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Summary of Operations 12/29/41

Baker Is: Japanese invasion TF quickly appears, then captures Baker Is. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Baker Island (149,136)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1411 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 60
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 54
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 54 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Baker Island !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-)

Assaulting units:
61st Nav Gd /36

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No sign of KB in the Canton/Baker Is area this game turn. Depending on what KB's endurance at sea is, it could be close to the time it needs to "go home" for refuelling. KB has been cruising Pago Pago and the Canton Is area since around 12/22/41.

One or more unidentified Jap TF(s) were detected outside Kwajalein. The hex location of this contact did not appear in the 12/28 Sigint or operations reports, also no indication concerning the number or identity of ships in these TF or the TF(s) direction of movement.

We should see Pillager coming to Canton next.


Samoa: Sigint report entry for 12/28 indicates radio signals intercepted from Jap submarine identified as I-170, location NE of Pago Pago.


Australia: Force N returns to sea after refuel and refit of ships at Sydney.

Allied transport ships arriving in Perth from the DEI and Singapore (via the DEI) include one small Dutch TK, 2 Dutch xAKL. Total cargoes reaching Perth this game turn aboard these ships include 1825 oil and 2000 resource.


DEI: Japanese landing at Pantar near (N of) Timor. A second Japanese TF also detected north of Timor moving on SW heading, an amphibious landing on Timor could be imminent.

Unidentified Jap TF(s) detected off NW coast of Borneo near Brunei. No information on the number and identity of ships in TF(s) or their movement.

Jap fighters (Zeroes) continue sweeps over Palembang, also continued ground attack strike by Ki-21 Sally bombers on Dutch LCU’s in Palembang.


Philippines: Japanese TF (13 ships) detected moving eastward along the N coast of Mindanao.

Light Japanese bombing raids against several bases on Luzon. Light US casualties reported, 14 G4M Betty bombers reported damaged by flak.


Malaya: Jap ground forces capture Kuala Lumpur. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Kuala Lumpur (49,79)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1865 troops, 2 guns, 172 vehicles, Assault Value = 113
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 47
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 47 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Kuala Lumpur !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: op mode(-), fatigue(-)

Assaulting units:
1st Tank Regiment
5th Recon Regiment

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India: Two Dutch AK arrive at Colombo from the DEI evacuation, cargo includes two RAF bomber squadrons (17 Blenheims total) evacuated from Singapore via the DEI.


China: Attacks by Japanese ground forces at Changsha, also NE of Sian. AAR’s follow.

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Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)

Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 1130 troops, 140 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2198
Defending force 59266 troops, 405 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1494

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
34th Division
6th Division
116th Division
13th Division
3rd Division
18th Ind.Mixed Brigade
58th Infantry Regiment
11th Army
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
1st Mortar Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion

Defending units:
20th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
9th War Area
30th Group Army
27th Group Army
29th Group Army
19th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force

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Ground combat at 87,41 (NE of Sian)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12302 troops, 141 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 417
Defending force 7108 troops, 99 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 156
Japanese adjusted assault: 364
Allied adjusted defense: 100
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
124 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1435 casualties reported
Squads: 102 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 64 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 13 (8 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Units retreated 4

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
37th Division
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
34th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
7th Group Army
8th Group Army

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Check the pools for the type of mine carried by the Argonaut. You should find her mine laying career will be severely curtailed in AE compared to classical WITP.

Alfred

The Big Picture #4 - Revisiting early strategy in the South Pacific

With the KB appearing off Pago Pago and Canton, and Pillager's capture of Baker Is, it may be appropriate to revisit Allied early strategy in the South Pacific theatre.

My original thought had been to concentrate Allied defensive effort into holding Samoa and Fiji, given that bases at Pago Pago and Suva have the largest potential port and airfield size once built to their maximum and also possess unlimited stacking of LCU's. Another point being these two bases provide cover for the eastern approaches to Auckland (from the US).

A major concern in my original assessment was being able to reinforce Pago Pago and Suva, and reinforce it in sufficient quantity, before the Japanese advance reaches this area. To date, two Australian infantry bns have arrived and landed at Suva to reinforce the defense there (with a third bn due shortly). US reinforcements for Pago Pago include one USMC Regiment and a USMC Para Bn that are now enroute with a third LCU just departing the US west coast.

Construction of fortifications on both Pago Pago and Suva have been in progress since 12/8/41 with available engineer elements on hand. Both these locations now have size 2 fortifications and construction is continuing.

In the process of revisiting my original plans, several points came up.

(1) Are the Allied ground forces already on Suva and Pago Pago and those now enroute sufficient to hold these locations, even with fortifications? If more is needed, could they reach Suva and Pago Pago in time? My educated guess to both questions is "probably not".

(2) Even with sufficient Allied ground forces on hand to hold Suva and Pago Pago against a Japanese invasion, they would have to be at the least continuously resupplied, if not reinforced from time to time with additional LCU's. This would certainly have to be done by sea, with transport convoys going into Pago Pago or Suva having to get through one or more of the following - KB, Japanese subs and surface naval forces, possibly LBA.

(3) If Pago Pago and Suva were to be held, maintaining these bases through what would amount to be a siege with supply and reinforcements moving by sea transport would be a major (and probably costly) long-term effort that would need to be sustained through all of 1942 and possibly longer. The "siege of Pago Pago (or Suva)" would not be unlike what historically occurred on Malta in the Mediterranean (except the Axis didn't have the KB at Malta).


I'm beginning to see the possibility of Pillager being able to once again establish a complete Japanese outer perimeter line from Port Moresby across the South Pacific via Noumea, Suva, Pago Pago and Canton Is. My preference is not pulling a complete "Sir Robin" in the South Pacific, but is my preference really an option?

Check the pools for the type of mine carried by the Argonaut. You should find her mine laying career will be severely curtailed in AE compared to classical WITP.

Alfred

Somehow I would not be surprised...

Summary of Operations 12/30/41

New Zealand: AR Medusa and two US AG’s arrive in Auckland from the US west coast. Plans are underway to maximize the naval replenishment and repair capability of Auckland base and its relatively small (15,000 ton capacity) shipyard facilities.

While a relatively small naval base in the grand scheme of things, Auckland is the closest major naval base to what will eventually be front-line areas of the South Pacific theatre. Auckland could easily become valuable as a replenishment base near the front-lines and important for emergency repair of ships damaged in action.


Australia: Allied transport ships arriving in Perth from the DEI and Singapore (via the DEI) include 2 British TK, one Commonwealth xAK, three xAKL (2 Dutch, 1 Australian). A number of small escort and auxiliary ships also arrived in Perth this game turn including one Dutch PC, two small British ML’s, 5 Dutch AVP and 7 Dutch minesweepers (4 AM, 3 small AMc).

Total cargoes reaching Perth this game turn aboard these ships include 18476 fuel, 2780 supply and 1750 resource. Also reaching Perth was elements of an RAF torpedo squadron (6 Vildebeest).

Nearly all the small Dutch escorts and auxiliary ships reaching Perth are continuing their movement from Perth to ports in southern Australia. Some of these ships (especially escorts and minesweepers) are being immediately pressed into service at eastern Australian ports, others are being “mothballed” at locations in southern Australia until such time as they become useful in future Allied operations.


DEI: Japanese landing continues at Pantar (near Timor). Two Japanese TF detected near Koepang, one TF (11 ships, including transports and escorts) probably an invasion force headed into Koepang, a second Japanese TF (10 ships) is possibly a surface naval TF moving out into the Timor Sea or towards Indian Ocean areas south of Java. Situation map follows.



Two damaged British MTB from Hong Kong (no torpedoes on board) reached Soerabaja via the Philippines, and were withdrawn from the map to the build pool (available in 25 days).

Detected status of Jap-occupied base at Tarakan showing minor damage to oil production and refinery facilities.

Detected status of Jap-occupied base at Brunei showing 30-40% damage to oil production facilities.


Philippines: Japanese TF (13 ships) detected last game turn off the N coast of Mindanao is now near Cebu. Movement and destination of this TF is uncertain.

Light Japanese bombing raids against several locations on Luzon and Mindanao, minor damage and US casualties reported.


Malaya: Jap LCU detected entering Georgetown base hex. Georgetown still under British control.

Damaged Dutch submarine K-XIII bombed while it was under shipyard repair in Singapore is now departing Singapore for Colombo. Singapore shipyard had been in use for repair of Allied submarines still operating near Malaya and the western DEI.


Burma: Japanese capture Tavoy. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Tavoy (54,60)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 588 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 152
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 13
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 13 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Tavoy !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
112th Infantry Regiment
55th Cavalry Regiment
15th Army

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India: One Dutch AK arrives at Colombo from the DEI evacuation with elements of a RAF fighter squadron (5 Buffaloes, 12 pilots) evacuated from Singapore via the DEI.

Summary of Operations 12/30/41 (continued)

China: Attacks by Jap ground forces at Changsha and several locations in northern China. AAR’s and situation map follow.



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Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)

Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 67691 troops, 738 guns, 40 vehicles, Assault Value = 2221
Defending force 59385 troops, 405 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1502
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1
Japanese adjusted assault: 1556
Allied adjusted defense: 3333
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 1)

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

Japanese ground losses:
4598 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 285 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 136 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled

Allied ground losses:
3146 casualties reported
Squads: 31 destroyed, 113 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 236 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled

Assaulting units:
13th Division
116th Division
34th Division
18th Ind.Mixed Brigade
6th Division
3rd Division
58th Infantry Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Army
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion

Defending units:
78th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
19th Group Army
27th Group Army
29th Group Army
30th Group Army
9th War Area
17th Chinese Base Force

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Ground combat at Sinyang (86,48)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8933 troops, 86 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 351
Defending force 5450 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 182
Japanese adjusted assault: 201
Allied adjusted defense: 63
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
73 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2184 casualties reported
Squads: 55 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 108 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
12th RGC Temp. Division
14th RGC Temp. Division
18th RGC Temp. Division
52nd Road Const Co
67th JAAF AF Coy

Defending units:
48th Chinese Corps
2nd Group Army

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Ground combat at 87,44 (S of Loyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17530 troops, 150 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 613
Defending force 7413 troops, 70 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 184
Japanese adjusted assault: 396
Allied adjusted defense: 20
Japanese assault odds: 19 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: op mode(-), leaders(+), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
390 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1253 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 74 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 58 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
36th Division

Defending units:
27th Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps

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Ground combat at 87,41 (N of Loyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12259 troops, 141 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 989
Defending force 825 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1
Japanese adjusted assault: 372
Allied adjusted defense: 19
Japanese assault odds: 19 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
289 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
37th Division
41st Division
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
8th Group Army

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Summary of Operations 12/31/41

Japanese Home Islands: A small number of US submarines are running patrol patterns independently off the Japanese home islands in sea areas S and SW of Tokyo. Two actions this game turn reported south of Shikoku – SS Gudgeon damaged by surface ASW while intercepting a small convoy, a Japanese AK torpedoed by SS Pollack. AAR’s follow.

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ASW attack near Kochi at 106,62

Japanese Ships
DMS W-5
xAK Atutasan Maru
xAK Kansai Maru
DMS W-6

Allied Ships
SS Gudgeon, hits 2 (system 20, float 20, eng 1)

SS Gudgeon launches 6 torpedoes at DMS W-5
DMS W-6 fails to find sub and abandons search
DMS W-5 attacking submerged sub ....
DMS W-5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W-5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W-5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W-5 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Submarine attack near Kochi at 106,62

Japanese Ships
xAK Taizin Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Pollack

xAK Taizin Maru is sighted by SS Pollack
SS Pollack launches 4 torpedoes at xAK Taizin Maru

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Central Pacific: Sigint report entry for 12/31 indicating a heavy radio intercept from Kwajalein. Could be the KB went home to refuel and is just on its way back out again. Could also be the anticipated Japanese invasion force for Canton Is.


Coral Sea: A small transport convoy returning from Port Moresby reports contact with a F1M2 Pete floatplane off (ENE of) Townsville. Naval search flights are being concentrated over northern areas of the Coral Sea to locate and identify the Japanese ship(s) operating this floatplane. Force N is currently near Koumac and is available to intercept this contact if a favorable situation for engaging and attacking the contact is found to exist.

I’m anticipating the contact to likely be a Japanese surface combat TF, another (though less likely) possibility a CS/AV task force sent to launch floatplane attacks against Allied transports moving near the Australian coast. On several occasions in our last match Pillager did employ TF’s consisting of several CS & AV as surface raiders launching floatplane naval strikes against unescorted Allied transport shipping in the Indian Ocean and off New Zealand. It was useful last time for Pillager until tracked down and sunk by Allied surface combat TF's. A repeat of this tactic at some point would not be a surprise.


Australia: Allied transport ships arriving in Perth from the DEI and Singapore (via the DEI) include two xAKL (1 British, 1 Philippine) and a Dutch AMc. Total cargo reaching Perth this game turn includes 2750 resource.


DEI: Japanese capture Pantar. Jap forces now landing at Koepang. Dutch PBY’s at Koepang launch a last-minute naval air attack on the Jap invasion TF before flying off to Soerabaja. AAR’s follow.

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Ground combat at Pantar (69,114)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1468 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 62
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 32
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 32 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Pantar !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
16th Naval Guard Unit
14th JAAF AF Coy /43

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Ground combat at Koepang (68,116)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 409 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 41
Defending force 5846 troops, 47 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 204

Assaulting units:
Timor Garrison Battalion
Dili Detachment
Koepang Base Force

Defending units:
20th Infantry Rgt /45
16th Engr Rgt /45
16th Recon Rgt /45

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Koepang at 68,116

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
PBY-5 Catalina x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kofuku Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PBY-5 Catalina bombing from 4000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Kofuku Maru

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Philippines: Japanese TF (13 ships) detected last game turn near Cebu is now off Legaspi. Movement and destination of this TF is still uncertain. It's either an amphibious landing at Legaspi, or a holiday cruise to Wake Island (which, by the way, is still in US hands).

Light Japanese bombing raids against several locations on Luzon and Mindanao, minor damage and US casualties reported.


Malaya: Japanese capture Georgetown. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Georgetown (49,74)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3632 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 127
Defending force 212 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1
Japanese adjusted assault: 64
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 64 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Georgetown !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(-)
Attacker: leaders(+), fatigue(-)

Allied ground losses:
439 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 33 destroyed, 29 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 14 (13 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
42nd Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
Penang Fortress

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21 Japanese LCU’s now detected in Johore Bahru base hex. I’d say Pillager’s almost ready to launch the final offensive on Singapore.


China: Jap ground forces attack in north China. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at 87,44 (S of Loyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17273 troops, 150 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 1025
Defending force 6598 troops, 70 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 106
Japanese adjusted assault: 285
Allied adjusted defense: 10
Japanese assault odds: 28 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: disruption(-), fatigue(-), morale(-), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
97 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1850 casualties reported
Squads: 29 destroyed, 94 disabled
Non Combat: 15 destroyed, 74 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
110th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
36th Division

Defending units:
27th Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps

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Summary of Operations 1/01/42

Japanese Home Islands: US submarines operating south of the Japanese home islands reporting several actions. AAR’s follow.

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Submarine attack near Nagoya at 110,61

Japanese Ships
CMc Kuroshima

Allied Ships
SS Cachalot

CMc Kuroshima is sighted by SS Cachalot
SS Cachalot launches 4 torpedoes at CMc Kuroshima

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Submarine attack near Aogashima at 109,65

Japanese Ships
xAKL Mitsu Maru #3, Shell hits 14, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Plunger, hits 1 (very minor damage)

Japanese ground losses: (looks like we had troops on board)
19 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

xAKL Mitsu Maru #3 is sighted by SS Plunger
SS Plunger attacking xAKL Mitsu Maru #3 on the surface
SS Plunger low on gun ammo, Raymond I. breaks off surface engagement and submerges

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Several additional US subs are being dispatched from the Philippines and Wake Is area to form another patrol group to the W and SW of Iwo Jima to engage Japanese transports outbound from the Home Islands.


Coral Sea: Naval search flights dispatched this game turn over northern areas of the Coral Sea spotted an unidentified Jap task force SW of Milne Bay which appears to be headed for Port Moresby. My initial estimate is the TF is a surface naval force sent to bombard Port Moresby and take out any Allied transport ships it finds there (which there are none).

If the estimate is correct, the Jap TF heading for Port Moresby is likely superior in strength to Force N. Force N continues to proceed on its current mission to position itself near the eastern Solomons and engage any Japanese amphibious TF bound for Luganville or the eastern Solomons area if favorable conditions for successful attack exist.


Australia: Allied transport ships arriving in Perth from the DEI and Singapore (via the DEI) include two Dutch xAKL, one British xAK and a Dutch CM (no mines on board). Total cargo reaching Perth this game turn includes 2750 resource and 2775 fuel. .


DEI: Japanese capture Koepang. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Koepang (68,116)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5876 troops, 47 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 205
Defending force 1143 troops, 8 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 41
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 97
Allied adjusted defense: 5
Japanese assault odds: 19 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Koepang !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
721 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 22 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
16th Recon Regiment
20th Infantry Regiment
16th Engineer Regiment

Defending units:
Timor Garrison Battalion
Dili Detachment
Koepang Base Force

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USAAF B-17’s from Darwin transfer into Java, bomb Japanese-controlled oil production facilities at Brunei. Dutch bombers strike oil production in Japanese-occupied Tarakan. AAR’s follow.

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Morning Air attack on Tarakan , at 67,91

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 30

No Allied losses

Oil hits 6 (20% damage now detected on oil facilities in Tarakan)

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
4 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
5 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
4 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
5 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Miri , at 64,87

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 13

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 5 damaged (two planes were operational losses on return flight)

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes

Training flight from Hosho-1 has been caught up in attack (also found part of the baby KB in Miri)

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Detected status of Miri shows 40-50% damage on both oil production and refinery facilities (basically the same as pre-attack damage levels).

Jap bombers (Ki-21 Sally) attack Dutch LCU’s in Palembang. Light Dutch casualties reported.


Philippines: Japanese TF detected last game turn near Legaspi has departed Philippine waters, appears to be moving eastward into the open Pacific. Perhaps it actually is a holiday cruise to Wake.

Light Japanese bombing raids against several locations on Luzon and Mindanao, minor damage and US casualties reported.


Malaya: Japanese fighters (Zeroes & Ki-27 Nates) launch strafing attacks on British troops defending Johore Bahru. 27 Japanese LCU’s now detected in Johore Bahru base hex, an increase of six from last game turn.


China: Jap minesweeping operations detected in Hong Kong.

Japanese ground forces attack at Changsha, also north China. AAR’s follow.

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Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 64992 troops, 738 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 2016
Defending force 57414 troops, 405 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1382
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 1291
Allied adjusted defense: 2133
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)

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

Japanese ground losses:
1459 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 115 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 49 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2466 casualties reported
Squads: 69 destroyed, 129 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 189 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
116th Division
6th Division
3rd Division
13th Division
34th Division
18th Ind.Mixed Brigade
58th Infantry Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Army
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion

Defending units:
58th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
27th Group Army
19th Group Army
9th War Area
30th Group Army
29th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 87,44 (S of Loyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29246 troops, 252 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 1027
Defending force 3852 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 7
Japanese adjusted assault: 712
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 712 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: disruption(-), fatigue(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2971 casualties reported
Squads: 59 destroyed, 251 disabled
Non Combat: 50 destroyed, 267 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 9 disabled
Guns lost 25 (23 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
110th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
36th Division

Defending units:
27th Chinese Corps (eliminated – surrender)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a well-done, highly informative AAR. Thanks for explaining the rationale behind your actions.

I noticed you mentioned earlier regarding pilot training that you would not use squadrons that have a withdrawal date for training. You may have picked up on this already, but what you can do is manually pull pilots out of those squadrons with two right clicks while punching the "Y" key (for "yes") to put them in general reserve. Then you can fill the empty slots with replacement pilots. This way, when you have to withdraw the squadron, you can put the trained pilots in the general reserve and fill with rookies prior to removal. It's a pain in the keister, but worth it to save the good pilots. Hope this helps.

Cheers,
CC

I noticed you mentioned earlier regarding pilot training that you would not use squadrons that have a withdrawal date for training. You may have picked up on this already, but what you can do is manually pull pilots out of those squadrons with two right clicks while punching the "Y" key (for "yes") to put them in general reserve. Then you can fill the empty slots with replacement pilots. This way, when you have to withdraw the squadron, you can put the trained pilots in the general reserve and fill with rookies prior to removal. It's a pain in the keister, but worth it to save the good pilots. Hope this helps.

Commander Cody,

I have noticed this and re-thinking the use of at least some squadrons that have a withdrawal date for pilot training, removing trained pilots and replacing them with rookies just before their withdrawal date. There's several US air units with a 2/42 withdrawal date with a full complement of pilots where the pilots have progressed well so far in training mode. Replacing trained pilots in these squadrons with rookies shortly before they're withdrawn in 2/42 is certainly under consideration.

Summary of Operations 1/02/42

Japanese Home Islands: US submarines operating south of the Japanese home islands reporting several contacts with Japanese surface ASW. No hits or damage scored on either side.


US West Coast: Jap submarine identified as I-7 attacked an unescorted convoy approaching San Francisco. xAK Royal T Frank from this convoy was torpedoed and sunk.


Wake Island: Japanese holiday cruise ships arrive, start landing troops, then leave after being shot at during the luau. US shore batteries fire back. So far the cruise isn’t a holiday. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Wake Island - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

79 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
CL Katori, Shell hits 14, on fire
xAKL Katsura Maru
xAKL Shonan Maru #8
AMC Kongo Maru

Japanese ground losses:
121 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

CL Katori firing at 1st Marine Defense Battalion
5in CD Gun Coastal Battery engaging xAKL Katsura Maru at 8,000 yards
CL Katori fires to suppress enemy guns at 8,000 yards
5in CD Gun Coastal Battery engaging xAKL Shonan Maru #8 at 8,000 yards
CL Katori fires to suppress enemy guns at 8,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Wake Island

TF 113 troops unloading over beach at Wake Island, 136,98

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wake Island (136,98)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1420 troops, 19 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 58
Defending force 1099 troops, 25 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 28
Japanese adjusted assault: 0
Allied adjusted defense: 64
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 99 (fort level 1)

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-), fatigue(-), supply(-)

Japanese ground losses:
984 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 71 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 51 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
Maizuru 2nd SNLF /47

Defending units:
Wake USN CPNAB
1st Marine Defense Battalion

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Central Pacific: Sigint report entry for 1/02 indicating heavy volume of intercepted radio activity from Kwajalein. This follows an earlier Sigint report of heavy radio activity from Kwajalein on 12/31. Another Jap TF departing for Canton Is?


Coral Sea: No further contact reported with Jap task force spotted last game turn in the Coral Sea SE of Port Moresby.


DEI: USAAF B-17 bombers hit Japanese-controlled refinery facilities in Tarakan. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Tarakan , at 67,91

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 4

No Allied losses

Refinery hits 1 (reports show minor damage)

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Malaya: 30 Japanese LCU’s now detected in Johore Bahru base hex, an increase of 3 from last game turn. Jap ground forces at Johore Bahru open with a bombardment attack. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Johore Bahru (50,83)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 19894 troops, 415 guns, 119 vehicles, Assault Value = 1133
Defending force 17542 troops, 149 guns, 115 vehicles, Assault Value = 616

Japanese ground losses:
103 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
105 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
113th Infantry Regiment
48th Engineer Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
Sasebo 3rd SNLF
55th Infantry Regiment
6th Tank Regiment
Yokosuka 4th SNLF
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
56th Field Artillery Regiment
1st RF Gun Battalion
5th Mortar Battalion
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
3rd Mortar Battalion
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
48th Field Artillery Regiment
45th Field AA Battalion
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
31st Field AA Battalion
47th Field AA Battalion
35th Field AA Battalion
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
40th Field AA Battalion
12th JAAF Base Force

Defending units:
5/14th Punjab Battalion
22nd Indian Brigade
15th Indian Brigade
2nd Argylls Battalion
22nd Australian Brigade
3rd SSVF Battalion
27th Australian Brigade
3/16th Punjab Battalion
6th Indian Brigade
5/2nd Punjab Battalion
III Indian Corps
111th RAF Base Force
272/273rd Bty 80th AT Gun Regiment
1st ISF Base Force
137/155th Field Regiment

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A number of Japanese LCU involved in the battle for Johore Bahru arrived in Malaya from the Pescadores. These units include elements of Jap 48th Infantry Division (1 Formosa Infantry Rgt, 48 Engineer Rgt, 48 Recon Rgt, 48 FA Rgt) plus 1 Medium FA Rgt; 40, 45 & 47 Field AA Bns.


China: Jap air strikes over Changsha and Wuchow. Minor damage and Chinese casualties reported.

Japanese ground forces launch attack at Wenchow, also continue attack at Changsha. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wenchow (89,58)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 11337 troops, 102 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 405
Defending force 1750 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 41
Japanese adjusted assault: 186
Allied adjusted defense: 73
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
96 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
163 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
22nd Division
19th JNAF AF Unit

Defending units:
14th Chinese Base Force

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1125 troops, 140 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2339
Defending force 55181 troops, 405 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1257

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
94 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
34th Division
13th Division
6th Division
3rd Division
40th Division (reinforced attack this game turn)
18th Ind.Mixed Brigade
116th Division
58th Infantry Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
11th Army
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion

Defending units:
99th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
19th Group Army
30th Group Army
27th Group Army
29th Group Army
9th War Area
17th Chinese Base Force

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Big Picture #5 – Allied ASW Operations & Doctrine

Compared to CHS, effectiveness of Allied ASW operations in AE appear to be considerably diminished, at least during the early war period.


Surface Naval ASW Operations: I've described below three primary factors for decreased effectiveness of ASW operations specifically applying to surface (naval) ASW.

1) 4-ship limit to ASW task force size in AE: This limit applies over the entire course of the game (not just the early war period) and significantly affects effectiveness of Allied surface ASW task forces compared to past experience in CHS. The smaller number of ships allowed in AE for an ASW task force reduces the TF’s ability to detect Jap submarines and to a lesser extent the TF’s ability to execute attacks on detected subs.


2) Competing tasks for Allied DD’s: This situation is especially acute during the early war period, as DD’s are the only ship type available in quantity to provide ASW cover for most task forces, especially true for TF's moving over medium to long distances. While other ship types suitable for ASW escort (DE, KV, SC, etc) exist, these types are useful only as escorts for local or short-range movement.

Until other escort ship types suitable for medium or long-range ASW coverage enter the game in significant numbers as reinforcements, a heavy demand will be placed on Allied DD’s for many escort roles.

The following points cover what I see as the major rules for employing Allied DD’s during at least the early war period.

• First priority of employment for Allied DD’s will need to be given to escorting carrier and heavy surface naval units.
• Many if not most of the remaining DD will be employed as escorts in transport convoys.
• Only after the first two needs above are adequately met can DD’s then be allocated into dedicated surface ASW task forces.


3) Specialized escort ship types (DE, KV, SC, etc): These ship types exist only in relatively small numbers during the early war period, and only become available in significant numbers by mid-1942.

• Many specialized escort ships have a short operating radius and are useable only for local and short-range ASW or escort operations. The majority of specialized escort ships available in the early war period are expected to have this limitation.

• The short operating radius of many specialized escort ships will limit their employment to local ASW defense near major bases and along coastal areas of the US, Australia, New Zealand, India. It is anticipated that dedicated ASW task forces of YP, SC and KV could be formed for local ASW operations.

• Until the arrival of longer-range specialized Allied ASW ship types in the game by mid-1943 and later, DD’s will be needed as the primary ASW escorts for medium to long-distance transport convoys moving across open sea areas. Specialized escort ships can be used where available to escort transport convoys moving shorter distances or along coastal routes.


Early war period outlook for Allied surface (naval) ASW: At least during the early war period, a combination of several factors will create additional difficulties in both the level and effectiveness of Allied ASW operations during this time.

• Less efficient ASW detection and weapons systems aboard many Allied escorts and destroyers.

• Fewer Allied DD’s and specialized ASW escorts (DE, KV, SC, etc) available for dedicated surface ASW operations as these ships will also be needed for other tasks.

• Allied air forces lacking (both in quantity and quality) sufficient planes to effectively detect and attack enemy submarines.

Conditions behind the three factors listed above are expected to gradually improve as the war progresses, especially beginiing in 1943 and thereafter.


ASW air operations and doctrine:

Air missions to be used in ASW operations: For purposes of discussion, both naval search and ASW missions are included in the area of ASW air operations.

• The primary mission projected for air forces in ASW operations will be the naval search mission to detect presence of Japanese subs.

• The ASW air mission will be used less extensively and likely to be employed in local operations to attack Jap submarines detected or known to be present in the immediate vicinity of a friendly port or base.


ASW plane types: Due to lack of planes in the early war period that are (or can be) specialized for ASW air missions, it becomes necessary to draw upon air units equipped with plane types suitable for use for air missions in support of ASW operations. For the most part, the primary role of these air units will be naval search missions to detect enemy submarines.

• Recon air units in retricted commands or not employed on other missions can be used for short-range naval search missions along coastal areas, especially surveillance along the US and Canadian west coast. A number of US air units with blimps enter the game as reinforcements in the mainland US and can be expected to supplement naval search air misisons in support of ASW operations.

• Longer-range level bombers (especially B-17’s) can be assigned to fly naval search missions over open sea areas in support of ASW as needed when these air units are not in training or required for other missions.

• OS2U-3 Kingfisher float plane air units enter the game in significant quantity fairly early in the game. Plans are to employ these extensively in local ASW defense air operations near major ports and bases, both in naval search and ASW air missions.

• Once dedicated surface ASW task forces can be formed and “search and destroy” missions are underway by these TF’s, longer-range air units performing operations supporting ASW will be employed mainly for hunting and detecting Jap submarines, with surface ASW task forces taking the role of attacking and destroying Jap submarines as they are detected.


The Bottom Line:

From observations during my experience in AE playing the AI, it’s going to be harder to keep the heads of Japanese submarine captains “down” using active ASW operations in AE than it was in CHS. At least early in the war.

• Experience in AE vs Japanese AI indicates Japanese subs effectively match up against Allied ASW ships, including destroyers, at least during the early war period. Also keeping in mind that submarines on both sides will fire upon DD's or other ASW escort types, whether these ships are acting as escorts in a TF of any kind or they are operating in a dedicated ASW task froce.

• It may be concluded from experience against the AI that Japanese subs can and are likely to effectively attack DD’s and other escort ships in Allied task forces that make contact with enemy subs. Whether this phenomena is only early war or true through the entire course of the war is unknown.


The Plan (as of now): Overall plans are to pursue independent non-escort ASW operations by both surface naval and air forces and air forces to the greatest extent possible with available resources on hand, and at the earliest time where significant numbers of effective ASW ships and aircraft become available to be employed in dedicated stand-alone ASW operations.

My preference in the long run is performing search and destroy operations against Jap submarines as quickly as they can be detected, similar to the doctrine I followed in my last match vs Pillager in CHS. It’s likely to be quite a while before “search and destroy” missions can be practiced on a large scale, but in the meantime (1941 through perhaps late-1943 or so) Allied ASW operations will be practiced with whatever means is available and to the extent those means allow. Expectations are that the growth of Allied ASW doctrine and tactics will be an evolving work in progress.

Later in the war, with increased numbers of available ships and planes for ASW and improved ASW weapons and sensors, Allied ASW is expected become a significantly effective tool.

My “big picture” goal for Allied ASW operations in AE is developing a large-scale capability and then using it to search and destroy Jap submarine forces at will. In my last match vs Pillager in CHS, a detected Jap submarine was nearly always a dead Jap submarine. I intend for this concept to be true in AE as well.

Supplement to Summary of Operations 1/02/42

Malaya: A number of Japanese LCU involved in the battle for Johore Bahru arrived in Malaya from the Pescadores. These units include elements of Jap 48th Infantry Division (1 Formosa Infantry Rgt, 48 Engineer Rgt, 48 Recon Rgt, 48 FA Rgt) plus 1 Medium FA Rgt; 40, 45 & 47 Field AA Bns.

This was discovered during a subsequent recording of Japanese LCU location and OOB information from the 1/02 game turn combat results.

Summary of Operations 1/03/42

Pearl Harbor: Damaged CA Pensacola arrives this game in Pearl Harbor from Canton Is after attack near Canton Is by a KB air strike (one torpedo hit) on 12/22/41. Current damage status of CA Pensacola on arrival at Pearl is 10 system, 58 float, 12 eng.

SOC-1 Seagull floatplane detachment from CA Pensacola remains on Canton Is after flying off from the Pensacola following the KB air strike. With Canton Is being Pillager’s likely next objective in this area of the Pacific, the Seagull detachment probably cannot be safely extracted from Canton Is ahead of a Japanese attack. These planes are still operating from Canton and will continue to do so until the fall of Canton Is to a Japanese attack.

As CA Pensacola will be in repair for some time, not having floatplanes stationed on-board it should be a relatively minor detail.


Wake Island: Passengers re-embark aboard Japanese holiday cruise ships. US shore batteries continue firing on Jap task force. No detected Japanese ships in Wake Is base hex. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Wake Island
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

7 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAKL Shonan Maru #8, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
AMC Kongo Maru

5in CD Gun Battery engaging xAKL Shonan Maru #8 at 10,000 yards
5in CD Gun Battery engaging xAKL Shonan Maru #8 at 10,000 yards
5in CD Gun Battery engaging xAKL Shonan Maru #8 at 10,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Coral Sea: Force N now operating off eastern Solomon Is.

Australian CM Bungaree laid defensive minefield at Luganville, now returning to base.


New Guinea: Jap amphibious landing now underway at Lae.


Australia: Allied transport ships arriving in Perth from the DEI and Singapore (via the DEI) include five xAKL (1 British, 2 Commonwealth, 2 Dutch) and a small Dutch AMc. Total cargo reaching Perth this game turn includes 3500 resource, 1750 supply, 1750 fuel.

Also arriving in Perth this game turn from the Philippines via the DEI were four US PT’s (2 damaged) and four British MTB originally from Hong Kong. The US PT’s will remain in Australia after repair and/or 12/41 upgrade. The British MTB were transferred to the build pool and will be available again in 16 days.


DEI: Dutch and USAAF bombers hit Japanese-controlled oil production and refinery facilities in Tarakan. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tarakan , at 67,91

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 38

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 1 damaged

Oil hits 29

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
6 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
2 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
6 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
6 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
6 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Tarakan , at 67,91

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 8

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Detected status of Tarakan base showing approx 20% damage to refinery facilities, 55% damage to oil production. Allied bombing attacks on Tarakan will continue as long as possible or until oil and refinery facilities are completely disabled.

Japanese fighter sweep (20 Zeroes) over Balikpapan airfield, no takers on Allied side.


Malaya: Japanese ground attack at Johore Bahru intensifies. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Johore Bahru (50,83)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 32420 troops, 486 guns, 450 vehicles, Assault Value = 1129
Defending force 17487 troops, 149 guns, 115 vehicles, Assault Value = 611
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Japanese adjusted assault: 602
Allied adjusted defense: 395
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
787 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 92 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 125 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Vehicles lost 56 (2 destroyed, 54 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1673 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 76 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 165 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled

Assaulting units:
48th Recon Regiment
6th Tank Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
48th Engineer Regiment
55th Infantry Regiment
Sasebo 3rd SNLF
7th Tank Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
Yokosuka 4th SNLF
40th Field AA Battalion
45th Field AA Battalion
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
3rd Mortar Battalion
31st Field AA Battalion
48th Field Artillery Regiment
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
35th Field AA Battalion
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st RF Gun Battalion
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
47th Field AA Battalion
56th Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion
12th JAAF Base Force

Defending units:
27th Australian Brigade
3/16th Punjab Battalion
2nd Argylls Battalion
5/14th Punjab Battalion
6th Indian Brigade
22nd Australian Brigade
3rd SSVF Battalion
22nd Indian Brigade
15th Indian Brigade
5/2nd Punjab Battalion
III Indian Corps
111th RAF Base Force
272/273rd Bty 80th AT Gun Regiment
1st ISF Base Force
137/155th Field Regiment

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Capetown: One British AK arrived at Capetown from DEI evacuation.


China: Jap air strikes over Changsha and Wuchow continue. Minor damage and Chinese casualties reported.

Japanese capture Wenchow. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wenchow (89,58)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 11281 troops, 102 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 403
Defending force 1607 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 34
Japanese adjusted assault: 412
Allied adjusted defense: 28
Japanese assault odds: 14 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Wenchow !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
948 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 55 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
22nd Division
19th JNAF AF Unit

Defending units:
14th Chinese Base Force

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Japanese ground forces reinforced by LCU’s from the Hong Kong attack move out of Canton and begin offensive towards Wuchow. AAR’s follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 76,59 (SW of Canton)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 3516 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 127
Defending force 4752 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 187
Japanese adjusted assault: 74
Allied adjusted defense: 53
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
316 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
102nd Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Prov Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 77,58 (E of Wuchow)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15942 troops, 316 guns, 202 vehicles, Assault Value = 930
Defending force 4635 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 171
Japanese adjusted assault: 455
Allied adjusted defense: 81
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
260 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2438 casualties reported
Squads: 93 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 51 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
104th Division
38th Division
2nd Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd RF Gun Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
21st Mortar Battalion
5th RF Gun Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion

Defending units:
62nd Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Japanese continue their attack at Changsha. Latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1130 troops, 140 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2370
Defending force 55328 troops, 405 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1276

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
140 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
13th Division
40th Division
34th Division
116th Division
6th Division
3rd Division
18th Ind.Mixed Brigade
58th Infantry Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
11th Army
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion

Defending units:
37th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
9th War Area
19th Group Army
27th Group Army
30th Group Army
29th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Supplement to Summary of Operations 1/03/42

Malaya: Another Japanese LCU (7 Tank Regiment) from the Pescadores appeared this game turn in the battle for Johore Bahru.

This was discovered during a subsequent recording of Japanese LCU location and OOB information from the 1/03 game turn combat results. One activity I perform as part of my "game turn routine" is maintaining and updating a log of all Japanese LCU's encountered by Allied forces in the course of a game turn (takes 5-10 min), a practice I also did in our last match in CHS. Data included in this log for each Japanese LCU includes identity (name) of the Jap ground unit, its last known location, and date (game turn) when it was reported at that location. Information recorded is obtained from sigint, combat AAR's and operations reports. While often but not always accurate or complete, in many cases it does provide a reasonably accurate tally of Japanese LCU(s) at a given location or by theatre. It also allows some tracking of Jap LCU movements and concentrations and may also reveal other information on trends or enemy activity in a particular location or area (i.e. presence of base force LCU, engineers, flak units). It's not so much useful early in the game as it is later on.

Put enough tea leaves in a bowl and you too can be a fortune teller.

Summary of Operations 1/04/42

US West Coast: Japanese sub identified as I-15 attacked by US surface ASW off (S of) San Francisco. No hits reported on the I-15.


Wake Island: Japanese shore bombardment TF attacks Wake Is. F4F Wildcats based on Wake launch several naval air strikes against Jap TF’s at and near Wake Is.

Elements of 1st USMC Defense Battalion on Wake received 50% disruption from Jap air and naval bombardment attacks. About half its CD guns were knocked out of action. Only four operational F4F’s remain on Wake Is.

US resistance at Wake is for a short while occupying the attention of Jap forces that Pillager could be using elsewhere. Situation map and AAR’s follow.



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Morning Air attack on TF, near Wake Island at 136,98 (strike on Jap bombardment TF)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x F4F-3 Wildcat bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Wake Island at 136,98 (strike on KB task force)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead

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Afternoon Air attack on 1st Marine Defense Battalion, at 136,98 (Wake Island)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
B5N2 Kate x 14
D3A1 Val x 14

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
33 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
7 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
7 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb

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Naval bombardment of Wake Island at 136,98 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

16 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
BB Hiei
CA Kako
CA Furutaka
CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba

Allied ground losses:
153 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

1st Marine Defense Battalion firing at BB Hiei
BB Hiei firing at 1st Marine Defense Battalion
CA Kako firing at 1st Marine Defense Battalion
1st Marine Defense Battalion firing at CA Kako
CA Furutaka firing at 1st Marine Defense Battalion
1st Marine Defense Battalion firing at CA Furutaka
CA Kinugasa firing at 1st Marine Defense Battalion
1st Marine Defense Battalion firing at CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba firing at 1st Marine Defense Battalion
1st Marine Defense Battalion firing at CA Aoba

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Summary of Operations 1/04/42 (continued)

New Guinea: Japanese capture Lae. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Lae (99,126)

Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 1488 troops, 19 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 61
Defending force 140 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 6
Japanese adjusted assault: 42
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 42 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Lae !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
Sasebo 2nd SNLF

Defending units:
A Coy/NG Rifles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Australia: Allied ships arriving in Perth from the DEI include one Dutch xAKL (cargo 1750 resource) and a small Dutch AMc.


DEI: Dutch and USAAF bombers again hit Japanese-controlled oil production and refinery facilities in Tarakan. AAR’s follow.

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Morning Air attack on Tarakan , at 67,91

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 38

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 2 destroyed, 6 damaged

Oil hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
6 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
2 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
6 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
4 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
6 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tarakan , at 67,91

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 8

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Refinery hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes

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Detected status of Tarakan base now showing approx 50% damage to refinery facilities, 75% damage to oil production. This is probably the most profitable use that can be made of the Dutch bomber force – use it before I lose it.

Japanese fighter sweeps (23 Zeroes) over Balikpapan airfield, no takers on Allied side.


Malaya: Japanese ground attack continues at Johore Bahru intensifies. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Johore Bahru (50,83)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 31851 troops, 486 guns, 450 vehicles, Assault Value = 1123
Defending force 16133 troops, 149 guns, 114 vehicles, Assault Value = 498
Japanese adjusted assault: 500
Allied adjusted defense: 533
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
1129 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 76 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 89 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Vehicles lost 48 (1 destroyed, 47 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1935 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 94 disabled
Non Combat: 12 destroyed, 170 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Assaulting units:
148th Infantry Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
21st Ind. Engineer Regiment
Sasebo 3rd SNLF
7th Tank Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
55th Infantry Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
6th Tank Regiment
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
48th Engineer Regiment
Yokosuka 4th SNLF
5th Mortar Battalion
31st Field AA Battalion
3rd Mortar Battalion
14th Army
35th Field AA Battalion
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st RF Gun Battalion
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
56th Field Artillery Regiment
47th Field AA Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
48th Field Artillery Regiment
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
40th Field AA Battalion
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
45th Field AA Battalion
12th JAAF Base Force

Defending units:
15th Indian Brigade
3/16th Punjab Battalion
22nd Australian Brigade
22nd Indian Brigade
27th Australian Brigade
2nd Argylls Battalion
5/14th Punjab Battalion
6th Indian Brigade
3rd SSVF Battalion
5/2nd Punjab Battalion
III Indian Corps
1st ISF Base Force
272/273rd Bty 80th AT Gun Regiment
111th RAF Base Force
137/155th Field Regiment

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China: Japanese capture Loyang, continue offensive towards Sian. Situation map of northern China and AAR’s follow.

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Ground combat at Loyang (87,43)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 16390 troops, 132 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 553
Defending force 1505 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 14
Japanese adjusted assault: 556
Allied adjusted defense: 2
Japanese assault odds: 278 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Loyang !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), disruption(-), preparation(-), morale(-)
experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1228 casualties reported
Squads: 74 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 86 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
35th Division
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
98th Chinese Corps

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Ground combat at 86,41 (NE of Sian)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29192 troops, 281 guns, 101 vehicles, Assault Value = 1010
Defending force 9021 troops, 136 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 229
Japanese adjusted assault: 429
Allied adjusted defense: 197
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: op mode(-)

Japanese ground losses:
369 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2960 casualties reported
Squads: 135 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 101 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 8 (7 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 6

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
41st Division
37th Division
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
43rd Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
7th Group Army
8th Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Japanese continue attack at Changsha. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 76249 troops, 842 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 2386
Defending force 55426 troops, 405 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1291
Japanese adjusted assault: 1550
Allied adjusted defense: 1787
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)

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

Japanese ground losses:
2461 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 90 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 191 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled

Allied ground losses:
3547 casualties reported
Squads: 37 destroyed, 236 disabled
Non Combat: 19 destroyed, 260 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled

Assaulting units:
6th Division
116th Division
40th Division
13th Division
18th Ind.Mixed Brigade
3rd Division
34th Division
58th Infantry Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
11th Army
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion

Defending units:
10th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
27th Group Army
9th War Area
30th Group Army
19th Group Army
29th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force

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Jap ground forces capture dot base hex at Pingsiang (S of Changsha). AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Pingsiang (82,54)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 11948 troops, 104 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 413
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 237
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 237 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Pingsiang !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: op mode(-)

Assaulting units:
39th Division

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Summary of Operations 1/05/42

Japanese home islands: Jap minesweeping activity reported this game turn in Yokohama/Yokosuka base hex. Pillager has no doubt detected the minefield laid by SS Argonaut on 12/28/41.


US West Coast: The first dedicated Allied ASW task force to be established as a permanent organization (ASW Task Group 10-1) was created this game turn at San Francisco. The task group consists of four YP and will be charged with ASW patrol and intercepts around the immediate approaches to San Francisco.

It would seem the most efficient use of PP that are used for assigning suitable TF commanders in dedicated ASW task forces would be (as much as possible) to create these TF as permanent organizations, keeping an ASW task force established under the same commander and rotating ships in and out of the ASW task force as required. This would of course require a constant and sufficient number of ASW-capable ships available in the location(s) where the TF is operating.

In the short term, permanently-organized dedicated ASW TF’s will be created mainly for short-range or local ASW defense in those locations where sufficient ASW-capable ships are on hand to form these TF without detracting from other missions these ships may be needed for. I don’t see this strategy being widely employed or done on a large scale until well into 1943, possibly later, but it will be done as much as possible, wherever it is possible. For now, the concept will be gradually developed and refined.


Wake Island: KB task force (CV Shokaku & Zuikaku) remains near (W of) Wake Is, otherwise no detected or reported Japanese activity this game turn at Wake. Some CD guns disrupted on 1/04 are back in operation, 7 operational F4F’s on Wake Is. 125 supply on hand, some of this thanks to the aborted Jap amphibious landing on 1/03.


DEI: Dutch and USAAF bombers again hit Japanese-controlled oil production and refinery facilities in Tarakan. Latest AAR’s follow.

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Morning Air attack on Tarakan , at 67,91

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 29

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged

Oil hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
4 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
2 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
6 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Tarakan , at 67,91

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
L-212 x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
L-212: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x L-212 bombing from 5000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 15 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Tarakan , at 67,91

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 7

No Allied losses

Refinery hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
1 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..

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Detected status of Tarakan base now showing approx 45% damage to refinery facilities, oil production in Tarakan almost completely destroyed.

Japanese fighter sweeps (23 Zeroes total) continue over Balikpapan airfield, still no takers on the Allied side. Two airfield strikes by Jap bombers on Balikpapan air base this game turn, minor damage reported. The Dutch bomber force in Balikpapan remains fully operational.

Additional engineer elements flown into Palembang, plans are to do proper demolitions when Pillager arrives. 43 engineer squads are now in Palembang.


Malaya: No Japanese ground attack this game turn at Johore Bahru.


China: Latest AAR’s of ground combat in central and north China follow.

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Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1120 troops, 140 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2217
Defending force 52636 troops, 405 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1106

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
110 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
34th Division
13th Division
6th Division
3rd Division
18th Ind.Mixed Brigade
116th Division
40th Division
58th Infantry Regiment
11th Army
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion

Defending units:
99th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
29th Group Army
19th Group Army
27th Group Army
9th War Area
30th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force

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Ground combat at 85,47 (W of Sinyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5692 troops, 50 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 206
Defending force 3999 troops, 41 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 128
Japanese adjusted assault: 93
Allied adjusted defense: 59
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
255 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 30 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
48th Chinese Corps
2nd Group Army

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Japanese ground attack strikes against Chinese LCU at Wuchow, also attack by Jap ground forces across the river line SW of Canton along flank of the Jap drive towards Wuchow. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at 76,59 (SW of Canton)

Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 3277 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 107
Defending force 4555 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 172
Japanese adjusted assault: 18
Allied adjusted defense: 203
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 11

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

Japanese ground losses:
1064 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 85 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 39 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
102nd Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Prov Chinese Corps

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Summary of Operations 1/06/42

Hawaii: AD Rigel torpedoed and sunk W of Pearl Harbor by Jap submarine identified as I-8.


US East Coast: Damaged BB’s Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee from Pearl Harbor arrived this game turn at US East Coast base. BB's will remain on the US East Coast to complete shipyard repairs and upgrades.


Japanese home islands: SS Plunger torpedoes Jap transport near Kobe. AAR follows.

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Submarine attack near Kobe at 107,61 (SW of Kobe)

Japanese Ships
xAK Yamahuzi Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Plunger

xAK Yamahuzi Maru is sighted by SS Plunger
SS Plunger launches 4 torpedoes at xAK Yamahuzi Maru

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Wake Island: KB task force (CV Shokaku & Zuikaku) remains detected W of Wake Is, otherwise no detected or reported Japanese activity.


South Pacific: Nauru captured by Japanese. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Nauru Island (127,128)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 486 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 20
Defending force 82 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1
Japanese adjusted assault: 17
Allied adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 17 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Nauru Island !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+), preparation(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
75 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
1st Sasebo SNLF Coy /1

Defending units:
Wren Det. (eliminated – surrenders)

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Japanese surface combat TF enters Noumea base hex, sinks xAKL loading resource points in a night action. AAR follows.

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Noumea at 115,160, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
DD Yamagumo
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma
DD Amagiri
DD Akebono

Allied Ships
xAKL Vichy, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

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Australia: Japanese task force (9 ships, including CL Kitakami & 1 DD) appeared in Darwin base hex, does not appear at this time to be an amphibious TF.


DEI: Dutch bombers again hit Japanese-controlled refinery facilities in Tarakan, USAAF B-17 hit oil production facilities at Bruneii. A6M2 CAP from CVL Hosho over Tarakan were reinforced this game turn with a unit of Ki-43-Ib Oscars that appear to now be based in Tarakan. AAR’s follow.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tarakan , at 67,91

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 25
L-212 x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 4 destroyed, 4 damaged
L-212: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Refinery hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
2 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
2 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
2 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
3 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
6 x 139WH-3 bombing from 7000 feet
City Attack: 3 x 300 kg GP Bomb
5 x L-212 bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 2 x 15 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
84th I.F.Chutai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Brunei , at 65,87

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 8

No Allied losses

Oil hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
City Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Detected status of Tarakan base now showing approx 65% damage to refinery facilities, oil production in Tarakan is almost completely destroyed. Detected status at Brunei showing almost complete destruction of oil production facilities.

Japanese fighter sweeps (23 Zeroes total) continue over Balikpapan airfield, still no takers on the Allied side. Two airfield strikes on Balikpapan by Jap LBA bombers (Betty and Nell), also a strike on Balikpapan from 22 Jap carrier-based Kates from an unidentified carrier TF located off Tarakan. The carrier or carriers in the Jap TF off Tarakan appear to be in addition to CVL Hosho.

At this point, I’ve declared “mission accomplished” over Tarakan and now pulling the remaining 15 operational Dutch bombers back to Soerabaja for rest and to draw replacement planes. As Pillager is about to send the “wrath of the emperor” upon Balikpapan, pulling back the Dutch bomber force is the best move at the moment. USAAF bombers will likely be flown out of the DEI to Australia.

If Pillager moves against and captures Balikpapan or another oil production center in the DEI, my plans will be to use remaining Dutch level bombers to demolish any intact Japanese-captured oil production I can get them within hitting range of. Although I’m withdrawing USAAF B-17’s to Australia, I also would not exclude the possibility of sending them into the DEI a second time to strike at intact Japanese-captured production facilities as the situation dictates.


Malaya: Japanese ground attack resumes at Johore Bahru. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Johore Bahru (50,83)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 38779 troops, 521 guns, 497 vehicles, Assault Value = 1334
Defending force 14851 troops, 149 guns, 114 vehicles, Assault Value = 412
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1
Japanese adjusted assault: 535
Allied adjusted defense: 527
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1151 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 69 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 57 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 17 disabled
Vehicles lost 31 (1 destroyed, 30 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2079 casualties reported
Squads: 32 destroyed, 76 disabled
Non Combat: 58 destroyed, 74 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 12 disabled
Vehicles lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)

Assaulting units:
15th Ind. Engineer Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
21st Ind. Engineer Regiment
23rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
6th Tank Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
Sasebo 8th SNLF
114th Infantry Regiment
48th Engineer Regiment
4th Ind. Engineer Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
1st Tank Regiment
55th Infantry Regiment
Sasebo 3rd SNLF
Yokosuka 4th SNLF
3rd Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
56th Field Artillery Regiment
45th Field AA Battalion
5th Mortar Battalion
48th Field Artillery Regiment
14th Army
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
40th Field AA Battalion
47th Field AA Battalion
35th Field AA Battalion
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
31st Field AA Battalion
1st RF Gun Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
12th JAAF Base Force

Defending units:
2nd Argylls Battalion
3/16th Punjab Battalion
15th Indian Brigade
6th Indian Brigade
27th Australian Brigade
3rd SSVF Battalion
22nd Indian Brigade
22nd Australian Brigade
5/14th Punjab Battalion
5/2nd Punjab Battalion
1st ISF Base Force
272/273rd Bty 80th AT Gun Regiment
III Indian Corps
111th RAF Base Force
137/155th Field Regiment

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Japanese capture Temuloh. 8 Indian Brigade withdrawing to defend Kuantan - last remaining base in mainland Malaya other than Johore that is still in British control. AAR of action at Temuloh follows.

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Ground combat at Temuloh (50,78)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3732 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 127
Defending force 1183 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 48
Japanese adjusted assault: 60
Allied adjusted defense: 13
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Temuloh !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
449 casualties reported
Squads: 22 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
56th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
8th Indian Brigade

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China: Latest AAR’s of ground combat in central and north China follow.

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Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1130 troops, 140 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2249
Defending force 52772 troops, 405 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1113

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
81 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
116th Division
3rd Division
13th Division
40th Division
6th Division
34th Division
18th Ind.Mixed Brigade
58th Infantry Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
11th Army
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion

Defending units:
99th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
27th Group Army
19th Group Army
9th War Area
30th Group Army
29th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force

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Ground combat at Nanyang (85,45)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29349 troops, 252 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 1031
Defending force 84521 troops, 461 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2595
Japanese adjusted assault: 450
Allied adjusted defense: 618
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2)

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: disruption(-), fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
2551 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 396 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 248 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 23 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1400 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 76 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 82 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Assaulting units:
110th Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
36th Division

Defending units:
29th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
7th New Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
4th Construction Regiment
92nd Chinese Corps
89th Chinese/B Corps
22nd Group Army
3rd Group Army
5th War Area
21st Group Army
31st Group Army

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Ground combat at 85,47 (W of Sinyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5668 troops, 50 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 205
Defending force 3765 troops, 41 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 104
Japanese adjusted assault: 92
Allied adjusted defense: 63
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
51 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
50 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
48th Chinese Corps
2nd Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Summary of Operations 1/07/42

Japanese home islands: SS Cachalot attacked off Nagoya by Jap surface ASW. No reported hits or damage.


Wake Island: KB task force is no longer off Wake Is. No other Japanese activity detected or reported this game turn at Wake.


South Pacific: Walrus floatplane from Force N spots Jap surface TF near (SW of) Rennell Is moving on a NW heading. This contact is likely to be the Jap surface TF reported at Noumea on 1/06 and is now returning to Rabaul. As far as is known, Force N was not spotted by the Jap task force. Force N is now under orders to avoid contact with this Jap TF and remain undetected for use in further actions against Jap invasion forces.

US xAKL Nevadan torpedoed and sunk near Raoul Is by a Jap submarine identified as I-172.

A flotilla of US S-Class submarines originally from Pearl Harbor has started operations from Auckland. Plans are to eventually reinforce this flotilla with S-Class subs still operating in the Philippines. Allied AS ships (US, Australian and Dutch) are being based at Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland to support operation of these subs.


Australia: Japanese task force remains at Darwin, now identified as having 9 ships, including CL Kitakami & Natori plus 2 DD. Appears this could be a surface combat TF moved here by Pillager to intercept ships fleeing to Darwin from the DEI. No Allied ships were or are currently enroute to Darwin. In any event... Darwin has not been used as a destination port in Australia for Allied ships leaving the DEI or Philippines, making the appearance of this Japanese TF largely a moot point.


DEI: The Dutch bomber force attacking Tarakan is now retired from Balikpapan airfield to Java for rest and regrouping. Overall, the attacks on Tarakan oil fields were a rather successful use of Dutch 2E bombers. Plans are to use this force again in a similar manner (Balikpapan and Palembang come to mind) to finish off any demolitions Dutch engineer elements on the ground do not accomplish.

Japanese LBA bombers (Betty & Nell) launched several airfield strikes against Balikpapan base, inflicting some damage to the airfield. These bombers are probably operating from Kendari (Nells) and an undetermined airbase in NW Borneo (Bettys). A Japanese carrier TF that appears to include one or more CVL’s, plus CS Chiyoda and at least 3 DD’s is in the Makassar Straits off Balikpapan is supporting this effort.

Dutch submarine K-XV operating between Singapore and Palembang reported contact with a probable Jap surface TF (includes CL Kuma, 3 DD’s). The K-XV was hit and moderately damaged in an ASW attack from this Jap TF.


Malaya: Japanese capture Johore Bahru, attack reinforced by Jap LCU shown in the AAR. British ground forces withdraw into Singapore. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Johore Bahru (50,83)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 38954 troops, 600 guns, 538 vehicles, Assault Value = 1573
Defending force 13042 troops, 149 guns, 112 vehicles, Assault Value = 298
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 514
Allied adjusted defense: 253
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Johore Bahru !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
751 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 65 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Vehicles lost 19 (7 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
3210 casualties reported
Squads: 223 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 294 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 101 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 32 (32 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 45 (45 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 15

Defeated Allied Units Retreating! (into Singapore)

Assaulting units:
2nd Formosa Inf. Regiment (reinforcement this game turn - Tanaka & Kanno Detachment LCU's combined to form their parent LCU)
21st Infantry Regiment (reinforcement this game turn)
113th Infantry Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
48th Engineer Regiment
4th Ind. Engineer Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
6th Tank Regiment
15th Ind. Engineer Regiment
55th Infantry Regiment
Sasebo 3rd SNLF
7th Tank Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
23rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
21st Ind. Engineer Regiment
1st Tank Regiment
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
Sasebo 8th SNLF
Yokosuka 4th SNLF
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st RF Gun Battalion
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
35th Field AA Battalion
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
12th JAAF Base Force
56th Field Artillery Regiment
15th JAAF AF Bn (reinforcement this game turn)
45th Field AA Battalion
25th Army (reinforcement this game turn)
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
48th Field Artillery Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion
17th JAAF AF Bn (reinforcement this game turn)
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment (reinforcement this game turn)
40th Field AA Battalion
3rd Mortar Battalion
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment (reinforcement this game turn)
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment (reinforcement this game turn)
14th Army
47th Field AA Battalion
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
31st Field AA Battalion
34th Field AA Battalion (reinforcement this game turn)
62nd JAAF AF Bn (reinforcement this game turn)

Defending units:
22nd Australian Brigade
6th Indian Brigade
3/16th Punjab Battalion
2nd Argylls Battalion
3rd SSVF Battalion
5/14th Punjab Battalion
22nd Indian Brigade
27th Australian Brigade
15th Indian Brigade
5/2nd Punjab Battalion
111th RAF Base Force
1st ISF Base Force
III Indian Corps
272/273rd Bty 80th AT Gun Regiment
137/155th Field Regiment

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44 Japanese LCU’s are now detected in Johore Bahru base hex, most if not all of these probably intended for the assault on Singapore.

I have not done so, but had looked into replacing Percival as the HQ Malaya commander with a better general to beef-up the defensive effort in Singapore. I found the 150 PP cost for doing this a bit steep given that I’m using my available PP to “activate” Australian and NZ units to move out along with US forces and defend a line of islands in the South Pacific theatre I will call for now an “Allied outer perimeter” (this being similar in concept to the all-familiar Japanese one).


Philippines: I’ve gradually withdrawn about half the US submarine force from the Philippines. After refueling and replenishment before leaving the Philippines, nearly all the withdrawn subs are individually headed to or now operating in patrol zones in open sea areas of the Pacific at various points along routes leading southward from the Japanese home islands. Orders for these subs are to proceed to either Pearl Harbor or Sydney once they exhaust their fuel and/or torpedo stocks.


India: The three AVG fighter squadrons have been transferred to HQ 221 Group RAF command and are now based in Calcutta along with 221 Group HQ. All three AVG squadrons are in intensive (100 level) pilot training mode. Current plans are to keep the AVG pilots in training to the greatest extent possible and not use the AVG squadrons in combat except for urgent situations.

My current view of the AVG squadrons is they have considerable value as a reservoir of 70-80 highly skilled US Army fighter pilots that can be released into the USAAF general pilot replacement pool at or near these squadrons' 7/42 withdrawal date with the intent of later using these pilots in front-line employment elsewhere (i.e. US air units in the Pacific theatres). This option actually isn't entirely out of line with what happened to AVG pilots historically – many of them absorbed into the USAAF (along with Chennault) after the AVG in China was disbanded. Current experience levels of AVG pilots are at least in the mid to high-50’s with experience levels of many pilots in the 60’s and 70’s, plus high individual skill levels.

Units of British 18 Division are now fully disembarked at Madras. 18 Division LCU’s are currently set in rest mode and drawing replacement elements to reach full TOE strength pending later employment of 18 Division in active operations.


China: Ground combat continues at Changsha and near Sinyang. Latest AAR’s follow.

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Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1440 troops, 179 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2288
Defending force 52907 troops, 405 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1118

Japanese ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
133 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
116th Division
3rd Division
40th Division
34th Division
13th Division
6th Division
18th Ind.Mixed Brigade
58th Infantry Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
11th Army
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
13th Army (reinforcement this game turn)
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
4th Mortar Battalion (reinforcement this game turn)

Defending units:
10th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
5th Construction Regiment
30th Group Army
27th Group Army
19th Group Army
29th Group Army
9th War Area
17th Chinese Base Force

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 85,47 (W of Sinyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5640 troops, 50 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 203
Defending force 3736 troops, 41 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 102
Japanese adjusted assault: 190
Allied adjusted defense: 129
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
113 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
158 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
48th Chinese Corps
2nd Group Army

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