Dixie (J) vs Yava (A) This AAR has no name...

[Dixie]

Would that be dissent?  [:@]  [:-]

I realise it could be risky, but hey ho, the turn is with Yava [;)]  If I don't try then the attack will certainly fail.  The whole situation is why I dislike the CHinese theatre [:(]

[Dino]

ORIGINAL: Dixie

Would that be dissent? [:@] [:-]

Oh, I was referring to S*** tending to pile UP. [:'(]

I realise it could be risky, but hey ho, the turn is with Yava [;)] If I don't try then the attack will certainly fail. The whole situation is why I dislike the CHinese theatre [:(]

Speaking of S***, we have a saying here: "I know a guy who tried to fa*t..." [:D]

Anyway, since orders have already been given, let's wait and see...

[Dixie]

10th January 1942

BURMA
Today saw the first major landmark of the Burma Campaign. An assault by the 2nd (Guards) Div took the surprisingly lightly defended port of Rangoon during the 9th. Casualties were minimal, only two British brigades were left to defend the city. I had expected Yava to use Rangoon as more of a speedbump. The capture of the port also resulted in the capture of over 22,000 oil and 6,000 resources [8D] The 2nd will be resting here for a while whilst the rest of the nearby Burma Army catches up in preperation for seizing Mandalay (Operation Rudyard).

MALAYA
An attack at Georgetown (again) reduced British fortifications down to 0. Near Singapore the 18th Div has arrived at Mersing and will attack today. Otherwise there was nothing much of note happening today, just a few units relocating south from their disembarking port at Kota Bharu.

SRA
Troops continued to move ashore in Java. Two more ships hit mines, including a DD. Several ships were subjected to coastal gun fire, Hibiki taking two shells (sorry Cuttlefish [:D]). By this afternoon two full divisions will be ashore and the march inland will begin before Yava can move reinforcements to the beachhead.
Another air raid on Batavia again hit the airfield hard, but most Allied units seem to have withdrawn and only 9 a/c were destroyed on the ground. Today the raid will be scaled back slightly to hit Dutch troops near Palembang.
Speaking of Palembang, a Dutch unit attempted to retake the area today. The ABDA command probably expected a small base force to be holding the airfield, rather than an aviation regiment which can hold out for a while. Cruisers are also on their way to shell the pesky Dutch as is a Naval Guard unit from across the strait.
A surface combat TF centered around 4 heavy cruisers is moving to Makassar to clear out the Allied PT boats that foiled my last invasion attempt. The troops at Kendari are reboarding their transports and will depart in the next few days.

PHILIPPINES
Sorry, but with most units concentrating elsewhere there was again no action.

CHINA
A certain Serbian cat was right [8|] and the attack at Canton failed. It seems that heavier firepower is needed, so in addition to the division at Swatow and two NLF units on their way, another division and an NLF have been reassigned from the reserve roster and will move to Canton. Once the Chinese forces have actually been ejected the forces will be reassigned to more useful operations.

Ground combat at Canton

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 50296 troops, 305 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 733

Defending force 17412 troops, 65 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 444

Japanese max assault: 799 - adjusted assault: 471

Allied max defense: 339 - adjusted defense: 709

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
567 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Allied ground losses:
246 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Any ideas how much more force will be needed to shift the buggers? Is it worth reinforcing with the forces from the Home Islands? Or is that jsut throwing good money after bad? Should they be sent to Singapore/Java instead?

CENTRAL PACIFIC
Another quiet day here [>:]

NEW GUINEA & THE SOLOMONS
The first troops of the Lae invasion are ashore, and will be reinforced through today. At Truk, the KB should be all in the same place today. They will recombine and remain in the region for operations against Port Moresby and Fiji/New Caledonia/Samoan Islands.

THE STATE OF THE FORCES
A month of constant and intense operations is starting to wear out some of the ships of the Imperial fleet. Most fleets are suffering general wear and tear, but some are suffering from battle damage. In addition to Kongo there are also 5 cruisers and several destroyers in urgent need of yard time. The intended priority repairs will go to Kongo and Haruna which will be reassigned as CV escorts, once they have arrived on station the current KB battleship escorts will head for home and repair. The final aim is to have each CV TF escorted by two fast BB to act as AAA batteries (and decoys).
The various air units are doing OK. Morale is high, and several units have broken the 80 exp mark. The Allied air forces, especially the RAF seem to have been struck by a serious lack of morale and are fleeing from combat. With production of modern types increased I am building enough to upgrade units and replace combat losses. With only a dozen aircraft shot down in air-to-air actions most of my losses have come from flak (253) and ops (148).
Armament production has also been upgraded, but not as heavily as aeroplane production. There are several units appearing in Tokyo in 3 days time for assignment to SE-fleet. However a lack of heavy lift capability will limit them to garrison duty around the less salubrious parts of Tokyo until I can scrape together some troop ships.


[font="Times New Roman"]Streams of refugees made their way northwards away from the doomed city of Rangoon, thousands of Burmese civilians struggled away despite the rapidity of the Japanese assault. The fall had been so swift that many were still gathering their belongings even as the Japanese forces over-ran the British positions. For the lucky few who did escape the next few weeks would be difficult as they attempted to make it to Mandalay, or even Chittagong on the coast. In the seemingly unending mass of humanity no-one paid any attention to a lone dock worker with his pack. However, Agent Dragon-23 had infiltrated enemy territory.[/font]

[Dino]

Any ideas how much more force will be needed to shift the buggers? Is it worth reinforcing with the forces from the Home Islands? Or is that jsut throwing good money after bad? Should they be sent to Singapore/Java instead?

If my math is correct, you'll need A LOT more force to shift the Chinese from Canton.

I would concentrate on taking Hong Kong with whatever forces are there (38th?). Once HK falls, the Canton siege is moot...You only need about 1/4 of your current forces to defend Canton (especially if you build up the forts) and the Chinese will be clay pigeons for your pilots...eventually, Yava will probably pull them back himself.

Commit your air force to HK offensive...do some AF/port attacks for a couple of days and then support your assault with ground attacks...for ground attacks it's good to have your ACs attacking from various airfields (several small strikes are better than a single big one)...order the assault when weather forecast is favorable.

If your units in HK are under-supplied, I would consider suppling them by sea even if it means you'll lose some AKs to shore guns and mines.

Last but not least...don't forget the chicken.[:)]

[Dixie]

The Division at HK is in decent supply again.  If I can grab enough transport then there are two Divisions (56th and 2nd) and 56th Bde in Japan which were intended as reserve formations but which could be reassigned to take HK.  Plus the two NLF forces en route.  I could also spare two engineer rgts and maybe a brigade from Canton.  With air support this should be enough to seize HK right? [&:]  The main problem is my lift capacity, most shipping is either around Java or heading to/from the South Pacific.

[Dino]

The problem is you can't move forces between Canton and HK (ZOC), so if you want to reinforce HK, it has to be done by sea...I suspect there are some shore guns there, so that can be costly.

What does "decent supply" mean? Is it white or red?

Can you post CR of last ground combat in HK...

[Dixie]

A quick test on my 'AAR save' doesn't seem to throw any problems with moving from Canton to HK, but I don't have a chance to run the turn for a better test.  I seem to recall the game throwing an error message if it won't let me move from ZOC to another [&:]
 
Here's the combat report from the last turn:
 
Ground combat at Hong Kong

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 20821 troops, 81 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 445

Defending force 17554 troops, 124 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 318
 

[Dino]

Send a unit from Canton to HK to see if it will actually move there...If it does then no problem...the units you listed should be more then enough to take HK (provided it's not another urban hex - it's not in stock).

Also, you can spare more than just one brigade from Canton...he can't shift you there any more than you can shift him.

[Dixie]

Cheers (Acting General) Dino.  How about if I take the division and leave the brigade in Canton instead?  Four divisions, 2-3 NLF/SNLF plus some artillery and engineers should make short work of HK.

[Dino]

I hope my services will be remembered once this war comes to it's logical conclusion...[8|]...Oh,wait!!! [:D]

If one division and one brigade is all the infantry you have in Canton, then perhaps you should leave the division there just to be on the safe side...definitely send engineers to HK.

However, I'm still skeptical about Canton -> Hong Kong movement. [8|]

[USSAmerica]

I also thought having enemy troops in both hexes would prevent your own troops from moving between them, as well as supplies.  Figure it out for us, Dixie old boy, won't you? [:)]

[bobogoboom]

What is the game date dixie?

[Dixie]

ORIGINAL: bobogoboom

What is the game date dixie?

The game date is 10th Jan 1942. The dates on the top of the posts are the current planning phase. Hopefully that hasn't confused anyone? If it will make things easier to follow I can change it so that the dates will be when the action happened.

[Dixie]

[center]11th January 1942[/center]

BURMA FRONT
It's all quiet here whilst reinforcements move up from Tavoy.

MALAYA & SINGAPORE
With heavy air support the 5th Division and 23rd Engineers finally took the last British positions at Georgetown. The final success came at a price though, as most of the combat engineers have been wounded during their demolition of the Allied pillboxes. With the Brits fleeing to Taiping the 5th have been ordered not to give them any respite and will be setting off in immediate pursuit.
The 18th Division mounted an attack at Mersing, and are past the outer lines of the British defences. They are now up to 50 fatigue so they will be bombarding for a few days. Further reinforcements (Yokosuka 2nd SNLF, 2nd Parachute Rgt) are en route to assist.
At Kuala Lumpur, an unidentified British unit has been spotted approaching Japanese positions. Maybe Yava thought my units had moved on? Anyway, the 4th Mixed Rgt will be attacking in an effort to drive them off and maintain the seperation of the British postions.
There are also two Nav Gd units and a tank regiment moving towards Malacca where an unknown number of British troops are sheltering.
For the first time since the opening days of the war Singapore is being targeted by Japanese bombers. The first attacks will target the dockyard areas and the airfield at Kalang in an effort to knock out the offensive capabilities of the base.



DUTCH EAST INDIES
After the failed attack at Palembang yesterday the Dutch troops have remained in their positions. Unfortunatly for me, the air units assigned to attack them did not make the effort [:@].
The first stage in the submission of Java was succesful. Troops from the two divisions ashore smashed aside the pitiful Dutch resistance at Merak pushiong them back towards Batavia where 40,000 troops are now waiting for my attack. Again, the attack here is pausing for a few days while reinforcements arrive, but I feel that with two divisions ashore my beachead is secure from an Allied counter attack. The transports offshore are withdrawing as there are reports of Allied warships moving toward the landing zones. Although I am not expecting any big ships (the ID is two TFs of 4 ships) several air units at Palembang are being assigned to naval attack.
In common with the other units at Palembang, the force assigned to hit Batavia did not fly today.

PHILIPPINES
Once again, not much happening here through a lack of forces. The first air units have been moved onto the islands and will begin fighter sweeps and recon over the US positions.

CHINA
The situation here is the same as yesterday really, except that there is no attack at Canton. 104th Division has been ordered south into HK, so we will see whether they make the move or not. If the answer is no, then my lads will have to make a (no doubt costly) landing directly at Hong Kong, through the minefields and coastal gun fire [:(]

NEW GUINEA & THE SOLOMONS
Another unit is ashore at Lae now, so today will see an attack against the lightly held Australian positions.
On the other coast, the Port Moresby bombardment TF is in position to strike overnight, they should cause some severe damage to the Aussies there. This attack will be repeated until the landings are completed in a couple of weeks.

CENTRAL PACIFIC
Very little happening here besides an unsuccesful American submarine attack at Kwajalein.

[Dixie]

[center]12th January 1942[/center]

BURMA FRONT
Another quiet day on the Burmese front. [>:]

MALAYA
The 'British' force at Kuala Lumpur turned out to be an Indian brigade. This brigade easily fended off the attack by 4th Mixed Rgt [:@] Despite this setback, I don't believe they have enough strength to remove my forces from the base.
There was also plenty of action in the skies over Taiping. Heavy casualties were suffered by the various British units there as the IJAAF pounded the area into a moonscape. The frequent raids, and lack of RAF opposition have meant that several bomber groups are now
approaching 80 exp [8D] It's not been so good for the fighter units, who may be losing their edge after an almost complete lack of air combat in recent weeks.
As planned, today also saw the resumption of bombing on Singapore. The British flak took a heavy toll of the attacking bombers, with one destroyed and every other 'plane except one damaged despite the lack of RAF fighter cover.

DUTCH EAST INDIES
Consolidation is still the name of the game here. The reinforcement convoys are now passing through the entrance of the Java Sea, where Dutch submarines most frequently operate. One Dutch sub was hit by a depth charge before contact was lost after the explosion. Another convoy was not so lucky, as another Dutch submarine put two torpedoes into the Kumakawa Maru leaving her burning heavily. Another troop convoy heading to Java was attacked by USS Snapper near the Indochina coast, resulting in the Nittatsu Maru being sunk.
The daily air-raid on Batavia again encountered a feeble Allied CAP. Four Brewster fighters were encountered and easily brushed aside. These raids have been effective in reducing Allied strength and have destroyed several aircraft on the ground.



CHINA & HONG KONG
Despite the lack of any message telling me that they couldn't do it, the Division at Canton has failed to shift at all from their positions in Canton and move to HK so it looks like a direct landing is the only solution. There are two SNLF units landing tomorrow with supplies to help the division out. The 38th Div have slipped into red supply following an attack. Although the attack failed to dislodge the Brits (which was always going to be the outcome) with a 0 to 1 ratio, the attack reduced the fortifications down to 3.
On the mainland, my air units continued to bomb the Chinese around Canton. It's like shooting fish in a barrel at the moment, and several of the dive-bomber units are in the low 80s for experience.

CENTRAL PACIFIC
Quiet day today, just some reshuffling of forces and supplies going on in preperation for future operations.

[Dixie]

[align=center]FUTURE PLANS

[align=left]So far, things are going fairly well.  The Hong Kong/Canton situation is a minor fly in the ointment at the moment, which will hopefully be resolved soon.
With a secure beachhead Java is pretty much doomed, more forces are expected to flow into the island as they become available.

I want to bring the US Navy carriers into combat soon, whilst the Zero bonus will give me a big edge.  To do this I need to either lure them into a trap or find where they are hiding.  Seeing as the are probably under a massive umbrella of LBA hunting them directly would be dangerous, so I will have to lure them out.  To to this I will have to drop hints that the carriers are back in Japan for minor repairs, and then find somewhere that Yava will want to defend.  The options for this are (as I see them):

1)  New Caledonia, it's lightly defended and sits directly across his supply route to Oz.  It would also provide a future platform for attacks against Australia or New Zealand.  An operation here would also involve taking the New Hebrides as well.  These would also be easier to hold due to the sheer number of nearby bases I can build up in the region.
2)  Fiji, again it's lightly defended.  There are only two bases here and they are both close together, making covering them easier.  bOth bases can also be built into decent size airfields.  This is another base which sits across the most direct shipping route to Oz, but it would be harder to keep supplied than New Caledonia.  The large expanses of water between Fiji and the nearest Jap base would leave big gaps for Allied warships to sneak through.
3)  Samao Islands.  I suspect that Yava is routing his convoys through here as a waypoint to avoid the airfields in the Marshalls.  This would be the most difficult to defend in the long term, due to it's isolation and low facilities at the moment.  However the entire area is also lightly held, with several P3 airfields nearby.
4)  Canton Island, Christmas Island and Palmyra.  There are already size 3 airfields built here, and the bases would be able to provide mutual support to each other.  Reinforcements and supplies would be easily routed through the Marshalls.  The main problem (and potential bonus) is the proximity to Pearl Harbor.  Whilst an attack here is most likely to draw out the US Navy, it also means that they will probably be easily retaken when the Allies switch to the offensive.
5)  Midway or Johnston Island.  Taking either of these would be a risky venture, they are both withing LBA range of PH IIRC, and they are likely to beheavily mined and defended.  I doubt that Yava would believe that I had commited to an attack at either of these places without the KB, so he might not even come out to play [:(]

Any thoughts from the more experienced Japanese players out there?  Unless someone can make a good point for Johnston or Midway option 5 is unlikely at best.  Currently I think that taking Fiji or the Samaos would be the best move, followed by the other shortly after.
[/align][/align][align=center] [/align]

[Dixie]

[center]13th January 1942[/center]

THE BURMA FRONT
As usual there was very little action here. The dive-bombers were up in force again from their base at Tavoy, hitting the British forces hard once again. Reports are coming in from Agent Dragon-23 that several British freighters are unloading food and munitions at Diamond Harbour.

MALAYA AND SINGAPORE
The Malaya campaign is continuing to exact a steady toll of the British forces, mostly through air attacks against the Allied positions. A raid on Taiping caused heavy casualties among the defenders, but the raid on Singapore failed to cause any substantial damage.
Another attack is planned by 18th Div at Mersing for today, in an effort to keep Yava on his toes.

DUTCH EAST INDIES
JAVA
The reinforcement convoys heading to Java managed to avoid most of the Allied submarines operating in the area, only to be subjected to scattered air attacks from the island. The attacks involved RAF torpedo and Dutch level bombers, but they were all ineffective. It is interesting that Yava does not seem to be attacking the ground forces and is instead expending a lot of effort attacking the various shipping in the region. Although it may just be an attempt at disinformation, a recent message from Yava leads me to think that he feels aerial defence of Java is doomed, and with it the island itself.
There was only one raid on Batavia today, this one was aimed at the port facilities and damaged half a dozen transport ships. Does their presence indicate that he is intending to try and save some of the troops? Or are they sheltering from the torpedo bombers in the region?

SUMATRA
IJN cruisers bombarded the Dutch troops outside Palembang causing 125 casualties. There wasn't any other action in the the area.
There are however, plans afoot with regards to Palembang. Recon is being flown against the bases along the Sabang-Bankha route. The intention is to drop paratroops onto any undefended bases.

CELEBES
The second attempt at seizing Makassar is in action. The first wave of troops will arrive in 2 days, and the invasion is being covered by a cruiser force. There is air cover for the invasion, but it is mostly operating at the limits of their range.

CHINA & HONG KONG
CHINA
The lead divisions of the Yenan offensive are across the river now. There are currently three divisions and a brigade across the river, with an HQ and two more divisions heading this way. The divisions are not expected for another two weeks [:(]

HONG KONG
Troops from the two SNLF units came ashore during the day. As expected coastal gunfire cause heavy damage to the attacking fleet, sinking two minesweepers and damaging the other escorting vessels. Before they were sunk the MSWs managed to clear several safe paths through the defensive minefields.
Air raids are being directed against coastal facilities in an effort to reduce the effectiveness of the coatal defences. I'm not sure if this is working, but several RN ships have been damaged in their berths (I thought Yava would have moved them on day 1).

NEW GUINEA & THE SOLOMONS
There has been little action here since yesterday. The bombardment TF moved back to Port Moresby, hoping that Yava would move one of the nearby Allied TFs back into the 'safety' of the port. As this didn't happen, there is going to be another day of bombardment and a return to Truk.
The reconsituted Kido Butai is in the Truk area currently. The plan is to use them as support for the Moresby operation, should Yava send surface forces to try and interdict the invasion. Otherwise they will be staying quiet so Yava does not know where it is safe to operate his own ships...

THE CENTRAL PACIFIC
Things are quiet here. [>:]

SOUTH PACIFIC
Having slept on it and given due consideration to future operations, I feel that an invasion of Fiji offers the best chance of success in bringing the Allies to battle. A successful attack here would provide a solid base that can be expanded to support Betties, and will also provide a launchpad for potential attacks against New Caledonia, New Zealand, the New Hebrides or The Samaos. It also has the advantage that Yava will likely have to travel a fair distance to strike back, thus bringing the potential to smash his fleet support train as well. To this end almost the entirity of the newly arrived South East Fleet has been ordered to board transportation in Tokyo.

[USSAmerica]

I just got caught up on some reading.  You're making great progress, and have already cracked open the nut that is Java. 
 
From the Allied perspective, Canton I. is the most exposed part of the supply line to Oz.  If your purpose is to force the Allied CV's into battle, I don't think an attack at Fiji or Samoa will do it.  They are easier to hold for you, once you have given up the initiative, but keep your primary goal in mind.  I wouldn't risk my CV's for Samoa or Fiji, but if I lost Canton I, and then a Japanese invasion force rolled NE from there to the Line Islands, I just might have to give battle.  Once the enemy CV's are safely tucked away in Davey Jones' Locker, you can roll back SW along the supply lines, taking whichever bases you want.  [:)]  Now, I need to take the advice I just gave you and put it to good use against Mynok!  [:D]
 
It certainly seems like Yava's Chinese forces in Canton are causing much grief and delay for your conquest of Hong Kong.  You're trying to get enough forces into the base to launch an attack, while Mynok's Alien hordes are draining the last of my supply stash in HK, more than two weeks of game time earlier than you.  I surely need to file this away for the next Allied campaign I start.  "Try to get LCU's into Canton ASAP."  From your perspective, "Get some troops into the hex NW of Canton ASAP to keep them out of Canton!"  [8D]

[Dixie]

ORIGINAL: USS America

I just got caught up on some reading. You're making great progress, and have already cracked open the nut that is Java.

I think I may have possibly got lucky with Java. It was probably quite a risky (reckless?) move to start bombing the big airfield at Batavia after the fleets started out. I didn't want to alert Yava that the invasion was upon him too early, but it could have backfired if his bombers had been more effective. Luckily the AF was effectively knocked out in just 2-3 days, and there were no real defensive forces at the landing beaches [8D].

From the Allied perspective, Canton I. is the most exposed part of the supply line to Oz. If your purpose is to force the Allied CV's into battle, I don't think an attack at Fiji or Samoa will do it. They are easier to hold for you, once you have given up the initiative, but keep your primary goal in mind. I wouldn't risk my CV's for Samoa or Fiji, but if I lost Canton I, and then a Japanese invasion force rolled NE from there to the Line Islands, I just might have to give battle. Once the enemy CV's are safely tucked away in Davey Jones' Locker, you can roll back SW along the supply lines, taking whichever bases you want. [:)] Now, I need to take the advice I just gave you and put it to good use against Mynok! [:D]

I can see the logic of your thinking, but:

Whilst Fiji probably won't bring his carriers to battle, it does provide a useful launchpad for rolling eastwards along his supply lines. The airfields and ports on Fiji can be built up enough to provide a limited base facility for other ops. Having escaped pretty much unharmed from several risky moves, I am a bit wary of having a base all the way out at Canton Is with no real support nearby.
If I take Canton, but not Fiji then the nearest friendly base with enough fuel etc would be Kwajalein. Whilst the KB could be based there, the problem is that if I don't get enough warning of the incoming raid, I have to catch up with them. If Fiji is an Allied base then Yava could run his forces away from Fiji, either North to PH or West to Oz. If I hold Fiji then I don't think he would risk moving his forces towards an enemy base, meaning he would have to move his retiring forces back to PH. In that case the KB could sortie from Kwaj and sit across his line of retreat.
There are a few minor benefits to taking Fiji as a precursor to Canton Is, the most likely counter attacks/raids will probably come from Oz, and there aren't huge amounts of fuel there at the start...

Of course, this does rely on Yava being scared of the damage that LBA torpedoes can do to his fleet.

There is also the question of the RN location. The most likely places are:
1) Ceylon. It has the advantage (for Yava) of being far away from Japanese air strikes, along with decent(ish) repair facilities and good supply fuel. This is the most likely option.
2) Northern Oz. Protection against an invasion of the continent, but vulnerable to Betties flying from Amboina, so it's unlikely they are here.
3) Western Oz. Safe from Japanese attack out here guarding against an invasion of Perth, but achieving nothing. Also unlikely.
4) Eastern Oz. Currently safe for Yava, but a little out of the way. Unlikely due to the distance from the DEI where they started, and from the arrival point for his RN CVs.
5) DEI somewhere. With Soerbaja as the last major port left to him, the RN have probably long gone, but there is an outside chance that they are around somewhere. They haven't been spotted though, so all signs point to option 1.

It certainly seems like Yava's Chinese forces in Canton are causing much grief and delay for your conquest of Hong Kong. You're trying to get enough forces into the base to launch an attack, while Mynok's Alien hordes are draining the last of my supply stash in HK, more than two weeks of game time earlier than you. I surely need to file this away for the next Allied campaign I start. "Try to get LCU's into Canton ASAP." From your perspective, "Get some troops into the hex NW of Canton ASAP to keep them out of Canton!" [8D]

I hate China [:@][:@][:@] With a couple more units at HK that base will fall, then Yava's Chinese troops aren't achieving anything at Canton except being flattened by my trainee airmen [8D][8D]

[Dixie]

THE BURMA FRONT
Things are again quiet on the Burmese front. The dive-bombers from Tavoy were up again, but their attacks were scattered and ineffective today. The 1st Para Rgt is flying into Tavoy for an as yet, unkown operation.

MALAYA & SINGAPORE
A little bit of excitement today, bombing raids against Taiping caused heavy casualties and a repeat performance is expected tomorrow as the infantry will be making a fresh assault. The attack at Mersing has broken through the British lines (fortifications reduced to 0). With the defenders now pinned down around their HQ building there will be a few days of bombardments before the final assault moves in.

DUTCH EAST INDIES
JAVA
The first elements of 12th Base Force are now ashore in Java. Orders have been passes out to expand the airfield at Merak to support offensive missions. The 64th Fighter Sentai has been ordered to the island to cover the beachhead and the airfield construction. Troops from 35th Bde are expected to start unloading tomorrow, with the rest expected to join them from Borneo in a week or so. There were no air operations over the island, I'm not sure why my crews weren't flying though.
The submarine I-166 is lurking around the approaches to Soerabaja but has reported no activity of any kind in the area. The Dutch sub O-16 has also been confirmed as sunk, in roughly the same location as she was depth charged a few days previously. Is this because Yava isn't watching his subs closely? We shall have to watch and find out I guess.

SUMATRA
There has been no change in the situation at Palembang, Japanese reinforcements are inbound, one convoy has just passed Singapore, a second is loading supplies before setting off from Singkawang. Recon of the Dutch bases across the Malacca Strait has started in earnest, it would appear that there is definately a garrison at Bankha and I expect there to be garrisons along all of the coastal bases. I was hoping he would have concentrated his troops in a single location but it would appear not...

BORNEO
Again, not a great deal of interesting stuff here. 48th Division is being reunited, the first group has arrived at Balipapan and is unloading. The second group is still a few days away, once they have disembarked then the division will be crossing the river to seize Samarinda, the last Dutch base on Southern Borneo. Kongo has almost repaired her lotation damage now that the repair ship Yamabiko Maru has arrived at Kuching. She should be heading for home either tomorrow or the day after.

CELEBES
The Makassar invasion fleet was attacked by a US submarine, and the transport Nissen Maru was hit by three torpedos. Despite this she is still afloat and will attempt to limp back to Kendari. The actual invasion will be ashore tomorrow with warship cover.

NEW GUINEA AND THE SOLOMONS
Not very much here either. The troops at Lae have, after an all too brief rest, been ordered to move out and pursue the fleeing Allied forces to Wau. There are also currently two transport fleets in the region. The first is in the Bismark Sea, transporting the men of 5th NLF to Buna. The aim is to take the undefended base, and it may convince Yava that forces will be moving overland to Port Moresby. As soon as sufficient base forces reach the region then fighters will be based here, whilst a decent strip is built at Dobadura. Of course, there is the possibility that Port Moresby will have be taken by then but I'm planning for the worst here. A second transport fleet is on it's way to Lunga carrying 66th Nav Gd and two support units. The actual landing itself is fairly low key, but there will be carrier support from the KB should the Aussie Navy decide to pitch up for some bombardment practice...
Speaking of bombardment practice, the battleship group was again in position offshore at Port Moresby, today's attack was more succesful though as several seaplanes are thought to have been hit in the harbour area.

THE CENTRAL PACIFIC
Still quiet here. The Naval Gd units in this region, 51st and 53rd (Kwajalein) and 52nd (various locations), are preparing for operations in the South Pacific.

CHINA & HONG KONG
More of the same. A few scattered air attacks on Chinese units in the north, and heavy attacks on the Chinese units around Canton. The pilots here are learning fast, and it won't be long before the trainee pilots are ready to be moved out to front-line units.
Hong Kong still stands, an attack has been ordered for today in the hopes of knocking down another level of forts as well as burning more British supplies.

COMING SOON: SOUTH PACIFIC
Plans are in place for the invasion of Fiji (Operation Cook) and plans are being drawn up for invasions of Pago Pago (Operation Rainmaker) and Canton Island (Operation Whaler). The plan is to land in force at Suva and Nandi and overwhelm the garrisons. There will be cover from the battleships based at Truk as well as the KB, in addition to the actual invasion forces there will be tankers bringing in fuel to sustain the offensive towards Pago Pago and Canton Island. There is also a large force of oilers assigned to support operations.
Operation Whaler involves a little subertfuge of a sort. The plan is to use (lots) of influence (or PP) to get 52nd Div reassigned from Home Defence to South East Fleet for the attack. The division will be involved in the landings, but will then be withdrawn to a more defensible location. The hope here is to have Yava believe that a full division is holding the island. I don't believe that it will be holdable if Yava really tries to take it back, but if he thinks there is a division there then he will either have to assign more troops to his attack, bombard the place into the stoneage or bypass it altogether.
More on this as it develops...