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The Pacific

The two heavy IJN CarDivs that have been prowling the area have disappeared from sight. I will be cautious, but I need to get large amounts of oil to Australia. The next few weeks will be very important in this regard.

Feb 9th, 1942

A somewhat uneventful turn, which is the calm that precedes the storm, as the Nagato and Mutsu are patiently waiting for mines to be cleared in Manila itself before continuing their bombardment. Japanese pressure is mounting up in Singapore, Palembang, and Manila, and all three dikes will eventually break. Burma is not as complicated, and also is the one theater where reinforcements are quite likely.

Pilot losses are light, but MIA pilots make nervous, even if they were lost flying over a friendly hex.

Air losses continue to favor the Allies. If pilots are being lost along the airframes, I am doing better than expected.

Lost Bases:

Guiuan, Iloilo, Little Andaman, Buna, Madjene, and Watampone.


Malaya:

My esteemed opponent decided to run the gauntlet at Singapore, if I understand correctly to supply units somewhere, probably in Burma. The result was not pretty, from the Japanese point of view:

TF 54 encounters mine field at Singapore (50,84) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Japanese Ships
* DMS W-12, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
* DMS W-6, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
* DMS W-3, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage

Naval Gun Fire at Singapore - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Japanese Ships
* DD Ayanami, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
* DD Shikinami, Shell hits 3, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
* AK Tosan Maru, Shell hits 4, Mine hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
* AK Kinka Maru, Shell hits 3, Mine hits 1, on fire
* AK Sasako Maru, Shell hits 5, Mine hits 1, heavy fires
Allied ground losses:
* 11 casualties reported
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

TF 123 encounters mine field at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Ships
* DD Ayanami, Mine hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
* DD Shikinami, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
* AK Tosan Maru, Mine hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

I think a few of those ships are now swimming with Davey Jones.

There was also another Japanese attack in Singapore. Although fort level is now at 2.12, I am not certain that Falken has enough fresh forces to exploit the fact.

Japanese Deliberate attack at Singapore (50,84) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 4260 casualties reported
*** Squads: 41 destroyed, 279 disabled
*** Non Combat: 18 destroyed, 37 disabled
*** Engineers: 11 destroyed, 76 disabled
*** Guns lost 33 (4 destroyed, 29 disabled)
*** Vehicles lost 56 (32 destroyed, 24 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
* 1743 casualties reported
*** Squads: 22 destroyed, 130 disabled
*** Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 52 disabled
*** Engineers: 4 destroyed, 15 disabled
*** Guns lost 54 (6 destroyed, 48 disabled)
*** Vehicles lost 21 (1 destroyed, 20 disabled)

Japanese Bombardment attack at Singapore (50,84) DAY TWO

Japanese ground losses:
* 6 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Guns lost 13 (1 destroyed, 12 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
* 26 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
*** Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
*** Vehicles lost 5 (2 destroyed, 3 disabled)


The DEI:

Combat at Palembang is beginning to tell. Although Japanese losses were higher, the Allies lost more combat squads, which is not good in the current situation. Still, the IJA is bleeding here.

Japanese Deliberate attack at Palembang (48,91) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 2580 casualties reported
*** Squads: 19 destroyed, 58 disabled
*** Non Combat: 41 destroyed, 10 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
*** Guns lost 26 (14 destroyed, 12 disabled)
*** Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
* Units destroyed 1
Allied ground losses:
* 774 casualties reported
*** Squads: 42 destroyed, 31 disabled
*** Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 22 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
*** Guns lost 12 (8 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Japanese Bombardment attack at Singapore (50,84) DAY TWO

Japanese ground losses:
* 6 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Guns lost 13 (1 destroyed, 12 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
* 26 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
*** Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
*** Vehicles lost 5 (2 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Allied Bombardment attack at Palembang (48,91) DAY TWO

Japanese ground losses:
* 16 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 42 casualties reported
*** Squads: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Fort level is at 2.20. We will see if it is enough to wear the 21st Ind Bde.

The Philippines:

The Bataan minefield is gone. Only the Manila minefield remains. Sadly, I do not think it will last more than two turns. Then the bombardments will resume. Meanwhile...

Japanese Deliberate attack at Iloilo (79,84) DAY ONE
Japanese forces CAPTURE Iloilo !!!

Japanese ground losses:
* 31 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 1050 casualties reported
*** Squads: 92 destroyed, 0 disabled
*** Non Combat: 23 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 3

Japanese Bombardment attack at Manila (79,77) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
*** Guns lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)
*** Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
* 40 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Japanese Bombardment attack at Manila (79,77) DAY TWO

Japanese ground losses:
*** Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
* 46 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled


Burma:

Besides the air war, which will escalate, I am sure, combat is restricted to artillery exchanges. I don't complain at all, as it might allow me to reinforce with more Western troops. We will see if there is time. Meanwhile, the Chinese garrison of Lashio is in place, and the Chinese forces assigned to Myitkina are well on their way to get there. Those are probably the only Chinese forces I changed the future target of. Lashio's forces are in their high seventies at this point.

Japanese Bombardment attack at 56,52 (near Pegu) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 29 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 5 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Morning Air attack on 33rd Division, at 56,52 , near Pegu DAY TWO

Allied aircraft
* B-17E Fortress x 12
* LB-30 Liberator x 6
Japanese ground losses:
* 74 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Japanese Bombardment attack at 56,52 (near Pegu) DAY TWO

Japanese ground losses:
* 48 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 12 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

China:

The supply situation in China is tight, but at least it is not terrible while the Burma road is open. Over 700 Chinese squads plus 25 MMG sections have been absorbed by Chinese infantry units, and only one Chinese corps has been destroyed so far.

Japanese Deliberate attack at Chuhsien (88,56) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 420 casualties reported
*** Squads: 2 destroyed, 63 disabled
*** Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
*** Guns lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
* 391 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 36 disabled
*** Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled


The Pacific:

The sitzkrieg has moved to the Pacific. With the exception of a sub sighted one hex SW of Attu (which in itself is quite telling), there are no sightings of interest.

I'm amazed he risked his true AKs to try and ram supply into Singapore. All he'd really have to do is drop it off at Mersing and wait a couple days. He only gets a handful of those puppies and he just...threw em away.

ORIGINAL: Dirtnap86
I'm amazed he risked his true AKs to try and ram supply into Singapore. All he'd really have to do is drop it off at Mersing and wait a couple days. He only gets a handful of those puppies and he just...threw em away.

I do not think the TF was bound for Singapore. Also, I believe he did not know that merely passing through would engage the onshore batteries.

Do remember that this is his first game as Japan. What he did in Singapore I did twice, once in Singapore and once in Bataan, until I learned my lesson. There are things that take a bit to sink in.

ORIGINAL: Kitakami

ORIGINAL: Dirtnap86
I'm amazed he risked his true AKs to try and ram supply into Singapore. All he'd really have to do is drop it off at Mersing and wait a couple days. He only gets a handful of those puppies and he just...threw em away.

I do not think the TF was bound for Singapore. Also, I believe he did not know that merely passing through would engage the onshore batteries.

Do remember that this is his first game as Japan. What he did in Singapore I did twice, once in Singapore and once in Bataan, until I learned my lesson. There are things that take a bit to sink in.

I once tried to force the issue by BOMBARDING Singers with BBs. Did that ONCE! Never, ever again. AKs?!! Not good whatsoever...

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
I once tried to force the issue by BOMBARDING Singers with BBs. Did that ONCE! Never, ever again. AKs?!! Not good whatsoever...

Those five 15-inchers are nothing to laugh at, and they are ably seconded by six 9.2-inchers... and EIGHTEEN 6-inchers. I have learned NOT to try to get anything through that hex until Singapore is conquered.

In this game, though, my esteemed opponent is getting desperate. He did good time in Hong Kong, but is running late in Singapore, Manila and, perhaps, Palembang.

Feb. 11th, 1942:

Japanese land attacks were not as bad as I feared, but one of these turns I will be evicted from (or surrender at) most important bases that are being contested right now.

I lost Pontianak, Kaimana, Galeia and Namlea, and the last remaining xAKL trying to flee Manila was finally sunk. There is one severely damaged SS in Manila port, but at 96 sys damage, it will sink as soon as it leaves her berth. Zero pilot losses (no MIA, no WIA, no KIA) was the highlight of the turn. That, and that airframe losses were 26 to 2 in my favour.

Malaya:

Japanese Deliberate attack at Singapore (50,84) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 3486 casualties reported
*** Squads: 85 destroyed, 127 disabled
*** Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 27 disabled
*** Engineers: 2 destroyed, 12 disabled
*** Guns lost 26 (2 destroyed, 24 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
* 954 casualties reported
*** Squads: 5 destroyed, 31 disabled
*** Non Combat: 35 destroyed, 38 disabled
*** Engineers: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled
*** Guns lost 11 (2 destroyed, 9 disabled)
*** Vehicles lost 23 (9 destroyed, 14 disabled)

Japanese Bombardment attack at Singapore (50,84) DAY TWO

Japanese ground losses:
* 34 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 66 casualties reported
*** Squads: 2 destroyed, 12 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied losses are beginning to mount up. Looking at the result of the artillery bombardment, I believe that Fortress Singapore will not last the month, sadly.


The DEI:

Japanese Deliberate attack at Palembang (48,91) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 1681 casualties reported
*** Squads: 60 destroyed, 103 disabled
*** Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
*** Engineers: 8 destroyed, 6 disabled
*** Guns lost 25 (5 destroyed, 20 disabled)
*** Vehicles lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
* 301 casualties reported
*** Squads: 5 destroyed, 20 disabled
*** Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Interesting that the Japanese did NOT bombard on day two. Are they that exhausted?

Japanese Shock attack at 67,93 (near Tandjoengselor) DAY TWO

Japanese ground losses:
* 72 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
*** Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 134 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

A lost battle, from which I am trying to retreat in order... and failing miserably. I need the troops to move within range of patrol boat transport.

The Philippines:

Japanese Bombardment attack at Manila (79,77) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
* 11 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Japanese Bombardment attack at Manila (79,77) DAY TWO

Allied ground losses:
* 7 casualties reported
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

The Manila port minefield is gone. Next turn the real hurt will begin. It is now only a question of time. I believe this base won't last the month either.

Japanese Deliberate attack at Cebu (80,86) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 194 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 24 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
*** Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 80 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
*** Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled

Another base where there is no Japanese bombardment on the second day. The 1st Para Assault Div is not getting killed, but at least it IS getting disabled.


China:

Japanese Deliberate attack at Chuhsien (88,56) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 1465 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 143 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
*** Engineers: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 253 casualties reported
*** Squads: 3 destroyed, 40 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
*** Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled

Japanese Deliberate attack at Wuchow (76,57) DAY ONE

Japanese ground losses:
* 1585 casualties reported
*** Squads: 6 destroyed, 115 disabled
*** Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 26 disabled
Allied ground losses:
* 897 casualties reported
*** Squads: 1 destroyed, 55 disabled
*** Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
*** Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Japanese Bombardment attack at Wuchow (76,57) DAY TWO

Allied ground losses:
* 64 casualties reported
*** Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
*** Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled

A question for the Peanut Gallery (TM): although I have been able to blunt the Japanese attacks in China so far, I disable lots of squads, but destroy many. Is that normal?

The Pacific:

The TF that I believe is KB Hvy CarDiv 3 has reappeared. I need to be careful, and/or I need to confront it. I have a CV Ftr group with about half of the airframes damaged. Otherwise, I would have already sailed to meet it.

Get 'em!

To speed up damaged air groups on CV repairing, i often have to transfer them to an AF with extra Aviation Support. The CV air group may have lots of planes that need 5 days to repair. That's a lie!! I get it done in a few days once ashore.

+1.
Even getting the CV into port suddenly gets the air groups repairing much faster. At sea I can never get the aircraft below 10 points damage from wear and tear of normal ops.

ORIGINAL: ny59giants
To speed up damaged air groups on CV repairing, i often have to transfer them to an AF with extra Aviation Support. The CV air group may have lots of planes that need 5 days to repair. That's a lie!! I get it done in a few days once ashore.

I guess the problem was having 450+ planes in a base with only 150 or so AV support. I have now rectified the situation, and have that air group at a base (AF 8) with more support than planes. Hopefully I will have use of that group in a turn or two.

It would really help your viewers to have the raw AV with adjusted in your ground combat reports. Just seeing the casualties doesn't help me. Show the info above the casualties, please!

ORIGINAL: ny59giants
It would really help your viewers to have the raw AV with adjusted in your ground combat reports. Just seeing the casualties doesn't help me. Show the info above the casualties, please!

I tried to avoid the text wall of death (TM). But if you consider that info would be useful, I will gladly include it.