Matrix Games Forums

Posted: **Mon Apr 11, 2011 3:40 pm**

An impressive job of fighting back in mid-December '41. This is clearly not the Sir Robin strategy!

Posted: **Mon Apr 11, 2011 5:53 pm**

Funny you should mention that. I joked with Treespider that some of my moves take a while because he is advancing so fast that I need to keep reshuffling things. He came back that he would like to advance faster but he keeps getting punched in the nose!

In reality it's like punching an attacking grizzly bear in the nose. It might distract him some but he's still coming on. Throw off time tables. Make plans cost more than anticipated. All to allow time for important places to build up defenses and forces and allow time for the gathering of offensive forces.

1941-12-19

Manado, Hollandia, and Chin Hua fell today. Amazingly, Hong Kong withstood assault. Tarakan was invaded - the target was not Sandakan. An air raid against the assault ships achieved nothing.

More stealth Allied surface forces…
That was EHQ's comment, er, press release! Force SC found targets.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Hollandia at 93,116, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
xAK Tyoko Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Hakusika Maru, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
xAK Hokutatsu Maru
xAK Izumo Maru, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Canberra
CL Leander
CL Achilles
CL Perth
CL Adelaide
DD Le Triomphant

Reduced sighting due to 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 0% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
Japanese ships attempt to get underway
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
CL Adelaide engages xAK Izumo Maru at 6,000 yards
xAK Izumo Maru sunk by CL Perth at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
CL Leander engages xAK Hakusika Maru at 4,000 yards
DD Le Triomphant engages xAK Hakusika Maru at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
CA Canberra engages xAK Hakusika Maru at 3,000 yards
CA Canberra engages xAK Hakusika Maru at 3,000 yards
CL Achilles engages xAK Hakusika Maru at 3,000 yards
xAK Hakusika Maru sunk by DD Le Triomphant at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
xAK Tyoko Maru sunk by CA Canberra at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
CL Perth engages xAK Hokutatsu Maru at 8,000 yards
Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...

This is the second turn in a row that I have had multiple heavy radio traffic intercepts at Truk. I imagine that Mordor is stirring.

Here is an overview map with everything showing.

Posted: **Mon Apr 11, 2011 10:19 pm**

It is the little victories like this that are about the sum total of your 'good feelings' in the Jap phase 1. You are most certainly getting your fair share. With the Jap unload bonus in effect your chances of catching the troops in the boats when you react to a landing is very small, but with this being the more realistic transport version, transport kills are actually worth getting!
 

Posted: **Tue Apr 12, 2011 12:44 am**

I imagine that Mordor is stirring.

Yeah, that's a good way of putting it . . .

Posted: **Tue Apr 12, 2011 5:33 am**

Really lots of repositioning on this end right now. I'm trying to keep needed stuff from getting over run while at the same time keeping it where it can do some damage. In the western DEI he had BBs escorting the invasion of Sinkawang and Kuching. In the eastern DEI he is using paratroops to get advance scouting bases. So basically, when he shows up now it is in pretty big force or in an area he considers safe. Maybe the Force SC raid will reduce those areas too.

1941-12-20

Huang-chuan, Bayombong, Lucena, Hong Kong, and Sorong fell today. Sorong, as feared, fell to a para assault but the search squadron had already moved. Tarakan withstood attack but the fortification lines were overrun. Force SC continues to make its escape.

In the Celebes Sea, Dutch bombers identify CS Chitose but are unable to hit her. She is possibly accompanying an invasion force aimed at the Balikpapan area.

Posted: **Tue Apr 12, 2011 7:21 pm**

1941-12-21

Hweichow and Langkawi fell today. Tarakan built some new fortifications and saw more enemy troops land. No evidence of the other enemy convoys in the Celebes Sea. Presumably the one spotted yesterday was bound for Tarakan. Cagayan is invested by an enemy unit of unknown strength with another close behind. Imperial troops have also marched halfway from Singkawang to Pontianak.

Following the couple of days with heavy SigInt from Truk, there are multiple SigInt targets west of the Gilberts, and the Gilberts themselves are the likely first targets. The intercept of an Akatsuki class DD moving to GR 139,118 is possibly a wide screen or picket. Alternatively, the whole force could be moving right past the Gilberts toward points east.

Posted: **Tue Apr 12, 2011 7:31 pm**

What is the MSTA (the core of MSTS) showing?

Posted: **Tue Apr 12, 2011 8:48 pm**

ORIGINAL: herwin

What is the MSTA (the core of MSTS) showing?

Mmmm... [&:]

Posted: **Wed Apr 13, 2011 4:07 am**

ORIGINAL: witpqs

ORIGINAL: herwin

What is the MSTA (the core of MSTS) showing?

Mmmm... [&:]

Moving Ships Tracking System. I simulate it by hand by plotting TF reports on the map over five days or a week and looking for periodic patterns. It's particularly useful to keep track of the KB

Posted: **Wed Apr 13, 2011 4:27 am**

[:D] I love a good FLA.

I don't do that all the time. Technically they could be past Noumea or about to smash through the eastern DEI. Realistically, I think they had to take care of some minor damage and get fuel at Truk (believing there was not enough for them at Kwajalein after I smoked the fast oilers). So, those radio traffic contacts probably included KB.

1941-12-22

Hsing-Tai, Masbate, and Jolo fell today. Jolo went down to what might have been an air assault by elements of Yokosuka 3rd SNLF and 1st Raiding Rgt, although naval search was lacking around Jolo. No amphibious landing was noted. IJA forces at GR 84,48 dislodged with heavy casualties two Chinese corps that were blocking the road to Ichang. It's unclear if some IJA units in Ichang fought their way out or if solely relief forces made the attack. Tarakan stands still, inflicting slightly higher casualties on the attackers.

Intel on Singkawang is 17-53-74 for fighter-bomber-auxiliary type aircraft present. It sits firmly astride the Singapore to Palembang run which has so far brought significant forces to the gem of Sumatra. Most likely, of course, that is over, but not if USAAF B-17s based on Bandoeng succeed with this night's mission. 16 heavy bombers are scheduled to fly, each carrying 8 x 500lb bombs. Perhaps enough mayhem can be wrought to allow more units to ship out of Singapore?

Here is a look at the northern portion of the eastern DEI. Who is who is unclear.

Posted: **Wed Apr 13, 2011 4:50 pm**

1941-12-23

Hsin-Hsiang, Batangas, Taiping, Pontianak, and Tarakan fell today. This was a day of mines: mines were cleared by both sides at ports all over the map. Sadly, not at Koepang where Prince of Wales struck one while putting in to refuel. Sys 10; Float 27(27). She is making for Cape Town via Perth. The B-17 raid on Singkawang achieved a little, and they will go again tonight. Tomorrow the Gurkhas load at Singapore and the weather forecast is "clear". Come on rain! The air armada at Singkawang hit Palembang, so fortification building might just be stopped for the duration. A transport run will be unloading 3 x AA units from Singapore, so perhaps that will help. Cagayan withstood enemy assault, but suffered 8 x the enemy's casualties while losing the fortification line. Adjusted AV was only 1/3 of nominal. The FMSV Bde was pushed back to Machang. They and two base forces are arrayed at different points in Malaya to obstruct the rail lines and cost the enemy time.

Here is an overview of the current situation, displaying everything. The contact NE of the Samoas is 2 ships, perhaps the IJN AMC surface raiders that begin the war deep in the South Pacific? If so, they failed to find Allied targets so far, a small victory. They are 10 hexes from Canton Island, where an AG is unloading supplies, so they might score yet.

The two contacts west of Fiji are submarines. Either EHQ is setting up his SLOC interdiction or the subs are in advance of expeditionary forces. In spite of the recent Intel of substantial IJN forces west of the Marshalls and Gilberts there have been no invasions of Nauru, Ocean Island, or any of the Gilberts. Nor of Kavieng, Rabaul, or even of any of the Solomons to the south. Perhaps EHQ is first aiming for Fiji and environs to establish strong forward bases.

Edit to Add: CL Nagara was torpedoed by an S-boat, but was not seen afire.

Posted: **Thu Apr 14, 2011 4:00 am**

1941-12-24

Dadjangas and Siargao fell today. Also, Shortlands was invaded! Even more, a TF of unknown composition is NW of Kavieng, in a position where it could be headed anywhere in the area. Suva was reconnoitered by air - a float fighter - possibly from a sub.

A Dutch sub took down a maru near Singkawang (some troops went down with that one) in spite of an earlier ASW attack, and significantly, a USN sub took down another maru near Wakkanai (there might have been 2 with reliable torpedoes). This is the first sub victory in enemy home waters and it comes barely a day after USS Grayling arrived on station. So far naval combat has claimed several IJN escort types. Perhaps now we can induce EHQ to thin out their deployments as well given this new threat.

Some Gurkhas went down with an xAP, and Imperial air raids and subs took down 3 other ships between Singapore and Palembang. The current troop run will be the last. The convoy must run the gauntlet of 2 known subs with only light escort. B-17s raiding Singkawang took down a Zero despite the modest moonlight, but missed the airfield.

A note about the much maligned Buffalo I, so far it leads the air war for both sides in 4 out of 5 categories: air to air losses, ground losses, ops losses, and total losses. Going up against anything the Empire fields in December of '41 in a Buffalo took brass ones that must've barely fit in the cockpit.

See the SigInt note below. I do not believe that even the IJN could have gotten carriers out that way without my knowing, and that's about the only reason there might be an oiler out there. Even those two AMC surface raiders carry enough fuel to wander around without fear of running dry. On the other hand that GR is on the direct line from the Panama Canal to Pearl Harbor, so it's a likely patrol area for a sub. An ASW TF has been dispatched to investigate.

Posted: **Thu Apr 14, 2011 6:00 pm**

1941-12-25

Cotabato and Shortlands fell today. The convoy carrying the Gurkhas to Palembang escaped further air and submarine attack as the tiny escorts fought off two I-boats. Swordfish had better luck off Dadjangas, igniting major pyrotechnics with a torpedo into TK Ogura Maru #3. An assault at Cagayan was held off, but forts are back to 0.

Palembang again took a major pounding from the air. Several TF/convoys are seen at Singkawang, so a further move in the western DEI is expected soon. Notably, the IJN small carriers have not been seen in a while. Either they are being held back for safety until needed for a push, or they have transited east to reinforce the large carriers.

Posted: **Fri Apr 15, 2011 5:38 pm**

What is your plans for moving out of Singapore? Any thoughts on trying to build up in Java or elsewhere in the DEI in an attempt to slow an attack onto Australia? Or do you think it is better in the long run to pull back to Australia and try to hold there? With the mod you are playing that gives more importance to japanese transports, I was wondering if a more forward defense to try and attrition the AP/AK a bit would be better? The "Boise runs amok" until caught strategy

Of course, with the way you handled his poor oilers on the second day of the war, I am not sure I would want to be on the receiving end of your eventual counterattack in a years time or so!

Adm Harmasaki

Posted: **Sat Apr 16, 2011 10:14 pm**

ORIGINAL: InHarmsWay

What is your plans for moving out of Singapore? Any thoughts on trying to build up in Java or elsewhere in the DEI in an attempt to slow an attack onto Australia? Or do you think it is better in the long run to pull back to Australia and try to hold there? With the mod you are playing that gives more importance to japanese transports, I was wondering if a more forward defense to try and attrition the AP/AK a bit would be better? The "Boise runs amok" until caught strategy

Of course, with the way you handled his poor oilers on the second day of the war, I am not sure I would want to be on the receiving end of your eventual counterattack in a years time or so!

Adm Harmasaki

Sorry for the delay - we had a little bug encounter which MichaelM fixed up and then also patched and released. That man is golden!

I have been using a forward defense with naval assets, beginning at Pearl Harbor but elsewhere as well. It's often off-map of the screen shots I provide, but I am keeping surface forces in the DEI positioned outside of enemy search range but where I can give them orders to patrol forward right into an enemy advance. This is what happened with the Houston/Boise group, Force Y. Force Z was close by and was held back awaiting better targets. EHQ has been reluctant to provide them!

The earlier battles involving Force D (Dutch combat assets) was a little more elaborate. Force Y and Force Z were maneuvering toward their jumping off positions, but the Empire showed up before they were ready. Force D did well. Undamaged ships joined some additional RN assets to comprise Force M, which has been awaiting juicy targets since. The damaged survivors from Force D are now fully repaired and are waiting for completion of repairs of USN ships from Force Y. They all will form another joint surface force.

HMS Hermes is on station south of Java awaiting an enemy move suitable to attack. Also, 4 x RN CLs are in/on their way to Tjilatjap to form up with 2 x RN DDs into yet another surface force.

Force SC, the Australian and New Zealand cruisers with a French destroyer, was on a stealth run across the top of New Guinea to get behind enemy forces, possibly even sKB and form one side of a pincer movement together with other forces already mentioned. On the way they spotted an enemy convoy at Hollandia and, while unspotted themselves, it was clear that the presence of their float plane could have been noted. They attacked that prize (3 x xAKs went down and 1 escaped) and withdrew back to the eastern coast of Australia. The current Imperial advances into the Solomons, Gilberts, and nearby environs almost certainly include carrier forces, so more Intel is needed before they commit to another deep penetration raid.

Alas, BB Prince of Wales was hit by a well placed mine and is on her way out of theater to repair. The rest of Force Z is on duty.

All USA fighters from the Philippines are in the DEI, most on Java and Timor. Same for the B-17s. Lautem on Timor has Australian troops on it, and I might send another Bn to Koepang although it already has similar strength. Koepang also has a UK air HQ from Singapore to allow TBs to fully arm. The untrained USA dive bombers are on their way now, but it will be awhile before they can hit anything they intend to. All other SouthWestPac B-17s are already in Australia and can be deployed as needed and as can be supported, which isn't easy.

I forget the AV at Palembang now but they have most of the III Indian troops. I will attempt to move more by air but I also want to have Singapore as a speed bump. It is unclear if EHQ has made a major commitment of troops there or merely a holding force. On Luzon that same thing is also unclear, but I am beginning to suspect a holding force. That might allow counter attack opportunities. On Mindinao the Empire can clear the island if they are persistent and patient with what they have there already, and they are doing so. The Indian Bde that starts at Kuantan is being airlifted to Port Blair via Sabang. It is almost gone from Kuantan, so more flight assets will shift to the second leg of the transport (USA C-47s have also arrived to help) That should finish somewhat quickly, freeing up the transports for other movements. Oosthaven and the base next to Palembang have troops to prevent aerial capture.

Java itself has not had much land reinforcement. I am bringing in the Rgt on the small island near Soerabaja, and the transport aircraft will greatly speed up that move when they are available. The small forces from other DEI bases will be brought in also. The torpedo bombers, many of the fighters, and some of the other bombers from Singapore are on Java and a few on Sumatra.

The strategy so far is to make Palembang take a major commitment, make that commitment exposed to effective aerial attack from Java, and keep the eastern DEI open both as a reinforcement route from Australia and to expose the Imperial flank to attack.

Northern Australia will receive the other UK air HQ from Singapore (now at sea). Supplies are being brought in by sea, as it is my experience (and the developers intention) that supplies to the Darwin area are near impossible to come by overland. This fact means that Darwin will only be defended stoutly in combination with Timor, as their fates are intertwined. This is in the context of early Allied forces scarcity, of course.

So far the forward defense of surface forces has paid dividends. Some in the forms of ships destroyed, forces damaged, schedules thrown off. But it also appears that EHQ understands that Allied surface forces could show up anywhere and therefore most advances must be adequately protected and/or scouted for. that alone will slow down the Empire at least a bit.

I guess the best way to answer the question is: forward defense with calculated risks, trying to maximize (within reason) the chances when committing to specific attacks, and pulling back when no reasonable profit opportunity remains. Attrition is certainly an objective, and so is time.

1941-12-26

Nauru Island, Kwangchowan, and Fou-liang fell today. Ku-shih was liberated! This will interfere with the flow of supplies to enemy forces in Sinyang.

While we try to tie up Imperial forces in China, the Empire is on the move elsewhere: closing on Manila from two sides, halfway down the Malay peninsula, moving toward the Solomon Sea from just east of Rabaul, the sudden capture of Nauru, an invasion convoy 400nm ESE of Mili heading SE toward or past Baker Island, and the hard clampdown on Palembang.

Palembang remains under oppressive aerial assault and submarine interdiction. Now IJN fleet elements have made their appearance. In separate combats:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 48,91, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Atago
DD Michishio
DD Arashio

Allied Ships
AM Jan van Amstel, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
AM Pieter de Bitter, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
AM Abraham Crijnssen, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
AM Eland Dubois, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
ML No. 310, Shell hits 1, heavy damage
ML No. 311
xAP Hong Peng, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Camphuys, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Le Maire
xAP Swartenhondt
xAP Mijer
xAP Rochussen
xAP Rooseboom
xAP S'Jacob
xAP Stagen
xAP Siberg
xAP Speelman
xAP Van Riebeek, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
xAP Van Cloon, Shell hits 3, on fire
xAP Van Landsberge, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Van Neck
xAP Van Rees
xAP Van der Lijn, Shell hits 1
xAP Van Heemskerck
xAP Van Spilbergen

Night Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 48,91, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Atago
DD Michishio
DD Arashio

Allied Ships
HDML Pahalwan, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
HDML Panglima, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
HDML Pennigat, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
HDML Panji, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Day Time Surface Combat, near Muntok at 50,90, Range 21,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Atago
DD Michishio
DD Arashio

Allied Ships
AMc Rahman, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AMc Gemas, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

An air raid executed some of the cripples:

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
G3M2 Nell x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAP Van Cloon, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
xAP Van Landsberge, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Van Riebeek, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk

The graphics shows the ships sunk today, all by that same IJN task force.

Posted: **Sun Apr 17, 2011 12:52 am**

1941-12-27

Calapan fell today. Cagayan withstood an attack at 1 to 1 odds and the defenders gave a bit better than they got. The AVG caught a flight of Anns without escort and made them pay for pressing home their bombing run by taking 8 out of 9. Only one significant directly combat-related development, and that was a surprise. EHQ sort of "took the bait" at Sinyang, that being a surprise in that I never thought the bait would prove tempting. The result was a couple of Bn worth of enemy squads destroyed and a divisions worth disabled.

Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 62317 troops, 484 guns, 74 vehicles, Assault Value = 1894

Defending force 109069 troops, 497 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2769

Japanese adjusted assault: 731

Allied adjusted defense: 2027

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
9121 casualties reported
Squads: 79 destroyed, 382 disabled
Non Combat: 35 destroyed, 274 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 9 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2200 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 138 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 129 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
12th RGC Temp. Division
116th Division
13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
138th Infantry Regiment
58th Infantry Regiment
110th Division
15th Division
18th RGC Temp. Division
52nd Field Const Co

Defending units:
59th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
21st Group Army
3rd Group Army
2nd Group Army
1st War Area
24th Group Army
36th Group Army

The other significant developments did not involve much combat, save for the crew of xAKL Pulganbar, which was sent to its fate by a flock of Vals heavily escorted by Zeros. She was near Gasmata, making for Australia after aborting a second run to an abandoned Rabaul to fetch supplies. There are at least three enemy naval forces near Rabaul, one invading Kavieng and the two at sea east of Rabaul. The carrier force scouts as having F:57 B:99 A:59, which makes it more powerful than a KB of all the Empire's small carriers.

Meanwhile, at least two TFs are identified now 400nm NNW Baker Island and heading east. A PBY was shot down by fighters while investigating.

These two facts taken together pose some interesting questions about the disposition of Empire's carriers and EHQ's immediate plans. Several possibilities come to mind (in no particular order).

1) Are the carriers configured so as to give the impression that KB has been split to the point of being vulnerable to USN carriers, with the carriers of sKB being used to strengthen one or both pieces, with an eye toward baiting the USN carriers?

2) Has KB plus sKB been configured into two essentially equal groups so as to carry out multiple operations while (presumably) each remains superior to the USN carriers available?

3) It is clear that New Ireland/New Britain/The Solomons are currently targeted.

4) Is the the eastern group meant to invade the Line Islands and perhaps Johnston Island?

5) Is the eastern group strictly a battle force meant to prevent USN interference with the western group?

6) Making a list like this can drive you nuts.

Earlier a lack of observed motion by enemy forces in the Pacific spawned speculation that EHQ might have been moving assets deep beyond Empire boundaries in areas where the Allies lacked effective search coverage. Now it seems the delay was due to the transiting of ships to reconfigure fleets.

The graphic shows the positions of the enemy forces in question.

Posted: **Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:25 pm**

Due to the forum limit of one graphic per post this entry will be three posts.

1941-12-28

Today was Nimitz's first day on the job. Kimmel, while perhaps under prepared on the opening day of the war, did an admirable job fighting a severely damaged fleet and inflicting meaningful damage on the enemy forces. He will be available for seagoing command.

Empire on the Move

Manila, Digos, Sibuyan, Ocean Island, Kavieng, Kolaka, and Tung-Yang fell today. IJ aircraft are seen at Rahaeng. Cagayan withstood another attack. The assault on Manila was conducted by 4 x Rgts plus the Kimura Det (whatever the heck that is) and is too strong to counter attack. Kuala Lumpur is invested by enemy forces. Kolaka was assaulted from the air and indicates that EHQ is seeking to overwhelm our ability to deny them bases for search. Several other significant developments:

-> In the western DEI there are Imperial convoys at sea and surface forces at Singkawang. One convoy might be consolidating invasion forces prior to jump off, as KXVII scored near Pontianak:

Japanese Ships
xAK Yoshinogawa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

-> In the eastern DEI, several naval forces are seen, probably including invasion convoys. A possible sKB sighting north of Manado, although it could be tankers. A TF of at least 5 ships with at least 2 APD NW Namlea heading Kendari. An unidentified TF near Ternate. See subsequent post.

-> Multiple TFs, at least 4, in the waters north of Baker Island. The leading TFs appear to have SE heading, the rearward ones an E heading. The leading TFs vector toward the Line Islands. See subsequent post.

-> IJN shipping still sighted near NI/NB/Solomons and the Gilberts. This will probably be a continuous advance with carrier coverage. This mitigates against the possible sKB sighting in the DEI.

-> In China, IJA forces have begun maneuvering to cut supply lines of Chinese forces at Ichang and Nanchang. Chinese forces are already maneuvering to cut off or impede supplies to IJA forces in Sinyang, Nanchang, Ichang, and the cities in between. Chinese forces are also taking measures to thwart the IJA maneuvers.

Western DEI
B-17s from Java hit Singkawang today, catching the Zeros napping on the ground after their night duty! The raid was good for 2 planes destroyed, a supply hit and some runway hits. Enemy movements will be contested in the Western DEI will be opposed by the RN surface force shortly to form in the Indian Ocean, and by air forces from Java, including torpedo bombers. Hermes will strike with torpedo bombers if she can get within range. PG Soerabaja made an appearance at Balikpapan and was scouted there. She is now most of the way to Batavia and will divert to Ketapang in case that convoy which KXVII hit is headed there.

Posted: **Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:26 pm**

1941-12-28

Eastern DEI
Force Z will sally toward the waters between Kendari and Namlea to intercept the forward IJN TF. Force M will reposition eastward and be in position to intercept further IJN TFs in case they are coming in phases, as they appear to be. Boise and Houston will finish repairs in 6 days at Soerabaja. Marblehead, DeRuyter, and 4 destroyers are available at Soerabaja to sally into the Makassar strait if needed before then. Torpedo bombers are also available for Koepang if current enemy advances push that far.

Posted: **Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:27 pm**

1941-12-28

Central Pacific
Preparations have been made to pull base forces off of Canton, Palmyra, and Christmas. S-boats, held at Pearl harbor, are sent to patrol Palmyra and Christmas.

Posted: **Mon Apr 18, 2011 12:05 am**

1941-12-29

Kuala Lumur fell today. Cagayan held off yet another assault, but the attackers can resupply and the defenders can't. Langsa, on the east coast of upper Sumatra, was invaded by amphibious forces today but they were not seen in advance. Rabaul is also invaded. Temuloh and Port Swettenham are besieged. Dutch sub KXVII was destroyed by an I-boat near Pontianak.

Finally, Intel I can use. The monkeys have determined that there are 74 aircraft at Tokyo. We attack at once!

All of the IJN forces in the Central Pacific have disappeared. They are presumed to be under an area of severe weather and not to have advanced much to the east, and to the south no farther than Baker Island.

Imperial ground forces have landed at GR 69,105, just NW of Kendari. They were intercepted by Force Z, and Force M will attack tomorrow. After the surface actions, Betties attacked Repulse but achieved nothing, proving that aircraft can not harm capital ships at sea.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Kendari at 69,105, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Shell hits 4, on fire
CL Sendai
CL Natori, Shell hits 9, on fire
CL Kuma
DD Harukaze
DD Hatakaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Yugao, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hishu
DD Kiku, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Shell hits 1
CL Danae, Shell hits 7, heavy fires
CL Dragon, Shell hits 2
CL Durban
DD Vampire
DD Tenedos
DD Electra, Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 8 (4 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 23,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Durban at 23,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Dragon at 23,000 yards
CA Maya engages DD Electra at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 22,000 yards
CA Maya engages BC Repulse at 22,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Durban at 22,000 yards
CL Danae engages CA Maya at 22,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Hatakaze at 22,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
CA Maya engages BC Repulse at 18,000 yards
CL Kuma engages CL Dragon at 18,000 yards
CL Natori engages CL Dragon at 18,000 yards
CL Danae engages CA Maya at 18,000 yards
DD Kiku engages DD Electra at 18,000 yards
DD Hishu engages DD Electra at 18,000 yards
DD Yugao engages DD Electra at 18,000 yards
CL Durban engages DD Hatakaze at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
BC Repulse engages CL Natori at 15,000 yards
CL Natori engages CL Durban at 15,000 yards
CL Natori engages CL Durban at 15,000 yards
CL Danae engages CA Maya at 15,000 yards
DD Kiku engages DD Electra at 15,000 yards
DD Yugao engages DD Tenedos at 15,000 yards
DD Electra engages DD Yugao at 15,000 yards
DD Electra engages DD Hatakaze at 15,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Electra at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
BC Repulse engages CA Maya at 12,000 yards
CL Durban engages CL Natori at 12,000 yards
CL Natori engages CL Dragon at 12,000 yards
CL Natori engages CL Danae at 12,000 yards
DD Kiku engages DD Electra at 12,000 yards
DD Hishu engages DD Electra at 12,000 yards
DD Hatakaze engages DD Tenedos at 12,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Electra at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CA Maya engages BC Repulse at 10,000 yards
CL Kuma engages CL Durban at 10,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Dragon at 10,000 yards
CL Danae engages CL Natori at 10,000 yards
DD Kiku engages DD Tenedos at 10,000 yards
DD Electra engages DD Hishu at 10,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Harukaze at 10,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Hatakaze at 10,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Electra at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
BC Repulse engages CL Natori at 7,000 yards
CL Dragon engages CL Kuma at 7,000 yards
CL Dragon engages CL Kuma at 7,000 yards
CL Danae engages CL Natori at 7,000 yards
DD Kiku engages DD Electra at 7,000 yards
DD Hatakaze engages DD Tenedos at 7,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Hishu at 7,000 yards
DD Hatakaze engages DD Electra at 7,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Vampire at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Dragon at 10,000 yards
CL Kuma engages CL Durban at 10,000 yards
CL Natori engages CL Danae at 10,000 yards
CL Danae engages CL Sendai at 10,000 yards
DD Electra engages DD Kiku at 10,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Hishu at 10,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Hatakaze at 10,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Electra at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
CL Danae engages CA Maya at 11,000 yards
CL Durban engages CL Kuma at 11,000 yards
CL Natori engages CL Danae at 11,000 yards
CL Danae engages CL Sendai at 11,000 yards
DD Electra engages DD Kiku at 11,000 yards
DD Electra engages DD Yugao at 11,000 yards
DD Hatakaze engages DD Vampire at 11,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Harukaze at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
CL Sendai engages BC Repulse at 14,000 yards
CL Kuma engages CL Danae at 14,000 yards
CL Durban engages CL Natori at 14,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Danae at 14,000 yards
DD Hatakaze engages DD Electra at 14,000 yards
DD Hishu engages DD Electra at 14,000 yards
DD Electra engages DD Hatakaze at 14,000 yards
DD Vampire engages DD Harukaze at 14,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
BC Repulse engages CL Sendai at 17,000 yards
CL Natori engages CL Durban at 17,000 yards
CL Natori engages CL Dragon at 17,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Danae at 17,000 yards
DD Kiku engages DD Electra at 17,000 yards
DD Hishu engages DD Tenedos at 17,000 yards
DD Yugao engages DD Electra at 17,000 yards
DD Hatakaze engages DD Tenedos at 17,000 yards
DD Electra engages DD Harukaze at 17,000 yards
Range increases to 24,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Dragon at 24,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Durban at 24,000 yards
BC Repulse engages CL Natori at 24,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Hishu at 24,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Yugao at 24,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Hatakaze at 24,000 yards
BC Repulse engages DD Harukaze at 24,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Kendari at 69,105, Range 24,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
APD Shimakaze
APD Nadakaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
APD Aoi, Shell hits 1
APD Fuji
APD Hagi, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
APD Tade, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Shell hits 2
CL Dragon
CL Durban
DD Vampire
DD Tenedos

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 6 (2 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 23,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 24,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 24,000 yards
BC Repulse engages APD Nadakaze at 24,000 yards
Range increases to 25,000 yards
BC Repulse engages APD Tade at 25,000 yards
BC Repulse engages APD Shimakaze at 25,000 yards
Range increases to 26,000 yards
BC Repulse engages APD Tade at 26,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards
BC Repulse engages APD Hagi at 24,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards
BC Repulse engages APD Shimakaze at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards
BC Repulse engages APD Aoi at 21,000 yards
BC Repulse engages APD Shimakaze at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
BC Repulse engages APD Tade at 17,000 yards
CL Durban engages APD Hagi at 17,000 yards
CL Dragon engages APD Hagi at 17,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages APD Nadakaze at 17,000 yards
CL Dragon engages APD Nadakaze at 17,000 yards
BC Repulse engages APD Shimakaze at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
BC Repulse engages APD Tade at 15,000 yards
BC Repulse engages APD Hagi at 15,000 yards
CL Dragon engages APD Aoi at 15,000 yards
CL Dragon engages APD Nadakaze at 15,000 yards
BC Repulse engages APD Shimakaze at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
BC Repulse engages APD Tade at 13,000 yards
CL Durban engages APD Tade at 13,000 yards
CL Dragon engages APD Fuji at 13,000 yards
CL Dragon engages APD Aoi at 13,000 yards
CL Dragon engages APD Nadakaze at 13,000 yards
BC Repulse engages APD Shimakaze at 13,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Kendari at 70,104, Range 21,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Sendai, Shell hits 1
CL Kuma
DD Harukaze
DD Hatakaze, on fire

Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Shell hits 1
CL Dragon, Shell hits 3, on fire
CL Durban, Shell hits 2
DD Vampire
DD Tenedos

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 21,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 21,000 yards
BC Repulse engages CL Sendai at 21,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Durban at 21,000 yards
CL Sendai engages DD Vampire at 21,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Dragon at 21,000 yards
CL Durban engages CA Maya at 21,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Dragon at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Dragon at 19,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Durban at 19,000 yards
CL Dragon engages CL Sendai at 19,000 yards
CL Durban engages DD Harukaze at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
BC Repulse engages CA Maya at 18,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Durban at 18,000 yards
CL Dragon engages CL Sendai at 18,000 yards
CL Sendai engages DD Vampire at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Dragon at 17,000 yards
CL Kuma engages CL Dragon at 17,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Dragon at 17,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Vampire at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
BC Repulse engages CA Maya at 15,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Durban at 15,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Durban at 15,000 yards
DD Hatakaze engages DD Vampire at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Dragon at 13,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Durban at 13,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Durban at 13,000 yards
DD Hatakaze engages DD Tenedos at 13,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Vampire at 13,000 yards
Phillips, Tom S.V. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 11,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Dragon at 11,000 yards
CL Durban engages CL Kuma at 11,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Dragon at 11,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Hatakaze at 11,000 yards
DD Hatakaze engages DD Vampire at 11,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Kendari at 69,105, Range 19,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Natori
DD Yugao
DD Hishu

Allied Ships
BC Repulse
CL Dragon
CL Durban
DD Vampire
DD Tenedos

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 21,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Phillips, Tom S.V. crosses the 'T'
BC Repulse engages CL Natori at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
DD Hishu engages DD Vampire at 16,000 yards
CL Natori engages CL Dragon at 16,000 yards
DD Tenedos engages DD Hishu at 16,000 yards
DD Hishu engages DD Vampire at 16,000 yards
Phillips, Tom S.V. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 12,000 yards
BC Repulse engages CL Natori at 12,000 yards
CL Natori engages CL Durban at 12,000 yards
DD Hishu engages DD Tenedos at 12,000 yards
DD Yugao engages DD Vampire at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 19,000 yards
BC Repulse engages CL Natori at 19,000 yards
CL Durban engages DD Hishu at 19,000 yards
CL Natori engages DD Tenedos at 19,000 yards
CL Natori engages DD Vampire at 19,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Danae is making for Kendari with a faithful destroyer in escort, yet most likely she will sink as fires are at 80. If the fires can be doused then she could withdraw in good order.

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