Rookie AAR

[Leandros]

December 13th 1941

AK Arima Maru torpedoed by Dutch SS KXVII near Singora, heavy damage. AK Tatutaki Mari hit by Dutch SS KXVII near Singora, heavy damage.

TK Gertrude Kellogg enroute Manila-Zamboanga is torpedoed by SS I-155 near Busuanga. Sinks.

In a nightly air attack on Clark field 1 P-40B is destroyed on ground.

AK Thames Maru is hit again by SS Permit near Hengchun. AK Keihuku Maru torpedoed near Laoag by SS Sailfish.

SS I-156 fires four torpedoes at TK Mindanao near Busuanga. 1 hit.

AM Tanager is hit twice by SS I-153 near Iba. Heavy damage. Sinks.

AK Kosin Maru torpedoed by SS Porpoise near Takao.

Guam is captured!

4 unescorted Nell bombers destroyed in a bombing attack on Manila in spite of the grounded fighters.

Enemy cruiser forces are outside Davao and Singkawang. Based on information communicated to the Dutch communications center on Ambon the Dutch decide to dispatch
a cruiser/DD force from Soerebaja to Menado.

US cruisers and DD’s are instructed to assemble in Menado.

CV Saratoga embarks 17 P-36’s in San Diego, to be flown off to PH when convenient. Onboard is also VMF-221 with 14 Buffalos.

Fred

[Leandros]

December 14th, 1941

In a meeting of fighter group, squadron and flight leaders in the evening of the 13th, on Nichols Field, Manila, a memorandum is set up for relay by MacArthur’s
staff to Washington. It is requested that the maximum number of P-40B and P-36 fighters be dispatched to the PI as the P-40 “E” version, with its higher weights,
has proven too sluggish, with an inferior r/c and maneuverability, to effectively combat the enemy fighters. For the same reason it has shown to be unable to
intercept the high-flying enemy bombers.

Even with its lighter armament and protective armor the assembly finds the P-36 to be the best plane for them during the prevailing conditions. Its reliable radial
engine and better range are also factors which are underlined. The memorandum is dispatched by MacArthur’s staff before the morning with a copy to General Strong
in PH.

For the first time Rabaul is bombed by enemy Bettys. An unfortunate development as the base is presently used as a refueling stop by the ferry flights from the
West Coast and PH.

S-38 is hit twice during a nightly surface attack on BB Huyaga and DD Hokaze outside Davao. A torpedo hit is claimed on BB Huyaga.

SS Sailfish reports 4 torpedo hits on AK Daisin Maru in a nightly surface attack. Several reports on unsuccessful submarine attacks.

AKL Elcano, evading from Legaspi, bumps into a large westbound enemy covering force between Palau and PI. 2 BB’s, 2 CL’s and 4 DD’s. Elcano is sunk.

SS I-156 torpedoes AKL Princess of Negros near Busuanga. On fire.

SS Skipjack fires 2 torps on AK Hokutai Maru near Takao. On fire.

SS I-156 attacks AKL Corregidor with gunfire near Busuanga. 10 hits, on fire. Sinks.

BB Ise is reported hit by a B-17D near Davao.

Heavy enemy submarine activity around PH. One enemy SS is reported hit by bomb.

Japanese troops capture San Fernando south of Vigan. The General is quite upset that the enemy has not yet been driven into the sea by his own numerous forces.

The General has requested an immediate meeting with the DEI, British and Aussie military leadership. Location: Darwin. He intends to send Admiral Hart and General
Brereton to represent him. The purpose is to convince the ABDA partners to cooperate fully in the US plan for the relief of The Philippines.

The Japanese are safely ensconced in three large beachheads in Malaya.

An unexpected reinforcement has arrived in Manila. 8 British MTB’s that escaped from Hong Kong. These MTB’s have a better range than the USN PT’s but no supply
back-up in Manila other than what can be given by their US colleagues.

CV Enterprise has been picked to carry army fighters to PH, its TF at the same time escorting the fast (21-knot) transport President Coolidge, due PH within the
day, carrying a Marine Defense battalion. Otherwise, the TF shall consist of two radar-equipped CA’s and 7 modern DD’s.

34th Combat Engineers and 2nd USMC Eng. Bn. are pre-warned for immediate transfer to the Far East. Five days allowed for preparations.

On the request of General Marshall, Colonel Eisenhower, War Planning Dept., creates an analysis of the present situation regarding relief of The Philippines. His
conclusion, freely worded, is that “failure is excusable, not doing the best to achieve relief, is not”. Due to the Japanese basing net, the Relief Route must
pass south of New Guinea, through the Torres Strait and The Moluccans, along the western coast of Papua New Guinea. Crucial to keep this route open is to hold the
axis Darwin-Ambon-Menado-Zamboanga.

The analysis accepted by General Marshall, Gerow and Eisenhower the same evening invites a group from the Dutch Embassy in Washington to the War Planning Dept.,
to be briefed on local conditions and eventual support that can be expected by the DEI authorities. With the Dutch group is the military attache’ and an
intelligence officer. The main conclusion of the meeting is that the DEI defense organization can contribute considerably on the Command and Control side through
the large Communication Centre in Ambon and the extensive Dutch basing and communication system. While the participants are not in a position to make any
agreements of sort, both parties issue reports to their superiors on what information has been exchanged. Nothing is written about future actions, the reports
give a good indication on what is possible.

A recommendation is wired to General MacArthur in the morning. With the present enemy cruiser activity in the south he requests the Australian leadership to shift
their emphasis on forward defense from Ambon to Menado. Within the afternoon Sparrow Force, presently disembarking in Ambon, is ordered to instead move to Menado.
The same order is given to Gull Force in Darwin. That the Aussie leadership reacted so effectively on MacArthur’s request was based on some concrete information
about time and size of US reinforcements.

Fred

[Leandros]

December 15th 1941

SS Sargo reports two torp. Hits on AK Chowa Maru in a nightly surface attack. Heavy damage.

AKL Haldor bumps into an enemy CA force west of Iba. Sunk.

S-37 launches 4 torpedoes at CA Mogami near Davao. No hits.

S-40 in the Gulf of Davao sighted on the surface. Hit 6 times by DD Yakaze. Withdraws.

SS Pike attack AK Hukuzuy Maru on the surface. 5 hits. On fire.

Battle of Davao Gulf – morning Dec. 15th: BB Hyuga, 6 hits, CA Mogami, 6 hits, DD Hokaze, 2 hits.

CA Houston, 2 hits, CL Boise, 3 hits, DD Alden, 8 hits – sinks. DD John D. Edwards, 2 hits, on fire, DD Whipple, 2 hits – on fire.

Second Battle of Davao Gulf – morning Dec. 15th: BB Hyuga, 6 hits, CA Mogami, 2 hits – on fire. DD Yakaze, 6 hits – on fire. DD Hokaze, 11 hits – 1 torp. hit, on
fire – sinks.

20 Sallys escorted by 21 Zeros bombing Clark Field are met by 5 P-26 and 20 P-40E’s. 1 Zero, 9 Sallys destroyed. 1 P-26, 2 P-40’s destroyed.

Afternoon attack on Manila, 12 Bettys escorted by 11 Nates are met by 1 P-26 and 4 P-40E’s. No own losses, 5 Betty damaged, 2 Nates destroyed.

A dozen westbound USN submarines are just passing Hawaii.

SS Porpoise reports hit on Maya-class CA SW Formosa. Heavy damage.

The enemy BB force recently in Davao Gulf is found by an allied 7-DD force outside Cotabato. BB Yuga, 5 hits, DD Yakaze, 1 hit – sinks. DD Peary, 3 hits, heavy
damage.

Later, BB Hyuga and CA Mogami bumps into an unescorted allied 5-AKL convoy. The Japanese force evades, probably fearing local escorts. They are both wounded.

The Japanese get their revenge. A little later CA Houston and CL Boise meets 2 BB’s, 3 cruisers and 4 DD’s in the Davao Gulf approaches. Houston, Boise and
DD Edsall are all sunk.

SS Sculpin reports torpedo hit on AK Tohuku Maru near Hengchun.

Unescorted Lily bombers continue to be massacred over Clark field. Of 16 Lilys, 6 are destroyed and 4 damaged by 13 P-40B’s.

Fred

[BBfanboy]

Too bad that second TF showed up when Houston and Boise were low on ammo. That would be the same reason why Hyuga and Mogami did not engage the xAKLs.
Hyuga and Mogami have lost their escorts - hope you have some subs on the way to the area.

[Leandros]

December 16th 1941

Westbound BB Hyuga passes close to Zamboanga.

In another foray into Davao Gulf CL Marblehead with 5 old DD’s fall upon BB Ise with 3 cruisers and 4 DD’s. Hits on both sides but nothing serious due to bad
visibility. In a second clash 3 allied DD’s are set afire.

AP Grant with 205th FA Bn onboard is torpedoed by SS I-1 SW Seattle. On fire. Fire is extinguished, continue the journey.

SS Saury torpedoes AK Kosin Maru. On fire.

SS I-158 torpedoes AK Ming Sang. Heavy damage - sinks.

SS Skipjack launches 4 torpedoes against CA Haguro. No luck!

SS Perch hits AK Ryoyo Maru near Hengchun. On fire.

SS Pike hits AK Kikuryu Maru, on fire.

TF CA Minneapolis stumbles into two enemy AMC’s, Aikoku Maru and Hokoku Maru, near Pago Pago. Both are sunk. DD’s Bagley, Blue, Henley and Patterson are all
damaged in the fight.

A 5-DD force meets the Japanese BB fleet as it is leaving Davao Gulf. It is able to evade. Another BB-force approaches from east. DD’s John D. Ford and Pope
are damaged.

SS Stingray hits AK Kyokko Maru near Laoag.

SS Sealion hits CA Nachi with 2 torpedoes near Davao. CA’s Maya and Nachi are later confirmed as sunk.

Fred

[jmalter]

Has the political leadership given any thought to the AVG squadrons? Those planes and/or pilots would make a big difference to the defense of the PI or Java - likewise the British groups in Malaya.

A suggestion - Train the Dutch & British bomber forces for Naval Attack at 1000' - they'll get many more anti-shipping hits in the LowN role than as NavB.

[Leandros]

ORIGINAL: jmalter

Has the political leadership given any thought to the AVG squadrons? Those planes and/or pilots would make a big difference to the defense of the PI or Java - likewise the British groups in Malaya.

A suggestion - Train the Dutch & British bomber forces for Naval Attack at 1000' - they'll get many more anti-shipping hits in the LowN role than as NavB.

Hi, jmalter – thank you for your inputs. I have on purpose not used time on the CBI Theatre simply because – it takes time. Presently, I’m just testing (learning)
the game and my concept.

That said, I don’t think I should use the two possibilities you mention, AVG and British resources. Even if I, on a couple of occasions, have initiated air and
naval forays out of Singapore against the Japanese Kuching operation on Borneo.

The British have their hands full and are themselves constantly yelling for more support from their partners. In a way, it can be said that they are “competitors”
for the local defense resources. As such, they are also not contributing to the Philippine Relief, they have their own problems. What I shall do is to use the
Australian forces more aggressively. Both those in place and those returning from The Middle East. This is possible due to an increased Washington pressure on
Australia in connection with the amplified US wish to relieve and hold The Philippines.

AVG is much the same. It’s important to keep the Chinese in the fight even if AVG was later switched against the Burma/India Theatre. The 100 P-40’s sent to the
AVG could have been diverted to The Philippines but that would have to be done before the war, quite sensitive. In my scenario they have their place in Burma.

Good Points, though...[:)]...appreciate it!

Fred

[Leandros]

December 17th 1941

A Dutch cruiser force trying to escape from Davao Gulf in the dark meets enemy BB TF. CL Java, 2 hits, DD Van Nes, 3 hits – on fire. BB Ise receives 6 hits,
DD Namikaze, 1 hit.

In a second encounter the same night CL Java is hit 7 times, 1 torpedo hit – sinks. CL Tromp, 2 hits – on fire. BB Ise, 1 hit.

Another Dutch/RN CL TF meets enemy BB TF when departing Singkawang, Borneo. DD Vampire sunk, DD’s Electra and Express on fire. Express sinks. BB Nagato, 6 hits.

SS I-154 hits AKL Kanchow with 1 torpedo near Busuanga. Sinks.

3 PBY’s operating out of Menado attack BB Fuso in the Celebes Sea. No results.

5 Swordfish attack BB Nagato outside Singkawang. No hits. Two more attacks later in the day. Still no results.

BB Kongo and DD Kuriosho go for damaged DD Van Nes and Evertsen in Davao Gulf. Both are sunk.

AAC in PH assembles all available P-36 for loading on CV Enterprise. Enterprise is scheduled to leave PH for PI on the 19th.

Two Aussie Independent (Commando) Companies are northbound on ships to help bolster the Menado defense. A third is being prepared in Sydney.

The Aussie military leadership has offered RAAF and RAN Base Forces to establish an airfield on Saumlaki to enhance the air connection between Australia and the
Moluccan strongholds. It has been gratefully accepted by the Dutch.

Fred


December 18th 1941

AK Yamafuku Maru hit by a bomb from 3 PBY’s near Legaspi.

2 Do-24’s bombed the enemy Peleliu base. Results unknown.

PBY reports bomb hit on DD Kamikaze in the Celebes Sea. Heavy fires.

Just before midnight Admiral Hart and General Brereton with a 12-man staff leave Manila for Darwin in two PBY’s. The flight plan includes a stop in
Ambon for a conference and briefing on the Dutch naval command, control and communication system. They shall leave Ambon in the evening to arrive
in Darwin early next morning.

Fred



December 19th 1941

The invasion of Kuching, Borneo has started. Coastal batteries engage the invasion force. AK Sinsei Maru on fire.

DMS Trevor on ASW mission outside PH hit by torpedo from I-168. DMS Trevor sinks.

A Dutch 2-CL force attempts an attack on the Kuching invasion convoy but is intercepted by the invasion covering force, 2 CA’s, 1 CL and 3 DD’s. CL’s Dragon
and Durban and DD Van Ghent are all sunk by gunfire and torpedoes. CA Atago is hit 6 times, CA Takao twice.

A follow-up RN force bumps into the same enemy TF - CL Mauritius and DD Vendetta heavy damage.

Damaged CL Mauritius and DD Vendetta are caught up by the Haruna TF. Both sink.

Wake is still holding up.

PBY’s from Menado attack BB Kongo outside Davao. One PBY destroyed by flak. Dutch 139-bombers flying from Sumatra attack BB Haruna outside Singkawanga.

Do-24’s flying from Samarinda attack the invasion convoy in Kuching. One hit on AK Baikal Maru.

Afternoon attack on BB Haruna by 139’s. No hits.

Due to a technical problem on one of the PBY’s Admiral Hart’s stays over in Ambon while General Brereton continue to Darwin to prepare for the meeting with the
Dutch and Aussie military leaders coming from Bandung and Sydney. The British have not responded to the call.

The evening in Ambon gives the Admiral a good knowledge of the Dutch defense philosophy and systems. In the morning a Dutch Do-24 takes the Admiral and his
followers to Darwin. The meeting starts in the afternoon.

Fred

[BBfanboy]

Sounds like you are using your PBYs and DO-24s to make attacks near maximum range on targets that are well protected. US PBYs are dangerous when they carry torpedoes against big ships or bombs against DDs and transports, but the losses they will take are not offset when they use bombs against BBs and CAs.
You will need those aircraft to do naval search and spot the enemy's movements so you can identify the vulnerable, weakly escorted TFs for your ships and bombers. The flying boats can even join in once you have them spotted. Discretion is the better part of valor ...

[Leandros]

December 20th 1941

CV Enterprise departed PH late last evening with an escort of 2 CA’s and 8 fleet destroyers. Onboard the Enterprise are 22 P-36 army fighters and 6 crated P-40E’s.
With her sails President Coolidge, a 21-knot transport.

CV Saratoga is one day out of PH. It is discussed how Saratoga and Lexington, now in PH, shall be used in the near future. The recent heavy allied naval losses in
the DEI must either lead to strong reinforcements being sent or an altogether minimized relief effort by the US. Admiral Hart has been advised to use this
aggressively in the evening meeting with the ADA partners in Darwin.

The Pensacola convoy is two days out of Brisbane, only a half day behind it is the Minneapolis TF, heading for the Torres Strait. The Pago Pago convoy has been met
by NZ cruisers Leander and Achilles for the last leg to Brisbane.

AKL Malama, with 7 mobile radar sets onboard, and PT tender Niagara, have been split off from their respective convoys to proceed directly to PI.

Brig.Gen Barnes, the superior officer onboard the Pensacola convoy, has been instructed to head the US forces in Australia, with his HQ in Brisbane. The artillery
units onboard the convoy have been organized in 3 strong artillery battalions, using their own and the equipment onboard the convoy destined for PI. Independent
infantry defense companies have been organized with super-numary personnel travelling with the convoy. The over-abundance of officers and NCO’s manning the three
150-men companies make them extremely useable.

A decision must be made whether the convoy shall call on Brisbane for a reorganization or if only Bloemenfontein, carrying the dive bomber and fighter planes,
shall go there. Jane Christenson shall go where the main convoy goes as she carries some of the field guns of the Pensacola artillery battalions.

The other ships carry important goods like aviation fuel, lubrication oil, ammo and vehicles. They are directed to proceed directly for PI except AK Ludington,
with 20 P-40’s, that divert to Brisbane.

The enemy BB force remains in Davao Gulf in spite of regular bombings. Probably for a good reason. Damaged ships, or are they keeping the route clear for an
invasion force? To prepare for the last eventuality part of the US submarine force is ordered to move south.

Fred

[Leandros]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Sounds like you are using your PBYs and DO-24s to make attacks near maximum range on targets that are well protected. US PBYs are dangerous when they carry torpedoes against big ships or bombs against DDs and transports, but the losses they will take are not offset when they use bombs against BBs and CAs.
You will need those aircraft to do naval search and spot the enemy's movements so you can identify the vulnerable, weakly escorted TFs for your ships and bombers.
The flying boats can even join in once you have them spotted. Discretion is the better part of valor ...

Thank you, BBF, actually I do both. The problem in my scenario is that I cannot just sit and wait out the enemy till he has established himself in the Moluccans.
Then he shall be so much harder to evict. In the meantime The Philippines fall.

There has been many suggestions that I should hold back flying units to train them for better future results. Again, there is little time for that and so far there
are not many units to hold back. All revolves around the Relief Route through The Moluccans. For the same reason, in this period of RL, not much time was used
for training, it was a luxury they couldn't afford, so to speak. One exception was the dive bomber squadrons that came with the Pensacola convoy. But, that was as
much because of the delays in the assembling of the planes and the wait for more experienced pilots coming from The Philippines. So, these squadrons shall have had
both some extra training as well as a slight influx of experienced pilots.

My scouts are finding enemy naval units all the time - that is not the problem. The problem is that when I plan for bombers to go out and get them, very Little
happens. The best tactics so far, I have found, is to wait till he makes a landing and after a couple of days, when his covering force has departed, start
pounding the anchored ships with regular nightly naval bombardment raids, much like the Battle of Balikpapan. Combined with a stubborn defense on land, that can
result in a withdrawal.

There is one thing I miss in the game, that of sending out a naval unit in the dark without having to plan it as a bombardment but with the same "fast" in-and-out
tactics. Bombing can be switched to night operations.

In spite of all this, the various difficulties and the Japanese hegemony in tactics and skills only makes it a little more realistic. And my theories a little more
probable.

Fred

[BBfanboy]

Thanks for the explanation. You are right about the short timeline driving different decisions.

You should be able to get a Surface Combat TF in and out like a bombardment one by setting it to maximum speed for the run in and out and retirement allowed. Of course this should just be for the one turn to avoid running out of fuel! I also set absolute threat tolerance so they will not balk at the presence of enemy aircraft in range.

[Leandros]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Thanks for the explanation. You are right about the short timeline driving different decisions.

You should be able to get a Surface Combat TF in and out like a bombardment one by setting it to maximum speed for the run in and out and retirement allowed. Of
course this should just be for the one turn to avoid running out of fuel! I also set absolute threat tolerance so they will not balk at the presence of enemy
aircraft in range.

Thank you, I have seen that possibility but that would take place during daytime - would it not? An important benefit of the "bombardment" control is that, if you
do not start too far from the target, the mission is over before daylight. So, no intermingling with enemy aircraft.

Fred

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Leandros

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Thanks for the explanation. You are right about the short timeline driving different decisions.

You should be able to get a Surface Combat TF in and out like a bombardment one by setting it to maximum speed for the run in and out and retirement allowed. Of
course this should just be for the one turn to avoid running out of fuel! I also set absolute threat tolerance so they will not balk at the presence of enemy
aircraft in range.

Thank you, I have seen that possibility but that would take place during daytime - would it not? An important benefit of the "bombardment" control is that, if you
do not start too far from the target, the mission is over before daylight. So, no intermingling with enemy aircraft.

Fred

You should be able to start from the same jumping off point as a bombardment force and end up the same distance away when all is done. The max speed setting does not change and the TF will return as soon as it reaches the designated hex and finishes its battles. Of course a series of battles could use up the ops points and have it still within range of aircraft come daylight, but the same happens with bombardment TFs.

[Leandros]

December 21st 1941

An enemy carrier TF has just popped up west of Zamboanga, 16 Kates attack Zamboanga harbor. AS Otus hit by 3 torps. Sinks.

In a bombing attack on Manila harbor a Philippine PT is sunk. AK Munlock and AS Canopus are heavily damaged.

Repeated bombing attacks on BB’s Haruna and Kongo through the day. No hits.

Catalinas flying from Singapore hit AMC Saigon Maru in Kuching.

In a second attack by 11 Kates on Zamboanga DD Thracan is torpedoed, heavy damage. PG Isabel sinks. 1 Claude destroyed by P-35’s.

Wake is still in US hands in spite of continued attacks.

AP Maori is sunk by enemy submarine south of Torres Strait.

A convoy escorted by a number of PB’s is reported NW of Jolo Islands, heading SE. RA Purnell, in Ambon, is kept updated by the Dutch. The convoy is shadowed by
Do-24’s flying out of Tarakan and Menado. Adm. Hart, in Darwin, is informed by Purnell.

Through the day, Hart has been able to squeeze the Dutch and Aussie leadership to follow his recommendations, full support of the new US strategy. The alternative
being a US down-scaling of their Far East involvement.

The last part of the day is used to arrange for practical command lines and the allocation of Dutch and Anzac resources. Based on a preliminary agreement
dispatched to the various parties RA Purnell in Ambon initiates a sea and air offensive for the night and next day against the suspected invasion convoy of
Jolo Island and/or Zamboanga with their good airfields. If the enemy obtains a foothold on any of those places the Eastern Relief Route to Manila shall be
effectively barred. Fortunately, the Jolo Island defense has presently been strengthened somewhat, hopefully in time. Before the day is over Purnell has been
able to scrounge 101 serviceable bomber and scout planes from the various nations and bases for a next-day offensive against the suspected Jolo invasion force.
This is later to be known, somewhat jokingly, as the “101-plane mission”. We shall see how it went.

Purnell also plans for, and gets the allies’ cooperation, for a naval effort. Ships shall be brought forward into the Celebes Sea for a nightly raid north of
Jolo Island, to hopefully catch the enemy invasion convoy or the CV TF. 1 CL, 5 four-stacker DD’s and 4 Dutch DD’s are immediately available. CL Adelaide is just
south of Menado, heading north, and CA Australia is a day behind her. CA Canberra, CA Perth and DD voyager has just left Ambon. Looking at this disposition
Purnell decides to recommend a day or two’s delay to get the Anzacs into the play before acting in a coordinated manner. In the meantime the bomber forces
shall do their thing.

That there is little fighter cover in Menado is a problem. What happened in Zamboanga shows that. Several ships are presently unloading fuel, supplies and the Gull
and Sparrow Brigades in Menado, all quite vulnerable. The Dutch are requested to transfer the 3 Buffalos in Ambon to Menado.

General MacArthur, nominally Brig.Gen. Barnes’ superior, instructs the Pensacola ships that carry army personnel, to proceed directly towards the PI without
calling on Brisbane. He is obviously afraid of eventual uncontrollable delays that shall surface in Brisbane. “Time is of the Essence”. As the convoy is now
in a relatively safe area, CA Pensacola is ordered to proceed north at best speed, leaving the convoy behind. NZ cruisers Leander and Achilles also separates
from their convoy and speed northward.

10 B-17E’s are stranded in Pago Pago and Canton due to lack of fuel. Supply ships are arranged for.

Fred

[Leandros]

December 22nd 1941

Nightly air attack on Tarakan with 5 Bettys flying out of Miri. The airfield is crowded by units assembling to participate in next day’s “101-plane raid”.
2 x 139’s damaged.

Bad start! CVL’s Ryujo and Zuiho is just outside Jolo Island with CA Myoko and DD’s Asanagi and Wakata. AP President Madison, in the process of unloading
reinforcements from Zamboanga, is warned of the enemy’s approach and gets out of the harbor. Flees towards the east.

CL Tromp on its way to Soerebaja for repairs is hit by 4 torps fired by SS I-121 in the Macassar Strait.

AKL Arakan receive 12 hits fired by SS I-155 near Busuanga. Heavy fires and damage.

Morning air attack on Rabaul.

AM Quail on ASW duty is torpedoed by Bettys outside Manila. Sinks.

2 PBY’s flying out of Mariveles, Bataan, report 2 (500 lbs.) bomb hits on CA Atago. On fire.

26 Kates from the CVE force outside Jolo attack shipping in Tarakan Harbor. AK Tantalus, 3 bomb hits, heavy damage. AO Trinity on fire, AK Si Kiang on fire,
AK Ethel Edwards, 2 torpedo hits, sinks. Only AK Capillo survives without damage.

2 PBY’s flying out of Mariveles bomb an AK near Legaspi. On fire.

2 Do-24’s flying out of Singkawang hit AP Baikal Maru near Kuching. On fire.

Another attack on Tarakan by 15 Kates. AK Ravnaas, Governor Wright and TK Manatawny all on fire.

8 Kates escorted by 10 Claudes attack ships in Zamboanga Harbor. Intercepted by 2 P-35’s and 12 P-40’s. 4 Kates destroyed. No damage on ships.

Dutch SS KXVIII torpedoes AP Shanghai Maru near Cam Ranh Bay. Heavy damage.

A terrible day! 12 allied ships sunk. Only IJN CA Nachi is confirmed sunk. The planned large allied bombing offensive was a total failure.

The ABA agreement is ready in some detail. The tactical HQ for the Philippine Relief Route shall be in the Dutch Communication Centre in Ambon, CO RA Purnell.
DEI and the Anzacs have agreed upon 1:3 principle in force allocations for the purpose, a specified force composition to follow.

Generally, the Dutch shall reinforce their Moluccan bases with 2 regiments from the Malayan Barrier forces, mainly Java. Three 9-plane 139-bomber squadrons and
two additional Do-24 flights (6 planes) shall be transferred permanently to that area. Unfortunately, they cannot contribute any fighters as these are fully
occupied in support of the British in Malaya and Singapore. They have also offered their Fokker T.IVa twin-engine floatplane squadron. This squadron consist of
old, but modernized planes with kits for carrying torpedoes, and the Lockheed Electra Junior squadron of their bomber pilot school – 12 planes. Both these
squadrons are manned by some very experienced instructor pilots. Finally, 12 Ryan STM’s on floats can be flown north from Soerabaja in a few days to operate
in the close ASW role. The Dutch fighting vessels in the area should be withdrawn within two weeks due to the recent heavy losses and urgent maintenance needs.
Two modern and two older submarines is allocated the RRF – the Relief Route Force.

The Aussies are readying two more Independent (Commando) companies and the first division returning from the Middle East in February/March. They intend to
replace regular units for service outside Australia with Citizen Militia units. Two each more Hudson and Wirraway squadrons shall be transferred to The Moluccans
within a week. All naval fighting units shall be at the disposal of the RRF.

The Kiwis shall take over the escort service between Pago Pago and Torres Strait so that US escorts can be freed up to make the conflict area at best speed.

The British have showed little interest in the new twist that has developed but constantly harasses the Dutch and Anzacs for ever more resources for the defense
of Malaya and Singapore. The Australian Prime Minister has filed a rather harsh complaint with Mr. Churchill on the use of the Anzac forces in Greece and the
Middle East and confirms the decision to have them brought back home as soon as possible.

Fred

[Leandros]

December 23rd 1941

Morning Battle of Jolo Island: CA’s Mikuma, Suzuyu, Kumano and DD’s Mikazuki, Akikaze – all hit. CA Canberra, CL Perth, DD Voyager – all heavy damage.
DD Thanet sinks.

6 Bettys attack MTB’s near Manila with torpedoes….

6 Bettys attack Tarakan, 4 Buffalos defend. 1 Betty destroyed, 6 damaged.

15 Kates attack damaged warships near Jolo. Intercepted by by Jolo-based fighters. 5 Kates destroyed, 5 damaged.

A second attack with 3 Kates, equally intercepted, 1 Kate destroyed.

Fred

[Leandros]

December 24th 1941

An ASW flotilla patrolling outside Manila Bay meets an enemy TF going north. Tanager, Lark and Whipporowill sunk by CA Haguro, CL Abukama and DD’s Asakaze and
Yunagi.

The same enemy TF bumps into an MTB flotilla near Busuanga. PT-34 is sunk.

Dutch SS KXV torpedoes a Maru near Malabac.

The CVE TF is still operating in the vicinity of Jolo. 8 Kates attack ships in Zamboanga Harbor. 2 Claudes and 3 Kates destroyed by CAP. 2 Kates damaged. In a
second attack with 2 Kates escorted by 4 Claudes, 1 Kate and 1 Claude is destroyed. No allied losses in ships or planes.


December 25th 1941

General MacArthur is starting to relax a little. It seems a landing on Jolo has been averted, and still no sign of major enemy reinforcements into Luzon. Even
then, he is advancing steadily south from Aparri and north from Legaspi. If it isn’t stopped, the enemy force coming from Aparri shall soon bar the way for an
eventual withdrawal into Bataan for the South Luzon Force. General Wainwright does not seem to be able to handle the situation. He is saving his reserves more
than MacArthur likes.

Even if he has lost much of his carrier bombers the enemy is still not willing to withdraw but lingers south of Jolo Island. What is he waiting for? The BB force
in Davao Gulf is still there, too, as if he is waiting for something. Or is he so hurt that he cannot move?


December 26th 1941

4 British MTB’s on their nightly way south hits upon a northbound enemy TF near Busuanga, CA Haguro, CL Abukuma and DD’s Asakaze and Yunagi. Both forces evade.
MTB’s continue to Iloilo.

A little later the same cruiser force meets 4 US PT’s. Both parties evade. PT boats continue to Iloilo. SS Sealion patrolling in Davao Gulf hunted by 2 DD’s.

2 PBY’s flying from Cagayan hit AK Shinyu Maru near Legaspi. Heavy fires.

Dutch SS KVII surprised on surface is hit 7 times by SC near Khota Baru.

An Aussie Base Force has left Melbourne for Saumalaki.

Japanese ground forces attack Lucerne on Southern Luzon.

Assembly of A-24’s arriving with Pensacola convoy has started on an airfield near Brisbane. USS Langley is on her way to Brisbane to take them north.

An enemy transport convoy with a CA and CVL covering force has entered the Celebes Sea from west. Probable target: Tarakan. Its spearhead is now on a westerly
course towards Tarakan.

Another bomber concentration planned for tomorrow.



December 27th 1941

Dutch SS O19 torpedoes AK Kinsyo Maru. Heavy damage.

PG Moresby is hit by SS I-19 near Brisbane. Heavy damage. Sinks.

The enemy is invading Tarakan! The covering force - 2 CA’s, 2 DD’s, meets AP Neptune trying to escape. 5 shell hits. On fire.

2 139’s damaged in nightly attack on Tarakan airfield.

AGP Niagara torpedoed by SS I-17 south of Torres Strait. On fire, sinks. There went our PT tender!

A refueling B-17E damaged by bombing on Rabaul airfield.

1 PBY destroyed in attack against CL Nagara near Legaspi.

3 139-bombers attack convoy approaching Tarakan. 1 destroyed by 18-plane Zero CAP.

AM finch torpedoed by Nells near Bataan. Sinks.

22-plane Kate raid (first) against Malabalay airfield, Mindanao.

A CV-force has approached the Celebes Sea undetected from east.

SS Searaven puts 2 of 4 fired torpedoes into BB Kongo near Davao.

Japanese forces capture Lucerne.

Fred

[BBfanboy]

I believe the AI script puts those BBs into the Davao gulf to prevent Allied reinforcements coming in and to wait for their own invasion in a week or two. I see you got hits on Kongo - Bravo Zulu! Hope your other subs can catch her limping away and finish the job.

[Leandros]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

I believe the AI script puts those BBs into the Davao gulf to prevent Allied reinforcements coming in and to wait for their own invasion in a week or two. I see
you got hits on Kongo - Bravo Zulu! Hope your other subs can catch her limping away and finish the job.

I suppose you are right. Actually, they placed a force there a little earlier in the game, too, but it left. Interesting to compare with RL. This round is somewhat
different from the first round I had. The Japanese are a little slower and less aggressive this time. Much less bombing damage in the start stage and he never
landed in Lingayen Bay but just reinforced his landings in Vigan.

In RL a battle fleet lingered for quite some time in Davao between the landings on December 20th and the time for moving on to Menado, on January 9th. This was the
period when CA Myoko was bomb-hit in Malalag Bay, the former USN base in the south-western corner of the Gulf. While the Japanese intended to make short notice of
the defenders beyond Davao, they were stopped dead in their tracks west of Digos, not far from Malalag Bay. Actually, the US defense was somewhat withdrawn to get
out of the sight of the heavy ships anchored just on the outside.

Excited to see what happens with BB Kongo....[;)]..

Fred