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Combat Report
February 7-8, 1942

Sorry about that three part update above. Can only type with the time allowed.

In the realm of 'what the HELL?' I have an interesting Post this morning.

North Pacific
CV Saratoga stays in the same hex SE of Adak both days and continues launching small strikes again the Naval Guard and large Base Force there. I cannot fathom what he is doing and am then stunned on the 8th to see an INVASION FORCE attempt to land troops there! It is FEBRUARY. Two modern CLs Honolulu-Helena provide gunfire support while the 201st Inf Reg tries to crawl ashore. They take terrible losses and I order an Attack for tomorrow. There is nothing to strike the shipping there with immediately.

Attu: While he is occupied there I work to unload a CD unit at my main base. Also order several more warships to gather here. Only have a CL and some older DDs but might take a swipe. With Saratoga there this is not a very good idea so I shall think on it. Order 15 more Zero from the Kawai Detachment to Paramushiro Jima where they will hop over to Attu on the next turn. Should provide enough CAP to bloody any incoming American Raid.

WHY do this??? He is going to lose an Inf Reg for sure. I grabbed these bases against no opposition so I knew my disruption (winter landings) wouldn't be too bad. To land in the face of opposition is not very good.

Central Pacific
My 6 DDs arrive at Jaluit to meet several Tankers and a CL. They will refuel and rest a couple of days before taking another swipe at Christmas. There is now a STF at Christmas with at least a CL and couple of DDs. May, instead, send my DDs down to Pago Pago for a swipe there.

South Pacific
Have shifted to Sweeps with 54 Zeros the last couple of days over PM. This has done the trick as all Fighter opposition has ended (for the moment). My bombers start hitting the base again on the 7th.

KB disbands at Rabaul on the 6th and will stay for a few days. Zuikaku is getting in better shape as her SYS damage has dropped to 12 (from 18). Have to decide where my 4 Big Boys are going. Think a Raid towards Sydney and NZ might be fun. Want to keep Allied shipping stopped if possible.

Land at Lihir and Tanna on the 8th.

Four Japanese Inf Div are approaching Rabaul. They will be shuttled right on through to Noumea where they can get R&R and fillout over the next month.

Philippines
Preparing the land at the next Central Philippines island.

Java
Attack Madioen on the 8th with an SNLF Brigade. The result is barely 1-2 so I will use the freshly arrived 2nd Inf Div to take the base tomorrow.

Bombard Cocos and get a few planes. Will take this island as soon as resistance in Java ends.

I have been mining the Merak--Oosthaven Strait. Three time now I have been rewarded with hearing a mine explosion sound effect. Can only imagine that SS are hitting the field and not having good days! Have created an ASW TF in this area as well as dedicated 27 bombers to fly ASW over this region. Perhaps I can take a swipe at the Allied SS in this area.

Malaya
Johore Bharu falls on the 8th. Screenshot Posted below. Get a 3-1 and force 2 Aussie Brigades and an Indian Brig to retreat at heavy loss (5,794 Cas). When one totals what I destroyed north of here and what was just forced back, I think Singapore will fall FAST. Rest my 3 Inf Div and await the 21st ID which should begin unloading at Mersing tomorrow.

Burma
Already detailed in earlier Post.

China
Nanyang falls to the combined weight of 7 Inf Div! The attack is at 6-1 destroying one unit and forcing another six back towards Sian. Chinese losses are terrible (15,182 with 1245 Squads Destroyed). We can now begin the march to Sian presently.

Engeerinng:
Corunna Downs AF-1
Merak AF-2

Here is current disposition of TF up north:

How to take Southern Burma for little cost...

Here is the movement of troops in Australia:

Here are the reinforcements scheduled coming in for the Kaigun:

Even i repeat myself....You´re incredibly fast.

And thanks that you posted some maps.

Combat Report
February 9, 1942

North Pacific
The great American winter campaign of 1942 ends (after 24 hours) with the USA immediately pulling out the shattered 201st Regiment. Too bad. I had planned on sending 7 DD into the waters there to take a swipe at the American TF. The CLs bombard and Saratoga launches a full strike at Adak to cover the withdrawal.

If Lew seriously wants to play up here then I will do so. Several SS get orders to move up into these waters. As said earlier the new Junyo, Nisshin, and Yamato will make their 'training' cruise up here and try to bag us an American CV. I've got 3 DD in Yokohoma but need enough to make an effective screen so I order 3 freshly repaired DDs from Hong Kong and Manila to head to that base. There is one 8,000T AO operating in the north so I will use it for refueling purposes.

Central Pacific
Am pulling back SS from West Coast and Hawaii as they need to refuel and redirecting them towards Australia--NZ where they will operate out of Noumea.

South Pacific
The first of the Aussie Inf Div pass Rabaul on their way to Noumea and Koumac. Due to stacking requirements I will initially base two at each base along with support troops. The 5th and 6th IDs will be landed at La Foa. All six will then rest and rebuild for the mid-March Operation.

Take Kihir and Tanna.

Hit PM this day with two Sweeps and three different bombing raids by Sally, Betty, and Kate.

Java
Attack Madioen with the 2nd Inf Div and get a 2-1 lowering Forts to 0. The base will fall next round.

DEI
Attack Tarakan (for the 5th or 6th time) with the 4th Inf Reg and get a 1-1. Need that darned 2-1! Well...the 90th Inf Reg is only a few days away and that will certainly finish things off.

OIL: This leads me to comment that I now have ALL the major oil facilities and fields and NONE of them suffered any meaningful damage. Thank Goodness! [&o]

Burma
Take Toungoo without a fight.

Engineering:
Changchun AF-5
Palembang AF-5

Reinforcements:
I-28 arrives at Tokyo

NOTES:
Must plan ahead here.

1. Order another 20-25 smaller AKs converted into troop transports for the Aussie Invasions.
2. Start loading 100,000 supply for New Caledonia so I've got enough for a solid start. Port Hedlund already has over 50,000 supply in it.
3. Fuel is being shuttled forward to Koepang, Rabaul, and Noumea.
4. Start building the SS Cordon (25-30 SS) around the target.

I cannot hide these growing developments. Must hope that the troops moving into New Caledonia will APPEAR to be going east towards Suva. The offensive threatening Katherine and points south is 'normal' for me so Lew shouldn't think too much about that for the moment.

Combat Report
February 10-11, 1942

February is slipping away and I feel the pressure to keep to the time table for the Australia Landings. Got to get Java and Malaya wrapped up---FAST!

North Pacific
The Americans pullout and disappear into the woodwork. I Fast TF a Con Bn into Adak so that AF can move along a bit faster. It isn't too far from Lvl-1. Will move 24 Floatplanes there at that point. Attu is nearly at Lvl-2 and I have an Air Flotilla at sea heading there. No more freebies once that gets there!

Central Pacific
No developments

South Pacific
The Coral Sea is filled with TF carrying troops to New Caledonia. Makes me a little nervous to see all those boys moving along without more Air Search making sure my opponent doesn't do anything 'crazy.'

Zuikaku is down to Sys 11. A few more days in Rabaul and all four CVs will be able to operate.

Take Vanimo and land at Mare.

Going to use the TF bringing the Inf Div to Noumea and Koumac to lift the 144th Inf Reg and Imperial Guards Brigade and bring them back to Rabaul. 9th Air Fleet shall be present at that point and so we'll load for the Cairns Operation. Will land at Cairns with the above units plus the Chinese Inf Div I bought out about 6 weeks ago. Should be a strong enough force to really catch Lew's attention.

Looks like the towel has been thrown in at PM. No fighters rise to challenge my Zeros and Bombers on either the 10th or 11th. Good.

Philippines
Take Dumaguete and order the 65th to move up the coast to grab the other town on that island.

Basitan falls on the 11th.

Java
Madioen falls on the 10th to the 2nd Inf Div. Order them to follow the beaten survivors. The 21st Inf Brig is moving along the northern coast.

Unload 35,000 supply at Soerabaja so I can expand the Repair Yard for Shoho.

Cocos gets the attention of a BC and 3 CA on the 10th.

Soryu is down to 2 SYS Damage. When she hits zero I will form-up a TF to get her to Kong Kong. The CV is capable of 24 knots so she should get there in pretty good shape. Zuiho continues her trek towards Manila by passing Balikpapan.

Malaya
OK. Time to play. Order the troops at Johore Bharu to advance to Singapore.

There is a TK Reg present at JB and it isn't needed for Singapore so it is ordered up to Georgetown for shipment to Rangoon.

Burma
Troops getting settled at Rangoon. Am advancing NW towards Prome.

China
Lew gets tired of me kicking him around and orders several stalemated hexes to attack. This is a surprise and gains my attention. Doesn't look like much of a threat but I will need to clean-up the backfield in China much SOONER then later.

SS Ops
I-169 sinks AK Santa Rita at Suva.

Engineering
Rabaul AF-5

Reinforcements
A new, large AO enters Japanese service at Nagasaki. I will use this fine addition to support my Northern Venture.

Notes:
1. Three Supply Convoys finish loading at Osaka and head for Rabaul, Koumac, and Noumea. They carry--respectively--25,000, 35,000, and 75,000 supply. Supply is running short in the Home Islands so I cannot do very much of this.
2. Convert nearly 30 AK over to Transport mode. Once I have gotten the troops into Australia then these ships will have to be put back into original form so they can get to work hauling stuff.

Its a flurry of activity all over the board it seems. What air support will you bring to OZ and will you bring large portions of the IJAAF?

Hey Sir.

The army will provide nearly all the support in the West on the drive towards Perth. Will have some naval air to go after convoys and shipping but figure about 300-350 planes in this area.

Figure about 100 army aircraft going down the Center towards Alice Springs.

The IJN will carry the east. Will deploy the 9th Air Fleet plus about 150 more planes (some Army) so that should be closer to 500 aircraft. Will use this aerial armada starting at Cairns and then move south to Townsville as quick as I can.

ALL Army and Navy Transports will concentrate at Corunna Downs or south of Townsville for the jumps that will seal the final landings.

The CVs will cover each flank trying to go after reinforcements. Looks like I should have CarDiv2 and Ryujo on the western side and CarDiv1 and 5 in the east.

This will leave the 2 CVLs repairing plus the new Junyo and Nisshin for additional duty.

Sounds well covered. Just was wondering if this would leave you short in areas like Java, Singapore (if it's not yet captured), and China. I guess even if this is the case, you have to pick your battles and it looks like you're all in for this one. You should have air superiority with that lot as long as not many US planes have made it to OZ.

I have a profound fear of Lew trying ANYTHING while I'm in Australia. Have to reinforce Burma with at least an Inf Div to help there and get up to--at least--Mandalay.

Combat Report
February 12-15, 1942

We are entering a definite lull between major operations as the Fleet does necessary repairs and troops are shuffled about to their forward operating areas. Probably 75% of the Fleet has been in Port for 7-10 days. There is no major action during this period of 4 days. It is coming but not quite yet.

North Pacific
Attu finally moves to AF-2 and Adak's AF is about to become operational. I move 24 Floatplanes to Adak for Air Search. Attu has 24 FP, 27 Zero, 12 Val, and 12 Kates at the moment. An Air Flotilla unloads at Paramushiro Jima and is reloaded onto 10 DDs for a quick run into Attu.

Lew is staying active up here with a pair of CLs regularly bombarding Adak. When I bring the new CVs up here, I intend to 'lure' Saratoga out with bait by having couple of convoys arrive at Adak and several other locations. WANT that CV!

Central Pacific
I have a SS spot a TF heading for Christmas so I form-up 1 CL and 6 DD at Jaluit to possibly take a swipe at them. If my recon shows more then I can reasonably handle then this TF might hit Pago Pago instead.

South Pacific
I have BUNCHES of troop transports, AOs, and Cargo TF moving between Rabaul and New Caledonia. Makes me nervous...

9th Air Fleet is nearly to Rabaul. Aircraft are in transit: 108 Zero arrive at Truk, 27 Val--27 Kate--36 Nell arrive at Rabaul. To Cover the troop convoys and improve recon/air search I deploy most of the 9th's Long Range Floatplanes: 12 Emily--Milne Bay, 12 Emily--Koumac, 12 Emily--Noumea. These join 18 Mavis already working. Should have a pretty good idea of enemy ship movements now. Also order recon of Norfolk and Lord Howe. First results appear to find these important bases EMPTY. If they are I will GRAB THEM ASAP!

My 4 Inf Div should begin unloading this turn but I spot a STF possibly approaching Noumea so I form-up a STF of 1 CL and 3 DD to fight them there while I pull those Troop Convoys back a little bit Move 27 Betty to Noumea. There is an Air Flotilla there so now I have some striking power here.

In China I pick-up the 3rd Inf Div. It will join the 13th ID, Imperial Guards Brigade, and 144th Inf Reg in attacking NE Australia.

Philippines
Zamboanga falls on the 15th freeing up some troops for garrison duty in the Philppines. 65th Brigade is approaching Bacolad in the Central Philippines.

Java
Semarang falls on the 12th.

Soerakarta falls on the 13th

The Offensive in Java is picking up pace.

Have an SNLF Brigade prepping for Cocos Island.

Malaya
My 3 Inf Divisions cross the strait and land at Singapore. HEAVY disruption but things look good as I take minimal casualties. His combat strength is rated at 500 when I cross. Think this MIGHT be easy. Let the troops rest for a bit and then order an attack on the 16th. 21st ID is nearly to Johore Bharu and will reinforce the assault if needed.

Burma
It APPEARS Lew has evacuated back to Mandalay. Wow. I will take the freebie. Have a TK Reg at Georgetown to move up and reinforce my minimal troops in this region. Starting to move aircraft into the theatre. VERY nervous here...

Australia
Hex 74,129 (west of Katherine at the river) begins to see a see-saw fight between a pair of Tk Reg and 4 Aussie units. Welcome the fight as my HQ and SNLF Assault Brigade goes by it to the north heading directly for Katherine.

Fly in 54 Sally and 36 Oscars to Wyndham to begin operations.

China
The outer battle for Sian begins as troops move up the road from Nanyang and west along the road from Loyang. Heavy resistance at the moment and we shall see what happens. After managing to keep my supply high for the first two months, supplies are now dwindling so this is an issue.

Engineering:
12th: Adak AF-2 and Wyndham AF-2
13th: Paramushiro Jima AF-4, Jehol AF-8, Koumac AF-1
14th: Port Hedlund AF-1 and Wyndham Pt-2
15th: Nagasaki AF-5 and Corunna Downs AF-2

Bases Taken:
12th: Vella Lavella, Mare, Feni, Semarang, Jv
13th: Green Island, Hollandia, Emirau, Soerakarta, Jv
14th: Batjan
15th: Rennell, Zamboanga, Phil, Sarmi, Manus, Buka, Sambas

Damaged CVs:
The long wait for getting my CVs repaired is nearing its end. Zuiho is two days out from Manila and will repair there. Zuikaku is under 10 SYS and available for operations. Soryu's SYS is now 0 and she is getting ready to head for Hong Kong. This only leave little Shoho and she will leave for nearby Soerabaja in a few days. Cannot believe I have managed to save ALL these CVs--CVLs. Got damned lucky in this area...

Economy:
Supply is low in the Home Islands so I will pull no more for a month or so to let them come up. Didn't have enough engines in several categories (got lazy not watching my aircraft production expansion in relation to engine numbers!) so am adding there a bunch of new ones. Cannot wait for my naval reinforcements!

NO screenshots today as I accidentally advanced the turn prior saving it in another slot so I could pull it back up. Oopps.

Been a busy couple of days working in the yard. Turns keep going though. Just sent the 2-21 turn to Lew. There have been a few major developments and I shall detail them tonight or tomorrow morning. Thanks for the patience.

Combat Report
February 16-21, 1942

Busy days as everything begins moving towards the ultimate Aussie showdown. Lew continues to counter-punch (somewhat effectively) at cost to his naval forces. Nothing too crazy but things a re certainly interesting!

North Pacific
Reasonably quiet up here for the moment. I've moved a pair of AOs to PJ so I can take care of my Carrier TF once it is ready to leave the Home Islands. Have decided to use a couple of AKLs as a lure to draw Lew out with Saratoga. These TF will move into recon range and begin unloading at Adak, Amchitka, etc... They will be protected by small STF so is APPEARS that the area is still playing 3rd fiddle to the rest of the Pacific. As that happens, I will use Junyo, Nisshin, Yamato to swing around BEHIND the Allies and try to nail that CV. Plan to lose some ships here but the cost SHOULD be worth the price...

Central Pacific
On the 20th my little STF of a CL and 5 DD runs into a strong American TF of CA San Francisco, CL Phoenix, and 6 DD. The range OPENS at 2,000 yards and my DDs land crippling hits on the CL and 1 DD, however, I lose DD Urakaze for the fight. The remaining ships disengage and head for home. Hmmm...I guess it could have been worse...

South Pacific
CRAZY action here. The 16th-20th sees Lew throw CA Australia, CLs Leander, Trenton, and Concord in single ship STF at anything in the waters around New Caledonia. His recon had picked up all those troops convoys moving from Rabaul to this Island. The result of these moves is CHAOS as I try to sink yet more of his cruiser force AND keep my convoys out of harm's way. The end result is OK. My light forces damage every cruiser and then the BIG BOYS (Hyuga--Ise) arrive and crush the Trenton.

Have never seen my Betty more ineffective as in this period of days. They fly from Noumea each day and night and didn't score a SINGLE hit. Pretty wild. His cruisers do score one victory during this as CA Australia gets into a Convoy carrying 3 Art units and 18,000 supply. She sinks 9 AK and a 1 PB destroying two units and putting 13,000 supply down about 15,000Ft of water.

This craziness has me bring the KB out a few days earlier then planned. Every CV is now at a SYS 8 Damage or less as they depart. The CVs arrive between New Caledonia and eastern Australia on the 21st and look for shipping. I move them slightly NW towards Townsville as I have been seeing shipping there for the last few days.

I swing an Invasion Force past PM and grab Terapo on the 19th. Lew sends a couple of DDs here on the 20th and CA Kinugasa hits DD Voyager and sinks DD Benham. The IF then picks up the two Naval Guards and lands them at Horn Island on the 21st. I get a terrible Invasion roll of the dice and my Nvl Guard are badly demoralized when they come ashore. He has a strong enough presence there that I immediately lift them up again and head for Maruake. Will try for Horn again in a bit.

STATUS
1. It appears that Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands are EMPTY. Begin loading an SNLF Assault Brigade to grab both. If I can get Lord Howe then it will become a springboard for my operations in south Aussieland.

2. The 9th Air Fleet is fully deployed at Rabaul and this mass of BF and HQ REALLY pump up construction on the AF and Port! Rabaul is maxed out for troops that can be there presently.

3. The Cairns IF will sortie from Lunga in about a week. It will consist of Imperial Guards Brigade, 144th Inf Reg and the Chinese 13th ID. The 3rd Chinese ID will arrive there from China.

4. Lew has reinforced PM up to 11 units and that is GREAT! It shall serve as a fine prisoner-of-war camp.

5. Two Inf Div shall make there camps at Koumac with another pair at Noumea while they fill out and get ready for the big jump. Will send two more Inf Div from Java as soon as they are available.

Philippines
Land at Dumaguete, take it, and the 65th Brigade arrives at Bacolad on the 21st. Order and attack for tomorrow.

Java
Take Djokartarta on the 16th. Troops continue west. 21st Brigade moves along the north shore and two Inf Div advance along the southern side. Figure end of the month and Java is complete. Shipping is waiting for these troops for an immediate move to New Caledonia.

Order an SNLF Brigade to hit Christmas Isle and then attempt Cocos.

Cocos: my SS have good hunting down here and my STF bombard the island regularly.

DEI
Continuing the reduction of the last units on Sumatra.

Tarakan FINALLY falls on the 20th when the 90th Inf Reg enters the fray. No DAMAGE to oil facilities at all. This final oil center becomes Japanese and ends a brilliant streak of where NOT ONE major oil producing hex sustained any major form of damage. How about that??!!

Malaya
A bit of frustration here. I attack Singapore twice and get 1-1 each time lowering the Forts to 0 but cannot get the 2-1. The 21st ID arrives and crosses over nearly gaining a 2-1 on the 21st. We'll rest a couple of days and try again.

Burma
Holy CRAP! With next to nothing committed to this campaign it appears I am given everything from Mandalay south. How about that??!! Merry Christmas to the Japanese.

Australia
CHAOS. Lew is trying to fight for the Darwin--Katherine area. He has 13 identified units in combat here. I have only 3 TK Reg, an SNLF Brigade, and an Army HQ. This is perfect. Let there be chaos. I want that. Perhaps Lew will be emboldened to throw more into the fray. It can only serve to help situation for later landings. Schedule a Para Landing for the 22nd to try and cut his supply lines.

Port Hedlund and Corunna Downs are expanding quite nicely and will serve as my direct support area for the Perth Assault.

China
The Chinese have suddenly grow a spine. My assault towards Sian has been stymied by blocking force along each road. Hex limits hurts here as well and so we'll keep right on knocking and see what happens.

Wenchow (on the coast) is doing the same thing. I have three ID trying to take it and the best they can sustain is 1-1. Hmmm...

Bases Captured:
16th: Munda, Wau, Palopo (Celebes), Djokjakarta, JV
17th: Meiktila, Burma, Rambutyo
18th: Panggoe, Biak, Terapo
19th: 43,71 (Sumatra), 1,000 Ship's Bay, Prome, Burma
20th: Rekata Bay, Great Sitkin, Noemfoor, Talasea, Tarakan
21st: Taung Gyi, Burma

SS Operations:
16th: I-155 hits AK Empire Condor with 1 TT at Cocos
18th: Ro-33 hits AK Empire Curlew at the same location
21st: I-155 sinks AK Empire Peregrine at Cocos with a pair of TTs and I-25 sinks AK Mary Livanos near Sale, Australia

Need to Post the current SS Totals prior to the start of the Aussie Campaign.

Engineering:
16th: Samah AF-5, Lunga AF-2, Oosthaven AK-4
17th: Paramushiro Jima Pt-3
18th: Adak AF-1
19th: Wakkanai AF-2
21st: Pisanlouke AF-2, Rabaul AF-6, Ternate AF-2, Noumea AF-3, Buitenzorg AF-2

Carriers:
1. Zuiho arrives at Manila on the 18th and goes right into drydock.
2. Soryu departs Batavia on the 16th heading for Hong Kong. She shall reach that location on the 23rd.
3. Shoho will depart Batavia tomorrow for Soerabaja

These damaged CVs were HUGELY vulnerable for over a month. I am truly grateful that my aggressive opponent didn't try something spectacular here!

That is the state-of-the-state.

Comments?

Yet another Allied cruiser is sunk under the big guns of Hyuga and Ise!

Reluctant Admiral 4.0
Racing the Sunrise
SS Sinkings/Damaged

February 21, 1942

The Japanese Sub Arm continues to have excellent success in preying on Allied shipping to this point of the war. As long as the Subs keep getting moved along to differing areas they do pretty well. The best hunting grounds are pretty obvious from the list below. There is an Ro- and an I-Boat that are ACES presently! Only 1 Japanese SS has been sunk at that point. Have been lucky to get a number of boats home that were severely damaged but lived to fight another day.

Am about to deploy an additional two dozen I-Boats around Australia. This should be interesting...

Here are the numbers:

Midgets
AG Antares Pearl Harbor 12-08-41

Ro-Class
Ro-33
AP Bloemfontein (D) Iliolo 12-08-41
ACP Niagara Iliolo 12-08-41
AKL Joan Moller Lucena 12-11-41
AKL Chengtu (D) Lucena 12-11-41
AK Hailzones Cocos 01-22-42
AK Empire Curlew (D) Cocos 02-18-42

Ro-34
AP Republic Iliolo 12-08-41
S-41 Balbac 01-02-42
AP Glenapp Sabang 01-16-42
AK Katrina (D) Sabang 01-16-42

Ro-65
CL Adelaide Port Moresby 12-09-41

Minelayer SS
I-121
AKL Nam Young Malacca 12-10-41

I-122
AK Steel Worker Horn Isle 01-04-42

I-123
AKL Mangellanes Tawi Tawi 12-09-41

I-124
AO Tan 1 Tandjoenselor 12-08-41
AG Albatross Tandjoenselor 12-08-41
AP Rochussen Tjilitjap 12-23-41

I-Boats
I-2
AK Skagerak Newcastle 01-05-42

I-3
AK Steel Age Newcastle 01-06-42

I-4
AP Kota Agoeng Channel Isles 01-22-42

I-5
AP Kota Baroe Channel Isles 01-23-42

I-9
TK Mobilstation (D) Channel Isles 12-17-41

I-10
AK Steel Ranger (D) Pago Pago 12-30-41
AK Salamaua Gau 01-16-42

I-15
TK California Standard Channel Isles 12-16-41
TK Mobilfuel Channel Isles 12-17-41

I-16
TK Herborg Port Kembla 12-16-41

I-17
AK Royal T. Frank Pago Pago 02-03-42
AP President Jackson Pago Pago 02-03-42

I-19
AK San Gabriel (D) X-Mas 02-04-42
AK Mormacman X-Mas 02-05-42

I-25
AK Mary Livanos Sale 02-21-42

I-153
DD John Ford Balikpapan 12-10-41
AP Rajula (D) Cocos 01-01-42
AK Gandara Cocos 01-01-42

I-155
AK Demosthenes Oosthaven 12-13-41
AKL Belawan Oosthaven 12-14-41
AK Khandalla (D) Cocos 01-25-42
AK Empire Condor (D) Cocos 02-16-42
AK Empire Peregrine Cocos 02-21-42

I-157
AP Australia Star Koggala 12-10-41
TK Peik (D) Albany 01-19-42

I-158
AK Silverteak (D) Koggala 12-30-41
AK Charon Geraldton 01-20-42

I-159
CMc Pro Patria Muntok 12-09-41
TK British Judge (D) Oosthaven 12-13-41
AKL Tatung Oosthaven 12-13-41
AP Camphuys Oosthaven 12-14-41

I-160
AK Ellenga Tambelan 12-12-41

I-162
AK Empire Raja Trivandrum 01-10-42

I-166
CM Willem vd Zoor Toboali 12-10-41

I-168
AP President Coolidge (D) Pago Pago 12-11-41
AP Hugh Scott Pago Pago 12-11-41
CA Louisville (D) Suva 01-11-42

I-169
AG Bridge Suva 01-14-42
AK Alabaman (D) Suva 01-14-42
AK Steel Trader (D) Suva 01-15-42
AK Santa Rita Suva 02-11-42

I-170
AP Etolin X-Mas 01-06-42
TK H.M. Storey (D) X-Mas 01-06-42
TK Mobilgas X-Mas 01-06-42


Japanese Losses
I-166 Mine Batavia 12-14-41

Allied Ships Sunk/Damaged---63 Total
CA Louisville
CL Adelaide
DD John Ford
SS S-41
AG 3
ACP 1
CM 1
CMc 1
AO 1
TK 8
AP 13
AK 24
AKL 6

February 23, 1942 sees the KB move into a position to strike at shipping and make Port Attacks against three separate targets in NE Australia. These attacks shall mask the true purpose of the mission which is to perform recon of various possible landing sites and get a feel for the Allied forces deployed here:

Combat Report
February 22-23, 1942

Am beginning to get a feel for the Aussie forces committed into the battle currently in the NE. Units identified to this point include the 3rd Aust Inf Div, 3rd Brigade, and a TK Reg/Brigade. Want to keep these units occupied for a while.

In the NE the KB plans to make strikes and perform recon of the NE bases. I've always planned on landing at Cairns but what about Bowen? It does have a Sz-1 Port and would make the landing BELOW the forces deployed by Lew in NE Australia. Not sure about this. Will wait for the recon results.

Any thoughts?

North Pacific
No developments.

Central Pacific
No developments.

South Pacific
I now have 4 Inf Div unloading in New Caledonia. The Imperial Guards Brigade begins loading at Noumea to move to Lunga and join the 144th Inf Reg for the NE Aust Landings. An SNLF Assault Brigade begins loading at Noumea as well for a landing at Norfolk Isle. Want to move some Emily down there for excellent air search possibilities.

Leave Horn Isle behind after my two Nvl Guards botch that landing. Can definitely take this base and would like to have it for LR CAP of my future landings. May use the SNLF Brigade hitting Norfolk to move NW and take this base. Have to seen a calculate distance.

Am refueling and rearming a large number of I-Boats and Ro-Boats so they can begin their patrols to interdict shipping around NZ and SE Aust.

Philippines
Loading troops at Bacolod to move north for finishing Philippine resistance.

Java
Take hex 51,103 and move west.

Attack Bandoeng with 4th ID and barely get a 1-2 result. Will try again in a couple of days.

Three bases left and this campaign is finished.

Form-up a TF around wounded Shoho to bring her to Soerabaja. Five DD provide close escort. Two days to get there at 12 knots.

Malaya
Plan an Attack against Singapore tomorrow. All 4 ID are rested and ready. This SHOULD finish Singers!

Burma
Take hex 56,50 east of Prome and drive the two units back from there. Moving on Magwe and Mandalay. EASY! Insane...

NW Australia
Paras grab Daly Waters on the 22nd. They will only hold it a few days but it does serve to agitate the enemy... [;)]

Arrive at Katherine to find minimal Inf strength (19th Aust Bn) here. Bomb the crap out of the units in it on the 23rd and will take it tomorrow.

Dedicate an entire Daitai of Betty to pounding the 3rd Aussie ID.

NE Aust
The KB moves into range and does some serious work. The 23rd sees CL Achilles and DD La Triomphant sunk at Townsville. Another set of ships is hit at Cairns where an AP and AK are sunk with one more of each hard hit. As shown in my above Post, tomorrow the CVs move-in and will attack shipping, do Port Strikes in the afternoon, and perform recon throughout the day. Will see what happens. Ran into 17 P-40s in my attack on Townsville and my 28Z covering the strike fairly easily brushed them aside.

China
No major news.

Engineering:
22nd: Kaifeng AF-5, Corunna Downs AF-3, Chengchow AF-3, Luganville AF-2
23rd: Broome Pt-2, Pt. Hedlund Pt-3

Bases Captured:
22nd: Lolobato, 75,129 (Aust), 90,45 (China), Daly Waters, Bacolod
23rd: Russell Isles, 51,103 (Java