Busting Fortress Palembang - PTBS (J) vs Grollub (A)

[PT boat skipper]

6 feb 1942


Combined Fleet
KB2 attacked and destroyed two US DD at and near Johnston island:

DD Farragut, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
DD Hull, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk




China Exp Army

Op Proceeding North/1st Army

The attack failed. One chinese Corps was almost destroyed. However, the 110th division leading the attack took almost all the casualities and has to be withdrawn from the battlefield IOT refit. Additional reinforcements are being sent forward from Loyang. Those include one tank brigade.

Japanese Shock attack at 86,41 (near Loyang)

Attacking force 42144 troops, 354 guns, 151 vehicles, Assault Value = 1524
Defending force 22679 troops, 167 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 808

Japanese adjusted assault: 628
Allied adjusted defense: 1149
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
5641 casualties reported
Squads: 33 destroyed, 542 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 47 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 57 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1911 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 160 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 29 (2 destroyed, 27 disabled)

Assaulting units:
110th Division
36th Division
41st Division
15th Tank Regiment
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
61st Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
7th Group Army



Burma/15th Army
Pegu was captured. Next target is Rangoon.

[PT boat skipper]

7 feb 1942


TORA SAKUSEN/JAVA
IGD reached Merak. Other units will arrive in 2-3 days.

A composite brigade from 16th ARMY is advancing toward Surabaya - there is only one enemy unit located there (regiment?).



LUZON/14th ARMY
The main ground units reached Bataan today. After a bombardment attack tomorrow, the army will launch a major attack the next day.



Op Proceeding North/1st ARMY
This is the situation. Another attack will be launched in a few days.

Bombardment at 86,41 (near Loyang)
Attacking force 5793 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 998
Defending force 21098 troops, 165 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 602

Assaulting units:
41st Division
15th Tank Regiment
36th Division
110th Division
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
34th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
7th Group Army

[PT boat skipper]

8 feb 1942


Southern Fleet - Batavia
Minesweepers are clearing Batavia.



Southern Fleet - Port Blair
Strong enemy TF near Port Blair - most likely Royal Navy carriers in support as well.

Sub attack near Port Blair at 45,59

Japanese Ships
SS RO-33, hits 1

Allied Ships
CA Australia
DD Blue
DD Henley
DD Mugford


14th Army - Luzon
The attack on the last enemy base, Bataan, will commence tomorrow.

Attacking force 55077 troops, 762 guns, 458 vehicles, Assault Value = 1804
Defending force 21462 troops, 428 guns, 345 vehicles, Assault Value = 172


Combined Fleet
Denpasar (east of JAVA) is captured by navy paratroopers.

[PT boat skipper]

9 feb 1942


Combined Fleet
KB2 sinks a small enemy convoy (one TK, four AKL and one PC) about 14 hexes south of Hawaii. A much larger convoy is located due to radio intercepts about 8 hexes northeast of Hilo.



Southern Army - TORA SAKUSEN

Merak is captured by the IGD.

Allied ground losses:
7650 casualties reported
Squads: 163 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 510 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 16 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 33 (33 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 25 (25 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 5

Assaulting units:
8th Tank Regiment
Imperial Guards Division

Defending units:
Tjilatjap KNIL Battalion
1st KNIL Regiment
ML-KNIL
Batavia Base Force
Soerabaja Base Force



China Exp Army - HOKUSHIN SAKUSEN

1st Army is fighting hard to reopen the supply road to the east of Sian.

Ground combat at 86,41 (near Loyang)

Japanese Shock attack (only one tk regiment shock attacked)

Attacking force 29137 troops, 252 guns, 151 vehicles, Assault Value = 1047
Defending force 21110 troops, 165 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 606

Japanese adjusted assault: 701
Allied adjusted defense: 663

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
398 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 30 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Vehicles lost 67 (66 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1299 casualties reported
Squads: 42 destroyed, 101 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 41 (6 destroyed, 35 disabled)

Assaulting units:
15th Tank Regiment
41st Division
110th Division
36th Division
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
34th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
7th Group Army



Luzon - 14th Army - VICTORY at BATAAN

Ground combat at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 60466 troops, 783 guns, 552 vehicles, Assault Value = 1828
Defending force 21333 troops, 421 guns, 344 vehicles, Assault Value = 163

Japanese forces CAPTURE Bataan !!!

Allied ground losses:
21839 casualties reported
Squads: 399 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1791 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 117 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 568 (568 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 371 (371 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 29

Defending units:
91st PA Infantry Division
45th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
71st PA Infantry Division
41st PA Infantry Division
51st PA Infantry Division
14th PS Engineer Regiment
1st PA Infantry Division
Manila USAAF Base Force
Provisional GMC Grp
1st PI Base Force
PAF Aviation
301st Construction Battalion
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
USAFFE
Cavite USN Base Force
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
Manila Bay Defenses
Asiatic Fleet
4th Marine Regiment
202nd PA Construction Battalion
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
201st PA Construction Battalion
Bataan USN Base Force
II Philippine Corps
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
Far East USAAF
301st PA Field Artillery Regiment

[Capt. Harlock]

Luzon - 14th Army - VICTORY at BATAAN

Ground combat at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 60466 troops, 783 guns, 552 vehicles, Assault Value = 1828
Defending force 21333 troops, 421 guns, 344 vehicles, Assault Value = 163

Japanese forces CAPTURE Bataan !!!

Impressive for early February!

[PT boat skipper]

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

Luzon - 14th Army - VICTORY at BATAAN

Ground combat at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 60466 troops, 783 guns, 552 vehicles, Assault Value = 1828
Defending force 21333 troops, 421 guns, 344 vehicles, Assault Value = 163

Japanese forces CAPTURE Bataan !!!

Impressive for early February!

Thanks! But I am a few weeks behind schedule. Especially since KB1 (Akagi & Kaga) were damaged in the first carrier battle in january. However, CV Kaga, CVL Ryuujo and the new CV Junyo should be operational at mid-march at the very latest.

The main (and obvious) targets left in the SRA until the end of march are:

Ambon (6 units)
Koepang/Timor (8 units)
Surabaya (only 1 unit) - will fall in about one week.
Palembang/Southern Sumatra (50+ units) - TORA SAKUSEN (Op. Tiger)
Cocos island (1 unit) carrier support requested by Southern Army
Port Blair (8 units) carrier support requested by Southern Army

[PT boat skipper]

10 feb 1942


6th Fleet
reports an enemy CL/DD TF northeast of Hawaii.

ASW attack near Lahaina at 186,104

Japanese Ships
SS I-174

Allied Ships
DD Reid
CL Honolulu
DD Worden
DD Cassin
DD Tucker


Southern Fleet
Minesweeping at Merak (west JAVA) commences. One PB damaged by mine.



3rd Air Division/Sumatra
Enemy CAP-trap observed by air recce over airbase SW Palembang. No enemy fighter intercepted the 3rd air division's main effort over Benkolen, where the airfield was hit and moderately damaged.



China Expeditionary Army/RYUUOU SAKUSEN
One tank regiment finally crack the deadlock facing 13th ARMY. There will be no more "one small enemy unit moving into hex".

Ground combat at 81,54 (near Hengyang)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 20998 troops, 197 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2297
Defending force 0 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1
Japanese adjusted assault: 910

Japanese ground losses:
Units pursuing 6

Allied ground losses:
Units retreated 1
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
13th Division
116th Division
15th Division
12th Ind.Mixed Brigade
55th Infantry Brigade
13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th Tank Regiment
22nd Division
2nd Ind.Mixed Regiment
13th Army
4th Mortar Battalion




China Expeditionary Army/HOKUSHIN SAKUSEN
The battle continue IOT relieve 1st ARMY.

Ground combat at 86,41 (near Loyang)
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 37008 troops, 354 guns, 101 vehicles, Assault Value = 1003
Defending force 21074 troops, 160 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 482

Japanese adjusted assault: 502
Allied adjusted defense: 329
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
853 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 93 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
849 casualties reported
Squads: 115 destroyed, 41 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Guns lost 26 (1 destroyed, 25 disabled)

Assaulting units:
41st Division
110th Division
36th Division
15th Tank Regiment
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
61st Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
Jingcha War Area
7th Group Army

[PT boat skipper]

11 feb 1942


Southern Fleet/3rd Fleet
Minesweeping continues at Merak, Bataan and Manilla.


2nd Fleet
Koepang (Timor) is bombarded:

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
CA Haguro
DD Shigure
DD Michishio
DD Hagikaze
DD Natsushio

Allied ground losses:
49 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 20
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 35
Port hits 14
Port supply hits 2



China Expeditionary Army
The Akagi fighter unit establish LR CAP over 13th ARMY's advance.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
Ki-27b Nate x 4

Allied aircraft
A-29A Hudson x 3
SB-III x 17

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SB-III: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged


China Exp Army - HOKUSHIN SAKUSEN

Ground combat at 86,41 (near Loyang) - the battle continues to support 1st ARMY east of Sian.

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 36038 troops, 354 guns, 101 vehicles, Assault Value = 901
Defending force 20092 troops, 159 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 439

Japanese adjusted assault: 442
Allied adjusted defense: 493

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
1019 casualties reported
Squads: 20 destroyed, 71 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled

Allied ground losses:
438 casualties reported
Squads: 23 destroyed, 42 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
36th Division
110th Division
41st Division
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
34th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
Jingcha War Area
7th Group Army

[PT boat skipper]

12 feb 1942

BURMA - 15th ARMY
Rangoon falls (automatically)! No damage to industrial areas.

Enemy aircraft (30+) Blenheim IV attack recce units south of Toungoo.


Southern Fleet/3rd Fleet
Minesweeping continues at Merak and Bataan.

Around 8 Ki-48-Ib Lilys are shot down by enemy fighters (Hurricane IIa Trop) near Port Bliar when attacking two APs (from Port Blair).


Southern Army - TORA SAKUSEN
Buitenzorg is captured (last enemy position in west JAVA)!

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 22750 troops, 222 guns, 195 vehicles, Assault Value = 904
Defending force 3246 troops, 22 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 49

Japanese adjusted assault: 615
Allied adjusted defense: 73

Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Buitenzorg !!!

Japanese ground losses:
228 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 45 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled

Allied ground losses:
3960 casualties reported
Squads: 48 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 312 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 12 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 27 (27 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 3

Defending units:
2nd KNIL Regiment
MLD
South Java Base Force



Combined Fleet - TORA SAKUSEN
Several TF are in position to commence the first major part of TORA SAKUSEN.



China Exp Army/Mongolian Army
Strong enemy infantry force advance from the northwest. Air support requested.

Ground combat at 92,33 (near Paotow)
Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 31520 troops, 181 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1195
Defending force 6260 troops, 66 guns, 100 vehicles, Assault Value = 213

Allied adjusted assault: 744
Japanese adjusted defense: 593

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
517 casualties reported
Squads: 45 destroyed, 42 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 26 (11 destroyed, 15 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2011 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 294 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Guns lost 14 (1 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Assaulting units:
8th Route Army
57th Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
17th Group Army
Red Chinese Army
8th War Area
34th Group Army

Defending units:
4th Cavalry Brigade
1st Cavalry Brigade
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment

[PT boat skipper]

13 feb 1942

Message to all Combined Fleet Task Forces in Batavia area

TORA NO KOUGEKI KAISHI

ADM Yamamoto Isoroku
Combined Fleet
Singapore


Initial battle reports indicate that Oosthaven airfields (5) with 150+ enemy fighters have been neutralised by massive battleship and cruiser bombardments. Own losses are one Zero fighter shot down (pilot is MIA).

[PT boat skipper]

13 feb 1942



Combined Fleet/11th Air Fleet/Southern Army

TORA SAKUSEN

Oosthaven with 150+ enemy fighters has been neutralised.


1st Night Naval bombardment of Oosthaven at 48,96 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 109 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed on ground
75A-7 Hawk: 2 damaged
L-212: 7 damaged
L-212: 2 destroyed on ground
CW-22 Falcon: 18 damaged
CW-22 Falcon: 1 destroyed on ground
Hurricane IIb Trop: 16 damaged
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed on ground
H81-A3: 16 damaged
H81-A3: 1 destroyed on ground
FK-51: 2 damaged
PBY-4 Catalina: 4 damaged
PBY-4 Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground
CW-21B Demon: 1 damaged

39 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 1
CA Ashigara
CA Chokai
DD Sagiri
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Amatsukaze
DD Yukikaze

Allied ground losses:
349 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 49 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled)

Airbase hits 34
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 57
Port hits 1

F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for BB Mutsu
BB Mutsu firing at 5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at BB Mutsu
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Ashigara
CA Ashigara firing at Oosthaven
CA Chokai firing at Oosthaven
DD Sagiri firing at Oosthaven
DD Shiratsuyu firing at 11th Indian Division
DD Amatsukaze firing at 5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at DD Amatsukaze
DD Yukikaze firing at Oosthaven



2nd Night Naval bombardment of Oosthaven at 48,96 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 14 damaged
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed on ground
P-40E Warhawk: 32 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed on ground
L-212: 3 damaged
L-212: 1 destroyed on ground
H81-A3: 8 damaged
H81-A3: 2 destroyed on ground
PBY-4 Catalina: 2 damaged
CW-22 Falcon: 6 damaged
CW-22 Falcon: 1 destroyed on ground

37 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
CA Maya
CL Oi
CL Jintsu
DD Yuzuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Minegumo
DD Oshio

Allied ground losses:
165 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 8

F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for BB Kongo
BB Kongo firing at 11th Indian Division
CA Maya firing at Oosthaven
CL Oi firing at Oosthaven
CL Jintsu firing at 5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at CL Jintsu
DD Yuzuki firing at 5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at DD Yuzuki
DD Nagatsuki firing at 5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
DD Kikuzuki firing at Oosthaven
DD Minegumo firing at 18th British Division
5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at DD Oshio
DD Oshio firing at 5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment



3rd Night Naval bombardment of Oosthaven at 48,96 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
DD Yomogi
DD Kuretake
DD Wakatake
DD Akikaze
DD Okikaze

Allied ground losses:
105 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

BB Fuso firing at 5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at BB Fuso
DD Yomogi firing at Oosthaven
DD Kuretake firing at 5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
DD Wakatake firing at Oosthaven
DD Akikaze firing at Oosthaven
DD Okikaze firing at Oosthaven



1st Morning Air attack on Oosthaven , at 48,96

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 7
Hurricane IIb Trop x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed



2nd Morning Air attack on Oosthaven , at 48,96

Weather in hex: Light rain

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed




After the attacks, only 30 enemy fighters are indicated at Oosthaven.

Intelligence reports both the 11th Indian Division and the 18th British Division located at Oosthaven. The bombardments will continue every night from this day (in BB/CA combo TF).

[PT boat skipper]

14 feb 1942


Combined Fleet - Oosthaven/TORA SAKUSEN

Many enemy PT-boats near Oosthaven. They don't hit anything and don't get hit in return (no moonlight and thunderstorms).


Tonights naval bombardment of Oosthaven at 48,96 by the Batavia Express:

Allied aircraft losses - enemy has withdrawn all fighters.
CW-22 Falcon: 4 damaged
CW-22 Falcon: 1 destroyed on ground
L-212: 1 damaged
L-212: 1 destroyed on ground
PBY-4 Catalina: 1 damaged

12 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
CA Maya
CL Oi
DD Yuzuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Minegumo
DD Oshio

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

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 8

F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for BB Kongo
BB Kongo firing at 18th British Division
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Maya
CA Maya firing at Oosthaven
CL Oi firing at 18th British Division
DD Yuzuki firing at Oosthaven
5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at DD Nagatsuki
DD Nagatsuki firing at 5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
DD Kikuzuki firing at 5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at DD Kikuzuki
DD Minegumo firing at 5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
DD Oshio firing at 18th British Division


Tomorrow the enemy PT-boats will be dealt with by two suiraisentai.


The 3rd Air Division also attacked the airfields at Palembang, Praboemoelih and Lahat in Soutern Sumatra. Those are all damaged.



Southern Fleet
The main shipping channel off Bataan has been cleared from mines. Several TF from Southern Fleet, 3rd Fleet and 4th Fleet, will embark troops (Southern Army and 14th Army) gathering in Manilla.



China Exp Army/Mongolian Army
The enemy is withdrawing to the northwest (from Paotow area). One regiment and two cavalry brigades stopped 60 000 chinese troops (4+ Corps) from advancing. The withdrawing chinese troops are continously attacked by about 60 attack aircraft (transfered from Manchuko/2nd Air Div to China Exp Army.)

Morning Air attack on 57th Chinese Corps, at 92,33 , near Paotow
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 21
Ki-30 Ann x 21

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

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

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
21 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 76th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 8th Route Army ...
Also attacking 82nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 57th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 76th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 57th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 76th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 8th Route Army ...
Also attacking 82nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 57th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 76th Chinese Corps ...



South of Hengyang, the Akagi Air Group shoot down up to ten I-15-III chinese fighters attacking the 13th ARMY. No own losses.



SITMAPS will shortly be published regarding the following operations:

HOKUSHIN (North China against SIAN)
RYUUOU (SOUTH/CENTRAL CHINA)
TORA (SOUTHERN SUMATRA)

[PT boat skipper]

14 feb 1942 - SITMAP HOKUSHIN


Enemy is moving up strong forces to block the 1st ARMY's advance to SIAN.

NORTH CHINA ARMY is ordered by CHINA EXP ARMY to co-ordinate the relief with 1st ARMY.

One Tank Brigade has been assigned this operation (from Manchukou area).

Additional attack aircraft (Ki-21 - 7th Sentai) will be assigned this operation NLT 21 feb.

[PT boat skipper]

14 feb 1942 - SITMAP RYUUOU

13th ARMY continues to advance south of HENGYANG.

11th ARMY is located to the east of 13th ARMY.

Enemy is withdrawing bulk of troops to the west.

Enemy has no longer air superiority due to Akagi air group (Zero fighters).

[PT boat skipper]

14 feb 1942 - SITMAP TORA

Four BBs (Mutsu, Kongo, Fuso and Yamashiro) are bombarding Oosthaven daily ('The Batavia Daily Express').

Two suiraisentai will destroy enemy PT-boats near Oosthaven-

The entire 25th ARMY will land and assualt enemy strongpoints on southern Sumatra.

SOUTHERN ARMY COMMAND will co-ordinate COMBINED FLEET, 11th AIR FLEET,
25th ARMY and 3rd AIR DIVISION regarding the upcoming landing.

The landing will commence NLT 21 feb.

Enemy uses Cocos island as a base area.

[PT boat skipper]

15 feb 1942


TORA SAKUSEN: Oosthaven

In several naval battles, two enemy PT-boats are sunk. One DD, Kuretake, is sunk by a PT-boat.

Intelligence suggest that there are at least one hidden enemy PT-Boat base west of Sumatra.

Enemy uses two DD ASW TFs around Cocos island.

3rd Air Division bomb the following airfields: Palembang, Oosthaven and Praboemoelih.

25th ARMY is ordered by SOUTHERN ARMY to complete embarkation.



Southern Fleet
A second japanese submarine, the I-160, is lost west of Ceylon.

[PT boat skipper]

16 feb 1942


TORA SAKUSEN

D-2 until the 25th ARMY landning on Southern Sumatra. (ed: actually is is D-3)

Combined Fleet reports nine enemy PT-boats sunk near Oosthaven by 2nd battleship division (Fuso & Yamashiro, RearAdm Tanaka R.), and 1st and 2nd Torpedodivisions (suiraisentai). Oosthaven is bombarded again:

Night Naval bombardment of Oosthaven at 48,96 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft losses
CW-22 Falcon: 3 damaged
L-212: 1 damaged

29 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso
CL Jintsu
DD Sagiri
DD Uranami
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Amatsukaze
DD Yukikaze

Allied ground losses:
210 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 14
Port hits 1

BB Yamashiro firing at 18th British Division
BB Fuso firing at 11th Indian Division
CL Jintsu firing at 5th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment



4th Fleet
Nauru island has been captured.



6th Fleet
Four US destroyers sighted northeast Xmas island by I-170. One DD (Shaw) was hit by a torpedo from I-170 and sunk.

[PT boat skipper]

17 feb 1942


TORA SAKUSEN

25th ARMY will land on Southern Sumatra on 19 feb (meaning this report concern D-2).

Combined Fleet continue to bombard Oosthaven. Another PT-boat sunk.

Night Naval bombardment of Oosthaven at 48,96 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
22 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Kongo
CL Oi
DD Yuzuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Minegumo
DD Oshio

Allied ground losses:
142 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)


3rd Air Division reports intense air battle over Praboemoelih (at 48,92) (airfield lvl 2) as many enemy fighter aircraft appeared.

Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 24
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 46

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 9
Hurricane IIb Trop x 4
CW-21B Demon x 4
75A-7 Hawk x 5
P-40E Warhawk x 44

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
H81-A3: 2 damaged
Hurricane IIb Trop: 4 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 6 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb





3rd Fleet reports enemy carrier aircraft (12 F4F-3 Wildcat and 14 SBD-1 Dauntless) atttacking own ships at Namlea (1 CL, 3 DD and 1 PB, 6 xAK). No damage reported. Three enemy aircraft shot down by a few A6M2 flying CAP. The enemy aircraft were most likely flying from Ambon. 3rd Fleet is in charge of the second attempt to conquer Ambon and successfully deployed today to Namlea.





2nd Fleet reports two enemy destroyers intruding at Denpasar (looking for a single PB that offloaded some supply yesterday). 23 Betty torpedobombers attacked from Macassar. No hits reported...




Combined Fleet reports that one large AO has been lost just north of Miri due to enemy (dutch) submarine. This is most regretable and actions need to be taken.

[PT boat skipper]

18 feb 1942


SOUTHERN ARMY (Burma-Java-Ambon)

Enemy sitrep:
Major naval operation ongoing near Port Blair. Most likely reinforcement convoy protected by Royal Navy battleships. Submarines are concentrated at Merak (Java-Sumatra strait) and Macassar-Ambon area. PT-boats are concentrated near Oosthaven. Fighter aircraft strength on Sumatra unclear - only 25 fighters located today. Air units at Port Blair, Cocos island and Ambon. Ground unit concentration at Mytikynia (Burma).

Current op:
TORA SAKUSEN: D-1: landing of 25th ARMY will commence at PALEMBANG tomorrow (19 feb). Decoy-operation by Southern Fleet southwest of Benkolen not spotted by enemy. One PT-boat sunk at Oosthaven, which was bombarded by dai-2 Senkansentai (BB Fuso & Yamashiro).
Last enemy unit (11th PA Div) surrender on northern Luzon.
Tjilatjap captured on Java. Only Surabaya remains (one enemy unit).

Planned op:
Landing at Cocos island
Landing at Port Blair
Landing at Ambon
Landing on Timor
Future 16th ARMY operation



CHINA EXPEDITIONARY ARMY

Enemy sitrep:
Many units withdrawing westward south of Henyang. Reinforcement of blocking position east of Sian.

Current op:
1st ARMY (HOKUSHIN SAKUSEN) ordered to bypass blocking position by pivoting north toward Yenen. Air support will be provided.
13th ARMY and 11th ARMY (RYUUOU SAKUSEN) ordered to invest Henyeng-Changsha central position IOT block attempt to concentrate withdrawing enemy units. Akagi fighter unit in support.

Planned op:
SIAN follow up.



4th FLEET (Central Pacific)

Enemy sitrep:
NIL

Current op:
KB2 is ordered to locate and destroy large convoy

Planned op:
Future 14th ARMY operation



SOUTHEAST AREA FLEET (New Guinea - South Pacific)

Enemy sitrep:
Air units at Port Moresby and PT-boats at Horn island.

Current op:
Engineer units are transported into area ITO build up air bases (Rabaul made level 4 today).

Planned op:
Future 14th ARMY operation II follow-up



5th FLEET (NORTH PACIFIC)

Enemy sitrep:
Suspected base on Adak.

Current op:
NIL

Planned op:
Reinforcement of Northern Kuriles, Karafuto and Hakodake-Ominato area.

[PT boat skipper]

19 feb 1942


SOUTHERN ARMY (Burma-Java-Ambon)

Enemy sitrep:
Major naval operation continue at Port Blair. Most likely reinforcement convoy protected by Royal Navy battleships.
The enemy OOB on southern Sumatra is reported as follows:
Palembang: 9th Indian division
Oosthaven: 18th British Division, 11th Indian Division
Benkolen: 45th Indian Brigade, 4th & 6th KNIL regiments

Current op:
TORA SAKUSEN: D-day: ADM IKUTA reports that the landing today of 25th ARMY has succeded at PALEMBANG. Weak enemy resistance on the beach. Two DMS and one xAK damaged by shore batteries. 25th ARMY reports two enemy base forces as well as the 9th Indian Division. Tomorrow 25th ARMY (IGD, 5th, 18th and 56th Divisions) will launch the first attack aimed at capturing the city. 3rd AIR DIVISION will support the attack with 150+ bombers. SOUTHERN FLEET will provide shore bombardments with two suiraisentai (CL + DD).
Two PT-boats sunk at Oosthaven, which was bombarded by dai-2 Senkansentai (BB Fuso & Yamashiro).
Benkolen was bombarded by dai-1 Senkansentai (BB Mutsu & Kongo).
The first artillery attack on Surabaya will be launched tomorrow by 16th ARMY.

Planned op:
Landing at Cocos island (SOUTHERN ARMY)
Landing at Port Blair (25th ARMY)
Landing at Ambon (SOUTHERN ARMY)
Landing on Timor (SOUTHERN ARMY)
Future 16th ARMY operation
Future 25th ARMY operation



CHINA EXPEDITIONARY ARMY

Enemy sitrep:
Many units withdrawing westward south of Henyang. Reinforcement of blocking position east of Sian.

Current op:
1st ARMY (HOKUSHIN SAKUSEN) ordered to bypass blocking position by pivoting north toward Yenan. Air support will be provided.
13th ARMY and 11th ARMY (RYUUOU SAKUSEN) ordered to invest Henyeng-Changsha central position IOT block attempt to concentrate withdrawing enemy units. 13th ARMY will launch attack tomorrow to clear minor enemy blocking force south of Henyang.

Planned op:
SIAN follow up.



4th FLEET (Central Pacific)

Enemy sitrep:
NIL

Current op:
KB2 is ordered to locate and destroy large convoy

Planned op:
Future 14th ARMY operation



SOUTHEAST AREA FLEET (New Guinea - South Pacific)

Enemy sitrep:
CL Adelaide appeared west of Rabul and attacked during the night one PB and one xAK which had delivered one SNLF coy. PB Kohuku Maru hit the enemy cruiser and then the cruiser fled.

Current op:
Engineer units are transported into area ITO build up air bases.

Planned op:
Future 14th ARMY operation II follow-up



5th FLEET (NORTH PACIFIC)

Enemy sitrep: NIL

Current op:
NIL

Planned op:
Reinforcement of Northern Kuriles, Karafuto and Hakodake-Ominato area.