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Grab the oil....Grab Singers...... and then go West, young man. It was probably Japan's best option in real life as more than a few Indians had felt the heel of colonialism for too long.

In the last game Vic and I did (multiple starts but really one game) he hit Manila and blasted the heck out of the subs there. This game, I just checked this turn, not one Allied sub down so far. Some were hit bad at Manila but barring temporary repairs failing all should make Pearl Harbor while those with no or trivial damage are on station prosecuting the war. You don't know for sure until you try, and I suspect he was trying it out. After the fact the difference is obvious: the KB's fliers at campaign start are the bees knees, and the LBA that hit Manila just could not do what the KB's fliers could do.

There is a different aspect to the KB's assignment, though. The air forces out of Singapore were shut down fairly early with the presence of the KB's fighters being the decisive factor. The same thing happened with Air Singapore's remnants plus the Dutch stalwarts on Java. And now, when the KB has moved off there are no ships for them to attack and Batavia is being suppressed by LBA.

Malaya seems to be under slow attack, so Singapore might hold out for a bit. If the pattern holds, Burma will be assaulted to rupture the defenses before they can amount to anything. Singapore, Luzon, Java, and the rest of the Philippines and DEI will be rolled up at will. The KB plus the LBA already in place at Palembang, Merak, etc. make pulling any resources out of the DEI impossible so they will be there when the Empire comes for them, stockpiled by the docks!

I am glad to have the subs of course. I'm going to pull (via air) what large unit cadres I can out of Singapore in the time allotted - make lemonade! I shall try to hold China of course, but we are learning how to fight with the new every-hex stacking limits in place. I just violated those limits at Nanyang simply by pulling units back, some merely passing through. Interesting times! I'm being very careful with PPs and replacements and upgrades. My suspicion, which I mentioned earlier but did not emphasize, is that Vic will go for at least part of India. The question is when, and how much will he do in the Pacific before then. I have troops prepping for Maloelap, Wotje, Roi-Namur, and Kwajelein. Will I have the opportunity to use them any time soon? Soon in this case means more than two months from now when they have substantial prep.

One thing is certain - it's a very different early game with the KB assisting in the DEI right from the get go!

---

1941 December 18

The Empire captured:
Tsiaotso
Kweiteh

There were no amphibious operations.


We might be in trouble at Wenchow. The IJA has discovered the deliberate attack. Defenders held but forts were reduced (and immediately rebuilt) and squad losses roughly even. With the Empire's superior numbers time is limited.

A glimpse of one or more units approaching Moulmein. The reinforcements for Burma and Singapore were instead directed straight to India. Burma is a lesser paper tiger than usual. Units of the UK 18th Division, currently bound for Tjilatjap, will be redirected to India. If the Empire focuses on Australia instead, then they can form part of an attack from the other direction.

KB has vanished. Most likely it is under severe storms and both could not be spotted and could not launch search aircraft. Probably in or near either the Timor Sea or the Arafura Sea, if indeed hunting refugees is their mission. This is one of the fantastic things that I love to hate and hate to love about AE. Here is the search plan for tomorrow.

1941 December 19

The Empire captured:
Muntok
Cabanatuan

Amphibious operations today:


Today saw light sparring between Allied subs and IJN escorts, continued aerial suppression of Allied airfields and ground troops, and Wenchow continuing to hold out against IJA deliberate attacks. Odds were better at 1 to 2 but this time our boys took more casualties. The meat grinder has only one exit.

KB is still missing. Considering Allied search coverage, I believe it moved north through the Ceram Sea under heavy weather. Perhaps SVC even has visions of catching USN carriers dallying near Wake Island while protecting refugees? In case of that, or a sweep in concert with the next phase of Imperial expansion in the Pacific, subs have been dispatched to intercept positions. In any event the refugees are almost away, and only three small ex-Philippines ships are making their way along the northern coast of New Guinea. In part my estimate is based upon this report:

ASW attack near Gebe at 82,104

Japanese Ships
DD Yamakaze

Allied Ships
SS Spearfish

SS Spearfish launches 4 torpedoes at DD Yamakaze
Spearfish diving deep ....
DD Yamakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Here is a look at the area where the contact occurred and tomorrow's search plan.

1941 December 20

The Empire captured:
Lingayen
Pakhoi
Kuala Lumpur
Lahat
Sambas

Amphibious operations today:


In the sub vs targets department the IJN scored twice today (xAK and xAKL) and the Allies came up empty. Wenchow held again but took more grinding casualties. The relief column was bombed and its progress slowed, perhaps too much. KB has turned up in the Ceram Sea, just 80nm NE of Ambon. So there was no sprint - perhaps that contact was the next invasion force meeting up with its KB shepherd. Soerabaja was hit by LBA, stopping fortification building.

Here is a look at southern China.

Edited to re-upload the file, or maybe I just forgot it the first time? [:(]

1941 December 21

The Empire captured:
Siquijor
Wenchow

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Ambon
Brunei

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The loss of Wenchow devastated the defenders, as did an attack at GR87,46 (near Sinyang). Loyang held on, but has no defenses remaining. Soerabaja was bombed heavily again. KB is off Manikwari puttering along the northern New Guinea coast while an sKB in the Celebes Sea ended the escape of the Dewey Dry Dock and her tow ship, xAKL Corregidor.

Here is a look at more of China.

1941 December 22

The Empire captured:
Mauban
Cotabato

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Ambon
Brunei

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


KB stayed backed up a bit and made a large air strike on Ambon, wrecking the air base. Imperial LBA made a telling attack on Madioen on Java, and so appears to be intent on closing down all air fields. Dutch air meanwhile is intent on trying hard, real hard, but is being destroyed in the process as many planes were lost bu no hits obtained at Oosthaven. Dutch 2EBs flying out of Kendari did better, setting xAK Nittai Maru afire at Ambon with a bomb hit. The play of the day goes to USN SS Sturgeon:

Sub attack near Donggala at 68,97

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Hyuga
CA Nachi
CS Chiyoda
DD Shigure
DD Amatsukaze
DD Hayashio
DD Hatsukaze
DD Wakaba
DD Hatsushima
DD Nenohi
DD Hatsuharu

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon

SS Sturgeon launches 4 torpedoes at CVL Zuiho
Sturgeon diving deep ....
DD Wakaba fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hatsushima fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Nenohi fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hatsuharu fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Wakaba fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Wakaba fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Wakaba fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Wakaba fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Wakaba fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Wakaba fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Wakaba fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

1941 December 23

The Empire captured:
Loyang

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Ambon
Brunei
Samarinda

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The guns at Ambon might claim a victim: "xAK Nittai Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage". Otherwise the day was filled with Imperial air attacks that damaged bases and caused ground casualties. Dutch aerial attacks on shipping were fruitless. On the ground scouting tells of 23 Imperial units at Kuala Lumpur. A first Imperial unit has made Moulmein, and more are following. KB is off the radar, but must be close to yesterday's position.

1941 December 24

The Empire captured:
Beaufort

The Allies captured:
Beaufort (Units from Brunei retreated to Beaufort.)

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Samarinda
Brunei

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The shore guns at Samarinda set one transport afire, but the damage did not look severe. Imperial air strikes hit bases that had repaired fully (and begun building fortifications again!). Clark Field and Singapore are again building forts anyway. KB is still off the radar, so is presumed to be either heading to the area of New Britain or toward the Central Pacific. Ominously, Imperial troops are now marching out of Merak toward Batavia.

The selected hex is shown by SigInt as the location of the call sign of BB Mutsu. The TF in the Celebes Sea scouts at 8 x CVL and 2 x BB.

1941 December 25

The Empire captured:
Butuan

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Manado

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Air attacks against the landing ships at Manado were ineffective, and there seems to be a substantial enough force ashore to force the issue. That Mutsu TF has passed all the way through the Makassar Strait and is entering the Java Sea. The sKB is handing back, all the way in the Celebes Sea.

Orders are given for two x PBY-4 squadrons to move to Tjilatjap, arm with torpedoes, and fly naval attack missions tomorrow. Search is being maxed out by Dutch assets in coordination with that effort. Operations Xmas Present is a go!

1941 December 26

The Empire captured:
Dumanquilas
Port Swettenham

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Manado
Ambon

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Mutsu TF disappeared as though it switched on a cloaking device. The PBYs attacked shipping at Merak, which just showed up under heavy CAP. No hits scored, 8 shot down, 5 were written off after landing. SVC's Scrooge-like timing was in full evidence, as an amphibious TF showed up at Ambon the exact, and one and only, turn we chose to attack the lonely besiegers there. Instead of wiping out a tiny beachhead our boys went into the teeth of the reinforcements. It was ugly!

Exodus West is over but for one straggler repairing in a Sumatran port. Exodus East is near over. The bulk of the escapees have joined in an escorted convoy now making its way to Pearl Harbor from the vicinity of Midway. One merchantman is heading direct to Seattle, and two damaged mine sweepers are proceeding independently to Pearl Harbor. So far all subs are still alive, albeit two are having trouble with repairs at sea and are moving very slowly.

Vic is a dangerous Japanese opponent. I played him some 2 years ago but we stopped because of various reasons. I see he has fine tuned his opening moves and is not repeating mistakes he made in the past.

Good luck!

Thanks!

Yes, I agree on both counts. Vic has made the transition to the scenario 1 base (which Babes is based on) from the more forgiving scenario 2. He is very aggressive and in this game he is also much more disciplined than in our previous start. In that start he was so aggressive that he overextended freely. Here he is not doing that, instead concentrating force much more effectively.

Dangerous opponent - yes!

---

1941 December 27

The Empire captured:
Malacca

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Ambon

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


A couple of landing ships were hit by CDs at Ambon but for only minor results. The defenders at both Ambon and Manado did resist the Imperial onslaughts, though. Heavy volume of radio traffic at Truk today, and yesterday SigInt picked up the 144th Inf Rgt loaded on an xAK also at Truk. It seems the perimeter is about to expand east in some sense. One IJA unit has arrived at Batavia, and SigInt has ID'd it as the 38th Division.

Zuiho showed up as sunk the day after she was torpedoed, and still shows that way. Who knows, but maybe...

Here is a look at the approaches to Burma.

1941 December 28

The Empire captured:
Utan Melintang

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Ambon

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The CD guns at Ambon did better this time, setting one ship afire and another with heavy fires. Others were hit as well. The aerial assault on ground units continued all around, and this time the Dutch joined in bombing the Imperial units at Batavia. Allied forces withstood Imperial ground attacks at Benkoelen and Manado. Their ineffective bombardment at Moulmein revealed the presence of two RTA divisions, the 2nd and 4th.

No further signs of KB or activity in the Pacific. If KB is or was gathering its herd at Truk this is to be expected until they transit to an area where they can be seen.

Here is an overview map.

1941 December 29

The Empire captured:
Surigao
Chuhsien
Balikpapan
Port Dickson

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Ambon

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Air attacks on ships today were almost nonexistent and ineffective on both sides. Imperial air meted out the usual punishment to Chinese forces, including the defenders of Nanyang. They were not deterred.

Ground combat at Nanyang (85,45)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 41238 troops, 322 guns, 40 vehicles, Assault Value = 1133

Defending force 64233 troops, 254 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1606

Japanese adjusted assault: 526

Allied adjusted defense: 563

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
4514 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 432 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled

Allied ground losses:
665 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 147 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Assaulting units:
63rd Division
41st Division
36th Division
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st Army
21st AA Regiment

Defending units:
13th Chinese Corps
7th New Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
4th Construction Regiment
5th War Area
22nd Group Army
31st Group Army

Balikpapan was lost when Imperial troops crossed the river and attacked without stopping. Batavia was a different story.

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 16258 troops, 124 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 503

Defending force 22549 troops, 267 guns, 189 vehicles, Assault Value = 525

Japanese adjusted assault: 316

Allied adjusted defense: 349

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
1417 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 157 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled

Allied ground losses:
236 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 47 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (3 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Assaulting units:
38th Division
124th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
2nd KNIL Regiment
Mobiele Eenheid Battalion
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st KNIL Regiment
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
4th KNIL Regiment
1st Regt Cavalerie
Lijfwacht Cav Sqn
6th KNIL Regiment
Far East Cmd (ABDA)
Batavia KM Base Force
KNI Leger
1st KNIL AA Battalion
KNI Zeemacht
Batavia Defenses

Ambon also held in a battle that more or less evened the odds. The RTA divisions continued to bombard at Moulmein. Still no sign of KB. sKB is in basically the same spot, hopefully waiting for subs to home in on its carriers.

Imperial forces remain in place on Luzon, perhaps their strategy is to wait for other forces to be freed up?

1941 December 30

The Empire captured:
Naga

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


A shock attack by the two RTA divisions at Moulmein blew through the fortifications and almost captured the base. The Dutch Air Force almost destroyed itself on a ground attack run at the invaders in Batavia. Although search missed it, radio transmissions put a Japanese TF 40nm NE of Kavieng. Could this be a hint of the KB escorting the next round of landings?

1941 December 31

The Empire captured:
Temuloh
Pucheng
Moulmein

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Kavieng
Rabaul

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


An I-boat has made an appearance off the US West Coast, near Santa Catalina Island. She was discovered and attack without effect before finding any victims. The Empire conducted a number of bombing raids and several naval bombardments (at least three) to weaken defenders' resolve. Ground attacks also punished cut-off Chinese forces and damaged Burma's defenses. But in Nanyang the defenders stood tall against an IJA deliberate attack.

Ground combat at Nanyang (85,45)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 38612 troops, 322 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 858

Defending force 76260 troops, 329 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1722

Japanese adjusted assault: 280

Allied adjusted defense: 1363

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 4 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
4420 casualties reported
Squads: 75 destroyed, 174 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 52 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 24 disabled
Guns lost 37 (1 destroyed, 36 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1189 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 75 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 34 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 12 (1 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Assaulting units:
63rd Division
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
41st Division
36th Division
5th Armored Car Co
1st Army
21st AA Regiment

Defending units:
13th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
7th New Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
4th Construction Regiment
2nd Group Army
22nd Group Army
5th War Area
31st Group Army

Surviving to gain experience is crucial, so this was a good combat for us. Here is another look at the Bismark Archipelago. What a difference a day makes!

1942 January 01

---

A bedraggled, red-eyed young man enters.

>"Sergey!"

"Hello" the flat reply.

>"A little travel weary I see. Are you here about the torpedoes? Have you figured out the problem yet?"

"Uh, well. Yes, and... yes."

>"When do we get reliable torpedoes?"

"Now."

>"Now?"

"Now. You already have reliable torpedoes."

>"Rrrrrr"

"I mean the torpedoes are actually OK. Look here."

>"I have reports from my sub skippers."

"Yah, but those are all by radio. You haven't had a chance to interview them yet."

"Of course not!!! Subs that have had shots at Imperial ships are all thousands of miles away! Until they get back here to Pearl Harbor or to some other naval HQ they radio in reports."

"Right. And the engineering team is sure that the reports aren't telling the whole story. See these calculations here. And look at your own Intelligence estimate that Zuiho is sunk. By a Mk14 torpedo."

>"I know about Zuiho."

"Well, see!"

>"No. I know that some torpedoes explode. The problem is that when we know good hits are made most of the torpedoes don't explode."

"That's impossible, sir. Those reports must be leaving things out."

>"Ah huh."

"Well sir, my report is that we need to re-train the captains and crew in proper torpedo procedure. We feel, I mean the engineers feel that most of the weapons were not properly armed."

>"<CENSORED>"

"Um..."

>"<CENSORED>"

"Um, right. I'll go bring it to their attention. Can I leave out the part about their mothers?"

---

The Empire captured:
Iba
Rabaul
Kavieng
Manado

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Rabaul
Kavieng

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Generally more of the same today as yesterday. In addition the defenses at Balikpapan paid a delayed dividend as coast watchers reported "DD Kawakaze, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage"! A merchant was sunk on the approaches to Port Moresby, which itself suffered an attack on port facilities. It seems the Empire does not want the Allies building up the place. The garrison shrugged it off, repaired the damage by the end of the day and has already resumed building fortifications.

Looks like the IJA will take Java, then turn back to the PI.&nbsp; Starve the garrison.

I think you are right - I haven't been writing about it but the Empire has been making consistent air attacks on Light Industry in Manila. If they were going to press the issue any time soon that would not make sense, so I expect the boys will be left to simmer a while.

---

1942 January 02

The Empire captured:
Batangas
Kluong

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Lae
Ternate

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Certainly more of the same, with the Empire advancing like a plague. When slowed in one place, the advance continues in others. The Chinese forces ex-Wenchow are close to being cut off just east of Pucheng. The 28th Corps made Pucheng yesterday, intent on holding open a gap for their arrival. The Imperial hunters that had taken Pucheng the day before struck hard:

Ground combat at Pucheng (86,57)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 4346 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 539

Defending force 8260 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 184

Japanese adjusted assault: 115

Allied adjusted defense: 127

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
153 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
8th Armored Car Co
17th Division
102nd Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
28th Chinese Corps

Hopefully this will be enough to allow the escaping forces to catch up and push through the rabbit hole. The Empire is now making good time on Singapore.

Ground combat at Kluong (50,82)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 384 troops, 0 guns, 92 vehicles, Assault Value = 193

Defending force 1209 troops, 4 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 39

Japanese adjusted assault: 23

Allied adjusted defense: 5

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Kluong !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
Units pursuing 1

Allied ground losses:
694 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 34 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 8 (8 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
22nd Recon Regiment
1st Tank Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
14th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
5/14th Punjab Battalion
1st Hyderabad Battalion

The rear guard was meant only to slow the advance but failed. At Ambon a 1 to 2 result yielded twice the casualties for the brave defenders, a sure sign the end is near. The Intel Monkeys believe a tank unit is currently unloading at Ambon to add to the attackers. The KB made fighter sweeps over PM, but found no aerial resistance.

Here is a look at that Singapore Sling maneuver the Empire is using.

1942 January 03

The Empire captured:
Lae
Ternate

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:
Ternate

There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Port Moresby's base was hit hard by the KB, and scout planes picked up ships at Torokina and Shortlands. Most or all of the temporary USA dive bomber squadrons have arrived in Australia, and so has the first temporary fighter squadron. The Australian army is redeploying, but will remain in current organization until squad upgrades finish in a few months. Individual divisions will form as they are ready. Here is an overview map.