All of this power and their national will seems to be stronger than ours

[SierraJuliet]

Moscow to Tokyo

Your LCU located near Tamsag has violated the sovereignty of the CCP. Our forces have been ordered to deal with this problem in an appropriate manner. The CCP's shipping is relocating and it will be considered an act of war if Japanese forces attack them. The CCP's navy will patrol the coastline and any attacks will be considered an act of war. It is suggested that IJN forces pull back from Korean, Manchurian and Soviet waters as their presence might be construed as hostile and the CCP's air and naval assets will patrol aggressively. These items are not open to discussion. Any further incursions into the CCP will be considered an act of war. Any further advances in northern China will be closely watched as this is regarded as a threat to the CCP and our dearest friend Chairman Mao. The CCP has advisers with the Communist Chinese Army and though they are not in combat roles attacks on them will be considered as hostile acts.

[SierraJuliet]

15 January 1942

MALAYA/DEI

Dutch ships offer themselves up near Batavia. Todd said he didn’t know how they came to be there. I thought they might have been hiding out at Batavia when it fell. For whatever reason the IJN was on hand to deal with them.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Batavia at 49,98, Range 9,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Haguro
CA Kumano
DD Fubuki
DD Usugumo
DD Shirayuki

Allied Ships

xAP Mijer, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Kajang, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Night Time Surface Combat, near Semarang at 53,100, Range 3,000 Yards
Japanese Ships

DD Natsushio
DD Asagiri
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships

AMc Lawoe, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AMc Salak, Shell hits 4, and is sunk

Day Time Surface Combat, near Semarang at 53,100, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

DD Natsushio
DD Asagiri
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships

AGP Wega, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
AGP Aldebaran, Shell hits 16, and is sunk
AG Deneb, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
AVP Merel, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

Day Time Surface Combat, near Semarang at 53,100, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

DD Natsushio
DD Asagiri
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships

xAKL De Haan, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Lematang, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAKL Meroendoeng, Shell hits 4, heavy fires


SS KXVIII attacks and misses DD Natsushio near Semarang and then escapes.

Minefield clearing starts at Batavia. DMS W-2 clears 15 mines.

The Dutch attempt to bomb 21st Fld AA Gun Co at 54,102 near Semarang. 1 B-339D is claimed from the raiders.

3 Blenheim I turn up to attack 41st Guard Battalion at 56,53 near Pegu. 5 Zero spoil their aim.

Singapore is bombed – 1 Nell lost to flak, 5 casualties, 8 airbase hits, 4 airbase supply hit and 20 runway hits.

3 Nell attempt to bomb the burning xAKL Lematang near Semarang at 53,100 but she escapes.

Medan is bombed – 1 runway hit.

SS KXIII attacks and misses APD Aoi at 53,101 near Semarang and then eludes the ASW.

Japanese deliberate attack at Singapore achieves 1-2 odds (fort level 1)

Japanese ground losses:

1224 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 76 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 16 disabled
Guns lost 14 (1 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Allied ground losses:

726 casualties reported
Squads: 33 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 71 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 26 (11 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Vehicles lost 14 (2 destroyed, 12 disabled)

I surmise that fatigue levels are hurting my attacking forces. Orders are given for them to lay off for a few days to resolve the fatigue issue.

Japanese bombard Tjilatjap.

Japanese deliberate attack at Ambon achieves 1-2 odds (fort level 2). J77 (1 combat squad destroyed) to A90 casualties. Fairly even at present… more firepower to be shipped in. Allies reply with a bombardment.

CHINA

Liuchow is bombed – 3 airbase hits, 3 airbase supply hits and 29 runway hits.

Wenchow is bombed – 11 runway hits.

7th and 84th Chinese Corps at 85,49 near Hankow is bombed – 23 casualties.

70th and 86th Chinese Corps at 84,54 near Nanchang is bombed – 33 casualties.

Japanese bombard Loyang – J9 casualties to 1 Allied gun destroyed.

Japanese bombard Changsha – J11 to A16 casualties.

Japanese bombard Wenchow.

Japanese bombard Pucheng.

PHILIPPINES

Manila is bombed – 5 casualties, 4 airbase hit, 4 airbase supply hit and 30 runway hits.

Japanese bombard Manila – J154 (1 combat squad destroyed) to A21 casualties.

Japanese shock attack over the river at Coabato achieves 5-1 odds (forts 0) and the base is captured. J9 to A166 (6 combat squads and 3 non-combat squads destroyed) casualties. 3rd /101st PA Battalion retreats.


NEW GUINEA
Vanimo is occupied by the Japanese.

[SierraJuliet]

16 January 1942

MALAYA/DEI

More mines gone at Batavia. 68 mines cleared.

SS I-166 launches 2 torpedoes against the wounded xAKL Lematang near Semarang and misses. She tries another 2 torpedoes in a second attack and this time scores a single hit to remove the xAKL from the field of play.

Near Tjilatjap 3 Nell attempt to bomb AVP Orion and miss. 12000 feet is a tad optimistic to be hitting the target I think. Later in the day 3 more Nell attempt to bomb AMc MMS C in the same location – also without success.

Singapore is bombed – 1 Nell lost to flak, 12 casualties, 3 airbase hits and 14 runway hits.

26th Fld AA Gun Co at 54,102 near Semarang is bombed – 1 139WH-3, 1 B-339D and 1 CW-21B Demon are knocked down by the 7 Oscar on CAP.

Near Pamekasan SS KXII launches 2 torpedoes at DD Shiratsuyu without success.

Japanese bombard Singapore – A47 (2 combat squads destroyed and 3 vehicles destroyed) casualties.

Japanese deliberate attack at Tjilatjap achieves 1-1 (fort level 1) odds and reduces forts to level 0. J187 to A191 casualties.

Allies bombard at Ambon.

CHINA

SS KXV is sighted near Taichu but the ASW can’t set up for an attack before she escapes.

Near Taihoku SS KXV launches 2 torpedoes at DD Yukaze and misses.

Wenchow is bombed – 13 casualties, 2 airbase hits and 26 runway hits.

Loyang is bombed – 7 casualties, 8 airbase hits, 5 airbase supply hits and 22 runway hits.

52nd Chinese Corps at 71,55 near Nanning is bombed.

86th Chinese Corps at 83,53 near Wuchang is bombed.

Japanese bombard Loyang – J19 to A9 casualties.

Japanese bombard Changsha – J21 to A9 casualties.

Japanese bombard Wenchow.

Japanese deliberate attack at 75,55 near Kweilin achieves 23-1 odds J35 to A543 (8 combat squads and 27 non-combat squads destroyed) casualties. 13th Chinese Base Force retreats.

Japanese bombard Pucheng.

PHILIPPINES

Manila is bombed - 1 airbase hit, 1 airbase supply hit and 7 runway hits.

Japanese bombard Manila – J141 to A173 casualties.

Malaybalay is occupied by the Japanese.

AUSTRALIA

KB attacks Brisbane in heavy rain.

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 21
B5N2 Kate x 52
D3A1 Val x 51

Japanese aircraft losses

D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied ground losses:

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

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 19

Many ships reported in port… there will be a port attack ordered for tomorrow.

BURMA

41st Guard Battalion at 56,53 near Pegu is targeted by 3 Blenheim I. 5 Zero on CAP don’t interfere and the bombers cause 9 casualties.

[SierraJuliet]

Sultry. Sumer in Brisbane is just that… sultry, muggy, humid, close, sticky. Every word describes the cloying feel of summer heat and humidity. The intensity is only heightened the day after a typical sub-tropical drenching. The 16th of January had been just that – clouds rolling in and dumping water in torrents. This in itself was not unusual. The Zero fighters, Kate bombers and Val dive bombers that turned up during the lull in the deluge was far from usual. The people of this laid back town where still attempting to comprehend that their town had been picked out by the Japanese Empire for attention. That the attention had merely been confined to the airfield was of scant consolation. If the Japanese where able to launch an assault on Brisbane what was safe.

That morning there was a palpable tension in the air… indeed, many went so far as to describe it as desperation. Desperation to be gone and out of this unexpected front line of the war. An air attack yesterday… today the expectation was of invasion. Any attempt to sensor the media was doomed… the Courier Mail was loaded with eye witness accounts and the expectation of invasion. There was a by-line… the fleet was known to be in town… they would surely put to sea and deal with the Japanese menace.

Chaos. Australia, is however, a big land and where would one flee. For those that could Toowoomba was the favoured destination… inland and away from the reach of these Japanese tormentors. For those that could not leave or had to stay the word went out; prepare to defend with whatever was to hand.

The knowledge that the fleet was in town was spot on. The cruisers Australia and Canberra fresh from their successful northern sortie were in port along with Perth and the venerable Adelaide plus New Zealand’s Leander. The commander of this powerful fleet, however, had no such illusions about what he could do to the Japanese fleet. Brisbane had been considered a safe haven for his ships to rest and refurbish after their northern deployment… they were not yet in proper battle worthy state to cast off and attempt to elude the juggernaut waiting over the horizon. A terrible decision… cast off and chance winning through in an unprepared state or sit tight and trust that the promised fighter protection would make a timely arrival. The overnight activity to return the ships to fighting trim had been feverish but it was still not complete. Mid-morning and the ships were still at their moorings on the Brisbane River… helpless targets.

[SierraJuliet]

Zeros had appeared before lunch. There were still no fighters to contest their appearance.

After lunch broken clouds and intermittent showers. Amongst the showers a massed flight of Kate bombers. By days end all the major warships moored at Brisbane would be dealing with bomb damage. HMAS Canberra was to bear the brunt of the bomb strikes.

Here she is seen listing and dealing with a large fire amidships.

[SierraJuliet]

17 January 1942

MALAYA/DEI

Mines cleared at Batavia – 136.

Near Tjilatjap 4 Nell attempt to bomb AVP Orion and miss.

Near Semarang 4 139WH-3 and 2 75A-7 Hawk are hunting Japanese ships. A 139 and a Hawk are downed by the 7 Oscar CAP and the survivors miss CA Haguro.

18th JNAF AF Unit at Semarang is bombed by 7 CW-22 Falcon after they elude the 3 Oscars on CAP.

3 139WH-3 make a run on a destroyer TF near Pamekasan at 58,106. They target DD Yugure and miss.

Japanese bombard at Singapore – 37A casualties.

Japanese deliberate attack at Tjilatjap achieves 3-1 odds (fort level 0) and the base is captured. A single S.19 Singapore III is destroyed on the ground. 115J to 854A (25 combat squads and 75 non-combat squads, 32 guns and 19 vehicles destroyed) casualties. Tjilatjap KNIL Battalion, 5th Coastal Gun Battalion and Tjilitap Base Force retreat.

PHILIPPINES

Mines cleared at Bataan – 87.

Japanese bombard at Manila – 192J (5 squads destroyed) to 43A casualties.

AUSTRALIA

At Brisbane 7 Zero carry out a sweep – no opposition.

During the afternoon KB launches an air attack on the port of Brisbane. In light rain 74 unescorted Kate make their bombing runs.

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships

xAK Ping Wo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Adelaide, Bomb hits 1
CL Perth, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Leander, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CA Australia, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AO Pecos, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Allied ground losses:

4 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Repair Shipyard hits 3
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Massive explosion on AO Pecos

I had attempted to keep KB on patrol but due to the fuel situation Nagumo heads east (away from Australia) and the Kates are launched at long range. They can only drop 250kg bombs at this range. I have them set at 12000 feet to avoid flak so I am happy with the results. Actually very happy to have hit both Australia and Canberra + Perth for good measure.

CHINA

Wenchow is bombed – 3 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 12 runway hits.

88th Chinese Corps at Pucheng is bombed.

70th and 86th Chinese Corps 83,53 near Wuchang is bombed.

52nd Chinese Corps at 71,55 near Nanning is bombed.

Troops unloading over beach at Pakhoi.

Japanese bombard at Loyang – 7J to 38A casualties.

Japanese deliberate attack at 85, 49 near Hankow achieves 1-1 odds – 548J (5 combat squads destroyed) to 92A (1 combat squad destroyed) casualties.

Japanese bombard at Changsha – 6A casualties.

Japanese bombard at Wenchow.

Japanese bombard at Pucheng.

Allies bombard the beachhead at Pakhoi (8J casualties). Massive recon failure here. I had thought that the local Chinese garrison had moved out leaving the place undefended. Wrong! Bombardment reports show 174 Chinese AV to a mere 7 Japanese AV. The Japanese AF unit is ordered to reboard the ships overnight and get out of there.

BURMA

41st Guard Battalion at 56,53 near Pegu is bombed by 3 Blenheim I after they slip past 5 Zero on LRCAP.

PACIFIC

Belep Islands is occupied by the Japanese.


DMS W-13 taken out of commission to begin refit at Pescadores
DMS W-14 taken out of commission to begin refit at Pescadores
DMS W-15 taken out of commission to begin refit at Pescadores
DMS W-16 taken out of commission to begin refit at Pescadores


Ryujo-1 on CVL Ryujo converting to size 28 from 14

[SierraJuliet]

Thanks for returning to my AAR after I had a short sojourn in the country. Todd and I will have regular breaks mainly resulting from travel. Last week was a break to go bicycle touring with a few likeminded people. We usually manage a ride at least once a year on what is somewhat of a glorified pub crawl.

This time we planned to ride a circuit around Grafton in northern New South Wales. A predicted east coast low put paid to that idea so we relocated to a country base at Ballandean near the Queensland/New South Wales border. We got in a scenic ride on a 4 wheel drive track through Girraween National Park before the rain set in. During our rain enforced idleness we spent time exploring the border rail crossing at Ballangarry. It was once a thriving customs point where the NSW standard gauge meets the Queensland narrow gauge rail. We also discovered that apart from hosting a large munitions depot dating from WW II the crossing was also an important stop over for troops being moved around Australia via the rail network. The station is now home to a café and museum and the occasional steam train excursion. The station has been refurbished and looks a treat with the Granite hills of Girraween as a backdrop.

[SierraJuliet]

18 January 1942

PHILIPPINES

Mine field cleared at Bataan – 186 mines.

Manila is bombed – 8 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and18 runway hits.

Japanese bombard Manila – J29 to A73 (3 combat squads destroyed) casualties.

HOME ISLANDS

Soviet ships get too close to the Japanese home islands.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Wakkanai at 122,48, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

SC CHa-1
SC CHa-3
SC CHa-15

Allied Ships

xAK Zhulebin

Reduced sighting due to 3% moonlight
Both Task Forces evade combat

Tensions are running high near Wakkanai.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Wakkanai at 122,48, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

SC CHa-1
SC CHa-3
SC CHa-15

Allied Ships

xAKL PK-39
TK Vostochno Maslo

Both Task Forces evade combat

MALAYA/DEI

Near Mersing SS O16 scores 1 torpedo hit on DMS W-3 to sink her and is hit 5 times herself by the ASW ships.

Troops unloading over beach at Pontianak.

Troops unloading over beach at Oosthaven.

My commerce raiders find some more targets

Day Time Surface Combat, near Tjilatjap at 50,106, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

AMC Akagi Maru

Allied Ships

AS Janssens, Shell hits 1
AVP Orion, Shell hits 2, on fire
AMc MMS A
AMc MMS B, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AMc MMS C
AMc MMS D
AMc Digoel
AMc Djampea
AMc Endeh

Second action of the day for Akagi Maru.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Tjilatjap at 50,106, Range 19,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

AMC Akagi Maru

Allied Ships

AVP Orion, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Kinryu also makes contact but cannot force an engagement.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Tjilatjap at 50,105, Range 22,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

AMC Kinryu Maru

Allied Ships

AS Janssens
AMc MMS A
AMc MMS C
AMc MMS D
AMc Digoel
AMc Djampea
AMc Endeh

Allied Support TF evades combat

Kinryu Maru is having a good day.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Djokjakarta at 51,105, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

AMC Kinryu Maru

Allied Ships

AS Janssens, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
AMc MMS A, Shell hits 1, on fire
AMc MMS C
AMc MMS D
AMc Digoel
AMc Djampea
AMc Endeh, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Task forces break off...

Contact again but the Allied shipping escapes.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Madioen at 52,106, Range 22,000 Yards

Japanese Ships

AMC Kinryu Maru

Allied Ships

AS Janssens, heavy fires
AMc MMS A, on fire
AMc MMS C
AMc MMS D
AMc Digoel
AMc Djampea

Both Task Forces evade combat

Near Madioen at 52,106 4 Nell find AMc Digoel and dispatch this ship with 1 bomb hit.

Singapore is bombed – 17 casualties and 4 airbase hits and 17 runway hits.

4 138WH-3 and 1 75A-7 Hawk attack CA Kumano and DD Usugumo near Bandjermasin without result.

Near Semarang 3 139WH-3 and 2 T.IVa attempt to fight their way through to attack a TF. 11 Oscar are present and splash 2 139 WH-3 and 1 T.Iva and the attack is aborted.

The wounded AVP Orion is located by 4 Nell and sinks after hits from 2 torpedoes.

Medan is bombed – 1 airbase hit and 6 runway hits.

Japanese deliberate attack at Merak achieves 93-1 odds (fort level 2) and the base is captured. J60 to A2055 casualties. The following units are destroyed by 21 Division.

Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
Merak Base Force

Japanese bombard Singapore – A34 casualties (1 combat squad destroyed).
Japanese capture Malang.

AUSTRALIA

Nagumo has ordered KB to close on Brisbane and today the results are better the previous day. 7 Zero perform a sweep and today find 8 P-40E Warhawk in attendance. 1 Warhawk is destroyed.

Afternoon Air attack on Brisbane , at 96,160

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero x 14
B5N2 Kate x 58
D3A1 Val x 51

Allied aircraft

P-40E Warhawk x 5

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships

CL Leander, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CA Australia, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Adelaide, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Perth, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAKL Bintoehan, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:

4 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 2

Very happy with this result and some of the hits were 800kg bombs.

BURMA

41st Guard Battalion at 56,53 near Pegu is bombed by 3 Blenheim 1 which get past the LRCAP of 5 Zero.

Japanese shock attack at Pegu achieves 228-1 odds (fort level 0) and the base is captured. J102 to A314 (16 combat squads destroyed) casualties and 4th Burma Rifles Battalion retreats to Rangoon.

CHINA

Wenchow is bombed – 6 casualties, 1 airbase supply hit and 7 runway hits.

88th Chinese Corps at Pucheng is bombed – 35 casualties.

86th Chinese Corps at 83,53 near Wuchang is bombed.

Japanese bombard at Loyang – J14 to A47 (1 combat squad destroyed) casualties.

Japanese bombard at Changsha – J7 to A7 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Wenchow.

Japanese bombard at Pucheng.

PACIFIC

La Foa is occupied by the Japanese


WO Tsukamoto B. of 64th Sentai Det is credited with kill number 4 and 5 and attains ace status!!

[SierraJuliet]

18 January.

Tokyo to Moscow

The transgression into Soviet territory was not sanctioned by Tokyo. The miscreants have been dealt disciplined. The unit has returned to Japanese territory and any retributive action by local Soviet forces against this until be viewed in the appropriate light.

It is noted the CCP has now violated the sovereignty of the Japanese Home Islands by Soviet ships which have no right to enter Japanese waters. Soviet shipping transgressing within 2 hexes of Japanese cities will be considered hostile end eliminated.

Japanese forces will continue to maintain a presence to deter Soviet aggression towards Japanese territory. Your suggestion is noted... Japanese forces will not be pulled back from Korean and Manchurian waters.

Aggressive patrolling by Soviet naval assets is expected within the confines of Soviets waters. Japan views patrolling aggressively outside Soviet waters as provocative and responsibility for any unfortunate incidents occurring in Japanese controlled waters will be laid on the Soviet doorstep.

The China situation is between Japan and China. We shall sort out our differences without Comrade Stalin's assistance. It is suggested that Soviet advisors might instead be better employed defending Moscow.

[SierraJuliet]

19 January 1942

PHILIPPINES

Mine field cleared at Bataan – 132 mines.

Japanese bombard at Manila – J111 to A29 (2 combat squads destroyed) casualties.

MALAYA/DEI

Night Time Surface Combat near Madioen at 53,108.

Japanese Ships

DD Shiratsuyu
DD Shigure
DD Yugure

Allied Ships

AS Janssens, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk

SS KVII is sighted but escapes detection near Semarang.

Singapore is bombed – 1 Nell lost to flak, 15 casualties, 2 airbase hits and 9 runway hits.

4 139WH-3 and 1 75A-7 Hawk attempt to bomb a TF near Semarang. 11 Oscar on hand knock down 2 139 and 1 Hawk and the shipping is safe.

Japanese bomb Soerabaja with 3 Nell escorted by 4 Oscar. 1 B-339D, 1 CW-21B Demon and 2 75A-7 Hawk make up the CAP. I trade a Nell for a B-339D.

Japanese bombard at Singapore – A73 casualties (3 combat squads and 1 non-combat squad destroyed).

Japanese deliberate attack at Buitenzorg achieves 1-1 odds (fort level 1). J26 to A31 casualties.

Japanese deliberate attack at Temuloh achieves 1-1 odds (fort level 0) – J17 to A8 (1 combat squad destroyed) casualties.

Japanese deliberate attack at Pontianak achieves 4-1 odds (fort level 1) and the base is captured. A51 (1 combat squad and 5 non-combat squads destroyed) and Pontianak Base Force retreats.

Japanese deliberate attack at Oostahaven achieves 2-1 odds (fort level 2) and forts are reduced to 1. J38 to A8 casualties.

CHINA

SS KXV launches torpedoes at PB Ginyo Maru and misses near Wenchow. The ASW manages 1 hit in return.

Liuchow is bombed – 2 airbase hit, 3 airbase supply hit and 15 runway hits.

Wenchow is bombed – 28 casualties, 1 airbase hit, 1 airbase supply hit and 7 runway hits.

88th Chinese Corps at Pucheng is bombed – 15 casualties.

70th Chinese Corps at 82,53 near Changsha is bombed – 9 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Loyang – J49 (1 non-combat squad destroyed) to A44 (1 combat squad destroyed) casualties.

Japanese bombard at Changsha – J13 to A52 (1 combat squad destroyed) casualties.

Japanese bombard at Wenchow – A6 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Pucheng – J34 (1 combat squad destroyed) to A7 casualties.

BURMA

Rangoon is bombed – 3 runway hits.

[ChuckBerger]

Wow, a Japanese raider actually accomplishes something!

[SierraJuliet]

20 January 1942

Hi there ChuckBerger. Todd has employed a Sir Robin in this game. After the success of AMC Hokoku Maru in the South Pacific during the opening days of the war I decided to team Hokoku up with Kinryu and Akagi Maru for some Indian Ocean raiding. It has turned out to be relatively successful and rewarding to see commerce raiders getting in some hits before LBA and increasing Allied escorts signal the death knell to this kind of activity.

PHILLIPINES

Mine field at Bataan cleared – 132 mines.

Manila is bombed – 13 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 37 runway hits.

Japanese bombard at Manila – J158 (2 combat squads destroyed) to A89 (2 combat squads and 1 non-combat squad destroyed) casualties.

CHINA

Near Wenchow DDs Sawakaze and Yukaze locate SS KXV and report 2 hits on the sub before they lose contact.

Liuchow is bombed – 8 airbase hits, 5 airbase supply hits and 22 runway hits.

Wenchow is bombed – 12 runway hits.

88th Chinese Corps at Pucheng is bombed – 11 casualties.

Japanese bombard Loyang – J17 to A22 (1 combat squad destroyed) casualties.

Japanese bombard at Changsha.

Japanese bombard at Wenchow.

Japanese bombard at Pucheng.

AUSTRALIA

Nagumo detaches CAs Ashigara and Maya along with CL Kuma and a couple of escorts to bombard Rockhampton.

32 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 8
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1

MALAYA/DEI

Singapore is bombed – 1 Sally and 1 Nell lost to flak, 1 airbase hit, 1 airbase supply hit and 8 runway.

Japanese deliberate attack at Singapore

Attacking force 49082 troops, 579 guns, 207 vehicles, Assault Value = 1239

Defending force 26705 troops, 352 guns, 201 vehicles, Assault Value = 290

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 517

Allied adjusted defense: 631

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)

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

Japanese ground losses:
1346 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 122 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 35 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1577 casualties reported
Squads: 49 destroyed, 168 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 100 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Guns lost 34 (4 destroyed, 30 disabled)
Vehicles lost 27 (1 destroyed, 26 disabled)

Disappointed to get that 1-2 odds but on the bright side the defenders appear to be crumbling if the number of destroyed and disabled combat squads is anything to go by.

Japanese deliberate attack at Buitenzorg achieves 3-1 odds (fort level 0) and the base is captured. J11 to A2035 (31 combat squads, 140 non-combat squads, 2 engineer squads and 14 guns destroyed) casualties. Batavia Base Force and Bandoeng Base Force are eliminated.

Japanese deliberate attack at Temuloh achieves 1-1 odds (fort level 0). J12 to A74 casualties.

Japanese deliberate attack at Oostahaven achieves 2-1 odds (fort level 1) and forts reduced to level 0. J26 casualties.

BURMA

Rangoon is bombed – 1 runway hit.

PACIFIC

Tassafaronga is occupied by the Japanese.



SC CHa-26 arrives at Ominato

[SierraJuliet]

21 January 1942

PHILIPPINES

Mine field cleared at Bataan – 13 mines.

Troops unloading over beach at Batan Island.

Manila is bombed – 9 airbase hits, 5 airbase supply hit and 20 runway hits.

Japanese bombard at Manila – J98 (2 combat and 1 engineer squad destroyed) to A67 (2 combat squads destroyed) casualties.

Japanese capture Batan Island.

Legaspi is occupied by the Japanese.

MALAYA/DEI

SS I-124 is sighted and eludes ASW near Pamekasan.

Troops unloading over beach at Ambon. xAKL sustains 1 shell hits from the local garrison.

Near Pamekasan at 57,105 DDs Shiratsuyu, Shigure, Yugure locate and sink AMcs MMs A and Djampea.

Near Denpasar AMC Kinryu rides her luck as she is hit by a dud torpedo fired from SS KXII.

Near Pamekasan SS KX is located by DD Shigure cannot get a decent fix for a depth charge attack.

Singapore is bombed – 1 Nell lost to flak, 9 casualties, 10 runway hits.

3 Nell make torpedo attacks on AMc MMS D near Soerabaja. A couple of Dutch aircraft aren’t a worry as 4 Oscar are escorting. Nil hits on this target.

Medan is bombed – 1 airbase supply hit and 1 runway hit.

CW-22 Falcon x 7 attempt to bomb 18th JNAF AF Unit at Semarang. 11 Oscar CAP knocks down 3 of the bombers.

Japanese bombard at Singapore – J (1 gun destroyed) to A28 casualties.

Japanese deliberate attack at Temuloh achieves 1-2 odds (fort level 0) – A25 casualties. Reinforcements are on the way here as 91st Naval Guard Unit won’t be able to do this job by itself.

Japanese deliberate attack at Oosthaven achieves 5-1 odds (fort level 0) and the base is captured. 1 Wirraway destroyed on the ground. A80 (1 combat, 12 non combat and 6 engineer squads destroyed + 6 guns lost) casualties and Teloekbetoeng Base Force retreats.

Allies bombard at Ambon.

PACIFIC

SS I-5 transiting south finds destroyers near Coos Bay (211,61). She sustains 3 hits from DDs Walke and Anderson. Time for some repairs.

Troops unloading over beach at Lae.

CHINA

10th Group Army at Pucheng is bombed – 5 casualties.

86th Chinese Corps at 82,53 near Changsha is bombed – 13 casualties.

Liuchow is bombed – 1 airbase hit and 7 runway hits.

Japanese bombard at Loyang – J46 to A12 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Changsha – J5 to A8 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Wenchow.

Japanese bombard at Pucheng.

BURMA

Rangoon is bombed – 1 airbase hit and 2 runway hits.


Device Aichi Ha-60 advances R&D

Pilot Kamisaka M. is reported as having been found

[SierraJuliet]

22 January 1942

AUSTRALIA

SS I-18 locates CA Australia escorted by PG Moresby at 94,166 near Newcastle. She slips 2 torpedoes into the cruiser which is last seen dealing heavy damage.

MALAYA/DEI

SS O21 is located near Batavia by escorts for one of my heavies. They manage to score 2 hits on the submarine.

Afternoon air attack on Soerabaja. 1 CW-21B Demon and 1 75A-7 Hawk greet the 3 Nell escorted by 4 Oscar. Nothing to show from this little raid.

Medan is bombed – 2 airbase hits and 2 runway hits.

Singapore is bombed – 1 Sally lost to flak, 1 airbase supply hit and 1 runway hit.

Mine field cleared at Ambon – 4 mines.


Japanese deliberate attack at Singapore achieves 1-1 odds (fort level 0).

Attacking force 48626 troops, 578 guns, 207 vehicles, Assault Value = 1195

Defending force 25494 troops, 348 guns, 199 vehicles, Assault Value = 144

Japanese adjusted assault: 630

Allied adjusted defense: 433

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

Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1052 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 102 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 31 destroyed, 10 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1320 casualties reported
Squads: 123 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 44 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 17 disabled
Guns lost 29 (2 destroyed, 27 disabled)

Finally…. The end does seem to be in sight.

Japanese deliberate attack at Ambon achieves 1-1 odds (fort level 2) and fort reduced to level 1. J241 (1 combat squad destroyed) to A190 (1 combat squad destroyed) casualties.

Allies bombard at Ambon.

CHINA

Liuchow is bombed – 4 airbase hit, 2 airbase supply hits and 24 runway hits.

88th Chinese Corps at Pucheng is bombed – 7 casualties.

99th Chinese Corps at Changsha is bombed.

Wenchow is bombed – 12 casualties and 11 runway hits.

Japanese bombard at Loyang – J64 to A21 casualties.

Japanese deliberate attack at 85,49 near Hankow achieves 8-1 odds J351 to A2495 (135 combat, 105 non-combat and 2 engineer squads + 5 guns destroyed) casualties. 7th and 84th Chinese Corps retreat.

Japanese bombard Changsha – J (1 gun lost) to A5 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Wenchow.

Japanese bombard at Pucheng – J12 casualties.

PHILIPPINES

Manila is bombed – 5 casualties, 3 airbase hits and 29 runway hits.

Japanese bombard at Manila – J185 (1 combat squad destroyed) to A18 (1 non-combat squad destroyed) casualties.

BURMA

Rangoon is bombed – 1 airbase hit, 1 airbase supply hit and 9 runway hits.

PACIFIC

Japanese deliberate attack at Lae achieves 22-1 odds (fort level 0) and the base is captured. J13 to A27 (1 combat and 1 non-combat squad destroyed) casualties. A Coy/NG Rifles retreats.

Namatanai is occupied by the Japanese.



CA Australia is reported to have been sunk near Newcastle on Jan 22, 1942. Funny thing here… the intel reports have CA Portland as being sunk. I expect it was CA Australia that went down.

[SierraJuliet]

Moscow to Tokyo

We ask, in the spirit of brotherhood and friendship, that merchant ships of the Rodina be allowed to transit Japanese waters. Individual ships will be used only to resupply remote bases.

[SierraJuliet]

23 January 1942

CHINA

Liuchow is bombed – 6 airbase hits, 4 airbase supply hits and 51 runway hits.

Wenchow is bombed – 2 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and14 runway hits.

88th Chinese Corps at Pucheng is bombed – 11 casualties.

70th Chinese Corps at Changsha is bombed.

Japanese bombard at Loyang – J25 to A31 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Changsha – J5 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Wenchow.

Japanese bombard at Liuchow - A41 (1 combat squad destroyed) casualties.

Japanese bombard at Pucheng.

Japanese capture Kweilin.

MALAYA/DEI

Singapore is bombed – 23 casualties, 3 airbase hits and 15 runway hits.

During offloading of supply at Ambon xAK Nihonka Maru is hit by 2 shells… meant to send this TF away but left the remain on station button on… lucky the damage can be repaired.

Japanese bombard at Singapore – A126 (21 combat squads, 2 non-combat squads destroyed + 1 gun and 2 vehicles lost) casualties.

Japanese deliberate attack at Ambon achieves 1-2 odds (fort level 1) – J236 (6 combat squads destroyed) to A110 casualties.

Allies bombard at Ambon.

PHILIPPINES

Manila is bombed – 1 Betty lost to flak, 3 airbase hits and 13 runway hits.

Japanese bombard at Manila – J94 (2 combat squads destroyed + 1 gun and 1 vehicle lost) to A80 (4 combat squads destroyed + 1 gun lost) casualties.

BURMA

Rangoon is bombed.

PACIFIC

Japanese bombard at Noumea.

Tabar Island is occupied by the Japanese.

[SierraJuliet]

24 January 1942

CHINA

Yamashiro and Fuso return for a bombardment run on Wenchow

Allied ground losses:

378 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 34 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Manpower hits 2
Heavy Industry hits 2
Resources hits 1
Fires 1414
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 25
Port hits 1

Nearby DDs Sawakaze and Yukaze locate SS KXV but can’t orchestrate and attack on the sub.

Wenchow is bombed – 4 airbase supply hits and 6 runway hits.

88th Chinese Corps at Pucheng is bombed – 9 casualties.

Loyang is bombed – 1 airbase bit, 2 airbase supply hits and 8 runway hits.

Liuchow is bombed – 2 airbase supply hit and 16 runway hits.

74th Chinese Corps at Changsha is bombed.

Japanese bombard at Loyang – J12 casualties to A63 (one non-combat squad destroyed) casualties.

Japanese bombard at Changsha – J20 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Wenchow.

Japanese bombard at Liuchow – J12 to A50 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Pucheng.

HOME ISLANDS

SCs Cha-3 and 15 locate SS L-12 within the Wakkanai hex. They prosecute an ASW attack on the sub and report 6 hits. Yes… you have read correctly SS L-12. A Soviet submarine making a nuisance of itself. Aerial recon had picked up the presence of a sub and did what you do when a hostile presence is located approaching home waters. Seems it wasn’t the expected American sub….but who was to know that when it was hidden under the protective embrace of the ocean’s roof.

Captain Efremenko W. of SS L-12 is following orders or has decided to write his own chapter in the book of history. He hangs around Wakkanai and penetrates the scant defences of the port and stands off xAK Nozima Maru. The xAK was in the process of completing another resources run from Sakhalin. The mundane sounds of unloading is shattered by 6 torpedoes penetrating the hull of the stationary ship. She is a total loss within a couple of minutes. The harbour is now of tableau of frenetic activity. Somewhere amongst the chaos SS L-12 takes a single hit and her captain decides that it is time to disappear. Tokyo receives very disturbing new from Wakkanai.

GHQ consideration of the Soviet request to allow merchant shipping to pass through Japanese Homeland waters is terminated immediately.

PHILIPPINES

Manila is bombed – 5 airbase hits and 16 runway hits.

Japanese bombard at Manila – J141 (1 combat and 1 non-combat squad destroyed + 1 vehicle lost) to A34 (2 combat squads and 1 non-combat squad destroyed + 1 vehicle lost) casualties.

Sibuyan is occupied by the Japanese.

BURMA

Japanese capture Toungoo.

MALAYA/DEI

Japanese bombard at Singapore – A109 (14 combat squads and 2 non-combat squads destroyed + 1 vehicle lost) casualties.

Japanese bombard at Temuloh.

Allies bombard at Ambon.

PACIFIC

Japanese deliberate attack at Noumea achieves 5-1 (fort level 0) odds and the base is captured. J76 to A642 (26 combat squads and 44 non-combat squads destroyed + 18 guns lost) casualties. New Caledonia Det is eliminated.


Defensive minefields laid at Iki-shima.

Repairs completed on DMS W-17 at Pescadores, ship returned to service

Repairs completed on DMS W-18 at Pescadores, ship returned to service

LCDR Itaya, S. of Akagi-1 is credited with kill number 5 and attains ace status!! One snooping Catalina did not return home.

DD Hatsuyuki beginning refit in shipyard at Osaka/Kyoto

[SierraJuliet]

25 January 1942

CHINA

Liuchow is bombed – 3 airbase hit, 1 airbase supply hit and 23 runway hits.

Wenchow is bombed – 5 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 12 runway hits.

88th Chinese Corps at Pucheng is bombed – 6 casualties.

70th Chinese Corps at Changsha is bombed.

Loyang is bombed – 6 casualties, 2 airbase hits, 2 airbase supply hits and 7 runway hits.

Japanese deliberate attack at Loyang achieves 1-1 odds and forts are reduced to level 2. J 2972 (12 combat squads and 1 non-combat squad destroyed) to A 2725 (10 combat squads, 1 non-combat and 1 engineer squad destroyed + 7 guns lost) casualties.

Japanese bombard at Changsha – J 6 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Wenchow.

Japanese bombard at Liuchow – A 59 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Pucheng.

PHILIPPINES

Manila is bombed – 7 airbase hits, 3 airbase supply hits and 34 runway hits.

Japanese bombard at Manila – J 140 (1 combat squad destroyed) to A 94 (6 combat squads destroyed and 1 vehicle lost) casualties.

Dumanquilas is occupied by the Japanese.

MALAYA/DEI

Dutch attempt to attack shipping near Semarang. 11 Oscar on CAP versus incoming 3 139WH-3 and 2 B-339D. 1 B-339 destroyed and xAK Azuma avoids nasty 300kg SAP bombs. Second attack during the morning is made by 5 CW-22 Falcon and1 75A-7 Hawk. The Oscars are waiting and despatch the Hawk after which the attack falters.

Japanese deliberate attack at Singapore.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Attacking force 47941 troops, 575 guns, 200 vehicles, Assault Value = 1208

Defending force 24631 troops, 345 guns, 196 vehicles, Assault Value = 127

Japanese adjusted assault: 889

Allied adjusted defense: 431

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Singapore !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:

1525 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 119 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 22 disabled

Allied ground losses:

14281 casualties reported
Squads: 470 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2174 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 172 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 438 (438 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 209 (209 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 27

Assaulting units:
4th Ind. Engineer Regiment
18th Division
4th Division
Imperial Guards Division
5th Division
15th Ind. Engineer Regiment
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
1st Manchester Battalion
11th Indian Division
12th Indian Brigade
III Indian Corps
AHQ Far East
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
3rd Heavy AA Regiment
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
Singapore Fortress
110th RAF Base Force
2/17 Dogra Battalion
Singapore Base Force
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
109th RN Base Force
2nd Gordons Battalion
223 Group RAF
SSVF Brigade
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
2nd Malay Battalion
224 Group RAF
Malayan Air Wing
112th RAF Base Force
Malaya Army
2nd ISF Base Force
2nd Loyal Battalion
5th Field Regiment

This took somewhat longer than I had hoped but it was achieved on the whole with only 4 divisions. They are in need of a break but should bounce back fairly quickly. The base is trashed with the Allied engineers doing a comprehensive job of destroying everything of value. It will take some time before Singapore will be useful. The other positive is the very minimal loss of shipping to take the island. Haruna took a torpedo and I lost a couple of AKs and a patrol boat or two. I know Sir Robin was a big help in keeping lost ships down but the Allied torpedo bombers could have wrought havoc and they didn’t. I’m very happy to have checked the Allied ability to use aircraft to interfere with the landings and subsequent reinforcement. Having Carrier Div 5 around was a huge help.

Japanese deliberate attack at Ambon achieves 1-1 odds and forts reduced to level 0. J 130 (2 combat squads destroyed) to A 149 (2 combat squads destroyed) casualties. Allies bombard in turn.

Japanese bombard at Temuloh.

BURMA

Rangoon is bombed – 1 airbase hit, 2 airbase supply hits and 8 runway hits.



Repairs completed on DD Yukikaze at Hiroshima/Kure, ship returned to service.

CVL Shoho arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka.

xAKL Tatung is reported to have been sunk near Singapore on Dec 25, 1941.

[SierraJuliet]

26 January 1942

MALAYA/DEI

SS I-164 launches 2 at xAP Rochambeau near Balikpapan but misses.

Mine field cleared at Singapore – 68 mines.

14 Nates have a go at ML No. 423 near Victoria Point. 2 shell hits are reported.

At 56,102 near Soerabaja 3 130WH-3 and 3 B-339D attack Kongo without success.

During the afternoon 5 Betty escorted by 5 Oscar score 1 bomb hit on xAKL Lyemun near Lingga. She is last seen on fire and apparently suffering heavy damage.

Medan is bombed – 5 casualties, 11 airbase, 2 airbase supply and 17 runway hits.

Japanese deliberate attack at Ambon achieves 1-1 odds (fort level 0) – J 106 (2 combat squads destroyed) to A 145 (9 combat squads destroyed) casualties. The allied forces counter bomard.

Japanese deliberate attack at Temuloh achieves 3-1 odds (fort level 0) and the base is captured. J 49 (1 combat squad destroyed) to A 527 (29 combat squads, 39 non-combat squads and 3 engineer squads destroyed) casualties. 1st Hyderabad Battalion and 22 Indian Brigade retreat.

CHINA

Liuchow is bombed – 2 airbase hits, 2 airbase supply hit and 19 runway hits.

Wenchow is bombed – 5 airbase hits and 5 runway hits.

10th Group Army at Pucheng is bombed – 14 casualties.

Loyang is bombed – 7 casualties, 8 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit and 12 runway hits.

70th Chinese Corps at Changsha is bombed – 10 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Loyang – J 12 to A 81 (1 combat squad destroyed) casualties.

Japanese bombard at Changsha – J 7 to A 9 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Wenchow.

Japanese bombard at Liuchow – A 33 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Pucheng.

Japanese bombard at 87,48 near Sinyang – J 8 casualties.

Japanese bombard at Kweiteh.

PHILIPPINES

Manila is bombed – 5 airbase hits, 2 airbase supply hit and 16 runway hits.

Japanese bombard at Manila – J 73 (1 non-combat + 1 gun and 1 vehicles lost) to A 39 (1 combat squad destroyed + 2 vehicles lost) casualties.

BURMA

Rangoon is bombed – 2 airbase and 5 runway hits.

Japanese bombard at Rangoon – J 12 casualties.

PACIFIC

Mussau Island is occupied by the Japanese.

Repairs completed on PB Shonan Maru #8 at Nago, ship returned to service.
Repairs completed on PB Konsan Maru at Fukuyama, ship returned to service.
Repairs completed on PB Kensin Maru at Fukuyama, ship returned to service.
Repairs completed on PB Ronsan Maru at Fukuyama, ship returned to service.

xAKL Anakan is reported to have been sunk near Manila on Dec 08, 1941.

[SierraJuliet]

After the sinking of Nomiza Maru at Wakkanai there has been a flurry of diplomatic activity between Tokyo and Moscow.

Tokyo to Moscow

His Imperial Majesty is most displeased.

Whilst we have been considering your request to allow merchant ships of the Rodina to transit the waters of the Japanese Home Islands a soviet submarine has violated your spirit of brotherhood by entering the restricted waters of Wakkanai and sinking Nozima Maru.

Do not attempt to pass this attack off as the actions of an American submarine. The submarine saw fit to openly attack above water. There was no mistaking it as a soviet submarine.

The Emperor is very keen to avoid hostilities with the fine defenders of Rodina, however, some tangible show of good will to off set the loss of this ship and your tarnished honour is expected. Unless we are to take this act as a declaration of war!

Naturally there will be no acceding to your request for soviet shipping to enter or pass through the waters of the Japanese Home Islands.

Our diplomat awaits your immediate response.

RESPONSE FROM MOSCOW

The Rodona's sub L-12 was attacked by IJN assets nand later in the day made a submerged attack on what she thought were her attackers returning for another attack. This sub was on transit to a new basing. We will not be home held responsible for what your forces initiated. The CCP's military has been placed on alert and given orders to defend themselves if attacked.

Todd’s initial take on the situation is that the combat reports show IJN initiated hostilities, no sub surface attack. Lots of fish fired.

TOKYO TO MOSCOW

Your claims have been investigated. Your submarine L-12 was attacked after it had entered Japanese territorial waters at Wakkanai. We understand that your captain will claim to have been outside our territorial waters. We stand by the reports of our diligent defenders.

Your claims in relation to the attack on Nozima Maru are also erroneous. At the time this ship was in the harbour of Wakkanai and was in the process of unloading stores. There is no doubting that your captain made this attack on the surface of Wakkanai harbour. Nozima Maru was stationary and this is borne out by the blood thirsty use of 6 torpedoes on a helpless target which was not at war with the captain of your submarine.

The defenders of Imperial Japan have likewise been placed on alert and will defend themselves if attacked by Soviet forces.

Regrettable as this incident is the Emperor is desirous of maintaining peace between our nations.



My take on the situation to Todd. I'm quite happy to stand by the Soviet sub making a surface attack as written in the combat report. She even took a return hit by the way it has been reported. A very rocky start to relations between the Soviets and Japanese in this game.


Sub attack near Wakkanai at 122,48

Japanese Ships
xAK Nozima Maru, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS L-12, hits 1

SS L-12 attacking xAK Nozima Maru on the surface
Efremenko W. decides to submerge SS L-12 due to damage


Moscow to Tokyo

The sub's skipper will be debriefed upon his return to port. The radio report indicates that the sub was attacked by 2 IJN craft in international waters. The whereabouts of the ship that the sub attacked will be ascertained upon the return to port. Either way it appears that Japanese forces initiated hostilities. The CCP's ships will retain the right to sail in international waters and attacks on them will be responded to. All Soviet forces are now on a war footing so it would behove you to maintain distance.

From Todd

I enjoy this jockeying, but it appears that we could very well be heading towards a conflict as actions appear to be spiralling out of control.


Tokyo to Moscow

We know your captain and crew will report that they were in international waters. Moscow is such a very long way from where this incident took place. It is understandable that your captain and crew became confused seeing as they were clearly ordered to navigate so close to Japanese territory. To avoid any further 'misunderstanding' Soviet ships, as has already been stated, will not be kindly greeted should they enter Home Island waters; in particular, the waters around Wakkanai, Hadodate and Tsushima. As your captain is reported to have confused an innocent merchant vessel with warships we would disapprove of Soviet shipping traversing waters close to the homeland with the likelihood that they would be mistaken for American warships... it would not be an unexpected event given we are a war with the Americans.

Soviet merchant ships are well able to supply Soviet outposts by traversing the route around Okha.



Me to Todd

The banter is indeed interesting and a step up from what took place in the last game. I think we have managed to create something of a very real approximation of how easily things can get out of control... just goes to show how good this game can be.


From Todd
The Soviet ambassador to Tokyo has been recalled to Moscow for consultations.

Yeah it appears that Japan and the CCP are being dragged into another front that they don't need at the current time. I don't see how the Japanese could back down without losing face and the Soviets under Stalin are no doubt under pressure from London and Washington not to cave in to the Japanese. With both sides taking aggressive stances it would seem to me that it will happen sooner rather than later when another exchange occurs. Interesting...It would be a shame to lose this front to combat rather than diplomacy though.