Excellent writing guys..interesting to see what the Japanese will try now
We've entered a quiet period while I get my act together ... the blame falls to me, I severely underestimated the Brits! And I designed the damn scenario!
Here's a quick two-day update.
12/18/41-12/19/41
The waters off Malaya have finally quieted again - in fact, after the 16th and 17th, the last few days have been positively peaceful in comparison. Only one small Lily raid was launched on the 18th, and the 19th saw absolutely no action in the theatre at all.
On a sadder note - despite the valiant efforts of the crew of the Ise, the flooding could not be overcome and she sunk in port on the 19th. That brings our tally for losses in this operation to four CVL, two BB, one CA, and one DD.
On the ground the situation was much less quiet. Yamashita had ordered a dawn shock attack on the 17th; believing that British reinforcements were sure to be on the way, he realized it was essential to capture the airfield before they arrived.
The attack - 2 partial divisions against two Commonwealth (Indians and New Zealander) brigades, with artillery support - was not a success. Although much ground was gained, the enemy fought hard and contained us. We suffered heavy losses and disruption in the process.
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Captain Morinama is one of the few high-ranking officers remaining in the hard-fighting 18th Division.[/center]
We will just have to hold out and wait for reinforcements to arrive.
Much of the action has shifted to the Philippines. We captured Tuguegarao today (the 19th) and we expect Lingayen to fall to the 65th Brigade tomorrow. Meanwhile, further Japanese troops land in the south, at Legaspi, and our "southern pincer" should be ready to march north towards Naga and Manila within a reasonable amount of time.
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Japanese troops (unit classified) wade ashore at Legaspi.[/center]
American air attacks have been intensifying, although they still remain sporadic and ineffective. On the 18th, several B-17s and 35 P-40Es from Manila - that must be nearly their entire remaining force! - attacked our troopships unloading off Legaspi and scored a few hits. Arizona Maru was torpedoed by S-37 on the 18th, while the same sub managed to sink Anzan Maru today. Our PCs are not so hot at this ASW thing.
Finally, the enemy is intensifying efforts to deny Kuching airbase to us. A heavy bombardment of the field by Exeter and her fast group (we must sink that ship!) inflicted 118 hits on the runway, not to mention destroying hundreds of tons of supplies and many aircraft on the ground. Kuching may have to be evacuated until Singapore is neutralized - it's hard to support without risking expensive naval assets that we don't have!
Elsewhere the Pacific is devoid of combat - for now. Hmmm.. the Dutch have been awfully quiet lately.
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