The Shipwreck of Our Hopes: Japanese Side

[FatR]

We have two free divisions (5th and 18th) - of the forces meant for Ceilon at Batavia and I sent convoys that waited for clearing of the minefield there on the last turn. These can start loading immediately. I'll see what else can be grabbed right away when I get the next turn.

[John 3rd]

Just went through the map from this turn. The following forces are available for an immediate lift towards Ceylon:

Batavia
5th/18th ID
3 Artie Regiments
25th Army HQ

Merak
3 IJAAF BF Bn
1 Con Bn
3 AA units

Just left Batavia
33rd ID--A and B

A three division landing SHOULD be able to do the trick at this juncture. Let us load them up ASAP and move out.

The KB shall comprise the following: 4 CV (348 Planes), 1 BB, 5 BC, 3 CA, 4 CL, 4 CLAA, 2 CS, and 16 DD. It will move out from Soerabaja and launch a raid into the IO to grab try and bag shipping in the area. This will be a deep penetration raid starting on the WEST Coast of India and move back east.

Mini-KB will be 2 CVL and 1 CVE (114 Planes) and it will provide direct CAP over the Invasion Fleet.

There are 6 BB, 7 CA, and about 40 other warships at Singapore that can and will provide effective Close Support.


Given the date I am not sure if we can get the troops ashore before April 1st but it will be close. Regardless, a 3 ID Landing should be able to grab one of the minor Ports there.

[FatR]

33rd Division elements were from Padang, not Batavia... But they can be rerouted there for loading. I'll search for regiments and other elements transported from various corners of DEI to Singapore by sea on the next turn, maybe some of them can join the Batavian group.