Busting Fortress Palembang - PTBS (J) vs Grollub (A)

[PT boat skipper]

22 jan 1942

Luzon
The third attack at Clark Field by 14th Army was a sucess. The next general attack will start in 48H.

Attacking force 75404 troops, 867 guns, 878 vehicles, Assault Value = 2516
Defending force 35657 troops, 540 guns, 528 vehicles, Assault Value = 737

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 1467
Allied adjusted defense: 1156

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:
3902 casualties reported
Squads: 21 destroyed, 212 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 36 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 55 disabled
Guns lost 51 (1 destroyed, 50 disabled)
Vehicles lost 28 (2 destroyed, 26 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2516 casualties reported
Squads: 74 destroyed, 49 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 39 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 29 disabled
Guns lost 88 (37 destroyed, 51 disabled)
Vehicles lost 30 (1 destroyed, 29 disabled)


East of Borneo
Balikpapan was captured by 16th Army. Oil producing facilities are 90% undamaged.


West of Borneo
Operation Tiger (Tora Sakusan) has begun. See the next post below for SITMAP as well as intelligence brief.



Southeastern Fleet
A french DD (Le Triomphant) sank one xAK and one PB at Rabaul. There is a great possiblity that a suiraisentai (CL Nagara and five DD) will intercept the enemy tomorrow.

[PT boat skipper]

22 jan 1942

3rd Air Division made two fighter sweeps over Muntok today.
Due to heavy enemy fighter presence, 11th Air Fleet will provide Zero fighters tomorrow (Akagi Air Group).

The enemy's use of B-17E bombers has stopped - for now.

The landing (16th Army) at west JAVA will commence in a few days.
However, due to a likely concentration of enemy bombers, there might be recommendable to force the enemy to commit his bomber reserves prematurely.
Southern Fleet is advised to proceed with caution.
KB1 will reinforce Southern Fleet.
11th Air Fleet will, as soon as the current landing in south Borneo is finished, deploy all fighter units to support Southern Fleet.

[PT boat skipper]

23 jan 1942

Luzon
Tomorrow 14th Army will launch the 4th attack.
At least one enemy unit is retreating toward the Bataan position.

Japanese Bombardment attack at Clark Field (79,76)
Attacking force 5222 troops, 342 guns, 357 vehicles, Assault Value = 2194
Defending force 33817 troops, 512 guns, 527 vehicles, Assault Value = 592

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

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


TORA SAKUSEN (Operation Tiger)
11th Air Fleet (Akagi Air Group) made a sweep over Oosthaven:

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed (only one pilot lost (KIA))

Allied aircraft losses
H81-A3: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed

AVG/1st Sqn with H81-A3
AVG/2nd Sqn with P-40E Warhawk
3rd PS (P) with P-40E Warhawk
17th PS (P) with P-40E Warhawk

However: Oosthaven expands airfield to size 5.
The enemy must have concentrated a lot of engineer units at Oosthaven.

Due to bad weather over Singapore, the 100+ bombers (Ki-21) of the 3rd Air Division were grounded and could not attack the other enemy air fields in SUMATRA (in particular Palembang).


Southern Fleet
KB1, TF Kongo and the main 16th Army transportation TF (BB Fuso: Adm Tanaka) are in position SE Billiton. Tomorrow all TF will move closer to JAVA. 11th Air Fleet is in support. A small special attack TG (DD/DMS) will recce the planned landing area and will be protected by CAP (LR).

Bandjermasin was captured!


2nd Fleet
One single dutch DD was sunk south of Balikpapan.

Japanese Ships
DD Akatsuki, on fire
DD Ayanami

Allied Ships
DD Piet Hein, Shell hits 5, heavy fires



China Expeditionary Army
Kanhsien was captured by 23rd Army.

Pingsiang will be attacked in a few days by 13th Army, supported by 11th Army.

Japanese Bombardment attack at Pingsiang (82,54)
Attacking force 29323 troops, 281 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 1461
Defending force 45111 troops, 286 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1457

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

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

Assaulting units:
3rd Division
11th Ind.Mixed Brigade
17th Division
22nd Division
8th Armored Car Co
13th Army
4th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
63rd Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese Corps
7th War Area
30th Group Army

Some (one or all) of those above are withdrawing to the west.

[PT boat skipper]

24 jan 1942

Luzon (14th Army)
Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76) - Japanese Shock attack (only armoured units shock attacked)

Attacking force 73687 troops, 871 guns, 919 vehicles, Assault Value = 2264
Defending force 33929 troops, 514 guns, 526 vehicles, Assault Value = 604
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 1149
Allied adjusted defense: 886

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
2244 casualties reported
Squads: 43 destroyed, 197 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 29 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 29 disabled
Guns lost 23 (6 destroyed, 17 disabled)
Vehicles lost 64 (10 destroyed, 54 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1138 casualties reported
Squads: 89 destroyed, 124 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 58 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 22 disabled
Guns lost 75 (15 destroyed, 60 disabled)

The attack will continue in 48H.



TORA SAKUSEN (Op Tiger)
Palembang airfield was bombed by 3rd Air Division. At least two enemy bombers (Hudson) were destroyed on the ground.

The enemy has concentrated all fighters on SUMATRA/JAVA at Oosthaven.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12 (Akagi Air Group)

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed

CAP engaged:
AVG/1st Sqn with H81-A3
AVG/2nd Sqn with P-40E Warhawk
3rd PS (P) with P-40E Warhawk
17th PS (P) with P-40E Warhawk
20th PS (P) with P-40E Warhawk


Southern Fleet
The enemy has deployed DD/PT-boats at every port on the north coast of JAVA.
Thus the recce mission toward Kalidjati failed. No divebombers took off from KB1.

Japanese Ships
DD Yanagi, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
DMS W-5, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Craven
DD Maury


Tomorrow is going to be very interesting as Southern Fleet *will* land on JAVA. There are indications that the enemy is moving aircraft from Horns island to Timor, thus reinforcing his position in SUMATRA-JAVA-TIMOR. Therefore, is is essential to implement TORA SAKUSEN as soon as possible.

Furthermore, I-15 (Combined Fleet) reported three enemy TF at Cocos island, incl at least two tankers.



China Expeditionary Army
The enemy has evacuated Pingsiang and withdrawn westward - 13th Army will capture this resource area tomorow.

[PT boat skipper]

25 jan 1942

Luzon
14th Army will attack again tomorrow.
Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76) - Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5217 troops, 342 guns, 357 vehicles, Assault Value = 2073
Defending force 32414 troops, 500 guns, 526 vehicles, Assault Value = 485

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
63 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)


TORA SAKUSEN (OP TIGER)
Intensive naval battles are reported by Southern Fleet near Kalidjati. Enemy DD and PT-boats launched many attacks.

After more than twenty (22!) reported engagements, the following is reported:

own losses:
1 CA (Myoko) severely damaged (sinking) and on fire - anchored at Kalidjati: 90% risk of sinking tomorrow due to two torpedo hits and many 5inch hits.
1 DD lightly damaged

No transports hit. This was mainly due to the skillfull handling by a certain Admiral Tanaka R. in charge of the main transportation TF (which carried the 'elite' 38th Division of 16th Army) - all troops have landed at Kalidjati on JAVA and naval paratroopers captured the area beyond the beachhead.

Enemy losses:
5 DD sunk (4 US, 1 AUS)
1 DD damaged
4 PT-boats sunk


11th Air Fleet and 3rd Air Division
The enemy attacked the transports at Kalidjati.

Own losses
2 fighter aircraft (one pilot WIA)

Enemy losses
60+ aircraft: 18 Vindicator, 20 Catalina (in a TB-role), 17 P-40E and 10 dutch bombers (139 WH-3).


4th Fleet
There was a naval battle at Wake island as one enemy light cruiser and three DD suddenly appeared, despite KB2 being in a position to the NE (one possibility is that the enemy arrived from the NW).

Own losses:
6 large xAK (Lima class)
1 DMS
1 PB severely damaged - sinking
75% of one SNLF (was in the process of embarking at Wake)

Enemy losses:
1 CL (USS Trenton)
3 DD


Below is the detailed report from the second encounter in daylight, there was an earlier night battles as well. Despite two CA as heavy escorts the enemy DDs sank every xAK (the sixth was sunk during the night). Soon after this battle KB2 aircraft attacked and sank the three remaining enemy DD.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Wake Island at 136,98, Range 25,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 1
DD Fuyo, Shell hits 1
DMS W-8, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PB Choko Maru #2, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Matsue Maru, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
xAK Tatuno Maru, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Toyama Maru, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Turuga Maru, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Venice Maru, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CL Trenton, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Downes, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD MacDonough
DD Dale

Japanese ground losses: - 75% of one SNLF
592 casualties reported
Squads: 29 destroyed, 40 disabled
Non Combat: 14 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 12 (7 destroyed, 5 disabled)


SUMMARY: the actual landing on JAVA was a success and the island will be split in two parts in 24-72H. Sadly, the bad luck with the CA continues as most likely the 4th japanese CA (Myoko) will founder tomorrow. However, today's enemy losses in DD was almost similar in numbers to all japanese DD lost so far.


FYI, below is one of the 22 engagements posted - the one regarding CA Myoko:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Kalidjati at 50,99, Range 8,000 Yards - TF Kongo's third engagement during the night.

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 1
CA Maya, Shell hits 1
CA Myoko, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Oi, Shell hits 1
DD Kikuzuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Yuzuki
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
DD Anderson, Shell hits 2
DD Russell, Shell hits 3, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 60% moonlight: 12,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
...
DD Russell sunk by BB Kongo at 2,000 yards

[Capt. Harlock]

Despite two CA as heavy escorts the enemy DDs sank every xAK (the sixth was sunk during the night).

Yeah, but the CA's were only Aoba-class. Not exactly the first-stringers . . .

[aaffins]

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

Despite two CA as heavy escorts the enemy DDs sank every xAK (the sixth was sunk during the night).

Yeah, but the CA's were only Aoba-class. Not exactly the first-stringers . . .

Still would think they should be able to handle a WWI era CL...bit of back luck I think

[PT boat skipper]

ORIGINAL: aaffins

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

Despite two CA as heavy escorts the enemy DDs sank every xAK (the sixth was sunk during the night).

Yeah, but the CA's were only Aoba-class. Not exactly the first-stringers . . .

Still would think they should be able to handle a WWI era CL...bit of back luck I think

Yes, especially during daylight... I belive that the TF commander must have been really awful. The US DDs were very effective in hitting (and sinking) all xAk.

[PT boat skipper]

26 jan 1942

Luzon
14th Army reported that the allies are fighting hard. However, they are taking heavy losses. Unfortunately, no air support from 5th Air Division was available due to bad weather.

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Shock attack - only armoured units shocked attacked
Attacking force 72748 troops, 868 guns, 914 vehicles, Assault Value = 2170
Defending force 32502 troops, 499 guns, 525 vehicles, Assault Value = 498

Japanese adjusted assault: 1192
Allied adjusted defense: 673

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0) almost 2-1
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
2218 casualties reported
Squads: 54 destroyed, 94 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 49 disabled
Guns lost 24 (5 destroyed, 19 disabled)
Vehicles lost 78 (20 destroyed, 58 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1951 casualties reported
Squads: 76 destroyed, 65 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 76 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 18 disabled
Guns lost 64 (34 destroyed, 30 disabled)
Vehicles lost 23 (1 destroyed, 22 disabled)



TORA SAKUSEN
Southern Fleet
All TFs withdrawn as planned from the Kalidjati area. The enemy committed several TFs to attack the landing area. Enemy units included: 10+ PT-boats, 2 DD, 3 CA (Chicago, Chester, Portland) and one BR/AUS TF (CA Australia, CL Enterprise and CL Perth). 5 PT-boats were sunk due to efficient rear-guard action by CL Kiso and 2 DD.

Intelligence reports that the enemy is using Cocos island (southwest of Sumatra) as their main base for surface units. Combined Fleet's 1st Sub flottilla is alerted.

Southern Fleet will conduct the second JAVA-landing tomorrow.

The fires raging on CA Myoko is getting out of control (from 17 to 33). She will remain at anchor near Kalidjati as a decoy unitil the very last.

Another enemy cruiser/DD TF is spotted just southeast of JAVA. 2nd Fleet and 11th Air Fleet are alerted.



China Exp Army
According to delayed reporting from 1st Army, the vanguard, the 37th Division, did cross the river on 25 january and captured the area two hexes east of Sian, defeating five chinese units in the process! Today, the enemy ineffectively used bombers (A-29A Hudson) flying from Sian. However, the other two divisions have now crossed the river as well. All three will pivot and march as quickily as possible west toward Sian and cross the final river obstacle. Indications are that the enemy is rushing out of Sian eastward to meet this unexpected? threat. However, three IJA divisions should defeat whatever the chinese can initially muster since the area east of Sian it is an open area.

[PT boat skipper]

27 jan 1942

Luzon
Tomorrow 14th Army will attack again.

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76) - Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5204 troops, 342 guns, 357 vehicles, Assault Value = 2105
Defending force 31044 troops, 469 guns, 523 vehicles, Assault Value = 409

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 8 (3 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (2 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)


TORA SAKUSEN
The second landing was a major success. All enemy naval units retreated and no battle occured. The only enemy attack took place during the night when a handfull of dutch bombers attacked the port at Kalidjati. No damage reported. CA Myoko fires went to 37 (from 33). Four engineer regiments are now working to construct proper harbor facilities. Southern Fleet has ordered a naval base force to Kalidjati. Depending on the situation tomorrow, a repair ship might be able to depart Balikpapan and head for Kalidjati as well.

16th Army attacked Bandoeng just to the south of Kalidjati - Japanese Shock attack.

Attacking force 999 troops, 5 guns, 96 vehicles, Assault Value = 60
Defending force 2029 troops, 12 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 34

Japanese adjusted assault: 91
Allied adjusted defense: 46

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
124 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
6th Tank Regiment
Yokosuka 1st SNLF

Defending units:
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
MLD
Bandoeng Base Force


Bandoeng should fall tomorrow and then JAVA will be divided into two parts.


Naval High Command - Submarine and ASW branch
Severel attacks by submarines are reported.

Losses
CM Tsugaru (east of Borneo)
CM Saishu east of Borneo)

Enemy losses
xAP Rangitata (Johnson island) - Johnson island is the next target of 4th Fleet
CL Sumatra (east of JAVA) - she must have departed Surabaya shipyard, that was why the enemy deployed a CA/DD TF southeast of JAVA yesterday - to provide escort.
xAKL Meroendoeng (south of Ceylon)


China Exp Army
The enemy launched a major attack against 1st Army. See map below. Reinforcements are on its way. The enemy should have very little supplies left after this attack.

Ground combat at 85,43 (near Loyang) - Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 54533 troops, 277 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2053
Defending force 11180 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 343

Allied adjusted assault: 1533
Japanese adjusted defense: 1180
Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-) - the terrain: hills and forest
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
1864 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 153 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Allied ground losses:
5648 casualties reported
Squads: 145 destroyed, 211 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 69 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 16 disabled
Guns lost 67 (5 destroyed, 62 disabled)

Assaulting units:
84th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
22nd Group Army
24th Group Army
39th Group Army

Defending units:
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
16th Ind.Mixed Brigade
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

[PT boat skipper]

28 jan 1942

Luzon
14th Army makes another deliberate attack at Clark Field. The next major attack will take place on 30 jan.

Attacking force 74637 troops, 879 guns, 904 vehicles, Assault Value = 2199
Defending force 31166 troops, 465 guns, 522 vehicles, Assault Value = 415

Japanese adjusted assault: 1236
Allied adjusted defense: 811
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
2409 casualties reported
Squads: 44 destroyed, 125 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 9 destroyed, 69 disabled
Guns lost 14 (3 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Vehicles lost 25 (2 destroyed, 23 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1644 casualties reported
Squads: 120 destroyed, 49 disabled
Non Combat: 48 destroyed, 64 disabled
Engineers: 13 destroyed, 25 disabled
Guns lost 56 (36 destroyed, 20 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (2 destroyed, 8 disabled)



TORA SAKUSEN
Bandoeng was not captured (despite 2-1 results). Tomorrow the entire 38th Division (16th Army) will attack.
Enemy naval units are gathering at Cocos island. Airfields at Cocos island and Port Blair reached level 2.



4th Fleet/Combined Fleet
KB2 sank one minesweeper at Johnston Island. Two enemy TFs (CL - most likely DD) are a few hexes to the east of Johnston island.



China Exp Army
110th Division (North China Army) defeated a very weak chinese unit on the road (mountain hex) to Sian (from Kaoping). The 110th Division will continue to advance to the west and reach 1st Army.


Situation at 1st Army supply route at 85,43 (near Loyang)
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 1943 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1645
Defending force 9712 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 198
Reinforcements will arrive in 1-3 days.


13th Army will launch an attack at 81,54 (near Hengyang) tomorrow.

Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 53473 troops, 487 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 2334
Defending force 34603 troops, 152 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1157

Japanese ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
13th Division
17th Division
15th Division
22nd Division
116th Division
11th Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th Army
4th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
79th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
7th War Area
30th Group Army

[PT boat skipper]

29 jan 1942 - GAME ON HOLD

My opponent apparently has some issue with different results in his combat replay and the final combat report. It has been reported in the tech support. We will probably get an answer in a week or so.

This is about the 13th Army attack (mentioned above), which was sucessfull. However, in my allied opponent's combat replay, the allies defended the hex (forest) and did not retreat.

Any thoughts? I thought I would have about 75% chance to win since the japanese could match each of the chinese corps with a division (plus another 1,5 division on top of that). Furthermore, the chinese units had just withdrawn to the hex so their fortification was maximum 1.

Due to this victory 90k chinese troops are isolated...



13th Army shock attack at 81,54 (near Hengyang)
Attacking force 66213 troops, 599 guns, 153 vehicles, Assault Value = 2330
Defending force 34632 troops, 152 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1159

Japanese adjusted assault: 2085
Allied adjusted defense: 923
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
5503 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 618 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 52 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 43 disabled

Allied ground losses:
12872 casualties reported
Squads: 237 destroyed, 138 disabled
Non Combat: 450 destroyed, 38 disabled
Engineers: 19 destroyed, 17 disabled
Guns lost 36 (13 destroyed, 23 disabled)
Units retreated 6

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
17th Division
15th Division
13th Division
22nd Division
116th Division
11th Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th Army
4th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
79th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
7th War Area
30th Group Army

[PT boat skipper]

game continues


29 jan 1942

Luzon
14th Army will launch the next, and hopefully final, attack tomorrow.

Japanese Bombardment attack at Clark Field (79,76)

Attacking force 5212 troops, 342 guns, 357 vehicles, Assault Value = 2041
Defending force 26057 troops, 321 guns, 457 vehicles, Assault Value = 344

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 5 (3 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
92 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)



4th Fleet
The operation against Johnson Island has begun. Due to bad weather several smaller enemy TF northeast of Johnson Island were not attacked by KB2. However, prievious damaged xAP Rangitata was sunk by I-169.



2nd Fleet
Kendari is invaded.



TORA SAKUSEN
Bandoeng is captured.

However, as expected, CA Myoko founders at Kalidjati.


China Exp Army

OP Proceeding North
1st Army suffered a defeat as the communication route was cut by superior enemy forces.

Ground combat at 85,43 (near Loyang)

Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 49922 troops, 270 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1642
Defending force 9741 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 200

Allied adjusted assault: 1356
Japanese adjusted defense: 466
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
3777 casualties reported
Squads: 207 destroyed, 60 disabled
Non Combat: 125 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 26 (15 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Units retreated 3


Allied ground losses:
1714 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 212 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Guns lost 17 (8 destroyed, 9 disabled)


Furthermore, the main body of 1st Army was counterattacked by a chinese corps (2/3 of it was destroyed) east of Sian.


OP Dragon King
13th Army won a great victory (see above post)!

[PT boat skipper]

30 jan 1942

Luzon
14th Army deliberate attack at Clark Field (79,76)

Attacking force 73938 troops, 879 guns, 907 vehicles, Assault Value = 2143
Defending force 26078 troops, 322 guns, 457 vehicles, Assault Value = 347

Japanese adjusted assault: 1021
Allied adjusted defense: 715

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
1893 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 67 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 54 disabled
Engineers: 22 destroyed, 86 disabled
Guns lost 24 (1 destroyed, 23 disabled)
Vehicles lost 87 (16 destroyed, 71 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
880 casualties reported
Squads: 122 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 15 destroyed, 72 disabled
Engineers: 25 destroyed, 13 disabled
Guns lost 46 (17 destroyed, 29 disabled)
Vehicles lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)


Southern Fleet
Kendari is captured.


4th Fleet/Combined Fleet
Johnston Island is bombarded. One DMS was sunk due to coastal artillery while clearing mines.
There might be as many as 7500 enemy troops on that small island. However, only two defence units have been located (incl 2nd Marine Def Bn) Another day of air and sea bombardment is ordered before the landing will take place.

[PT boat skipper]

31 jan 1942


Luzon
The next attack will take place tomorrow.


TORA SAKUSEN

Sumatra
Medan is captured.

Java
Semarang is captured.



Burma
The 33rd Division defeats a weak border defense force (4th Burma Rifles Battalion) at 56,53 (near Pegu).



4th Fleet/Combined Fleet
Johnston Island is bombarded again. The landing will take place tomorrow.



China Exp Army

Op Dragon King/13th Army

Japanese Shock attack at 81,54 (near Hengyang). The enemy made another advance into the hex to stop the westward attack.

Attacking force 52610 troops, 497 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 1736
Defending force 9006 troops, 69 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 279

Japanese adjusted assault: 2541
Allied adjusted defense: 129
Japanese assault odds: 19 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
724 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 64 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
4963 casualties reported
Squads: 115 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 120 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 13 disabled
Guns lost 46 (21 destroyed, 25 disabled)
Units retreated 2


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
116th Division
22nd Division
15th Division
13th Division
11th Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th Army
4th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
21st Chinese Corps
74th Chinese/A Corps


Op Proceeding North/North China Army
A small chinese Corps trying to cut the communication route west of Loyang is repulsed.

[PT boat skipper]

1 feb 1942


Johnston Island
The landing is a failure (but not a total disaster):

Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 3867 troops, 41 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 124
Defending force 3639 troops, 102 guns, 30 vehicles, Assault Value = 75

Japanese adjusted assault: 52
Allied adjusted defense: 53

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
1097 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 96 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled

Allied ground losses:
70 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
144th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
2nd USMC Parachute Battalion
Johnston (Det.) Defense Battalion
Johnston USN CPNAB
113th USAAF Base Force
2nd Marine Defense Battalion



Luzon
The allies are still resisting 14th Army.

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 66634 troops, 842 guns, 822 vehicles, Assault Value = 2085
Defending force 24472 troops, 301 guns, 445 vehicles, Assault Value = 293

Japanese adjusted assault: 1123
Allied adjusted defense: 670

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
1915 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 174 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 36 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Guns lost 21 (3 destroyed, 18 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1484 casualties reported
Squads: 102 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 102 disabled
Engineers: 44 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 48 (35 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Vehicles lost 12 (3 destroyed, 9 disabled)

[PT boat skipper]

2 feb 1942


TORA SAKUSEN

Sumatra
Lahat has been built up to airfield lvl 1. Benkolen has been built up to airfield lvl 2. Since there is no longer any chance of success in dropping paras over Lahat the OPLAN will be revised. Plan B will most likely consist of a major landing (the entire 25th Army) at Oosthaven, thus "kicking in the front door".

Java
Batavia will be attacked in 48H.


Luzon
14th Army will attack Clark Field again in 24H.

[PT boat skipper]

The game is progressing slowly due to both players RL workload

3 feb 1942


Luzon
14th Army finally captured Clark Field! (approx two weeks behind schedule).

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 65236 troops, 797 guns, 742 vehicles, Assault Value = 2065
Defending force 22316 troops, 265 guns, 415 vehicles, Assault Value = 249

Japanese adjusted assault: 843
Allied adjusted defense: 397
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Clark Field !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
702 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 10 disabled
Vehicles lost 34 (9 destroyed, 25 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
10555 casualties reported
Squads: 575 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 1143 destroyed, 47 disabled
Engineers: 104 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 156 (150 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Vehicles lost 334 (334 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 20
Units destroyed 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
20th Infantry Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
Kimura Det
27th Electric Engineer Regiment
65th Brigade
1st Recon Regiment
4th Division
48th Recon Regiment
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
16th Engineer Regiment
14th Division
21st Division
48th Engineer Regiment
Tanaka Detachment
26th Recon Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
48th Field Artillery Regiment
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
48th Field AA Battalion
14th Army
2nd Mortar Battalion
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Field Artillery Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
4th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
1st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constabulary Division - DESTROYED
USAFFE
Cavite USN Base Force
PAF Aviation
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
301st Construction Battalion
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
Provisional GMC Grp
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
II Philippine Corps
1st USMC AA Battalion
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
Manila USAAF Base Force
Far East USAAF
803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
201st PA Construction Battalion
Subic Bay Defenses - DESTROYED
Asiatic Fleet
202nd PA Construction Battalion
51st PA Infantry Division
301st PA Field Artillery Regiment



Op Tora Sakusen

West JAVA - Batavia

Tomorrow Batavia will be attacked by 16th Army, supported by 25th Army.

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 35228 troops, 343 guns, 120 vehicles, Assault Value = 1381
Defending force 6790 troops, 90 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 198



China Exp Army

Op Proceeding North
Situation is not good. Main force of 1st Army has been cut off due to enemy attack and capture of supply route. However, in 72H a major attempt will be made to open the main supply route. If sucessfull, Sian might fall. The enemy supply situation must be bad since this is the third multi-corps attack launched in the north. Enemy has air superiority.

Ground combat at 86,42 (near Loyang)
Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 40072 troops, 254 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1305
Defending force 8916 troops, 38 guns, 204 vehicles, Assault Value = 293

Allied adjusted assault: 1223
Japanese adjusted defense: 535
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
848 casualties reported
Squads: 55 destroyed, 23 disabled
Non Combat: 75 destroyed, 67 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 5 (2 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 46 (16 destroyed, 30 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Allied ground losses:
4869 casualties reported
Squads: 64 destroyed, 285 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 31 disabled
Guns lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
27th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
4th Group Army
15th Group Army
36th Group Army

Defending units:
12th Tank Regiment
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st Army HQ



Op Dragoon King
Meanwhile, a frustating situation in the south. 13th Army advance to the west is hindered by "single unit moving into hex". Enemy is taking heavy casualities. One tank regiment will be in position in about one week to counter this tactic.

[PT boat skipper]

4 feb 1942

After the fall of Clark Field yesterday several other victories are reported today.


Combined Fleet
A Suiraisentai attacked ships off Port Blair:

Japanese Ships
CL Tama
DD Yudachi, on fire
DD Samidare
DD Akatsuki
DD Ayanami

Allied Ships
APD Paul Jones, Shell hits 24, and is sunk
APD Pope, Shell hits 18, and is sunk
xAP E Sang, Shell hits 21, and is sunk
xAP Egra, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 28 (22 destroyed, 6 disabled)

In addition, two DDs providing distant cover are severely damaged:

DD Porter, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hughes, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage



KB 2 discovered an allied TF (bombardment) at Johnson island:

Allied Ships
CL Concord, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hull, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Conyngham
DD Farragut

And:

Allied Ships
CL Concord, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Conyngham
DD Farragut, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage



OP TORA SAKUSEN

JAVA

Batavia was captured after the first attack!

Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 37283 troops, 349 guns, 128 vehicles, Assault Value = 1381
Defending force 6736 troops, 92 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 200

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Japanese adjusted assault: 1149
Allied adjusted defense: 217
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
916 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 62 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 9 (3 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Units pursuing 1

Allied ground losses:
3851 casualties reported
Squads: 90 destroyed, 62 disabled
Non Combat: 143 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 65 (50 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3
Units destroyed 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
Imperial Guards Division
38th Division
148th Infantry Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
56th Engineer Regiment
19th Ind. Engineer Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
Kure 1st SNLF
16th Army
56th Field Artillery Regiment
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
1st KNIL Regiment
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
Batavia Base Force
ML-KNIL
North Java Base Force /1



4th Fleet
The only setpack reported:

144th Infantry Regiment Wiped Out at Johnston Island by attrition!!!

This regiment will be re-establish in about three months and will then join the rest of the 55?th Division in the 15th Army in Burma.

[PT boat skipper]

5 feb 1942

Combined Fleet

One allied minesweeper sunk at Port Blair (the DD was sent there again to catch the severely damaged US DDs from yesterday).

Japanese Ships
DD Ayanami

Allied Ships
AMc Agra, Shell hits 7, and is sunk


KB2 discover one allied TF (CL?) eight hexes away (southeast of Johnson island). There are also about five ships dispanded in port.




TORA SAKUSEN

SUMATRA

3rd Air Division continues to attack the enemy airfields. Especially Palembang (severely damaged), Benkolen and Lahat.


China Exp Army

Op Proceeding North
Tomorrow the North China Army/1st Army will launch a major attack IOT open the main supply route.