Rumble in the Southwest witpqs-A vs Andav-J 2011-11-29 to 2017-02-08

[witpqs]

1942 March 22

The Empire captured:
Pantar

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Babar

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Perch put a torpedo into an xAK near Koumac, so there is Imperial activity on New Caledonia. Koepang's defenders held on by the skin of their teeth, but it's all gone now.

Ground combat at Koepang (68,116)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8506 troops, 85 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 224

Defending force 3608 troops, 32 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 44

Japanese adjusted assault: 66

Allied adjusted defense: 27

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
528 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 6 (2 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Assaulting units:
Kimura Det
144th Infantry Regiment
Kure 2nd SNLF

Defending units:
Timor Garrison Battalion
Dili Detachment
5th Base Group
Del Monte AAF Base Force
Ambon Base Force

There's an old cartoon drawing. The viewer's perspective is from behind a bird of prey, looking through his outstretched talons as he streaks in the last few feet toward a doomed mouse. The mouse is standing defiant, giving the eagle the finger.

Ground combat at Koepang (68,116)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1183 troops, 7 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 11

Defending force 8441 troops, 85 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 217

Assaulting units:
Timor Garrison Battalion
Dili Detachment
5th Base Group
Del Monte AAF Base Force
Ambon Base Force

Defending units:
144th Infantry Regiment
Kimura Det
Kure 2nd SNLF

The Flying Dutchmen fought hard today but Imperial Zeros are appearing in more and more places. Attacks were pressed home in spite of losses but their prey escaped. SigInt of preparations for an attack on a fourth target in the tip of India.

Imperial troops south of Liuchow have begun a forced river-crossing.

[witpqs]

1942 March 23

The Empire captured:
Siberoet
Babar

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Heavy radio transmissions at Kwajalein. Some of our APDs tangle with a sub near Pago Pago. No definitive news on the KB's whereabouts. For unknown reasons the invading hordes at Koepang sat and waited out the day rather than capturing the base. The Flying Dutchmen have no time to wait!

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sepandjang at 61,107

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
PBY-5 Catalina x 2

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-5 Catalina: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAP Dairen Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x PBY-5 Catalina bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tockangbesi-eilanden at 72,109

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
PBY-5 Catalina x 2

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
Yamada Det S-2 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000
Raid is overhead

A few Chinese medium bombers flew without escort (no idea why - cough, cough) to attack the Imperials trying to break through to Changsha and lost 3 of their number. A much larger group of Anns did the same thing to our troops at Moulmein and are now a much smaller group of Anns. 23 fewer.

The location of KB is of more than passing interest. The troops to retake the Ellice Islands are still on their way and we don't want KB making a mess of things when the troops move on their assigned targets. Major reinforcements are on the way to India and we don't want those intercepted in the Indian Ocean, nor do we want a party to start in India before those reinforcements are able to gain entry. Already a stream of merchants has been bringing supplies into India pell mell. If DAW does not order an offensive in India - say if the multiple SigInt hits are a ruse on his part (the "D" is for Devious after all) - then the reinforcements and supplies will be useful for relieving Burma and supplying China.

Burma is a swirl. Allied units are trying to corner and destroy the two regiments that were kicked out of Prome. And get it done before the Empire breaks through and forces a general retreat.

[witpqs]

1942 March 24

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Koepang

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Lots of air action back and forth over China and Burma. Roughly equal on the day, somewhat better for our side. We're going to stand down the bombers in Burma for a day and then see if we can hit the airfield at Akyab with a solid blow.

No explicit sign of KB, but today two more SigInt "heavy volume" radio traffic at Kwajalein.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

1942 March 23

The Empire captured:
Babar

I hope they have a suitable zoo in mind for him ...

[witpqs]

[:D]

We shall free him!

[witpqs]

1942 March 25

The Empire captured:
Koepang

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The fall of Koepang will make the seas safer for the IJN. Batavia's defenders took almost equal AV reduction to the attackers and so that city will fall soon. A very important convoy in the Southern Ocean has been spotted (680nm S of Albany) with 1/0 detection level, presumably by a submarine-borne float plane. A course change is ordered, but any evasive maneuvering needed to outfox surface or carrier foes would require a change of destination from Mombasa to the nearer Cape Town due to fuel limitations. More subs are hunting for the USN carriers near the Samoas.

Tomorrow British bombers from and near Burma will hit Akyab. The Allied ship you see at Cox's Bazar (enemy held!) is a blockade runner attempting to make the run to Rangoon. The hope is that the IJN's capable submarines were moved elsewhere once the air and surface blockade firmly shut down transit. The Imperial regiments have made Bassein and so might get further reinforcements by air. Our recon unit has found the Imperials advancing from the coast. We are being squeezed even as we try to squeeze the Empire.

[witpqs]

1942 March 26

The Empire captured:
Selaroe

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our blockade runner off the cost of Burma lives despite multiple attacks by Sallies out of Akyab. Our air attacks against Akyab were less successful than we wanted but achieved a bit.

Morning Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x P-40E Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet *

CAP engaged:
Yamada Det S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 6 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
3rd Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed by flak

Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
1 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
Yamada Det S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 18360.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 88 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
9 x Blenheim IV bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 15080.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
Yamada Det S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes

We lost fewer Blenheims than the Empire lost Zeros, but more than we can really afford. Batavia and Cagayan both held but are clearly being worn down.

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 33860 troops, 361 guns, 160 vehicles, Assault Value = 953

Defending force 19668 troops, 170 guns, 78 vehicles, Assault Value = 334

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 500

Allied adjusted defense: 587

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
2066 casualties reported
Squads: 20 destroyed, 103 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 21 (2 destroyed, 19 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1387 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 104 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
21st Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
38th Division
11th Infantry Regiment
30th Infantry Regiment
20th Recon Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
56th Field Artillery Regiment
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
1st KNIL Regiment
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st Regt Cavalerie
2nd KNIL Regiment
Roodenburg Battalion
ML-KNIL
Batavia KM Base Force
1st KNIL AA Battalion
KNI Zeemacht
KNI Leger
ABDA
Batavia Defenses

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

Ground combat at Cagayan (79,89)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 25080 troops, 186 guns, 19 vehicles, Assault Value = 803

Defending force 10757 troops, 49 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 311

Japanese adjusted assault: 392

Allied adjusted defense: 275

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
3563 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 273 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Allied ground losses:
654 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 100 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Assaulting units:
146th Infantry Regiment
Tanaka
32nd Nav Gsn Unit
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
15th Naval Guard Unit
Yokosuka 2nd SNLF
47th Infantry Regiment
II/124th Infantry Battalion
23rd Nav Gd Unit
16th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
102nd PA Infantry Division
103rd PA Infantry Regiment
1st /101st PA Battalion
102nd PA Infantry Regiment
3rd PA Constabulary Regiment
2nd/101st PA Battalion
III Philippine Corps

Due to needing to stick fingers in the leaky Burmese dike Imperial forces now outnumber ours at Moulmein.

Ground combat at Moulmein (55,55)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 465 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 600

Defending force 13332 troops, 86 guns, 61 vehicles, Assault Value = 464

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

Assaulting units:
55th Infantry Regiment
33rd Division
1st Tank Regiment
III./143rd Infantry Battalion
5th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
Tenasserim BAF Battalion
6th Burma Rifles Battalion
46th Indian Brigade
2nd Burma Brigade
11th Burma Rifles Battalion
16th Indian Brigade
48th Gurkha Brigade
107th RAF Base Force

All Indian squads are the better '42 standard and we have fortifications so hopefully this will be enough to hold. Then there are those pesky battleship bombardments. Our convoy in the Southern Ocean has evaded further detection for now. Perhaps DAW surmised it was bound for Australia? The USMC Raiders are on the last leg of their journey to Pago Pago where they will transfer to APDs in combat load.

Here you can see the most active areas, Burma and western China. Imperial forces have shown up near Kweilin, which is lightly held. We have a lot of forces defending Kukong, which can not be held for long. It is a delaying action. Other forces are being moved to Kweilin and the road to Hengyang. Likewise Nanning and Liuchow are indefensible if the Empire really wants them.

In Burma an unidentified Imperial unit is on the road near Prome, while the two air-transported regiments are in Bassein. One Indian regiment is about to cross the river from Rangoon so air attacks on those regiments is being resumed. The 18th Division is moving to cross from the NE, while an armored unit is moving from Prome to catch up and join the assault. Meanwhile the BFF Bde is moving NE from Rangoon to block what I figure to be the only allowable retreat path for those regiments once they are defeated.

[witpqs]

1942 March 27

The Empire captured:
Wetar

The Allies captured:
Bassein

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The day of the submarines!

Submarine attack near Truk at 113,114

Japanese Ships
xAKL Higari Maru, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Cuttlefish

xAKL Higari Maru is sighted by SS Cuttlefish
SS Cuttlefish attacking on the surface

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Soerabaja at 56,103

Japanese Ships
xAK Huzikawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Tarpon

xAK Huzikawa Maru is sighted by SS Tarpon
SS Tarpon launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Huzikawa Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Soerabaja at 56,103

Japanese Ships
xAK Anbo Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Tarpon

xAK Anbo Maru is sighted by SS Tarpon
SS Tarpon attacking xAK Anbo Maru on the surface

There was also an unsuccessful attack. Alas, our blockade runner confirmed that the IJN silent service is still on duty off Rangoon.

Submarine attack near Rangoon at 52,54

Japanese Ships
SS I-124

Allied Ships
xAKL Sarpen, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage

xAKL Sarpen is sighted by SS I-124
SS I-124 attacking on the surface

The Empire has stubbed its toe in operations to finish off the resistance on Sumatra.

Ground combat at 49,90 (near Palembang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3943 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 111

Defending force 4507 troops, 25 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 143

Japanese adjusted assault: 17

Allied adjusted defense: 157

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 9

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

Japanese ground losses:
726 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 32 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
208 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
78th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
Zuid KNIL Battalion
Tapanoeli Gsn Battalion
Riouw KNIL Battalion
So.Sumatra Garrison Battalion
Palembang ML Base Force

Our efforts to trap those two IJA regiments has been thwarted by our own success.

Ground combat at Bassein (54,52)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 3048 troops, 6 guns, 44 vehicles, Assault Value = 104

Defending force 2193 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 62

Allied adjusted assault: 80

Japanese adjusted defense: 27

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

Allied forces CAPTURE Bassein !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(+)

Japanese ground losses:
775 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 26 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 2

Allied ground losses:
408 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 54 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
44th Indian Brigade

Defending units:
112th Infantry Regiment
2nd Raiding Regiment

Our important convoy in the Southern Ocean is again detected, this time 1/1. As there is no entry in the Operations Report I have no idea of the plane type but it's most reasonable to assume another (or the same) sub-carried float plane.

Here is a view again of Burma. Note the several Imperial units moving up to reinforce the offensive in and around Moulmein.

[witpqs]

1942 March 28

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The last two Dutch MTBs were sunk. Our important convoy in the Southern Ocean was unseen today. No sign of the KB.

DAW ordered the Empire's troops to attack at Moulmein.

Ground combat at Moulmein (55,55)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 18369 troops, 170 guns, 75 vehicles, Assault Value = 600

Defending force 13393 troops, 86 guns, 61 vehicles, Assault Value = 469

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 365

Allied adjusted defense: 511

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
824 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 81 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Vehicles lost 13 (2 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
749 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 8 (5 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Assaulting units:
1st Tank Regiment
33rd Division
55th Infantry Regiment
III./143rd Infantry Battalion
5th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
Tenasserim BAF Battalion
2nd Burma Brigade
46th Indian Brigade
16th Indian Brigade
11th Burma Rifles Battalion
6th Burma Rifles Battalion
48th Gurkha Brigade
107th RAF Base Force

Our troops held without the fortifications being touched and the Empire's troops lost more AV than ours. The bad news is that heavy warships are seen approaching from the south.

[witpqs]

1942 March 29

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Roti

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Force Z was making its way to a jumping off point to bombard Akyab as part of our counter-attack in Burma. I-121 has scrubbed that mission.

ASW attack near Trincomalee at 32,47

Japanese Ships
SS I-121, hits 2

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
DD Vampire
DD Express
DD Electra
DD Tenedos

SS I-121 is sighted by escort
DD Express attacking submerged sub ....
DD Electra fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Tenedos attacking submerged sub ....
DD Tenedos loses contact with SS I-121
DD Express fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tenedos attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-121 eludes DD Tenedos by diving deep
SS I-121 eludes DD Tenedos by diving deep
DD Express fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tenedos fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Express fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Tenedos fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tenedos fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tenedos fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Trincomalee at 32,47

Japanese Ships
SS I-121, hits 6, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Vampire, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
BB Prince of Wales
DD Express
DD Electra

SS I-121 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Vampire
DD Express attacking submerged sub ....
DD Express cannot reach attack position over SS I-121
DD Electra attacking submerged sub ....
DD Express fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Electra fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Express fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Express fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Force Z must now beat feet back around Ceylon as the location of KB is unknown. Meanwhile, the Empire continues with its own combined arms onslaught in Burma.

Night Naval bombardment of Moulmein at 55,55

Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
BB Mutsu
CA Ashigara
CA Haguro
CA Maya

Allied ground losses:
459 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 43 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 11 (2 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Manpower hits 6
Fires 1545
Airbase hits 21
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 19
Port hits 14
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 2

BB Ise firing at 16th Indian Brigade
BB Yamashiro firing at Moulmein
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for BB Mutsu
BB Mutsu firing at Moulmein
CA Ashigara firing at 16th Indian Brigade
CA Haguro firing at Moulmein
CA Maya firing at Moulmein

They swatted down a few of our bombers aiding ground troops too. Not all went the way of Devious Admiral Wa in Burma, though.

Ground combat at 56,53 (near Pegu)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 10028 troops, 60 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 401

Defending force 9806 troops, 93 guns, 241 vehicles, Assault Value = 340

Japanese adjusted assault: 256

Allied adjusted defense: 641

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-), supply(-)

Japanese ground losses:
1828 casualties reported
Squads: 71 destroyed, 172 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
90 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st RTA Division
4th RTA Division

Defending units:
45th Indian Brigade
16th Australian Brigade
7th Hussars Regiment

Likely this result is 'good enough' for DAW, as these troops are somewhat expendable and are serving to tie up badly over-worked Allied units.

Elsewhere, Batavia held for one more day. The casualty counts hints that the party is about to end.

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 36832 troops, 374 guns, 160 vehicles, Assault Value = 1090

Defending force 19072 troops, 170 guns, 77 vehicles, Assault Value = 274

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 424

Allied adjusted defense: 251

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
730 casualties reported
Squads: 20 destroyed, 134 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 12 (1 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Vehicles lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1489 casualties reported
Squads: 44 destroyed, 85 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 20 (2 destroyed, 18 disabled)
Vehicles lost 47 (6 destroyed, 41 disabled)

Assaulting units:
30th Infantry Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
20th Recon Regiment
40th Inf Group Brigade
11th Infantry Regiment
21st Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
38th Division
41st Infantry Regiment
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
56th Field Artillery Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
1st Regt Cavalerie
2nd KNIL Regiment
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st KNIL Regiment
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
Roodenburg Battalion
ABDA
Batavia KM Base Force
KNI Leger
1st KNIL AA Battalion
KNI Zeemacht
ML-KNIL
Batavia Defenses

It looks like a trade for today:

[princep01]

An immediate counter-attack against those two Thai Divisions that just came across the river will likely push their exhausted posteriors back across the river with very heavy casualties. This will end the careers of both Thai units for a long time to come. I would shock attack for maximum effect.

[witpqs]

IIRC I ordered a deliberate attack with both 2EB squadrons operating in Burma assisting. I am leery of a shock attack in that terrain, not to mention (OK, I'm mentioning it!) if Imperial air power chooses to hit hard in expectation of the attack. When our units get trashed they are luggage for a long time as they can only exit Burma by the longest of slogs.

There is also a deliberate attack going in against the two trapped regiments simultaneously with their only viable line of retreat being cut off. They are being hit by an armored unit which is in good shape, and by the BFF Brigade which is at 1/3 effectiveness and has low quality squads to boot. I'm relying on the sad state of the enemy to pull it off!

Not sure if we'll see the results tonight (probably not).

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

It looks like a trade for today:

I'd say you came out ahead - the Aussie V-class DDs have annoyingly short range and are fragile in battle. I-boats are collosal pests - it's a psychological boost just to be rid of one.

[LoBaron]

witpqs, following with interest, as always. [:)]

I am borrowing your "quote" way to post combat reports for our own AAR if you don´t mind. Really good idea, looks very neat!

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: LoBaron

witpqs, following with interest, as always. [:)]

I am borrowing your "quote" way to post combat reports for our own AAR if you don´t mind. Really good idea, looks very neat!

Thanks! I noticed in reading other AARs that when something was quoted it was easier for me to separate it from the commentary so I hope it makes it easier on the eyes.

[witpqs]

1942 March 30

The Empire captured:
Mataram
Roti

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Batavia somehow held on for one more day but I really don't know how.

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 28510 troops, 333 guns, 159 vehicles, Assault Value = 995

Defending force 17934 troops, 168 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 140

Japanese adjusted assault: 269

Allied adjusted defense: 237

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
875 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 67 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2001 casualties reported
Squads: 42 destroyed, 33 disabled
Non Combat: 26 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Vehicles lost 11 (11 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
21st Infantry Regiment
30th Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
38th Division
40th Inf Group Brigade
11th Infantry Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
20th Recon Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
56th Field Artillery Regiment
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
2nd KNIL Regiment
1st Regt Cavalerie
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st KNIL Regiment
Roodenburg Battalion
KNI Leger
ML-KNIL
1st KNIL AA Battalion
KNI Zeemacht
ABDA
Batavia KM Base Force
Batavia Defenses

Cagayan held on by less and only the last fortification saved the defenders.

Ground combat at Cagayan (79,89)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 23806 troops, 186 guns, 19 vehicles, Assault Value = 672

Defending force 10033 troops, 46 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 230

Japanese adjusted assault: 238

Allied adjusted defense: 115

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
1836 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 164 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1008 casualties reported
Squads: 39 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 20 (11 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Assaulting units:
15th Naval Guard Unit
47th Infantry Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
Yokosuka 2nd SNLF
23rd Nav Gd Unit
146th Infantry Regiment
II/124th Infantry Battalion
32nd Nav Gsn Unit
Tanaka
16th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
103rd PA Infantry Regiment
102nd PA Infantry Regiment
102nd PA Infantry Division
3rd PA Constabulary Regiment
2nd/101st PA Battalion
III Philippine Corps
1st /101st PA Battalion

The critical convoy deep in the Southern Ocean is again seen by an Imperial float plane. This is bad, as at the least it provides Intel to DAW about an unusual movement of transports. Let's hope he surmises this is a convoy route and floods the are with subs for the next year to come. At the worst there is a surface or air combat force on the way to catch the ships with troops and planes embarked. The day after tomorrow the convoy should be off map. In truth it is already so deep in the Southern Ocean that only the worst luck would permit the Empire's forces to catch it. Even if it escapes, DAW might conclude that troops are being moved from Australia to India.

The assault forces for the Ellice Islands begin unloading at Pago Pago tonight. As soon as the reorganize into combat mode they will embark on APDs and make haste to their targets. KB has been unseen for a long enough time to be in the neighborhood. Or to be steaming deep in the Southern Ocean.

Things went even worse for us near Pegu as the RTA defended itself with honor, much better than last time around when they were sent hurling across the river.

Ground combat at 56,53 (near Pegu)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8507 troops, 80 guns, 132 vehicles, Assault Value = 248

Defending force 8393 troops, 60 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 188

Allied adjusted assault: 64

Japanese adjusted defense: 221

Allied assault odds: 1 to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
223 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (2 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
180 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 55 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Assaulting units:
16th Australian Brigade
45th Indian Brigade

Defending units:
4th RTA Division
1st RTA Division

Near Rangoon was the only bright spot as the two trapped regiments are being reduced.

Ground combat at 55,52 (near Rangoon)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3169 troops, 18 guns, 104 vehicles, Assault Value = 113

Defending force 1790 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 49

Allied adjusted assault: 37

Japanese adjusted defense: 25

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), morale(-), supply(-)
Attacker: fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
235 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
69 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
BFF Brigade
2nd Royal Tank Regiment

Defending units:
112th Infantry Regiment
2nd Raiding Rgt /1

The real problem is the emergence of Imperial troops from the coast on to the central plain of Burma. The entire situation is changed now and Moulmein must be abandoned, and with it the Burma Road and all of Southern Burma.

[witpqs]

1942 March 31

The Empire captured:
Alor
Batavia
Cagayan

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Maumere

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Batavia and Cagayan both fell today, nearly ending resistance in what the Empire calls the SRA.

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 39246 troops, 397 guns, 159 vehicles, Assault Value = 963

Defending force 16721 troops, 168 guns, 64 vehicles, Assault Value = 98

Japanese adjusted assault: 473

Allied adjusted defense: 153

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Batavia !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
CW-22 Falcon: 1 destroyed
Do-24K-1: 1 destroyed
T.IVa: 1 destroyed

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
505 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
17166 casualties reported
Squads: 326 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1010 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 27 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 226 (226 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 86 (86 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 12

Assaulting units:
114th Infantry Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
21st Infantry Regiment
30th Infantry Regiment
40th Inf Group Brigade
20th Recon Regiment
38th Division
11th Infantry Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
56th Field Artillery Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
1st Regt Cavalerie
2nd KNIL Regiment
1st KNIL Regiment
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
Roodenburg Battalion
ABDA
1st KNIL AA Battalion
KNI Zeemacht
Batavia KM Base Force
KNI Leger
ML-KNIL
Batavia Defenses

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

Ground combat at Cagayan (79,89)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 22514 troops, 186 guns, 19 vehicles, Assault Value = 544

Defending force 9315 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 193

Japanese adjusted assault: 185

Allied adjusted defense: 63

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cagayan !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
921 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 78 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
9780 casualties reported
Squads: 406 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 479 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 13 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 48 (48 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 7

Assaulting units:
32nd Nav Gsn Unit
146th Infantry Regiment
15th Naval Guard Unit
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
Yokosuka 2nd SNLF
II/124th Infantry Battalion
23rd Nav Gd Unit
Tanaka
16th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
3rd PA Constabulary Regiment
102nd PA Infantry Division
2nd/101st PA Battalion
103rd PA Infantry Regiment
102nd PA Infantry Regiment
III Philippine Corps
1st /101st PA Battalion

Things weren't all to the Imperials' liking. The grinding of the two trapped regiments continues even in the face of the collapse of Burma. Nearly finding the secret lair of the Flying Dutchmen was actually a bad thing for the Keiyo Maru.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Maumere at 66,113

Weather in hex: Light cloud

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

Allied aircraft
Do-24K-1 x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Do-24K-1: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Keiyo Maru, Bomb hits 1

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

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Do-24K-1 bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 300 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Maumere at 66,113

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Do-24K-1 x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Do-24K-1: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Keiyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Do-24K-1 bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 300 kg SAP Bomb

The troops are ashore and will no doubt capture the undefended base forthwith. Alas, it is the wrong base. Endeh, a mere 40nm away is the true secret lair. "Missed it by [/i]that much!"

The critical convoy deep in the Southern Ocean is unspotted today and should make off-map during the next day's movement. Phew!

Can we extricate forces from Burma?

[witpqs]

1942 April 01

The Empire captured:
Maumere

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


An interesting day. First off, the Flying Dutchmen, limited though they now are, score again and again.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Bima at 62,109

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Do-24K-1 x 2

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Kumagawa Maru, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Do-24K-1 bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 300 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Komodo at 63,111

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
Do-24K-1 x 2

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Kotoku Maru, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Do-24K-1 bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 300 kg SAP Bomb

An interesting development in central China. 80nm NE of Ichang, an Imperial force of unknown size and composition is heading straight west, into the trackless wilderness between Ichang and Ankang. Perhaps this is a thrust aimed at exposing an area that Imperial Intel believes is under-protected? Or aimed at impeding the movement of reserves in concert with a future offensive? Or directly aimed at outflanking Ichang?

There were battles and movements all over Burma. The Imperials attacking forces at Magwe, obviously their next prime target, the Allies attacking forces bearing down on Magwe. The grinding off the two trapped regiments continuing. Then there was this to give the Empire's fearless warlord, Devious Admiral Wa, pause for thought.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Akyab at 54,45

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 4

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Nagara Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Swordfish I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo

CAP engaged:
Yamada Det S-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 18000
Raid is overhead
3rd Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

They went in alone despite having plenty of fighters based with them, and they got the job done anyway. There are a number of races underway in Burma now, and we've no certainty of winning any of them. these ships way west of Akyab - are they more invaders or a combat force intended to intercept Force Z?

[BBfanboy]

Ha! The swordfish come in at 1000 feet and his fighters are patrolling at 15K = no intercept. Nice to see that Zero CAP isn't omnipotent.

About that unknown TF in the Bay of Bengal - seven ships is a bit light for an invasion TF and he usually sweeps with a combat TF first, sooo ...

[witpqs]

1942 April 02

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


TFs neat Midway and Dutch harbor were spotted by IJ aircraft, presumably sub-launched float planes. I-4 also hit a mine at Perth, perhaps trying to lay her own minefield? Meanwhile KXVII wrecked an xAKL near Phuket. The Flying Dutchmen missed a maru at Koepang, but at least they are still flying. Lots of one-sided pounding from the air in China, but Burma is a two-sided affair with P-40s re-based to Magwe proving more effective. One of the two trapped IJ regiments was destroyed although it's unclear which one.

Ground combat at 55,52 (near Rangoon)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3090 troops, 18 guns, 104 vehicles, Assault Value = 98

Defending force 1359 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9

Allied adjusted assault: 45

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 45 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), morale(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
222 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

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

Assaulting units:
BFF Brigade
2nd Royal Tank Regiment

Defending units:
112th Infantry Regiment
2nd Raiding Rgt /1

The best news is from near Changsha where our boys demonstrated that they will hold for the foreseeable future.

Ground combat at 83,52 (near Changsha)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 61549 troops, 497 guns, 59 vehicles, Assault Value = 1869

Defending force 47830 troops, 194 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1298

Japanese adjusted assault: 906

Allied adjusted defense: 1893

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
4934 casualties reported
Squads: 131 destroyed, 868 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 86 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 88 disabled
Guns lost 44 (1 destroyed, 43 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
725 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 79 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
40th Division
6th Division
57th Infantry Brigade
35th Division
37th Division
32nd/B Division
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion

Defending units:
37th Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps

It looks like one or more small carriers are operating along the seam of the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Here is a look at air losses on the day. Don't know where that Mavis got shot down.