Alaska
THere continues to be an elevated level of enemy activity in the Aleutians. The Japanese seem to be landing forces on Amchitka Island by FT. This is more of an annoyance than a threat. I will have to retake these islands at some point. I am continuing with the strategy of using only NorthPac forces to defend Alaska. Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, Nome and Anchorage are all secure with fort levels of 4-5 and defended by at least one RCT and base force each. Air power is very weak though consisting of the following:
For the first time in two months the enemy has attacked a base in the South Pacific. The 52nd Nav Gd captured the undefended Nanomea Atoll, which had briefly been a USN seaplane base. I don't think this is part of a more agressive plan by the Japanese. I think they Japanese wanted to make sure that the Allies didn't resume the use of the atoll as a seaplane base.
Japanese forces seem to continue to build up at Guadal Canal and the area has been the home to a large IJN surface force including 3 BBs. The Allies have no immediate plans to confront this force and continue with the build up of forts and air fields on its own bases.
The build up of the South Pacific was slowed somewhat by the aborted operation Rapier. As a result, Infantry units are only now making there way to bases on Suva and Noumea. My troop disposition will be as follows
2nd USMC & 8th NZ bde at Suva
American USA Bridages A&B & 2nd NZ Cav at Noumea
American USA Brigade C & 14th NZ Bde at Luganville.
1st NZ Bde at Pago Pago.
All forces are in position, except for the American USA Div which is embarking now from PH.
The USN South Pacific fleet is at Noumea and Suva consisting of 2 CA, 2 CL and 11 DD. The fleets primary purpose is to disrupt invasion forces and provide escort.
Suva is my main supply depot in the area and a key component in the supply route to Australia.
As I am waiting for my turn I will update the combat from yesterday. For the most part it was more of the same bombing in India and China. However, I am still taking a pummeling on Java. My opponent has massed his troops at Tjilitjap and is trying to bomb them into submission. It is note worthy that he used his carrier force in the Indian ocean to participate in the attack. I estimate the size of the force to be 3 carriers. What do other think?
Day Air attack on Tjilitjap , at 19,62
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
D3A Val x 83
B5N Kate x 48
Allied aircraft
Hawk 75A x 3
CW-21B Demon x 5
Brewster 339D x 5
Allied ground losses:
71 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Port hits 4
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
22 x B5N Kate bombing at 8000 feet
20 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
23 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
23 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
24 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
15 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
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Day Air attack on Tjilitjap , at 19,62
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 33
Ki-21 Sally x 173
Ki-46-II Dinah x 4
Allied aircraft
CW-21B Demon x 4
Brewster 339D x 4
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
19 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
10 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
7 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
The ground attack force is formidable as my defenders are only standing behind size 4 forts.
Ground combat at Tjilitjap
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 38393 troops, 383 guns, 20 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1246
Defending force 21978 troops, 175 guns, 3 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 297
Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
I fear that Java is doomed at this point, but I am continuing on with plans to engage that carrier group with 4 CVs. The Saratoga, Lexington, Formidable and Indomitable - I will aslo have 3 CLAA and 2 BBs in the group so I hope AA will get a lot of his carrier pilots. Hornet is on its way too, but too far away to get there in time. My plan is to rendevous the carriers at Perth and then steam due west into the Indian ocean. I want to catch his carrier group, hopefully by surprise and while his LBA in the area is still occupied bombing my poor troops at Tjilitjap.
Question...In April 42 how would you organize a CV fleet of 2 US CVs and 2 UK CVs for maximum effect? I'm thinking 2TFs of 1 US CV and 1 UK CV, that way each TF has enough AA in it to make a difference.
A snapshot of the air war through 4/18/42...I think the allies are doing well so far. Nearly half his zero losses and 2/3 his Oscar losses came in the air war over Calcutta fighting my Hurris and the AVG.
After taking a break to take care of real life, Graycompany and I are back on track.
4/20/42
The most curious aspect of the game right now is how relatively quiet it is. Java is still embattled. Tjilitjap is out of supply and under seige. THe Japanese are making progress, but I am curious about the lack of force being applied on Java. There are about 3 Divisions that participated in the attack on Sorebaja and other dutch bases, that are missing. There is a build up of 10 units at Kendari. Could this mean an invasion of N. Oz? This seems highly unlikely given JPNs offensive in India is stalled. India is a more likely destination UK forces barely have JPN stalemated. Attacks against Ansonal have been failing, but just barely. The UK does not get anymore significant reinforcements for 28 days, so now is the time for Japan to press hard in India if they are going to.
The third option for Japanese ground offensives are in the South Pacific. With forces tied up in the aborted attack on Wake (Operation Rapier), the build up of Infantry in the South Pacific was delayed. THere are at least 12 units of unknown composition at Lunga. The Japanese may try a strike at Luganville, Noumea or Fiji. However, as noted above, the defensive force for that area is building rapidly, with the final piece of that defense, the American USA Div steaming passed Christmas Is. last turn.
My combined allied fleet (US and RN) is about 2 days from rendezvouing at Perth. Once that fleet has assembled I will send out 2 CV TFs (2 CVs each) to seek out a carrier engagement in the Indian ocean. Allied command is tired of running from the Japanese
carriers. Curiously though the enemy carrier group blockading Java has moved off to toward N Sumatra. I may yet have the opportunity to land the 7th Aus Div on Java with supplies. I have 2 small supply convoys on their way to Java now.
I find the situation boggling. If I were the Japanese player I would spare no expense finishing the Allies off in the DEI. Also, I would consider a pull back in India to a defensive position. Else, I would take my force from DEI and committ them to the attack on India.
I have held off updating the AAR as not many turns have been getting done.
USN subs have been hard at work throughout the Pacific. In the last 4 days S-39 torpedoed an AK at Java, S-41 sunk an AP (empty) just of Palembang and SS-Grayling slammed one into a PG near Kwajielan.
Otherwise, the war is slowly grinding on. April has not been kind to either side. The action has been a bit tedious as both sides are fully engaged in DEI and in India and China.
Recent Battle results
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/23/42
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Japanese bombardment TF arrived at Luganville to find a USN transport TF unloading the 12th NZ Bde. DD Paul Jones valiantly charged ahead to screen the escaping TF and was promptly sunk.
Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 72,107
Japanese Ships
CA Chokai
CA Myoko
CA Nachi
CA Aoba
CA Furutaka
CL Tama
DD Suzukaze
DD Hibiki
DD Isonami
DD Oboro
DD Sazanami
Allied Ships
DD Paul Jones, Shell hits 23, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Chew
DMS Hovey
AP Royal T. Frank
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Naval bombardment of Luganville, at 72,107
Japanese Ships
CL Tama
CA Furutaka
CA Aoba
CA Nachi
CA Myoko
CA Chokai
Allied ground losses:
75 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
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Day Air attack on Koepang , at 28,77 The allies tried another raid on Koepang with moderately heavy losses. The bomber groups moral is now in the tank.
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 27
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged
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Day Air attack on 37th Division, at 46,29 Allied air has been blasting away at 2 Divisions blocking the road to Sian. Tomorrow 8 Chinese Corp attack.
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 11
Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 21
Blenheim IV x 17
Hudson I x 11
B-25C Mitchell x 26
B-17E Fortress x 12
IL-4c x 8
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 3 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
104 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x IL-4c bombing at 7000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
9 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
6 x Hudson I bombing at 7000 feet
6 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
2 x Hudson I bombing at 7000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
20 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 7000 feet
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 7000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
2 x IL-4c bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
2 x Hudson I bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 7000 feet
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Day Air attack on 41st Division, at 46,29
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 11
Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 6
Blenheim IV x 7
Hudson I x 6
B-25C Mitchell x 15
B-17E Fortress x 3
IL-4c x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 6 damaged
Japanese ground losses:
46 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
1 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 7000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 7000 feet
15 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 7000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 7000 feet
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Day Air attack on TF, near Tjilitjap at 19,62 A lone supply ship shows up at Tjilitjap with badly needed supplies, miraculisly (spelling) all 14 Sally's miss the docked ship. No saki for them tonight. [:D]
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
Ki-21 Sally x 14
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AK Belawan
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 9000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 9000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 9000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 9000 feet
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Ground combat at Sian The siege at Sian goes poorly. The chinese MUST breakthrough the 2 divisions blocking.
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 163949 troops, 1163 guns, 8 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 3231
Defending force 69376 troops, 140 guns, 51 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1737
Japanese max assault: 2095 - adjusted assault: 1721
Allied max defense: 1592 - adjusted defense: 616
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 4)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 3
Japanese ground losses:
2194 casualties reported
Guns lost 53
Vehicles lost 1
Allied ground losses:
2050 casualties reported
Guns lost 14
Vehicles lost 2
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Ground combat at Tjilitjap The defenders are out of supply and badly outnumbered. Can you say Remember the Alamo? [X(]
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 23055 troops, 252 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1227
Defending force 21396 troops, 124 guns, 3 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 287
Allied ground losses:
41 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
The defense of Java is becoming desperate. Little has changed in regard to the map posted above. The main Japanese force is settled on Tjilitjap and pressing hard. Forts have been reduced to 2 and supplies are at 0. The airfield is at 80% damage and port damage is 18%. Still, the defenders are holding. Tired of the situation, the Allies have dispatched a small force of 3 cargo ships to bring supplies to Tjilitjap, while the 7th Aus Div awaits the opportunity to reinforce the defenders.
A moderate sized enemy carrier group has been operating in the Indian Ocean for several weeks. The Allies have combined their fleet and are dispatching 2 Carrier groups to engage the enemy and drive them from the Indian Ocean. This is the first offensive naval mission the allies have conducted. The carreir groups are:
TF 1051
Sherman, F.
BB Warspite
CV Lexington, Indomitable
CA Portland, Exeter
CL Emerald
CLAA Ceres
6 DD
TF1052
Mitscher, M.
CV Saratoga, Formidable
CA Louisville, Cornwall
CL Sumatra, Concord
CLAA Columbo, Van Heemskerck
5 DD
Obviously a major carrier engagement in April '42 is a dubious undertaking for the Allies, but I felt from a reality perspective, the Allies have to do something. Since I decided to reinforce JAVA and make a fight for it, I don't think the Alllies would continue to sit by and see the troops slowly starved to death. Any engagement with the IJN must take place well away from the LBA on Java, which consists mostly of Sallys. For some unknown reason his Bettys and Nells seem to still be based out of Borneo.
My further hope is that this engagement will take him by surprise. I have been reluctant to challenge his navy up to this point, so I don't think he will be looking for my carriers, but he knows the 2 USN CVs have been operating from Derby.
His CVs must be showing signs of wear as they have been constently on patrol in the Indian Ocean for a couple of months. That combined with the surprise factor I am hoping will give me an edge. The allies of course are still hampered with inferior AC and pilots that aren't as capable. Indomitable and Formidable are still flying Fulmars and the USN still is using the Devastator.
If I can obtain a Coral Sea result or better I will consider the operation a victory at this stage of the war.
I am running a series of sims modeling a potential conflict between the above CV TFs and an IJN TF of 2 CV and 2CVL. So, far I have only run two sims. The first I forgot to change the date from 12/7/41, so with the zero bonus the allies got badly chewed up.
After just two sims though a couple of patterns may already be emerging.
1. Surprise for CV battles is huge! [X(] The first sim the IJN spotted the allies (first here after referred to as ABDA because of the combined fleet makeup). They pounced on them and damaged or sunk all four carriers. THe second time around the ABDA spotted the IJN first and launched a beautiful combined strike. While they only damaged Kaga badly, the IJN was not able to retaliate in a coordinated manner and there attack planes were decimated.
2. Swordfish are fairing badly. They have yet to hit one target in about 50 sorties. [:-]
3. The Fulmars are holding their own [X(] They are not being blown from the sky by zeros as I expected and they have been really rough on enemy bombers.
4. The F3 Wildcats are not fairing well. They are getting slaughtered by the zeros.
Results of the second Sim
Day Air attack on TF at 14,63
Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 14 Note, I forgot to convert the claudes to zeros for this sim.
A6M2 Zero x 24
Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 18
F4F-3 Wildcat x 20
SBD Dauntless x 72
Swordfish x 28
TBD Devastator x 24
Also worth noting, during these sims the IJN AA ammunition was completely exhausted. They would be hard pressed to stay for a second day. The ABDA had plenty.
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TF 39 encounters mine field at Amchitka Island (96,36)
TF 39 troops unloading over beach at Amchitka Island, 96,36
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 72,107 An American Surface Fleet which had been sent to Luganville to protect transport convoys came under heavy fire from an IJN cruiser force. The IJN surprised the USN led force, doing heavy damage. The battle began at 9,000 yards and the IJN quickly closed to 2,000 yards where even small battery fire was exchanged.
Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, Shell hits 4, on fire Moderately damaged by return fire from Pensecola
CA Myoko
CA Nachi
CA Aoba, Shell hits 1
CA Furutaka
CL Tama, Shell hits 1
DD Suzukaze
DD Hibiki
DD Isonami
DD Oboro
DD Sazanami
Allied Ships
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damageTook two 8" rounds in the opening salvo
CL Adelaide, Shell hits 20, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk Took two torpedos in the opening seconds of the exchange.
DD Mugford, Shell hits 58, and is sunk The enemy continued to shell the Mugford and even opened fire on her survivors as they floated in the water.
DD Benham
DD Dale
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Day Air attack on TF at 71,103 The Army Air Corp launches a strike at an IJN fleet headed for Luganville. Two bombs counce off the deck plating of Mutsu.
Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 16
A-24 Dauntless x 12
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x A-24 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x A-24 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 69,104 Hornet launches a strike at the departing Chokai. The 500lbs just bounce off the deck plating, but add to the already large fires burning aboard. A little revenge for the carnage she caused at the battle of Luganville.
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
SBD Dauntless x 30
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 10 damaged
Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, Bomb hits 7, on fire
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
6 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
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Day Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 72,107 A squadron of Nells attacks the supply convoy to Luganville almost the minute they begin to unload supplies. Minor damage to to ships.
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 10
Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
DD Downes
AK Ensley City, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Mauna Ala, Bomb hits 1
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G3M Nell bombing at 7000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 7000 feet
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 7000 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 71,107
Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 2
Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 5
Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
DD Sims
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E7K2 Alf attacking at 100 feet
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Day Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 72,107 Another group of inbound Nells is intercepted and this time they don't fair well. Navy and Army pilots dispatch 10 bombers. No damage to the supply convoy.
Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 18
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 17
[font="Courier New"]Allied Forces Forced To Surrender On Java![/font]
[font="Courier New"]Date 4/26/06[/font]
For weeks US, Australian and Dutch troops have been fighting a desperate battle at a small town on the coast of Java Island, locked in a struggle to hold back the Japanese hordes. Badly outnumbered, low on supply and under constant air attack, these brave defenders have staunchley held the line. Seperated by a hostile sea from any possible reinforcement these defenders bravely carried on the fight, refusing to give the Japanese access to the supplies that would further fuel the Emperors war engine.
However, even the bravest of men will succumb under such a relentless assualt. This morning at 4/26/06 after several hours of intense fighting, with no ammunition left and no hope of relief the Allied forces at Tjilitjap surrendered. The enemy took 33,000 personers. Smaller allied forces are still holdling out at Batavia and Palembang, but can they hold out long enough?
Let not history forget these brave men who fought a war half a world away so as to hold an enemy at bay. If not for the courage of these men the horde may already be at the door step of the free world.
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Coastal Guns at Palembang, 20,55, firing at TF 85
TF 85 troops unloading over beach at Palembang, 20,55
small forces still arriving at Palembang. The hammer isn't big enough for him to smash the defences yet.
33 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
PC Ch 19
AP Meiu Maru, Shell hits 1
Japanese ground losses:
112 casualties reported
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Coastal Guns at Palembang, 20,55, firing at TF 85
TF 85 troops unloading over beach at Palembang, 20,55
65 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AP Meiu Maru, Shell hits 10
PG Tamo Maru #7
Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
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Day Air attack on Koepang , at 28,77 Army Air Corps is bombing Koepang to keep the enemy from opening an airfield within range of OZ.
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 2
B-25C Mitchell x 48
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
27 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
14 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
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Day Air attack on Koepang , at 28,77
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 26
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
LB-30 Liberator: 6 damaged
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
17 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 11000 feet
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Ground combat at Tjilitjap Fall of the largest force remaining on Java.
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 86629 troops, 597 guns, 150 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 1593
Defending force 20627 troops, 111 guns, 3 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 278
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1
Japanese max assault: 1306 - adjusted assault: 769
Exceprt from the journal of Supreme Allied Commander Pacific, General Bludenguts
Date 4/26/42
News was received today that the defenders at Tjilitjap surrendered to enemy forces. This leaves us with only a small force left at Batavia and Palembang. I fear the Dutch East Indies are finally lost to us. This will further isolate us from UK forces in India.
It is not quiet 4AM yet and I find myself sitting in the dark, questioning the decision to reinforce Java. It is now clear that it was a futile attempt. The blasted island is half a world away from anywhere and too many troops had already been withdrawn. Still, without bases there it will be hard to keep shipping lanes to India open. I believe that the enemy's strategy is to divide us and conquer. We must help our UK friends. We must keep the supply and reinforcement lines open. The war today became again a logistics war. All our effort must be focused on establishing and defending a supply line around the world.
Halsey is foaming at the mouth to attack the enemy. He feels we must destroy the enemy's ability to project power at sea. With the loss of Java, the navy will be taxed to protect our bases across the Pacific. I will now have to reign him in again. It is too soon to challenge the enemy directly.
Quick post...it's mostly quiet for the last two days.
Air battle continues over Koepang. With LB-30s and B-25s flying unescorted...results are mixed.
The IJA bombing force is still mostly on Java, now pounding the defenders at Batavia. The battle should be short there. I am evacuating as many troops as possible by sub.
Palembang still holds strong, but I expect the hammer to fall there next.
My CV force in the Indian Ocean is now about 240 miles North (West) of the Northwest coast of Oz. There appear to be several possible targets in the Indian Ocean, including a cruiser force and what may be a carrier force (docked at Padang).
After the failure on Java to hold back the enemy Allied Command is reevaluating its options. We know from intercepted reports (my opponent told me) that the defensive action at Java caused the enemy to scrap an offensive operation. It is the belief of Allied Command that the operation was most likely a thrust into the South Pacifc aimed at the New Hebrides. Allied Command will now devout the entire month of May to strengthening its defenses. With Japanese ground forces in the final stages of the DEI campaign, a new offensive is expected. Each command will be directed to implement a new plan based on the goal of a strong secure supply line from San Francisco to Karachi. Extra defensive effort will be applied to key geographic areas. Priorities will be:
1. Secure New Caledonia and the New Hebrides from any possible invasion and continue the buildup in the South Pacific as a series of supply bases and depots.
2. Reinforce Northern Oz and the East Coast of Oz (Aus 6th and 7th Div and the 32nd US Div).
3. Continue the build up of Perth, Adelaide and Derby in support of naval operations in the Indian ocean to secure supply/reinforcement lines to India.
4. Reposition China into a more defensible stance (consolidate closer to Chunking).
The most likely enemy offensive actions are considered to be
1. Attack against bases in the South Pacific
2. New offesive against India, possibly an attack at the southern peninsula.
3. Attack against the North or Northeast coast of Oz.
The enemy is clearly following a plan of divide and conquer, so a continuous line of supply is crucial to the allied effort.
Not knowing the disposition of forces, I would say he is going for South Pacific Islands. By doing this he would divide you into three separate and mutually unsupportive areas - India, Oz/NZ, and East Pacific/USA. [:(]
However, the temptation to relocate those troops from DEI to India to finish you off is also very tempting. [:D]
There was the Atlantic Wall, I like the East Pacific Wall myself (Pearl-Palmyra-Canton-Pago Pago-Suva). [:D]New Caledonia is nice to have as the Allies, but once the Japanese get on Luganville, the others are in trouble unless there are forces there already build up to deal with them.
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