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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/26/41

On your mark, get set, . . .
A fairly quite turn except for more large attacks on Kuching. Next turn should see quite a bit of action, however.

Borneo
Singkawang was captured. Now Grotius cannot fly torp bombers against my ships at Kuching. Of course, that won't stop him from trashing the airfield. He got 20 planes on the ground today! The morale of my Nell datais is in the toilet. I have ordered to attack Balikpapan tomorrow. I wonder if they'll even fly. Besides a Zero escort from Kuching, I am also sending a sweep from Brunei to cull Grotius's CAP there. If the Nells do fly, just one hit from his CAP will probably have the entire formation abandon its mission. [:'(]

Day Air attack on Kuching , at 27,56
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 3
B-17C Fortress x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 1 destroyed
B-17C Fortress: 2 destroyed, 12 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 15

Day Air attack on Kuching , at 27,56
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Martin 139: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Runway hits 20

Malaya
Weather kept the Sally's grounded today. I may not need them for much except ground attack from here on since it looks like Grotius has given up trying to defend the air over Singapore. Indications are that most of his bombers and fighters have left.

My forces arrived in an empty Kuala Lumpur today. Capture it tomorrow. Next stop, Johore Bharu.

Phillipines
It looks like Grotius may make his last stand in Manila. Bataan is reported as only having 2 units, while Clark has 10 units and Manila 23. 2 divisions, a tank reg., an engineer reg., an HQ, and a mortar reg. are now in Manila. Grotius and I are exchanging bombardments. My divisions from Tugaregarao are still about 25 miles out from Clark. Still another 3 days before we get there. My fortification suppression efforts will now concentrate on Manila.

In the souther Philippines I captured Catbalogan today.

Day Air attack on Clark Field , at 43,51
Japanese aircraft
C5M Babs x 5
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 10
Ki-21 Sally x 68

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 34

China
The first units have been ordered to march into Changsa from the east. They will be followed by units from the northeast shortly.

Tomorrow should see a great deal of action. This should crescendo over the next few days with the siezure of Ambiona, Rabaul, Canton Is., Kendari and Tarakan. Plus the battles for Clark Field, Johore Bharu and Changsa should begin in earnest with 3 days.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/27/41

Not as much action as I thought there would be. Several airstrikes got cancelled for one reason or another.

Borneo
Grotius continues his vigorous bombing campaign against Kuching. He is flying out of 3 different bases: Batavia, Balikpapan, and Palembang. We retaliated against Balikpapan--where his B-17s are located--today, but came up empty. Tomorrow we are going for Palembang. Rollover indicates 44 bombers there. This, apparently, is where his refugees from Singapore have gone. Singapore is now basically deserted as far as AC are concerned.

My airstrike against Tarakan did not go off, perhaps because of weather, perphaps because I set the maximum range on the escorts to 1 for some reason. [8|] I fixed that this turn. Also a CA TF will bombard Tarakan this turn. The invasion will follow the day after.

first the attack by Grotius
Day Air attack on Kuching , at 27,56
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 5

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 3
Blenheim IV x 6
Martin 139 x 8
Hudson I x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 damaged
G3M Nell: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Martin 139: 4 destroyed
Hudson I: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
65 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 13

Now for my morning sweep, which doesn't accomplish much
Day Air attack on Balikpapan , at 31,64
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Hawk 75A x 4
Brewster 339D x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hawk 75A: 1 destroyed

Followed by a bombing raid in the afternoon, also rather disappointing
Day Air attack on Balikpapan , at 31,64
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
G3M Nell x 24
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Hawk 75A x 6
Brewster 339D x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9

Banda Sea
Well, Grotius knows I am coming down the Molucca strait. Hopefully he is guessing I am going for Kendari. This is the direction my BBs look like they are heading. My airstrikes did not accomplish much. I will go after Ambiona again tomorrow while a CA TF bombards tonight. The BBs will follow up the day after.

Sweep
Day Air attack on Kendari , at 33,71
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
CW-21B Demon: 1 destroyed

Bombing raid
Day Air attack on Kendari , at 33,71
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 16

Sweep
Day Air attack on Amboina , at 40,74
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 3 destroyed

Bombing raid
Day Air attack on Amboina , at 40,74
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 10

Malaya
Not much. Captured Kuala Lumpur. 3 divisions are now marching on Johore Bharu. Another division will be landing at Kota Bhaur shortly.

Rabaul
Bombardment TF will be in position tomorrow. Troops are still 3 days from landing.

Canton Is.
My TFs will no doubt be spotted tomorrow. I am sending my Glens in to recon the place. Besides yeilding useful intel, this will hopefully set a precedent for Grotius so that I can use the recon technique to mislead him as to where I am going next turn. Which reminds me, I need to recon Rabaul. [8|]

Philippines
Ormoc captured. 3 divsions, 1 brigade, and various and sundry supporting units should arrive at Clark field tomorrow. Bombardments exchanged at Manila. No air attack. Perhaps it was scrubbed by weather.

Ground combat at Manila
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 45579 troops, 504 guns, 143 vehicles
Defending force 58198 troops, 544 guns, 192 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
262 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 3

Ground combat at Manila
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 9674 troops, 199 guns, 2 vehicles
Defending force 54223 troops, 504 guns, 143 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
83 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

China
Troops still marching into Changsa. At Yenan, I have begun and encirclement movement with some of my troops while the main body is now marching on the city. Nates continue trying to avoid trouble while being useful and gaining experience. Tomorrow, however, I am doing another city attack against Wuchow. The AVG is still at Chungking and Chagsa.

Day Air attack on 79th Chinese Corps, at 46,33
Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 40
Ki-15 Babs x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported

The Production Front
I accelerated another DD yesterday. I also went ahead and doubled the size of the two naval shipyards at Shimizu from 12 to 24 today. Factories are generally repairing well. Sasebo has been a problem. The AI doesn't want to send supply there. I am sending more troops there to encourage the delivery of supply. I will have screen shots and a thorough survey of production by the new year.

I gave up using Glens for Recon. They get show down by flak too much and then you have to return the sub to the nearest port with 20,000 supplies.

Sasebo is a real problem with supply. The only solution I have found is to physically dump the stuff there by ship.

Oh and watch out for mines on those bombardment runs in the DEI

Did you adjust the alitude on your Glens? By default they are set at 6000 feet. You might try bumping that up a bit.

ORIGINAL: cap_and_gown

Did you adjust the alitude on your Glens? By default they are set at 6000 feet. You might try bumping that up a bit.

Yes I tried them at 12,000 and 20,000 ft. It doesn't make any difference, on Recon they still only last about a week. I think it's partially that fatigue goes up faster with Recon than Naval Search.

They also don't produce much useful info, being non-Recon planes. Remember they can only raise the DL by a maximum of 2, rather than the 4 you can get with your actual Recon aircraft.

Having said all that I do use them occasionally, but only on a very short-term basis and just to determine whether I am facing a base force or a division.

ORIGINAL: Captain Cruft


Having said all that I do use them occasionally, but only on a very short-term basis and just to determine whether I am facing a base force or a division.

That's what I am using them for at Canton.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/28/41

Fairly active turn. Invasion forces will be landing tomorrow at Rabaul, Tarakan, Ambiona.

Borneo
Grotius is still not happy with my occupation of Kuching. Today he tried something different: a sweep by Brewsters! Brave. Silly, but brave. [:'(] He also did an aifield attack against Singkawang. Perhaps to draw off some of my CAP at Kuching? Didn't work, if that's what he was doing.

Tarakan will be invaded tomorrow. The bombers at Jolo still didn't fly. Perhaps because of the weather. Made my sweep kinda pointless. I did kill a bunch of his planes on the ground, however. No bombers there, just fighters; as if his fighters stood a chance against mine. [;)]

What do you suppose this was on about? [&:]
Day Air attack on Singkawang , at 25,56
Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 3
Blenheim I x 6

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

A Brewster sweep? Puhleese!
Day Air attack on Kuching , at 27,56
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 5

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 13

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

OTOH, his bombers continue to hit the runway effectively
Day Air attack on Kuching , at 27,56
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 5

Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 2 destroyed
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Martin 139: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
47 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 11

My retaliatory attack, in comparison, was rather weak
Day Air attack on Palembang , at 20,55
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
G3M Nell x 17
C5M Babs x 1

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 3
Buffalo I x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 3 destroyed
Blenheim I: 1 destroyed

Runway hits 5

Now over to Tarakan
Naval bombardment of Tarakan, at 34,60
Allied aircraft losses
Do 24K-2: 1 destroyed
Brewster 339D: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed
P-35A: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Kuma
CL Natori
CA Ashigara
CA Maya

Allied ground losses:
535 casualties reported
Guns lost 9
Vehicles lost 2

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 82
Port supply hits 1

A rather pointless sweep, since there was no follow up bombing raid
Day Air attack on Tarakan , at 34,60
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
Ki-15 Babs x 1

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 2
P-35A x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 1 destroyed

Banda Sea
Grotius thought I was going for Kendari--he moved all his planes out of that base. The descent on Ambiona was obviously a suprise. Hopefully this has put whatever naval forces he has in the area somewhat out of position. Should he try for a surface action, I have three surface combat TFs covering the landing, including all but 2 of my entire BB force. (BTW, Haruna is down to zero float damage as of yesterday and is now being heavily escorted to Shanghai for repairs.)

Naval bombardment of Amboina, at 40,74
Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara
CA Nachi
CA Haguro
CA Myoko

Allied ground losses:
691 casualties reported
Guns lost 9
Vehicles lost 3

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 94
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Prepatory sweep
Day Air attack on Amboina , at 40,74
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 1 destroyed

I am pretty sure the runway is shut down [;)]
Day Air attack on Amboina , at 40,74
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 26
G4M1 Betty x 78

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 2

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 35

Malaya
Not much really. Malacca was occupied. Nice sized ground attack. The bombers are standing down this turn. There is not much left for them to do here except support my ground forces. I need to start gathering air assets to support a push into Burma.

Day Air attack on SSVF Brigade, at 22,49
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 18
Ki-21 Sally x 87
Ki-15 Babs x 2

Allied ground losses:
103 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Day Air attack on 12th Indian Brigade, at 22,49
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 42
Ki-15 Babs x 1

Allied ground losses:
95 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

The Philippines
First division arrived at Clark Field today. The follow on forces will arrive tomorrow. Bombardments exchanged at Manila. I plan on dealing with Clark first, then use my combined armies to demolish Manila.

Ground combat at Manila
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 45600 troops, 498 guns, 144 vehicles
Defending force 55124 troops, 515 guns, 99 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Ground combat at Manila
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 9704 troops, 199 guns, 2 vehicles
Defending force 54244 troops, 498 guns, 144 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

China
A massive furball over Wuchow! (massive for China, anyway. [;)]) Grotius's I-16s put some hurt on my Nates. But the Tojos shredded his planes. Be nice if I could be building these things instead of Oscars. [;)] I did hit his resources pretty hard, as well.

A note on strategic bombing in China: by hitting resources one can directly reduce supply since each resource point produces one supply point; and indirectly reduce supply by depriving his HI of resources. That, anyway, is the theory I am operating under.

Day Air attack on Wuchow , at 42,39
Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 22
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 8
Ki-21 Sally x 44
Ki-15 Babs x 3

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 9
I-16c x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 5 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 5 destroyed
I-16c: 7 destroyed, 6 damaged

Resources hits 23

Day Air attack on 87th Chinese Corps, at 49,32
Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 31

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

SWPAC
Rabaul will be invaded tomorrow, preceded by bombardments by two TFs and Port and Airfield attacks from my Carriers.

SOPAC
I have the feeling that Grotius might suspect that something is going on at Canton Island by now. [;)] Two days until D-Day. Recon reveal only one unit. 4 bombers as well. Must be in transit to SWPAC.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/29/41

An eventful turn. Many invasions. Battle plans coming to fruition.

Banda Sea
No interference from Grotius, yet. Hopefully the shock attack tomorrow will be a success. I only have about 130 assault points in the attacking units against about 3 units with 4000 men. To be safe, all 3 of my TFs there will bombard during the night.

Naval bombardment of Amboina, at 40,74
Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
CL Yura
CL Abukuma
BB Hiei

Allied ground losses:
107 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 9
Port hits 7
Port fuel hits 6
Port supply hits 7

Malaya
Nothing. Most everyone marching on Johore Bharu. One brigade is marching on Kuantan. Southern Area Army landed at Kota Bharu. 38th division arrives at Kota Bharu in one day.

Borneo
More air action over and from Kuching. I had a bigger CAP up at Kuching today because I flew some Zeros in yesterday. He hit Singkawang again today. Is it because Blenheim I's have such a short range? It is actually encouraging to see him moving planes into the DEI. Before moving on Java and Sumatra I intend to capture any bases he could use to fly these assets out: i.e. Timor and Northern Sumatra. I also will have Nells and Bettys running anti-shipping interdiction into the Indian Ocean in case he tries to get them out via ship.

Tarakan was invaded by the 4th mixed regiment.

Day Air attack on Singkawang , at 25,56
Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 6

No Allied losses

Day Air attack on Kuching , at 27,56
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 10
Blenheim IV x 9
Martin 139 x 3
Hudson I x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
G3M Nell: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 6 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Martin 139: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Hudson I: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
38 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Runway hits 11

Day Air attack on Palembang , at 20,55
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
G3M Nell x 19
C5M Babs x 1

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 1
Brewster 339D x 4
Buffalo I x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 2 destroyed
Buffalo I: 1 damaged
Blenheim I: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 5

Naval bombardment of Tarakan, at 34,60
Japanese Ships
CL Kuma
CL Natori
CA Ashigara
CA Maya

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 8
Port hits 6
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Day Air attack on Tarakan , at 34,60
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
G3M Nell x 25
Ki-21 Sally x 19

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 18

Rabaul
Rabaul was hit hard today. It kept my casualties down for the troops unloading, destroyed some of his planes, but did not shut the runway apparently.

Naval bombardment of Rabaul, at 62,90
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Tama
CL Kiso
CA Atago
CA Takao

Allied ground losses:
45 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 40
Port hits 1

Naval bombardment of Rabaul, at 62,90
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
CL Tatsuta
CL Tenryu

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported

Runway hits 14

Despite it all, he still gets off some naval strikes. I can be thankful that there were no Beauforts there.
Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 62,90
Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Katori

Day Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 62,90
Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Kiji

Day Air attack on Rabaul , at 62,90
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
D3A Val x 44
B5N Kate x 78

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 4 damaged I lost a Val today [:(]

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 23
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 8
Port supply hits 6

Naval bombardment of Rabaul, at 62,90
Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Tama
CL Kiso
CA Atago
CA Takao

Allied ground losses:
117 casualties reported

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 38
Port hits 1

Naval bombardment of Rabaul, at 62,90
Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
CL Tatsuta
CL Tenryu

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 33

Coastal Guns at Rabaul, 62,90, firing at TF 99
TF 99 troops unloading over beach at Rabaul, 62,90

9 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CL Katori, Shell hits 2 no damage, though

Japanese ground losses:
213 casualties reported

The Philippines
More units arrived at Clark today. The final units will arrive tomorrow. Then we will start to deliberate attack. The Sallys will be shifted over to ground attacks to support the land forces.

Bases occupied or captured today:
Roxas
Zamboanga
Tawi Tawi
Bacolod

Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
Ki-21 Sally x 53

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 12 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 4 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
299 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 67

Ground combat at Manila
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 43684 troops, 493 guns, 5 vehicles
Defending force 54928 troops, 514 guns, 101 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
68 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Ground combat at Manila
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 9617 troops, 194 guns, 2 vehicles
Defending force 54437 troops, 498 guns, 145 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Ground combat at Clark Field
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 24176 troops, 330 guns, 7 vehicles
Defending force 24439 troops, 271 guns, 105 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
225 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Vehicles lost 5

Ground combat at Clark Field
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 20575 troops, 247 guns, 5 vehicles
Defending force 57180 troops, 580 guns, 203 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
93 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

SOPAC
Prepatory bombardments of Canton Is. will begin tomorrow. The troops are still about 2-3 days away. Makin will be invaded tomorrow. Baker will be invaded the day after.

Banda Sea
No interference from Grotius, yet. Hopefully the shock attack tomorrow will be a success. I only have about 130 assault points in the attacking units against about 3 units with 4000 men. To be safe, all 3 of my TFs there will bombard during the night.

The units at Amboina have such pathetic morale, you should be able to pull it off nicely. Although if he's reinforced with Australians, it may be more difficult. (Lark Force?) Either way, bombardments are a good idea. [:)]

More air action over and from Kuching. I had a bigger CAP up at Kuching today because I flew some Zeros in yesterday. He hit Singkawang again today. Is it because Blenheim I's have such a short range? It is actually encouraging to see him moving planes into the DEI. Before moving on Java and Sumatra I intend to capture any bases he could use to fly these assets out: i.e. Timor and Northern Sumatra. I also will have Nells and Bettys running anti-shipping interdiction into the Indian Ocean in case he tries to get them out via ship.

Again, evil. [:D] A good plan, though. Anything that he throws into the DEI should not come back. It's a sinkhole of Allied resources.

Concentrating his bombers like that may mean he can do some damage but it'll also mean you can eliminate them quickly. And you won't have to deal with them on other fronts.. so all in all, a good deal for you. IMHO.

One tip: Have the KB or mini-KB make raids through the Timor area or down the gap between New Guinea and Australia. It's -always- packed with Allied shipping and there's nothing there that can even dent the KB.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/30/41

The Empire's Storm Troopers are on the march to victory!

Banda Sea
Turns out I should not have been so worried about resistance at Ambiona after all. I got 21 to 1 odds. [:D] I think the three prepatory bombardments might have helped a tad. [;)] My next objective is Kendari. Then on to Timor. I have troops ready to go for Kendari, but my air assets are not fully in place yet. I am waiting for them to reduce their fatigue before transfering them; I have been losing too many planes and pilots to operational mishaps. I am still concerned about the possibility that he might have brought his carriers into the theater. I am bringing the smaller KB (I won't say baby since it has 2 CVs and 2 CVLs) back to the DEI to support further operations in this theater now that Rabaul has been captured.

Naval bombardment of Amboina, at 40,74
Japanese Ships
CL Nagara
CA Nachi
CA Haguro
CA Myoko

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 11
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 2
Naval bombardment of Amboina, at 40,74
Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
CL Yura
CL Abukuma
BB Hiei

Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14
Port hits 4
Port fuel hits 7
Port supply hits 11
Naval bombardment of Amboina, at 40,74
Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato
CL Isuzu

Allied ground losses:
114 casualties reported

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 38
Port hits 9
Port fuel hits 10
Port supply hits 17
Ground combat at Amboina
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 4893 troops, 25 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 638 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 21 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Amboina base !!!

Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
210 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Allied ground losses:
523 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Borneo
We may have reached a tipping point in the battle of Kuching. Grotius's Martins took a serious hit today. My runway damage is at 0, though the service damage is over 50. That is making it hard for me to repair my planes. I have two construction batalions on the way to help with that, and tomorrow 2 AAA units will be unloading in Kuching harbor.

Tarakan was captured. The oil is in good shape: 97 out of 100. To keep it that way I flew in 1 datai of Zeros, 1 Chutai of Zeros and 1 Chutai of Oscars. Tarakan will be a good place to stage LRCAP out of for the eventual invasion of Balikpapan, and it will also be good for staging sweep missions against that base as well.

Day Air attack on Kuching , at 27,56
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 damaged
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Martin 139: 5 destroyed, 6 damaged

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 11

Day Air attack on Palembang , at 20,55
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
G3M Nell x 15
C5M Babs x 1

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 2
Brewster 339D x 6
Buffalo I x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 1 destroyed
Brewster 339D: 2 destroyed
Buffalo I: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 8

Ground combat at Tarakan
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 6001 troops, 65 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 1047 troops, 4 guns, 1 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 78 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Tarakan base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
263 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Malaya
Still marching on Johore Bharu. 3 divisions and 1 brigade should arrive their tomorrow. The 38th division is offloading at Kota Bharu along with more artillery units and another regiment of engineers. As soon as I capture this base, my Sallys will transfer there in order to put Palembang out of action. That will help ease the pressure on Kuching.

Philippines
All my forces (3 divisions, 1 brigade, plus artillery, engineer, and tank regiments) have now arrived at Clark. We begin deliberate attacks tomorrow. The Sallys will switch over to ground attacks to support the grunts. Looking at the numbers, it looks like Clark should fall fast. From there it will be interesting to see if his units retreat to Bataan or Manila. I am guessing Bataan since Manila is a contested hex. If that is the case, I am not quite sure how I should contain his forces in Bataan, while dealing with the remainder of his troops at Manila. Perhaps one division will be all that will be needed to contain them.

His P-40s retreated from Manila so the Zeros can be shifted south to support the drive on Timor.

Masbate was captured today.

Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
Ki-21 Sally x 43

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
76 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 23

Ground combat at Manila
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 43745 troops, 495 guns, 5 vehicles
Defending force 55149 troops, 512 guns, 101 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Ground combat at Manila
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 9664 troops, 193 guns, 2 vehicles
Defending force 54498 troops, 500 guns, 144 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Ground combat at Clark Field
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 46143 troops, 581 guns, 21 vehicles
Defending force 24343 troops, 262 guns, 103 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
141 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Ground combat at Clark Field
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 20546 troops, 239 guns, 6 vehicles
Defending force 97774 troops, 1011 guns, 215 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
34 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

China
My first unit arrived in Changsa today. Many more (I hope [&o]) will arrive tomorrow. It looks as though the entire Chinese army is at Changsa. There are 32 units there. I can't get a report on numbers because each turn a new unit arrives and when that happens, the program won't give you numbers, just number of units. It is looking like I am not going to be able to take the place, now. I am hoping, however, that he will not be able to defeat me. A stalemate could work in my favor. I might be able to use some other forces to penetrate areas that he has weakened in order to hold Changsa. At the very least, if he can't throw me out, then I have stopped the production of supply at this base.

My first units should arrive in Yenan tomorrow. Again, it is possible that this might turn into a stalemate, but I don't think so. I am pretty sure I can defeat him there, though it may take some time.

Rabaul
Rabaul falls on the first try, though it was a closer run combat than I would have liked. This is it for now in the Solomons. The smaller KB is now leaving for the DEI and I will need more ground forces to advance further. I also need more air assets. These will not be freed up until the Philippines and Timor are dealt with.

Ground combat at Rabaul
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 7971 troops, 79 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 2701 troops, 32 guns, 4 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Rabaul base !!!

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 3 destroyed
Catalina I: 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
182 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Allied ground losses:
60 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

SOPAC
Makin was captured today. Baker will be captured tomorrow. Landings at Canton Is. will follow the day after tomorrow. A cruiser force will bombard tonight to further soften the base after a port attack by my Kates today.

Day Air attack on Canton Island , at 100,100
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
B5N Kate x 84
E7K2 Alf x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 3 damaged

Allied ground losses:
174 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 4

Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 7

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/31/41

The emperor was not pleased. Heads rolled. We were repulsed at Changsa and the attack at Clark Field, while not a disaster, failed to even reduce the fortifications and sent disruption through the roof. High ranking delegates from the inspector general's office were dispatched to visit all ground commands and replace incompetent boobs.

Borneo
The air battle over Kuching continues unabated. 2 AAA units arrived today. Construction engineers should arrive in two days. My biggest problem is getting the planes repaired because of service damage. The runway itself is fine. I am hoping the battle for Johore Bharu (if there is a battle) goes fast so I can have a level 4 base within range of Palembang where I can base my Sallys.

Day Air attack on Kuching , at 27,56
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 6

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 7
Hudson I x 5
B-17C Fortress x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed
G3M Nell: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 1 destroyed
Hudson I: 3 destroyed
B-17C Fortress: 13 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
80 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 16

Day Air attack on Palembang , at 20,55
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
G3M Nell x 18
C5M Babs x 1

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 2
Buffalo I x 5

Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 1 destroyed
Buffalo I: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 6

Malaya
The first units arrived in Johore Bharu today. By tomorrow I will have 3 divisions and 1 brigade there, plus sundry support units. I am not sure that Grotius is going to fight for it, though. It would appear that he is withdrawing to Singapore. That will be just fine by me. I need that airbase ASAP to relieve the pressure on Kuching.

Malaya saw my only successful ground combat today. One brigade marched in to clean out these bypassed units. Hopefully tomorrow some gound support will actually fly and maybe make things even easier. [8|]

Ground combat at Kuantan
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 14981 troops, 182 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 4145 troops, 42 guns, 3 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 4)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 3

Japanese ground losses:
387 casualties reported
Guns lost 10

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported

The Banda Sea
I loaded the troops that invaded Ambiona back onto the transports and ordered them to sail for Kendari. I really don't have the kind of air support for this operation I would like but base building at Menado is going too slow for me to wait for it to reach size 4. And the supply needs there just went through the roof after I moved 3 Betty datais in. So rather than wait on supply and lacksidaisical construction crews, we are going in now. I can only hope that Grotius is focused more on Tarakan and Kuching. As a misdirection, I am sending a bombardment TF against Lautern. Hopefully, Grotius will believe that is my next target and will divert his air assets to Koepang instead of Macassar. Also, maybe I can put a dent in his search planes based there.

The Philippines
My first deliberate attack at Clark Field was repulsed. Assualt odds were 775 to 885. Disruption on my units went into the 70's. I now have to switch back to bombardments to wait for that to come back down. I looked over the commanders there and found that the commander of the 14th Army was a complete boob. So I changed him. Then I went through all my front line combat units looking for fools and ne'er-do-wells and weeding out incompetents. I outnumber him about 2 to 1 in troops at Clark and we are about even at Manila. Just a little more combat power should do it. So I loaded up the 4th mixed brigade at Saigon onto transports and ordered them to sail for Lingayen. What surprised me is that the forts did not go down, even though I had two regiments of combat engineers.

Lamon Bay was captured today.

Day Air attack on 71st PA Division, at 43,51
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 9

Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Day Air attack on 4th Marines Regiment, at 43,51
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 16

Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported

Ground combat at Clark Field
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 20067 troops, 214 guns, 4 vehicles
Defending force 95987 troops, 959 guns, 205 vehicles

Ground combat at Clark Field
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 94413 troops, 1015 guns, 214 vehicles
Defending force 24276 troops, 252 guns, 105 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 4)

Japanese ground losses:
931 casualties reported
Guns lost 24
Vehicles lost 7

Allied ground losses:
554 casualties reported
Guns lost 32
Vehicles lost 5

Ground combat at Manila
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 43786 troops, 497 guns, 6 vehicles
Defending force 55510 troops, 524 guns, 103 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported

Ground combat at Manila
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 9717 troops, 196 guns, 2 vehicles
Defending force 54539 troops, 502 guns, 147 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
57 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

China
Our forces at Changsa were severely repulsed. Grotius has just about the entire Chinese Army there, over 200,000 troops now and still rising as more units stream in. Naturally, my units did not all arrive together. I am not sure there is anyway that they ever will arrive together. Changsa itself may be a lost cause. But perhaps I can use his uber-concentration to my advantage by flanking him. I also have to wonder what this does to his supply situation. I have another division and another brigade on the way, but I have to seriously rethink this thrust. Perhaps if Yenan falls, I can divert some of those units south. I am also wondering what his rear area bases look like. If they are only garrisoned by base forces, I could bring in my paratroopers and totally disrupt his supply situation.

In Yenan the first unit arrived today. The rest should arrive tomorrow. [8|] I doubt he will be able to throw me out like he did at Changsa. For one thing, he simply does not have the numbers that he does at Changsa.

Ground combat at Changsha
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 11007 troops, 213 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 195613 troops, 1367 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
286 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Ground combat at Changsha
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 155033 troops, 1223 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 82517 troops, 942 guns, 20 vehicles
Allied assault odds: 3 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
1105 casualties reported
Guns lost 24

Allied ground losses:
4409 casualties reported
Guns lost 140

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Ground combat at 46,38
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 7981 troops, 123 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 11412 troops, 59 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
200 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported

SOPAC
The invasion of Canton will now take place the day after tomorrow, rather than tomorrow. The convoy stopped to refuel the escorts. [8|] Prepatory bombardments will continue. Tomorrow the Kates will strike the port again.

Baker Island was captured today.

A base force is one day out of Wake Island. I will finally be able to fill in this hole in my search network.

Naval bombardment of Canton Island, at 100,100
Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka
CA Aoba
CA Kako
CA Kinugasa

Allied ground losses:
85 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 7
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 5

Naval bombardment of Canton Island, at 100,100
Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka
CA Aoba
CA Kako
CA Kinugasa

Allied ground losses:
199 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 2

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1

Notes on production to follow in a seperate post.

Well, I got my first new ship today: the Shoho. Escorts will arrive in a day or two and then it will be off to the DEI to join with the small KB.

With the arrival of the Shoho, a bunch of naval ship building points were freed up so my construction priorities were rearranged so that I could begin accelerating the first 2 Unryu class CVs. My projected arrival date for my Unryus is Sept. 24, 1943.

I have included a below a picture of the spreadsheet I am using to manage my naval construction. It shows the dates when certain ships were accelerated and their expected arrival date. This will change over time as I decelerate some ships to make room for the Unryu's. The next Unryu will be accelerated on Feb. 1. Until then, this is what my naval build queue looks like.

Very cool spreadsheet and the idea of Unryus in late 43 disconcerts me. [:D] If you play it safe you could have a 10 CV Kido Butai.. but then, that wouldn't be fun, would it?

One question - why not accelerate the Taiho? Granted, it's relatively expensive, but such a good ship relative to the Unryus.

I've never played Japan -because- I don't understand the production system, so I may be missing something.

ORIGINAL: Alikchi

Very cool spreadsheet and the idea of Unryus in late 43 disconcerts me. [:D] If you play it safe you could have a 10 CV Kido Butai.. but then, that wouldn't be fun, would it?

One question - why not accelerate the Taiho? Granted, it's relatively expensive, but such a good ship relative to the Unryus.

I've never played Japan -because- I don't understand the production system, so I may be missing something.

Just 10 CVs??? Ha, you underestimate the power of the Dark Side. I plan on having 15 CVs (and 4 CVLs) by Sept. 24, 1943!!! (Assuming, of course, that no CVs are sunk prior to then.)

Japanese production is not so bad once you start fooling around with it. You need to put together some spreadsheets, though, to really figure out what is going on.

Now, as to my build strategy: I put this in an earlier post, but it would be good to repeat it here and explain why I have not accelerated the Taiho.

My idea is to get all the Unryus by late 43 (Sept. 24, in fact). To do that, however, requires 1224 naval build points per turn. The Japanese only start with 1174 naval shipyard points. So first off, you need to expand your naval shipyards. Then, you need to be able to devote 1224 points exclusively to the Unryus. You can do this in three ways: a) expand your shipyards to just 1224 and stop production of everything else; b) expand your shipyards dramatically so you can still build everything else including the Unryus; or c) get ships currently building finished quickly so that they stop using up naval points that could be used for the Unryus. I chose option c. I am accelerating ships currently in production that I want so I can get them out of the build queue faster and free up naval ship points for the Unryus. For instance, currently the Junyo looks like it will be finished Feb. 24. This will free up 50 points for use elsewhere on Feb. 24. Once all the Unryus are accelerated and the Junyo class CVs and the Yamato are finished, I should have enough spare shipyard points to accelerate the Taiho and still be building the Musashi and assorted DDs/CLs. I expect the arrival date for the all Unryus and the Taiho to be Sept. 24, 1943.

Does this make sense?

Indeed it does. Thanks for that!

15 CVs... good God. [:D]

More notes on production.

I did a thorough survey of my supply, resource and oil situation on Dec. 31. Here are the current stats. (Again, I put together a spreadsheet to help figure this out).

For the Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku complex I have
157 days of resource reserves
183 days of oil reserves
550k supply on hand (I started with ~950k supply. ~60k was put into AKs and sent to the front. Some was spent on replacements/upgrades. Some was spent on expanding facilities such as ports/airfields. But the bulk of it was spent on repairing factories/shipyards.)
13,655 in supply are generated per day
13,000 in supply a day are being used to repair factories as of right now.

Hokaido is self sufficient in resources, oil

Sakhalin a little more oil and some more resources and this place will be set for the rest of the war.

Korea, Manchuria, Northern China (down to Shanghai)
Produces an excess in resources
Generates 7,150 supply per day
has an oil reserve of 205 days

Formosa
37 day reserve in resources
33 day reserve in oil
generates 810 supply per day

Indochina, Malaya, Siam
6 day reserve in oil. Fortunately, I have a 3 TK convoy on the way from Brunei with my first shipment of stolen oil.
Generates 2,233 supply a day (without the inclusion, yet of Singapore, Johore Bharu, Mersing)
Produces and excess of 2000 resource per day (again, without the inclusion, yet of Singapore, Johore Bharu, Mersing)

One small point. If the Junyo is accelerated it consumes 150 points per day. The original 50 plus 2 x 50 for the extra day. Or at least that's what the manual says ...

FWIW a while back I did a small bit of testing with Unryus, Taihos etc. vs Essexes with Hellcats. Admittedly it was extremely unscientific but the results could be vaguely summarised thusly:

1 Essex = 2 Jap CVs

That was with the Japanese CVs all having a full complement of air groups with 80 exp pilots flying A6M5 Zekes, Jills & Judies.

Another test I did was with some uber Georges (pilot exp > 90) versus Corsairs with normal USN pilots. They did quite well relatively speaking and got about a 2 - 1 loss ratio ...

Late war is difficult

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/01/42

Ground combat went better today, while in the air they did not go as well. Getting ready for more invasions, natch.

The Argonaut is already in business I see. [;)] Good thing I escort all my convoys with MSWs. This is the base force for Wake. I now have a naval search network covering everything from Paramashiro down to Tarawa.

TF 119 encounters mine field at Wake Island (85,72)
Japanese Ships
MSW Tamozono Maru #1
MSW Sonobe Maru

Borneo
The air battle over Kuching continues. 6 Martins were lost today. So were 2 Nells A2A. The morale of my Nell datais is in the toilet. Every time they took at hit (my escorts weren't so hot today) several of them would bug out. They are no longer going to hit Palembang. Instead, I am going to just have them set to Naval Attack with a secondary mission of rest. At least I can devote my Zeros entirely to CAP (80%). The extra AAA units didn't seem to make a difference, not that I really thought they would.

Day Air attack on Kuching , at 27,56
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Martin 139: 5 destroyed, 4 damaged

Runway hits 6

Day Air attack on Palembang , at 20,55
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
G3M Nell x 20
C5M Babs x 1

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 3
Brewster 339D x 6
Buffalo I x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
G3M Nell: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
C5M Babs: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 1 destroyed
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Runway hits 1

Malaya
This was the bright spot today. My Sallys must have severely disrupted the brigade defending Kuantan. I was not expecting to take the place this turn. Came as a welcome surprise. [8D] Now I am sending some transports to pick up the victorious brigade (marching out of Kuantan on Andrew Brown's map is a no-go since it only has a trail leading out of it). After I pick them up, they will be dropped on the hex where the defeated units retreated to. You see, it seems they decided to flee into the jungle just north of Mersing, even though there is no trail or road there. Before that, however, I am going to use some barges to transport a few squads down to Mersing to capture the place since Grotius has abandoned it. Once Mersing is mine, the remnants of the Kuantan defenders will be forced to surrender.

At Johore Bharu I got two surprises. One is how few defenders there are there, just 3 brigades, the 2 aussie brigades and an Indian brigade I believe. The other surprise is that Grotius did not bug out. Instead, he engaged me in a bombardment attack. Well, I am going to take my chances with a shock attack regardless of the level 5 forts. I have 3 divisions and 1 brigade, plus engineers, tanks and artillery. I will also hit them (weather permitting, of course) with an armada of over 150 Sallys. If that doesn't work this turn, it won't be that bad--I have another division almost done unloading at Kota Bharu that I can add to the mix in a few days.

Day Air attack on 22nd Indian Brigade, at Kuantan
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 51

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Ground combat at Kuantan
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 14276 troops, 162 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 4056 troops, 40 guns, 3 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 11 to 1 (fort level 3)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Kuantan base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
204 casualties reported
Guns lost 10

Allied ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Ground combat at Johore Bahru
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 24042 troops, 343 guns, 17 vehicles
Defending force 11553 troops, 132 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
76 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Ground combat at Johore Bahru
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 11451 troops, 127 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 108472 troops, 1062 guns, 372 vehicles I outnumber him 10 to 1!!!!!

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported

The Philippines
Until the 4th mixed regiment arrives in about 4 or 5 days, this theater should be quiet. Mop up forces are marching on Butuan, the last hold out on Mindanao.

Ground combat at Manila
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 43883 troops, 501 guns, 7 vehicles
Defending force 56105 troops, 531 guns, 105 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Ground combat at Manila
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 9768 troops, 196 guns, 2 vehicles
Defending force 54610 troops, 506 guns, 149 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
109 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Ground combat at Clark Field
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 80601 troops, 964 guns, 31 vehicles
Defending force 23435 troops, 220 guns, 101 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
219 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 1
Ground combat at Clark Field
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 19968 troops, 208 guns, 4 vehicles
Defending force 96205 troops, 964 guns, 205 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
92 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

China
Grotius only bombarded me at Yenan. Just as well since I probably had enough force there to hold successfully, though there are still several stragglers listed as having traveled 59 miles. [8|]

The pilots of the AVG must have gotten bored with just flying CAP over Changsa since the launched a ground attack today.

Ground combat at Yenen
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 8009 troops, 133 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 59181 troops, 433 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Ground combat at Yenen
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 50344 troops, 421 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 47502 troops, 618 guns, 146 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported

Banda Sea
My slow BB TF will hit Lautern tonight with a bombardment. I also have a transport TF making a feint for that base to give Grotius the impression that is where I am going. Hopefully they will be spotted. The invasion of Kendari will take place the day after tomorrow.

Solomons/New Guinea
A naval search unit and a Zero datai flew into Rabual today. KB 2 is making quick progress to the DEI via Palau. It seems you never can tell just how many hexes a TF will move. Today they moved 8 hexes when I was expecting only 5. [&:]

SOPAC
The final prepatory bombardments of Canton Island were made today for the landings that will begin this evening.

Naval bombardment of Canton Island, at 100,100
Japanese Ships
DD Mikazuki
CA Furutaka
CA Aoba
DD Ariake
DD Yugure
DD Kamikaze
DD Asakaze
DD Matsukaze
DD Kikuzuki
DD Uzuki
CA Kako
CA Kinugasa

Allied ground losses:
220 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 12
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 8
Day Air attack on Canton Island , at 100,100
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
B5N Kate x 84
E7K2 Alf x 1

Allied ground losses:
27 casualties reported

Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 4
Port supply hits 3

I thought I would include a map showing the deployment of my Zero datais. These are my front line units. I am using Oscars mainly for CAP and for mop up operations. So far I have 7 Zero datais. I hope to have another Claude datai upgrade in a few days. I need another datai to support the push into Burma. I would also like to bring one or two into China to deal with the AVG. (I know, the zero bonus doesn't apply to the AVG, but Zeros are better than Nates or Oscars. [:'(])

As part of my new year wrap up, I am providing the production/intel screen shots I said I would.

There are a few things of note here.

First off, both Grotius and I have played a rather cautious, conservative game. The ships sunk list, for instance is very small. (Partially, this is because my PH raid failed to sink any of the BBs [8|]). We have each lost 1 DD. Grotius has lost 4 subs while I have lost 1. The most notable casualties are 2 of Grotius's initial AS's that start in Manila. The other AS that starts in Manila was also damaged by a mine at Kendari. Other than that, we have lost some AP's/AK's and Grotius lost a big TK at Singapore. Plus some PTs.

Air losses do not seem that heavy. By using mostly Zeros for my front line positions I have kept the A2A ratio at 5 to 1 in my favor. This actually understates my superiority in A2A since that figure includes Recon and Float planes which I don't have as much control over (except for not doing any recon or naval searches [8|]). My op losses are too high. I have been paying more attention to weather when transfering datais to try to keep that down.

My aircraft production has pretty much been finalized. The screen shot indicates total numbers currently being built, plus the number of factories still being repaired. Today I switched my MC Sally transport production over to Tabbys. I also switched my Oscar IIb factories (still in the R&D stage) over to Tojos (also R&D) and my Tojo factories over to Helens. These are the final changes I will be making for a while, though the repair of the A6M3 factories will have to begin fairly soon to be fully operational by April.

My armaments production is going well. I was thinking I would need to expand it some more, but my armaments points have been going up for several turns now. I am satisfied with AFV production. It keeps bottoming out, but that is OK since the units only take in so many replacements per turn anyway. Different types of tanks are still showing up in the pool instead of being used from the pool, which mean more stuff has been made than issued, which is not what I want. [:'(]

As to naval shipyards, I have 1436 currently and 69 repairing for a total of 1505. This is still not enough to be building the Unryus, the Taiho, and the Musashi all at the same time. For that I will need 19 more points. Next turn I will expand a naval shipyard at Hokadate from 15 to 30. Down the road, I expect to expand a couple of 16 point shipyards to 32. But that will be a while since I don't need those points right now.

As for merchant ship yards, I still want to make some more ARs, but I don't have the space right now. Once the Nishin arrives I will be able to convert some more AKs to ARs. Currently all AK production has been halted, along with most AP production.

Finally, in regards to engine production, I have turned off the production of 350 Mitsubishis. I forgot to turn off more this turn. I certainly don't need that may right now. I may even convert another Mitsubishi plant to Nakajimas; 600 per month will probably not cut it once A6M3's and additional Hellens come on line.

I think that about covers it. Let me know if there is something I missed.

Cap...

What altitude has Grotius been sending his Martin 139s and B-17s when bombing Kuching?