Defenseless: Between the Storms Japan

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
December 9-11, 1941
CenPac

Not much to report so far but action is coming!

CARDIV1 refuels on the 11th and begins to prowl between Hawaii and the WC. The AOs travel with them as they cruise along. They will work their way around this area for 4-5 days and then come back to support the landings that are working their way east.

CARDIV2/5 travel as one TF and are taking up a position between Midway and Wake. They have the BC TF covering them so the two TFs work together.

Midway IF carries two SNLF Assault Brigades. Two more TFs trail a turn or two behind carrying Engineers, Base Forces, and a bunch of supply. The dowager BBs (Fuso, Yamashiro, Hyuga, and Ise) of Japan reach Marcus on the 11th and move ENE to join up to provide gunfire support during the landings. Two more AO TFs are in the area. This is a lot of power moving into the Midway area...

The Wake IF moves out from Guam carrying another SNLF Brigade.

I was asked what is the assault Army for the Hawaiian Isles? Current Assigned Units:
3 SNLF Assault Brigades
16th Army
Guards Mixed Brigade
14th ID (Manchuria)
90th ID (Japan--normally in the DEI Assault)
LOTS of assorted support units...

More units will be picked or become available over the coming weeks.

[John 3rd]

Current CENPAC screenshot.

CenPac 12-11.png (234.87 KiB) Viewed 249 times

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
December 9-11, 1941
Western DEI

Operations in the Western DEI are proceeding swimmingly!

After Kuantan's fall on the 8th, Paras drop onto Malacca on the 9th and grab the base. This completely severs Singapore from Malaya. Now we just have to HOLD it! Immediately fly 30 Fighters to the Lvl 1 AF. Transports shift from Patani to Kuantan and begin airlifting a Regiment of Infantry to Malacca. Two smaller units of Transports pick-up a Base Force at Patani to provide support.

The 10th sees two Infantry Regiments and a Tank Recon unit land at Mersing. The base, as hoped, is empty. These units AND the 55th ID attack on the 11th and gain the base. The 55th unloaded in one day on the 11th and that is nice. Two more ID will unload starting tomorrow. Order the 55th to go after Johore Bharu while the two Infantry and Tanks move west to save the Paras holding Malacca. IJA bombers support these moves by plastering troops north and south of Malacca. Looking VERY good!

These three days sees Allied attempts to intervene by using Hurricanes and Buffaloes to cover bomber attacks. It does very little good except whittle away at the Allied Air. There are about 25 Fighters over Kuantan, 25 Fighters over Malacca and 50 over Mersing.

Over in Borneo have the capture of Kuching with an Invasion Force about to land at Singkawang. About 75 Fighters fly out of Kuching on CAP and LRCAP.

Racing down from its Manila Port Strike, CVL Ryujo and 2 CAV enter the waters between Singers, Palembang, and Kuching. The three ships bring about 60 Zeros, 24 Kate, and 9 Recon Kate to the area. LRCAP is set at 30% over Palembang as the landing at Palembang occurs on the 10th. A massive Fast TF of 24 warships deposit an entire IJA Brigade at this vital target. The FTF bombards as it unloads doing 650+ casualties then bombards again on the 11th as it departs for Kuching. The base falls to 3-1 assault with LITTLE DAMAGE done to the facilities! BANZAI!!!

Army Transports fly out of Kuantan and start lifting in a Base Force while more Transports shift to Kuching and begin lifting in a second BF. Advance 50 Fighters into Palembang for air cover.

There are several STF as well as the CTF working this area and sinkings really get going. Most notable is the large AP Dominion Monarch and 2 AMC being caught and sunk by 4 IJN DDs. About 12-15 ships are sunk in these three days. To increase the bag, I order the CTF to move towards Batavia to strike at shipping. Shift all my Kate from bombs to torps to get some serious damage in--hopefully!

Malaya 12-11-41.png (1.08 MiB) Viewed 240 times

Note that it isn't entirely ALL Japan's way. Land at Chumphon on the 10th and order troops to move overland to grab that important airbase only to get hit by a pair of Vildebreest bomber units on the 11th. They do quite well sinking 5 AK, 2 AKL, and a PB.

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
December 9-11, 1941
Eastern DEI

There is a whole lotta action around Mindanao!

The Allies put up a fight and make a short stand in this area. My opponent unites the Asiatic Fleet into a TF with 2 CA, 2 CL, and 6 DD. He also brings up a Dutch TF of 1 CL and 5 DD. Behind those, recon spots Force Z moving up past Balikpapan.

To fight that, I have 3 CVE and 4 BC. Goodness!

A series of sharp actions occur where the Allies lose CA Houston, CL Marblehead, and 5 DD. The IJN gets damage done to two Kongos (moderate) and lose two DDs. The Dutch squadron, led by CL Van Heemskerck, sink a TF heading towards Ternate. TRIED to clear the area but the Dutch were too fast! Lose 2 small AP, 5 AK, and 4 PB plus two IJN BF Coy and a small Engineering Company. DRATS!

The 11th sees to issuing of orders for Operation Skedaddle! Combine the CVE and BC TFs into one and move towards Ternate to go after the Dutch. The Dutch lose a DD but the wily CL avoids all bombs and a few TTs! Order that TF home to refuel and replenish at Babeldoap.

Amphib Operations continue in Mindanao. Paras had grabbed Cotabato and Surigao. An Invasion Force drops off an SNLF Assault Brigade taking Dadjangas on the 11th. The TF moves away as fast as possible and is not caught by Allied STF. Tomorrow will see a full Brigade and ID begin unloading at Surigao. These units will take Mindanao pretty quickly.

Mindanao 21-11-41.png (685.44 KiB) Viewed 234 times

[John 3rd]

That is most of the action.

[John 3rd]

Forgot the South Pacific. No one has been spotted.

All HELL breaks loose tomorrow and the 13th...Lunga, Luganville, Efate and Noumea all get landed upon...

12-11-41 SOPAC.png (355.52 KiB) Viewed 232 times

[RangerJoe]

Back from our cabin trip and Mother Nature is seriously giving us some fall rain!

Appreciate the thoughts on CR and will get back to Posting today. Have already gotten a turn in yesterday and one this morning.

The rain is nice, lightening is not.

[John 3rd]

Ohhhh...I LOVE lightning! Listening to it crack and peal around our mountain is GREAT! As long as one is protected...safety tip there!

[PaxMondo]

Forgot the South Pacific. No one has been spotted.

All HELL breaks loose tomorrow and the 13th...Lunga, Luganville, Efate and Noumea all get landed upon...

Wow!!! Very ambitious, can't wait to see the result!!!

[RangerJoe]

Ohhhh...I LOVE lightning! Listening to it crack and peal around our mountain is GREAT! As long as one is protected...safety tip there!

Only when you are safe, not when you are not safe like those two hunters in Colorado.

My cats don't mind thunder far away, they will look at lightening and fireworks far away. When it comes closer, they hide.

[John 3rd]

Forgot the South Pacific. No one has been spotted.

All HELL breaks loose tomorrow and the 13th...Lunga, Luganville, Efate and Noumea all get landed upon...

Wow!!! Very ambitious, can't wait to see the result!!!

The HOPE is to get there before the Allies can. We will have that answer very fast. It could be very bloody if they are there...

[PaxMondo]

The HOPE is to get there before the Allies can. We will have that answer very fast. It could be very bloody if they are there...

VINCERO!!!!

https://www.myinstants.com/en/instant/l ... dium=share

Turandot, Alfino and Puccini, 1924

[John 3rd]

Combat Overview
December 12, 1941
SOPAC

BANZAI!!

Strategic surprise is achieved as a large Fast TF of 6 CL and 8 DD drop off a Naval Guard and Base Force at Noumea. No defenders are present!

At Luganville and fast AMC TF drops off another Naval Infantry unit, two engineering units, and a Base Force. No defenders are present!

TOMORROW will see a landing at both Koumac (SNLF Assault Brigade and several other units) and Lunga (Naval Guard and 3 engineering units).

All Japan needs to two more days and we can consolidate our gains and start digging in!

12-12-41 SOPAC.png (366.88 KiB) Viewed 142 times

Come and get us Allied SCUM...

BANZAI!!!

[PaxMondo]

Combat Overview
December 12, 1941
SOPAC

BANZAI!!

Strategic surprise is achieved as a large Fast TF of 6 CL and 8 DD drop off a Naval Guard and Base Force at Noumea. No defenders are present!

At Luganville and fast AMC TF drops off another Naval Infantry unit, two engineering units, and a Base Force. No defenders are present!

TOMORROW will see a landing at both Koumac (SNLF Assault Brigade and several other units) and Lunga (Naval Guard and 3 engineering units).

All Japan needs to two more days and we can consolidate our gains and start digging in!

12-12-41 SOPAC.png

Come and get us Allied SCUM...

BANZAI!!!

BANZAI!!!!!

[John 3rd]

Will Post other developments in the morning before I head to work.

Just a little tease...

...there are two British carriers who have a hole (or two or THREE) in their hulls from Japanese Torpedoes!

[John 3rd]

Combat Developments
December 12, 1941
Midway Area

Allied air search picks up the TFs moving towards Midway and Wake. There are three AO TFs who get orders to combine into one. As mentioned previously, the oldest BBs in the IJN are catching up to the Invasion TFs. They will separate with two BB embedding into the Landing TF and the other two bombarding.

The Kido Butai with an escorting BC TF will move east to strike Wake's AF and troops throwing all it has at the atoll. After that hit, the TF will move to directly challenge Midway and cover the assault that should take place on the 15th.

Each of these bases are much stronger then RL. I have to be careful to make sure all is good and not screw-up the landings. I need these SNLF Assault Brigades intact for the Hawaiian landings...

12-12-41 Midway.png (262.79 KiB) Viewed 109 times

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
December 12, 1941
Palembang Area

The Japanese land at Singkawang and begin shuttling troops into Palembang.

The Dutch attack Palembang with several strikes but Japanese Zeros hold them off and shoot down over a dozen planes.

The CVL TF moves towards Batavia and spots a rich plum on the other side of Java. The British CTF consisting of Hermes and Indomitable are spotted in the afternoon and the CVL+2 CAV launch a strike of 24 Zero and 15 Kates. The Zeros easily brush aside the Brit CAP and all 15 torpedo-carrying planes attack. Though 3 are shot down, CVL Hermes takes a single TT and CV Indomitable absorbs THREE! A fuel explosion adds to the chaos and life looks pretty short for the Brit.

WELL DONE to the brave Japanese Sea Eagles striking these juicy targets. A case of sake is sent from Combine3d Fleet in Saipan to these fliers!

12-12-41 Palembang.png (1.15 MiB) Viewed 104 times

On the ground in Malaya, a small Tank unit crosses the peninsula to Kloung from Mersing. Two Infantry Regiments follow. The 55th ID moves on Johore Bharu. Two full strength ID will reach Mersing to begin unloading on the 13th. Things are looking fantastic on the ground. At Malacca, an Australian Brigade attempts to take the base back but fails after it is hit by over 100 Japanese bombers causing over 450 casualties. The attacks scores a 1-7 and falls apart.

At Palembang, two Base Forces are there or flying in. Move another 25 Fighters there as well as a unit of 18 DB. An Air HQ is on the way but still three days away...

[John 3rd]

That is the major action for the 12th.

The SoPac developments are good but I need at least two days to get everyone landing/landed and supplies unloaded. Am certain that all Hell will break out there very quickly. If we can unload, New Caledonia will have an Infantry Brigade, SNLF Assault Brigade, Naval Guard unit and 6-7 engineering units/Base Forces. Should be enough to hold for quite a while.

Must get an air bridge built ASAP. Noumea and Luganville already have operational airfields so that is easy. Will be landing enough engineers at Lunga to get it up to Lvl-1 pretty quickly then will shuttle in Zeros and Betty. Might be able to jump them from the Marshalls to Luganville. Hmmmm...have to think about that.

I am trying something different in the Philippines. There are two ID, a Brigade, an SNLF Assault Brigade, and a Para Brigade all on Mindanao and it SHOULD fall quickly. Have landed just two ID in Luzon plus a BUNCH of support units. They will take what they can before being reinforced.

Lift the 16th Army HQ from Mindanao and it heads east towards a set of islands known as Hawaii.

[PaxMondo]

That is the major action for the 12th.

The SoPac developments are good but I need at least two days to get everyone landing/landed and supplies unloaded. Am certain that all Hell will break out there very quickly. If we can unload, New Caledonia will have an Infantry Brigade, SNLF Assault Brigade, Naval Guard unit and 6-7 engineering units/Base Forces. Should be enough to hold for quite a while.

Must get an air bridge built ASAP. Noumea and Luganville already have operational airfields so that is easy. Will be landing enough engineers at Lunga to get it up to Lvl-1 pretty quickly then will shuttle in Zeros and Betty. Might be able to jump them from the Marshalls to Luganville. Hmmmm...have to think about that.

I am trying something different in the Philippines. There are two ID, a Brigade, an SNLF Assault Brigade, and a Para Brigade all on Mindanao and it SHOULD fall quickly. Have landed just two ID in Luzon plus a BUNCH of support units. They will take what they can before being reinforced.

Lift the 16th Army HQ from Mindanao and it heads east towards a set of islands known as Hawaii.

John,

As usual, you do NOT disappoint!! BRAVO!!! Big scheme and so far the pieces are moving nicely~!! BANZAI!!!!

[RangerJoe]

That is the major action for the 12th.

The SoPac developments are good but I need at least two days to get everyone landing/landed and supplies unloaded. Am certain that all Hell will break out there very quickly. If we can unload, New Caledonia will have an Infantry Brigade, SNLF Assault Brigade, Naval Guard unit and 6-7 engineering units/Base Forces. Should be enough to hold for quite a while.

Must get an air bridge built ASAP. Noumea and Luganville already have operational airfields so that is easy. Will be landing enough engineers at Lunga to get it up to Lvl-1 pretty quickly then will shuttle in Zeros and Betty. Might be able to jump them from the Marshalls to Luganville. Hmmmm...have to think about that.

I am trying something different in the Philippines. There are two ID, a Brigade, an SNLF Assault Brigade, and a Para Brigade all on Mindanao and it SHOULD fall quickly. Have landed just two ID in Luzon plus a BUNCH of support units. They will take what they can before being reinforced.

Lift the 16th Army HQ from Mindanao and it heads east towards a set of islands known as Hawaii.

John,

As usual, you do NOT disappoint!! BRAVO!!! Big scheme and so far the pieces are moving nicely~!! BANZAI!!!!

His moves remind me of two different expressions that should be combined into one. Something about fecal waste moving through a goose and when fecal waste hits an object with rotating blades to move the atmosphere around!