"Bakayaro!" DBB-C vs LST(A) Jpn AAR: Feb 43 Summary

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Q-Ball

Good AAR as always! Aren't a couple SNLF units enough to take Kendari anyway? I don't know the version you are playing, but there usually isn't much of a garrison there, and it's open terrain.

Thanks Q-Ball!

L_S_T has craftily reinforced Kendari from other locations - he's got three Bns(+) and some support, and I have to assume he's brought up the forts to level 2 by now. Granted they are just Dutch troops, but....

Might be a close run thing, and I don't want to bombard to risk AF damage. If my Naval Guard unit didn't go into the drink, I'd go for it, but right now, I'll wait a few days and bring in an IN Bde.

Here's the combat report with what's there in Kendari:

Ground combat at Kendari (70,106)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2766 troops, 31 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 119

Defending force 3679 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 119

Assaulting units:
Manado Garrison Battalion
Kendari Garrison Battalion
Prajoda Garrison Battalion
Dili Detachment
Kendari Base Force
10th Avn Sup Afd
12th Avn Sup Afd

Defending units:
Kure 2nd SNLF
Sasebo 2nd SNLF /1

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

I don't now if you know and do these but:

1) Torpedo bombers set to Naval Attack with "Torpedo" for ordinance with no torpedoes will attack with the full bomb load at low level. [:D] This includes the Betties and Nells which can also fly with the full load from a level two airfield.

2) As Japan you can load your eligible escorts in a Fast Transport TF and then include them in your eligible convoys. This can increase your unit and/or supply load for the convoy. This also includes the escorts for convoys bringing supplies from Japan. While it may not be economical to do so only with those vessels, for the convoys that are escorted that makes them a little more efficient in moving supplies.

#1 I knew, but I'll have to try #2! Every little bit helps. Thx!

[Q-Ball]

On Kendari, it looks like the Dutch Transport Planes have been busy.....he obviously based them in Kendari collecting various garrisons. Yeah, you probably need more heft in that landing.

I personally prefer to collect Dutch troops at Koepang because it's 2x terrain, but that's just me...

[RangerJoe]

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

I don't now if you know and do these but:

1) Torpedo bombers set to Naval Attack with "Torpedo" for ordinance with no torpedoes will attack with the full bomb load at low level. [:D] This includes the Betties and Nells which can also fly with the full load from a level two airfield.

2) As Japan you can load your eligible escorts in a Fast Transport TF and then include them in your eligible convoys. This can increase your unit and/or supply load for the convoy. This also includes the escorts for convoys bringing supplies from Japan. While it may not be economical to do so only with those vessels, for the convoys that are escorted that makes them a little more efficient in moving supplies.

#1 I knew, but I'll have to try #2! Every little bit helps. Thx!

If you use a powerful Fast Troop TF to invade the empty base behind Kendari (where the resources come from, you can either walk or drive to Kendari while also cutting off the troops. If there is no enemy there, you can have a nice SCTF ready to do battle as well. [:D]

Yes, those Ansyu PN can carry 1000 supplies or few of them can carry a tank regiment in a Fast Transport TF or escort a troop/supply convoy. They can also take one torpedo hit, usually. They can also be in a mine sweeping TF if there is a minesweeper located in the same hex. The mine sweeper does NOT have to be in the mine sweeping TF however. If you already own the port and don't need to clear a path through the minefield immediately, then use those because they can take a mine hit, survive, then disband into the port.

[IdahoNYer]

24-25 Dec 41

Highlights – Christmas in the Pacific! Ground assault on Johore fails; many Allied cruisers bombard Kendari.

Jpn ships sunk:
PC: 1
xAP: 1

Allied ships sunk:
TK: 1
xAP: 4 (3 small, 1 med)
xAKL: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 27
Allied: 48

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 3 ships hit (2xAP, xAKL sunk)
Allies: 6 Attacks, 2 ship hit (xAP sunk, xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Wewak (South Pacific)
Kavieng (South Pacific)
Jolo (SW Pacific)
Baker Is (Central Pacific)
Gardner Is (Central Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Gardner Is (Central Pacific)
Baker Is (Central Pacific)
Baler (PI - flipped)
Oroquieta (PI - flipped)
Atimonan (PI)
Chuhsien (China)

SIGINT/Intel: Kendari does not disappoint with what appears to be the entire ABDA + ANZAC cruiser force accounted for! Still no indication of location of US Fleet.

Japan/Industry: NSTR.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: Baker and Gardner occupied as the focus now shifts to the Ellice Islands. SS Tuna has no problem with torpedoes as she sinks a big xAP at Tabiteuea re-loading Naval Guard troops, most of which go in the drink and fail to swim back to shore. These of course were the troops that were heading to Ocean and Nauru Islands, so will need a Plan B. As mentioned, minimal resources will focus on taking remaining bases - many small dot bases in addition to Ocean, Nauru and Tarawa…..ripe for a US carrier raid, even with the Nells at Kwajalein/Roi. A small BF bound for Canton is just arriving at Truk, and the first Engineers released from Manchuria and bound for the 4th Fleet are starting to load now at Port Arthur, but it will be a while before they are in position and begin working on building up defenses and select AFs.

South Pacific: Troops enroute to both Luganville and Koumac aboard Fast Transport TFs, with support elements following behind in transports. CVE Taiyo TF (CVE, 2DD) providing cover during the move through the Solomon and Coral Sea, although the Aussie/NZ cruisers look to be in the DEI. KB is moving SW to potentially raid shipping around Suva and support the landings from the east. Now if the US CVs are in South Pacific waters west of New Caledonia, there could be problems, but I don’t think this is likely at the moment. I just don’t see L_S_T committing the CVs with Buffalo fighters aboard when there is any chance of a fight. First big resupply convoys to Rabaul from Truk will depart next turn bringing in the 65th Bde as well as needed supplies and fuel with CS Chitose is support against subs. Chitose will eventually join the KB, just a question of when and where to make the rendezvous happen.

DEI/SW Pacific: Last game, I often commented that L_S_T never did anything “small”, always massing his naval sorties. Well, looks like he’s up to his old tricks as the Allies as the what appears to be the entire ABDA and ANZAC Fleets comes into Kendari on bombardment runs. Three cruiser TFs (5CA, 6DD / 7CL, 7DD / 3CL, 3DD) come in to bombard, the first quickly dispatching the lone PC left to patrol against MTBs. The bombardments achieve little, and the Mini-KB was in perfect position undetected to the NW. Unfortunately, weather apparently prohibited a single strike against the Allied TFs! Subs also completely missed them, and now I have no idea whether they went toward Darwin or Java. I’m betting on Darwin. In any case, the IJN is regrouping to the NE of Kendari, west of the Moluccas as the 4th ID Bde and CV Soryu come in. Will send a CL TF (CL, 3DD) to hopefully clear out the MTBs back at Kendari, and then look to bring the big boys (2BB, 2CA, 2CL, DDs) with carrier support to land the Bde in a few days. I still don’t relish a naval engagement with 15 cruisers! I may shift focus to Ambon to throw L_S_T off balance, but not sure yet. Either way, the goal is to secure a solid AF for Nettys. On the other side of the DEI, a freshly laid Dutch mine damaged CA Mogami (12/12(9)/30(27)) at Singkawang as engineers are brought in. She’ll head to repairs while additional CA TFs will link up at Sambas to avoid the mines, and prepare for future operations in the Java Sea. Nells and Zeros will begin operating out of Singkawang, and recon flights will also begin, starting with Palembang.

PI: 16th ID(-) continues to make slow but steady progress north from Naga on southern Luzon while 48th ID is holding up to concentrate before advancing on Clark. Zeros are brought forward from Loaog to base out of San Fernando AF which will about half the distance to Manila. Navy bomber wise, support is down to one Betty squadron, the other Nettys being re-missioned to support Malaysia and South Pacific efforts. Will look to bring in Army bombers at some point, but those are needed in Malaysia. If L_S_T is in fact focusing his defense in Manila instead of Bataan, BBs will suffice in lieu of airpower when the time comes.

Malaya/Burma: Well, the two regiment ground attack on Johore failed, but it was so close - a day earlier would have likely been successful. As it was, the attack only generated 1-2 odds, and was repulsed with heavy loss. 2230 IJA lost for only 340 Allied. Mostly disable squads for the IJA, largely in one regiment and the base is only at level 1 fort - some positive takeaways. But now the majority of the Allied troops, 24k strong have resettled in at Johore. Allied air resumed ground support and were met by a robust CAP which shot down 8 Buf, 25 Dutch bombers, and best of all, 5 B-17s at a cost of a Zero and a pair of Oscars. Unfortunately, a few Buffaloes avoided the Zeros to claim 8 Nells on a similar ground support mission. Next turn, now that 18th ID has been reinforced by the 33rd ID, the IJA will make another attempt to take Johare before any Allied remnants can come down from Kluong. 56ID(-) will also attack to take a much weaker Kluong as well. 21st ID should begin landing at Mersing next turn as well, although slightly slowed by a DD colliding with an xAP, crippling the DD, which will hopefully make it to Kuantan. Mersing AF is finally at level 1 and two dozen Zeros come in for CAP. In the north, the lead elements of 5th ID will reach Kuala Lumpur, but remains stretched out on the march. Imp Gds will rail down to Kuala once secure and the 2nd ID main body has begun landing at both Kota Bharu and Patani.

Ground combat at Johore Bahru (50,83)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 8416 troops, 79 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 281

Defending force 10302 troops, 107 guns, 159 vehicles, Assault Value = 199

Japanese adjusted assault: 43

Allied adjusted defense: 85

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
2239 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 134 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled

Allied ground losses:
344 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 46 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
22nd Recon Regiment
55th Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
15th Ind Engineer Regiment
18th Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
SSVF Brigade
2nd Argylls Battalion
5/14th Punjab Battalion
2nd Gordons Battalion
2/17 Dogra Battalion
2nd Loyal Battalion
3/16th Punjab Battalion
III Indian Corps
1st ISF Base Force
109th RAF Adv Base Force
113th RAF Adv Base Force
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Manchester Battalion
3rd HK&S Light AA Regiment
5th Field Regiment

China: The major Chinese force around Sinyang has moved east into the clear hex, likely to attempt to race north to Nanyang before the IJA can bring enough combat power to bear to crush it. So, the race is one to contain and then destroy this 60k man force as IJA troops move in from all sides. If nothing else, this is getting the IJA to concentrate for a drive on Sian!

[IdahoNYer]

26-27 Dec 41

Highlights – Johore holds again!

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
MTB: 1
xAP: 1
xAK: 1
xAKL: 3

Air loss:
Jpn: 13
Allied: 04

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 3 ships hit (3 xAKL sunk)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Funafuti (Central Pacific)
Sydney Is (Central Pacific)
Vaitupu (Central Pacific)
Sidate (DEI)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Funafuti (Central Pacific)
Sydney Is (Central Pacific)
Vaitupu (Central Pacific)
Nukufetau (Central Pacific)
Howland Is (Central Pacfic)
Jolo (PI)
Kluong (Malaya)
Wewak (South Pacific)
Kavieng (South Pacific)
Chengchow (China)

SIGINT/Intel: No contact with the Allied Cruiser force in DEI; absolutely no idea of Allied dispositions in South Pacific as New Hebrides and New Caledonia operations begin…risky.

Japan/Industry: NSTR.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: With the Ellice and Phoenix Islands secured without opposition, focus now turns to the bypassed Allied possessions in the Gilberts and consolidation with minimal resources.

South Pacific: KB will begin a run toward Noumea as some shipping is spotted, but will need to fuel shortly from Repl TF before any further operations. That should take place next turn or so, after which may look for targets around Auckland or the Australian east coast, depending on how the situation looks with the Amphibs going in at Koumac and Espirutu next turn. CVE Taiyo TF (CVE, 2DD) will swing south a bit from Koumac to potentially bag a few transports possibly fleeing the KB. First major resupply convoy should arrive at Rabaul next turn as well as Rabaul begins to develop into a major base. Will look to begin air operations against Port Moresby shortly.

DEI/SW Pacific: The CL TF (CL, 3DD) achieved nothing at Kendari against the 7 MTBs, neither side wanted to close the range under 10k at night. The Mini-KB did rendezvous with CV Soryu, and less the BBs, will now head south into the Banda Sea to interdict any return of the Allied cruisers. Kendari will be put on hold as I shift to Ambon for a turn or two, bringing in a 4th ID Bde to land next turn, supported by the Fleet. Figure L_S_T is still focusing on Kendari, so this may come as a surprise and catch him off balance. Another 4th ID Bde will depart Babeldaob next turn to either reinforce Ambon if necessary, or preferably, land at Kendari. At the other end of the Java Sea, a CL TF (CL, 4DD, DMS) will sortie to raid Palembang anchorage and test defenses. A bit of a risk here, but need to probe and stir the pot a bit. Amphib transports continue to gather at Cam Ranh Bay, and should be set shortly for the next round of amphib operations to secure Celebes and Palembang….if only the Allied Fleet would cooperate.

PI: Recon is showing no US fighters at Manila now….did L_S_T pay the political points and withdraw the P-40s to the DEI? Possibly. Will send a few Sonias escorted by Zeros at altitude to probe CAP defenses.

Malaya/Burma: Damn…..Allies hold on to Johore in the face of a solid 2-1 deliberate attack! I opted for deliberate attack instead of a shock attack to preserve forces, but that didn’t work out either….18th ID is pretty well wrecked and will take a while to rest and gain combat power from the disabled squads. It will serve to mop up Malaya and not assault Singers. Johore will wait until the 21st ID can come up from Mersing. An abandoned Kluong did fall to the 56th ID, which will now move on to Johore. Lead 5th ID elements should secure Kuala Lumpur next turn as they move south to join up with IJA troops moving north from Kluong. The race to cut off the majority of the Allied troops in Malaya has been lost; the focus now is Singapore - air raids to prevent fortification building will begin in earnest next turn. Wil take a few weeks to consolidate gains in Malaya, and move the now 6 divisions plus support into position for assault.

Ground combat at Johore Bahru (50,83)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24506 troops, 243 guns, 75 vehicles, Assault Value = 661

Defending force 18277 troops, 198 guns, 209 vehicles, Assault Value = 393

Japanese adjusted assault: 394

Allied adjusted defense: 195

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
2563 casualties reported
Squads: 35 destroyed, 178 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled

Allied ground losses:
856 casualties reported
Squads: 35 destroyed, 30 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 11 (2 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Assaulting units:
114th Infantry Regiment
55th Infantry Regiment
56th Infantry Regiment
15th Ind Engineer Regiment
22nd Recon Regiment
33rd Division
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Malay Battalion
22nd Indian Brigade
1st Mysore Battalion
2nd Argylls Battalion
2nd Loyal Battalion
3rd Cavalry Regiment
27th Australian Brigade
2/17 Dogra Battalion
2nd Gordons Battalion
SSVF Brigade
1st Manchester Battalion
5/14th Punjab Battalion
22nd Australian Brigade
3/16th Punjab Battalion
3rd HK&S Light AA Regiment
113th RAF Adv Base Force
III Indian Corps
1st ISF Base Force
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
272/273rd Bty 80th AT Gun Regiment
109th RAF Adv Base Force
5th Field Regiment

China: The Chinese forces east of Sinyang look like they will win the race north as IJA troops close in on all sides.

[IdahoNYer]

28-29 Dec 41

Highlights – Palembang raid meets mines and light shipping; troops ashore at Ambon.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
AM: 2
HDML: 10
AG: 1
xAP: 1 (small)
xAK: 4
xAKL: 6

Air loss:
Jpn: 14
Allied: 12

Subwar:
Jpn: 5 Attacks, 3 ships hit (AM, xAP, xAKL sunk)
Allies: 5 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Ambon (DEI)
Enderbury Is (Central Pacific)
Nanumea (Central Pacific)
Ocean Is (Central Pacific)
Madang (South Pacific)
Luganville (South Pacific)
Tawi Tawi (PI)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Nanumea (Central Pacific)
Enderbury Is (Central Pacific)
Ocean Is (Central Pacific)
Bayombong (PI)
Iba (PI)
Lucena (PI)
Sidate (DEI)
Tioman Is (Malaya - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: Palembang looks to be becoming fortified with the expected mines in place, but also recon is reporting over 10k troops now in position. No sign of ANY Allied warship anywhere!

Japan/Industry: The first of the AKE conversions are completed….and there was great rejoicing!

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: Ocean Island is taken against minimal opposition while US subs still hunt in the Gilberts. Troops will land at Tarawa next turn to continue the consolidation of gains.

South Pacific: Naval Guard troops ashore without issue at an undefended Espirutu Santo and the Koumac Amphib should land next turn. KB and subs have some success off Noumea, sinking an AM, xAK, and 2 xAKL between them. Slim pickens. KB then refuels from AOs and will head south toward New Zealand, but still stay in the area to prevent a reinforcement or withdrawal from the French garrison at Noumea. The AOs will head to refuel the Taiyo TF as they head back to Truk. With Noumea looking to have minimal forces, the 65th Bde will remain at Rabaul and should be able to be used against Port Moresby. While L_S_T’s lack of a forward defense means many areas are potentially exposed, there are too few ground troops (and the needed support troops) to really take advantage of this. Even Noumea is really beyond the capability of defending adequately. Still, expansion will make it more challenging for the Allies to reinforce Australia which is the primary objective if naval targets aren’t going to be made available.

DEI/SW Pacific: Troops go ashore against Ambon, CD batteries manage to damage one xAP which continues to burn which is never good. But no planes, subs or ships interfere, and I fully expect the In Bde ashore to quickly take the base next turn. That will allow focus to shift back to Kendari - of course, those 15 Allied cruisers remain unaccounted for. I was hoping L_S_T would show his hand last turn, but nothing developed. Mini-KB remains undetected in the Banda Sea, and a CL TF (CL, 4DD, DMS) will raid Kendari next turn to flush out the MTBs as the remaining 4th ID IN Bde sails closer to target. At the other side of the DEI, CL TF (CL, 4DD, DMS) raids Palembang to test defenses. They first encounter 6 HDML which they sink, but then mines cripple DD Hatsuyuki and damage CL Natori. After that, more HDMLs were engaged and sunk, as were a number of small merchants, but overall, the mines thwarted the raid. Hatsuyuki is heavily damaged (86 float) and will likely not make it to the nearest refuge, Singkawang. Natori, barring a sub or lucky airstrike, should make Cam Ranh Bay. While I expected mines, I figured the DMS would be sufficient…apparently there are lots of mines. More troublesome, but not totally unexpected is that L_S_T is reinforcing the Palembang ground defense from troops pulled off of Malaya - at least I’m hoping its just troops pulled from Malaya, and not fresh troops being brought in. I currently have about two Bdes worth of troops earmarked for Palembang currently in Cam Ranh Bay. That probably isn’t enough, and I’m going to have to use the entire 4th ID, two Bdes of which of course are currently a tad occupied on the eastern side of the DEI. In any case, I really need to deal with those 15 cruisers beforehand in any case.

PI: Well, no US fighters engaged over Manila or Bataan, my guess is that they’ve been pulled back to the Java Sea area, although a few remaining SOC Seaguls managed to damage an APD off Jolo. And it looks like Clark Field defenders have pulled back to Bataan, so Allied defenders appear to be fairly balanced between Bataan and Manila. Was hoping all would be in Manila as it would be easier to contain a single defensive position. Now both will have to be invested and then reduced…with only two divisions on Luzon at the moment. Will need to get the 16th ID to finish off Mindanao quickly, but dealing with the required garrisons there is also an issue. Wasting good troops providing garrison duty isn’t the preferred method, but right now, no other troops are available.

Malaya/Burma: Kuala Lumpur is taken undefended as 5th ID closes in on the remaining Allied embarkation points on the Malayan SW coast. Allied troops look to be withdrawing from Johore, but other than airstrikes and ground bombardments, little else can be done at the moment. Sallys raid Singers with reasonable effect from 20k, destroying 3 a/c and slightly damaging the AF. Still, the raid got through without much issue to begin the suppression of engineering efforts. Will continue to focus raids on Singers, although Bettys will attempt to interdict the withdrawal from Johore and a few Nells remain on naval strike to interdict the Dunkirk like exodus from Port Dickson. Meanwhile, the 55th ID (-) slowly grinds across the Burma-Thai border and should secure Mergui next turn, and then should move on both Tavoy and Moulmein shortly.

China: China is a mess. The Sinyang Pocket can not be closed, and looks to be over 100k strong moving toward Nanyang. Just don’t have the troops concentrated enough to contain, let alone attack that mass of troops yet. And to top that off, L_S_T even managed a successful attack against a lead In Regiment - which lost over 600 troops as it was attacked by three Corps. L_S_T has been one or more steps ahead of every move in China - he’s been effective in regouping his troops in good terrain to thwart a broad IJA advance. Will need to regroup and sort this out. Right now, my focus is to clear the coastal cities and establish a workable front line, eliminating the remaining isolated Chinese units and establishing good interior lines. I don’t see much more than that at this point.

[IdahoNYer]

30-31 Dec 41

Highlights – Ambon secured!

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Dragon)
DD: 1 (Pillsbury)
SS: 1 (Pickerel)
AM: 1
MTB: 4
xAP: 3 (2 small)
xAKL: 3

Air loss:
Jpn: 09
Allied: 21

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (AM, xAP sunk)
Allies: 8 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Koumac (South Pacific)
Nauru Is (Central Pacific)
Tarawa (Central Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Mauban (PI - flipped)
Camiguin (PI - flipped)
Tawi Tawi (PI)
Malacca (Malaya)
Tarawa (Central Pacific)
Nauru Is (Central Pacific)
Madang (South Pacific)
Luganville (South Pacific)
Ambon (DEI)
Mergui (Burma)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: The first 5 Fubuki DDs will head to repair yards at Saigon to get DC racks.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: Tarawa and Nauru secured as the last major objectives. Rest is really mop-up. US CA (Louisville) bombards ungarrisoned Elderbury Is just east of Canton. Figure the US cruisers are stationed at Christmas or Palmyra - and this will begin the nuisance raids. Subs will screen outposts, and will attempt to reinforce Canton to establish some long range recon. Other than subs, not much to offer at the moment - Nells with torpedoes at Kwaj can’t range Canton. Canton and possibly Baker will be reinforced with a BF and mined escorted by available CL TFs. This will establish at least air search at Canton and Funifuti will get an AV for search as well. Still a number of dot base atolls to secure to consolidate gains.

South Pacific: Troops secure Luganville and land at an undefended Koumac while the KB begins to slowly head towards New Zealand after Kaga receives an additional fighter squadron out of Rabaul. KB may hit Auckland if sub recon can gain some intel, and then likely head toward Suva to interdict any shipping buildup - L_S_T has got to be reinforcing here, right?!? As L_S_T mentioned in his email, it’s a big ocean! CVE Taiyo TF refuels off the Repl TF and will move to isolate Noumea from Reinforcement as KB moves south. As Rabaul builds up, initial sweeps over Port Moresby find no opposition. 65th Bde will look to land at Moresby in the coming weeks as support troops begin arriving at Rabaul.

DEI/SW Pacific: Troops take Ambon without issue, and no Allied warships interfered. Was surprised that 14 Hudsons were left on the ground and destroyed when the base fell. Will look to mine Ambon as the first Zeros and Nells arrive - Tinas will begin bringing in the air HQ from Davao and a Baseforce departs via ship from Babeldaob. Now the focus shifts back to Kendari where the CL TF (CL, 4DD, DMS) which sunk 4 MTBs in about 5 very brief engagements. The CL TF also totally missed a late arriving Allied CL TF (2CL, DDs) which came in to bombard, with little effect. The Allied CL TF also missed any of the freshly laid mines, and the Mini-KB only managed a few Val sorties, hitting CL Tromp with a single bomb. Not sure what the heck Adm Yamaguchi is saving his sorties for - two CLs looked like a nice ripe target to me. At any rate, the Dutch CLs remained at Kendari, so there may be action next turn with the IJN CL TF returning to engage as the Amphib TF and supporting TFs move back to Kendari. This includes the BB Ise TF (BB, 2CA, 2CL, DDs, DMS) providing primary cover. Mini-KB is finally spotted by air search and will move slightly to the SW to avoid subs but still provide support to the Kendari landings. Kendari operations have had bad luck since the CL Boise encounter, hopefully will change that this coming turn and get this done. Across the Java Sea, an incoming Allied convoy finds freshly laid mines near Palembang the hard way, with CL Dragon, 2DD, xAP, 5xAKLs all being hit. Palembang itself will need to wait a bit as the Borneo landings begin loading at Cam Ranh Bay - Mili, Brunei and Tarakan highlight the first loads, to be followed up by Balikpapan shortly. The west end of the Java Sea will be left to Nells and a CA TF (3CA, CL, DDs) at Singkawang, with the mission to interdict anything going to or from Singapore/Palembang area. Still worrisome are those missing Allied cruisers sighted a few days ago at Kendari.

PI: Still waiting on the 48th ID elements to mass before moving on Clark AF while bombers focus on hitting Bataan in lieu of Manila for the time being. No Allied fighters. Once Clark is taken, more Army bombers can be brought in to Luzon, although the priority for Army air remains Malaya. 16th ID is still assembling troops to attack the mountain position of Malaybalay on Mindanao.

Malaya/Burma: Allied troops remain in Johore, and will launch a shock attack with three divisions if they’re still there during the land phase next turn. My bet is that they’ll have moved into Singers, despite the best efforts of the flyboys. At sea, Mersing is still a dangerous anchorage as a lone Allied MTB sneaks in to torpedo the large xAP Kamakura Maru which is beached at Mersing. With fires still burning, highly doubtful she’ll survive. Once the last regiment of the 56th ID offloads, will shut down Mersing for reinforcements and resupply as the rail line north from Johore should be cleared in a turn or two. The last Allied remnants are centered around Temuloh in central Malaya, with elements from the 5th, 2nd and 56th ID all converging. Still looking at concentrating all divisions less the 18th to cross into Singers, but that process will still take a week or two, as well as bring in the last of the artillery, still enroute via sea. Sallys continue to hit Singapore with some reasonable effects - hitting a sub and an xAP in port and slightly damaging the AF. Once Johore is seized, I’d really like to pull all the Navy air out of Malaya support and shift them toward the Java Sea, just not sure if the Army air will be sufficient in the task. I’d really like a handful of B-17s right now….

China: China remains a mess.

[IdahoNYer]

Dec 41 Summary

Well…..I think I’m off to a good start, although not as successful as I’d hoped. Although I’m still ahead of schedule in most areas - China is the main exception, and a few setbacks at Mersing and Kendari have upset the timetable a bit. Most worrisome is the lack of being able to bring the Allied fleet to successful combat since Mersing. January will see the focus shifting to the Java Sea and the DEI as the main effort to begin securing oil centers. I’d really like to keep the KB focused in the South Pacific to interdict any Allied effort toward reinforcing or resupplying Australia, but I’m not sure that’s feasible or warranted at the moment. In any case, December was a good month - Naval losses for the month were much less than expected for the IJN with only 4 DDs and 4 SSXs lost, although a pair of CAs and CLs and 4DDs as well as BB Kongo were damaged enough to require yard time. Still, compared to the Allied losses of a BB, BC, 4CL, 8DD, and 5SS lost, it was a very good month. In the air, largely due to the costly battles over Mersing, the loss ratio was surprisingly good with 277 for Jpn to 402 Allied.

INTEL: For all my complaints about Allied SIGINT in our last game, I really miss it! The Japanese radio intercepts don’t offer much at all, and the air search and recon abilities pale in comparison to the Allied cause as well. As forward bases become established, and more Jakes are available, some of the air search and recon will improve a bit. But for now, I have no idea where the Allied fleet units are, and I’m relying more of “at start” positions for ground intel. That’s well and good in the first month, but not going to cut it going forward.

SUBWAR: Both sides submarines have done fairly well against merchant targets, but little has been accomplished against warships. For the IJN, subs have also been worthwhile for recon and minelaying. The anti-sub effort will gradually improve, as more PBs come into service and pilots get trained up in ASW work. Still, that will take time, and of course the Allied subs and their own ASW efforts will gain more experience as well. Will continue to focus IJN subs in support of both Fleet operations and to interdict the Allied merchant lifeline.

Japan/Industry. Establishing the resource shipping has been the most challenging so far - can’t get enough resources out of Hokkaido due to an initial lack of shipping and poor ports. Working to fix that. The big challenge for next month of course is to begin shipping fuel back to the HI as oil/refinery centers are taken. After a month, total stocks of supply are down about 100k from start while both oil and fuel are down about 200k. HI is rising nicely, up to about 90k. I “think” I’m doing OK production industry wise, but as its my first run as Japan, I have no idea. Oscar and Zero airframes remain in short supply as production ramps up, but trained pilots are in shorter supply, so additional airframes won’t really matter much at this point. The pilot training is in full swing, but it will take a few months to gain solid results. Here's Tracker's industry overview:

[IdahoNYer]

Northern Pacific/5th Fleet. Other than sending an AS out to Paramushiro-jima and putting a pair of subs out off the Aleutians, haven’t done much at all. I have one SNLF and a small engineer unit released to 5th Fleet and will see about freeing up some minor naval assets to make a landing in the Aleutians in the coming weeks, but right now this is not a priority.

Central Pacific/4th Fleet. Other than Allied subs doing some damage, operations went pretty much according to plan expanding to take Canton as the limit of advance. Now its consolidation and really need engineers to dig in these newly won possessions. Minimal naval and air support will likely lead to Allied raids and the best I can offer is to hope to get lucky with subs.

South Pacific/Southeast Fleet. Was a bit surprised to see no Allied troops left at Rabaul, and those pesky ANZAC cruisers in the DEI and not the Solomons. Was glad to see that Noumea was not reinforced, and operations are on schedule, if not ahead of schedule. As troops march from Koumac to Noumea, next in line is Port Moresby and Horn Island to open up the Torrez Strait. The real question is whether or not the KB is warranted in support and interdiction or would be of better use in the DEI? With the lack of any worthwhile targets, I’m questioning its use, but I’d rather keep the KB “in reach” to give pause to L_S_T committing CVs and any aggressive raids. Truthfully, I haven’t made up my mind yet. In any case, they’ll remain in these waters until Port Moresby is taken, unless US CVs appear in the DEI of course. After Moresby….we’ll see.

DEI/SW Pacific. Kendari operations have been a sucking chest wound to the Empire. The first attempt was thwarted by CL Boise running into the convoy in the Sulu Sea and the second attempt has been halted during the invasion attempt by sinking 1/3 of the assault troops. Attempt #3 is now underway! Other than Kendari, operations have been going well with Kuching, Singkawang and Ambon all being seized without major problems. The Mini-KB hasn’t accomplished much and has missed a few opportunities, and I really don’t like keeping carriers in confined waters with subs lurking about. Still, its support is necessary until the Allied Fleet can be found and destroyed. L_S_T’s bringing in the ANZAC cruisers was an unwelcome surprise, and has truthfully given me pause. Was hoping that the Java Sea fight would have been a mop up after the loss of PoW and Repulse, but L_S_T has managed to concentrate a sizeable cruiser force to contest operations. Focus now shifts to seize Borneo oil centers and destroy that Allied fleet - hopefully with airpower instead of a major naval brawl.

PI. Going according to plan for the most part. With minimal forces engaged, Mindanao is largely secure and Allied positions in Luzon reduced to the final three of Clark, Bataan and Manila. On the negative side, the Allied force is intact and in good fortified positions, so 14th Army isn’t going to be available any time soon. Goal for January is to conclude operations in Mindanao, reduce outer island positions and lay siege to Manila with minimal forces as possible.

Malaya/Burma. Well, the landings and naval battle at Mersing were outstanding victories. After that, its been a slugfest pushing out of Mersing. L_S_T has done a great job in getting his army off Malaya and into both Singapore and probably a Bde or two into Palembang. So, while I’m ahead of schedule of sorts, I’m also facing a tough nut in Fortress Singapore. That of course is the focus for January for the 25th Army, while IJN naval and air assets are released to support DEI operations. 15th Army meanwhile has been slowly advancing into Burma. Minimal effort as 15th Army consists of more Thai units than anything else. 15th Army goal for January is to isolate Rangoon and cut the Burma Road with those troops on hand.

China. I’m already losing the initiative in China. L_S_T has managed to concentrate his forces in good terrain ahead of the IJA and even conducted a few small successful counter attacks. I’m finding it very challenging to concentrate the IJA where I need it while maintaining LOCs and garrisons. Of course, I haven’t brought out any armor from Manchuria to assist and don’t plan to either. So, my expectations for China are self preservation at the moment. Consolidate gains, clear out the coast and LOCs and that’s about it. I don’t see any major offenses deep into China at this point.

[Bif1961]

I just started a new game with my long term PBEM opponent, this time I get to be the Allies and seeing your AAR and your 1 Jan 42 scoreboard gives me a milestone to gauge my game by. My opponent initially surrendered after the 1st turn because the KB on it's way to attack PH ran across the Lexington TF twice at night and was slowed so much it never made it close enough to attack PH. Since all it's squadrons were assigned land targets it also did not attempt to attack the Lexington TF. The only change I made to the Lexington TF was to slow it's speed from normal to cruise. However it's path was not altered and neither was the KB's and they should never have even been remotely close to each other that night but some how they were. So instead of continuing the war with no 7 December PH attack, he surrendered. I was more than happy to oblige as I couldn't figure out what happened either and we have an HR against hunting American carrier TFs for a few days or unless they attack something or are spotted by means other than the KB. So if the night attack had resulted in heavy damage or sinking of the Lexington or an attack by the KB on it the next day I would have asked for the restart.

Neither of us could explain how a night battle happened so far from where the KB should have been it's normal route taken to attack PH on the morning of 7 December by solely slowing the Lexington TF's speed and not altering either TF's historic paths. If anyone has any ideas it would be helpful.

[RangerJoe]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

I just started a new game with my long term PBEM opponent, this time I get to be the Allies and seeing your AAR and your 1 Jan 42 scoreboard gives me a milestone to gauge my game by. My opponent initially surrendered after the 1st turn because the KB on it's way to attack PH ran across the Lexington TF twice at night and was slowed so much it never made it close enough to attack PH. Since all it's squadrons were assigned land targets it also did not attempt to attack the Lexington TF. The only change I made to the Lexington TF was to slow it's speed from normal to cruise. However it's path was not altered and neither was the KB's and they should never have even been remotely close to each other that night but some how they were. So instead of continuing the war with no 7 December PH attack, he surrendered. I was more than happy to oblige as I couldn't figure out what happened either and we have an HR against hunting American carrier TFs for a few days or unless they attack something or are spotted by means other than the KB. So if the night attack had resulted in heavy damage or sinking of the Lexington or an attack by the KB on it the next day I would have asked for the restart.

Neither of us could explain how a night battle happened so far from where the KB should have been it's normal route taken to attack PH on the morning of 7 December by solely slowing the Lexington TF's speed and not altering either TF's historic paths. If anyone has any ideas it would be helpful.

The only possible answer that I can think of is Gary Grigsby and his random die rolls.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

I just started a new game with my long term PBEM opponent, this time I get to be the Allies and seeing your AAR and your 1 Jan 42 scoreboard gives me a milestone to gauge my game by. My opponent initially surrendered after the 1st turn because the KB on it's way to attack PH ran across the Lexington TF twice at night and was slowed so much it never made it close enough to attack PH. Since all it's squadrons were assigned land targets it also did not attempt to attack the Lexington TF. The only change I made to the Lexington TF was to slow it's speed from normal to cruise. However it's path was not altered and neither was the KB's and they should never have even been remotely close to each other that night but some how they were. So instead of continuing the war with no 7 December PH attack, he surrendered. I was more than happy to oblige as I couldn't figure out what happened either and we have an HR against hunting American carrier TFs for a few days or unless they attack something or are spotted by means other than the KB. So if the night attack had resulted in heavy damage or sinking of the Lexington or an attack by the KB on it the next day I would have asked for the restart.

Neither of us could explain how a night battle happened so far from where the KB should have been it's normal route taken to attack PH on the morning of 7 December by solely slowing the Lexington TF's speed and not altering either TF's historic paths. If anyone has any ideas it would be helpful.

The only thing I can think of is KB coming across a sub or something that caused it to abort the mission and head for Kwajalein? No damage to any KB ships? Collision? Bad weather aborting the mission?

[Bif1961]

As far as my opponent knows he has no idea why the KB ended up so far off course and ran across the Lexington TF in the middle of the night as it was a historical turn. One of those oddities I guess, but we redid the turn and I didn't changed the Lexington's speed, which was the only change I made form historical.

[IdahoNYer]

1-2 Jan 42

Pace of game has slowed a bit due to work issues, but we're still moving along....

Highlights – Kendari still proves difficult as IJA comes ashore and Dutch Navy bests IJN; Johore finally taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Kinu - becomes first CL sunk!)
DD: 1 (Hatsuyuki)
DMS: 1
xAP: 2
xAK: 2

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Evertson)
MTB: 1
AMc: 1
xAKL: 2

Allied ships un-sunk:
CL: 1 (Dragon)

Air loss:
Jpn: 35
Allied: 07

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAKL sunk, SS Dam)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Arorae (Central Pacific)
Makin (Central Pacific)
Nikunau (Central Pacific)
Finschhafen (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Makin (Central Pacific)
Nikunau (Central Pacific)
Arorae (Central Pacific)
Subic Bay (PI)
Batangas (PI)
Polillo (PI - flipped)
Tavoy (Burma)
Johore Bahru (Malaya)
Port Swettenham (Malaya)
Manado (DEI)
Koumac (South Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: ABDA’s main Cruiser TF looks to be based out of Palembang, while smaller number of cruisers appear to be in Batavia and possibly Soerabaja. No sign of major US TFs in Central or South Pacific.

Japan/Industry: Biggest issue right now is Navy pilots. Capable (meaning 50 experience and 65 or better skill set) reserve pool pilots are in VERY short supply. Training is ongoing with both fresh replacements (months away) and trying to get those veterans with low skills (50s) up to par before putting them in line. Just keeping up with losses is straining the system right now for both fighters and bomber pilots. Figure to be short at least for a few months.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: Mopping up smaller atolls continues with subs as the major threat. US CA Pensacola bombards Canton with little effect, avoiding an RO sub patrol. Looking to bring in a Baseforce to Canton with a Fast Transport mission which has risks with US Cruisers in the area. Subs need to get lucky!

South Pacific: An ungarrisoned Koumac falls to the 144th South Seas Regiment which begins marching on Noumea. KB will hit Auckland port with two squadrons of Kates next turn, then head north a bit, out of preying eyes, loitering for CS Chitose to join. CVE Taiyo continues to patrol off Noumea without sighting any potential targets. Nells are brought into Rabaul with an air HQs; hopefully they can start interdicting naval traffic around Moresby.

DEI/SW Pacific: Well, Kendari remains the bane of the Empire! Action starts off poorly and goes downhill. First, the Dutch CL TF (2CL, 7DD) avoids I Boats and mines and is brought to action by IJN CL TF (CL, 4DD, DMS) and the IJN gets mauled, losing CL Kinu and DMS sunk while three lightly damaged DDs limp away. In exchange, the Dutch suffer a DD reportedly sunk (and I find that doubtful). No Long Lances found their mark and IJN gunnery was appalling. It gets worse….With the IJN CL TF survivors running for home, 4 Dutch TMs sneak past the BB TF (BB, 2CA, 2CL, DDs) providing cover and have the best single patrol-torpedo engagement I’ve ever seen. At a cost of one boat, an xAP and two big xAKs are sunk! Fortunately, the 4th ID IN Bde had already been landed, which was the only bright spot at Kendari. With the Bde ashore, ground forces will attack to secure the base as all naval elements disengage. To close the naval side off, CL Kiso runs into a mine and gets off lucky with light damage while an I Boat hits SS Pickerel. Of course, neither the Mini-KB or Nells based out of Ambon launched any strikes. The Mini KB will conclude this current sortie by heading west towards the western end of the Banda sea searching for targets before returning east through the Banda Sea and then turning for home through the eastern Ceram Sea - hopefully avoiding the half dozen subs reported in the area. Ryujo and Zuiho both need sorties replenished and all can use a few replacement aircraft before the next requirement - supporting the landings to secure Makassar and Balikpapan. On the western side of the DEI, IJN air missed a MAJOR opportunity when 25 torpedo armed Nells scored exactly ZERO hits on a CA TF (2CA,5CL, 8DDs) at Palembang! Zero escort held off the dozen Buffalos, knocking down 3 at no cost. The Nell pilots were good, but not great, but should have had at least a few hits. Anyway, that Allied TF is still in Palembang while mines damaged a DD after they sortied to sink the crippled DD Hatsuyuki off Lingga. Mines look to have been swept, but three I-Boats now loiter off Palembang. Will look to sweep Palembang with Singkawang Zeros and hopefully the Nells will do better next time. Lastly, the Borneo landings get underway with Amphib TFs departing for Miri, Brunei and Tarakan.

PI: 48th ID elements consolidate and begin moving on Clark. 16th ID continues massing about 2/3 of its strength to conclude the Mindanao campaign with the engineer regiment moving from Luzon to Cagayan.

Malaya/Burma: Allies leave a Bn sized rear guard in Johore which is easily overcome, so the prize of Johore is finally taken. This disappointing end is further exacerbated when Bettys in the ground support role over Johore on day 1, take it on their own initiative to exceed range limitations and hit ground targets at Singapore on day 2, getting mauled by AA for their initiative - losing 17 planes and most of the pilots. Not good. Will focus on consolidation the next couple of turns in Malaya - rooting out the remaining Allied troops and combining the elements of 2nd, 5th and 56th IDs into full divisions prior to assaulting Singapore as Sallys will continue to hit the base. In Burma, continued slow progress as Tavoy is taken and Moulmein is isolated by 55th ID elements.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

3-6 Jan 42 (Two turns to keep up!)

Highlights – Kendari taken! Allies raid the Kuriles! Troops ashore in Northern Borneo!

Jpn ships sunk:
E: 1
AO: 1
xAP: 2

Allied ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Dragon)
DD: 1 (Jupiter)
xAP: 1 (small)
AG: 2
xAKL: 5
AMc: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Pillsbury)

Air loss:
Jpn: 28
Allied: 26

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 2 ship hit (xAP, xAKL sunk) Also, I-158 crippled by a mine at Balikpapan
Allies: 5 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Beru (Central Pacific)
Maiana (Central Pacific)
Abemama (Central Pacific)
Onotoa (Central Pacific)
Brunei (DEI)
Miri (DEI)
Beaufort (DEI)
Tandjoengselor (DEI)
Tarakan (DEI)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Butuan (PI - flipped)

Bases seized:
Calapan (PI - flipped)
Tablas (PI - flipped)
Lubang (PI - flipped)
Port Dickson (Malaya)
Batu Pahat (Malaya)
Temuloh (Malaya)
Tawau (DEI)
Beru (Central Pacific)
Maiana (Central Pacific)
Onotoa (Central Pacific)
Abemama (Central Pacific)
Finschhafen (South Pacific)
Kendari (DEI)
Moulmein (Burma)
Kaoping (China)

SIGINT/Intel: Palembang fighter strength reinforced with Batavia’s fighters; Poor pickings at Auckland and still no sign of US Fleet units.

Japan/Industry: increased Jake production by 10 to 40 a month and Oscars by 15 to 100 a month. CV Akagi and CS Chiyoda depart Japan for SE Fleet area.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: A small US CL TF (CL, 2DD) raid Paramushiro in the Kuriles, catching a fat AO and E offloading fuel. I got careless, and left the AO there too long without establishing any worthwhile security - even brought up a CM to lay mines and left it in port. So, the Kuriles were wide open. With newly converted PBs starting to come aboard, I’m assembling them for an early warning screen from the Kuriles to Marcus, but that is just starting to assemble, not nearly ready. This also brings out the need to keep some naval and air force available to counter Allied raids not only in the Kuriles, but the HI as well - other than air units training pilots, little is available should L_S_T do a major raid. So, will bring some CLs and DDs back to home waters, and convert a small Claude squadron to Zeros - they can still be used as trainers (as the Kate and Betty squadrons), but should a US TF appear suddenly, with good airframes available, pilots can quickly be swapped out to provide some threat.

Central Pacific: Mopping up continues as a major reinforcement closes on Canton Is - a baseforce being brought in by a CL Fast transport TF. CL Yubari and two DDs provide cover in case some US forces are in the area. Subs in the area haven’t seen any sign of US elements, including a midget raid on Christmas Is coming up empty.

South Pacific: KB hits Auckland port “sinking” an AG as it was being converted. Other ships had pulled out as the KB was sighted prior. No CAP either, and the KB sailed north toward Noumea where they took on fuel from the Repl TF. CS Chitose has joined the KB which will assist in both air search and ASW. KB will now head SW to cover the Fast Transport landing a small Naval Guard element to seize Norfolk Is - to deny the Allies shuttling fighters to Australia from New Zealand. Yes, this is a bit over-extended, but may delay the Allied buildup in Oz a bit. CVE Taiyo is trolling SW of Suva which also seems devoid of any Allied shipping. Moresby is however robustly defended by a reported 20k troops! CA TF (3CA, DDs) will bombard next turn to test defenses as Rabaul builds up. With that level of defense, may need more than the 65th IN Bde to take the base.

DEI/SW Pacific: Kendari is taken, but it takes two attacks - Kendari has been THE major headache to smooth running expansion of the Empire! Still, the base is secure, and Nells are brought in as the air HQ begins shuttling in via air transport. With both Ambon and Kendari secure, and basing Nells and Zeros, the Mini-KB begins to head back to Babeldaob to rearm and refuel before setting out again to support the Balikpapan landings. At the other end of the DEI, Singkawang based Nells sink the damaged CL Dragaon and a DD heading toward the Sunda Straits and the Borneo invasions begin with troops ashore at Brunai, Mili, Tarakan and a few other smaller bases. These troops will attack to secure the targets, less Tarakan which looks to need more than a single SNLF unit to take the base. The Tarakan defenders also did well with their coastal batteries, sinking a pair of xAPs - fortunately after the troops were ashore. Troops earmarked next Borneo landings at Balikpapan, Samarinda and Bandjermasin being loading at Cam Ranh Bay, and will set out next turn. The SE Borneo landings will need major Fleet support, and if L_S_T responds to any of these landings, these will be the ones vulnerable. But I don’t think that’s likely right now - looks like he’s fortifying Batavia and Palembang to make his stand….to which Nettys will hit a packed Palembang AF at night and a crowded Batavia port in daylight next turn to stir things up.

PI: A pair of TBs sink 3 xAKLs on supply runs off Manila Bay while the Tarakan cover force sinks a fourth. On the ground, troops begin closing on Clark AF as the slow grind on Luzon continues. 16th ID is still consolidating troops to attack the Allied position at Malaybalay in the next week or so.

Malaya/Burma: With the last Allied troops in Malaya isolated in the jungles near Temuloh, the focus shifts to bring the battered 18th ID infantry to deal with them while the 2nd, 5th and 56th ID troops consolidate at Kluong and prepare to cross over to Singapore. Will likely take a week to get all the troops in position as Sallys continue to hit Singapore AF and port - with minimal effect, but hopefully enough to keep the fort building at bay. No CAP over Singers, and a number of both IJN and IJA fighters will transit to Borneo once more AFs are secured. In Burma, troops secure Moulmein against a weak rearguard and now focus on Pegu to begin cutting the Burma Road and isolating Rangoon - all with minimal troops.

China: A sizeable Chinese force was defeated near Taiyuan with 4500 Chinese casualties against about 1000 IJA. An isolated victory….compared to the major Chinese force north of Sinyang being able to pull back to Nanyang - so the majority of the myriad of Chinese units in the eastern plains were able to extract and pull back into the rough/complex terrain to form a defense of Sian. China is not going well. Meanwhile, 13th Army is focusing on assembling three divisions to take Wenchow, and that is challenging just getting the troops while maintaining garrison duties.

[IdahoNYer]

7-8 Jan 42

Highlights – Miri and Brunei taken; Pt Moresby bombarded.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
xAKL: 5
HDML: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 06
Allied: 05

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 5 Attacks, 0 ships hit (I really should say damaged...a few were hit but were duds)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Kuria (Central Pacific)
Nonouti (Central Pacific)
Norfolk Is (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Dumanquilas (PI - flipped)
Burias (PI - flipped)
Brunei (DEI)
Miri (DEI)
Tandjoengselor (DEI)
Beaufort (DEI)
Buin (South Pacific)
Kuria (Central Pacific)
Nonouti (Central Pacific)
Loyang (China)

SIGINT/Intel: Palembang continues to build up which is getting very worrisome while one of those bypassed elements in Malaya is larger than expected - a full Bde.

Japan/Industry: NSTR.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: Defensive mines are laid at Paramushiro and the first Jakes are brought in. It’s a start.

Central Pacific: Canton and Baker Islands are successfully reinforced without incident. A small contingent of Nells without torps will operate out of Canton. The last two small atolls are taken as the consolidation phase ends. Now the defensive build up begins…which will be minimal until additional troops arrive as reinforcements. The first two engineer units from Manchuria docked in Truk, and they will head out to Canton and Tabiteuea as soon as transports can be made available. Most surface elements will depart leaving CL Yubari and a few DDs to provide some surface escorts. Lastly, CV Akagi and CS Chiyoda will make port in Saipan next turn to resize a Pete squadron to 24 planes. Additional floatplanes from 4th Fleet will fly back to Truk also to resize.

South Pacific: Troops are landed at Norfolk Is, halfway between New Zealand New Caledonia, to find it unoccupied. KB will now head towards the Australian coast, to look at hitting Sydney and/or Brisbane before heading north to Rabaul to rearm and refuel. CA TF (3CA, DDs) bombarded Pt Moresby with reasonable effect (225 casualties) and no enemy forces encountered. Rabaul continues to build up as the first AKEs arrive.

DEI/SW Pacific: Brunei and Miri taken pretty much intact (3 oil/refinery lost in Miri). Debating whether to repair all the facilities (both Miri and Brunei start at 50%) - with the small port size, not sure its worth the supply output, but it is oil. In any case, the first tankers are enroute as Oscars, Nates and AA units are brought in to provide cover. Balikpapan Amph TFs will depart Cam Ranh Bay next turn as supporting Mini-KB will depart from Babeldaob - freshly replenished. Subs look to be the primary threat at the moment, but the Allied cruiser TFs can’t be discounted - I doubt they’ll attempt a sortie to Miri, but contesting Balikpapan is a possibility. A reinforcing SNLF unit will also begin landing at Tarakan next turn to get that show to conclusion. The air raids on Palembang and Batavia accomplished very little - a single Buffalo fighter destroyed on the ground at Palembang while Nells hit a sub and tanker in Batavia. Not worth another strike attempt at the moment. The CL TF (CL, 4DD) raid off Palembang is worth repeating, Tanaka’s TF sinking 4 xAKLs off Palembang. The CL TF will again head to patrol the coastal waters between Singers and Palembang next turn.

PI: Troops advance on Clark and will attack next turn.

Malaya/Burma: Was surprised to find the intact 8th Indian Bde near Kuala Lumpur in Malaya - I really thought all the Bdes made it to Singers. That’s some good news, but finding it with a regimental shock attack, expecting a left behind battalion, did not go well, each side losing about 500 men. This also retains a block on the rail, slowing the consolidation of three IJA divisions. Will still disengage the three divisions, and mop up will fall to the three reduced 18th ID regiments, and the 30th ID regiment. Sallys continue to hit Singers, getting a few hits to hopefully keep the forts from building, but also losing 3 bombers in the process.

China: A rare win, Loyang was taken. The attempt to take Wuchow however has encountered 20k worth of troops, too much for the two Bdes sent to secure the town. The Bdes will fall back to Canton.

[RangerJoe]

Repair the oil but not the refineries. There is plenty of excess Japanese refinery capacity.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Repair the oil but not the refineries. There is plenty of excess Japanese refinery capacity.

Yeah...probably a good idea. More to repair now that B-17s already visited and avoided the meager Nate CAP!

[IdahoNYer]

9-10 Jan 42

Highlights – Good success against the Singers evacuation run; Miri hit by B-17s

Jpn ships sunk:
SSX: 1
xAKL: 1

Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 4 (small)
xAK: 4
xAKL: 9
YMS: 1
AMc: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 14
Allied: 03

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAKL sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Gorontalo (DEI)
Shortlands (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Kaoping (China)

Bases seized:
Clark AF (PI)
Surigao (PI - flipped)
Lae (South Pacific)
Shortlands (South Pacific)
Norfolk Is (South Pacific)
La Foa (South Pacific)
Bengkalis (DEI - flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: CAs Suzuya and Mogami successfully reach yards in the HI. Will take about 30 days each to fully repair. BB Kongo has remained in Cam Ranh Bay, reducing damage without yard support.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: I-20, after failing to find anything at all at Christmas Is, deploys its SSX at Palmyra, and promptly loses the SSX to mines without discovering anything worthwhile.

South Pacific: Naval Guard troops take Norfolk Is while the 144th IN Reg on New Caledonia takes La Foa enroute to Noumea. The KB meanwhile will strike Sydney next turn. CVE Taiyo continues to troll empty ocean east of New Zealand. While the Allied Fleet remains hidden, their subs continue to pester around ports - fortunately missing or having duds around a number of attacks near Rabaul.

DEI/SW Pacific: The CL TF (CL, 4DD) had a banner turn patrolling between Palembang and Singers; in a series of seven engagements, both day and night, they sink 4xAP and 4xAKLs all packed with troops - a good 1500 men and equipment that won’t reach Sumatra. They even managed to avoid 11 torps dropped by Vildebeasts. With ammo pretty much expended, they’ll head back to Cam, and 4 DDs will sortie from Singkawang to replace them in the patrol zone. Nettys also contributed, sinking 4xAK and an xAP, although they appeared to be empty. On the debit size, a pair of B-17s avoided night CAP over Brunei and managed 7 oil hits! Not good. On the subject of oil, Bengkalis (40 oil) on Sumatra flipped to the Red Team, but now is very vulnerable to airstrikes - will attempt some LRCAP, but my bet is that Allied planes will find some easy pickins here. On Borneo, additional SNLF is brought into Tarakan, and troops will attack next turn. The Mini KB, heading west from Babeldaob, managed to sink 2xAKLs on the PI supply run, but now L_S_T knows that the Mini KB is on the move. They’ll head toward the Makassar Strait to support the Balikpapan Amphib which will transit the Sulu and Celebes Sea next turn. I’m more concerned about subs and MTB/PTs than a major surface clash.

PI: Clark is taken in the first assault against minimal defenses only fort level 1 with 1500 Allied casualties. Additional Allied troops moved in on the second day, but no further attacks were launched. I’m good with that, no need to rush into Bataan just yet.

Malaya/Burma: Sallys continue to hit Singers doing some damage to the AF but continue to suffer loss to Flak, while Malayan based Bettys contribute to hitting shipping in the Java Sea. Still working to mass against Singapore - the broken down IJA divisions are a real headache to re-assemble….mostly my fault in not thinking this through better.

China: Chinese troops attack at Wuchow with three Corps, and although two attacks are held by 2/3 of a division, too many casualties are taken - about 1500 IJA to 2000 Chinese. Not good.