All of this power and their national will seems to be stronger than ours

[ny59giants]

I've played mostly Allies, but did play Japan for a few games. [;)] Thus, an important thing to consider is an early assault on Port Blair using paras. This base is important in allowing short legged fighters from Malaya making it safely to Burma/India. Something for you to consider.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

I swap ALL the merchant/TK skippers that I can without using PP or, maybe 1 point for important ships. That is for the Allied side, and the merchant ship skippers are not available for the Naval pool, and with the number of countries represented having their own pools there are limits on the trades.

I am not sure if the Japanese Navy can share from the same pool as the merchant ships use, but I have seen Raizo Tanaka as TF commander of an Amphib TF. That could be because there were naval ships in the TF, or it could mean that the pool is common to both merchant and navy.
I am pretty sure that the size of the vessel has some effect on the skippers made available for swap. xAKLs might get offered a list going into the high 50s Naval Skill, while large xAK-t s get offered skippers up into the 70s in NS.

I also get the best possible when I can, and spend a bit more than 1 point sometimes, especially if it's a valuable TF and I need a good commander. I then just get the lead ship's captain to be god for that role.

The Japanese have lots of good merchants captains, but few decent ones for the PBs and Es. For the naval ships there is an abundance and I never chose a leader with less than 60 naval for an IJN combat ship. Thus the Allied side was a bit of a shock at first. Now I'm getting better commanders midway through 43.

[SierraJuliet]

Todd continues to have ISP issues which will take a while yet but in the mean time I am still working my through gaining an understanding of what I have at my command.

This week I have delved into the mysteries of the engine and airframe production. I feel I have mastered something akin to a basic understanding of the process.

First of all I must thank Mike Solli and the contributors to his excellent AAR. I have read and re read the discussions relating to airframes and engines. It has greatly assisted my understanding of Japanese aircraft production. At least I hope this to be so. Here come some of my thoughts on how I will approach this during the game.

ENGINES

The Hitachi (early) factory will be converted to produce Ha-32 engines. A shameless copy from Mike… at least it is if my comprehension is up to speed. The Hitachi (early) fits out the Ki-36 Ida and Ki-59 Theresa. With 332 engines in the pool I believe there will be plenty of engines available to keep the Idas in business for a long while.

The Nakajima Kotobuki factory will be converted to also produce Ha-32 engines. The Kotobuki engines fit out the Ki-27b Nate and the A5M4 Claude. Once the Zero and Oscar production kicks in and the Nate and Claude squadrons start upgrading there will be plenty of spare Nates and Claudes on hand without continuing to producing more engines for these two obsolescent planes.

The Kayab Argus factory will be converted to produce Ha-35 engines. The Kayab Argus engine only appears to be necessary to produce the Ka-1 air frame. I do not plan on building this air frame so there will not be a need to pursue the Kayab engine.

Lastly there is the Toko Rocket to be converted to Ha-35 production. I don’t wish to produce the rocket airframes (assuming late ’45 to early ’46 is a place where the Japanese Empire is stilling hanging on to avoid defeat) so this research facility will be converted to building the Ha-35 engine.

The Hitachi (early), Hitachi Amakaze and Nakamima Ha- 5 plus the Ha-31, 32, 33, 34 and 35 engines will all continue with most of these factories receiving an upgrade.

So begins my effort to understand and make sense of the complexities of building Japanese air frames and suitable engines.

[SierraJuliet]

Airframe Research

Delving a little further now into territory that is stretching my confidence levels.

I’ve decided that turning off research into the following planes is a prudent course of action. I doubt I’ll lose much by curtailing their continued production. In all probability I should consider turning off some other late arriving models too but too taken by their stats at the moment to give the order to halt research.

I’ve also indicated what I’m considering converting these factories over to in lieu of continued research. Has Karyu raised some eyebrows?? I know it is such a long way off but I’m kind of swapping like for like and should I ever make it all the way to the end of ’45 and have the stockpiles available I’d love to see some jets putting in an appearance. Happy to hear your views on the soundness of this idea.

I’ve gone for Tojo and Helen as they appear in ’42 and if I can I’d like them a little earlier and in good numbers when I get them.

J8M1 Shusei (Rocket Fighter) convert to Ki-201 Karyn

Ka-1 convert to Ki-49-Ia Helen

Ki-115a Tsurugi convert to Ki-49-Ia Helen

Ki-119 convert to Ki-44 Tojo

Ki-202 Shusei (Rocket Fighter) convert to Ki-201 Karyu

Ki-74-I Patsy convert to Ki-49-Ia Helen

M6A1 Seiran convert to Ki-44 Tojo

Q1W1 Lorna convert to Ki-44 Tojo

Toka convert to Ki-44 Tojo

[SierraJuliet]

The first turn is away and with Todd…. Now for the anxious wait to see if my planning was effective.

To help set the scene here is a little taste of the action in the Malay sky.

On 6 December, three No. 1 Squadron Hudsons were able to take off and search their three allotted sectors. The weather was still difficult, but at about 12:15pm, came a staggering discovery in Sector 1. From his Hudson, Johnny Ramshaw sighted three small Japanese warships 300 kilometres from Kota Bharu. At 12:30pm, he made a second sighting, this time much bigger. After flying the length and breadth of the convoy at an altitude of just 900 feet, the crew counted one battleship, five cruisers, seven destroyers and most ominously, 22 transports. The convoy looked to one of the aircrew like a swimming scorpion with a broad head and segmented vertebrae. It was headed due west, perhaps towards Kota Bharu, some 425 kilometres away. While scrutinising this armada, the crew saw one warship launch a float-plane. Ramshaw flew into cloud cover and signalled his momentous news to base.

I quoted this from a book titled Whispering Death Australian Airmen in the Pacific War by Mark Johnston. Although viewed from the Allied perspective it captures the game of cat and mouse going on in the days prior to the Malay landings.

Todd has to make some decisions on how he will respond should the sighting prove to be the forewarning of anticipated Japanese aggression.

[SierraJuliet]

I would also like to pay my respects to all (civilians and warriors from all sides) who sacrificed so much during these darkest of years. Whilst this is a game of pitting ones wits and intelligence against another person we should never forget the awful nature of warfare when it is played out for real.

So with that in mind here is a snippet of an incident that took place the day before the official commencement of hostilities. Also quoted from Whispering Death.

That night (6 December), Catalinas of No. 205 Squadron RAF were searching for a reported Japanese convoy south of Cambodia Point. One Catalina sent a signal at 8am in the approximate area of the supposed convoy. She and her crew of eight were never heard from again. Japanese records show that the flying-boat encountered a ‘Jake’ float-plane. The Japanese pilot fired at the Catalina from behind and below, and then maintained observation as the British plane managed to escape. However, a patrol of five Nate fighters had spotted her too. The British crew fought back but their Cat was soon on fire. Eventually, after attacks from all five aircraft, the Catalina exploded and fell into the sea.

This attack, which occurred 14 hours before the assault on Pearl Harbour, was significant. The dead were apparently the first Allied service-men killed by the Japanese, and this was probably the first Japanese act of war against the British Commonwealth.

[SierraJuliet]

The first turn is history. Pearl Harbour remains pristine and all the Japanese submarines have been withdrawn… including the midgets.

First mistake… I used the magic move to combine and move the Manado and Ternate invasion forces to Babeldoab. I neglected to use way points and the fleet was routed along the Philippines coast. S-39 happily took advantage and slotted 2 torpedoes into xAK Zyuyo Maru and sinking her. Japan has naturally taken exception to this unprovoked assault and commenced retaliatory actions. Zyuyo was carrying elements of 16th Naval Guard and fortunately not the complete unit. I shall have to consider the implications for the assault on Ternate. A irritation as I was hoping to complete the first turn without losing a ship.

In Malaya I was focused on protecting the Mersing invasion fleet and being prepared for a sortie by Force Z. Force Z is so far a no show and I strongly suspect is fleeing at flank speed and was last seen near George Town (no other ships could get that far from Singers on the first turn). Kates from Ryujo attempted an intercept but were butchered by the numerous CAP of Buffalo fighters. I hate seeing Z flee but it comes with hindsight and not much to be done about it… if indeed it is Force Z beating a very hasty retreat. All was not in vain for my Kates as they did find xAK Demodocus fleeing from Singapore and dispatched her with 2 torpedo hits after losing 4 Kates to the CAP.

Most importantly, however, is the major goal… getting 5 Division ashore at Mersing. The fleet is currently positioned near Kuantan and will move overnight to Mersing and begin unloading… a big risky day coming up. Plenty of surface cover available and Carrier Div 5 is in the wings. My initial plan for protecting the fleets came off as planned. 15 Hudson plus 6 Blenheim escorted by 23 Buffalo homed in on Carrier Div 5. They were met by 21 Zero who without loss claimed 11 Buffalo and 1 Hudson destroyed while flak knocked down a Hudson. Hiei sailed on serenely through water thrown up by the bombs. 6 Blenheim followed up and after 1 was destroyed by CAP they broke off the attack. 4 Wirraway escorted by 1 Buffalo then turned up and the CAP went to work destroying the Buffalo and 1 Wirraway… CAP claimed another and Hiei was again targeted.

Near Kuantan 7 unescorted Swordfish were harshly dealt with by the CAP. 5 of their number were claimed as destroyed before the fleet was even sighted.

As for the 4 carriers of KB…. They targeted the port at Manilla along with land based air. At the end of the turn the following submarines were listed as sunk…. Pike, Perch, Pickerel, Salmon, Skipjack, Stringray, Sculpin and Searaven. 8 subs that won’t be pestering my ships for the rest of the war. I’m particularly happy to see Sculpin on the list… she always seemed to be popping up somewhere in our last game. The defenders located KB and launched a strike composed of 8 B-17, 7 P-35A, 7 P-40B and 21 P-40E. The CAP accounted for 1 P-35A, 1 P-40-B and 3 P-40E destroyed for no loss. The bombers dropped their bombs from 15000 feet and Hiryu survived her first attack of the war.

On the land in the Philippines Vigan was taken by sea and aerial assault whilst troops have also come ashore at San Fernando. I was reasonably concerned about the landing here as I only have light forces here and Allied reinforcements may have made the landing precarious. New as I am to AE I understand that the little red dot on the land unit icon gives an indication of where the unit is moving…. Correct? I see that the Allied Unit at San Fernando is already ordered to retreat. This also looks to be the case with land units at George Town, Alor Star and Kota Bharu in Malaya. If this is correct it conforms to my expectations that Todd will look towards a general pull back instead of a forward defence. This is good for San Fernando and if Mersing works I should be looking good to cut off troops bound for Singapore. Tomorrow I shall give the troops at Kota Bharu and helping hand with their exit.

[SierraJuliet]

Any thoughts on the KB move appreciated. I'm inclined to think that a mix of AF sweeps and another round of port bombing is in order.

The LBA will start going after AF suppression and my AF at Vigan will provide LR CAP for the San Fernando invasion fleet.

[SierraJuliet]

The sinking of the Demodocus in the Malacca Straits by aircraft from the Ryujo got me looking for web references to this ship. I located the following story penned by Ben Sandham and published in the Maritime Heritage Association Journal Volume 15, No. 3. September 2004. It provides some insight into this ship at the time of the commencement of the Pacific theatre of operations.

In 1941 at the age of 25, I was the Senior Victualling Store Officer in the victualling ship Demodocus alongside in the naval dockyard at Singapore. Demodocus had been attached to the victualling store in Singapore for the previous twelve months supporting the shore side organisation. The ship herself was quite ancient, dating from 1912, and she was a coal burner. She had been requisitioned by the Admiralty at the outbreak of the war, but in spite of her age she was quite comfortable. In early December of 1941 we had assisted with the storing of HM Ships Prince of Wales and Repulse, and I clearly recall one of my storemen complaining that the Prince of Wales had cleared us out of batteries as she had taken a full two year supply!

What happened to these two very fine ships is now part of history, but the swift Japanese advance through Malaya meant that we in Demodocus were ordered to sail. Before sailing, I asked for some naval signalmen and was fortunate enough to get three RN Signalmen who were survivors from Prince of Wales. We also embarked about a dozen women and children an sailed in mid-January some two weeks before the Colony fell to the Japanese.

We headed south at our best speed through the Sunda Strait to Freemantle in Australia, where we disembarked the women and children before heading on Melbourne to re-store. Then it was back to Freemantle before sailing across the Indian Ocean to the Maldives and eventually Colombo. The passage was uneventful, but whilst in Colombo on 5th April we suffered an air raid from carrier borne Japanese aircraft. It was at this time that the warships Hermes, Dorsetshire and Cornwall were all sunk by enemy aircraft.

Eventually after coaling in Ceylon, I arrived in Mombassa in May 1942 and spent the remainder of the year working in support of the Eastern Fleet. With the loss of Singapore, there were now only two bases available to the Fleet, Mombassa in Kenya and Trincomalee in Ceylon. The Fleet at this time included such capital ships as Warspite and Illustrious.

In early 1943, I was ordered home and having handed over to my relief, I left Demodocus in Durban.

[SierraJuliet]

A more detailed account of the first days of action from the Japanese point of view. I do trawl over some action already mentioned but I include it for completeness.

Hong Kong is blockaded by the destroyers; Natsugumo, Minegumo Ikazuchi and Inazuma. They locate xAK Bennevis on a partly cloudy day. The lookouts on Bennevis spot the Japanese warships and the crafty merchantman manages to evade the Japanese warships.

More on the sorry fate of xAK Zyuyo Maru. She and other ships of her convoy enroute to Babeldaob were located not far from Catanduanes by SS S-39. The Allied sub scored a single torpedo hit (out of a spread of 4) which caused 12 casualties and 1 squad being disabled. Not satisfied with the result S-39 launches another 2 torpedoes and is rewarded with another hit causing 24 casualties with 1 squad destroyed. Still kicking myself for not checking the route setting here. In the scheme of things probably not a big loss for the ground troops but still all so unnecessary…. Stand by for more of this mishap turning up.

HONG KONG

Hong Kong Port receives attention from 7 Ki-27b, 9 Ki-36 and 11 Ki-48-Ib escorted by 6 Ki-44 flying out of Canton. There is no CAP and for the loss of 1 destroyed Ki-36 to flak the following ships are reported as hit; xAKs Hai Lee (2 bombs), Haraldsvang (1 bomb), Hinsang (1 bomb) and xAKLs Kanchow (2 bombs), Yat Shing (1 bomb), Joan Moller (1 bomb) and xAKL Halldor (1 bomb). All ships reported to be on fire. My planes, however, are only dropping 30 and 100 kg GP bombs… still should be enough to mess with this shipping. The repair shipyard took 4 hits, the port 1 hit and port fuel hits 1. Time to lay off on the bombing the port and concentrate instead on the airfield. I don’t want to cause any further damage to the shipyard.

2nd raid by 27 Ki-48-Ib Lily bomb the port. For the loss of 1 they report bomb hits on xAKL Chengtu and xAKs Nanning, Hinsang, Fatshan, Munlock and Hanyang plus 1 repair shipyard hit and 3 port hits.

3rd raid of Hong Kong sees 18 Ki-21-IIa (without loss) report hits on the following shipping… xAKL Yat Shing and Joan Moller. The following xAK were also hit by bombs… xAKs Munlock, MingSang, Haraldsvang, Hinsang and Nanning. Further damage is also inflicted – 2 hits on Repair Shipyards, 4 port hits and 1 port fuel hit.

4th raid on Hong Kong by 24 Sonia – xAK Haraldsvang and Fatshan (2 bombs on each), xAK Ming Sang, Hai Lee and Nanning (1 bomb on each), xAKLs Chengtu and Joan Moller (1 bomb each) and the port takes a solitary hit.

PHILIPPINES

The first morning raid over Manilla is comprised of 81 G4M1 and 9 G3M2 escorted by 31 A6M2 and they are met by a CAP of 18 P-40E Warhawk. 1 Betty is lost for 3 Wahawks and then the bombs rain down.
Destroyers Pillsbury (2 bombs) and John D. Ford (1 bomb), AMs Whippoorwill (1 bomb) and Finch (1 bomb – sunk), PG Isabel (1 bomb), AS Holland (1 bomb), AV Langley (1 bomb), xAPs Rochambeau (1 bomb) and President Madison (1 bomb), xAKL Anakan (1 bomb), xAKs Si Kiang (1 bomb) and Yu Sang (2 bombs) and AO Trinity (1 bomb).

Of the submarines… Sealion – 2 hits, Perch 2 hits and sunk, Searaven, S-41, Sculpin, Seadragon, Stingray and Snapper are all hit by 1 bomb. 6 hits recorded on the port, 4 on port fuel and 1 on port supply.

27 A6M2 sweep Manila and find a lone P-40E and it is dispatched.

A sweep of Clark Field by 13 A6M2 from Akagi is met by 7 P-35A and 7 P-40B Warhawk. 1 Zero is traded for 3 P-35A and 2 Warhawk destroyed.

The four carriers of KB then launch 90 B5N2 Kate and 81 D3A1 Val escorted by 39 Zero. There is no CAP to harass them. Of the submarines… Pike, Searaven, Stingray, Skipjack, Salmon and Pickerel (2 bombs and sunk), Sculpin (1 bomb and sunk). These submarines are hit but no reports of sinking… Spearfish (2 bombs), Snapper, Tarpon, SS S-41 and Permit (1 bomb). These ships are sunk… PG Asheville and Isabel (1 bomb) and the following are reported as damaged… AS Holland and Canopus (1 bomb each), DD Peary (1 bomb), AVD Childs (2 bombs), xAKLs Anakan and Compagnia Filipinas (1 bomb each), and TK Mindanao (2 bombs). 7 ground troops are lost and the bombers also claim 3 repair shipyard hits, 9 port hits, 3 port fuel hits and 2 port supply hits.

The hornets’ nest on the Philippines reacts with 8 B-17D, 7 P-35A, 7 P-40B and 21 P-40E Warhawk descending upon Nagumo’s fleet of carriers. 20 Zero are on hand and without loss destroy 1 P-35A, 1 P40B and 3 P40E. Hiryu dodges the bombs dropped from 8 of the bombers.

The pre-invasion bombardment of San Fernando no reports received of defender losses but 71 Japanese casualties are reported amongst the ground forces. During unloading on the beach 8 casualties (1 squad and 1 non combat destroyed) are reported.

Troops unload at Vigan which is of course unprotected. Vigan is captured by 24th JAAF AF Battalion and airdropped elements of Yokosuka 3rd SNLF.

SS I-124 lays minefield at Bataan ( 78 , 77) and sets course for Takao

MALAYA

At Khota Bharu 29 Ki-27b Nate brush past 2 Buffalo I and report 6 airbase hits, 4 airbase supply hits and 32 runway hits.

Kota Bharu is then visited by 22 Sally escorted by 32 Oscar. The Oscar brush past the 2 Buffalo I on patrol (no loses to either side) – airbase 1 hit, airbase supply 2 hits and runway hits 4.

3rd Kota Bharu raid by 31 Sally results in airbase hits 4, airbase supply hits 1 and 12 runway hits.

Kuantan is hit by 48 Ki-21-IIa Sally and 25 Ki-48-Ib Lily. No allied aircraft meet them and they go on to report Blenheim and Beafuort V damaged on the airfield, 5 allied casualties and 9 airbase hits, 3 airbase supply hits and 36 runway hits.

Ryujo sends out an unescorted force of 12 B5N1 Kate to attack shipping. They meet a CAP of 3 Buffalo I who promptly destroy 4 of the attackers. Undeterred by this the pilots located xAK Demodocus and score 2 torpedo hits and sink her.

After a fruitless morning searching for Allied shipping Yamaguchi gives the order to bomb Singapore. 25 Val escorted by 7 Zero make the assault. 10 Buffalo I are on hand to greet them. 3 Val are lost whilst on the ground a Buffalo I, Catalina I and a Vildebeest III are destroyed and the airbase takes 1 hit and the runway is hit 6 times.

The Allied forces strike back at Carrier Div 5 sailing near Terempa. In clear skies 6 Blenheim IV and 15 Hudson I escorted by 23 Buffalo I make their run towards the expectant Japanese carrier force. The CAP performs very well and without loss accounts for 11 Buffalo and 1 Hudson destroyed. Flak accounts for another Hudson before 3 Hudson get through and make a fruitless run on Hiei.

Next comes a flight of 6 unescorted Blenheim IV. 8 Zero meet them and destroy 1 Blenheim before the attack breaks off.

A third attack is composed of 4 Wirraway escorted by 1 Buffalo against 6 Zero. The Zeros account for the Buffalo and 1 Wirraway. The remaining 3 make their run on Hiei and loose another of their number to flak. Hiei forges on through the bomb splashes.

Near Kuantan the Mersing Invasion Fleet comes under aerial attack. 6 Zero and 5 Claude augmented with 9 Jake, 1 Alf, 4 Dave and 3 Pete are on hand to covers this group of ships. The British have sent in 7 unescorted Swordfish I. A force capable of causing disruption if unmolested but they are dealt with roughly with 5 of their number hacked out of the sky.

In an attempt to cause more damage Ryujo sends aloft another unescorted strike of 8 Kates. They are set upon near Georgetown by 6 Buffalo. The Allied pilots enjoy their hunting and knock down 6 Kates. The remaining head home without having sighted a single Allied ship.

The pre-invasion bombardment of Kota Bharu causes 42 casualties before Japanese troops start their assault on Malaya. 241 casualties (11 squads, 7 non combat destroyed and 3 guns lost) are recorded during the landing phase.

CHINA

China starts out with an aerial bombing of 20th Chinese Corps near Wuchang. 17 Nate and 12 Ann and reports received of 39 casualties (2 squads disabled, 2 non combats disabled and 1 engineer disabled).
Near Nanchang 78th Chinese Corps is subjected to attack from 12 Nate and 12 Sonia for 26 casualties (2 squads and 1 non combat disabled).

At Pengpu 13th Mixed Independent Brigade (64 casualties) pummels 89th Chinese Corps (636 casualties) 25-1 odds and forces a Chinese retreat.

[SierraJuliet]

Day two of action.

Those 4 destroyers blockading Hong Kong locate and swiftly deal with xAK Bennevis during a night action – 21 shell hits and 1 torpedo. Daylight arrives and they locate xAKL Soochow and dispatch her with 14 shell hits.

MALAYA

Invasion forces continue to move ashore at Kota Bharu.

Maru but they miss and the submarine cannot be located. Staying in stealth mode the submarine latches onto Near Kota Bharu SS KXVII takes aim at a ASW TF enroute to Mersing. Two torpedoes are launched at PB Eifuku the little TF again but the Captain elects not to waste torpedoes.

Pre-invasion bombardment of Mersing – 13 Allied casualties. This is followed by invasion forces coming ashore at Mersing – 226 Japanese casualties in the initial landing.

Near Mersing destroyers attached to a covering force of cruisers locate SS KXIII and claim 1 hit.

8 Blenheim IF attempt an attack on the shipping at Kota Bharu. 2 are shot down by the 15 Nate and 15 Oscar on hand and the attack falters.

With the invasion fleet off shore of Mersing the first of the expected aerial attacks comes in. No less than 23 Vildebeest III. The CAP is not plentiful with only 6 Zero, 1 Jake, 1 Alf and 3 Pete on hand. 10 Vildebeest are shot down and 1 destroyed by flak. 6 of the aging planes make torpedo runs and 1 score a hit on Haruna.

Another raid, again targeting Haruna, sees 1 Buffalo destroyed by flak from an attacking force of 6 Buffalo and 2 Hudson.

Near Kota Bharu 1 Blenheim from a force of 8 Blenheim I is shot down and another attack is abandoned.

Near Mersing 4 Hudson escorted by 7 Buffalo I turn up…. There is only 1 Pete on hand. 1 bomber is lost to flak and the rest turn their attention to Takao which sails serenely through the water mountains.

Near Mersing 6 Hudson are met by 5 Zero. 1 Hudson is downed and the attack breaks up.

At Singapore 72 Nell go it alone in the skies over the British jewel. 6 Buffalo I contest the sky and 3 Nell are shot down. A poor result of 4 runway hits but that correlates to a bombing height of 23000 feet. A second raid by 18 Nell avoids loss but also fails to make an impression on the airfield.

At Kota Bharu 4 Nate and 14 Oscar hold off 11 Buffalo I escorting 3 Blenheim IF. 1 of the bombers is shot down.

At Mersing 3 Vildebeest sneak past the 22 strong CAP of Zero. They make their runs on xAK Naruto Maru but are unable to get a hit.

At Mersing 6 Blenheim IV escorted by 3 Buffalo I tangle with the 22 Zeros that missed the Vildebeest. The fighters claim 1 bomber and 1 fighter destroyed.

Near Kota Bharu 7 Blenheim I take on the Nate and Oscars. 1 of their number is shot down and another attack is foiled.

Near Mersing 7 Buffalo escorting 3 Vildebeest III fun into 11 Zero. 3 Buffalo are destroyed and 3 Vildebeest get through and pick out Haruna for more attention… no hits… luckily.

Japanese grounds forces at Kota Bharu launch a deliberate attack, reduce forts to 1 and achieve 40-1 odds and storm the base. The defenders op mode was a negative… does this mean they were in the process of retreating? Japanese losses 114 casualties to 2454 Allied casualties. The majority of 18 Division made up the attack against the now retreating FMSV Brigade, 8th Indian Brigade and 3rd ISF Base Force.

Allied bombardment attack at Mersing results in 19 Allied casualties.

PHILIPPINES

Invasion forces continue to move ashore at San Fernando.

It seems that the submarine laid minefield at Bataan has had a success with a report of xAP Neptuna hitting a mine.

Near Catanduanes KB is visited by 2 B-10B and 10 B-17 escorted by 8 P-35A. 25 Zero are on CAP. The Zeros account for 1 B-10 and a B-17 plus 3 of the p-35. Flak brings down another B-17 whilst the remaining bombers ineffectually unload on Akagi. A second raid comprised of 3 B-17D and 3 P-35A runs into 25 Zero. 1 of each type of bomber is shot down and Hiryu again avoids the attention of the big bombers.

Near Roxas 9 Val from KB locate xAP Neptuna and she is sunk after sustaining 4 bomb hits.

Near Legaspi 25 Kate from KB locate xAK Tantalus and she sinks after 2 torpedo strikes.

Not too far away 13 KB Val locate and sink TK Manatawny with 6 bombs.

Near Sibuyan 13 KB Kate locate and sink xAK Capillo after 3 torpedo hits. Observers reported seeing a massive explosion from the ship not long after the last torpedo hit.

An afternoon sweep of Clark Field by 17 Zero meets 5 P-26A, 2 P-35A and 14 P-40B Warhawk. 1 Zero is traded for 1 P-26, 1 P-35 and 3 P-40. A second sweep by 21 Zero is met by 1 P-40B and this single defender is shot down.

At Clark Field 30 Betty arrive (without fighter escort) and have the sky to themselves. Some B-17s are damaged, 12 casualties reports as well as 15 airbase hits, 2 airbase supply hits and 35 runway hits.

KB launches a raid of 17 Kate and 34 Val escorted by 33 Zero on Manila. 29 P-40E Warhawk are on hand. 2 Zero, 1 Kate and 6 Val are lost for 4 Warhawk destroyed and a Catalina lost on the ground whilst the airbase took 4 hits, airbase supply 1 hit and the runway 21 hits.

Japanese bombardment attack at San Fernando results in 6 Japanese casualties.

Laoag is captured by aerial assault. Bayombong is occupied by the Japanese.

CHINA

Several morning Air attack on 62nd Chinese Corps near Canton – no reports of casualties.

Morning Air attack on 20th Chinese Corps near Wuchang – 27 casualties reported.

Morning Air attack on 78th Chinese Corps near Nanchang – 37 casualties reported during first attack followed by 30 more in the second attack.

Morning Air attack on Liuchow – 2 airbase supply hits and 5 runway hits.

At Hong Kong 9 Sally and 13 Lily bomb the airfield after losing 1 Lily to flak. Airbase hits 8 and runway hits 34.

3 Vildebeest make an attack on Canton. 3 Nate and 3 Tojo knock 2 of them down.

PACIFIC

In an inconclusive action north of Truk xAK Kotobuki Maru eludes the attention of AM Penguin. No doubt both ships were intent on dodging the enemy and making a long distant friendly port. Penguin then stumbles upon ACM Heijo Maru… both sides break off and go their separate ways.

[SierraJuliet]

Planned events for KB. I've elected to do a high speed run with the intention of cleaning up fleeing shipping before doubling back and providing cover for the Legaspi landings. The surface cover force for these landings has been diverted to hunt for shipping as well.

I had not intended to keep KB hovering off the Philippines as I want it to move towards the Central Pacific to cover landings there.... never know but Todd might just think the time is right to use his carriers early.

[SierraJuliet]

Here is the situation at Mersing. 5th Division is ashore and will easily deal with the defenders before moving to a position to cut off Singapore from reinforcement.

Haruna is leaving the field for repair. Her damage is 4 19(13) 32(25) 0 so I'm prepared to let her run at mission speed for one turn to clear the area and then drop the speed.

Carrier Div 5 will continue to provide fighter protection for the shipping at Mersing and of course itself before moving on to provide cover for the Singkawang landing.

[SierraJuliet]

Things are on the move in China. It appears that Todd is making a move on these Japanese outposts. It will be a close run thing. I'm working on rebuilding 26th Division but in the meantime elements of this division will move off to try and resolve the situation in our favour. Also trying to bomb the southern Chinese force to slow them up a bit.

Having this part of the map fall into Chinese hands is not part of my planning.

[SierraJuliet]

KB in its haste to move south hunting shipping stumbles straight over a little xAKL. Both fleets burn fuel to avoid each other. Nagumo has no time to stop and deal with this little one.

[SierraJuliet]

PHILIPPINES

The minefield sown at Bataan is being cleared by local minesweepers… 6 cleared, then 11 cleared, then 15 cleared. This minefield is as good as gone. Looks like it is time for the remaining ships (intel suggest quite a number still there) in Manila to make a run for it.

Sending the Legaspi surface TF south to hunt for shipping was the right thing to do. During the night Nagara and 7 destroyers find xAKL Latouche and sink her after 19 shell hits. They then move towards Siargao and locate xAKL Kanlaon II and sink her with 9 shell hits. Still night time and the Japanese locate AS Otus not far from the scene of their recent kill. Otus goes down after 2 torpedo hits and 20 shell hits. The previous two ships were small fry but Otus is a significant prize…32 VP.

Near San Fernando SS S-36 launches 2 torpedoes at DMS W-11… they miss and S-36 then remains elusive. SS Sturgeon is also in the area and launches two torpedoes at DMS W-9. They miss and the escort fail to locate this submarine as well. Sturgeon moves onto Vigan and launches 2 torpedoes at PB Kyo Maru # 2. They miss and the escort fails to find the sub. Sturgeon has a persistent captain. Still at Vigan and this time 4 torpedoes are on their way towards PB Shonan Maru # 2… they miss. Sturgeon remains unseen to the Japanese escorts. Sturgeon is sighted again and yet again the escorts are not able to engage the sub.

Troops unloading over the beach at Aparri report 66 casualties.

Kanno Detachment lands at San Fernando.

The Allied submarines are moving afield. SS Porpoise shoots at xAK Taigen Maru at Takao. Sigh of relief as Porpoise also misses.

KB locates xAKL Mauban near Morotai – 3 bombs later and she sinks.

KB locates xAKL Luzon near Siargao – 4 torpedos later and she sinks.

KB locates xAKL Montanes near Talaud-eilanden. 2 bombs later and she sinks.

KB locates xAKL Magallanes near Siargao – 1 torpedo later and she sinks.

14 Zero sweep Clark Field. 3 P-26A, 3 P-35A, 4 P-40B Warhawk and 7 P-40E Warhawk are on CAP. 2 Zero are lost and 2 P-26A, 1 P-35A, 1 P-40E and 1 P-40B are destroyed. A second sweep by 21 Zero locate 1 Warhawk but they fail to get this plane.

KB is attacked near Talaud-eilanden by 5 B-17. 36 Zero play around with the bombers but they get through. Hiryu is the target and she survives.

MALAYA

SS KXIII is located near Mersing… no hits though. KXIII then shoots at DD Michishio (2 fish) and misses… 2 hits reported on the sub in response. KXIII is persistent. She shoots at DD Arashio and again misses and in return is reported to have been hit 5 times. Near Mersing SS KXIII is again located and the escort manages 2 hits. That makes 9 hits in total and I believe she was the sub that took 1 penetrating hit too. The combat screen also threw up a heavy damage message… hopefully 1 submarine no longer my concern for a few months.

SS I-158 locates xAKL Shinai near Singkawang and sinks her with 1 shell hit and 2 torpedos.

SS I-166 locates TK Iris near Billiton and sinks her with 1 torpedo.

At Mersing 3 Blenheim IV, 12 Buffalo I, 8 Vildebeest III and 8 Hudson I take on 31 Zero plus 5 float planes from cruisers. No Japanese planes are lost whilst 1 Blenheim, 3 Buffalo, 1 Vildebeest and 1 Hudson are destroyed. 7 Hudson get through and bomb xAK Aobasan Maru and xAK Kokai Maru from 5000 feet but miss.

Also at Mersing 3 Hudson I make an unsuccessful run on Kongo. Carrier support unable to supply air cover..

Near Kuantan 6 Blenheim IV are driven away by 4 Claude, 4 Zero and 2 Jake. 2 Vildebeest also make a run against the same CAP. 1 Allied bomber is destroyed by CAP and the other is lost to flak.

Near Mersing 3 Wirraway fly into the CAP of 30 Zero. 2 Wirraway are destroyed.

Near Mersing 6 Blenheim IV make their run on Kongo and Takao. 1 Blenheim is destroyed by flak. Carrier support unable to supply air cover..

At Mersing 5th Division shock attacks whilst the supporting units perform a deliberate attack. Combat odds of 3-1 achieved and the base is captured. Japanese losses 107 to Allied 576. 22nd Australian Brigade and 30 Battery/3 HAA retreats. So far so good.. this part of my plan has worked as expected.

PACIFIC

Troops unloading over the beach at Nauru Island report 40 casualties.

At Nauru Island 51st Naval Guard Unit achieves 49 – 1 odds and destroys Wren Det. plus capturing the base.

CHINA

62nd Chinese Corps near Canton is bombed – 36 casualties. A second raid nets 6 casualties.

30th Chinese Corps near Sinyang is bombed – 32 casualties.

3rd New Chinese Corps near Nanchang is bombed – no reports of casualties.

3rd Prov Chinese Corps near Kweisui is bombed – 49 casualties.

9 Sally bomb Hong Kong for 3 airbase hits and 3 runway hits.

[SierraJuliet]

Dec 10, 41

PHILIPPINES

Landings continue at San Fernando.

Minesweepers continue clearing the Japanese minefield at Bataan.

xAK Yomei Maru sailing as a single ship and making for Pescadores with eventual conversion to a patrol boat in mind runs afoul of SS Shark. Wily sub skipper surfaces and pounds the unfortunate merchantman and scores 6 shell hits… more than enough to bring about my second naval loss for this campaign. Shark’s commander, L. Shane, only breaks off the engagement when his crew starts running low on gun ammo. Those subs from Manilla are going to be an ongoing nuisance and a rude awakening in the peaceful waters around Pescadores. I console myself with Yomei being a small merchant, not loaded and earmarked as an escort so in a way she diverted attention from other targets.

Clark Field is raided by A6M2 Zero x 36, G3M2 Nell x 29 and G4M1 Betty x 27. P-35A x 1, P-40B Warhawk x 1 and P-40E Warhawk x 5 contest the skies. P-35A: 1 destroyed and P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed plus Airbase hits 28, Airbase supply hits 12 and Runway hits 66.

G4M1 Betty x 15 follow up and report Airbase hits 4, Airbase supply hits 1 and Runway hits 12. A satisfactory result from the two raids which leaves Clark Field with AF damage of 49.

KB has been ordered to Babledoab to refuel. Before they reach the base AVD William B. Preston is located near Siargao. 9 Val are sent out and put in a poor show failing to score a single hit.

The Allied force which had been retreating from San Fernando gets out just as the Japanese attack and capture an empty base.

Aparri is occupied by the Japanese

MALAYA

Near Billiton I-158 sinks AVP Poolster with 1 torpedo.

My fleets have left Mersing and are regrouping well of the Malayan coast. They are still subject to aerial attacks. Sinkawang is next on the agenda.

Near Groot Natoena 5 Hudson I get past 2 Zero and fail to score on CA Nachi. 6 Blenheim IV are located by 4 Claude and 9 Zero with 1 bomber being claimed as shot down. DD Fubuki and CA Haguro are the targets… again no result for the Allied bombers.

During this turn I get a number of AF ground units ashore at Kota Bharu and the base is now able to support 90 aircraft. This is good as a raid of 4 Blenheim I is met by a CAP of 4 Zero, 6 Nate and 20 Oscar. 1 Blenheim is destroyed and the raid is scrubbed. Now that I have good support here I shall bring in more planes and start sweeping and bombing the Allied air bases. Many of the Allied bombers turn away after the first bomber is destroyed. 18th Division is about the re embark and come back ashore at Mersing.

At Balikpapan I-124 drops of a bunch of mines and then sends a single torpedo into DD Pope. There is immediate sinking sounds so I expect this is a destroyer definitely out of the fight. An unexpected bonus from this mine drop and more than makes up for the loss of the xAK earlier in the day.

CHINA

Ki-21-IIa Sally x 13 raid Hong Kong and cause 4 runway hits.

30th Chinese Corps, near Sinyang, is bombed for 6 casualties.

3rd New Chinese Corps, near Nanchang, is bombed for 6 casualties.

3rd Prov Chinese Corps, near Kweisui, is bombed for 71 casualties (4 squads and 7 non-combat disabled). Happy with this result as I want them feeling more than a bit shabby when they do finally make it to Kweisui. The artillery component from 26th Division arrives in Kweisui… one turn to get it into combat mode and this unit should come in very handy when the Chinese arrive.

62nd Chinese Corps, near Canton, is bombed for 16 casualties.

Afternoon Air attack on 62nd Chinese Corps, at 77,58 , near Canton.

[SierraJuliet]

Here is the developments around Paotow.

I was certain that the movement dot for the 81st Chinese Corps had been pointing at the Paotow mountain top but it is now clearly heading west. If this is correct my forces perched on the mountain will only have to deal with 11th Chinese Corps and the associated 17th Group Army. Very uncertain of how a battle here will work out but the 1st and 4th Cav have 42 AV each and are at 65 experience and 73/73 morale. The Chinese unit has around 114AV but only 35 experience and 35 morale plus it started the game with 30 fatigue.

I'm fairly confident that the 3rd Prov Chinese Corps will have a hard time of it trying to take Kweisui. The forts are at level 4. Artillery has arrived and all the other components of 26th Division are on their way. My original plan was to recombine 26th Division and ensure that Kweisui and Paotow were secure before making a move on Lanchow with 26th Division.

3rd Prov Chinese Corps is also the unit that I have been bombing in this area. I bought out 58th Sentai from Kwantung and am using this units Ki-21-Ic Sally bombers to make life difficult for this Chinese unit.

I wonder if Todd's plan is simply an effort to break through my lines and return these units to better defensive positions.

[SierraJuliet]

This is how the Philippines looks after 4 days.

[SierraJuliet]

Things are fluid in and around Malaya.