Bottlenecks occur in surprising places

[RangerJoe]

That's what I do as well. Can get a LOT of well trained pilots from bombing the CHI forces, lasts well into '43 ... I'm in no hurry once I have Chengtu and ChungKing. At that point China just becomes training ground for my pilots and LCU's ....

Happy to train up pilots on the far too numerous Chinese electron warriors but I have a feeling that LST will be making sure his forces in this area do not fall into the trap and instead fall back for a defence of Sian.

Of course he will try, but ground bombing will drop them to combat mode and eat up supply. Both of these can slow, and when supply is zero, almost stop movement. I also use BN and BDE formation to "pin" the CHI units in place and/or herd them into groups. Along with the air bombardments, I use ground bombardment actions to both train up the LCU and deplete the CHI supply.

Yes, it is tricky and there are a lot of clicks involved ... ok more than a lot, but the end result is that I get almost all of my LCU's engaged in positive actions gaining EXP and wearing down the CHI units without killing them. After CK and Chengtu fall, then I create a couple of large groups to go around and mop-up all of the CHI. Again, tons of clicks, but the VP's and EXP's are well worth it. As the units reach good EXP levels, I buy them out.

PS: I admit it, I'm a click-meister. I think you have to be for this game.

So once the two main bases are captured, then "Clean up aisle 3!" is hear over the intercom?

All that a player has to do is to make sure that there is an incomplete line of your units with an opening to a base that is away from good terrain, when the enemy units retreat, they will retreat towards that opening. That way you can "herd" them into a smaller area and then finally trap them.

[PaxMondo]

So once the two main bases are captured, then "Clean up aisle 3!" is hear over the intercom?

All that a player has to do is to make sure that there is an incomplete line of your units with an opening to a base* that is away from good terrain, when the enemy units retreat, they will retreat towards that opening. That way you can "herd" them into a smaller area and then finally trap them.

+1

herding works, and there isn't a counter to it ... very frustrating when you are on the other side ...

*clarification: "to a base" in the sense of in a direction towards, not necessarily actually arriving in a base. The base might be 2 or 3 hexes away, but as long as the units can plot a path to it, that's the preferred direction and your opponent can't really do anything about it.

[SierraJuliet]

So once the two main bases are captured, then "Clean up aisle 3!" is hear over the intercom?

All that a player has to do is to make sure that there is an incomplete line of your units with an opening to a base* that is away from good terrain, when the enemy units retreat, they will retreat towards that opening. That way you can "herd" them into a smaller area and then finally trap them.

+1

herding works, and there isn't a counter to it ... very frustrating when you are on the other side ...

*clarification: "to a base" in the sense of in a direction towards, not necessarily actually arriving in a base. The base might be 2 or 3 hexes away, but as long as the units can plot a path to it, that's the preferred direction and your opponent can't really do anything about it.

All rather devilish. I must think on this.

It is, of course, early days in China but I may have already let too many Chinese units move into a position where it will be hard to herd them.

[PaxMondo]

All rather devilish. I must think on this.

It is, of course, early days in China but I may have already let too many Chinese units move into a position where it will be hard to herd them.

Your situation just means it will take longer to accomplish, but in '42 the CHI cannot stop you; there is no position that they can take that you cannot defeat. More difficult? Sure, but you have the bigger hammer (air), just use it. I have almost no ground bomber units in training mode; their training is bombing in CHI. They gain EXP and skill quite fast, especially those pilots with 50/50 skill that are slow to train, but in CHI bombing they gain pretty fast.

Good LUCK!!!

[SierraJuliet]

All rather devilish. I must think on this.

It is, of course, early days in China but I may have already let too many Chinese units move into a position where it will be hard to herd them.

Your situation just means it will take longer to accomplish, but in '42 the CHI cannot stop you; there is no position that they can take that you cannot defeat. More difficult? Sure, but you have the bigger hammer (air), just use it. I have almost no ground bomber units in training mode; their training is bombing in CHI. They gain EXP and skill quite fast, especially those pilots with 50/50 skill that are slow to train, but in CHI bombing they gain pretty fast.

Good LUCK!!!

Thanks Pax. China will be intriguing and time will tell how well I can force the issue here.

[SierraJuliet]

23 December 1941

HONG KONG

Allied minefield encountered at Hong Kong – 78 mines cleared

MALAYA

Allied minefield encountered at Mersing – 57 mines cleared

SS Saury~ is sighted by escort near Tioman Island at 51,83 and escapes

Japanese minefield encountered at 51,84

Allied Ships
TM-10, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

SS I-121* launches 2 torpedoes near Djemadja at 52,83 and misses

Allied Ships
DD Tenedos, heavy damage

SS I-153 launches 2 torpedoes attack near Djemadja at 52,83 and misses
Allied Ships
DD Tenedos, heavy damage

SS RTN Machanu launches 2 torpedoes near Djemadja at 52,83 and misses

Allied Ships
DD Tenedos, heavy damage

Night Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,82, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Mikuma
DD Nowaki
DD Hagikaze
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Isonami
DD Uranami
DD Asagiri

Allied Ships
TM-4, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
TM-5, Shell hits 1
TM-6
TM-7

Reduced sighting due to 25% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 25% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
TM-4 sunk by DD Uranami at 4,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Night Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,82, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Mikuma
DD Nowaki
DD Hagikaze
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Isonami
DD Uranami
DD Asagiri

Allied Ships
TM-8
TM-9
TM-11, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Reduced sighting due to 25% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 25% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 2,000 yards
TM-11 sunk by CA Takao at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
Task forces break off...

SS I-156 launches 2 torpedoes near Tioman Island at 52,84 and misses

Allied Ships
DD Tenedos, heavy damage

Day Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,82, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Mikuma
DD Nowaki
DD Hagikaze
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Isonami
DD Uranami
DD Asagiri

Allied Ships
TM-12
TM-13
TM-14, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
TM-15, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 20,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
TM-15 sunk by CA Mikuma at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
TM-14 sunk by DD Asagiri at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
Range increases to 19,000 yards
Range increases to 24,000 yards
Task forces break off...

SS O19* is sighted by escort near Mersing at 51,82 and escapes

SS O19* launches 2 torpedoes at DD Nowaki near Mersing at 51,82 and misses

Japanese Ships
DD Nowaki
CA Mikuma
CA Takao
DD Uranami
DD Isonami
DD Hagikaze
DD Asagiri
DD Oshio
DD Asashio

Allied Ships
SS O19*, hits 4

Morning Air attack on 3rd ISF~ Base Force, at 50,77, near Kampar

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Jubaku x 26

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Morning Air attack on 3rd ISF~ Base Force, at 50,77, near Kampar

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Jubaku x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Jubaku: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Morning Air attack on FMSV~ Brigade, at Jerantur / K. Lipis

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 42 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Jubaku x 13

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Morning Air attack on FMSV~ Brigade, at Jerantur / K. Lipis

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Rikko x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Rikko: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

SS O19* is sighted by escort near Mersing at 51,82 and escapes

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
CA Takao
DD Uranami
DD Isonami
DD Asashio
DD Hagikaze
DD Nowaki
DD Asagiri
DD Oshio

Ground combat at Georgetown (Penang)
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2678 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 127
Defending force 20 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 112
Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 112 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Georgetown (Penang)!!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+)
Attacker:

Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
30ID 41st Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
Georgetown Fortress

Ground combat at Jerantur / K. Lipis
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 448 troops, 0 guns, 71 vehicles, Assault Value = 40
Defending force 1628 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 82

Japanese adjusted assault: 64
Allied adjusted defense: 10

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Jerantur / K. Lipis!!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), op mode(-), leaders(+)
preparation(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(+)

Allied ground losses:
565 casualties reported
Squads: 28 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 31 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
2TD 6th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
FMSV~ Brigade

SOUTH CHINA SEA

SS Sealion~ launches 2 torpedoes at DD Karii near Cape St. Jaques at 60,73 and misses

PHIILIPPINES

Allied minefield encountered at San Fernando – 5 mines cleared

SS Perch~ launches 2 torpedoes near Laoag at 79,72 and escapes

Japanese Ships
xAK Tarayasu Maru, Torpedo hits 1
DD Fumizuki
SC Ch-6
TB Tomozuru
TB Hatsukari

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

SS Permit~ launches 2 torpedoes at PB Nanpo Maru near Mauban at 80,78 and misses

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Bataan / Corregidor at 78,77

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Rikko x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAPc Princess of Cebu

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Bataan / Corregidor at 78,77

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 9
G4M1 Rikko x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAPc Princessa, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lingayen at 79,75

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-26A x 3

Allied aircraft losses
P-26A: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Kamogawa Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

SS KVIII attacking on the surface near Peleliu / Angaur at 90,98

Japanese Ships
xAKL Hitora Maru, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

SS S-39~ is sighted by escort near Vigan at 80,73

Japanese Ships
PB Rokko Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS S-39~, hits 7

Japanese forces CAPTURE Conner!!!
Lubang is occupied by the Japanese

PACIFIC

SS RO-64 is sighted by escort near Johnston Island at 164,112 and escapes

Allied Ships
DD Drayton
DD Tucker
DD Reid
DD Flusser
DD Conyngham

Night Naval bombardment of Johnston Island

Allied Ships
CA Portland
CL St. Louis

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9
Port hits 7
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2

CHINA

Afternoon Air attack on Wuchow

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44 Shoki x 8
Ki-51a Guntei_ x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51a Guntei_: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 35

Afternoon Air attack on Wuchow

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Sohkei x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Sohkei: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-48-Ib Sohkei bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 2x100 kg GP Bombs

Ground combat at Zhuji
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10693 troops, 114 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 461
Defending force 222 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 11

Japanese adjusted assault: 301
Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 301 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Zhuji!!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+)
Attacker:

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

Allied ground losses:
136 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 15 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
22nd Division
44IMB 2nd Ind.Mixed Regiment

Defending units:
#Administration

Ground combat at Tsinkiang
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 5745 troops, 63 guns, 44 vehicles, Assault Value = 254
Defending force 6243 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 291

Japanese adjusted assault: 231
Allied adjusted defense: 61

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: op mode(-), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
915 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 54 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
3164 casualties reported
Squads: 164 destroyed, 38 disabled
Non Combat: 91 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
51ID 51st Recon Regiment
1st RGC Route Brigade
51ID 102nd Infantry Regiment
Sasebo 8th SNLF

Defending units:
2nd Guerilla Corps
5th Guerilla Corps

Ground combat at Meizhu
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 866 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 43
Defending force 222 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 11

Japanese adjusted assault: 43
Allied adjusted defense: 4

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Meizhu!!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
295 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 15 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
69th Ind.Infantry Battalion

Defending units:
#Administration

Ground combat at Wenchow
Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 20974 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 796
Defending force 17627 troops, 198 guns, 18 vehicles, Assault Value = 778

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled





Fusan expands fortifications to size 1
Sinyang expands airfield to size 2

Mare Island expands airfield to size 3

Loss of xAKL Hitora Maru on Dec 23, 1941 is admitted

xAK Fukuzan Maru arrives at Osaka/Kyoto+

TM-4 is reported to have been sunk near Mersing on Dec 23, 1941
TM-11 is reported to have been sunk near Mersing on Dec 23, 1941
TM-14 is reported to have been sunk near Mersing on Dec 23, 1941
TM-15 is reported to have been sunk near Mersing on Dec 23, 1941
xAPc Princessa is reported to have been sunk near Bataan / Corregidor on Dec 23, 1941




I suspected some enquiry at Johnston Island was on the way. Subs west a PH caught a sniff of a ship or two heading west but very little in the way of detail. Last turn there was a couple of planes, including a report of a torpedo bomber, which had me feeling something was in the wind. Johnston Island was evacuated as soon as it was taken and very little remains. All supplies have been removed and only 201 fuel remains. SS RO-64 had lingered until this turn for the purpose of topping up before moving on.

KB for its part has just completed a partial refuel at Kwajalein and is now moving eastward again just in case there is an invasion convoy afoot. If there is and US carriers are about, we may be able to set up a surprise… even hitting an invasion convoy would be a good result. One fly in ointment, however. During the invasion of Johnston Island, I had KB CAP set for 2 hexes to cover the invasion as well as KB. I promptly forgot to check settings after that, and KB has been sailing around with 100% CAP flying out to 2 hexes. Fatigue is now between 50% and 60% so I’ve taken the extraordinarily bad decision to stand almost all fighters down for much needed recovery time. Fingers crossed no enemy carriers are within flight distance of KB.

As for the cruiser bombardment of Johnston Island. Damage is Port 10, Airfield Service 9 and Airfield Runway 26. A trifle for the Americans to repair once they have landed and I’m sure LST will be wondering why no land units are showing up on recon and the bombardment results.

The map shows the developing situation in Malaya. It appears that the Allied land units may indeed feel that a retreat across the causeway is in order. Based on this somewhat tenuous assumption I have elected to send the 16th Division reinforcements away and back up to Khota Bharu. It is a risky move as it leaves Mersing base dangerously ill-prepared to repel an Allied thrust. On the other hand, 18th Division is now over halfway to the base next to Mersing. This base appears to be vacant, has an airfield and does not appear to have any land units attempting to come to its defence. Two more turns should provide the answer on this question. If this base falls the rail corridor is almost open and more forces can arrive via the land route rather than the riskier seaborne route.

[PaxMondo]

23 December 1941
...One fly in ointment, however. During the invasion of Johnston Island, I had KB CAP set for 2 hexes to cover the invasion as well as KB. I promptly forgot to check settings after that, and KB has been sailing around with 100% CAP flying out to 2 hexes. Fatigue is now between 50% and 60% so I’ve taken the extraordinarily bad decision to stand almost all fighters down for much needed recovery time. Fingers crossed no enemy carriers are within flight distance of KB.

I WISH I could say I've never done anything like this ... but I'd have to keep a weather eye out for lightning strikes for a while ... done it too many times to count.

[RangerJoe]

If you put the CAP at 10% and there is enough time for more fighters to launch, they will launch if there are no other orders given.

[SierraJuliet]

23 December 1941
...One fly in ointment, however. During the invasion of Johnston Island, I had KB CAP set for 2 hexes to cover the invasion as well as KB. I promptly forgot to check settings after that, and KB has been sailing around with 100% CAP flying out to 2 hexes. Fatigue is now between 50% and 60% so I’ve taken the extraordinarily bad decision to stand almost all fighters down for much needed recovery time. Fingers crossed no enemy carriers are within flight distance of KB.

I WISH I could say I've never done anything like this ... but I'd have to keep a weather eye out for lightning strikes for a while ... done it too many times to count.

Yes, all too easy to do. Just trying to imagine how this could possibly be a mirror image of anything that did happen during the war.

[SierraJuliet]

If you put the CAP at 10% and there is enough time for more fighters to launch, they will launch if there are no other orders given.

I follow this although it doesn't help me when I forget to order them to keep stay inside the home hex.

I'm guessing that your reference to having enough time for more fighters to launch means locating inbound enemy well before they are anywhere near the hex to be protected... so good picket ships or even better decent radar?

[SierraJuliet]

I must be missing something but last turn I ordered KB to move 12 hexes and finish by patrolling in the destination hex. Next turn (write up to come) I find that KB has moved exactly nowhere and is still hovering at Kwajalein Island. I'm not seeing anything to suggests an issue to me. A partial refuel was completed the turn before and I had expected to see KB move 12 hexes towards the east.

Any great ideas most appreciated as I really would like KB to head east towards Johnston Island to effect an interdiction should LST be intent upon reclaiming this island.

[PaxMondo]

23 December 1941
...One fly in ointment, however. During the invasion of Johnston Island, I had KB CAP set for 2 hexes to cover the invasion as well as KB. I promptly forgot to check settings after that, and KB has been sailing around with 100% CAP flying out to 2 hexes. Fatigue is now between 50% and 60% so I’ve taken the extraordinarily bad decision to stand almost all fighters down for much needed recovery time. Fingers crossed no enemy carriers are within flight distance of KB.

I WISH I could say I've never done anything like this ... but I'd have to keep a weather eye out for lightning strikes for a while ... done it too many times to count.

Yes, all too easy to do. Just trying to imagine how this could possibly be a mirror image of anything that did happen during the war.

Ah, you're a player like me. So in this case, I don't think there is an exact correlation, but then I use something like this:

"A rogue wave caught the fleet during the night. Fighters, normally stationed topside to be ready for morning CAP, were bounced around on deck and all suffered various amounts of damage. The fleets CAP will be abnormally thin for the next few days as the crew chiefs attempt to repair."

[RangerJoe]

If you put the CAP at 10% and there is enough time for more fighters to launch, they will launch if there are no other orders given.

I follow this although it doesn't help me when I forget to order them to keep stay inside the home hex.

I'm guessing that your reference to having enough time for more fighters to launch means locating inbound enemy well before they are anywhere near the hex to be protected... so good picket ships or even better decent radar?

Yes, radar is the key. More aerial radar is the best but unfortunately the Japanese don't have it early enough. But if the enemy air attacks are strung out, then more CAP will greet the late arrivals.

Picket ships could divert some strikes to them and then CAP can play with those air strikes. Think of picket PT Boats against Kates with torpedoes . . .

[SierraJuliet]

24 December 1941

HONG KONG

Allied minefield encountered at Hong Kong – 101 mines cleared

MALAYA

Japanese minefield encountered at 51,84 – 21 mines cleared

Sub vs Sub: SS RTN Vilun attacking SS KXII at 52,83 - near Djemadja

Allied Ships
SS KXII, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

SS O16 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Ayanami near Patani" at 53,74 and misses

Allied Ships
SS O16, hits 1

SS KIX launches 2 torpedoes at DD Fuyo near Kuantan at 52,79 and misses

Japanese Ships
DD Fuyo
xAP Tsingtao Maru
xAP Huzi Maru
xAK Asakaze Maru
DD Karukaya

Allied Ships
SS KIX, hits 1

Night Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,82, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
TB RTN Kantan, Shell hits 1
TB RTN Kylongyai, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
TB RTN Takbai, Shell hits 29, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Revenge~
CA Australia
CA Canberra
CL Perth
CL Dragon~
CL Ceres~
DD Peary~
DD Pillsbury~
DD Le Triomphant
DD Ierax~


Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 32% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
Palliser Arthur FE crosses the 'T'
Magazine explodes on TB RTN Takbai
TB RTN Takbai sunk by CL Perth at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
TB RTN Kylongyai sunk by BB Revenge~ at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Night Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,82, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD RTN Phra Ruang, Shell hits 5, on fire
TB RTN Chandraburi
TB RTN Trad, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
BB Revenge~
CA Australia
CA Canberra
CL Perth
CL Dragon~
CL Ceres~
DD Peary~
DD Pillsbury~
DD Le Triomphant
DD Ierax~


Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 32% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
Palliser Arthur FE crosses the 'T'
Range increases to 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Night Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,82, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD RTN Phra Ruang, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Revenge~
CA Australia
CA Canberra
CL Perth
CL Dragon~
CL Ceres~
DD Peary~
DD Pillsbury~
DD Le Triomphant
DD Ierax~


Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 32% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...

Day Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,82, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
TB RTN Kantan, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Revenge~
CA Australia
CA Canberra
CL Perth
CL Dragon~
CL Ceres~
DD Peary~
DD Pillsbury~
DD Le Triomphant
DD Ierax~

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 10,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
TB RTN Kantan sunk by BB Revenge~ at 10,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...

Day Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,82, Range 17,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
TB RTN Chandraburi, Shell hits 1, on fire
TB RTN Trad, Shell hits 11, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Revenge~
CA Australia
CA Canberra
CL Perth
CL Dragon~
CL Ceres~
DD Peary~
DD Pillsbury~
DD Le Triomphant
DD Ierax~

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 17,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
Range increases to 16,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards
TB RTN Trad sunk by BB Revenge~ at 14,000 yards
Leader RTN orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 17,000 yards
Range increases to 22,000 yards
Range increases to 28,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Day Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 51,82, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
TB RTN Chandraburi, heavy fires

Allied Ships
TM-5
TM-6
TM-7
TM-8
TM-9

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 10,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range increases to 5,000 yards
Leader RTN orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 8,000 yards
Frelinghuysen F. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 14,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Morning Air attack on TF, near Tioman Island at 51,83

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Chukou x 9

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 5
Buffalo I x 5
B-339D x 3
CW-21B Demon x 1
75A-7 Hawk x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Chukou: 6 destroyed

No Allied losses

Morning Air attack on TF, near Tioman Island at 51,83

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Chukou x 9

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 5
Buffalo I x 3
B-339D x 2
CW-21B Demon x 1
75A-7 Hawk x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Chukou: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AMc Klias, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Afternoon Air attack on 3rd ISF~ Base Force, at 50,77, near Kampar

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Jubaku x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Jubaku: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

SOUTH CHINA SEA

SS Sealion~ launches 4 torpedoes at DD Michishio near Cape St. Jaques at 60,73 and misses

SS Sailfish~ is sighted by escort near Hengchun at 81,68 and escapes

Japanese Ships
PB Kenkon Maru
xAP Kanzyu Maru
xAK Eli Maru
xAK Kozui Maru #2
xAK Sakito Maru
E Ishigaki
E Hachijo
PB Okuyo Maru #2
PB Ginyo Maru #1

SS Skipjack~ launches 2 torpedoes at DD Oboro near Cam Ranh Bay at 69,72 and misses

SS Skipjack~ launches 4 torpedoes at CA Furutaka near Cam Ranh Bay at 68,72 and misses

Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka
DD Oboro

NORTH AMERICA

SS I-5 is sighted by escort near Coal Harbour at 203,49 and escapes

Allied Ships
TK Standard Service
PC Perseus

PHILIPPINES

SS S-38~ launches 2 torpedoes at DD Nagatsuki near Laoag at 80,71 and misses

SS S-38~ launches 4 torpedoes at CL Natori near Lingayen at 79,75 and misses

Japanese Ships
CL Natori
TB Manazuru
SC Ch-6
xAK Tarayasu Maru
xAK Kamogawa Maru
TB Tomozuru
TB Hatsukari

SS KX launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL P-11 near Koror / Babeldaob at 90,97

Japanese Ships
xAKL P-11, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
PB Showa Maru #5
PB Showa Maru #3

Morning Air attack on TF, near Davao at 79,91

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 9

Allied aircraft
OS2U-3 Kingfisher x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 2 destroyed

Morning Air attack on TF, near Lingayen at 79,75

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 6

Allied aircraft
P-26A x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-26A: 1 destroyed

Morning Air attack on TF, near Davao at 79,91

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Reisen x 9

Allied aircraft
SOC-1 Seagull x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SOC-1 Seagull: 2 destroyed

SS Permit~ launches 2 torpedoes at PB Nanpo Maru near Mauban at 80,78 and misses

Allied Ships
SS Permit~, hits 3

SS S-36~ is located by SC Ch-10 near Vigan at 80,73 and escapes

Lucena is occupied by the Japanese

CHINA

Morning Air attack on 90th Chinese Army Corps, at Zhumadian

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-30 Type 97 Baku x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Morning Air attack on Kukong

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 4 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Sohkei x 6
Ki-51a Guntei_ x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Sohkei: 1 damaged
Ki-51a Guntei_: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 33

Morning Air attack on Kukong

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Sohkei x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Sohkei: 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

Morning Air attack on Changsha

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Setsu x 12
Ki-51a Guntei_ x 7

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 26

Ground combat at Wenchow
Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 20988 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 795
Defending force 17665 troops, 199 guns, 18 vehicles, Assault Value = 780

DEI

Japanese troops unloading over beach at Talaud-eilanden





Repairs completed on CL Isuzu at Saigon, ship returned to service

CM Hoko lays defensive minefield at Koror / Babeldaob

Pagan expands fortifications to size 1
Roi-Namur expands fortifications to size 2

SS KXII is reported to have been sunk near Djemadja on Dec 24, 1941
AMc Klias is reported to have been sunk near Tioman Island on Dec 24, 1941

Loss of xAKL P-11 on Dec 24, 1941 is admitted
Loss of TB RTN Trad on Dec 24, 1941 is admitted
Loss of TB RTN Kantan on Dec 24, 1941 is admitted
Loss of TB RTN Kylongyai on Dec 24, 1941 is admitted
Loss of TB RTN Takbai on Dec 24, 1941 is admitted

[SierraJuliet]

I WISH I could say I've never done anything like this ... but I'd have to keep a weather eye out for lightning strikes for a while ... done it too many times to count.

Yes, all too easy to do. Just trying to imagine how this could possibly be a mirror image of anything that did happen during the war.

Ah, you're a player like me. So in this case, I don't think there is an exact correlation, but then I use something like this:

"A rogue wave caught the fleet during the night. Fighters, normally stationed topside to be ready for morning CAP, were bounced around on deck and all suffered various amounts of damage. The fleets CAP will be abnormally thin for the next few days as the crew chiefs attempt to repair."

Rogue waves certainly explain a lot.

[SierraJuliet]

If you put the CAP at 10% and there is enough time for more fighters to launch, they will launch if there are no other orders given.

I follow this although it doesn't help me when I forget to order them to keep stay inside the home hex.

I'm guessing that your reference to having enough time for more fighters to launch means locating inbound enemy well before they are anywhere near the hex to be protected... so good picket ships or even better decent radar?

Yes, radar is the key. More aerial radar is the best but unfortunately the Japanese don't have it early enough. But if the enemy air attacks are strung out, then more CAP will greet the late arrivals.

Picket ships could divert some strikes to them and then CAP can play with those air strikes. Think of picket PT Boats against Kates with torpedoes . . .

Yes that lack of radar is the problem for Japan.

[PaxMondo]

Yes, all too easy to do. Just trying to imagine how this could possibly be a mirror image of anything that did happen during the war.

Ah, you're a player like me. So in this case, I don't think there is an exact correlation, but then I use something like this:

"A rogue wave caught the fleet during the night. Fighters, normally stationed topside to be ready for morning CAP, were bounced around on deck and all suffered various amounts of damage. The fleets CAP will be abnormally thin for the next few days as the crew chiefs attempt to repair."

Rogue waves certainly explain a lot.

uhhh ... I experience 2 - 3 rogue waves per game .....


Is that a lot?

[PaxMondo]

Yes that lack of radar is the problem for Japan.

My radar units are mobile, agile, and hostile ...


Well one out of 3 isn't too bad ...

They are mobile, I do move them A LOT.