Wild Sheep Chase - obvert (J) vs JocMeister (A)

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18 Dec 1941

DEI: all combatants from the last night and day battles made some distance from the scene. Our other large SCTF headed by Kongo and 2 CA moved to Kendari. It will move to Macassar tomorrow in case there are surface elements lingering there, as well as trying to pick off any of teh damaged TK or AO that were near Balikpapan. We'll shock attack at Kendari tomorrow as well.

In other news in the area a small SCTF hit an xAK and an AM, sinking both in the Sulu Sea. No Nell or Betty attacks.

PI: Another port strike finished off SS Porpoise and left xAP Pres. Madison with fires and heavy damage. Now we'll focus on Clark where 8 fighters are listed. Several PA units might be cut off north of Manila.

On Mindanao freshly landed troops are marching on Cagayan from Surigao.

CENT PAC: Our raider TF got caught by a US CV. Dauntlesses hit the Hokoku Maru hard, and it'll be a miracle if she lasts another turn. The Aikoku Maru is in better shape, and will strike out E in the hopes of both luring ships this direction toward the approaching KB and possibly living to fight again.

The KB is two days travel from the area. It's great to know where at least one CV is located, and we will chase and vector subs into possible paths.

NO PAC: Attu was taken, and forces are moving in today. The Cold Bay invasion is under way and moving north.

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The war from both sides

As I spent some time watching the NFL last night in London, (which is an evening experience here that often leaves me unprepared for the shock of Monday morning), I fired up an AI Scen 2 game playing the Allies. I felt it was time to reacquaint myself with this side of the game to prepare for this IJ game in mid-december. I had questions about what he has available to move out quickly, how many reserves are really out there for his air groups, and just what it feels like on that side again.

It was interesting the feeling of complete freedom unconstrained by the need to conquer something. The Allies have the luxury of both time and materials. The pools are low, and the free units are scarce, but I was actually surprised by how much the good guys have to play with compared to what I've been seeing in my games from the Japanese side. And to know that your first goals are to interrupt your opponent's plans made the first turns very fun. I found my self so less constrained by the care that must be taken with every ship as Japan. All but the CVs in the early going as Allies can be almost kami-ships.

The British DDs at Hong Kong hit ships at Takao Dec 8th and sank three xAKs, getting away to north Borneo scot free! The US CVs hit the Wake invasion force and decimated it completely. They have plenty of time to move south ahead of the KB. I sent a few small TFs to the Aleutians on Dec 8th with troops to stop any Japanese invasion until at least the spring, which might stop it for good.

Why haven't my opponents done things like this? And why didn't I know better that they could?

Anyway. I'm still firmly committed to this game and I love the pressure of playing Japan as well, but I think I'll start an Allied PBEM soon, maybe after the holidays. It just makes sense to know what is really going on over there on the other side.

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19 Dec 1941

DEI: No more naval engagements today. A base force took Dili. Jakes were flown in. Another small AF Coy landed at Wangipoe and will attack tomorrow. Kendari fell easily. Manado however is getting thorny. After a good 2 to 1 we shocked and came up 1 to 2. Grrr. Now a bunch of waiting. Not that I need to hurry here. A second try for Boela will sail tomorrow with support from a BB led TF. The HQa for Jolo will arrive tomorrow.

Samarinda was invaded by and SNLF and a base force. We'll wait for a turn or two before attacking as there is another SNLF on the way. Then on to Balikpapan. Two DDs chasing shipping went into Balikpapan and hit mines. One might not make it, with 88 flood damage. The other should be fine.

A large SCTF of 7 ships showing a CA and APD in the rollover is next to Billiton. Our Betty group did not fly for this one, and might suffer the consequences if they bombard Singkawang tomorrow night.

PI: On Mindanao troops are moving from Surigao inland, and up from Davao on the other side of the island. Three units are listed in Malaybalay and the Allies might be massing for a stand there, as another unit appears to be moving up to the mountains.

On Luzon the Tanaka Detachment and Arty units moved two hexes north of Manila and found two Armour units waiting plus a small PA infantry unit. It's a jungle hex, so neither side will attack here. The Armour are now moving south but will be met by our brigade moving from Lingayen and another unit totalling about 250 AV. This is a clear hex so armour should be strong. We're bombing in the hope of beginning to weaken them and be able to attack in two days. If we can take out these armour units the defense of Clark will be much tougher.

In the air another sweep over Clark zeros from the Tainan group destroyed 5 P-40s without a loss. In the last attack of 3 trailers against 1 P-40E, the pilot was listed as Wagner. This plane was shot down, although I assume FOW is operable here. It seems odd to list the pilot and not have it actually be that pilot though. Either way, not many good pilots will be surviving the Luzon battles to fight another day.

Malaya: Pressure is building at Alor Star. About 550 AV of IJA units are there now, and after bombarding the Allied units come up at about 150 AV. Tomorrow we will shock attack.

Buffaloes jumped some Sallys bombing ground units today. The escort of 8 Oscars was ineffectual, and we lost 6 Sallys.

China: Divisions are starting to move toward Wenchow. It will be a good while before they get there. Still no opposition in the air and Changsha, Sian, Yenan, and Wenchow are the main targets, although we also hit Liuchow today.

SO PAC: The Rabaul invasion should land tomorrow after bombardment from the 4 Furataka CAs. Nothing has been seen in the area.

CENT PAC: The US CVs and all other Allied shipping disappeared here. On a sad note, the Hokoku Maru slipped beneath the waves in the night.

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W DEI

This TF is the one I think is about to bombard Singkawang.

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S DEI

A lot of ships are down here scurrying around with troops. The goal is to get search into all areas and take away the primary airbases and put them to use. Very few subs are in the area which makes me want to get this done and get out before they arrive. Since the Battle of Kendari with force Z no major TFs have come into the Banda Sea.

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20 Dec 1941

DEI: The Marblehead and 5 DD came in to bombard Singkawang as expected. They got a few Bettys and about 10 damage on the field. Out of sight by the time flights were in the air unfortunately. Macassar was successfully landed. Sandakan was invaded. The Tarakan invasion landed and CA Myoko kept the shore guns at bay today.

A SCTF led by 3 CA wiped out AS Canopus and two AMs near Jolo. These might be the last of the fleeing ships from Manila.

China: The usual airfield bombing took place at Changsha and several other bases.

The big news is the fall of Hong Kong. It took a while this time, but fell to one shock attack today after a few days of rest. Our 38th Division is barely touched and will now prep for Palembang.

PI: IJN 2Es hit a fleeing PA infantry Rgt just north of Manila as 2 of our infantry moved into the hex. Tomorrow we'll bombard. South of Manila 4 units captured Batangas with no opposition.
Three Tank Rgts captured Iba today mauling the 31st PA Infantry Div there today. This is good.

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Ground combat at Iba (78,75)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1725 troops, 0 guns, 278 vehicles, Assault Value = 165

Defending force 3264 troops, 73 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 137

Japanese adjusted assault: 217

Allied adjusted defense: 37

Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Iba !!!

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


Allied ground losses:
1219 casualties reported
Squads: 48 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 42 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 27 (25 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units retreated 2


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
4th Tank Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
7th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
31st PA Infantry Division
1st PI Base Force

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SO PAC: As the Rabaul invasion nears its target 5 Jakes from our scouting AV attack CA Canberra and CL Adelaide at Shortlands. The four CA and 4 DD TF at Rabaul should be fine against these two. They bombarded as the invasion landed during the day. xAK Kazan Maru was hit badly by the CD guns and is on fire.

Malaya: At Alor Star we shock attacked and forced three units to surrender. This should speed up Singapore in a few weeks.

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Ground combat at Alor Star (49,73)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 12776 troops, 107 guns, 252 vehicles, Assault Value = 1038

Defending force 3067 troops, 48 guns, 33 vehicles, Assault Value = 115

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 714

Allied adjusted defense: 19

Japanese assault odds: 37 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Alor Star !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
253 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Allied ground losses:
3683 casualties reported
Squads: 145 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 264 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 32 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 58 (58 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 40 (40 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 3


Assaulting units:
11th Infantry Regiment
55th Engineer Regiment
Imperial Guards Division
5th Recon Regiment
1st Tank Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
5th Engineer Regiment
91st Naval Guard Unit
25th Army
5th Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
15th Indian Brigade
109th RAF Base Force
137/155th Field Regiment


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21 Dec 1941

SO PAC: The CD guns at Rabaul really ate up some xAKs today. One Yusen N sank and another Aden might go. Troops took the base with a shock attack, bagging two Hudsons. One of the big base forces is here already and search planes will immediately move in. There is a distinct shortage of Mavis units in Scen 1. Jakes become much more important. I may have to bump production up further. Shortlands invasion is two days out again supported by the 4 CA 4 DD TF, with the KB on the way over.

CENT PAC: The KB is moving in to Canton and the invasion should land tomorrow.

China: Near Wuchang am IJA Div attacked one Chinese Corps and got a 4 to 1 causing over 100 destroyed squads as well as kicking it out of this good defensive terrain.

Our small but growing Far NW Army got a 1 to 1 against 2 Chinese units. Another Inf Rgt is on the way, and tanks will follow once the points are available.

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Ground combat at 91,33 (near Paotow)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8395 troops, 68 guns, 302 vehicles, Assault Value = 338

Defending force 9404 troops, 86 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 293

Japanese adjusted assault: 193

Allied adjusted defense: 149

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
673 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 87 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
952 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 118 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled


Assaulting units:
1st Cavalry Brigade
8th Recon Regiment
4th Cavalry Brigade
10th Tank Regiment
12th Indpt Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
11th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
17th Group Army


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PI: On Mindanao Butuan fell. Oroquieta invasion landed, as did Cotabato. Porto Princessa fell as well.

On Luzon our units moved into Cabanatuan as the IJN and IJA airforces pummelled several PA units. We'll attack tomorrow.

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Morning Air attack on 91st PA Infantry Division, at 80,76 (Cabanatuan)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 25
G4M1 Betty x 50



Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
228 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Aircraft Attacking:
20 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
25 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
25 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 3rd/12th PA Inf Battalion ...
Also attacking 91st PA Infantry Division ..[/font].

DEI: Near Kendari DD Tachikaze was torpedoed by KXII. Amazingly she only has 58 float damage and will try to get back to Kendari to hide for a while.

Macassar will be bombarded prior to the attack there next turn.

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22 Dec 1941

China: Mines were cleared from Hong Kong and ships moved in immediately to pick up the 38th Div plus two 15 AV ENG units to go to Palembang. Looks like if all proceeds correctly, we should get there just after the new year. Elsewhere changsha bombing continues unimpeded, units are nearly assembled for the push forward in the north, and 3 Divs are on the move toward Wenchow. Up north troops attacked again near Paotow, only acieving a 1 to 2 but inflicting 3 times the casualties on the Chinese. Near Ichang the 34th Division, a tank rgt, and two RGC divs attacked two Chinese Corps, causing more than 280 squads destroyed and pushing them out of the hex. They will pursue.

Malaya: Things are heating up over Singers. 3 sweeps went in today destroying 39 Buffaloes for the cost of 4 Oscar Ib and 1 A6M2. Tomorrow more of the same with some bombing added in. Also, HQ has made the decision to send the 2nd Div in at Mersing suported by a strong SCTF and the Ryujo. With the success in the air this turn, as well as the lack of any surface presence in the area, the amphib TF which is now near Saigon will divert and attempt a landing at Mersing. If it goes well this could keep several fighting units out of Singapore, as well as roughing up the OZ Brigade at Mersing. If it goes badly, we could lose some ships and kick things a lot.

DEI: Bombardment and the subsequent attack at Macassar proved successful. The Air HQ intended for Kendari will instead move here.

PI: After some heavy air bombardment ground forces took Cabantuan with heavy losses to PA troops and to 2 US Tank units there.

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Ground combat at Cabanatuan (80,76)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7686 troops, 45 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 302

Defending force 4688 troops, 89 guns, 275 vehicles, Assault Value = 205

Japanese adjusted assault: 94

Allied adjusted defense: 23

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cabanatuan !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
167 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
1359 casualties reported
Squads: 29 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 199 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 26 (25 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 154 (154 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 5


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
65th Brigade
Kanno Detachment
4th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
91st PA Infantry Division
3rd/12th PA Inf Battalion
192nd Tank Battalion
194th Tank Battalion


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Edited to include PI information

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23 Dec 1941

A lot to catch up on as we've pushed 3 turns through today already. Every time I'm abut to write one up Jocke send the new one. Some good things coming, so I want to get this up quickly.

China: More bombing. Bases are being rotated so no surprises can be put in place without some guessing involved.

DEI: The CMc Pro Patria was nailed by Kates from Ryujo near Palembang, no doubt leaving some presents in our stockings for Christmas. Some DMS will move in after a few turns to see what we can unwrap.

At Tarakan we shocked, achieving a 2 to 1 and knocking forts to 0. Another short rest and we'll try again. Gorontolo also fell.

PI: All units from Cabantuan and from the hex south of Manila will move into the capitol beginning today.

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24 Dec 1941

Malaya: After yesterday's strikes failed to fly due to weather, today it was a circus over Singers. In spite of our LR CAP and escorts, one betty group decided to go it alone and met 15 Buffaloes. Strangely they were not intercepted on the way in and dropped their loads, then were met by our LR CAP and the Buffs, losing 8 Bettys and a zero for 4 Buffaloes. Sweeps later destroyed another 14 Buffs for 1 zero lost, so there won't be many left here tomorrow.

The Mersing invasion arrives one day before schedule and although it has LR CAP from Khota Baru, the Ryujo is 4 hexes away and provides only 1 A6M for defense. Stringbags escorted by 5 Buffs sortie and mostly get snuffed, but 2 stragglers somehow get by unnoticed and drop 1 500lb bomb onto xAP Atsuta maru, resulting in massive fires that will undubtedly sink the ship. Maybe most of the troops will still make it off however.

The landed troops are in remarkably good condition (12 disruption) and will rest up for the attack in a turn or two.

PI: Clark is hit hard.

China: Khansien falls, and 2 hudsons are left behind. The Yenan area army is about to begin marching. Maybe next turn. More bombing everywhere, hitting lots of troops still out in the open.

SO PAC: Shortlands falls. The KB is refueled south of Tabituea.

NO PAC: Adak is occupied after our landing. Cold Bay invasion is still about 4 days out. A scouting AV and AMC team has moved into the N PAC south of Kodiak by about 15 hexes.

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25 Dec 1941

DEI: Our ASW at Macassar gave KXI 12 stocking stuffers and one big penetrating gift today. Lots of water was reported leaking and some serious engine trouble.

China: Lots of bombs dropping. No AVG.

Malaya: Kates took out an AVP at singers, losing 1 plane to flak. Our troops are all ashore, but the AP did sink in the night. We'll let the Aussie troops have a nice dinner before kicking them out of Mersing tomorrow.

PI: Clark is getting hit hard again. Troops are nearly in place to attack at Manila.

NO PAC: Adak and Amchitka are in our hands.

SO PAC: Shortlands was captured this turn. jakes will arrive to begin searching farther south. The KB is having mid-ocean refueling.

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26 Dec 1941

DEI: Boxing day is always a fun time to play with yuor new toys. The IJN seems to have figured out what those long heavy things with propellers on the ends are for. Bettys from Singkawang sortied twice and put 3 torps into Prince of Wales at Soerabaja. Force Z is no more. About 15 other combat ships were sitting out here with no CAP but the Bettys only had eyes for Charlie, while B-17s and Bleinheims hit Macassar, where the Nell pilots apparently aren't fond of the holes in the runway and insist the small men with shovels get to work before they'll fly the planes. Oh well. A pretty good result.

Our two SNLF units arrived at Balikpapan and shocked across the river. They took the base at 14 to 1 and gathered in 4 Dutch cats and 1 Seagull for good measure. The best news is of course that the Oil and Refineries are at a perfect 100%!

I forgot about the CD guns at Balikpapan, which took out their frustrations on 2 DMS I sent in for early cleaning duties. One is in bad shape, with 60 float damage. The other should be fine. They did clear about 60 mines.

Tarakan also fell today. The results there left the Oil and Refineries at 63/27 each. Not too bad.

The Mini-KB sets out today from Babeldaob toward Darwin to see if we can pick off any fleeing shipping or cambat ships that got a scare from our Netties.

Indian Ocean: Cocos Is fell to our small SNLF, construction unit, and AF Coy today. Mavis have moved in from Malaya. Now the SCTF will try to make it back in tact. Wiping P of W gives us a sense of relief. We can at least match up well with any of the CA/CL TFs out there that may flee after this turn.

NO PAC: Cold Bay lands to find no opposition on the base. Both units are in fine shape. This means we might even have the ability to go for Dutch after this one. Still have to see about that.

Malaya: The 2nd Div shocked and got 22 to 1 against the 22nd OZ Brigade. Results below. Now we will move to close off the rail back to Singers. It will only keep a few straggling units out, but it all helps.

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Ground combat at Mersing (51,82)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 12892 troops, 117 guns, 40 vehicles, Assault Value = 444

Defending force 2540 troops, 32 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 104

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 380

Allied adjusted defense: 17

Japanese assault odds: 22 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Mersing !!!

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

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


Allied ground losses:
1284 casualties reported
Squads: 26 destroyed, 51 disabled
Non Combat: 42 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 13 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 28 (25 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1
Units destroyed 1


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
2nd Division

Defending units:
22nd Australian Brigade
30 Battery/3 HAA [/font]

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27 Dec 1941

Malaya: Singapore bombing continues. Our 2nd Div is blocking the rail now. Tanks are at Kuala Lumpur. Tainan group is moving to Macassar to fight the Dutch now.

China: Near Paotow IJA troops finally routed 2 Chinese Corps. Onward to Lanchow. Our 2 Cavalry units nearly got wiped out. Only 1 or 2 combat squads left undisabled so they will rest. We roughed up one more unit near Chengchow and are putting forces together in the center to hit rail blocking units.

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Ground combat at 91,33 (near Paotow)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10167 troops, 74 guns, 256 vehicles, Assault Value = 404

Defending force 7579 troops, 85 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 106

Japanese adjusted assault: 350

Allied adjusted defense: 45

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
235 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units pursuing 1


Allied ground losses:
3043 casualties reported
Squads: 240 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 130 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 11 (10 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 3


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Cavalry Brigade
10th Tank Regiment
8th Recon Regiment
11th Indpt Infantry Regiment
4th Cavalry Brigade
12th Indpt Infantry Regiment
Mongol Garrison Army

Defending units:
11th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
17th Group Army[/font]

DEI: Might try some night bombing of Soerbaja, as there are 120 bombers and 45 fighters listed. Nells still seem to be reluctant to fly out of Macassar, which is not getting fixed quickly.

PI: At Manila we attacked, destroying a lot of units but not getting enough to take the city. This is good really, as our next attack should be even more devastating, especially since we'll wait and bring in the Arty for that one. Should be another 3 days or so.

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Ground combat at Manila (79,77)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 21821 troops, 164 guns, 505 vehicles, Assault Value = 852

Defending force 21598 troops, 268 guns, 153 vehicles, Assault Value = 617

Japanese adjusted assault: 435

Allied adjusted defense: 385

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
621 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 47 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 48 disabled


Allied ground losses:
1111 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 140 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 102 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Guns lost 47 (2 destroyed, 45 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Assaulting units:
4th Tank Regiment
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
Kanno Detachment
8th Tank Regiment
65th Brigade
2nd Tank Regiment
16th Engineer Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
20th Infantry Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
1st PA Infantry Division
41st PA Infantry Division
71st PA Infantry Division
51st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
USAFFE
Manila USAAF Base Force
South Luzon Force
Cavite USN Base Force
PAF Aviation


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Burma: Troops are approaching Moumein. In a few turns something may actually happen here.

SO PAC: The KB is moving to see if anything is at Pago Pago. A sub reports something in the harbour.

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28 Dec 1941

DEI: An invasion reached Ambon this turn. The SNLF and ENG unit that tool Manado have been sent in here. Not well prepped though so it could be a wait until they strike once landed. The CD guns hit 2 DD moderately, but only 20 system and a few flood damage on each.

Nells fly at last, right into a nest of Dutch fighters at Soerbaja, after several turns of neglecting lone unprotected convoys out past the islands. Oh well. It wasn't as bad as it could have been Zeros were there to take some of the hit. 3 Nells down, 1 A6M2, and 3 B-339 downed.

The Mini-KB flew missions against CL Maritius and 2 DD plus AVP Belatrix at Darwin. Belatrix must have put a spell on them because half the attacks went for this smallest ship, finally sinking it with 2 torps while Mauritius took 1 250kg bomb.

China: The bombing is really taking a toll now. many more infantry units showing up destroyed in Chinese units out in the open. The Northern Army will go for Sian directly now, HQ has decided. After thorough recon of both yellow roads, the southern-most road is less guarded and shorter. About 2,400 AV is gathered for this operation with more armour and ENG units expected once they're bought out of Manchuria.

Malaya: The 6th Tank Rgt took Kuala Lumpur. The gate to Singapore is nearly open. The 2nd Div is now moving to Johore Bharu. Yokosuka 3rd SNLF para unit took Langsa. We'll send in a Naval Guard unit to prevent movement down the rail between Medan and Sabang.

PI: All forces are nearly in place for another attack at Manila. This time adding 4 Arty units and 2 more small ENG units.

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29 Dec 1941

Whew. A lot to catch up on. This has been a good weekend for the Japanese. Many conquests and no significant setbacks or losses. A couple of observations about the war so far.

Every major invasion in the DEI was made using Fast Transport TFs, aided by ASW TFs and SCTFs. Air support was limited. Speed was paramount and kept reaction time to a minimum for the Allies. Each TF that had planes used a mix of ASW, night search, and day search, which for the most part, coupled with the accompanying ASW TFs, kept sub hits down.

Minor secondary invasions used fast xAKs mixed with surface combat ships. Where there were CD guns we suffered losses in xAKs, but troops got ashore thanks to the inclusion of CA/CLs in the TFs. Support troops were alsways either with the invasion or waiting just ouside to move in. This let air forces move in quickly. Also, small unoccupied bases were taken deep within lines to set up search close to enemy lines. This especially aided in the sinking of the Prince of Wales.

Only one major surface battle was fought in the DEI, during which the IJN sank the Rupulse, a CL, and several DDs. All major surface ships look to be moving out toward OZ. This makes it easy to send in the Palembang invasion which is now 4-5 days out.

To sum it up, speed is effective, and to use speed, a lot of pre-planning and organization are necessary. It really helped that I'd just played this portion of the game a month before against Dan Nichols, who offered very good defense in some areas. It was easier this time and I was more prepared to face resistance when it came.

DEI: In spite of 14 ASW in the hex and at least 5 ASW air groups flying i the area, AV Sanuki Maru was torpedoed by SS Sealion during the night, eating two fish. Not sure if she'll make the two hexes to Babeldaob.

Tainan A6Ms hit Soerabaja today, destroying 18 Dutch and British fighters for the loss of 1 zero and pilot. Unfortunately this was a very good pilot, EXP 79. Tainan group has 91 kills now.

SO PAC: In a case of massive overkill the KB sends 119 Kates to Pago Pago which sink one AM. Off toward Suva now and then up toward Truk at last.

China: Two Divs walked over next to Changsha to deal with two Chinese Corps sitting there. Here are the results.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at 83,52 (near Changsha)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24442 troops, 206 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 871

Defending force 10698 troops, 80 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 321

Japanese adjusted assault: 822

Allied adjusted defense: 125

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
762 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 57 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled


Allied ground losses:
4378 casualties reported
Squads: 141 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 122 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 7 (4 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Units retreated 2


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
6th Division
39th Division

Defending units:
37th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps


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Malaya: More of the same. Bombing Singapore. Tanks moving to connect the rail dots.

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Some tracker reports

Ship losses

At Pearl it looked like we had a great strike, and my opponent even wrote back saying that we had sunk all of his BBs. Only 3 are listed as sunk still. Several CAs have mysteriously gone down in the past week and been listed as sunk near Hawaii by 800kg or 250kg bombs. Maybe he tried to move them too soon? Subs are still stationed nearby to try to catch anything heading back to the states.

Otherwise, getting both Prince of Wales and Repulse in the DEI is a big plus.

We have not lost any combat ships bigger than an APD or a PB.

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The Economic Overview

Someone can tell me if this looks okay. Not quite sure. Seems like everything is growing and there are no Issues with pools going down.

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Tainan Ku S-1

This unit has been around the map a bit now. Starting in the PI, moving to Malaya, and now working out of Macassar.

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30 Dec 1941

SO PAC: The KB hits Suva and takes out ... you guessed it, not one but two AMs. The port lists a TK also, so we'll keep the attack on as we move past.

China: The Northern Army attacks near Taiyuan and roughs up a Chinese Corps and HQ.

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Ground combat at 89,40 (near Taiyuan)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 62312 troops, 557 guns, 526 vehicles, Assault Value = 2481

Defending force 5108 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 142

Japanese adjusted assault: 1438

Allied adjusted defense: 22

Japanese assault odds: 65 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
78 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Units pursuing 1


Allied ground losses:
3597 casualties reported
Squads: 114 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 108 destroyed, 82 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 16 (16 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
15th Tank Regiment
37th Division
36th Division
5th Ind. Engineer Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
6th Ind.Mixed Brigade
12th Tank Regiment
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
41st Division
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
33rd Chinese Corps
7th Group Army[/font]

PI: Again the deliberate attack at Manila doesn't quite take the base, getting a 1 to 1. Allied losses are much higher again however. The extra artillery seems not to have much affect here. The attack will stay on for next turn. It looks like these units are moving to Clark, so we'd like to get as much damage as possible on them while they're here.

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Ground combat at Manila (79,77)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24744 troops, 233 guns, 592 vehicles, Assault Value = 862

Defending force 19994 troops, 264 guns, 155 vehicles, Assault Value = 414

Japanese adjusted assault: 538

Allied adjusted defense: 321

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
1270 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 69 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 73 disabled
Guns lost 18 (1 destroyed, 17 disabled)
Vehicles lost 19 (1 destroyed, 18 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1560 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 150 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 43 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled
Guns lost 39 (2 destroyed, 37 disabled)[/font]

DEI: Again Tainan Ku sweeps Soerbaja, and today we have the first Japanese ace. Two of them actually.

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Ship losses

Many of the ships that are confirmed sunk are not yet on the list. 12 DD are listed as sunk, which is good in terms of the early war shortage in escorts. So far though any TF with a DD or two in it gets sub attacks only against those DDs.

Prince of Wales is not yet here, although my opponent confirmed it as sunk, and I don't believe Boise actually went down to one long lance. But it hasn't been seen since early Dec either.