JFB in charge of the USN??? BtS Lite ver. 4.5 Kitakami (A) vs Falken (J)

[Kitakami]

SW Pacific:

No action during the turn, but the Hvy. CarDiv has reappeared. I will track its movements, to see what it is up to.

[Kitakami]

Central/South Pacific:

Also a quiet theater, tracking the movements of the other Hvy. CarDiv. So far, I have seen no other enemy ships in the region, so either Falken is trying to disrupt my LOC, or he is hunting for CVs.

[Dirtnap86]

If you can, check the # of planes lost. RJ is only a baby CV and Japanese damcon is pretty poor. I think she carries 30 zeroes and 18 kates, see how many were lost on the ground after that last turn.

[John 3rd]

Heck of a defense you are putting up Sir! You are presenting an excellent case for why PALEMBANG must be grabbed within days of the war starting. Waiting is suicide for the Japanese player.

[Kitakami]

ORIGINAL: Dirtnap86
If you can, check the # of planes lost. RJ is only a baby CV and Japanese damcon is pretty poor. I think she carries 30 zeroes and 18 kates, see how many were lost on the ground after that last turn.

She hasn't sunk... unfortunately!

[Kitakami]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Heck of a defense you are putting up Sir! You are presenting an excellent case for why PALEMBANG must be grabbed within days of the war starting. Waiting is suicide for the Japanese player.

Agreed, for two reasons: First, because it throws the Japanese timetable off. Second, because the 93 engineers I have in the hex might damage a lot of stuff when I am finally kicked out.

In my humble opinion, the possible sacrifice of the British 18th is well worth it.

[Kitakami]

Feb 3rd, 1942

Last turn was an interesting one. Falken sent the combat report to me saying that it had gone to the Allies but, when I ran it, I did not see anything spectacular. I mean, it was good, but not spectacular. That was until last night when I was reading the combat report, and I read this:

TF 176 encounters mine field at Bataan (78,77) DAY ONE
* BB Hyuga, Mine hits 1
* BB Ise, Mine hits 2

TF 176 encounters mine field at Manila (79,77) DAY TWO
* DD Umikaze, Mine hits 1, heavy damage
* CL Yubari, Mine hits 2, heavy damage
* BB Ise, Mine hits 1

Now, I do not expect Ise to sink with three mines. I am more hopeful about Yubari, though. She just might. This might give the defenders of Manila a breather, though.

Besides that, I lost San Jose, Siargao, Mussau Island, and Balikpapan. All of Borneo's oilfields are now in the hands of the Empire.

In the air I am still playing turtle. I need to repair fighters, rest crews, etc. So far it has worked, except for Manila. Those naval bombardments I did not expect, and have basically closed down the airfield.

[Kitakami]

The air battle of Burma has begun. Thankfully, it is being fought on my terms, at least for now. This means air losses are once again in my favour. Last turn it was 26 to 1.

[Kitakami]

Malaya:

I know I am fighting a losing battle, one I must measure in time more than anything else, so it has been a bit difficult not to attack, wait, and be patient. Still, results have been good until now. The fighting in Singapore was not an Allied Victory last turn, though. There is still ample supply, but losses were much heavier than I would have wanted.

Japanese Deliberate attack at Singapore (50,84) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 4818 casualties reported
*** Squads: 38 destroyed, 167 disabled
*** Non Combat: 80 destroyed, 75 disabled
*** Engineers: 3 destroyed, 71 disabled
*** Guns lost 31 (12 destroyed, 19 disabled)
*** Vehicles lost 35 (6 destroyed, 29 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
* 2355 casualties reported
*** Squads: 50 destroyed, 91 disabled
*** Non Combat: 28 destroyed, 71 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 28 disabled
*** Guns lost 40 (5 destroyed, 35 disabled)
*** Vehicles lost 52 (2 destroyed, 50 disabled)
* Units destroyed 1

Japanese Deliberate attack at Singapore (50,84) DAY TWO

Japanese ground losses:
* 4718 casualties reported
*** Squads: 29 destroyed, 202 disabled
*** Non Combat: 39 destroyed, 69 disabled
*** Engineers: 87 destroyed, 108 disabled
*** Guns lost 37 (6 destroyed, 31 disabled)
*** Vehicles lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
* 1397 casualties reported
*** Squads: 73 destroyed, 36 disabled
*** Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 57 disabled
*** Engineers: 4 destroyed, 7 disabled
*** Guns lost 25 (17 destroyed, 8 disabled)
*** Vehicles lost 16 (2 destroyed, 14 disabled)

Now, it was not a disaster, as I am still giving as much as I am taking, but I see the writing on the wall. It is just a matter of time. The real question is not if Singapore will fall (it most definitely will), but rather how long it will last, and how badly mauled will the IJA units be after they take it. If I only knew the answers to those questions, I could plan much, much better.

(capture is before day 2's attack)

[Kitakami]

The DEI:

Borneo is now lost, with the exception of undefended bases in the west coast.

Ground combat at Balikpapan (64,97) DAY ONE
Japanese forces CAPTURE Balikpapan !!!

Japanese ground losses:
* 117 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 1572 casualties reported
*** Squads: 27 destroyed, 0 disabled
*** Non Combat: 90 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Engineers: 19 destroyed, 0 disabled
*** Guns lost 28 (27 destroyed, 1 disabled)
*** Vehicles lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)
* Units retreated 3
* Units destroyed 2

Japanese efforts to clear the minefields have already begun.

[Kitakami]

The Philippines:

If I thought defending Manila was going to be easier than defending Bataan, I was sorely mistaken. In retrospective, I should not have vacated Clark Field when I did, as the base is a very strong defensive position. Had I waited, the Bataan fortress would have remained operational for a few more turns.

Still, trying to hold on for as long as possible.

Japanese Bombardment attack at Manila (79,77) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 248 casualties reported
*** Squads: 3 destroyed, 17 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 8 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Night Naval bombardment of Manila at 79,77 DAT TWO

Allied aircraft losses
* P-40B Warhawk: 8 damaged
* P-40B Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground
* Stearman 75M: 2 damaged
* SOC-1 Seagull: 2 damaged
* O-47A: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
* BB Hyuga
* CL Yubari
* CL Nagara
Allied ground losses:
* 57 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
*** Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 32
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1

Ise did not bombard, and that was before she hit the third mine.

Japanese Bombardment attack at Manila (79,77) DAY TWO

Japanese ground losses:
* 165 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 46 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
*** Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

(capture is before day 2's attack)

[Kitakami]

Burma:

This is where I feel Allied air power will be felt the most, at least for now. Locally based fighters are sweeping the combat hex, while heavy bombers based in India are getting some on the job training. Not great results on the bombing yet, but they will get there.

Morning Air attack on 33rd Division, at 56,52 , near Pegu DAY ONE

Allied aircraft
* B-17D Fortress x 4
* B-17E Fortress x 12
Allied aircraft losses
* B-17D Fortress: 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
* 86 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
*** Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled

Morning Air attack on 144th Infantry Regiment, at 56,52 , near Pegu DAY ONE

Allied aircraft
* LB-30 Liberator x 6
Japanese ground losses:
* 29 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Japanese Bombardment attack at 56,52 (near Pegu) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 43 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 10 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled

Morning Air attack on 33rd Division, at 56,52 , near Pegu DAY TWO

Allied aircraft
* B-17D Fortress x 4
* B-17E Fortress x 6
Allied aircraft losses
* B-17D Fortress: 2 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
* 82 casualties reported
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
*** Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled

Morning Air attack on 33rd Division, at 56,52 , near Pegu DAY TWO

Allied aircraft
* B-17E Fortress x 6
Japanese ground losses:
* 25 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Japanese Bombardment attack at 56,52 (near Pegu) DAY TWO

Japanese ground losses:
* 20 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 18 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled

(capture is before day 2's attack)

[Kitakami]

China:

The flurry of activity the game began with has quieted down into more focused Japanese attacks. Front has not stabilized yet, but my stationing troops in harm's way in specific points, I have thrown my esteemed opponent off his expected timeline. As someone wrote here, for some Chinese troops dying and being resurrected in Chungking is actually an upgrade!

Japanese Deliberate attack at Chuhsien (88,56) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 291 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 49 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 551 casualties reported
*** Squads: 3 destroyed, 33 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled

What does worry me is that I had an advantage in numbers. Chinese troops here have low experience, true, but they are well-entrenched, and in good terrain. We will see what develops.

[Kitakami]

SW Pacific:

Not much action here. The Hvy. CarDiv. is once again out of sight, probably sailing towards Truk for fuel and plane replacements. I wish I had had a clear opportunity against it, but I did not see one.

Central/South Pacific:

The Hvy. CarDiv is still hunting these waters. I had to re route some convoys, as two-day turns do tend to play havoc with mental images of how far a TF can sail. But no damage done, at least not last turn.

[Kitakami]

Feb 7th, 1942

A somewhat uneventful turn, with no losses at sea from either side. Yet, as I tried to fly CAP over Manila, my pilots were mauled (one ace dead, four aces wounded). I think I will have to stop any pretense of air defense there.

Tabar Island and Gorong were lost, but no other serious Japanese advances except in Celebes, at least for now.

[Kitakami]

Air losses are in the Allies favor, even with the losses in Manila.

[Kitakami]

Malaya:

There was a respite as the Japanese did not attack Singapore on the ground. There are over 175 disrupted Allied squads in the base, so any respite helps bring those back into the battle lines. A losing battle, but one that has lasted almost to the historical point, and has caused heavier losses to the IJA than was done historically (or at least that is my perception).

The DEI:

Even though I had patrol and torpedo planes set to night missions, the torpedo planes did not fly, even at range zero. If anyone can shed some light on this, I'd appreciate it. Still, the Allied guns at the base did their best against the landings of the 21st Mixed Bde. Such a large reinforcement will strengthen the Japanese position enormously.

Pre-Invasion action off Palembang (48,91)

Japanese ground losses:
* 311 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 58 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Amphibious Assault at Palembang (48,91)

Japanese ground losses:
* 119 casualties reported
*** Squads: 6 destroyed, 0 disabled
*** Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled

Invasion Support action off Palembang (48,91)

Japanese ground losses:
* 150 casualties reported
*** Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 3 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 11 casualties reported
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied Bombardment attack at Palembang (48,91)

Japanese ground losses:
* 13 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 23 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

[Kitakami]

The Philippines:

Manila is still very much a thorn on the Japanese side. Losses last turn were unexpected. I am certain the battle wagons will return, though, and that will eventually spell the end of supply in Manila. Then the end will come.

Japanese Deliberate attack at Manila (79,77) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 6312 casualties reported
*** Squads: 81 destroyed, 203 disabled
*** Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 96 disabled
*** Engineers: 36 destroyed, 61 disabled
*** Guns lost 49 (6 destroyed, 43 disabled)
*** Vehicles lost 38 (3 destroyed, 35 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
* 395 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 60 disabled
*** Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
*** Engineers: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
*** Guns lost 12 (1 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Japanese Bombardment attack at Manila (79,77) DAY TWO

Japanese ground losses:
* 61 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
*** Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
*** Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
* 26 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Although not as solid a defense as Manila, Cebu is proving not to be a pushover either. The 1st IJA Para Assault Div is trying to conquer the base, but it will not be immediate:

Japanese Deliberate attack at Cebu (80,86) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 333 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 36 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 293 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 23 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Allied Bombardment attack at Cebu (80,86) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 20 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Allied Bombardment attack at Cebu (80,86) DAY TWO

Japanese ground losses:
* 62 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled

[Kitakami]

Burma:

The line seems to be holding. There is one reinforcing Japanese unit crossing the river, but I am also sending reinforcements that way. If Singapore holds just a bit more, I just might have a chance to hold things well.

Japanese Bombardment attack at 56,52 (near Pegu) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 63 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Morning Air attack on 33rd Division, at 56,52 , near Pegu DAY TWO

Allied aircraft
* B-17D Fortress x 4
Allied aircraft losses
* B-17D Fortress: 1 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
* 21 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Morning Air attack on 112th Infantry Regiment, at 56,52 , near Pegu DAY TWO

Allied aircraft
* LB-30 Liberator x 6
Japanese ground losses:
* 37 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Morning Air attack on 112th Infantry Regiment, at 56,52 , near Pegu DAY TWO

Allied aircraft
* B-17E Fortress x 6
Japanese ground losses:
* 35 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Japanese Bombardment attack at 56,52 (near Pegu) DAY TWO

Japanese ground losses:
* 50 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 26 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
*** Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

[Kitakami]

China:

Japanese attacks in China have slowed down, and last turn only one base was attacked by land.

Japanese Deliberate attack at Chuhsien (88,56) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 868 casualties reported
*** Squads: 2 destroyed, 141 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 113 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled