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Orders Summary - January 2, 1942

- Adjusted the MLR in China a bit. He may be pushing in the Ichang area
- Arranged what I hope will be effective LRCAP out of Rangoon to cover the B-17 bombings near Pegu. If that doesn't work then I may have to use those bombers for something else
- Got Operation On a Lark: Phase Two started. I don't know why I'm obsessed with reuniting the 8th AUS division, but I am. The Lark Bn. should leave PM tomorrow and will go to Darwin to wait for their comrades to arrive from Malaya. Then I hope to get them all out of there and around to Perth. The two units in Singapore are loading onto heavily escorted transports and moving toward Batavia as quickly as they can (the transports won't fit into Palembang). They will refuel there and then make their way to Darwin or Perth. To cover their loading and trasport, I have arranged for the AVG to fly CAP over Singapore while other fighter units out of Palembang fly LRCAP over the sea route. The ships will move at full speed (which isn't much) and as close to the Sumatran shore as possible. I've also dispatched 2 CLs and 2 DDs to hopefully distract the surface units in the Billiton area which will already be harried by every Naval Attack squadron I could find within range. This may be a huge mistake, but losing those troops in Singapore is just absolutely distasteful to me when their own homeland will likely come under attack.
- Force Z and the Houston BG (Battle Group) have departed Darwin and are heading toward Soerabaja. I'm still bitter about not getting to interfere with Kendari operations, so if I see that carrier leave, it's on.
- The CL TF that was with them at Darwin is headed back to Brisbane where it will either escort transports attempting to reinforce Noumea or go on a transport sinking cruise in the Solomons
- In the Bering Sea, I have ordered Force A to move North and West to stay out of range of his search planes while remaining close enough to possibly be useful. The ASW fleet near Adak is moving west as bait.

January 2, 1942 Report

A bi-polar day for the Allies.

- Around dawn, the captain of the SS Tuna, patrolling SW of Wake Island, was awakened and informed that sonar was indicating a large task force north of their position. He directed his ship to intercept and soon found himself sitting in tense silence as the KB itself moved overhead. At the proper time, he brought the ship to periscope depth, took a quick look and launched 6 torpedoes at the enemy fleet carrier Kaga. One found its target and detonated, though by that time, the Tuna was well below periscope depth and running for her life. Enemy destroyers managed to get 1 DC close to the ship but the damage it caused was minimal. Let us hope that the Kaga's damage is far more grave!
- Unfortunately, it was only shortly after this that the ground forces on Wake Island were overwhelmed. Wake Island has fallen to the enemy
- Moreover, we were not the only ones to have submarine successes today. Submarines off Java sunk an xAKL that was headed to move heavy equipment from Batavia to Palembang as well as an AGP which was on its way home to Soerabaja after supporting the PT attacks on Billiton. Worse, a group of submarines near Dutch Harbor sunk several xAKLs which are precious commodities in that arena at the moment.
- Elsewhere, my Naval attacks on Billiton TFs did not do well, though a number of bombers got through to make runs on the BB Kongo. I had hoped that it had moved away, as it poses a real threat to Operation On a Lark. Enemy raids on Singapore focused on the airfield (thankfully), and the CL TF coming up from Batavia was attacked by bombers out of Billiton and Singkawang - exactly what they are there for.
- The situation near Celebes has a new twist. The invasion TF and the carrier group supporting it have all vanished. I expect Ambon is his next target there, though I hope my preparations make it a tougher nut to crack.
- In the Bering Sea, an interesting situation has developed. My search planes have spotted what I suspect is an invasion force moving in behind his carrier group. I have no reason to believe that Force A has been spotted, and with Kaga possibly damaged and returning home, it seems to me that my opportunities up here may be increasing. The invasion TF (if that's what it is) seems to be headed for Adak instead of Attu, which suits me just fine. I have 23 AV at Adak and Force A will certainly not allow it to be taken without losses. My DD group should be able to verify the identity of the carrier group soon. I'm fairly certain it is a small CVE or CVL. The garbage being reported by my search aircraft right now is impossible.

If he is moving to invade Adak, it gives me pause. My opponent is a pretty practical guy, and I can't see him taking any effort up here unless it is in keeping with a larger strategy (perhaps an invasion of Hawaii?). Stuff to think about!

Interesting situation - you have positioned your forces as well as possible without your own CVE cover.
Is the PC with those 3 DDs able to make 30 knots? If not, it could slow the group down enough that the CVEs will be able to dodge. Even if it can go 28 kts, I would split it off, perhaps to try its own intercept and increase the chances. It might get sunk but then your DD group already is grasping for the tiger's tail.

23 AV at Adak is a good start considering how early it is in your game, but I encourage you to consider allocating enough PPs to free up one of the independent regiments on the west coast as soon as possible for bolstering that island. Given, of course that your naval allocation succeeds in turning back this present effort on the part of your enemy.

And Kudos on the success on Kaga, I always seem to get duds on all my chances against the KB.

I see both aircraft and anchor symbols at Adak. Do you have a base force and fighters there, or just an AVD disbanded providing support for seaplanes. If a baseforce and fighters, 23 AV is a little weak to defend such an allocation of valuable force and another reason to get a regiment there as soon as possible. If just seaplanes and support then consider allocating a base force and fighters once you get more ground defense in place.

And I agree with BBfanboy on the PC. You don't want to team slow movers with your greyhounds.

The effort in the Aluetions may be less of part of a greater invasion strategy than an effort to push you back to delay or preclude an early American effort in the Kuriles.

Orders Summary - January 3, 1942

Bering Sea (see below)
- Force A to move SW to a position 6 hexes away from Adak
- DD TF is moving to intercept the carriers/PC is moving straight north at 13kt

Operation On a Lark
- The PM troops should sail tomorrow. 2 of the ships will unload in Darwin. The 2 ships carrying the Lark Bn. will continue to Perth under escort.
- I almost didn't see that the AUS units in Singapore loaded and moved about 5 hexes all in one turn. I am optimistic that they will escape, but I'm trying to limit the risk. 2-3 squadrons - including what is left of the AVG squadron that was covering their exit from Singapore - are flying LRCAP over the TF, and the cruiser distraction to the south of Billiton seems to have their attention. I will be very pleased if these guys make it to Batavia and then on to Perth. I've taken a big risk here.
= I checked my PPs today and found that I have over 1100 remaining. This does not seem right as I just spent something like 700 to buy the Aussies. Would there be some reason why it didn't charge me for those as it said it would?

Other
- RAF squadron is on its way to Karachi from Aden
- Pago Pago has a HUGE backlog of ships that need unloading. Engineers are frantically upgrading the port but it will take time. Until then, I've stopped unloading on everything except the transports that are trying to unload the USN Base Force. I'll slowly add ships to the cue as needed after that
- I forgot that I had about 3 LCUs set to unload at Hilo, HI. They are already 2/3rds of the way unloaded. I think I'll let them finish and then reload them and move them to Canton or one of the other islands down there.


(I'd appreciate any constructive criticism as to how I'm handling Bering Sea. I'm new.)

This space for rent.

ORIGINAL: marbakka

= I checked my PPs today and found that I have over 1100 remaining. This does not seem right as I just spent something like 700 to buy the Ausies. Would there be some reason why it didn't charge me for those as it said it would?

What command did you transfer the Aussies to? It only costs 25% of the stated PPs if you transfer units between subordinate commmands. See the attached pic for an example.

- Pago Pago has a HUGE backlog of ships that need unloading. Engineers are frantically upgrading the port but it will take time. Until then, I've stopped unloading on everything except the transports that are trying to unload the USN Base Force. I'll slowly add ships to the cue as needed after that

Use the AP/AKs that start on the map for stuff which needs to be unloaded in hurry or when you're setting them down in danger areas and don't want to linger too long. Make the TF an amphib one so unloads a little quicker. Be really careful about husbanding this bunch of ships, they'll be the spearhead of your road back to Tokyo.

ORIGINAL: Arnhem

ORIGINAL: marbakka

= I checked my PPs today and found that I have over 1100 remaining. This does not seem right as I just spent something like 700 to buy the Ausies. Would there be some reason why it didn't charge me for those as it said it would?

What command did you transfer the Aussies to? It only costs 25% of the stated PPs if you transfer units between subordinate commmands. See the attached pic for an example.

That is probably the explanation. I moved them to the Far East command which is over the Malaya Army that they were in. The other units in the division are under that same command. I don't know exactly how many PP there were when I bought them but it would come out to about right if what you're saying is what occurred.

January 3, 1942 Report

I had an ominous feeling when I woke up this morning and saw that the turn had been returned to me...

Bering Sea
- Whether Force A was spotted or not, he moved his carrier group to the north side of the islands and it was inevitable that they would find each other. They ended up 4 hexes apart. An air raid on Force A resulted in the USS Maryland (BB) taking 4 torpedoes. She's down to 6 knots and has 53% float damage but no fires and little system damage. She's on her way home. The Japanese carrier group reportedly carries 62 fighters and 43 bombers. It is still showing as a CVE, but it sure punched like more than that, I thought.
- A separate attack against the DD TF scored some torpedo hits on a DD and sunk it. That leaves 2 DDs in that fleet.
- Meanwhile, my PC encountered what I can now call a large invasion force south of Adak Island. It consists of: It seems to me that this is a very large invasion force for just Adak and it continues to move eastward with no apparent intention of stopping. Is he going for Kodiak? If so, I may be in serious trouble as I have few forces there.

CENPAC
- I believe that the KB attempted to move SW this turn. SS Tuna once again engaged the fleet but failed to hit the escort she targeted. SS Grayling also got into the action but failed to hit the CA that she targeted as well. If the KB makes for Truk, there will be plenty of opportunities for a lucky torpedo hit on the way as I have something like 5 submarines between them.

Operation On a Lark
- The transports leaving PM spent the day loading supplies against my wishes. I suppose I might have forgotten to tell them to knock that off. They should leave toward Darwin tomorrow and meet up with their escort in the morning.
- I am pleased to say that the Singapore transports have made it to a point SW of Billiton. They are still in grave danger, but they will not be trapped NE of Palembang like I feared. He launched two LBA attacks on the fleet, but my LRCAP performed admirably and he failed to score any hits. The CL TF also performed its function by absorbing two more LBA attacks (with no damage). I have a choice here now. I can either a) proceed to Batavia as planned for refueling (but risk more LBA attacks and a line of submarines just off the coast), or b) proceed to Soerabaja instead (where I should be free of submarines and can meet Force Z and Houston's TF at the port). The down side to going to Soerabaja would be that I'd have little LRCAP flying over them after tomorrow (only Batavia's squadrons). I may actually get away with this!

Elsewhere
- The submarine that has been haunting the Pago Pago area was finally addressed by my ASW fleet. They must have completely emptied their DC stores on the poor little guy. It is reported that he took something like 8 hits. Here's hoping they go to the bottom and don't come back up
- Near Billiton, a Dutch sub encountered a Japanese sub and reminded it of the effectiveness of Dutch torpedoes in the early game.


Choices, Choices, Choices
- The situation in NOPAC is such that I am now beginning to wonder if it ripe for US CV intervention. I did not expect to find such a big invasion fleet up there, and that leads me to believe that he is making a big move. Saratoga is about midway between Kodiak and San Francisco and could be in the area in a few days. Enterprise took a northerly route out of PH to avoid the Red Devil off the WC, so she could be there soon as well. Both carriers are doing ok on fuel and have full sorties available. Saratoga's escort is a bit lacking, but it'll do if needed. Should I redirect these guys to NOPAC?
- The Singapore transports are my greatest vulnerability right now. I have precious human cargo on those ships in very close proximity to a large contingent of Japanese surface ships. Moreover, now that he has seen that I am flying LRCAP over the fleet, there should be no question in his mind that it is something important. I could have the fleet in Batavia's harbor refueling tomorrow and then out via Merak/Oosthaven the next day or I can have them cut SE toward Soerabaja instead. If they go SE, they will be at sea a bit longer before their refueling stop, but they will avoid the submarine blockade at Batavia and they will have Force Z nearby in case he moves his big stuff into the Java Sea. hrmm...

Given the distance you have to cover to get your carriers into position in NoPac, if he is going for Adak, which is likely, you won't arrive in time to stop the invasion. He looks to have more than sufficient ground strength aboard to sweep the Islands 23 AV defense. You may still arrive in time to attrite his navy, although you would be ill advised to go toe to toe with roughly equal carrier fighter strength.

If, on the other hand is headed deeper into your territory like Kodiak, then you may arrive in time. I doubt his is headed to Kodiak though as you already show both ground and air units at Adak and if he bypasses it he knows he will be giving you the opportunity to strengthen a base in his rear.

As for the Singapore transports I hope you are skirting them down the coast of Sumatra between the coast and the large off shore island to Oosthaven and then on to Perth. This route keeps you out of the main sealane between Sumatra and Borneo. Much much safer.

And about PP, ships don't have to dock to unload. They just unload more slowly if not docked. Get them all unloading.

I've almost settled on Soerabaja instead of Batavia, but just to clarify the position in the Java Sea:

(The transport TF can move 6 hexes/turn at full speed)

Orders Summary - January 4, 1942

- 4 BBs set to upgrade in San Diego and Los Angeles. They should be upgraded just in time for Lexington's repairs to be completed, though she has an upgrade of her own that needs doing.
- I chose the Soerabaja route for my Aussie troops. Those subs just looked a bit too ominous to me. The SAG will screen them to the north, and LRCAP will continue to protect them.
- In the Bering Sea, Force A is running straight at 'em Nelson style. The two remaining DDs are doing the same. I hope to put an end to the Carrier threat and then turn to deal with the invasion force. It is probably a losing battle, but I plan on making him pay for touching US soil.

While issuing orders, I noticed that tracker is reporting that the CV Kaga was sunk. I seriously doubt that a single torpedo sunk her, but it cheered me up a bit to see it claimed. I hope it is at least an indication of the severity of the damage.

My own CVs will continue to the WC as planned unless something changes in NOPAC.

January 4, 1942 Report

The Bering Sea Debacle
- His invasion force moved to Adak but has not begun unloading troops yet
- BB Maryland was attacked by what I'm now pretty sure is the combined mini-KB
- BB West Virginia was struck by a torpedo. Her FLT damage is at 23, 21 of which is major. She's headed straight for Pearl Harbor but I don't think she'll make it.
- What remains of Force A, headed now by CA Minneapolis, will charge to Adak and attempt to sink much of the invasion force in the night. It is unlikely they will survive to lunchtime.

Operation On a Lark
- The Aussies have successfully reached --- no...not yet. They are almost to Soerabaja but another sub has been spotted between them and the port. So close!
- Lark Bn. and their cohorts have left PM and are halfway to Darwin under CL/DD escort. The remaining troops at PM are being evacuated by air to the Australia mainland

Elsewhere
- The enemy has taken Salamaua across from Port Moresby and has landed at Tulagi. Things moved faster over here than I had anticipated. That's inexperience for you.


Orders Summary - January 5, 1942

- CA Minneapolis will make a suicide run to Adak to interfere with the landing there. It is unlikely she and her escorts could escape the mKB to the north of Adak, so at least she'll try to take something with her.
- Force Z/Houston TF refueled in Soerabaja. With the KB active SW of Wake and the mKB in the Bering Sea, I think it is time we contested the Billiton area a bit. Orders issued, though I will have time to change my mind tomorrow if need be.
- BB West Virginia is limping toward Pearl Harbor. Good luck.

Bad day for the allies

January 5, 1942 Report

The Battle of the Bering Sea
- After the sinking of the USS Maryland and the damaging of the USS West Virginia, I had hoped that the USS Minneapolis (CA) and her escorts could stop the invasion of Adak Island, but upon arriving in position, they discovered that the invasion was supported by 2 Japanese Battleships. The lengthy nighttime engagement that followed resulted in the following:
However, after the sun rose, the enemy fleet had moved away to catch the USS West Virginia as she tried to make for Pearl Harbor. The sailors aboard her fought valiantly until the old ship simply gave way under the onslaught of dents produced by enemy Destroyer shells.

...not that the enemy was done with the cruiser fleet. An air attack heavily damaged USS Honolulu (CL) which is now stranded in the Adak port for at least another day to complete emergency repairs.

USS Minneapolis is only lightly damaged and will escort various AVPs and Destroyers to Kodiak at full speed.


Operation On a Lark
- This operation could not have been timed better. I've been very lucky!
- 1 day after the transport fleet pulled out of the harbor at PM, a fleet of Japanese BBs arrived to reduce that base to rubble. The protracted bombardment destroyed all my aircraft on the ground, but the transport fleet is clear and about a day and a half out of Darwin.
- My decision to make for Soerabaja instead of Batavia turned out to be wise. During the day, at least 3 enemy SAG and invasion fleets sailed from Billiton to Oosthaven, blocking the straight completely. SigInt indicates for the first time today that troops are planning for Oosthaven. Fine, but my Aussies are refueling at Soerabaja and moving on their merry way.

Elsewhere
- 2 more BBs are out of the water for upgrades on the WC. That makes 4 BBs and 1 CV that I have in the drydocks right now
- In central Malaya, he has finally wiped out the stranded troops I had assembled up there. They had been well supplied by air and amounted to something like 120AV. I wish I'd gotten them down to Singapore, but constant bombings slowed them down. I'm pleased with their fight to the bitter end. Now it is Johore Bharu's turn.
- KB has vanished, but I believe them to have returned to Truk. I had a sub engagement with the BB Ise just NE of Truk and I'm pretty sure she would be with the big boys.
- Lots of bombing of helpless Chinese troops. One day he will pay for all that...
- More ASW action south of Pago Pago. Clearly these are sub infested waters. If I ever have spare DDs, I'll have to send them down that way.

Temptations
- I'm tempted to have the UK CV/CVE dip down west of Sumatra and take a shot at one of these SAGs that he has covering his invasion. I've detected NO enemy carriers covering the invasion, and it would be good practice for the swordfish & others. The problem is a) They are short on fuel and would have to stop in Trincomalee before sailing another 3-4 days to get there, and b) I'm still smarting a bit from giving into temptation in the Bering Sea
- More plausible, Force Z and Houston's TF are a day and a half from Oosthaven in the Java Sea (less than a day at full speed). These invasion forces likely have LBA cover from Billiton and maybe Singkawang, but I'll have LRCAP out of Batavia and Palembang. They will also have heavy SAGs, but I have two pretty heavy SAGs myself as well as a TF out of Batavia consisting of CLs Durban and Dragon and 4 Destroyers. I think this comes out pretty even. I've also got my own LBA to play with.

Orders Summary - January 6, 1942

The Thunda in the Sunda
- CL Dragan and CL Durban (+4 DDs) are ordered to sally from Batavia and disrupt the enemy landings at Oosthaven
- Force Z and the Houston's TF are ordered to the Sunda Strait at full speed. They should arrive midday.
- All fighters at Palembang and Batavia are ordered to fly LRCAP in support of the expected naval action in the Sunda Strait. Some are over Merak, some over Oosthaven, some over Force Z/Houston, and AVG (who can't reach any of those) will fly LRCAP over Billiton in the hopes of neutralizing that base's air units
- All bombers within range are set to Naval Attack
- B-17Es out of Soerabaja will be providing Naval Search services with the assistance of some negligible bi-planes out of Batavia.

I honestly don't think he is expecting Force Z and the heavy cruisers to show up behind him. He does have some LBA cover but it has been pretty weak up to this point. I have no reason to believe that any carriers are within range. The carrier assisting the invasion of Kendari may be circling around Borneo, but if it is, I should still be several days ahead of it by cutting through the Java Sea. I believe that surface forces will be more or less even for these battles. Fingers crossed, everyone!

The Bering Sea Debacle
- USS Minneapolis is to sail for Kodiak with all surviving ships. Adak is being abandoned
- Unfortunately, CL Honolulu must be left behind. May her repairs be swift and the cloud cover be complete.

Elsewhere
- Shuffled some Indian troops
- Big troop transports started loading in Aden (going to Karachi and then to the CDL)
- BB Colorado has completed repairs that she was undergoing at the start of the game. How...quaint. She is immediately returned to the yard for an upgrade.
- Troop transport bound for Noumea should arrive today or tomorrow. It's not much, but it is all I've got to spare at the moment. He took Tulagi yesterday.
- More troops are unloading at Pago Pago
- The 8 AUS being transported to Australia from Malaya has refueled and will go to Darwin after all. I know it is dangerous, but I believe IJN to be occupied elsewhere and that is where the other units in the division are located. Once rebuilt, I will probably move 8 AUS Div to Perth, but it will be a week or so before I can do that. If all else fails, they can stay and provide a stout defense of Darwin.

ORIGINAL: marbakka

January 5, 1942 Report

- KB has vanished, but I believe them to have returned to Truk. I had a sub engagement with the BB Ise just NE of Truk and I'm pretty sure she would be with the big boys.

BB Ise can only do about 25 kts and is unsuitable for escorting the 32 kt KB. She would be OK with mini KB since I believe the CVEs do around 25 kts. Just don't assume that sighting Ise confirms the whereabouts of KB!

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

ORIGINAL: marbakka

January 5, 1942 Report

- KB has vanished, but I believe them to have returned to Truk. I had a sub engagement with the BB Ise just NE of Truk and I'm pretty sure she would be with the big boys.

BB Ise can only do about 25 kts and is unsuitable for escorting the 32 kt KB. She would be OK with mini KB since I believe the CVEs do around 25 kts. Just don't assume that sighting Ise confirms the whereabouts of KB!

There is also the Kaga to consider. She took a torp and would have needed to return to port. I'm not assuming based solely on the Ise. I'm just saying that this is the most likely destination. In a sense it doesn't matter where the KB went so long as it didn't go to the WC. It won't reach Java in time to effect that engagement, and all my carriers are headed to port. Still it would be nice to always know where it is!

ORIGINAL: marbakka

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

ORIGINAL: marbakka

January 5, 1942 Report

- KB has vanished, but I believe them to have returned to Truk. I had a sub engagement with the BB Ise just NE of Truk and I'm pretty sure she would be with the big boys.

BB Ise can only do about 25 kts and is unsuitable for escorting the 32 kt KB. She would be OK with mini KB since I believe the CVEs do around 25 kts. Just don't assume that sighting Ise confirms the whereabouts of KB!

There is also the Kaga to consider. She took a torp and would have needed to return to port. I'm not assuming based solely on the Ise. I'm just saying that this is the most likely destination. In a sense it doesn't matter where the KB went so long as it didn't go to the WC. It won't reach Java in time to effect that engagement, and all my carriers are headed to port. Still it would be nice to always know where it is!

Amen, Brother!
Wouldn't it be nice if the Intel Report was right for a change and Kaga really was sunk. After all, it happened to brand-new CV Taiho after one torpedo hit in the battle of the Phillipine Sea. Seems the skipper thought it was a good idea to disperse the fumes from the avgas leak throughout the ship ...

There are a few lessons I hope you've learned from the Aleutions campaign.

1. In early '42, especially as early as it is for you, the only places you can afford to be aggressive are the places where is he is not there.

2. The old slow BBs are no good for agressive surface action. They can only make their attack runs from 6 hexes out, which is way inside his carrier air range. You cruisers can make attack runs from 9 hexes out. They are your surface action leaders.

3. You simply can't go toe to toe with his carriers unless you can concentrate 4 or more against a couple of CVLs or less. You still only have F4F3s, your TBDs have abysmal range and your fighter pilots have experience in the 65-70 range.....all reasons to steer clear of his carriers.


also be wary of overcomitting in the sea between Java and Borneo, your SAGs can be caught with no where to run

January 6, 1942 Report

The Thunda in the Sunda
- About 17000 enemy troops landed at Oosthaven in the night
- Then followed the first naval engagement: CLs Dragan and Durban vs. Enemy Invasion Fleet

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai, Shell hits 6
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 4
DD Isonami, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Uranami, Shell hits 2
DD Shikinami, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Ayanami, Shell hits 2
DMS W-2, Shell hits 2
DMS W-4, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
DMS W-5, Shell hits 2, on fire
DMS W-6, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
PB Eifuku Maru
PB Sozan Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAK Syoto Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAK Nanko Maru
xAK Seizan Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Yahiko Maru
xAK Tamaki Maru
xAK Kyokko Maru
xAK Teisen Maru
xAK Kuroshio Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Meisho Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Nansin Maru
xAK Nojima Maru
xAK Nittei Maru
xAK Ryujo Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Sanuki Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Shoho Maru
xAK Taibun Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAK Tatsuho Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Tone Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Uyo Maru, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Ume Maru
xAK Yuzan Maru, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Azuchisan Maru
xAK Amakusa Maru

Allied Ships
CL Dragon, Shell hits 4
CL Durban, Shell hits 19, on fire
DD Vampire, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Van Nes, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 1
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 3, heavy fires

Durban has only moderate damage. Vampire will sink (actually was already reported sunk...even those she hasn't yet). Van Ghent will be ok but needs a repair yard bad. Dragon has only minor damage but is low on ammo (Durban has nothing but AA left).

- Then followed the second battle when Houston's posse rode up to the party:

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai, Shell hits 37, and is sunk
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Isonami, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Uranami, Shell hits 3
DMS W-2, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
DMS W-5, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
PB Eifuku Maru, Shell hits 16, and is sunk
xAK Syoto Maru, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Nanko Maru, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Yahiko Maru, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Tamaki Maru, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
xAK Kyokko Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Teisen Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire
xAK Meisho Maru, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
xAK Nansin Maru, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Nojima Maru
xAK Nittei Maru
xAK Ryujo Maru, Shell hits 3
xAK Shoho Maru, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Ume Maru
xAK Azuchisan Maru, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Amakusa Maru, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Houston
CL Leander, Shell hits 2
CL Achilles, Shell hits 4, on fire
CL Marblehead
CL Boise
DD Barker, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Bulmer, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage

No major damage, but Houston and Marblehead are low on long range ammo. Boise is still looking good. The destroyers are mostly out.

- Force Z did not make it in time, but she is now in the hex where the battles took place. The Japanese heavy SAG (at least 2 BBs) is 5 hexes away to the west ("moving west"). Meanwhile another enemy SAG which contains CAs Mogami and Suzuya is headed NW toward Toboali. I'm a little unsure of what to do with Force Z. If the rest of my fleets had lots of ammo, I would be inclined to leave them here to deal with leftovers and those BBs, but Force Z is mostly alone now. On the other hand, a return to Soerabaja is a bit risky at the moment as well (see Timor/Darwin below).
- Had a lot of unsuccessful Naval Attacks from LBA. My fighters on LRCAP shot down some floaters but there was no major LBA naval attacks out of Billiton. I expect that will change next turn.

The Bering Sea Debacle
- CL Honolulu, abandoned to her fate in the Adak port, has 87 days worth of repairs and about an hour to do it in. DD Brooks fled in the wrong direction and is at 95 FLT damage in any case. *taps*
- CA Minneapolis and the refugee DD/DMS/AVP types were unmolested in their flight to the east. They will continue another day and then either head north to Kodiak or SE to the repair yards at Seattle. His carriers can still give chase and probably catch the AVPs but I'm optimistic that Minneapolis has survived this mess.
- Adak will fall in short order. 2 good ENG units lost there. Lesson learned.

Timor/Darwin
- To my dismay, the enemy carrier group (that I'm calling KBb until I learn otherwise) did not retire to the North toward Mindinao but took a cruise SW toward Timor. It was probably luck that he didn't run into Force Z/Houston or my transport fleets along the way. Today he made a half hearted air attack against an AM on the Aussie coast which is what alerted me to his presence.
- This is a pretty bad deal. Another day and I would have had the Lark Bn. in his grasp from the east and the Singapore transports coming into his grasp from the NW. Not. Good.
- NOTE: This makes the second or third time that his carriers have been revealed to me by what appear to be premature, unplanned air attacks on meaningless targets. The same thing happened in the Aleutians, NW of Wake, and now just SW of Timor. I think these are mistakes on his part.
- The carrier group is reportedly heading east which may indicate that it is homeward bound. I'm not going to risk it, though.

Elsewhere
- In about 3 days, I will have completed the assembly of my CVs. 1 is out for a month and a half for repairs. The other three can link up and go somewhere, but I'm unsure where to send them. Pago Pago perhaps? Depends on where the KB goes, I suppose.
- I'm proud to say that the DDs Jupiter and Isis put 12 hits on the Jap sub that tried to take a swipe at my Aussie transports (near Soerabaja). I don't think she'll make it home.
- Deliberate attack in Johore Bharu lowered the Forts to 2 with heavier squad lost/disabled for the Allies compared to the Japs. We had 33/82 while he had 6/97.
- The turn started with a 2nd day of bombardment against Port Moresby. Later in the day, he landed a sufficient number of troops to take the base. I will try to get my transport squadrons out, but they may be lost entirely. The only thing left there is the 15th RAAF Base Force and the Port Moresby Brigade.


I feel like there hasn't been a lot of push in Burma. His unit that was east of Pegu finally got to the rail hex to cut it off. I'm hesitant to attack that unit as a much larger stack is in the tile SE of Pegu waiting to pounce. I have my finger hovering over the "Flee Burma" button, but it seems like it is taking forever for him to move here. In contrast to that, he is making a big push to cut Java off. Kendari is taken, I know he has his eyes on Ambon, and now a carrier is spotted off of Koepang. Add in the fact that he has been rapidly snatching up bases in the Solomons and I'm left with the feeling that Australia is his Phase 2 goal. But it's too early to tell, I think.