Defeat into Victory - Godefroy(A) vs Deaniks(J) - finish

[godefroycz]

March 1, 1942

Both Japanese divisions land in Semarang, so the plan was changed. I will not defend Surabaya, even though it has docks and a large port, because I want to focus on Palembang. So I will keep Batavia and the mountain terrain near Benkolen.
Additional forces are landing in Port Moresby. It's the 10th Division, Guard MixedBde and two other infantry regiments. I can't resist such a force.
Air losses (J:A): 8:0

[Nomad]

You are still in the part of the game where he can take most any base he really wants. How expensive it is for him is what you can determine.
Defend where you can hurt/slow him the most.

[godefroycz]

Mar 2, 1942

The only action is an attempt to attack the ships at Semarang. But it is not successful and 4 PT boats are sunk.
Air losses (J:A): 5:4

[godefroycz]

Mar 3, 1942

The main and only event is the deployment of American aircraft carriers at Port Moresby. The plan is devised perfectly. The aircraft carriers will have the support of fighters from the base in Coocktown and will try to attack the Japanese landings supported by an unknown number of aircraft carriers.
Unfortunately, Admiral Halsey decided to shorten the distance from the enemy (even though he was forbidden to do so) and got out of range of his own fighters. The ensuing battle was a disaster, and Admiral Halsey lost his life after the sinking of the Enterprise.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 97,134

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 70 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 46
B5N1 Kate x 16
B5N2 Kate x 13
D3A1 Val x 33

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 2
F2A-3 Buffalo x 11
F4F-3A Wildcat x 14
F4F-3 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 4 damaged
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
D3A1 Val: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F2A-3 Buffalo: 2 destroyed
F4F-3A Wildcat: 4 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 12, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 13, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Astoria, Bomb hits 1
CA Salt Lake City, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Portland

Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,134

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 18

Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 10
F4F-3A Wildcat x 13
SBD-2 Dauntless x 15
SBD-3 Dauntless x 42
TBD-1 Devastator x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A5M4 Claude: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-2 Dauntless: 2 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 12 damaged
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CA Haguro
CVL Zuiho
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Chokai, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires

Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,134

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 5

Allied aircraft
TBD-1 Devastator x 14

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo, heavy fires
CVL Zuiho
BB Hyuga, on fire

Air losses (J:A): 106:91

[Warofthe2ndWorld]

You know, I don't know if it's just me, but Godefroy, whenever an Allied player loses the Enterprise, I mentally lose it , considering that the Enterprise is my favorite ship. But atleast you were honest in saying that Halsey took a risk that ended up costing him his life, and you two fleet carriers. The only question now is how Dean is going to exploit your loss of these two carriers?

[witpqs]

You did extract blood, too, at least.

[Lowpe]

That will leave a mark!

Were you able to save some squadrons?

[godefroycz]

I managed to save some planes in Port Moresby. I don't know from my head, but definitely 3 squadrons of SBD and 2 squadrons of fighters. Maybe more. There are about 15 planes in the squadrons, so it's not just small remnants. According to the statement of losses, most Japanese aircraft had nowhere to land and ended up with pilots at sea. They are reported as operating losses. I withdrew them to Australia immediately, as the PM can fall at any time. The Japanese have really great power there.

The Enterprise is a very popular ship for me too. Unfortunately, it happened. However, if Hiryu sinks and I hope so, it is still an acceptable loss for me. I damaged the other ship and I hope it will be scrapped for at least two months. The rest of the Japanese aircraft carriers operate off Java. Access to Hawaii is unprotected, with Hornet and Wasp on the way.

[godefroycz]

Of course, one wonders what he could have done better, but after the battle, every general is. I could split TF into two TFs and hope that one of the CVs will survive. I could have replaced Halsey with someone less aggressive. But then even the planes wouldn't fly, or they would split into several air raids, perhaps without an escort.

I look more to the future. How will Dean react? He has at Java airfield, where he moved 60 fighters. It can withdraw aircraft carriers. I think he has to deploy them to Hawaii, or I'll attack supply convoys. That's exactly what I want. Stick it in one place where he won't be able to do anything offensive. In addition to the attack on PH, he used aircraft carriers in three months only as an escort for the invasion. This could be ensured by land planes. He didn't undertake any offensive action that would hurt me in any way.

Of course, I'm making some moves behind the report. I will publish them at the right time.

[traskott]

Nice job with the AAR!

I'm a bit surprised with the PH forts dropping so fast, but overall you are doing a terrific job

[godefroycz]

Mar 4, 1942

Today, there is peace at sea. Both sides are withdrawing from the battle site. I'm attacking Japanese troops with heavy bombers at Port Moresby to weaken them as much as possible.

Morning Air attack on 9th Infantry Regiment, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 12
B-17E Fortress x 30
LB-30 Liberator x 3

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 3 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 4 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 1 damaged

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

Today, the Japanese are attacking Singapore again and after a long time they have a 1: 1 ratio. But the losses are again higher than the Allied.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 51159 troops, 620 guns, 374 vehicles, Assault Value = 1507

Defending force 38059 troops, 535 guns, 399 vehicles, Assault Value = 206

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 1003

Allied adjusted defense: 957

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
2212 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 198 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Vehicles lost 60 (5 destroyed, 55 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
947 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 43 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 59 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 11 disabled
Guns lost 44 (4 destroyed, 40 disabled)
Vehicles lost 22 (7 destroyed, 15 disabled)

Japanese aircraft carriers pass through the Makassar Strait
12th Division moves to Takao. Where the Japanese take those units? It's about the fifth or sixth division from the mainland.
Air losses (J:A): 1:2

[BBfanboy]

I disagree on the interpretation of the losses at Singapore. The Allies lost 28 devices destroyed and the Japanese lost only 10 destroyed. The Japanese (presumably in supply while the Allies are short of it) can recover their disablements to fight on, the Allies can neither replace destroyed devices nor recover disablements at a reasonable pace. If I were the Japanese commander I would attack again within 3 days.

[godefroycz]

But this interpretation will strengthen the morale of the people of the Commonwealth
I'm aware that his squads aren't destroyed, but he's been attacking every three days for three months. I think Jamashita should commit seppuku.

[godefroycz]

Mar 5, 1942

I continue to bomb the troops concentrated at Port Moresby, and I hope to weaken them at least a little. Every bit can be important. If I have the opportunity to attack here and the Japanese have no airport nearby, it is necessary to use it.

Morning Air attack on 10th Division, at 98,130 (Port Moresby)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 12
B-17E Fortress x 30
LB-30 Liberator x 3
F2A-3 Buffalo x 1

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 3 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
80 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

The situation around Sian is interesting. The Japanese tried to bypass Sian, but were not successful. On the contrary, the Chinese army cut off the enemy from supplies. The Japanese tried to restore supplies, but failed to attack across the river. Now they seem to be pulling back and trying to restore the line. I will try to maintain this barrier.

Ground combat at 84,41 (near Sian)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 5648 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 177

Defending force 19140 troops, 109 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 528

Japanese adjusted assault: 0

Allied adjusted defense: 366

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 99

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

Japanese ground losses:
2794 casualties reported
Squads: 168 destroyed, 49 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Guns lost 31 (2 destroyed, 29 disabled)

Assaulting units:
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
8th Route Army
90th Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese/C Corps
22nd Group Army

The Japanese attack Singapore without rest. Fortress reduced to 1, but other units are eliminated from combat. I feel the end coming. We will fight for every other day.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 49663 troops, 620 guns, 370 vehicles, Assault Value = 1339

Defending force 37540 troops, 531 guns, 399 vehicles, Assault Value = 172

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 391

Allied adjusted defense: 765

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
1538 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 169 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 25 disabled
Guns lost 21 (1 destroyed, 20 disabled)
Vehicles lost 19 (6 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
493 casualties reported
Squads: 52 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 26 (2 destroyed, 24 disabled)
Vehicles lost 12 (2 destroyed, 10 disabled)

The movement to Pearl Harbor is also resumed. The fortifications are completely destroyed and there is no chance to build another, because I am attacked from the sea and the air every day. My consolation is again some loss of the enemy.

Ground combat at Pearl Harbor (180,107)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 40860 troops, 408 guns, 353 vehicles, Assault Value = 1190

Defending force 53925 troops, 986 guns, 1132 vehicles, Assault Value = 548

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 1220

Allied adjusted defense: 1348

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
3080 casualties reported
Squads: 156 destroyed, 153 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 79 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 26 disabled
Guns lost 38 (15 destroyed, 23 disabled)
Vehicles lost 18 (2 destroyed, 16 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1335 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 118 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 38 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 23 disabled
Guns lost 77 (5 destroyed, 72 disabled)
Vehicles lost 26 (3 destroyed, 23 disabled)

Djokjakarta was occupied. Java is divided into two parts.
Air losses (J:A): 2:2

[godefroycz]

For completeness of the aircraft rescued from CVs.
VF-2 (22), VMF-211 (8), VF-6 (8)
VS-2 (18), VB-2 (14), VB-6 (18), VS-6 (16)

[godefroycz]

Mar 6, 1942

Today, the Japanese land at Balikpapan, specifically the 146th Inf Rgt. Some ships were damaged. Interestingly, I don't see any Balikpapan unit on my turn. Weird.

Invasion Support action off Balikpapan (64,97)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

26 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Myoko Maru, Shell hits 5
DMS W-7
xAK Kyusyu Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Shinanogawa Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
DMS W-8
xAK Teiryu Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire

Invasion Support action off Balikpapan (64,97)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

14 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Myoko Maru, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Kyusyu Maru, Shell hits 1
DMS W-8
DMS W-7
xAK Teiryu Maru, on fire

Today I'm also sending fighters over Swebo to make the enemy a little uncomfortable with air raids.

Morning Air attack on Shwebo , at 59,45

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 28,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 27

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 12
Hurricane IIb Trop x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
H81-A3: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IIb Trop: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 25000 feet

Unfortunately, the TF, which was supposed to attack Semarang Airport, was discovered by a submarine. The aircraft carriers operate at Balikpapan, so I won't take any chances and I'll withdraw for now.

ASW attack near Oosthaven at 47,97

Japanese Ships
SS I-165, hits 3

Allied Ships
CA Dorsetshire
CL Boise
CL Marblehead
DD Paul Jones
DD Stronghold
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Parrott

The Japanese are trying to fight their way closer to Port Moresby, but the Australian defense is still solid.

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 19764 troops, 243 guns, 66 vehicles, Assault Value = 681

Defending force 9296 troops, 96 guns, 83 vehicles, Assault Value = 300

Japanese adjusted assault: 191

Allied adjusted defense: 513

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
1112 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 112 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 20 (2 destroyed, 18 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
880 casualties reported
Squads: 22 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 11 (6 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
9th Infantry Regiment
20th Infantry Regiment
Guards Mixed Brigade
10th Division
16th Recon Regiment

Defending units:
Lark Battalion
2/1st Ind Coy
30th Australian Brigade
2/9th Armoured Regiment
Port Moresby Brigade
5th Australian Div /4
15th RAAF Base Force
Rabaul Det. Base Force

Chinese troops drove the Japanese brigade back across the river, which built a bridgehead yesterday at a huge loss.

Ground combat at 84,41 (near Sian)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 18078 troops, 109 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 528

Defending force 2896 troops, 35 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2

Allied adjusted assault: 314

Japanese adjusted defense: 4

Allied assault odds: 78 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
782 casualties reported
Squads: 22 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 61 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 16 (16 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

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

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Air losses (J:A): 12:11

[godefroycz]

Mar 7, 1942

No bombardment, no naval battle, no aircraft attack. Japanese are resting.
Air losses (J:A): 3:1

[godefroycz]

Mar 8, 1942

USS Swordfish attacked a large cargo ship. The torpedoes failed. At least the ship was damaged by cannon fire.

Submarine attack near Takao at 84,66

Japanese Ships
xAK Toyokawa Maru, Shell hits 8

Allied Ships
SS Swordfish, hits 1

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

Only telegraphic:
The Japanese bypass Swebo in Burma.
Balikpapan occupied.
Madioen and Tjepoe occupied. 2 divisions are moving to Surabaya
Attack to Port Moresby 1:1. Fort 1
Air losses (J:A): 2:1

[godefroycz]

Mar 9, 1942

DD Shigure hit mine near Oahu.
SS O-20 torpedoed CA Furutaka near Singkawang. During the second attack, cruiser was hit by 3 torpedoes and sank.
Attack to Port Moresby is 2:1, but I try to bring in reinforcements by sea and air.
Attack to Singapore again it is not 1:1. Heroes.
Attack to Pearl Harbor is not successful. One of japanese unit is destroy.

Ground combat at Pearl Harbor (180,107)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 38926 troops, 392 guns, 349 vehicles, Assault Value = 1183

Defending force 53357 troops, 985 guns, 1136 vehicles, Assault Value = 502

Japanese adjusted assault: 729

Allied adjusted defense: 1456

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
2820 casualties reported
Squads: 39 destroyed, 168 disabled
Non Combat: 37 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 37 disabled
Guns lost 37 (11 destroyed, 26 disabled)
Vehicles lost 103 (63 destroyed, 40 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Allied ground losses:
925 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 81 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 53 (11 destroyed, 42 disabled)

The Japanese are withdrawing troops north of Sian. They probably don't have supplies now.
Air losses (J:A): 3:1

[godefroycz]

Mar 10, 1942

The Dutch submarine KVIII tried to torpedo CV Akagi in the Java Sea. Unfortunately, all torpedoes missed.
All serviceable aircraft attacked the oil fields in Tjepoe (Java) and damaged 25 of them.
The Japanese Imperial Guards Division moved to Swebo. We will soon know if British-Indian troops can resist.
Intelligence confirmed the sinking of the aircraft carrier Hiryu and cruiser Furutaka
The Japanese Air Force almost does not work offensive.
Air losses (J:A): 1:1