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Looks like I need to start that list of what needs to be done pre-turn 1 and then in early days as Japan for John. I will still help him on economic issues (along with others) and other things I have learned from a painful first game as Japan in AE against Stanislav (FatR). We will use the general House Rules (HR) from this game plus a modification of China cease fire (last until 2 weeks after Manila, Singapore, and Soerabaja all are captured). John hates land combat, but I will drag him kicking and screaming to learn it better.

You have a better grasp of each sides weaknesses by playing both sides. Since we both know each other pretty well, it will be interesting to see how we engage in "Psych Warfare 101." [:D]

Dec 17: The Allied main battle line shows up...sort of

ASW/Subs:
S-37 is one hex SW of Takao and misses the returning transports.
S-39 misses BC Haruna within Mini-KB

Surface Combat:
With no moonlight to guide them, 6 Dutch PT boats meet a SC TF built around BB Tosa, BB Kaga, and 5 DDs as they lead in the transports to Kendari 45 miles to the east of the base. First a single PT boat is sunk and in the second engagement the final 5 are sunk.
AMc Bantam and then AMc Djombang run into this TF and at less than 6,000 yards, BB Kaga opens up with her main guns. Both are quickly sunk.
AMc Aroe and AVP Arend avoid the warships, but run into the transports. Neither wants to fight and runs away.
Daylight finds the SC TF and the transports continuing on into Kendari where AVP Arend is sunk by BB Kaga and the DDs.

Carriers:
KB2 - operating 6 hexes NW of Soerabaja, she finds lots of small targets.
17 Zero are unneeded escorts for 14 Vals as they sink 4 AMc in Java Sea.
17 Zero then escort in 54 Kates to sink another 2 AMc 90 miles away. Only 2 torpedoes are used, but the Combat Report shows 54 used even though the first two waves of 4 Kates were enough. I know this is a "WAD" feature of AE, but it is frustrating to see them counted against you when they did not have actual targets.
27 more Vals are overkill to sink another AMc another 90 miles north of the others.
My third CV had not been needed during the AM air phase, but does find a single target at Soerabaja in the afternoon. 33 Zero guide in 27 Kate to find a merger CAP of 12(2) B-339D and 7(1) 75A-7 Hawk. CA Wichita gets a single bomb hit.
8 Kate use 6 torpedoes to sink another 4 AMc at sea just outside of Soerabaja.

Mini-KB is one hex due east of Kendari.
11 Zero escort in 6 Val to Makassar and DD Van Ghent is missed, but AO TAN 5 get one bomb hit. 8 Zero escort in 12 Kate to find 6(1) B-339D on CAP over Kendari.

AM Ipswitch, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Koolama, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AM Cairns, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

11 Zero are used to escort in 12(1) Val to push aside a single B-339D to find BC Howe, Bomb hits 1, and BC De Zeven Provincien operating 2 hexes SW of Kendari.
Instead of following the Vals, 7 Zero escort in 6 Kate to sink CM Willem v d Zaan with 3 torpedo hits 2 hexes south of Kendari.
4 Kate are used to hit xAP Koolinda at Kendari with one torpedo.

Malaya:
Georgetown -
72 Sally and 14 Sonia hit the AF. Damage is Airbase hits 4, Airbase supply hits 5, and Runway hits 54. I want to try to close it down as paras land at Alor Star.

Alor Star -
Captured by the lead elements of 1st Raiding Rgt.

Burma:
14 Blenheim from Rangoon attack the troops marching towards Tavoy 1 hex NW of Bangkok. The 15th Army HQ is targeted. I didn't have any fighters at Bangkok, but I do now. [8|]

Borneo:
Singkawang -

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3680 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 117

Defending force 1027 troops, 10 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 32

Japanese adjusted assault: 47

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 47 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Singkawang !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
750 casualties reported
Squads: 38 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 25 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 5 (5 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
I./124th Infantry Battalion
II./124th Infantry Battalion
6th JAAF AF Coy
23rd JAAF AF Bn
10th JAAF AF Coy

Defending units:
West Borneo KNIL Battalion
Singkawang Base Force

China: [>:]

Philippines:
Manila -
The daily attacks on the port have 25 Zero escort in 40 Betty to find only 4(1) P-40E Warhawk on CAP.

AO Trinity, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Ethel Edwards, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage

SRA (East):
40 miles SE of Makassar 13(1) Betty are escorted in by 10 Zeros from Ambon to drop torpedoes at at BB Beatty and BB Jellicoe (a single torpedo hit that is a dud!).

Kendari -
2 Zero are CAP from Mini-KB that leaks over to Kendari as 7(1) B-339D escort in 3(2) Hudson to attack BB Tosa without success.
Landings commence in the afternoon.

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2144 troops, 17 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 147

Defending force 3455 troops, 31 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 132

Japanese ground losses:
95 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
Sparrow Bn /21
Gull Bn /21
Kendari Garrison Battalion
2/4 MG Bn /21
Manado Garrison Bn /16
Makassar Garrison Bn /21
Kendari Base Force

Defending units:
Miura Det /21
Sasebo 2nd SNLF /21
1st Engineer Co /21
4th Engineer Co /21

Notes/Plans:
AJ (Fishbed) wrote after seeing the Combat Replay that his SC TF did not meet any of my TFs. he wrote that they did not use the Waypoints. I suggested he should use Patrol Zones next time.

My SC TF at Kendari shows that BB Kaga is almost completely out of main gun ammo (wasted on small ships and PT Boats. [:(] This TF is ordered back to Ambon. The troops are landed on Kendari, but not all their supply. With 4 BC/BBs close by and me effectively down to 1 BB, the transport TF is ordered to head for Ambon at Full Speed. Mini-KB is out of torpedoes and ordered to the east and above Ambon. However, the Kates from 2 CVLs are sent to Ambon to join the Betty. If the Allies come too far east then they should get hit hard.

On the other end is KB2 with 1 CV worth of torpedoes, another with 1/2 a strike worth, and a third CV out. This TF is ordered to the east end of Java Sea. If the Allies retreat towards Soerabaja, then I hope to get a shot at them. My concern is if the 2 SC TF react into my 3 CVs on the way home.

Malaya was quite and troops continue to move to their next objective.

Michael and I got a turn in today.  Pretty exciting having had two in two days.  It is a bit of progress.
 
Dec 18, 1941
 
My CVs made it back to Kwajalein and Michael walked me through Pilot Management 101.  WOW!  Talk about micromanagement.  I didn't fully understand the issues Dan was going through in his AAR until I did this today.  Picking individual advanced pilots from the Reserve and then grabbing some rookies to train up was quite informative and took some time to do.  Have to say that I really improved my Kate and Val Daitai on those CVs.
 
As to action with Japan in the Eastern, SE Pac, and South Pac---there wasn't much.
 
Kwajalein:
As already said, my 4 CVs returned there on the 18th with lone Zuikaku due to make port tomorrow with her Yamato and Musashi escorts.  The BCs that hit Canton and then stayed on guard will make port on the 19th as well.  Once this has happened, I will re-arrange my ships here into a more workable formation.  Will post that once done.
 
Canton:
I've lifted a Naval Guard off and it moves to Baker.  I've got one IJN BF unloading with another due in about 2 days.  They can repair the base.  It is trashed from the BC bombardment!  I've landed plenty of supplies so we're good there.
 
NEXT TARGETS: 
1.  Savaii--The 144th Inf Reg and 15th BF will begin to move south and capture that within a week or so.
2.  Luganville--A large Naval Guard is loading at Jaluit to land here.
 
Truk:
All my STF have or are returning to this base for refueling and resupply.  They, too, will be reorganized for the Port Moresby Invasion.  Need two more Convoys to make it into Truk and then I can load the 2 Inf Regiments of 4th ID for the Invasion.
 
Lae/Rabaul:
Each has a Base Force and is expanding their AFs. 
 
Lunga:
AF is not too far from Level 1.  When it hits this I will move in some Mavis for search purposes.  A Base Force is leaving Jaluit to provide support for the planes.
 
KB Plans
Once my planes, pilots, and reorganization has happened, they shall move out to cover the landing at Savai and then move due west to link-up and protect the Port Moresby Landings.  A lot of distance but the timing should be about right.
 
 
 
ASK Michael about British and Dutch Battleships and Battlecruisers!!!!
 
BANZAI!
 

So did KB2 get trashed ?

Dec 18: An expensive lesson was learned today, but by whom?!?

ASW/Subs:
I-156 is off the southern tip of Java and expends 2 torpedoes to sink AG Albatros.
RO-33 is on patrol between Koepang and Darwin when she crosses TK Falkefjell just over 100 miles NW of Darwin. She manages to get 1 torpedo hit.

Surface Combat:
My transport have only managed to move 3 hexes ESE from Kendari when 4 old American DDs find them under 0% moonlight. Thankfully, even at 12,000 yards, they don't want to engage. However, the American's soon see their error and attack! Only two shells find a target - a Japanese DD and xAK are hit before breaking contact.
xAK Taihei Maru was the only transport with speed of 10, so she was order to proceed back to Ambon on her own. She had made it 5 hexes (ended up 4 hexes west of Ambon) when the 4 DDs find and sink her in the morning.

Carriers:
KB2 is moving through the early morning mist and comes across xAKL Legazpi. She is easily sunk by BC Kirishima at 25,000 yards. However, a junior office is OOD on board CLAA Naka as she collides with CS Mizuho. This is the second collision when CV TF run across small transports. [&:] CLAA Naka damage is: 2-22(21)-21(16)-0, but her speed has been reduced to 20 and will force KB2 to slow down.
17 Zero escort in 27 Kate and 27 Val from one of the CVs to find 4 Sea Hurricane Ib on CAP over Ruteng (western tip of Flores, 5 hexes south of Makassar, and 7 hexes from KB2). I'm going to myself during the replay, "Where is the British CV/CVL?"

AO TAN 3, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
DD Van Ghent, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AO TAN 6, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk
AO TAN 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

A second CV finds targets at Banjoewangi (southern tip of Java). 17 Zero escort in 26 Kate and find a small CAP of 3(1) 75A-7 Hawk.

CM Rigel, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
PC Tydeman, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

I am now down to one strike from 1 CV worth of torpedoes.
The only afternoon strike comes late in the day. 34 Zero escort in 18(1) torpedo carrying Kate to Ruteng to find only 3(1) Sea Hurricane Ib on CAP.

BB Jellicoe, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CL Phoenix

[:D]

Mini-KB which has been 3 hexes NE of Ambon decides to go after BC Howe and gets 2 bomb hit in the afternoon.

Malaya:
Malacca -
Two British CLs (Durban & Dragon) bombard my two tank rgt (nice surprise), but only hit one tank.

Georgetown -
7 Tojo escort in 79 Sally and 14 Sonia to be surprised by 19 Buffalo up on CAP (looks like they are based in northern Sumatra). The Sonia are able to sink 4 HDMLs while the Sally's trash the AF - Airbase hits 3, Airbase supply hits 2, Runway hits 78, Port hits 3.

Alor Star -
14 Nate dance with 4 Blenheim IF while the 14th Tank Regiment just east of Georgetown is attacked by 5 Blenheim.

Borneo:
Singkawang -
3 B-17D Fortress from Soerabaja attack BB Ise without success.

China:
Hong Kong -
5 minesweepers clear 119 mines in the morning and another 154 are swept in the afternoon. [&o]

Philippines:
Manila -
25 Zero escort in the daily port raid of 50 Betty and see the Allies have managed to put up 6(2) P-40E Warhawk on CAP.

AO Pecos, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Ethel Edwards, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
AO Trinity, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Clark Field -
34 Zero do not wait for the LBs and sweep away 1(1) P-35A, but not the 2 P-40B Warhawk. 20 Lily follow up and get only 5 runway hits.

Iba -
Captured by 65th Brigade

SRA (East):
Kendari -
BB Jellicoe, 2 CL, & 3 DD fire on my troops and only inflict 52 casualties.
4 Hudson attack my troops, but don't hit anything.

Ambon -
10 Zero are assigned to escort 13 Betty to the NW for 4 hexes to find a BB based TF. BC Howe is hit with 1 torpedo.
8 Kate from Mini-KB that were flown into Ambon yesterday find the 4 DDs 2 hexes due west of the base. DD Whipple is hit with 3 bombs and left on fire (someone forgot to micro-manage this Chutai as they were ordered to carry bombs vs torpedoes ).
The afternoon opens with 10 Zero guiding in 13(2) highly skilled Betty to launch at

BC Howe, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BC De Zeven Provincien, Torpedo hits 1

The same 8 Kates find DD Edsall and get 1 bomb hit, while the other Chutai of 12 Kate are escorted in by 11 Zero to sink AVP Bellatrix with 3 torpedo hits (at least they had the torpedoes set vs bombs [:D]).
5(1) unescorted Betty reach out from Ambon to attempt to hit BB Jellicoe at Ruteng, but there is a CAP of 4 Sea Hurricane Ib present.

Notes/Plans:
The heavy ships of ABDA have been cut in half after today's action. [&o] KB2 is out of torpedoes and is ordered back to Camrahn Bay while Mini-KB will move towards Bebeldaob to replenish (the large AKE will arrive here next turn), but the 2 Chutai of Kates will stay at Ambon for one more day just in case. The British CV/CVL will have to be dealt with later.

Imperial Guards arrived at Alor Star, but will need three days to unload from the trains. Malacca is empty (looks like they cut off forces are going to head for Goergetown). Mersing is left alone, again.

Air HQ is two days out of Singkawang on transports set to Full Speed.

Be carefull he prob knows your low/ out of torps ...
 
Did you move the CVs Kates to Ambon where they get the base forces torps ? Thats a good idea.

KB2 is out of torpedoes, but I have over 75 Zeros on board, so she is safe and the Kates will switch over to bombs. I might have a few 800kg AP bombs somewhere. [;)]

Mini-KB is headed back to Bebeldoab to replenish. I might leave the Kates at Ambon and get them when I come back.

I will use both of these TF once they get to port to re-size 2 Zero Chutai from 9 planes to..... [:D] We have 60 Zero in the pool and a Mike Daitai at Tokyo that will allow one of them to be filled out with pilots with 60 or more experience. There are less restricted Daitai/Sendai in this mod and as I have told John, I need quality pilots in the front lines and not a bunch of new recruits.

The turn was a--pardon me--BLAST to watch. AJ is being aggressive and got spanked pretty soundly. I hope we can sink another BB/BC this turn. If that does happen then we are in very good shape in the DEI.

It is beginning to worry me that we've seen nothing of the US CVs. I've got searches flying out of Lae, Rabaul, and the Marshalls. Not a whiff from anyone yet.

Michael--Be watchful because they may show-up on your doorstep. Figure 2 US CV isn't TOO much of a threat but they could rudely make their presense felt at any time...

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

The turn was a--pardon me--BLAST to watch. AJ is being aggressive and got spanked pretty soundly. I hope we can sink another BB/BC this turn. If that does happen then we are in very good shape in the DEI.

It is beginning to worry me that we've seen nothing of the US CVs. I've got searches flying out of Lae, Rabaul, and the Marshalls. Not a whiff from anyone yet.

Michael--Be watchful because they may show-up on your doorstep. Figure 2 US CV isn't TOO much of a threat but they could rudely make their presense felt at any time...

Well with the Hornet soon isnt it 4 US CV + The UK one + the Wasp in this mod ? Since you havent seen it he may just be gathering a bigger KB... The below says there will be 8 US fleet carriers in dec 41 (since the 3 rumoured will be built in 5 years) . Assume 1 is in teh Atlantic , +1 british and there could quite well be 6 Fleet CVs around. Not sure why your thinking 1+2...

Is he gatherign them all at Aukland , Suva , Sydney or Brisbane ? may be worth sending a glen / mini subs to these locations.

The confirmed strength of the US fleet stands at a total of 13 older Battleships, 2 new Battleships, 2 Battlecruisers and 5 fleet Carriers. In addition to this, there are reports of another two fast Battleships and up to 3 new fleet Carriers having been built since 1936.

We actually got two turns in on Friday!  It was pretty nice, however, no turns on Saturday.  Maybe there is balance there.

As normal for this stage all the action was in Michael's arena so he'll have to detail.  Have to say that that things look fantastic for the ground side of the Malay and Philippines action to this point.  The added emphasis on hitting these places fast and deep has paid off pretty well.  We'll have to see if there is a bigger reward for this in time once Singapore falls.

I've replennished KB at Kwajalein and the crews have gotten 4-5 days of R&R.  The Carriers shall sail on the next turn to cover Savaii's Landing, move due west passing Suva and Noumea, and then cover the Port Moresby Operation.  Once this is complete, I will reture them to Truk for repair and THEN go US CV hunting around New Zealand and southern Aussieland. 

It is my hope to have my 6th KB CV back by then.  Michael--do you think Shokaku can rejoin her sister in about 3-4 weeks?

BK--I have 6 I-Boats about to begin cruising around NZ and southern Aust waters looking for US Carriers.  Good thought there...

EDIT: Lunga went to Sz-1 AF on the 21st. Have a BF about to be dropped off there in 2-3 days then Mavis will move in for recon.

Dec 19: Unescorted Kates get shot down which hurts, but not as bad as the loss of good pilots. No turns in my inbox, so time to do AAR for last two days.

ASW/Subs:
I-153 sinks xAKL Marudu with a single torpedo between Singapore and Palembang.

Carriers:
KB2 heads back towards Camrahn bay from Java Sea.
Mini-KB is close to Babeldaob from replenishment.

Malaya/Burma:
Malacca -
2 CLs bombard my troops again and destroy one tank.
Captured by 2 x Tank and 1 x Recon!! [:)]

Georgetown -
8 Tojo and 7 Oscar are enough of an escort for 64 Sally and 18 Sonia. 6 H81-A3 and 3 Buffalo are destroyed on ground. The base is hit hard again - Airbase hits 6, Airbase supply hits 2, Runway hits 79, Port hits 4, Port supply hits 2.

Temuloh -
The 22nd Indian Brigade is subject to ground attacks by 35 Lily, but no casualties are reported.

5th Division is almost to Johore Bahru and a leak of 2(1) Zero are on CAP from Mersing as 9(1) Buffalo escort in 6(1) Hudson. No damage is done.

Victoria Point -
Part of 143rd Infantry Battalion captures base.

Borneo: [>:]

China:
Hong Kong -
68 mines cleared in AM phase.

Kweiteh -
this empty dot base is captured in central china

Philippines:
Manila-
9 Zero are enough of an escort for 45 Betty to push aside 3 P-40E Warhawk to get at the damaged shipping in the port.

AS Holland, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AO Pecos, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AO Trinity, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
TK Mindanao, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Clark Field -
34 Zero are almost not needed to escort in 28 Nell to find a 1(1) P-35A on CAP. A B-17 is destroyed on the ground and AF damage is Airbase hits 1, Airbase supply hits 1, Runway hits 24. Then, 29 Sally and 25 Lily add to the AF damage - Airbase hits 3, Airbase supply hits 1, Runway hits 25.

Lucena -
Captured by elements of 16th Division as they march towards Manila from the south.

SRA (East):
Kendari -
2CL & 8 DDs bombard my troops. No casualties inflicted.

Ruteng -
11 Zero escort in 13 Betty from Ambon to attempt to hit CL Mauritius and CL Phoenix without success.

Kendari -
Meanwhile, 12(5) Kate are lost to 9 Fulmar II on CAP over AM Deloraine two hexes east of the base.

Notes/Plans:
Not much is going on as troops march and ships arrive at destinations.

Dec 20: A great aerial victory over the skies of Mersing weakens the Allied air power over the peninsula.

ASW/Subs:
KXIV is operating 1 hex due east of Camrahn Bay and my ASW TF misses.

Carriers:
KB2 moving slowly back to Camrahn Bay due to damaged CLAA.
Mini-KB at Babeldoab. A CVL was used to "resize to fit" Kawai Det from 9 Zero to 32. They will transfer over to Truk and John's control, but will be filled with rookie pilots until is is withdrawn on 10 Feb 42.

Malaya:
Georgetown -
7 Tojo face 3 H81-A3 and 1 Buffalo on CAP. This is enough for 44 Sally and 14 Sonia to destroy 5 planes on the ground. Base damage is increased due to Airbase hits 3, Airbase supply hits 2, Runway hits 31, Port hits 2, Port fuel hits 1. The second wave of 21 Sally is protected by 5 Oscar vs 1 H81-A3 on CAP. AF damage is - Airbase supply hits 1, Runway hits 17.

Temuloh -
5th Field Regiment and then 22nd Indian Brigade are attacked by 35 Lily with no known casualties.

Mersing -
12 Zero and 18 Oscar are on CAP vs 11(2) Buffalo escorting in 11(2) Blenheim IV, 7(4) Vildebeest, and 3(1) Hudson to attack ships unloading. xAK Manyo Maru is sunk by a single torpedo from a Vildebeest. The second wave of 4 Catalina, 3 Swordfish, and 11(2) Vildebeest to face 6 Zero and 5 Oscar still on CAP. The 2 CAs are able to dodge all bombs and torpedoes. The afternoon air attacks do not perform any better. 11 Zero and 15 Oscar are on CAP as 19(4) Buffalo escort in 6(3) Vildebeest and are unable to hit CA Tsurugi.

Johore Bahru -
Captured by 5th Division and multiple artillery units. BANZAI!! [:)]

Borneo:
Air HQ starts to unload at Sangkawang as a 27 Zero and 27 Betty move in.

China: [>:]

Philippines:
Clark Field -
29 Nell are escorted in by 25 Zero. A B-17D Fortress is destroyed on ground while the AF gets light damage - Airbase hits 2, Runway hits 24. Then, 29 Sally and 23 Lily do limited damage - Airbase hits 3, Runway hits 33.

Naga -
Captured by a BF and SNLF company. (part of the air bridge to the south for short legged LBA)

SRA (East):
Kendari -
5 DDs bombard my troops, but again no casualties are reported.

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2331 troops, 21 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 183

Defending force 3474 troops, 31 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 133

Allied adjusted assault: 35

Japanese adjusted defense: 149

Allied assault odds: 1 to 4

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

Japanese ground losses:
156 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Allied ground losses:
613 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 71 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 34 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
Gull Battalion
Manado Garrison Bn /16
Sparrow Battalion
Kendari Garrison Battalion
2/4 MG Battalion
Makassar Garrison Bn /21
Kendari Base Force

Defending units:
1st Engineer Co
Miura Det
4th Engineer Co
Sasebo 2nd SNLF

Notes/Plans:
CS Chiyoda at Babeldoab is used to "resize to fit" the 6 plane Jake to 24 planes. A 6 plane Alf in the Marshalls has the same thing done while KB is disbanded in port. A 36 plane Nell from Takao is sent to Truk.

Malaya - The peninsula is now effectively cut in parts. Imperial Guards Division still needs another day to change back into combat mode before she can get into the war at Alor Star. The 18 knot transports for 38th Division should arrive at Hong Kong in 2 days. Once loaded, they will be the final piece for the Singapore attack.

Allied CVs - Have yet to show themselves. So, I have moved 3 x BF from Tokyo to Ominato and they will be transported over to Hokkaido bases Bihoro and Kushiro to support Nell/Betty along with Zero to protect my northern flank. The 1st Air HQ is being transport be short legged Teresa to supply the punch. Since we are short Mavis, the Nell/Betty will assume a dual role.

Michael and I were REALLY Hoping for a turn so we could avoid watching the news tonight...unfortunately we didn't see a turn and had to watch the news...
 

 

Do we have a recon on Singapore yet ?

I think Michael is doing recon over the base every day.  With the splitting of the peninsula, I will wager there isn't much above 400 AV there.  We drove the two Aussie Brigades back into the base and nearly everything north of Malacca has been driven north to Georgetown or is stuck on the trails and roads.  The situation looks excellent for a quick ending to the Malay Campaign.  Believe that Michael's plans are to destroy the troops in the north and then crush Singapore.  The 38th ID will be added to the attack with it getting picked up from Hong Kong today or tomorrow.
 
The Philippines looks excellent as well.  Troops have moved into Clark where there are about half-a-dozen units.  Roughly the same number in Manila with then 20 in Bataan.  Very real chance of, once again, dividing and destroying (piecemeal) the Philippine Army.  This will be a harder nut to crack but the situation looks quite promising.
 

Dec 21: British SC TF finds transports unprotected.

ASW/Subs:
I-160 is operating off the southern tip of Java (Pamekasan) and finds the damaged CL Phoenix trying to make port. A single torpedo hit is achieved.
O20 is operating 1 hex due east of Camranh Bay and makes an unsuccessful attack on my transports.

Surface Combat:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Naga at 81,81, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Seikai Maru, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
xAK Hokumai Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire
xAK Taigen Maru, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Enzyu Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Hokutai Maru
xAK Misaki Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Taizin Maru
PB Seki Maru #3, Shell hits 7, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Glasgow
DD Vampire
DD Vendetta
DD Tenedos

Carriers:
KB2 is just off Singkawang. I detach the damaged CLAA to join a transport TF so KB2 can maintain a faster pace.
Mini-KB is leaving Babeldoab with a SC TF (BB Matsu & BB Nagato, CA, 3 CL, 7 DDs). They will support Kimura Det re-loading at Ambon for Kendari.

Burma:
Pisanuloke -93rd JAAF AF Bn is the target of 12 Blenheim and 7 Hudson.

Malaya:
Georgetown - 9 Tojo and 2 Oscar escort in 50 Sally and 18 Sonia. There is no CAP! 2 planes are destroyed on the ground and the base damage is Airbase hits 5, Airbase supply hits 4, Runway hits 50. Then, another 15 Sally get 11 Runway hits.

Borneo:
Singkawang - Air HQ finished unloading. A second and third wave are in route to build this base up.

China:
Hong Kong - Transports arrive and 38th Division begins loading along with 4 artillery units for Singapore via Mersing

Philippines:
Manila - 9 Zero escort in 21 Betty to get a single bomb hit on TK Mindanao and sink her, but they had to face only 3 P-40E Warhawk on CAP.

Clark Field - 25 Zero escort in 19 Betty and get 12 Runway hits. Then, 29 Sally and 25 Lily don't need escorts to hit the AF - Airbase hits 1, Runway hits 16

SRA (East):
Kendari - 22 Zero sweep in at 19,000 to face off against 7(3) B-339D.

Ambon - 5 Zero are on CAP as 5 B-17D Fortress from Koepang hit the port. xAK Macassar Maru get 1 bomb hit. The second wave is only a fragment as 2 Zero are enough of distraction for 3 B-17D Fortress to miss any ships.

13 Betty finds DD Paul Jones 4 hexes south of Kendari and sinks her with 2 torpedo hits.

Notes/Plans:
The Malaya Campaign is going well and this screen shot shows troops at Mersing and the bottom what is at Singkawang.

Dec 22: Divide and Conquer

ASW/Subs:
S-37 is operating 4 hexes due easy of Manila and misses an unescorted xAK.
KXIV is 7 hexes ENE of Camranh Bay and my escorts are enough to prevent an xAK from getting hit as they carry the last of the reinforcements for Mersing/Singapore.

Carriers:
KB2 is 2 days out from Camranh Bay. The Vals from CV Shokaku were sent to Kota Bharu to attack shipping at Georgetown per a suggestion by Admiral Cochran (I knew I kept him around for something [:D]). The Kates were sent ahead to Camranh Bay. Next turn, 1 of 2 Zero Chutai from Mersing will land on CV Shokaku to be resized. We have 51 Zero in the pool. In preparation, I have sent about a dozen pilots from the Mike Daitai in Tokyo to the Reserve Pool that have air experience above 65.

Mini-KB is one day out of Babeldoab on her way to Ambon and then over to support the reinforcement of Kendari.

Malaya: 16 Zero and 12 Betty find a lone HDML 3 hexes east of Singapore. Of course, she is sunk.

Georgetown - 6 Oscar escort in 66 Sally and 18 Sonia to find no CAP. [:)] They destroy 2 H81-A3 and rough up the base - Airbase hits 2, Runway hits 44, Port hits 2, Port supply hits 1. Then, 18 Nell from Saigon attack the 3 xAPs at the base and sink xAP Glenapp with 5 torpedo hits. However, both xAP Kota Tjandi and xAP Poelau Bras are not hit.

Temuloh - 5th Field Regiment is the target of 28 Lily escorted in by 23 Oscar. Only a single vehicle is destroyed. Then, 22nd Indian Brigade is targeted by 8 Lily and is not damaged.

Borneo: Singkawang now has the 2 Nell and 1 Betty Daitai from Saigon based here. A mostly inexperienced Zero Daitai is there as escorts. They will conduct Naval Search (10%), Naval Attack/Airfield Attack (Singapore) for the next few days.

China: 38th Division and 4 artillery units have finished loading on transports at Hong Kong for the trip to Mersing and eventually Singapore.

Philippines:
Clark Field -
25 Zero sweep the base before the bombers - 29 Sally and 25 Lily hit the AF and destroy 1 O-47A on the ground along with 43 runway hits. Not finding any ships to target, 18 Zero escort in 31 Betty to hit the AF - Airbase hits 1, Runway hits 16. The last element of the 48th Division arrived at this base last turn and the division is rebuilt. A deliberate attack with the 48th, 65th Bde, and 2 tank are ordered for tomorrow.

Batangas - A deliberate attack is ordered by most of the 16th Division tomorrow.

SRA (East):
Ambon - 11 Zero are enough of a CAP to keep 3 B-17D Fortress from hitting the base.

7 hexes due west of Ambon are two ships. 16 Zero guiding in 13 Betty to sink xAP Koolinda with 2 torpedo hits and AMc Aroe with 1 torpedo hits.

Notes/Plans:
Some of the early conversions will be completed in Japan tomorrow (15 days). [:)]
9 LCUs are reported to be at Clark Field (24,000 troops). I have 777 Assault Value.

To: Admiral Cochran

From: Admiral Benoit

Re: Sub Deployment

It is has to the attention of this Admiral that you have subs operating very close to the American West Coast. May I suggest that you focus on the following areas for deployment:
1) Christmas Island - this base can hold unlimited number of troops and is an important base for the Americans and their LOC to Australia.
2) Society Islands - one of your favorite "vacation" spots. With the fall Canton, I would imagine the Allies are using this area to route transports to and from Australia.
3) Alaska - we don't know what is going on up there. [&:]
4) Glen equipped subs - I would have the Glens rest until Morale is 99. Then, set for 100% Recon Training. Bases to cover include: Dutch Harbor, Christmas Island, Tahati, Aukland, Noumea, Suva, and Pago Pago. If possible, I could use 2 of these subs (Colombo and Perth). [;)]

The Allied CVs are somewhere. We also need to find out the transport routes they are using and would use Patrol Zones to see how well they are using Waypoints with their convoys.

Long Live the Emperor!! [&o]

George town seems a waste , time for some high sweeps of Singapore i think and get the Sallies and Sonias to hit his moving infantry. Prob same in PI.
 
 
He ahs prob given up combining his forces in Malaya so one option move 5th DIv to singapore with all your ither forces and leave a fragment , If he makes a heavy push South land the 38th  at Mersing. He prob knows its comming with the prep and intel.    If he doesnt come land it at Djambi / Palembang  , its nice to get that swamp province (*2 def) before he gets some forts and CDs   Maybe it can be taken by air.

The seas are not safe ANYWHERE on this map! On Dec 23rd one of my AMCs finds a convoy SW of Melbourne. It put 8 large shells into the biggest ship and another 5 shells into the other. Nice little bit of excitement. Order the AMC to try and pick-off another ship or two and then return to replennish at Lunga: