Howlin' At The Moon - DBB Vettim(A) vs Greasylake (J)

[vettim89]

25-26 December 1941

Very little action over two turns.

Been seeing BOMB attacks at Clark Field assuming that Larry is waiting for his disruption to fall. There are IJN CVL/E in the Celebes Sea harassing the small fry around there. A USN Fleet bomb fired dud torpedoes at a CVE in the SCS on the 26th. An I-boat sank a TK NE of the HI on the 26th - the TF had 4 DD in it that responded ineffectively. The 23rd Auss is loaading at Singapore. This is notable in that this is the last unit I am using PP on to pull out of the SRA. I will use some to pull some air units out but everything is about set. I will post a 1 Jan SITREP to tell you all how I have things set.

As in our WitP game, I have been able to tie Larry down for a few days here and there. I am hoping this is buying me some time to set up some defensive lines elsewhere

[vettim89]

27 December 1941

Still little action as far as new invasions. However, in all my games vs the AI and now my fourth PBEM, I finally got a sub vs sub kill. So long I-124,; you will not be missed

IJA took Tsiaotso just NE of Loyang. I have 1200 AS at Loyang and it was only a two division assault. I think I can hold the offensive at Loyang for a while.

[vettim89]

28-30 December

Quiet few turns. IJA has reached Kuala Lampur. I had just small BTN size blocking forces up to this point. My MLD is at Kluong. Should have a few more days of fort building and resting before Gen. Yamashita arrives.

I had to pull the B-17 out of the PI. Supplies were no longer sufficient to support operations. I am down to Manila, Clark, and Bataan on Luzon. However, only Davao and Jolo Isl are occupied in the Southern PI.

Two separate I-Boats hit mines at Singapore. I think both sunk. That is three in the last few days.

I had been having a lot of USN Fleet Boats attacking with dud torpedoes. I would estimate over 20 attacks in the last 7-10 days. I figure I was due. I think the IJN lost another DD

[vettim89]

31 December 1941

Clark Field falls this turn. A USN Fleet Boat took a shot at a Kongo Class BB just north of Truk. I think it is safe to say KB is here.

1 January 1942

We continue at a slow pace for the last week. Sweeps at Manila have about eliminted the USAAF fighter force there - down to three air frames. They did yeoman's work for sure. Still seeing the RAF slowly being whittled down at Singapore. The AVG and RAF continue to do well as the Japanese again attack shipping off Rangoon for no hits losing 2 A6M2 and 2 G3M against one Curtiss lost

Lastly a RNN sub put a TT into a CS. No critical messages so I think she will probably make port safely.

[vettim89]

1-3 January 1942

The game is roaring along. IJA has reached Malucca. IJA has invested Manila - no attacks yet. The Japanese air power has been projected a little more effectively over Rangoon these last few turns. Fighter strength is falling. Finally had some break throughs losing 3 xAKL on the 3rd alone.

I said I would give an update as to how I am defending so far. I will go by region:

PI

Nothing much good here. The IJA rapidly conquered Luzon with the Allies down to Manila and Bataan plus unoccupied Naga and Legaspi. In our WitP game, Larry got hung up at Manila until May of 1942. I think he resolved that would happen again in this game. In the southern PI, Davao is Japanese but they have not ventured forth as of now. Airpower is limited to three PAAF units (two recon and one P-26 with one airframe) plus one PBY unit which will likely be leaving soon.

Pacific

Very little going on here. Two Marine RGT will arive at Hilo in two days. The USN expended its entire Mk6 mine pool on Midway where an ACM sits now. Hiva Oi is now level 2 Port soon to be level 3. This is my way point for troops, supplies and fuel heading towards Oz and NZ

Australia/PNG

Only expansion of facilities here for the most part. I got Lark BTN out of Rabaul and it has united with the other "Birdie" BTN at Darwin. I have over 30k of supply at PM at a cost of quite a few xAKL. Also, I put a Commando COY at Milne bay just to make it cost a little. All the ARD from java are either at Perth of will arrive within a week. The last New Guinea detachment has crossed the Owen Stanles and is being airlifted to PM. I may use some PP to to free up an Aussie BTN to move to PM if Larry does not expand soon. As of now he holds New Ireland, Rabaul, and NG west of the Huon Peninsula

DEI

I moved the two Aussie BGD from Malaya to Palembang (previously misidentified - they are the 22nd and 27th BGD not 23rd and 22nd). As there is no free supply from refineries in DBB, a full fledged FortressPpalembang is not feasible. Still that should at least force Larry to commit an ID or more to take it. Supply has arrived from CT to Batavia as a lot has been moved. Much was lost at see as I tried a series of blockade runners to the PI most of which were sunk. Another 21k is just west of the Sunda Strait. I have concentrated most fo the Knil in western Java again to act as a speed bump - better defensive terrain at that end. Most of the outlying garrisons have been pulled back to Java (Makassar, Kendari, etc). I have literally drained Java of almost all its fuel. Plenty is still sitting at Tarakan, Balikpapan, and Palembang but it is hard to get it out of those locales.

Malaya

I burnt off some of the smaller units acting as blocking forces. I have two full Indian ID at Kluong behind nearly level three forts. Singapore has level 3 forts and nearly 100K of supply. I lost a lot of xAKL getting all that supply there, here's hoping it payed off. Fighter strength is getting seriously whittled down here.

Burma

Larry has not made a single move here beyond taking Victoria Point. Almost everything is moved back now with just a small blocking force at Moulmein. The MLD is at Pegu where just under 300 AS sit behind level 2 and growing forts. I have attached an image of Rangoon which you can see is in pretty good shape. Recent air interdiction of my SLOC may slow supplies flowing here.

China

I retook Ichang and have invested Sinyang with over 700 AS. I learned some tricks from Admiral Spruance about not necessarily running for the hills in China but instead moving forward to good defensive terrain. A modest offensive by the IJA is ongoing in north-central China with the Chinese being pushed back to Loyang. Also Larry is trying to dislodge some units in the mountains SE of Yenen. He doesn't have enough strength and the terrain is EXCELLANT defensive territory

[vettim89]

4 January 1942 (The Night of the Living Dead)

I beleived I mentioned before that Larry is the master of SCTF operations. The night started when an undetected IJN SCTF snuck into Milne bay and sank the AMC that had deliver a commando COY there. The troops were all ashore and the supplies would have been ofloaded this turn.

Larry then sent three separate SCTF into Tarakan hunting the Filipino Q-Boats. A series of engagements all at long range ended up with all three being sunk. I think Larry has had his fill of PT boat operations.

I had spotted a SCTF just north of the straits of Makassar last turn. I didn't think he would send it through. I thought he was chasing the two RN MTB that had hit Brunei a few days ago. As cursor intel said this TF was CA based I didn't worry because I had a fairly stout Anglo-American SCTF of my own at Balikpapan. What followed was an interesting series of combats. There was a couple of attempts by the IJN to intercept the MTBs that resulted one being sunk. Then the IJN TF built around BB Hyuga and BB Fuso tangled with my SCTF. This is the attached image.



Then the IJN hit my tanker TF containing four small TK and some AM. The TK were all slaughtered as were all but one AM. Then they found my SCTF and enaged at long range. I lost a couple of four-piper DD's but the IJN took some licks. Damage to my cruisers was minimal. Here is that combat report:

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso, Shell hits 5
CL Yura, Shell hits 4
CL Oi, Shell hits 7, on fire
DD Mikazuki, Shell hits 2
DD Shiokaze
DD Numakaze

Allied Ships
CA Exeter, Shell hits 2
CL Enterprise, Shell hits 3
CL Glasgow
CL Marblehead
DD Barker, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
DD Stewart, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Tenedos
DD Electra, Shell hits 1, on fire

Now those of you astute enough to pick up on the small things will notice that an IJN ship was missing from the second combat: Hyuga. Initially I was surpised by this as I can't beleive the one bounced hit in the first combat would have caused the BB to separate. I watched the combat report again and found I missed something the first time around: just before the first combat with my SCTF, there was that "clunk" sound followed by a ship's siren meaning somebody found a mine. Look again at the image and you can see Hyuga is already trailing smoke. By daylight she had only traveled 120 nm. I have two RNN subs and a S-boat now zigzagging the Makassar Strait. Here's hoping

Things are going poorly at Rangoon. My fighters are really falling low. I lost three more xAKL there today. An xAK was sub by an I-boat NW of Rangoon also. Not a good day at all.

[vettim89]

5 January 1942

I lost sight of Hyuga. I doubt she sunk but I suspect she will now have to go all the way back to Japan for repairs. Larry has finally moved some combat a/c into Rabual. Convoys at PM are now are risk. I still have no fighters in theatre but there will be in soon. AV support is an issue however.

Brunei is finally invaded as is Roxas. Of note, Guam is still Allied.

Had a little scare when Force Z was attacked at Ambon by G3M. No hits and two Nells didn't make it home. Force Z is sent back west where there is some aircover at least.

[vettim89]

6-7 January

Well O20 found Hyuga. Unfortunately not until she was only one hex from Menado which while being a crappy port is still a port. On both days we saw for whatever reason unescorted strikes against Singapore. The Buffalos might not be worth much against fighters but the can still knock down bombers. There were 18 Sallys shot down on the 7th alone

Also on the 7th we saw IJN sub activity off the WCUSA. I-20 hit and sunk 3 out 4 xAK it shot at. In addition a midget sub hit an xAP in LA harbor. It will be out of the war for a grand total of 15 days. I was trying to build up NavSearch and ASW skill in some WC units before putting them on patrol. They will have to go as is until the threat lessons.

Roxas and Brunei fell on the 6th. Beaufort was occupied on the 7th.

Oh, and KB was sighted in the Coral Sea on the 6th. It attacked CL Adelaid which was at Tulagi. Only one bomb hit and she is scooting east KB not spotted on the 7th

[vettim89]

8-9 January 1942

This game is running at such a breakneck speed, I am having a hard time keeping up.

The most important thing in these two turns is KB is south of PM. There were some attacks at mostly singles and doubles xAKL TF on the 8th but I disbanded everybody for the 9th = no attacks. Now Larry is probably astue enough to put his forces on NavAttack/Port Attack next turn. We shall see

Larry sent a monster escort at Rangoon: 9 Nells escorted by rough 30 Zero's and Escorts. Needless to say the AVG andd RAF did not fair well. Trying to get the P-40E airframe pool built up to convert one of the AVG Sq to that model. Painfully slow right now.

I had sent my CVTF from SUva to Sydney and then to Auckland in hopes of making KB reveal itself. It seemed to work. As much as the presence of IJN CVTF in the Coral Sea and nearby environs is, it is better than having no idea where they are at all

Manila has 0 supplies but Larry doesn't know that. Like will see that base fall on the first attack.

An IJN sub mined Soerobaja. They didn't last 1/2 a turn. RNN has lots of mineswepers

[vettim89]

10-13 January 1941

* IJN took Manila on the 10th
* IJN lands at Tarakan. Initial attack is rebuffed. Hoping this can hold for a few days as I have some shipping I want to get out of the PI
* KB retires and disappears after the 11th
* The Japanese continue raiding shipping around Rangoon. AVG/RAF cannot hold off these raids with about 60 A6M2/Ki-43I. They are stood down for now. Help is on the way. Three RAF sq at sea now heading for India. I "upgraded an 11th AAF sq at Seattle to P-39D. This will eventually lead to more P-40E for the AVG to upgrade their airframes.
* IJA evicts KMT from Sinyang. Took over a month so I am happy.
* IJA lands paras at Jahore Bahru which is behind the MLD at Kluong. Several BTN rushing across from Singapore to get them out.
*Initial attack at Kluong came off at 1:2 with losses about equal. Hopefully this will buy me the few days I need to clear Jahore Bahru.
* Big SCTF at Kuching. The japanese "crossed the T" so I did not get many licks in. Still the BB and BC get out relatively unscathed. The two CL were slted for withdraw if I am remembering correctly

[vettim89]

14-19 January 1942

Again the game moves along so quickly that I cannot keep up. Mostly just maneuvering by both sides until the last turn. Highlights include

* IJN SCTF attacking the last few ships leaving the PI.
* ABDA SCTF chasing said IJN TF and running afoul of Netties out of Menado losing CL Emerald
* Allies abandoning Balikpapan as far as shipping goes due to above mentioned Netties
* KB moving south from the Palaus, past Ambon and then west towards Macassar (two separate CVTF)
* Force Z heading to Colombo becasue of above mentioned presence of KB
* IJN landing the entire 38th ID at Tarakan to beat back the determined Dutch resistance
* IJN landing at Kendari on the 19th

On the 18th I ordered a shock attack at Jahore Bahru. I had tried to send some units in via STRAT move but realized too late they would not go via that route as an enemy units was in the hex. So I sent four BTN via MOVE which took one turn to arrive. Problem is that this was the turn the IJA ordered a deliberate attack at Kluong. The game resolved the Kluong attack first so my units retreated to Mersing (vice Jahore Bahru). My attack at Jahore Bahru was successful and eleminated the 1st Raiding RGT. Now I used a bit of Mistroika here "complaining" to Larry that if the game had resolved the attacks in the opposite order my units would have retreated south instead of east. In truth, I like the result as it came out. I have two full Indian ID now at Mersing. While they are beat up, they are still a large enough force to be considered a threat to the IJA LOC. Ergo they will have to be dealt with by Larry before moving to Singers. I may have bought myself a few days by things playing out this way. I am just trying to get beyond February 1st.

[vettim89]

20-21 January 1942

Actually a slow couple of days. Relevant info is that there are at least three separate CVTF in the DEI. It apears the main KB is steaming around the south end of the Macassar Strait. Two additional TFs are covering the kendari invasion. Kendari is now Japanese and the combat report showed multiple engineer type units so A/C are already present. With Kendari, Menado, and likely Kuching very soon operating Netties, my freedom of movement in the DEI is hampered to say the least. Kudo's to Larry for showing that a JFB can slow/stop reinforcement of the DEI without 'rushing" for Java or Sumatra.

The Japanese are landing at Buna and have taken the base w/o combat. This move appears to be only covered by LBA from Rabaul. CV Yorktown has arrived in NZ to join up with the remaining USN CV. They are all now moving to Syndney for airgroup upgrades where possible then will drift towars the Coral Sea to hopefully interfere with additional Japanese moves in that region

I did get some good news. My Chinese units had been evicted from Sinyang a few days ago. Initially some IJA armor units had pursued. I routed them and destroyed 28 tanks as soon as they arrived. This last turn a much stouter force had moved in and utterly failed. The 144 destroyed squads are more than 1/3 of a division's strength!!

Ground combat at 85,47 (near Sinyang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 25843 troops, 254 guns, 59 vehicles, Assault Value = 852

Defending force 25113 troops, 184 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 463

Japanese adjusted assault: 99

Allied adjusted defense: 351

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3

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

Japanese ground losses:
1589 casualties reported
Squads: 144 destroyed, 104 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 30 disabled


Allied ground losses:
989 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 51 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 17 (1 destroyed, 16 disabled)


Assaulting units:
116th Division
15th Division
20th Ind.Mixed Brigade
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
29th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
2nd Group Army
21st Group Army
3rd Group Army
31st Group Army

[vettim89]

22-29 January

Wow, a entire game week passes. The only important thing that happened is that Singapore fell on 27 January. Larry indicated to me that he went "all in" in Malaya and Luzon. This explains both the rapid loss of those too areas on my part and the lack of activity elsewhere on the map.

The IJN carriers have disappeared from the DIE. I did a sniff of possibly a small CVTF at Rabaul. THe USN CVs are all near Norfolk Island right now. Unfortuanately I still have one VF with F2A Buffalo. I was thinking about sending north to raid NG and the Solomons. However, with the lack of knowing where KB is exactly, I think they will instead retire back towards NZ. Two subs have been detected over the past two turns: one by a FP and one by a TBD. I have to figure that Larry picked up on that fact; ergo, surprise is no longer possible.

I almost have enough PP to free up the 27th ID. I am planning on sending that unit to either Samoa or Fiji. Perhaps I will just send it to NZ for now and wait to see where Larry goes next

[vettim89]

30 January 1942

Well, my opponent had an anxious moment to be sure. A RNN sub had Akagi in her sights but alas the TT missed. However, the same sub did not miss the AO in the trailing TF. I received a "fuel cargo buring message" which likely means she is a goner.

The USN carriers are drifting north a little to the SW of New Caledonia. With at least one CVTF still in the DEI I am willing to snoop around a bit. Unfortunately another sub (or perhaps the same sub) was detected by a TBD. So I figure the IJN at least knows there are carriers lurking in the SoPac. Even if it does nothing more than act as a deterent, the fact that Larry knows they are there is not necessarily a bad thing. Cursor intel still shows a CVTF at Rabaul

[vettim89]

31 January - 5 February

War slows down. Highlights

* IJN carriers have been parked just SSE of Balikpapan for 5 days.
* Another IJN CVTF is spotted near Ternate on the 5th
* Japan invades and takes Balikpapan on the 5th with the entire 38th Div!!!!
* IJA loses an air battle over Rangoon on the 3rd and hasn't come back. At least 6 Ki-43a were shot down
* US CVTF steam up to Loganville and back. They had several TBD spottings of subs so if Larry is paying attention their presence was noted

On the fifth I got this SigInt Report. Now this could be just a ruse but I am going to take it seriously. I have enough PP to liberate an ID. The 27th is not quite ready to go; so, I am sending the 40th. In addition, I am sending three large BF and a couple fo air HQ. All the FS from the 13th AF are going as is the bulk of the Marine units. I doubt Larry will move south before he is done in the DEI; so, I think I have some time.

[vettim89]

6 February 1942

Almost all the shipping fleeing Balikpapan is dispatched (an AD, an AG, an AVP, and a couple of xAKL). Only the small TK Josephina made it out alive. However, a small price was exacted on the IJN as a RNN sub hits a CL. This ship may yet sink as it is not very big. Three more Hurricane Sq arrive at Calcuta. They will repair and be sent to Rangoon. The 223 Air HQ also has arrived at same hex. Once it converts out of STRAT mode I should be able to upgrade some FS.

[vettim89]

7-18 February 1942

Hard to post when I am not affecting the game much. The game is moving along as it should but nothing outstanding is happening. My loione good news is that Larry sent an AMC towards New Caledonia in hopes of roughly up some xAK or such. I intercepted it with a combined RN/USN SCTF and dispatched it. Even in good news I had a near catastrophy as CL Achiles collided with DD Whipple. No serious damage done but the TF will retire to NZ for repair and replenishment.

Larry has been mostly focused on eliminating pockets of resistance in Malaya and taking the remaining bases on the north coast of Borneo. KB roamed through the Java Sea but only eliminated a few xAKL and patrol craft. Unfortunately I have lost four subs in this period. One from LBA, one in port at Bataan, and two in port at Soerobaja. The three lsot in prt were not there by deliberate action. The subs had returned from patrol and autodisbanded. I think there is some threshhold for SYS damage where patroling subs disband when they return to port. I am not using autosub operations at all for those that may be wondering.

Trrops have departed WCUSA for Suva but are still weeks away. A supply convoy is approaching Rangoon and should arrive next turn. I have nearly 100 Hurricanes and P-40E at Rangoon and Pegu. In addition, I have a second sq of the AVG at Mandaly to move in for the anticipated coming battle. This is my first operation in the face of enemy opposition

[vettim89]

19 February 1942

Well the air battle didn't go as well today as I hoped. The Japanese came in both phases. I lost 5 Hurricane and 4 P-40E offset by 8 Ki-43, 1 A6M2, one G4M1, and one G3M. More importatnly is no hits on the ships. I think a mistake was made here as the bombers were level bombing at 13k. Either there are no Air HQ in range or my opponent clicked the wrong button. As I had seen TT armed Netties before off Rangoon, either he moved his HQ or failed to hit the right button. CAP is augement for next turn with an addition sq of P-40E and all fighters set at 70% CAP.

[vettim89]

20 February 1942

Well Larry found his torpedoes. Lost four xAK and have a couple of xAP in trouble. Air losses were another 8 Ki-43, 1 Nell, and 1 Zero offset by only 1 P-40E lost. The lack of radar in the BF at Rangoon is hurting me here as the Allied fighters cannot break through to the bombers. Larry has shut down Palembangs AF so no more fort building there. They sit at level 3 for now. Only eight days until F4F-4 production starts. Also the Sims class DD are eligible for upgrade to ASW = 6. April 1st is just around the corner so some planning needs to start as nearly every ship in the USN is due for upgrades.

[vettim89]

21 February 1942

So the 1st CarDIV sortied from Singapore and is heading back to the Java Sea. The Dutch gave battle and did not hit a thing. That said, Larry had to sit through 25 a/c making runs at Akagi, Kaga, and Hiei. Have to believe that wasn't at least worrisome for a few minutes. Air battle continues over Rangoon and I lost three more xAP.

The IJA continues to push the remnants of Malaya Army up towards Kuantang. However, up in China, he has invested Nanyang with an inferior force for now. Up in northern China, the IJA has been trying to dislodge a roadblock in the mountains north of the Loyang area. The attack today failed miserably for them coming off at 1 to 7.

Even though it was a tie, I am very happy about today's air loss chart.