Up and at 'em. Mundy vs hjones6464@yahoo.co.uk

[Mundy]

Hey! Burma Command is under ABDA, so it can't be that big a stretch.

[:D]

[Lowpe]

Out of the frying pan and into the fire![:D]

[Mundy]

14 January 1942

Landings
Erromango (120,156)
Tabar Island, 107,123

Losses
Carnarvon
Charter Towers
Lifou
Soerakarta
Tandjoengpinang

Another shot taken at Noumea.

Ground combat at Noumea (115,160)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 13907 troops, 128 guns, 49 vehicles, Assault Value = 462

Defending force 6726 troops, 67 guns, 25 vehicles, Assault Value = 235

Japanese adjusted assault: 370

Allied adjusted defense: 220

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
756 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 77 disabled

Allied ground losses:
420 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 36 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2nd Engineer Regiment
52nd Naval Guard Unit
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
53rd Naval Guard Unit
51st Naval Guard Unit
16th Infantry Regiment
146th Infantry Regiment
61st Naval Guard Unit
16th Army
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
4th Australian Division
3rd Motor Brigade
New Caledonia Det

I'm not seeing KB about, so I'm going to start withdrawing forces for Port Moresby for homeland defense. I was dallying, but I'm about to get everyone out of Townsville, too. I just got 3 squadrons of P-40Es there. Two will escort while one will sweep Cairns at max altitude. One and done.

Lots of base forces showed up in the US, so they're railing to San Francisco. I really need xAPs or even xAK which can convert to them. Queen Elizabeth arrived and is now loading an infantry regiment for Pearl. Once I get enough transports ready, I'll start shipping lots of base forces to the Pago Pago area, including many of the surrounding islands, like I did in my other game. After that, I'll build up Suva, providing it still stands. I'm glad I have the VMF from Wake now. I didn't look but the rest of the Wake garrison should arrive at Pearl within a couple days.

Argonaut is off to mine Kwajalein. UK minesweepers will seed Rangoon and Moulmein.

[Mundy]

15 January 1942

Lots of ship arrivals this turn. Countless numbers of xAKs arrive in Panama. Happily, many of then can upgrade to xAPs, so they're off to San Francisco. This should help me get things moving better.

The Royal Navy gets some reinforcements, too. Royal Sovereign arrives at Aden, Dorsetshire at Cape Town and Tjerk Hiddes at Mombasa. I may start playing with bombardments soon enough.

Three subs arrive in Soerabaja, just as the Japanese do. Funny I didn't notice them there before. They take a shot this turn. I doubt they'll hold very long once he gets his act together there.

round combat at Soerabaja (56,104)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 11339 troops, 91 guns, 15 vehicles, Assault Value = 432

Defending force 11857 troops, 115 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 201

Japanese adjusted assault: 304

Allied adjusted defense: 111

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
731 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 38 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Allied ground losses:
162 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled

Assaulting units:
21st Division

Defending units:
Artilleriecommando Coastal Gun Battalion
Tjilatjap KNIL Battalion
2nd KNIL Landstorm Battalion
3rd KNIL Landstorm Battalion
Soerabaja Base Force
Tjilitap Base Force
Commandement Marine
Merak Base Force
Bandoeng Base Force
South Java Base Force
MLD
Malang Base Force

Noumea falls. I expected better of the troops there. At this point, I don't know if he'll push out more or simply grab every dot base in sight like he's currently doing.

Landings
Kai-eilanden (81,115)
Ambrym (121,152)
Banjoewangi (57,107)
Ouv'ea (116,158)
Russell Islands (113,136)

Losses
Noumea, as mentioned.
Ansi
Erromango
Tabar Island

His troops cross the strait to Singapore and get their first shot in. Like the Dutch, this won't last forever either.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 43535 troops, 578 guns, 178 vehicles, Assault Value = 1381

Defending force 23052 troops, 330 guns, 166 vehicles, Assault Value = 418

Japanese adjusted assault: 1108

Allied adjusted defense: 1143

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
7144 casualties reported
Squads: 90 destroyed, 233 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 137 disabled
Guns lost 59 (11 destroyed, 48 disabled)
Vehicles lost 6 (2 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2249 casualties reported
Squads: 99 destroyed, 139 disabled
Non Combat: 23 destroyed, 93 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 23 disabled
Guns lost 47 (7 destroyed, 40 disabled)
Vehicles lost 27 (16 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
148th Infantry Regiment
55th Engineer Regiment
11th Infantry Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
5th Engineer Regiment
23rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
91st Naval Guard Unit
4th Ind. Engineer Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
56th Engineer Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
112th Infantry Regiment
12th Engineer Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
143rd Infantry Regiment
55th Infantry Regiment
21st Infantry Regiment
15th Ind. Engineer Regiment
6th RTA/B Division
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
3rd Mortar Battalion
25th Army
1st RF Gun Battalion
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
56th Field Artillery Regiment
5th Field Artillery Regiment
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion
15th Army
31st Field AA Battalion
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
1st Manchester Battalion
2/17 Dogra Battalion
2nd Gordons Battalion
2nd Malay Battalion
22nd Australian Brigade
2nd Loyal Battalion
1st Malay Battalion
27th Australian Brigade
AHQ Far East
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
III Indian Corps
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
Malaya Army
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
Singapore Fortress
Malayan Air Wing
Singapore Base Force
112th RAF Base Force
111th RAF Base Force

The upside is that he has to chase the strays left all over Malaya. That gives me some scant hope some of them can make it to Burma, but I won't hold my breath.

His troops are on the move around Townsville, and so am I. My guys are all pulling out, and my planes have left. My sweep did little but incur losses at my end. I'm moving two brigades and some primitive armor from Brisbane to Charleville to head off any more cheap para conquests. I'll have to think of a garrison at Alice Springs, also.

Fortunately, help has arrived. A big tanker group from the states is docked and unloading at Sydney. Landing next turn is another big convoy with lots of land and air forces from the States, including two infantry regiments. Couldn't have arrived at a better time. The extra base forces will help a lot also.

Intel Monkey's warning of two units prepping for Brisbane.

[paradigmblue]

ORIGINAL: Mundy
My guys are all pulling out, and my planes have left. My sweep did little but incur losses at my end.

I honestly expected this result when you said you were going to sweep. Those ex-Philippines P-40 groups you get in Australia have poor experience, and the P-40 is a sub-par sweeper.

In my opinion, the ONLY American plane you should be sweeping with in 1942 is the P-38. It is the only aircraft with the speed and high-altitude performance needed to do the job.

If you want to sweep in Australia, poach your high air skill (70+) pilots from around the map, shove them into one of those groups so you have an elite squadron and then upgrade to P-38s.

Because P-38s are the only plane that can do the job, it is the only job that P-38s should do. Do not use them for escort or CAP, even though they may be better at those roles than other planes. If you manage your P-38s this way - assigning them the best pilots and only using them in a a sweep role where they can operate to their full advantage - you'll rack up kills, maintain your aircraft pools, and have a way of causing attrition of Japan's fighter force, which, due to the Zero and high pilot skill, will inflict disproportionate losses on you otherwise.

[Mundy]

I should have known, but I need a reminder once in a while.

16 January 1942

Stuff's unloading at Sydney. The tankers will be done next turn. The transports have put ashore three VP squadrons, and one of P-39s. Also unloading are two USAAF base forces, two infantry regiments and one regiment of construction troops.

6 APDs finished converting at San Francisco. On the way to Pearl, they're bringing two USN port detachments, so I'm making them useful on the trip.

One Japanese unit got ahead of my guys SE of Townsville. I have 6 armor units, which will attack. Mostly light stuff and infantry scouts, but one of them has Matildas which should leave a mark.

Four DDs plus AD Black Hawk got hit by bomb carrying Mavises near Carnarvon. I almost had them out. The AD got hit bad by three bombs. Some Petes also struck, but did nothing. I don't think Black Hawk will make it with her 93 fires. Pumps appeared to be failing, too.

The Bobcats arrive in East US.

Landings
Bandjermasin
Lihir (108,124)
Semarang

Losses
Ambrym (121,152)
Banjoewangi (57,107)
Ouv'ea (116,158)

He's getting Java nailed down at this point. I'm surprised about his lax attitude towards Sumatra, as that fuel ain't going to send itself to Japan.

Another shot at Singapore. I'm surprised I'm resisting this well.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 38730 troops, 569 guns, 176 vehicles, Assault Value = 954

Defending force 21121 troops, 322 guns, 147 vehicles, Assault Value = 252

Japanese adjusted assault: 163

Allied adjusted defense: 497

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
1899 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 56 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 23 destroyed, 96 disabled
Guns lost 12 (2 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1276 casualties reported
Squads: 79 destroyed, 57 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 45 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 29 (16 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Assaulting units:
56th Engineer Regiment
4th Ind. Engineer Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
12th Engineer Regiment
91st Naval Guard Unit
143rd Infantry Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
55th Engineer Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
21st Infantry Regiment
11th Infantry Regiment
112th Infantry Regiment
5th Engineer Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
15th Ind. Engineer Regiment
55th Infantry Regiment
23rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
6th RTA/B Division
31st Field AA Battalion
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Army
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
25th Army
1st RF Gun Battalion
3rd Mortar Battalion
56th Field Artillery Regiment
5th Field Artillery Regiment
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
1st Malay Battalion
2nd Gordons Battalion
22nd Australian Brigade
2nd Loyal Battalion
2nd Malay Battalion
2/17 Dogra Battalion
27th Australian Brigade
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
112th RAF Base Force
Singapore Fortress
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
Malaya Army
AHQ Far East
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
Malayan Air Wing
Singapore Base Force
III Indian Corps
111th RAF Base Force

Wenchow's been besieged. They're my only southern holdout in China.

Ground combat at Wenchow (89,58)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 11759 troops, 102 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 1101

Defending force 12666 troops, 47 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 451

Assaulting units:
17th Division
8th Armored Car Co
17th Ind. Mixed Brigade
15th Division
51st Engineer Regiment

Defending units:
100th Chinese Corps
25th Group Army
14th Chinese Base Force

I had one attack east of Rangoon. Fended off the Tojos nice enough.

Morning Air attack on 2nd RTA Division, at 56,53 , near Pegu

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44 Tojo x 8

Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 20
Blenheim IV x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44 Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
H81-A3: 1 destroyed

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

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
47th I.F. Chutai with Ki-44 Tojo (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead

Dave's been obsessed with hitting the base unit at Subic Bay. They're all that's there, but he's throwing everything at them. Makes no sense.

I have one Australian fragment at Diamond Harbor. The rest of the division should arrive in Aden in just under a month. Once I have everyone combined and sent to Burma, I may start taking some offensive action there, as it seems to be a backwater to him.

[zuluhour]

The P38s performance in the sweep role will decline rapidly though if several game factors are in place, namely
non realistic R&D

[Mundy]

17 January 1942

Landings
Aitape
Belep Islands
Denpasar
Tanna

Losses
Dili
Lihir
Semarang

South of Townsville, I eject his troops impeding my progress.

Ground combat at 92,145 (near Townsville)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4085 troops, 93 guns, 244 vehicles, Assault Value = 608

Defending force 1025 troops, 4 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 38

Allied adjusted assault: 76

Japanese adjusted defense: 11

Allied assault odds: 6 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
332 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 22 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 9 (5 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
6th Aus Cav Brigade
2/4th Armoured Regiment
2/9th Armoured Regiment
2/10th Armoured Regiment
2/11th Armoured Car Battalion
2nd Aus Cav Brigade
4th Aus Cav Brigade
1st Motor Brigade
2nd Recce Battalion
13th RAAF Base Force
17th RAAF Base Force
2/16th Field Regiment
Eastern Command
108th Tank Attack Regiment
4th RAAF Base Force
14th RAAF Base Force
6th RAN Base Force
1st RAAF Base Force
I Australian Corps
4th Australian Lt AA Regiment

Defending units:
26th Recon Regiment

Everyone's off to Bowen, where I should be able to amass about 800 AV. I'm trying to get an airbase built there, as it's currently level 0. One unit is almost to Charleville, so he can't take it for free.

Another infantry regiment and a bunch of bombers are loading up at Pearl, bound for Sydney. A-24s and Whirriways aren't going to cut it.

I misspoke earlier. I have three Airacobra squadrons unloading at Sydney -- not one. More P-40 squadrons arrived, so I'm now up to five of them in-country. Once experience gets up a bit, I can throw my weight around more up north. Tankers finished unloading and have left.

The Wake garrison is at Pearl and unloaded. Once more transports arrive, I'll get that defense battalion sent westwards. I was thinking Australia, but probably will be Pago Pago.

As far as long term plans go, I'm thinking of grabbing the Gilberts, and after there punching through north of Noumea somewhere -- maybe Espiritu Santo. I'll need to prep something like this well, as I want base forces and lots of planes hot on the heels after taking a base. Don't worry... this ain't happening anytime soon. With as many islands as he's taking, I'm guessing many of these will be pretty weakly held. I doubt hell stuff too much on Tarawa even.

[CaptBeefheart]

Thanks for the AAR. This has been an interesting Imperial opening.

Too bad about the CVs. Apologies if I missed it, but which scenario are you playing? Also, any house rules?

Cheers,
CC

[Mundy]

Thanks for following.

This is Scenario 1. We've kept house rules at a minimalist level.

HOUSE RULES
No building allied TFs 7th Dec.
No moving allied TFs on 7th Dec to known landing zones, or in the movement path of known landing zones.
Can move naval TFs already in existence
No IJ Pearl Harbour after 7th Dec for 30 days.
No allied skip bombing with 4 engine aircraft
No strategic bombing into or out of China until 1944
NOTE Known landing zones I mean the ones set for the real attacks.

Forgot to add...Black Hawk gave it up and sank. The four remaining destroyers should exit quickly.

[Mundy]

18 January 1942

Landings
Bandjermasin (60,99)
Epi (120,153)
Molu (79,116)
Sampit (58,97)
Selaroe (78,118)
Tassafaronga (113,137)

Losses
Aitape
Bandjermasin
Belep Islands
Denpasar
Tanna

Another shot at Singapore. I'm doing far better than expected, considering how weak I am there.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29223 troops, 491 guns, 108 vehicles, Assault Value = 783

Defending force 19600 troops, 306 guns, 146 vehicles, Assault Value = 140

Japanese adjusted assault: 126

Allied adjusted defense: 589

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 4 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
2326 casualties reported
Squads: 48 destroyed, 56 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 72 destroyed, 22 disabled
Guns lost 13 (6 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
815 casualties reported
Squads: 50 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 36 destroyed, 39 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 16 (3 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Vehicles lost 15 (6 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Assaulting units:
56th Engineer Regiment
5th Engineer Regiment
91st Naval Guard Unit
21st Infantry Regiment
55th Engineer Regiment
55th Infantry Regiment
15th Ind. Engineer Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
11th Infantry Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
23rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
12th Engineer Regiment
143rd Infantry Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
112th Infantry Regiment
4th Ind. Engineer Regiment
6th RTA/B Division
5th Mortar Battalion
3rd Mortar Battalion
5th Field Artillery Regiment
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
31st Field AA Battalion
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
1st RF Gun Battalion
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
25th Army
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
56th Field Artillery Regiment
15th Army
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
2/17 Dogra Battalion
2nd Loyal Battalion
2nd Malay Battalion
2nd Gordons Battalion
22nd Australian Brigade
27th Australian Brigade
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
III Indian Corps
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
112th RAF Base Force
Malayan Air Wing
Singapore Base Force
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
1st Malay Battalion
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
Malaya Army
AHQ Far East
Singapore Fortress
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
111th RAF Base Force

Likewise, I'm holding him off still at Wenchow.

Ground combat at Wenchow (89,58)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30790 troops, 255 guns, 143 vehicles, Assault Value = 1062

Defending force 12344 troops, 47 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 410

Japanese adjusted assault: 1540

Allied adjusted defense: 655

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
1504 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 118 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 32 disabled
Vehicles lost 8 (2 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
447 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 63 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Assaulting units:
15th Division
17th Ind. Mixed Brigade
8th Armored Car Co
17th Division
51st Engineer Regiment

Defending units:
100th Chinese Corps
25th Group Army
14th Chinese Base Force

Indomitable arrives at Aden. She'll provide much needed backup for the hard pressed Hermes, who's still covering the northern entrance to the Strait of Malacca. With fighters coming in, I can be a bit more daring against any land based air.

A couple subs take shots for no effect. Even the Dutch ones aren't scoring.

More of his troops are interfering with my withdrawal from Townsville one hex from there. The armor is circling back to help. I should be able to fight my way free, but it's taking time.

I'm running a machine gun battalion to Emerald to preempt any possible para drop there. Once they're offloaded, The US units will move up to Brisbane. I'm shipping B-17 from Pearl over, but that will take a few days. As soon as some cargo ships are available, a bunch of B-26s will also head over.

I have about 9 days until Prince of Wales is fixed up. At that point, they'll pay the Japanese troops a visit. I don't think KB is around, as some transports I have will reach Port Moresby next turn. Nobody messed with them. At this point, I think I can hold him at Townsville.

If he commits heavily to Australia, he has to be week elsewhere. I may be able to cause trouble out of Burma at that point.

[Mundy]

19 January 1942

Landings
Anatom (120,159)
Feni Islands (108,126)

Losses
Epi
Molu
Sampit
Selaroe
Wenchow

Everyone at Wenchow surrendered. They won't survive.

KB showed up -- one hex from Port Moresby, smashing the transports I sent there. Good thing I didn't send many. My guys are slowly pulling themselves free of Townsville.

Ground combat at 92,145 (near Townsville)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12762 troops, 182 guns, 289 vehicles, Assault Value = 714

Defending force 1762 troops, 2 guns, 116 vehicles, Assault Value = 86

Allied adjusted assault: 248

Japanese adjusted defense: 32

Allied assault odds: 7 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
422 casualties reported
Squads: 39 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 17 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 27 (16 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Allied ground losses:
168 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
2/11th Armoured Car Battalion
6th Aus Cav Brigade
2/10th Armoured Regiment
1st Motor Brigade
2nd Aus Cav Brigade
2/9th Armoured Regiment
2/6th Armoured Regiment
4th Aus Cav Brigade
2nd Recce Battalion
2/5th Armoured Regiment
2/4th Armoured Regiment
53rd Australian Battalion
108th Tank Attack Regiment
Eastern Command
I Australian Corps
14th RAAF Base Force
17th RAAF Base Force
1st RAAF Base Force
2/16th Field Regiment
13th RAAF Base Force
4th RAAF Base Force
6th RAN Base Force
4th Australian Lt AA Regiment

Defending units:
28th Cavalry Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment

I'm sending the US construction regiment to Bowen to help get that airfield up and running. A group each of P-40s and B-26s are departing Pearl for Australia.

Nevada finally made it to San Francisco, and is repairing as well as upgrading. My net battleship losses from the Pearl Harbor raid is one ship, which sank while transferring to the states, so I didn't come out too badly. Their presence won't be felt for a while, though. Colorado will finish and leave Seattle in 4 days. Her and Warspite will be at Pearl.

[Mundy]

20 January 1942

Quiet-ish.

Landings
Dagua
Loemadjang

Losses
Djokjakarta
Feni Islands
Ningsia
Townsville

One lingering Australian battalion surrenders at Townsville.

My mob is still one hex away and will attack the Japanese there next turn.

Another shot at Singapore. I'm guessing they'll last a week, tops.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 26365 troops, 483 guns, 163 vehicles, Assault Value = 831

Defending force 19136 troops, 303 guns, 140 vehicles, Assault Value = 151

Japanese adjusted assault: 147

Allied adjusted defense: 405

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
1269 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 27 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 28 destroyed, 42 disabled

Allied ground losses:
865 casualties reported
Squads: 39 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 27 (9 destroyed, 18 disabled)
Vehicles lost 6 (2 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Assaulting units:
56th Engineer Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
91st Naval Guard Unit
12th Engineer Regiment
4th Ind. Engineer Regiment
15th Ind. Engineer Regiment
143rd Infantry Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
112th Infantry Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
23rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
5th Engineer Regiment
21st Infantry Regiment
55th Infantry Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
55th Engineer Regiment
11th Infantry Regiment
6th RTA/B Division
1st RF Gun Battalion
15th Army
3rd Mortar Battalion
25th Army
31st Field AA Battalion
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
56th Field Artillery Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
5th Field Artillery Regiment
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
2nd Gordons Battalion
2nd Loyal Battalion
22nd Australian Brigade
2nd Malay Battalion
27th Australian Brigade
Singapore Base Force
Malaya Army
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
Singapore Fortress
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
Malayan Air Wing
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
112th RAF Base Force
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
AHQ Far East
1st Malay Battalion
III Indian Corps
2/17 Dogra Battalion
111th RAF Base Force

My escaping destroyer from Port Moresby, runs into KB a few times...bloodlessly. She's finished off by air later in the turn. It looks like Shokaku, Zuikaku and Akagi are the only carriers in this group. Maybe I'll get news later of some of the others sinking at some point.

[Mundy]

22 January 1942

Busy day.

Landings
Taberfane
Bundaberg
Green Island (108,127)

Losses
Dagua
Loemadjang
Green Island
Taberfane
Soerabaja

I'm glad I started building up the lesser bases north of Brisbane. An Australian Division and Brigade are camped at Bundaberg, so they won't go easily. Once the USA units reach Brisbane, I'll probably move them north to help. The mob escaping Townsville, one hex to the SE should escape the Japanese next turn, so I can add them to the fray also.

I don't think he brought enough troops.

Ground combat at Bundaberg (96,155)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 8107 troops, 55 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 308

Defending force 7050 troops, 90 guns, 127 vehicles, Assault Value = 222

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

Assaulting units:
3rd Australian Division
29th Australian Brigade
111th USN Base Force
112th USA Base Force

Defending units:
19th Ind. Engineer Regiment
38th Div /5
1st Hvy. Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Hvy. Art. Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

KB raided ships unloading at Brisbane, sinking two xAKLs. I had fighters there training last turn, so at least 100 will be up on patrol next turn, staggered at altitudes from 10,000 ft to 20,000 ft.

A bunch of Dutch subs heading for Brisbane, by chance happened on KB with nice results.

Sub attack near Rockhampton at 99,150

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
DD Hamakaze
DD Hayate
DD Harukaze
DD Sagiri
DD Hatsushima

Allied Ships
SS KXIV

SS KXIV launches 6 torpedoes at CV Zuikaku
KXIV diving deep ....
DD Hayate attacking submerged sub ....
DD Harukaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Sagiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hatsushima fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hayate attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hayate cannot reach attack position over SS KXIV
SS KXIV eludes DD Hayate by diving deep
SS KXIV eludes ASW attack from DD Hayate
DD Hayate loses contact with SS KXIV
DD Sagiri fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hayate fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hayate attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hayate cannot reach attack position over SS KXIV
SS KXIV eludes DD Hayate by diving deep
DD Hayate attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hayate cannot reach attack position over SS KXIV
DD Hayate cannot establish contact with SS KXIV
DD Hayate fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hayate fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

I don't know if this could be fatal or not, so I'll assume not.

I bagged one transport in the area also.

Sub attack near Rockhampton at 98,151

Japanese Ships
xAK Johore Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Yamahagi Maru #3
PB Taian Maru
xAP Naminoue Maru
xAP Kobe Maru
xAP Huso Maru
xAP Koan Maru
xAP Manzyu Maru
xAP Miike Maru
xAK Matsue Maru
xAK Kimishima Maru
DD Asanagi
E Shimushu

Allied Ships
SS KXVI

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

SS KXVI launches 4 torpedoes at xAK Johore Maru
DD Asanagi fails to find sub and abandons search
E Shimushu fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Shimushu fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Shimushu fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

I've diverted the subs to patrol the areas around these two IJN groups, so maybe I can do more.

At San Fran, Mississippi and New Mexico arrive and are off to Pearl. I would love to ship them to Australia, but that's a no-go with KB active there.

A whole bunch of USA units arrive in East US, all under Pacific Command. Two infantry regiments and an armored regiment plus a bunch of construction troops. Hopefully they'll arrive in San Fran when all the xAPs do, so I can get them out. Once at Pearl, I can reassemble the Americal Division.

[Mundy]

23 January 1942

Landings
Bengkalis
Bundaberg
Lunga

Losses
Tavoy

Dave seems to be all in for Australia at this point. I'm currently outnumbered at Bundaberg, but my two US regiments will arrive next turn. Hopefully the troops from Townsville will get there within a week. I see, troops are prepping for Port Augusta, which seems ambitious. P-40s are suffering from his Zero sweeps. KB seems to be parked near Townsville. if Force Z was out of the yard, I could mess with his landings and be out. Haruna would suffer against Prince of Wales.

Ground combat at Bundaberg (96,155)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 14797 troops, 256 guns, 183 vehicles, Assault Value = 677

Defending force 10366 troops, 88 guns, 60 vehicles, Assault Value = 302

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
38 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
20th Ind. Engineer Regiment
II./4th Infantry Battalion
19th Ind. Engineer Regiment
38th Division
16th Infantry Regiment
1st Hvy. Artillery Regiment
16th Army /3
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind. Hvy. Art. Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Ind. Hvy. Art. Battalion
17th Medium FA Rgt /1

Defending units:
3rd Australian Division
29th Australian Brigade
112th USA Base Force
111th USN Base Force
1st Medium Regiment


---------------------------------------------


Ground combat at Bundaberg (96,155)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 8528 troops, 80 guns, 56 vehicles, Assault Value = 298

Defending force 24489 troops, 293 guns, 278 vehicles, Assault Value = 677

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

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

Assaulting units:
3rd Australian Division
29th Australian Brigade
112th USA Base Force
111th USN Base Force
1st Medium Regiment

Defending units:
38th Division
20th Ind. Engineer Regiment
19th Ind. Engineer Regiment
II./4th Infantry Battalion
16th Infantry Regiment
2nd Ind. Hvy. Art. Battalion
16th Army /3
3rd Ind. Hvy. Art. Battalion
1st Hvy. Artillery Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
17th Medium FA Rgt /1

I'm getting a large buildup of Chinese troops in the hex just East of Lang Son. I'm thinking of doing a push into Vietnam at the same time I break out of Pegu into Malaya. Maybe that would throw a wrench into things.

I'm moving all available troops in Northern Sumatra to Sabang. I have ships enroute to pick them up and feed them into Burma. I should have started this a while ago, but I didn't foresee him doing next to nothing on that island. He's only just made a landing there this turn. I should be able to get everyone out without fuss. It looks like all of them can be flipped from KNIL command to something shippable.

[BBfanboy]

Putting Chinese troops into Vietnam early in the game will trigger the Viet Minh static reinforcements - about six divisions. They start out very weak but over time fill out their TOE and gain experience and morale. That will be another PITA when you want to take Vietnamese bases like Haiphong, Vinh, Saigon, Hanoi and a couple of others.

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Putting Chinese troops into Vietnam early in the game will trigger the Viet Minh static reinforcements - about six divisions. They start out very weak but over time fill out their TOE and gain experience and morale. That will be another PITA when you want to take Vietnamese bases like Haiphong, Vinh, Saigon, Hanoi and a couple of others.

+1.

There was a Bullwinkle or NyGiants thread years back about triggering the emergency troops for Japan early to get them to eat supplies for the whole game.

As a JFB, I would love that, as it gets them to actually be more than merely a speedbump. When initially spawned, their morale, and experience is so bad they are very poor. But, they probably are good enough to hold against the Chinese with modest Japanese reinforcements.

[Mundy]

I don't know guys, I've gone in there a number of times before, and pretty much have trashed any unit which spawns there. I don't intend to spread myself thin. We'll see. I'm not fully decided yet and may just hold at Lang Son. I may take Haiphong, as I believe some Japanese subs will show up there.

24 January 1942

Landings
Buka
Long Island (100,124)
Timoeka
Bundaberg

Losses
Bengkalis
Hami

Some revenge on his subs.

TF 226 encounters mine field at Brisbane (96,160)

Japanese Ships
SS I-5, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

---------------------------------------------

TF 226 encounters mine field at Brisbane (96,160)

Japanese Ships
SS I-5, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Two Dutch subs are moving to Bundaberg, so hopefully I can sink something big. They'll be there next turn. It looks like KB is hanging there also.

My US troops arrive there just in time. Everyone north of there is enroute too, so his strength will cap out pretty soon, while I only get stronger. I think he pushed a bit too far here.

Ground combat at Bundaberg (96,155)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 22061 troops, 298 guns, 202 vehicles, Assault Value = 683

Defending force 17503 troops, 228 guns, 250 vehicles, Assault Value = 550

Japanese adjusted assault: 568

Allied adjusted defense: 247

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
1266 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 41 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 85 disabled

Allied ground losses:
728 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 85 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Vehicles lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Assaulting units:
20th Ind. Engineer Regiment
19th Ind. Engineer Regiment
38th Division
II./4th Infantry Battalion
16th Infantry Regiment
2nd Ind. Hvy. Art. Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Hvy. Artillery Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind. Hvy. Art. Battalion
16th Army
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
34th Infantry Regiment
3rd Australian Division
161st Infantry Regiment
29th Australian Brigade
112th USA Base Force
111th USN Base Force
1st Medium Regiment

---------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Bundaberg (96,155)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 8441 troops, 80 guns, 56 vehicles, Assault Value = 477

Defending force 23850 troops, 298 guns, 281 vehicles, Assault Value = 614

Assaulting units:
3rd Australian Division
161st Infantry Regiment
34th Infantry Regiment
29th Australian Brigade
111th USN Base Force
112th USA Base Force
1st Medium Regiment

Defending units:
II./4th Infantry Battalion
19th Ind. Engineer Regiment
38th Division
16th Infantry Regiment
2nd Ind. Hvy. Art. Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
16th Army
20th Ind. Engineer Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Hvy. Artillery Regiment
3rd Ind. Hvy. Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Indomitable should reach Colombo within two days and from there can join Hermes.

A USAAF P-40 squadron shows up in Cape Town, and is shipping to Colombo.

Colorado is finally out of the yard in Seattle and enroute to Pearl.

[Lowpe]

They are static units so they can't go anywhere. [:)]

[Mundy]

25 January 1942

Landings
Maryborough

Losses
Long Island
Timoeka

Maryborough... I'd say he's committed at this point. The fight at Bundaberg was closer than desired. I'm guessing since half the US troops are still getting of the train. They'll be off by next turn.

Ground combat at Bundaberg (96,155)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 20366 troops, 297 guns, 195 vehicles, Assault Value = 622

Defending force 17027 troops, 228 guns, 250 vehicles, Assault Value = 485

Japanese adjusted assault: 323

Allied adjusted defense: 267

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
350 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 47 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Guns lost 6 (2 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
668 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 57 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 14 (3 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Assaulting units:
38th Division
II./4th Infantry Battalion
19th Ind. Engineer Regiment
16th Infantry Regiment
20th Ind. Engineer Regiment
16th Army
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
3rd Australian Division
34th Infantry Regiment
161st Infantry Regiment
29th Australian Brigade
111th USN Base Force
112th USA Base Force
1st Medium Regiment


---------------------------------------------


Ground combat at Bundaberg (96,155)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 8056 troops, 80 guns, 56 vehicles, Assault Value = 402

Defending force 23327 troops, 298 guns, 282 vehicles, Assault Value = 564

Assaulting units:
161st Infantry Regiment
34th Infantry Regiment
3rd Australian Division
29th Australian Brigade
112th USA Base Force
111th USN Base Force
1st Medium Regiment

Defending units:
38th Division
19th Ind. Engineer Regiment
II./4th Infantry Battalion
16th Infantry Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
20th Ind. Engineer Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
16th Army
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Maryborough won't last, as I have no troops there. Anyone remember where the "line of death" in Australia is. I thought I read one hex south of Brisbane. The sucky part, is even if I get them, I have to ship them over. With the Australian division I'm assembling in India, I'm probably going to send them to Oz rather than Burma at this point. I'll just rail them from Karachi to Diamond Harbor where I have bunches of ships. I can probably whip up two divisions this way to send over. The Dutch at Sabang, I'll still send to Burma, as they aren't all that strong.

Brisbane has very little holding it at this point, so if he moves south, I'm screwed. Lots of troops are moving south yet from the Townsville area. They can make a difference if I can get them to Bundaberg in time.

Royal Sovereign is at Colombo, and I'll be sending her to Moulmein for a bombardment.

A whole group of P-39s (3 sqns + HQ) arrive in East US under SWPAC, so they're off to San Fran.

Japanese paras show up at Charleville. Didn't see any message about it during the replay. If I hadn't looked there, I wouldn't have noticed. My troops there will attack next turn. Good thing I moved them in before. They've only been off the train about 4 days now.

Another shot at Singapore. Not sure how long this will last. It's costing him.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 36340 troops, 566 guns, 169 vehicles, Assault Value = 1104

Defending force 18293 troops, 289 guns, 132 vehicles, Assault Value = 130

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 699

Allied adjusted defense: 349

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
849 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 68 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 8 (3 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 27 (2 destroyed, 25 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
664 casualties reported
Squads: 35 destroyed, 36 disabled
Non Combat: 29 destroyed, 59 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 12 disabled
Guns lost 40 (20 destroyed, 20 disabled)
Vehicles lost 19 (8 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Assaulting units:
5th Recon Regiment
56th Engineer Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
143rd Infantry Regiment
23rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
112th Infantry Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
55th Engineer Regiment
55th Infantry Regiment
15th Ind. Engineer Regiment
21st Infantry Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
91st Naval Guard Unit
5th Engineer Regiment
4th Ind. Engineer Regiment
42nd Infantry Regiment
12th Engineer Regiment
11th Infantry Regiment
56th Infantry Regiment
6th RTA/B Division
5th Field Artillery Regiment
25th Army
3rd Mortar Battalion
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Army
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
56th Field Artillery Regiment
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st RF Gun Battalion
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
18th Mountain Gun Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion
31st Field AA Battalion
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
22nd Australian Brigade
2nd Loyal Battalion
27th Australian Brigade
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
III Indian Corps
Singapore Base Force
AHQ Far East
2nd Malay Battalion
Malaya Army
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
Malayan Air Wing
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
112th RAF Base Force
Singapore Fortress
1st Malay Battalion
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
111th RAF Base Force

No movement towards Bataan yet. I'm tempted to see if he's seriously shorted the troops at Manila or not. Those Oz troops had to come from somewhere.