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Rather than using the Philippine based P-26s and P-35s for air superiority purposes, consider using them soley for naval attack. Even if they do not actually hit any Japanese ships, they will force the attacked Japanese TF to consume more fuel.

Alfred

ORIGINAL: Alfred

Rather than using the Philippine based P-26s and P-35s for air superiority purposes, consider using them soley for naval attack. Even if they do not actually hit any Japanese ships, they will force the attacked Japanese TF to consume more fuel.

Alfred

Good idea. I'll have to do something with them, since all they do on cap or sweep is die. Maybe they'll even get in a hit or two!

If you haven't already started looking for something to send the Aleutians- start now- if your opponent gives you the time- see if you can get there first.
 
Are you going to reinforce the southern pacific? (Noumea, Fiji) or try and hold Midway for a central pacific thrust?
 
Daniel

ORIGINAL: Itdepends

If you haven't already started looking for something to send the Aleutians- start now- if your opponent gives you the time- see if you can get there first.

Are you going to reinforce the southern pacific? (Noumea, Fiji) or try and hold Midway for a central pacific thrust?

Daniel

Good suggestion.

Thus far my opponent has left Guam, Wake, and Midway relatively alone. I believe Cribtop's focus to be on the DEI and cutting off Australia via Rabaul and Port Moresby. Where he plans to go after those operations, I have no idea yet. Enemy troops have entered Singkawang, so it's a matter of a day or two before he has the place captured and enemy bombers flying from it. I'm going to have all of my own bombers waiting on standby to bomb the place into the ground the very second he goes for it.

Ideally I'd like to hold Fiji, I think in the end it's going to be more important than keeping Midway, but it's all going to boil down to how much I can slow down Cribtop's advance, and how well I can keep my warships alive.

December 12th, 1941

Summary of Action

Allied High Command has little to report on the actions of the day. The ABDA Defense Force has failed to encounter any enemy ships off the coast of Borneo, and Japanese ground forces have now made their way to Singkawang. Allied Intelligence believes that the area will fall to the Japanese within a day or two. The Japanese have left Sambas devoid of troops in their pursuit of Singkawang, leading Allied High Command to assume that earlier action to reinforce the area with more troops could have severely delayed the Japanese. Unfortunately, there is neither time nor ships available in the area to provide such a response now, it would be too little, too late. Instead, preparations must be made for Singkawang's eventual fall, and its use by the Japanese as a forward bomber base. Shutting down the airfield will be given top priority once the area is captured.

The USS Enterprise should be in Pearl Harbor by the following day. Her aircrews have been stood down and placed on training detail. The USS Lexington is still on alert and is steadily making her way to Brisbane, her destroyers failed to make any contact with enemy forces near Tarawa and are traveling south to refuel before completing their own leg of the journey to Brisbane.

In the Philippines, all fighter aircraft except for the P-40 Warhawk have been devoted to naval attack. Chances of success are unlikely, but it will at least give the Japanese some cause for alarm.

More aerial combat occurred over Kota Bharu today as well. Losses were 1 Buffalo for 1 Oscar. Allied High Command praises this great achievement.

December 13th, 1941

Philippine Islands

Japanese aircraft halt their attacks upon Clark Field and redirect their attention towards Manila. Zero sweeps of Clark and Manila turn up no Allied fighters. The Japanese bombers do some damage to Manila's airfield and destroy a P-40 and a B-17 on the ground for their trouble. There are now less than 20 operational P-40s left on Luzon. To the south, the Japanese land on Atimonan. Allied bombers attempt to attack these forces, but fail to make any hits. A useful bit of intelligence is that two Japanese battleships are among the forces supporting the invaders. Cap will rise up tomorrow over Manila to try and offer a brief respite. At Bataan, supplies have been pouring in and fortifications have almost been improved yet again. The longer it takes the Japanese to bomb Bataan, the better. More Japanese ships are landing in Northern Luzon as well. US and British PT boats have been ordered to attempt a nighttime intercept.

Hong Kong

Another attack on Hong Kong occurs today. The attackers manage to drop the level of fortifications by 1 and inflict some further casualties. Hong Kong will likely fall tomorrow to the Japanese. Luckily, portions of all non-static units had been ferried out in order to rebuild these units at a later date.

Borneo

Singkawang was captured today as well. This loss was expected, and now Allied High Command must make every attempt to keep the airfield there closed. Bombers from Singapore and Batavia have been ordered to begin launching strikes for the 14th. This has also meant that supporting Palembang and Singapore will be much more difficult once the Japanese establish air superiority. Considerations to begin evacuating vital air units from Singapore are being taken now. The ADBA Defense Force has been ordered further away from the region, now planning to base themselves out of Soerabaja. Allied High Command plans to use the ABDA Defense Force to try and prevent a landing in Java as long as the Japanese do not hold air superiority over the region.

December 14th, 1941

Philippine Islands

PT boats make an attack upon enemy transports offloading supplies at Laoag at night. With only 17% moonlight, the PT boats are able to close in relatively unscathed to make their assault. The xAK Katuragi Maru was struck with a torpedo and intelligence indicates that she was heavily laden with fuel at the time of the strike. The remaining torpedoes missed their marks, but the PT boats switched to guns and opened fire on the rest of the task force before finally withdrawing. 2 of the PT boats were sunk in the operation and 2 were damaged. Further intelligence also indicates that the enemy had 2 separate surface forces acting as cover for the operation that were successfully avoided. It also appears that during the engagement, the captain of the xAK Somedono Maru was asleep at the helm, colliding with no less than 2 other ships during the evacuation.

Results:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Laoag at 81,72, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
     DD Yugumo
     DD Yudachi
     DD Samidare
     DD Hatsuharu
     DD Nenohi
     DD Hokaze
     DMS W-17
      DMS W-18, Shell hits 1
     CM Aotaka
      SC Ch 11, Shell hits 2,  on fire
     SC Ch 12
     SC Ch 17
     SC Ch 18
     xAK Azuma Maru
     xAK Kano Maru
      xAK Katuragi Maru, Torpedo hits 1,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      xAK Arimasan Maru, Shell hits 10,  heavy fires
     xAK Tamon Maru
     xAK Yamaura Maru
     xAK Natisan Maru
     xAK Tamashima Maru
     xAK Tokiwa Maru
     xAK Okuyo Maru
     xAK Malta Maru
     xAK Tokusima Maru
     xAK Kosei Maru
     xAK Sinkyo Maru
     xAK Yamagiku Maru
     xAK Toyokawa Maru
     xAK Konan Maru
     xAK Somedono Maru
     xAK Kurohime Maru
     xAP Kongo Maru
     PB Yodozo Maru

Allied Ships
     PT-31
      PT-32, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
     PT-33, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
     PT-34
     PT-35
      PT-41, Shell hits 1
     PT Q-111
     PT Q-112
     PT Q-113, Shell hits 2,  on fire



Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Japanese TF suspends unloading operations and begins to get underway
Reduced sighting due to 17% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 17% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
CM Aotaka ,  xAP Kongo Maru ,  xAK Kurohime Maru ,
  xAK Somedono Maru ,  xAK Konan Maru ,  xAK Toyokawa Maru ,
  xAK Yamagiku Maru ,  xAK Sinkyo Maru ,  xAK Kosei Maru ,
  xAK Tokusima Maru  screened from combat
- escorted by DD Hatsuharu ,  PB Yodozo Maru ,  SC Ch 18
DD Hokaze engages PT Q-113 at 10,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages PT Q-113 at 10,000 yards
DD Hokaze engages PT Q-111 at 10,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages PT Q-113 at 10,000 yards
DD Hokaze engages PT-35 at 10,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages DMS W-18 at 10,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages xAK Kano Maru at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
CM Aotaka ,  xAP Kongo Maru ,  xAK Kurohime Maru ,
  xAK Somedono Maru ,  xAK Konan Maru ,  xAK Toyokawa Maru ,
  xAK Yamagiku Maru ,  xAK Sinkyo Maru ,  xAK Kosei Maru ,
  xAK Tokusima Maru ,  xAK Malta Maru ,  xAK Okuyo Maru ,
  xAK Tokiwa Maru ,  xAK Tamashima Maru ,  xAK Natisan Maru ,
  xAK Yamaura Maru ,  xAK Tamon Maru ,  xAK Arimasan Maru ,
  xAK Katuragi Maru  screened from combat
- escorted by DD Hokaze ,  DD Nenohi ,  DD Hatsuharu ,
  PB Yodozo Maru ,  SC Ch 18 ,  SC Ch 17
DMS W-18 engages PT Q-113 at 11,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages PT Q-113 at 11,000 yards
DD Yugumo engages PT Q-113 at 11,000 yards
DMS W-17 engages PT-33 at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
xAK Yamaura Maru collides with xAK Somedono Maru at 81 , 72
DD Hokaze engages PT Q-113 at 7,000 yards
DMS W-18 engages PT-33 at 7,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages DMS W-17 at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
CM Aotaka ,  xAP Kongo Maru ,  xAK Kurohime Maru ,
  xAK Somedono Maru ,  xAK Konan Maru  screened from combat
- escorted by DD Samidare ,  SC Ch 12
PT Q-113 engages xAK Katuragi Maru at 3,000 yards
DMS W-18 engages PT Q-112 at 3,000 yards
DD Hatsuharu engages PT Q-112 at 3,000 yards
DMS W-17 engages PT-41 at 3,000 yards
DD Yugumo engages PT-35 at 3,000 yards
DMS W-18 engages PT-34 at 3,000 yards
SC Ch 18 engages PT Q-113 at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Hokaze engages PT Q-111 at 2,000 yards
DMS W-18 engages PT Q-112 at 2,000 yards
DD Hatsuharu engages PT Q-113 at 2,000 yards
DD Samidare engages PT-35 at 2,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages PT-41 at 2,000 yards
PT-33 sunk by DMS W-17 at 2,000 yards
DMS W-18 engages PT-31 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages xAK Kurohime Maru at 2,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages xAK Malta Maru at 2,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages xAK Arimasan Maru at 2,000 yards
xAK Azuma Maru collides with xAK Somedono Maru at 81 , 72
CM Aotaka ,  xAP Kongo Maru ,  xAK Kurohime Maru ,
  xAK Somedono Maru ,  xAK Konan Maru ,  xAK Toyokawa Maru ,
  xAK Yamagiku Maru ,  xAK Sinkyo Maru ,  xAK Kosei Maru ,
  xAK Tokusima Maru ,  xAK Malta Maru ,  xAK Okuyo Maru ,
  xAK Tokiwa Maru ,  xAK Tamashima Maru ,  xAK Natisan Maru  screened from combat
- escorted by DD Hokaze ,  DD Hatsuharu ,  DD Yugumo ,
  SC Ch 18 ,  SC Ch 12
DMS W-17 engages PT Q-113 at 2,000 yards
DD Samidare engages PT Q-111 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-111 engages DMS W-18 at 2,000 yards
DMS W-17 engages PT-41 at 2,000 yards
SC Ch 17 engages PT Q-113 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages DMS W-18 at 2,000 yards
DMS W-17 engages PT-41 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages xAK Kano Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Hokaze engages PT Q-113 at 2,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages PT Q-112 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-111 engages DMS W-18 at 2,000 yards
DD Samidare engages PT-41 at 2,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages PT-35 at 2,000 yards
DMS W-17 engages PT-34 at 2,000 yards
PT-32 engages DMS W-17 at 2,000 yards
SC Ch 18 engages PT Q-113 at 2,000 yards
DMS W-17 engages PT Q-113 at 2,000 yards
CM Aotaka ,  xAP Kongo Maru ,  xAK Kurohime Maru ,
  xAK Somedono Maru ,  xAK Konan Maru ,  xAK Toyokawa Maru ,
  xAK Yamagiku Maru ,  xAK Sinkyo Maru ,  xAK Kosei Maru ,
  xAK Tokusima Maru ,  xAK Malta Maru ,  xAK Okuyo Maru  screened from combat
- escorted by DD Yudachi ,  DD Yugumo ,  PB Yodozo Maru ,
  SC Ch 12
PT-32 sunk by DD Hokaze at 2,000 yards
DD Hatsuharu engages PT Q-111 at 2,000 yards
DMS W-17 engages PT-41 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages SC Ch 17 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages SC Ch 11 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages DMS W-18 at 2,000 yards
DMS W-17 engages PT Q-113 at 2,000 yards
CM Aotaka ,  xAP Kongo Maru ,  xAK Kurohime Maru ,
  xAK Somedono Maru ,  xAK Konan Maru  screened from combat
- escorted by DD Hatsuharu ,  SC Ch 12
DMS W-17 engages PT Q-112 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-111 engages DMS W-18 at 2,000 yards
PT-41 engages DMS W-17 at 2,000 yards
PT-35 engages DMS W-17 at 2,000 yards
PB Yodozo Maru engages PT Q-113 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages SC Ch 18 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages xAK Arimasan Maru at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
CM Aotaka ,  xAP Kongo Maru ,  xAK Kurohime Maru ,
  xAK Somedono Maru ,  xAK Konan Maru ,  xAK Toyokawa Maru ,
  xAK Yamagiku Maru ,  xAK Sinkyo Maru ,  xAK Kosei Maru ,
  xAK Tokusima Maru ,  xAK Malta Maru ,  xAK Okuyo Maru ,
  xAK Tokiwa Maru ,  xAK Tamashima Maru  screened from combat
- escorted by DD Hokaze ,  DD Nenohi ,  DD Samidare ,
  DD Yudachi ,  DD Yugumo
DD Hatsuharu engages PT Q-113 at 3,000 yards
PB Yodozo Maru engages PT Q-113 at 3,000 yards
SC Ch 17 engages PT Q-113 at 3,000 yards
DMS W-17 engages PT-31 at 3,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages xAK Azuma Maru at 3,000 yards
Velazquez I. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CM Aotaka ,  xAP Kongo Maru ,  xAK Kurohime Maru ,
  xAK Somedono Maru ,  xAK Konan Maru ,  xAK Toyokawa Maru ,
  xAK Yamagiku Maru ,  xAK Sinkyo Maru ,  xAK Kosei Maru ,
  xAK Tokusima Maru ,  xAK Malta Maru ,  xAK Okuyo Maru ,
  xAK Tokiwa Maru ,  xAK Tamashima Maru ,  xAK Natisan Maru  screened from combat
DMS W-17 engages PT Q-113 at 2,000 yards
DMS W-17 engages PT Q-112 at 2,000 yards
DD Samidare engages PT Q-113 at 2,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages PT-35 at 2,000 yards
PT-34 engages SC Ch 17 at 2,000 yards
PB Yodozo Maru engages PT-41 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages DMS W-18 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages DMS W-17 at 2,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages xAK Arimasan Maru at 2,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages xAK Kano Maru at 2,000 yards
PT Q-113 engages xAK Azuma Maru at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
CM Aotaka ,  xAP Kongo Maru ,  xAK Kurohime Maru ,
  xAK Somedono Maru ,  xAK Konan Maru ,  xAK Toyokawa Maru ,
  xAK Yamagiku Maru ,  xAK Sinkyo Maru ,  xAK Kosei Maru  screened from combat
DD Nenohi engages PT Q-113 at 7,000 yards
DD Hatsuharu engages PT Q-113 at 7,000 yards
PT-41 engages xAK Arimasan Maru at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
CM Aotaka ,  xAP Kongo Maru ,  xAK Kurohime Maru ,
  xAK Somedono Maru  screened from combat
- escorted by SC Ch 17
DD Nenohi engages PT Q-113 at 11,000 yards
DD Hatsuharu engages PT Q-113 at 11,000 yards
DD Samidare engages PT Q-113 at 11,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages PT Q-113 at 11,000 yards
DMS W-17 engages PT-31 at 11,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Following this, Catalina float planes were ordered to make attacks on the enemy task force. They made multiple torpedo attacks and struck several vessels. Unfortunately, for reasons not entirely clear to Allied High Command, nearly all of the torpedoes failed to detonate upon striking their targets. The US Navy has claimed that the failures are due to setting incorrect depth for the torpedoes and that nothing else is wrong. Only 4 of the Allied torpedoes functioned properly, and sunk two of the enemy's ships. The attack also exposes the fact that Laoag was completely unprotected by Japanese CAP aircraft. Allied High Command plans to use this mistake to its advantage. It is reasonable to assume that the Japanese will not repeat the same mistake twice and will be forced to assign long-range CAP over Laoag to prevent more air strikes. Therefore, all remaining US fighter forces on Luzon have been ordered to make a combat sweep of Laoag tomorrow with the intention of inflicting some actual air-to-air losses upon the enemy.

Results:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Laoag at 81,72

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes


Allied aircraft
     PBY-4 Catalina x 16


Allied aircraft losses
     PBY-4 Catalina: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
     xAK Somedono Maru
     CA Ashigara
     xAP Kongo Maru
      xAK Okuyo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
     CL Natori
      xAK Tamashima Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Japanese ground losses:
      Vehicles lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)



Aircraft Attacking:
     11 x PBY-4 Catalina launching torpedoes at 200 feet
              Naval Attack:  2 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
      5 x PBY-4 Catalina launching torpedoes at 200 feet
              Naval Attack:  2 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo

Another wave of Catalinas attacked enemy shipping over Atimonan and managed one successful torpedo strike on the Japanese Battleships Ise. The damage is not believed to be critical, but could keep the warship in repair yards for a few days at the very least.

Results:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Atimonan at 80,79

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes


Allied aircraft
     PBY-4 Catalina x 5


Allied aircraft losses
     PBY-4 Catalina: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
     BB Ise, Torpedo hits 1
     BB Fuso



Aircraft Attacking:
      5 x PBY-4 Catalina launching torpedoes at 200 feet
              Naval Attack:  2 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo

Sub Wars

The SS Permit patrolling near Taiwan, finds and strikes the Akitsui Maru, a small Japanese patrol boat with a torpedo, crippling her.

The Japanese respond with a successful attack of their own, as the I-5 finds and sinks the xAK Dorothy Luckenbach with 2 torpedoes. The vessel was carrying supplies to our island bases. Plans to step up ASW patrols off of the coast of the United States are made for the following day.

Borneo

The planned air raids on Singkawang do not amount to much today. Only one group of bombers manages to brave the bad weather in the area to make an attack. Thankfully all 3 bombers manage to hit something and so some slight damage to the runway. Allied High Command will attempt a renewed attack the following day to prevent the base from being built up as best as possible.

Results:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Singkawang , at 56,88

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes


Allied aircraft
     139WH-3 x 3


No Allied losses



Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
      3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 10000 feet *
              Airfield Attack:  2 x 300 kg GP Bomb

Have some good news regarding the next turn as well as the typical Japanese steamroller conquests. As I told Cribtop via e-mail, the Japanese successes are to be expected, my victories on the other hand are to be relished no matter how small at this point. [:D]

Update will come tomorrow, I'm tired and Fallout New Vegas sapped away most of my energy between sending the turn to Cribtop and waiting for the replay to get back to me.

Doubt you'll be able to keep Sinkawang closed- early Allied bomber pilots are not known for accuracy. Note that his level bombers shouldn't (as far as I know) be able to fly with torpedoes out of there until he gets the airfield to level 4 (they're supposed to run missions as if they're under extended range if the air base is too small- and level 4 is the min for LB's + extra allowance for size.
 
Gotta love sinking something....anything- early on.

ORIGINAL: Itdepends

Doubt you'll be able to keep Sinkawang closed- early Allied bomber pilots are not known for accuracy. Note that his level bombers shouldn't (as far as I know) be able to fly with torpedoes out of there until he gets the airfield to level 4 (they're supposed to run missions as if they're under extended range if the air base is too small- and level 4 is the min for LB's + extra allowance for size.

Gotta love sinking something....anything- early on.

Any little damage I can do in the meantime should build up until he ships engineers there. I just want to slow him down as much as possible, even if it's only for a day or two.

Update coming soon, I finally managed to get 2 turns finished with Cribtop (entirely my fault, due to hectic work schedule).

December 15th, 1941

Wake Island

The majority of fighting for the 15th is centered around Wake Island, which is finally attacked by the Japanese. The landings themselves face heavy opposition from the brave American defenders and numerous transports are hit by shell fire while landing. Unfortunately, the forces end up being overrun despite this. No enemy carrier aircraft are spotted in the area to support the invasion, leading Allied High Command to assume that the enemy carriers are still heading west.

Results:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Wake Island - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
 
115 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      CL Yubari
      CL Tatsuta
      CL Tenryu, Shell hits 1
      DD Oite
      DD Mochizuki
      DD Kisaragi
      DD Mutsuki
      xAKL Toyotsu Maru, Shell hits 5,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      DD Hayate
      PB Santos Maru
      xAKL Katsura Maru, Shell hits 3,  on fire
      PB Kaiun Maru
      PB Kaikei Maru
      PB Ikunta Maru
      PB Hakkaisan Maru
      PB Fukui Maru
      AMC Kongo Maru
 
Japanese ground losses:
      76 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Wake Island
 
TF 16 troops unloading over beach at Wake Island, 136,98
 
Japanese ground losses:
      68 casualties reported
         Squads: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
 
 
17 troops of a SNLF Squad lost overboard during unload of Maizuru 2nd SNLF
17 troops of a SNLF Squad lost overboard during unload of 53rd Nav Gd /1
17 troops of a SNLF Squad lost in surf during unload of 53rd Nav Gd /3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Wake Island
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
 
19 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      xAKL Kaito Maru, Shell hits 8,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      PB Santos Maru
      DD Hayate
      PB Kaiun Maru
      PB Kaikei Maru
      PB Ikunta Maru
      PB Hakkaisan Maru
      PB Fukui Maru
      AMC Kongo Maru, Shell hits 1
      CL Yubari

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Wake Island
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
 
5 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      PB Santos Maru
      PB Kaiun Maru
      PB Kaikei Maru
      PB Ikunta Maru
      PB Hakkaisan Maru
      PB Fukui Maru
      AMC Kongo Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Ground combat at Wake Island (136,98)
 
Japanese Shock attack
 
Attacking force 2879 troops, 30 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 117
 
Defending force 1043 troops, 24 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 27
 
Japanese adjusted assault: 62
 
Allied adjusted defense: 16
 
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 1)
 
Japanese forces CAPTURE Wake Island !!!
 
Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-)
 
Japanese ground losses:
      475 casualties reported
         Squads: 2 destroyed, 26 disabled
         Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 33 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
 
Allied ground losses:
      1491 casualties reported
         Squads: 37 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 109 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 23 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Guns lost 30 (30 destroyed, 0 disabled)
      Vehicles lost 12 (12 destroyed, 0 disabled)
      Units destroyed 2
 
 
Assaulting units:
    53rd Nav Gd /4
    Maizuru 2nd SNLF /1
 
Defending units:
    Wake USN CPNAB
    1st Marine Defense Battalion

Philippine Islands

In the Philippines, British PT boats strike at enemy forces landing at Laoag. The xAK Atlas Maru is torpedoed in the attack and sinks, taking with it reportedly 32 vehicles.

Results:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Laoag at 81,72, Range 2,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      PB Choun Maru #18
      xAK Takaoka Maru
      xAK Atlas Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
 
Allied Ships
      MTB 7
      MTB 8
      MTB 9
      MTB 10
      MTB 11
      MTB 12
      MTB 26
      MTB 27, Shell hits 1
 
Japanese ground losses:
      Vehicles lost 32 (32 destroyed, 0 disabled)
 
 
 
Reduced sighting due to 10% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 10% moonlight: 2,000 yards

Meanwhile, our surprise sweep of Laoag goes off without a hitch in the morning!

Results:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Laoag , at 81,72
 
Weather in hex: Light cloud
 
Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      Ki-27b Nate x 23
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      P-40E Warhawk x 6
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      Ki-27b Nate: 3 destroyed
 
 
 
 
CAP engaged:
50th Sentai with Ki-27b Nate (23 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (23 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      23 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000
      Raid is overhead

Despite setbacks, it is overall a good day for the Allies.

December 16th, 1941

Summary

A relatively quiet day, with very little action. Japanese forces land troops and supplies on Manado. There are several battles in China, with the Chinese being routed at every turn. Very few air losses are reported, and no ships are lost. A quiet day is a good day for the Allies.

December 17th, 1941

Sub War

The Dutch sub SS KXV strikes a blow to the Japanese! She manages to put 3 fish into the Light Cruiser Kinu near Cam Ranh Bay causing heavy damage. Other than the loss of two PT boats in a surface engagement, not much else happens for the Allies this day.

December 18th, 1941

Summary

Hong Kong falls to the Japanese today after a long hard fight. Luckily, fragments of all the units involved are saved so that the Allies can rebuild them for use in the future. In other news, the daily air attacks on the airfield at Singkawang meet an ambush of Japanese Zeros, Allied High Command reports a loss of 14 bombers during the attack. Japanese landings at Miri and Ternate progress.