th JNAF Coy
8th JNAF Coy

Defending units:
Molukken Garrison Battalion
Ambon Defenses
Ambon Base Force

China

There is no major ground action in China today. Japanese fighters and bombers attack Chinese ground troops once more and cause some minor losses, but every loss confers further advantage to the Japanese efforts in this theater.

Burma

Pegu is sweeped by 9 Zeroes and discovers AVG. The Zeroes gain the upper hand in the engagement.

Morning Air attack on Pegu , at 55,53

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9



Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 9
Buffalo I x 4


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
H81-A3: 3 destroyed
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed

Those losses will hurt early Allied efforts in the region.

Rabaul

Referred to earlier as the highlight of Japanese opening strategy, Rabaul's early capture is the Japanese gateway to Port Moresby and Northeastern Australia. The crowning achievement of the surprise strategem, Japanese forces manage to take the base a day after landing.

Ground combat at Rabaul (106,125)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6654 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 183

Defending force 1787 troops, 16 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 49

Japanese adjusted assault: 72

Allied adjusted defense: 21

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Rabaul !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 3 destroyed
S.23 Empire: 1 destroyed

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

Japanese ground losses:
265 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled


Allied ground losses:
327 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Units retreated 3


Assaulting units:
Kimura Det
Kure 1st SNLF
II/81st Naval Guard Unit
1st JNAF Coy
5th JNAF Coy
2nd JNAF Coy
1st Naval Construction Battalion

Defending units:
A Coy/NG Rifles
Lark Battalion
Rabaul Base Force

Japan has also moved a number of engineering units to the area as well as aviation support. Getting air operations going in this area will be critical to isolating the surrounding bases.

It is also believed that a victorious broadcast by Radio Tokyo as early as December 8th to the Allies will contribute to crippling their morale.

Borneo

Singkawang was previously identified as the most crucial base to capture in the area surrounding Singapore and Palambang, because its large airfield and close proximity to those two key bases allows the Japanese to cut the area off from Allied shipping and begin an aggressive air superiority campaign.

The Allies, apparently aware of the dangers of losing such a base, and eager to strike a blow to the Japanese conducting landing operations there, undertake a daring night raid of the area with Force Z. The Imperial Japanese Navy had planned for such an action and had ordered a task force composed of the battleships Kongo and Haruna, 2 heavy cruisers, 1 light cruiser, and 6 destroyers to steam for Singkawang and cover the invasion fleet.

In the middle of the night under poor weather conditions, both task forces meet. Heading up Force Z are the battleship Prince of Wales and the battlecruiser Repulse, the British also dispatch 3 light cruisers and 4 destroyers.

The combat begins at a mere 3,000 yards, and the Japanese quickly get the better of the engagement as the Kongo and Haruna strike the Prince of Wales multiple times. Meanwhile, the Repulse never manages to make herself an effective factor during the battle. As the cruisers for both sides square off, the Japanese cruisers launch their 61cm torpedoes, with one hitting each of the Allied cruisers. The cruisers are devestated by the attack and slip beneath the waves. By the time the task forces finally break off the engagement, the Prince of Wales is a burning beacon as fires rage across her superstructure.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Singkawang at 56,88, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna, Shell hits 3
CA Takao, Shell hits 1
CA Atago
CL Jintsu, Shell hits 1
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Michishio, Shell hits 1
DD Arashio
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Shell hits 25, heavy fires
BC Repulse, Shell hits 1
CL Danae, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CL Dragon, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CL Durban, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Vampire, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
DD Tenedos
DD Electra, Shell hits 1
DD Express, Shell hits 12, and is sunk

Following the battle, it appears that the Prince of Wales is no longer able to match speed with the Repulse. The two battlewagons separate, with the destroyers Vampire and Elektra remaining with the Prince of Wales in a desperate attempt to screen it from further attacks. Unfortunately for the British warships, the Japanese task force finds them once more before they can escape. The Prince of Wales suffers another agonizing onslaught with the mortal blow being dealt by the Kongo, and finally sinks. It is also believed that the DD Vampire will be unable to reach a safe port in time to avoid sinking.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Singkawang at 56,88, Range 2,000 Yards

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Walrus II: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 1
BB Haruna, Shell hits 1
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Jintsu
DD Asashio
DD Oshio, Shell hits 1
DD Michishio, Shell hits 1
DD Arashio
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
DD Vampire, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Electra, Shell hits 1

A battleship, 3 light cruisers, and 2 destroyers are sunk, for no loss to the Japanese and only minor damage to her warships. A truly great victory! The Kongo and Haruna will now head back to port in order to repair and rearm.

Singkawang is then seized.

Ground combat at Singkawang (56,88)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 4115 troops, 21 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 118

Defending force 1226 troops, 9 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 30

Japanese adjusted assault: 113

Allied adjusted defense: 3

Japanese assault odds: 37 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Singkawang !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 5 destroyed
B-339D: 3 destroyed

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

Japanese ground losses:
130 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
821 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 23 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (3 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1
Units destroyed 1


Assaulting units:
II/124th Infantry Battalion
III/124th Infantry Battalion
4th Naval Construction Battalion
4th JNAF Coy
97th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
West Borneo KNIL Battalion
Singkawang Base Force

Overall

Great progress has been made. The pressure on the Allies must be maintained. A speedy capture of the Philippines and of Singapore would be a boon to Phase 2 operations. With Force Z no longer a threat and Singkawang captured, the invasion of Mersing becomes a real possibility. There is an invasion task force that is bound for Palambang that may now be diverted for this operation.

There are still other plans being hatched elswhere, all has not been revealed yet.

[TheLoneGunman_MatrixForum]

December 10th, 1941

Mistakes, miscalculations, and errors have contributed to two days of losses that should not have happened. It is essential for one to learn from their mistakes if one is to find the Way. Much reflection should be made on this.

China

Several Japanese ground units conduct shock attacks on the 9th, these forces end up getting decimated by a higher than expected level of Chinese resistance. Only one of the attacks succeeds in actually dislodging the Chinese. The battered units are ordered to retreat, while reinforcements are desperately brought forward to prevent a total route. In the Ichang sector, the Chiense appear to be far more interested in isolating and encircling Ichang than in marching into the city to seize it. Imperial Japanese Army troops are moving to intercept this move.

On the 10th, the Japanese recover some initiative in China and deliver their own share of devestating counter-attacks on Chinese positions. Well over 6,000 casualties are inflicted upon the Chinese during the two days of combat. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, the Japanese manage to reduce the fortification levels of the city.

Malaya

Malaya gives the Japanese a bloody nose. The Mersing invasion force arrived on the 10th, without cruiser cover or the intended CAP coverage. British bombers pound the fleet and sink a number of ships quite easily. A handful of the ground forces manage to make it ashore despite the onslaught. If the Japanese are to survive on the beaches, they will need cover both by sea and air, and possibly some more ground forces. This was a major blunder, not war-ending, but if we are to prevent British forces in Northern Malaya from reaching Singapore, we may have already lost crucial time.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Mersing at 51,82

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 5
Vildebeest III x 2
Hudson I x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Kinkasan Maru
xAK Anbo Maru
APD Aoi, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Hokko Maru

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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Mersing at 51,82

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

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


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 10
Hudson I x 4


Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Anbo Maru
xAK Hokko Maru
xAK Gosei Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Meiten Maru

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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Mersing at 51,82

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes


Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 21


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Meiten Maru
xAK Gosei Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Hokko Maru
xAKL Kembu Maru
APD Aoi, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Kinkasan Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
113 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Mersing at 51,82

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 5
Vildebeest III x 12
Hudson I x 6


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kiko Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Zinzan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Gosei Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Kinkasan Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Hokko Maru
xAK Meiten Maru

Japanese ground losses:
367 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Mersing at 51,82

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

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


Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 11


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kembu Maru
xAK Hokko Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Gosei Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Zinzan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
283 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

The only good news is that no major Japanese warships have been lost yet. It is but a small consolation for a very egregious error.

On a good note, Japanese recon had spotted a number of ships anchored at Georgetown. Several sweeps followed by a mass of bombers were launched at the site. The results were pleasing.

Morning Air attack on Georgetown , at 49,74

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 63



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK Wing Sang, Bomb hits 8, and is sunk
xAK Demosthenes, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Kelantan, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
xAKL Nam Yong, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Raub, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Hong Siang, Bomb hits 8, and is sunk
HDML Pennigat, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
HDML Panji, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
AMc Medusa, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
HDML Panglima, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
HDML Pahalwan, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk



Port hits 5

Seven ships sink outright - the HDMLs are blown to bits - and it is believed that most of the others sank before the end of the day.

Moluccas and Celebes

Allied destroyers bombard Kendari. They hit nothing and do no damage. Japanese forces at Ambon rest for the day awaiting a new opportunity to attack the island's defenders. An Allied cruiser is spotted northwest of Ambon, approximately 40 miles away. Japanese cruisers are in a position to intercept at night, but the Ambon invasion fleet has already fled to the southeast to avoid a confrontation.

Philippines

Landings at Laoag occur and the area is captured without a fight. Several US submarines launch attacks at the Japanese invasion force, all but one either miss or dud. Laoag should be ready for Japanese air operations on December 11th. Southwest of Luzon, Japanese surface forces intercept and sink a handful of Allied merchants and a single PT boat fleeing from the Philippines. These forces are attacked by American B-17s, but the heavy bombers score no hits and take flak damage for their trouble.

In Luzon there is a race between Japanese and Allied ground forces for Clark Airfield. If the Japanese win the race, they will be able to sever the forces located at Bataan and Subic Bay from the forces in Manila. Divide and conquer is critical in order to quickly eliminate Allied resistance in the region. Once Clark is captured, it will leave Japanese troops the freedom to mop up resistance in Bataan and Subic Bay, and the Japanese Navy will be able to clear the area of mines. Manila will be bombed daily during this campaign as soon as total air superiority is achieved.

Kido Butai

The Allies have kept tabs on the Kido Butai since its attack on Pearl Harbor on the 7th. They know that the Japanese carriers are northwest of Johnston Island now, what the Allies don't know is what they are planning to do in that area. Enemy carriers have yet to turn up, it is possible that they fled south after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Overall

Things could be far worse for Japan, but once the Mersing landing is solidified, a week's time will be needed to reorganize the Navy, get wounded ships to port, and rearm our large battlewagons. Recommendations regarding the best places for rearmament of large capital ships and what auxiliary ships are needed would prove helpful. The Empire is converting a few large capacity, but relatively slow-speed vessels into AKE class ships to help expedite re-arming, but these will not be ready until the end of December.

Currently the only Japanese warships lost have been PB escorts, an APD, and a DMS. Around the Home Islands, merchants are shuffling around to get started on large resource convoys. These should be starting in a day or two, as planning important military actions dominated the first three days of Japanese strategy.