I read most of your Rob vs. miller thread and saw the screenshot of what you have based on Canton Island. I see you like it. [:)] So do I - Holding it shortens the supply lines to Oz immensely and there's no bases east of it close enough to bomb the heck out of it.
I do want to re-take it early, but with his LBA there (once he starts using it at least) I'm afraid he'd beat up on anything I'd send there until I have a lot more CV support. Still prepping for it, but not sure yet exactky how to go about it.
I'll check Percival in Malaysia next turn. I'm not even at your point - I check leaders maybe 25% of the time I go into combat - maybe I'll get better. [:)]
Burma - I still want to try to hold Moulmein, depending on what's coming at me. It's hard to outflank me there. But I agree - Rangoon is a deathtrap. Thanks for the idea of sending the coastal defense unit and others to the Andamans - while he could still take it if he really wanted, he'd have to pay for it. And that CD unit is doing nothing in Rangoon.
Re: India. All coast bases are building forts. I don't think I'll send any CD units, but I like the idea of sending a Canadian brigade or 3. I'm short on PPs right now though.
What do you think now of my being able to hold Malaysia for a while?
Re: screenshots - I'm simply hitting printscreen and then pasting into Paint. I discovered the "line" button today which makes today's screenshots look better than the earlier ones. [:)]
Dai Toa Senzo - Chuck vs Pat - CHS 155 allied side
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: Dai Toa Senzo - Chuck vs Pat - CHS 155 allied side
12/13/41
OVERALL SITUATION
He invaded Noumea today. With 2 unescorted AK & a SNLF or equivalent (currently 1540 troops & 5 guns landed per my intelligence). My current opinion of his overall plan is to hit the supply lines from US to Oz heavily. KB's been probably hanging around Hawaii to interdict TFs coming from the west coast. That, along with Canton Island being held, certainly limits the free movement of my TFs.
I've got a couple CVs in So Pac though, and a handfull of surface forces (more than he seems to at least). I'm confident at this point.
He seems to be stretching himself way too far and I hope to continue to take advantage of it.
CENT PAC
KB's now about 480 miles S of PH, heading SW. If my conclusions are correct, he's given up on interdicting shipping and responding to my CV attack at Canton Island. That's the hypothesis I'm working with at least. I'm probably completely wrong. [:)]
Yesterday, my CVs ran full speed away from Canton Island, where there was a bunch of air reported. Today there's 0 fighters, 0 bombers & 7 auxiliary aircraft reported there. ??? If true I could have attacked there again with no risk. Well, the CVs will be useful in So Pac right now, so I won't second guess anymore.
SO PAC
My 2 carriers are heading W of Fiji Fiji, close enough to hit a landing there. While I spotted radio transmissions 3 or so days ago nearby, the Catalinas now on Fiji Fiji have found nothing. If they and the CVs spot nothing more today, the CVs will head west fast.
As mentioned earlier, there was a landing at Noumea today. The Surface TF coming from Oz towards Luganville is now heading there. A NZ brigade is prepping for it (will require a lot of PP to move, though.)
My opinion at this point - he'll certainly take another base or 4, but I think I'll make him pay for it.
DEI
Quiet today. I'm sending some of the US ships (CA & DDs) plus a Dutch CL to Brisbane as he seems to be concentrating on So Pac. Force Z is moving south a little to stay well out of range of CV TFs currently heading south, both east & west of Mindanao.
I've yet to score a single hit against the oil in Palembang. Martins in Batavia are standing down and the B-17s in Scerabaja continue to do so. I do want to beat them up - will probably try again in a day or two.
PHIL
Nothing much doing - no units moving on Clark, etc.. He seems to be content with minimal invasions (in terms of units, not places) here. I'm contemplating a counter-attack at San Marcelino for starters, but for now, not.
Forgot to mention: yesterday, PTs from Manila sunk a DD at San Marcelino. I also ambushed Bettys attacking Clark field unescorted - I flew P-40s on long range CAP from Manila and shot down 8, damaging about twice as many.
MALAYSIA
I can't seem to give any combat orders to units at Malacca. WTF??? Five brigades are now there and I want to deliberate attack to wear him down & get an idea of the odds.
I screw up the marching orders to one of the units retreating from Khota Bharu & it's now starting again from 0 miles moved.
Otherwise, operation Kitchen Sink is going well. The Aussies in Johore Bahru attack at 3:1 odds. Disruption is currently at 11 and 12 for the 2 brigades, so they'll do the same tomorrow.
A sub at Malacca puts 2 torps into a large AP there. Torpedo bombers from Johore Bahru get a couple hits as well.
BURMA
There are now 6 units SE of Moulmein. I'm still trying to ID them all.
Currrent location of KB:
OVERALL SITUATION
He invaded Noumea today. With 2 unescorted AK & a SNLF or equivalent (currently 1540 troops & 5 guns landed per my intelligence). My current opinion of his overall plan is to hit the supply lines from US to Oz heavily. KB's been probably hanging around Hawaii to interdict TFs coming from the west coast. That, along with Canton Island being held, certainly limits the free movement of my TFs.
I've got a couple CVs in So Pac though, and a handfull of surface forces (more than he seems to at least). I'm confident at this point.
He seems to be stretching himself way too far and I hope to continue to take advantage of it.
CENT PAC
KB's now about 480 miles S of PH, heading SW. If my conclusions are correct, he's given up on interdicting shipping and responding to my CV attack at Canton Island. That's the hypothesis I'm working with at least. I'm probably completely wrong. [:)]
Yesterday, my CVs ran full speed away from Canton Island, where there was a bunch of air reported. Today there's 0 fighters, 0 bombers & 7 auxiliary aircraft reported there. ??? If true I could have attacked there again with no risk. Well, the CVs will be useful in So Pac right now, so I won't second guess anymore.
SO PAC
My 2 carriers are heading W of Fiji Fiji, close enough to hit a landing there. While I spotted radio transmissions 3 or so days ago nearby, the Catalinas now on Fiji Fiji have found nothing. If they and the CVs spot nothing more today, the CVs will head west fast.
As mentioned earlier, there was a landing at Noumea today. The Surface TF coming from Oz towards Luganville is now heading there. A NZ brigade is prepping for it (will require a lot of PP to move, though.)
My opinion at this point - he'll certainly take another base or 4, but I think I'll make him pay for it.
DEI
Quiet today. I'm sending some of the US ships (CA & DDs) plus a Dutch CL to Brisbane as he seems to be concentrating on So Pac. Force Z is moving south a little to stay well out of range of CV TFs currently heading south, both east & west of Mindanao.
I've yet to score a single hit against the oil in Palembang. Martins in Batavia are standing down and the B-17s in Scerabaja continue to do so. I do want to beat them up - will probably try again in a day or two.
PHIL
Nothing much doing - no units moving on Clark, etc.. He seems to be content with minimal invasions (in terms of units, not places) here. I'm contemplating a counter-attack at San Marcelino for starters, but for now, not.
Forgot to mention: yesterday, PTs from Manila sunk a DD at San Marcelino. I also ambushed Bettys attacking Clark field unescorted - I flew P-40s on long range CAP from Manila and shot down 8, damaging about twice as many.
MALAYSIA
I can't seem to give any combat orders to units at Malacca. WTF??? Five brigades are now there and I want to deliberate attack to wear him down & get an idea of the odds.
I screw up the marching orders to one of the units retreating from Khota Bharu & it's now starting again from 0 miles moved.
Otherwise, operation Kitchen Sink is going well. The Aussies in Johore Bahru attack at 3:1 odds. Disruption is currently at 11 and 12 for the 2 brigades, so they'll do the same tomorrow.
A sub at Malacca puts 2 torps into a large AP there. Torpedo bombers from Johore Bahru get a couple hits as well.
BURMA
There are now 6 units SE of Moulmein. I'm still trying to ID them all.
Currrent location of KB:
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Rob Brennan UK
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RE: Dai Toa Senzo - Chuck vs Pat - CHS 155 allied side
LOAD up in a huge transport group and just go for it .. no finess pure brute force .. and ignore losses.I do want to re-take it early, but with his LBA there (once he starts using it at least) I'm afraid he'd beat up on anything I'd send there until I have a lot more CV support. Still prepping for it, but not sure yet exactky how to go about it.
Really dont worry about that .. he has to build it upto size 4 before its capable of operationg torpedo twin engined bombers.
re the CD rangoon unit .. yeah ship it out asap or it dies pointlessly . good luck at moumain <sp>
I dont have MS for some reason ?? very bizarre.
PP's are a rare commodity. slowing the japs just to accumulate some PP's is a goal on its own. I usually try and grap all the little Bf's and defence units and send them to timor or australia else they die. The BF's can rebuild up in aviation support staff pretty quick. just don't expect dutch infantry to arrive any time soon [;)]
RE malaysia. Now you have johore baru back its a feasible defence now. should make a differance of a month at least. have you been able to get oil to singapore yet ? can be tricky i know.
13th DEC 41 and he invades noumea ! .. absolutely nothing you can do about that .. can you evacuate a bit of the base force by sub ? worth while i think ..
he is very very over streched i think .. im guessing hes using a plan that works very well vs the AI. time to prove your better than an AI [;)]
Look after your CV's .. never engage KB if at all possible. with KB lurking round there dont send any invasions yet. he has to retire first else you could have a disater on your hands
sorry this is a bit disjointed as im reading your post and typing this as i go
.. thanks for reading my AAR too .. Good luck ..
just had a thought mind you .. maybe not move the CA's from the DEI to brisbane as once you get there it will be too late to do much. concentrate the aussie navy at brisbane imo. there are a few CA's and CL's in the area anyway. beware the speed on the CL Adelaide ( i think) its damn slow in vanilla game.
sorry for the spelling . English is my main language , I just can't type . and i'm too lazy to edit
RE: Dai Toa Senzo - Chuck vs Pat - CHS 155 allied side
ORIGINAL: Rob Brennan UK
LOAD up in a huge transport group and just go for it .. no finess pure brute force .. and ignore losses.
Really dont worry about that .. he has to build it upto size 4 before its capable of operationg torpedo twin engined bombers.
I didn't think about the latter. I'll go for it as soon as I know KB is far away. He doesn't have much based there. I'm sure I can take it back if I can get available ground forces there, it's just getting them there I've been concerned about.
PP's are a rare commodity. slowing the japs just to accumulate some PP's is a goal on its own. I usually try and grap all the little Bf's and defence units and send them to timor or australia else they die. The BF's can rebuild up in aviation support staff pretty quick. just don't expect dutch infantry to arrive any time soon [;)]
I'm discovering what you mean. In my AI games I've had more than I needed, almost from the beginning. In this game so far I've been using all the PPs I have almost every turn.
RE malaysia. Now you have johore baru back its a feasible defence now. should make a differance of a month at least. have you been able to get oil to singapore yet ? can be tricky i know.
Some oil should unload there tomorrow. 2 other tankers are loading at Batavia & Scerabaja. (All small ones.) He could beat them up bad if he flew naval attack from Palembang, but so far he hasn't.
he is very very over streched i think .. im guessing hes using a plan that works very well vs the AI. time to prove your better than an AI [;)]
I agree. He's definitely overstretched. I think I'm doing a decent job so far of identifying where he's made himself weak, but need to continue to predict that and have forces in place to do something about it.
Good luck ..
Thanks! And thanks for the advice also.
Beating up on more cruisers
12/14/41
The game will probably slow down as the holidays intrude on real life.
All things told, another good day for the allies. I'm still kicking b--- in Malaysia.
MALAYSIA
I'll start here as it's still where most the action is.
He's re-embarked the units attacking Malacca. [:)] Except for a rear guard of 1 brigade and 1 base force, I'm sending everything else to Johore Bahru.
More of his units are unloading at Johore Bahru. I think it's what he's evacuated from Malacca, but I haven't been paying close enough attention to what units are where. It doesn't matter - the two Aussie brigades attack at 6-1 odds, whittling him down even more. Disruption for the Aussies is at 13/14 - they'll attack again. An Indian brigade arrives tomorrow and more soon after.
Torpedo bombers fly from Johore Bahru at shipping in the same hex. Another Jap cruiser nailed:
12/14/41
Day Air attack on TF, near Johore Bahru at 22,50
Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 3
Vildebeest IV x 5
Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 2 damaged
Vildebeest IV: 5 damaged
Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Torpedo hits 2
AK Thames Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Vildebeest IV launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Vildebeest IV launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Mogami's certainly out of action for a while at the very least. It was also nice to hit that AK with troops aboard.
The morale for the torpedo bombers is now in the 30's & 40's, but I'll keep them at it as long as they keep flying.
The level bombers at Singapore refuse to be outdone:
Day Air attack on TF at 23,54 (180 miles S of Singapore)
Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 4
Blenheim I x 2
Blenheim IV x 6
Hudson I x 10
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AP Yamakisan Maru
CL Kashii, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Isuzu
PG Hashidate
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Blenheim I bombing at 6000 feet
1 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
Again, I doubt it's fatal, but Kashii most likely needs some good time in port too. 8 days of combat and 8 Jap cruisers either sunk or significantly damaged. [:D] It must be beginner's luck, but I'll take it.
He also bombs the airfield at Johore Bahru. Negligible damage. I might send a squadron of AVG there in a couple days. Singapore, on the other hand, now has runway damage of 53. I think that closes it for bombers. I'm keeping a couple squadrons on hand, in the hopes they'll fly, but I'm starting to evac to Burma also.
A (very) small transport headed towards Singapore with supplies is sunk as well.
CENT PAC
KB's 600 miles SSW of PH now. Reportedly headed west. I'm diverting a TF headed to Johnston Island with reinforcements - KB could be close enough to strike there next turn. A small AK returning to Pearl from SO PAC is also diverted - otherwise nothing is close.
Still prepping to re-take Canton Island. A Phillipine division showed up at SF - I think it was a reinforcement scheduled to arrive at Cagayan but he took it too quickly. I set it to prep for Canton Island for now, but am wondering if using it for that would be too gamey.
I'm sending subs in that direction as well. Setting up a small picket to the west of Canton Island & am starting to mine it as well - hopefully I'll disrupt any reinforcements & supply he might send.
Reinforcements for Palmyra & Christmas Island are still sitting in Pearl - I'll wait a day or two until KB's further away before I start loading them.
All damaged shipping in Pearl is down to 0 Flt. The first BBs head back to the West Coast today.
SO PAC
Nothing doing for my carriers around Pago-Pago. They were sighted by a Glen(s) so there's a sub or two in the area. I'm sending them west towards the expected action in the New Hebrides/New Caledonia area. I'm sending a CA from a transport TF here, just to have something in place should anything still turn up.
The artillery that started the game loaded is now unloading in Suva. I plan to make that a strongpoint for now.
Noumea falls to a NLF. I have a small surface TF arriving here tomorrow - it should easily sink the two AKs unloading there, hopefully denying him a lot of supply. I'll bombard a turn or two after that. I don't think he can hold here for long.
No signs of the invasion signal intelligence reported coming at Luganville. Tomorrow 2 CLs & a CA will be 2 hexes away and ready to react. If something is coming, it can't be well escorted, if at all. I hope he still does come here.
SW PAC
The Admiralties and a couple of those other little islands up there have now been invaded. A large transport TF is 120 miles away from Rabaul, heading towards it. It appears to be without escort, but there's not much I can do about it - no naval forces anywhere close. I did transfer a couple (not at full strength) Hudson squadrons to Rabaul. There's no way I can stop him from taking it, but I might cause some damage.
DEI
Baby KB, which is headed generally south, and to a lesser extent bombers at Jolo, continue to prey on allied shipping escaping the Phillipines. Force Z is headed to Makassar at the moment - away from the CVLs. There's no easy targets for my surface raiders now so they're holding in place.
PHILLIPINES
He tries a fighter sweep against Manila from Formosa, in response to my ambush of his Bettys a couple days ago. 3 P-40s destroyed & 2 damaged vs. 2 zeros destroyed. Only one other zero has been destroyed air-to-air prior to today. I'd be happy to keep up with this kind of loss ratio, frankly.
San Marcelino falls.
PTs reacting to a transport TF get a few shell hits on some DDs and APDs. Surely not fatal, but they're burning.
BURMA
He attacks the airfield at Tavoy, escorted by Nates. 2 runway hits damage. A squadron of the AVG is sent there. If he tries again, I hope he's in for a surprise. If he doesn't, that AVG squadron will head towards Malaysia.
I also am putting two CLs based at Trincomalee into a fast transport TF to evac the base force here at Tavoy. They'll be sent to Port Blair in the Andamans.
There's now 7 units - including at least 2 Divs, a tank regiment, a BF and an army HQ heading towards Moulmein. I'm surprised he has that much available, considering how far spread out he is. I've changed my mind about trying to hold Moulmein. I'm preparing my defense for deeper into Burma now.
OVERALL PICTURE
Well, for now at least I'm doing what I want to. Slowing him down & inflicting some damage on him. I honestly hope he continues to push at the rate he's been going - it opens up too many weak points. However, I think he's starting to regret his initial aggresiveness.
The game will probably slow down as the holidays intrude on real life.
All things told, another good day for the allies. I'm still kicking b--- in Malaysia.
MALAYSIA
I'll start here as it's still where most the action is.
He's re-embarked the units attacking Malacca. [:)] Except for a rear guard of 1 brigade and 1 base force, I'm sending everything else to Johore Bahru.
More of his units are unloading at Johore Bahru. I think it's what he's evacuated from Malacca, but I haven't been paying close enough attention to what units are where. It doesn't matter - the two Aussie brigades attack at 6-1 odds, whittling him down even more. Disruption for the Aussies is at 13/14 - they'll attack again. An Indian brigade arrives tomorrow and more soon after.
Torpedo bombers fly from Johore Bahru at shipping in the same hex. Another Jap cruiser nailed:
12/14/41
Day Air attack on TF, near Johore Bahru at 22,50
Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 3
Vildebeest IV x 5
Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 2 damaged
Vildebeest IV: 5 damaged
Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Torpedo hits 2
AK Thames Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Vildebeest IV launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Vildebeest IV launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Mogami's certainly out of action for a while at the very least. It was also nice to hit that AK with troops aboard.
The morale for the torpedo bombers is now in the 30's & 40's, but I'll keep them at it as long as they keep flying.
The level bombers at Singapore refuse to be outdone:
Day Air attack on TF at 23,54 (180 miles S of Singapore)
Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 4
Blenheim I x 2
Blenheim IV x 6
Hudson I x 10
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AP Yamakisan Maru
CL Kashii, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Isuzu
PG Hashidate
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Blenheim I bombing at 6000 feet
1 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
Again, I doubt it's fatal, but Kashii most likely needs some good time in port too. 8 days of combat and 8 Jap cruisers either sunk or significantly damaged. [:D] It must be beginner's luck, but I'll take it.
He also bombs the airfield at Johore Bahru. Negligible damage. I might send a squadron of AVG there in a couple days. Singapore, on the other hand, now has runway damage of 53. I think that closes it for bombers. I'm keeping a couple squadrons on hand, in the hopes they'll fly, but I'm starting to evac to Burma also.
A (very) small transport headed towards Singapore with supplies is sunk as well.
CENT PAC
KB's 600 miles SSW of PH now. Reportedly headed west. I'm diverting a TF headed to Johnston Island with reinforcements - KB could be close enough to strike there next turn. A small AK returning to Pearl from SO PAC is also diverted - otherwise nothing is close.
Still prepping to re-take Canton Island. A Phillipine division showed up at SF - I think it was a reinforcement scheduled to arrive at Cagayan but he took it too quickly. I set it to prep for Canton Island for now, but am wondering if using it for that would be too gamey.
I'm sending subs in that direction as well. Setting up a small picket to the west of Canton Island & am starting to mine it as well - hopefully I'll disrupt any reinforcements & supply he might send.
Reinforcements for Palmyra & Christmas Island are still sitting in Pearl - I'll wait a day or two until KB's further away before I start loading them.
All damaged shipping in Pearl is down to 0 Flt. The first BBs head back to the West Coast today.
SO PAC
Nothing doing for my carriers around Pago-Pago. They were sighted by a Glen(s) so there's a sub or two in the area. I'm sending them west towards the expected action in the New Hebrides/New Caledonia area. I'm sending a CA from a transport TF here, just to have something in place should anything still turn up.
The artillery that started the game loaded is now unloading in Suva. I plan to make that a strongpoint for now.
Noumea falls to a NLF. I have a small surface TF arriving here tomorrow - it should easily sink the two AKs unloading there, hopefully denying him a lot of supply. I'll bombard a turn or two after that. I don't think he can hold here for long.
No signs of the invasion signal intelligence reported coming at Luganville. Tomorrow 2 CLs & a CA will be 2 hexes away and ready to react. If something is coming, it can't be well escorted, if at all. I hope he still does come here.
SW PAC
The Admiralties and a couple of those other little islands up there have now been invaded. A large transport TF is 120 miles away from Rabaul, heading towards it. It appears to be without escort, but there's not much I can do about it - no naval forces anywhere close. I did transfer a couple (not at full strength) Hudson squadrons to Rabaul. There's no way I can stop him from taking it, but I might cause some damage.
DEI
Baby KB, which is headed generally south, and to a lesser extent bombers at Jolo, continue to prey on allied shipping escaping the Phillipines. Force Z is headed to Makassar at the moment - away from the CVLs. There's no easy targets for my surface raiders now so they're holding in place.
PHILLIPINES
He tries a fighter sweep against Manila from Formosa, in response to my ambush of his Bettys a couple days ago. 3 P-40s destroyed & 2 damaged vs. 2 zeros destroyed. Only one other zero has been destroyed air-to-air prior to today. I'd be happy to keep up with this kind of loss ratio, frankly.
San Marcelino falls.
PTs reacting to a transport TF get a few shell hits on some DDs and APDs. Surely not fatal, but they're burning.
BURMA
He attacks the airfield at Tavoy, escorted by Nates. 2 runway hits damage. A squadron of the AVG is sent there. If he tries again, I hope he's in for a surprise. If he doesn't, that AVG squadron will head towards Malaysia.
I also am putting two CLs based at Trincomalee into a fast transport TF to evac the base force here at Tavoy. They'll be sent to Port Blair in the Andamans.
There's now 7 units - including at least 2 Divs, a tank regiment, a BF and an army HQ heading towards Moulmein. I'm surprised he has that much available, considering how far spread out he is. I've changed my mind about trying to hold Moulmein. I'm preparing my defense for deeper into Burma now.
OVERALL PICTURE
Well, for now at least I'm doing what I want to. Slowing him down & inflicting some damage on him. I honestly hope he continues to push at the rate he's been going - it opens up too many weak points. However, I think he's starting to regret his initial aggresiveness.
RE: Dai Toa Senzo - Chuck vs Pat - CHS 155 allied side
Current situation in/around Malaysia:
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Rob Brennan UK
- Posts: 3685
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- Location: London UK
RE: Beating up on more cruisers
Still prepping to re-take Canton Island. A Phillipine division showed up at SF - I think it was a reinforcement scheduled to arrive at Cagayan but he took it too quickly. I set it to prep for Canton Island for now, but am wondering if using it for that would be too gamey.
um he did invade round singapore .. forget gamey .. he obviously has [;)]
and thanks for the replies .. its best you find your own way young padawan [;)].. anyway i am far from experianced .. 3 PBEM going 1 ended prematurely .. but i can give a few pointers ..
sorry for the spelling . English is my main language , I just can't type . and i'm too lazy to edit
RE: Beating up on more cruisers
ORIGINAL: Rob Brennan UK
its best you find your own way young padawan [;)]..
Thank you Master Robert. [;)] The tips have been helpful.
Still beating up on cruisers
12/15/41
CL Katori, damaged by my CV attack, sinks today. That's 2 heavy & 4 light cruisers confirmed sunk. [:)]
MALAYSIA
I'll start here again as it's still where the major action is. A bunch of Japs unload in Johore Bahru. The attack by my Aussie brigades (6-1 last turn) gets 0-1 odds and their disruption is now in the 70's. An Indian brigade arrived today, and I hope to still hold it although the next major reinforcements are at least two, if not three days away. They're bombarding for now.
He also bombed the heck out of both Johore Bahru & Singapore. Both fields are closed to bombers and all TBs & LBs are evac'ing towards Burma, as well as the Buffalo squadrons which are hurting quite a bit right now.
The airfield at Singapore will still support fighters, however, and he didn't escort his bombers this last turn. A squadron of AVG is headed there to hopefully cause some damage. We'll see.
Another torp from TBs hits CA Mogami. That's 3 now. Hopefully she's hurting, but no heavy damage is reported.
I don't have much to hit his TFs there (Johore Bahru). 2 subs. 3 others replenishing in Singapore to possibly head there. No air. I've already thrown the kitchen sink at him, I wish there was more but that's about it.
CENT PAC
KB's now between Johnston Island & Palmyra, heading SW. It has a consistent track the last two days - it'll be just W of Baker & Howland Islands in 3 days if it continues as it has been. I expect to see an invasion there soon.
SO PAC
1 CA & 2 CLs are ready to react to (expected) invasion at Luganville.
Jap TF unloading at Noumea fled from my (small) surface TF that went there. I'll bombard his NLF this turn and decide what to do with them after that. I very much want to hit that TF & deny him supply - it will make re-taking Noumea much easier.
SW PAC
The extra Hudsons I transferred there attacked several TFs, but none of the ones coming towards Rabaul (I should have lowered the range). 10,000 + Japs now invading Rabaul. All the air has re-based itself at Port Moresby.
BURMA
7 Jap units, including at least 2 Divs, heading towards Moulmein.
Gurkha brigade is currently shipping towards Moulmein. I'm hoping that a) I arrive in time and b) he arrives peacemeal. I still hope to slow him up some here, but frankly doubt I will.
PHIL
He sends Zero's on a sweep against Manila again. I lose 4 P-40a vs. no losses for him. I'm upping both the altitude & CAP level there.
No Jap ground units appear to be moving, though. For the moment he seems to be content with letting me starve out here.
CHINA
I repulsed an attack at Yenen:
Ground combat at Yenan
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 31664 troops, 290 guns, 13 vehicles
Defending force 18083 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 6)
Japanese ground losses:
1877 casualties reported
Guns lost 32
Vehicles lost 6
Allied ground losses:
145 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Frankly, though, I have no idea what I'm doing here. Advice would be appreciated.
CL Katori, damaged by my CV attack, sinks today. That's 2 heavy & 4 light cruisers confirmed sunk. [:)]
MALAYSIA
I'll start here again as it's still where the major action is. A bunch of Japs unload in Johore Bahru. The attack by my Aussie brigades (6-1 last turn) gets 0-1 odds and their disruption is now in the 70's. An Indian brigade arrived today, and I hope to still hold it although the next major reinforcements are at least two, if not three days away. They're bombarding for now.
He also bombed the heck out of both Johore Bahru & Singapore. Both fields are closed to bombers and all TBs & LBs are evac'ing towards Burma, as well as the Buffalo squadrons which are hurting quite a bit right now.
The airfield at Singapore will still support fighters, however, and he didn't escort his bombers this last turn. A squadron of AVG is headed there to hopefully cause some damage. We'll see.
Another torp from TBs hits CA Mogami. That's 3 now. Hopefully she's hurting, but no heavy damage is reported.
I don't have much to hit his TFs there (Johore Bahru). 2 subs. 3 others replenishing in Singapore to possibly head there. No air. I've already thrown the kitchen sink at him, I wish there was more but that's about it.
CENT PAC
KB's now between Johnston Island & Palmyra, heading SW. It has a consistent track the last two days - it'll be just W of Baker & Howland Islands in 3 days if it continues as it has been. I expect to see an invasion there soon.
SO PAC
1 CA & 2 CLs are ready to react to (expected) invasion at Luganville.
Jap TF unloading at Noumea fled from my (small) surface TF that went there. I'll bombard his NLF this turn and decide what to do with them after that. I very much want to hit that TF & deny him supply - it will make re-taking Noumea much easier.
SW PAC
The extra Hudsons I transferred there attacked several TFs, but none of the ones coming towards Rabaul (I should have lowered the range). 10,000 + Japs now invading Rabaul. All the air has re-based itself at Port Moresby.
BURMA
7 Jap units, including at least 2 Divs, heading towards Moulmein.
Gurkha brigade is currently shipping towards Moulmein. I'm hoping that a) I arrive in time and b) he arrives peacemeal. I still hope to slow him up some here, but frankly doubt I will.
PHIL
He sends Zero's on a sweep against Manila again. I lose 4 P-40a vs. no losses for him. I'm upping both the altitude & CAP level there.
No Jap ground units appear to be moving, though. For the moment he seems to be content with letting me starve out here.
CHINA
I repulsed an attack at Yenen:
Ground combat at Yenan
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 31664 troops, 290 guns, 13 vehicles
Defending force 18083 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 6)
Japanese ground losses:
1877 casualties reported
Guns lost 32
Vehicles lost 6
Allied ground losses:
145 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Frankly, though, I have no idea what I'm doing here. Advice would be appreciated.
RE: Still beating up on cruisers
Current situation in China:
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Rob Brennan UK
- Posts: 3685
- Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2002 8:36 pm
- Location: London UK
RE: Still beating up on cruisers
Good lord ! .. sorry i am unable to give any advise n the CHS map in china, it looks marvelous but i have only used the vanilla one.
UM .. rules of thumb i suppose .. get all that rubbish out of the countryside and onto roads and cities as a first step. after that ???? [&:][&:]
The Japanese cruiser losses are fantastic ! .. as an idea in singapore .. maybe move up the dutch PT boats ? ( if they are in CHS ).. also the RAF is useful in sumatra and java , just try and keep a land bridge open to either australia or burma. the northern ( usually ignored) sumatran bases can be very valuable for this ( same with the andaman is.) .. and was was pointed out to me recently .. the aussie hudsons can upgrade to beauforts ! same with some wirraways-Hurricanes ( just beware the hurricanes transfer range) ..
Actually your doign rather well as far as i can tell .. clobber Noumea if at all possible ..
UM .. rules of thumb i suppose .. get all that rubbish out of the countryside and onto roads and cities as a first step. after that ???? [&:][&:]
The Japanese cruiser losses are fantastic ! .. as an idea in singapore .. maybe move up the dutch PT boats ? ( if they are in CHS ).. also the RAF is useful in sumatra and java , just try and keep a land bridge open to either australia or burma. the northern ( usually ignored) sumatran bases can be very valuable for this ( same with the andaman is.) .. and was was pointed out to me recently .. the aussie hudsons can upgrade to beauforts ! same with some wirraways-Hurricanes ( just beware the hurricanes transfer range) ..
Actually your doign rather well as far as i can tell .. clobber Noumea if at all possible ..
sorry for the spelling . English is my main language , I just can't type . and i'm too lazy to edit
RE: Still beating up on cruisers
ORIGINAL: Rob Brennan UK
Good lord ! .. sorry i am unable to give any advise n the CHS map in china, it looks marvelous but i have only used the vanilla one.
UM .. rules of thumb i suppose .. get all that rubbish out of the countryside and onto roads and cities as a first step. after that ???? [&:][&:]
My thoughts exactly on China. Particularly the ????[&:][&:]
ORIGINAL: Rob Brennan UK
The Japanese cruiser losses are fantastic ! .. as an idea in singapore .. maybe move up the dutch PT boats ? ( if they are in CHS ).. also the RAF is useful in sumatra and java , just try and keep a land bridge open to either australia or burma. the northern ( usually ignored) sumatran bases can be very valuable for this ( same with the andaman is.) .. and was was pointed out to me recently .. the aussie hudsons can upgrade to beauforts ! same with some wirraways-Hurricanes ( just beware the hurricanes transfer range) ..
Gotta like those losses. [:)]
Thanks for pointing out the Dutch PT boats (they are in CHS). I split them up earlier - half are in Tarakan and half in Batavia. The ones in Batavia are heading north. 2-3 days until they arrive at Johore Bahru.
ORIGINAL: Rob Brennan UK
Actually your doign rather well as far as i can tell .. clobber Noumea if at all possible ..
Yes, I'm definitely pleased with how I'm doing. Some of it has been luck, I must admit, but I'll give some credit to my native brilliance [:)]. Noumea's definitely on the priority list - I want to re-take Canton Island & reinforce Fiji & Samoa first. At the same time I don't want to wait too long since he's currently quite weak there and I don't want to give him time to reinforce.
Gamble near Celebes
12/16/41
Relatively quiet day: I'll start where I find things interesting:
DEI
(See screenshot.)
A Jap surface TF of 1 CS, 6 BB, 1 CA, 1 CL and 6 DDs appear to be heading towards Kendari to bombard it. I thought about it for a while, and am sending Force Z to Kendari to hopefully intercept them.
I could well lose my primary deterrent in the DEI for a while (or permanently). But they're out of Jap LBA range and I might not get the same opportunity again. Also, the Jap TF bombarded Manado 2 days ago and must be running low on ammunition for the main guns. I also sent the 2 Dutch TB squadrons to hopefully get a hit or 2 into a BB.
POW's radar served it well against the Cruisers on Dec 8th.
Baby KB is close enough that they could hit Force Z, depending on where it moves. For a little extra protection, 3 Dutch fighter squadrons are flying CAP at Kendari - might do a little good.
Also, if Baby KB moves in that direction I have 2 squadrons of Dutch Martins at Manado and 2 squadrons of Ozzie Hudsons at Amboina, both escorted by Buffalos in the hopes they'll fly. At this point of the game, a single bomb into a CV or CVL would make me happy.
If a surface battle occurs, I'm frankly expecting to lose Repulse and have enough damage on POW to put her out of action for a while. But if I inflict equal or greater losses, I'll consider it a victory. Crossing my fingers. I've been lucky so far.
CENT PAC
KB has now disappeared. I believe it to be west of Palmyra, heading towards Baker/Howland islands.
I'm slowly starting to load units to reinforce Johnston/Palmyra/Christmas Island. Some units from the West Coast are well on their way towards Midway.
SO PAC
TF that bombarded Noumea is now headed towards Suva for resupply. Another Surface TF is still prepared to react to an invasion of Luganville. Carriers should be there in 2 days. I might send them NW to hit on Jap movement in the Solomons or near Rabaul, or might send them to Sydney to resupply & upgrade their air. It largely depends on where I next spot KB - I plan to stay far away at the moment.
SW PAC
Rabaul fell today. Not unexpected. Otherwise quiet.
PHIL
He's been sending Zeros on a sweep mission over Manila for 3 days now. I have 2 squadrons of P-40s flying CAP. For the last 3 days, 4 zeros & 10 P-40s have been shot down. I'm keeping up the CAP for now. Much worse and I'll withdraw, but I want to whittle down his pilot pool.
P-40s at Bataan are ordered to naval attack at 100 feet. There's lots of Jap shipping around, with little to no escort.
MALAYSIA
Operation Kitchen Sink is still proceeding ok. Another brigade (the fourth) should arrive at Johore Bahru tomorrow. He's loading a unit he landed in N Sumatra, and I expect that will land at Johore Bahru.
One of my subs puts a torp into an AP. No troop losses reported but it hopefully cost him some supply.
2 more subs will arrive tomorrow. PT boats 2-3 days away.
I'd like to be able to retreat him from the hex once I have 6-8 brigades there. It's a race right now, however. I think I have the upper hand, but we'll see.
BURMA
7 units still advancing on Moulmein. Gurkha brigade should arrive there, via transport in 2 days. I'm doubting I'll hold there, but still would like to.
Relatively quiet day: I'll start where I find things interesting:
DEI
(See screenshot.)
A Jap surface TF of 1 CS, 6 BB, 1 CA, 1 CL and 6 DDs appear to be heading towards Kendari to bombard it. I thought about it for a while, and am sending Force Z to Kendari to hopefully intercept them.
I could well lose my primary deterrent in the DEI for a while (or permanently). But they're out of Jap LBA range and I might not get the same opportunity again. Also, the Jap TF bombarded Manado 2 days ago and must be running low on ammunition for the main guns. I also sent the 2 Dutch TB squadrons to hopefully get a hit or 2 into a BB.
POW's radar served it well against the Cruisers on Dec 8th.
Baby KB is close enough that they could hit Force Z, depending on where it moves. For a little extra protection, 3 Dutch fighter squadrons are flying CAP at Kendari - might do a little good.
Also, if Baby KB moves in that direction I have 2 squadrons of Dutch Martins at Manado and 2 squadrons of Ozzie Hudsons at Amboina, both escorted by Buffalos in the hopes they'll fly. At this point of the game, a single bomb into a CV or CVL would make me happy.
If a surface battle occurs, I'm frankly expecting to lose Repulse and have enough damage on POW to put her out of action for a while. But if I inflict equal or greater losses, I'll consider it a victory. Crossing my fingers. I've been lucky so far.
CENT PAC
KB has now disappeared. I believe it to be west of Palmyra, heading towards Baker/Howland islands.
I'm slowly starting to load units to reinforce Johnston/Palmyra/Christmas Island. Some units from the West Coast are well on their way towards Midway.
SO PAC
TF that bombarded Noumea is now headed towards Suva for resupply. Another Surface TF is still prepared to react to an invasion of Luganville. Carriers should be there in 2 days. I might send them NW to hit on Jap movement in the Solomons or near Rabaul, or might send them to Sydney to resupply & upgrade their air. It largely depends on where I next spot KB - I plan to stay far away at the moment.
SW PAC
Rabaul fell today. Not unexpected. Otherwise quiet.
PHIL
He's been sending Zeros on a sweep mission over Manila for 3 days now. I have 2 squadrons of P-40s flying CAP. For the last 3 days, 4 zeros & 10 P-40s have been shot down. I'm keeping up the CAP for now. Much worse and I'll withdraw, but I want to whittle down his pilot pool.
P-40s at Bataan are ordered to naval attack at 100 feet. There's lots of Jap shipping around, with little to no escort.
MALAYSIA
Operation Kitchen Sink is still proceeding ok. Another brigade (the fourth) should arrive at Johore Bahru tomorrow. He's loading a unit he landed in N Sumatra, and I expect that will land at Johore Bahru.
One of my subs puts a torp into an AP. No troop losses reported but it hopefully cost him some supply.
2 more subs will arrive tomorrow. PT boats 2-3 days away.
I'd like to be able to retreat him from the hex once I have 6-8 brigades there. It's a race right now, however. I think I have the upper hand, but we'll see.
BURMA
7 units still advancing on Moulmein. Gurkha brigade should arrive there, via transport in 2 days. I'm doubting I'll hold there, but still would like to.
RE: Gamble near Celebes
Here's the gamble with Force Z:
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- Celebes.jpg (152.45 KiB) Viewed 309 times
RE: Gamble near Celebes
12/17/21 - 12/21/21
Haven't updated this in a few days. I didn't realize how much work an AAR was. [:)]
Generally, it's still going well in my estimation. Most the action is still in DEI and around Malaya.
CENT PAC
KB's disappeared now. Last spotting 6 days ago. Probable location: ??? My best guest is it's replenishing and then going to wreak havoc where I least want it.
The first supplies are now unloading at Pearl.
Today (12/21) a Jap transport TF, reported as 4 ships - 3 AKs, is spotted 300 miles due west of Palmyra! I have units in Pearl prepping to reinforce there, but no ground units sent yet.
I did send 6 PTs there early, and they should arrive tomorrow.
A squadron of A-20s was sent from Pearl to Palmyra - set at naval attack 2000 feet. Sara, who'd been resting at Pearl a few days, is heading south at full speed. 2 days away, though.
I'm also sending some of the APs I'd been holding back on the West Coast to Pearl. If I lose Palmyra I want to re-take it within 2 weeks.
SO PAC
Mostly been quiet. The expected invasion at Luganville hasn't materialized yet.
A (very small) surface TF is ready to respond to invasions there or at Ndeni.
Lady Lex & Enterprise are in the area. Currently steaming NW, in the hopes of wreaking some havoc around the Solomons or Rabaul. A couple oilers are loading at Darwin & Wellington to refuel them - it's starting to get a little low. I'll probably send them to Australia soon to refuel/replenish and upgrade Lexington's Buffalos. I haven't been monitoring the F4F-3 pool closely though, and it's down to 4 planes, replacing at 1 per month! F3F-4s don't appear until January - I won't be able to upgrade the Buffalos until 10 Jan.
Once that's done I'm not sure if I'll send them towards DEI or back towards CENT PAC. I'll make the decision depending on where they could do the most good.
SW PAC
Pretty quiet. With Hudsons flying from Port Moresby, I've sunk a couple APs docked at Lae.
I've also landed an Australian Independent Co. at Milne Bay. While they'll do no real good defending, once he spots a unit there, he may either hesitate in attacking or commit more forces than he really needs - slowing him down elsewhere.
DEI
This is where it starts to get interesting.
For a couple days I try to force surface combat with Force Z against a strong Jap surface TF. (1 CS, 6 BBs, 1 CA, 1 CL, 6DDs). We finally engage off Timor:
=============================================
12/20/41
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 33,77
Japanese Ships
CS Chiyoda, Shell hits 1, on fire
BB Nagato, Shell hits 8
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 2
BB Ise, Shell hits 1
BB Hyuga
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Haguro, Shell hits 1
CL Kinu
DD Oyashio
DD Hatsukaze
DD Natsushio
DD Amatsukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Mikazuki
DD Kuretake, Shell hits 4, on fire
Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
BC Repulse, Shell hits 9
CL Danae, Shell hits 4, on fire
CL Dragon, Shell hits 1
DD Tenedos
DD Vampire, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Electra, Shell hits 1
DD Edsall, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD John D. Edwards
DD Whipple
=============================================
The next day:
=============================================
12/21/41
Day Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 33,77
Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
CA Haguro
CL Kinu
DD Oyashio
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Natsushio
DD Amatsukaze
DD Mikazuki
Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Shell hits 1
BC Repulse, Shell hits 1
CL Dragon, Shell hits 1
DD Tenedos
DD Electra, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 1
DD Whipple
=============================================
POW didn't fire a single 14" round!
CL Danae is at 41/17/3 steaming towards Scerabaja. DD Electra at 40/28/29 is headed there too. I'm worried about DDs Vampire & Edsall (52 & 77 Flt) - currently headed towards Kendari.
Force Z is headed W towards Koepang to replenish. 1 CA, 1 CL & 4 DDs are steaming full spead to reinforce. If he hangs around I want to try to force a surface action again. I know he's low on main gun ammo.
The Dutch TBs are also sent to Koepang, in case he comes at me there tomorrow.
On the plus-side, not only did I hit CS Chiyoda in the surface action (a 15" from Repulse if IIRC) but I've also hit her with 3 250" bombs from Hudsons at Amboina. She's split from the rest of the group, heading towards Palau. 2 Dutch Martin squadrons are reinforcing the Hudsons at Amboina. I also have a surface forces headed to her likely destination next turn.
Elsewhere in the DEI, Jap bombers from Palembang are making Batavia untenable and I've pulled back most air squadrons from ther.
PHIL
I flew P-40s from Manila on naval attack for 3-4 days. They scored a number of hits on DDs and transports in the area. Certainly not fatal, but maybe it will force some yard time.
He's sent a couple lone ground units towards Clark Field (a tank unit and an artillery unit.) They both retreated on their own.
I sent the two Phil Divs at Naga to attack SE at Legaspi. Two days ago I shock attacked at 1-1. I was starting to reinforce, but have decided against it and am retreating to my original positions. I don't want to get cut off in that area. Maybe it will make him respond to me, though.
Instead I'm sending the 2 US tank battalions at Clark towards Tuguegarao. There's no Japanese reported there currently (probably faulty intel). Nonetheless, I'm going for it - this early in the game, still, if I can make him react to me I'm slowing him down elsewhere.
MALAYA
Operation Kitchen Sink is still proceeding well. My last retreating units reach Johore Bahru tomorrow. He shock attacked a few days ago with these results:
=============================================
12/17/41
Ground combat at Johore Bahru
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 17722 troops, 101 guns, 57 vehicles
Defending force 21552 troops, 123 guns, 4 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)
Japanese ground losses:
922 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Vehicles lost 2
Allied ground losses:
242 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 1
=============================================
However, he's continuing to land as many reinforcements as he can, and now has parts of 17 units there. I'd love to attack him & retreat him - it would slow him down immensely - but I'm not sure I'll have the strength to. From his e-mails I know he's worried. Suggestions welcomed on this. His disruption must be high & supplies low, but he now has more troops than me.
With subs & PTs I've scored a number of hits on his transports. 2 or 3 sank with troops onboard. [:)]
Both Johore Bahru & Singapore can support TBs again. They're heading back there.
CHINA
I've repulsed two shock attacks at Yenan. Otherwise quiet.
BURMA
I now have 3 brigades at Moulmein and a 4th a day away. Supplies are unloading both at Moulmein & Rangoon. If he arrives piecemeal I believe I can hold there a while. If he arrives all at once I'm probably in trouble.
Haven't updated this in a few days. I didn't realize how much work an AAR was. [:)]
Generally, it's still going well in my estimation. Most the action is still in DEI and around Malaya.
CENT PAC
KB's disappeared now. Last spotting 6 days ago. Probable location: ??? My best guest is it's replenishing and then going to wreak havoc where I least want it.
The first supplies are now unloading at Pearl.
Today (12/21) a Jap transport TF, reported as 4 ships - 3 AKs, is spotted 300 miles due west of Palmyra! I have units in Pearl prepping to reinforce there, but no ground units sent yet.
I did send 6 PTs there early, and they should arrive tomorrow.
A squadron of A-20s was sent from Pearl to Palmyra - set at naval attack 2000 feet. Sara, who'd been resting at Pearl a few days, is heading south at full speed. 2 days away, though.
I'm also sending some of the APs I'd been holding back on the West Coast to Pearl. If I lose Palmyra I want to re-take it within 2 weeks.
SO PAC
Mostly been quiet. The expected invasion at Luganville hasn't materialized yet.
A (very small) surface TF is ready to respond to invasions there or at Ndeni.
Lady Lex & Enterprise are in the area. Currently steaming NW, in the hopes of wreaking some havoc around the Solomons or Rabaul. A couple oilers are loading at Darwin & Wellington to refuel them - it's starting to get a little low. I'll probably send them to Australia soon to refuel/replenish and upgrade Lexington's Buffalos. I haven't been monitoring the F4F-3 pool closely though, and it's down to 4 planes, replacing at 1 per month! F3F-4s don't appear until January - I won't be able to upgrade the Buffalos until 10 Jan.
Once that's done I'm not sure if I'll send them towards DEI or back towards CENT PAC. I'll make the decision depending on where they could do the most good.
SW PAC
Pretty quiet. With Hudsons flying from Port Moresby, I've sunk a couple APs docked at Lae.
I've also landed an Australian Independent Co. at Milne Bay. While they'll do no real good defending, once he spots a unit there, he may either hesitate in attacking or commit more forces than he really needs - slowing him down elsewhere.
DEI
This is where it starts to get interesting.
For a couple days I try to force surface combat with Force Z against a strong Jap surface TF. (1 CS, 6 BBs, 1 CA, 1 CL, 6DDs). We finally engage off Timor:
=============================================
12/20/41
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 33,77
Japanese Ships
CS Chiyoda, Shell hits 1, on fire
BB Nagato, Shell hits 8
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 2
BB Ise, Shell hits 1
BB Hyuga
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Haguro, Shell hits 1
CL Kinu
DD Oyashio
DD Hatsukaze
DD Natsushio
DD Amatsukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Mikazuki
DD Kuretake, Shell hits 4, on fire
Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
BC Repulse, Shell hits 9
CL Danae, Shell hits 4, on fire
CL Dragon, Shell hits 1
DD Tenedos
DD Vampire, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Electra, Shell hits 1
DD Edsall, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD John D. Edwards
DD Whipple
=============================================
The next day:
=============================================
12/21/41
Day Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 33,77
Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
CA Haguro
CL Kinu
DD Oyashio
DD Hatsukaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Natsushio
DD Amatsukaze
DD Mikazuki
Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Shell hits 1
BC Repulse, Shell hits 1
CL Dragon, Shell hits 1
DD Tenedos
DD Electra, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 1
DD Whipple
=============================================
POW didn't fire a single 14" round!
CL Danae is at 41/17/3 steaming towards Scerabaja. DD Electra at 40/28/29 is headed there too. I'm worried about DDs Vampire & Edsall (52 & 77 Flt) - currently headed towards Kendari.
Force Z is headed W towards Koepang to replenish. 1 CA, 1 CL & 4 DDs are steaming full spead to reinforce. If he hangs around I want to try to force a surface action again. I know he's low on main gun ammo.
The Dutch TBs are also sent to Koepang, in case he comes at me there tomorrow.
On the plus-side, not only did I hit CS Chiyoda in the surface action (a 15" from Repulse if IIRC) but I've also hit her with 3 250" bombs from Hudsons at Amboina. She's split from the rest of the group, heading towards Palau. 2 Dutch Martin squadrons are reinforcing the Hudsons at Amboina. I also have a surface forces headed to her likely destination next turn.
Elsewhere in the DEI, Jap bombers from Palembang are making Batavia untenable and I've pulled back most air squadrons from ther.
PHIL
I flew P-40s from Manila on naval attack for 3-4 days. They scored a number of hits on DDs and transports in the area. Certainly not fatal, but maybe it will force some yard time.
He's sent a couple lone ground units towards Clark Field (a tank unit and an artillery unit.) They both retreated on their own.
I sent the two Phil Divs at Naga to attack SE at Legaspi. Two days ago I shock attacked at 1-1. I was starting to reinforce, but have decided against it and am retreating to my original positions. I don't want to get cut off in that area. Maybe it will make him respond to me, though.
Instead I'm sending the 2 US tank battalions at Clark towards Tuguegarao. There's no Japanese reported there currently (probably faulty intel). Nonetheless, I'm going for it - this early in the game, still, if I can make him react to me I'm slowing him down elsewhere.
MALAYA
Operation Kitchen Sink is still proceeding well. My last retreating units reach Johore Bahru tomorrow. He shock attacked a few days ago with these results:
=============================================
12/17/41
Ground combat at Johore Bahru
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 17722 troops, 101 guns, 57 vehicles
Defending force 21552 troops, 123 guns, 4 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 3)
Japanese ground losses:
922 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Vehicles lost 2
Allied ground losses:
242 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 1
=============================================
However, he's continuing to land as many reinforcements as he can, and now has parts of 17 units there. I'd love to attack him & retreat him - it would slow him down immensely - but I'm not sure I'll have the strength to. From his e-mails I know he's worried. Suggestions welcomed on this. His disruption must be high & supplies low, but he now has more troops than me.
With subs & PTs I've scored a number of hits on his transports. 2 or 3 sank with troops onboard. [:)]
Both Johore Bahru & Singapore can support TBs again. They're heading back there.
CHINA
I've repulsed two shock attacks at Yenan. Otherwise quiet.
BURMA
I now have 3 brigades at Moulmein and a 4th a day away. Supplies are unloading both at Moulmein & Rangoon. If he arrives piecemeal I believe I can hold there a while. If he arrives all at once I'm probably in trouble.
Palmyra - Can I keep it?
12/22/41
Mostly a quiet day, but a few things of note:
CENT PAC
A Jap TF is now 120 miles W of Palmyra. Seems to be to DDs & 2 AKs. I have 3 surface combat TFs at Palmyra - 1 of 1 MSW, 1 of 1 AVD and 1 of 6 PTs. Not much; hopefully I'll have some luck.
All I currently have for ground forces is one base force.
A-20s (with decent - 70+ - experience) are flying naval attack from there at 100 feet. A squadron of Bolos are doing the same at 2000.
Sara is still heading in the direction. She will arrive close enough to attack this turn, but after the Jap TF has had a chance to unload some.
I'm not very hopeful. [:(] See picture.
On another note, I have no idea where KB is now.
SO PAC
Mostly quiet. I'm bombarding Noumea with a very small TF. Lex & Enterprise are headed S from near the Solomons towards Noumea. I'll attack Noumea a couple days. I also hope to fool him a little - I'll let him see me heading west to east, then pull south and back west to replenish & upgrade in Australia.
DEI
His strong surface action TF seems to be headed towards Darwin. Force Z is now replenished & reinforced and heading roughly in that direction.
Baby KB is hanging out S of Mindanao. Yesterday it hit CL Boise which attempted a raid against transports on the north coast of New Guinea. Boise currently has 78 Flt damage and is 8 hexes away from Kendari. I think she's doomed. Might scuttle her in the next turn or two.
On the postitive side, one hex west of Amboina CS Chiyoda took 15 bomb hits and 4 8" shell hits. I'm surprised she hasn't sunk yet. I'd say there's no way she'll make it to Palau.
MALAYA
He continues to pour forces into Johore Bahru. 18 different units.
Except for the rear guard at Malacca, all ground forces have now successfully retreated. I'd love to be able to attack and retreat him, but don't think I can. See picture. Suggestions welcomed.
One plus: the supply situation is doing well. Supplies were just sent from Malacca to Johore Bahru. Currently 19K at JB, 28 K at Singapore. Also 7200 oil and 4400 resources at Singapore.
PHIL
Still quiet. No Japanese attacks in Central Luzon. Supply situation is ok: 5K in Bataan, 16K at Clark Field and 21K at Manilla.
2 tank batallions are still headed NE towards Tuguegarao. I hope to have some luck here.
Mostly a quiet day, but a few things of note:
CENT PAC
A Jap TF is now 120 miles W of Palmyra. Seems to be to DDs & 2 AKs. I have 3 surface combat TFs at Palmyra - 1 of 1 MSW, 1 of 1 AVD and 1 of 6 PTs. Not much; hopefully I'll have some luck.
All I currently have for ground forces is one base force.
A-20s (with decent - 70+ - experience) are flying naval attack from there at 100 feet. A squadron of Bolos are doing the same at 2000.
Sara is still heading in the direction. She will arrive close enough to attack this turn, but after the Jap TF has had a chance to unload some.
I'm not very hopeful. [:(] See picture.
On another note, I have no idea where KB is now.
SO PAC
Mostly quiet. I'm bombarding Noumea with a very small TF. Lex & Enterprise are headed S from near the Solomons towards Noumea. I'll attack Noumea a couple days. I also hope to fool him a little - I'll let him see me heading west to east, then pull south and back west to replenish & upgrade in Australia.
DEI
His strong surface action TF seems to be headed towards Darwin. Force Z is now replenished & reinforced and heading roughly in that direction.
Baby KB is hanging out S of Mindanao. Yesterday it hit CL Boise which attempted a raid against transports on the north coast of New Guinea. Boise currently has 78 Flt damage and is 8 hexes away from Kendari. I think she's doomed. Might scuttle her in the next turn or two.
On the postitive side, one hex west of Amboina CS Chiyoda took 15 bomb hits and 4 8" shell hits. I'm surprised she hasn't sunk yet. I'd say there's no way she'll make it to Palau.
MALAYA
He continues to pour forces into Johore Bahru. 18 different units.
Except for the rear guard at Malacca, all ground forces have now successfully retreated. I'd love to be able to attack and retreat him, but don't think I can. See picture. Suggestions welcomed.
One plus: the supply situation is doing well. Supplies were just sent from Malacca to Johore Bahru. Currently 19K at JB, 28 K at Singapore. Also 7200 oil and 4400 resources at Singapore.
PHIL
Still quiet. No Japanese attacks in Central Luzon. Supply situation is ok: 5K in Bataan, 16K at Clark Field and 21K at Manilla.
2 tank batallions are still headed NE towards Tuguegarao. I hope to have some luck here.
