BTS4.6 The Mike and Mike show ends Bristolduke (J) v MichaelU/lb4269 (A)

[bristolduke]

Yea, it was mission speed and there were more escorts, the op report only chose those 4. I try to pretend there are no dice rolls here, because if it were I know I would be unlucky. That in combination with my lack of expertise in the game mechanics means there will be bumps in the road.

[bristolduke]

Dec 10

Not going to list all the combat reports here as it was a day of lots of activity and some positives on both sides. Mike and Mike's decision to leverage the east Borneo air bases should be applauded as it has produced some results. Maybe not to the extent they usually produce in Malaya, but there are no zeros operating in the area at the moment. I thought they were at Tarakan and tried to take out the base but weather cancelled the operation. Will try again. However, when we captured Miri I noticed we also destroyed a Vildebeest III. We also captured Vigan and Atimonan. Invasions occurred at Davao and Cagayan on Mindanao and Ternate. Additionally, we established a beachhead on Singapore and began the Hong Kong assualt.

So basically the Malayan front is quiet except for some sub activity, each side having some success against merchant shipping. We did find part of Force Z hiding in Pontianak and some damage inflicted, nothing fatal. There is still some minor air activity around Georgetown, but no shipping was found at port there.

The main activity is eastern Borneo. 3 Swordfish and 4 Vildebeest caused some difficulties. In addition to the shipping hits, one of the raiding TF was pulled close enough to damage the CA Mikuma, Bomb hits 2 and DD Shirayuki, Bomb hits 1, so they are pulling out. Besides our shipping hits with the raiding forces was finding the last remnants of the US fleet (CA Houston and DD Pope) was engaged in a surface fight with both sinking. However, there was aside affect to this. Since we didn't know where they were hiding and thought they may still have been near Cebu we had TF supporting the Cagayan invasion to guard against this possibility. Thus there was no air cover for Ternate. After the landings had taken place the allies responded with two attacks with 31 Banshees crippling most of the transports. A quick withdrawal of the remaining TF is underway. We do expect the invasion to be affected.

This has been a theme for Mike and Mike. A quick withdrawal from the strategically key bases and counter attacks at smaller areas, albeit less protected.

We are still on our timetable and I believe meeting those initial objectives. Our losses have been slight, with the exception of the CVL. The one geographic exception is Singkawang and Kuching. We will need to secure those bases quickly.

[ny59giants]

Warning: When you normally capture a base with Heavy Industry (HI), half of it is destroyed. However, if the base is empty of enemy troops or auto flips to Japan then it is totally destroyed [down to (0)1]. I had that happen to me at many bases in southern India. I'm posting this in both AARs. I would suggest that any base with HI have to have some Allied troops there to prevent this.

[bristolduke]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Warning: When you normally capture a base with Heavy Industry (HI), half of it is destroyed. However, if the base is empty of enemy troops or auto flips to Japan then it is totally destroyed [down to (0)1]. I had that happen to me at many bases in southern India. I'm posting this in both AARs. I would suggest that any base with HI have to have some Allied troops there to prevent this.

Thanks for the info.

[bristolduke]

Dec 11-12

The last western South China Sea invasion was undertaken on the 10th. Palembang!

The invasion fleet was covered by a surface fleet which a hapless escapee found.

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 49,90, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Tosa
CL Jintsu
DD Oshio
DD Michishio

Allied Ships
CMc Pro Patria, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Since the fleets were spotted we also had air cover near by to help protect. The Allies threw a lot at the force despite the bad weather, which failed to help mcuh.

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91

Weather in hex: Severe storms

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 21
B-339D x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 2 damaged
B-339D: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
xAK Heito Maru
xAK Tarushima Maru
xAK Kasuga Maru #2
DD Asashio

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Kozan Maru
xAK Hino Maru #3

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Kasuga Maru #2
xAK Taito Maru
xAK Tarushima Maru


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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 6
B-339D x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 1 destroyed


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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 1,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Taito Maru
xAK Manko Maru


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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 14
CW-21B Demon x 12

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Senko Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires
xAK Kozan Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Manko Maru
DD Arashio

We were hoping to secure the base the following day, but all news on that front was poor.


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Night Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 49,90, Range 9,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Tosa
CL Jintsu
DD Oshio
DD Michishio

Allied Ships
xAP Kedah, Shell hits 2, and is sunk




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Morning Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 4
Vildebeest III x 20
CW-21B Demon x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish I: 1 destroyed by flak
CW-21B Demon: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
xAK Manko Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Tarushima Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
xAK Kasuga Maru #2, Bomb hits 3, on fire
xAK Hino Maru #3, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Heito Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Banshee: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Tarushima Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Manko Maru, on fire


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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 3
Vildebeest III x 16
CW-21B Demon x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish I: 1 destroyed
Vildebeest III: 2 destroyed
CW-21B Demon: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
xAK Kasuga Maru #2, heavy fires
xAK Manko Maru, on fire
xAK Taito Maru
xAK Heito Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire


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

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Taito Maru


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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91

Weather in hex: Severe storms

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 16

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Banshee: 1 destroyed


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Ground combat at Palembang (48,91)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 6666 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 171

Defending force 2373 troops, 26 guns, 12 vehicles, Assault Value = 69

Japanese adjusted assault: 127

Allied adjusted defense: 73

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
496 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
262 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 30 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Disappointing, but I hope to finish it off tomorrow. What remains of the invasion fleet will be leaving before dawn.


We had invasions at Manado, but assualts at Singapore, Hong Kong, Clark Fiels, Cagayan a dnDavao all failed to secure bases. The assualt at Ternate was successful. The cruiser TF which attacked Turnate found nothing and then quickly retreated.

There were several destructions of loose merchant ships throughtout the are. The most intersting was the AK Ming Sang which decided to try to run for safety to the south of Cam Rahn Bay, unsuccessfully.

The other surprise was in China


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Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 63013 troops, 349 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1686

Defending force 15828 troops, 116 guns, 24 vehicles, Assault Value = 517

Allied adjusted assault: 1504

Japanese adjusted defense: 254

Allied assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied forces CAPTURE Ichang !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
5072 casualties reported
Squads: 170 destroyed, 85 disabled
Non Combat: 152 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 33 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 62 (49 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Vehicles lost 16 (16 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Allied ground losses:
1907 casualties reported
Squads: 17 destroyed, 321 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 19 (2 destroyed, 17 disabled)

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
68th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
26th Group Army

Defending units:
34th Division
13th RGC Temp. Division

I have been forced out of Ichang, but usually the forts and ofrces withstand a more prolong attack. Given all of our failures of the day, but was obviously a bad dice day.

On the 12th, things changed a bit as we captured Clark Field

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Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 22479 troops, 121 guns, 267 vehicles, Assault Value = 783

Defending force 9490 troops, 58 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 174

Japanese adjusted assault: 703

Allied adjusted defense: 97

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Clark Field !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
752 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 59 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
3576 casualties reported
Squads: 105 destroyed, 74 disabled
Non Combat: 155 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 41 (31 destroyed, 10 disabled)
Vehicles lost 8 (8 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 6
Units destroyed 1

We also too an undefended Tuguegarao.


With almost a week complete, it is obvious that Mike and Mike are a formidable team. That they will contest, at least in the fringes. This is important because week 2 of the offensive adds in the element of cat and mouse.

Invasions in Balkpapan and Tarakan are on their way. They should have occurred on the 12th but all the carnage in the Sulu Sea caused them to change their orders and try to sail around the Philippines. I wound up having to use wavepoints to stop this them and get back on track. Our air attack at Tarakan was successful but found no planes. While we have the base surrounded, it will still be formidable to take.

Balkpapan is a trap waiting to happen (I have been stung there a couple of times), thus the order of the invading forces and their timimg must be precise. A submarine screen covers the southern entrance to the Makassar Straight. A covering force will preceed the invasion force and both will have air cover. Mine sweeps are included although I don't know if he has had enough time to mine the port. In order to that all in position will take a day or two.

That will end the initial southwestern pacific invasions. A little regroup will be needed before the assualt on Java, hopefully at the end of the month. The fun operation now moves to the pacific. If and how will Mimke and Mike defend. My ideal outcome will be a carrier battle which eliminates the US carriers. That will ensure free reign thru the islands. It is highly unlikely they will accomodate that strategy. But can they be lured? The typical invasions at Hollandia, Altape, Wewak and Kavieng are underway. Tarawa and Makin are already complete. Their first surprise was the arrival of a couple of DD off Tarawa destroying the TF finishing the supply unload. He has to have a carrier nearby. I've seen the carrier raids in the Marshalls before. Annoying but not fatal. Still the Rabaul invasion force is underway and I would not like to see it "surprised".

The KB has been sailing back to the pacific and has been replenished. Invasion forces for Wake and Midway islands are underway. Wake will arrive first on 14th. I brought them in from thr south so there was some air protection, in case Mike and Mike were real aggressive, I haven't seen anything yet. Will they try to surprise me at Wake? Will they even contest Midway? Obviously, I would like both to be true. The KB will be in range to defend Wake tomorrow and we could attack a force to the east the following day. We will attack Wake and then proceed to Midway. With luck we will get our "decisive" battle.

[ny59giants]

Beware of the Dutch CD guns at Tarakan, Balikpapan, and Ambon. [:-] I would strongly suggest that at least a pair of CAs and/or BBs be in the Amphib TF. I would load one Amphib TF with the troops and minimal supply. I would load a second TF with just supplies in xAKs. Then, I would combine them and add the large warships. If not, then you will have many transports sunk by those CD guns. I also add in a pair of DMS to sweep any mines. Rinse, repeat! [:D]

KB: When you mention them sailing around the eastern Pacific, what do you mean?? KB 1, 2, and 3 are two heavy CVs and a CVL each. 1 & 3 were for Pearl and 2 was at Babeldoab. He gets the 4th American CV at end of Dec with a full size CVL. I usually take off the old, slow TBs and add Marine fighters and SBDs. The Allies can now re-size their groups rather than go through a set of changes throughout the game. "IF" he forms Death Star along with the assets he has in SoPac at start, they can take on one and maybe two parts of KB.

[PaxMondo]

There are ways to hold Ichang, but most IJ players consider the expense of doing so to be too high and will generally cede it rather than defend it.

On the flip side, most allied players will not take it because it pulls their units out of favorable terrain and in the wrong direction for defense.

[bristolduke]

Dec13-16

The fun element during this time was the battle for Balikpapan. It should be over by now but instead hasn't really started although there has been lots of action.

There have been lots of successes over the four days (mostly the 13-15).

Ground combat at Manado (75,99)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 4296 troops, 19 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 126

Defending force 1870 troops, 13 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 30

Japanese adjusted assault: 86

Allied adjusted defense: 13

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Manado !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
137 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
807 casualties reported
Squads: 26 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 35 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
90th Infantry Regiment
8th JNAF Coy

Defending units:
Manado RK Cdo
Manado Mil'ie Cdo

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Ground combat at Palembang (48,91)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 6396 troops, 41 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 145

Defending force 2153 troops, 26 guns, 12 vehicles, Assault Value = 45

Japanese adjusted assault: 61

Allied adjusted defense: 28

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Palembang !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
647 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 67 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
762 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 39 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 19 (18 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 14 (14 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 5
Units destroyed 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
I/124th Infantry Battalion
II/124th Infantry Battalion
III/124th Infantry Battalion
11th Special Base Force

Defending units:
Palembang Cdo
Lahat Cdo
W Borneo KNIL Bn /1
Palembang ML Base Force
PBg-Ld AA Afd
224 Group RAF /1

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Ground combat at Kavieng (106,122)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 510 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 16

Defending force 275 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 11

Japanese adjusted assault: 18

Allied adjusted defense: 7

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Kavieng !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
95 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
71 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
I/66th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
2/1st Ind Coy


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Ground combat at Hollandia (93,116)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 629 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 8

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

Japanese adjusted assault: 3

Allied adjusted defense: 1

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Hollandia !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
2nd JNAF Coy


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Ground combat at Hong Kong (77,61)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 32389 troops, 391 guns, 208 vehicles, Assault Value = 841

Defending force 6988 troops, 123 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 124

Japanese adjusted assault: 608

Allied adjusted defense: 165

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Hong Kong !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
227 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 46 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 5 disabled

Allied ground losses:
8595 casualties reported
Squads: 211 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 461 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 24 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 156 (156 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 62 (62 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 6

Assaulting units:
38th Division
66th Infantry Regiment
104th Division
20th Ind Com Engineer Regiment
2nd RF Gun Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
19th Ind Com Engineer Regiment
5th RF Gun Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
1st Middlesex Battalion
Rifles of Canada Battalion
Kowloon Brigade
Winnipeg Grenadiers Battalion
102nd RN Base Force
Hong Kong Fortress

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Ground combat at Aitape (95,118)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 621 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 8

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

Japanese adjusted assault: 5

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Aitape !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
5th JNAF Coy


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Ground combat at Wewak (96,119)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 630 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9

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

Japanese adjusted assault: 10

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Wewak !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
9th JNAF Coy


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Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 28906 troops, 384 guns, 347 vehicles, Assault Value = 1072

Defending force 20799 troops, 258 guns, 127 vehicles, Assault Value = 68

Japanese adjusted assault: 1034

Allied adjusted defense: 171

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Singapore !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed
Vildebeest III: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IIb Trop: 2 destroyed

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

Japanese ground losses:
306 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 30 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
23736 casualties reported
Squads: 242 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1448 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 100 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 340 (340 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 157 (157 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 18

Assaulting units:
21st Division
11th Infantry Regiment
Imperial Guards Division
5th Engineer Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
11th Tank Regiment
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
5th Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Mortar Battalion
5th Mortar Battalion
25th Army
1st RF Gun Battalion
84th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
SSVF Brigade
3rd Cavalry Regiment
2/17 Dogra Battalion
22nd Australian Brigade
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
29 Battery/3 HAA
Malayan Air Wing
III Indian Corps
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
224 Group RAF
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
Singapore Base Force
Singapore Fortress
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
2nd Malay Battalion
Malaya Army
112th RAF Adv Base Force

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Ground combat at San Fernando (80,74)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1297 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 42

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

Japanese adjusted assault: 21

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 21 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE San Fernando !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
Kanno


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Ground combat at Cagayan (79,89)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6163 troops, 101 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 243

Defending force 4244 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 98

Japanese adjusted assault: 86

Allied adjusted defense: 31

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cagayan !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed

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

Japanese ground losses:
140 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1831 casualties reported
Squads: 34 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 67 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 5
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
Kimura Det
1st Para Assault Division

Defending units:
2nd PA Infantry Regiment
3rd Constabulary Regiment
Agusan Constab Battalion
Del Monte AAF Base Force
Mindanao Force
205th Base Sqdn


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Ground combat at Davao (79,91)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1107 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 25

Defending force 1526 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 33

Japanese adjusted assault: 20

Allied adjusted defense: 10

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Davao !!!

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

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

Allied ground losses:
410 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (5 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
Miura Det

Defending units:
101st PA Infantry Regiment
505th Base Sqdn



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Ground combat at Buin (109,131)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 510 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 16

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

Japanese adjusted assault: 17

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 17 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Buin !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(+)

Assaulting units:
II/66th Naval Guard Unit


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Ground combat at Tulagi (114,137)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 510 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 16

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

Japanese adjusted assault: 9

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 9 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Tulagi !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
III/66th Naval Guard Unit


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Ground combat at Wake Island (136,98)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3715 troops, 64 guns, 8 vehicles, Assault Value = 115

Defending force 710 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 17

Japanese adjusted assault: 83

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 83 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Wake Island !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(-), disruption(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-)

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

Allied ground losses:
773 casualties reported
Squads: 35 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 33 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 25 (25 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
1st Maizuru Assault/B Division
1st Maizuru Assault/C Division

Defending units:
Wake (Det.) Defense Battalion


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

Ground combat at Cabanatuan (80,76)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 384 troops, 0 guns, 71 vehicles, Assault Value = 454

Defending force 4236 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 124

Japanese adjusted assault: 31

Allied adjusted defense: 15

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cabanatuan !!!

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

Allied ground losses:
1033 casualties reported
Squads: 43 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 29 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 24 (24 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
9th Tank Regiment
4th Division

Defending units:
11th PA Infantry Division


Each side continues to knock off some support vessels, but we are on the short end of this. Thus far our naval search has not been very effective. We search areas but are then surprised by the marauding TF 2-3 DD/CA. we lost 4 mine sweeps off Palembang and our Rabaul TF was surprised near Manus.

But the real scene of action has been Balikpapan. I continue to have trouble getting the TF to continue on the path, but on the end of the 14th, I had the surface combat fleet just outside the entrance to Balikpapan with react 3. I had the invasion force 3 hexes away (thus a night landing) and I hade the carrier TF 3 hexes to the north with react 0 to bomb the airfield and provide air cover to the invasion TF. 6 subs guarded the entrance to Makassar. No allied fleets were in the area. The battle below occurred the day before and the fleet was withdrawing south.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Balikpapan at 65,98

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CL Marblehead, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

What transpired the following day is hard to understand much less describe.

It started with the sub detection.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Madjene at 63,101

Japanese Ships
SS I-154

Allied Ships
DD John Barry
DD Vendetta
DD Trippe
DD Mayrant

SS I-154 is sighted by escort
DD Trippe fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Mayrant attacking submerged sub ....
DD Mayrant loses contact with SS I-154
DD Mayrant loses contact with SS I-154
DD Mayrant fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mayrant fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mayrant fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mayrant fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Force Z had been spotted.

It was immediately followed by

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Balikpapan at 65,98, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CVL Karasu, Shell hits 2
CVL Ryukaku
CS Chitose, Shell hits 4, on fire
CS Chiyoda, Shell hits 3
CVL Tokachi
CVL Kushiro, Shell hits 3
DD Kuroshio, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Oyashio
DD Hatsukaze
DD Natsushio
DD Amatsukaze
DD Hatsuharu

Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Shell hits 4
BC Renown
DD Bulmer
DD Stewart
DD Paul Jones, Shell hits 1
DD Parrott
DD Vendetta, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD John Barry
DD Mayrant
DD Trippe, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk


There was a brief follow up in the morning. (note 1 hex to the north)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Balikpapan at 66,97, Range 26,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CVL Karasu
CVL Ryukaku
CS Chitose
CS Chiyoda
CVL Tokachi
CVL Kushiro
DD Kuroshio
DD Oyashio
DD Hatsukaze
DD Natsushio
DD Amatsukaze
DD Hatsuharu

Allied Ships
BC Repulse
BC Renown, Shell hits 1
DD Bulmer
DD Stewart
DD Paul Jones
DD Parrott
DD John Barry
DD Mayrant

The air attack on the airfield went as scheduled

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Balikpapan , at 64,97

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
B5N2 Kate x 16

Allied aircraft
B-339D x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-339D: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15

However, no air attack on the task force took place. When the turn ended the carrier TF was another 7 hexes removed.


If I had any map skills, I would put up a picture. but

The initial surface combat was 1 hex away from my surface fleet which moved not at all, but the carrier TF (w/0 react) moved 4 hexes to put up a battle. The invasion fleet moved nothing at all and the morning battle was on the hex they occupied as well. Then of course there is the issue of no naval air attack on a TF in the same hex. At the end of the turn Force Z and the Invasion TF were on the same hex and despite my instructions again choose to withdraw (so did force Z which makes no sense either) So we are still poised 3 hexes away with the invasion fleet, the surface fleet is still covering and the carrier TF has returned to again provide Air cover.

We clearly dodged a bullet, but shouldn't have had to as we were (I thought) well positioned for a Force Z raid. Why would a Surface Combat TF not react with react set at 3 and the opposition ends up next to you? While it worked out well, why did an Air Combat TF with react=0 react? Any why not air attack, the enemy TF was clearly detected?


BTW we attacked Tarakan today as well. Since they did not contest Wake Island, I consider it highly unlikely they will contest Midway. Best guess is a raid in the Marshalls. I may split the KB as there is no real need to send all 6 to Midway.

[John 3rd]

Bet you nearly had kittens when that STF popped up on your CVLs! I would have uttered an unprintable word and grabbed a shot of something to drink. You got lucky with the results.

I can never truly predict what the heck a TF will do. In my long-running game with Dan, I have lost several BBs and CAs due to them 'hanging' in a location instead of going straight in. HATE IT!

With the Allies having so many more toys, be careful about splitting KB in CenPac.

[ny59giants]

KUDOS on the rapid capture of Singapore!! [&o] [&o]

Get those minesweepers over there to clear the mines and shift your forces from Saigon and CRB to this bigger port and base. Then, mine the port yourself from those nasty Dutch subs. Get your ACMs there (converted from PBs).

Heavy Industry in Malaya: I expand G'town to 20 and Sing to 80 steadily. Don't repair any Resources or Manpower anywhere.

Java: Plan on landing here and at multiple bases to ensure speedy conquest. I worry about Allies loading troops in Batavia due to the urban terrain bonus, so I focus here first. Danpasar off SE tip is great for an Air HQ to isolate the island with Nell/Betty.

[Bif1961]

Singapore and Hong Kong taken so quickly that frees up large LCUs for whatever your follow on invasions might be.

[bristolduke]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

KUDOS on the rapid capture of Singapore!! [&o] [&o]

Get those minesweepers over there to clear the mines and shift your forces from Saigon and CRB to this bigger port and base. Then, mine the port yourself from those nasty Dutch subs. Get your ACMs there (converted from PBs).

Heavy Industry in Malaya: I expand G'town to 20 and Sing to 80 steadily. Don't repair any Resources or Manpower anywhere.

Java: Plan on landing here and at multiple bases to ensure speedy conquest. I worry about Allies loading troops in Batavia due to the urban terrain bonus, so I focus here first. Danpasar off SE tip is great for an Air HQ to isolate the island with Nell/Betty.

I agree on the landing approach to java. Losing the 4DMS at Palambang hut as they were going to Singapore next but we will bring a backup TF down. The other negative at the moment was not taking Singkawang/Kuching. I needed those air firlds to start surprising the allied AF. Palembang will be hard to support without secondary bases to support and/or attack.
Good thought on the Hi that is already becoming a problem. I shut down some merchant shipping to be able to handle the HI for pilot training. Unfortunately thought of it too late.

[bristolduke]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Bet you nearly had kittens when that STF popped up on your CVLs! I would have uttered an unprintable word and grabbed a shot of something to drink. You got lucky with the results.

I can never truly predict what the heck a TF will do. In my long-running game with Dan, I have lost several BBs and CAs due to them 'hanging' in a location instead of going straight in. HATE IT!

With the Allies having so many more toys, be careful about splitting KB in CenPac.

No it wasn't kittens it was the single malt scotch!!

[bristolduke]

Dec 17

Well the Balikpapan invasion finally took place, a few days late but will the bizarre interaction, there was no Force Z. If they do bring force Z up I have my surface fleet blocking the harbor, so he would have to attack it. I have over extended everything to make this work so one carrier force is now withdrawing and I will leave one to proect the invasion force from an air attack.

We have not taken Tarakan yet, but did take Batangas and Subic bay. They appear to have left Bataan lightly defended and focused on saving Manila. Taking Bataan would be great as Manila can always be overcome. I can also start clearing the minefields earlier.

I made a huge mistake with Rabaul. Once the surface raiders hit Tarawa, I should have altered the Rabual assault. I knew it but forgot and they got hit. Fortunately they made it to Manus which is easily taken. I'll try to get the rest of the TF away quickly.

The other effort I missed on the timing was Midway. I should be in position to attack Midway today, but the invasion fleet is still several days away. Now is the time to take it so venturing further south will need air support from KB-type force, so I decided to wait until after Midway. I have sufficient carrier support to take Java without the KB going.

[ny59giants]

Toboali or Billiton: Capture these empty bases and quickly build AF to size 2 (or larger) to allow Vals/Kates to control Allied access to southern Sumatra and preparing for attacks on Java. In this mod, you have extra engineers in many LCUs to allow this. Use a Fast Transport TF or two to get some troops to one of them quickly rather than wait on slower Amphib TFs.

[bristolduke]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Toboali or Billiton: Capture these empty bases and quickly build AF to size 2 (or larger) to allow Vals/Kates to control Allied access to southern Sumatra and preparing for attacks on Java. In this mod, you have extra engineers in many LCUs to allow this. Use a Fast Transport TF or two to get some troops to one of them quickly rather than wait on slower Amphib TFs.

Agreed but Singkawang and Kuching need to be secured first. I need him out of the South China Sea

[bristolduke]

DEC 18

Balikpapan fell quickly

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

Ground combat at Balikpapan (64,97)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 4916 troops, 25 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 139

Defending force 1610 troops, 23 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 47

Japanese adjusted assault: 157

Allied adjusted defense: 6

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Balikpapan !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 1 destroyed
T.IVa: 1 destroyed

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

Japanese ground losses:
241 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1186 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 37 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 20 (11 destroyed, 9 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1
Units destroyed 1

So did Alor Star


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

Ground combat at Alor Star (49,73)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15675 troops, 164 guns, 66 vehicles, Assault Value = 340

Defending force 8722 troops, 34 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 256

Japanese adjusted assault: 110

Allied adjusted defense: 45

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Alor Star !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
666 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 22 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2861 casualties reported
Squads: 87 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 129 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 22 (22 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 37 (37 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Tarakan remains in enemy hands. More force will be neded I'm afraid. However, Temuloh fell quickly. Looks like we can split the remaining British forces.


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

Ground combat at Temuloh (50,78)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3788 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 125

Defending force 4152 troops, 22 guns, 18 vehicles, Assault Value = 116

Japanese adjusted assault: 118

Allied adjusted defense: 40

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Temuloh !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
337 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 32 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1876 casualties reported
Squads: 41 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 107 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 15 (14 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 14 (14 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 5
Units destroyed 1

We are just about set for Manila. We will start softening up. Also trying to get Bataan quickly.

We landed and took Manus now can the TF get away.

Dodged a bullet early but second attack took some damage.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Manus at 101,119, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Kyo Maru #8
PB Kyo Maru #10
PB Shotoku Maru
ACM Shofuku Maru #2
TK Moji Maru
AV Kiyokawa Maru
xAK Matsue Maru
xAK Kogyoku Maru
xAK Nishimi Maru
xAK Brasil Maru
xAK Chile Maru
xAK China Maru
xAK Havana Maru
xAK Cheribon Maru
xAK Daifuku Maru
xAK Kuraido Maru

Allied Ships
CL Adelaide
DD Mildura

Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Japanese TF suspends unloading operations and begins to get underway
Reduced sighting due to 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 0% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 7,000 yards...
Range increases to 8,000 yards...
Range increases to 9,000 yards...
Range increases to 10,000 yards...
Range increases to 11,000 yards...
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Japanese Amphibious TF evades combat


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Manus at 102,119, Range 5,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Kyo Maru #8
PB Kyo Maru #10, Shell hits 9, on fire
PB Shotoku Maru, Shell hits 1
ACM Shofuku Maru #2
TK Moji Maru
AV Kiyokawa Maru, Shell hits 2
xAK Matsue Maru
xAK Kogyoku Maru
xAK Nishimi Maru
xAK Brasil Maru
xAK Chile Maru
xAK China Maru, on fire
xAK Havana Maru
xAK Cheribon Maru
xAK Daifuku Maru
xAK Kuraido Maru

Allied Ships
CA Canberra
DD Katherine

Reduced sighting due to 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 0% moonlight: 5,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 5,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 5,000 yards
CA Canberra engages PB Shotoku Maru at 5,000 yards
CA Canberra engages PB Shotoku Maru at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CA Canberra engages AV Kiyokawa Maru at 2,000 yards
CA Canberra engages PB Kyo Maru #10 at 2,000 yards
CA Canberra engages AV Kiyokawa Maru at 2,000 yards
CA Canberra engages PB Kyo Maru #10 at 2,000 yards
CA Canberra engages AV Kiyokawa Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Katherine engages PB Kyo Maru #10 at 2,000 yards
Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...

Even the Banshees got a lick in


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Mussau Island at 105,117

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Cheribon Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Matsue Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Havana Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 4000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
1 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Cheribon Maru

Still a major part of the force survives. I will sacrifice one AKl and maybe the rest get away. Things could prove interesting if he follows north but I don't expect it. That will be our last daring adventure. We have the ability to maintain localozed air superiority and we will do so going forward.

[John 3rd]

I HATE those small STFs! They are hard to spot and, seemingly, wreak huge amounts of damage if you cannot hit them first.

He is using a good strategy making you cover all your TFs for fear of being attacked. It is smart and works.

[bristolduke]

Dec 19-23

Its been awhile since I've had a chance to update. Not much is happening particularly good things. I guess I can say I accurately reflected the Japanese mentality of detailed planning in the opening stages. The broad based aggressive attack was dependent upon it mostly working. The failure to take Singkawang and Kuchang with the initial invasions leaves a hole where I am unable to setup the long range bombing of Java and thus have to rely totally on fighters to protect Palembang. This is not only increasing our losses, but it also not very affective against Mike and Mike's aggressive countering. The initial plan called for utilizing most of the 14th, 15th,16th and 25th armies plus the Imperial Guard, in an attempt to overwhelm, Singapore and the Philippines. There were little in backup assets. Still I have some reinforcements coming to Singkawang. To be safe I preceded them with a battleship surface fleet covered by the carriers (also using the carrier search. They were hiding in Kuchang and came out the night of the 21/22. I don't think they realized this was not an invasion. the results were predictable.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Singkawang at 56,87, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
CA Takao
CL Suzuya
CL Kumano
CL Tone
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze

Allied Ships
CL Durban, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Van Nes, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

We searched for another couple of days and have found nothing. The invasion fleet should arrive tomorrow covered by both surface and air combat fleets. After taking Singkawang, I will move forces to Kuchang and take it. I will continue to try and find a way to air cover Palembang another few days despite the cost.


On the east side, the failure to take Tarakan has left him with a base to attack Miri by air. He has re-entered that base after it was clear my initial landing wasn't sufficient. I have decided to use the Fast transports in Saigon and Cam Rahn Bay to pick up the 61st Guards from the northern Burma efforts and re-inforce the Tarakan invasion. Which brings us to the Balikpapan operation. This has been and still is a lively theater. Because of his past history and naval hit and runs I thought I would try for a "significant" naval battle with Force Z on the assumption he would raid Balikpapan. A cruiser based surface fleet was stationed at the entrance to Balikpapan. I was right as he raided. but first it was a motor boat force on the 19/20th


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Balikpapan at 64,98, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CA Ashigara
DD Mutsuki
DD Kisaragi
DD Yayoi
DD Mochizuki
DD Mazabuki

Allied Ships
MTB 7
MTB 8, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB 9
MTB 10
MTB 11, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB 12

Then on the 21st, Force Z showed up.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Balikpapan at 65,98, Range 21,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Shell hits 7
CA Haguro, Shell hits 17, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Nachi, Shell hits 1
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 1
DD Mutsuki
DD Kisaragi, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Yayoi, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Mochizuki
DD Mazabuki, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
BC Renown, Shell hits 2
CA Cornwall, Shell hits 3, on fire
CA Exeter, Shell hits 6, heavy fires
CL Tromp, Shell hits 5, heavy fires
CL Danae, Shell hits 15, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Glasgow, Shell hits 14, heavy fires
DD Tenedos
DD Sands, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD King, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Lawrence, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD John Barry, Shell hits 1

I didn't get the Renown, but did put a serious dent in Force Z which should help us in our Java operations. I tried to chase him, but he was still fast enough to get away. I am probably losing the Cruiser, but all in all it looks like a good encounter.

That is not the only action at Balikpapn. he has developed a very interesting defensive strategy, even though I have take the base. There are still mines at Balikpapan, he has apparently place 2 subs in the harbor as well. We damaged one on the 19th but as you see he didn't leave.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Balikpapan at 64,97

Japanese Ships
DMS Shimushu
xAP Miike Maru
DD Nenohi

Allied Ships
SS S-40, hits 2

then following night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 310 encounters mine field at Balikpapan (64,97)

Japanese Ships
DMS Shimushu

19 mines cleared


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Balikpapan at 64,97

Japanese Ships
DMS Shimushu

Allied Ships
SS Perch

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Balikpapan at 64,97

Japanese Ships
xAK Amagi Maru
DD Nenohi

Allied Ships
SS S-40

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Balikpapan at 64,97

Japanese Ships
DMS Shimushu


On the night of 21/22
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 310 encounters mine field at Balikpapan (64,97)

Japanese Ships
DMS Shimushu

22 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 310 encounters mine field at Balikpapan (64,97)

Japanese Ships
DMS Shimushu

24 mines cleared


on the 22nd
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 310 encounters mine field at Balikpapan (64,97)

Japanese Ships
DMS Shimushu

26 mines cleared


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Balikpapan at 64,97

Japanese Ships
DMS Shimushu, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Perch

So I am stuck with the problem of clearing mines and not losing DMS. If I escort the DMS in the mines hit the escorts and If I don't the subs get the DMS. I will probably try to bring in a large number of DMS covered by PB/PC and see if that helps. I still have to clear Singapore/Bataan and I don't want the losses to mount. We already lost a few DMS to one of his "surprise" surface raiders.

In the Philippines, Manila has proven stubborn. The approach was to use heavy ground attack from the air followed by deliberate attacks on the ground. However, only on the 2oth did that happen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Asiatic Fleet , at 79,77 (Manila)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 57
G3M2 Nell x 27
G4M1 Betty x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
107 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Asiatic Fleet , at 79,77 (Manila)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
82 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 91st PA Infantry Division, at 79,77 (Manila)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
G4M1 Betty x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

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

Ground combat at Manila (79,77)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29665 troops, 233 guns, 204 vehicles, Assault Value = 939

Defending force 40883 troops, 405 guns, 172 vehicles, Assault Value = 813

Japanese adjusted assault: 104

Allied adjusted defense: 721

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 6 (fort level 1)

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

Japanese ground losses:
1533 casualties reported
Squads: 40 destroyed, 138 disabled
Non Combat: 26 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 11 (5 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Vehicles lost 83 (66 destroyed, 17 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
915 casualties reported
Squads: 20 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Guns lost 22 (3 destroyed, 19 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2nd Tank Regiment
4th Division
48th Recon Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
65th Brigade
16th Recon Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
20th Infantry Regiment
2nd Recon Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
22nd Recon Regiment

Defending units:
57th PS Infantry Regiment
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
27th Avn Sup
91st PA Infantry Division
45th PS Infantry Regiment
51st PA Infantry Division
71st PA Infantry Division
35th Avn Sup
21st PA Infantry Division
192nd Tank Battalion
1st Constabulary Regiment
4th Marine Regiment
31st Infantry Regiment
194th Tank Battalion
41st PA Infantry Division
2nd Constabulary Regiment
803rd Aviation Engineer Battalion
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
Far East USAAF
Nichols Field AAF Base Force
!/23rd PS FA Battalion
Clark Field AAF Base Force
Asiatic Fleet
I/Prov'nl SPM Grp
Cavite USN Base Force
II/Prov'nl SPM Grp
24th PS FA Regiment
US Forces Far East
II Corps
86th PS Field Artillery Battalion
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
I Corps
11th PAAC Avn Sup
24th Avn Sup
III/Prov'nl SPM Grp

the other days no air flew due to weather but the attacks went anyway and did nofare well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Manila (79,77)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 32182 troops, 266 guns, 129 vehicles, Assault Value = 831

Defending force 40468 troops, 402 guns, 171 vehicles, Assault Value = 776

Japanese adjusted assault: 67

Allied adjusted defense: 811

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 12 (fort level 1)

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

Japanese ground losses:
2608 casualties reported
Squads: 50 destroyed, 110 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 49 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 24 (20 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Vehicles lost 36 (9 destroyed, 27 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1024 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 51 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 52 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 12 (3 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Assaulting units:
47th Infantry Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
65th Brigade
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
4th Division
20th Infantry Regiment
2nd Recon Regiment
22nd Recon Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment

Defending units:
35th Avn Sup
21st PA Infantry Division
31st Infantry Regiment
4th Marine Regiment
71st PA Infantry Division
194th Tank Battalion
27th Avn Sup
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
1st Constabulary Regiment
57th PS Infantry Regiment
91st PA Infantry Division
45th PS Infantry Regiment
51st PA Infantry Division
192nd Tank Battalion
41st PA Infantry Division
2nd Constabulary Regiment
86th PS Field Artillery Battalion
Clark Field AAF Base Force
803rd Aviation Engineer Battalion
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
24th PS FA Regiment
II/Prov'nl SPM Grp
I/Prov'nl SPM Grp
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
Nichols Field AAF Base Force
Asiatic Fleet
US Forces Far East
11th PAAC Avn Sup
I Corps
Far East USAAF
II Corps
24th Avn Sup
Cavite USN Base Force
!/23rd PS FA Battalion
III/Prov'nl SPM Grp

With the disruption we waited a day, hoping the air attacks would continue, they did not. Then on the 23rd this
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Manila (79,77)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 32564 troops, 301 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 826

Defending force 43578 troops, 417 guns, 171 vehicles, Assault Value = 890

Japanese adjusted assault: 123

Allied adjusted defense: 745

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 6 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
3160 casualties reported
Squads: 49 destroyed, 139 disabled
Non Combat: 22 destroyed, 89 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Guns lost 17 (3 destroyed, 14 disabled)
Vehicles lost 48 (23 destroyed, 25 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Allied ground losses:
834 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 81 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 37 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 10 disabled
Guns lost 15 (2 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Vehicles lost 18 (2 destroyed, 16 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2nd Tank Regiment
65th Brigade
4th Tank Regiment
48th Engineer Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
20th Infantry Regiment
4th Division
2nd Recon Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
48th Field Artillery Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
22nd Recon Regiment

Defending units:
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
41st PA Infantry Division
57th PS Infantry Regiment
192nd Tank Battalion
45th PS Infantry Regiment
21st PA Infantry Division
51st PA Infantry Division
71st PA Infantry Division
91st PA Infantry Division
27th Avn Sup
1st PA Infantry Division
31st Infantry Regiment
4th Marine Regiment
1st Constabulary Regiment
194th Tank Battalion
2nd Constabulary Regiment
I/Prov'nl SPM Grp
11th PAAC Avn Sup
US Forces Far East
35th Avn Sup
86th PS Field Artillery Battalion
Clark Field AAF Base Force
II Corps
Cavite USN Base Force
24th PS FA Regiment
24th Avn Sup
!/23rd PS FA Battalion
803rd Aviation Engineer Battalion
Nichols Field AAF Base Force
Asiatic Fleet
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
Far East USAAF
I Corps
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
II/Prov'nl SPM Grp
III/Prov'nl SPM Grp

He now has a level 2 fort back. They are just too strong to take on at the moment. While I wanted to have the Manila port (and all the VP with the forces), it is clear we need to choke them off a bit. Plus I don't want to drain alto of forces in this. The bigger surprie in not being able to take Bataan which he left undefended.

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

Ground combat at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3818 troops, 25 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 125

Defending force 2320 troops, 110 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 52

Allied adjusted defense: 35

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
42nd Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
Manila Bay Defenses
Bataan USN Base Force

followed the next day with

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

Ground combat at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3794 troops, 25 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 122

Defending force 2296 troops, 110 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 47

Allied adjusted defense: 35

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

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

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

Assaulting units:
42nd Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
Manila Bay Defenses
Bataan USN Base Force


Meanwhile the Midway operation is underway. I had split the KB and sent one way to the north to avoid detection and hopefully surprise the American carriers if they attempted to defend. The invasion force, covering surface fleet and carrier force came in from the west. It's a slow moving invasion force, so we certainly aren't going to surprise anyone. The plan didn't work because the fist force he spotted was the northern carrier force. So since that surprise didn't work they attacked the Kure base which showed some shipping, but none was found.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kure Island , at 157,90

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 49
D3A1 Val x 78

No Japanese losses

So the next day we went after the Midway air bases,

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Midway Island , at 158,91

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 49
D3A1 Val x 78

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 9
Runway hits 17

No planes were hit and none have attacked, so the assumption is he has evacuated Midway. The irony is the carrier TF coming from the west still has not been spotted. I expect the invasion to occur on the 25th.

Our only other highlight came on the 20th. I am moving the subs to the east of Pearl as the AWS activity is getting severe to the west. In doing so we passed to the North of PH and

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Pearl Harbor at 181,107

Japanese Ships
SS I-175

Allied Ships
CL Detroit, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

We had hit here before, but this time we were taking no chances.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Pearl Harbor at 181,107

Japanese Ships
SS I-172

Allied Ships
CL Detroit, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage

CL Detroit is sighted by SS I-172
Magazine explodes on CL Detroit

And then we found this down south

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lahaina at 183,108

Japanese Ships
SS I-174

Allied Ships
CVE Langley, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Le Triomphant

Ammo storage explosion on CVE Langley

Going forward, I had planned to attack Java from both sides simultaneously. Given the forces still in Java I will take Ambon and Kendari next. I sent a carrier group scouting New Guinea to make sure no raiders are coming up and found nothing. I suspect they are laying in wait for me at attack Rabaul which is fine. The second carrier group is getting replenished, so I'll start those attacks just after Christmas.

I think that catches everyone up

Oh yea, one more. I was going to send the paratroops to Port Blair, hesitated due to the troubles at Palembang and Singkawang. Recon show he hmay have re-inforce Port Blair beyond the paratroopers ability to take it. However, first view of Ragoon shows nobody home. They have moved east to stop me at the river. if that is confirmed, then that will be the next drop.

[bristolduke]

Dec 24

A few little things and some prep for larger activities

Started clearing the mines in Singapore
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 186 encounters mine field at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Ships
DMS W-3
DMS W-2

33 mines cleared


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 88 encounters mine field at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Ships
DMS W-18
DMS W-17
DMS W-14
DMS W-13
DMS W-12
DMS W-11
DMS W-10
DMS W-9

172 mines cleared


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 186 encounters mine field at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Ships
DMS W-3
DMS W-2

31 mines cleared


Poking around Port Blair and found unescorted escort. The recon showed Ragoon was really defended, didn't think they would have that oversight. So we will go with the Port Blair drop tomorrow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Port Blair at 46,58

Japanese Ships
SS I-156

Allied Ships
xAK Michael Livanos, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

xAK Michael Livanos is sighted by SS I-156
SS I-156 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Michael Livanos


One of them fought back.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Port Blair at 46,58

Japanese Ships
SS I-156, hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
xAK Hermion, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

xAK Hermion is sighted by SS I-156
SS I-156 attacking on the surface



They have been pooling things in Sabang, and since I will be invading the coast in a few days it was time to knock them down a bit. Very weak resistance and reasonable results.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Sabang , at 44,70

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 17

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
No.21 Sqn RAAF with Buffalo I (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 10 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Sabang , at 44,70

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 4,200 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 12

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-4 Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground
L-18 Lodestar: 4 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 17


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Sabang , at 44,70

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 3,200 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 10

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-4 Catalina: 2 damaged
L-18 Lodestar: 2 damaged
L-18 Lodestar: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Sabang , at 44,70

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 9
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 6

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-4 Catalina: 6 damaged
PBY-4 Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground
L-18 Lodestar: 8 damaged
L-18 Lodestar: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 14


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Sabang , at 44,70

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 9

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-43-Ib Oscar sweeping at 20000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Sabang , at 44,70

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

The Midway invasion started, with promising success.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 6th Marine Defense Battalion, at 158,91 (Midway Island)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 49
D3A1 Val x 77

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
62 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Midway Island (158,91) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

53 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
CL Kiso
AK Sakito Maru
xAK Shofuku Maru
DD Yakaze

Japanese ground losses:
46 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
577 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 33 (1 destroyed, 32 disabled)


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

Ground combat at Midway Island (158,91)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1944 troops, 51 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 59

Defending force 2540 troops, 32 guns, 12 vehicles, Assault Value = 71

Assaulting units:
1st/298th Infantry Battalion
6th Marine Defense Battalion
116th Base Group

Defending units:
1st Maizuru Assault/A Div /1
2nd Naval Pioneer Battalion


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

Ground combat at Midway Island (158,91)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2540 troops, 32 guns, 12 vehicles, Assault Value = 71

Defending force 2917 troops, 63 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 59

Japanese adjusted assault: 40

Allied adjusted defense: 17

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
46 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
275 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled)

I hope to take it tomorrow.

We also went after Bataan, to try and cut Manila off from supplies. That was successful. We took Bataan Is as well.

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

Ground combat at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3748 troops, 25 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 119

Defending force 2254 troops, 110 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 84

Allied adjusted defense: 33

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Bataan !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1150 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 167 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 9 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 118 (118 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 2

Assaulting units:
42nd Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
Manila Bay Defenses
Bataan USN Base Force


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

Ground combat at Batan Island (85,70)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1368 troops, 16 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 10

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

Japanese adjusted assault: 10

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Bataan Island !!!

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

Assaulting units:
30th JNAF AF Unit

We sent in our Singkawang reinforcements with some off shore support.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Singkawang (56,88)

7 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Tosa
CL Jintsu
DD Minegumo
xAK Sumanoura Maru
DD Asagumo

Allied ground losses:
137 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Positioned some Bettys to be able to attack Ambon. Will do the same at Singkawang to attack the Java bases and take some pressure off Palembang. They are still diligent in those attacks but at least now we knock down a plane or two.