Bottlenecks occur in surprising places

[SierraJuliet]

Hopefully you have some paratroopers willing to sacrifice themselves . . .

That would be a great option but I have committed them at Kwangchowan and recently sent a couple out to support my single advance armour unit when it caught up with a superior force at Lingayen. Having said that this is the first time I have actively pursued using paratroopers and hopefully I will gain some skill in how to best deploy them.

[SierraJuliet]

Here is the map at the end of 20 December showing relative positions of surface forces in and around Mersing.

Well, Force Z did their job and made a mess of your landing and your cover forces. As you say though, "Did they do enough?" That does remain to be seen.

In any case, your losses have been bad. Assuming you don't lose Ise outright, she'll be in RSY for a year which for the allies is almost the same. By the time she's back, the allies will have a dozen new BB's ...

But truthfully, this is how it rolls as the IJ. Your naval forces are never enough. You use them as you need, hope to not lose too many, but in the end it's all about your air and land forces. Either you have the quantity and quality to get you through '45 or you don't, ships have little bearing on the outcome .... at least that's my experience.

You have that so right Pax. I did lose Ise overnight. She doesn't come up as sunk in the reports for the next turn but she went down... far too much damage coupled with raging fires. The losses are atrocious and far too many more to follow in the next turn. Too true, about the Japanese Navy. They have to be used and will go down. I'd prefer that it started in '42 not the first 2 weks for the warships though.

[SierraJuliet]

BTW, your sig line (Brilliant, just brilliant; is one of my long time favorites):

"Kido Butai, although powerful, was a raiding force, and this is exactly how the Japanese understood its usage. 'Shattered Sword'"

is exactly as I understand it as well and generally play it that way. It wasn't designed, nor had the ability, to match up against the Death Star. In game, IMO it is the same way.

So while Force Z did well against you this time, I don't criticize your decision, rather I applaud it. It was a good use of your forces, but GG's odds went against you a bit this time. If you get Mersing, then it was well worth it. If you don't, still a good decision to go for it.

Thanks Pax. I'm not sure I've used KB very well so far. At present doing a refuel at Kwajalein. They so need to get to a decent port to effect repairs before but before that I'll use them to cover a late assault on Wake Island.

Good point about GG's odds but that is the nature of rolling dice. I felt that, whilst risky, the opportunity was there, plus a lot of fingers crossed, that this move would be successful. If I shave a month off of capturing Singapore that will be something. I usually manage to get it after the date of the historical fall.

[SierraJuliet]

Good luck with the war, and have fun!

I’ve been trying to decide on whether to follow your AAR or LST’s. I couldn’t decide, so I am going to follow both and just keep shtum.

The fun will be reviewing a turn and finding out that it mostly went well or even better. Not so fun when it doesn't but that is the nature of the game.

You will have fun eavesdropping on both sides. Bet you want to be yelling 'look out behind you' now and then.

I've just caught up. I think it is a case of "Look behind you - oh, oh dear, too late, never mind..".

It looks like a pretty brutal campaign so far.

I do enjoy following both AAR. Hard of course to comment but fun to see it from both sides.

It's definitely been brutal. LST has given me plenty to consider for future opening moves.

[SierraJuliet]

21 December 1941

MALAYA

Amphibious Assault at Mersing - troops unloading over beach at Mersing

Night Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,81, Range 9,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Minegumo
DD Inazuma
DD Shirakumo
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships
DD Banckert, Shell hits 15, and is sunk

Reduced sighting due to 7% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 7% moonlight: 9,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 9,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
DD Banckert sunk by DD Inazuma at 7,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

SS I-154 launches 6 torpedoes near Tioman Island at 51,83

Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Night Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,81, Range 21,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Yura
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
CA Exeter
CL Dragon~
CL Durban~
CL Mauritius~
CL Glasgow~
CL Caledon~
DD Kortenaer
DD Evertsen
DD Witte de With
DD Electra

Reduced sighting due to 7% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 7% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range increases to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range increases to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range increases to 19,000 yards...
Range increases to 21,000 yards...
Range increases to 21,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat

Night Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,81, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
TB RTN Chandraburi
TB RTN Chunphorn
TB RTN Patani

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Shell hits 1
CA Exeter, Shell hits 1
CL Dragon~
CL Durban~
CL Mauritius~
CL Glasgow~
CL Caledon~
DD Kortenaer
DD Evertsen
DD Witte de With
DD Electra

Reduced sighting due to 7% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 7% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
Leader RTN crosses the 'T'
Range increases to 4,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
Task forces break off...

SS Saury~ launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Chihaya Maru near Kuantan at 52,80 and misses

Japanese minefield encountered mine field at Tioman Island – 7 mines cleared

Allied Ships
DD Thracian
DD Thanet
DD Tenedos
DD Stronghold
DD Van Ghent

Japanese minefield encountered at Tioman Island – 7 mines cleared

Allied Ships
PG Dragonfly
PG Scorpion
PG Scarab~
PG Soemba~
PG Soerabaja
PG Fu Wo, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

SS Saury~ launches 2 torpedoes at DMS RTN Meklong near Mersing at 51,81and misses

Night Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,82, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
CA Takao, Shell hits 1
CA Atago
CA Chokai
DD Maikaze
DD Nowaki
DD Asashio
DD Shikinami, Shell hits 1
DD Asagiri

Allied Ships
DD Vampire
DD Van Ghent
DD Scout
DD Stronghold, Shell hits 1
DD Tenedos, Shell hits 1
DD Thanet
DD Thracian, Shell hits 2, on fire

Reduced sighting due to 7% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 7% moonlight: 8,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 7,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Night Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,82, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
CA Takao
CA Atago
CA Chokai
DD Maikaze
DD Nowaki
DD Asashio
DD Shikinami
DD Asagiri

Allied Ships
PG Soerabaja
PG Soemba~
PG Cicala
PG Scarab~
PG Scorpion
PG Dragonfly, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PG Grasshopper
PG Li Wo, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Reduced sighting due to 7% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 7% moonlight: 12,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 12,000 yards
PG Li Wo sunk by BB Kongo at 12,000 yards
PG Dragonfly sunk by BB Kongo at 12,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Night Time Surface Combat, near Tioman Island at 51,83, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD RTN Phra Ruang
TB RTN Trad

Allied Ships
PG Fu Wo, and is sunk

Reduced sighting due to 7% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 7% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...

SS KXVII launches 4 torpedoes at DD Hagikaze near Mersing at 52,82 and misses
SS Saury~ launches 2 torpedoes at PB Eifuku Maru near Kuantan at 52,80 and misses
SS Saury~ launches 2 torpedoes at DD Sawakaze near Kuantan at 52,80 and misses
SS KXV is sighted by escort near Mersing at 51,82 and escapes
SS KXV is sighted by escort near Mersing at 51,82 and escapes

SS KXI launches 2 torpedoes at DD Kuretake near Kuantan at 52,80

Japanese Ships
DD Kuretake, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

SS KXII launches 4 torpedoes near Kuantan at 52,80

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Torpedo hits 1
DD Yakaze

Allied Ships
SS KXII, hits 4, heavy damage

SS Stingray~ launches 2 torpedoes at near Mersing at 51,81

Japanese Ships
xAK Tatumiya Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Day Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,81, Range 24,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Shimushu
xAK Zenyo Maru
xAK Toho Maru #2
xAK Thames Maru
xAK Tihuku Maru #1
xAK Teisen Maru #1, Shell hits 1
xAK Nittei Maru
xAK Uyo Maru

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
CA Exeter
CL Dragon~
CL Durban~
CL Mauritius~
CL Glasgow~
CL Caledon~
DD Kortenaer
DD Evertsen
DD Witte de With
DD Electra

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 22,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 23,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
Task forces break off...

SS Sargo~ launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Tatumiya Maru near Mersing at 51,81 and misses

Day Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,82, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
CA Takao
CA Atago, Shell hits 1
CA Chokai, Shell hits 1
DD Maikaze, Shell hits 1
DD Nowaki, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Asashio, Shell hits 1
DD Shikinami
DD Asagiri, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Vampire, Shell hits 2
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1
DD Scout, Shell hits 3
DD Stronghold
DD Tenedos, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Thanet, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Thracian, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 20,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
DD Shikinami collides with CA Takao at 51 , 82
Range increases to 13,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
DD Thracian sunk by DD Nowaki at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
Hagiri C. orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 15,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Day Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,82, Range 22,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
TB RTN Chandraburi
TB RTN Chunphorn, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
TB RTN Patani, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
PG Soerabaja
PG Soemba~
PG Cicala
PG Scarab~
PG Scorpion
PG Grasshopper

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 22,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 22,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
TB RTN Patani sunk by PG Soerabaja at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
Range increases to 21,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Day Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,82, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB RTN CMB-7
MTB RTN CMB-8, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
PG Soerabaja
PG Soemba~
PG Cicala
PG Scarab~
PG Scorpion
PG Grasshopper

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 23,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
Kuipers V. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 19,000 yards
Leader RTN orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range closes to 18,000 yards
Range increases to 23,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
Leader RTN orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range closes to 9,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
Range increases to 15,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
Leader RTN orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range closes to 6,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
MTB RTN CMB-8 sunk by PG Grasshopper at 17,000 yards
Range increases to 22,000 yards
Range increases to 27,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Day Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,81, Range 15,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB RTN CMB-7, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Vampire
DD Van Ghent
DD Scout, on fire
DD Stronghold
DD Tenedos, on fire
DD Thanet, on fire

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 21,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Collinson A C crosses the 'T'
Leader RTN orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range closes to 8,000 yards
MTB RTN CMB-7 sunk by DD Thanet at 8,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...

SS KIX launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kokai Maru near Kuantan at 52,80 and misses
SS O20* launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Hokuriku Maru near Kuantan at 52,80 and misses

Day Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,81, Range 24,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
xAK Tatumiya Maru, on fire

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
CA Exeter
CL Dragon~
CL Durban~
CL Mauritius~
CL Glasgow~
CL Caledon~
DD Kortenaer
DD Evertsen
DD Witte de With
DD Electra

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 24,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 24,000 yards
BothTF attempt to withdraw!
Range increases to 25,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat

Day Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 52,82, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 1
DD Hagikaze
DD Isonami
DD Hatsuyuki, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Sagiri

Allied Ships
DD Vampire, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 6, heavy fires
DD Scout, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Stronghold, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Tenedos, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Thanet, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 20,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Collinson A C crosses the 'T'
Range closes to 16,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
Collinson A C orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 12,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Day Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 52,82, Range 29,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
CA Takao
CA Atago
CA Chokai
DD Maikaze
DD Nowaki, on fire
DD Asashio
DD Shikinami
DD Asagiri

Allied Ships
PG Soerabaja, Shell hits 1
PG Soemba~, Shell hits 1, on fire
PG Cicala
PG Scarab~
PG Scorpion, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
PG Grasshopper

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 23,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
Both TF attempt to withdraw!
Range increases to 29,000 yards...
Task forces break off...

SS O19* launches 2 torpedoes near Mersing at 51,81

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

Day Time Surface Combat, near Tioman Island at 51,83, Range 19,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
TB RTN Kantan
TB RTN Kylongyai
TB RTN Takbai

Allied Ships
PG Soerabaja
PG Cicala
PG Scarab~
PG Grasshopper

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 19,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
Task forces break off...

SS RTN Vilun launches 2 torpedoes near Mersing at 52,82

Allied Ships
PG Soemba~, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

SS I-156 launches 2 torpedoes near Singapore at 51,84

Allied Ships
PG Scarab~, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Morning Air attack on TF, near Kuantan at 52,81

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Rikko x 15
Ki-43-Ic Hayabusa x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Rikko: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Van Ghent, heavy fires
DD Stronghold, on fire

Morning Air attack on TF, near Mersing at 51,82

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 11
E13A1 Raiun x 3
Ki-43-Ib Hayabusa x 11

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 19
B-339D x 27
75A-7 Hawk x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Raiun: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-Ib Hayabusa: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 3 destroyed
B-339D: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged
75A-7 Hawk: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Kinsyo Maru
TB RTN Chunphorn, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
AV Kamikawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire
xAK Kinka Maru
CL Sendai
xAK Sagami Maru
xAK Asakasan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
xAK Ayatosan Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x 75A-7 Hawk bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb
3 x B-339D bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb
12 x B-339D bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb
1 x Buffalo I bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb
3 x 75A-7 Hawk bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 1 plane(s) with no ordnance
Naval Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb
3 x B-339D bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 50 kg GP Bomb
1 x Buffalo I bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on TF, near Mersing at 51,82

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 4
Ki-43-Ib Hayabusa x 1

Allied aircraft
B-339D x 9
P-35A x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Reisen: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-339D: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-35A: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DMS RTN Meklong
xAK Tosan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Hirokawa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Sagami Maru, Shell hits 2, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Kinsyo Maru, Shell hits 2, Bomb hits 1
xAK Ayatosan Maru

Morning Air attack on TF, near Mersing at 51,82

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 1
Ki-43-Ib Hayabusa x 1

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Hayabusa: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Ayatosan Maru
AV Kamikawa Maru, Shell hits 1, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Arima Maru, Shell hits 2, Bomb hits 2
xAK Hirokawa Maru, on fire

Morning Air attack on TF, near Mersing

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 1

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Reisen: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AV Kamikawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Sagami Maru, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Kinka Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Arima Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Morning Air attack on TF, near Mersing

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 15
P-40E Warhawk x 1

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Tosan Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Kinsyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AV Kamikawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Uranami, Shell hits 2
xAK Ayatosan Maru, Shell hits 2, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Morning Air attack on TF, near Mersing at 51,82

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 23

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Sagami Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Tosan Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Ayatosan Maru, on fire
xAK Kinsyo Maru, on fire
AV Kamikawa Maru, Shell hits 5, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Hirokawa Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Sasako Maru

Morning Air attack on TF, near Mersing

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 35

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 20 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Arima Maru, Shell hits 2, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
AV Kamikawa Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Sagami Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Ayanami
xAK Asakasan Maru, Shell hits 1, Bomb hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Ayatosan Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Nankai Maru

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Batu Pahat at 49,82

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Rikko x 6
Ki-43-Ic Hayabusa x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Rikko: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
TK Jan Carstensz, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
TK Milo

Afternoon Air attack on 3rd ISF~ Base Force, at 50,77 , near Kampar

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Jubaku x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Jubaku: 2 damaged

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

SS I-121* launches 4 torpedoes at CA Exeter near Kuantan at 52,81and misses

Allied Ships
CA Exeter
CL Caledon~
DD Electra
DD Witte de With

Allied minefield encountered at Mersing – 1 mine cleared

Japanese Ships
DD Ayanami
xAK Nankai Maru, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

Ground combat at Mersing
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 11569 troops, 229 guns, 56 vehicles, Assault Value = 436
Defending force 5121 troops, 102 guns, 101 vehicles, Assault Value = 184

Japanese adjusted assault: 314
Allied adjusted defense: 39

Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Mersing!!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
128 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2454 casualties reported
Squads: 52 destroyed, 40 disabled
Non Combat: 92 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 16 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 31 (23 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Vehicles lost 73 (73 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
18th Division
5th Mortar Battalion
23rd Ind Engineer Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
96th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
8th Australian Division
3 Cavalry Regiment

PHILIPPINES

Night Time Surface Combat, near Pandan at 79,82, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CM Sarushima#

Allied Ships
xAKL Bisayas

Reduced sighting due to 7% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 7% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range increases to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
Range increases to 12,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat

SS Permit~ launches 2 torpedoes at APD PB-1 (Shimakaze) near Casiguran at 82,77

Japanese Ships
APD PB-1 (Shimakaze)
xAKL Korei Maru
PB Shonan Maru #17
PB Shonan Maru #2
PB Shonan Maru #1

SS I-123* attacking on the surface near Tawau at 70,91

Allied Ships
xAK Florence D, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Morning Air attack on Davao, at 79,91

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Allied aircraft
OS2U-3 Kingfisher x 3
SOC-1 Seagull x 6

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Kyusyu Maru, Bomb hits 1

Port hits 1

SS S-40~ is sighted by escort near Vigan at 80,73 and escapes

Japanese forces CAPTURE Santiago!!!
Japanese forces CAPTURE Binahian!!!
Burias is occupied by the Japanese

DEI

Japanese troops unloading over beach at Morotai

Japanese forces CAPTURE Kudat!!!

CHINA

Japanese troops unloading over beach at Wenchow

Morning Air attack on Wenchow

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5M1 (Mabel) x 5

No Japanese losses

Airbase supply hits 1

Morning Air attack on Wuchow , at 76,57

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Sohkei x 6
Ki-51a Guntei_ x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Sohkei: 1 damaged
Ki-51a Guntei_: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 36

Morning Air attack on Wuchow , at 76,57

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Sohkei x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Sohkei: 2 damaged

Runway hits 2

Ground combat at Gushi
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2678 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 12
Defending force 222 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 11

Japanese adjusted assault: 66
Allied adjusted defense: 4

Japanese assault odds: 16 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Gushi!!!

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

Allied ground losses:
198 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 17 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
31ID 138th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
#Administration

Ground combat at Wenchow
Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 20935 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 798
Defending force 17593 troops, 198 guns, 18 vehicles, Assault Value = 779


Ground combat at Kiukiang
Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 1109 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 58
Defending force 5781 troops, 50 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 254

Allied adjusted assault: 0
Japanese adjusted defense: 403

Allied assault odds: 1 to 99 (fort level 1)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-), supply(-)

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

Allied ground losses:
213 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 69 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
4th Guerilla/C Corps

Defending units:
68ID 14th Ind.Mix.' Brigade
Kyuko Naval Guard Unit






Previous report of sinking of DD Banckert incorrect. Ship sighted and engaged at 51, 81

Pumps fail aboard BB Ise, flooding increases...
Pumps having difficulty controlling flooding aboard DD Harusame
Extensive flooding aboard DD Kuretake
Pumps fail aboard PB Eifuku Maru, flooding increases...
4th Ind Engineer Regiment destroyed near Kuantan!!!
xAK Koryu Maru #1 sinks at sea
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment destroyed near Kuantan!!!
xAK Kuroshio Maru #2 sinks at sea
Major flooding aboard BB Ise
Difficulty controlling flooding aboard DD Harusame
Pumps fail aboard DD Kuretake, flooding increases...
Pumps fail aboard PB Eifuku Maru, flooding increases...
15th Ind Engineer Regiment destroyed near Kuantan!!!
Major flooding aboard BB Ise
Difficulty controlling flooding aboard DD Harusame
Major flooding aboard DD Kuretake
Extensive flooding aboard PB Eifuku Maru
AV Sanyo Maru sinks at sea

CM Natsushima# lays minefield near Zamboanga (74, 86) and sets course for Legaspi

Extensive flooding aboard DD Harusame
Major flooding aboard PB Eifuku Maru
AV Kamikawa Maru sinks at sea
xAK Sagami Maru sinks at sea
xAK Kinka Maru sinks at sea
xAK Tosan Maru sinks at sea
xAK Arima Maru sinks at sea
xAK Ayatosan Maru sinks at sea
xAK Asakasan Maru sinks at sea
Extensive flooding aboard TB RTN Chunphorn

PB Eifuku Maru sinks at sea
Major flooding aboard TB RTN Chunphorn
xAK Eihuku Maru #1 sinks at sea

CMc RTN Nhongarhai lays defensive minefield at Bangkok"

Mauban expands fortifications to size 1

Loss of DD Kuretake on Dec 21, 1941 is admitted
Loss of xAK Tatumiya Maru on Dec 21, 1941 is admitted
Loss of TB RTN Patani on Dec 21, 1941 is admitted
Loss of MTB RTN CMB-7 on Dec 21, 1941 is admitted
Loss of MTB RTN CMB-8 on Dec 21, 1941 is admitted


BC Repulse is reported to have been sunk near Tioman Island on Dec 21, 1941
DD Banckert is reported to have been sunk near Mersing on Dec 21, 1941
DD Thracian is reported to have been sunk near Mersing on Dec 21, 1941
xAK Florence D is reported to have been sunk near Tawau on Dec 21, 1941
PG Soemba is reported to have been sunk near Mersing on Dec 21, 1941
PG Scarab is reported to have been sunk near Singapore on Dec 21, 1941
PG Dragonfly is reported to have been sunk near Mersing on Dec 21, 1941
PG Li Wo is reported to have been sunk near Mersing on Dec 21, 1941
PG Fu Wo is reported to have been sunk near Tioman Island on Dec 21, 1941
TK Jan Carstensz is reported to have been sunk near Batu Pahat on Dec 21, 1941

AMC Kiyosumi Maru^ arrives at Osaka/Kyoto+
xAK Rozan Maru #2 arrives at Yokohama=+


31st Special Base Force arrives at Tokyo=

[PaxMondo]

Sheesh, the Silent Service on both sides is being REALLY active in this game.

You got 2 into Repulse, that means she's gonna have to go to Singers initially, but you know after that she's headed to Colombo. Might be worth it to detail a few subs to try and nail her before she gets there ...

how bad was Yamashiro hit? Dud?


really a bloody conflict early on. LST is a great player, he doesn't sit back in '41/'42 ... he PLAYS!!!

[SierraJuliet]

Sheesh, the Silent Service on both sides is being REALLY active in this game.

You got 2 into Repulse, that means she's gonna have to go to Singers initially, but you know after that she's headed to Colombo. Might be worth it to detail a few subs to try and nail her before she gets there ...

how bad was Yamashiro hit? Dud?


really a bloody conflict early on. LST is a great player, he doesn't sit back in '41/'42 ... he PLAYS!!!

I have a fight to survive on my hands with LST in control of the Allies.

Repulse went down the same turn. Sinking sounds came up instantly as well as a confirmation message. This is a good ship to remove but POW is still out there making a run for Singers.

I had put Yamashiro into the same TF as Ise in the hope that a big ship in the TF might go some way towards helping get her to Kuantan but that was not to be. The torpedo hit was only rubbing salt into the wound. Enough damage to keep her out of action for longer than I want... as long as I can get her to a repair yard. You are correct about the submarine activity. The Dutch subs in particular, are having a big effect.

Screnshot below shows damage sustained by Yamashiro as well as all the other damaged ships at Kuantan at the end of days action. I do hate seeing a warship burn up at port. My destroyer losses are completely unsustainable at present.

[PaxMondo]

Screnshot below shows damage sustained by Yamashiro as well as all the other damaged ships at Kuantan at the end of days action. I do hate seeing a warship burn up at port. My destroyer losses are completely unsustainable at present.

Crap. I would say you've lost 2 more DD's, and depending upon how much of the Float/engine damage is major, Yamashiro could be out months. Get her to Kure (your biggest free RSY? and assuming you don't have much repairing there already) and move as much NavSupport as you can there. Remember, several of your port/HQn units can't leave the HI, but they move around on it. You might be able to save some days at Crit/High repair ... might. It depends upon how much NS you can there .... AR's can help as well. Crap crap crap.

[zebrazwo]

*snip*
My destroyer losses are completely unsustainable at present.

To be fair, it looks like you did a fair job on his destroyers too. It doesn't help in the long run though. His get replaced eventually, yours.....

[PaxMondo]

*snip*
My destroyer losses are completely unsustainable at present.

To be fair, it looks like you did a fair job on his destroyers too. It doesn't help in the long run though. His get replaced eventually, yours.....

As the allies, any naval 1:1 losses are gold. Even 2:1 losses are still good for the reason you state above: the allies get tons of replacements, and those replacements are much better than the originals. The IJ gets few replacements and most are just the same. Lose Lose Lose

[SierraJuliet]

*snip*
My destroyer losses are completely unsustainable at present.

To be fair, it looks like you did a fair job on his destroyers too. It doesn't help in the long run though. His get replaced eventually, yours.....

As the allies, any naval 1:1 losses are gold. Even 2:1 losses are still good for the reason you state above: the allies get tons of replacements, and those replacements are much better than the originals. The IJ gets few replacements and most are just the same. Lose Lose Lose

I'll have to have another look and report on any major damage sustained by Yamashiro. Orders just went out to clear Kuantan and start the homeward journey.

Destroyer losses have been diabolical. I'm going to have to bring myself to do a reckoning for the second week of naval losses and it will not be pretty. Soldier on and see if I can do better once the USN comes into the picture.

[SierraJuliet]

22 December 1941

MALAYA

Night Time Surface Combat, near Djemadja at 53,82, Range 21,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
CA Atago
CA Chokai
DD Maikaze
DD Shikinami

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
CA Exeter
CL Dragon~
CL Durban~
CL Mauritius~
CL Glasgow~
CL Caledon~
DD Vampire
DD Kortenaer
DD Evertsen
DD Witte de With
DD Stronghold
DD Electra

Reduced sighting due to 14% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 14% moonlight: 10,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range increases to 19,000 yards...
Range increases to 21,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat

SS KXIV launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kokai Maru near Kuantan at 52,79 and misses
SS KXI is sighted by escort near Mersing at 51,81 and escapes
SS Tarpon~ is located by SC Ch-23 near Poulo Condore Is at 60,74 and escapes

SS I-164 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Van Ghent near Djemadja at 53,82 and misses

DD Van Ghent, heavy fires, heavy damage

SS Thresher~ is sighted by escort near Taongi at 134,105 and escapes

Japanese Ships
DD Mochizuki
xAP Kashima Maru #1
DD Hayate

Morning Air attack on 9ID Det 80 AT Gun Regiment Jerantur / K. Lipis

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Jubaku x 19
Ki-43-Ic Hayabusa x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Morning Air attack on 9ID 8th Indian Brigade at Jerantur / K. Lipis

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Sohkei x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Sohkei: 7 damaged
Ki-48-Ib Sohkei: 1 destroyed by flak

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Ipoh!!!

DEI

SS RO-34 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Parrott~ near Tandjoengselor at 69,95 and misses

Allied Ships
DD Parrott~
DD Barker~, heavy damage

SS RO-33 launches 4 torpedoes at AO Trinity near Donggala at 69,96

Allied Ships
AO Trinity, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Barker~, heavy damage
DD Parrott~

Japanese forces CAPTURE Morotai!!!

NORTH AMERICA

SS I-5 is sighted by escort near Victoria at 207,51and escapes

CHINA

Allied minefield encountered at Hong Kong – 33 mines cleared

Morning Air attack on Kukong , at 79,57

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Sohkei x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Sohkei: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Ground combat at Kiukiang
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5786 troops, 50 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 254
Defending force 797 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4

Japanese adjusted assault: 151
Allied adjusted defense: 4

Japanese assault odds: 37 to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
462 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
68ID 14th Ind.Mix.' Brigade
Kyuko Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
4th Guerilla/C Corps

Ground combat at Wenchow
Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 17627 troops, 198 guns, 18 vehicles, Assault Value = 778
Defending force 23311 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 802

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

Assaulting units:
4th Division
33rd Division

Defending units:
26th Chinese Army Corps
100th Chinese Army- Corps
88th Chinese Army Corps
86th Chinese Army~ Corps
16th Construction Regiment
25th Army Group
#Administration
32nd Army Group

Ground combat at Wenchow
Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 20960 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 801
Defending force 17627 troops, 198 guns, 18 vehicles, Assault Value = 778

PHILIPPINES

SS Permit~ is sighted by escort near Mauban at 80,78 and escapes

SS S-40~ is sighted by escort near Vigan at 80,73

Japanese Ships
SC Ch-10

Allied Ships
SS S-40~, hits 3

Japanese forces CAPTURE Tacurong!!!
Cabanatuan is occupied by the Japanese





SS I-162 lays minefield near Tioman Island (52, 84) and sets course for Mersing
SS I-166 lays minefield near Tandjoengpinang (52, 85) and sets course for Cam Ranh Bay
SS I-122* lays minefield near Singapore (51, 84) and sets course for Chanthaburi"
SS I-157 lays minefield near Tandjoengpinang (51, 85) and sets course for Cam Ranh Bay

Previous report of sinking of DD Tenedos incorrect. Ship sighted and engaged at 53, 82

DD Harusame sinks in port

Temporary flotation repairs failing aboard DD Nowaki

Lingayen expands fortifications to size 1
Voroshilov expands airfield to size 5

Pilot Mikami B. is reported as having been found

BB Arizona is reported to have been sunk near Pearl Harbor on Dec 07, 1941
SS S-41 is reported to have been sunk near Vigan on Dec 13, 1941
xAP President Coolidge is reported to have been sunk near Efate on Dec 13, 1941

xAKL Setsuzan Maru #1 arrives at Saigon


Map shows the current situation in Malaya. Most of 56 Division is coming in to bolster the defence of Mersing as 18th Division makes a dash to attempt to secure the adjoining base so I can get some fighter protection up. Get ready for another bad day of Allied fighters dumping bombs on ships from 100'. I have a bunch more fighters on LRCAP and some cruisers and destryers to try and break up the attacks on the merchants. 56 Division has to land as there is precious little left at Mersing and Johore has a huge mass of troops. The combat reports from when the 8th Division was ejected from Mersing suggest a much larger Japanese force but a number of units are mere shells with most of their bulk was lost in the sea as ships went down. Hopefully LST will think Mersing is a no go and leave it alone until it is too late. I also managed to mess up with orders and left a small portion of 56 Division sail on and land at Khota. It will take a while to get this division back together... assuming I can get it ashore in the first place. Imperial Guards, which had been sitting in strategic move mode (sitting it out for a bit as the Allied forces raced away from the frontlines) will also sail down to Mersing in the next few days.

[SierraJuliet]

Here is the map for the Philippines.

[SierraJuliet]

China, showing the planned route of advance after LST concentrated forces to make the path to victory rather difficult. The circles also show places where the Chinese are running interference behind my lines. I expected this and it is going to keep things interesting in China.

[RangerJoe]

All of those small Chinese units are just moving targets for the Japanese air units. Even Nates . . .

[JanSako]

Last time I played Bottlenecks I did it like this:

2026-04-09_00-32-32.png (1.32 MiB) Viewed 162 times

Push them off the railroad & make everything into a large POW camp/free fire area for bomber trainees.

[PaxMondo]

Last time I played Bottlenecks I did it like this:
2026-04-09_00-32-32.png
Push them off the railroad & make everything into a large POW camp/free fire area for bomber trainees.

That's what I do as well. Can get a LOT of well trained pilots from bombing the CHI forces, lasts well into '43 ... I'm in no hurry once I have Chengtu and ChungKing. At that point China just becomes training ground for my pilots and LCU's ....

[SierraJuliet]

All of those small Chinese units are just moving targets for the Japanese air units. Even Nates . . .

Working on getting AF units and aircraft in place. The China theatre starts out rather poorly in this department.

[SierraJuliet]

Last time I played Bottlenecks I did it like this:
2026-04-09_00-32-32.png
Push them off the railroad & make everything into a large POW camp/free fire area for bomber trainees.

That's what I do as well. Can get a LOT of well trained pilots from bombing the CHI forces, lasts well into '43 ... I'm in no hurry once I have Chengtu and ChungKing. At that point China just becomes training ground for my pilots and LCU's ....

Happy to train up pilots on the far too numerous Chinese electron warriors but I have a feeling that LST will be making sure his forces in this area do not fall into the trap and instead fall back for a defence of Sian.

[PaxMondo]

Last time I played Bottlenecks I did it like this:
2026-04-09_00-32-32.png
Push them off the railroad & make everything into a large POW camp/free fire area for bomber trainees.

That's what I do as well. Can get a LOT of well trained pilots from bombing the CHI forces, lasts well into '43 ... I'm in no hurry once I have Chengtu and ChungKing. At that point China just becomes training ground for my pilots and LCU's ....

Happy to train up pilots on the far too numerous Chinese electron warriors but I have a feeling that LST will be making sure his forces in this area do not fall into the trap and instead fall back for a defence of Sian.

Of course he will try, but ground bombing will drop them to combat mode and eat up supply. Both of these can slow, and when supply is zero, almost stop movement. I also use BN and BDE formation to "pin" the CHI units in place and/or herd them into groups. Along with the air bombardments, I use ground bombardment actions to both train up the LCU and deplete the CHI supply.

Yes, it is tricky and there are a lot of clicks involved ... ok more than a lot, but the end result is that I get almost all of my LCU's engaged in positive actions gaining EXP and wearing down the CHI units without killing them. After CK and Chengtu fall, then I create a couple of large groups to go around and mop-up all of the CHI. Again, tons of clicks, but the VP's and EXP's are well worth it. As the units reach good EXP levels, I buy them out.

PS: I admit it, I'm a click-meister. I think you have to be for this game.