Operation Point Luck - Team Game (Allied side)

[KDonovan]

scott...can you resend the combat save file. You sent me a combat save from 3/26/42...probably one of your other games. I thought it was strange that the japanese held Soerabaja on day one[:D]

[ctangus]

ORIGINAL: KDonovan

I intend to move the 1st Aus Div on the first day from Sydney to beef up the defenses in the area, but it will take about 4 months to reach Darwin.

I forget exactly but I've done it in 3 games. It's closer to 2 months.

and perhaps a AV Rgt from India [:D].

[:D] Alright, alright... Not the first, but probably the 2nd or 3rd - I'll have to look over the list.

as of now, i don't need the 6 Australian Inf Div that will arrive at Aden in 89 days, so feel free to use it Chunk in a defense role only, as i don't want my boys getting beat up on some Churchill adventure [:D]

Actually, despite a fondness for ice cream I'm a pretty thin guy... [:'(]

Other than the 2 engineer regiments I want I don't have a large initial PP need. I do want to gradually replace some leaders but I can limit myself to 1 every other turn. I'll try to meet most the early RN withdrawal requests, but after 4-6 months I might start getting greedy.

[ctangus]

Hey look - we're winning! [:)]

[ctangus]

SEA Command, Admiral of the Fleet Lord Angus, reporting

On the 7th & 8th of December, Japanese, reportedly of their 18th Infantry Division, invade Kota Bharu! The gall! Well, we're sure to rid them of our shores quite soon. All know that the Japanese are buck-teethed & near-sighted - surely His Majesty's forces will be triumphant shortly.

Many level-bombers attacked the invading Japanese. They report no hits & much damage received due to anti-aircraft fire. One squadron is ordered to Burma for reconnaisance duty, though the rest enjoy 2 days of leave due to their valiant, if futile, efforts on the 7th & 8th.

3 squadrons of biplane torpedo-bombers, who slacked off on the first days of the war, have been ordered to Northern Malaya to contest the landings. Top-notch fighters - Buffalos & Wirraways - will escort the strikes.

Elsewhere

Oh yes, there are reports that the Japanese have struck Pearl Harbor & that the United States has entered the war.

A 14-inch battleship (Nevada) has been reported as sunk, but the Yanks claim that their fighters & AA fire downed 66 horizontal bombers (Kates) & 27 dive bombers (Vals). Japanese naval aviation has been struck a crippling blow.

Winston & I are already planning a Christmas party at the Dai Ichi building in Tokyo.

Malaya

Here's the map:

[KDonovan]

ABDA Command, Admiral van Dikes, reporting on 12/9/42

In response to Japanese aggression against the Americans and British, the Dutch have declared war on the Japansese. This sector has been untouched by war thus far, but reports of Japanese landings in Luzon have the general staff worried. Reports indicate that Manila was hit by air raids from at least 3 small CVs. Shortly thereafter Naga and Legaspi were assualted by enemy troops with support from seaplane carriers and at least 2 BB's. Despite this Fleet command has ordered the jewel of our fleet, the CL DeRuyter along with the CL Tromp and Java to rendevous at Jolo, with intentions to take out the Seaplane Carriers at Legaspi. LRCAP will be provided by 12 Brewsters out of Tarakan. Unfortunately it looks as if the American warships, including the power CL Boise, are retreating from the Phillipinnes.

I've also asked the Australian's to lend as much Hudson bombers as possible to the DEI as it appears someone nerfed the range of our Martin bombers. The Australians appear reluctant as they appear obsessed with the defense of Port Moresby (like there is any oil there to be had!) Nevertheless, they have given us 16 Hudson bombers, which have been depolyed to Palembang. They promise another 32 bombers in the near future.

[KDonovan]

we already have our 1st Ace

[scott64]

What, an ace with no missions. [X(][X(]  What is he doing? Shooting those zeros down with his sidearm? [:D]

[scott64]

Looks like my ragtag airforce done some damage in the Phillipines. [:'(]

[KDonovan]

having turn trouble, so only have the combat report to go by

Report from Dec 9th, 10th

CENPAC - Pearl is hit hard again on both days. Japanese DD's seen at the harbor entrance. Probing for weakness maybe? Possible invasion to come? Things should start to get interesting. Meanwhile the Japanese capture Tarawa and Guam.

SWPAC - still quite, no move on Rabual yet.

DEI - still quite, no move on Borneo, Sumatra, or Celebes.

Phillipinnes - Japanese continue to pound airbases at Clark and Manila. They hit Manila harbor again, and sink surrounding shipping. The Japanese take Aparri and Legaspi. Meanwhile 3 Dutch CL's, 6 Dutch DD's arrive at Jolo undected, within striking distance of Legaspi invasion task force

SEAC - Torpedo bombers out of Alo Star/Georgetown contest the Kota Bharu invasion beaches, and score hits on BB Kongo, a Destroyer, a Transport, and an Seaplane Tender. Good day for the brit flyboys.

[ctangus]

Operation Orangutan

ORIGINAL: KDonovan

as of now, i don't need the 6 Australian Inf Div that will arrive at Aden in 89 days, so feel free to use it Chunk in a defense role only, as i don't want my boys getting beat up on some Churchill adventure [:D]

Well, I won't use it in my first Churchill adventure. But it will help me with it! [:)] You've helped me have a grand idea for my first hare-brained adventure of this game - Operation Orangutan.

There's been no Japanese assaults against Borneo, yet. My broad idea is to send a brigade of Aussie troops, currently on Malaya, to Kuching. With the 6th AIF Div reinforcing India in 3 months, I can easily spare one of my reserve brigades to replace the Aussie brigade in Malaya.

The goals will be this:

1. Keep Kuching out of Jap hands for as long as possible, thereby protecting resupply efforts of Singapore.
2. Disrupt the Japanese timetable of invasions.
3. Allow at least 1 of the Aussie brigades in Malaya to be withdrawn (they'll be hurting after they're forced out of Kuching, but the survivors should be able to be evac'd via fast-transport).
4. Protect the indigenous Orangutan population of Borneo.

I don't yet know how I'll get the troops to where I want them, but that's a minor detail. [:'(]

Kenny - want to change your transports to SEA command so I can start the movement? It would mean fewer base forces to you in the short term, but I do think it would buy us time to evac more/all in the long term.

Scott - A Catalina squadron from the Phillipines would help as well.

There's some risk, but the risk seems to me to be low. And if not, it should at least be fun...

[scott64]

Feel free to take the PBYs at Bataan. You will have to change the command. Can I get in exchange a few Dutch recons? Or maybe one squadron. [8D]  I am in the planning stages for Operation Weinie Roast. [:'(]

[ctangus]

I should add, since this is an after-action report - the valiant Brits draw first blood:

Day Air attack on TF, near Kota Bharu at 24,45

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 9
Vildebeest IV x 12

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest IV: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Torpedo hits 1 [:)]
BB Haruna

We also put torps into a number of other ships.

Next turn, Force Z will crush the invaders. My admirals tell me there's nothing to fear from LBA. No battleship has ever been sunk by a plane. I guess they haven't heard about Pearl Harbor, yet...

[ctangus]

ORIGINAL: scott1964

Feel free to take the PBYs at Bataan.

Great!

Can I get in exchange a few Dutch recons?

That's totally & completely fine by me, though it's not for me to say.

I am in the planning stages for Operation Weinie Roast. [:'(]

Details, please! Just the name of the op strikes terror... [;)]

[KDonovan]

Kenny - want to change your transports to SEA command so I can start the movement? It would mean fewer base forces to you in the short term, but I do think it would buy us time to evac more/all in the long term

Will be done

Feel free to take the PBYs at Bataan. You will have to change the command. Can I get in exchange a few Dutch recons? Or maybe one squadron. I am in the planning stages for Operation Weinie Roast.

sorry, no can do. Chuck is already gonna get the one falcon squadron (unless he doesn't want it anymore). The other is destined for the SWPAC. You shouldn't need it anyways. You already have a recon unit at the West Coast, and will get 2 more squadrons in the next 6 months.

If your wondering about the FK51's....well they will stay and die. Not worth changing the PP's over, and it will take until 1957 before you can upgraded them, as the replacement rate for F-5A's, is only 1 per month. I like to use those "recons" as decoy bases. For instance, i've placed one at Bali, even though i'm evacuating the dutch units there. Our enemies will see the airfield symbol and think that the units will still be there, so he'll have to waste a Inf Rgt taking it. Those aircraft symbols also make for good "anti-paratroop" deterents.

[ctangus]

12/11 - 12/12/42 - CBI report

Malaya

Force Z contests the landings at Kota Bharu:

12/12/41
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kota Bharu at 24,45
Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 3
BB Haruna, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Jintsu, Shell hits 1
DD Asashio, Shell hits 1
DD Oshio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Akatsuki, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 1
Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Shell hits 2
BC Repulse, Shell hits 3
CL Danae, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Tenedos
DD Electra
DD Encounter
DD Express
DD Jupiter
=============================================
12/12/41
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kota Bharu at 24,45
Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 9, on fire
BB Haruna, Shell hits 2, on fire
CA Takao
CA Atago, Shell hits 3
CL Jintsu, Shell hits 2
DD Asashio, Shell hits 1
DD Oshio, Shell hits 1
DD Michishio, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Arashio
DD Akatsuki, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage Sinks
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 1, on fire
Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Shell hits 4, on fire
BC Repulse, Torpedo hits 1
CL Danae, Shell hits 34, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Tenedos, Shell hits 1
DD Electra, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Encounter
DD Express, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
DD Jupiter

Well, the Brits sink the first Japanese ship of the war, but at the cost of CL Danae. POW is at 36/23/19 and Repulse at 27/41/3. There's conflicting reports from my commanders on how badly the Jap BBs were hurt. (Turn was synch bugged.)

My reckless charge has put one of the allies' prime deterrents out of action for a few months, but I'll consider it worthwhile if Kongo & Haruna also need to be withdrawn. My bomber pilots are glory hounds that almost always attempt futile attacks against the BBs. Without that distraction they might actually be able to cause some damage to the invaders.

Some more bad news: Kota Bharu falls sooner than I expected. [:(]

12/11/41
Ground combat at Kota Bharu
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 20616 troops, 93 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 460
Defending force 8662 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 138
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1
Japanese max assault: 501 - adjusted assault: 814
Allied max defense: 139 - adjusted defense: 151
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Kota Bharu base !!!
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
114 casualties reported
Allied ground losses:
251 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

I'm rushing forces to establish a blocking position in the mountains (see map). I haven't ordered a withdrawal of my forces on the west coast yet - I hate withdrawing without a fight - but I'll probably be forced to next turn.

The final news is that Operation Orangutan has started.

China

The mess there is slowly untangling, though I don't expect any major action this month. AVG will try to stage a minor ambush next turn, however.

Burma

An unidentified Japanese unit (I'll bet a tank regiment) has entered Tavoy where most of the small garrison is being evacuated.

[ctangus]

India

There are reports of merchant shipping being lost in the infamous Aden Triangle:

[KDonovan]

Dutch

Despite my CL's being within hours of making contact with enemy transports at Legaspi, the commander turned around and retreated back to Mindanao. Before being sacked by ABDA Command, he stated he was facing "massive" bombing runs from Nells based out of Palau. Even though they failed to score any hits, he felt it wasn't worth risking the precious Dutch CL's, to proceed with the mission. The TF commander has now been replaced with Admiral Doorman and will attempt to interdict the transports at Legaspi once more, despite reports that the Japanese have been alerted to the Dutch cruisers.

Elsewhere the Japanese has still yet to make a move on DEI. Evacuations of isolated Dutch LCU's to more defensible positions is almost completed. Lastly, 2 New Zealand Hudson Squadrons have arrived as reinforcements and were moved to Cagayan (in Mindanao) to hit surrounding shipping in the area.

Australia

Tranports have been spotted congregating at Truk last turn, so the assualt of Rabual is expected soon. In the meantime Port Moresby has been heavily reinforced with Hudsons and Wirraways. While the evacuation of Rabual, Kavieng, Lae continues.

[KDonovan]

As i wait for my next PBEM turn and for the New York Jets to come on TV, here's the results from the 1st week.



as you can see, Japanese air losses are high due to the constant pounding PH has been taking the 1st week. Luckly only 1 BB was sunk, even though the others will be useless until 1943.

[KDonovan]

Combat Report Dec 13th - 14th, 1941

Mayala - the Prince of Wales is sunk by Nells outside Signapore harbor, while the Repulse is heavily damaged...she may never make it out Signaproe alive. Meanwhile the Allies still hold the line at Alo Star.

Philipinnes - Japanese transports are hit hard attempting a landing at San Marcilino. While New Zealand Hudsons hit some patrol boats off the coast of New Legaspi. Nells/Bettys continue to blast shipping/clark field/manila harbor. Meanwhile my Dutch CL's at Cagayan, for the second time, fail to make contact with japanese forces off the coast of Legaspi. This time it cost them as the CL Java ate a 250kg bomb from a Nell. The force is currently seeking shelter at Menado.

Hawaii - quiet day as the KB gives Pearl Harbor a repreive. She still sits about 500-600 miles offshore to the Southwest. Transports were spotted just southeast of Wake Is. So it appears that Pearl Harbor (or at least Johnston Is) will be under assault soon.

Hong Kong - a squadron from the AVG surprises a couple dozen japanese dive bombers attack the base, and slaughters them.

Elsewhere - all is quiet

[ctangus]

ORIGINAL: KDonovan

The Prince of Wales is sunk by Nells outside Signapore harbor, while the Repulse is heavily damaged...she may never make it out Signaproe alive.

All going according to plan:

ORIGINAL: ctangus

I see you've discovered my devious plan - allow the Japanese to become over-confident by losing large capitol ships early...

In truth I was counting on Force Z to auto-disband - Darren's been avoiding attacking Singapore - I suspect he wants to avoid all the AA there. I was flying a minimal amount of CAP.