LST vs. IdahoNYer (DBB-C, A AAR) 6 yrs and done! VJ Day!

[IdahoNYer]

12-13 Feb 1942

Highlights - Exodus of ships from the DEI and the ground withdrawal from Rangoon are largely successful -so far.

Jpn ships sunk:
DMS: 2

Allied ships sunk:
AG: 1 (Small Dutch)
xAK: 1
xAKL: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 35
Allied: 22

Subwar:
Jpn: 5 Attacks. 1 ship hit; CL Marblehead hit by RO-33 south of Banka Island in the Java Sea.
Allies: 5 Attacks, 2 ships hit; 2 CM (including Tsugaru)

Amph Inv:
Djokjakarta (second attempt to take the base)

Bases lost:
Fergusson Is (SWPAC)
Kiriwina Is (SWPAC)
Woodlark Is (SWPAC)
Boeton (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast. NSTR

In NOPAC. IJN sub still patrolling SE of Adak Is, LB-30 Sqdrn moved to Umnak. Air capability in NOPAC still minimal - only 2 F and 2 B squadrons currently available.

CENPAC. NSTR

In SOPAC, Noumea Port now at level 3 easing offloading congestion. US CVs still patrol to the south of New Caledonia providing ASW coverage to transports. Fast convoy begins offloading at Auckland bringing with fuel, supply, three fighter squadrons, an Army tank battalion, engineers, two AA battalions and some additional support units for both SOPAC and SWPAC theaters. So far, no IJN interference with the shipping lanes from the West Coast.

In SWPAC, still quiet. First slow convoy out of Cape Town reaches Perth with supplies.

In the Philippines, Allied resistance ends on Mindanao.

In China NSTR.

In Malaya, IJA air continues to hit Singapore’s facilities and ground units with minimal effect. Fort level now at 2.40 with no IJA ground bombardment or attack.

India/Burma: British troops win the race to Tongoo, with 2 Bdes arriving out of Rangoon just before the IJA’s 3rd Royal Thai Division launched its ground attack. 1 Bde of the Burma Div along with some supporting battalions are left to deny Rangoon as long as possible. The last xAK convoy departed Rangoon after dropping supplies and was hit by IJN LBA, losing one xAK sunk and another damaged - but CAP gave a good account against Zeros and Nells. Was surprised to see IJN air shifted from Singapore/DEI to Burma area. Perhaps this indicates his next major push. Fortifying the Indian coastal bases continues as a priority as Bombay, Calcutta, Madras and Diamond Harbor all have reached fort level 3. Still, too many potential landing points to man and defend properly.



In the DEI, the final exodus of shipping begins on a positive note. Out of Palembang, CL DeRuyter and 6 DDs in two TFs make it safely through the Malacca Straits into the Bay of Bengal where they’ll rendezvous with a Transport TF to refuel before reaching Columbo. Out of Soerabaja, CL Sumatra and a DD run into a Minesweeping TF off Denpasar Is, sinking 2 DMS, but reach a position just off the SW coast of Australia. A number of Dutch auxiliaries also manage to successfully depart Batavia and Soerabaja and exit the Java Sea, but are still in range of Jpn air: 2AVP, AS,PC,AM. CA Houston and DD Bulmer manage Palembang along with a TK, AD, AG, and a CM from Batavia - likely heavily damaging two IJN subs during the passage. CL Marblehead isn’t quite so lucky, and is torpedoed by RO-33 south of Banka Is - damage is severe and combined with previous torp damage, CL Marblehead is scuttled. Lastly, 2CMs mine Merak and the strait between Java and Sumatra without incident. All told, a successful “retreat”. CA Houston will replenish, and along with remaining ships at Palembang will make a break through the Malacca Straits in the next few days - again, long odds for success, but a slim chance is better than no chance and just awaiting destruction in port. Lastly, the IJN land additional forces at Djokjakarta and lead IJA elements reach Soerabaja.

[BBfanboy]

Wouldn't the strait between Sumatra and Java be a better escape route for Houston, especially now that you have mined it? Perhaps you could draw an IJN carrier TF into the mines ... [:D]

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Wouldn't the strait between Sumatra and Java be a better escape route for Houston, especially now that you have mined it? Perhaps you could draw an IJN carrier TF into the mines ...

To much enemy traffic on the south side of the strait - but you're on track with the intent of the minefield! Carriers didn't move north into it, but a surface group certainly did!

[IdahoNYer]

14-15 Feb 1942

Highlights - Minefield at Merak is unbelievably successful; Rangoon and Palembang are bombarded with good success and Singapore holds off another two assaults.

Jpn ships sunk:
BB: 1 (Hyuga is listed as sunk from both mines and a torp hit. Like the Fuso,I doubt its sunk, but still nice to see it listed as sunk)
DD: 2 (Asagiri and Oboro claimed by mines)
SS: 1 (RO-33, was known to be heavily damaged during the Exodus to Palembang)

Allied ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Marblehead scuttled after being torpedoed enroute to Palembang)
xAK: 1
ML: 3 (all from bombardment at Palembang)

Air loss:
Jpn: 34
Allied: 26

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks. no ships hit
RO-33 listed as sunk south of Banka Is from D/C damage previous day
Allies: 4 Attacks, 1 ships hit; BB Hyuga off Batavia coming out of the minefield

Amph Inv:
Namlea (DEI)
Rennell Is (SOPAC)

Bases lost:
Rennel Is (SOPAC)
Umboi Is (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel:NSTR - Still have no idea where the KB is!!!

West Coast. Another fast convoy begins forming for Auckland.

In NOPAC. NSTR

CENPAC. NSTR

In SOPAC, Noumea clears of shipping as more convoys form up in Auckland. IJN landings at Rennell Is are a cause for concern - as is a TF sighted approaching Ndeni Is. These are barely in PBY range, but it looks as though the IJN is beginning to advance south towards New Caledonia. Will send an AVP to establish a hasty PBY base in the New Hebrides to get some increased search range. With no idea of where the KB is, I’m hesitant to send CVs north to investigate. I Need another month of prep!!

In SWPAC, still quiet.

In the Philippines, IJA forces close on Bataan but do not launch any bombardment attacks. Fort level now at 3.87. AV at 751, well rested and well supplied with over 28k and subs still making the run in. An xAK and a xAKL will attempt to run the close-in blockade off Bataan next turn.

In China he’s still pushing hard in the NE, and we’re pulling back, trying to stay one step ahead.

In Malaya, Singapore holds off two more deliberate attacks, but casualties are heavy - over 1100 for each side - and fort level is reduced to zero. Engineers bring it immediately back to 1.48 for the next round, but the odds are turning to Japan’s favor. Figure one more good assault will take the base.

India/Burma: IJA attacks out of Moulmein, destroying the single battalion left SE of Pegu as rear guard. I made a poor choice and left the CAP on the ground in Rangoon, and the base got clobbered by enemy LBA - both army and naval. 64 runway damage effectively closes the AF and I’ll move the remaining planes out to the north. Rangoon will hold out as long as possible to tie down the IJA advance, but I’m only committing 1 Bde to that effort.

In the DEI, the big news is the Merak minefield does what one hopes a minefield does - enemy surface task force transits through the straits heading north and gets clobbered by mines - mines hit 3BB, 2CA,CL,3DD!! Of these, the CL Isuzu is reported dead in the water when Batavia LBA hit it with a pair of 500lb bombs and two DDs are listed as sunk due to mines. BB Hyuga is later torpedoed by Dutch sub KVII and listed as sunk. I seriously doubt that the BB is sunk, but between the mine hit and torpedo, it might just require an extended stay at a shipyard. LBA Vildebeasts also hits CA Aoba with a torpedo south of Banka Is. Aoba’s TF later turns up at Palembang, less the Aoba, and bombards the AF and port with good effect (although CA Houston isn’t touched). Palembang AF was recovering all the a/c from Singapore and was somewhat packed - many damaged, and about 10 destroyed on the ground. AF is closed due to damage. Hopefully the IJN will allow some time to recover and place additional mines along the coast to protect Palambang. On Java, Soerabaja now has 2 IJA Divisions preparing to attack - despite level 3 forts, I expect it will fall in the first assault. Djokjakarta still holds (no IJA attack), and the Mini KB still prowls south of Java-Sumatra (it launched as small strike against Palembang which cost it 4 Kates to CAP).

[IdahoNYer]

16-17 Feb 1942

Highlights - Somehow Singapore repulses two more attacks and continues to hold on; Attu Is is invaded.

Jpn ships sunk:
CA: 2 (Atago listed as sunk from mines off Merak, and the Nachi is back as sunk from the action off Ambon)
CL: 1 (OI is listed as sunk, not the Isuzu - from the mines off Merak and the additional LBA delivered bombs that hit her off Batavia)
AO: 1 (listed as sunk from being torpedoed back in Dec)

Allied ships sunk:
AG (Dutch, small)
AVP (Dutch, small)

Air loss:
Jpn: 15
Allied: 10

Subwar:
Jpn: No Attacks. no ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, no ships hit

Amph Inv:
Attu Is (NOPAC)
Ndeni (SOPAC)
Rossel Is (SWPAC)
Tagula Is (SWPAC)

Bases lost:
Ndeni (SOPAC)
Namlea (DEI)
Serasan (DEI)
Terapo (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel:NSTR

West Coast. NSTR

In NOPAC. Attu is invaded by a small IJN TF. No sign of carriers covering the invasion, so Adm Blevins’s Striking Force (CA,3CL,6DDs) will sortie from Dutch Harbor to engage the enemy.

CENPAC. NSTR

In SOPAC, Ndeni is taken and the amph TF quickly withdraws back north. AVP supported PBY base is established at Luganville to extend the search range north. xAP Queen Elizabeth arrives at Auckland with the 164/Americal Reg offloading for transit to Noumea - she’ll head for Cape Town and out of theater after offloading. US CV TFs complete refueling south of Noumea and continue ASW operations.

In SWPAC, 182/Americal Reg begins loading onto transports at Sydney bound for Noumea. First of the fleeing fleet from Java begins arriving at Perth - CL Sumatra w/DD escort arrives and will shortly transit to Cape Town with outbound resupply convoy.

In the Philippines, IJA and US forces exchange artillery in Bataan with the IJA getting the worst of it. Somehow an xAK and an xAKL manage to arrive and begin unloading supply at Bataan (along with 2 subs)

In China, the Chinese actually hold off two IJA attacks, one north of Nanyang, the other near Pucheng in the SE. Nice to see the Chinese hold for a change.

In Malaya, Singapore again manages to hold off two more attacks - shock attacks at 2-1 odds. Amazing. Heavy losses to both sides again, but the IJA getting the worst of it. I expected Singers to fall a week ago. Forts are immediately back up to level 1, but troop strength is really at a low ebb. As with last turn, one more good attack should take the fortress…

India/Burma: Rangoon is hit again from the air, but the RAF and AVG have moved to Mandalay. Rangoon now just a rear guard operation. IJA bombard Tongoo, but do not attack. BB Warspite arrives in Cape Town.

In the DEI, it was pretty quiet for a change. Surprisingly, Soerabaja was not assaulted, just bombarded. I’m confident it will fall to the first assault. The AF at Palembang isn’t going to be operational any time soon, so I’ve dispersed some of the overcrowding - to include flying some of the RAF towards transiting back to India via Sabang. The last loaded Dutch CM will mine the approaches to Palembang, and remaining auxiliaries will make for Singers, and then on through the Malacca Straits. CA Houston will sortie in a few days; trying to reduce sys dam under 65…

[IdahoNYer]

18-19 Feb 1942

Highlights - Surface action off Attu, activity in SOPAC, and a small Jpn troop convoy goes down.

Jpn ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Katori, reportedly scuttled off Attu)

Allied ships sunk:
AM: 1
xAK: 1
xAKL:1

Air loss:
Jpn: 25
Allied: 5

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, no ships hit (I-1 heavily dam by d/c off San Diego)
Allies: 1 Attack, no ships hit

Amph Inv:
None

Bases lost:
Attu Is (NOPAC)
Prome (Burma)
Arawe (SWPAC)
Rossel Is (SWPAC)
Balikpapan (DEI)
Tjepoe (DEI)
Tagula Is (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: 2/24 In Reg planning to attack Cebu - losing Cebu will eliminate the last supply “short run” to Bataan.

West Coast. IJN sub I-1 is reportedly hit by d/c and heavily damaged by ASW TF off San Diego. Another fast convoy forms as one just departed for Auckland.

In NOPAC. Naval battle of Attu Is results in IJN defeat. Adm Blevins’ Striking TF (CA,3CL,6DD) doesn’t press the action hard, but critically damages CL (Natori or Katori??) which is reportedly scuttled, a DD, AK and xAP. Only damage sustained by US force is moderate system damage due to foul weather at fast speed. Attu, undefended, however is lost. Will focus on building up Adak, Umnak and Dutch Harbor as main bases before expanding to Amchitka. Attu will provide a good proving ground for bombers and surface bombardments, as well as a challenging locale for the IJN to resupply.



CENPAC. CVs Lex and Yorktown will sortie to transit SBD-1s to Midway, provide ASW coverage for a Midway bound convoy and then the plan is to hit Wake Is. Both CVs will then carry some USMC planes out of PH for SOPAC. Lastly, CV Lex will launch her F4Fs and SBDs to Suva before returning to PH for refit. Yorktown will remain in PH waters until joined by CV Hornet - all providing the IJN stays quiet in CENPAC.

In SOPAC, two IJN TFs are located by PBYs north of New Caledonia heading south - I’m assuming the worst in the form of another KB strike south. Noumea AF is reinforced to about 100 fighters, including Sara’s F4Fs. Noumea port is clear, and an inbound troop convoy is diverted to hold southwest of Suva where US CVs will also move toward - hopefully out of strike range of the IJN if this is the KB. With IJA forces still engaged in the PI, Java and Singapore, I don’t think this is an invasion force bound for Noumea, but he could be landing at Luganville - I’ve pulled the AVP there back to Suva. Auckland is also a possible target and is currently jammed with a slow convoy just arriving, and a fast convoy departing back to LA. If nothing else, this IJN sortie is disrupting the flow of troops out of Auckland to Noumea, Suva and Australia. Will see what develops…

In SWPAC, the eastern seaboard of Australia could also be a potential target of the this IJN sortie coming south - a couple of small xAPs are moving engineers from Cairns to Cooktown, but there isn’t much other activity or targets from Brisbane north. Sydney is busy and the entire eastern coast is short fighters - most II Fighter Command squadrons being retained in SOPAC for now. 182 Reg of Americal, just loaded in Sydney will hold there for now, and may divert to Auckland if Noumea is still under threat - but the goal is to get these troops to Noumea. On the northwest coast of OZ, a small IJN CL TF raids Broome - presumably chasing ships from the Java exodus - and catches a small xAK and AM loaded with supplies bound for Darwin. The CL Tama bombards Broome - probably to see what is there as effects were minimal. In any case, Darwin’s AV is up to 428, with the arrival of 2 Bdes of the 2nd Aus Div and one solid Bde from the 6th Aus Div. Two remaining Bdes of the 6th Div have just offloaded in Perth - one is slated to move to Darwin, and I may now bring the other to Broome, based on the IJN interest there. Wyndam has only a Bn there, but a Bde is moving and only 80 miles away. This is a long way from being secure, but if NW Australia is the IJA’s Phase II attack, it won’t be a cakewalk - and its defenses are currently more robust the NE Australia.

In the Philippines, the IJN blockade of Bataan sinks an inbound xAKL, but three subs dock and offload. The last P-35s are shot down over Bataan, but do provide cover for the xAK still offloading.

In China, the IJA is still pushing hard for Lanchow - Guderian would be proud of the tempo of the attack. Yenan is being encircled, but its defending Corps will hold and die. He’s got to be expending lots of supply in this area, and his lines are getting long - but I just don’t have enough troops here to form any solid line. He’s also attacked to be adjacent to Sian, but it will be a bit for him to work around to the north. Will gradually give ground here and hopefully not lose an army. Troops lost earlier at Nanyang are now being reconstituted in Chunking - less any heavy weapons.

In Malaya, Singapore is spared a ground assault as the enemy rests. But not in the air - heavy raids attempt to suppress Singapore’s defenses. But the big news an IJN Transport TF (TB, 4xAP) carrying two Eng Regiments wandered into Singapore’s CD and minefield defenses! Although the ships weren’t reported as sunk, all drew repeated hits from guns and mines resulting in heavy fires and heavy damage - they’re done for.

India/Burma: IJA Paratroopers land and take Prome NW of Rangoon. This one took me by surprise - I had moved my garrison out earlier. This effectively isolates Rangoon - the only troops I had wanted to evac, and were prepping to rail, were the two baseforces. They will likely now be lost - along with the already doomed 2 Bde, Burma Div and two In Bns.

In the DEI, the shipping Exodus, round two, is underway. Ships out of Palembang (3CM, TK, AD, AG, AGP,AM) all made it safely to Singapore and will depart in three separate TFs through the Malacca Straits. CA Houston (68/5/5) with one DD as escort will sortie out of Palembang also through the Malacca Straits -- the Mini-KB is still south of Java/Sumatra - Malacca offers a chance, albeit a slim one. However, the first wave of exodus shipping have all reached friendly ports. CL DeRuyter with 6 DDs all made it to Columbo. If any of the 2nd wave ships get through, it will be considered a major success. Elsewhere in the DEI, Soerabaja was only bombarded and not assaulted - we wait the inevitable. On Borneo, Balikpapan fell in the first assault to the 56th Div - he’s taking no chances committing a full division here. Unfortunately, the oil and refineries fell intact.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Good news on Attu!

did you hit them before or after disembark?

[IdahoNYer]

did you hit them before or after disembark?

After - he's got some 2000 troops ashore. How much supply is the question now.

[IdahoNYer]

20-21 Feb 1942

Highlights - Fairly non-eventful turn…AVG racks impressive kill tally in SE China. And tracker decides not to work for some reason and I have to reinitialize the data base!

Jpn ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Aoba listed from previous aerial torpedo attack)
DD: 1 (Umikaze torpedoed by sub)
SS: 1 (I-15 reportedly sunk by ASW group d/c attack off Auckland)

Jpn ships unsunk:
BB: Fuso - knew it was too good to be true

Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 1 (small xAP sunk by sub off Batavia enroute to Bataan)

Air loss:
Jpn: 95 (71 were air to air loss - mostly near Wenchow by the AVG)
Allied: 30

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (DD sunk, PB dam)

Amph Inv:
Cebu (SWPAC) (actually just north of Cebu)
Banjoewangi (DEI)
Onotoa (CENPAC)
Vanikoro (SOPAC)

Bases lost:
Onotoa (CENPAC)
Pegu (Burma)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast. NSTR

In NOPAC. While the battle off Attu was an Allied victory, the weather damaged the US TF worse than the IJN - CA Chicago and 4DDs will head to Seattle for repairs/refit. BBs Idaho, Mississippi and Colorado w/ 4DDs will depart from Seattle, and 2DDs and a AD coming out of PH will reinforce NOPAC.

CENPAC. With the Jpn landing at Onotoa, CVs Lex and Yorktown abort the attack on Wake and instead steam toward Baker - potentially to be in position to intercept other CENPAC landings.

In SOPAC, the IJN limits itself to landing at Vanikoro, and no attacks enemy TFs closed on either Noumea or the east coast of Aus. To that, US transports will again head to reinforce Noumea (fingers crossed here)…

In SWPAC, Broome is bombarded again, this time by the CL Yubari. Not sure what is off the coast - the Mini KB still appears to be off Java. I’ll re-deploy PBYs and Banshees from Darwin to see what’s of the coast near Broome. 2 Bdes from the 6th Aus Div are ready to move toward Darwin - but I want to ensure the coast is clear (literally!)

In the Philippines, the IJA invades just north of Cebu - which is good news since it will take them a bit to march south - and in the meantime subs can continue to use Cebu as a resupply port. 2 of 3 subs there will head back to Bataan, one will move toward Darwin to refuel. 2 subs offload at Bataan.

In China, the AVG squadron I moved to Wenchow mauls IJA air attacks on an adjacent hex. In exchange for 2 fighters, the AVG shoots down 17 Oscars, 25 Sonias, 8 Anns and 7 Idas. In a welcome coincidence, the IJA ground troops move off from Wenchow. Of course this has absolutely no effect on the main IJA drive in the NE.

In Malaya, only artillery is exchanged at Singapore. In what will likely turn out to be the cause of its loss, I forget to change the threat tolerance for CA Houston and she elects to seek shelter in Singapore instead of passing through the straits!

India/Burma: Hv fighter sweeps over Mandalay catch me with only a few Hurris and P-40s aloft - although they do well, they are just too outnumbered. They will have to be withdrawn and reinforced. Pegu falls to ground assault as the IJA closes on Rangoon.

In the DEI, with the exception of the CA Houston and accompanying DD, the shipping Exodus so far is progressing well with the ships about to exit the straits and enter the Indian Ocean. Mini-KB puts a small raid against Batavia, losing 2 Kates to CAP for no gain. Soerabaja isn’t attacked.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Questions on NOPAC:
what air level is Umnak at? is it still at L2?
and did I read correctly that you based LB-30s there? 4 engine bombers need big airbases... otherwise OP losses will grow...

do you have anything prep for Attu? likely not... and it is better to allow him to stay as then you can train bombing on real targets
Also, how many troops, grossly, are you planning for Umnak/ DutchH/ Adak?

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

Questions on NOPAC:
what air level is Umnak at? is it still at L2?
and did I read correctly that you based LB-30s there? 4 engine bombers need big airbases... otherwise OP losses will grow...

do you have anything prep for Attu? likely not... and it is better to allow him to stay as then you can train bombing on real targets
Also, how many troops, grossly, are you planning for Umnak/ DutchH/ Adak?

Yeah, aware of the limitation of Umnak now - its working toward level 3, but its all I have a the moment. As for Aleutian defenses, NOPAC is strictly an economy of force situation. Minimal troops.
Ground:
DH: 1 In Reg, CD, AA and Eng
Umnak: 1 In Bn, AA and Eng (additional infantry Bn and engineers inbound)
Adak: 2 In Bn and Eng
All currently at fort level 3 moving slowly towards level 4.

Air: 2F, 2B and 1Patrol squadron

Naval: Currently 3CL,4DD, 4subs. 3BB,6 DD inbound and CA,4DD outbound for repair.

As I said - minimal....

[IdahoNYer]

22-23 Feb 1942

Highlights - Painful turn as Singapore and Soerabaja fall - not really unexpected of course - but the real pain was discovering the KB the hard way - by losing a troop convoy off Australia.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk: (ARDs when Soerabaja fell; rest from troop convoy)
PG: 2
PC: 1
AVD:1
xAP: 4
ARD: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 27
Allied: 11

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, no ships hit (xAP Queen Elizabeth missed off New Zealand!)
Allies: 1 Attacks, no ships hit

Amph Inv:
Deboyne Is (SWPAC)

Bases lost:
Singapore (Malaya)
Namatani (SWPAC)
Banjoewangi (DEI)
Soerabaja (DEI)
Singkep (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast. NSTR

In NOPAC. Quiet as US Naval forces re-organize.

CENPAC. US CVs continue south near Johnston Is and begin preparing to fly off USMC elements to SOPAC.

In SOPAC, we found the bloody KB the hard way. While the TF I thought could be the “possible KB” a few days ago disappeared despite increased air search - it managed to re-appear west off Norfolk Is - which of course is where the troop convoy carrying the 182 Reg/ Americal Div was transiting. Scratch one convoy and a regiment of US Troops!!! Of course it could be worse - the US CVs Enterprise and Sara were on the other side of Norfolk Is heading east and went undetected, and the troop convoy with engineers and a tank battalion heading to Noumea arrived at the port. With the KB about, Noumea CAP is brought up to 125 fighters, including Navy Wildcats from Sara, and Auckland CAP is up to about 95 planes. Shipping will head out of Auckland just in case the KB comes calling. The troop convoy at Noumea will continue to offload, and I’ll keep my fingers crossed that 125 fighters at 80% CAP will be enough. If nothing else - best case the KB withdraws without causing further havoc - this KB sortie has not only sunk a convoy, but has totally disrupted shipping in SOPAC and to SWPAC for a week. Worse case is that the KB trolls for further shipping in SOPAC.

In SWPAC, fighters are distributed to ports along the Australian east coast - not that a single US Army squadron over Sydney or Brisbane will prevent the KB flyers from raining havoc if they attack. Shipping is primarily held in port, while a few larger ships in Sydney make the run for Melbourne. Quiet from Perth to Darwin for a change.

In the Philippines, Bataan reaches fort level 4!! The only good news on a overall very bad turn…

In China, fairly quiet for a change.

In Malaya, Singapore is attacked one more time and it falls on the first assault. Not really surprised - it held out far longer than I expected - still losing 39k troops doesn’t sit well…and of course, the CA Houston w/DD was trying for a bit of rest, and is flushed from the port - and sails toward Java (where the subs lurk…) Now the real question - where will the five or so IJA divisions (plus all the support) go next??

India/Burma, it remains fairly quiet as the IJA advances on Rangoon and we await further reinforced attacks at Tongoo.

In the DEI, Soerabaja falls in the first assault - as expected, with the troops surrendering. Only a matter of time until IJA forces march to seize Batavia. Hopefully, they will march across the island which will take valuable time. All naval forces have been withdrawn; less some 4 PTs/MTBs at Palembang, harbor defense craft, and subs patrolling in the Java Sea. CA Houston w/DD will attempt to head to Columbo one more time, this time exiting between Java and Sumatra - but with 70 sys, I’m not counting on it, although the Mini KB seems to have moved back toward the east end of Java in the Java Sea. Not sure if Palambang or Batavia will be the “last stand”, but only a few US/Commonwealth air units remain in the DEI - strictly a rear guard action at this point.

[IdahoNYer]

24-25 Feb 1942

Highlights - Fairly calm after last turn’s disasters; KB moves west from Norfolk Is to just off Sydney.

Jpn ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Takao is back listed as sunk from previous engagement off Ambon at the beginning of Jan)

Jpn ships unsunk:
CS: 1 (Chitose was apparently only damaged by those two torps. Expected)

Allied ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Houston loses its battle against the sea and founders off the south coast of Sumatra)
xAP: 1 (small Dutch trying to get to Bataan)
xAKL: 2

Air loss: (not a single air-air loss!?!)
Jpn: 4
Allied: 7

Subwar:
Jpn: No Attacks, no ships hit
Allies: 1 Attack, no ships hit

Amph Inv:
Dobo (SWPAC)

Bases lost:
Tongoo (Burma)
Abemama (CENPAC)
Feni Islands (SWPAC)
Deboyne Islands (SWPAC)
Tandjoengbalai (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: The only SIGINT I’m picking up is attacks in China - Lanchow and Sian. Not a big help.

West Coast. Fast convoy with 25 ships departs LA for Auckland.

In NOPAC. NSTR.

CENPAC. CVs continue south - they should be in position to launch their USMC aircraft and the Lex’s full contingent to Suva next turn. Otherwise, quiet.

In SOPAC, the KB moved west from Norfolk Is. Convoys which scattered out of Auckland are re-routed back or to Wellington - betting that that KB isn’t coming this far south. US CV’s fighters remain on land bases….just in case.

In SWPAC, the KB moves to 160 miles off Sydney - a couple of B17s out of Brisbane fail to score (no surprise there!). Sydney has 50 P-40s that will be up on CAP, but not much shipping is avail to hit - mainly xAKLs, although there are a couple of larger ships still in port. Other than sending a couple of xAKLs out to sea to draw fire, not much more we can do, just weather the storm of the KB’s strikes.

In the Philippines, a small xAP with supply is sunk by the blockading PB TF off Bataan and an xAKL reaches Bataan, but is sunk by air in the morning phase - likely not much if any supply was offloaded.

In China, heavy IJA fighter sweeps over Wenchow find no targets. IJA continues to push hard in the northeast.

In Malaya, the campaign is over….but mines hit 2 TBs involved in clearing operations at Singapore.

India/Burma, Tongoo falls to a deliberate IJA assault. The bright spot here is that the IJA is attacking up the rail line - not trying to outflank the defenses, which is what I thought he might be doing. I have no plans to hold in Burma - will continue to withdraw up towards Imphal-Kohima area.

In the DEI, the only highlight is the CA Houston makes it past subs and mines, only to succumb to the sea itself - going from 12 float damage to foundering in a single day. Of course the 70 system dam didn’t help either. Otherwise quiet, not even any airstrikes against Dutch positions.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

KB in the South Pacific and strong push on Java... I think he will push for Australia soon.

A pitty he got the 182 Regiment... at least you know it can be easily reformed... just time lost.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

KB in the South Pacific and strong push on Java... I think he will push for Australia soon.

A pitty he got the 182 Regiment... at least you know it can be easily reformed... just time lost.

Think you're right on the money! He's had recon flying over Broome and Derby pretty regularly. But as you well know - not much we Allies can do about it. If the Japanese War Machine wants something bad enough - little can be done to stop it. I just hope its "only" northwestern OZ....not OZ and India and SOPAC...

[Jorge_Stanbury]

If the KB is west of Norfolk isl. then India is "safe"; at least for the short term, besides if he just got Singapore, he will need at least a week to get ready for potential invasions.

KB location will hint you what is next in his priorities; if KB moves west then he will go for India; otherwise, I think he might use the Malaya recently freed troops to quickly overwhelm Java and reinforce Burma he won't need carriers to do that.
Meanwhile the carriers can do a lot of harm and or support invasions on OZ, New Guinea and SOPAC.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

If the KB is west of Norfolk isl. then India is "safe"; at least for the short term, besides if he just got Singapore, he will need at least a week to get ready for potential invasions.

KB location will hint you what is next in his priorities;

Yep, follow the KB and you'll have the IJN objective! Got it. Although Large_Slow_Target has done a bloody good job at keeping the whereabouts of the KB secret until it hits a target.
So far he's stayed clear of the Indian Ocean - expect that to change with the loss of Singers. But as you say, as long as the KB is on the east coast of Australia, I've got more pressing worries than India!

[IdahoNYer]

26-27 Feb 42

Highlights - Japan invades Australia at Derby! KB engages its cloaking device and again disappears - last seen off Sydney.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
xAK:1

Air loss:
Jpn: 8
Allied: 2

Subwar:
Jpn: No Attacks, no ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 1 ship hit (single AK hit 2 during different attacks and sunk)

Amph Inv:
Derby (SWPAC)
Tradjoengselor (DEI) Retaking a base that the Allies re-took on Borneo

Bases lost:
Tabar Is (SWPAC)
Soerakarta (DEI)
Dobo (SWPAC)

Bases Liberated:
Madioen (DEI) On Java, just a ZOC “victory”

SIGINT/Intel: 56th ID planning for an attack on Palembang - I expect the attack is imminent.

West Coast. A slow convoy begins to form up at LA. CA Chicago and 4DDs reach Seattle from NOPAC to begin repair/refit. First group of naval flyers "graduate" from advance training at San Diego - 45 fighter and 12 DB pilots are available in the veteran reserve pools. Have plenty of Army pilots from withdrawn squadrons - quality is the issue here, many just wind up back in training vs. combat units. USMC pilots still minimal availability.

In NOPAC, 3 BBs arrive at DH and two will sortie shortly for a bombardment run at Attu.

CENPAC. CVs arrive west of Canton and launch 2 USMC DB squadrons and all of Lex’s planes to Suva for commitment in SOPAC. Lex and Yorktown will return to PH for Lex’s refit. Midway receives a squadron of P-39s and an AS arrives to help support sub operations. No sign of IJN activity.

In SOPAC, convoys resume somewhat normal operations - still wary of the KB in the area. Diverted Fast convoy from LA arrives in Wellington instead of Auckland. With invasion in Australia, II Fighter Command will begin moving squadrons from SOPAC to SWPAC - minimum of one fighter group, perhaps two. Intent in SOPAC remains to hold Noumea-Suva-Pago “line”.

In SWPAC, Derby is invaded with 4500 troops - dropped off by an amph TF escorted by only a CL TF? No CVs - not even the Mini-KB was detected by PBYs. Of course Derby is minimally defended and will fall in short order. I’ve got a Aus Bde enroute on transports to Broome which I hope to have defended, but it may be too late. Its escorted by what’s left of the “navy” I have in Western Austraila - CL Hobart and 4 DDs. If he’s got naval forces loitering around Derby/Broome area, I’ll have to abort. But if he’s just quickly grabbing Derby, I might be able to land the Bde at Broome. High risk at best. To add to the mix, the KB - which was just off Sydney has once again vanished. Most likely it pulled back north - most dangerous right now would be to “go dark” and move west to Perth….Frankly, at this point, I have no idea.

In the Philippines, IJA air raids sink the remaining xAP in port - was damaged and being used only to refuel any xAKL that got through the blockade. IJA troops close on Cebu as 3 subs load supplies for a Bataan run - likely the last time we’ll use Cebu.

In China, continued heavy push in the NE. Painful.

In Malaya, much shipping activity in Singers. My bet he’s already loading troops for Palambang if not also Australia.

India/Burma, IJA troops close on Rangoon - still held by a weak Brit Burma Bde. I withdraw fighters in Burma to India to regroup/refit. Heavy fighter sweeps over Mandalay go unopposed.

In the DEI, IJN begins sweeping mines off Merak - figure he’ll land there shortly to take Batavia quicker than marching across Java which has been slow. A BB TF also looks to make a bombardment run on Batavia. No naval forces left other than subs at sea and 4 PT/MTBs at Palembang. Although I’ve pulled most of the Brit Air from Singers out back to India via the Sabang/Port Blair hop, I’ve still got some TBs that hopefully can still provide some sting. I don’t expect the Dutch AF to hit anything. Palembang has got 216 AV at Fort Level 2. Poor quality Dutch troops with a poor quality Brit Bn though. At best, I can hope to destroy some of the oil facilities perhaps.

[IdahoNYer]

So ends another month as the game moves into March 1942. Well, things are looking up in some areas, but its still pretty bleak out there. Overall, no war changing disasters is the best news - there were losses, but most were expected. Losing Singapore and Soerabaja is to be expected. Losing a regiment from the Americal Div at sea was not. Still, February could have been worse - Singers did hold out far longer than expected, and caused heavy loss in IJA engineers. Bataan still holds and has supplies. Naval losses for the month were actually in the Allies favor - IJN reported losses for the month were 1BB, 3CA, 2CL, 4DD and 6SS as compared to the Allies losing 1CA, 2CL, 3DD and no subs. Air losses were also at a good ratio - 431 for Jpn to 267 Allied. On the negative side, China continues to lose ground and troops with no sign of let up and despite delaying the IJA at Singers - Australia is invaded at the end of the month. Bottom line - although stronger, we still don’t have the strength to stop a determined IJA/IJN attack....just perhaps make it a bit more expensive for him.



West Coast/USA/Rear Areas: Pilot training has started to crank out pilots for all branches. Fighter pilots are in good supply, but bomber pilots are still short.

NOPAC. Not sure if the invasion of Attu was instead of Amchitka or in addition. Time will tell. Still, losing Attu cost the IJN and I still look at NOPAC as an economy of force theater - minimal ground and air commitment, but for now, it’s a good theater for US BBs to operate. Will continue to build up defenses from Adak east.

CENPAC. Apparently little interest from the IJN - not complaining. Midway is at fort level 4 and is functioning as a sub base. I don’t expect any major assault in this theater, and one of two US CVs will begin refit. Will still keep Yorktown (and probably Hornet when it arrives) in case IJN reaches out for Baker/Canton or Midway.

SOPAC. While still a priority effort, with the IJA landing in Australia, will divert some forces to SWPAC. Reinforcements (both air and ground) have strengthened defenses where I might just be able to hold the Noumea -Suva- Pago line. Or, it will take an IJA Army to take them - not just a division. Will continue to maintain 2xCVs - but they will continue to avoid any decisive engagement with IJN CVs. And right now the KB is in SOPAC, so there is a very good chance he’s going to land on one of these islands. Main effort here is still pushing troops and supplies to hold New Caledonia/Noumea.

SWPAC. Will now be THE priority of air and ground (especially engineers) to “contain” the IJA in Australia. Even with a division of the Aus I Corps landed - and more on the way - Australia is still VERY week. On the positive side, Australian troops experience and morale are starting to get better, and air power has some teeth to it. But it’s a BIG country to defend - and I can’t assume he’s only focused in the NW. Main effort here is to build up the land route to Darwin - and attempt to hold the base. And not losing the NE bases either. Tall order.

DEI. Rear guard fight at this point. No major naval units remain. Will still attempt to slow and bleed both the IJA and IJN at Batavia and Palembang as the last bastions of defense. Can expect both of these to fall within 2 weeks - have pulled most of the RAF out already.

Bataan. IJA has left only one division with plenty of Arty to starve Bataan. I’ve stopped building the fortifications once it reached level 4 to conserve. Supplies at 19k and 5 subs are still bringing in supply - but their routes are getting longer. A couple of small ships managed to get through, but the IJN blockade has gotten tighter - three more ships are inbound, but I doubt they will get through. With luck, it might hold through the month - will be interesting to see if troops from the Malaya fight will be brought back to the PI to take Bataan.

Burma/India. The airdrop behind Rangoon was a great move - but fortunately came a bit late to prevent the withdrawal. Only one weak Bde remains to hold Rangoon, and even with fort level 3, it won’t last long. Remaining troops in Burma will continue to pull back toward India. Airpower is being rebuilt from attrition over Rangoon and what’s been pulled out from Singapore/DEI. Main effort in this theater is to build up defenses of India/Ceylon. No IJN activity in the Indian Ocean, except the occasional sub so far - I’m sure that will change shortly.

China. IJA is still pushing hard in the NE toward Sian and Lanchow and I’m trying to delay without losing another army. AVG is still a thorn in his side here - reluctance to commit Zero units has cost him. Will continue to try to keep the AVG viable. He’s also apparently abandoned the siege of Wenchow in the SE, but he’s still trying to advance here to isolate troops - but he’s weaker here than in the NE. I still hate China, and with the Burma Road now closed supplies will get tighter.

[IdahoNYer]

28 Feb - 1 Mar 1942

Highlights - Derby falls and the KB prowls just north of New Zealand killing an ASW TF off of Auckland. Mini-KB again is south of Java, sinking a few Dutch ships departing Java.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Harukaze reportedly by a collision)
DMS:1

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1
APD:1
DMS:1
AM:1
CM:1
TK:1
ARD:1
xAKL:1

Air loss:
Jpn: 18
Allied: 17

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (small TK sunk off Perth)
Allies: 1 Attacks, no ships hit

Amph Inv:
Tabiteuea (CENPAC)

Bases lost:
Bassein (Burma)
Panggoe (SOPAC)
Tabiteuea (CENPAC)
Derby (SWPAC)
Tjepoe (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: More units come up planning for Palembang - 7th Tank Reg and 16th ID.

West Coast. Slow convoy continues to load in LA and an IJN sub is found off San Fran - but I have no avail ASW assets to go after it. Lesson learned - if he’s still sending subs to the West Coast, I need to keep 3 ships avail to chase them.

In NOPAC. Adm Brown’s Bmb TF (2BB,CL,6DD) departs DH to bombard Attu. Subs report no naval activity there.

CENPAC. IJN lands at another island in the Gilberts, but I’m not going to chase after it.

In SOPAC, the KB re-appears just north of New Zealand, sinking an ASW TF (DD,APD,DMS) that was chasing down a sub off Auckland. While I have enough CAP over Auckland and Noumea to give the KB flyers a hard time, the ships at sea are exposed - this includes an empty 9 ship convoy returning from Noumea which is 320 miles east of the KB. I order this convoy to scatter into 4 elements in case the KB decides to attempt an intercept. Other shipping is re-routed away from the KB - delaying any arrivals at Auckland and delaying inbound supply/troops to Noumea. Waiting out the KB to depart is the only option I have at the moment.

In SWPAC, Derby falls to 2 SNLF units totaling just under 4000 men. Hopefully, there are no engineers or base force troops in this initial effort. Banshees escorted by P-40s out of Broome hit an xAK, but suffer losses to Zero CAP - which I’m betting is coming out of Koepang. If I’m wrong, and he’s got carriers out there, the Australian 19th Bde of the 6th Div which I’m pushing into Broome on transports is going to get creamed. On the east coast, with the KB off New Zealand, convoys are again heading in from SOPAC - first to arrive a small 4 tanker convoy docks in Melbourne loaded with oil.

In the Philippines, 3 subs arrive at Bataan from Cebu - the last supply run from Cebu. All 5 subs will now have to transit from Palembang - doubling their turn-around time. IJA air continues to hit Bataan with little effect, and IJA troops bombard - and get the worst of it from the Allied gunners.

In China, no major disasters for the turn.

India/Burma, IJA troops begin bombarding Rangoon.

In the DEI, IJN begins continues to sweep mines off Merak, but surprisingly doesn’t bombard Batavia or invade at Merak. A DMS hits a mine off Merak - still one of the best laid minefields! Batavia based air is ineffectual against the minesweepers and a BB TF off Merak, but there weren’t any Zeros providing CAP - an opportunity missed! The mini-KB again goes looking for ships escaping from Java, and finds the ARD from Tijilatjap and an xAKL off Christmas Is and quickly sends them to the bottom.