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It is updated with the RA 4.0 (what you just Posted) and the newest Beta.

Cocked...Locked...Ready to ROCK!

I meant, updating the ongoing game... I believe it should be possible to do, or at least you should try.

Ohhhhhhhhh...I understand. Lew and I decided to restart to simply make sure everything is OK and we don't have issues. Having just sunk Lexington, this was a little hard but as I see it, I will get back Mutsu and 3 CA lost in the early fighting. Going in lightly will NOT happen again! Course he is probably saying "I won't use Lexington by herself without Enterprise!" Move and Counter---Move and Counter. It should be fun to jump right back in. He doesn't have a clue as to my Aussie intentions and their will be enough differences in the Opening Turn he may think I have a different plan. My chief change in planning is to simply hit Luzon harder to get the bad guys back into Bataan quickly, take out Mindanao, and CRUSH Malaya under 6 Infantry Divisions. Taking Palembang ASAP will still be in effect of course.

Love the chaos around the Home Islands on day One!

The war had a decent, somewhat interesting Opening Day.

Pearl Harbor
CarDiv1 and CarDiv5 struck from 3 hexes SW of Pearl. Raid Strength: 72 Zero, 94 Val, 102 Kate.

No American Fighters were in the air to intercept the incoming Strike. Raid Tasking: 3 Zero and 1 Val Daitai on Airfield Attack, 1 Zero on Escort with all remaining on Port Strike. Kates divided into 1 carrying 800Kg Bombs and 3 carrying Torps. NICE! [:'(]

Battleship Row:
Arizona--1 250Kg, 3 800Kg, 1 TT: Heavy Fires
Nevada--2 250Kg, 1 800Kg, 2 TT: on Fire
Oklahoma--2 800Kg and 3 TT: Heavy Damage, Heavy Fires
Pennsylvania--2 250Kg and 3 TT
Tennessee--3 250Kg, 1 800Kg, 4 TT: Heavy Damage, Heavy Fires
West Virginia--1 250Kg, 1 800Kg, 2 TT: Heavy Damage, on Fire
California--2 250Kg and 3 TT
Maryland--2 250Kg and 4 TT: Heavy Damage, on Fire

Other Shipping: CA San Francisco 1 800Kg, CL Helena 1 TT, AVD Sunk, CM 1 250Kg

Lose just 2 Vals and 1 Kate: NICE!

Airfield Strikes really chew-up the American aircraft with over 30 destroyed on the ground and BUNCHES damaged. Only down point of the attack occurs here where Kaga loses 10 of her planes AND pilots while strafing: OUCH!

Try something different here. Since there is no need to Search on Turn One I set all my Float Planes on Naval Attack. They did fairly well sinking 2 AMc, hitting the DD Ward, and AG Antares.


Manila Bay
CarDiv2 arrives 160 miles due west of Manila. Raid Tasking: 1 Zero Daitai on AF Attack and 1 Val Daitai on Naval Attack with the remaining planes assigned to Manila shipping:

SS Sealion SUNK, a PT sunk, 4 more Fleet Boats hit, 2 S-Boats hit along with DD Peary, AV Langley, an AP, and an AO.

AF hit.

Naval Attacks find the Pensacola Convoy 120 miles south of Manila in the Central Philippines. Two Raids are flown with 12 Val and 12 FP in the morning and then 17 Zero, 24 Val, and 11 FP in the afternoon. Results are excellent with 4 AK, 4 AP hit and left burning.


PLANS:
PH: Michael and I talked on the phone and convinced me to hit PH again. Rarely do that due to concerns over plane losses; however, there are several BBs in a real bad way that MIGHT be finished as well as the Cruiser Force that was hardly touched. Move the CV SW to range 7, set CAP at 40%, Vals on Naval Attack range 5 (so they don't accidently tangle with Pearl), and all Kates on Port Attack at 10,000 Ft. We'll see...

Manila:
CarDiv2 moves out to a range of 6 hexes ESE. All Vals on naval Attack and Kates set for Naval Attack/Port Attack.


GAME ON!

Lew and I have gotten the game rolling again and things have been pretty interesting. I will do Regional Reports prior to making some comments.

Combat Report
December 7-12, 1941

Port Attacks
I've already detailed the Port Attacks with the Posting above. Very satisfied with the Pearl Harbor attack results and managed to inflict some damage at Manila.

North Pacific
Am moving more slowly here. Have sent TF to each of my three Kurile bases (Paramushiro Jima down to Etorofu) with severl small engineering units as well as supply and fuel. These bases start with a CD unit in place and the two bases just mentioned also have small Base Forces at start. In a forever memory from CR (Dan's) epic WitP Game, I will NEVER allow the American Hordes to come by the Northern Route!

Have gathered about 12-14 older DDs at Etorofu. They will provide the major warships carrying out operations in the Aleutians until I can free up some serious warships.

Planning: Will make the standard moves grabbing everything from Unmak West. Dutch Harbor will be targeted as well.

Central Pacific
KB I had planned to hit PH again on the 8th, however, the weather gods closed that option. I took it as a sign from above to NOT hit PH! The four CVs move due west to provide direct Cover for Wake and Midway. They are not spotted after the 8th so I will imagine that Lew thinks they are racing towards Rabaul. They aren't. Last time he staged a STF out of Midway and I want to hit it HARD if he does it again. Sinking modern CAs and CLs is a top priority. Don't want them adding and thickening the CV Screens.

The AOs supporting KB were sent to Kwajalein for the opening move so they were not risked. These valuable ships are now moving to rendezvous with the KB and provide plenty of fuel for their operations.

With the stacking limits placed into this game the earlier version of 4.0 had Truk WAY over-stacked so I had to alleviate this problem. Did so by moving an SNLF Assault Brigade to Saipan. That Brigade is the Wake and Midway Invasion Force. I began loading it on the 8th and it set sail on the 9th arriving at its destination on the 12th. Providing protection for this force is 3 CL and 6 DD. The Invasion Force ran into trouble on its approach by being attacked by Wake F4Fs and PBYs. The 11th saw 11 F4Fs hit 3 AKs with a single bomb each. The Force landed on the 12th after getting two more AKs hit by both PBY and F4F. Hoping to destroy BOTH Squadrons, my assault unit got a poor roll on the initial attack. Got a 2-1 and dropped Forts to 0 but did not get the surrender. Imagine that the PBYs will be pulled out when I capture the base tomorrow.

As soon as the base falls I will immediately reload the Brigade and move to Midway. I WANT the TF to be seen approaching Midway so I can lure a STF out and destroy it with the KB.

Make the normal landing elsewhere and grab the following bases: Guam, Ocean and Nauru (12-9), Tarawa (12-11), and Tabiteau (12-12). With each landing I immediately pull the TF back expecting single Allied ships to appear. The Nauru TF is sunk by CA Louisville as it retreated directly into the US Cruiser. Oooops. Down go 1 PB, 1 AK, and 4 AKL. No troops on board luckily. My Daitai of Betty drop a total of 54 bombs during the two attack phase and score ZERO hits. Those boys need practice it looks like...

South Pacific
It is here that I want to score some serious blooding of the Allied Fleet. There will be no repeat of the last game and our original campaign. I am moving here but only with overwhelming force. Problem is I have to make it LOOK like I'm doing the same thing! OK. Form-up and send two Invasion Forces to Wewak and Madang. Both have Lvl-1 AF so I can use that for recon. Additionally load two smaller Inf units onto a Fast TF to grab Kavieng. These operations go well and not too much trouble occurs. LOTS of Allied warships here though! Madang and Wewak fall on the 12th while Kavieng surrenders on the 10th. Am sending a Fast TF to Madang with Construction Troops and a large BF to expand the AF.

Important note: As my TF withdrew on the 12th, they were attacked by a single squadron of SBDs flying from Rabaul. Will bet that Lew felt I was try to get to Rabaul PRIOR to Lexington reaching the area and he flew off some planes to get a crack at my 'invasion' force. They manage to ding a CL with a single bomb but nothing else occurs. Not bad at all.

Am waiting for the 4 BB from Hiroshima to provide heavy gunfire support for the Southern Operations. They will join the remaining warships (4 CA, 3 CL, 11 DD) and form the TFs designed to crush Allied warships in the area. Want to sting and move until the KB gets down into the region. Lew needs to remained 'fixed' here so I can arrive with the 4 CVs and CRUSH whatever is present.

Philippines
The normal air raids occurred at Iba, Clark, and Manila over the first week of fighting. There were nice results at Clark and Manila where planes were destroyed in decent numbers on the ground. Have to watch out though because Lew did not put up a bunch of P-40s for CAP. This is a smart move since I destroyed them last time. There are 4-5 Squadrons of P-40s hiding somewhere...just have to carefully find them...

Bases Taken: Cotabato (Paras) 12-7, Naga and Laoag 12-8, Surigao 12-10, Dadjangas 12-11, Aparri, Antimonan and Legaspi 12-12

This is a pretty massive IJA Operation for me. Units assigned:
Luzon: 48th ID, 21st ID, 2nd ID, 56th ID, 33rd ID, and 65th Brigade
Mindanao: 90th Inf Reg, another Inf Reg, and Tk Reg

Will drive on the major Luzon targets from both directions. The 33rd and 65th move up from Antimonan to grab Manila while the rest move south and grab Clark.

The shipping massacre that occurs around the Philippines is the worst I have seen. Perhaps, with just playing the start of this, I was more aware of possibilities but I've never seen so many ships go down in the first week:
1. Nearly 100 Allied ships are gone from this region alone.
2. Lew recognized the threat from Cotabato and bombarded it on the 8th with Houston, Marblehead, and 4 DD. He then kept warships in the area and has paid the bill for that. CL Marblehead, the 3 Brit DD, and 6 US Four-Pipers have been sunk.
3. CA Pensacola was sunk by CL Naka and 3 DD east of Legaspi.

Eastern and Central DEI
Normally I would already have everything to Ambon by the 12th, however, I am playing this differently. The SNLF Assault Brigade used at Guam is loading and will take Koepang. Once I get all by shipping back from Mindanao I will load another Assault Brigade for Ambon. Shipping is at a premium so this area shall suffer for a little while.

The 3 CVLs started in this area and have moved westward below Mindanao, across from Balikpapan, and are now preparing to rendezvous with CarDiv2. As can be expected they have done well. I've rotated the TTs with each of the CVLs so that at least one set of Kates were carrying TTs and the other two bombs. The biggest moment of stress/panic occurred when (near Balikpapan) the TF was attacked by 27 B-339 and 6 A-24 (HATE those things!). They bore right through my 36 Zeros on CAP and managed to plant a 1,000lb bomb on Ryujo. CRAP! In doing this they pay for it by losing 15 Fighters and 4 A-24 for the loss of 2 Zero. After the turn was completed I (with considerable concern) opened the TF and was gratified to see that the bomb had passed right through the Flight Deck and detonated in the water causing only minor damage (Sys 9, Flot 5, Eng 1)! Thank goodness!

Grab Ternate by Paras on the 12th and am airlifting in a Base Force. Move 6 Jakes and 16 Mavis there for air search/recon.

I have moved the two Brigades from northern Indochina down to Cam Rahn Bay. They will be used for Tarakan and Balikpapan then land in NW Aussieland.

Western DEI
CarDiv2 moves from the Manila area into the area off Palawan sinking ships and then skirts the western coast of Borneo providing Cover for various landings. As they approach Singkawang they spot the Force Z on the 11th and hit it from extreme range planting 8 bombs on Prince of Wales, and 7 on Repulse. NICE but it doesn't impact the BB and BC as we shall soon see. As noted above the CVs will rendezvous SW of Singkawang tomorrow to provide Cover for the Palembang Landing. Sorties are starting to get a little low but should be OK for the two days prior to the landing.

Landings: Miri 12-9, Brunei 12-10 with Singkawang and Kuching scheduled for tomorrow.

KNOWING that planes will be at Singkawang, I order the two old BBs (Yamashiro and Fuso) to bombard the AF as well as Hiei and Haruna from a 2nd TF out of CarDiv2.

BATTLE: To my surprise the Fuso--Yamashiro TF (with CL Jintsu and 4 DD) run into Force Z (Prince of Wales, Repulse, CL Danae, and 4 DD). The Forces are evenly matched, however, I expect a WONDROUS naval victory. The problem, as it turns BB Fuso had some sort of electrical short since she decided to stay out of the fight for nearly 10 gunnery rounds! This left Yamashiro to fight two heavies alone. NOT GOOD! Have to say that she did OK hitting Repulse with 6 heavy shells and PofW with 7. In return the Yamashiro was forced to eat 14 large caliber shells. Once Fuso arrived (finally) that BB added two more hits to both Repulse and Prince without taking any damage herself. The small boys took little damage while two of the Brit DDs were heavily damaged. The damage was too severe as Yamashiro went down around dawn. Too bad but at least she disabled Force Z and will, hopefully, set-up the chance to sink them in Batavia or Soerabaja.

The 2 BC find no targets and deliver a decent bombardment.

I order the BCs and Fuso (2 of the 3 still have decent AMMO to turn around and hit Singkawang again. There escort is thickened to comprise 3 CL and 9 DD. The Singkawang IF has 4 CA and 6 DD protecting it and they should land tomorrow.

4th ID is going to begin the approach to Palembang by moving tomorrow to 3 hexes NE of Singkawang and then shot across heading for its target. Plenty (hopefully) of Zeros will provide cover for the convoy. The 4th has an Air Floitlla, 3 Con Bn, and 3 TK Reg with it. This is a sizable force and it will take out all of Sumatra. Once things are secure at Palembang the 4th ID will immediately load and land at Merak.

Malaya
The movements here look pretty good. Have pasted the northern and central AF to good effect. I did elect to land at Kota Bharu and it fell on the 8th. There are 4 ID detailed here for the moment. Pending on things I may add another if needed to drive the Brits down to Singers.

Took Victoria Point with IJA Paras on the 7th. Began landing at Pt Blair on the 10th and have managed to drop the Forts to 0 without, as yet, taking the base.

China
Am moving on Changsha and in the Central Plains. Have already taken Kweiteh, 83,51, 83,52, 90,49, and Pengpu. Am using all the air not involved in the Philippines to hit bases throughout Central and Southern China.

Hong Kong: In a big surprise the base fell on the 10th to a 3-1 attack! Am minesweeping it right now and tomorrow a number of TF will be there with load up the 38th ID as well as Engineers and Artillery.

SS Operations:
12-08
Ro-33 hits AP Bloemfontein and sinks ACP Niagara near Iliolo
Ha-34 SINKS AG Antares outside of Pearl Harbor
Ro-34 sinks both AP Republic and AKL Paz at Iliolo
I-124 sinks AO Tan 1 and AG Albatross near Tandjoengselor

12-09
I-159 sinks CMc Pro Patria near Muntok
I-123 sinks AKL Magellanes near Tawi Tawi
Ro-65 sinks CL Adelaide at Port Moresby

12-10
I-121 sinks AKL Nam Young near Malacca
I-166 sinks CM Willem v d Zoor at Tobaoli
I-157 sinks AP Australia Star at Koggala
I-153 sinks DD John Ford near Balikpapan

12-11
Ro-33 sinks AKL Joan Moller and damages AKL Chengtu near Lucena
I-168 hits AP President Coolidge and sinks AP Hugh Scott at Pago Pago

12-12
I-160 sinks AK Ellenga at Tambelan

Thoughts
I feared Lew and I would both change our play styles and things might seriously be whacked. Certainly doesn't appear that way. I want to make him PAY for deploying his warships in tiny penny packets and operating them in so brazen a manner. This is requiring me to take deep breaths, sit back, gather forces, and then move in with great strength to CRUSH the shipping. I do not want to damage---I want to SINK these ships. Everything planted now is less to fight when I begin the Grand Adventure in Australia.

"So let it be written so let it be done!"

Combat Report
December 13, 1941

After that rough battle at Singkawang yesterday this turn goes according to plan and vision.

North Pacific
The reinforcement and supply convoys to the Kuriles are moving along. Once the three of them get their jobs done I will concentrate them and begin loading the Aleutians Assault Forces.

Central Pacific
WAKE The island falls (after being hit by 27 Betty damaging ALL the F4F) to a 4-1 attack. An S-Boat sinks a damaged AK. I order the TF to return to Wake to finish unloading and then reload for Midway. Order the 3 CL back to Kwajalein to replenish their ammo.

KB The KB goes to total EMCON by shutting down the FP of its escorts. I want the CVs to be a hole in the water and not be seen. They are making their way towards Wake and will refuel tomorrow or the day after from their AOs. Shift them to cruise speed to reduce fuel needs and wear/tear.

South of the Marshalls see the perimeter beginning to form with Tabiteuea getting invaded this turn. Figuring on an American lunge I order the Invasion Force to retire to Tarawa.

South Pacific
The initial landing forces from Wewak, Kavieng, and Madang will return tomorrow or the day after. Those ships shall sit until needed.

A Fast TF (4 CA and 4 DD) carrying two Con Bn will unload at Madang tomorrow. Once they return to Truk I will combine them with the 3 CL and 4 DD present their so I can lift a good sized Base Force to the same destination.

Am using the Floatplane Mavis Transports to fly in a small BF to Kavieng. Will base a small unit of Jakes there and then move in some Mavis.

Philippines
Nearly all of my troops are unloaded at all points here and will begin their conquest of Luzon and Mindanao pretty quickly. Luzon is still waiting on the 2nd Inf Div which is landing at Antimonan.

Cotabato continues to receive American air attention as Float Planes, A-24 and some B-17 all staged raids here. There is only a Chutai of Zeros here but the pilots did quite well. No damage was done and it is nice to know where one of the A-24 Squadrons is.


Eastern DEI
Quiet. Form-up two small convoys for Ternate.

Central DEI
The two Inf Brigades from northern Indochina are now at CRB and are prepping for Tarakan and Balikpapan. Figure they shall depart for their destinations in about a week.

Western DEI
The campaign truly begins as I unite CarDiv2 and the 3 CVL SW of Singakwang. These ships will draw every Allied aircraft like flies so I am careful regarding their CAP settings: Hiryu, Soryu, and Ryujo fly their fighters at 20,000Ft with 70% CAP while the remaining pair of CVLs are flying 60% at 15,000Ft. Move the two TF to a point four hexes NW of Batavia. I've still got some Torps as well as enough Sorties for about 3-4 days of strikes. SHOULD be enough...

The CVs pummel an Allied STF trying to get at Singkawang. Scratch CL Mauritius and DDs Encounter and Isis! Nice to bag some Brit DDs... A small strike also sinks an AP and AKL near Soerabaja.

Lew is beginning to evacuate Batavia. I spot a reasonable sized TF of TK and others ships leave Batavia. My I-Boats (five in the area off Batavia and Oosthaven) pounce and clip this convoy for 3 ships. The CVs might be close enough to hit it tomorrow.

Land at Kuching and Singkawang and should take both of them tomorrow. Singkawang gets the attention of BB Fuso, 2 BC, 2 CL, and 8 DD.

The Palembang IF moves to a hex north of this base. Set waypoints to keep the TF close to my CVs as it begins the run into Palembang. Figure 3 days to landing. I'll have Singkawang to add fighter protection from their to help.

There are BUNCHES of Dutch and British SS operating around this area. Hit 3 of them pretty well with ASW while losing DD Asashio to a working Torp.

Since I have not seen two of the A-24 Squadrons, I have to assume they are operating in this vicinity. With luck the carriers will draw them in and my CAP will---HOPEFULLY---crush them. Figure a CAP of about 70 Zero to deal with this possibility...

Malaya
Landings nearly all complete but I have to shuffle a couple of regiments that landed in the wrong locations before I can form-up the complete Inf Div. Right now a Regiment, Tk Reg, and Imperial Guards are driving on Alor Star.

The AFs are all now adequately staffed with Base Forces so I move 7 Sentai of Bombers to Singora and Kota Bharu. Nearly all of them will hit Johore Bharu tomorrow. Recon has shown a sizeable number of planes present there. I've got 36 Zero and nearly 80 Oscars to support this opening air assault. After Johore Bharu we shift to Singapore.

China
Take the hex right next to Changsha. Am headed into that location now. Drove out two Chinese units and destroyed over 900 squads.

Troops moving out from Kweitah to sweep south of the Central Plains cities.

SS Ops
I-159 hits TK British Judge and sinks AKL Tatung off Oosthaven
I-155 sinks AK Demosthenes from the same convoy

Here is a screenshot of what I described in the above Posting.

The CVs move SW to draw fire and attack shipping while troops land at Singkawang and Kuching. The Palembang TF moves along its way point driven path. The exodus of Allied shipping from Batavia will truly run afoul of IJN SS.

Combat Report
December 14-15, 1941

Well...the GOOD news is that Lew and I did two turns in 24 hours...the BAD news is he broke a couple of my prized toys...Crap--CRAP--CRAP!!!

North Pacific
No real news.

Central Pacific
Begin loading the SNLF Assault Brigade at Wake for Midway. Am a little concerned. They are banged up and may need help. Decide to pick-up a Naval Guard at Jaluit to help in the attack. This will slow things down but it will make sure the 1st Landing is the ONLY landing at Midway.

KB is now 5 hexes east of Wake and in a holding pattern with its AOs.

Take Tabiteuea on the 14th.

South Pacific
Ran a Fast TF carrying a Base Force into Madang. No real news here at this point.

Philippines
Luzon:
A. The 16th ID takes Tuguegarao on the 15th.
B. Two ID will take San Fernando tomorrow.
C. The 33rd and 2nd ID at now at Antimonan and advancing on Lucena with the 65th Brigade.

Mindanao: The waters around Cotabato suddenly get filled with attacking aircraft! Looks like a Squadron of B-17s, another of A-24, and at least 3 Squadrons of P-40s are in the area. I've got a little Chutai of 9 Zero at the base on Day One and they have their hands full! No real damage is done, however, and this is good news. Move 30 Zeros down from Luzon on the 15th and they CREAM the P-40s shooting down 16 of them for only 2 losses. This is a decent result.

Eastern DEI
Ternate gains a large Base Force and I bring in an AKE, 2 AR, 1 AV, and 1 AS to make this my forward base for a while.

Shipping is spotted off Kendari so I form-up a STF to see what might be there.

I've got a day or two before my convoys are al at Babeldoap and then I will begin loading all the troops for the Ambon and Timor Operations.

Western DEI
Here is the CRAP! OK. Let us shift to single day reports:

Dec 14th
Singkawang FALLS. Move in planes immediately.

The Palembang TF moves past Singkawang.

Lew is handed a golden gift when my two CTF don't cooperate together. The CVLs had been ordered to follow CarDiv2 as it approached Batavia. It did not. I ended up having two smaller CTF operating with BUNCHES of enemy planes trying to KILL them! Luckily no harm is done while 40+ Dutch, American, and British planes are destroyed. Should note that Lew committed his best fighter unit this day. The British Hurricane Squadron that starts in Singapore road escort along with some B-339 on strikes including 139WH-3, A-24, and PBY.

The carriers, despite their dangerous situation fly strikes sinking 2 AK, 2 CM, and 1 TK.

Am bogged down at Kuching. My Naval Guard there gets a 1-1 but nothing else.

Dec 15th
The problem with the CVs is fixed and nearly 60 Zero fly CAP. This SHOULD be good--RIGHT? NOT!

The first Strike comes in with 11 Demons, 12 PBY, and 10 Vildebreest. This should easily be crushed. It ISN'T. The Demons occupy most of the Zeros while 4 PBY and 6 Vildebreest break through the CAP. The PBY line-up on Shoho and see two of their number blown up by AA. The remaining two drop their Torps and are then shot down by CAP. One Torp HITS Shoho and gets a Fuel Storage explosion (Sys 51). Merde. [:@]The Vildebreest come at Zuiho with half their number getting shot down by AA but not ONE but TWO TTs smack into the little CVL! Kimchi!

I reach for my heart medication at this point.

Luckily Raids Two and Three (18 F--9 B and 8 B) are easily crushed and then the Gods smile as bad weather closes down Batavia for the afternoon.

As these attacks were happening the CVs strike Batavian waters and sink 8 AMc and a TK.

The Palembang Convoy is at Muntok and it gets bunch of attention from Singapore. There are 12 Zero flying CAP here and they are attacked by three major strikes. The first is a large one with 52 Buffalo and 36 Bombers, second one is 6 Swordfish, and the 3rd (Afternoon Attack) is 34 F and 33 B. The CAP--though few in number--exact a stiff price from the Allied Fighters by shooting down 14 of them. Allied aim HERE sucks and only two AKs get hit by single bombs. Not bad and could be worse.

Situation:
1. Palembang Landing is tomorrow.

2. Both CVLs are--MAYBE--saveable: Shoho is worst off and has 25 Sys, 63 Flot, 5 Eng while Zuiho has 22 Sys, 51 Flot, 42 Eng. They can make 2/1 for movement at Cruise Speed. [:(]Set course for Singkawang but plan to divert elsewhere. All their Zeros went to either CarDiv2 or Singkawang. This is good.

3. CarDiv2 and Ryujo link-up and shall follow the CVLs TF with CAP set to 80%. More Fighters fly into Singkawang to Cover Palembang and the CVLs.

4. Split off a single AK to land troops at Muntok, Toboali, and Billiton while a Fast TF will drop troops at Ponianak tomorrow. Should be able to grab those four bases to provide a safe haven if the CVLs survive...

5. Split of 3 pairs of DDs to take-up guard positions north of Muntok, SW of Singkawang, and South of Toboali. They will, hopefully, occupy any warships sent to the area as well as draw off some of the air strikes for tomorrow.

6. Order the Kates on the remaining 3 CVs to attack Batavia's AF.



Malaya
Will attack Alor Star tomorrow.

Hit Johore Bharu hard on both days destroying a good number of aircraft on the ground.

Tomorrow I'll Sweep Singers and attack the AF with over 100 bombers. This should help things to the south.

China
My Army enters the Changsha hex on the 15th. There is an Army HQ, 4 Inf Div, and 5 Artillery units present with another pair of ID coming up within 4-5 days. Order a Deliberate Attack to see what we're facing.

Sub OPs
I-159 sinks AP Camphuys near Oosthaven
I-155 sinks AKL Belawan at the same location
I-166 is lost when it hits two mines at Merak

Summation:
How 60 Zero couldn't blast apart of that incoming strike amazes me but one can find all sorts of justifications for it. The only good news here is that the Allies lost over 80 planes this day with 50+ being fighters. That has got to hurt and should aid in my attempts to save at least one CVL tomorrow.

Pretty rotten luck but one does have to allow the Allies a good day every now and then. I HOPE this was their ONLY good day until---say---June 1943! [:'(]

I hope you can save BOTH CVLs. Should be possible in case there are no dutch subs in their way...

Question: Why deliberate attack for "recon" in Changsha ? Why no bombardment ?

There are only 9 units in Changsha so I am taking a chance to make a quick grab for the base. A little calculated risk there.

Just got off the phone with Michael and wanted to mention that there is a Naval HQ about to land at Singkawang as well as an AR moving over from Miri. Moved a unit of Topsy from Victoria Point to Singkawang so I can fly in Naval Support wherever the CVLs get to.

SS should be the major problem IF the CVLs make it through the night. I am going to hope to save one of the two. We'll see about that.

Well, bad luck happens. I think both CVL are salvageable, but advise you to throw every ASW platform you can spare to cover their path and try to provide some air ASW. I'd easily risk any number of subs to finish off two Jap carriers early. Allied air force should be mostly expended now, I believe.

I'm surpised to see Japanese naval flak shooting down so many attackers. Then again, Vildebeests are suicide boxes (which, however, benefit from the accuracy boost apparently given to low-speed planes).

Lew got lucky. I ran 15 tests commiting the entire Malaya AF against a 3 CV TF and managed only 1 non consequential hit in one run. In all, the Allies died in droves averaging about 75 losses (another 30 or so damaged) out of 130+ a/c ( on average 45 of the 60+ Buffs died in the air).

Looks like any outcome is possible, whcich is a tribute to the way it is modeled, as combat is chaotic and history is plum full of examples of things that "never should have happened". Of course, AFBs will read this AAR and try this tactic under similiar conditions and 19 out of 20 times fail.............

Your decision to augment the CVLs with a CV div is huge and certainly is paying off.

Thanks for the comments and thoughts guys!

I always run a risky game and sometimes the dice come up CRAPS. Never before seen a result like that before but there are all sorts of plausible reasons for it to occur so I can easily understand the results. Makes me mad as Hell but I can handle it. As Michael and I were talking earlier---at least those hits were not on Hiryu and Soryu! RIGHT??!! That would have been horrific to see.

As to their survival we shall see about that as well. The Posters above have a lot more faith in Japanese Damage Control then I do. Luckily I have a good number of DDs that will be freed up once I land at Palembang. Will quickly create 3-4 ASW DD TF to prowl the area leading to Singkawang. I hope for one turn without SS trouble since he might think I can reach there in a single day. Bet he concentrates the SS there initially. My personal thoughts are to angle towards Pontianak and hope about 400 members of a Naval Guard unit are enough to take the base. If not, I will have Muntok, Billiton, and Toboali as possibilities as well. An AR is fairly close and I can transport a Naval HQ anywhere pretty quickly. Just need a decent 24 hours with no major issues to see this happen.

FatR: Flak was pretty effective. It was nice to see. You are correct though that both of those planes (PBY and Vild) are not exactly heavily Flak resistant!

denisonh: You are correct about luck. I could never have foreseen that happening. Playing this Mod with those A-24 present in the DEI makes life pretty nasty for the Japanese player. I'd say that RA 4.0 really makes it a lot closer to what we originally envisioned when we started deisnging it. Stronger Kaigun but not by a lot and a somewhat more organized Allied layout. Makes for a bunch of fun every turn!

Combat Report
December 16, 1941

MAN. I will definitely need Heart Medication for this campaign. 'Nother wild-and-crazy turn!

North Pacific
Quiet

Central Pacific
Loading the SNLF Brigade that took Wake for Midway. A full Naval Guard unit has departed Jaluit to rendezvous and add some punch.

The KB moves 6 hexes to be NNW of Wake. To draw Lew's Surface Forces to Midway, I form-up 4 PG to move towards Midway so his forces spot them and prepare for action. Will let them be seen moving in for two days and then I will goose the gas with the KB to wind-up due south of Midway and CRUSH the expected CA--CL--DD TF.

South Pacific
A Fast TF dropped off another Construction Bn at Madang.

I've got to keep him interest down here so I'll form-up a strong STF for a bombardment run to Rabaul. Lexington should be in the area now so I want to keep him watching and 'fixed' to the location. Will cover the STF with LR CAP Zeros. Perhaps I can wear down some of Lex's meager Buffalo Fighters.

Philippines
Luzon:
1. The 38th and 21st ID crush the two Philippino ID protecting San Fernando.
2. 16th ID is moving down from Tuguegarao
3. This is now an all-army air show. Last navy planes depart the area for other points south.

Mindanao:
1. Am really beginning to like the developing action here. Lew is keeping his B-17s, some Floatplanes, and at least 3 Squadrons of P-40s engaged with Cotabato. REALLY Hammered two strikes today with my Zero Daitai there. Shot down nearly 18 American Fighters.
2. The 90th Regiment took the hex SW of Davao.
3. Inf Reg leaving Cotabato this turn.
4. Tk Reg will enter Butuan (central Mindanao) within a couple of days)

Eastern DEI
Ternate is growing stronger.

Shipping still at Kendari and the CA--DD TF I formed yesterday will hit this location. Am pretty certain there is an A-24 unit there.

My CVEs will enter the fray tomorrow as they pass Ambon moving SW.

Central DEI
Nada

Western DEI
HERE WE ARE! Damn...it...was...interesting...to watch.

My CVLs DO NOT SINK this turn. In fact they improve somewhat with both Shoho and Zuiho lessoning their Flot Dam by three (Shoho 63---60/Zuiho 51---48). They make it 3 hexes and next turn will move due north towards Borneo and Singkawang/Pontianak. Southern Fleet HQ will arrive in two days so that is great. An AR will arrive tomorrow--also good.

The CVLs are covered BARELY by CarDiv2 and Ryujo. Two strikes are launched at the TFs. The first (21 Buf, 18 PBY, and 8 Vild) is met by 39 Zero. LOOKS good but in a frustratingly similar repeat of the day before, 12 PBY (with Torps) and 6 Vild get through! AA blasts two PBY and a Vild but the rest drop their Torps or Bombs. Luckily NOTHING hits! CarDiv2 are nimble ships! [&o] Zeros pounce on the survivors as soon as they finish their bomb runs and exact a strong toll at that point. The second raid is 13 Fighters covering 16 Bombers. All--REPEAT ALL--the bombers get through! They miss. Damn. This is pretty nuts. CAP hurts them badly as they leave.

In the afternoon a massed strike of 9 Zero and 53 Kate smack Batavia hitting the crammed AF pretty hard and destroys over a dozen planes on the ground. GREAT!

At Palembang the Invasion Force is covered by only 10 Zero but they help to fight off 12 Bombers and then 6 Bombers who make attacks at the Invasion. No damage done to shipping. Should note that I had a CL and DD hit a mine there as well as lost an AK for the same reason.

LANDINGS:
1. Palembang
2. Muntok
3. Toboali
4. Billiton

Palembang only has its original units in it so the base will fall tomorrow. I brought an Air Flotilla so there are 63 Fighters and 75 Betty/Nell/Kate ready to immediately fly-in and takeover CAP as well as begin strikes from this base.

Malaya
Alor Star is attacked by an Inf and Tk Reg. Looks good and the base will fall tomorrow. Have got 3 ID form-ed up and they are now moving out to begin the drive south.

SMACK Singapore for the first time. A Daitai of 27 Zero Sweep the air and then 30 Oscars and 62 Bombers nail the AF. Good results with 6 planes caught on the ground and 38 holes put into the runways.

Port Blair fell two days ago to my Army Paras. Forgot to mention that.

China
Changsha is attacked by 4 ID and support troops. The result is poor @ 1-3 Odds but I drop the Forts down to 3. Good start. Will rest the troops a couple of days (allowing another Inf Div and Brig to arrive) and will hit it again.

Got a good concentration of troops moving towards the Central Plains Cities from Kweitah.

Move bunches of Construction units and Base Force to Jehol where I will move the Lily and Sally of the Manchurian/Korean garrison so they can bomb northern China targets. Don't have to buy them out, can train them with real missions, and it isn't even cheating. NEAT!

SS Ops
I-3 sinks TK Herborg of Port Kembla
I-25 sinks TK California Standard near Channel Isles off the West Coast.

Two large Convoys were spotted by Glens leaving this area and heading for the SE Pac--NZ--Aust. I have 5 I-Boats int eh area and vector them in. Also have two Raiders that will be given a shot. See what might happen...

Comments:
The CVLs weathered Day ONE and have two to go. Formed up two ASW TF and have them moving in to work some.

What is up with CAP? I cannot fathom the last two day's results. Did the latest Beta change things? It really seems strange to me...

Combat Report
December 17, 1941

A bit more of a relaxed turn with NO SURPRISES!

North Pacific
Nada

Central Pacific
Waiting for the TF from Jaluit before moving on to Midway. KB moves SE about 8 hexes and refuels from AOs.

South Pacific
Calm

Philippines
Nail Cagayan with 50+ Betty/Nell and destroy planes on the ground as well as plaster the field pretty well.

Lots of troops movement.

Eastern DEI
I have 4 DD run into the Dutch Squadron (Tromp and 7 DD) east of Java. Lose one DD and have two more damaged while inflicting serious damage on 3 Dutch ships.

Kendari is bombarded by 3 CA and friends hitting the AF pretty well and damaging 2 British and 1 US DD.

The CVEs make their presence known SW of Ambon by sinking DD's Jupiter and Alden with a strike of 12 Vals.

Central DEI
Begin loading the 4th Mixed Inf Brigade for Tarakan.

Western DEI
Palembang FALLS for----ready----NO DAMAGE to the facilities! For the first time this campaign may I scream: BANZAI! Fully intact! Lose 2 AKs to mines but everything else is good. Move in 48 Fighters and 73 Betty/Nell for carnage! Armor fans out heading north, west, and southwest.

CVLs: Everyone makes for Singkawang. Shoho heals another point of Flot Damage while Zuiho does the same. Have 3 ASW TF beating the waters at the moment. There are 40+ Fighters flying CAP over the base and my AR arrived there today. Southern Fleet will make it tomorrow. IF--big if--nothing else occurs the CVL will disband in Port tomorrow. I will keep them there for just a little while and then try to move them to Miri for temporary repairs.

CarDiv2 (now down to 48 and 79 sorties) launches a last strike at Batavia and destroy more planes on the ground.

Malaya
Bombers pound Singapore's AF for the second day in a row.

Alor Star falls. The Imperial Guards and 5th Inf Div are moving along the west side of Malaya with the 18th driving towards the center (from Kota Bharu).

SS Ops
That Convoy hit yesterday by my SS leaving the West Coast is hit twice today. Mobil has a bad day.

I-9 hits TK Mobilstation with 2 TT (probably) sinking it.
I-15 sinks TK Mobilfuel with another pair of Torps.

Three large Tankers hit and/or sunk in three days. Pretty good if you ask me.

Split your CAP - 20k to go head-to-head with his fighters AND 10k to go after his bombers. You don't have radar yet to get that early warning. If he come in at 6k or 7k with his bombers and your fighters are at 20k, they may not get low enough quick enough with enough fighters.

I "think" you have read, "Shattered Swords" so you "should" known about the lousy Japanese CAP. [8|][8|]

Edit: I would place some Nates and/or Oscars on night CAP over those CVLs once they disband. If I was Lew, I would have "Mr B-17" come calling on your port at night. [;)]

Got BOTH of them safely to Port! Now just have to patch them up and keep the Boogie Man away!

Headed to work...

Update time please.....

Yes, we want to know what happened to the CVLs !