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After a bit of a break, the game resumes.....

11-14 Jan 42

Highlights – Tarakan secured, Balikpapan invaded.

Jpn ships sunk:
DMS: 1
xAP: 1
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Pillsbury)
PC: 1
xAK 3

Air loss:
Jpn: 20
Allied: 53

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attack2, 2 ships hit (PC, xAK sunk)
Allies: 8 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Salamaua (South Pacific)
Tulagi (South Pacific)
Balikpapan (DEI)
Samarinda (DEI)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Culion (PI - flipped)
Tulagi (South Pacific)
Salamaua (South Pacific)
Tarakan (DEI)
Butuan (PI)
Taytay (PI)
Pontianak (DEI)
Gorontalo (DEI)
Pingsiang (China)

SIGINT/Intel: No idea where any major Allied fleet elements are at the moment. Just subs….lots of subs.

Japan/Industry: NSTR.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: The first PB reaches the "early warning line" in North Pacific waters. Both the Kuriles and northern Japan are VERY vulnerable to a raid right now; this is the first step to change that. Next step is bringing some combat capable aircraft that can switch from a training role to combat when the warning line is triggered.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: KB launches strikes against Sydney port and find it empty, then fights off the ill-advised retaliatory raid by Vindicators and Banshees with minimal P-40 escort - about 50 planes splashed for no loss. The KB then heads south to raid Melbourne (the merchant fleet HAS to be SOMEWHERE!), and finds a single xAK off Hobart which is sunk - nothing at Melbourne. The KB’s cruise has been frustrating as L_S_T has very successfully withdrawn any targets - both at sea, and in port - to safer waters. The KB will now “disappear" into the Tasmanian Sea before heading back north to take on fuel and provide cover for convoys heading to Noumea and then Port Moresby landings. CVE Taiyo has also come up empty east of New Zealand, and has turned NW towards Noumea as well. Noumea will be assaulted by the 144th IN Reg and transports are enroute with support troops. Also, Tulagi was also taken with minimal forces, securing the Solomons. Focus will now shift toward Port Moresby, starting with another CA TF (3CA, DDs) bombardment run departing Rabaul next turn.

DEI/SW Pacific: The securing of Borneo continues with Tarakan falling with 89/90 oil capability intact. Troops come ashore at Samarinda and Balikpapan without major opposition, but mines cripple DD Murasame (83float) while shore batteries sink a DMS and an xAK. Slim chance Murasame survives - with a lot of luck, Samarinda will be secured and she’ll detach and take refuge there. Subs are also a threat, the Makassar Strait looks to be thick with subs. Mini KB will move a few hexes SW to avoid the subs, while still providing cover to both Balikpapan area as well as the upcoming landings at Madjene. B-17s also made an night time appearance over Miri, and were ineffectively met by a mixed CAP of Nates, Oscars and Petes - but enough to ruin any bomb runs.

PI: The IJA’s first attack on Malaybalay in Mindanao is held; will continue with the attack next turn as these troops are needed in Luzon.

Malaya/Burma: 25th Army finally begins to consolidate attacking divisions for Singers. Will have four divisions assembled next turn, then another (5th) in a few days, plus the majority of the artillery. 2nd ID is still gathering some loose elements, and I may go with five full divisions and what’s available from the 2nd ID. A few bypassed Allied elements remain NE of Kuala Lumpur, and they will be dealt with by 18th ID elements. In Burma, lead elements close on Pegu which appears to be lightly held.

China: NSTR.

Glad the game continues, good luck and good hunting.

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Glad the game continues, good luck and good hunting.

Thanks Bif....I'll need the luck and it should be interesting!

15-16 Jan 42

Highlights – Balikpapan and Samarinda secured intact; Noumea taken while US CVs raid in the north.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Murasame)
PB: 1
xAP: 1

Allied ships sunk:
MTB: 4
HDML: 4

Air loss:
Jpn: 15
Allied: 3

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 2 ships hit (DD sunk, xAP dam)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Madjene (DEI)
Loewoek (DEI)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Noumea (South Pacific)
Madjene (DEI)
Samarinda (DEI)
Balikpapan (DEI)
Sandakan (DEI)
Dinagat (PI - flipped)
Nanyang (China)

SIGINT/Intel: L_S_T shows his hand with all US CVs up in the Sea of Okhost! At least I know where they are, and just as important - where they are not likely to appear, such as the DEI!

Japan/Industry: The US CV raid has already damaged the Shikuka Oil fields, now 2(28). I can expect the 520 resources at Toyohara are next. All cargo shipping around Hokkaido is of course suspended, with most ships heading to safer waters in Honshu.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: Well, that PB early warning I mentioned in the last post….well, it worked, the northern most PB was quickly dispatched by the oncoming US fleet - cruisers engaged, not aircraft. In fact, only one raid was launched, 68 Buffs, 142 SBDs and 55 TBDs against the Shikuka oil center. So, I figure L_S_T was running his carriers “dark”, with nothing on naval strike on the approach. Have to assume that will change, even if his next target is Toyohara - even with the few cargo convoys north of Hokkaido (which was fortunate), there are still enough scattered shipping in the area to feast on. IJN defenses are extremely light - two DDs were hunting subs off Toyohara, and will head into the Sea of Japan as quickly as possible. The few PBs on escort and ASW duty will also attempt to flee. Only a handful of minisubs and MTBs will patrol off Sakhalin bases hoping for some really good luck. In the air, I’ve brought in about 75 Nates and a handful of Claudes to cover Toyohara and the Sapporo/Ominato area. All have good pilots, but of course are terribly outclassed by US CV air. One squadron of Kates will attempt a night attack, but that’s all that is immediately available. About 50 Oscars and a like number of Zeros and some Bettys and Vals are being brought in, but I figure that by the time they are in position the US will have departed…at least I hope so. This could get ugly if he lingers for an extended period.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Noumea is taken on the first assault, securing New Caledonia. The 144th IN Reg will be taken off for Pt Moresby, and transports are enroute to bring in the support troops and pull the regiment off. The KB will take on fuel, and with the US CVs well to the north, CV Hiryu and CS Chitose will detach with minimal escort to hunt convoys. The KB, to be joined by Akagi and Chiyoda, will briefly show itself near Suva and then support Moresby. CVE Taiyo will also hunt shipping. Debating on whether to hit any Aussie industry with the KB….

DEI/SW Pacific: Balikpapan and Samarinda’s facilities are taken fully intact, and fighters and AA are brought in to protect the fields. DD Murasame’s luck ran out when she fell victim to SS Sealion who hit her with two fish, one worked. Troops landed at Madjene on Celebes was taken without any opposition, and now the Mini-KB will support the landings on Bandjermasin as the focus shifts from Borneo-Celebes to Java. I was going to bring the KB into the DEI as I was concerned that L_S_T was bringing his carriers here to mass against the Mini-KB, but with the US CVs in the far north, I see no reason why I should risk them in the confined waters of the Java Sea. Subs and mines have been the greatest threats so far.

PI: Malaybalay in Mindanao continues to hold back attacks, although forts are reduced to 1, and the attacks will continue. I’m holding in place on Luzon at Clark for now.

Malaya/Burma: NSTR.

China: An abandoned Nanyang is taken in central China. Focus remains on massing 13th Army elements against Wenchow.

I've always worried about an early raid on Sakhalin. I try to flip Paramushiro-jima to another HQ with a JNAF ENG and get a Mavis unit there early just in case. Any chance you can hide a DD TF under cap and run at them at night?

ORIGINAL: RADM.Yamaguchi

I've always worried about an early raid on Sakhalin. I try to flip Paramushiro-jima to another HQ with a JNAF ENG and get a Mavis unit there early just in case. Any chance you can hide a DD TF under cap and run at them at night?

Yeah....I saw the need as well...had some engineers just moved to Sendai and were awaiting available shipping to get them to Paramushiro.

Too little....to late...about a month too late. I had Jakes doing searches though...which didn't see a thing...


As for a DD raid, yes in theory, but he has a surface TF in the area as well. Right now, I'm in preservation mode. If he sticks around, will consider anything from rowboats on...

Considering the weather up there at this time of year, imagine just how much ice was on the flight deck. Not to mention the systems damage that builds up which should be no little amount.

Ballsy raid, I think a cruiser force would've been enough for the Allies to threaten shipping and keep you awake at night,
but now you know where his 3 carriers are, a very long way from home.. bombing targets of minimal consequence
this early in the war. If he heads south you're going to have to figure a way to make him pay!

17-20 Jan 42

Highlights – US CVs appear to have withdrawn east, but DDs continue to harass in northern waters.

Jpn ships sunk:
AS: 1
PB: 4
xAK: 5

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2(S-35, KVIII)
HDML: 2

Air loss: (Little if any Allied air activity, all Allied losses are operational)
Jpn: 25
Allied: 6

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit (I-25 badly damaged by a mine at Christmas Is)
Allies: 4 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAP, PB dam; S-35 claimed sunk after hitting a mine at Norfolk Is)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Bandjarmasin (DEI)
Donggala (DEI)
Batan Is (PI)
Buna (South Pacific)
Efate (South Pacific)
Gasmata (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Batan Is (PI)
Malaybalay (PI)
Tagbilaran (PI – flipped)
Boac (PI - flipped)
Buna (South Pacific)
Gasmata (South Pacific)
Efate (South Pacific)
Pegu (Burma)
Loewoek (DEI)
Kolaka (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: US CVs appear to still be in northern waters, not sure if they are slowly withdrawing or loitering for further strikes. In the DEI, L_S_T has turned Palembang into a fortress, with a reported defense of about 40k and covered by over 100 fighters.

Japan/Industry: Slowing starting to resume shipping out of Hokkaido and Sakhalim.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: A few PBs from the northern picket line reported sighting US naval aircraft, so the CVs are still in the area – I think they are moving east toward the Aleutians, and with some luck the two I-boats in the area can gain contact. Meanwhile, US DD TFs (2DDs ea) continue to harass the northern PB picket line – and managed to find and sink the AS Nagoya Maru which departed Paramushiro Jima for safer waters. So far, Mavis searches have been ineffective, and Bettys remain grounded on Bihoro AF in Hokkaido.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Support troops begin to arrive in Noumea and Mavis’ begin operating from the area. Hiryu TF detaches from the KB and will head SE to look for shipping as the KB will approach Suva, shortly to be joined by Akagi. Once the 144th IN Reg loads on transports, will begin operations against Port Moresby.

DEI/SW Pacific: The In Bn landed at Bandjarmasin on Borneo’s southern coast found it defended, and will begin attacks, but will likely need reinforcement. The Mini-KB and supporting TFs have moved SE to cover the upcoming landing at Denpasar to gain its airfield. With Palembang very heavily defended, will focus on Java itself until troops are freed up from Singers. Will also look to finally move on Timor as fighting is winding down on Celebes.

PI: Malaybalay finally falls after a bitter week-long struggle. Fortunately, the defenders surrendered rather than retreated. Over 7000 troops taken prisoner, but another 400 casualties taken. IJA troops will move toward Davao and embark to Luzon.

Malaya/Burma: The 5th and 56th IDs are finally closing on Johore Bahru as Sallys continue to hit Singers AF and port, hopefully inflicting enough damage to keep the forts down. Getting close to the main event! 18th ID's infantry regiments and about a regiment of the 2nd ID remain in Malaya hunting down the bypassed remnants north of Kuala Lumpur. In Burma, lead elements of the 55th ID(-) have cut the Burma Road and are closing in on Rangoon as well as Toungoo – both appear to be very lightly held. With only the 55th ID(-) and three RTA Divisions, L_S_T’s “Sir Robin” defense has really helped the advance – I really hadn’t counted on even getting to Pegu with the forces at hand. Lastly, the damaged BB Kongo will depart Cam Ranh Bay for Hong Kong with 7 DDs escorting and two in a supporting ASW TF. Dockyard workers at Cam did a great job patching up Kongo for the journey – she was at 49/47(13)/36 when she arrived in port after the Battle of Mersing, and she’s departing to HK at 40/13(13)/10. Now to just avoid subs….

China: NSTR.

21-22 Jan 42

Highlights – Flying Tigers engage in China; Bandjarmasin taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Narwhal…according to Tracker, Dutch sub KVII according to replay)

Air loss:
Jpn: 19
Allied: 10

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (Narwhal or KVII sunk)
Allies: 5 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Namlea (DEI)
Pare Pare (DEI)
Salajar (DEI)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Toungoo (Burma)
Namatanai (South Pacific – flipped)
Bandjermasin (DEI)
Melak (DEI)
Donggala (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: No contact with the US CVs…or any other fleet elements for that matter. At least a squadron of the Flying Tigers engaged in China.

Japan/Industry: As the first Fubuki DDs finish out refit, I start sending some Mutsukis back to shipyards for their 2/42 refit – another must-do refit to get ASW capability. Kamikazes and Minikazes are also available for refit in 2/42, but not as pressing. They already have ASW capability, but the additional AA would be nice.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: No contact with the US raiders. Will bolster northern defenses with sub patrols, and the first few subs are starting to reach home waters. Will also maintain better air search and some strike capability.

Central Pacific: With the US carriers departing northern waters, they could be heading straight south, just outside of the PB picket line, and heading towards Truk from the NE – lots of open ocean here, and its certainly plausible that L_S_T would try another raid – so, will send some additional pickets to patrol east of Marcus and increase air search.

South Pacific: US sub mines Noumea, but is heavily damaged outbound by escorts. Minefield is detected by PBs, and so far, no ship has run into one. A DMS will head out from Rabaul to clear the mines – coastal minesweepers are enroute to Rabaul also, but will take time to deploy to the various bases, and Noumea is the furthest away. KB begins to enter the Fiji area and will continue east toward Pago-Pago. Hiryu and Taiyo raiders head SSE to prowl waters east of New Zealand.

DEI/SW Pacific: Bandjarmasin is taken on the second assault as the second infantry battalion is landed. This allows recon aircraft to fly in and begin missions against Java. Melak in central Borneo is taken by a parachute detachment. One of the Bandjarmasin Bns will re-load and amph Sampit, hopefully next turn, supported by a CL TF. The main effort has moved SE, and the Mini-KB and supporting TFs are in place to cover the landing at Denpasar. Gaining both Bandjarmasin and Denpasar AFs will gain air superiority over eastern Java to support landings – goal is to get a division sized element landed before the end of the month. In the air, a pair of B-17s fail to hit anything at Balikpapan at night while Bettys hit Palembang at night destroying 4 a/c on the ground without loss.

PI: NSTR.

Malaya/Burma: Troops continue to arrive in Johore, which is now overstacked of course. Last of the troops should arrive next turn. Sallys continue to hit Singers, and losses to flak continue to mount. In Burma, Toungoo falls unopposed.

China: Flying Tigers surprise a flight of Sonias with predictable results – all 6 shot down. Don’t really want to engage the Tigers with Nates, and there is nothing better in Theater at the moment. Will shut down most air support for a few days, nothing is pressing at the moment.

23-26 Jan 42

Highlights – Mini KB engages cruiser TF in DEI which then maul IJN cruiser TFs in surface actions; US PI PTs engage xAKs as Allied troops emerge from Bataan and Manila; Rangoon taken.

Jpn ships sunk:
CA: 2 (Kumano, Mikuma)
CL: 1 (Jintsu)
DD: 5 (Yukikaze, Hayashio, Maikaze, Arashi, Hatsushima)
xAP: 1
xAK: 3

Allied ships sunk:
CA: 3 (Cornwall, Portland, Indianapolis – according to Tracker at least)
CL: 1 (Perth)
DD: 2 (Peary, Piet Hein)
PT: 3
xAKL: 2
AMc: 2

Allied ships un-sunk
SS: 1 (Triton)

Air loss:
Jpn: 54
Allied: 27

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 14 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Denpasar (DEI)
Sampit (DEI)
Oro Bay (South Pacific)
Tanna (South Pacific)
Saumlaki (SW Pacific)
Ruteng (DEI)
Lautem (SW Pacific)
Busuanga (PI)
Banjoewangi (DEI)
Ketapang (DEI)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Siquijor (PI – flipped)
Lihir (South Pacific – flipped)
Pare Pare (DEI)
Namlea (DEI)
Salajar (DEI)
Rangoon (Burma)
Oro Bay (South Pacific)
Sampit (DEI)
Ketapang (DEI)
Denpasar (DEI)
Tanna (South Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: Allied CA TF(s) sighted SE of Denpasar – perhaps the Amph was compromised with a SIGINT hit and they were heading to engage the landings? Appears they ended their sortie at Soerabaja. No sign of US CVs or Fleet elements.

Japan/Industry: BB Kongo was deemed to require take lengthy repair time at Hong Kong, so she’ll continue on the Japan. With the recent DD loses, I made the decision to stop work on the CV Katsuragi and use that gained naval shipyard points to accelerate DDs – think the added DDs will be more useful than a flight deck in mid to late ’44.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: Engineers arrive at Canton to strengthen fortifications.

South Pacific: The convoy raiding effort winds down – the KB moved into Fijian waters without any contacts and will turn around back toward Noumea. CV Hiryu found and crippled (probably sinks) the large AMC Monowai ESE of Raoul Island. She’ll continue to hunt a reported xAP to the SE and then turn around to the NW. CVE Taiyo remains ESE of Auckland, just out sight of preying eyes and will continue to loiter for probably another week or so. More mines look to have been laid at Noumea and are slowly being cleared as the 144 IN Reg finishes loading and will begin to head NW toward Moresby.

DEI/SW Pacific: As troops come ashore on Denpasar, Mini-KB Jakes sight an Allied cruiser force (4CA, 2CL, DDs) 420m to the WSW and launch Kates which hit CA Houston and CL Perth at a cost of 5 Kates to AA and most of Soryu’s and Zuiho’s torpedoes. I figured that L_S_T would turn around the remaining cruisers toward the wide open Indian Ocean this turn, but as usual, L_S_T outsmarted me.

Instead, he kept boring in – right through the CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs) covering the Banjoewangi landings and over a reinforcing CL TF (CL, DDs) as the Allies headed apparently to Soerabaja. The Mini-KB apparently just missed the Allied cruisers heading in the opposite direction, and launched strikes sinking the crippled Houston and Perth with bombs, but only launched a small strike on the Allied cruiser TFs which managed to hit a DD with two bombs. The real story is Adm Palliser driving through the IJN TFs! First, I badly missed that there were two, not one cruiser TFs. The first TF (2CA, 4CL, DDs) traded blows off Banjoewangi at night with Kumuno and CA Cornwall each taking the brunt of engagement and each sinking – not a single IJN torpedo found its mark, while Kumuno was hit by 4 fish – go figure! Next, in daylight, the second cruiser TF (2CA, 4CL, DDs) runs over what’s left of the IJN TF, sinking Mikuma and DD Arashi, but Mikuma and IJN gunfire does well inflicting heavy, perhaps crippling damage on CAs Australia and Canberra and CL DeRuyter. Next action has CL Jintsu TF running into the first Allied CA TF just to the north, with Allied fire sinking Jintsu and the IJN not doing much, with only one torp sinking DD Peary. The four IJN DDs, now all damaged and low on ammo, run into the second Allied TF and are mauled, all being sunk. Somehow, CL Sendai and DD Hibiki survived the carnage with little or no damage. Two DDs are still afloat and heavily damaged: Hagikaze is still on fire and will likely sink shortly, while Nagatsuki will likely make Balikpapan unless a sub finds her. So, the much vaunted Long Lance torpedo didn’t salvage any of these engagements, and neither did the Mini KB providing “cover”! So, I figure the remaining Allied ships have taken refuge in Soerabaja, and those that can will head back out to sea re-armed next turn. The question is what is still combat worthy (I figure 1-2 CAs, and half dozen CLs plus many DDs), and where they will head. Batavia is a likely choice, and I’m moving the Mini-KB to just off the southern Java to be able to intercept. A more dangerous course could have a strong raiding force head up to Balikpapan – not much in the way of a surface force would stand in the way, although Netties could make a few runs. BB Haruna TF (BB, 3CA, CL, DDs) is heading across the Java Sea towards Balikpapan to prepare to cover upcoming landings, but probably would arrive after any carnage takes place. This could get dicey! On the positive side….well, not much positive side right now in the DEI…. Netties with Zero escorts will hit Soerabaja port next turn, targeting any damaged ships.

PI: L_S_T’s surprises aren’t limited to the DEI. He used some supply to gather some PTs which sortied to raid a few poorly protected xAKs in Lingayen, sinking 3 – fortunately, most of the artillery was safely offloaded. IJN old DDs and TBs responded, sinking a few of the raiders well after the damage was done. But the big surprise was last turn when the majority of the Allied troops advanced from the fortified positions of Manila and Bataan to Clark, where the bulk of the IJA 14th Army is holding. Fortunately, I’ve been digging in, so I really hope he does attack the level three forts. Fingers crossed that superior samurai spirit prevails over US and Filipino numbers!

Malaya/Burma: L_S_T abandons Rangoon to the advancing 55th ID, and the few rear guard troops pull back to Bassein just before Thai Cav can secure the base – which is of course surrounded on all sides by rivers. I’ve rushed some Nates into Rangoon to provide at least some CAP, but I really wasn’t planning on taking Rangoon this quickly – I don’t think he’s got anything left in Burma though, it does appear that he’s pulled all the way back to India.

China: NSTR.

and here's the combat report for those interested in a detailed look at the naval engagements!

Those Australian and New Zealand Cruisers augmenting the ABDA Navy are/were far afield,
well done by LST, for now.. be nice if Kido Butai could move in and round the whole lot of them up.

27-28 Jan 42

Highlights – Hiryu finds and attacks a scattered Tanker convoy near the Austral Islands; Allied cruisers disappear in the Java Sea

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 2 (Sims, Hughes)
AMc: 3

Allied ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Piet Hein)

Air loss:
Jpn: 15
Allied: 06

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Bima (DEI)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Busuanga (PI)
Taung Gyi (Burma)
Kokoda (South Pacific – flipped)
Banjoewangi (DEI)
Ruteng (DEI)
Watampone (DEI)
Dili (SW Pacific)
Lautem (SW Pacific)
Saumlaki (SW Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: No sign of the Allied cruisers in the Java Sea area. I figured they sheltered in Soerabaja, but recon says no – perhaps they reached Batavia, or headed to Darwin. Or, perhaps they are sheltering in plain sight at a dot base disbanded….

Japan/Industry: Received the first R&D acceleration report – Aichi Ha-60s engines advanced.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: CV Hiryu TF (CV, CS, CL, 2DD) finally found some targets as she reached the limit of her search – apparently a scattered Tanker convoy. Three TKs attacked, two damaged, likely severely. Hiryu will search the area for another day, then will turn back toward Noumea and link up with the KB, which has found no targets near Pago-Pago and is heading back west.

DEI/SW Pacific: Absolutely no idea where the Allied cruisers went – vanished into the Java Sea. At least they didn’t make a run toward Balikpapan. B-17s accompanied by some Dutch L-212s did attack the new airfield at Denpasar and were met by half a dozen Zeros on CAP. Light damage to the AF and one Zero lost to the B-17s, while three Dutch planes shot down. CAP will be doubled and the Mini-KB will also move into the vicinity. Focus now shifts to the upcoming Koepang landing for the next few days – and will need to rearm and refuel the mini-KB at Kendari as well.

PI: 14th Army troops at Clark will attack the US/Filipino troops that have advanced – L_S_T tells me he’s trying to move from Bataan to Clark, which truthfully I don’t mind at all. Hopefully this attack doesn’t gut the IJA.

Malaya/Burma: Well, troops should advance on Singers next turn….fingers crossed!

China: BBs Mutsu and Nagato bombarded Wenchow with little to show for it, 132 casualties inflicted as well as some industrial damage. Not good, but will send the BBs in again next turn as 13th Army is nearing readiness to launch their attack.

29-30 Jan 42

Highlights – Singapore taken in the first assault!

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Hagikaze – scuttled)
xAK: 4

Allied ships sunk:
YMS: 2
ML: 8
xAKL: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (KVIII)

Air loss:
Jpn: 19
Allied: 05

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (xAKL sunk)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Belep Is (South Pacific)
Buka (South Pacific)
Keopang (SW Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Singapore (Malaya)
Buka (South Pacific)
Serasan (DEI – flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: Recon and air search continue to fail to find any trace of the Allied cruisers in the DEI, but port raid on Soerabaja claims multiple hits on CA Canberra – are all the cruisers in there??

Japan/Industry: All the industry in Singers was destroyed to zero! Amazing with a single attack…so, for now, I’m rebuilding the shipyard and heavy industry. Air production is slightly expanded with 5 more Sallys (30) and 10 more Jakes (50) – both are at zero balance and numerous squadrons short. Also, BB Kongo arrived safely in Kure where she’ll begin her repairs – initial estimates are upwards of 2.5 months!

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: I-26 sights an xAP in the Aleutians west of Dutch Harbor, so I figure L_S_T is moving garrisons westward. While I would like to gain a foothold in the Aleutians as a early warning base, I fear I have missed any opportunity to do it with minimal forces – and I still don’t have those minimal forces available, especially destroyers.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Troops begin loading at Rabaul for Pt Moresby as the 144 IN Reg departs Noumea, and begins its journey into the Coral Sea. KB refuels just SE of Noumea and will also head into the Coral Sea. CV Hiryu TF is still well into the southeast Pacific, and will begin heading NW, just west of the Cook Islands. CVE Taiyo will remain east of Auckland for a few more days, then will retire north.

DEI/SW Pacific: A Bde of the 4th ID was successfully landed at Koepang, covered by Tanaka’s CL TF (2CL, DDs), and so far, no interference. This is intended to secure the flank while focus shifts to secure Java and then Sumatra. As mentioned, hitting CA Canberra with a port strike on Soerabaja was a surprise since recon has failed to identify any warships there. Still, the Mini-KB will head to Kendari to rearm and refuel while the 4th ID Bde at Denpasar is taken off, covered by BB Ise TF – which also needs to refuel shortly. Air cover is now left to Zeros and Nells at Denpasar, along with bases in Borneo. Will look to get the next major landing on Java’s north coast as soon as the Mini-KB can return from Kendari. The major ground effort will be the landings to secure Palembang – most of the 25th Army from Singapore will be needed.

PI: The IJA attack at Clark was repulsed by the sizable Allied force, 1925 IJA casualties to only 800 Allied. Worse, no low supply modifier for the Allied Army of 50k – almost twice the size of the Japanese force in northern Luzon. Will bring the 21st Div from Malaya over, but that will take at least a couple of weeks. With some luck, L_S_T will try an attack at Clark where the IJA can benefit from the level 3 forts. Clearing out Manila and Bataan is going to be a long and painful process!

Malaya/Burma: I’m pleasantly surprised that Singers fell in the initial shock attack, with minimal losses. Of course, this shows that L_S_T has pulled a sizeable force out of Malaya to establish “fortress Palembang” which is the next obstacle. Minesweepers followed by transports will head to Singapore to begin moving troops out – most will head to Sumatra. The Imperial Guards Div (the only division at 100% prep for Singers of course) took the brunt of the losses, primarily disabled squads and will be left in Malaya to deal with mopping up the remaining Brit Bde and garrison duties for the time being. With the 21st Div heading to the PI, the 5th and 56th IDs are immediately available for Sumatra. The 18th ID is scattered in Malaya, and will land as available to secure the western half of the island. The 2nd ID is also a bit scattered, although the bulk is in and around Singers, will be brought into Java first. The 33rd will be the last avail division to depart, either to Java to secure Batavia or Sumatra as the situation dictates. In any case, until Palembang is secured, no forces will be “freed up” for either India/Burma or Australia.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 85710 troops, 918 guns, 405 vehicles, Assault Value = 2592

Defending force 27430 troops, 392 guns, 217 vehicles, Assault Value = 316

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 2204

Allied adjusted defense: 543

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Singapore !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
4204 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 386 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 39 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 89 disabled
Vehicles lost 17 (2 destroyed, 15 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
17250 casualties reported
Squads: 324 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2076 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 117 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 439 (439 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 311 (311 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 25

Assaulting units:
Imperial Guards Division
56th Division
33rd Division
5th Division
23rd Ind Engineer Regiment
16th Infantry Regiment
15th Ind Engineer Regiment
4th Ind Engineer Regiment
22nd Recon Regiment
21st Division
2nd Engineer Regiment
1st Tank Regiment
12th Engineer Regiment
24th Infantry Regiment
3rd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
25th Army
3rd Mortar Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Gordons Battalion
27th Australian Brigade
2/17 Dogra Battalion
2nd Loyal Battalion
1st Manchester Battalion
22nd Australian Brigade
1st Mysore Battalion
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
3rd HK&S Light AA Regiment
Malaya Army
AHQ Far East
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
112th RAF Adv Base Force /1
3rd Heavy AA Regiment
Singapore Fortress
Malayan Air Wing
109th RN Base Force
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
111th RAF Adv Base Force
113th RAF Adv Base Force /1
III Indian Corps
109th RAF Adv Base Force /1
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
Singapore Base Force
1st ISF Base Force /1

China: The Flying Tigers make their presence known with successful sweeps against Nate CAP over Canton while another squadron is used in the ground attack role with minimal results near Nanyang. This does force my hand to deploy Oscars in China, something I was avoiding for a while. With Singers taken, I can afford it a bit more, and two Oscar C squadrons will deploy, the first one arriving with 12 planes immediately at Canton. Both have excellent pilots, and hopefully can hold their own against the venerable Flying Tigers. The attack on Wenchow will begin next turn, supported by a BB bombardment.

Jan 42 Summary

Wow, another event filled month to start off the campaign! Plenty of real estate gained including some critical objectives such as Singapore, Rangoon, Balikpapan and Noumea – all taken with less than expected losses on the ground. But….the Allied withdrawal strategy (i.e., “Sir Robin”) has allowed the Allied naval and air forces to remain largely intact. Ground forces are also largely intact and digging in to protect objectives yet to be secured, such as Palembang and in central China. Although the Allies are not fighting for every inch of ground, they have managed to strike back with some success in the carrier raid against Shikuka as well as the cruiser fight off Java. Primary focus for February will be to secure Java and Sumatra, and destroy any Allied force that attempts to prevent that. Secondary efforts will be to neutralize the Allied position on Luzon and taking Port Moresby in the South Pacific. Naval losses for the month were heavier than expected for the IJN with 2CA, 2CL, 8 DD and 1 SSX lost. Especially compared to the Allied losses of only 3CA, 2CL, 6DD, 7PT/MTB, and 3SS lost, it was a not a good month. In the air, few Allied a/c flew combat missions, most Jpn losses were to AA or operational: the loss ratio 250 for Jpn to 151 Allied.

INTEL: It took me all too long to realize that L_S_T was withdrawing in most areas – not that I could have advanced quicker, although perhaps maybe launched into Singers a week or so earlier. While I realized I was weak in the Kuriles, I didn’t think L_S_T would place his CV TFs up there – and now, have no idea where they are – but at least confident they aren’t in the DEI. I don’t have any idea where he’ll make a stand just yet or some objective or raid that he will commit the CVs to.

SUBWAR: Allied subs continue to be a nuisance, although damage has been limited to the merchant fleet for the most part. Jpn ASW efforts are anemic at best, but aircrews are busily training in ASW which will help in a few months. Jpn subs haven’t managed much at all though, not even a missed attack on a major warship.

Japan/Industry. The Allied CV raid’s major effect was totally disrupting the convoys in northern Japanese waters for a week or more – more impact than losing the oil production of Shikuka. Pulling sufficient resources out of Sakhalin and Hokkaido has been challenging, but progress is being made. With Borneo secured, convoys are starting to slowly bring oil and fuel out, but that process is just beginning. Air production is pretty much leveling out for the time being, with 100 Zeros and 100 Oscars produced a month. Sallys and Jakes are in short supply, but trained pilots are short across all aspects – and until that improves, getting additional a/c isn’t going to help much. Lastly, getting Singers industry gutted was a heavy blow, and I’m dreading what I’ll find when Palembang finally falls.

Northern Pacific/5th Fleet. The Shikuka raid was painful, but it could have been much worse if the carriers remained roaming in northern waters for an extended time. Still, I have nothing moving toward the Aleutians any time soon, and by the time I’m ready, I’m sure L_S_T will have fortified the bases I’m looking at landings on….not good. For the time being, both air and sub patrols will be extended out from Paramushiro-jima, and that’s about it.

Central Pacific/4th Fleet. Its been surprisingly quiet….with the US CVs likely finished up north, I’ve expected a heavy CV raid – and so far, that hasn’t developed, although I still think it’s still likely. As for Japanese efforts, it’s time for consolidating and digging in. Few naval forces other than subs remain, and minimal air assets are available, but will have to make do with what is available.

South Pacific/Southeast Fleet. As above, it’s been surprisingly quiet. No opposition other than subs, but not much in the way of merchant traffic to raid either. So, the KB’s raiding has done little more than burn fuel. Focus now is to build up Noumea and the New Hebrides to protect the flank. Moresby is the next major target, after which the KB will need to rearm and refuel. Following Moresby, will look to northern Australia, but will need more forces released from the DEI for that to really be practical.

DEI/SW Pacific. With the exception of the cruiser fight off Java which was a disappointment, other operations have moved ahead largely on schedule and according to plan – the major exception is a lack of persistent naval opposition. Northern DEI bases have fallen largely intact, but the challenge will be Java and Sumatra – the focus of February. Although L_S_T has been reluctant to commit his naval forces, I can’t rule out a major foray before the DEI is secured. Will look to put troops ashore in central Java while beginning to soften up Palembang from newly captured airbases at Singers, then transition to land at Oosthaven to begin the drive on Palembang.

PI. Well, the plan was to hold tight until troops were freed up from Singers, but it seems the Allied garrison is getting restless – with supplies apparently. Not sure my two divisions in Luzon are enough at the moment to contain a major Allied thrust north from Manila….hopefully I don’t have to find out. The Mindanano effort is winding down, so will look to bring the bulk of the 16th Division to Luzon as transports become available, and bring the 21st Div from Singers. Still, both of those efforts will take time.

Malaya/Burma. L_S_T managed a nice little Dunkirk operation at Singers, so the base was taken with minor IJA losses. However, a good part of that Allied force is now in Palembang. Similarly, Rangoon was abandoned, and it looks as though most of Burma as well. I’m hesitant to push on to Magwe’s oil as I can’t defend it as long as a major air threat remains in the DEI – I need Army fighters there, not in Burma. So, with Rangoon secured and the Burma Road cut, I expect to hold positions for most of Feb, until I can release forces from the DEI.

China. I’m really trying to have a “quiet China” at this point, but not sure L_S_T is going to cooperate. Focus now is to establish a line in central China and clear the coast, beginning with Wenchow with 13th Army. Will look to eventually bring 13th Army west to attack what I hope to be a “soft underbelly” SW of Changsa, but that is a long, long way off. Worse, for concern immediate, is that the Flying Tigers are supporting in China. That means I need to bring in at least Oscars, if not Zeros – neither of which I can spare many of.

31 Jan - 1 Feb 42

Highlights – Koepang taken.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (KXI, KVIII)
xAKL: 1
AMc: 3

Air loss:
Jpn: 14
Allied: 04

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 1 ship hit (SS sunk)
Allies: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Lomblen (SW Pacific)
Munda (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Prome (Burma)
Dobadura (South Pacific)
Belep Is (South Pacific)
Koepang (SW Pacific)
Bima (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: CVL Shoho arrives at Yokahama and I’ll reconfigure her deckload to 21 Zero and 12 Kate B5N2s.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: CA TF (2CA, DDs) sink an xAKL off Moresby and then bombard with reasonable effect. The Rabaul based Amph TF to depart and link up with the 144th Reg TF coming from Noumea near the Torrez Strait, covered by the KB coming up from Noumea area as well. Probably all too much combat power to seize Moresby as I don’t think L_S_T will commit any major forces. Bettys arrive at Noumea to secure the flank as the KB moves away. Hiryu TF is also moving NW, and will join the KB in the Coral Sea. CVE Taiyo continues to loiter ESE of Auckland.

DEI/SW Pacific: As Koepang is secured, the focus now shifts to Java. Mini-KB successfully refuels and rearms at Kendari, also swapping up the remaining Kate B5N1s for B5N2s. Tjepoe Amph TF will depart Balikpapan and Samarinda next turn, hopefully linking up with the Mini-KB and covering forces just SE of Borneo. From Tjepoe, ground forces will split Java in two, advancing toward both Soerabaja and Batavia. While Java landing is a supporting attack to the main effort of seizing Palambang, the Allied air bases on Java need to be neutralized. The landings at Tjepoe is the first step to that, the second will be establishing air superiority over Palembang, and then landings at both Merak on Java and Oosthaven on Sumatra. To achieve air superiority, Singapore AF becomes operational and begins receiving Oscars and Zero fighters.

PI: NSTR.

Malaya/Burma: Prome is taken undefended and the first Bettys are flown into Rangoon – without torpedo capability for now, but will be able to range into the Indian Ocean for search and attack. Will look to begin clearing Singapore harbor of mines next turn as minesweepers arrive.

China: Wenchow holds the first attack with 1700 IJA losses to only 750 Allied, but forts are reduced. Will swap out a battered division with a fresh Bde and resume attack.

By raising the levels air and sea for certain bases in Japan Home Islands ie.. Fukuoka, Tsushima, Ominato, Takamatsu
there are efficiencies in storage (over 10 levels air/sea combined) and land bridge benefits.. I'm pretty sure anyway.
I like the Ki 102b Randy because you can convert bomber units to fighter units when the planes become available late in the war,
even with restricted upgrades and PDU off.. again I'm pretty sure.
This airframe has decent survivability against Allied Bombers.
I'm surprised to learn refining creates supply in this mod, is it at the same rate as in the stock game?
It may be worth expanding some refineries in occupied bases.