Tristanjohn vs ChezDaJez: Lemur's Scen 15

[Tristanjohn]

ORIGINAL: ChezDaJez

Did I ever tell you I hate Swordfish? I do hear that they taste like chicken. I hope to roast a few soon!!!

Chez

The last swordfish I ate was in 1984 in San Diego at some restaurant on the ocean. It was charcoal grilled and delicious. [:)]

[Tristanjohn]

A report has come in this morning that Japanese naval forces have invaded Baker Island in the central Pacific yesterday. First accounts of the action depict a stern defense of this remote island by a crack United State Army regiment and various support troops, including a tank battalion. It was represented that Japanese casualties on the beach during the first day of action were heavy, with no significant ground surrendered by the US force.

[Tristanjohn]

More details have now come in from Baker Island which indicate that a naval action was fought in the early morning hours prior to the actual invasion. A small force of three United State Navy PT boats braved the fire from a large force of Japanese warships and managed to score one or more torpedo hits on a destroyer before succumbing to vastly superior firepower. Radio messages from the island stated that two of the PTs were eventually lost in this action, and we are waiting upon confirmation of the initial report that the Japanese destroyer Uzuki also sank.

[Tristanjohn]

All in all United States Army officials were upbeat this afternoon with their first reports of the fight at Baker Island and maintained that confidence is high both stateside and on that island base that this invasion will ultimately be repulsed.

One more report suggests that more than one of the Japanese ships involved in this unscrupuloius attack were hit by defensive shore fire. Of those enemy ships, the destroyer Yunagi was credited by sources as having been scored upon multiple times.

[Tristanjohn]

Further reports from the action at Baker Island list another Imperial Japanese Navy casualty. Destroyer Hato has been reported sunk after hitting one or more mines off the island.

[Tristanjohn]

For some reason (inexplicable to observers on the scene [:D]) the Japanese army which would have raped Chungking continues to hold on in its positions outside of the city. Meanwhile, Chinese bombers continue to rain death on the impudent invaders of this unfortunate land . . . while other Chinese forces rellentlessly close the ring around both flanks.

[Tristanjohn]

The Dutch East Indies possession of Java has been invaded, with strong Imperial Japanese Army forces landing at Batavia and north of Soerabaja. The initial defense is said to be strong and determined, but isolated and faced by long odds it has been acknowleged by the Dutch royal government in exile that 340 years of colonial rule stands in jeopardy.

[Tristanjohn]

The Dutch are fighting with bravery in Batavia, with defenses being readied all throughout the island of Java, but as the early days of this war race more and more toward a dark Imperial destiny one is forced to ask where will the Japanese strike next, and is there no stopping of this terrible oriental horde?

[mogami]

Hi, You guys are making good progress. I can't tell what date it is in the game can you post dates? Seems like you just started but if the Japanese are landing on Java and have reached Chunking you must be further along then I am. (Or I am the slowest Japanese player on record)

[Tristanjohn]

ORIGINAL: Mogami

Hi, You guys are making good progress. I can't tell what date it is in the game can you post dates? Seems like you just started but if the Japanese are landing on Java and have reached Chunking you must be further along then I am. (Or I am the slowest Japanese player on record)

I think we're at around 4 March 42. I'll check when I go back into the game and post it then, along with some notes on what's happening and why.

Our progress has been fairly fast. We're about two weeks into the PBEM with 91 turns completed.

The Japanese advance in China is illusory. Some 200,000 tropps stand to lose their heads from the Chungking fiasco, [:D]but we'll see how that plays out.

And I wouldn't worry about being slow. Thorough is much better.

I've learned a lot so far. Many outright mistakes on my part and certain things I'd do a bit differently in the next PBEM--if there ever is another one for me. Can't tell how long this one will take.

[Tristanjohn]

News out of China continued to shift toward Allied fortune yesterday as reports came in describing the Chinese counterattack at Chungking which lifted the seige of that inudstrial city and forced the retreat of a Japanese army estimated to be around 200,000 troops. The Chinese force is said to be pressing forward in hot pursuit as the Imperial Japanese army falls back in disarray down the main highway to Changsha.

[Tristanjohn]

Meanwhile, there was more good news for the Allies. Although reports were confirmed that Batavia had fallen to the Imperial invader, two squadrons of Army Air Force B-17s based at Darwin, Australia, mounted a raid over the city of Kendari on Celebes Island. Although the details cannot be confirmed at this writing, it is believed the Japanese light cruiser Nagara was hit and damaged in the attack.

[Tristanjohn]

Finally, a raiding force of Japanese bombers flying out of Tavoy had a rude awakening over the Andaman Islands. When they arrived over their intended target they were warmly greeted by two squadrons of British Hurricanes, just recently based at this remote outpost in the Bay of Bengal.

[Tristanjohn]

Though the exact figures from the air battle over the Andaman Islands is not know, it is estimated that about a dozen Japanese airplanes were shot down in the fray. Damage to the British base there was said to be incidental.

[Tristanjohn]

ORIGINAL: Mogami

Hi, You guys are making good progress. I can't tell what date it is in the game can you post dates? Seems like you just started but if the Japanese are landing on Java and have reached Chunking you must be further along then I am. (Or I am the slowest Japanese player on record)

Turns out we're on 8 March 42 already. How time flies!

I'll be away for four days. I hope Steve will make up the difference in my absence.

[ChezDaJez]

MOST OF THE SCREEN SHOTS POSTED ABOVE ARE FROM LATE FEBRAURY / EARLY MARCH TIMEFRAME AS I HAVE BEEN SOMEWHAT LACKING IN UPDATING THIS AAR. OUR PACE HAS BEEN FAST, 97 TURNS IN 19 DAYS.

After Action Report for Period 2/7/1942 through 2/28/1942
2/7/42
- Minesweeping operations continue in the port of Singapore. The mines are proving difficult to locate but the port should be open soon.
- A massive air raid against the Allied airfield at Rangoon has once again inflicted major damage. 191 bombers escorted by 88 fighters were engaged by 40 fighters. 11 Japanese fighters were downed but the bombers were not engaged. Nearly all Allied fighters were reported downed.
- Additional air strikes against Tarakan and Batavia had little effect.
- British LCUs continue to hold out in the Malayan interior against odds of 8:1 and greater. These units have been under near constant attack with no end in sight.
- Japanese LCUs continue to attempt to dislodge Chinese units 120 miles east of Hanoi however little progress is reported.

2/8/42
- Japanese air forces revisited Rangoon again today in large numbers. 2 Oscars and 2 Bettys were lost but 9 Allied fighters were shot down and a Swordfish and a I-153c were destroyed on the ground. The airfield received 143 bomb hits.
- Batavia was raided again by Japanese bombers with slight damage inflicted. All aircraft returned safely.
- Bataan was attacked by Japanese shock troops. Forts in the area were reduced to lvl 3 from 5 and odds of 5:1 were achieved. Casualties numbered 2200 for the IJA and 2100 for the US. Its surrender is expected any day.
- Japanese ground forces again attacked British units trapped in Malaya achieving 25:1 odds however the enemy continues to hold on.

2/9/42
- Bataan falls. 15K US troops surrendered. The island of Luzon is now firmly in our hands with only 1 small unit holding out in the highlands SW of Aparri.
- Japanese air and land forces elsewhere are resting and will resume offensive operations shortly.

2/10/42
- A strong BB bombardment force raided Rangoon destroying 1 Buffalo and 3 Hurricanes on the ground. 1400 casualties amongst the defenders was also inflicted.
- 11 Allied Swordfish from Adaman Island attacked this bombardment force as it returned to base scoring a bomb hit on CA Kumano. 2 Swordfish were downed. The assigned LRCAP failed to show.
- Japanese Bettys spotted the AK Empire Cameron and scored 3 torpedo hits in position 24,66. The ship was seen to sink. A second air strike on this same force hit the AK Empire Moonrise with 2 torpedoes causing heavy damage.
- Japanese aircraft also spotted a small convoy near Bali and sank the MSW Finch and AK Empire Bruce with torpedoes.
- Bombarded Palembang with a cruiser force. No major damage was observed.

- A further attempt to dislodge the British units in Malaya failed at 8:1 odds. Casualties were light on both sides.
- A shock at against Allied LCUs in Rangoon also failed to capture the city. Losses were heavy with over 1000 troops incapacitated for each.

2/11/42
- Minesweeping operations are underway in Manila.
- Bombarded Rangoon with a BB force inflicting 461 casualties.
- IJA troops begin landing at Tarakan. As it is not heavily defended, capture should occur by tomorrow.
- Bettys continued striking at Allied shipping near Chandpur hitting AKs Empire Hunter and Empire Bruce with 1 and 2 torpedoes respectively.
- Artillery attacks were conducted in Malaya and Rangoon with few casualties inflicted. Counter battery was received from Rangoon but was equally ineffective.

2/12/42
- Tarakan falls. The defenders were quickly overrun and Japanese forces experienced only 196 casualties.
- Additional minesweeping assets have arrived at Manila, hopefully ensuring that port opens quickly. The divisions waiting there are urgently needed elsewhere.
- Chunking is rapidly turning into a nightmare. I am not able to make any headway despite the presence of nearly 200k IJA troops. Defenders number about 80k. Losses are heavy and re-supply slow. Chinese forces appear to moving in the south near Changsha and may attempt to totally cut the flow of supplies. I have insufficient forces in that area to prevent it so my forces in Chunking may become trapped. Relief efforts are under may however it will be some time before they arrive.
- AK Empire Hunter was attacked again at 19,58 and hit with a torpedo.
- A Japanese surface force encountered the damaged AK Empire Bruce and quickly sank her near Teloekbetoeng.

2/13/42
- A Japanese air attack near Gili Gili resulted in the sinking on an AK.
- Many Allied submarines have been spotted in the waters surrounding Rabaul. ASW TFs are attempting to engage and additional units are coming in from Truk to clear this infestation.
- Japanese troops landed at Toaoboli. Capture will be quick.

2/14/42
- RO-62 sunk near Baker Island by a large surface group of DDs. Limited intelligence indicates they may comprise an escort for a larger force and not simply an ASW TF,
- Nells ranging throughout the Coral Sea found the AK Mungana and sank her with torpedoes. Other Nells struck at Port Moresby and sank AK Empire Tarpon unloading there. Enemy CAP was quickly overwhelmed by our escort and all Nells returned undamaged. 14 Wirraways and 6Brewster were shot down.
- Bettys put 3 torpedoes into the AK Robert Luckenbach near Kendari sinking it.
- A massive shock attack against the defenders in Chunking failed. 7400 casualties were incurred by our troops.
- Toaobali is captured. No enemy forces were present.

2/15/42
- A large airstrike against Rangoon severely damaged the runways. Only 1 Hurricane attempted to engage and was quickly shot down.
- Japanese troops have invaded Cebu in the Philippines. Approximately 3000 defenders await out steel. 2 SNLFs units will make short work of them.

2/16/42
- Defenders in Cebu actually number about 6000 according to the commander on scene. He is requesting additional troops be sent.
- KB launched an airstrike against Port Moreseby, cathing the AK Empire Morning being repaired there. 32 Zeros and 54 Vals hit her with 27 bombs. She is no longer repairable without scuba gear. 48 Wirraways and 9 Brewsters attmpted to engage but were quickly driven off. Only 2 Vals were lost while all Wirraways were reportedly shot down along with 6 Brewsters.
- A BB force bombarded Kendari inflicting moderate damage.
- A second day of assaults at Chunking were repulsed heavily. Our forces sustained 10k casualties while inflicting only 402 on the enemy.
- British troops in Malaya repulsed another attempt to dislodge them. They have no been without supply for over a month and are surrounded but continue to put up stubborn resistance..
- Our forces launched a surprise shock assault at Rangoon but were unsuccessful.1200 IJA and 1500 Allied casualties were inflicted. The unexpectedly large number of British troops located there, including the 18th UK Infantry Division, have stalemated the action. Additional troops will be required to clean out this infestation.
- IJA troops attacked the starving US troops on the island of Cebu. The IJA commander impulsively ordered the shock attack before the majority of his men had landed. Luckily, IJA units there suffered few casualties.

2/17/41
- Search planes from KB, while conducting an offensive sweep in the waters south of Rabaul, spotted and attacked several transports located at Port Moresby. AKs Trieste, Santa Teresa, and Deslock each received a bomb hit while AK Empire Dawn was struck by 2 bombs.
- A large airstrike from KB and Rabaul quickly followed the sighting at Port Moresby. CAP from PM attempted to engage but were easily brushed aside. AKs Asphalon, Missourian and Empire Ladwig were sunk. 93 Wirraways and 9 Brewsters were reportedly shot down for the loss of 12 fighters and 2 bombers.
- Japanese troops attempted to break the deadlock at Chunking. Once again, heavy losses (3500+) were incurred while few casualties were noted amongst the Chinese. Chunking is rapidly becoming Tojo’s Waterloo. Additional troops are being identified as we speak. However, headquarters is concerned that moving too many troops may allow partisan units to become active in the rear areas.
- British units continue to hold in Malaya despite overwhelming odds (9:1).
- A full IJA brigade is currently loaded and underway from Singapore. The target is the oil-rich city of Palembang on Sumatra. Our forces have launched random air attacks against the city in an effort to judge the defense and Intel indicates that it is only lightly defended.

2/18/42
- 3 IJN CAs and escorts bombarded Palembang in preparation for the landings there. Minimal damage was inflicted.
- Landings are underway at Palembang! The 65th Brigade stormed the beaches and have begun seizing key areas. Few enemy troops have been sighted and evidence of a hasty retreat are everywhere.
- Additional troops have landed on Cebu, bolstering the offensive capabilities. There are now sufficient troops on hand to finish the job.
- In Malaya, British troops continue to hold against another strong attack at hex 24.46.
- At least one US carrier was sighted by long-range reconnaissance near Baker Island today. It is felt that yesterday’s sinking of the RO-65 may have been at the hands of the accompanying escorts. Zuikaku and Shokaku are hurriedly getting underway from an unnamed location in an effort to intercept.

2/19/42
- Palembang fell with only 209 IJA casualties. DE PB-46 suffered minor damage from coastal defenses but is able to maintain operations. The oil and resources at this rich city shall now be used in furtherance of the peaceful efforts of the Greater Co-Prosperity Sphere.
- Cebu Island fell. 4938 U.S. prisoners were taken.
- The stubborn defenders in Malaya continue to repel our efforts at assimilation. Odds of 16:1 were obtained yet still no surrender.
- Port Moresby was attacked by a large Japanese strike force from Rabaul. The AVD Heron was struck by a bomb and DD John Edwards received 2 bombs. She was heavily damaged. Allied CAP failed to show. 2 bombers failed to return.
- Contact was lost with the US CV sighted near Baker Island but Zuikaku and Shokaku continue their high speed run into the area. Intelligence indicates that US forces are increasing on Baker Island. 2 SNLF and 2 NLFs are undergoing quick training in preparation for a raid there. The intent is to quickly capture the island and then withdraw.

2/20/42
- A US TF was sighted near Baker Island, however there were no reports of US carriers present. The IJN CVs continue enroute. Interception is anticipated early in the morning.
- Samarinda on Borneo fell to Japanese forces.
- Another strong air attack on Port Moresby was conducted. AK Empire Dawn was struck by another bomb and sank. 22 Wirraways and 1 Brewster attempted to engage but were roughed up. All Wirraways were reported shot down. 2 fighters and 4 bombers failed to return.

2/21/42
- The anticipated CV battle failed to materialize as contact was once again lost on the US TF. Its whereabouts are currently unknown. Further discussion at GHQ indicate the need to advance our search capabilities in the area. It has been decided that our forces will invade and retain Baker Island as soon as sufficient transport and screening vessels can be arranged. A fighter squadron is currently being moved to the Gilberts to provide cover. The IJN CV group will also remain in the area as cover.
- RO-53 torpedoed the DD tucker in position 71, 108 causing heavy damage. She was depth charged and struck twice. She is currently limping to port for repairs.
- A IJA infantry division has landed at Rangoon as reinforcements. Our forces there have been beaten down by the British defense and are in need of fresh manpower.

2/22/42
- I-10 torpedoed the AK Vermont in position 89,114, sinking her.
- A Japanese heavy cruiser force bombarded Batavia in an effort to reduce the air power there. No aircraft were hit and the runway was only slightly damaged.
- IJN BBs bombarded Rangoon, inflicting 415 casualties to British forces.
- IJA forces launched an attack at Rangoon that made initial progress but was then repulsed. Losses to both sides numbered over a thousand men each.
- Japanese forces continue to clear small pockets of resistance from the jungles of New Britain.
- In China, the growing strength of the Chinese air force near Chunking is a cause for concern. Near daily air attacks against our forces there are having a detrimental effect on fatigue. We are attempting to locate an available A6M2 squadron for relocation to a base close enough to intercept.

2/23/42
- Japanese ASW forces attacked the O-21 in position 61,91 but no hits were obtained.
- A CA force bombarded Rangoon causing 216 Allied casualties.
- Batavia was attacked by IJA air power. Heavy AAA brought down 9 Bettys during their low-level attack. 1Brewster was destroyed on the ground and the runway cratered.
- A Japanese shock attack at Rangoon failed with very heavy casualties. Over 2200 IJA and 1300 British troops were KIA.

2/24/42
- An Allied submarine, S-41, was depth charged and sunk near Eniwetok (61,90).
- Kendari was bombarded by a Japanese BB force. The runway was cratered but no other damaged noted.
- Bettys attacked Batavia again hitting the runway and killing 13. No other damage was noted.
- Army units have completed their training in Singapore for the invasion of Batavia. The elite Imperial Guards Division and other forces are currently loading at the port for this operation.

2/25/42
- A British TF was sighted about 200 miles NW of Rangoon. Composition of this force is unknown but it is likely a supply convoy for the defenders of Rangoon.
- RO-32 was sunk by the British DD Panther in position27,32.

2/26/42
- I-175 was sunk while conducting covert operations near Baker Island. 2 US APDs participated in the attack in position 95,94.
- The British “supply” convoy NW of Rangoon turned out to be the carriers Indomitable and Hermes. They launched airstrikes against my transports unloading at Rangoon and my surface action unit near Victoria Point. One transport, AP Kanyamarsan Maru was heavily damaged by a torpedo at Rangoon and the CA Suzaya received 2 bomb hits near VP.
- A Japanese counterstrike from Tavoy damaged the CV Indomitable with 3 bombs and a torpedo. Japanese escort fighters claimed 30 Sea Hurricanes and 34 Fulmars downed while losing 34 foghters and 4 bombers of their own.
- Ground combat continues at Rangoon. A further 1600 IJA and 1000 UK troops were killed.
- IJA forces in Chunking resume ground bombardments in an effort to soften the defense however results were inconclusive.

2/27/42
- The O-21 escaped damage after being sighted by an ASW TF in position 61,91.
- A CA force caused minor damage again after bombarding Batavia.
- The British CVs were sighted running for Diamond Harbor. Damage to Indomitable is evidently less than first thought as her speed does not seem to be greatly effected.
- 35th Brigade and the 23rd BF, currently in Balikipapan, have nearly completed their training for the invasion of Kendari in the coming weeks.
- Chinese ground forces have cut the supply line to our troops in Chunking. They have taken up position NW of Changsha on the main road. Japanese leaders are scrambling to put together a relief force to reopen the road. In the meantime, our troops in Chunking will attempt to withdraw from that location towards Changsha.

2/28/42
- IJA forces have landed at Iliolo in the Philippines as we continue the mopping up operations there. US forces there are thought to be starving and should not offer much resistance.
- Madioen was attacked by our aircraft in an attempt to determine if any enemy aircraft were present. None were located.
- British bombers from Chandpur attempted to bomb our land forces in Rangoon but were met by superior IJA fighters. 8 Blenheim IVs and 9 Hudsons were downed for no loss. A second attempt in the afternoon saw 8 Blenheim IVs and 2 Hudsons go down in flames without loss.
- 11 Swordfish from Andaman Island struck our convoy as it transited from Rangoon. APs Kyosei Maru, Sumiyoshi Maru, and Kiyozumi Maru each received a bomb. GHQ is said to be upset that nearby IJA fighters made no attempt to intercept.
- Troops continue unloading at Iliolo. Ground bombardment begins there.
- Teloekbeoeng fell to IJA forces moving down the road from Palembang. Dutch defenders hurriedly fled and we suffered no losses.


Chez

[ChezDaJez]

War Summary to Date; 3/1/1942

My basic strategy from the start has been, besides destroying Allied forces, to concentrate on the capture of oil and resources and those bases that will aid in the defense of the shipping lanes to and from Japan. In most cases, the advance has closely followed the historical timeline. A second strategy, now emerging, is the identification and fortification of key bases throughout the Pacific and Asian regions that the Allies must capture in support of their inevitable offensive. Production is meeting current needs and continues to grow.

Losses to date:

Naval Forces-
Total..........Allied.......IJN
...................107........34
CV..................0..........0
BB/BC*...........2..........1
CA/CL.............9..........5
DD/DE..........13...........9
SS..................1.........12
Merch/Aux.....83...........7
* Prince of Wales, Repulse, Kongo

Air Forces-
Total.............Allied......IJN/A
....................1344........929
Air-Air.............648........479
On Field...........545.........38
Flak.................509.......207
Operations.........92.......209

Top 5 Losses by type aircraft
Allied........................IJN/A
166 P-40B.................198 Zeros
152 Hurricane IIb.......136 Oscars
126 Wirraway.............122 Bettys
125 Buffalo..................87 Sallys
78 P-40E...................77 Kates

Army Points Lost
Allied................IJA
5210.................222

Overall Score:
Allied- 5457
Japan- 10118

1. War at Sea
No carrier battles have occurred to date though there have been opportunities. In the first week of the war, US carriers attacked a Japanese task force at Wake causing the loss of 5 CLs and numerous other ships. KB, returning from the strike on Pearl Harbor, moved south in high speed pursuit in order to prevent the US carriers from retiring east. Unfortunately, low fuel forced the KB to break off and let the US carriers escape after a 2 day chase. A second opportunity arose after a Japanese patrol aircraft reported a US carrier(s) near Baker Island in mid-February 1942. KB#2 (Shokaku and Zuikaku) formed up and headed out to engage. KB#1, located further west in the Coral Sea, rapidly refueled and headed towards Tarawa at high speed. Contact on the US carrier was lost for 2 days. In the meantime, patrol planes sighted what appeared to be what intel said was several transports unloading at Baker Island. GHQ believed that the US carriers must have retired to the east out of IJN patrol range but were still operating in the area. KB#2 patrol aircraft failed to sight any ships in the vicinity of Baker Island other than PT boats. KB#1 and #2 subsequently retired to their respective homeports. A decision was made to invade Baker Island for the purpose of extending our search coverage in the area. That operation is scheduled to begin in a few days.

2. SE Pacific
Japanese forces captured Rabaul early in the war however a lack of troops (or the PPs to transfer some from other HQs) forced a “Go Slow” approach here. Basic strategy is to not become over-extended in this area as my land-based air power is crucial to the defense here and I do not wish to dilute it by. Guadalcanal would be nice to extend my search capabilities but I have no desire to create a large base there. Port Moresby, on the other hand, is of major concern. Once B-17s and B-24s begin to operate from there, life will become difficult at Rabaul. Highly trained Japanese fighter forces, in conjunction with several LR bomber units, should be able to keep PM from receiving enough supply to rapidly expand the airfield there. Time will tell.

3. Central Pacific
The Gilberts and Wake Island are in Japanese hands. Baker Island has been reinforced by the US and will become a thorn in my side if allowed to continue. An invasion force is currently being assembled. Key islands are being fortified and reinforced in preparation for the US assaults that must surely come in the not too distant future.

4. Homelands
Japan is in pretty good shape supply wise. We actually possess more supplies now than at the start of the war. Fuel stocks are currently at 75% of prewar levels, however, the addition of Palembang ensures that I will have sufficient oil imports to increase fuel levels. Aircraft production is in full swing after increasing Nakajima engine and A6M2 production levels. There are currently over 1000 Mitsubishi engines in the pool so production of these has been suspended. Ship production has been curtailed as much as possible to those ships arriving within the next 2 years. Several ships have been cancelled including the Shinano and the 3rd Yamato class BB. Vehicle and armament production is also being tweaked to ensure an adequate flow of replacements and to outfit new units.

[ChezDaJez]

Malaya 9 March 42



Overall, our forces in Malaya have made excellent progress. With the exception of an amazing holdout in hex 24,46, all of Malaya is under Japanese control. The march to Rangoon proceeded quickly, routing all forces encountered. However, once in Rangoon, the attack quickly bogged down. The British 18th UK Division greatly bolstered the Allied defense there, requiring an additional IJA division to be rushed to the area. Even this additional help has failed break the stalemate. A second IJA division is rushing northwards to reinforce the attack. Air losses near Rangoon have been staggering. At least 300 Japanese fighters and bombers have been shot down since the offensive began. British losses are estimated at around 250 fighters and bombers. One possible reason for this is the apparent ineffectiveness of the Oscar fighters. Fully 2/3 of all Japanese aircraft lost in this theater has been this aircraft. Oscars seem to be shot down by at least 3:1 over the British Hurricanes and Buffalos, regardless of experience level.

[ChezDaJez]

Philippines and Borneo
The islands of Luzon and Mindanao are under complete Japanese control. Other islands, notably Leyte, are still in US possession however IJA forces are conducting mopping up operations in the area. IJA forces not needed for the defense of the Philippines are being directed to other strategic areas.

In Borneo, Kuching, Miri, Brunei, Balikipapan, and Tarenkan are under Japanese control. Additional bses will be assimilated in time.

[ChezDaJez]

China
A surprise assault on Changsha and Yenen resulted in their capture early in the war. However, an ill-advised blitzkrieg to take the city of Chunking has failed. Chinese forces cut the supply line and now nearly 200k IJA forces are trapped behind Chinese lines. My forces have been ordered to retreat however Chinese land and air bombardments have slowed the movement considerably. A relief force has been gathered to reopen the road leading from Changsha to Chunking and are moving as quickly as possible towards the region. Large Chinese forces have also been spotted moving towards Kaifeng. It is feared that they are preparing for an offensive that will stretch my forces to the limit. Other Chinese forces are also active between Hanoi and Nanning. Their numbers and intent is unknown at this time but they may be preparing for an offensive directed towards either city.