Matrix Games Forums

March 11, 1942


Subs
Two enemy submarines are sunk in this turn:
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TF 466 encounters mine field at Merak (48,97)
Allied Ships
SS KXV, Mine hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Sub vs Sub: SS I-10 attacking SS S-23 at 97,153 - near Bundaberg
Japanese Ships
SS I-10

Allied Ships
SS S-23, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

SS I-10 launches 4 torpedoes at 2,000 yards
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Malaya
The enemy tries yet another naval strike on Georgetwon, which is now the headquarters fro 2nd Fleet, operating in the Indian Ocean:
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Georgetown at 49,74
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 42 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
Ki-27b Nate x 2
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 1

No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
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N.Australia
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Morning Air attack on Yokosuka 4th SNLF, at 64,127 (Derby)
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3
B-17E Fortress x 13
LB-30 Liberator x 3

No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
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Java
After a few days rest, another deliberate attack was launched today, but it failed to beat the allied forces:
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Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 26179 troops, 372 guns, 277 vehicles, Assault Value = 798
Defending force 17560 troops, 203 guns, 81 vehicles, Assault Value = 445
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1
Japanese adjusted assault: 830
Allied adjusted defense: 725
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1799 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 38 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 122 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 36 disabled
Vehicles lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1320 casualties reported
Squads: 51 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 16 destroyed, 48 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2nd Engineer Regiment
24th Infantry Regiment
146th Infantry Regiment
16th Infantry Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
21st Division
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
2nd Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
1st KNIL Regiment
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st Regt Cavalerie
2nd KNIL Regiment
Roodenburg Battalion
KNIL Army Command
ABDA
Batavia Base Force
ML-KNIL
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
1st KNIL AA Battalion
Bandoeng Base Force
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March 12, 1942


Southeast Fleet
Night raids continue, but I devoted 9 Zeros to night CAP to see what they can do against B-17s. Well, I lost 1 Zero:
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Night Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
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Ceylon
After a few turns of inaction, I launched a ir strike on Dambula to prevent the build up of forts:
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Morning Air attack on Dambulla , at 30,47
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 84 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 27
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 34

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 42
------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Java
Second consecutive attack. Failed. I should have waited a few turns to recover strength. Nevertheless, the end can't be too far:
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Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 24876 troops, 372 guns, 276 vehicles, Assault Value = 714
Defending force 16711 troops, 203 guns, 80 vehicles, Assault Value = 391
Japanese adjusted assault: 470
Allied adjusted defense: 585
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 1)

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

Japanese ground losses:
739 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 75 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 111 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Vehicles lost 34 (2 destroyed, 32 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
700 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 17 destroyed, 67 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
21st Division
2nd Tank Regiment
146th Infantry Regiment
2nd Engineer Regiment
16th Infantry Regiment
24th Infantry Regiment
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
2nd Field Artillery Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
2nd KNIL Regiment
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st Regt Cavalerie
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st KNIL Regiment
Roodenburg Battalion
KNIL Army Command
Batavia Base Force
ML-KNIL
ABDA
1st KNIL AA Battalion
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
Bandoeng Base Force
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China
The stalemate continues near Sian, despite another attack launched by the Chinese, which caused considerable damage to them. This is a nice opportunity to counterattack and break th stalemate:
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Ground combat at 84,42 (near Sian)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 92223 troops, 695 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2577
Defending force 34300 troops, 331 guns, 101 vehicles, Assault Value = 1157
Allied adjusted assault: 272
Japanese adjusted defense: 2818
Allied assault odds: 1 to 10

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker: supply(-)

Japanese ground losses:
848 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 102 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 122 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Vehicles lost 14 (1 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
6411 casualties reported
Squads: 77 destroyed, 425 disabled
Non Combat: 29 destroyed, 615 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 42 disabled

Assaulting units:
85th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
80th Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
7th New Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
5th New Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
15th Group Army
36th Group Army
1st War Area
4th Group Army
10th Chinese Base Force
4th Chinese Base Force
14th Group Army
39th Group Army
24th Group Army
3rd Construction Regiment
Jingcha War Area
7th Construction Regiment

Defending units:
36th Division
59th Infantry Brigade
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
6th Ind.Mixed Brigade
5th Armored Car Co
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Field Artillery Regiment


Ground combat at 80,57 (near Kanhsien)
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 29832 troops, 157 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1027
Defending force 3281 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 117
Allied adjusted assault: 155
Japanese adjusted defense: 183
Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
462 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 48 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
341 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 62 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
70th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
32nd Group Army
18th Chinese Base Force

Defending units:
66th Infantry Regiment
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March 13, 1942

The usual B-17 raids on Derby continue apace. I am waiting for the allied ground force to enter Derby to determine its strength. Meanwhile, I am scrambling whatever transports are nearby in order to bring AA, aviation support and the few ground units I can spare at the moment.

The bad weather in Ceylon prevents 22nd Air Flotilla from launching any raids. Meanwhile, KB2 is back in Malaya to replenish.


China
The 13th Army crossed the river near Kanshien and shock attacked, but did not managed to beat the Chinese. Afew days of rest are needed to recover:
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Ground combat at 80,57 (near Kanhsien)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 42214 troops, 399 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 1607
Defending force 30255 troops, 157 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 985
Japanese adjusted assault: 1403
Allied adjusted defense: 227
Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1214 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 204 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 120 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Vehicles lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2137 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 190 disabled
Non Combat: 14 destroyed, 93 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled

Assaulting units:
116th Division
22nd Division
17th Division
102nd Infantry Regiment
66th Infantry Regiment
2nd Ind.Mixed Regiment
13th Army
4th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
25th Chinese Corps
70th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
32nd Group Army
18th Chinese Base Force
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Luzon
After a long period of aerial and ground bombardment, I launched a shock attack which reduced the forts but caused significant casualties. I will rest for a few days a try again:
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Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 58818 troops, 575 guns, 416 vehicles, Assault Value = 1977
Defending force 47692 troops, 699 guns, 598 vehicles, Assault Value = 1774
Japanese adjusted assault: 2233
Allied adjusted defense: 1363
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
6651 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 392 disabled
Non Combat: 46 destroyed, 396 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 101 disabled
Vehicles lost 158 (55 destroyed, 103 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2369 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 178 disabled
Non Combat: 21 destroyed, 268 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 25 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 26 (6 destroyed, 20 disabled)

Assaulting units:
4th Tank Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
65th Brigade
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
2nd Formosa Inf. Regiment
4th Division
20th Infantry Regiment
48th Engineer Regiment
16th Engineer Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
38th Division
48th Recon Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
21st Ind. Engineer Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
48th Field Artillery Regiment
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
14th Army
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
30th Fld AA Gun Co

Defending units:
51st PA Infantry Division
14th PS Engineer Regiment
Subic Bay Defenses
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
21st PA Infantry Division
2nd/45th PS Inf Battalion
194th Tank Battalion
41st PA Infantry Division
91st PA Infantry Division
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
31st PA Infantry Division
4th Marine Regiment
1st/45th PS Inf Battalion
71st PA Infantry Division
3rd/45th PS Inf Battalion
1st PA Infantry Division
192nd Tank Battalion
31st Infantry Regiment
2nd PA Constabulary Division
1st PI Base Force
USAFFE
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
Far East USAAF
Manila USAAF Base Force
Cavite USN Base Force
1st USMC AA Battalion
I Philippine Corps
II Philippine Corps
301st Construction Battalion
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
Asiatic Fleet
Provisional GMC Grp
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March 14, 1942


Ceylon
The weather improves and the 22nd Air Flotilla (reinforced by units of the 3rd Air Div) launches another air strike on Dambula:
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Morning Air attack on Dambulla , at 30,47
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 66 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 27
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 27

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 15
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Java
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Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 24316 troops, 372 guns, 276 vehicles, Assault Value = 686
Defending force 16194 troops, 204 guns, 80 vehicles, Assault Value = 352
Japanese adjusted assault: 701
Allied adjusted defense: 691
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
783 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 97 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 74 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1084 casualties reported
Squads: 20 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 16 destroyed, 70 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 32 (1 destroyed, 31 disabled)

Assaulting units:
21st Division
16th Infantry Regiment
2nd Engineer Regiment
146th Infantry Regiment
24th Infantry Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
1st Regt Cavalerie
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st KNIL Regiment
2nd KNIL Regiment
Roodenburg Battalion
1st KNIL AA Battalion
Batavia Base Force
ML-KNIL
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
ABDA
KNIL Army Command
Bandoeng Base Force
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Borneo
Samarinda fell today with its oil center mostly intact. These small units will load into transports and head to N.Australia immediately:
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Ground combat at Samarinda (65,96)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 2750 troops, 19 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 108
Defending force 1882 troops, 37 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 21
Japanese adjusted assault: 84
Allied adjusted defense: 12
Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Samarinda !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
90 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
684 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 55 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 13 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (6 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Assaulting units:
II./4th Infantry Battalion
81st Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
Samarinda KNIL Battalion
Balikpapan Base Force
Samarinda Base Force
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N.Australia
The enemy ground force just entered Derby and it turns out it's a reinforced Australian division. I really did not expect Steven to push a full division north so early, but as he told me in his email, when I invade N.Australia, this division was already near Daly waters, marching north to Darwin. I can't do much to reinforce N.Australia at the moment, I need at least one of the two sieges (Batavia and Clark Field) to end, in order to bring meaningful reinforcements here:
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Ground combat at Derby (64,127)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 10668 troops, 102 guns, 90 vehicles, Assault Value = 437
Defending force 1081 troops, 19 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 32
Allied adjusted assault: 191
Japanese adjusted defense: 1
Allied assault odds: 191 to 1 (fort level 0)
Allied forces CAPTURE Derby !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
720 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 27 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (5 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

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

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
2nd Australian Division
3rd Motor Brigade
3rd Australian Brigade

Defending units:
Yokosuka 4th SNLF
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March 15, 1942


Subs
Another enemy sub is sunk. This minefield in Merak has probably sunk 3 enemy subs so far:
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TF 465 encounters mine field at Merak (48,97)
Allied Ships
SS KXIV, Mine hits 1, heavy damage
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N.Australia
Having finished with Derby, the B-17s attacked Broome today. I need reinforcements ASAP. I still hold Broome, Port Hedland and recently Exmouth was taken, but I only have 3 naval guards in N.Asutralia and what is coming in the the next few turns can't really stop the force I am facing.
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Morning Air attack on 16th Naval Guard Unit, at 62,127 (Broome)
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 2
B-17E Fortress x 8
LB-30 Liberator x 5

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
167 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
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Ceylon
Despite another successful airfield attack, Dambula has a lvl3 airfield now. Curious.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Dambulla , at 30,47
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 106 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 27
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 27

No Japanese losses

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

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 34
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China
The local counterattack I talked about earlier was launched today, but did not bear fruits. Both sides are pretty beaten up at the moment:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 84,42 (near Sian)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 76523 troops, 777 guns, 351 vehicles, Assault Value = 2683
Defending force 94122 troops, 689 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2046
Japanese adjusted assault: 958
Allied adjusted defense: 2329
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
6496 casualties reported
Squads: 18 destroyed, 287 disabled
Non Combat: 23 destroyed, 513 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 45 disabled
Vehicles lost 59 (20 destroyed, 39 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2664 casualties reported
Squads: 41 destroyed, 293 disabled
Non Combat: 52 destroyed, 270 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 23 disabled

Assaulting units:
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
6th Ind.Mixed Brigade
12th Tank Regiment
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
6th Division
36th Division
5th Armored Car Co
9th Armored Car Co
35th Division
59th Infantry Brigade
32nd Division
52nd Road Const Co
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Engineer Regiment
8th Ind. Engineer Regiment
11th Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
36th Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
5th New Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
7th New Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
51st Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
15th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
39th Group Army
3rd Construction Regiment
24th Group Army
36th Group Army
14th Group Army
Jingcha War Area
10th Chinese Base Force
1st War Area
4th Chinese Base Force
15th Group Army
4th Group Army
7th Construction Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 16, 1942


An action packed turn in all fronts.

Subs
Another allied sub falls victim to the mighty Minefield of Merak:
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TF 331 encounters mine field at Merak (48,97)
Allied Ships
SS S-37, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Alleutian Islands
My destroyers (DesDivs 7&8, 8 Mutsuki class DDs), were short in fuel and I moved a small replenishment TF closer in order to refuel them, but, alas, it was caught by a previously unspotted allied destroyer TF, before my own destroyers could engage them. The AO was sunk, but then the destroyers engaged each other 3 times during the night.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Agattu Island at 153,53, Range 1,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
AO Shiriya, Shell hits 20, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PB Kinsyo Maru #4, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
DD Case
DD Cushing
DD Perkins, Shell hits 1
DD Selfridge
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Agattu Island at 152,53, Range 1,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Mutsuki
DD Kisaragi
DD Yayoi
DD Uzuki
DD Kikuzuki, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Mikazuki, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Mochizuki
DD Yuzuki

Allied Ships
DD Case
DD Cushing, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Perkins
DD Selfridge

Reduced sighting due to 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 0% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
Reynolds, C. crosses the 'T'
DD Mochizuki engages DD Case at 1,000 yards
DD Yuzuki engages DD Cushing at 1,000 yards
DD Case engages DD Kikuzuki at 1,000 yards
DD Kisaragi engages DD Case at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
DD Cushing engages DD Yuzuki at 2,000 yards
DD Kikuzuki engages DD Perkins at 2,000 yards
DD Mikazuki engages DD Cushing at 2,000 yards
DD Mikazuki engages DD Case at 2,000 yards
DD Cushing engages DD Yayoi at 2,000 yards
Task forces break off...
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Agattu Island at 153,53, Range 1,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Mutsuki
DD Kisaragi
DD Yayoi
DD Uzuki
DD Kikuzuki, on fire
DD Mikazuki, on fire
DD Mochizuki
DD Yuzuki, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Case, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Cushing, heavy fires
DD Perkins
DD Selfridge

Reduced sighting due to 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 0% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
DD Yuzuki engages DD Case at 1,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages DD Case at 1,000 yards
DD Mikazuki engages DD Case at 1,000 yards
DD Case engages DD Kikuzuki at 1,000 yards
DD Case engages DD Kisaragi at 1,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Case at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
DD Yuzuki engages DD Case at 2,000 yards
DD Case engages DD Mochizuki at 2,000 yards
DD Cushing engages DD Mikazuki at 2,000 yards
DD Case engages DD Mikazuki at 2,000 yards
DD Case sunk by DD Uzuki at 2,000 yards
Task forces break off...
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Agattu Island at 153,53, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Mutsuki
DD Kisaragi
DD Yayoi
DD Uzuki
DD Kikuzuki, on fire
DD Mikazuki, heavy fires
DD Mochizuki, Shell hits 1
DD Yuzuki

Allied Ships
DD Cushing, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Perkins

Reduced sighting due to 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 0% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 2,000 yards
DD Yayoi engages DD Cushing at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
DD Yuzuki engages DD Cushing at 3,000 yards
DD Cushing engages DD Mochizuki at 3,000 yards
DD Cushing engages DD Mikazuki at 3,000 yards
DD Cushing engages DD Kikuzuki at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
DD Cushing engages DD Yuzuki at 5,000 yards
DD Perkins engages DD Kikuzuki at 5,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages DD Cushing at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
DD Yuzuki engages DD Perkins at 6,000 yards
DD Cushing engages DD Mikazuki at 6,000 yards
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As you can see, I can claim victory based on this result. I sunk one enemy DD and casued heavy damage to two other DDs, at the cost of two moderately damaged DDs of my own.

In the afternoon, I was surprised to see an allied CV or CVL making a sudden appearence, but failing to sink any of my ships, probably because of inexperienced pilots:
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Adak Island at 162,52
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
SBD-3 Dauntless x 34
TBD-1 Devastator x 15

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBD-1 Devastator: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yayoi
DD Mutsuki, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Yuzuki, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Kikuzuki
DD Mikazuki
DD Kisaragi
DD Uzuki
DD Mochizuki
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ceylon
A host of allied transport TFs are spotted heading southeast to Ceylon. They have to pass through a ring of 15 Japanese subs in order to reach Ceylon.
KB was replenished in the previous turn, but did not replace the lost aircraft (it now only has a little over 200). I ordered it back to Ceylon full speed, along with BatDivs 2&3, in order to prevent the allied reinforcement armada to reach Colombo.
Meanwhile, the air battle over Ceylon escalated today:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Colombo at 27,48
Japanese Ships
SS I-157

Allied Ships
xAKL Wosang, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage

xAKL Wosang is sighted by SS I-157
SS I-157 attacking xAKL Wosang on the surface
SS I-157 low on gun ammo, Shibata R. breaks off surface engagement and submerges

Submarine attack near North Male at 21,43
Japanese Ships
SS I-164

Allied Ships
xAK Itaura

xAK Itaura is sighted by SS I-164
SS I-164 launches 4 torpedoes at xAK Itaura
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Dambulla , at 30,47
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 49
Hurricane IIa Trop x 9
Hurricane IIb Trop x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
H81-A3: 3 destroyed
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed

These Zeros were not ordered to sweep Dambula, but escort possible Betty Naval strikes, hence the low altitude.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Dambulla , at 30,47
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 27
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 27

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 42
Hurricane IIa Trop x 8
Hurricane IIb Trop x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
H81-A3: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 17

CAP engaged:
AVG/1st Sqn with H81-A3 (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
20 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 116 minutes
AVG/3rd Sqn with H81-A3 (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
22 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
No.242 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 118 minutes
No.605 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIa Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
K Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 94 minutes

If I understand this correctly, I got the short end of the stick in this battle, because Steven set up his CAP in layers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Trincomalee at 31,47
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 63 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
SBD-3 Dauntless x 12

No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 5 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
APD Fuji, Bomb hits 1, on fire

I deliberately weakened my CAP over Trincomalee to provide more escorts for Betties and I paid for it. Thankfully, the Minekaze class APD survived...barely.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Trincomalee at 31,47
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 13 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 6

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 16

No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
H81-A3: 3 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Trincomalee at 31,47
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 111 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 1

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
SBD-3 Dauntless x 4

No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Tacoma Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Trincomalee at 31,47
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 153 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 69 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 1

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
SB2U-3 Vindicator x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
APD Fuji, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Palau Maru
APD Tade, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Kagu Maru

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 21 (15 destroyed, 6 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


N.Australia
Lilies based at Koepang bomb Derby:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd Australian Division, at 64,127 (Derby)
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 23

No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
52 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 5000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 3rd Australian Brigade ...
Also attacking 2nd Australian Division ...


Ground combat at 63,127 (near Broome)
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 1911 troops, 42 guns, 33 vehicles, Assault Value = 110
Defending force 495 troops, 17 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 8
Allied adjusted assault: 152
Japanese adjusted defense: 1
Allied assault odds: 152 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
368 casualties reported
Squads: 41 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 32 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
3rd Motor Brigade

Defending units:
Yokosuka 4th SNLF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Java
I concluded that I couldn't take Batavia without shock attacking it, so I did it in this turn. It failed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 23583 troops, 372 guns, 277 vehicles, Assault Value = 634
Defending force 15305 troops, 204 guns, 74 vehicles, Assault Value = 310
Japanese adjusted assault: 724
Allied adjusted defense: 369
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
1336 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 88 disabled
Non Combat: 41 destroyed, 42 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Vehicles lost 74 (65 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
882 casualties reported
Squads: 52 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 60 destroyed, 54 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
2nd Tank Regiment
16th Infantry Regiment
146th Infantry Regiment
24th Infantry Regiment
21st Division
2nd Engineer Regiment
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Field Artillery Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
2nd KNIL Regiment
1st KNIL Regiment
1st Regt Cavalerie
Roodenburg Battalion
ABDA
Batavia Base Force
1st KNIL AA Battalion
ML-KNIL
KNIL Army Command
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
Bandoeng Base Force
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 17, 1942

Another intense turn!

Subs
Well, the Minefield of Merak does its job again. It's become a routine to start the turn with an allied sub falling victim to it:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 351 encounters mine field at Merak (48,97)

Allied Ships
SS KX, Mine hits 2, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Alleutians
Another allied surface combat TF is discovered during the night. What saved my destroyers was very poor visibility. DesDivs 7&8 are in full retreat, facing an allied CV and a stronger surface force.
BatDiv1 (including BB Nagato, which is now fully repaired and BB Mutsu), currently in Kure, was ordered to intercept the allied CV taskforce, which dared to venture so close to the Kurilles. I also orderd KB (3 CVs) to make for the Dutch Harbor, in order to intercept the allied CV as it retreats to the east. It's a long way, but it's worth it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ulak Island at 159,53, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Mutsuki, on fire
DD Kikuzuki, Shell hits 1
DD Mikazuki

Allied Ships
CL St. Louis
CL Helena
DD MacDonough
DD Litchfield, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Sands
DD King
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


N.Australia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Derby at 64,127
Japanese Ships
CL Kitakami
DD Kamikaze
DD Yamakaze
DD Kasumi
DD Yamagumo

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

Runway hits 3
Port hits 8

CL Kitakami firing at Derby
DD Kamikaze firing at 2nd Australian Division
DD Yamakaze firing at 2nd Australian Division
DD Kasumi firing at 3rd Australian Brigade
DD Yamagumo firing at 2nd Australian Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ceylon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Colombo at 28,46
Japanese Ships
SS I-155

Allied Ships
xAK Baroda, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

xAK Baroda is sighted by SS I-155
SS I-155 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Baroda
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There were half a dozen transport TFs heading to Colombo, in an effort to dilute the allied armada and spread my Netties. However, 22nd Air Flotilla was lucky to pick the correct TF and destroy a significannt amount of ground troops, before they reach Ceylon:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Colombo at 28,46
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
G3M2 Nell x 18
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
G3M2 Nell: 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed

CAP engaged:
AVG/1st Sqn with H81-A3 (18 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(18 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
18 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
AVG/2nd Sqn with H81-A3 (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead

Zeros were lower than usual in order to escort Netties. I feared that if I set them to different altitudes, Netties would be unescorted. Anyway, this strike did not manage to penetrate the land based enemy CAP. But...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near North Male at 21,43
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK Esperance
xAP Takliwa, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Moreton Bay, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Empire Glade, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
7258 casualties reported
Squads: 45 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 427 destroyed, 441 disabled
Engineers: 56 destroyed, 25 disabled
Guns lost 131 (125 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Vehicles lost 43 (43 destroyed, 0 disabled)

...this TF was too far away to be CAPed by Colombo based fighters. Yay!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile, KB is 15 hexes south of Ceylon, in an effort to remain unspotted and arrive west of Colombo. BatDiv2 is already there and is spotted, but it didn't intercept any allied transport TF. Some of them have withdrawn to the north it seems.


Java
I grew inpatient and launched another shock attack, which fared better than the last one, but left my forces in a pretty bad shape.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 22570 troops, 372 guns, 228 vehicles, Assault Value = 541
Defending force 14612 troops, 204 guns, 73 vehicles, Assault Value = 289
Japanese adjusted assault: 182
Allied adjusted defense: 351
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)

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

Japanese ground losses:
737 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 10 disabled
Vehicles lost 60 (55 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1647 casualties reported
Squads: 24 destroyed, 82 disabled
Non Combat: 16 destroyed, 95 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 14 (14 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2nd Tank Regiment
146th Infantry Regiment
24th Infantry Regiment
21st Division
16th Infantry Regiment
2nd Engineer Regiment
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Field Artillery Regiment
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
2nd KNIL Regiment
1st Regt Cavalerie
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
1st KNIL Regiment
Roodenburg Battalion
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
ML-KNIL
Batavia Base Force
KNIL Army Command
1st KNIL AA Battalion
ABDA
Bandoeng Base Force
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Burma
Mandalay fell today. Overall Burma is a pretty easy conquest so far. Since there are 6 allied divisions in Ceylon, I reckon that Burma is left pretty much undefended because of that. I intent to exploit this weakness by advancing as far as I can, until I am stopped by enemy action. The hard part is crossing the jungle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Mandalay (59,46)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 9450 troops, 113 guns, 101 vehicles, Assault Value = 356
Defending force 4801 troops, 51 guns, 21 vehicles, Assault Value = 198
Japanese adjusted assault: 329
Allied adjusted defense: 55
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Mandalay !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
522 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 43 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 63 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2971 casualties reported
Squads: 99 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 135 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 15 (15 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 21 (21 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 9
Units destroyed 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
21st Ind.Mixed Brigade
112th Infantry Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
55th Engineer Regiment
43rd Const Co
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Army
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
4th Burma Rifles Battalion
1st Gloucestershire Battalion
Railway BAF Battalion
BFF Brigade
3rd Burma Rifles Battalion
Rangoon BAF Battalion
9th Burma Rifles Battalion
10th Burma Rifles Battalion
1st Burma Auxiliary AA Regiment
102nd RAF Base Force
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 18, 1942


Java
An amateur mistake on my part to send these DMSs to clear the minefield in batavia. My intension was to be able to bombard Batavia with strong surface forces, but I didn't know that there were 120cm guns there. IJN is left with 8 DMS' in total!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 105 encounters mine field at Batavia (49,98) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
10 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DMS W-14, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DMS W-13, Shell hits 3

Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion firing at DMS W-14
DMS W-14 firing at Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion firing at DMS W-13
DMS W-13 firing at Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
4 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ceylon
Poor visibility saved the alied destroyers:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near North Male at 22,47, Range 10,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Fuso, Shell hits 2
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 1
CA Chokai
CA Haguro
CL Natori
DD Yudachi
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma
DD Satsuki
DD Minazuki

Allied Ships
DD Edsall
DD John D. Edwards
DD Stewart
DD Tjerk Hiddes, Shell hits 7, and is sunk


Submarine attack near Trivandrum at 26,43
Japanese Ships
SS I-173

Allied Ships
xAKL Katong, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

xAKL Katong is sighted by SS I-173
SS I-173 attacking xAKL Katong on the surface
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Cochin at 27,40
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
G3M2 Nell x 6
G4M1 Betty x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK Jaladurga, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Nord
xAKL Sarpen, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Ardent
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Koggala at 31,51
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 2 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Edsall
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koggala , at 29,50
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 26
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 23

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 38
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KB2 took a position 8 hexes west of Colombo and spread chaos and death among the numerous and surprised allied TFs in the area. There was also an allied surface force west of Male, but sadly it was not attacked. I suspect there is an allied CV as well further west:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near North Male at 18,45
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
D3A1 Val x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Whipple
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Cochin at 26,41
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
B5N2 Kate x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Paul Jones
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near North Male at 22,42
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
D3A1 Val x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAP Takliwa, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
1833 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 80 destroyed, 29 disabled
Engineers: 39 destroyed, 5 disabled
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Cochin at 27,40
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
B5N1 Kate x 21
B5N2 Kate x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 2 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
xAKL Hermelin, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Jaladurga, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Kwai Sang, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Hupeh, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Ardent, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Kiangsu, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Fingal, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Marion Moller, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Cochin at 27,40
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK Shinkuang, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Agnes, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Nordhval, Bomb hits 3, on fire
xAK Nord, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Colombo at 29,48
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 69 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
G3M2 Nell x 6

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 16
Hurricane IIa Trop x 9
Hurricane IIb Trop x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
G3M2 Nell: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIa Trop: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
xAKL Louisianan
xAKL Selma City, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Cochin at 26,41
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
D3A1 Val x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Paul Jones, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Cochin at 27,40
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
B5N2 Kate x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAKL Kwai Sang, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Nordhval, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near North Male at 20,37
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
B5N2 Kate x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK Barpeta, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Ikauna, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Dagfred, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
xAK Itinda
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Cochin at 26,41
Japanese Ships
SS I-19

Allied Ships
DD Paul Jones, heavy fires, heavy damage

DD Paul Jones is sighted by SS I-19
SS I-19 launches 2 torpedoes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


China
13 Army is at last victorious west of Kanshien. On to Kukong.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 80,57 (near Kanhsien)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 44990 troops, 440 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 1560
Defending force 33379 troops, 194 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1022
Japanese adjusted assault: 1425
Allied adjusted defense: 293
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
4055 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 215 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 216 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 28 disabled

Allied ground losses:
10590 casualties reported
Squads: 400 destroyed, 72 disabled
Non Combat: 386 destroyed, 65 disabled
Engineers: 16 destroyed, 12 disabled
Guns lost 8 (8 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 7
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
22nd Division
116th Division
66th Infantry Regiment
17th Division
102nd Infantry Regiment
51st Engineer Regiment
2nd Ind.Mixed Regiment
13th Army
4th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
70th Chinese Corps
25th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps
32nd Group Army
18th Chinese Base Force
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Luzon
Clark Field fell! At last, it looks like the allied garrison run out of supplies:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 57566 troops, 595 guns, 379 vehicles, Assault Value = 1820
Defending force 44645 troops, 678 guns, 578 vehicles, Assault Value = 1571
Japanese adjusted assault: 2010
Allied adjusted defense: 922
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Clark Field !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
9006 casualties reported
Squads: 59 destroyed, 342 disabled
Non Combat: 50 destroyed, 284 disabled
Engineers: 37 destroyed, 26 disabled
Vehicles lost 42 (9 destroyed, 33 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
12137 casualties reported
Squads: 426 destroyed, 89 disabled
Non Combat: 1295 destroyed, 98 disabled
Engineers: 136 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 105 (105 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 408 (400 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Units retreated 28
Units destroyed 3

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
48th Engineer Regiment
38th Division
2nd Formosa Inf. Regiment
11th Garrison Unit
4th Division
21st Ind. Engineer Regiment
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
20th Infantry Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
65th Brigade
16th Recon Regiment
16th Engineer Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
48th Field Artillery Regiment
14th Army
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
30th Fld AA Gun Co

Defending units:
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
1st PA Infantry Division
3rd/45th PS Inf Battalion
41st PA Infantry Division
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
91st PA Infantry Division
194th Tank Battalion
192nd Tank Battalion
1st/45th PS Inf Battalion
2nd/45th PS Inf Battalion
Subic Bay Defenses
14th PS Engineer Regiment
31st PA Infantry Division
21st PA Infantry Division
51st PA Infantry Division
4th Marine Regiment
31st Infantry Regiment
71st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constabulary Division
301st Construction Battalion
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
II Philippine Corps
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
Far East USAAF
Asiatic Fleet
USAFFE
I Philippine Corps
Manila USAAF Base Force
1st PI Base Force
Cavite USN Base Force
Provisional GMC Grp
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


And with this update, the AAR is synched with the actual game.

March 19, 1942


Subs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Canton Island at 151,139
Japanese Ships
SS RO-65

Allied Ships
xAK Sagadahoc, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

xAK Sagadahoc is sighted by SS RO-65
SS RO-65 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Sagadahoc
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ceylon
22nd Air Flotilla took a beating today. I really need to take a closer look at fighter vs fighter mechanics and see what I am doing wrong. So far, my Zeros suffered only when escorting bombers. This makes me think that fighters with escorting mission are at disadvantage versus CAP. I think I will switch to sweeps and see how that goes. But first, a few days of rest to recover from today's defeat are needed:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Colombo at 29,48
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 89 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 35 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
G3M2 Nell x 5
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 18
Hurricane IIa Trop x 6
Hurricane IIb Trop x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
H81-A3: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
AVG/3rd Sqn with H81-A3 (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(18 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
No.242 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
No.605 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIa Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
K Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Colombo at 29,48
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 53 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 12

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 12
Hurricane IIa Trop x 3
Hurricane IIb Trop x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
AVG/3rd Sqn with H81-A3 (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
No.242 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
No.605 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIa Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 89 minutes
K Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Colombo at 29,48
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid detected at 97 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
G3M2 Nell x 5

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 19
Hurricane IIa Trop x 4
Hurricane IIb Trop x 15
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
AVG/2nd Sqn with H81-A3 (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
AVG/3rd Sqn with H81-A3 (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 32400.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
No.242 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
No.605 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIa Trop (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
K Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Colombo at 29,48
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 20

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 18
Hurricane IIa Trop x 4
Hurricane IIb Trop x 9
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.242 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
No.605 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIa Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
AVG/2nd Sqn with H81-A3 (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
AVG/3rd Sqn with H81-A3 (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
K Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All in all, 22.AF lost 20 Zeros, 20 Netties, 10 pilots were KIA and 5 were MIA.

In a side note, KB still remained west of Colombo. What I suspected was a carrier TF, west of Male, was indeed that. It was 8 hexes away from KB2 and heading southwest(!), in range of Zeros and Kates, but no strike was launched. Perhaps I should be glad about it, because KB2 is low on torpedoes, having spent 3/4 of its supply in yesterday's slaughter around Ceylon.


Alleutians
The American CV chased DesDiv7 to Attu island and sunk two destroyers. Nothing I can do about it now. At least, the enemy has committed a big asset in a region I don't really care about.
I've taken all the islands except Dutch Harbor, which is still contested for. They have enough supplies to last long enough and wait until I am able to commit the necessary forces to relieve them.
For now, I rebased a few Vals, Betties and Zeros in Paramushiro-Jima (lvl2 airfield) and Etorofu (lvl1 airfield):
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 153,49
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
SBD-3 Dauntless x 33

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Mikazuki
xAK Nitisan Maru, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kikuzuki, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
PB Mikage Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Mutsuki
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 153,49
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
SBD-3 Dauntless x 32
TBD-1 Devastator x 14

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Mikazuki, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kikuzuki, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
DD Mutsuki, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

March 20, 2942


Ceylon
The Allied carrier TF has dissapeared, but was last seen heading SW. I suspect it will turn southeast to Australia or Sumatra in order to intercept my slocs to Ceylon and N.Australia. I ordered KB2 (which is down to 180 aircraft) to move southeast. If my guess is correct tomorrow the allied carrier TF might be engaged.


[bSoutheast Fleet[/b]
B-17's have been conducting night raids on Port Moresby for the past few turns. I am surprised at how successful these raids are. This is a typical report:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid is spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1 Det B with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Alleutians
The American TF is withdrawing to the east after sinking 4 destroyers and a few transports. I recalled KB to Truk, as there is no chance to catch the enemy:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Adak Island , at 162,52
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
SBD-3 Dauntless x 31

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Nissan Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dutch Harbor (171,50)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 6089 troops, 101 guns, 143 vehicles, Assault Value = 137
Defending force 1211 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 49
Allied adjusted assault: 49
Japanese adjusted defense: 27
Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
80 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
87th Mountain Regiment
2/250th Coastal Artillery Battalion
1/153rd Infantry Battalion
103rd USN Base Force
1st Marine Defense Battalion
30th Coast AA Regiment
30th Aviation Base Force

Defending units:
67th Naval Guard Unit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 21, 1942

The Battle of the Maldive Islands
The first carrier vs carrier battle of the war took place today! I was correct in my guess that the allied taskforce would turn southeast. The enemy spotted Kido Buttai 2 first and launched a small strike that despite suffering heavy losses, managed to penetrate my CAP, albeit only with 2 bombers:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Addu at 20,55
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 46

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 15
Fulmar II x 9

No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Albacore I: 8 destroyed, 2 damaged
Fulmar II: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
AO Ken'yo Maru (A replenishment TF recently refueled KB2)

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Albacore I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo

CAP engaged:
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 32810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

And then Kido Buttai 2 retaliated:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Addu at 20,60
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 152 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 56 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43
B5N1 Kate x 35
B5N2 Kate x 42
D3A1 Val x 24

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 22 damaged
B5N1 Kate: 5 destroyed by flak
B5N2 Kate: 24 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 15 damaged
D3A1 Val: 3 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CVL Hermes, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
BB Revenge, Bomb hits 2
CA Exeter, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CA Cornwall
BB Ramillies
CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BC Repulse
CA Dorsetshire
BB Resolution
CL Honolulu

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
14 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
20 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
15 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
10 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
2 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
6 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
1 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
8 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.880 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Indomitable
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The second strike was uncoordinated, resulting in some Kate losses, but still a torpedo hit BB Resolution:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Addu at 20,55
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 62 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 46

Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 10

No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish I: 7 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 32810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Addu at 20,60
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 13

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis
BB Ramillies
BB Resolution, Torpedo hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
No.880 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



N.Australia
The small reinforcement convoy made it just in time, to prevent the loss of Broome. Still, there is an Australian infantry division nearby, so I need more reinforcements:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Broome (62,127)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 1910 troops, 42 guns, 33 vehicles, Assault Value = 110
Defending force 4309 troops, 50 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 119
Allied adjusted assault: 45
Japanese adjusted defense: 100

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-)
Attacker: leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
137 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
63 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
3rd Motor Brigade

Defending units:
16th Naval Guard Unit
Yokosuka 4th SNLF
2nd Sasebo SNLF Coy
23rd JAAF AF Bn
3rd Naval Construction Battalion
12th JAAF AF Coy


Ceylon
Again, losses were less than 1,5:1 against me. I really need to rest my fighters and start some proper sweeps:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Colombo , at 29,48
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 144 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 27
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 65

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 53
Hurricane IIa Trop x 7
Hurricane IIb Trop x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 3 destroyed, 11 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed by flak
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
H81-A3: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The enemy conducted a few night raids as well:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Trincomalee , at 31,47
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 55 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed by flak, 2 damaged

Runway hits 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

double post

Strategic Overview


It’s been 110 days since the war begun. I thought I should revisit my grand strategy, as formulated in post #3 of this thread and share my thoughts on my future strategy. Even though there isn’t much posting in my AAR, I assume that the number of views it has, means that it is read by a few people. However, even if no one reads it, I still find that putting my thoughts on paper will give me a much clearer idea of what the Empire wants out of this war and how to achieve it.

But before I do that, I think I should offer a brief review of the past 4 months.

What the Empire has achieved so far:
- A relatively fast conquest of the SRA. Palembang fell on January 8, Singapore on January 23, Sorebaja on February 17, Clark Field on March 18.
- New Britain, East New Guinea and the Solomon Islands all fell in late December-early January.
- Ceylon was invaded by 25 Army (4 divisions) on February 22. There are 5 or 6 enemy divisions of good quality on the island, which are not yet engaged.
- Two minor invasions were also launched in the Aleutian Islands and North Australia. All the important bases in the Aleutians are taken except Dutch Harbor. In North Australia, the Empire holds Broome, Port Hedland and Exmouth. Strong Australian forces retook Derby recently.
- Two American CVs and two British ones are sunk. At least one BB was sunk in Peral Harbor. The enemy has also lost two CAs, one CL, 40 destroyers, 14 subs, 9 tankers, 3 oilers and 120 transports.

What remains to be conquered in the SRA is Mindanao (the Empire holds Davao, but Cagayen has a strong garrison), NE Borneo and north Sumatra.

All this was achieved with no loss to the IJN, except 15 destroyers. The merchant fleet however has suffered losses in excess of 200 transports.

Air power: this is the one area that I feel there is room for improvement. The overall loss ratio is 1600:1200 in my favor, but I am not happy with Zero losses. Nearly 200 are lost so far, 100 are operational losses and the other half A2A. The latter occurred mostly during March, over Ceylon. Enemy B-17 night raids have also taken their toll on Zeros. Strangely, they are not a match for B-17 during the night.

I have lost over 500 pilots so far. I don’t know if that’s high or low, but I lean on high. There are some frontline airgroups that are beginning to find it difficult to replace lost pilots, with equally good pilots from the reserve pool. IJA has only 30 pilots in the reserve, IJN has 70, but the first big batch of trained pilots will graduate soon.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now, after this small summary, I post the Grand Strategy segment from page 1 again:
“Grand Strategy:
1. Wage war for as long as possible, as far from Japan as possible. In plain words, secure the SRA and establish a defensive perimeter in order to: a. Allow my merchant navy to move oil and resources from the SRA to the Home Islands unhindered. b. Prevent the strategic bombing of the Home Islands.
2. Engineer a decisive battle in ’42, somewhere in central/southeast Pacific. If I can’t get one on my terms before ‘43, I will preserve my CVs to defend the Empire. I will keep them in reserve, while attriting the USN by aerial means, until they get to the vital parts of the Empire. But it’s too early to talk about defense at this point.”

So far, the first goal is served by the invasions of Ceylon, northern Australia and the Aleutians. Of course none of these are taken yet; I just made the initial landings.
In Ceylon, the enemy decided to stand and fight. He has 5 good divisions in Dambula, another division in Colombo and an Indian brigade in Koggala. I will not engage them yet. First I need to bring reinforcements and to do that, Bataan and Batavia must be taken, which is a matter of days.

That will release 6 divisions. I will have enough PPs to buy another division from Manchukuo in a few days. I also have the 8th Division in Truk, bought from the Kwantung Army less than two months ago and was destined to invade Johnson Island, Kona and Hilo, together with a division from 14 Army, before the Japanese invasion bonus ends. But that operation will not be launched until Bataan falls and 14 Army recovers its strength. Other operations must first take place.

First, I have to defend northern Australia. To do that, I will bring 1 regiment from Truk to defend Broome, and when Bataan falls, the 14th Army will be responsible for counterattacking in N. Australia. Derby must be retaken and Darwin must either be taken or neutralized.

Meanwhile, the 16th Army will mop up the DEI after Batavia falls. Cagayen, Tarakan, Medan are the most important bases still in the hands of the enemy. Medan and Cagayen still have sizeable garrisons defending them. When mopping up ends, 16 Army will redeploy to Ceylon, which by now will be low in supplies.

Then, the battle for Ceylon will begin in earnest. Of course, prerequisites for that are to keep Ceylon blockaded (which requires constant presence of KB2 in the area) and to prevent the building of fortifications.

Regardless of the result of this battle, I will also launch an operation in the Pacific. The goal is to neutralize Pearl Harbor. The presence of Kido Buttai is a must. The 31st Army with two divisions (the 8th in Truk and another one from Manchukuo) is tasked with taking Johnson Island, Midway, Kona and Hilo. But it’s too soon to go into much detail here.

If/When Ceylon is taken, I intent to land in western Australia as well.

Thus, the first goal of my Grand Strategy will have been achieved. Assuming my plan succeeds, the enemy will be left with only one axis of advance for his counterattack, namely South Pacific (Fijis, Pago-Pago, New Caledonia), which will enable me to gather my strategic reserves in Truk or Rabaul and use KB to raid the above mentioned bases. I am hoping that when the time to defend the Empire comes, the battle will be waged mainly in this region.

His other choices will be retaking Ceylon, the Aleutians and/or a land campaign to retake Australia and Burma. I am fine will all of these:
- Ceylon and Burma, I don’t think that after having lost 5-6 divisions in Ceylon the Allies will be capable of counterattacking successfully here. I plan to turn Ceylon into a mighty fortress once it’s taken. While the forts are built up, 25 Army will gradually redeploy to Burma. I want to have at least at least 6 divisions in Burma by the end of ‘42.
- I don’t plan to seriously defend the Aleutians. Only on-theater forces will be used. If the Allies want the Aleutians back they can have them.
- Land campaign in Australia: I think that a long land campaign here suits the Empire for a number of reasons. First there is no immediate need to employ IJN. Second, assuming western Australia is part of the Empire, Darwin is useless to the Allies as a base to launch an attack on the DEI, without first retaking Perth and/or Port Moresby. To do that, they will need to use significant naval assets, which gives the Empire a wonderful opportunities to attack elsewhere .



Now, a few comments on the second goal of my Grand Strategy: “Engineer a decisive battle in ’42, somewhere in central/southeast Pacific.”
I think that with the sinking of two American and two British CVs, the Japanese Empire can continue to be on the offensive well into 1943, considering that Taiho will become available in January ’43 and 3 Unryu class CV will be completed in late April/early May ’43.
I will no longer pursue a decisive carrier battle, at least not in the short-term.
Therefore, keeping KB in one taskforce is no longer needed until June ‘42, when the Wasp is completed. Splitting KB in two, with 200-250 aircraft each is enough to keep the remaining 2 American CVs and the two British CVLs at bay. When the two Junyo class CVs come, KB will once again be whole. It will spend most of its time as part of the Southeast Fleet.

So, to summarize my strategy for the next year and a half:
- End the sieges of Batavia and Bataan.
- Repel the allied counterattack in northern Australia. Capture Derby and Darwin. Consolidate. (14 Army)
- Mop up operations in the DEI. Secure northern Sumatra, Mindanao and northeastern Borneo. (16 Army)
- Continue to advance in Burma until the enemy makes a stand somewhere. (15 Army)
- Capture Ceylon (25 Army+16 Army)
- Invade western Australia (16 Army)
- Invade Johnson Island, Midway and Hawaii; neutralize Pearl Harbor (31 Army)
- Switch on the defensive; the Southeast Fleet is expected to bear the weight of the Allied counterattack coming from New Caledonia and the Fiji Islands.



I hope Steven won't read this post. [:D]

Summary March 22 - April 7

As expected, Batavia and Bataan fell on March 30 and April 1 respectively, thereby releasing 7 divisions. They are disrupted and in need of replacements, so a rest for a few days is needed.

N.Australia
The allied counterattack carried more strength than I initially thought. They pushed more reinforcements to the north, Darwin and Wyndham now have sizeable garrisons. Broome just held against an enemy shock attack. I also brought one regiment of the 8th Divisions from Truk, intending to reinforce Broome, but I saw that Derby had almost no garrison and I promptly landed, retaking the base. But two B-17 raids wrecked havoc for two days, causing over 80 disruption, which means that even a hoplite can retake Derby now. The enemy has left 270 AV in Broome and moved 430 AV to Derby.

The 5th Air Division has begun a redeployment from Luzon to Timor, but the bases there are still not developed enough. Koepang is lvl 4, Dili is lvl 2, Lautern lvl 1.54, Babar lvl 1.21 and Saumlaki lvl 1.89. I have 90 Sallies, 42 Oscars and 30 Zeros. The Oscars can't do much at the moment because of range. When Saumlaki has a lvl 2 airfield I will try to close down Darwin. The Sallies are bombing enemy ground troops in Derby, trying to cause disruption and nullify the B-17 raids in this way. The Zeros are based at Broome trying to repel the B-17s. So far, they take more damage than they cause. I am bringing a 27 zero air group from Rabaul to begin sweeps over Darwin. Enemy strength is allegedly 30 fighters, 70 bombers and 80 auxiliary aircraft, between Wyndham and Darwin.

In terms of ground troops, the 14th Division is pulled from Manchukuo and is on its way to North Australia. It's prepared 100% for Darwin, but I still don't know if I want to land there or just reinforce Derby/Broome. 6 heavy AA units are also brought with the division to help against B-17 raids. This TF is currently just east of Mindanao.

Another regiment is bought from Manchukuo and is currently loading on transports in Fusan.

Ceylon
The 22nd Air Flotilla had two very bad days, thanks to bogus orders. I issued an operational pause in the air above Ceylon in order to allow the air flotilla to regain its strength. Its Zero components were reorginised on April 7, so it will take a few days to get the new air groups up and running. Once that happens, I will try to wipe out the enemy fighters in Ceylon.

KB2 is refitting in Georgetwon, after a successful raid south of Karachi. Numerous allied taskforces were spotted west of the Maldive Islands, after the carrier battle. These were remnants of the big allied convoy which previously tried to reinforce Ceylon. After the British carriers were out of the way, KB2 chased the allied transports all the way to Karachi, sinking lots of them (some of them were loaded with troops). It was beautiful. I suspect that it will be a long time until an allied transport is seen near Ceylon.

While KB2 was away, a British carrier, which apparently survived the Battle of the Maldives, tried to interfere with my slocs. It sunk 2 small tankers and damaged a PB. KB2 dashed to the south and caught the British carrier (CV Formidable), but having spent all its torpedoes in the raid to the north, was unable to finish off Formidable, despite 8 bomb hits. I suspect that her thick deck armor means that only superficial damage was caused.

KBs is currently refitting in Georgetown. Half of its carrier will remain in Singapore for a weak or two to repair minor damage.


Aleutians
The naval guard at Dutch Harbor was destroyed, as was a small transport TF, carrying a JNAF battalion, that I tried to sneak to Addak island. The 4 islands I hold in the Aleutians have enough supply for a month. 5th Fleet receives 180 AV in about a month from now. A more serious effort to reinforce the Aleutians will be made then.

Edit:
I forgot to mention that CVE Hosho, which was operating northwest of Darwin was hit by dive bombers and is out of the picture at the moment (damage is 35/33/7).

I forgot to report the developments in China and Burma.

Basically, I took Sian without a fight and begun redeployment of the 11th army from the Sian sector to Ichang for a push towards Changteh. The Chinese are out of position, stuck in the forests west of Sian. What prompted him to evacuate Sian was probably the advance of the Mongolian Garrison to Lanchow. He moved a sizable force there, but I might still find Lanchow empty hopefully.

The 13th Army took Kukong and is pursuing 50.000 Chinese towards Chansha-Hengyang.

The 23rd Army is getting ready to advance to Liuchov-Kweilin. Resistance is expected to be light.

In Burma, the 33rd Division took Akyab and Cox/s Bazar without opposition and is advancing to Chittagong, where 10000 allied troops sit. North of Mandalay, I caught an allied force that was trying to retreat to Imphal and caused significant damage to it.
Lashio was also taken without a fight by a cavalry battalion.

I think it’s time for an update. The game was paused during the summer and I am to blame for it. I moved house, then I went on holidays for a month. Thanks to my opponent, Sdhundt, for his patience. We ‘ve reached May 31 and several important things have happened since my last update.

Note: From now on, I will try to make my updates less technical. That means no combat reports, except for important battles and more talk of army and fleet movements. I will offer summaries weekly (or more frequently if necessary).

So, what has happened in the past two months?

- Firstly, CV Hiryu was sunk southeast off Trincomalee, a loss that could have been avoided very easily. 40 allied dive bombers attacked KB, 10 or so broke through my CAP. Hiryu was struck by a single 1000lb bomb, but it looked that it would survive this debacle. I ordered it to go to Port Blair, instead of Trincomalee as I should, and two turns later Japanese damage control failed miserably. Oh well…

Reminder: the CV Enterprise was sunk by a KB raid on Sydney. CV Saratoga was torpedoed NW of Colombo, but it seems that it survived. CV Indomitable and CVL Hermes were sunk in a carrier battle off the Maldives.

North Australia:
- I lost Derby and retook it again, this time for good. Pursuing the remnants of the allied Derby garrison all the way to Nookanba. Allied heavy bombers prevented me from completely annihilating them, despite having 80+ fighters on LRCAP duty. Disruption is nearing 80 for some infantry units.
Wyndham was invaded by 1 ½ division but allied bombers and heavy coastal guns wrecked the invasion force. I pulled out successfully at the cost of 8 AP’s, 1 DMS, 1 APD and 1 AMC. I am down to 25 AP’s. The less said about this debacle the better.

DEI:
- Mop up operation in the DEI are almost complete. Mindanao and northern Sumatra are cleared. The 14th and 16th Armies are free to redeploy. The 14th is transferred to N. Australia, leaving a few regiments behind for garrison duty and to complete mopping up the Philippine islands. The 16th is gathering at Singapore and together with 6 tank regiments, will form a powerful strategic reserve. I will decide how to use it later. More on this in my next update.


Ceylon:
- No change, except that the two airforces bled each other dry. 22nd Flotilla is currently rebuilding its strength.

Burma:
- I had to assume the defensive here. The 33rd Div took Chittagong, but had to fall back to Akyab, facing strong allied resistance (3 divisions). It seems that it will be able to hold Akyab for the time being, with the help of my airforce (3rd Air Div) and thanks to the low supply of the allied forces. I tried landing a regiment in Cox’Bazar (recon showed it was empty), but it met two battered allied divisions and it was eliminated.
China:
- I did not dare a frontal assault on Changsha. I massed the 11th Army at Ichang and tried to forced my way through Changteh (north of Changsha), but Chinese reserves were brought up in time to repel me. I pulled back behind the river.
- Operations in my left wing are ongoing: I took Kwellin, Liuchow and Nanning and will soon have a connection between China and Indochina. Once this is achieved, the 23rd Army will head east (north the in WitP map) toward Tuyun and Kweiyan.
- I am withdrawing forces from the northern and central sectors to form a reserve, which will strike straight to Chunging and Chentu, passing through the woods between Changteh and Ichang.
- The Mongolian Army is set into motion again. It will recon the north east (the space between Mongolia and the mountains) and see what it can grab. 4 regiments are still occupied near Yenan. 40.000 Chinese are now sufficiently weakened and ready to be wiped out. Once they are cleared, I will have a new reserve of 4 regiments in my hands.

Southeast Pacific:
- Very quiet here. The only thing that happened is that I expanded my perimeter a bit by taking Ndeni and Vanua Lava. I have several subs in reconnaissance missions all over this area. They report somewhat strong allied ground forces in Efate, Numea, Suva. Not enough to make me fear an allied counterattack, but enough to make me careful.

Enemy dispositions:

Time for a few screenshots...

I have identified 11 enemy divisions and 10 brigades so far and, based on the count of troops, I suspect there are roughly 5 divisions and 6 brigades more. They are allocated thus:

Ceylon and southern India:
4 divisions and 6 brigades (including one armoured) identified in Dambulla. Some of his best formations are here.
Possibly one division in Colombo and 1 brigade in Kollaga.
Possibly 1 division in Madras, 1 brigade in Tanjore and one regiment in Cochin.



Burma:
3 Indian divisions identified in Akyab.
1 British and 1 Indian division in Cox’Bazar. Both are in bad condition.
Remnants from Rangoon and Mandalay, possibly worth a brigade or more, in Impala and Ledo.
Possibly 1 division or more in Chittangong, 2 brigades in Calcutta and Diamond Harbor.



North. Australia:
1 division and 4 brigades identified near Derby.
1 division and 1 tank regiment identified in Wyndham.
Possibly 1 division in Darwin and 1 brigade in Katherine.



East Australia:
12.000 troops in Townsville, 10.000 in Cairns.
South from there recon is very unreliable.

Southeast Fleet:
25.000 in Luganville, 13.000 in Efate, 15.000 in Numea.

As for the Allied Fleet, his carriers have not appeared for a long time (the last one near the Alleutians). BB Resolution is severely damaged and is sitting in Colombo’s drydock. Last recon of San Francisco showed more than 6 BBs.

Based on the above, I have to decide where to commit my strategic reserve.

16th Army:
- 2 Div
- 4 Div
- 21 Div
- 38 Div
- 6 tank regiments with 300 tanks.

As I see it, I have to make this war primarily a land war and destroy as many allied ground forces as I can. My options are:
a. A limited war in India.
b. End the war in China.
c. Expand the war in Australia.

I am inclined to follow the second option, but we haven't discussed with my opponent if I can use units from the Chinese Theater freely, if and when I conquer China. If I am not able to use these units, then committing the reserves here is pointless.

As for Australia, perhaps a full conquest is possible, but I don't think that it will do me much good.

That leaves India. Reasons for an Indian operation: there are at least 10 divisions and 9 brigades in this theater and they are divided in three groups, Ceylon, the southern tip of the peninsula and Burma. If we consider Ceylon to be a big POW camp, I think it is possible to destroy the other two concentrations piecemeal.

Operation A:
Invade Madras and pin the enemy there. Simultaneously invade Cochin/Calicut with my tanks and exploit towards Madra, isolating the south. Then finish them off.

Operation B:
As a follow up to A, the 16th army will leave a small garrison in Madras and reinforce the 25th Army in Ceylon, bringing an end to the stalemate there.

Operation C:
Invade Calcutta, Chittagong and Diamond Harbor, exploit with the tank regiments towards Darjeeling, trapping 7 enemy divisions in the jungle.

Decisions, decisions...

One potential problem is my lack of knowledge of the allied OOB. Here I have to ask for your assistance. What forces are they capable of fielding at this point in the war? What reserves are they likely to have, outside the forces listed above?

Jun 21, '42

Op.A was scheduled to launch on Jul 1. But unforeseen events forced me to postpone it until Aug 1.

Why?

Akyab fell! I thought it was key to my Burma defenses and I also thought its garrison (500 AV) could hold off the British/Indian army, with the help of the 3rd Air Div, which was completely dominating the skies from Akyab to Calcutta.

But I was wrong.
The enemy brought two divisions from Cox'Bazar and another 2 armoured brigades. 3-4 days of thunderstorms prevented my airforce from launching any strikes and attrited a cruiser TF I had in Rangoon to a point that I had to get them back to Singapore for repairs. So, his forces in Akyab had a week to recover and that meant their attack was ultimately successful. It still took them more than 5 consecutive deliberate attacks to take Akyab, but in the end my garrison (now 140 AV) was expelled. I feared he would exploit his success by driving me all the way back to Rangoon, so I had to postpone Operation A.
Fortunately he did not.

This is the last of a series of deliberate attacks and the most devastating one:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Akyab (54,45)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 33978 troops, 646 guns, 783 vehicles, Assault Value = 1008
Defending force 13539 troops, 157 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 197

Allied adjusted assault: 481
Japanese adjusted defense: 143

Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Akyab !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
4995 casualties reported
Squads: 216 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 160 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 22 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 84 (78 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Vehicles lost 28 (28 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 5

Allied ground losses:
224 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 30 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Guns lost 8 (2 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
255th Armoured Brigade
23rd Indian Division
7th Indian Division
70th British Division
16th Light Cavalry Regiment
254th Armoured Brigade
19th Indian Division
26th Indian Division
25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
2/9th Field Regiment
24th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
33rd Division
58th Infantry Regiment
14th Naval Guard Unit
43rd Const Co
62nd JAAF AF Bn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, following this debacle, I decided to postpone my offensive until August and change the order of operations.
Op.C will be launched first, followed by A and then B. It's critical that I destroy his forces in Akyab, Impalla and Dimanpur first.

The extra month of preparation will allow me to:
- bring an extra two divisions from North Australia (2nd and 14th divs, now under 2nd Army HQ), leaving only two divisions (14th Army) defending Broome and Derby. I took Nookhanba, chasing the Australian remnants away, but it will be left almost ungarrisoned, I find it's difficult to supply even a modest force there.
- bring elements of the two tank divisions arriving in July.
- have all the participating divisions closer to their max TOE.
Which means an extra 1800 AV available for me. It also means an extra British division for him (2nd Brit Div arriving in early July).

Meanwhile, 3rd Air Div and 22nd Air Flotilla will be busy trashing AVG and its bases. Already I feel I am improved in the handling of my air assets and I am now able to launch big, coordinated strikes against him. He is now forced to fly CAP, instead of training his pilots, which means I can sweep his fighters. In the last days alone, I think I killed over 100 allied aircraft and trashed Chittagong, Calcutta, Colombo, Diamond Harbor and Madras airfields. Our overall air losses remain 1:1.
I intent to keep this pressure, weather permitting, until August.


SE Fleet:
Zuikaku and Shokaku are in Singapore's dry dock for upgrades. Once they are done, Soryu, Akagi and Kaga will follow. I need them ASAP in Rabaul to counter a possible allied offensive here. I feel unesy about this reagion, which has not received as much attention as the Southwest Fleet has. It lacks carriers, aviation support and engineers. Some extra ground troops would be nice as well. My total AV in this theater is a little less than 1000. Ndeni in particular is very exposed. I plan to develop Kiritaka to be able to offer Ndeni fighter support.