Sink 'Em All - Godefroy(A) vs Chicago227(J) - no Chicago227 please

[godefroycz]

January 2 - 3, 1942

For two days, dozens of bombers bomb Hengyang airfield. The airfield is completely destroyed, but the AVG is no longer here. I'm giving the pilots a few days of rest. But overall, nothing interesting is happening in China yet.
The Japanese land on Amboina. But the forces are insufficient. An allied TF of cruisers is passing nearby, I redirect them to Amboina. But the survey has spotted a light aircraft carrier, so I better retreat.
Another Japanese convoy appeared in the Java Sea. I assume these are rear troops and supplies for the 4th Division. I've been trying to attack him with bombers for two days. But unfortunately even now the best bombers are Dutch fighters.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Soerabaja at 56,102

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-339D x 10

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Nichiryo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAKL Bichu Maru, Bomb hits 1
xAP Horai Maru, Bomb hits 1

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Soerabaja at 56,102

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-339D x 3
75A-7 Hawk x 6

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Shozan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAP Horai Maru, Bomb hits 1

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Soerabaja at 56,102

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-339D x 7

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Fukkai Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Shozan Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires

Air losses (J:A) - 19:23

[godefroycz]

January 4, 1942

The Japanese continue their massive bombing raids. Malaya, Palembang, Clark Field and the entire Chinese front from Liuchow to Nanyang. I cannot effectively resist such a number. Most of the fighters are in ruins, but I am trying to cause the enemy as many losses as possible. Succeeded in damaging Zuiho aircraft carrier.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sampit at 56,99

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish I: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVE Hosho
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Swordfish I bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

My assumption about the convoy proved wrong and the Japanese landed in Semarang. I don't really understand why they don't boost already acquired bases. They have three in Java and the landing could be without loss. In addition, they waste ammunition on an insignificant target. Of course, I don't mind that. I think battleships can only replenish in Hong Kong.

Naval bombardment of Semarang at 53,102

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Kongo
CA Takao
CL Jintsu
DD Hibiki
DD Akatsuki
DD Michishio
DD Asashio
DD Arashi

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

Resources hits 2
Manpower hits 1
Fires 51
Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 9
Runway hits 28
Port hits 9
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1

The USS Searaven sank. I hope this is the last loss from Manila on the first day.
Ait losses (J:A) - 9:9

[godefroycz]

January 5, 1942

The main event of the day is the Japanese attack on Palembang. I was lucky that 3 brigades of the 18th Division arrived at the last moment and the attack was repulsed. The Japanese have heavy losses and I expect it will be quiet for a few days.

Ground combat at Palembang (48,91)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 23408 troops, 269 guns, 382 vehicles, Assault Value = 750

Defending force 21604 troops, 282 guns, 25 vehicles, Assault Value = 972

Japanese adjusted assault: 328

Allied adjusted defense: 469

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
2318 casualties reported
Squads: 143 destroyed, 190 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 83 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 22 disabled
Guns lost 42 (28 destroyed, 14 disabled)
Vehicles lost 18 (2 destroyed, 16 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
689 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 52 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
Yokosuka 2nd SNLF
38th Division
41st Guard Battalion
I/81st Naval Guard Unit
6th Tank Regiment
II./124th Infantry Battalion
2nd Sasebo SNLF Coy
18th JNAF AF Unit
9th JAAF AF Coy
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
6th Field AF Construction Battalion
33rd JAAF AF Coy
51st Field AA Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st JAAF Base Force
23rd AA Regiment
5th RF Gun Battalion
2nd RF Gun Battalion
85th JAAF AF Coy

Defending units:
55th British Brigade
1st KNIL Regiment
Barisan KNIL Regiment
VI KNIL Battalion
SE Borneo KNIL Battalion
251st Recce Battalion
Pakanbaroe Det.
Riouw KNIL Battalion
6th KNIL Rgt /1
Samarinda KNIL Bn /1
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
2/15 Punjab Battalion
Padang Garrison Battalion
So.Sumatra Garrison Battalion
West Borneo KNIL Battalion
54th British Brigade
Kendari Garrison Bn /1
53rd British Brigade
Zuid KNIL Battalion
SSVF Bde /1
Makassar Garrison Bn /1
Bintan Det. Base Force
Djambi Base Force
Padang Base Force
Singkawang Base Force
2 ML-KNIL Aviation
Palembang Base Force

Japanese submarines are patrolling the West Coast and attacking my cargo ships. So far, I have not been able to drive them away at all. Planes and ships patrol between San Francisco and San Diego, but to no avail. I need most escort ships as escort for convoys.

Air losses (J:A) 7:4

[BBfanboy]

You only need to escort supply convoys past the IJN submarine cordon and then can send the escorts back to escort the next TF to sail. Use waypoint routing to send each unescorted TF on a route away from the obvious direct route between ports. At the receiving port, have another escort force sail out to meet the supply TF and bring it in to port. It will be at least until March 1942 before you have enough escorts to include one or two with each TF, and most of those will be SCs, YPs and AMs.

[godefroycz]

January 6, 1942

Another freighter sank by I-25 near San Francisco. I'll try to revamp the convoy system and strengthen their escort. At least KXVIII balanced it out today when she sank the xAK Sydney Maru in the Java Sea.

Submarine attack near San Francisco at 216,73

Japanese Ships
SS I-25

Allied Ships
xAK Corinda, Torpedo hits 1

xAK Corinda is sighted by SS I-25
SS I-25 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Corinda

Submarine attack near Oosthaven at 49,95

Japanese Ships
xAK Sydney Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS KXVIII

xAK Sydney Maru is sighted by SS KXVIII
SS KXVIII launches 4 torpedoes at xAK Sydney Maru

After a few days of rest, I send my Flying Tigers over Changsha again. This is immediately apparent in today's Japanese losses. The Japanese continue to advance in Java. Today they occupied Djokjakarta and the island is divided into two halves. As I want to hold Palembang above all, I left Surabaya less defended even at the cost of the Japanese getting a good port.

My reconnaissance reports that 17 enemy units are advancing on Changsha. Estimated strength 90,000 men, 450 guns and 200 vehicles. I have enough units in the city, on the contrary, I will still move them, because I don't want to be surrounded by such a number here. Interestingly, Kido Butai was detected even though it is out of range of aerial reconnaissance and within a close vicinity of at least 10 hexes there is not a single submarine or island of mine. Of course I don't mind. It is on the Shortland - Nauru line and is heading south. I am sounding the alarm for Australian ports, Noumea and the southern convoy route.

Air losses (J:A) - 20:5

[godefroycz]

January 7, 1942

The main activity is now in China. The Japanese bombed Changsha airfield again, but the AVG again escaped. Slowly the noose begins to tighten. The Japanese 39th Division together with the 12th Mixed Brigade attempted to gain access to Changsha from the south. However, the attack was easily repulsed. In the direction of Sian, Tsiaotso was captured and the defenders were forced to retreat. The Japanese 35th Division caused itself embarrassment when it was stopped at Loayang by much weaker Chinese troops. The first reconnaissance unit arrived at Changsha. But I won't attack her because I don't know how far the main forces are. Moreover, I don't want to show the enemy units and I want him to advance all the way to the city. It advances through open terrain off the road, because Chinese troops are blocking it. The Japanese also reach Ichangu beyond the river off the road. If they want to wade through rice fields, I won't stop them.


Japanese attacks and the first defensive line I retreated to without loss.

Ground combat at 82,53 (near Changsha)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 20009 troops, 158 guns, 118 vehicles, Assault Value = 634

Defending force 29803 troops, 265 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 963

Japanese adjusted assault: 309

Allied adjusted defense: 1179

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
2434 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 309 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 39 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
Guns lost 12 (2 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
414 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
39th Division
12th Ind.Mixed Brigade
23rd RGC Temp. Division
17th JAAF Base Force

Defending units:
9th Prov Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese Corps
3rd War Area
10th Group Army
23rd Group Army
32nd Group Army

In DEI, the Japanese are landing reinforcements at Amboina. We'll see if they succeed. They also bombardment Batavia for the first time, but it is clear that the forces are not sufficient yet. In Palembang, I managed to complete fortification
level 2. Finally.

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2976 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 203

Defending force 11784 troops, 102 guns, 81 vehicles, Assault Value = 321

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

Assaulting units:
8th Tank Regiment
Kure 2nd SNLF
Sasebo 2nd SNLF

[godefroycz]

January 8, 1942

Today, first the action at sea. Japanese battleships shell Wenchow from the sea. Apparently the Japanese have nothing more important to do. Dutch submarine O16 sank the loaded xAK Arima Maru in the Java Sea. KXVIII was also successful in the Makassar Strait when she torpedoed the xAK Yamazato Maru.

Submarine attack near Soerabaja at 56,101

Japanese Ships
xAK Arima Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS O16

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

xAK Arima Maru is sighted by SS O16
SS O16 launches 4 torpedoes at xAK Arima Maru

Submarine attack near Bandjermasin at 62,102

Japanese Ships
xAK Yamazato Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires

Allied Ships
SS KVIII

xAK Yamazato Maru is sighted by SS KVIII
SS KVIII launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Yamazato Maru

Kido Butai was spotted again and I'm still not sure who reported her position. Reconnaissance aircraft are out of range and submarines are not in the area. Can someone explain this to me?



The remnants of the Dutch bombers attempted to attack the oil fields at Tjepoe and damaged several. One of the last aircraft events in Java. Not much is happening on the ground either. Japanese reinforcements at Amboina are insufficient and the attack again fails. After yesterday's embarrassment, the Japanese captured Loyang today.

Air losses (J:A) - 13:4

[BBfanboy]

Sometimes SigInt can be strong enough to ID a TF, especially a carrier TF with constant radio traffic with pilots. Also, IIRC your Catalinas carry equipment that can measure electronic signals from many miles away, so toward the end of their search range they may have picked up all that radio chatter and maybe KB radars too.

[godefroycz]

Thanks, that's good to know. But I'm not mad that I don't have to run at the last minute. We will see if Kido Butai is part of any invasion of Suva or Noumea.

[godefroycz]

January 9 - 10, 1942

Today only telegraphic:
Kido Butai is near Suva. The ocean is empty.
KXIII sunk PB Eiko Maru in the Java Sea
The Japanese continue to attack Changsha from the south, but are repulsed again
The Imperial Army's heaviest defeat of this war at the Battle of Clark Field. Lieutenant General Masaharu Homma committed seppuku.
Air losses (J:A) - 17:6

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29133 troops, 363 guns, 374 vehicles, Assault Value = 1009

Defending force 48320 troops, 680 guns, 634 vehicles, Assault Value = 1785

Japanese adjusted assault: 253

Allied adjusted defense: 3955

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 15 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
6919 casualties reported
Squads: 154 destroyed, 278 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 92 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 42 disabled
Guns lost 47 (4 destroyed, 43 disabled)
Vehicles lost 92 (23 destroyed, 69 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
796 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 111 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 28 (2 destroyed, 26 disabled)

[godefroycz]

January 11, 1942

Submarines on both sides achieved symbolic successes. I-20 sank a small freighter off Brisbane and USS S-36 torpedoed PB Yokae Maru between Luzon and Formosa.
The Japanese are again bombing Changsha heavily from the air today. But the ground shelling in Palembang worries me the most. The Japanese have landed massive artillery support here and I have no defense against that. They will gradually weaken my units.
Kido Butai has moved to Pago Pago, but she is not even the smallest boat.

Air losses (J:A) 14:1

January 12, 1942

Due to the previous activity of the Japanese in the air, I have decided to deploy the AVG again and I am moving both squadrons to Changsha. Today it really hurt the Japanese even though the losses are also on my side and the reserves are minimal.



Submarines also have another success. The Dutch KXIII sank the large transport ship xAP Mizuhi Maru, which was carrying troops to Java. And I can celebrate a great success in the rear. I managed to ship the AP Dominion Monarch to the Admiralty successfully and on time. The ship ran out of fuel in the middle of the ocean and I had to send the aircraft carrier Hermes with an escort after her to refuel. Even so, the damage was 43, so it was last minute.

Air losses (J:A) 54:11

[godefroycz]

January 13, 1942

It must be frustrating for opponents that KB is already east of Pago and has yet to encounter any ships. We'll see if the enemy is persistent. My transport ships are slower and since I made a diversion already on January 7th, it will catch up later. The Japanese tried to clear the minefield off Surabaya, but it's not a good idea as long as the base is mine.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 13, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 43 encounters mine field at Soerabaja (56,104) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

39 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DMS W-10, Shell hits 5, heavy fires
DMS W-9, Shell hits 3
DMS W-1, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage

Artilleriecommando Coastal Gun Battalion firing at DMS W-10
DMS W-10 firing at Artilleriecommando Coastal Gun Battalion
DMS W-9 firing at Artilleriecommando Coastal Gun Battalion
Artilleriecommando Coastal Gun Battalion firing at DMS W-9
Artilleriecommando Coastal Gun Battalion firing at DMS W-1
DMS W-1 firing at Artilleriecommando Coastal Gun Battalion
12 mines cleared

I try to use the last remnants of the Dutch air force, but the attacks on the ships are not successful and many planes are shot down. They want to surprise me in China, and a mixed regiment has crossed the river at Liuchow. I think he will have to cross it in the reverse direction tomorrow.

Ground combat at Liuchow (74,55)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3554 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 121

Defending force 32107 troops, 178 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 786

Japanese adjusted assault: 1

Allied adjusted defense: 234

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 234 (fort level 1)

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

Japanese ground losses:
1270 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 145 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled

Allied ground losses:
61 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

At Changsha, 4 Japanese divisions and other smaller units attack without preparation. The defense is solid and the result is not entirely convincing.

Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 55725 troops, 470 guns, 126 vehicles, Assault Value = 2025

Defending force 68796 troops, 369 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2191

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Japanese adjusted assault: 1000

Allied adjusted defense: 1855

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
2565 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 377 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 40 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 60 disabled
Guns lost 17 (1 destroyed, 16 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1193 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 171 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 28 (1 destroyed, 27 disabled)

Air losses (J:A) 8:11

January 14, 1942

I am deploying AVG in Changsha for the last time. Pilot fatigue is becoming critical, as is the number of damaged aircraft. The result is again excellent, but I will have to withdraw, at least for the time being. The enemy is trying to drop the fortifications in Changsha and is attacking my positions again. I hope the engineers are tired by now.

Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 52598 troops, 609 guns, 126 vehicles, Assault Value = 1592

Defending force 67799 troops, 368 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2061

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 89

Allied adjusted defense: 2745

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 30 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
3839 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 355 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 46 disabled
Guns lost 30 (1 destroyed, 29 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1484 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 174 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 37 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 25 (2 destroyed, 23 disabled)

The Japanese also tried it at Clark Field, again, and after the second defeat, they will hopefully rest for a while.

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 25487 troops, 359 guns, 358 vehicles, Assault Value = 717

Defending force 47661 troops, 675 guns, 634 vehicles, Assault Value = 1695

Japanese adjusted assault: 123

Allied adjusted defense: 3058

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 24 (fort level 4)

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

Japanese ground losses:
8228 casualties reported
Squads: 300 destroyed, 227 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 109 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 95 disabled
Guns lost 101 (39 destroyed, 62 disabled)
Vehicles lost 51 (7 destroyed, 44 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
557 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 100 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Vehicles lost 6 (2 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Significant reinforcements arrived today. A total of 56 ships, including 1BB, 1CA, 2DD, 6SS and other transport ships. Three submarines to Surabaya, probably on the last possible day, as the Japanese 4th Division has reached the city and is likely to take it tomorrow. The defense is just weak.

Air losses (J:A) 42:13

[godefroycz]

January 15, 1942

Night is the most popular time for Dutch submarines in the Java Sea. O-24 sinks xAKL small freighter Jokuja Maru. KXIII even two ships - AK Midori Marau and AK Josho Maru. I would like it this way every day.
At night, the Japanese shell Palembang heavily, damaging its facilities. I don't know why, but so far I can't build supplies here, even though 1000 refineries should give me 1000 supplies per day. Also in China, the Japanese are active at night and three groups of bombers arrive to destroy the airfield at Chagsha. The AVG has already been withdrawn to the rear, so the damage is minimal. Unfortunately I am now out of fighter air force and it will be a week before I can use the AVG in combat again.

As I expected, the Japanese 4th Division attacked and captured Surabaya. Unfortunately, I don't have enough strength to defend everything and I want to have support for Palembang, so I sacrificed the eastern part of Java.
The Japanese also attack Changsha again from the south and are repulsed again.

Ground combat at 82,53 (near Changsha)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 16042 troops, 158 guns, 118 vehicles, Assault Value = 293

Defending force 29588 troops, 264 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 926

Japanese adjusted assault: 72

Allied adjusted defense: 1221

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 16

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

Japanese ground losses:
1861 casualties reported
Squads: 34 destroyed, 121 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled

Allied ground losses:
130 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 30 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Singapore completed level 4 fortifications.
Air losses (J:A) 5:3

[CaptBeefheart]

January 15, 1942

I don't know why, but so far I can't build supplies here, even though 1000 refineries should give me 1000 supplies per day.

I heard that when the enemy is in a base hex the factories don't produce. I wouldn't count on any supplies being made there until you kick the IJA out.

Great AAR and good luck to you! It looks like your opponent is quite aggressive on land, sea and air, which is certainly something you can continue to use against him. At this stage of the war, I don't think the KB is likely to bag much shipping around Pago Pago against any player.

Cheers,
CB

[godefroycz]

I heard that when the enemy is in a base hex the factories don't produce. I wouldn't count on any supplies being made there until you kick the IJA out.

I do not think so. Some supplies are increasing, but apparently they are being used up, as they are attacking me from the sea, from the air, and on the ground. I compare the game with Deaniks. If he's reading this, I'm probably not giving him much away when I say I have 100k suplies here. It is true that he came to Palembang much later.
But yes, this game is much more aggressive, which makes this period a problem for me. But his aircraft losses are almost double against mine. It's close to 800:400!

Kido Butai is now NE from Pago on a NW course. It was such a 14 day trip that he did not meet a ship. I owe that to scouting and intelligence.

[godefroycz]

January 16, 1942

At the moment there are days that repeat themselves over and over. Massive Japanese air raids are every day. The main targets are Changsha, Kukong, Clark Field and Palembang. I can't do much. As I wrote above, Kido Butai's foray into the South Seas is apparently coming to an end. Even though it was close, all the ships managed to escape so far. There were no units or planes on them, just plain empty AKs, somewhere there were unloaded supplies.

Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 50086 troops, 609 guns, 126 vehicles, Assault Value = 1306

Defending force 67138 troops, 367 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1964

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 430

Allied adjusted defense: 2903

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 6 (fort level 1)

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

Japanese ground losses:
8256 casualties reported
Squads: 126 destroyed, 381 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 68 disabled
Engineers: 13 destroyed, 59 disabled
Guns lost 43 (1 destroyed, 42 disabled)
Vehicles lost 18 (13 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
938 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 64 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled

I still don't know what the Japanese is trying to do, because it's clear that he won't break through this way. But he successfully brings down the fortifications.

Air losses (J:A) 6:3

[BBfanboy]

I heard that when the enemy is in a base hex the factories don't produce. I wouldn't count on any supplies being made there until you kick the IJA out.

I do not think so. Some supplies are increasing, but apparently they are being used up, as they are attacking me from the sea, from the air, and on the ground. I compare the game with Deaniks. If he's reading this, I'm probably not giving him much away when I say I have 100k supplies here. It is true that he came to Palembang much later.

When enemy is in your base hex, oil and resource production cease. But if you have a stockpile of those your industry can keep producing. That is likely the case at Palembang because you would not have been able to ship oil from there for some time.

[BBfanboy]

KB may appear to be retiring but keep in mind that John III did that in one of his games and then suddenly doubled back at flank speed and caught a whole bunch of allied ships that were moving back into the area where KB had been. You want your shipping at least 27 hexes away from KB (19 hex flank speed plus 7 hex strike).

[godefroycz]

January 17, 1942

The Japanese land in Lautem, Timor. Unfortunately they cannot intervene now as my ships are heading to Perth to refuel. That's probably the only news today. Kido Butai slowly continues to the northwest. The convoys will thus be able to slowly make their way to their original targets in a few days. I might as well mention my submarines when the AAR was originally supposed to be dedicated to them. The situation around PP has now calmed down and I change the worst captains when the submarine leaves the port. I would like both Naval Skill and Aggression to be at least 55.

Changsha increased the fortifications again to 2.
Intelligence reports imminent landing at Makassar.
Air losses (J:A) 9:4

January 18, 1942
An unpleasant situation today. The Japanese land the Imperial Guard Division and several smaller units in Palembang. The advantage is now on their side, but I believe I not sacrifice my British 18th Division unnecessarily.

If the raw materials are not really mined, it will be a problem over time. If I see that there is a chance to really hold Palembang, I can move supplies from both Batavia and Singapore. I would definitely find at least 50k. It will be worse with the speed of transport. There is no other way than an air bridge.

Kido Butai really sails off towards Kwajalein. She is already out of range of the survey, but I still have an overview of her movements. I think she could support a second attempt to conquer Wake.

Air losse (J:A) 3:4

[godefroycz]

January 19 - 20, 1942

Apart from the ongoing massive air raids, there are no major events. More interesting are the reconnaissance and intelligence reports. Kido Butai is now SW of the Gilbert Islands and at the same time a landing at Wake is reported to be imminent.In my opinion, Kido Butai needs to refuel, but even if it doesn't, it's at least 4 days from Wake. I don't know how far away the invasion fleet is, but I'm thinking of intervening. Further, the Malay resistance reports that the Japanese have begun to advance towards Singapore. The next few days will be interesting.

Ait losses (J:A) 18:3