Zuluhour vs Zigurat666: 1943

[zuluhour]

As our armed forces filter into the Pacific they bring their hopes and dreams with them.

[BBfanboy]

If there were more nuns like that, all the boys would want to go to Catholic Schools!

[zuluhour]

you betcha![8D]

January 21st 1942:

Pearl Harbor Navy yard: The first convoy reaches Hawaii since the wars start. Fuel and food.

Singapore: Brewsters ambush IJA bombers, some pilots issued fake passports and ordered to board neutral ships to freedom.

Burma: IJAF flies recon for the first time, no sign of ground forces. Moral still very low as are the ranks. The RAF is on the way.

Port Morseby: IJN carrier strike planes flying from the north coast catch two freighters laden with supply off shore. B17s report Zeros in Rabaul.

East Coast USA: The remainder of the Americal division arrives.

China: Wenchow pocket eliminated.

[zuluhour]

January 26th 1942

East Coast: Two regiments of the Americal Division prep for the first major allied amphibious action of the war. With the New Hebrides and Fiji islands invested and subsequently captured by the Japanese, PO-1 (Pacific Order 1) is sent to ComPac, (still under Kimmel) to reinforce, or retake in necessary, and build out a forward base of operations in the Somoan island chain. Artillery and support forces to join them shortly. Carriers, Lexington, Enterprise, and Yorktown have crossed the equator and will refuel SSE Hiva Oa and proceed SSW and rendevous with Saratoga presently staging a raid in the Fiji's with a joint Australian-USN cruiser flotilla.

Dutch East Indies: Malaya: Singapore is fully beseiged and is hit by numerous air raids. Occasional CAP traps have netted some of the perpetually present Bettys and Nells. Several attempts to dislodge the defenders have been repulsed. Supplies are still holding but combat strength is rapidly dwindling. Percival still remains as CnC Malaya. Sumatra has Japs crawling all around the country side. Sumatra is thus far free from the yellow menace. Dutch and American surface forces have retired to other waters with the light cruiser Sumatra schedule to depart on the evening of the 27th. The island will most likely be split as defenses favor both the north and south with little between.

Hawaii: BB-46 is readied for sea and joins with escorts for return stateside for more extensive repairs.

Burma: Is weak at best with units having trouble filling out ranks as well as in combat effectiveness. Stronger formations are forming on the India frontier.

[zuluhour]

January 27th 1942

Hawaii: BB-46 covered by the heroic efforts of DMS Hovey slips by I-4 in the night.

Hiva Oa: First fuel laden tanker scheduled to depart for Australia. MGEN Upshur CO 1st Amphib HQ takes command.

South Pacific: Saratoga nears point luck and should be on station in the morning. Pensacola and escorts take up positions off New Caladonia.

Australia: 1st and 3rd Aussie divisions combine and are issued orders.

Washington DC: Leverage exists now to release units to theaters of war. Debate continues over the release of Aussie forces fresh from Africa, Marine forces for CenPac/SoPac Ops, or USA troops for SwPac.

[zuluhour]

January 28th 1942
South Pacific: Saratoga finds no targets of opportunity contrary to coast watcher reports and will be issued new orders.

Air War: Relentless pounding of fortresses Singapore and Bataan.

China: Pressure on the central front held in check, forces bending but not breaking. South China has a large army encircled and I will post map for suggestions next post. Behind the IJA Chinese units shock attack and retake Nanning but retreating Japs may seal the fate of the previously mentioned surrounded army. Remnants of several army groups and Central reserve forces attempt a breakout but IJA forces retreat north!

Ground combat at Liuchow (74,55)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 25714 troops, 245 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 948

Defending force 6584 troops, 72 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 161

Allied adjusted assault: 518

Japanese adjusted defense: 63

Allied assault odds: 8 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
2634 casualties reported
Squads: 81 destroyed, 48 disabled
Non Combat: 63 destroyed, 34 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 18 (6 destroyed, 12 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Allied ground losses:
158 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
62nd Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
6th Chinese Corps
35th Group Army
9th Chinese Base Force
1st Group Army
7th Chinese Base Force
9th Group Army
4th War Area
2nd Chinese Base Force
13th Chinese Base Force

Defending units:
21st Ind.Mixed Brigade
4th Ind.Mixed Regiment

[DOCUP]

I like that you are doing more updates Kurt.

[BBfanboy]

I consider coastwatcher reports to be completely unreliable. When I started playing sandbox games to see what was really going on I noted that coastwatchers rarely provide solid intel. If they mention a specific ship, it is usually OK but most of the generic reports are just plain fiction. I think they spent their time drinking and made their reports just to keep HQ happy.

[zuluhour]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

I consider coastwatcher reports to be completely unreliable. When I started playing sandbox games to see what was really going on I noted that coastwatchers rarely provide solid intel. If they mention a specific ship, it is usually OK but most of the generic reports are just plain fiction. I think they spent their time drinking and made their reports just to keep HQ happy.

I am presently of the same frame of mind, a shame they are portrayed this way, as they are truly a brave bunch.

[zuluhour]

February 1, 1942

Washington: After deliberation over several Starbucks and a New Castle for good measure, it has been decided to release the 16th Australian BDE at once to Southeast asian command. She is ordered to change course and debark in western India. Two American infantry reg, reinforced by armor and artillery have been issued orders in conjunction with PO-1. With a little muscle left at the diplomatic table we are unable to relieve Sir Percival of command in Malaya. There are no options for his replacement. I have relieved him before. ?. The saved initiative will be used to release more Australians in February. Singapore, doomed as it is, will most likely succumb sooner rather than later. His combat skills are inappropriate for his command.

CenPac: A working seaplane base has been established between Midway and Pearl. Palmyra atoll to expect reinforcement within 24 hours. I should mention BB-46 slipped beneath the waves a victim of her previous damage. Her escort should have been able to effect a rescue of the crew.

China: Pressure on the Yellow River as well as the southern front. I may have a HUGE problem.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

I consider coastwatcher reports to be completely unreliable. When I started playing sandbox games to see what was really going on I noted that coastwatchers rarely provide solid intel. If they mention a specific ship, it is usually OK but most of the generic reports are just plain fiction. I think they spent their time drinking and made their reports just to keep HQ happy.

I am presently of the same frame of mind, a shame they are portrayed this way, as they are truly a brave bunch.

I refer only to the in-game version of coastwatchers. I know the RL ones were indeed brave and devoted to their duties. For one, Guadalcanal benefitted greatly from early warnings of air attacks from coastwatchers.

[zuluhour]

I understood your meaning, I hope they are mentioned in my next read: The First Team at Guadalcanal. Aside from parachuting into occupied Europe I hold the coast watchers in awe. They surely must have known what fate could befall them. As it stands the IJN has landed and secured Shortland Is..I believe Paul may be back filling. I would guess the month of February will confirm or deny this.

[zuluhour]

February 2, 1942

China: Liuchow sector: Surrounded Chinese masses beat off another shock"ing" attack. Can they last long enough for relief to arrive???

Japanese ground losses:
2231 casualties reported
Squads: 71 destroyed, 111 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 63 disabled
Guns lost 43 (1 destroyed, 42 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
827 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 143 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Guns lost 37 (2 destroyed, 35 disabled)

Malaya: Percival's command:Singapore: Shocked again, but holding, albeit thinnly.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 49460 troops, 590 guns, 347 vehicles, Assault Value = 1228

Defending force 29728 troops, 465 guns, 181 vehicles, Assault Value = 487

Japanese adjusted assault: 589

Allied adjusted defense: 809

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)

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

Japanese ground losses:
4292 casualties reported
Squads: 24 destroyed, 201 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 68 destroyed, 10 disabled
Guns lost 30 (4 destroyed, 26 disabled)
Vehicles lost 29 (9 destroyed, 20 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1715 casualties reported
Squads: 105 destroyed, 54 disabled
Non Combat: 22 destroyed, 46 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 16 disabled
Guns lost 48 (16 destroyed, 32 disabled)
Vehicles lost 27 (11 destroyed, 16 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Bataan:Is Douglas still there? More shock attacks. Tojo is blood thirsty! Fully 50% or more IJA assaults are of the shock variety, I can only hope weeks will be needed to reconstitute his formations.

round combat at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 59572 troops, 805 guns, 518 vehicles, Assault Value = 1624

Defending force 31400 troops, 591 guns, 602 vehicles, Assault Value = 564

Japanese adjusted assault: 959

Allied adjusted defense: 1371

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
9693 casualties reported
Squads: 218 destroyed, 305 disabled
Non Combat: 51 destroyed, 81 disabled
Engineers: 21 destroyed, 53 disabled
Guns lost 86 (30 destroyed, 56 disabled)
Vehicles lost 71 (11 destroyed, 60 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1145 casualties reported
Squads: 56 destroyed, 56 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 49 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 19 disabled
Guns lost 60 (7 destroyed, 53 disabled)
Vehicles lost 18 (4 destroyed, 14 disabled)

[zuluhour]

February 3, 1942

Hawaii: While IJN sub activity has decreased dramatically over the course of January, one boat, I-4 (identified as) continues to launch on ASW patrols. Today we claim some hits on her.

SoPac: Orders given to Lexington and Enterprise with Yorktown in the rear. They have been trailed by subs for over a week, and we try to shake them. Saratoga heads for port, she has been operating in defense of New Zealand and Australia, patroling off Fiji and New Caladonia. She has some minor/major engine damage as well as building system damage. Cruiser flotillas will try and fill the void for now with occasional sub help. A small cruiser task force has orders to take Luganville under gun fire in the morning. Her approach appears undetected.

Bataan: Singapore: both get a reprieve from ground assaults.

China: Not so at Luichow.


Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2891 troops, 195 guns, 133 vehicles, Assault Value = 717

Defending force 35286 troops, 291 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 763

Japanese adjusted assault: 0

Allied adjusted defense: 737

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 99 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
529 casualties reported
Squads: 22 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 35 (4 destroyed, 31 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
117 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Burma: The IJA flies multiple recon missions over the country. The storm is coming....

[zuluhour]

February 5, 1942

Hawaii: The opening act of PO-1, Operation Seagull is launched. Seaplane tenders Swan and Avocet depart Pearl on the fourth to establish a seaplane base for VP-24 departing this evening. The base should fill in a gaping hole on the north flank approaches of TFs heading for the Samoans. TF-176 and TF-191 depart tomorrow and the next day for the Tongas, although their route will take them far south of the equator for refueling before turning west to island chain. On board are US Marines and construction crews to secure the island to be used by the flying forts in the summer. They are Operation Early.

New Caladonia: CPT Showers on the bridge of Adelaide is due west of Noumea and closing to recon the harbor and hopefully catch some merchantmen napping in the night.

Gasmata: The IJA arrives as a detachment of survivors from the Rabaul garrison enter from the NE.

China: Another resounding victory over IJA forces in the south, but while the Chineese are dishing it out, they are losing ground everywhere. The IJA keeps coming back stronger and in more places. We are in deep trouble.

[zuluhour]

February 7. 1942

Washington: Negotiations with the Australians continue and we expect to release another brigade of experienced troops fresh from Africa by weeks end to southeast asia. News from London is bleak as Singapore falls with heavy losses. Over 16,000 go into captivity and all small craft left at the port are scuttled. Dutch forces on Java experience their first air raid.

Bataan: Supplies are now running out. It is doubtful they will survive much longer.

China: The situation is dire with surrounded units in the south and now two more corps are surrounded in the middle. Large IJA formations are attacking in the north as well.

Burma: IJA recon picks up while moral is hardly recovered at all. Two brigades of India III corp saved from Malaya take up positions at Imphal. Every available engineer is routed into two airfields in southern India. We need a level 7 field soon. Chinese divisions still remain at the border.

SoPac: Saratoga was rerouted back to Australia where she will make port within 48 hours. Cruiser raid off New Caladonia is a bust. OP Early and Seagull are well to sea. Two squadrons are packed and loaded on the west coast for transport to the assembly area in SoPac for later staging to Operation PO-1's AO.

[zuluhour]

February 8, 1942

General outline of phase I or PO-1. As can be ascertained by the developing battle plan, elements are in rout to objectives. The first of which is security.

[zuluhour]

February 9, 1942

China: Most of the action centers here. North of the Yangtze three reinforced IJA divisions rout the Chinese 2nd and 22nd Armies near AnKang whille at Liuchow surrounded elements of three Armies and central reserve forces face annilation.

Dutch East Indies: The winds are blowing towards Java. The Dutch hunker down as best they can.

[zuluhour]

February 9, 1942

Bataan: It was admitted as much in the accompanying email with the turn that this was unintended:

Naval Gun Fire at Bataan - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

20 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PB Teibo Maru #2, Shell hits 4, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AMC Kiyosumi Maru, Shell hits 2, Mine hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
AMC Akagi Maru, Shell hits 2, Mine hits 2, on fire
LSD Akitsu Maru, Mine hits 1
xAP Tango Maru, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Surabaya Maru, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Yamahuzi Maru, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Rasin Maru, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Havre Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire
xAK Hague Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Chile Maru, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Tyuwa Maru, Shell hits 4, Mine hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Nagato Maru, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Teikoku Maru, Mine hits 1
xAKL Hotsukawa Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAKL Biyo Maru, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
568 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled

I show no sinkings as yet but hope there are. The deteriorating China situation coupled with the insanely weak BurCorp defense of Burma allows me feel a little better for the day with this error in navigation.

PacCom: More components of PO-1 at sea, I will elaborate next post.

Java: The Dutch fighter squadrons defending in the north are almost used up after two days of sweeps and raids.

[obvert]

Yeeouch!

Error, yes! Of course it's unintended, but that's why you study the map carefully there and use the hex side indicators and TF paths to know where things are headed! Where was he trying to land with those?