Invasions
Reports claim more Japanese troops land at Lae and Tandjoengpinang.
Bases lost
Japan gains control over Dadjangas, Lae and Tandjoengpinang.
Japanese air raids
Today Singapore, Kukong and Soerebaja are all targeted. Despite 15 airborne Dutch fighters at Soerebaja, the enemy clears through and score hits on the submarines repairing in the docks. Over Soerebaja the Dutch lose 10 AC and only shoot down 1 Betty. A poor exchange.
KB/Baby-KB
Neither are seen. Not too concerned right now, estimate they are off to refuel and rearm.
Other
One of our PT-TFs operating in the waters around Clark AF encounters some IJN minesweepers. The result is, well... Typical of Allied forced this early? Disappointing? Annoying? See for yourselves below.
Invasions
Japanese ships are reported at Lunga and Wewak today.
Bases lost
Japan takes control over Victoria Point and Pegu today. The latter is more important, as this signals the IJA's move into Burma proper.
Japanese air raids
Japanese bombers attack Singapore, Batavia and Soerebaja. At Soerebaja the Dutch trade two fighters for two Betties.
Submarine war
Both sides score some success today as both sides score hits on enemy shipping. The Japanese sink an xAK off Los Angeles, and we damage a troop transport.
The loss of Pegu
This is the signal for our troops at Rangoon to start boarding those trains and head north.
Disclaimer
Did not find anything worth a picture this turn.
Invasions
Japanese ships are offloading at Bacolod, Wewak, Lunga and Singkep.
Bases lost
A good day for the Japanese Empire, as she claims Auki, Wewak, Taytay and Pare Pare.
Japanese aerial raids
Today Singapore was hit the hardest with no less than 6 different raids coming in. Damage is however light. Raids were also targeting Soerebaja, Rangoon, Kukong and Chungchow. At Soerebaja the Sutch pilots did not manage to shoot down a single one of the unescorted bombers. This is however mostly due to their settings, as they were ordered to fly high to get above any Japanese sweep.
Thoughts
Seems Sebastian will go for the SoPac and China, the big question is wether Oz is in the equation or not. I am also not certain as to what I think about the decision to make an effort on taking isolated PHI bases at this point, every day I grow (somewhat) stronger all along the board, and I am thinking that those ships and units could be better deployed in the foreward areas. But then again, I never play Japan, so it might make more sense to the Japanese players.
PHI
Unless Japan brings in alot more troops, I think I should be able to hold Clark AF for a long time indeed. As of now there is only 1 division and 1 regiment of frontline troops there, as well as some artillery and the like, nowhere enough AV to threathen the 1600 PHI AV in the base.
Disclaimer 2
I hope I do not get off as talking down on Sebastian, that is certianly not my intent, we are both enjoying the game, and I have the outmost respect for his play style, it is just that sometimes things get lost in translation, and I might come off as a besserwisser or something, certainly not my intention!
Invasions
The only report of any form of landings are at Lunga where it seems the Japanese are offloading two units.
Bases lost
Japan captures Tavoy, Singkep, Bacolod and Lunga.
Japanese aerial raids
Alot of aerial attacks today. Which makes sense since I decided that I would post some pictures of the aerial warfare today.
Soerebaja, Singapore, Clark Field, nanyang and Kukong are all targeted today, with most of the action taking place over Soerebaja and Singapore.
KB/Baby-KB
Neither is spotted anywhere.
Arrivals at base
25 P40Es arrive at Pago Pago from the West Coast. The convoy also carries 25 P39Ds for Suva and 50 P39Ds for Sydney, and will proceed east.
Submarine warfare
An IJN submarine sinks one of our xAKs just outside the Los Angeles harbour today. 3 more months before we get some ok ASW upgrades for our ships.
Japanese aerial raids
The Japanese airforce is the arm that shows off today. Raids occur at Soerebaja, Singapore, Magwe, Nanyang, Chengchow, Kukong, Bataan and Clark Field. At Bataan, our PHI fighters shoot down 2 Nates while losing none themselves. At Soerebaja however, our fighters lose 5 of their own while not downing any enemy aircraft. As of now the Dutch airforce is almost vaporized, but since these units are permanently restriced and will be lost anyway, they will keep flying even if they are only able to put a few AC in the air.
KB
No intel.
Baby-KB
I am guessing that this is what I see off DEI (see below).
Submarine warfare
the IJN submarines sink an USN submarine and an USN xAP.
Bases lost
After declaring Rangoon an open city, the Japanese moved in today.
Japanese aerial raids
Chengchow, Singapore, Soerebaja, Nanyang, Magwe and Kukong are all targeted by Japanese aircrafts today. At Soerebaja, the Dutch lose yet 2 more planes while not shooting down any.
Submarine warfare
The IJN submarines off the US WC keeps trying to shoot the ASW DDs we have there. Those torpedoes usually miss, so I prefer that they target those DDs in stead of some more valuable transport. And having those submarines waste their torpedoes is a good thing, as that means they will have to keep moving more back and forth to replenish.
Good things
At last some good things are happening. The UK Government has agreed to free up forces fighting against Rommel in Africa for the Pacific, and 2 regiments of battleproven Australians have appeared at Aden. We have also recieved a few squadrons of Hurricanes at Aden, those will be valuable against the Japanese onslaught.
The US Government has finally agreed to free up some much needed forces as well, and today we recieved 2 base force units, something we are desperately short on. There are so many islands to protect, and to protect them, we need aircrafts, but to fly those aircrafts we need ground crews.
Invasions
Japan lands some forces at Koepang. Seems they are adding some base unit(s) there, which probably means Darwin will be bombed soon.
Bases lost
We lose control of Tablas.
Japanese aerial raids
Japanese planes appear over Bataan, Magwe, Soerebaja, Singapore, Chengchow, Nanyang and Kukong today. At Soerebaja we lose 4 planes for nothing, while at Singapore our AA shoots down 3 bombers and damage about 60. Our best effort is at Bataan where our pilots shoot down 6 Nates today.
Overall for the day
Nothing really happens, which suits me fine for now. Still building up my defences, but we are still short on some APs, but things are definitively looking better. Pago Pago now holds some 400 AV, Suva about 250, Cocos Island about 200, Diego Garcia close to 350. Still need more troops for the fronts though.
More good things
The various governments were very understanding and reasonable today, releasing 1 BB, 1 CA, 2 DD, 6 SS, 2 AM, 1 AS, 1 AP, 39 xAK, 2 ML, 2 YP, 1 short ranged US naval search squadron, 1 long ranged UK naval search squadron and 1 TRS squadron for the Pacific today.
Invasions
We recieve reports that enemy troops are landing at Koepang and Milne Bay.
Bases lost
Japan capture Umboi Island and Koepang today.
Japanese aerial raids
Once more the Japanese aerial units are the most active units on the map. Today they attack Bataan, Magwe, Chengchow, Singapore, Nanyang, Soerebaja, Darwin and Kukong.
At Singapore our AA shoot down one Japanese bomber, at Soerebaja the the Dutch lose 1 fighter while not killing anything, and at Bataan we lose 2 P40Es and shoot down 2 Nates and 1 Betty. The losses taken at Bataan was from a pre-bombing sweep by a handful of Zeroes.
Baby-KB
Shows up between Australia and Timor where she launches a strike at Darwin causing some port damage and sinking an AM.
PP saving
We are now at 1600 PPs, aiming at 2300, as the biggest US Division costs 2200 and change to buy out. That being said, we will spend some points every now and then to extract units, move some aerial groups etc, but currently the major goal is that US Division.
Invasions
The enemy keeps unloading troops at Milne Bay.
Bases lost
Baybay and Milne Bay are now in Japanese hands.
Japanese aerial raids
A slow day in the air. Bataan, Magwe, Soerebaja and Singapore are the only places targeted by Japanese planes. At Bataan the last 2 P40Es are shot down, while at Soerebaja the Dutch lose one aircraft and shoot down one Oscar.
Allied aerial raid
The Dutch send their 139WH-3s to bomb the airstrip at Palembang. They encounter their own number in Zeroes, and 3 of the Dutch planes are shot down, while not shooting down anything, nor hitting the airfield with any bombs. A complete failure.
Baby-KB
Moved somewhat east, now directly south (going by up=N) of Timor.
Thoughts
It seems the IJN is sending its aircraft carrying subs to spy on bases they migth want to target. Today aircrafts were spotted over Noumea.
Invasions
Reports claim that the Japanese are landing at Ketapang and Dili.
Bases lost
Arawe and Mergui are lost without a fight today, more disturbing however is the report from China, where Japan takes Nanyang. We are told that the Japanese applied 6 divisions as well as alot of artillery and engineers to take the city. Against such assaults the Chinese are helpless.
Intel
A message was intercepted from the Japanese HQ in Malaya, it seems a total of 9 divisions are moving in on Singapore.
Japanese aerial raids
Magwe, Bataan, Soerebaja, Batavia, Darwin, Singapore, Nanyang and Kukong are all bombed today. At Soerebaja the Dutch fighter force is down to 2 obsolete fighters.
Dutch aerial raid
The Dutch bombers attack the gorund units at Oosthaven. There is not much they are able to do, but every piece of equipment we inflict as losses to the Japanese will have to be rebuilt, and those Dutch units are perma-restricted, meaning they will die when the Japanese land anyway.
China
The Chinese government acknowledges today that against such pressure as the Japanese are applying, they will not be able to hold much apart from Chungking in a year or two.
Invasions
Reports claim Japanese landings at Dili, Luganville and Waingapoe today.
Bases lost
Masbate, Dili and Ketapang all fall to the Japanese.
Japanese aerial raids
Soerebaja, Singapore, Kukong, Darwin and Bataan are all targeted by Japanese bombers. Only one bomber is shot down, at Singapore, as our AA gunners make a lucky hit.
Dutch aerial raid
The Dutch airforce keeps attacking Oosthaven. Just trying to to kill some Japanese squads.
Japanese recon flights
Most of the Darwin area reports Japanese recon flights. This could be 1 of 2. Either a preparation for an invation of Oz after Singapore falls, or they are looking for something for Baby-KB to attack.
Baby-KB
Attacks the airfield at Darwin, not much damage, but it makes me remove the aquadrons posted at Darwin for the time being.
KB
Not seen for some time. A minor worry for now.
Thoughts, worries and replies to the worries
Is this the start for a Japanese attack on Oz? We will atleast make sure we do not "bleed" planes for no gain, so the aircrafts at Darwin are flown south this turn. Better to keep them safe than to have them destroyed on the ground by Baby-KB. Furthermore an Oz division is sent from Sydney to Perth to increase the garrison there. We also send some ragtag Oz units to the two bases just east of Perth to try to keep a connection between Perth and Sydney open in case of a Japanese attack.
Invasions
The enemy is invading Waingapoe, an empty base.
Bases lost
Tassafaronga, Wenchow, Kukong, Toungoo, Luganville and Waingapoe all fall to the Japanese today.
Japanese aerial raids
Japan bombs Bataan, Singapore, Magwe, Soerebaja, Batavia and Kukong today. Only at Singapore do they suffer any losses as three bombers are shot down over the city.
Durch aerial raid
The Japanese has learned, and this time the raid at Oosthaven is ambushed by 20 Oscars. The Dutch report 5 bombers lost.
Future of the Dutch airforce
With no fighters, and Japanese bombers all around, the question is wether to keep the bomber units in being or not. They will not be able to achieve much, and they are likely to be bombed to death. Might be wiser to disband them for now.
Baby-KB
No intel.
KB
No intel.
USN CVs
They are currently all located at San Diego waiting to be able to get filled up with AC.
Invasions
The enemy lands at Koumac, and I have a gut feeling that the TF we spot offshore is KB. Guess Noumea will be the main area we want to retake when we are in a position to push back.
Bases lost
Japan seizes Prome, Chengchow and Palopo.
Japanese aerial raids
Batavia, Soerebaja, Bataan, Magwe, Darwin and Singapore are targeted today. Nowhere are our AA guns able to shoot down any Japanese plane. At Singapore however, 53 Japanese AC are reported as damaged. Let us at least hope some of them did not make it back safely.
Baby-KB
Once more off Darwin launching strikes on our airfield.
KB
Might be the TF off Koumac, but no intel about what sort of ships are present, it would however make sense to use KB as a cover there.
Current affairs
We are still shipping units to expected hotspots, the thing that is keeping us down is the ammount of PP and the number of available APs.
Invasions
the enemy keeps landing at Koumac this turn.
Bases lost
We lose Rennell Island and Koumac today.
Japanese aerial raids
Singapore, Batavia, Kukong, Magwe and Darwin are all visited by Japanese planes. At Singapore we shoot down 1 plane, that is less than 1% of the attacking bombers. Not good enough.
Baby-KB
Gone again.
KB
Was right last turn, she was off Koumac, and now she seems to be heading for Sydney and the precious convoy so close to the port...(see below).
Disclaimer
No picture today, combat log instead due to the sheer ammount of information.
Invasions
Japan lands at belep Islands and Terapo today.
Bases lost
Thousand Ships Bay, Madjene and Singapore all falls today. Singapore was attacked for the first time today as the enemy entered the city, and fell to a huge IJA stack.
Japanese aerial raids
Soerebaja, Bataan, Batavia, Singapore and Darwin are all targeted.
Baby-KB
Strikes Darwin AF.
KB
Strikes at various TFs around Sydney. They did not quite make it to port unfortunately.
Combat replay
Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 140689 troops, 1642 guns, 535 vehicles, Assault Value = 4690
Defending force 42213 troops, 456 guns, 313 vehicles, Assault Value = 1108
Defending units:
28th Gurkha Brigade
3rd Cavalry Regiment
2nd Gordons Battalion
27th Australian Brigade
2nd Malay Battalion
3/16th Punjab Battalion
SSVF Brigade
6th Indian Brigade
2nd Loyal Battalion
1st Manchester Battalion
1st Malay Battalion
2nd Argylls Battalion
15th Indian Brigade
22nd Australian Brigade
1st Hyderabad Battalion
2/17 Dogra Battalion
1st Mysore Battalion
5/2nd Punjab Battalion
3rd Heavy AA Regiment
Singapore Fortress
2nd ISF Base Force
III Indian Corps
Malayan Air Wing
109th RAF Base Force
111th RAF Base Force
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
2/215th Bty 80th AT Gun Regiment
137/155th Field Regiment
109th RN Base Force
110th RAF Base Force
Singapore Base Force
224 Group RAF
Malaya Army
1st ISF Base Force
112th RAF Base Force
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
3rd HK&S Light AA Regiment
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
223 Group RAF
AHQ Far East
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
5th Field Regiment
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 16000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 16000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 42
B5N2 Kate x 26
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
DD John D. Edwards, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AM Mildura, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage *sinks*
PG Warrego, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage *sinks*
AM Whyalla, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage *sinks*
Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 45
B5N2 Kate x 37
D3A1 Val x 64
Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 18
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 7 destroyed
Allied Ships
TK Montebello, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires *sinks*
TK Larry Doheny, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
TK Connecticut, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage *sinks*
AO Cuyama, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires *sinks*
TK Mobilstation, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AO Patoka, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires *sinks*
AMC Prince Henry, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage *sinks*
AO Kaskaskia, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage *sinks*
AMC Prince Robert, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AO Sabine
TK Alfred Clegg, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires *sinks*
AO Neches
TK Halo
TK H. M. Storey, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires *sinks*
TK Manzanillo, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage *sinks*
AK Bellatrix, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
TK Mobilgas, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires *sinks*
TK Esso Richmond, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage *sinks*
AO Kanawha, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
TK Mobilfuel, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires *sinks*
TK California Standard, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AK Arcturus, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
Invasions
Enemy troops are landing at Terapo, Muntok and Endeh.
Bases lost
We lose Talasea, Terapo and Belep Islands today. Good, let the Japanese post units all over the place, and in time it will be we that are allowed to strike with superior forces in places we chose.
Japanese aerial raids
Japanese planes attack Batavia, Soerebaja, Bataan, Darwin and Sydney.
Baby-KB
Vanished again, probably somewhere between Java and Oz.
KB
Strikes Sydney. and sinks some smaller ships (AMc's etc), seems to head north again. I think my opponent did not like to see 40 P40Es in the air over the city. Espesially since it ment that he lost 5 crack pilots for his DBs. Could just be wishful thinking though, as I REALLY want to see KB head north...
Thougts
Will I never learn what a death trap Sydney is for allied ships early on? Oh well, atleast I managed to get two US fighter squadrons that will NOT witdraw any time soon to Oz.
8 days untill the first upgrade for my ships, that will have to happen somewhere, but where? At PH the BBs are still choking up the yard, so guess I will have to send ships back to the US WC.
Invasions
The enemy offload troops at Endeh, Tandjoengselor and Billiton today.
Bases lost
Wau and Muntok fall to Japan.
Japanese aerial raids
Soerebaja, Batavia, Darwin, Sydney and Bataan are all targeted by aerial raids. The worst carnage is inflicted at Sydney where DBs from the KB attacks anything resembling a ship.
KB
Strikes Sydney, and is still moving slowly north. Begone you pest!
Thoughts
I am now wondering of my "buy back destroyed LCU" is a good or bad thing. It gives more troops on the map, but they will be a severe drain on the pools. All disbanding units have been set to not recieve reinforcements, and not to upgrade their TOE.
Invasions
The enemy lands at numerous locations today, Coast Watchers at Tandjoengselor, Billiton, bandjermasin and Tawau are all reporting invading forces.
Bases lost
Japan gains control over Bassein, Tandjoengselor, Billition and Endeh.
Japanese aerial raids
Soerebaja, Batavia, Kalidjati, Darwin and Brisbane are all attacked.
KB
Strikes Brisbane. Maybe (hopefully) she is going away.
Things spent time on doing
We take a look at the aerial pools, looking at what we have available. Although it is a better sight than at the start of the war, there is still things that could be better. Alot better.
Invasions
There are troops landing at Bandjermasin today.
Bases lost
The enemy seizes Tawau and bandjermasin.
Japanese aerial raids
Batavia, kalidjati, Bataan and Darwin are todays lucky winners of the "hey I spotted a Japanese bomber" contest.
KB
Now reported to be moving east from Brisbane. No attacks today.
Thoughts
The continued bombardments of Darwin might suggest a Japanese invasion of Northern Oz, if so, I will pull south as soon as the enemy lands. Better to keep my units alive and supplied in the south.
Invasions
The enemy decides to land at Noumea. I would have landed in the hex just north and marched down, but alas our shore guns only damages a PB.
Bases lost
We lose Saidor to Japan.
Japanese aerial raids and thoughts thereon
Batavia - Seems most likely it is all about denying me the chance to build up the defences.
Soerebaja - Seems most likely it is all about denying me the chance to build up the defences.
Kalidjati - I am beginning to think this is where the Japanese will land. Have sent some 200 AV there.
Darwin - either just pilot training, or a preparation for an invasion of northern Oz.
Meiktila - most likely a "where the h**l has the allied troops gone" raid.
KB/Baby-KB
Neither has been spotted the last two days.
