Dixon(IJ) v. Treespider (Allies)

[Mike Dixon]

Multiple bomb and torpedo hits doom the Lexington:-

[Mike Dixon]

Infantry storm Hong Kong

[Mike Dixon]

Infantry advance in China, alongside a heavy type 89 tank

[Mike Dixon]

Synopsis of operations in the Greater East Asian defensive war to the end of January 1942


All objectives have been met. Rangoon and Singapore have been seized from the British colonialists. Borneo and Bali have been liberated and are to be used as a springboard to the seizure of Java. Port Moresby, Luganville, Efate and Nomeau have all been captured from the Americans. A large body of Americans are isolated in the Phillipines.


Enemy capabilities

The enemy is in full retreat in all areas. The imperialists appear to have little fight in them. Only the so called ‘Marines’ appear to have any capability approaching the average Japanese soldier. Enemy propaganda is trumpeting a conveyor belt approach to aircraft carrier production, these bombastic boasts will be crushed on the outer defence perimeter.


Japanese objectives

A further strengthening of the co-prosperity sphere is envisaged. Further advances in Burma are on going. Java will be liberated in the next month or so. American bases in the Pacific, such as Midway or the Fiji Islands, could be future targets. Projects such as the occupation of Australia and/or India are being studied. China could become a primary target, the defeat of Chiang Kai-shek’s illegal regime would remove a pretext of America’s war of aggression and could lead to early peace talks.

[treespider]

In recent developments British Carrier born naval aviators launched a number of strikes at Japanese invasion task forces off the coast of Kragen. In the first taste of action since leaving Atlantic waters the Naval Aviators mistook gunboats for transports, cruisers and battleships...

Day Air attack on TF, near Kragen at 22,64

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 2
A6M2 Zero x 31
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 9
Fulmar x 28
Albacore x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
A5M4 Claude: 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 15 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 5 destroyed
Fulmar: 13 destroyed, 2 damaged
Albacore: 5 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
PG Eifuku Maru, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
PG Uji, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
PG Saga
APD Patrol Boat No. 39, Torpedo hits 1
PG Sozan Maru, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage

Later in the morning after a strike launched by Japanese carriers in the Java Sea the Admiralty realised there was probably bigger game afoot...

Day Air attack on TF at 19,64

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 59

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 3
Fulmar x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 12 destroyed, 10 damaged


Allied Ships
CV Indomitable
CV Formidable, Bomb hits 3

So in an afternoon strike the Tunas took to the air again and found something more worthy of their fish...

Day Air attack on TF, near Kragen at 22,64

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 2
A6M2 Zero x 12
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 2

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 8
Albacore x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
Albacore: 7 destroyed, 9 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Torpedo hits 2,  on fire
BB Kongo
CA Atago

The Japanese however were not without a response...

Day Air attack on TF at 19,64

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 37

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 1
Fulmar x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 15 destroyed, 7 damaged


Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Bomb hits 1
CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 1

Land based air at this stage was rather in effectual....

Day Air attack on TF, near Kragen at 22,64

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 2
A6M2 Zero x 30
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Martin 139: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kasuga Maru

Day Air attack on TF, near Kragen at 22,64

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 2
A6M2 Zero x 30
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
C.XI-W x 3
Hawk 75A x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
C.XI-W: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Hawk 75A: 5 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Sawakaze


Day Air attack on TF, near Kragen at 22,64

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 2
A6M2 Zero x 30
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 2
Martin 139 x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
T.IVa: 1 destroyed
Martin 139: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo



Day Air attack on TF, near Kragen at 22,64

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 5
A-24 Dauntless x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Martin 139: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
A-24 Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Shell hits 4
BB Kongo
DD Hibiki


Day Air attack on TF, near Kragen at 22,64

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 2
A6M2 Zero x 15
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 9
A-24 Dauntless x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Martin 139: 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
PG Sozan Maru,  on fire,  heavy damage
PG Uji, Bomb hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage

[Mike Dixon]

Update to 4th February 1942

Relative quiet on all fronts. The only action of note was the two nightly bombardments of Soerabaja, which included BB’s Haruna and Kongo. Many enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground, including some of the Americans most advanced fighters, the P-40E Warhawk.

[Mike Dixon]

Java Sea battle and Sitrep to 7th February 1942


The Allies suffered a major setback on the 7th February. In response to landings at kraken, an air combat TF, based around CV Formidable and Indomitable, was severely mauled by the KB-B. Waves after wave of the latest enemy type fighters and bombers, including Sea Hurricane’s and Albacore’s, were shot down over the beaches at Kraken, whilst a B5N2 strike caused substantial damage to the said carriers. The landings were unaffected though BB Haruna appeared to suffer some damage, through unknown causes, mines are suspected.


Kokoda trail

Small elements of the ex Port Moresby garrison fled into the Owen Stanley mountains after an assault, on the 6th.


Koumac

This base was occupied on the 5th February. Remnants of the allied Nomeau garrison appeared to be fleeing there – no respite will be given to cut off Allied forces.

[Mike Dixon]

Sitrep to 9th February 1942

Java

Kraken fell on the 9th after a sharp two day fight. After several Naval bombardments and a shock attack by the 4th (Mixed) Brigade, the ABDA defenders fled this important Naval and Air base. Merak also fell the same day, though the ABDA defences were minimal. Batavia appears to be abandoned. Strong Zeke squadrons arrived in Java in the afternoon. Air and Naval supremacy is now established around the island. A six hundred mile exclusion zone has been declared around the island and all non Japanese shipping will be sunk without further notice.

Norfolk Island

This key base, only several hundred miles north of New Zealand, was occupied by a Fast transport force of two DD’s. Although not officially part of the outer defence perimeter, this base will be heavily fortified. Patrol aircraft have been sent to identify targets for interdiction. Heavy allied submersible activity is present in the area.

[Mike Dixon]

Sitrep to 13th February 1942

A relatively quiet few days:-

Kraken, Java

Numerous enemy air attacks were beaten away. Enemy losses have been severe. It is unclear whether the colonialists will make a stand in Soerabja or the mountainous regions near Malang.


Teloekbetoeng, Sumatra

This key base fell on the 13th with a small para drop. The enemy stronghold in Palembang has now no effective means of escape. A letter demanding their immediate surrender is being formulated.


Pucheng, China

Elements of the large enemy pocket near Pucheng are in the process of being destroyed. The Chinese forces appear to be infiltrating towards large urban areas, in an attempt to conduct sustained irregular warfare. A series of short, sharp attacks are ongoing, to pin down these guerilla forces.

[Mike Dixon]

Sitrep to 17th February


Sumatra

Banka fell on the 14th. An infantry division has been given the task of clearing the Northern coast to Padang. Little opposition is expected. Benkolen and Djambi fell on the 16th and 17th respectively, to airborne forces.


Timor

Dili was occupied on the 15th. Joyous scenes greeted the liberating Japanese soldiers and effigies of Roosevelt and Churchill were seen burning in the central square.


Pucheng

One third of the enemy pocket near Pucheng was liquidated by the 17th. Four infantry divisions are involved in the ongoing operation. Chiang Kai-shek’s mercenary forces appear to be in full retreat on many fronts, further operations to liberate Chinese cities from their yolk, are envisaged.

[treespider]

Captain Lowry, CA Minneapolis on the approach to Wake - "Damn the torpedoes full speed ahead..."

Ordered to bombard Wake Island Capt. Lowry ignored warnings and drove his ship full speed into the minefields surrounding the island. Striking a mine and realizing the error of his ways Capt. Lowry ordered his men to fight to the last aboard the stricken ship...however in modern war, bravery and gallantry are often not enough...

Combat Repot for 2/21/1942:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1191 encounters mine field at Wake Island (85,72)

Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis, Mine hits 1,  on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Wake Island at 85,72


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
SOC-3 Seagull: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Shell hits 3,  on fire
CL Katori
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 1,  on fire
CL Tatsuta, Shell hits 1
CL Yubari
DD Asakaze
DD Matsukaze
DD Oite
DD Hayate
DD Asanagi
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 142, and is sunk

[Mike Dixon]

Briefing to 22nd February 1942


Java

The imperial grip is tightening on Java. Three infantry divisions have been given the task of clearing the rogue ABDA units. On the 19th, Madioen fell and this large airbase will be used to base torpedo bombers, to prevent interference from enemy surface vessels.


Fiji Islands

Wallis Island was occupied on the 19th. This small atoll is to house reconnaissance aircraft to assist in the liberation of the Fiji islands. Several army units began landing at Nandi on the 22nd, assisted by the KB. A small enemy convoy (AK’s Coast Farmer, Kailua, Torpedo and Liberty Glo) were sunk by B5N2 torpedo bombers near the island on the same day.


Port Moresby

On the 20th, the remaining elements of the Port Moresby garrison, were rounded up.


Nicobar Island

This small island was occupied by paratroopers on the 20th. Reconnaissance aircraft at the base will keep a lookout for the British fleet, if it sorties from its lair.


Wake Island

A tremendous naval victory was achieved on the 21st at Wake. The enemy CA Minneapolis was sunk in a brilliant Naval action, led by Admiral Kondo in CA Maya. The enemy vessel was hit over one hundred times and sank with all hands in the early hours. This victory demonstrates the invincibility of the outer defence perimeter and once the Greater East Asian Co-prosperity sphere is fully established, its inhabitants can peacefully enjoy the fruits of prosperity, under enlightened Japanese tutelage.

[treespider]

Mr. President -
General MacArthur reports that in a brilliant operational maneuver he ordered an offensive towards Lingayen and caught the Japanese napping...although no aircraft were destroyed at the airfield several thousand tons of precious supplies were captured. General MacArthur reports morale is high among the troops after the impressive victory. He went on to add that he anticipates the imminent recapture of all of Northern Luzon in the coming weeks and has requested reinforcement to aid him in his march on Tokyo.
 
 
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/27/42

Ground combat at Lingayen
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 20154 troops, 121 guns, 196 vehicles, Assault Value = 517
Defending force 25966 troops, 75 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 328
Allied max assault: 616 - adjusted assault: 612
Japanese max defense: 290 - adjusted defense: 295
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
Allied forces CAPTURE Lingayen base !!!
 
Japanese ground losses:
573 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
 
Allied ground losses:
891 casualties reported
Guns lost 19
Vehicles lost 5

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

[Mike Dixon]

Sitrep. to 25th February 1942


The 24th will go down in the annuals of history as a black day for the Anglo-Saxon colonialists.


Fiji Islands

Nandi fell on this date, opening up liberation of all the Fiji islands. Reports of unrest are being received in Suva, which are being brutally suppressed by the American forces.


Soerabaja

The main port fell on the 24th, the ABDA units have fled to the mountainous region near Malang. The victorious army units are being given several days recuperation before the final destruction of the former colonial puppet units.


Meiktila

This key town on the road to Mandalay in Burma, fell on the 24th.


China

Resistance of the large surrounded Chinese armies near Hangchow appears to be coming to an end. The total bag is estimated to be nearly one hundred thousand men. Fierce fighting is continuing near Canton, wave after wave of Chinese assaults are being repelled, at huge cost to the aggressor. Meanwhile at Tatung (North China), a large Chinese force is now pinned down and will be destroyed shortly.

[Mike Dixon]

Sitrep. to 28th February 1942

China

The enemy enclave in Nanking surrendered on the 27th. The large pocket at Hangchow was finally reduced by this date. The escape route for the Chinese armies in Tatung is rapidly being closed.


Phillipines

On the 27th, friendly forces pulled out of Lingayen because of ‘logistical’ difficulties. Enemy propaganda can be discounted – General MacArthur’s statements clearly indicate that the doomed American forces are reaching starving point.


Kragen

Desperate human wave assaults from the enemy begun in Kraken on the 28th. Hundreds of dead Dutch soldiers lie strewn around the battlefield. Light friendly forces are believed to be preparing to advance to Madion

[treespider]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/02/42

Japanese force on the retreat!!!

In a stunning development on the island of Java the initial Japanese beach head at the port town of Kragen has been recaptured by the Dutch. Japanese forces were seen to be fleeing to the east toward Soerbaja. Meanwhile the bastion at Malang awaits relief...

Ground combat at Kragen

Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 4570 troops, 15 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 101
Defending force 6734 troops, 15 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 100
Allied max assault: 102 - adjusted assault: 102
Japanese max defense: 96 - adjusted defense: 46
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Kragen base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
126 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
92 casualties reported

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

[Mike Dixon]

Update to 3rd march 1942

The allied situation continues to deteriorate, foreign office analysts indicate that severe peace terms should be drafted, including the demilitarisation of the West coast of the United States.


China

Pucheng fell on the 1st, meanwhile four enemy division remain under siege near Tatung. Enemy resistance is showing weakening every day. On the Changsa front, the enemy were routed in marshland, several hundred miles east of Changsa, on the 3rd. Friendly units, including armor, are now advancing on the city.


Java

Screening forces left Kraken for Madioen on the 2nd. An Allied attack at Malang on the 3rd was butchered by several infantry divisions. A friendly attack is planned for the 4th.


Aleutians

Attu Island was occupied on the 3rd. Although the Emperor does not wish to annex American land, some of the Aleutian Islands are to be used as bargaining chips in the forthcoming peace talks.


Timor

Koepang fell on the 3rd, with only light resistance.



Central Pacific

Gardner Island, near Canton Island was occupied by airborne forces. This base is to be used to locate any American naval presence in the central pacific.

[Mike Dixon]

Update to 6th March 1942


Java

Malang was captured after a two day battle. Enemy forces were last seen streaming to the mountains to the NorthWest. An infantry division is in pursuit. A Dutch column was routed at Madioen on the 6th and the complete conquest of Java is anticipated soon.

China

The ring around the encircled Chinese units at Tatung continues to tighten. Desperate enemy cries for supplies are being intercepted by monitoring stations.


Rangoon

The enemy vessel Exeter was repelled on the 6th. The vessel was last seen on fire, heading towards Ceylon.


Sumatra

Sabang fell on the 5th. Nearly ten thousand prisoners were taken. Palembang saw heavy fighting on the 4th, with many enemy casualties reported.



Singkep

A small Dutch garrison was rounded up on Sinkep island on the 4th.

[treespider]

Our erstwhile American commander had issued orders to storm the Japanese beachehead at Legaspi befgore adjourning on Thurday night for a Memorial Day Soccer tournament...he has returned and awaits the results of his orders... the world holds its breath in anticipation...[>:]

[treespider]