Icechuck's Round 2 AAR - New Player Japan Experience

[RangerJoe]

The carrier TFs can run 8 or 9 hexes per phase at full speed with no damage slowing them down so double that for one turn.

[Icechuck]

The carrier TFs can run 8 or 9 hexes per phase at full speed with no damage slowing them down so double that for one turn.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if they do a full-speed move they're unlikely to have the ops points to conduct a strike? Or are ops points only spent when doing actions besides movement? I had heard somewhere that CVs doing full speed runs may be unable to have sufficient ops points to launch a strike, but the manual doesn't specify.

I'm also fairly confident if he does pull that move he'll end up in range of me during the movement in daylight hours and I can strike him.

[RangerJoe]

The carrier TFs can run 8 or 9 hexes per phase at full speed with no damage slowing them down so double that for one turn.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if they do a full-speed move they're unlikely to have the ops points to conduct a strike? Or are ops points only spent when doing actions besides movement? I had heard somewhere that CVs doing full speed runs may be unable to have sufficient ops points to launch a strike, but the manual doesn't specify.

I'm also fairly confident if he does pull that move he'll end up in range of me during the movement in daylight hours and I can strike him.

You can do a high speed dash and strike the enemy.

[Icechuck]

The carrier TFs can run 8 or 9 hexes per phase at full speed with no damage slowing them down so double that for one turn.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if they do a full-speed move they're unlikely to have the ops points to conduct a strike? Or are ops points only spent when doing actions besides movement? I had heard somewhere that CVs doing full speed runs may be unable to have sufficient ops points to launch a strike, but the manual doesn't specify.

I'm also fairly confident if he does pull that move he'll end up in range of me during the movement in daylight hours and I can strike him.

You can do a high speed dash and strike the enemy.

Good to know, I misunderstood how the points worked across phases. I re-read the manual on it and got some more clarity. Time to pray he doesn't go for the oilers.

[Icechuck]

December 12th, 1941

Disaster in China and unexpected maneuvers from Lexington are the keynotes for the day.

Philippines

Japanese aviators sweep Clark Field, claiming 10 enemy aircraft (mostly Warhawks) for one Zero lost.

Japanese forces land at Davao under cover of bombardment. A DA will displace the battered Philippino troops holding the port.

S-39 suffers multiple depth charge hits at Legaspi as it works to disrupt my landings.

A second wave of troops lands at Aparri, after being rerouted from San Fernando. South of that, at Tuguegarao, 396 enemy losses are sustained as the Tanaka Detachment shock attacks the 3rd Company of the 12th PA Infantry Battalion.

Borneo

As the landing force approached Sambas, I realized that the transport that was torpedoed and had to turn back was carrying the largest combat element of the landing force. They land and I realize my mistake, having only 12 AV. The enemy force appears light and takes over 100 losses during the bombardment from Kongo and Haruna. I now ask the reader whether or not I should hold and wait for the main body to arrive or do I go in with my force of little over 200 men. I'm leaning more towards holding.

The Kuching landing force is 4 days out.

B-17s from the Philippines attack Miri, hitting the refinery and some of the oil wells.

In the Celebes Sea, Ryujo's Kates find more prizes, heavily damaging the xAKs Munlock, Bennevis, Hai Lee, and Ming Sang.

Malaya

Singapore is swept by Oscars and Zeroes today. 6 Blenheims and 42 Buffalo Is rise to the occasion, and fight valiantly. For their efforts, 5 Oscars are lost throughout the day. 2 Blenheims and 10 Buffaloes are lost.

Marshall - Truk Area

Defying all expectations, and my increasing fear of a strike on the oilers, Lexington made a full-speed dash towards Truk, clearing 17 hexes from her last position. I don't know whether or not he's trying to run for Australia or for Truk for a raid, but Kido Butai is in pursuit. I expect that soon he'll have to top up his DDs, and be slowed by this. KB's oilers are moving to link up with the fleet while I steam towards him. I'm also noting that the oilers are undetected today, but with the risk of the Lexington TF cutting south to Kwajalein, I don't want to send them anywhere they can't be covered by KB.

At Wake Island, the Marines attempt a shock attack to displace the remaining SNLF. The 600 survivors fight nobly, but lose much of their number, with 383 losses and 6 squads destroyed, 20 disabled. The Marines suffer 245 with 17 squads destroyed.

China

China, oh china, how you frustrate me so. Ichang was bombed today by the IJAF to little effect, owing to unexpected poor weather. As my reinforcements entered the hex in movement mode, the Chinese launched their 3rd consecutive attack. This spelled disaster for the IJA, causing 4049 losses at 10:1 odds. Clearly, if I'm entering a contested hex I should enter at combat mode. I didn't think the Chinese could execute a third attack. I lost about 70 vehicles as well, which is a major setback. The forces are falling back to Hankow to fortify and consolidate their position.

More and more troops are arriving at the staging area for Chengcha. There, they'll take the base and push right to Hankow to reinforce the Ichang breakout, and try to help route this Chinese offensive.

At Hong Kong, another DA is repelled but the allies do suffer 3 squads destroyed and 300 losses to my 500. I'm going to give the men a day or two of rest before going back in while continuing the bombardment.

I feel rather poor about these last few days, as it just seems that through poor mistakes on my part and bold action on my enemy's, the Allies are in a much less disastrous position. All of that can change however, and I hope it will soon.

[RangerJoe]

Now you know just how fast a carrier TF can move! Just be aware that not only does it use a lot of fuel but there is damage occurring to both the systems and engines, especially for the destroyers. That engine damage may be permanent damage as well but the important thing is that it can slow down the entire task force. If you split the KB into two parts, you may be able to trap the Lexington. Each part should be able to handle the Lexington, especially if you stay outside the range of the Devastators not to mention the 1000 pound bombs. Did you lose sight of the Enterprise? Remember that every American carrier that you sink now helps your expansion plus delays the formation of the Death Star. Also, position your subs accordingly so escape routes may not be safe, especially for crippled ships.

Have your units change to Reserve mode if they can't make a combat hex in move mode. Then they will join the defense only if they are needed to keep from losing the battle. They should then be in combat mode if they participate in combat.

There probably is only a weak BF at Sambas, bombard by ship, land, and air. Don't forget to Recon the target by float planes as well. Decide if you want to risk a DA but since you already have the major part of the unit elsewhere, you only die once - but you live every day!

[Icechuck]

Now you know just how fast a carrier TF can move! Just be aware that not only does it use a lot of fuel but there is damage occurring to both the systems and engines, especially for the destroyers. That engine damage may be permanent damage as well but the important thing is that it can slow down the entire task force. If you split the KB into two parts, you may be able to trap the Lexington. Each part should be able to handle the Lexington, especially if you stay outside the range of the Devastators not to mention the 1000 pound bombs. Did you lose sight of the Enterprise? Remember that every American carrier that you sink now helps your expansion plus delays the formation of the Death Star. Also, position your subs accordingly so escape routes may not be safe, especially for crippled ships.

Have your units change to Reserve mode if they can't make a combat hex in move mode. Then they will join the defense only if they are needed to keep from losing the battle. They should then be in combat mode if they participate in combat.

There probably is only a weak BF at Sambas, bombard by ship, land, and air. Don't forget to Recon the target by float planes as well. Decide if you want to risk a DA but since you already have the major part of the unit elsewhere, you only die once - but you live every day!

The assault at Sambas will hold, and I'll just continue to bombard the enemy until the main body can arrive from Vietnam.

I think to split KB, Kaga, Akagi, and Hiryu will detach with an escort to guard the oilers and block a southern retreat for the Lexington, while Soryu, Shokaku, and Zuikaku will take the fastest ships and continue directly on the tail of the enemy. The battleships will stay with Kaga's group while the faster heavy cruiser force will accompany the offensive group. Regarding Enterprise, I no longer believe she's with Lexingtinon, given the information you provided about the US CVs having 2 Dauntless groups at this time. I've gotten used to the IJN format where there's one dive bomber group per CV.

[RangerJoe]

Now you know just how fast a carrier TF can move! Just be aware that not only does it use a lot of fuel but there is damage occurring to both the systems and engines, especially for the destroyers. That engine damage may be permanent damage as well but the important thing is that it can slow down the entire task force. If you split the KB into two parts, you may be able to trap the Lexington. Each part should be able to handle the Lexington, especially if you stay outside the range of the Devastators not to mention the 1000 pound bombs. Did you lose sight of the Enterprise? Remember that every American carrier that you sink now helps your expansion plus delays the formation of the Death Star. Also, position your subs accordingly so escape routes may not be safe, especially for crippled ships.

Have your units change to Reserve mode if they can't make a combat hex in move mode. Then they will join the defense only if they are needed to keep from losing the battle. They should then be in combat mode if they participate in combat.

There probably is only a weak BF at Sambas, bombard by ship, land, and air. Don't forget to Recon the target by float planes as well. Decide if you want to risk a DA but since you already have the major part of the unit elsewhere, you only die once - but you live every day!

The assault at Sambas will hold, and I'll just continue to bombard the enemy until the main body can arrive from Vietnam.

I think to split KB, Kaga, Akagi, and Hiryu will detach with an escort to guard the oilers and block a southern retreat for the Lexington, while Soryu, Shokaku, and Zuikaku will take the fastest ships and continue directly on the tail of the enemy. The battleships will stay with Kaga's group while the faster heavy cruiser force will accompany the offensive group. Regarding Enterprise, I no longer believe she's with Lexingtinon, given the information you provided about the US CVs having 2 Dauntless groups at this time. I've gotten used to the IJN format where there's one dive bomber group per CV.

What you need to look at is the total number of aircraft, 36 total DBs at start and 27 to attack if the VS (Scout Bomber) unit is set to 50% search. Only about 18 fighters unless more are added.

[Icechuck]

Now you know just how fast a carrier TF can move! Just be aware that not only does it use a lot of fuel but there is damage occurring to both the systems and engines, especially for the destroyers. That engine damage may be permanent damage as well but the important thing is that it can slow down the entire task force. If you split the KB into two parts, you may be able to trap the Lexington. Each part should be able to handle the Lexington, especially if you stay outside the range of the Devastators not to mention the 1000 pound bombs. Did you lose sight of the Enterprise? Remember that every American carrier that you sink now helps your expansion plus delays the formation of the Death Star. Also, position your subs accordingly so escape routes may not be safe, especially for crippled ships.

Have your units change to Reserve mode if they can't make a combat hex in move mode. Then they will join the defense only if they are needed to keep from losing the battle. They should then be in combat mode if they participate in combat.

There probably is only a weak BF at Sambas, bombard by ship, land, and air. Don't forget to Recon the target by float planes as well. Decide if you want to risk a DA but since you already have the major part of the unit elsewhere, you only die once - but you live every day!

The assault at Sambas will hold, and I'll just continue to bombard the enemy until the main body can arrive from Vietnam.

I think to split KB, Kaga, Akagi, and Hiryu will detach with an escort to guard the oilers and block a southern retreat for the Lexington, while Soryu, Shokaku, and Zuikaku will take the fastest ships and continue directly on the tail of the enemy. The battleships will stay with Kaga's group while the faster heavy cruiser force will accompany the offensive group. Regarding Enterprise, I no longer believe she's with Lexingtinon, given the information you provided about the US CVs having 2 Dauntless groups at this time. I've gotten used to the IJN format where there's one dive bomber group per CV.

What you need to look at is the total number of aircraft, 36 total DBs at start and 27 to attack if the VS (Scout Bomber) unit is set to 50% search. Only about 18 fighters unless more are added.

Spotting contact on the map says 19 fighters, 65 bombers, 15 auxiliary so it seems to only be the one carrier with the Wake Island training squadron.

[Icechuck]

December 13th, 1941

At this point, I think Gorilla is trying to tease me with his constant state of being almost in a position for a carrier battle.

Philippines

16 enemy aircraft were lost today, with only 3 Zeroes going down for that cost. This includes a few aircraft in Malaya, but most were in the Philippines. Nells will hit Clark tomorrow given the loss of all fighters reported at the base to bomb the airfield and prevent the B-17Ds from operating.

PT boats sortied at Legaspi, scoring no hits against the landing force and losing one of their own.

Davao falls, no Japanese losses are sustained and 153 enemy troops are made casualties.

Borneo

Allied aircraft bombed Miri throughout the day, scoring a handful of hits on the oil and 2 on the refinery.

No attack at Sambas, but another bombardment causes more losses, and an AVP, the Poolster, is hit.

Off the coast, the Naka squadron from the last round, consisting of the CL Naka and 7 destroyers sortie down the coast, engaging the DDs John D. Ford, Peary, and Pillsbury. The enemy registers no hit in this daytime action, while Ford is hit once and struck with heavy fires, Peary is hit once, and Pillsbury is hit twice. Later in the day, Ryujo attacks this group but scores no hits.

A handful of auxiliary ships are sighted fleeing into Tarakan to seek shelter from Ryujo, they'll be hit tomorrow and if they live Naka squadron will do a pass.

Malaya

Alor Starr falls, and troops are closing in on Taiping. Once Taiping is taken a large amount of troops will take the train to the base and march towards Singapore.

Rabaul Area

Manus and Wewak fall. Kavieng is taken from the base force, and troops land in the Shortlands.

Guam

Guam falls.

China

Bombardments from air and land fall upon Hong Kong, causing dozens of losses. An attack is going in tomorrow to wear down the defenders further. On the rail line feeding into Chengchow, the 13th Chinese Corps is routed by a river crossing shock attack, losing 4862 men to 879 Japanese losses. This opens a new avenue to take the base without needing to endure a river crossing. More troops will stream in along this path.

The men routed at Ichang have mostly made it to safety, although the armor is effectively out of the fight until replacements can come in. 3 divisions lie to the south as a strategic reserve to either reinforce the city or conduct a pursuit of Chinese troops if they disengage or try to bypass me.

Marshall Islands

Lexington is moving towards Kwajalein again, attempting to reach Pearl presumably. They're within 9 hexes, and the Nell squadron based there will attempt an attack. This carries high risk but the opportunity to delay the enemy is compelling. Kido Butai's two elements are closing in, blocking the north and south of Kwajalein to prevent another full-speed dash. Kaga's group will refuel if action doesn't take place tomorrow.

[Icechuck]

December 14th, 1941

A turn marked by an intense high and some frustrating lows.

Submarines

Off Lahaina, I-19 was doing a shipping hunt for Pearl Harbor arrivals. It was hoping to find cruisers, tankers, or maybe an oiler, but instead, it stumbled into the midst of a task force escorting the CV Saratoga. The skipper positioned the submarine to fire and ordered a spread to be fired, but the enemy sighted the torpedoes early and took evasive action. No hits were scored. Saratoga would be sighted by a Glen entering Harbor later that day.

Philippines

Naga falls.

30 Zeroes sweep Clark, and 7 Warhawks rise to challenge them. 2 are shot down for no IJNAF losses. Another Warhawk is downed at Iba, and a second at Manila. Clark Field is bombed but poor weather prevents notable hits. Another strike will go in tomorrow.

Borneo

Given the poor results at Clark, B-17s expectedly bomb Miri, scoring a small number of hits. A handful of Nates will be transferred there to provide CAP, as the B-17s are flying quite low.

Blenheims from Singapore try to bomb the unloading operation at Sambas but miss.

The Kuching invasion force will end up 1 hex out of range for the landing, so landings will occur within 48 hours.

Weather here prohibits Kate from striking the variety of targets evacuating Luzon, so the DD squadron will continue towards the Makassar Strait.

Malaya

Sweeps over Singapore are not met with resistance. 55 fighters remain so I'll continue to sweep so as to avoid letting my bombers wander into a CAP trap.

Marshall Islands

Lexington appears to have disappeared from all searches. Poor weather may have impeded my hunts today, but she's vanished. A reported 2-ship TF has turned up in between Truk and Guam, but it's 22 hexes away from Lexington's last known position, and I believe she can only cover 16 hexes a day at full speed. Assuming that she did a full-speed dash to escape my search arcs, she would've had to go southwest towards Rabaul or northeast towards Wake Island. My carriers will both retire east in case she pops up again, so as to continue blocking Pearl, and refueling will begin in preparation for another confrontation. If Lexington is heading for Australia, I'll have very little chance to respond, but an AMC picket is down by the Shortlands with float planes just in case. No patrols sighted her in the early part of the day, so I've no real clues as to where she's headed. The last part of the puzzle is that a move southwest would've brought him near a Cruiser group that was escorting the landing forces all over New Guinea, as they're 15 hexes from Lexington's last known position, yet they report no sightings nor do they report any Allied search craft.

I've not yet returned the turn, as I'm trying to see if there are any new options to pursue Lexington today. I don't want to send a divided Kido Butai, still having limited sorties and fighters due to the Pearl Harbor strike, closer to Australia but I would hate for Lexington to escape scot-free.

China

Hong Kong falls to the brave soldiers of the IJA. This early capitulation should hopefully put pressure on Gorilla to calm his more central buildups and worry about defending his south.

A variety of Chinese bombers attack near Ichang, trying to delay the survivors. Nates provides CAP, damaging multiple Hudsons. I'm keeping a careful eye out for the AVG, and hoping to engage them early in the air.

[RangerJoe]

At the start of the game, there is a lone American AM at Guam. It is probably trying to make it to a safe base.

[Icechuck]

December 15th, 1941

The chase is back on.

Submarines

Lots of attacks, no hits on either side.

Philippines

Vigan is occupied.

Zeroes sweep all across the Philippines, shooting down 5 Warhawks for no loss. Nettys slam Clark Field, registering 14 hits.

At Legaspi, a large amount of Philippino transports attempted to evacuate the area. 3 Destroyers, Yukikaze, Umikaze, and Suzukaze have something to say about it. Through a series of night actions at close range, 7 transports and 1 tanker sank. They did need to withdraw after this ferocious day to re-up on ammo, and PT boats forced the Legaspi unloading operation to withdraw now that their surface combatant screen is gone.

B-17s attacked Taiwan (probably on accident) and suffered 1 destroyed and 9 damaged for no real damage after fighting my CAP. I expect some will crash on landing.

Off Taiwan, 4 ships fleeing Hong Kong are sunk by Natori's DD squadron.

Borneo

B-17s attack Miri, but the Nates that were redeployed prove their worth. Of the 10 aircraft that sortied, 6 were damaged and none could hit the oil wells.

Japanese forces land at Kuching early. A deliberate attack tomorrow will go in to see the odds. The Sambas relief force is 48 hours out.

In the Makassar Strait, the Naka Squadron sinks 4 xAKs.

Large groups are sighted trying to enter the area, and Ryujo is moving to intercept.

Malaya

No major developments. Sweeps over Singapore are uncontested yet again. Loads of fighters still remain trying to bait out my bombers.

Guadalcanal

A Mavis squadron is relocated to the Shortlands, and promptly locate Lexington. She's north-east of Tulagi, probably attempting to fuel up there. Kido Butai, having partially refueled, is in hot pursuit and should close the range to 12 hexes tomorrow. Hopefully, the enemy uses enough of his time refueling to be unable to run further.

A Heavy Cruiser squadron is moving north of Rabaul to destroy the AMCs from Guam.

China

Enemy forces enter the hex south of Chengchow, but it's only one LCU. The resident division will attempt a DA to oust them while awaiting reinforcements.

[RangerJoe]

The AM is a minesweeper, not an AMC or armed merchant cruiser.

[Icechuck]

The AM is a minesweeper, not an AMC or armed merchant cruiser.

I definitely misread your post, could've sworn you said AMC. That's what I get for skim reading lol

[Sardaukar]

At the start of the game, there is a lone American AM at Guam. It is probably trying to make it to a safe base.

It is always fun to send AM Penguin (I think that's the name) towards PH and see if it survives.

[Icechuck]

December 16th, 1941

Submarines

Another day of nothing for the Silent Services of the Pacific.

Philippines

Sweeps go unopposed today, bombers hit Clark.

More forces come ashore and continue to advance towards Manila.

Borneo

A Japanese attack goes poorly at Kuching, taking 258 losses to the Punjab troops' 38. Men from Sambas will hike over to reinforce.

Another bad day for the Allies in the Sulu Sea. Ryujo strikes the Tanker Gertrude Kellog, xAK Yu Sang and Tantalus, and xAKL Paz. All ships are hit by Kate bombs. Later in the day, Kates from Ryujo strike the xAKL Palawan and xAK Capillo, also sighting but missing the xAKL Bisayas and AO Pecos.

Allied 139WHs and B-339Ds continue to try and disrupt landings in Borneo, but fail to score effectual hits.

Malaya

Units are strat moving across the theater as Taiping falls, heading there to use the nice road system and continue the advance. The Imperial Guards are one of the units taking the train to Taiping.

Sweeps over Singapore go uncontested. Over 70 fighters are reported there.

Wake Island

The men of the SNLF continue to hold, but suffer 200 losses today in an Allied counterattack.

Guadalcanal

Lexington is exceedingly close to Tulagi, spotted by 2 AMCs which are shadowing her. Kido Butai is close but unlikely to get strikes in due to poor weather.

[Icechuck]

December 17th, 1941

Submarines

I-9 fails to torpedo DMS Chandler near PH.

O-20 tries to poke around a small convoy near Cam Ranh Bay but is warded off by Subchasers.

Philippines

Clark is swept and then bombed. 2 B-17s are reported damaged and 6 hits are scored on the runway.

Laoag falls to the Kanno Detachment.

Near Butuan, Ryujo sights the Tanker Manatawny and promptly sends out the Kates. 5 hits are registered and the fuel in the hold catches fire. The ship is obscured by the plumes of smoke as the bombers disengage. Closer to Borneo, Ryujo continues to score kills, striking the Tanker Mindanao, the oilers Pecos and Trinity, and the xAK Ethel Edwards. All ships have either heavy damage, heavy fires, or both.

Borneo

Sambas falls, with no Japanese losses to 120 Dutch casualties. The base force flees to Singkawang, unaware of the impending landing there. Allied air continues to be a nuisance, and the xAK Mexico is hit by 2 50kg bombs. The Sambas landing force is withdrawing though, so they'll be out of range shortly.

Kuching continues to hold out, and the Punjab troops bombard the assaulting force.

Ryujo is returning to Badeldaob to re-up on her sortie capacity, and then will return to station in the Celebes Sea until we stop sinking things.

Malaya

No new developments on the land, but, Betty's from Vietnam get some fun today. The AMC Manoora is sighted south of Soc Trang, and is torpedoed 4 times by 6 Bettys. She does not live. Shortly thereafter, the Nells go in on the AMC Kanimlba, scoring 3 hits and another kill. Allied air at Kuching is less fortunate as the heavy cruiser Chokai is providing AA cover, and 1 193WH-3 is shot down, and 2 B-339Ds are damaged, although one strafes Chokai ineffectively.

China

I erroneously moved some of the garrison out of Sinyang, and the Chinese are quick to capitalize on this. 30,000 Chinese troops descend on the base. Japanese reinforcements are inbound to reclaim it quickly, and these Chinese men are out of their supply lines so I anticipate they'll fall quickly. For the past few days, Japanese ground attack aircraft had their way with the Chinese, but, H81-A3s finally make their appearance and shoot down 10 Idas today.

At Chengchow, one division is in a position to move on the city but only set off today, as I was waiting for more troops to secure the bridgehead so the Chinese can't just take it back. Once more infantry arrive, I'll leave an independent brigade there to hold it while we take the base.

In the north, I'm dispatching units to start the long march on Sian, seeing as it has lots of economic boons for the Chinese. These men won't be sufficient to take the city yet but will force the Chinese to shift units northwards in defense.

The Lexington Saga

Lexington, per my fears of bad weather, goes unspotted today. 2 TFs are sighted that could be her, with one running to Australia and one running to Luganville. I think that both are possible, as Gorilla hasn't spotted KB for 3 days now, so he may not know that I'm so close. The AMCs will continue to shadow the Australia group, while the slowest ships of KB will move to hit Luganville. The faster carriers will pursue towards Australia. I don't think Gorilla has the fuel for more high-speed runs, so hopefully we can catch him here. Eventually I will need to abandon the pursuit as I move deeper into Allied waters, but I'm loathe to let Gorilla scuttle the Wake Island invasion force without any kind of repercussions.

The Shortlands are ineffectually bombed by 2 Hudsons, probably in an attempt to kill my Mavis group there.

Troops set off for Tulagi from Truk.

Future Plans

The 4th and 33rd Divisions depart from Japan in 2 convoys, with a large number of destroyers, cruisers, and the Mutsu for Truk, with the 4th div planning for Port Moresby and the 33rd for Rabaul.

55th Division in its broken up components is being sent across Burma to check any Allied buildup there, and ideally take Moulmein.

[Icechuck]

December 18th, 1941

Submarines

Nothing again. Lots of Glen-equipped subs are moving along expected Allied convoy routes to start gathering intelligence.

Philippines

Normal airstrikes, no enemy retaliation.

16th Recon Regiment has reached Atimonan and reports 5,000 enemy troops awaiting them. The rest of the force is 1 hex away, and moving in. If the enemy remains, this will represent the first organized resistance of the Philippino forces.

B-17s appear to have evacuated Clark Field. Expected new area for the bombers is Cagayan, so recon will go investigate the airfield and prep to demolish it.

Armor and infantry are landing at Davao.

Borneo

Enemy bombards in Kuching, revealing a higher AS than expected. I will just keep bringing in supplies and bombing the enemy until they starve out.

2 smaller transports are sunk at Sambas by Buffaloes. I will withdraw for now to avoid further losses.

The landing force is approaching Singkawang. Landings are also approaching Balikpapan and to the south Ternate and Manado. Two heavy cruisers detached from Ryujo with 3 DDs to continue to close shipping in the Celebes and screen the invasion forces. There is a large convoy, the one that earlier contained the oilers, and the CA squadron is adjacent to them so hopefully they can react into them tomorrow.

Once Singkawang falls, I'm going to transfer Zeroes to the base to LRCAP Palembang and prepare to land there and further disrupt my enemy's defensive schemes.

Malaya

No new developments, just more and more units taking the train to Taiping.

Rabaul - Coral Sea Area

Another allied strike at the Shortlands fails to hit anything. The Light Cruiser Adelaid also strikes the area, but is ineffective. A heavy cruiser squadron passing by Kavieng will vector down to check it out, and see if we can catch her. If she runs south, she'll encounter KB.

Both suspected Lexington TFs are struck, and neither are the prize I seek. Near the Belep Islands, the xAKs Anshun, Yunnan, and Yochow are hit. Yochow slips beneath the waves, while Anshun has heavy fires and heavy damage. Yunnan took a 250kg bomb but will survive. At Luganville, the xAP Chaumont is hit 3 times with heavy fire and heavy damage, while the AP W.A. Holbrook is hit once. I also get a report of 6 vehicles lost during the bombings. I have decided to hold and refuel, and will most likely retire back to friendly landing areas unless I can sight Lexington in the next day or so. I consider the sinking of these larger ships a minor victory versus the sacrifice at Wake Island, and will strike Luganville again just to solidify that lead.

The troop convoys grow ever closer. They will unload, transfer to an amphibious TF, and move on Rabaul.

China

No major ground action today, but, the fighting is developing. Sinyang will soon become under attack by IJA forces, and troops are moving into Chengchow. The forces at Sinyang and Chengchow jointly represent about 70,000 Chinese troops, and the ability to defeat them and cut them from supply seems very strong.

[Icechuck]

December 19th, 1941
The calm before the storm.

Submarines

As IJN subs are currently transmitting the map, nothing happens today.

Philippines

All quiet, besides the normal air raids.

Borneo

Landings at Singkawang occur without issue, the order to attack is given. The landing TF will withdraw to avoid staying under the Allied air envelope.

Malaya

Nothing new.

Rabaul - Coral Sea Area

Satisfied but saddened with the Kido Butai's counter-raid, I give the order to regroup, prepare to refuel, and then withdraw to support operations elsewhere. I don't want Gorilla to get aggressive knowing KB is outside the main area of operations.

China

More minor skirmishes and air raids.