Bottlenecks? Oh those bottlenecks! SierraJuliet (J) vs Mundy (A)

[SierraJuliet]

22 April 1942

EAST CHINA SEA

SS Sealion launches 2 torpedoes 95,56 near Shanghai.

Japanese Ships

xAKL Unyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

SS Sealion launches 2 torpedoes at 95,56 near Shanghai.

Japanese Ships

xAKL Kaiyo Maru #3 – 1 hit by a dud.

SS Sealion launches 2 torpedoes at 95,56 near Shanghai.

Japanese Ships

xAKL Kaiyo Maru #3 – 1 hit by a dud.

SS Sealion launches 2 torpedoes at 95,56 near Shanghai.

Japanese Ships

xAKL Unyo Maru, on fire, heavy damage – 1 hit by a dud.

SOUTH CHINA SEA

SS Gar launches 2 torpedoes at 72,68 near Paracel Islands.

Japanese Ships

PB Taiko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PB Sonan Maru #5
xAK Meiu Maru
xAK Kyokko Maru
xAK Yahiko Maru
xAK Daigen Maru
xAK Syoto Maru
xAK Nikki Maru
PB Shuko Maru #5

SS Gar launches 2 torpedoes at 73,68 near Paracel Islands.

Japanese Ships

PB Taiko Maru, on fire, heavy damage – 1 hit by a dud.

BURMA

SS I-160 is sighted by escort at 51,53 near Rangoon.

Japanese Ships

SS I-160, hits 1

Allied Ships

xAK Testbank
PC Indus

AUSTRALIA

SS RO-66 is sighted at 95,140 near Cairns.

Japanese Ships

SS RO-66, hits 2

Allied Ships

DD Piet Hein

Allied bombardment attack at Milne Bay.
Attacking force 4714 troops, 92 guns, 52 vehicles, Assault Value = 193
Defending force 7200 troops, 67 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 306

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attack on 94,46 – 2 airbase hits, 2 airbase supply hits and 5 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Yenan – 3 airbase hits and 14 runway hits.
Japanese morning and afternoon Air attacks on Dongxiang – 7 runway hits.
Japanese afternoon Air attack on 36th Chinese Army* Corps at 76,55.

Japanese bombardment attack at Yenan – A 102 casualties (2 combat squads destroyed).
Attacking force 2194 troops, 154 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 1340
Defending force 39685 troops, 275 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1478

DEI

Japanese afternoon Air attacks on Sabang – 7 casualties, 3 airbase hits, 4 airbase supply hits and 23 runway hits.
Japanese afternoon Air attack on Civilians at Sabang – 6 casualties.

PHILIPPINES

Japanese deliberate attack at Malaybalay.

Attacking force 1718 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 181
Defending force 13325 troops, 156 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 452

Japanese adjusted assault: 10

Allied adjusted defense: 202

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 20 (fort level 0)

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

Japanese ground losses:
123 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
71 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
15th Naval Guard Unit
32SBF 32nd Naval Guard Unit
1st Raiding Regiment
III/66th Naval Guard Unit
II/81st Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
101st PA Infantry Division
102nd PA Infantry Division
43rd PS Inf Battalion
3rd PA Constabulary Regiment
Agusan Constabulary Battalion
5th Base Group Base Force
Del Monte AAF Base Force
III PhilippineCorps
Civilians

78/81 is occupied by the Japanese.





F1M2 Pete-Kan from Mizuho-1' attacking SS Grenadier at 113,63
SS Grenadier is reported HIT

Temporary flotation repairs failing aboard PB Taiko Maru

Sendai expands fortifications to size 1
Iwaki= expands fortifications to size 1
Toyohara expands fortifications to size 1
Diamond Harbour expands airfield to size 5
Utsonomiya# expands fortifications to size 1

Device Kawasaki Ha-60 advances R&D
Device Aichi Ha-60 advances R&D

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kiungshan (71, 61)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!

xAKL P-19 arrives at Nagasaki/Sasebo=+
5th Ku S-1' arrives at Takao
Maizuru 3rd SNLF arrives at Maizuru+
302nd Ind.Infantry Battalion arrives at Asahikawa
303rd Ind.Infantry Battalion arrives at Asahikawa


The next Japanese Invasion Force is at the start of a journey.

[SierraJuliet]

23 April 1942

EAST CHINA SEA

SS Sealion is sighted by escort at 93,55 near Shanghai.

Japanese Ships

xAK Ryusei Maru
xAK Celebes Maru
PB Shinko Maru #1

PHILIPPINES

SS Silversides launches 4 torpedoes at 79,68 near Laoag.

Japanese Ships

xAK Sugiyama Maru – 1 hit by a dud
xAK Meiu Maru
xAK Hakusika Maru
xAK Daisin Maru
xAK Kinkasan Maru
xAK Ryoyo Maru
xAK Seisyo Maru
PB Shuko Maru #5

Japanese morning and afternoon Air attacks on Malaybalay – 15 casualites, 5 airbase hits, 4 airbase supply hits and 16 runway hits.

HOME ISLANDS

SS Pollack is sighted by escort at 112,62 near Shimizu.

Japanese Ships

DMS W-2
xAK Yamashimo Maru
xAK Kozui Maru
xAK Koryu Maru
xAK Keisyo Maru
xAK Nitisan Maru
xAK Noto Maru
xAK Nitti Maru
xAK Tatuwa Maru
xAK Kenyo Maru
SC Ch-33
SC Ch-27

Japanese morning and afternoon Air attacks on Dongxiang – 2 airbase hits, 2 airbase supply hits and 10 runway hits + 1 D3A1 Val-Kanbaku lost to flak.

CHINA

Japanese afternoon Air attack on 94,46 – 1 airbase hit and 6 runway hits.
Japanese afternoon Air attack on Yenan – 3 airbase hits, 2 airbase supply hits and 18 runway hits.
Japanese afternoon Air attack on Chengchow – 7 airbase hits, 3 airbase supply hits and 35 runway hits.

Japanese bombardment attack at Yenan – A 68 casualties (2 combat squad and 1 non-combat squad destroyed + 1 gun lost).
Attacking force 2194 troops, 154 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 1369
Defending force 39606 troops, 275 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1473

DEI

Japanese afternoon Air attacks on Sabang – 6 airbase hits, 2 airbase supply hits and 27 runway hits.

BURMA

Japanese afternoon sweep of Rangoon.

Weather in hex: Light rain

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 22

Allied aircraft

Hurricane IIb Trop x 9
75A-7 Hawk x 7
P-39D Airacobra x 16
P-40E Warhawk x 14

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero-Reisen: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

75A-7 Hawk: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

What a dreadful performance. 5 pilots killed and 7 missing. There is much consternation at the ease with with the Allied fighters dealt with the Zero. Admittedly AVG was there along with those Brit Hurricanes. Impatiently waiting for Tojo to turn up so that aerial action in and around Burma can begin in earnest.

AUSTRALIA

Allied bombardment attack at Milne Bay – J 6 casualties to A 15 casualties.
Attacking force 4780 troops, 92 guns, 54 vehicles, Assault Value = 194
Defending force 7206 troops, 67 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 307



SS I-123* lays minefield at Diamond Harbour.

E7K2 Alf from 19th Ku T-2' attacking a KVIII Class class SS at 131,113 an Allied SS is reported HIT

PO2 Ito, K. of 3rd Ku S-1' is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Ito, K. of 3rd Ku S-1' attains ace status!!

Damage Control parties trapped in flooded compartment aboard PB Taiko Maru ...

Townsville expands port to size 7

Previous report of sinking of SS Tambor incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Tientsin (95, 41)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Zamboanga (75, 89)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kukong (79, 57)!

[SierraJuliet]

24 April 1942

HOME ISLANDS

SS Pollack is located by DMS W-14 at 114,62 near Yokohama.

SS Pollack elects not to launch torpedoes at 114,62 near Yokohama.

Japanese Ships

YP _Ojima
YP _Tategami

SS Pollack launches 2 torpedoes at 114,62 near Yokohama.

Japanese Ships

DMS W-14
DMS W-13

Allied Ships

SS Pollack~, hits 2 (1 penetrating hit)

PHILIPPINES

SS Grayling is sighted at 78,73 near 79,74.

Japanese Ships

AK Noshiro Maru
xAK Awata Maru
PB Sensan Maru

Japanese morning Air attack on Malaybalay.

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attacks on Dongxiang – 6 airbase hits, 2 airbase supply hits and 21 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attack on 36th Chinese Army* Corps at 76,55

Japanese aircraft

Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 12

Allied aircraft

I-16-III x 2

Japanese aircraft losses

Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

I-16-III: 1 destroyed

Japanese afternoon Air attacks on Yenan – casualties, 1 airbase hit, 2 airbase supply hits and 8 runwya hits.
Japanese afternoon Air attack on Chengchow – 2 airbase hits, 4 airbase supply hits and 29 runway hits.

Japanese deliberate attack at Yenan.

Attacking force 33294 troops, 431 guns, 178 vehicles, Assault Value = 1545
Defending force 39607 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1477

Japanese adjusted assault: 411
Allied adjusted defense: 1917

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 4 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
3597 casualties reported
Squads: 17 destroyed, 374 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 86 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 37 disabled

Allied ground losses:
528 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Assaulting units:
63rd Division
12th Tank Regiment
36th Division
110th Division
26th Division
10th Mortar Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st Army
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment

Defending units:
129th Red Chin Div*
115th Red Chin Div*
Red Chin Guerillas
120th Red Chin Div*
Red Chinese Construction Regiment
Red Chinese Army*
8th Route Army

General Okamura is most perturbed at this sudden turn of bad fortune at Yenan. The previous attacks which have performed so well go nowhere today. 110th Division is blunted (down to 75 AV) and is ordered out of the line. 41st Division (currently 280AV) convalescing across the river is given 1 or 2 more days to rest and will then be ordered back onto the line for the next attack.

DEI

Japanse afternoon Air attack on Sabang – 5 airbase hits, 2 airbase supply hits and 15 runway hits.

Japanese deliberate attack at Soerabaja.

Attacking force 14388 troops, 123 guns, 106 vehicles, Assault Value = 491
Defending force 11573 troops, 162 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 247

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 343

Allied adjusted defense: 517

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
430 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 111 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled

Allied ground losses:
160 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 14 (1 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Assaulting units:
14th Division
Yokosuka 4th SNLF
16th Army

Defending units:
4th KNIL Regiment
6th KNIL Regiment
Soerabaja KM Base Force
KNI Leger
ML-KNIL~
NI-MLD~
Soerabaja Defenses
Madoeng Defenses

MALAYA

SS Trusty launches 2 torpedoes at 49,83 near Singapore.

Japanese Ships

DD Yugiri, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Amagiri

Hunters become hunted. Yugiri is probably mortally wounded even though she is only 1 hex away from Singapore. Her damage stands at 28 78(51) 21(11) 05. Without the fires she stands a ghost of a chance, but those fires are likely to be her undoing.

AUSTRALIA

Allied bombardment attack at Milne Bay – J 8 casualties.
Attacking force 5002 troops, 98 guns, 61 vehicles, Assault Value = 196
Defending force 7200 troops, 67 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 306





SS I-122* lays minefield at Madras ( 35 , 40) and sets course for Singapore

Repairs completed on xAP Kokuryu Maru at Manila, ship returned to service

Loyang expands port to size 3
Khabarovsk expands airfield to size 7

DD Oshio beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
DD Asagumo beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
DD Arare beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
DD Asakaze beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
DD Tachikaze beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Tientsin (95, 41)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kiungshan (71, 61)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Manila (79, 77)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Zamboanga (75, 89)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!

HDML P-11 is reported to have been sunk near Lomblen on Dec 25, 1941

Yokosuka 5th SNLF arrives at Yokohama=+

[SierraJuliet]

25 April 1942

INDIA

TF 330 encounters mine field at Madras – 18 mines cleared.

Allied Ships

AMc Victoria Marie
AMc Patna

TF 300 encounters mine field at Diamond Harbour.

Allied Ships

xAKL Assam LOC Flats #2, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

HOME ISLANDS

SS Pollack launches 2 torpedoes at 112,62 near Shimizu.

Japanese Ships

xAK Ryujo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Yuzan Maru
xAK Tatsuho Maru
xAK Kiyozumi Maru
xAK Ayato Maru
PB Kyo Maru #8

CHINA

Japanese morning sweep of Liuchow – no CAP encountered.
Japanese morning Air attack on 94,46 – 1 airbase hit, 2 airbase supply hits and 1 runway hit.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Dongxiang – 4 airbase hits, 5 airbase supply hits and 23 runway hits.
Japanse morning Air attacks on Yenan – 8 casualties, 6 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 27 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attack on Chengchow – 2 airbase hits, 2 airbase supply hits and 16 runway hits.

Japanese bombardment attack at Yenan – A 71 casualties (2 combat squads destroyed + 1 gun lost).
Attacking force 1894 troops, 116 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 1207
Defending force 39249 troops, 273 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1441

PHILIPPINES

Japanese morning Air attack on Malaybalay – 1 runway hit.

Japanese deliberate attack at Iloilo.

Attacking force 8008 troops, 52 guns, 142 vehicles, Assault Value = 333
Defending force 6444 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 261

Japanese adjusted assault: 153
Allied adjusted defense: 104

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
782 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 71 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 34 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
65th Brigade
4th Tank Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
22SBF 24th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
61st PA Infantry Division
San Jose Constab. Battalion
Roxas Constabulary Battalion
Civilians

AUSTRALIA

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Normanby Island at 103,133

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 118

Allied aircraft

A-24 Banshee x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

A-24 Banshee: 4 destroyed

Allied bombardment attack at Milne Bay.
Attacking force 5039 troops, 98 guns, 63 vehicles, Assault Value = 197
Defending force 7215 troops, 67 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 306

Cape St. George is occupied by the Japanese.

DEI

Japanese afternoon Air attack on Tapanoeli Cdo at Sabang.
Japanese afternoon Air attack on Sabang – 1 airbase hit.

Japanese deliberate attack at Tjilatjap.

Attacking force 3508 troops, 45 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 159
Defending force 4229 troops, 91 guns, 47 vehicles, Assault Value = 74

Japanese adjusted assault: 72
Allied adjusted defense: 51

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
162 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 23 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
153 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (2 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Assaulting units:
23SBF 22nd Naval Guard Unit
31ID III./124th Inf Battalion
Sasebo 8th SNLF

Defending units:
Mobiele Bn
2nd KNIL Regiment
I Landstorm Cdo
Tjilitap KM Base Force
Cheribon Defenses
IV Landstorm Cdo
Tjilatjap Defenses
Andir ML Base Force




Previous report of sinking of SS Pollack incorrect. Ship sighted and engaged at 112, 62
G4M1 Betty-Rikko from Yokosuka Ku K-1 has spotted an Allied PT at 98,130 an Allied PT is reported HIT

PO2 Hashiguchi, Y. of 3rd Ku S-1' is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Hashiguchi, Y. of 3rd Ku S-1' attains ace status!!
PO1 Sugio, S. of 3rd Ku S-1' is credited with kill number 4
PO1 Sugio, S. of 3rd Ku S-1' is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Sugio, S. of 3rd Ku S-1' attains ace status!!

Fairbanks expands airfield to size 5
Kunming expands port to size 3
Alexandrovsk expands airfield to size 5

Device NE turbojet advances R&D

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Phnom Penh (58, 69)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Zamboanga (75, 89)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kukong (79, 57)!

26th Air Flotilla arrives at Yokohama=+


DD Yugiri made it to Singapore and has a 2 week rest whilst that torpedo damage is repaired. Damage is down to 28 51(51) 11(11) 00.

[SierraJuliet]

26 April 1942

INDIA

TF 330 encounters mine field at Madras – 20 mines cleared.

Allied Ships

AMc Victoria Marie
AMc Patna

DEI

Day Time Surface Combat near Sabang at 42,69.

Japanese Ships

CV Hiryu
CV Soryu
CV Shokaku
CV Zuikaku
CV Akagi
CS Chitose
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CA Mogami
DD Shiranui
DD Nowaki
DD Minegumo
DD Kasumi
DD Harusame
DD Kawakaze
DD Yugure

Allied Ships

xAP Indora

Reduced visibility due to Rain
Maximum visibility in Rain: 15,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 13,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Both Task Forces evade combat

Japanese afternoon Air attacks on Sabang – 6 airbase hits, 4 airbase supply hits and 19 runway hits.
Japanese afternoon Air attack on Civilians at Sabang.

CHINA

Japanese morning sweep of Liuchow – no CAP encountered.
Japanese morning Air attack on 94,46 – 6 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Yenan – 1 airbase hit, 2 airbase supply hits and 28 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attack on Chengchow – 6 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 25 runway hits.
Allied morning Air attacks on Canton – 6 Heavy Industry hits.

Japanese deliberate attack at 84,43.

Attacking force 9684 troops, 102 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 419
Defending force 51 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 398
Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 398 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE 84/43!!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker:

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

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

Assaulting units:
6th Division

Defending units:
#Administration

Japanese bombardment attack at Yenan – J 6 casualties to A 83 casualties.
Attacking force 1894 troops, 116 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 1237
Defending force 39218 troops, 272 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1439

PHILIPPINES

Japanese morning and afternoon Air attacks on Malaybalay – 3 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 22 runway hits.

AUSTRALIA

Allied bombardment attack at Milne Bay – J 7 casualties.
Attacking force 5075 troops, 99 guns, 64 vehicles, Assault Value = 199
Defending force 7258 troops, 67 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 313




SS I-124* lays minefield at Diego Garcia ( 11 , 62)

Temporary flotation repairs failing aboard SS RO-62

Repairs completed on DD Mochizuki at Kobe=, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Uranami at Singapore, ship returned to service

Nakhodka expands port to size 2

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Manila (79, 77)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kukong (79, 57)!

xAKL Etashima Maru arrives at Osaka/Kyoto+
AMc Kaio Maru #2 arrives at Kumamo


The sighting of KB is sure to have Ed's attention. The most important piece of the puzzle has fallen into place. Where are his carriers. Does he have them lurking in the Indian sphere or do they now have a green light to go raiding in the Pacific. If he wasn't certain before he know knows that the Milne Bay carriers are mostly not the big carriers.

[SierraJuliet]

27 April 1942

DEI

Night Time Surface Combat near Sabang at 44,70

Japanese Ships

CA Haguro
CA Nachi
DD Kawakaze
DD Yugure

Allied Ships

xAP Indora, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
720 casualties reported
Squads: 27 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 52 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Poor visibility due to Rain with 89% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 89% moonlight: 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
Japanese launch Long Lance torpedoes at 6,000 yards before allies detect Japanese presence
xAP Indora sunk by CA Nachi at 6,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

Nice to see Long Lance launch before my ships have been detected. I’m guessing that Indora must have been unfortuneate enough to have been caught at anchor.

AUSTRALIA

Night Time Surface Combat near Milne Bay at 101,133

Japanese Ships

CA Tone
CA Chikuma
CA Kumano
DD Yayoi
DD Yuzuki

Allied Ships

xAKL Kwangtung, Shell hits 4, and is sunk

Japanese Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Allied TF begins to get underway
Improved night sighting under 89% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 89% moonlight: 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
xAKL Kwangtung sunk by CA Tone at 8,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

Allied bombardment at Milne Bay.
Attacking force 5267 troops, 103 guns, 70 vehicles, Assault Value = 201
Defending force 7246 troops, 67 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 311

HOME ISLANDS

SS Grampus launches 2 torpedoes at 108,63 near Ise.

Japanese Ships

PB America Maru
TK Kuroshio Maru
TK Itukusima Maru

PACIFIC

SS I-9 launches 2 torpedoes at AO Cimarron and misses at 190,107 near Lahaina.

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attack on 94,46 – 3 airbase hits and 9 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Dongxiang – 5 airbase hits, 5 airbase supply hit and 36 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attack on 7th Guerilla Base Force at 94,46.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Yenan – 4 airbase hits, 5 airbase supply hits and 3 runway hits.
Japanse morning Air attack on Chengchow – 2 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 33 runway hits.

Allied morning Air attack on Canton

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Japanese aircraft

Ki-44 Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft

SB-III x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

SB-III: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied morning Air attack on Canton.

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Allied aircraft

SB-III x 12

Allied aircraft losses

SB-III: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese bombardment at Yenan – A 68 casualties (5 combat squads and 1 non-combat squad destroyed).
Attacking force 1894 troops, 116 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 1278
Defending force 39169 troops, 272 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1428

BURMA

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Ye at 54,58

Japanese Ships

MTB RTN CMB-9
MTB RTN CMB-5
MTB RTN CMB-6
MTB RTN CMB-3

MALAYA

SS Trusty is sighted by escort at 49,83 near Singapore.

Japanese Ships

DD Kamikaze
DD Karukaya
DD Kuretake

Allied Ships

SS Trusty, hits 1

PHILIPPINES

Japanese deliberate attack at Iloilo

Attacking force 7882 troops, 52 guns, 142 vehicles, Assault Value = 312
Defending force 5845 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 183

Japanese adjusted assault: 233
Allied adjusted defense: 29

Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Iloilo!!!

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

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

Allied ground losses:
2580 casualties reported
Squads: 120 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 83 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 9 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 30 (25 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Units retreated 4

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
8th Tank Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
65th Brigade
22SBF 24th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
61st PA Infantry Division
Roxas Constabulary Battalion
San Jose Constab. Battalion
Civilians

Japanese deliberate attack at Malaybalay.

Attacking force 3639 troops, 40 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 178
Defending force 13168 troops, 155 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 438

Japanese adjusted assault: 96

Allied adjusted defense: 163

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
411 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
244 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 32 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
III/66th Naval Guard Unit
1st Raiding Regiment
32SBF 32nd Naval Guard Unit
15th Naval Guard Unit
II/81st Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
3rd PA Constabulary Regiment
101st PA Infantry Division
102nd PA Infantry Division
43rd PS Inf Battalion
Agusan Constabulary Battalion
Del Monte AAF Base Force
III PhilippineCorps
5th Base Group Base Force
Civilians




F1M2 Pete-Kan from Mizuho-1' attacking a Grampus class SS at 112,62

Sendai expands fortifications to size 2
Davao expands fortifications to size 3
Katherine expands airfield to size 4
Birobidzhan expands airfield to size 6
Tamsag expands airfield to size 5
Utsonomiya# expands fortifications to size 2
85/44 expands fortifications to size 1

Device Mitsubishi Ha-43 advances R&D

Pilot Izumi, H. is reported as to have escaped capture

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Tientsin (95, 41)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Phnom Penh (58, 69)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Zamboanga (75, 89)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!

xAKL Tenpei Maru arrives at Tokyo=
71ID 71st Engineer Regiment arrives at Changchun
Kure 5th SNLF arrives at Hiroshima/Kure+
80th Garrison Battalion arrives at Saigon

xAP Indora is reported to have been sunk near Sabang on Apr 27, 1942
xAKL Kwangtung is reported to have been sunk near Milne Bay on Apr 27, 1942

[SierraJuliet]

28 April 1942

HOME ISLANDS

SS Pollack is sighted by escort at 114,62 near Yokohama.

Japanese Ships

xAKL Nisshun Maru
xAKL Kuraido Maru
xAKL Kisogawa Maru
xAKL Jusan Maru
xAKL Fusemi Maru
PB Hakata Maru #2

SS Pollack is sighted by escort at 114,62 near Yokohama.

Japanese Ships

xAKL Nisshun Maru
xAKL Kuraido Maru
xAKL Kisogawa Maru
xAKL Jusan Maru
xAKL Fusemi Maru
PB Hakata Maru #2

Allied Ships

SS Pollack~, hits 4

SS O16 elects not to launch torpedoes at this target at 100,59 near Fukui-jima.

Japanese Ships

PB Konei Maru
xAKL Ryoyu Maru #21
xAKL Hakodate Maru

SS Cachalot is sighted by escort at 97,68 near Daito Shoto.

Japanese Ships

DMS W-2
xAK Yamashimo Maru
xAK Kozui Maru
xAK Koryu Maru
xAK Keisyo Maru
xAK Nitisan Maru
xAK Nitti Maru
xAK Tatuwa Maru
xAK Kenyo Maru
SC Ch-33
SC Ch-27

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attack on 94,46 – 1 airbase hit and 10 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Dongxiang – 7 airbase hits, 6 airbase supply hits and 31 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attack on 89th Chinese Army- Corps at 94,46.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Yenan – 1 airbase supply hit and 15 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attack on Chengchow – 2 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 30 runway hits + 1 Ki-52a Sonia lost to flak.

Japanese bombardment attack at Yenan – A 46 casualties (2 combat squads and 1 non-combat squad destroyed).
Attacking force 1894 troops, 116 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 1232
Defending force 39139 troops, 272 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1430

PHILIPPINES

Japanese morning and afternoon Air attacks on Malaybalay – 2 runway hits.

BURMA

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Ye at 54,58

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 6
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 21

Allied aircraft

Blenheim IV x 8
Hurricane IIb Trop x 8
75A-7 Hawk x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 12

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

Blenheim IV: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed

Japanese Ships

MTB RTN CMB-1

Allied afternoon Air attack on TF near Ye at 54,58

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 5
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 17

Allied aircraft

Blenheim IV x 8
P-39D Airacobra x 13

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

Blenheim IV: 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships

MTB RTN CMB-2
MTB RTN CMB-3

AUSTRALIA

Allied bombardment attack at Milne Bay – J (1 vehicle lost).
Attacking force 5429 troops, 104 guns, 76 vehicles, Assault Value = 202
Defending force 7247 troops, 67 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 312

Manus I. is occupied by the Japanese.




Previous report of sinking of SS Pollack incorrect. Ship sighted and engaged at 114, 62

Repairs completed on DD Mutsuki at Kobe=, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Kikuzuki at Kobe=, ship returned to service


Kushiro expands airfield to size 4
Tuyun expands port to size 1

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kiangtu (91, 51)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Phnom Penh (58, 69)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Clark Field (79, 76)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Manila (79, 77)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Zamboanga (75, 89)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!

Two of the ships which survived bombing when transporting troops at Milne Bay have made it to Kobe for essential repairs. Tomorrow more troops will arrive at Milne Bay. If all goes to plan 38 Division and 8ID 17th Infantry Regiment will bolster the entrenched Japanese troops at Milne Bay. Stand by for more damaged/sunk Japanese transports and hopefully a decent haul of Allied aircraft. If they get into place in tact the Japanese assault at Milne Bay will commence. I wonder what level the forts have made it too in this location.

[SierraJuliet]

Well here is a troubling piece of intelligence. 6 ships sighted and reported to be tankers. No information on speed and course. Green icon so it would appear not to be a British task force. The tanker report is likely to be way off the mark. Ed knows KB is in the area and a couple of cruisers sortied around Sabang. What are the chances that this is not a mere tanker convoy, but the American carriers come out to party in the hope of catching me unawares. I would not be surprised to find the American carriers stationed at India in support of the heavy troop concentration at Rangoon. If it is they are dangerously close to my invasion TFs at bottom of screen. Because of the number of TFs in this hex I am not getting information advising of any sightings on these TFs. There is 1 transport TF just off-screen southeast of the main invasion TFs which has a detection level of 1/1 while moving in a severe storm hex. Could possibly have been picked up by a land based naval search plane but what if that Allied TF is carriers and they have sniffed out Japanese shipping. KB will be ordered to reverse course (which had been the plan anyway) and move back to a covering position for the invasion TFs. KB had moved to the Andamans to cover a convoy dropping off an aerial HQ. Will have to throw in some planes at Port Blair and see what they can uncover in the vastness of the Indian Ocean. The invasion TFs will be ordered out of the area just in case.

[SierraJuliet]

29 April 1942

Trepidation; a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen. There was plenty of this surging around within as I hit the button to start the unfolding of this turn.

MALAYA

SS Trusty launches 4 torpedoes at 49,83 near Singapore.

Japanese Ships

xAP Kamakura Maru, Torpedo hits 1
SC Ch-7
SC Ch-9

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

HOME ISLANDS

SS Thresher launches 2 torpedoes at 95,68 near Naha.

Japanese Ships

xAK Tatumiya Maru – 1 hit by a dud
SC Ch-8
xAK Yamashimo Maru
xAK Koryu Maru
xAK Keisyo Maru
xAK Nissyu Maru
xAK Yokohama Maru
xAK Tatuwa Maru
xAK Kamogawa Maru
SC Ch-33
SC Ch-27

SS O-16 launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 100,58 near Fukue-jima.

Japanese Ships

PB Zosen Maru
xAK Kiyo Maru
xAK Ryoka Maru
xAK Mitu Maru
xAK Tensyo Maru
xAK Utide Maru
xAK Yosyu Maru
xAK Mantai Maru
xAK Liverpool Maru
xAK Glasgow Maru

SS Saury is located at 107,61 near Tanabe.

Japanese Ships

DD Shigure
DD Oite

AUSTRALIA

Pre-Invasion action off Milne Bay
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

195 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships

BB Nagato
CL Kashima
CL Katori
DD Yamakaze
DD Samidare
xAP Taizan Maru-
DD Wakatake

Japanese ground losses:
43 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

BB Nagato firing at 102nd AT Gun Regiment
CL Kashima firing at 15th Australian Brigade
CL Katori firing at 1st RAA Medium~ Regiment
DD Yamakaze firing at 15th Australian Brigade
DD Samidare firing at 2nd Marine Field Artillery Battalion
DD Yamakaze fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

IJ troops unloading over beach at Milne Bay.

Pre-Invasion action off Milne Bay
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

205 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships

BB Mutsu
DD Tsuga
DD Okikaze
xAP Yoshino Maru
E Shimushu
DD Akikaze

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

Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

BB Mutsu firing at 15th Australian Brigade
DD Tsuga firing at 1st RAA Medium~ Regiment
DD Okikaze firing at 15th Australian Brigade
DD Tsuga fired at enemy troops
DD Okikaze fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

IJ troops unloading over beach at Milne Bay.

TF 389 encounters mine field at Milne Bay – 10 mines cleared. So pleased I have the sweepers present and no land based cannons to blast them into oblivion.

Japanese Ships

AMc Rumoe Maru
AMc Misago Maru

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Light rain

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 138

Allied aircraft

A-24 Banshee x 13
P-39D Airacobra x 16
P-40E Warhawk x 37
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
SBC-4 Helldiver x 15
SBD-1 Dauntless x 15

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero-Reisen: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

A-24 Banshee: 3 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 6 destroyed
SBC-4 Helldiver: 6 destroyed, 3 damaged
SBD-1 Dauntless: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
SBD-1 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships

BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
xAK Aobasan Maru, Bomb hits 1
xAK Asakasan Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAP Taizan Maru-
xAK Atutasan Maru

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

1000 lb SAP bombs on the Banshee and Helldivers. Ouch!

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Light rain

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 117

Allied aircraft

Blenheim IV x 7
139WH-3 x 6
B-25C Mitchell x 6
A-20A Havoc x 3
B-26 Marauder x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 39
P-40E Warhawk x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
139WH-3: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-26 Marauder: 4 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships

xAP Palau Maru
BB Nagato
xAP Taizan Maru-
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 4
xAK Kashii Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
xAP Yoshino Maru
xAK Kansai Maru, Bomb hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied morning Air attack on TF near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Light rain

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 115

Allied aircraft

Kittyhawk IA x 6
B-26 Marauder x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

Kittyhawk IA: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships

BB Nagato, Bomb hits 1

Allied afternoon Air attack on TF near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 99

Allied aircraft

P-39D Airacobra x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 7
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2
SBC-4 Helldiver x 9

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

P-39D Airacobra: 3 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed
SBC-4 Helldiver: 3 destroyed

Allied afternoon Air attack on TF near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 118

Allied aircraft

Blenheim IV x 3
139WH-3 x 3
B-25C Mitchell x 3
Kittyhawk IA x 9
A-20A Havoc x 3
B-26 Marauder x 9
P-39D Airacobra x 37

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero-Reisen: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
139WH-3: 1 damaged
Kittyhawk IA: 4 destroyed
A-20A Havoc: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-26 Marauder: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
B-26 Marauder: 1 destroyed by flak
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships

CA Furutaka
BB Mutsu
CA Kumano
AMc Rumoe Maru
CA Aoba

Interesting… ships listed here from 3 difference TFs. Ed can be excused for thinking that I have this mash up of ships are all in the same TF.

Allied afternoon Air attack on TF near Milne Bay at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 102

Allied aircraft

A-24 Banshee x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 11

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed

Allied bombardment attack at Milne Bay – J 5 casualties.
Attacking force 5377 troops, 104 guns, 78 vehicles, Assault Value = 197
Defending force 15203 troops, 185 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 806

BURMA

SS I-158 is sighted by escort at 51,53 near Rangoon.

Japanese Ships

SS I-158, hits 4

Allied Ships

KV Hollyhock

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attack on 94,46 – 1 airbase hit and 2 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Dongxiang – 5 airbase hits, 9 airbase supply hits and 26 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attack on 89th Chinese Army- Corps at 94,46.
Japanese morning Air attack on Chengchow – 3 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 18 runway hits.

Allied morning Air attack on Canton.

Weather in hex: Overcast

Japanese aircraft

Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 12
Ki-44 Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft

SB-III x 11

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

SB-III: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied morning Air attack on Canton.

Weather in hex: Overcast

Japanese aircraft

Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 9
Ki-44 Tojo x 3

Allied aircraft

SB-III x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

SB-III: 4 destroyed

Japanese bombardment attack at Yenan – A 31 casualties (1 combat squad destroyed).
Attacking force 1894 troops, 116 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 1247
Defending force 39103 troops, 272 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1430

PHILIPPINES

Japanese morning Air attack on Malaybalay – 1 airbase hit and 1 runway hit.

77/85 is occupied by the Japanese.

PACIFIC

SS I-9 launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 190,107 near Lahaina

Allied Ships

DD Whipple
PC Crystal

SS I-6 attacks on the surface at 186,197 near Lahaina

Allied Ships

AP Heywood, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage





PO1 Fujita U. of Zuiho-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Fujita U. of Zuiho-1 attains ace status!!
PO2 Hidaka, Y. of Tainan Ku S-1 Det B is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Hidaka, Y. of Tainan Ku S-1 Det B attains ace status!!
PO1 Ibusuki W. of Ryujo-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Ibusuki W. of Ryujo-1 attains ace status!!
WO Handa, W. of Tainan Ku S-1 Det A is credited with kill number 10
PO2 Sugiyama, T. of Ryujo-1 is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Sugiyama, T. of Ryujo-1 attains ace status!!
PO2 Uehara, S. of Tainan Ku S-1 Det A is credited with kill number 5
PO2 Uehara, S. of Tainan Ku S-1 Det A attains ace status!!
WO Furukawa, W. of Tainan Ku S-1 Det B is credited with kill number 9
WO Furukawa, W. of Tainan Ku S-1 Det B is credited with kill number 10
PO1 Murakami V. of 3rd Ku S-1' is credited with kill number 5
PO1 Murakami V. of 3rd Ku S-1' attains ace status!!

Rabaul expands port to size 5
Liuchow expands airfield to size 4
Choybalsan expands airfield to size 5
71/56 expands port to size 2

DD Matsukaze beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
DD Kuretake beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
DD Karukaya beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
SC Ch-10 beginning refit in shipyard at Kobe=
SC Ch-11 beginning refit in shipyard at Kobe=

Pilot Nishiura N. is reported as having been found

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Clark Field (79, 76)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Manila (79, 77)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Zamboanga (75, 89)!

AP Heywood is reported to have been sunk near Lahaina on Apr 29, 1942

45th I.F.Chutai arrives at Mutankiang

In the end a day of results to be satisfied over. No carriers turned up in the Indian Ocean. Most of the troops landed at Milne Bay in good order with at worst 3 ships lost – 1 for certain but the other 2 may or may not back it back to Rabaul. And for good measure plenty of downed Allied planes. Screen shot is from the first aerial battle of the day. For sure the biggest aerial battle to take place in this game.

[SierraJuliet]

Most definitely one of the better days in the air that I shall get to experience in this game. Overall 97 Allied planes shot down to 13 Japanese planes shot down.

[SierraJuliet]

As for those 'tankers' I was fretting over last turn. They have moved on 7 hexes and are still being reported as tankers. No sighting reports on my massed invasion TFs so the time appears to be right to attempt a surface intercept. The Japanese Commanders are satisfied that this Allied TF is not the anticipated carrier force. Now... how to deal with them and keep them from bumping into anything that could be reported as nothing more than an invasion TF.

[SierraJuliet]

Some more casualties from Milne Bay enter the harbour at Kobe. The people of Kobe are starting to become used to seeing battle scared ships making their city home for a time. The sailors are treated with great respect and hospitality as word of their victories in that far off southern ocean becomes the staple topic of conversation.

[SierraJuliet]

30 April 1942

AUSTRALIA

IJ troops unloading over beach at Milne Bay.

Night Naval bombardment of Milne Bay.

Japanese Ships

CA Kumano
CA Chikuma
CA Tone

Allied ground losses:
687 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 59 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 11 disabled
Guns lost 25 (3 destroyed, 22 disabled)
Vehicles lost 9 (2 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 28
Port hits 16
Port supply hits 3

Japanese deliberate attack at Milne Bay.

Attacking force 14874 troops, 188 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 813
Defending force 8683 troops, 144 guns, 93 vehicles, Assault Value = 198

Japanese adjusted assault: 292
Allied adjusted defense: 304

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
576 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Allied ground losses:
941 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 24 disabled
Guns lost 26 (7 destroyed, 19 disabled)

Assaulting units:
63rd Naval Guard Unit
46th Naval Guard Unit
38th Division
Maizuru 1st SNLF
8ID 17th Infantry Regiment
65th Naval Guard Unit
67th Naval Guard Unit
17th Naval Construction Battalion

Defending units:
15th Australian Brigade
11th Australian Brigade
6th RAAF Base Sqdn
10th RAAF Base Sqdn
2nd RAAF Base Sqdn
4th RAAF Base Sqdn
12th RAAF Base Sqdn
16th RAAF Base Sqdn
102nd AT Gun Regiment
3rd RAAF Base Sqdn
1st RAA Medium~ Regiment
2nd Marine Field Artillery Battalion
1st RAAF Base Wing
1st RAAF Construction Battalion

Allied bombardment at Milne Bay.
Attacking force 4969 troops, 105 guns, 80 vehicles, Assault Value = 142
Defending force 14997 troops, 188 guns, 34 vehicles, Assault Value = 737

INDIAN OCEAN

Dawn on the placid expanse of the Indian Ocean. Visibility good and search planes are aloft. The nagging question of just what force the Allies have in the area is about to be answered. The sighting report is ….. TANKERS!!!!!! It is not long before it becomes apparent that these are fully loaded tankers.

Day Time Surface Combat near Sinabang at 30,76 Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

CA Haguro
CA Nachi
DD Kawakaze
DD Yugure

Allied Ships

TK Egero, Shell hits 23, and is sunk
TK Norfold, Shell hits 21, and is sunk
TK Solor, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
TK Saidja, Shell hits 18, and is sunk
TK Athelduke, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
TK Inge Maersk, Shell hits 37, and is sunk
TK British Architect, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
TK British Commodore, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
TK British Destiny, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
TK British Energy, Shell hits 18, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 20,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 20,000 yards
Range descreases to 4000 yards
Kiyota, Takahiko orders Japanese TF to disengage
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

MALAYA

SS Trusty launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 49,83 near Singapore.

Japanese Ships

DD Amagiri
DD Kamikaze

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attacks on Dongxiang – 6 airbase hits, 2 airbase supply hits and 24 runway hits.
Japanese afternoon Air attack on 94,46 – 2 airbase hits and 6 runway hits.
Japanese afternoon Air attack on 69th Chinese Army Corps at 94,46.
Japanese afternoon Air attacks on Yenan – 2 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 14 runway hits.
Japanese afternoon Air attack on Chengchow – 3 airbase hits and 35 runway hits.

Japanese bombardment attack at Yenan – A 59 casualties (1 combat squad and 1 non-combat squad destroyed).
Attacking force 1894 troops, 116 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 1260
Defending force 39116 troops, 272 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1430

Allied shock attack at Ichang.

Attacking force 4136 troops, 28 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 173
Defending force 15678 troops, 154 guns, 24 vehicles, Assault Value = 688

Allied adjusted assault: 0
Japanese adjusted defense: 1427

Allied assault odds: 1 to 99 (fort level 4)

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

Allied ground losses:
3329 casualties reported
Squads: 213 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 79 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 19 (19 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
39th Chinese Army-~ Corps

Defending units:
68ID 57th Infantry Brigade
34th Division
11th RGC Temp. Division

PHILIPPINES

Japanese morning and afternoon Air attacks on Malaybalay – 1 casualty, 3 airbase hits and 13 runway hits.




xAK Asakasan Maru sinks at sea

Repairs completed on DD Kisaragi at Kobe=, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DMS W-12 at Batavia, ship returned to service

Mombasa expands port to size 4
Rabaul expands fortifications to size 1
Krasnoyarsk expands airfield to size 5
85/44 expands fortifications to size 2

Previous report of sinking of SS Pollack incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kukong (79, 57)!

Surface Combat Task Force 151 arrives at 6,67

AV Akitsushima arrives at Kobe=

TK Egero is reported to have been sunk near Sinabang on Apr 30, 1942
TK Norfold is reported to have been sunk near Sinabang on Apr 30, 1942
TK Solor is reported to have been sunk near Sinabang on Apr 30, 1942
TK Saidja is reported to have been sunk near Sinabang on Apr 30, 1942
TK Athelduke is reported to have been sunk near Sinabang on Apr 30, 1942
TK Inge Maersk is reported to have been sunk near Sinabang on Apr 30, 1942
TK British Architect is reported to have been sunk near Sinabang on Apr 30, 1942
TK British Commodore is reported to have been sunk near Sinabang on Apr 30, 1942
TK British Destiny is reported to have been sunk near Sinabang on Apr 30, 1942
TK British Energy is reported to have been sunk near Sinabang on Apr 30, 1942

301st Ind.Infantry Battalion arrives at Asahikawa
Ichiki Det. arrives at Asahikawa

[Bif1961]

Tanks for the memories, why did he have all those juicy targets unescorted?

[SierraJuliet]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Tanks for the memories, why did he have all those juicy targets unescorted?

Now that's a burning question you can throw Ed's way in his AAR. I surmise that he needs the fuel for the furnaces in Oz and felt that the direct route without escort would serve him well. As it is an escort probably wouldn't have changed the out come as a stronger cruiser force was positioned a few hexes along the tankers path waiting to clean up stragglers. What surprised me was no course change from these valuable ships. For 2 days I received what turned out to be reliable sighting reports yet on they came. I had time to set the trap and wait for them to come to me.

Happy to help keep your memories alive. A good haul that any Captain of the red team would always gladly gobble up. Now where are those Allied carriers!

[Bif1961]

Lacking fuel if he keeps being so cavalier with his tankers.

[SierraJuliet]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Lacking fuel if he keeps being so cavalier with his tankers.

I see no problem with this as an Allied strategy. [:D]

[SierraJuliet]

1 May 1942

YELLOW SEA

SS Bass is sighted by escort at 99,53 near Moppo.

Japanese Ships

xAK Kiyo Maru
xAK Ryoka Maru
xAK Mitu Maru
xAK Tensyo Maru
xAK Utide Maru
xAK Yosyu Maru
xAK Mantai Maru
xAK Liverpool Maru
xAK Glasgow Maru
PB Zosen Maru

Allied Ships

SS Bass, hits 2

INDIA

SS I-124 launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 28,46 near Colombo.

Allied Ships

DD Nizam~

PACIFIC

SS I-6 is sighted by escort at 187,107 near Lahaina.

Japanese Ships

SS I-6, hits 6 – 1 penetrating hit.

Allied Ships

DD Blue

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attacks on Dongxiang – 7 airbase hits, 3 airbase supply hit and 21 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Yenan – 1 airbase supply hit and 17 runway hits.

Japanese bombardment attack at Yenan – A 20 casualties.
Attacking force 1894 troops, 116 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 1575
Defending force 39096 troops, 272 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1429

PHILIPPINES

Japanese morning and afternoon Air attacks on Malaybalay – 1 airbase hit and 2 runway hits.

Japanese deliberate attack at San Jose.

Attacking force 1314 troops, 19 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 60
Defending force 3958 troops, 60 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 102

Japanese adjusted assault: 23
Allied adjusted defense: 20

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

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

Allied ground losses:
79 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
22SBF 24th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
61st PA Infantry Division
Roxas Constabulary Battalion
San Jose Constab. Battalion
Civilians

AUSTRALIA

Allied morning Air attack on 17th Naval Construction Battalion at Milne Bay – 14 casualties.

MALAYA

SS Trusty is sighted by escort at 49,83 near Singapore.

Japanese Ships

DD Kamikaze

Allied Ships

SS Trusty, hits 1 – 1 penetrating hit

DEI

Japanese deliberate attack at Tjilatjap.

Attacking force 3520 troops, 45 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 161
Defending force 4197 troops, 89 guns, 47 vehicles, Assault Value = 65

Japanese adjusted assault: 78
Allied adjusted defense: 63

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
207 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
67 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
31ID III./124th Inf Battalion
23SBF 22nd Naval Guard Unit
Sasebo 8th SNLF

Defending units:
2nd KNIL Regiment
Mobiele Bn
I Landstorm Cdo
IV Landstorm Cdo
Tjilatjap Defenses
Cheribon Defenses
Tjilitap KM Base Force
Andir ML Base Force




Production has commenced on the Ki-45 KAIa Nick.

Repairs completed on DD Shigure at Kobe=, ship returned to service

Iwaki= expands fortifications to size 2
Marcus Island expands fortifications to size 1
Port Moresby expands port to size 4

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Medan (46, 76)!

The German Raid Thor has rounded the Cape of Good Hope and has commenced a patrol along the southern edge of the map on a steay heading toward the south of Australia.

[SierraJuliet]

2 May 1942

MALAYA

SS Trusty is sighted by escort at 49,83 near Singapore.

Japanese Ships

SC Ch-21
E Ishigaki
E Hachijo

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attack on 7th Guerilla at 93,46 – 11 casualties.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Dongxiang – 12 airbase hits, 5 airbase supply hits and 44 runway hits.
Japanese morning Air attack on 69th Chinese Army Corps at 93,46 – 22 casualties.
Japanese morning Air attacks on Yenan – 5 casualties, 3 airbase hits and 21 runway hits.
Morning Air attack on 89th Chinese Army- Corps at 93,46.

Allied afternoon Air attack on Canton.

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Japanese aircraft

Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 8
Ki-44 Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft

SB-III x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

SB-III: 2 destroyed

Japanese deliberate attack at Yenan.

Attacking force 43318 troops, 529 guns, 356 vehicles, Assault Value = 1575
Defending force 39101 troops, 272 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1428

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 1079
Allied adjusted defense: 1259

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
1925 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 286 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 47 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 21 disabled
Vehicles lost 37 (1 destroyed, 36 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1113 casualties reported
Squads: 20 destroyed, 180 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 12 (1 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Assaulting units:
36th Division
15th Tank Regiment
41st Division
12th Tank Regiment
63rd Division
26th Division
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
10th Mortar Battalion
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st Army
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment

Defending units:
129th Red Chin Div*
120th Red Chin Div*
115th Red Chin Div*
Red Chin Guerillas
Red Chinese Army*
8th Route Army
Red Chinese Construction Regiment

PACIFIC

Japanese morning Air attack on TF near Ailuk at 141,112

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Japanese aircraft

G3M2 Nell-Chukou x 6

Allied aircraft

Sea Hurricane Ib x 3
Martlet II x 9
F2A-3 Buffalo x 15
F4F-3A Wildcat x 23
F4F-3 Wildcat x 51
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23

Japanese aircraft losses

G3M2 Nell-Chukou: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

PHILIPPINES

Japanese afternoon Air attack on Malaybalay – 2 runway hits.

AUSTRALIA

Allied afternoon Air attack on 38th Division at Milne Bay – 7 casualties.

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 6

Allied aircraft

B-17E Fortress x 4
LB-30 Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 1 damaged

Arawe is occupied by the Japanese.

DEI

Japanese deliberate attack at Soerabaja.

Attacking force 14239 troops, 123 guns, 106 vehicles, Assault Value = 469
Defending force 12487 troops, 165 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 272

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 355

Allied adjusted defense: 475

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
537 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 78 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
435 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 53 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Assaulting units:
14th Division
Yokosuka 4th SNLF
16th Army

Defending units:
4th KNIL Regiment
6th KNIL Regiment
Tjilatjap Cdo
Tjepoe Cdo
ML-KNIL~
Soerabaja KM Base Force
NI-MLD~
Soerabaja Defenses
KNI Leger
Madoeng Defenses



G3M2 Nell-Chukou from Chitose Ku K-1' has spotted YMS-95 at 141,112
YMS-95 is reported HIT

Trincomalee expands airfield to size 7
Suva expands airfield to size 7
Rabaul expands fortifications to size 2
Christchurch expands port to size 4
Shilka expands airfield to size 5

DD Tanikaze beginning refit in shipyard at Kobe=

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Zamboanga (75, 89)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Medan (46, 76)!

A/50th JNAF Coy arrives at Osaka/Kyoto+

The Allies show their hand and it is to be the Marshall Islands where they make their first foray. I have been most lax in this area and Ed will soon find that the place is under prepared for the coming assault. On the bonus side it appears that the Allies have concentrated all their carriers (including the Brits) into one force which means my Indian Ocean Operations currently under way shouldn’t have to worry about carrier borne interference. So, whilst this assault and likely loss of the Marshalls is going to be painful it does narrow down my focus on where I go to from here.

My plan over on the western side of the board (until now only hinted at) is to make a landing in Ceylon and capture that island. Follow that up with a landing in India and capture Madras followed by a drive up the coast to ultimately capture Calcutta. The ultimate to all this is to then move back and deal with the redoubt which is being built at Rangoon. I’m not planning on an all out assault across India – the east coast will be plenty.

Meanwhile over in the Pacific I do hope (from this point on) to deal reasonably swiftly with Milne Bay and in doing so release the carriers from this location. They have performed admirably her so have so far. I don’t see the Allied carrier move as an expedition to hunt down Kaga and friends, but I am wary that this is a possiblitly. Now that I know the Allied carriers are not in the Indian area I plan on bringing the KB carriers back to the Pacific once a decent bridgehead has been established.

Early days and plenty that can happen now that the USN is on the prowl. Very heartened to see that the American carriers still have Buffalos on boards in some intances. Things are going to get interesting not to mention difficult.

[SierraJuliet]

Over on the other side of the map this little TF is reported. I'm thinking of releasing some cruisers to try and hunt down this little lot. Carriers would fix this lot up in no time but I need them to stay with the invasion fleet. Ed is bringing in supply to Sabang and/or moving out troops before I fully turn my attention to this outpost.