15 Dec 41
Sub War
Nothing today except a lot of misses on both sides (subs and ASW). [>:]
5 Fleet
The Adak invasion force will arrive there tomorrow.
The 3 battalions of 90 Regiment will begin loading at Rashin, Korea (literally on the border of the Soviet Union). They will probably go to Adak, Unmak Island and Dutch Harbor.
4 Fleet
Nothing much going on here. The I/33 Regiment will get a small reinforcement (2 Independent SNLF Company) to assist in taking Guam. The slackers… [8|]
SE Fleet
An amphibious assault of Shortlands Island happened today. I’m sure it was a surprise to Mike. They’ll take it tomorrow. [:D]
The two Japanese AMC that begin the war in the far SE Pacific were moving to raid Suva, but were still a few hexes SE and were smacked by some Vindicators, heavily damaging both. They probably won’t make it back to port, but at least I got some valuable intel from the mishap. Those Vindicators most likely were those on board the Lexington, which tells me that she probably is down there somewhere (and maybe Enterprise too). That could be a nice encounter with KB.
The Rabaul invasion force is 2 days out, assisted by 2 BBs. The Gasmata invasion force is also 2 days out, but will wait until the BBs are free to escort them. It all depends on the enemy response at Rabaul.
The 4 Division is 2 days out from Truk. They are the Pt. Moresby invasion force.
Finally, KB will arrive at Truk tomorrow. They’ll layover just long enough to refuel, rearm and add a few planes. Then they head south to stir up trouble. They are currently undetected.
SRA
An xAKL (probably a laggard) was sunk by surface forces about 6 hexes W of Peleliu. That may be the last of the thundering herd.
Philippines: Seven enemy fighters were shot down at a cost of 2 Zeros. I still see 5 enemy fighters over Manila/Clark. Another sweep goes in tomorrow.
Mindanao: Three B-17s hit the 146 Regiment at Butuan (next to Cagayan). Not sure where they came from (somewhere to the west) but they used a reduced bomb load. That means they could be anywhere. [8|] Some Nells bombed Cagayan’s airfield destroying a Seagull.
The two tank regiments should arrive at Cagayan tomorrow and will attack the day after.
Malaya: The weather was poor, so no planes flew in the region. I see 2 fighters at Georgetown and 1 at Singapore. I’ll continue to sweep both places and 80 Sallies are scheduled to hit Singapore’s airfield again tomorrow.
The 91 Naval Guard captured Malacca, ousting the 1 Hyderabad battalion. Unfortunately, they retreated up the eastern rail line, the one I want to clear. The Naval Guards will chase them to either destroy them or push them toward Kuala Lumpur.
The 124 Regiment is heading south down the rail line from Kota Bharu to destroy the 8 Indian and FSMV Brigades. They’re both in bad shape and are being bombed from about 120 sorties a day.
I am dropping paratroopers on Temuloh tomorrow. Taking that base along with clearing the two brigades and battalion mentioned above will allow me to rail IG division to Jahore Bahru. 33 Division will land at Mersing in 2 days and take another couple to march to Jahore Bahru. Then, the Singapore invasion force will move into Singapore. I listed the force earlier, but it consists of 25 HQ, IG, 5, 18 & 33 Divisions, two tank regiments, 6 artillery units and a couple of independent engineer regiments.
Burma
I now see 95(!) fighters at Rangoon. [X(] After liberating Singapore, I plan on sending a couple of bombardment forces there to turn those fighters into scrap.
There are a number of small TFs at Rangoon (1 ship, I think). I think it’s a CAP trap to try and kill off some of my Nells/Betties. I’m not falling for it. [:-]
China
I’ve been collecting DMS (13 of ‘em) to clear out the mines at Hong Kong when that base was liberated. They got there yesterday and cleared out all of them, some 350 or so. They’re headed toward Singapore so they can do the same thing when Singapore is liberated.
Two tank regiments trashed the defending Chinese Corps a hex NW of Paotow pushing them to the west. They’ll chase with the goal of eventually reaching Lanchow. A couple of brigades are enroute up there to help them out if needed.
Other Stuff
By shutting off the Yamato temporarily, I’ve been able to accelerate all 6 Unryus and half a dozen DDs too. I plan on turning on Yamato when she reaches the same date as Musashi (Dec 42). This is new for me. I’ve always built Yamato right out of the gate.
My air R&D is progressing as nice as can be expected at this date in the war. A Sam factory has actually repaired 1 of 30. [:D]
; Julia Child
