Beans, Bullets and Black Oil :: obvert (A) vs Lowpe (J)

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

My guess is the garrison at Mukden with its 2000 AV typo...

Ahhhh, I think he already fixed that. This is something else.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 25, 1942[/font]

---

Consistency is an issue right now. After a stellar set of airstrikes on Palembang only one strike flew today and only 2 hits were registered on the oil there. The Djambi flights flew but only again got a few hits on the fields. This is one of the most interesting, frustrating and realistic parts of this game. Weather and other interruptions open opportunities for the other side, and I have to now work to close off those options again. Time to bombard Palembang! [;)]

The troops for Sinkep landed, but look to be pretty messed up. Even if it takes a few days I should be able to bomb the unit there to dust, but he does have a full battalion and it's 40-10 AV currently. If I can make it though the first day's attack then maybe I have a chance here. In the meantime a collection of Allied surface ships are ready for action and in bombardment distance of several Borneo bases as well. Pontiniak looks less protected than Singkawang, and also with an easier escape path. If ships are hit hard though the LR CAP can't reach this far. I'll have a think about what I want to do here once I see recon for the day.

The good news is that the 4Es went for Pontiniak and did land a shot on Myoko, but just one 500lb bomb.

The fields were hit, but not likely closed, and a few planes destroyed on the ground. He's basing Notes here but A6M2 were the CAP, so they must be at Kuching or Singkawang or both.

Another very good thing happened in the combat phase. The small dutch infantry unit crossed at Palembang and now the Indian ID and brigade can easily move in during the next few turns. This should get us to a level where we can begin to DA if needed. I'd like to work the oil down a bit further though before that. If I can get this base to less than 300 oil he may just give it up and not fight for it. Right now it's at 699(201). [8D]
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 25, 1942
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TF 152 encounters mine field at Palembang (48,91)

Allied Ships
DMS Wasmuth
DMS Chandler

20 mines cleared

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Singkawang at 56,88

Japanese Ships
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
SS Pike, hits 4

SS Pike is sighted by escort
Pike bottoming out ....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Singapore at 50,84

Allied Ships
BB Resolution
BB Ramillies
BB Revenge

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

Walrus II acting as spotter for BB Resolution

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Singkep at 49,87

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Caledon
CL Achilles

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

Resources hits 2
Runway hits 4

CL Caledon firing at Singkep

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Singkep (49,87)

TF 299 troops unloading over beach at Singkep, 49,87

Allied ground losses:
123 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

16 troops of a KNIL Rifle Squad accidentally lost during unload of Riouw Cdo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 152 encounters mine field at Palembang (48,91)

Allied Ships
DMS Wasmuth
DMS Chandler

26 mines cleared

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Pontianak , at 56,90

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3
B-17E Fortress x 14
LB-30 Liberator x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27b Nate: 3 destroyed on ground
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed on ground
H6K4 Mavis: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 4 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 13
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Palembang , at 48,91

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6

No Allied losses

Oil hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing from 8000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

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

Ground combat at Palembang (48,91)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 8327 troops, 124 guns, 96 vehicles, Assault Value = 439

Defending force 13389 troops, 173 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 254

Allied adjusted assault: 0

Japanese adjusted defense: 523

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

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

Allied ground losses:
706 casualties reported
Squads: 33 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (5 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
10th LH Cav Regiment
Pakanbaroe Cdo
25th Australian Brigade
13th Australian Brigade
255th Armoured Brigade

Defending units:
4th Ind Engineer Regiment
11th Garrison Unit /2
4th/A Div /2
4th/B Div /1
Yokosuka 4th SNLF
15th Ind Engineer Regiment
4th/C Division
23rd Ind Engineer Regiment
Sasebo 8th SNLF /1
3rd Air Division
26th Fld AA Gun Co
34th Field AA Battalion
33rd Field Const Co
15th Const Co
102nd Ship Eng Coy
43rd Const Co
302nd Ship Eng Coy
2nd Ship Engineer Regiment
47th Const Co
9th JAAF AF Coy
34th Field Const Co
7th Field Construction Battalion
202nd Ship Eng Coy
31st Field AA Battalion
33rd JAAF AF Coy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

This unit shocking into Palembang, sacrificing most of its TOE, but opened the door for following units to march unhindered into the base. This is also one of the two units that captured Benkolen about a month ago after the Japanese left it unguarded. That started the entire cascade of infiltration the Allies are now engaged in, and it's going to be increasingly harder for the Japanese to root them out of Sumatra. Fun to be able to use the Dutch units for something real and they're cheap to buy into ABDA. I'll send more to recapture islands and reinvest Dutch bases on SW Borneo soon.

It's going to be tough for the Japanese once the invasion bonus ends and they have to invade against dug in Allied troops with increasing experience and upgrading TOE. Many units already have their 42 squads and with a command HQ at Singers, others can upgrade soon.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 25, 1942[/font]

---

In Soviet territory nothing too exciting happening, but units do march effectively out of Tsitsihar with no response from the Japanese. The majority will head to Sunwu. The tanks quickly. The IDs and arty slowly. I want to block the Japanese stack from following once the rail is cut in about three turns. He shouldn't have time between the Soviets leaving Tsitsihar and the rail being cut to get anything from there through to Sunwu. I'll also free up a rested armor division and two tank brigades from just south of Sunwu and march them around and in. The Japanese have one division here plus most likely a garrison unit and some arty. Bombers are working on the fields and supply, which may be critical in a few days once the LOC is severed.

Down near Mishan the Japanese are left with only one reduced division in the swamp hex. We have 1450AV with tanks and arty resting to recover from an overstocked and failed attack previously. If supply goes positive and disruption and fatigue go below 10 I'll go for it. If not it's a waiting game.
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 25, 1942
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Heiho , at 113,33

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
I-15bis x 17
I-16m24 x 3
MiG-3 x 9
SB-2 x 22

Allied aircraft losses
SB-2: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 22

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x SB-2 bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 100 kg GP Bomb
3 x I-16m24 sweeping at 15000 feet *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Sunwu , at 113,34

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Allied aircraft
I-153 x 9
TB-3 x 20

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x TB-3 bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 114,41 (near Mishan)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1992 troops, 151 guns, 160 vehicles, Assault Value = 1480

Defending force 14555 troops, 184 guns, 80 vehicles, Assault Value = 370

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
4th Ussurii Tank Brigade
44th NKVD Regiment
8th Cavalry Division
66th Rifle Division
3rd Ussurii Tank Brigade
35th Rifle Division
2nd Ussurii Tank Brigade
6th Ussurii Tank Brigade
5th Ussurii Tank Brigade
4th/152nd PVO AA Battalion
215th Cannon Brigade
1133rd Howitzer Regiment
362nd/367th OM Gun Battalion
1121st Cannon Regiment
177th Howitzer Regiment
1139th Cannon Regiment
155th PVO AA Battalion

Defending units:
24th/B Division
24th/A Division
24th/C Division
4th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
53rd Field AA Battalion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

A little look at Wenchow where the Japanese have reduced three divisions to less than half strength. Our 88th Corps is also struggling, but so far the 100th seems able to hold them off in repeated attacks. [&o]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]Air Transport[/font]

---

The Burma theatre is still on hold, but it looks like the Japanese may be moving another unit into Lashio. This would certainly be an issue, as the Chinese and a section of the Burma division are only just holding on now.

I need more transports to fly in troops, and they're coming but may not arrive in time. Soon these three USAAF groups arrive in Aden and will be shuffled over quickly to India, then to Myitkyina and Ledo. I can fly out some buyable Chinese troops to add to the mix as I do want to keep some of the Burma division intact. It isn't hugely strong, but is the best I have in the area for a while. The small Chinese Corps are expendable and with Indian supply can always recover due to the numerous squads available. Not so for the Commonwealth troops of course.

I also have some Marine and USAAF transports shipping to OZ with the intention of transferring some troops from Australia to areas North of Darwin. If the Japanese are strapped right now for troops and air groups, why not try to push them farther across a longer front?

I also have some APDs and smaller transports for short range hops moving into Port Moresby. I might be able to get a few more footholds on the North side of New Guinea as well since this area has been quiet for a while.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]Fighter Arrivals[/font]

---

It'll be a while before any new groups arrive. Not too long, but long enough I've decided to send more US groups from PH to OZ and around to the DEI through Perth. I'll be sending another USMC fighter group plus a few USAAF groups since the Wildcats, P-40E and P-39D are the only reliable sources of replacements for now.

In defensive roles these will work for a while, until the Tojo arrives, but over their own bases they can hold their own in numbers. For sweeping I have to wait until May for more P-38E to start arriving. I'll still only have one group, but it's a good one!

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]Bomber Arrivals[/font]

---

After recent upgrades for the Dutch groups to better US Mb models, the next improvements arrive soon in the form of a nearly full Wellington unit. I love this plane as they're fairly durable with a great bomb load and fantastic range for an MB. Really equivalent to the HB currently in use without the defensive armament. I'll plan to use them for deep penetration strikes soon. I've got some ideas!

I'm only losing the MBs to flak and ops currently since there is no CAP over Sumatra, so the replacements are mostly keeping up with losses for now. The addition of an A-20 group will help for naval strikes once I have some pilots trained for low naval.

The old B-10s are still flying for the Dutch and doing some work, and the 1E Vincents and Banshees allow some small field capability and larger bombs. They also seem to hit with more accuracy per bomb than the MBs. Vincents get a few hits a day on the oil in spite of dropping only 15 or so bombs.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]Air Losses[/font]

---

Just incrementally winning the air battles now on a daily basis. I have to be careful not to become predictable, and to keep tabs and some damage on the nearby fields of Muntok, Singkep and Toboali.

I know the IJA starts with a lot of Notes, but I'm wondering if even those are getting low in the pools now after losing ~320 of them. If I'm remembering rightly the pools and existing groups total somewhere near 700 of them in the beginning of the war. I'm pretty sure he didn't keep producing them, so we might be through nearly half the total. I haven't been seeing manyOscars lately at all. I'm guessing some groups have been taken out of use to upgrade to the Ic.

The 4Es have been working hard, but are still doing well and not losing too many along the way. It'll be good when the B-24D comes online, but that's a ways off yet. I do love the B-17E, and they're showing their quality on turns like this, able to fight through CAP and deliver, still making it back home. [:)]

[ny59giants]

The Allies don't have the available ships to go into Fast Transport TF as does Japan, but if you gather up most of your AMC to go along with APDs, you can form a TF or two.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]Singers and Palembang[/font]

---

Singapore is inching toward forts 6. Supply is still high after flooding in and allowing some upgrades and airframes to fill out groups in addition to the 4E and BB/CA use. It's interesting that the IJA bombardments have stopped here. All units are also above 50 experience now after all of the bombardments and prep. It's just getting tougher here, and will continue. I want to see now if I can hold it. A tough task, but why not? [:)]

I've decided not to reach forward to Pontiniak or Singkawang tomorrow. There are a lot of new IJN ships around here and I don't want to get caught out beyond CAP range. I am planning an RN CV strike and will bombard Palembang. The DMS are doing good work there and I don't fear the mines much at all now. I haven't hit infantry squads yet but hoping this time will get to the 4th ID and keep working on the engineers and AA units.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

The Allies don't have the available ships to go into Fast Transport TF as does Japan, but if you gather up most of your AMC to go along with APDs, you can form a TF or two.

I've got some of the better brit AMCs here and the APDs are mostly in the Aleutians. I need them here too!!

I do have some quick xAP, the small Dutch ones too, which are fairly expendable.

The other good option is CM Abdiel, which can haul troops and is the fastest ship in the Allied arsenal at 38 knots. Pair her with Triomphant and I can get deep quickly and get out fast!

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 26, 1942[/font]

---

The 26th opens with lots of movement of IJN TFs which several subs pick up. No hits for them but the DL of these ships probably goes up a bit. I see a few of them very soon near Palembang!

Our two CA TFs are run down by 3 IJN DDs and the SCTF does it's job of protecting the bombardment TF on the way in. Cruisers Portland and Chicago plus their 6DDs have gained decent night experience, and just got a little more through numerous engagements with these DDs. Two were sunk outright, the third only grazed.

Two USN DDs are separated before the last engagement, with Alwin damaged, then Monaghan is also put into an escort TF. Both nearly make it back to Singers and will be fine.
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 26, 1942
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TF 152 encounters mine field at Palembang (48,91)

Allied Ships
DMS Wasmuth
DMS Chandler

15 mines cleared

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Pontianak at 55,89

Japanese Ships
DD Oite
DD Namikaze

Allied Ships
SS Gar, hits 1

SS Gar launches 4 torpedoes at DD Oite

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Palembang at 49,90

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-10, hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Chicago
DD Farragut
DD Downes
DD Dewey
DD Monaghan
DD Aylwin

SSX Ha-10 is sighted by escort
DD Aylwin attacking submerged sub ....
DD Aylwin cannot establish contact with SSX Ha-10
Debris floats to surface in area of attack!
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 48,91, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze
DD Hakaze, Shell hits 1
DD Numakaze, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Portland
CA Chicago
DD Flusser
DD Downes
DD Farragut
DD Aylwin, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Monaghan
DD Dewey

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 67% moonlight: 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Taffinder, Sherwood crosses the 'T'
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 48,91, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 1
DD Hakaze
DD Numakaze, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Portland
CA Chicago
DD Flusser, Shell hits 1
DD Downes
DD Farragut
DD Monaghan

Improved night sighting under 78% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 78% moonlight: 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Taffinder, Sherwood crosses the 'T'
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 48,91, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
DD Hakaze
DD Numakaze, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Portland
CA Chicago
DD Flusser
DD Downes, Shell hits 1
DD Farragut, Shell hits 2
DD Monaghan, Shell hits 1, on fire

Improved night sighting under 78% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 78% moonlight: 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Orita, Tsuneo crosses the 'T'
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 48,91, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
DD Hakaze
DD Numakaze, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Portland, Shell hits 1
CA Chicago
DD Flusser
DD Downes, Shell hits 1
DD Farragut
DD Monaghan, Shell hits 1, on fire

Improved night sighting under 78% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 78% moonlight: 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
Taffinder, Sherwood crosses the 'T'
DD Farragut engages DD Hamakaze at 8,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 48,91, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 24, and is sunk
DD Hakaze
DD Numakaze, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Portland, Shell hits 2
CA Chicago
DD Flusser
DD Downes
DD Farragut, Shell hits 2
DD Monaghan, heavy fires

Improved night sighting under 78% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 78% moonlight: 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
CA Chicago engages DD Hamakaze at 8,000 yards
DD Numakaze sunk by CA Portland at 6,000 yards
DD Hamakaze sunk by CA Chicago at 10,000 yards
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 26, 1942[/font]

---

After that the 3 CA TF hits Palembang. Still can't hit any infantry squads. Got some good licks in though, including some on the oil and manpower.
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 26, 1942
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Naval bombardment of Palembang at 48,91

Allied Ships
CA Astoria
CA Louisville
CA Chester

Japanese ground losses:
736 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 14 destroyed, 49 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 10 disabled
Guns lost 13 (2 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Vehicles lost 7 (2 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Oil hits 1
Manpower hits 2
Fires 433
Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 49
Port hits 7
Port fuel hits 5
Port supply hits 3

SOC-1 Seagull acting as spotter for CA Astoria
CA Astoria firing at Palembang
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 26, 1942[/font]

---

Another USN sub finds a working torpedo. Trigger lands one shot on an AMC up North in the Kuriles, and troops are no board. I don't thin the ship sank though, unfortunately.
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 26, 1942
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub attack near Shasukotan at 135,49

Japanese Ships
xAK Nittai Maru, Torpedo hits 1
PB Tonon Maru

Allied Ships
SS Trigger, hits 2

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

SS Trigger launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Nittai Maru
Trigger bottoming out ....
PB Tonon Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tonon Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 26, 1942[/font]

---

On the way out from Palembang the bombardment TF runs into little DD Hakaze and puts her under mercilessly as day breaks. They then head back to Singers for a full English. [;)]
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 26, 1942
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 49,90, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hakaze, Shell hits 16, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Chester
CA Louisville
CA Astoria, Shell hits 1
DD Blue
DD Patterson
DD Maury

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 18,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 18,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 26, 1942[/font]

---

Daylight brings more battles as the Brit CLs (also here to support the bombardment TF so they don't get caught on the way home with no ammo) find CA Kinugasa and company. The engagement goes toward the IJN but is still inconclusive, as CL Colombo takes a few direct 20cm shots but keeps on going.

The Brit's daylight experience comes through here as DD Ayanami is also left on fire as the TFs disengage.
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 26, 1942
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Time Surface Combat, near Singkep at 50,88, Range 17,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa
CL Yura
DD Yugumo
DD Ayanami, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Durban, Shell hits 1
CL Mauritius, Shell hits 1
CL Colombo, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Alden
DD Norman

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 17,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 17,000 yards
Sawa, Masao crosses the 'T'
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 26, 1942[/font]

---

Yet another IJN TF shows up and the RN does a job on two older CLs and two DDs, leaving both CLs and a DD on fire. Colombo again suffers, but stays in the TF, so can't be too badly injured.
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 26, 1942
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Time Surface Combat, near Singkep at 50,88, Range 17,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Naka, Shell hits 5, on fire
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 7, on fire
DD Oite, Shell hits 1
DD Namikaze, Shell hits 2, heavy fires

Allied Ships
CL Durban, Shell hits 1
CL Mauritius
CL Colombo, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Alden
DD Norman, Shell hits 1

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 17,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 17,000 yards
Tennant, W.G. crosses the 'T'
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 26, 1942[/font]

---

Yet another IJN DD TF shows up and the RN still has some ammo left! [8D]

These are good modern IJN DDs but the RN wins the battle with a torpedo taking out DD Hatsushima and DD Wakaba taking five direct hits for heavy fires, heavy damage, which is almost assuredly a sign of a sunk IJN DD. Two more down! [&o]
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 26, 1942
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Time Surface Combat, near Singkep at 50,88, Range 17,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsuharu, Shell hits 1
DD Nenohi
DD Hatsushima, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Wakaba, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CL Durban, on fire
CL Mauritius, Shell hits 1
CL Colombo, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
DD Alden
DD Norman, Shell hits 1, on fire

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 17,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 17,000 yards
DD Hatsushima engages CL Colombo at 17,000 yards
Tennant, W.G. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 10,000 yards
DD Hatsushima sunk by DD Alden at 10,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 26, 1942[/font]

---

During the day air phase the 4Es hit Pontiniak port again but can only again land one bomb on the Myoko, this time taking out a turret. I need several hits here to get a fire going, which is what is going to sink this ship in port. Now that the moon is getting bright I'll try a night strike on both Singkawang and Pontiniak not turn. The 4Es take out around 4 Nates and a zero with their 50 cal guns, but they're wearing down right now.

Colombo ends up 3 hexes out of Singers with about 35/30/10 damage and will head direct to the repair yards tomorrow.
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 26, 1942
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Pontianak , at 56,90

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
Ki-27b Nate x 26

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3
B-17E Fortress x 14
LB-30 Liberator x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-27b Nate: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 8 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage

Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 15000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 26, 1942[/font]

---

At Palembang the bombing strikes have moderate success and get about 7 hits on the oil between them.
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 26, 1942
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Palembang , at 48,91

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 4
B-25C Mitchell x 8

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 1 destroyed by flak
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Oil hits 4
Fires 167

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x 139WH-3 bombing from 10000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 300 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Palembang , at 48,91

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
DB-7B x 3
B-25C Mitchell x 9
B-26 Marauder x 8

Allied aircraft losses
DB-7B: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-26 Marauder: 3 damaged

Manpower hits 4
Oil hits 1
Fires 727

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x DB-7B bombing from 10000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
5 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 10000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
City Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 10000 feet
City Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Palembang , at 48,91

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
Vincent I x 13

No Allied losses

Oil hits 2
Fires 1173

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Vincent I bombing from 8000 feet
City Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 26, 1942[/font]

---

Still in the morning phase the RN TB strike out and find the IJN CL TF, with Naka taking the brunt of the strikes. It's hit with 4 500lb bombs, mostly penetrating, and is left a wreck. They return in the afternoon and plant 3 more. This CL is done. [8D]
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 26, 1942
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on TF, near Pontianak at 55,90

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 15
Fulmar II x 9
F4F-3A Wildcat x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Naka, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Oite

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Albacore I bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Naka

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Pontianak at 55,90

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 15
Fulmar II x 9
F4F-3A Wildcat x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Oite
CL Naka, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Albacore I bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Naka
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]