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Operation KO

Since turns are scarce for a while, we thought we'd splash up a screenie of Operation KO - the invasion of Sumatra at Oosthaven and Java at Kalidjati.




1 - Recon and LBA attacks from Singapore and Kuching scout the invasion targets (blue circles) and suppress abandoned airfields at Sinkawang, Pontianak and Palembang. In addition, aggressive ASW TFs and Lily/Pete patrols prosecute numerous enemy subs in the region.

2 - CV Junyo rendezvous with MKB. Junyo's four DD escorts will break off to escort a convoy bringing reinforcements to IJA units marching from Kuching on remaining enemy bases in Borneo.

3 - Cribtop HQ does not believe significant enemy LBA are present on Java, but we will test this theory by sending 3 DDs ahead of the main invasion fleet into the Java Sea.

4/5 - MKB will proceed into the Java sea to somewhere near Point 5, attacking enemy shipping and the airfields at Batavia and Oosthaven. Note that the Allied TF near Billiton was just hammered by Betties and consists of 1 merchant. A dedicated ASW TF will shadow the carriers. Cribtop HQ puts enemy sub attack as one of the highest operational risks inherent to the KO plan.

6 - Accompanied by the might of the Indes Fleet (3 BB, 4 CA, 9 DD) and an LCTF (3 CL, 6 DD), the invasion fleets will move to point 6. Each invasion TF has 2 CA, 1 CL and numerous DD/patrol craft. 6 DMS will also be present in case enemy mines are encountered. Rounding it all out, an ASW TF will follow each invasion fleet all the way into the beaches.

7 - Covered by LRCAP from MKB and by the guns of the IJN, the invasions will go ashore at Oosthaven and Kalidjati (we considered Merak but prefer to divide the enemy LCUs at Batavia from those at Soerabaja. IJA forces available:

Sumatra - 18th Division, 2 Engineer regts, 2 base forces, 3 construction units.

Java - 2nd, 5th, 56th Divisions, 3 armored regts, 2 Engineer regts.

Java Second Wave. After the invasion has Batavia invested and after IJAAF planes are operating from Oosthaven, numerous arty units, base forces and construction LCUs will be ferried to the island. In addition, the three regiments of 30th Division are en route as both a local reserve and with the intention of watching over any Dutch remnants if survivors retreat to a mountain fastness. This will free up the main IJA units for further operations in Timor and NW Oz.

Theater reserve. 20th Division, 1 independent infantry regt and 2 armored regts are either in theater or en route and could be committed to either Sumatra or Java if enemy resistance is unexpectedly heavy.

Argghh. Suffering... AE... withdrawal. Must... continue... PBEM.

Here's a screenshot of the Burma front. Not a lot to comment on, just giving a visual. Note that the Imperial Guards Div is 1 mile out from Moulmein and then will move quickly to finish Pegu. Thereafter we'll try to cut off the enemy before he can retreat via Prome to Mandalay. Note also the enemy TFs, consisting of xAPs plus escorts, in Rangoon. We presume they are evacuation TFs.

March 8, 1942

Look, Boss... the Turn! The Turn! (think Fantasy Island, or google it if you're too young). We get a precious turn today. DSwain will be set up in his new digs approx August 6 and turns should get back to once a day shortly thereafter.

Subs

DD Shikinami continues our aggressive ASW campaign near Singapore, hitting KXVII 11 times, one a real penetrating hit. I-28 elects not to shoot at xAKL Agnes as the enemy TFs noted in the screenie above flee Rangoon.

4th Fleet

We will invade Funafuti Island tomorrow. Fun to say that name. Cribtop HQ is launching numerous raiders into the SE Pacific looking for DSwain's convoy routes. Cribtop Intel suspects those routes are going the long way to Capetown and thence to Perth. We are considering seizing Penhryn Island as a seaplane base or even assaulting Samoa.

SE Fleet

Our Emilys at Tulagi will recon Suva tomorrow just to see what's there and perhaps to make DSwain nervous. We had to withdraw a Betty Daitai from Rabaul today and are frankly grumpy about it. An SNLF will soon land at Lae for air transport to Horn Island.

16th Army

LOTS of IJN subs are prowling near Timor and off Perth. Quite a few of these boats have Glens. In addition, Bettys are now operating out of Makassar, so the waters leading to Soerabaja are closed while Timor is almost surrounded by searching Japanese LBA. The Zero Hikotai transferred from Lae is now at Ambon, we will move a smaller Daitai to Rabaul to see to SE Fleet's needs. We thus have two Zero Hikotai (45 planes each) and a big Daitai (27 planes) basing at Makassar, Kendari and Ambon. It is time to begin sweeping Koepang with this mighty force.

In the first of two successful air battles today, Allied 4E return to Makassar to face two Daitai and a total of 38 A6M2s with crack pilots. The results are nothing short of astounding! When the dust settles a total of SIX! [X(] B-17E are shot down or ops losses. Banzai! [&o] That ought to put a dent into the Flying Fortress menace.

25th Army

We don't quite get the last of the Java invasion loaded at Singers so an annoying one day delay in the launch of the fleet occurs. Should sortie everything tomorrow. MKB has absorbed CV Junyo. The new look MKB now has Kaga, Akagi, Junyo, Hosho and Ryuho in one TF and Zuikaku, Shokaku, Hiryu, Soryu, Zuiho and Shoho in another. This is a slighly "unbalanced" arrangement, but it keeps the fast CVs together. The carriers are ordered to move near Billiton in accordance with the Operation KO plan outlined two posts above. Searching pilots from MKB continue to sink or at least harass PT boats and motor launches in Sinkawang harbor. A Kate on nav search reports a hit on an S-boat near Soebi-Besar - good to hit a USN sub whose torps work. Cribtop HQ is pleased with the results of our ASW campaign against a robust sub offensive by the enemy in these waters.

We pound the Sinkawang airfield with IJAAF planes, while Betties port attack Pontianak and put AGP Wega and AG Deneb in a sinking condition. A balky DMS finally finishes sweeping mines out of Kuching harbor (apparently, MSW missions don't go off unless you enter the hex with a different base set as home port). The DMS will join the Sumara invasion fleet.

15th Army

CLAA van Heemskerck "bombards" Moulmein alone for minimal damage. This ship was escorting the TF at Rangoon and apparently wanted a little target practice. We'll put a sub in the hex since DSwain visits it so often. Sadly, night raids on Rangoon and Pegu are scrubbed by weather.

The second marvelous air engagement of the day occurs 1 hex NE of Pegu, where the enemy has been regularly bombing a Japanese regiment at low altitude. We set up a CAP trap with all Oscars at Rahaeng on LRCAP and 24 of our fighters jump a group of Blenhiems escorted by Hurricane IIb. The result is a wipe out, with at least 3 Hurris and all 6 attacking Blenheims shot down at the cost of one Oscar. Banzai! We are starting to fight smarter in the air.

Imperial Guards Div has finally slogged into Moulmein and now will march quickly to Pegu on the main coastal road. Rangoon's days are numbered.

Other

Four port units and an IJNAF base force arrive today. The port units can be combined with various SNLF LCUs to form special base forces equipped with coastal guns. Rookie JFBs should be aware of this and make sure to use this to your advantage once the game transitions into the defensive phase. We will position three of these units at Ambon, Kendari and Makassar to help protect against bombardments.

Darwin and Townsend make lvl 6 airfields. Koepang makes lvl 8! [X(]

Private Suzuki enter the war room in Singapor and kneels with shame on his face. "My apologies mighty admiral, but our worthless buraucrats can only handle 200 planes per task force" He points out of the window towards the two LARGE carrier taskforces and is afraid to say more.After a brief moment he comits Seppuku.

Point taken, Graf. Perhaps a three task force alignment is best... we will perform the necessary staff studies. In the meantime, could someone please remove Pvt. Suzuki's body? [;)]

March 9, 1942

Last turn until approx this weekend. Then regular daily turns should resume.

Let's just say this last turn is a whopper of a cliffhanger!

Subs

Wow, quite a day.

I-158 torps and probably sinks either CL Ceres (per replay) or CL Leander (per Intel screen) near Banjoewangi (Cribtop HQ is ready to finish off the DEI for no other reason than to stop typing Dutch names ). Whatever we hit, it looks like we got her due to messages ("listing, counterflooding; heavy fires, heavy damage") and sinking sounds at the appropriate time. Banzai! [&o] Better, this means the enemy SCTF based on what appears to be ANZAC and Dutch warships supplemented by one UK CV is in a bit of a pickle -- see below.

I-168 torps & shells big xAK Royal T. Frank until the Frank's brave gunners wing the sub twice and she submerges. Despite this heroism, the big merchie is doomed.

I-175 uses torps and her deck gun to put both xAK Momba and xAKL Prusa into sinking condition near Canberra. The fact that the straits between Tasmania and the Oz mainland have been full of prey while the approaches to Auckland have been barren is viewed as supporting Cribtop Intel's theory that most Allied convoys are moving CONUS - Cape Town - Perth - Sydney. The crack I-boat's skipper is noted in dispatches for a two kill day.

Stingray, not to be outdone, duds on AMC Saigon Maru and then hits AMC Bangkok Maru, with a side of bang, in the sub-infested waters near Singapore. The Bangkok Maru will probably make port if she isn't popped by another enemy sub on the way in. Our ASW aircraft claim a hit on a Cachalot class SS NW of Singapore in the Malacca Strait.

4th Fleet

Funafuti is invaded and taken via shock attack by a lone SNLF Coy. We are tempted to dish out another Tutti-Frutti pun, but cooler heads at 4th Fleet HQ prevail.

SE Fleet

Emilys perform long range recon on Suva. Unlike Noumea, this base seems lightly held, with 4 LCUs tipping the scales at 6,300 troops. Hmmm. The long flight puts the Emily in maintenance and logs 32 fatigue onto the previously fresh crew, but it's all worth it.

16th Fleet

Our Netties scour the seas off Java, hoping to find the crippled CL, but she is gone - probably to Davy Jones' locker. Tomorrow will see a major re-positioning of our planes due to the presumed location of the enemy ANZAC fleet.

25th Army

The big action is here today, but it's only prologue for what should be a very gripping 72 hours or so.

First, some preliminaries - the Java invasion is finally loaded and ready to sail on the 10th. Palembang's airfield is pounded by Sallys to iffy effect. Then the real fun starts... we may be on our way to the first CV engagement of the War!

During the AM Phase, searching MKB Vals and Kates report numerous hits on enemy TKs trying to make the run to Palembang in the narrow straits between Toboali and Sumatra. While we are skeptical of the nav search pilots' optimism, there is no doubt that Bettys from Singapore sink small TKs Angelina and Talang Akar minutes later (the tankers appear to be empty so we assume they're inbound to Palembang). Cribtop HQ doubts there's anything else in the hex because MKB is close enough to have launched, but chose not to do so. This could turn out to be a savvy decision by Admiral Nagumo, especially if DSwain thinks the searching planes are Nettys - you never know what his combat report looks like.

As planned, our DD vanguard TF moves into the Java Sea and takes up station approx 3 hexes NNE of Batavia to smoke out enemy LBA and/or CVs; and they are promptly attacked by Albacores! The stringbags miss, mostly because they are using bombs at extended range. No other enemy planes stop by. In addition, a searching Kate from MKB ventures all the way to Batavia to claim a hit on xAKL Parigi, but encounters no CAP and reports nobody home on the airfields. There are sinking noises after both the AM & PM air phases. Whatever went down (we assume the merchies off Oz and maybe Parigi), it was green, not red.

Post turn review of sighting reports indicate 1 CV (known to be British), 1 BB (perhaps CA Canberra?), 2 CA and 3 CL located at Soerabaja. This sighting report is pretty solid and appears to be confirmed by the fact that our DD Vanguard TF is exactly 7 hexes out from Soerabaja - enough that Albacores could just execute the strike at extended range. This TF may or may not know that MKB is in the neighborhood. They may or may not be a bait force for USN CVs over the horizon to the south of Java. Either way, if they don't withdraw toward Perth asap tomorrow, they could be caught between the advancing MKB and our swarming LBA from Celebes. Cribtop HQ senses the chance for a solid victory here, but DSwain is crafty, likes mass fleets (which this TF arguably is not, being weak in air cover), and loves to set traps. Still, perhaps he believes the best use for CVL Hermes is to provide some CAP and nav search capability to an otherwise second rate-ish (Canberra excepted) group of capital ships tasked with a rear guard action in the DEI.

The fact that our opponent is offline for most of the week gives us the chance to post a full staff analysis of the situation, with screenshot, before we need to give orders for March 10. May the fortunes of heaven smile upon the IJN! Banzai!

15th Army

Night raids at Pegu and Rangon damage and destroy one enemy bomber each on the ground. Imperial Guards is halfway to the hex between Moulmein and Pegu.

China

A second day of bombing confirms that a Chinese HQ, unaccompanied by any other LCUs, is the unit marching on Loyang from the NW. Surely a decoy, but hey, why not? DSwain better hope he remembers to stop their march in time though, or things could get ugly. Perhaps the unit is so badly mauled that he is trying to kamikaze it, who knows? We will step up recon in the North China sectors to see if there is anything else cooking, but Cribtop Intel doubts it.

Tactical Analysis - Operation KO, March 10, 1942

ALERT, ALERT! Strong enemy surface forces, supported by at least 1 UK CV, remain at Soerabaja. This force poses a threat to the Operation KO invasion fleets and must be neutralized. Cribtop HQ advises on scene commanders to beware the possibility of further enemy forces in the Indian Ocean, although Cribtop Intel has no evidence for such forces being present.

The Situation in the Java Sea - March 10:




Friendly Situation

Forces at Singapore and ready to sortie:

Java Invasion Fleet, Sumatra Invasion Fleet, Indes Fleet (3 BB, 4 CA, 1 CL, 6 DD), Operation KO SCTF (3 CL, 6 DD), Operation KO ASW Sqdn

Forces at Sea:

Carrier Division 1, Carrier Division 2, MKB ASW TF, Vanguard TF (3 DD). Map shows the two Carrier Divisions of MKB and the Vanguard TF outlined in red. In addition, large numbers of I-boats are patrolling the approaches to Soerabaja from the Indian Ocean, including one patrolling just to the north of Soerabaja, while one IJN sub is watching the Sunda Strait between Sumatra and Java.

LBA Assets:

72 Nell and 54 Betty, split between four units, are available for use from bases outlined in Orange. Land-based Zeros are available in great quantity (136 in four units). Units flying from Makassar and Ambon (off map) are torpedo enabled.

Enemy Situation and Intentions

As can be seen from the screenshot, 1 CV, 1 BB, 3 CA, and 3 CL have been reported. But what is actually there? We know at least 1 UK CV is present due to previous airstrikes against Makassar and the Vanguard TF. Size of these strikes makes it unlikely that more than one carrier is present. Previously an IJN sub missed CA Canberra, assumed to be present, while another IJN sub sank a CL, either Ceres or Leander. At least one enemy DD was present as it harassed the sub that sank the CL, we assume more DDs are included in the enemy TF. The second enemy TF visible at Pamakasan has been ID'd as PT/HDML, while all enemy ships at Batavia are reported to be merchant ships and small craft. Finally, large numbers of enemy submarines are present in two groups, one concentration surrounding Singapore and another patrolling the passage between Billiton and Toboali.

The question, gentlemen, is just what the hell are these warships doing at Soerabaja? While powerful, the enemy TF alone is insufficient to challenge Netty strength in the area of the Makassar Strait, much less the concentrated power of MKB and the Indes Fleet. It is not like DSwain to do something off the cuff (except for his failure to escort merchants on occasion), and it is very much his tendency to favor employment of his fleet en masse. We are not being overly cautious to explore the possibility this is a trap of some sort, with USN CVs lurking in the Indian Ocean.

Possible Enemy Intentions:

1) Bombardment - Allied fleets had success bombarding our bases on Celebes and thus delaying the time when torp enabled Netties could be employed in the area. These planes have just "gone hot" at Makassar and Ambon and are present in strength, but DSwain probably has no way to know that.

PRO: The enemy has been good, but tends to fall into patterns, and bombardment is a favorite tactic. Criptop HQ believes the enemy may be re-fueling at Soerabaja prior to an attempted bombardment of Makassar.

CON: Why accompany a bombardment TF this far with a lone UK CV? The carrier will have to part ways in order to create a bombardment TF. While arguably the CV provides some CAP, search and strike capability, it seems a very odd use of a single precious Allied flat top.

2) Interception - The enemy has shown a willingness to try to interdict invasions of key terrain (see the battle of Kuching). Perhaps this force is present in the hopes we will try to invade eastern Java with inadequate surface protection or air cover. This seems plausible, but if so why not concentrate his LBA at Soerabaja rather than Koepang? Another thought is that the enemy may be gathering to oppose what he believes is an invasion of remaining but neutered Dutch bases in Borneo (Pontianak & Sinkawang).

PRO: Java is prime real estate, and its capture will further isolate the enemy's MLR on Timor. Perhaps DSwain is willing to risk ANZAC surface ships and an obsolete Brit CV against the chance we will fail to properly escort our invasions.

CON: While the enemy has been kept unaware of the exact location of MKB and the Indes Fleet, and while these assets haven't been seen in the Java Sea, it seems unlikely that the vast amounts of IJN CV planes on nav search haven't caught his eye, and it seems semi-suicidal to remain in close proximity to MKB with this force. Further, because KBs Kates plastered both Sinkawang and Pontianak recently, DSwain must be on full "KB alert." This argument can be made with semi-equal force against a bombardment mission, but is even more applicable to interception.

3) Evacuation - The enemy has been masterful at pulling out and re-orienting restricted troops in the DEI. Perhaps this whole fleet will become a glorified fast transport TF? Alternatively, it is delivering or removing aircraft using the CV?

PRO: This at least explains why the enemy is stubbornly hanging out near Soerabaja.

CON: There are far better ways to pull out men and planes from Java, using far less valuable assets to do it.

4) Bait - The Soerabaja fleet is lingering longer than expected despite taking some casualties. Because enemy LBA on Java is minimal and the planes at Koepang are out of range, the only "spring" to a possible trap is the USN CVs. Estimated to be based at Perth, these units could easily have approached the southern coast of Java in the hopes that an IJN force gets too close and gets zapped.

PRO: Such a plan would be similar to the enemy's CV raid on Kuching just as our invasion fleet approached. DSwain must assume that we are planning to invade Java or Timor very soon, as LOTS of IJA units are prepping for Koepang, Soerabaja and Malang.

CON: Would the enemy really risk the USN CVs, even in this somewhat safer manner, this early in the war in the face of the known presence of MKB? Further, the geography of the region presents only two avenues of approach for the enemy - the Sunda Strait and the gaps in the archipeligo located east of Soerabaja. This constriction allows MKB to operate on interior lines and under the support of LBA from Celebes, Borneo and Singapore. Finally, we would assume large numbers of enemy LBA would be present for such a battle. They are, but only at Koepang. Is DSwain laying a trap for an invasion he assumes will be aimed at the eastern side of Java or at Koepang? There is no definitive answer to this question. Finally, there is no hard evidence of any enemy naval forces other than those detailed above. While it is true we have no search assets due "south" of Java in the Indian Ocean, our interdiction efforts against Koepang have large numbers of search aircraft and subs in the approaches to Timor. They have seen nothing to date, nor have the subs posted off Perth.

Desired End State

The objectives over the next 96 hours, in order of importance, are:

1) Protect MKB from loss of CVs;
2) Protect the invasion fleets from harm and successfully invade Java and Sumatra at Kalidjati and Oosthaven, respectively;
3) Destroy enemy naval and air forces in the Java Sea or prevent their interference in the invasion Op.

In short, we face the same dilemmas encountered by Spruance in the Marianas Turkey Shoot and Halsey at Samar/Leyte. Our superior forces are covering an invasion but also have been presented with an opportunity to inflict material damage on the enemy. DSwain's TF at Soerabaja, if it does not withdraw toward Oz in the night phase, could find themselves caught between the Devil and the deep blue sea, with MKB to the west and IJN LBA to the east. We are fortunate in three things: 1) the delay in launching the invasion fleet from Singapore keeps it distant from potential enemy concentrations; 2) DSwain is probably somewhat in the dark as to the exact position of MKB and the strength of Nettys that are arrayed against him and ready to strike on the 10th; and 3) We have time to send MKB east for a day and still have them back in the western Java sea on the 11th as the invasion fleet enters more dangerous waters.

Execution

The invasion TFs, Indes Fleet, etc will sortie from Singers as planned, but will detour to the east of the island on which Billiton is located. This will have the dual benefit of dodging subs in the Billiton/Toboali channel while keeping the thin skins out of range of most conceivable threats, including threats from the Sunda Strait.

MKB will move to a position from which her aircraft can dominate the approaches to Soerabaja and, to a lesser extent, approaches to Makassar.

LBA will be deployed as follows: 1 Daitai Zero and 1 Hikotai Nells at Balikpapan (the Nells are flying in from Miri and can't reach Makassar); 1 Daitai Zero, 1 Daitai Betty and 1 Hikotai Nells at Makassar; 1 Hikotai Zeros at Kendari (this unit is too large to base at Makassar with all the Nettys), 1 Hikotai Zeros and 1 Daitai Betty at Ambon (this Daitai just can't squeeze in anywhere else). In addition, the Daitai of Bettys at Singapore will be watching the Sunda Strait.

Cribtop HQ's number one fear would be USN CVs steaming through the Sunda Strait while MKB dashes toward Soerabaja to "take the bait." To counter this, we will keep the invasion fleet far enough out of harm's way (normal movement would keep them there anyway), keep MKB to the northern reaches of the Java Sea (to avoid any sneaky trans-Java strikes by the USN), and move the Vanguard DD TF through the Sunda Strait. This is a risky move for the DDs, but we feel it necessary as they will give early warning if there are enemy CVs in the area.

To your battle stations! Banzai!

Good news, gentle readers! DSwain confirmed tonight that he is in his new location and broadband is up. We should resume more frequent turns starting tomorrow! Banzai!

As you all probably figured out, we have not made any progress in the game. DSwain's estimate of when he could get back to AE was a bit optimistic. No worries, the man did move halfway around the world! Just wanted to let you brave readers know the score. We hopefully will be back at it sometime next week.

A turn has arrived! Update soon.

March 10, 1942

[Cue peppy Japanese music - if we can find any]

Tokyo Rose: Welcome to another War Report from Imperial General Headquarters in Tokyo. Today's broadcast is brought to you by everyone's friends - the Kempetei! Report your traitorous neighbors today and receive a discount on your next fine! [Applause]

Tokyo Rose: Today's highlights: I-1 sinks xAKL Hamakua near Perth. O-19 duds on AMC Saigon Maru near Singapore. Night Sally raids on Rangoon's airfield claim several hits on parked enemy planes, including two of the hated B-17s, daytime Sally raids bounce rubble at Palembang airfield for 57 runway hits. Taiyuan in China upgrades to level 4 forts, while Hollandia airfield makes level 2.

Tokyo Rose: Psst... is that all we've got, Hoshi? We're losing ratings faster than the Dutch are losing bases!

Hoshi: Shhhh, Rose! You're still on the air... Here, read this - just came off the wire

Tokyo Rose: Holy Sh#t!

URGENT WAR BULLETIN - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO ALL STATIONS

The Imperial Japanese Navy today announces a crushing blow to Allied seapower and morale in our ever victorious march forward in the Southern Resource Area. Today both land and carrier based naval aircraft engaged a substantial Commonwealth/Dutch fleet near the small Dutch base of Kangean, east of Soerabaja. In a series of deadly precision strikes, our brave flyers swept aside enemy Fulmars and Sea Hurricanes to deliver a total of 13 separate raids on the doomed British, Dutch, Australian and New Zealand ships. Mentioned in dispatches were the Kate pilots of CV Akagi, who delivered the killing blow on CV Indomitable, a Nell Hikotai based at Makassar that put three torpedoes into BC Repulse, and all units serving in Zero-sen fighters, who successfully escorted all strikes and defended the fleet against the pitiful British counterstrike (more on this later).

Confirmed enemy losses are as follows: CV Indomitable, CVL Hermes, Battle Cruiser Repulse, CL Leander, CL De Ruyter (victim of a magazine explosion after dodging attacks most of the day), CL Adelaide, and CL Mauritius.

Ships believed to be in a sinking condition include: CL Danae, DD Electra, and DD Nizam

Damaged ships are reported as follows: CA Dorsetshire (1 torpedo), CA Exeter (1 bomb, reported to be on fire), CA Canberra (3 bombs, 1 torpedo, on fire, radar set reported knocked out), and CA Cornwall (2 bombs).

The enemy fleet's counterstrike, consisting of 4 Fulmar IIs, 10 Albacores and 12 Swordfish, was entirely shot down by our glorious Zero-sen fighters. None made it close enough to our warships to even launch attacks.

In addition, carrier planes flying from Kido Butai discovered enemy oilers and mine ships at Soerbaja; while large transports (apparently empty) and mine ships were located at Tjilatjap. Several raids against these secondary but important targets resulted in the sinking of the large xAP Esperance Bay and torpedoing of xAP Moreton Bay, while putting the large fleet Oiler Brazos, small oiler TAN 5 and probably DMS Dorsey in sinking condition. PG Hindustan, CM Gouden Leeuw, and 6 AMcs were also sunk in these attacks. A small CAP over Soerabaja was defeated easily; there was no resistance by enemy aircraft at Tjilatjap.

The Emperor himself has bestowed his congratulations on our Kaigun Samurai for today's auspicious victory, and extends his blessings for further success.

BANZAI! BANZAI! BANZAI!

[Surprised but much more genuine applause than usual]

When this game is in 1945, and I'm depressed about the flaming ruins of my Empire, someone please do me a favor and send me a link to this post.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Mar 10, 42
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Submarine attack near Tandjoengpinang at 51,85

Japanese Ships
AMC Saigon Maru

Allied Ships
SS O19



AMC Saigon Maru is sighted by SS O19
SS O19 launches 4 torpedoes


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Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 23


Allied aircraft
no flights

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

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed on ground



Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes


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Night Air attack on Pegu , at 55,53

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 18


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



Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 35 minutes


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Submarine attack near Perth at 48,144

Japanese Ships
SS I-1

Allied Ships
xAKL Hamakua, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage



xAKL Hamakua is sighted by SS I-1
SS I-1 attacking xAKL Hamakua on the surface


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Morning Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,106

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 63 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
G3M2 Nell x 17
G4M1 Betty x 9



Allied aircraft
Fulmar II x 2
Sea Hurricane Ib x 12


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar II: 1 destroyed
Sea Hurricane Ib: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVL Hermes, Torpedo hits 1
CV Indomitable
CA Dorsetshire, Torpedo hits 1
CL Leander



Aircraft Attacking:
16 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
7 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
No.800 Sqn FAA with Fulmar II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
No.880 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 8 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 53 minutes



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Morning Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,106

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 60 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 49
B5N1 Kate x 11
B5N2 Kate x 35
D3A1 Val x 43



Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 7


Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 2 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 20 damaged
D3A1 Val: 2 destroyed, 27 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane Ib: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVL Hermes, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 2
CL Danae
CL Leander, Bomb hits 1
CA Dorsetshire
CL Sumatra
CL Tromp
CA Exeter
DD Nestor
CL Dauntless
CA Astoria



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
22 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
9 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
11 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
6 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
3 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
3 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
5 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
16 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.880 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 53 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Hermes


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,106

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 60 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 41
B5N1 Kate x 12
B5N2 Kate x 48
D3A1 Val x 39



Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 2


Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 20 damaged
D3A1 Val: 2 destroyed, 27 damaged


Allied Ships
CL Enterprise
CV Indomitable, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BC Repulse
CA Exeter, Bomb hits 1
CL Sumatra
DD Napier
CL Dragon



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
15 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
14 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
9 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
4 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.880 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 8th Group Army, at 87,42

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 12
Ki-30 Ann x 15



No Japanese losses



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Palembang , at 48,91

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 48
Ki-27b Nate x 42



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 3 damaged


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


Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 57

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
25 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 8th Group Army, at 87,42

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-30 Ann x 9



No Japanese losses


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


Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Soerabaja at 57,101

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 63



Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 10
Fulmar II x 4
Swordfish I x 12


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore I: 5 destroyed
Fulmar II: 3 destroyed
Swordfish I: 6 destroyed



CAP engaged:
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Raid is overhead
7 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
Raid is overhead
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,106

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 22 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 13



Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Indomitable, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Exeter
CL Leander, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,106

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 13



Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 2 destroyed, 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

Allied Ships
CV Indomitable, and is sunk
CA Dorsetshire
CL Leander, heavy damage
CL Emerald



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,106

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 13



Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Sumatra
CA Exeter
DD Napier



Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,106

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 13



Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 8 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Emerald
CA Exeter
CL Dauntless



Aircraft Attacking:
13 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,106

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 8



Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Enterprise
CA Exeter, on fire



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,106

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 63 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
G3M2 Nell x 7
G4M1 Betty x 5



Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

Allied Ships
CVL Hermes, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CL De Ruyter
CL Leander, heavy damage
BC Repulse, Torpedo hits 3



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,106

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 63 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 13



No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CL Enterprise
CL Dauntless



Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 14000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 143rd Infantry Regiment, at 55,53 (Pegu)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes


Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 8
Hurricane I Trop x 11


Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
49 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Blenheim I bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
5 x Blenheim I bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 55th Engineer Regiment ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Soerabaja at 56,104

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
B5N2 Kate x 18
D3A1 Val x 11



Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 4
B-339D x 3
CW-21B Demon x 4


Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 4 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed
CW-21B Demon: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
DMS Dorsey, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
AO TAN 2
DD Farragut
PG Soerabaja
AO TAN 4
DD Voyager
AO Brazos, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
AO TAN 5, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
AO TAN 6



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
18 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
2-Vl.G.IV with CW-21B Demon (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
3-Vl.G.IV with B-339D (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.243 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tjilatjap at 51,102

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
B5N2 Kate x 12



No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAP Moreton Bay, Torpedo hits 1
xAP Largs Bay
xAP Esperance Bay, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
PG Hindustan, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Soerabaja at 56,104

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
D3A1 Val x 29



Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 1
B-339D x 1
CW-21B Demon x 1


Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 11 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed
B-339D: 1 destroyed
CW-21B Demon: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CM Gouden Leeuw, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
AMc Merbabo, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
AMc Smeroe, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
AMc Rindjani, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
AMc Merapi, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.243 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Raid is overhead
2-Vl.G.IV with CW-21B Demon (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Raid is overhead
3-Vl.G.IV with B-339D (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Raid is overhead

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CM Gouden Leeuw


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tjilatjap at 51,102

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
B5N2 Kate x 15



Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AMc Djember, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AMc Djombang
AMc Enggano, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk



Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,106

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 32
B5N1 Kate x 20
B5N2 Kate x 34
D3A1 Val x 36



Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 14 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed, 20 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Leander, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CL De Ruyter, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
BC Repulse, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Electra, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Nizam, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Adelaide, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CL Dragon
CL Mauritius, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CA Astoria
CA Cornwall, Bomb hits 2
CL Java



Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
16 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
11 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
18 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
10 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Nizam


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kangean at 59,106

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 52 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
B5N2 Kate x 8
D3A1 Val x 12



Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 4 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Java
CL Danae, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 2, on fire



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Bataan , at 78,77

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 10
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 24



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 12 damaged



Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 100 kg GP Bomb
10 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Clark Field , at 79,76

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 24
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 25



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 4 damaged



Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 100 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Clark Field , at 79,76

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 12
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 11



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged



Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 100 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Pegu (55,53)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 460 troops, 48 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 709

Defending force 20345 troops, 244 guns, 309 vehicles, Assault Value = 811

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



Assaulting units:
55th Engineer Regiment
1st Tank Regiment
33rd Division
143rd Infantry Regiment
6th Tank Regiment
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Army
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
1st Burma Division
7th Armoured Brigade
17th Indian Division
106th RAF Base Force
102nd RAF Base Force
Burma Corps
108th RAF Base Force
100th RAF Base Force

Screenie of enemy ships reported sunk in the Battle of Kangean. Only problem I have for tomorrow is we are low on torps for MKB, probably sorties too.

Very sweet indeed.

As the sun sets and the last strike aircraft are recovered on Akagi, an air of jubilation permeates the ship - except for on the bridge, where Admiral Nagumo quashes the enthusiasm of his younger officers, many of whom argue that a second day of attacks will bag the five damaged enemy heavy cruisers. Nagumo insists that lack of torpedoes and sorties puts MKB at risk of an unfavorable CV engagement if the USN carriers are indeed lurking south of Java. His fears are reinforced by a mysterious 10-ship, 5 DD task force about 5 hexes south of Kangean. Further, LBA at Makassar are perfectly positioned to pound the CAs. Thus, MKB will retire toward the NW to rendezvous with the invasion fleet east of Billiton.

Netties at Makassar are on Nav Atk, while the non torpedo-enabled Nells from Balikpapan will be set to port attack Soerabaja in case the more heavily damaged CAs retire there. In addition, large numbers of subs are diverted from the approaches to Timor to the anticipated southern retreat routes for the enemy fleet's remnants.

Finally, to warn against enemy CVs that might interfere with the landings, our DD Vanguard TF will split up, with one ship holding in the Sunda Strait while the other two sweep along the northern and southern coasts of Java.

Thanks for posting, Grafin. Your observation re our CV TFs was accurate, with a few strikes being unco-ordinated (although bad weather in the AM phase was also a factor). We will split out KBL into a separate TF as soon as this Op is over.

Any of my readers have a theory on what DSwain was up to here? Perhaps he underestimated me or assumed he was safe because Sinkawang was the target and thus that MKB wouldn't get near Soerabaja? Was this a trap that we ferreted out and sprung on him? I'm thrilled to win a solid victory over a very good opponent but equally determined not to get too excited about it. It is just as important to learn the lessons of victory as the lessons of defeat.

It is with a very heavy heart that I must report this game and AAR will probably be going on hiatus. DSwain's cross-continental move and the demands of his new job leave him struggling to get out turns. I certainly understand (moving from England to Asia is a big leap), but am bummed as we were just getting to the end of Phase One and just had our first big CV battle.

I'm waiting to hear from him how long our break is likely to last, but if the answer is two months or more, I am flirting with the idea of challenging someone to a PBEM in the Guadalcanal scenario. The theory being that we could finish a Guad game about the time DSwain and I got back at it.

More info as I have it. Thanks for reading so far (and I see from views you are indeed still reading, although posting remains rare).

Aaaaaaw [:(]

Well, I'm very sorry to say it looks like this PBEM is over rather than on hiatus. DSwain is just too swamped to continue and left me with the painful choice of not upgrading to the latest patch so I could start a second PBEM or waiting months for the chance he could resume. This game was a great opportunity for me to get my feet wet in AE and I am definitely ready to start another war.

I will upgrade and prepare a new Japanese first turn. Once that's complete, I'll advertise for another opponent. If any of my readers would care to take the Allied side I'd welcome the challenge.

A damn shame Cribtop.

Your AAR was one I always looked forward to reading when there was an update.

I'm mostly a JFB, but if you can't find an Allied opponent, I think I might want to give it a shot!