Noobs at War --- Mistmatz (J) vs ctangus (A), a CHS AAR --- Japan view

[Mistmatz]

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First of all this thread is OFF LIMITS for my opponent ctangus!!!!
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The scenario is 155, so we are talking about CHS (1.06) and Andrew Brown’s extended map (version 4). Kudos to those involved developing the mod and to Andrew! [&o][&o][&o]

We start this game with the beta patch 1.795 and will update if necessary or advantageous.

ctangus and myself have had some mails going back and forth and it seems we have a good common understanding that we want a fun game for both parties and would like to have a somewhat ‘historically reasonable’ game. Those are the settings and rules we agreed on prior to starting the game:


Settings:
---------

Realism options:
"Historical first turn" and "Vary Setup" set to off, everything else set to on.

Game options:
Turn cycle set to "1", Auto-Sub Ops off, others dont need to be in sync.

Houserules:
-----------

- Japanese units under command China HQ may move only in China, Indochina,
Tibet and Mongolia, unless political points are spent to change base HQ.
Mongolian cavalry units may enter additionally to Manchukuo (but not Korea or
Russia).

- Japanese units under command Kwantung HQ may move only in Manchukuo, Korea,
Russia and Mongolia, unless political points are spent to change base HQ.

- British CV, CVL, CVE or BB can’t occupy this same hex with USA CV, CVL, CVE or
BB. Except of situation that USA has 2 or less CVs (operational in Pacific – max
damage 20).

- British land units (Southeast Asia Command - SAC) don’t occupy the same hex
with USA units, except when US units are subordinate to SAC.

- Allied chinese land units must change HQ to Southeast Asia if they want to
move to Burma.

- No aircraft training on empty bases.

- Aircraft night attacks are limited to Escort, City attack and Naval attack, unless specifically a night trained unit.

- A maximum amount of 10 Dutch land and air units can become evacuated to bases
outside of the Dutch East Indies (including disbanded/withdrawed ones). Ground
units count as 2 units with regard to this limit.

- No submarine commando attacks or allied paradrop attack on empty Siam
factories in December 1941.

- Chinese units that are respawning outside of China (eg Karachi or Aden) must
be moved to a location where they can be treated as not existant.

- The number of planes stationed at an airfield should not exceed "Size of
airfield x 50) including damaged and reserve planes. This rule is not applicable
for airfields of size 9 or 10, or units in transit (must be stood down).

- All Australian nationality Brigade and Division LCUs are only allowed to move
within Australia Proper and New Guinea (including New Britain but NOT Dutch New
Guinea). The exception is all Australian LCUs of this size that are designated
as AIF units, e.g. 9th Division AIF; the two AIF Brigades that start in Malaya.
This restriction is permanent, even if the units are reassigned to a HQ other
than ANZAC Command, and still applies even if a Division or Brigade is split
into smaller units.

- Canadian land and air units can only be deployed in North America, including
Canada, the USA, Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. This restriction is permanent,
even if the units are reassigned to a HQ other than Canada Command.

- Only one japanese port attack during turn 1.

- No intentional attacks against dutch units or bases in turn 1 (naval
attacks might happen due to engine restrictions).

- No turn 1 orders to allied units except in China & SEA. Orders to TFs already at sea are allowed.

- Allied level bombers with two engines may only be upgraded to an aircraft with
the same amount of engines, unless the historical upgrade path is otherwise.


My experience is relatively low, hence the title of this AAR… [8D]
I did the Marianas once against a human and a few times the Guadalcanal scenario against the AI. Furthermore I’m involved in a 2 vs. 2 as british/commonwealth player and a few days into a scen.155 against the AI as Japan. The latter one I’ll probably skip, as I don’t have the time to spend enough time on all those obligations. I read a lot about the additional effort I need to put into japanese production and supply distribution but I’ll surely encounter problems which I hope will not be too serious.

I was thinking quite a bit about my beginning move and opted for a port attack against Manila instead of PH. Ctangus in return gave no commands in that time zone, so no new TF’s showed up on the first day for example.

I’m reading and learning quite a lot from other peoples AAR’s but I don’t plan to follow anybodies footsteps. Although grand strategies are limited I hope to have some interesting twists in order to provide an interesting AAR for the readers. Not to mention the times you will laugh your ass off when I do something incredible stupid, which will surely happen from time to time… [X(]

The format of this AAR will not be roleplay like, everything else will evolve I guess. I plan to post pics regularly, as I tend to use them for my own reference quite often. We are in turn 4 of the game at the moment and I’ll update soon to bring the readers up to speed.

I’m not a native speaker so don’t be too harsh with me. As you might have guessed from the AAR title I really, really appreciate your comments and ideas, so please feel free to post them either in this AAR or privately. Nevertheless I don’t want to hear anything from the AAR that ctangus will probably do, as this would seriously ruin the fun for all involved. So if you read both sides please bear that in mind. Not that I think this will happen. [:)]

Lets get started…

[Mistmatz]

Here's the result of the first turn, overall I'd say an OKish turn with 17 subs sunk and a few more damaged. My favourite though is the lucky hit against Repulse. [:D]

As you may see from the report I left Wake alone as I dont see any need for it right now and with KB in the Chinese Sea it would be too easy to be raided by the US carriers. I went for the big airfields first, as I'm a firm believer in forward bases for my LB's to control shipping and secure further landings. I want to get as much of it as I can before it flees to safe ports.

Apart from Batan Island I didn’t capture any bases at the first day.

Here is the plan for the next weeks or so. Depending on how well I perform I adopt my longer term goals to what I think I can achieve.

China:
For the next 10 days or so I'm bringing troops to the Front, garrison bases adequately and want to eliminate minor guerrilla pockets. I want Hong Kong ASAP, so I move everything I can spare from Canton there and hope to make it a short siege. More about china in a later posting.

Burma/Malaya:
Big chunks of my troops in Indochina go to Malaya, many of them via rail. I only did a landing in Khota Baru, I'm not willing to do an adventurous landing further south right now. I guess you can say I play conservative here, nevertheless I want to concentrate as many troops as possible in to get Singapore soon.

DEI:
I'm heading for Kuching and Amboina directly. Unfortunately the TF that should have landed a Bde from Palau in Amboina was messed up and was only 1 hex away from Palau at the morning of Dec/8. My bombardment TF in comparison was 4 hexes away from Amboina as planned. [8|]
I try to make the best of the situation and keep the transports on a western course but will go for Menado instead of Amboina unless I have sufficient carrier force at hand to protect the convoy and landing. Both I doubt at the moment. The bombardment TF will pretend to be a landing force and will move slowly towards Amboina and even bombard, then it will run for its life in case it attracts some serious surface opposition, which I hope for because this might allow unopposed landings in Kuching and everywhere else for the moment.

PI:
I did a landing in Laoag, its only size 1 but I want to stay away from small surface combat TF's like PT boats and the surviving subs from Manila. Again I plan to land in force and make my way to the centre from there, no need to rush here. The landing in southern Luzon did not happen for the moment and I'm not sure if it will at all. Oh, and Batan Islands got captured, nothing special I guess... [;)]

CENTPAC/SOUTHPAC:
I landed troops in Guam but without the bombardment TF it did not fall. Without KB I won’t do anything beyond LBA cover and I even expect a raid or two from allied BB's he had in PH.
I'm not sure what my opponent could do with those offensively but I can’t think of any significant use for the next months. As long as I stay under LBA he would have to come for a bombardment and eventually get a bloody nose. Ideas?

NG:
I did a landing in Rabaul instead of Wake. His carriers are far away in the beginning and I hope to set the base up for LBA before they would arrive. Unless they go through Kwajaleins air coverage they will have to do a detour anyway.
For the time being I'm without carriers here and will not go any significantly further. But as soon as I have air superiority I'd love to cut the Australian supply line. We'll see...


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/07/41

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Sub attack at 31,55

Japanese Ships
AP Burisuben Maru
AK Hawaii Maru
PC Ch 3
PC Ch 2
PC Ch 1
PC Shonan Maru #2
PC Shonan Maru #1
PC Kyo Maru #13
PC Kyo Maru #12
PC Kyo Maru #11
PC Kyo Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS O20, hits 3

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Sub attack at 23,52

Japanese Ships
SS I-121

Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Torpedo hits 1, on fire [:D]
DD Vampire
DD Tenedos

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Day Air attack on Alor Star , at 24,44

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 9
Ki-21-II Sally x 22
Ki-48-I Lily x 53
Ki-15 Babs x 6

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-I Lily: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
2 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 4

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Day Air attack on Singapore , at 22,51

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 134

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 15 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 10 destroyed
Vildebeest IV: 3 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed
Swordfish: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 27

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Day Air attack on Cagayan , at 43,59

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 9
B5N2 Kate x 18

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

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Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 75
D3A2 Val x 149
B5N2 Kate x 157

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
D3A2 Val: 2 destroyed, 35 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 23 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 3 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 8 destroyed

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
SS Seawolf, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
SS Sargo, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Pillsbury, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AVD Childs, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AS Holland, Bomb hits 3, on fire
SS Stingray, Bomb hits 2, on fire
SS Pike, Bomb hits 2
DD John D. Ford, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
SS Perch, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Tulsa, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sagoland, Bomb hits 3, on fire
SS S-37, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
SS S-38, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Pope, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Madison, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Corregidor, Bomb hits 1, on fire
PT PT-32, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Fortuna, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AV Langley, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AR Dewey Dry Dock, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
PT Q 111, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS Swordfish, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AO Trinity, Bomb hits 2, on fire
SS Snapper, Bomb hits 2, on fire
TK Gertrude Kellogg, Bomb hits 1
AK Candesa, Bomb hits 1
AK Capillo, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
SS Seal, Bomb hits 1
SS Porpoise, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS Salmon, Bomb hits 2, on fire
SS S-41, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Basilan, Bomb hits 2, on fire
SS Tarpon, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
SS Saury, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Bisayas, Bomb hits 1
AS Otus, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
SS Sailfish, Bomb hits 1, on fire
SS S-40, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Anshun, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
SS Seadragon, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS Sculpin, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
SS Sealion, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Paz, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Princessa, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Governor Taft, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Finch, Bomb hits 1, on fire
SS Spearfish, Bomb hits 3, on fire
SS Skipjack, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Peary, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AS Canopus, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
SS Permit, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS Shark, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Anakan, Bomb hits 3, on fire
SS Searaven, Bomb hits 2, on fire
MSW Lark, Bomb hits 1, on fire
PC Napa, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-41, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Bittern, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Compagnia Filipinas, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Princess of Negros, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
218 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 21

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Day Air attack on Clark Field , at 43,51

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 81
G3M Nell x 54
G4M1 Betty x 53
C5M Babs x 8
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1
Ki-15 Babs x 4

Allied aircraft
P-26A x 1
P-40B Tomahawk x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
G3M Nell: 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-26A: 5 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 6 destroyed
P-35A: 3 destroyed
B-17D Fortress: 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
139 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 34
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 165

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Day Air attack on Clark Field , at 43,51

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 23
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 32

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Day Air attack on 62nd Chinese Corps, at 43,39

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 4
Ki-30 Ann x 12
Ki-51 Sonia x 21
Ki-15 Babs x 1
Ki-36 Ida x 32

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
63 casualties reported

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Day Air attack on TF, near Shanghai at 52,39

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
PG Wake, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 42,44

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 14
Ki-21-II Sally x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
TK Ebonol, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

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Day Air attack on TF at 44,63

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 9

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 6
B-17E Fortress x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 6 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo
CA Nachi

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Day Air attack on TF, near Kuching at 27,56

Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Martin 139: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna

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Day Air attack on TF, near Kuching at 27,56

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 6

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna

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Day Air attack on TF, near Kuching at 27,56

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 2

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo

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Day Air attack on TF, near Kuching at 27,56

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 5

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu

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Day Air attack on TF, near Singora at 24,43

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai

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Day Air attack on TF, near Kota Bharu at 24,45

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 5

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim I bombing at 15000 feet
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Day Air attack on TF, near Kota Bharu at 24,45

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 6
Hudson I x 10

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 1 damaged
Hudson I: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim I bombing at 15000 feet
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Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 62,90

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 3
Hudson I x 4

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Mutsuki
DD Yayoi

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
1 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
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Day Air attack on TF, near Kota Bharu at 24,45

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 4

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Mogamigawa Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim I bombing at 15000 feet
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Day Air attack on TF, near Kuching at 27,56

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 3
Martin 139 x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Oigawa Maru

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Day Air attack on TF at 42,44

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 10
Ki-21-II Sally x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Hai Lee, Bomb hits 1

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Day Air attack on TF at 42,44

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-II Sally x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Haraldsvang

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Day Air attack on TF at 44,44

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 8
A6M2 Zero x 50
G3M Nell x 12
Ki-27 Nate x 21
Ki-30 Ann x 27

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Taiping, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage

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Day Air attack on TF at 45,44

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8
Ki-27 Nate x 7
Ki-36 Ida x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Kiangsu, Bomb hits 2, on fire

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Day Time Surface Combat at 41,43

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma

Allied Ships
AK Wawa, Shell hits 8, on fire

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Day Time Surface Combat at 41,43

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma

Allied Ships
AK Chekiang, Shell hits 17, on fire

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Day Time Surface Combat at 41,43

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma

Allied Ships
AK Churruca, Shell hits 9, on fire

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Day Time Surface Combat at 42,44

Japanese Ships
DD Kari
DD Kiji

Allied Ships
AK Hai Lee, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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Day Time Surface Combat at 42,44

Japanese Ships
DD Kari
DD Kiji

Allied Ships
AK Chekiang, Shell hits 7, on fire

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Day Time Surface Combat at 42,44

Japanese Ships
DD Kari
DD Kiji

Allied Ships
AK Haraldsvang, Shell hits 6

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Naval bombardment of Kuching, at 27,56 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

12 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Hibiki
DD Akatsuki, Shell hits 1
DD Arashio
DD Michishio, Shell hits 2
DD Oshio, Shell hits 1
DD Asashio
CL Jintsu
CA Atago
CA Takao
BB Haruna, Shell hits 1
BB Kongo

Allied Ships
AK Kampar, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Dayak, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
339 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1

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Naval bombardment of Rabaul, at 62,90

Japanese Ships
DD Yuzuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Uzuki
DD Oboro
CA Kako
CA Furutaka
CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba

Allied Ships
AK Malaita, Shell hits 6, on fire
AK Lakatoi, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
205 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 7
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 3

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Naval bombardment of Kota Bharu, at 24,45

Japanese Ships
DD Sagiri
DD Hagikaze
DD Arashi
DD Nowaki
DD Maikaze
CA Kumano
CA Suzuya
CA Mikuma
CA Mogami
CA Chokai


Allied ground losses:
474 casualties reported
Guns lost 13

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 7
Port hits 10
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 10

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Naval bombardment of Cagayan, at 43,59

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze
DD Matsukaze
DD Harukaze
DD Asakaze
CL Kuma
CL Natori
CA Ashigara
CA Maya

Allied Ships
AK Magallanes, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
123 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 21
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 4

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ASW attack at 23,52

Japanese Ships
SS I-121

Allied Ships
DD Tenedos

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Coastal Guns at Rabaul, 62,90, firing at TF 16
TF 16 troops unloading over beach at Rabaul, 62,90


Japanese ground losses:
53 casualties reported

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TF 20 troops unloading over beach at Guam, 63,66


Japanese ground losses:
357 casualties reported

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Coastal Guns at Kota Bharu, 24,45, firing at TF 85
TF 85 troops unloading over beach at Kota Bharu, 24,45


53 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
PC Ch 7, Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
646 casualties reported

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TF 86 troops unloading over beach at Cagayan, 43,59


Japanese ground losses:
244 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 87 troops unloading over beach at Laoag, 45,48


Japanese ground losses:
187 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Kuching, 27,56, firing at TF 88
TF 88 troops unloading over beach at Kuching, 27,56


16 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
PC Shonan Maru #2
PC Kyo Maru #12

Japanese ground losses:
328 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 90 troops unloading over beach at Batan Islands, 46,47


Japanese ground losses:
49 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kota Bharu

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4908 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 9430 troops, 92 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kuching

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 824 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3616 troops, 28 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Rabaul

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1463 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1151 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Batan Islands

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1247 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 142 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Batan Islands base !!!

[Mistmatz]

During the 2nd day of the campaign major landings in Khota Baru, Cagayan, Kuching and Rabaul proceeded. Small landing forces in Guam and Laoag capture the bases.

I split up KB which was west of PI when it struck Manila. One part (KB-A) will cover landings in Kuching, the other half (KB-B) will pass Laoag in the north of PI and then sail southward on the eastern side of PI. I have no real opposition here so I feel quite comfortable with splitting up KB. Nevertheless before major Pacific operations begin it will be reassembled.

The highlight of this turn was the sinking of 9 PT boats by my valiant destroyer groups in the north of PI. [:D]

Rain over Formosa saved Manila for today, and an air raid over Alor Star resulted in very low damage. KB-A and mini-KB began hunting down merchants, KB-B also stuck in bad weather near Formosa.

My submarine force is split up by now. I put them together in small groups consisting of 3 or 4 attack subs and a scout sub with a Glen floatplane. One group is operating in the waters of Marcus, Canton Isl. and Wake respectively. Most other subs are in transfer from PH towards Java, DEI, PI. Three minor groups are already operating there, but I want the subs to be a real pita for the allies in this area. Hopefully they lure some ASW forces out of harbour which I hope to sink with my CVx's there. Evil plan... will not work anyway, but I have to try. What I've seen from ctangus so far is that he is a very aggressive player, hopefully a bit too aggressive... [8D]
Another group is operating between Canton Isl and Fiji. and one south of Rabaul.

Here are the interesting parts of the AAR, I think bringing the whole report is a bit annoying for the readers, but will do so if requested.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Alor Star , at 24,44

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 35
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 17
Ki-21-II Sally x 22
Ki-48-I Lily x 50
Ki-15 Babs x 3

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 2 destroyed

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 19

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
11 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
16 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
12 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
17 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
4 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 42,52


Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 17


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Ootori, Shell hits 12
DD Hayabusa, Shell hits 12 This one scared me first but the armor wasnt penetrated (they got sysdamage of 1 and 4%) [8D]

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x P-40E Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
4 x P-40E Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
4 x P-40E Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
4 x P-40E Warhawk attacking at 100 feet
4 x P-40E Warhawk attacking at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat at 43,47

Japanese Ships
DD Kasasagi
DD Hiyodori

Allied Ships
PT MTB 7, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT MTB 8
PT MTB 9, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT MTB 10
PT MTB 11
PT MTB 12

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat at 43,47

Japanese Ships
DD Hokaze, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
PT MTB 8
PT MTB 10
PT MTB 11, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
PT MTB 12

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat at 42,47

Japanese Ships
DD Kuri
DD Tsuga
DD Hasu

Allied Ships
PT MTB 26, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT MTB 27

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat at 42,52

Japanese Ships
DD Ootori
DD Hayabusa

Allied Ships
PT PT-31, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
PT PT-33, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
PT PT-34
PT PT-35, Shell hits 9, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat at 43,47

Japanese Ships
CL Naka

Allied Ships
PT MTB 8
PT MTB 10, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT MTB 12, Shell hits 5, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kuching

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 8775 troops, 92 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1292 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Kuching base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
67 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
1322 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kota Bharu

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4893 troops, 22 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 21420 troops, 228 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Rabaul

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1340 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 11796 troops, 65 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Guam

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 10074 troops, 75 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 111 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Guam base !!!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Laoag

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 7793 troops, 160 guns, 11 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 113 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Laoag base !!!

[Mistmatz]

Third day in the campaign. ctangus decided to ambush my landings at Laoag. DD Shiratsuyu went down against two allied DD's, but took DD Thanet with her. Some hits on the landing ships but nothing serious so far. The second allied destroyer got some attention from Ann divebombers later. [8D]

I'm not happy with the results of my levelbombers. Only weak blows against Alor Star, Kuantan and Malaya. Over Malaya 14 Warhawks got shot down by Zero escorts. [:D]

On land IJA forces reduced fortress levels in Hong Kong and Rabaul and captured Cagayan. Paratroops from Formosa captured Taytay. Cagayan will be a forward base for levelbombers whereas Taytay will be used as an ASW base to cover the entrance of Manila harbour.

I provide only the interesting parts of the report as I dont want to bore my readers. I plan to post more pictures with my reports once I'm up to the current state of the game.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/09/41

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Laoag at 45,48

Japanese Ships
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Scout
DD Thanet, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Laoag at 45,48

Japanese Ships
MSW W.16
MSW W.19
PG Aso Maru
PG Kamitsu Maru
PC Takunan Maru #5
PC Ch 18
PC Ch 32, Shell hits 1
AP Aki Maru
AP Izumo Maru
AP Kumakawa Maru
AP Ozan Maru, Shell hits 2
AP Waura Maru
AK Arizona Maru, Shell hits 2
AK Anzan Maru
AK Hayo Maru, Shell hits 1
AK Matsukawa Maru, Shell hits 1
AK Udo Maru

Allied Ships
DD Scout, Shell hits 5

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 44,48

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 13, Shell hits 2
PC Ch 14, Shell hits 3
PC Ch 15
PC Ch 16
PC Ch 17

Allied Ships
PT MTB 8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 60,94

Japanese Ships
SS I-10

Allied Ships
AK Malaita, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Alor Star , at 24,44

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 19
Ki-21-II Sally x 24
Ki-48-I Lily x 55
Ki-15 Babs x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
2 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
17 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
7 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
9 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-48-I Lily bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Alor Star , at 24,44

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-II Sally x 60
Ki-46-II Dinah x 5
Ki-15 Babs x 3

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
27 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Alor Star , at 24,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
Ki-21-II Sally x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
9 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kuantan , at 24,48

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 46

No Japanese losses

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
14 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kuantan , at 24,48

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
G3M Nell x 131

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 30

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
18 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
14 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
18 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
15 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
6 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
7 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
6 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
7 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
G3M Nell x 54
G4M1 Betty x 53
Ki-21-II Sally x 6
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
G3M Nell: 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged
Ki-21-II Sally: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 14 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
258 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 2

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 16

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
20 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
15 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
5 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
10 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
10 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 23

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged


Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
10 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on TF, near Laoag at 45,48

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-27 Nate x 10
Ki-30 Ann x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-30 Ann: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Scout, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-30 Ann bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-30 Ann bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-30 Ann bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-30 Ann bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-30 Ann bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-30 Ann bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-30 Ann bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-30 Ann bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cagayan

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2043 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 976 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 13 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cagayan base !!!



Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
84 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Rabaul

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 11693 troops, 59 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2660 troops, 28 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1


Japanese ground losses:
172 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Allied ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Guns lost 5


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hong Kong

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 64317 troops, 658 guns, 51 vehicles

Defending force 16268 troops, 122 guns, 1 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 5

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 5)


Japanese ground losses:
789 casualties reported
Guns lost 25
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
449 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Taytay

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 714 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 20 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Taytay base !!!

[Mistmatz]

The Kongo TF arrived at Kuching last turn and is now night bombing Singkawang. As soon as I have transportation capacity free I'll send forces to capture that base.

ctangus surprised me today when he started to bomb Taan from Kweiyang/China. To no effect though. [:-]
My surface TF's were quit successful during the last two days sinking lots of shipping on the run from PI towards Java. A valiant PT boat scored some MG hits on DD Hayabusa, PT sunk.

KB-B stroke Manila port, this time from the east coast of PI. Four more subs were sunk plus some other shipping. So far I sunk 21 SS, 13 PT boats and 2 DD. Although I'm pleased with the removal process of the annoying threats of SS and PT I need to find some bigger vessels... [8D]

Levelbombers from Formosa took the opportunity of reduced air defence over Manila and hit the airfield again. Clark and Manila are probably both still open though.

Tarawa and Rabaul fell, in Hong Kong troops are resting but artillery keeps the enemy busy. In Khota Baru fortifications continue to evaporate.

I'm beginning to think about an early invasion in of Port Moresby. I guess I'm not strong enough there with level bombers and carriers far away, but I'll bring the neccessary land forces to Rabaul and will probably go for PM prior to any move on Canton Isl. or elsewhere. When do you usually attack PM or in the Pacific region, any advice? [&:][&:]



Some excerpts of the combat report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/10/41

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 42,49

Japanese Ships
DD Ootori
DD Hayabusa, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
PT MTB 8, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Singkawang, at 25,56

Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu
CA Atago
CA Takao
BB Haruna
BB Kongo


Allied ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 8
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Laoag at 45,48

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 17
PC Ch 16
PC Ch 15
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 13

Allied Ships
SS S-39, hits 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Taan , at 37,41


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7


Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 4 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
D3A2 Val x 74
B5N2 Kate x 77

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
D3A2 Val: 1 destroyed, 21 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 14 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Paz, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Genesee, Bomb hits 2, on fire
MSW Whippoorwill, Bomb hits 1, on fire
SS Searaven, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Capillo, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Candesa, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AVD Childs, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Pope, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
SS Snapper, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PG Tulsa, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS Seal, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Corregidor, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
DD John D. Ford, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Luzon, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AS Otus, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS Sealion, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Peary, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
SS Stingray, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AS Holland, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
AK Sagoland, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AS Canopus, Bomb hits 1
AO Trinity, Bomb hits 1, on fire
SS Sailfish, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
TK Gertrude Kellogg, Bomb hits 1
AK Ethel Edwards, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
724 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 8

Port hits 6
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
21 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
25 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
27 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
28 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
28 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 52
G3M Nell x 52
G4M1 Betty x 27
Ki-21-II Sally x 36

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
121 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 25

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
14 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
20 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
16 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
4 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
5 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
6 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Ki-21-II Sally bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on TF at 40,67


Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 2
Hudson I x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Tama, Bomb hits 1
A 250 kg bomb... deck painting needs some rework [;)]

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on TF at 38,57

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 20
Ki-27 Nate x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Soochow, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Levelbombers in Cagayan find there first victim. Fatigue was 32 before takeoff (rebased the same turn)
After the attack it was 27 and morale improved. [:)]

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Rabaul

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 13099 troops, 66 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2303 troops, 16 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 9 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Rabaul base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
168 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
97 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hong Kong

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4836 troops, 124 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 15743 troops, 104 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kota Bharu

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24614 troops, 260 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 7440 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2


Japanese ground losses:
113 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
80 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tarawa

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 739 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 23 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Tarawa base !!!

[Mistmatz]

ctangus had some surprises for me today, althoug with no effect.

Malaya:
In Singora all of a sudden an indian brigade showed up. My unloaded division there was just ready to leave for Alor Star and easily repelled the attacker with a shock attack. They will follow to Alor Star. More and more troops are coming via railroad from Indochina for the drive towards Singapore. Maybe he thought I leave Singapore alone for a while and got overconfident? [:-]
Khota Baru is taken, he moved all his troops out which was probably a smart move considering that there was nothing left to fight for (see picture). Troops will rest and than proceed along the coastline.



Generally I will have two attack directions, one from Singora/Alor Star along the west coast, the other one from Khota Baru straight south. The division on Khota Baru has quite some disruption/fatigue so it wont be fast fast enough to establish an encirclement of troops as I initially hoped for. Guess I have to punch through as fast as I can and get LBA from Indochina over for more efficient bombings. I'm looking forward to the siege of Singapore already, it will be my first big land battle and I better do well then... [:)]

China:
Another surprise happened at Wuchow where parts of the AVG showed up to give my DB from Canton a bad day. Only one Sonja lost, but I have to select my targets more carefully. Maybe I even prepare a trap for them...
In Taan again bombers from Kweiyang showed up, again no damage. I put a squadron of Nates on LRCAP (2hexes away) to see how well they perform.

PI:
KB-A is busy clearing shipping whereas KB-B stayed close to Manila and hit the port again.
I landed troops in Lamon Bay. Together with the presence of KB-B it shall give him the impression of a major landing starting there. In fact it is just a distraction, major IJA elements continue to land in Laoag and will do so soon at Legaspi. I guess he wont reinforce Legaspi with a landing going on at the backdoor of Manila. I'm prepared to loose Lamon Bay, infact I'll depart my troops from there in a day or two, when Legaspi bridgehead is established or unopposed.

Others:
In Menado I landed with heavy disruption, guess I need more CA support here. The waters between PI and Borneo are almost free of enemy shipping. A couple of TF's made it through towards Java. My subs there are unfortunately very blind or hesitant it seems.
By now I identified the minelaying subs, I will use these newly discovered toys soon.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/11/41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kota Bharu at 24,45

Japanese Ships
DD Sagiri
DD Hagikaze
DD Arashi
DD Nowaki
DD Maikaze
CA Kumano
CA Mikuma

Allied Ships
SS KXI, hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Kota Bharu, at 24,45

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano
CA Suzuya
CA Mikuma
CA Mogami
CA Chokai

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39

Japanese aircraft
Ki-30 Ann x 12
Ki-51 Sonia x 27
Ki-15 Babs x 1

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-30 Ann: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
Ki-51 Sonia: 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 damaged

Damn AVG ambushed my unescorted DB but to no effect luckily

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-30 Ann bombing at 2000 feet
27 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Taan , at 37,41


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 6


Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 3 damaged

This will stop soon...

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
D3A2 Val x 36
B5N2 Kate x 63

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
D3A2 Val: 4 destroyed, 18 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 4 destroyed, 22 damaged


Allied Ships
AP President Madison, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS Seal, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PG Luzon, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Basilan, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
TK Gertrude Kellogg, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Pope, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Palawan, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AO Trinity, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AVD Childs, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Princessa, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD John D. Ford, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
97 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
19 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
14 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
24 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
26 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Clark Field , at 43,51

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 27

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-26A: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hong Kong

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4826 troops, 123 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 15791 troops, 108 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
63 casualties reported
Guns lost 8


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Singora

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 25042 troops, 293 guns, 26 vehicles

Defending force 3138 troops, 22 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 19 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
211 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
299 casualties reported
Guns lost 10


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kota Bharu

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24512 troops, 258 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2605 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese assault odds: 21 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Kota Bharu base !!!



Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lamon Bay

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1255 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 72 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Lamon Bay base !!!

[Mistmatz]

A quiet day.

Yesterday a small allied TF was seen at Taan, today I know it was a ML, 2 PG and some other vessel currently qualified as 'CA'. Some of the mines laid at the harbour where destroyed already by an ASW group that entered port. Mary's sunk the ML and a hastily sent TF of 2 CL and 2 DD sunk the PG's. What remains is to be hunted down soon. [:D]

A MSW group planned for Hong Kong will first take care of the remaining mines at Taan.

Hong Kong saw another attack, heavy disruption but forts are down to 4.

Manado is taken, troops pregare to reembark for Amboina.

KB-A will cover Amboina operation, KB-B strikes once more in the PI and will set sail for replacements at Palau. Mini-KB will assemble on norht side of Borneo and cover Kuching and the landings at Brunei (eta: 5-6 days).

Instead of boring combat report a snapshot from a sub commander close to New Guinea. [8D]

[Mistmatz]

Some words regarding China.

In the picture below you see how I organize my troops there (south/center/north) splitted by the bright blue lines. The orange line reflects the front line as of 41/12/07. The dark brown line is the front line I aim for prior to cutting Burma road.

[Mistmatz]

In this picture you see situation as of 41/12/13. The remaining chinese guerillias are in red circles. The group in the northern forests will be cut off by a division from Kaifeng.

I'm a bit hesitant about moving into the gap west of Yenan. I could cut off this city with a division but Yenan is far off from a good road, so I doubt I want to figth there...
Maybe it better to let him *think* I might use this gap and let him commit a unit or two. Comments?

*EDIT* Was wrong picture

[Mistmatz]

OK, time for some Q&A. I do the Q and hope for a lot of A from you... [8D]

a) How do you manage reinforcements? Do you do it for every single unit or for all units under a certain command. Latter could be a bad idea thinking of southern command. Currently I cannot think of a smarter solution than micromanagement...

b) To which levels should I increase my airplane and vehicle production, if at all? Remember this is CHS not stock, although I'm not sure if this makes a difference. Currently I'm slightly over 100 Zeros and about 70 Oscars, add some 60 level bombers of several kinds. Is this sufficient? I guess I will add a picture later for the cracks to check...

c) How many units (or AV) do you usually use for the PI campaign? I'm currently planning for 5 Div + 1 Bde + support units, is this sufficient?

d) How many units (or AV) do you usually use for the Malaya campaign? currently planning for 4 Div + 2 Bde + support units, is this sufficient?

e) What would you do with all the spared BB power in PH? What should I do to be prepared? I'm thinking of moving level bombers towards Rabaul, Marianas and Kwajalein to secure them but I need them also to bomb PI and Malaya. Now that I think of it I should maybe use my BBs to bomb Manila and when I reduced the number of PTs in Malaya do the same with Singapore... Comments?

[Mistmatz]

I'm getting the impression I'm writing this AAR all for myself.

Nobody out there with some thoughts about my questions? Come on, step out of the shadows. [;)]

[Mistmatz]

Two relatively quiet days.


PI:

On Dec/14 Legaspi and Aparri fell in the Philippines as planned. Lots of unloading men and material there and at Laoag. I moved some recon planes to Legaspi and to Laoag as I want to shorten the distance when scouting Manila and Clark. I noticed I have considerable operational losse which needs to be adressed. Around PI allied shipping is nil, only 1 sub seen which seems to be on the run also.

I noticed that my unloaded HQ in Aparri moved within one day to Vigan, whereas the other troops are still way behind. Same happened with a Construction Battalion that went into Tavoy 2 days earlier than the combat troops. I guess I should use the follow option more but I think I heard its kinda flawed, isnt it? How do you synchronise arrival then? [&:]

Clark has been closed. For a couple of days AF damage was around 30, with the last strike I got a B-17 and some others on the ground, so recon was bad. I dont know about Manila, but I hope to get better info with the new bases for my Babs' and Dinah's. I havent seen the B-17s active for a couple of days, he either spares them for a nasty surprise or I trapped them in Clark/Manila (unlikely).


Malaya:

An immedeate shock attack of 5th Div in Alor Star was a sound failure, Lv 3 forts here with a base force and 2 indian Bde's. One of them is almost completely disabled due to its adventure in Singora, still they defended well. Luckily the Imperial Guards arrived at time and will start to bombard right away, combat Eng's also on their way. In Khota Baru a Div and some support troops are now heading down the railway towards Johore Baru.
I think I'll divert a thirds of this Div to trap troops at Kuantan as I dont want the RR supply cut. I have two tank brigades with them, maybe I'm able to cut Malaya into two pieces. This could shorten the siege of Singapore once he cannot reinforce.

Heavy naval bombardment will be used to prepare Kuantan for a quick takeover. The airfield in Khota Baru is almost 100% operational again, Army bombers are coming in to shorten flight time to targets. Navy bombers from Indochina will soon operate against Johore and maybe a port strike against Singapore.

Talking about Singapore, Nells and Bettys from Kuching found a new ship hunting playground in the Borneo-Java-Sumatra triangle. Interestingly only small AK's so far, some of them heading NE so he must be trying to reinforce Singapore. [:-]

A crack fighter formation moved back to Indochina and is upgraded to Oscars.


Burma:

Heavy Ground attacks of my Lilys and Sallys on Victoria Point. After the pounding 600 paras take the base against 400 defenders. They are marching to prison camps now. [8D]
It was a bit risky as I only used one transport group taking off from Hong Kong for the assault but I wanted to get a feeling how paras perform and I'm quite pleased, although it was probably the intense gound attacking prior to the drop that saved the day. Not to mention it was a basae force defending...


Pacific:

ctangus started ASW patrols around Suva and Canton Island. Found some of my subs, so I move them a bit away from the bases and hope this decreases chance of detection. One sub at Canton lost its Glen... heading home for replacement, I need their eyes or I'lll never find something to sink. Apart of fleeing vessels from Rabaul my sub war in the pacific was worthless so far. Couldnt intercept a TF from Canton to Suva with 5 subs although they ended up in the same hex a couple of times...


China:

I'm having a hard time with those pesky guerrilla corps. I have attacks of up to 10:1 but still losses are about the same for both, not talking about retreating them...


Other:

Amboina receives a heavy pounding from my BB's. An attack force leaves Manado with cover from KB-A heading for Kuching. KB-B expected in Palau tomorrow for refuel and replacements.

Navy pilot pool is empty, the good thing is I dont have to limit reinforcements to fighter formations anymore. I can reinforce all and everything now. Well... [8|]

[Mistmatz]

At western Borneo Sinkawang is bombed again from the Kongo TF. Invasion will follow soon. My staging basis for the attack on Sumatra/Java expands... [:)]

In Hong Kong and Alor Star forts drop to 3 and 2 respecitvely. Hong Kong will be reinforced by elements of the 55th Div. I want to remove that british blib on the map soon. I also noticed that my recon planes from Canton were scouting Wuchan (extended range) instead of something closer. I now ordered specifically to scout Hong Kong, although I'm not sure if it will increase the DL as I'm already fighting here. Does somebody know how DL really works?

In Malaya unloading continues. In China I still try to eliminate the guerillas with 10:1 atacks to no effect...
At least garrisioning makes good progress, I expect some bigger formations available for frontline duty in a week.

In the south chinese sea Buffalos strafe CVE Taiyo, some fires but no real damage. [:D]
In Brunei an invasion force is unloading at the beaches under regular attacks from LB and TB. Luckily no hits so far. Spare Nells and Bettys are going for Tarakan to take care about that threat. So far this landing was my worst planning ever. They started from Honan a couple of days ago which is probably the reason why I forgot to add CLs and air cover. Lets see if it works out. [8D]

Around Suva a MSW was sunk, finally my subs in the pacific participate in the action... [8|]

In south Banda Sea I thought for a minute I-174 found Force Z. The commander missed with a fish and 6 DDs immedeatly hunted the sub. Lots of near misses but no damage. Checking the report again I noticed that the DD's are US american, so I guess I didnt found Force Z despite the fact that the mouseover says 3 BB's. Unless it has left the DEI my best guess is Batavia. Repulse ate a fish back on day 1, so maybe Force Z is withdrawn for repairs. At least I dont plan to offer them easy targets. [:-]

[Mistmatz]

A good day for the empire!

KB-A ran close to the location where I-174 spotted the american destroyers in order to make life for subs easier. Apparantly a lot of shipping down there, see parts of combat report. [8D]

At extended range strikes were launched against CA Houston and CL Boise who were escorted by the six US DD's. Both of them took several 250 kg bomb hits but are still afloat, 3 DDs are also hit. In addition a good bunch of AKs and APs was attacked. I guess some carriers close to Darwin is always a good idea to prevent evacuation of oil, fuel and resource towards Australia. [:'(]

The famous H.NL.M.S. Abraham Crijnssen, a MSW was sunk today. Dang did I change history today. [;)]
Find her real story here:
tm.asp?m=1048050

Landings at Sinkawang started, found some mines but no damage.

Chuck attacked unloading ships at Khota Baru with Vildebeests from Mersing, havent seen those for a while, I assume their morale is up again. Luckily no hits.

In Kavieng I'm in a stalemate with my single SNLF, shore bombardments have no effect, I assume enemy formation is too small (less than 1000 soldiers) - as is mine. I will have to put some additional troops there.

Vigan in the PI is seized. No opposition there he's concentrating forces at Manila and Clark according to intel. I forgot to mention that Guiuan was seized yesterday, an unimportant base in the southeast of Luzon.

In Hong Kong Forts are down to 2 at 1-1 attacks... [:D]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 33,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
D3A2 Val x 42
B5N2 Kate x 53

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Houston, Bomb hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
CL Boise, Bomb hits 5, on fire
DD Bulmer, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Barker
DD Paul Jones
DD Parrott, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Stewart, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lautem at 33,77

Japanese aircraft
D3A2 Val x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Reijnist, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Op Ten Noort, Bomb hits 3, on fire
MSW Abraham Crijnssen, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 33,78

Japanese aircraft
D3A2 Val x 15
B5N2 Kate x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Boise, Bomb hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
DD Parrott, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bulmer, on fire
DD Stewart
DD Paul Jones
DD Barker, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lautem at 33,77

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
D3A2 Val x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
PG Warrego, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ormiston

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lautem at 33,77

Japanese aircraft
D3A2 Val x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Reijnist, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
AK Op Ten Noort, on fire
MSW Abraham Crijnssen, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 35,82

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 21

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Toendjoek, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Modjekerto, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Tjisaroea, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Boero

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hong Kong

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 62104 troops, 581 guns, 43 vehicles

Defending force 15073 troops, 84 guns, 2 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2


Japanese ground losses:
499 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
133 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Vigan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4473 troops, 84 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Vigan base !!!

[Mistmatz]

======================================
NEWSFLASH!!! NEWSFLASH!!! NEWSFLASH!!!
======================================

Hong Kong has fallen! Japanese troops seize the city from the british oppressors! [:D][:D][:D]

11 days after the hostilities in the pacific began the first major land battle is won by japanese troops. I ascribe this success to the effective usage of two combat engineer regiments and several artillery units. More than 19000 british troops are marching to PoW camps right now.
The victoriuos japanese troops will rest for a few days and then march towards new victories. [8D]
MSWs from Taan are already on their way to ensure safe passage into Hong Kong harbour so we can use the docks for ship repairs.

At Victoria Point CL Ceres and CL Capetown bombard my troops quite effectively. They werent detected despite the fact that Mavis planes on naval search are based at Singora. [:@]

At Borneo Singkawang was captured against minimal resistance. No signs of Force Z which I believed to be in Batavia.

Enemy torpedo bombers are active again from bases in Malaya. My troops are stuck on the trail between Khota Baru and Kuantang, Chuck managed to position some brigades in the mountains as blocking force and my troops were advancing to fast and are exhausted right now. They will need some days rest before I can continue the advance.
Army LB's started to systematically shut down the remaining big air bases in Malaya, but this will take a while. Especially because Navy bombers from Indochina tend to stay at home due to weather and can not provide support. I'm moving more and more of them to Kuching, it's a shorter trip from there to Singapore and they are in a different weather zone, one which had throughout the campaign better forecast. Probably this will change now... [8|]

Due to bad weather my LB's from Formosa didnt strike for two days now. If I'm unlucky Clark opens up again and he evacuates his planes there. Not to talk about Manila, he's flying Naval attacks with his fighters already against my convoys unloading at Legaspi. Two hits so far but nothing critical. On the other hand a squadron of Kates visited Manila harbour again with good results, a sub and a DD sunk plus some hits on other vessels. I want to make sure that the trapped ships wont leave alive. [:'(]

In Banda sea my carriers continue to wreck havoc against dutch shiping moving oil and fuel out of DEI towards Australia. They really burn nicely at night... [:)]
CL Boise was spotted again and finished off. CA Houston either sunk during the first attack or managed to avoid detection. Comparing the bomb hits needed to sink Boise I guess she survived. I'll probably not have enough assets at hand to track her down and sink her but will try to do so.


Combat report excerpts:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Victoria Point, at 25,39

Allied Ships
CL Capetown
CL Ceres

Japanese ground losses:
191 casualties reported Quite a punch from two CL's, got to find and sink them...
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 6
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
B5N2 Kate x 27
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
AK Compagnia Filipinas, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS Snapper, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AS Canopus, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Capillo, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD John D. Ford, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
AK Ethel Edwards, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
71 casualties reported A port attack with casualties??? Is he evacuating with AK's or what??? [&:]
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 16000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 31,77

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
D3A2 Val x 16
B5N2 Kate x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CL Boise, Bomb hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage down she goes... [:)]
DD Parrott, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hong Kong

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 61528 troops, 574 guns, 40 vehicles

Defending force 14896 troops, 81 guns, 3 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 9 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Hong Kong base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
426 casualties reported
Guns lost 12
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
19087 casualties reported [8D][8D][8D]
Guns lost 61


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Singkawang

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4686 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1242 troops, 7 guns, 1 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 16 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Singkawang base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
145 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Overall situation

[Mistmatz]

Geeeez, there's always rain after the sunshine...

Today Chuck raided shipping lanes around Rabaul. He really got me with my pants down. [:@][:@][:@]
I expected something but I didnt expect it there. Once more my Mavis patrols failed me as they located the enemy CV as soon as it was only 2 hexes away from Rabaul (see picture below). Dunno why they are so blind, Victoria Point was also raided again without detection of the raiding CL's, despite the fact that I had RC planes on naval search right at that place. I begin to think I'm doing something wrong here.

The raid...
He attacked a surface TF consisting of 3 CAs plus several CL/DD close to Rabaul with Dauntless dive bombers. He scored 11 hits with 1000kg bombs, the first resulting in that famous "massive explosion" thingy... [8|]
A weaker strike of Devastators put a fish in an AP of an inbound troop convoy.
His intelligence wasnt very good obviously as I had two additional inbound convoys with lots of troops at his extended range. Maybe it wasnt intelligence but the pilots refusing to attack at extended range. Anyways one day later and he would have hit them right into the face, so I consider myself at least partially lucky with the outcome. Now I'm still in a messy situation as I need to get them into safety ASAP without going to close to Port Moresby where his recons and patrols are placed... [8|]

In central pacific SSI-7 put a fish into BB West Virginia north of Wake. I assume she is on a bombardment mission going for Marcus. Not much I can do about it at the moment, but maybe he gets overconfident and lures into my LBA screen...
Maybe he gets nervous now that I know about this TF and cancels the action. [;)]
SSI-7 was hit 4 times by the escorts but will survive hopefully, maybe even provide some intel with the Glen on her way to the docks.

In Malaya Alor Star fell, my troops fought against a lone base force as Chuck withdrew his brigades in time to Georgetown. He's doing a very good job delaying my advance.
B-17's based in Batavia bombed Kuching and destroyed a Nell and a Betty on the ground. Nates on CAP couldnt deal with them...

My CV's between Australia and DEI/Banda Sea again sunk a lot of shipping but again failed to find CA Houston. Maybe she really sank in the first attack...
I bombarded Kendari and sank 6 PT boats there. One threat less to worry about for my upcoming invasions. In Amboina I landed enough troops to take the base but I forgot to bring engineers with me, so I bombard the base force till they arrive to ensure a proper takeover of the oil wells... [8D]
In China Chuck retreats from the wooden rail hex northwest of Nanching. Around Ichang I still notice lots of units. Its not clear if he will try to assault the city or just prevents an early breakout towards Chungking. Rebells in China are still a PITA.

Excerpts of CR:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 89,70

Japanese Ships
SS I-7, hits 4

Allied Ships
BB West Virginia, Torpedo hits 1 [:D]
DD Monaghan
DD Selfridge
DD Conyngham
DD Mahan
DD Bagley

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Victoria Point, at 25,39

Allied Ships
CL Capetown
CL Ceres

Japanese ground losses:
71 casualties reported still couldnt find them at sea...[:@]
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 3
Port fuel hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 25,68

Japanese Ships
SS I-166

Allied Ships
ML Rigel, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage sunk later

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kuching , at 27,56

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 10

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 61,91


Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 7
SBD Dauntless x 36


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 9 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 1
CL Kashima, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Kikuzuki, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Aoba
DD Oboro
CA Kako, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CA Furutaka, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 61,89


Allied aircraft
TBD Devastator x 15


Allied aircraft losses
TBD Devastator: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Nissho Maru
DD Akebono
AP Igasa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBD Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Brunei at 33,56

Japanese Ships
DD Wakaba
DD Hatsushimo
DD Nenohi
DD Hatsuharu
DD Kawakaze
DD Yamakaze

Allied Ships
SS O16, hits 2 finally some success to get rid of the subs around my bases, well and to be bases... [;)]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Situation around Rabaul, lots of vessels are looking for cover right now... His carrier TF is very well covered between "Bismarck" and "Archipelago" maybe thats why my Mavis patrols are so blind.

[Mistmatz]

OK, I was a bad boy and didnt update this AAR for quite some time now. Meanwhile we are mid January 1942 and some really nasty things happened to the splitted mini-KB. I'll try to cover what happened the last 20 or so turns soon and give a status how I did in the first month.

Of course this is basically a reminder to myself as I havent noticed much interest (replies) in this thread so far. *hinthint* [;)]

[Mistmatz]

I will post a series of situation reports for the various theaters over the next couple of days. Today I'll start with China as this is one of biggest concern to me right now. Currently we are at the beginning of Jan/1942.

In the picture below you can see my initial plans (brown line) that I wanted to achieve before staging any big offensive operation.

You may notice in the north is only one partisan coprs left, the center is already completely cleared. The (very easy) goals are therefore almost completely achieved. Additionally the mongolian cavalry divisions are taking over the garrison duties from the combat formations which are resting right now, some of them even allowed some replacements in the city of Chengting where my supply basis resides. I'm moving HQs to Kaifeng and hope to get supply over 20k there so I'm closer to the frontline for units that need rest or are recovering

The big problem is in the south.
After the relatively quick fall of Hong Kong I got overconfident and brought almost 3 division plus support troops to Wuchow in order to take it right away. As you can see on the picture ctangus moved some troops along the Canton-Changsha railroad and cut those troops off from supply. Of course I saw this coming but I didnt thought it would be much of a problem as I could always send some forces back from Wuchow to clear the path. Did I mention that I now understand the ZoC (zone of control) 'feature' in this game far better? [X(][8|]

In addition I underestimated the amount of partisans in the south. Wenchow was entered by a half Bde. but the chinese there sent them home immedeatly... So I now know that there are better troops than just guerilla farmers. On the bright side my efforts to open the Hangchow Nanchang road are going well. Southeast of Nanchang some 6 chinese corps are still blocking but I could open if I'd move the troops west of Nanchang in for assistance. These formations have successfully crushed the chinese at the cities doors, so there is no danger to this forward base for the moment. Apart from the many guerrillas in the south there are some 200k troops with 600 guns based in Changsha, so it seems that he wants to keep this city... [:)]

My problems at the moment is twofold. First I need to relief the troops in Wuchow. This is a big task as I have almost all offensive forces trapped there and I dont want to leave via the river overland. The southern cities of Foochow, Amoy and Swatow have no offensive formations left that can be brought in short term.

These are the actions I've taken so far:

a) I decided to send the Canton garrision brigade to at least probe the chinese blocking forces. Of course this means I'll see some destruction due to partisans in the city but I really want to clear this situation asap. I guess they can hold on their own and maybe they are even sufficient to open the supply path again.

b) Transport planes escorted by Zeros (AVG is active in China) supply the Wuchow salient from air, so far quite successful, supply situation allows bombardment attacks every other turn. I dont feel safe enough yet to deliberately attack against the ~7 chinese corps there.

c) The most important action is the activation of the 33rd division which was already in Bangkong for the upcoming Burma campaign. They are currently loading onto fast AP's but it will still take a week before they arrive in Canton to participate in the action. Once the situation is solved the 33rd will of course leave the theater again. I've already lost a day with the planned departure of a northern chinese division till I recognized again that I cannot load them on ships due to the restricted command they are attached to.



Back to the picture again. My second priority is the opening of the Kaifeng-Sinyang railroad. This would make transfer of troops along the frontline far easier and should also be beneficial for the supply situation at the front line (upper green line). The lower green line shows the supply line up to Hengchow/Changsha that should be established.

As soon as Wuchow salient is open again and objective "2" is achieved I will have three options at hand:

a) Attack Honan to secure/shorten northern front and pose a threat to Sian and Yenan in the far north.

b) Attack Changsha to establish landbased link from northern China to the south.

c) Mob up the partisans in the south.


Advantage/disadvantages:

Option a) seems to be the easiest/most straight forward option but it also offers the least gain as Honan is not even very valuable for a bombing campaign due to the short legged army LBs.
Option b) has the most strategical importance but is also the most difficult to achieve. Changsha is behind a river and well garrisioned, additionally I assume high fortification levels which might require a flanking movement and cross the river in the north before entering the city.
Option c) has no strategic importance as the cities in this area have high garrisioning requirements, therefore it is unlikely that the chinese can stage any offensive operation here. In addition it would require quite some time to trap and finally destroy the chinese there due to bad/no infrastructure available. This would also lead to good supply levels for the rest of China due to inactivity which would make later conquests far more difficult.

At the moment I think a) or b) is the way to go, but I'm not decided yet. I still have a few days before I have to decide as I will connect to the Wuchow salient first and open the Kaifeng-Sinyang RR.

I'd really appreciate your comments on the situation report and the options I mentioned (or any other option you think should be considered). I guess I could take any piece of advice I can get as