After having this game pointed out to me and spending some time reading the AARs here I thought I might pick up a copy and give it a go. As per normal with games I jumped in the deep end feet first without really bothering to read the manual. Probably not the smartest thing due to the size and complexity of the game - hence the name of the title. I'll probably end up getting a shalacking as a result [:D] (Might be a good idea to go back and do so - might explain some of the things I've noticed, like why the NEI forces refuse to get on transport boats or planes.)
I did actually have a brief play with the tutorial, and started a couple of games with various options like surprise off and non-historic turns just to see what would happen. Typically ended with both US carriers being smacked up.
When I did start a serious game, I had some luck on the first turn - didn't end up a complete disaster.
Dec 7th, 1941
As early morning broke, reports started flooding in of Japanese ship on the move across the Pacific, steaming to the Philippines, Pearl Harbour, Malaysia and a number of Islands.
Little attention was paid, and the Japanese strikes achieved total surprise against Allied forces not expecting them. However, all did not go according to plan for the Japanese.
Over Singapore, a flight of 10 Buffalos on a routine patrol spotted almost 100 Nell bombers with an escort of over 20 Zeros preparing to attack. The Japanese pilots were taken by surprise as the pilots from No. 453 RAAF, No. 488 and & No. 243 squadrons dove in on them, all guns blazing. Two Zeros and four Nells were brought down by the valiant Buffalo pilots before they broke of without loss. AAA gunners at Singapore claimed another six Nells as the Japanese attacked the airfield, causing some minor damage to the facilities and runways, and destroying nine planes on the ground. PO M. Ainsworth of No. 453 RAAF was credited with two of the kills, and two other RAAF pilots were also credited with kills.
At Clark Field in the Philippines, the defenders were not so lucky. Only eleven fighters were airborne when 72 Zeros escorting over 80 Nell and Betty bombers struck. The runways were extensively damaged, with reports of over 100 bombs hitting. Losses were severe amongst the Allied planes, both in the air and on the ground. Over 70 fighters and bombers were destroyed and many more damaged while the Japanese suffered no losses. At second raid shortly after by 23 more Betty bombers met no resistance in the air, allowing them to cause further damage to the air field and destroyed a further two P-40B Tomahawk fighters on the ground. The raids left Clark Field in shambles.
The largest raid was spotted at Pearl harbour, were swarms of carrier borne planes attacked. 76 Zeros, 126 Vals and 143 Kates tried to take out the USN, but like at Singapore they didn’t have it all their own way. A mere 23 US fighters were airborne at the time of the attack, but they dove in on the Japanese planes like lightning bolts. FO M. Heath, the sole pilot of the 46th FS lead the way in his P-40B Tomahawk. Six Japanese planes were brought down by his guns in the deadly battle in the skies over Pearl Harbour, able assisted by FO E Carlson of the 18th FG with three confirmed kills and the Marine pilot G Adams of VMF-211 with 2 kills. Four other pilots of the 18th FG were also credited with kills. For their efforts both Heath and Carlson were promoted to 2LT. It was not enough to stop the attack, and the Japanese went after the airfield and ships hard. AA guns brought down many more planes, but the numbers told in the end. The airbase and runway at Pearl suffered many hits, and over 180 planes were destroyed either in the air or on the ground. Eight battleships were hit, as well as a CL, a DD and a ML. The BB West Virginia, Oklahoma and California all sunk immediately, while the fates of the Tennessee and Arizona await the valiant efforts of damage control teams who are fighting to keep them afloat. The defenders of Pearl claim to have destroyed 79 Japanese planes, but some speculate that this number is wildly optomistic.
Lighter raids were experienced across China and other parts of Asia, all unopposed and all causing little damage.
Following this surprise attack, Commonwealth air forces in Malaysia quickly swung into action against a Japanese naval task force of the coast of Malaysia intending to invade. Hudson, Blenheim and Swordfish bombers made a number of attacks of the ships, during which 5 Swordfish were reported lost. However, two bombs reportedly struck the Japanese BB Haruna, though damage was not reported as great. The TF then began shelling Khota Bharu, causing damage to the port and airfields and causing almost five hundred casualties to the defenders. The Japanese were reported to have lost more when they began landing troops, defenders laying down a withering fire. There were too many attackers and too few defenders though, with over 10000 Japanese reportedly ashore by midmorning.
Elsewhere Japanese troops landed at Guam, Wake Island, Batan Island and the Philippines. Batan Island was quickly over run where the non-combat troops were no match for the Japanese force. However they ran into resistance at Wake Island and the Philippines, with over 1000 Japanese casualties estimated. Gunners at Wake also managed to hit the DD Yayoi that was assisting the invasion, and fought off the Japanese attempt to over run the island.
Lets go get out throats cut - a complete Noobs AAR
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
Dec 8th - War? What war?
8th December
After the initial shock of the attack wore off, Allied commanders began preparations to meet the Japanese assault.
In India, British and Indian infantry, armour and artillery units were ordered to begin embarking on transports to sail for the Indian-Burma border, while naval vessels also left ports to sail for Diamond Harbour to form a RN taskforce. Along the Burma-Siam border, Commonwealth forces began moving to form a defensive line from Rangoon to Mandalay to Imphal.
In Malaysia, scattered Commonwealth air and ground force were ordered to fall back towards Singapore to form a more unified defence. Orders were also given for the air forces gathered there. While Swordfish and Vildebeest would continue anti-shipping missions, the Hudson and Blenheim bombers would commence bombing Japanese troops and Blenheim night-fighters would start nighttime raids on Japanese airfields.
Chinese troops continue to hold their positions in the north, though in the south 3 Corps were ordered to attack towards Hong Kong to try and aid the small British garrison there, and a couple of Corps were orders to advance into Indochina, backed by the sole small armoured regiment the Chinese possessed – equipped with T26M Light Tanks, L3/35 Tankettes and BA-6 Armoured Cars. The Chinese air force also moved up, taking positions along the southern front. The bombers were to attack Japanese ground formations, while the old Soviet fighters they used trying to protect them.
Across the NEI, naval vessels and aircraft began moving to form a stronghold at Java. Dutch and US cruisers and destroyers were expected to form a task force to deal with any Japanese attacks.
From Australia, the Gull and Sparrow battalions were ordered to load up for transport to Port Moresby, while Australian and New Zealand warships were ordered to form up at Townsville, and planes were sent to the northern parts of Australia.
In the Philippines, two divisions counterattacked the Japanese landings at Legaspi, while in the north engineering and base units were ordered to fall back to join up with advancing infantry and armour.
The CVs Lexington and Enterprise, which were on patrol when Pearl was struck, were ordered to Wake Island to help the defenders there. USM Wildcats based at Wake were ordered to strike Japanese ground units.
From Pearl, two ASW groups headed out to deal with the numerous subs reported in the vicinity. The badly mauled air forces were left to regroup and repair. From the west coast of the US, transports began loading infantry, marines and air groups to head to Pearl, while combat vessels also began heading out to reinforce the US stronghold at Pearl.
Throughout the night of the 7th and into the early morning of the 8th, Japanese troops continue landing at Wake, the Philippines and in Malaysia. Defenders continued to lay down fire upon the Japanese troops, with hundreds reported dead at each landing site. Coastal guns at Wake also hit and set fire to two ships involved in the landings – the DD Mutsuki and the AP Kinryu Maru. Gunners at Khota Bharu in Malaysia also reported hitting the AP Kinka Maru.
Air activity was light, with only a handful of aircraft lost. B-17s attempting to bomb the CVL Ryujo near the Philippines scored the only air to air kill of the day when they brought down one of the 3 Claude’s on CAP. They were unable to hit the carrier though. Aircraft off the Ryojo attempted to hit 3 American DDs near the Philippines. One Kate torpedo bomber was destroyed, while the rest missed their targets.
The only Allied loss in the air was a Swordfish brought down by flak near Malaysia during an attack on the CA Mikuma. A single bomb hit the Mikuma.
Off of Pearl, an American ASW patrol caught and depth charged a Japanese submarine. It is unknown yet as to whether the sub was lost.
Japanese troops continued their attacks on many fronts. At Legapsi in the Philippines, they launched a shock attack, right into two newly arrived Filipino divisions. The Japanese were driven off with heavy losses.
Japanese troops on Wake made a desperate effort to dislodge the US defenders, but were also repulsed with heavy losses.
The first attack on Hong Kong ended with a stalemate. Outnumbered two to one, the British troops have little hope of survival but are fighting hard.
In the north of the Philippines, the Japanese invasion forces captured Vigan and Appari, forcing Allied troops to retreat.
Japanese troops in the north of Malaysia outnumbered the defenders of Khota Bharu 3:1. They launched a heavy attack, during which both sides suffered around 400 casualties. The defenders continued their fighting withdrawl.
The Japanese captured Guam, and the MSW Penguin was scuttled, having been badly damaged in the initial invasion.
After the initial shock of the attack wore off, Allied commanders began preparations to meet the Japanese assault.
In India, British and Indian infantry, armour and artillery units were ordered to begin embarking on transports to sail for the Indian-Burma border, while naval vessels also left ports to sail for Diamond Harbour to form a RN taskforce. Along the Burma-Siam border, Commonwealth forces began moving to form a defensive line from Rangoon to Mandalay to Imphal.
In Malaysia, scattered Commonwealth air and ground force were ordered to fall back towards Singapore to form a more unified defence. Orders were also given for the air forces gathered there. While Swordfish and Vildebeest would continue anti-shipping missions, the Hudson and Blenheim bombers would commence bombing Japanese troops and Blenheim night-fighters would start nighttime raids on Japanese airfields.
Chinese troops continue to hold their positions in the north, though in the south 3 Corps were ordered to attack towards Hong Kong to try and aid the small British garrison there, and a couple of Corps were orders to advance into Indochina, backed by the sole small armoured regiment the Chinese possessed – equipped with T26M Light Tanks, L3/35 Tankettes and BA-6 Armoured Cars. The Chinese air force also moved up, taking positions along the southern front. The bombers were to attack Japanese ground formations, while the old Soviet fighters they used trying to protect them.
Across the NEI, naval vessels and aircraft began moving to form a stronghold at Java. Dutch and US cruisers and destroyers were expected to form a task force to deal with any Japanese attacks.
From Australia, the Gull and Sparrow battalions were ordered to load up for transport to Port Moresby, while Australian and New Zealand warships were ordered to form up at Townsville, and planes were sent to the northern parts of Australia.
In the Philippines, two divisions counterattacked the Japanese landings at Legaspi, while in the north engineering and base units were ordered to fall back to join up with advancing infantry and armour.
The CVs Lexington and Enterprise, which were on patrol when Pearl was struck, were ordered to Wake Island to help the defenders there. USM Wildcats based at Wake were ordered to strike Japanese ground units.
From Pearl, two ASW groups headed out to deal with the numerous subs reported in the vicinity. The badly mauled air forces were left to regroup and repair. From the west coast of the US, transports began loading infantry, marines and air groups to head to Pearl, while combat vessels also began heading out to reinforce the US stronghold at Pearl.
Throughout the night of the 7th and into the early morning of the 8th, Japanese troops continue landing at Wake, the Philippines and in Malaysia. Defenders continued to lay down fire upon the Japanese troops, with hundreds reported dead at each landing site. Coastal guns at Wake also hit and set fire to two ships involved in the landings – the DD Mutsuki and the AP Kinryu Maru. Gunners at Khota Bharu in Malaysia also reported hitting the AP Kinka Maru.
Air activity was light, with only a handful of aircraft lost. B-17s attempting to bomb the CVL Ryujo near the Philippines scored the only air to air kill of the day when they brought down one of the 3 Claude’s on CAP. They were unable to hit the carrier though. Aircraft off the Ryojo attempted to hit 3 American DDs near the Philippines. One Kate torpedo bomber was destroyed, while the rest missed their targets.
The only Allied loss in the air was a Swordfish brought down by flak near Malaysia during an attack on the CA Mikuma. A single bomb hit the Mikuma.
Off of Pearl, an American ASW patrol caught and depth charged a Japanese submarine. It is unknown yet as to whether the sub was lost.
Japanese troops continued their attacks on many fronts. At Legapsi in the Philippines, they launched a shock attack, right into two newly arrived Filipino divisions. The Japanese were driven off with heavy losses.
Japanese troops on Wake made a desperate effort to dislodge the US defenders, but were also repulsed with heavy losses.
The first attack on Hong Kong ended with a stalemate. Outnumbered two to one, the British troops have little hope of survival but are fighting hard.
In the north of the Philippines, the Japanese invasion forces captured Vigan and Appari, forcing Allied troops to retreat.
Japanese troops in the north of Malaysia outnumbered the defenders of Khota Bharu 3:1. They launched a heavy attack, during which both sides suffered around 400 casualties. The defenders continued their fighting withdrawl.
The Japanese captured Guam, and the MSW Penguin was scuttled, having been badly damaged in the initial invasion.
Dec 9th - Heroic PT action in the Philippines
9th December
The Allied efforts to resupply, repair and transport continued as ships continued loading or began moving out from ports.
Off the north coast of the Philippines near Vigan, 6 PT boats made a night incursion in a hope of getting amongst Japanese transports. Instead they made contact with Japanese warships on patrol. In a series of running battles, all 6 PT boats were eventually sunk, but not before inflicting significant damage on the Japanese ships. Observers report seeing four Japanese destroyers on fire, while two of them (the Murasame and Minegumo) were spotted low in the water after massive internal explosions were seen. A further two destroyers and a light cruiser took minor damage. The crews of the PTs are being recommended for awards for their valiant efforts.
In Malaysia, the Allied withdrawal from Khota Bharu ended, allowing the Japanese to occupy the town. The airfield there had come under repeated air raids and will require some repair before it becomes fully operational for the Japanese.
There were some minor attacks in the region, with Swordfish and Blenheims launching attacks on Japanese ships and troops. A couple of Buffalos were lost to Japanese CAP during an attack on the Japanese 5th Division, while Swordfish scored a bomb hit on the CA Mogami. A raid on a Japanese MSW off of Khota Bharu was intercepted by Japanese Oscars and resulted in a pair of Buffalos and Swordfish being brought down.
Dauntless dive-bombers off of the CV Lexington scored the first confirmed Japanese sinking of the war, when they attacked Japanese ships at Wake. Three light cruisers suffered repeated bomb hits, and all three were on fire. One of them, the CL Tatsuta, sunk shortly after, while the CL Tenryu is expected not to last long. A Japanese destroyer was also hit but suffered minor damage.
The Allied navy also suffered loss to air power, with carrier planes off the CVL Ryujo attacking the AVD Heron at Manila. P-40 Warhawks intercepted the planes and were met by the A5M4 Claude escort. All the Claudes were shot down without loss to the Warhawks, but they tied up the Allied fighters long enough that only one Kate was able to be brought down before they launched their torpedos. The AVD Heron took three torpedo hits and sunk immediately, taking her commander with her.
Japanese continued pushing on the Hong Kong defence, but were unable to break through, suffering losses 6 times higher than the defenders. At Canton a large force of Chinese have started to arrive in an effort to try and break the siege of Hong Kong.
The Japanese invasion of Legaspi was called off due to the heavy defence there. It is expected one of the two Filipino divisions there will now head north to help contain the northern invasions, while B-17s based at Davao have been ordered to switch from attacking Japanese ships to Japanese airfields.
The Allied efforts to resupply, repair and transport continued as ships continued loading or began moving out from ports.
Off the north coast of the Philippines near Vigan, 6 PT boats made a night incursion in a hope of getting amongst Japanese transports. Instead they made contact with Japanese warships on patrol. In a series of running battles, all 6 PT boats were eventually sunk, but not before inflicting significant damage on the Japanese ships. Observers report seeing four Japanese destroyers on fire, while two of them (the Murasame and Minegumo) were spotted low in the water after massive internal explosions were seen. A further two destroyers and a light cruiser took minor damage. The crews of the PTs are being recommended for awards for their valiant efforts.
In Malaysia, the Allied withdrawal from Khota Bharu ended, allowing the Japanese to occupy the town. The airfield there had come under repeated air raids and will require some repair before it becomes fully operational for the Japanese.
There were some minor attacks in the region, with Swordfish and Blenheims launching attacks on Japanese ships and troops. A couple of Buffalos were lost to Japanese CAP during an attack on the Japanese 5th Division, while Swordfish scored a bomb hit on the CA Mogami. A raid on a Japanese MSW off of Khota Bharu was intercepted by Japanese Oscars and resulted in a pair of Buffalos and Swordfish being brought down.
Dauntless dive-bombers off of the CV Lexington scored the first confirmed Japanese sinking of the war, when they attacked Japanese ships at Wake. Three light cruisers suffered repeated bomb hits, and all three were on fire. One of them, the CL Tatsuta, sunk shortly after, while the CL Tenryu is expected not to last long. A Japanese destroyer was also hit but suffered minor damage.
The Allied navy also suffered loss to air power, with carrier planes off the CVL Ryujo attacking the AVD Heron at Manila. P-40 Warhawks intercepted the planes and were met by the A5M4 Claude escort. All the Claudes were shot down without loss to the Warhawks, but they tied up the Allied fighters long enough that only one Kate was able to be brought down before they launched their torpedos. The AVD Heron took three torpedo hits and sunk immediately, taking her commander with her.
Japanese continued pushing on the Hong Kong defence, but were unable to break through, suffering losses 6 times higher than the defenders. At Canton a large force of Chinese have started to arrive in an effort to try and break the siege of Hong Kong.
The Japanese invasion of Legaspi was called off due to the heavy defence there. It is expected one of the two Filipino divisions there will now head north to help contain the northern invasions, while B-17s based at Davao have been ordered to switch from attacking Japanese ships to Japanese airfields.
Dec 10th - Japanese in trouble at Wake
10th December
6 of the vessels damaged in the Pearl Harbour attack left for the west coast of America for repairs. The 4 BBs, CL and DD were reduced to slow speeds due to damage, but danger of sinking had passed. Another BB, the Tennessee, was still suffering flooding, but damage control crews were winning their battle against it.
Japanese troops began unloading on the unoccupied Makin Island and were able to capture it, though reports say over one hundred troops drowned during the landing.
British bombers in Malaysia tried to hit the port and airfields at Songkhia and Khota Bharu. The Allied planes saw no enemy resistance, but only managed one bomb hit on the Khota Bharu port.
Chinese bombers went into action against Japanese forces for the first time, with an attack on the 3rd Division. Japanese Nates tried to intercept, but were driven off by Chinese I-153Cs who shot down one of the Nates, the first confirmed Chinese air-to-air kill. The Chinese SB-2Cs were reported to have missed their targets though.
A Japanese attack on Rangoon saw 4 Buffalos intercept a large formation of Sallys with Oscar escorts. Two of the Buffalo’s were lost, but they were able to prevent the Sallys hitting anything.
The first Japanese raid on Rabual was made, with Betty bombers escorted by Zeros from Truk. No Wirraway fighters intercepted the raid, and the Japanese were able to inflict over 100 casualties on the defenders at Rabual.
A number of bomber raids hit Hong Kong and Canton, causing moderate casualties before Japanese troops launched attacks. At both Canton and Hong Kong the Japanese were beaten back, with the Japanese loosing almost three times as many troops as the Chinese at Canton.
Japanese shipping at Wake come under further pounding, with Dauntless bombers off the Lexington joined by Devastator torpedo-bombers and Wildcats based at Wake. The CL Tenryu, CL Yubari and DD Mutsuki were reduced to flaming hulks, but remarkable all three remained floating and were able to bring down one Dauntless bomber.
6 of the vessels damaged in the Pearl Harbour attack left for the west coast of America for repairs. The 4 BBs, CL and DD were reduced to slow speeds due to damage, but danger of sinking had passed. Another BB, the Tennessee, was still suffering flooding, but damage control crews were winning their battle against it.
Japanese troops began unloading on the unoccupied Makin Island and were able to capture it, though reports say over one hundred troops drowned during the landing.
British bombers in Malaysia tried to hit the port and airfields at Songkhia and Khota Bharu. The Allied planes saw no enemy resistance, but only managed one bomb hit on the Khota Bharu port.
Chinese bombers went into action against Japanese forces for the first time, with an attack on the 3rd Division. Japanese Nates tried to intercept, but were driven off by Chinese I-153Cs who shot down one of the Nates, the first confirmed Chinese air-to-air kill. The Chinese SB-2Cs were reported to have missed their targets though.
A Japanese attack on Rangoon saw 4 Buffalos intercept a large formation of Sallys with Oscar escorts. Two of the Buffalo’s were lost, but they were able to prevent the Sallys hitting anything.
The first Japanese raid on Rabual was made, with Betty bombers escorted by Zeros from Truk. No Wirraway fighters intercepted the raid, and the Japanese were able to inflict over 100 casualties on the defenders at Rabual.
A number of bomber raids hit Hong Kong and Canton, causing moderate casualties before Japanese troops launched attacks. At both Canton and Hong Kong the Japanese were beaten back, with the Japanese loosing almost three times as many troops as the Chinese at Canton.
Japanese shipping at Wake come under further pounding, with Dauntless bombers off the Lexington joined by Devastator torpedo-bombers and Wildcats based at Wake. The CL Tenryu, CL Yubari and DD Mutsuki were reduced to flaming hulks, but remarkable all three remained floating and were able to bring down one Dauntless bomber.
Dec 11th - First Allies sub strike
11th December
During the night, the Dutch sub SS KXI made the first submarine attack of the war, hitting the AK Hozan Maru #5 with a single torpedo. It was seen drifting off ablaze.
Rangoon came under air attack again, with only three Buffalos able to respond. Outnumbered six to one by enemy Oscars, they were lucky to only loose one plane. Sally bombers managed slightly better than their early attacks, with a single bomb hitting Rangoon’s runway. Allied commanders are planning on moving some of the AVG towards Rangoon to aid Allied forces there.
Buffalo and Blenheims continued their attacks on Khota Bharu but were unable to score any hits. Allied planers may opt for attacking at lower alts, as the Oscar fighters that try to intercept have had little luck and it may also improve bomb accuracy.
The Japanese fleet at Wake made a run for it after recovering the failed invasion forces. The Lexington aircrews were loathe to let them go with out a farewell present, and hit the DD Yayoi, the AP Kinryu Maru and AP Kongo Maru, setting them all on fire, but none have been reported as having sunk.
RAAF Hudsons attacked a Japanese ML operating north of Rabual, but they were unable to hit. Sigint indicated that the Japanese are preparing to invade Rabual, and this is though to be in preparations for the attack.
Bombing raids and attacks around Hong Kong and Canton continued. The British defenders of Hong Kong have been fighting bravely against the odds, but the defence shows signs of wavering.
Japanese troops landed at Tarawa Atoll and occupied the undefended island. They also landed at Kuching on Borneo. A force of Dutch and American cruisers and destroyers is being prepared to head to the region to engage the Japanese naval forces.
Japanese forces occupied the abandoned town of Alor Star in northern Malaysia.
During the night, the Dutch sub SS KXI made the first submarine attack of the war, hitting the AK Hozan Maru #5 with a single torpedo. It was seen drifting off ablaze.
Rangoon came under air attack again, with only three Buffalos able to respond. Outnumbered six to one by enemy Oscars, they were lucky to only loose one plane. Sally bombers managed slightly better than their early attacks, with a single bomb hitting Rangoon’s runway. Allied commanders are planning on moving some of the AVG towards Rangoon to aid Allied forces there.
Buffalo and Blenheims continued their attacks on Khota Bharu but were unable to score any hits. Allied planers may opt for attacking at lower alts, as the Oscar fighters that try to intercept have had little luck and it may also improve bomb accuracy.
The Japanese fleet at Wake made a run for it after recovering the failed invasion forces. The Lexington aircrews were loathe to let them go with out a farewell present, and hit the DD Yayoi, the AP Kinryu Maru and AP Kongo Maru, setting them all on fire, but none have been reported as having sunk.
RAAF Hudsons attacked a Japanese ML operating north of Rabual, but they were unable to hit. Sigint indicated that the Japanese are preparing to invade Rabual, and this is though to be in preparations for the attack.
Bombing raids and attacks around Hong Kong and Canton continued. The British defenders of Hong Kong have been fighting bravely against the odds, but the defence shows signs of wavering.
Japanese troops landed at Tarawa Atoll and occupied the undefended island. They also landed at Kuching on Borneo. A force of Dutch and American cruisers and destroyers is being prepared to head to the region to engage the Japanese naval forces.
Japanese forces occupied the abandoned town of Alor Star in northern Malaysia.
Dec 12th - US carriers pound Japanese ships
12th December
Japanese troops continued landing at Kuching, and also on the unoccupied island of Apamama in the Gilbert Islands.
Blenheims flying at lower altitudes struck at the ports in Alor Star and met no enemy air. They were able to land two bombs on the port facilities.
Chinese bombers conducted another attack on the 3rd Japanese division and were able to hit. Analysts estimate almost 100 Japanese were killed.
Japanese ships trying to flee from Wake to Kwajalein were hit by repeated raids from planes off the Lexington and also the Enterprise throughout the day. The end result was a trail of broken and burning ships, though none were seen to sink. The destroyers Mochizuki, Hayate, Kisaragi, Oite, Kisaragi and Mutsuki as well as the AP Kinryu Maru were all seen burning, with most heavily damaged and listing as well. Four Nells from Kwajalein attempted to hit the American carriers to put an end to the punishment, but CAP shot down one and the others were unable to hit. Authorities have ordered the carriers to pull back some distance to avoid land-based carriers while they continue to destroy the Japanese shipping.
Wirraways at Rabaul tried making low-level attacks on Japanese shipping that were loading troops, but were unable to score any hits.
In China, Japanese troops launched an attack on Chinese cavalry northeast of Wuhan. The Chinese cavalry routed the attack, killing over an estimate 1100 Japanese for less than 50 of their own lost. Another attack by the Japanese at Canton saw even heavier casualties amongst the Japanese. However the valiant defenders of Hong Kong surrendered, freeing up over 20,000 Japanese troops who are expected to join in the battle for Canton.
Further wast, Chinese troops marched into Nanning, which the Japanese had abandoned, resulting in the first Chinese town liberated from oppressive Japanese rule.
Chinese troops advancing into Indochina meet heavy resistance east of Hanoi and lost over 1000 troops when they ran into Japanese forces twice their size. The Chinese are expected to pull back to wait for further reinforcements
Japanese troops continued landing at Kuching, and also on the unoccupied island of Apamama in the Gilbert Islands.
Blenheims flying at lower altitudes struck at the ports in Alor Star and met no enemy air. They were able to land two bombs on the port facilities.
Chinese bombers conducted another attack on the 3rd Japanese division and were able to hit. Analysts estimate almost 100 Japanese were killed.
Japanese ships trying to flee from Wake to Kwajalein were hit by repeated raids from planes off the Lexington and also the Enterprise throughout the day. The end result was a trail of broken and burning ships, though none were seen to sink. The destroyers Mochizuki, Hayate, Kisaragi, Oite, Kisaragi and Mutsuki as well as the AP Kinryu Maru were all seen burning, with most heavily damaged and listing as well. Four Nells from Kwajalein attempted to hit the American carriers to put an end to the punishment, but CAP shot down one and the others were unable to hit. Authorities have ordered the carriers to pull back some distance to avoid land-based carriers while they continue to destroy the Japanese shipping.
Wirraways at Rabaul tried making low-level attacks on Japanese shipping that were loading troops, but were unable to score any hits.
In China, Japanese troops launched an attack on Chinese cavalry northeast of Wuhan. The Chinese cavalry routed the attack, killing over an estimate 1100 Japanese for less than 50 of their own lost. Another attack by the Japanese at Canton saw even heavier casualties amongst the Japanese. However the valiant defenders of Hong Kong surrendered, freeing up over 20,000 Japanese troops who are expected to join in the battle for Canton.
Further wast, Chinese troops marched into Nanning, which the Japanese had abandoned, resulting in the first Chinese town liberated from oppressive Japanese rule.
Chinese troops advancing into Indochina meet heavy resistance east of Hanoi and lost over 1000 troops when they ran into Japanese forces twice their size. The Chinese are expected to pull back to wait for further reinforcements
Dec 13th - A black day for the IJN
13th December
December 13th, 1941, will be marked as a black day for the IJN. Scout planes operating from Wake and the US Carriers nearby found no evidence of the Japanese ships that had been pounded throughout the previous day except for scattered debris. It is though most must have sunk during the night, but as yet there is no conformation of this.
Matters only got worse for the IJN later in the day north of their landings at Kuching on Borneo. Coastal gunners first hit the PC Shonan Maru #7 and set it on fire as it assisted landing troops, then a combined Dutch and US force of cruisers and destroyers sailed in amongst the IJN ships. Lead by the CA Houston, it also contained 7 CLs and 16 DDs. The first force hit was made up of over 25 transports and escorted by only a MSW and a ML. The ML Hatsutaka and MSW Wa 3 were targeted first and quickly sunk before the Allies ships sailed in amongst the transports firing at will. The AP Iwaki Maru, AP Meiu Maru and AP Midori Maru were seen to sink, while 4 other transports were seen to be burning and 2 more suffered hits before the two groups separated. Many Japanese soldiers from the 35th Brigade were aboard these vessels and analysts estimate more than 2000 were lost when the ships sunk.
Not content with this turkey shoot, the Allied ships then hit another group of Japanese ships, this time much smaller. The MSW Ranzan Maru, PG Hashidate, PG Eifuku Maru and PC Shonan Maru #7 were sunk, while three of the 4 transports they were escorting were set ablaze and the 4th damaged.
Despite the Japanese ships returning fire, the Allies ships suffered negligible damage, but are expected to return to harbour in Java to avoid almost certain retaliatory Japanese air raids.
As well as the continuing the landings at Kuching and Rabaul, the Japanese launched invasions at Davao and tried another landing at Legaspi in the southern Philippines.
Coastal gunners at Rabaul were unable to hit the Japanese ships, but Wirrarays performed exceptional. Twice they attacked the Japanese ships and both times landed 2 bombs on the ML Kurosaki, setting it ablaze and listing. Then a pair of Wirraways faced off a raid from Truk comprising 21 Zeros and 21 Bettys. Not only did they avoid being shot down, they also brought down one of the Bettys. It was not enough to stop the troops being bombed though. While they still outnumbered the Japanese invasion force, the Rabaul garrison attempted to drive them back into the sea without success.
At Davao, gunners hit a ML involved in the invasion and set fire to a MSW. There was no combat between ground troops.
The Legaspi invasion saw a PG involved being hit by costal gunners, while up to 1000 Japanese were reported dead either landing or in the follow up artillery bombardments by defenders.
In the north of the Philippines, the Japanese captured Laong, while bombers raided Lingayen and did some damage to the unoccupied airfield. A second follow up attack was met by a force of P-40E Warhawks from Clark. They shot down a number of Kate bombers and their Oscar escorts without loss. The pilots claim 11 kills, but analysts’ say only 4 Japanese planes were lost.
After a long trip, 3 DDs that had left Hong Kong on the 8th neared Singapore, after having come via the Philippines and Borneo. Along the way they had come under an unsuccessful submarine attack and with Singapore in sight a force of Japanese aircraft attacked them. A force of Buffalos reacted to the attack, but 4 were lost without hitting the enemy. The SLDR of 243 Squadron bailed out and was reported as having been captured. None of the bombers was able to hit the DDs and they safely made it to Singapore.
The clashes between Chinese and Japanese troops continued with increased ferocity. Neither side was willing to take a step back at Canton and the battle is expected to grind on for some time. The battle near Wuhan between Chinese cavalry and Japanese infantry saw the Japanese take slightly heavier losses but was also a stalemate.
Only in Indochina were the Japanese victorious, driving back the Chinese forces, but taking losses 10 times heavier than the Chinese. Only their weight of numbers resulted in the Chinese retreat.
In Malaysia, the Japanese forces occupied Georgetown.
December 13th, 1941, will be marked as a black day for the IJN. Scout planes operating from Wake and the US Carriers nearby found no evidence of the Japanese ships that had been pounded throughout the previous day except for scattered debris. It is though most must have sunk during the night, but as yet there is no conformation of this.
Matters only got worse for the IJN later in the day north of their landings at Kuching on Borneo. Coastal gunners first hit the PC Shonan Maru #7 and set it on fire as it assisted landing troops, then a combined Dutch and US force of cruisers and destroyers sailed in amongst the IJN ships. Lead by the CA Houston, it also contained 7 CLs and 16 DDs. The first force hit was made up of over 25 transports and escorted by only a MSW and a ML. The ML Hatsutaka and MSW Wa 3 were targeted first and quickly sunk before the Allies ships sailed in amongst the transports firing at will. The AP Iwaki Maru, AP Meiu Maru and AP Midori Maru were seen to sink, while 4 other transports were seen to be burning and 2 more suffered hits before the two groups separated. Many Japanese soldiers from the 35th Brigade were aboard these vessels and analysts estimate more than 2000 were lost when the ships sunk.
Not content with this turkey shoot, the Allied ships then hit another group of Japanese ships, this time much smaller. The MSW Ranzan Maru, PG Hashidate, PG Eifuku Maru and PC Shonan Maru #7 were sunk, while three of the 4 transports they were escorting were set ablaze and the 4th damaged.
Despite the Japanese ships returning fire, the Allies ships suffered negligible damage, but are expected to return to harbour in Java to avoid almost certain retaliatory Japanese air raids.
As well as the continuing the landings at Kuching and Rabaul, the Japanese launched invasions at Davao and tried another landing at Legaspi in the southern Philippines.
Coastal gunners at Rabaul were unable to hit the Japanese ships, but Wirrarays performed exceptional. Twice they attacked the Japanese ships and both times landed 2 bombs on the ML Kurosaki, setting it ablaze and listing. Then a pair of Wirraways faced off a raid from Truk comprising 21 Zeros and 21 Bettys. Not only did they avoid being shot down, they also brought down one of the Bettys. It was not enough to stop the troops being bombed though. While they still outnumbered the Japanese invasion force, the Rabaul garrison attempted to drive them back into the sea without success.
At Davao, gunners hit a ML involved in the invasion and set fire to a MSW. There was no combat between ground troops.
The Legaspi invasion saw a PG involved being hit by costal gunners, while up to 1000 Japanese were reported dead either landing or in the follow up artillery bombardments by defenders.
In the north of the Philippines, the Japanese captured Laong, while bombers raided Lingayen and did some damage to the unoccupied airfield. A second follow up attack was met by a force of P-40E Warhawks from Clark. They shot down a number of Kate bombers and their Oscar escorts without loss. The pilots claim 11 kills, but analysts’ say only 4 Japanese planes were lost.
After a long trip, 3 DDs that had left Hong Kong on the 8th neared Singapore, after having come via the Philippines and Borneo. Along the way they had come under an unsuccessful submarine attack and with Singapore in sight a force of Japanese aircraft attacked them. A force of Buffalos reacted to the attack, but 4 were lost without hitting the enemy. The SLDR of 243 Squadron bailed out and was reported as having been captured. None of the bombers was able to hit the DDs and they safely made it to Singapore.
The clashes between Chinese and Japanese troops continued with increased ferocity. Neither side was willing to take a step back at Canton and the battle is expected to grind on for some time. The battle near Wuhan between Chinese cavalry and Japanese infantry saw the Japanese take slightly heavier losses but was also a stalemate.
Only in Indochina were the Japanese victorious, driving back the Chinese forces, but taking losses 10 times heavier than the Chinese. Only their weight of numbers resulted in the Chinese retreat.
In Malaysia, the Japanese forces occupied Georgetown.
Dec 14th - More IJN losses at Kuching
14th December
The Dutch submarines SS KXI and SS KXII made attacks off the coast of Indochina against Japanese transports. Both hit with two torpedos. The victim of the SS KXII was confirmed sunk. The SS KXI saw its victim on fire and flooding before depth charge attacks from two PGs forced it to dive.
The Dutch and US naval force headed for home during the night, but not before revisiting the Japanese transport force it attacked during the day. Two more transports were sent to the bottom, while three others were left on fire and many more soldiers from the 35th Brigade were killed.
Japanese troops continued to storm ashore at Davao and Legapsi. At both places coastal gunner hit vessels involved in the landings. One of them, a MSW involved in clearing mines at Davao, was left burning and listing. However both places were lost to heavy Japanese attacks in large numbers. Japanese troops were made to pay dearly for their advances, suffering twice as many casualties.
Another air attack on Rangoon saw outnumbered Buffalo fighters fare poorly against large numbers of Japanese bombers, though damage to the airfield was light. With the arrival of a new AF base unit, there is now room for some of the AVG to take up residence in Rangoon.
Wirraway fighters at Rabual made further attacks on Japanese shipping but were unable to hit any. The fighters are to be withdrawn to Port Moresby shortly. Ground combat around Rabual proved inconclusive, as it did at Kuching. The loss of the 35th Brigade due to Allies shipping has slowed the Japanese attack there, but sigint reports an entire division is on the way to Kuching.
Outnumbered almost three to one now, the Chinese troops at Canton were forced to retreat, but in the process reportedly inflicted almost three thousand casualties and destroyed many Japanese guns for only three hundred dead of their own. The combat near Wuhan continued to remain in stalemate though Japanese losses were reportedly substantially heavier than Chinese ones.
The Dutch submarines SS KXI and SS KXII made attacks off the coast of Indochina against Japanese transports. Both hit with two torpedos. The victim of the SS KXII was confirmed sunk. The SS KXI saw its victim on fire and flooding before depth charge attacks from two PGs forced it to dive.
The Dutch and US naval force headed for home during the night, but not before revisiting the Japanese transport force it attacked during the day. Two more transports were sent to the bottom, while three others were left on fire and many more soldiers from the 35th Brigade were killed.
Japanese troops continued to storm ashore at Davao and Legapsi. At both places coastal gunner hit vessels involved in the landings. One of them, a MSW involved in clearing mines at Davao, was left burning and listing. However both places were lost to heavy Japanese attacks in large numbers. Japanese troops were made to pay dearly for their advances, suffering twice as many casualties.
Another air attack on Rangoon saw outnumbered Buffalo fighters fare poorly against large numbers of Japanese bombers, though damage to the airfield was light. With the arrival of a new AF base unit, there is now room for some of the AVG to take up residence in Rangoon.
Wirraway fighters at Rabual made further attacks on Japanese shipping but were unable to hit any. The fighters are to be withdrawn to Port Moresby shortly. Ground combat around Rabual proved inconclusive, as it did at Kuching. The loss of the 35th Brigade due to Allies shipping has slowed the Japanese attack there, but sigint reports an entire division is on the way to Kuching.
Outnumbered almost three to one now, the Chinese troops at Canton were forced to retreat, but in the process reportedly inflicted almost three thousand casualties and destroyed many Japanese guns for only three hundred dead of their own. The combat near Wuhan continued to remain in stalemate though Japanese losses were reportedly substantially heavier than Chinese ones.
RE: Dec 14th - More IJN losses at Kuching
Are you playing against the AI? What are the settings?
BTW, good luck [:)]
BTW, good luck [:)]
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Capt. Harlock
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RE: Dec 14th - More IJN losses at Kuching
Very well written AAR. When playing against a human, however, my advice is to send no carriers to Wake -- the KB is almost certain to show up rapidly.
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
RE: Dec 14th - More IJN losses at Kuching
Playing against the AI - don't have enough experience to go up against a human player yet.
From memory setting were Historic start locations, 7th Dec surprise, auto-subs, historic difficulty (will probably raise this later when I get a bit more confident and understanding of the game) and sub doctrine off.
I was a bit worried about the CVs at Wake. Soon as the first land-based Nells appeared I pulled them out.
From memory setting were Historic start locations, 7th Dec surprise, auto-subs, historic difficulty (will probably raise this later when I get a bit more confident and understanding of the game) and sub doctrine off.
I was a bit worried about the CVs at Wake. Soon as the first land-based Nells appeared I pulled them out.
Dec 15th
15th December
The battleship Tennessee, the last ship damaged in the Pearl harbour attack, departed for San Francisco for repairs after having the last of the flooding pumped out.
There were some dramas nearby when a Japanese submarine was spotted not far from the Tennessee by an ASW patrol. They reported depth charging it and hearing large explosions, but there has been no conformation of it being sunk.
The carnage near Kuching continued amongst Japanese shipping. During the night, one of the transports shot up by the Dutch/US force sunk. Despite the losses it had suffered, the Japanese tried to land what remained of the 35th Brigade. Gunners at Kuching proceeded to shoot up three AGs involved in the task, sinking one and leaving another on fire and listing. Dutch T.IVa torpedo-bombers then joined in, hitting another transport with a torpedo and leaving it on fire.
Despite all these losses, the Japanese were able to land the remnants of the 35th Brigade, and they joined up with seven SNLF units to attack and capture Kuching.
Japanese aircraft launched another raid on Rangoon, unaware that AVG Tomahawks had taken up residence alongside the battered Buffalo pilots. A dozen Tomahawks and three Buffalos intercepted a raid of around eighty planes. The Buffalos were quickly driven off, but the AVG pilots shot down eight planes before the bombs were dropped. Very minor damage was suffered to the airfield as a result. The Buffalo pilots were suffering low morale due to previous combat, and have been switched from escort duties to bombing Japanese ground positions when they come into range.
Japanese bombers launched an attack on the Chinese airfields at Wuchow. 4 Chinese fighters tried to intercept but were unable to bring down any planes or stop the bombing. 4 Chinese planes on the ground were destroyed.
Chinese bombers retaliated against the Japanese ground forces in combat north-east of Wuhan. While not causing great casualties, the constant bomber raids are proving a morale boost to Chinese troops in the vicinity.
Japanese troops have pushed out of Indochina and are threatening to surround Nanning. Fresh Chinese troops are moving to the region to try and prevent any encircling.
Blenheim bombers raided the Khota Bharu airfield, and were able to cause moderate casualties and damage but it appears no enemy aircraft are based there, while in the north of Malaysia, Taiping was captured.
The battleship Tennessee, the last ship damaged in the Pearl harbour attack, departed for San Francisco for repairs after having the last of the flooding pumped out.
There were some dramas nearby when a Japanese submarine was spotted not far from the Tennessee by an ASW patrol. They reported depth charging it and hearing large explosions, but there has been no conformation of it being sunk.
The carnage near Kuching continued amongst Japanese shipping. During the night, one of the transports shot up by the Dutch/US force sunk. Despite the losses it had suffered, the Japanese tried to land what remained of the 35th Brigade. Gunners at Kuching proceeded to shoot up three AGs involved in the task, sinking one and leaving another on fire and listing. Dutch T.IVa torpedo-bombers then joined in, hitting another transport with a torpedo and leaving it on fire.
Despite all these losses, the Japanese were able to land the remnants of the 35th Brigade, and they joined up with seven SNLF units to attack and capture Kuching.
Japanese aircraft launched another raid on Rangoon, unaware that AVG Tomahawks had taken up residence alongside the battered Buffalo pilots. A dozen Tomahawks and three Buffalos intercepted a raid of around eighty planes. The Buffalos were quickly driven off, but the AVG pilots shot down eight planes before the bombs were dropped. Very minor damage was suffered to the airfield as a result. The Buffalo pilots were suffering low morale due to previous combat, and have been switched from escort duties to bombing Japanese ground positions when they come into range.
Japanese bombers launched an attack on the Chinese airfields at Wuchow. 4 Chinese fighters tried to intercept but were unable to bring down any planes or stop the bombing. 4 Chinese planes on the ground were destroyed.
Chinese bombers retaliated against the Japanese ground forces in combat north-east of Wuhan. While not causing great casualties, the constant bomber raids are proving a morale boost to Chinese troops in the vicinity.
Japanese troops have pushed out of Indochina and are threatening to surround Nanning. Fresh Chinese troops are moving to the region to try and prevent any encircling.
Blenheim bombers raided the Khota Bharu airfield, and were able to cause moderate casualties and damage but it appears no enemy aircraft are based there, while in the north of Malaysia, Taiping was captured.
Dec 16th
16th December
During the early hours of morning, SS Porpoise made the first attack by a US submarine when it launched a torpedo on a Japanese MSW. It missed and was forced to take evasive action as two MSWs hunted for it, but failed to locate it.
Japanese bombers continued to attack the Wuchow airfield in southern China. 18 unescorted Sonias came in at low level, and were intercepted by 6 I-16Cs. The Chinese pilots were able to bring down two before the Japanese bombers released their payload. Luckily only one bomb impacted on the runaway. Chinese commanders are planning on relocating one of the bomber units located at Wuchow and bringing in another fighter unit to combat the raids.
Having been rebuffed at Rangoon the day before, Japanese planes struck at Moulmein airfield to the south of Rangoon. 8 Tomahawks from AVG/A and 3 Buffalos intercepted them. One of the Tomahawks was lost, though the pilot bailed out safely. The AVG claimed to have shot down five of the enemy, though analysts believe the number was lower than this. The unoccupied airfield at Moulmein took some light damage. As the Allies are not planning on using this airfield, they are happy to let the Japanese raid it and ignore Rangoon airfield.
Dutch torpedo bombers were in action again near Kuching, hitting another transport with a single torpedo. While the ship was seen listing, no fires were spotted.
American and Filipino troops based at Lingayen came under repeated air attacks during the day. In three of the raids, Allied fighters went into action, having repaired enough planes from the 7th of December attacks to be able to deploy in sufficient numbers. Five US fighters were shot down, while the Japanese lost around twice that number, mainly from an unescorted raid of Nell and Betty bombers.
Despite the constant rain of bombs that caused around 150 casualties and half a dozen guns, the US and Filipino troops attacked Japanese troops that were landing in the region. Casualties were extremely light on both sides as the Japanese retreated towards occupied Vigan.
A Japanese force occupied the island of Nauru in a continued expansion through the Pacific. Concerned by this expansion, Allied commanders dispatched a number of Catalina squadrons from Pearl Harbour to Fiji to keep an eye out for Japanese shipping. However, apart from a few RNZAF Hudsons at Fiji, the Allies had no combat aircraft to attack any Japanese forces, and precious little in the way of ground forces. With US bomber forces and ground troops nearing Pearl, it is expected some of these will be used to garrison the Pacific islands.
During the early hours of morning, SS Porpoise made the first attack by a US submarine when it launched a torpedo on a Japanese MSW. It missed and was forced to take evasive action as two MSWs hunted for it, but failed to locate it.
Japanese bombers continued to attack the Wuchow airfield in southern China. 18 unescorted Sonias came in at low level, and were intercepted by 6 I-16Cs. The Chinese pilots were able to bring down two before the Japanese bombers released their payload. Luckily only one bomb impacted on the runaway. Chinese commanders are planning on relocating one of the bomber units located at Wuchow and bringing in another fighter unit to combat the raids.
Having been rebuffed at Rangoon the day before, Japanese planes struck at Moulmein airfield to the south of Rangoon. 8 Tomahawks from AVG/A and 3 Buffalos intercepted them. One of the Tomahawks was lost, though the pilot bailed out safely. The AVG claimed to have shot down five of the enemy, though analysts believe the number was lower than this. The unoccupied airfield at Moulmein took some light damage. As the Allies are not planning on using this airfield, they are happy to let the Japanese raid it and ignore Rangoon airfield.
Dutch torpedo bombers were in action again near Kuching, hitting another transport with a single torpedo. While the ship was seen listing, no fires were spotted.
American and Filipino troops based at Lingayen came under repeated air attacks during the day. In three of the raids, Allied fighters went into action, having repaired enough planes from the 7th of December attacks to be able to deploy in sufficient numbers. Five US fighters were shot down, while the Japanese lost around twice that number, mainly from an unescorted raid of Nell and Betty bombers.
Despite the constant rain of bombs that caused around 150 casualties and half a dozen guns, the US and Filipino troops attacked Japanese troops that were landing in the region. Casualties were extremely light on both sides as the Japanese retreated towards occupied Vigan.
A Japanese force occupied the island of Nauru in a continued expansion through the Pacific. Concerned by this expansion, Allied commanders dispatched a number of Catalina squadrons from Pearl Harbour to Fiji to keep an eye out for Japanese shipping. However, apart from a few RNZAF Hudsons at Fiji, the Allies had no combat aircraft to attack any Japanese forces, and precious little in the way of ground forces. With US bomber forces and ground troops nearing Pearl, it is expected some of these will be used to garrison the Pacific islands.
Dec 17th
17th December
During the night, a second AG damaged by Kuching Coastal gunners was reported to have sunk. It was also an eventful night for the subs. The Dutch KXI hit another transport, this time with 3 torpedos. The Shark, Searaven, Seal and Sargo were all targeted by ASW patrols, but none were hit. During the early hours of the morning, a Japanese Ki-30 Ann spotted the Shark on the surface and attacked her. The Shark suffered light damage before she dived, but reported being able to continue her patrol.
British Blenheim IF night fighters conducted their first night time attack of the campaign, hitting the Japanese airfield at Georgetown. Damage was reported to have been extremely light.
The Chinese carried out the forecast switch of bombers and fighters between Wuchow and Kweilin. The Japanese reacted by attacking the Kweilin airfield. Chinese fighters were unable to stop the raid, which resulted in one Chinese SB-2C bomber being destroyed on the ground.
Japanese bombers again targeted Rangoon in their effort to knock the airfield out there. Both sides took a handful of losses in the dogfight above the city, but it was not enough to stop the bombs being dropped. Allied ground crews have been able to quickly repair the damage after each raid. Orders came through that the Buffalos were to be pulled out of Rangoon back to Aykab, while AVG/C was to join AVG/A at Rangoon.
In retaliation, British Blenheims hit the airfield at Songkhia in the south of Siam. Two Ki-54 Hickory transport planes were destroyed by the Blenheim crews, causing Allied planners to wonder at their presence.
No sooner had the Blenheims returned to base than Singapore came under attack for the first time. 3 Betty bombers arrived with an escort of 21 Zeros. The dozen Buffalo fighters who intercepted stood little chance, with half of them being shot down for no enemy losses. A bomb reportedly hit the BC Repulse, causing minor damage. Allied commanders are thought to be worried about the lack of success Buffalos are having defending Singapore, and it is thought that they may bring in part of the AVG to boost Allied capabilities in the air.
Japanese troops captured Naga in the Philippines, closing in on Manila from the south, while Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan fell in Malaysia as the Japanese continued to push south towards Singapore. A Japanese tank regiment was amongst the units that captured Kuala Lumpa.
In combat north of Canton, Chinese forces were pushed back despite causing heavy losses amongst the Japanese.
During the night, a second AG damaged by Kuching Coastal gunners was reported to have sunk. It was also an eventful night for the subs. The Dutch KXI hit another transport, this time with 3 torpedos. The Shark, Searaven, Seal and Sargo were all targeted by ASW patrols, but none were hit. During the early hours of the morning, a Japanese Ki-30 Ann spotted the Shark on the surface and attacked her. The Shark suffered light damage before she dived, but reported being able to continue her patrol.
British Blenheim IF night fighters conducted their first night time attack of the campaign, hitting the Japanese airfield at Georgetown. Damage was reported to have been extremely light.
The Chinese carried out the forecast switch of bombers and fighters between Wuchow and Kweilin. The Japanese reacted by attacking the Kweilin airfield. Chinese fighters were unable to stop the raid, which resulted in one Chinese SB-2C bomber being destroyed on the ground.
Japanese bombers again targeted Rangoon in their effort to knock the airfield out there. Both sides took a handful of losses in the dogfight above the city, but it was not enough to stop the bombs being dropped. Allied ground crews have been able to quickly repair the damage after each raid. Orders came through that the Buffalos were to be pulled out of Rangoon back to Aykab, while AVG/C was to join AVG/A at Rangoon.
In retaliation, British Blenheims hit the airfield at Songkhia in the south of Siam. Two Ki-54 Hickory transport planes were destroyed by the Blenheim crews, causing Allied planners to wonder at their presence.
No sooner had the Blenheims returned to base than Singapore came under attack for the first time. 3 Betty bombers arrived with an escort of 21 Zeros. The dozen Buffalo fighters who intercepted stood little chance, with half of them being shot down for no enemy losses. A bomb reportedly hit the BC Repulse, causing minor damage. Allied commanders are thought to be worried about the lack of success Buffalos are having defending Singapore, and it is thought that they may bring in part of the AVG to boost Allied capabilities in the air.
Japanese troops captured Naga in the Philippines, closing in on Manila from the south, while Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan fell in Malaysia as the Japanese continued to push south towards Singapore. A Japanese tank regiment was amongst the units that captured Kuala Lumpa.
In combat north of Canton, Chinese forces were pushed back despite causing heavy losses amongst the Japanese.
Dec 18th
18th December
Despite dodging ASW patrols south of China, the SS Sculpin was able to put a torpedo into a Japanese transport.
Georgetown came under a concentrated assault by Allies bombers, starting off with an attack of Blenheim IF night fighters that scored 2 Ki-15 Babs. The following day a formation of Hudson and Blenheim I bombers arrived. Despite not having an escort and being intercepted by Oscar fighters, none were lost despite many taking damage. Their bombs caused moderate damage to the runways but more important were the destruction of around nine bombers.
Vildebeest and Swordfish made attacks on Japanese shipping off of Malaysia. One Swordfish was lost during an unsuccessful attack on the CA Suzuya, while the Vildebeest were more successful scoring two bomb hits on a Japanese transport.
Dutch torpedo-bombers continued their successful sorties, with two of the four T.IVa bombers scoring torpedo hits on a Japanese transport near Kuching.
Japanese troops landed on Jolo in the Philippines, though were yet to conduct operations against the defenders. On Rabual and at Tuguegarao in the Philippines, both sides wee happy to exchange artillery fire. Only in the continuing battles near Wuhan did the Japanese attack, but were once more beaten back with losses.
At Pearl Harbour, the Lexington and Enterprise returned from their cruise near Wake. They are expected to rest for a while before joining up with the Saratoga for future missions.
Also to arrive at Pearl was TF 1042 carrying the 41st BG and half of the 2nd USMC.
Despite dodging ASW patrols south of China, the SS Sculpin was able to put a torpedo into a Japanese transport.
Georgetown came under a concentrated assault by Allies bombers, starting off with an attack of Blenheim IF night fighters that scored 2 Ki-15 Babs. The following day a formation of Hudson and Blenheim I bombers arrived. Despite not having an escort and being intercepted by Oscar fighters, none were lost despite many taking damage. Their bombs caused moderate damage to the runways but more important were the destruction of around nine bombers.
Vildebeest and Swordfish made attacks on Japanese shipping off of Malaysia. One Swordfish was lost during an unsuccessful attack on the CA Suzuya, while the Vildebeest were more successful scoring two bomb hits on a Japanese transport.
Dutch torpedo-bombers continued their successful sorties, with two of the four T.IVa bombers scoring torpedo hits on a Japanese transport near Kuching.
Japanese troops landed on Jolo in the Philippines, though were yet to conduct operations against the defenders. On Rabual and at Tuguegarao in the Philippines, both sides wee happy to exchange artillery fire. Only in the continuing battles near Wuhan did the Japanese attack, but were once more beaten back with losses.
At Pearl Harbour, the Lexington and Enterprise returned from their cruise near Wake. They are expected to rest for a while before joining up with the Saratoga for future missions.
Also to arrive at Pearl was TF 1042 carrying the 41st BG and half of the 2nd USMC.
Dec 19th
I had to go back and put the correct 15th of December turn in - all susequent turns up to the 19th of December got bumped back one day.
19th December
During the night there were reports that a Japanese MSW that had been damaged during the invasion of Davao back on the 13th had sunk.
Japanese troops continued their landings, at Rabual, Jolo, Lamon Bay and a second attempt at Lingayen. The Japanese seem content to build up their forces at Rabual, but Jolo was quickly over run and the small garrison taken prisoner.
Japanese forces continued their advance south through Malaysia, taking Malacca and clashing with two Commonwealth Brigades still retreating, forcing them back further.
Weather forced the cancellation of the Blenheim IF attack on Georgetown, though the Hudsons and Blenheims were able to make their attack. Only one enemy bomber was destroyed on the ground this time.
Japanese bombers switch targets and struck at the airfield at Mersing. Only three Buffalos intercepted the raid of almost 100 planes. Two of the three Buffalos were destroyed, while a Blenheim on the ground was lost when the airfield was hit.
Another raid was made on the CA Suzuya by Swordfish bombers, resulting in another one being shot down without causing damage. The Vildebeest were more successful against a transport just south of Singapore being able to put two torpedos into it. Dutch T.IVAs hit another transport, putting a single bomb onto a troop transport.
More troops arrived at Pearl, with TF 1043 delivering the half the 40th Infantry Division, the 7th BG and 90th BS.
19th December
During the night there were reports that a Japanese MSW that had been damaged during the invasion of Davao back on the 13th had sunk.
Japanese troops continued their landings, at Rabual, Jolo, Lamon Bay and a second attempt at Lingayen. The Japanese seem content to build up their forces at Rabual, but Jolo was quickly over run and the small garrison taken prisoner.
Japanese forces continued their advance south through Malaysia, taking Malacca and clashing with two Commonwealth Brigades still retreating, forcing them back further.
Weather forced the cancellation of the Blenheim IF attack on Georgetown, though the Hudsons and Blenheims were able to make their attack. Only one enemy bomber was destroyed on the ground this time.
Japanese bombers switch targets and struck at the airfield at Mersing. Only three Buffalos intercepted the raid of almost 100 planes. Two of the three Buffalos were destroyed, while a Blenheim on the ground was lost when the airfield was hit.
Another raid was made on the CA Suzuya by Swordfish bombers, resulting in another one being shot down without causing damage. The Vildebeest were more successful against a transport just south of Singapore being able to put two torpedos into it. Dutch T.IVAs hit another transport, putting a single bomb onto a troop transport.
More troops arrived at Pearl, with TF 1043 delivering the half the 40th Infantry Division, the 7th BG and 90th BS.
Dec 20th
20th December
No. 21 & 453 RAAF squadrons left Singapore for Aykab. No. 8 RAAF squadron left Singapore for Colombo, where they started to re-equip with Beaufort V-IX bombers.
The SS Tambor, making three attacks. The first failed due to a dud torpedo, while the second missed. Only in the third attack did it experience success, hitting a cargo ship with a single torpedo. It was also forced to avoid two ASW patrols and an attack by a Japanese Betty plane on patrol.
A troop transport off Kuching went down from damage sustained on previous days, a victim of the Dutch torpedo bombers who have hit a number of targets in the region. The Dutch T.IVa bombers were in action again, along with Swordfish and Vildebeest. A number of raids went after Japanese shipping, resulting in two troop transports and a PC being torpedoed and a cargo transport being bombed. Despite a number of planes being damaged, the only loss sustained during the shipping strikes was when a Swordfish crashed returning to base, killing the crew.
US and Filipino troops started to fall back from Lingayen and Tuguegarao to defend Manila and Clark Field. US fighters at Clark begin arming for ground attack missions.
While they were doing this, a large enemy formation of bombers tried to hit them with twenty Zeros as escort. P-35As and P-40Es tried to intercept, but 8 of them were lost for only one Betty brought down.
Lingayen wasn’t the only target subject to heavy bombing by the Japanese, with Rabual, Kweilin, Rangoon and Medan also hit.
At Kweilin, the Chinese brought one Sonia down, but lost an I-16c on the ground. The Medan raid was against an unoccupied airfield that went almost unnoticed. The Rabual raid was an attempt to soften up the stubborn Australian defenders for a later, unsuccessful, attack by Japanese troops.
The Rangoon was a major effort by the Japanese, with over seventy fighters and forty bombers. The dogfight that took place between the AVG and the Japanese was one of the deadliest fought so far. The AVG were able to bring down seventeen enemy fighters, mostly Nates and Oscars but including two Zeros, and only one Sally. Nine Tomahawks were lost in the air, and another when the bombs hit the airfield, but many more were damaged. By the end of the day, the AVG was down to under half strength and the damage to the airfield was still being worked on.
The defences of Port Moresby received a boast with the arrival of the forward contingents of Gull and Sparrow battalions comprising about 2/3rds of their strength, along with further stockpiles of supplies.
Japanese troops went on the offensive in the Philippines, capturing Lamon Bay and Cotabato without incident. They also clashed with rear elements of the retreating Allied forces as they occupied Lingayen. Japanese tanks were seen near Clark Airfield, were they came under artillery fire from defending units, leaving one tank burnt out before the other retired.
No. 21 & 453 RAAF squadrons left Singapore for Aykab. No. 8 RAAF squadron left Singapore for Colombo, where they started to re-equip with Beaufort V-IX bombers.
The SS Tambor, making three attacks. The first failed due to a dud torpedo, while the second missed. Only in the third attack did it experience success, hitting a cargo ship with a single torpedo. It was also forced to avoid two ASW patrols and an attack by a Japanese Betty plane on patrol.
A troop transport off Kuching went down from damage sustained on previous days, a victim of the Dutch torpedo bombers who have hit a number of targets in the region. The Dutch T.IVa bombers were in action again, along with Swordfish and Vildebeest. A number of raids went after Japanese shipping, resulting in two troop transports and a PC being torpedoed and a cargo transport being bombed. Despite a number of planes being damaged, the only loss sustained during the shipping strikes was when a Swordfish crashed returning to base, killing the crew.
US and Filipino troops started to fall back from Lingayen and Tuguegarao to defend Manila and Clark Field. US fighters at Clark begin arming for ground attack missions.
While they were doing this, a large enemy formation of bombers tried to hit them with twenty Zeros as escort. P-35As and P-40Es tried to intercept, but 8 of them were lost for only one Betty brought down.
Lingayen wasn’t the only target subject to heavy bombing by the Japanese, with Rabual, Kweilin, Rangoon and Medan also hit.
At Kweilin, the Chinese brought one Sonia down, but lost an I-16c on the ground. The Medan raid was against an unoccupied airfield that went almost unnoticed. The Rabual raid was an attempt to soften up the stubborn Australian defenders for a later, unsuccessful, attack by Japanese troops.
The Rangoon was a major effort by the Japanese, with over seventy fighters and forty bombers. The dogfight that took place between the AVG and the Japanese was one of the deadliest fought so far. The AVG were able to bring down seventeen enemy fighters, mostly Nates and Oscars but including two Zeros, and only one Sally. Nine Tomahawks were lost in the air, and another when the bombs hit the airfield, but many more were damaged. By the end of the day, the AVG was down to under half strength and the damage to the airfield was still being worked on.
The defences of Port Moresby received a boast with the arrival of the forward contingents of Gull and Sparrow battalions comprising about 2/3rds of their strength, along with further stockpiles of supplies.
Japanese troops went on the offensive in the Philippines, capturing Lamon Bay and Cotabato without incident. They also clashed with rear elements of the retreating Allied forces as they occupied Lingayen. Japanese tanks were seen near Clark Airfield, were they came under artillery fire from defending units, leaving one tank burnt out before the other retired.
Dec 21st
21st December
The two RAAF squadrons at Akyab flew out to Colombo, were No.21 RAAF began converting to new Hurricane Mk.II fighters. No. 453 RAAF was waiting for a few more Hurricane IIs to arrive before they began upgrading.
During the night, the SS 020 attacked and sunk a Japanese cargo ship, putting 3 torpedoes and a deck gun round into it. Another transport was reported to have gone down near the Philippines, but analysts are unsure as to wether it was a genuine report. There was also a gun duel between the SS Pickerel and a troop transport in which the Pickerel was hit once but put 5 deck gun rounds into the AP Karimo Maru that set it aflame.
The Japanese battleships Kongo and Haruna were spotted during the night when they took part in the shelling of Menado in Sulawesi. Both the port and airfield suffered minor damage, and there were light casualties amongst troops there.
The Japanese continued their attacks on Rangoon, though with a smaller raid and without Zero escorts to the relief of the AVG pilots defending. Ten of the attackers were shot down to just one Tomahawk, but 4 more on the ground were destroyed and further damage was done to the airfield. There remain only 22 operational Tomahawks now to defend Rangoon against further raids.
Blenheims made another raid against Khota Bharo, though once mode damage was light on the ground. An escorting Buffalo was lost to Oscar fighters on CAP.
Allied anti-ship strikes continued through the day, the only success being when Vildebeest put three torpedos into a troop transport near Singapore and sinking it.
The prolonged clash near Wuhan in China came to an end when Chinese forces launched an assault on the Japanese and drove them back. Losses were light on both sides considering the numbers of troops involved.
Three more enemy tanks were destroyed by Allied bombardments at Clark Field, while enemy troops were seen approaching Manila. Allied commanders are considering evacuating aircraft, ships and what ground troops they can soon.
The two RAAF squadrons at Akyab flew out to Colombo, were No.21 RAAF began converting to new Hurricane Mk.II fighters. No. 453 RAAF was waiting for a few more Hurricane IIs to arrive before they began upgrading.
During the night, the SS 020 attacked and sunk a Japanese cargo ship, putting 3 torpedoes and a deck gun round into it. Another transport was reported to have gone down near the Philippines, but analysts are unsure as to wether it was a genuine report. There was also a gun duel between the SS Pickerel and a troop transport in which the Pickerel was hit once but put 5 deck gun rounds into the AP Karimo Maru that set it aflame.
The Japanese battleships Kongo and Haruna were spotted during the night when they took part in the shelling of Menado in Sulawesi. Both the port and airfield suffered minor damage, and there were light casualties amongst troops there.
The Japanese continued their attacks on Rangoon, though with a smaller raid and without Zero escorts to the relief of the AVG pilots defending. Ten of the attackers were shot down to just one Tomahawk, but 4 more on the ground were destroyed and further damage was done to the airfield. There remain only 22 operational Tomahawks now to defend Rangoon against further raids.
Blenheims made another raid against Khota Bharo, though once mode damage was light on the ground. An escorting Buffalo was lost to Oscar fighters on CAP.
Allied anti-ship strikes continued through the day, the only success being when Vildebeest put three torpedos into a troop transport near Singapore and sinking it.
The prolonged clash near Wuhan in China came to an end when Chinese forces launched an assault on the Japanese and drove them back. Losses were light on both sides considering the numbers of troops involved.
Three more enemy tanks were destroyed by Allied bombardments at Clark Field, while enemy troops were seen approaching Manila. Allied commanders are considering evacuating aircraft, ships and what ground troops they can soon.
Dec 22nd
22nd December
Allied submarines and anti-shipping sorties continued to take their toll on Japanese shipping, with the Dutch more than proving their worth. Their subs on three occasiosn surfaced to engage with torpedoes and deck guns, succeeding in sinking one and leaving the other two badly damaged and burning. Their T.IVa bombers also hit two other transports with bombs. The SS Saury also joined in the submarine turkey shoot, hitting another transport, but the SS Perch was spotted by ASW patrols and depth charged. The crew onboard are reportedly battling flooding which is effecting one quarter of the ship.
Not to be out done, British planes also went after Japanese shipping. Swordfish reportedly hit one cargo ship, while Vildebeest hit two more, one of which took 6 torpedoes. It is thought to have sunk, but there has been no conformation.
The battle of attrition at Rangoon is continuing, which the Allies are loosing. Two raids hit Rangoon during the day, both featuring large Zero escorts, in addition to Nates and Oscars. The strength of AVG/A and AVG/C is now down to just 17 operation machines. Allied commanders are hoping the two RAAF squadrons at Colombo can quickly master the new Hurricane IIs and be able to aid in the defence of Rangoon soon.
Japanese bombers also struck at Clark Field, further weakening the fighter strength stationed there. With Japanese troops all around Manila and Clark Field, the evacuation of what remains of the air assets is considered imminent.
Japanese troops in the Philippines staged their first attack on Manila, and though they were beaten back were not dislodged. More troops are also arriving at Cagayan in the south and at San Marcelino near Clark Field.
The small garrison at Victoria Point was forced to surrender today with a Japanese division attacked.
The first RAAF unit in Australia began to take possession of new Beaufort bombers during the day. They are expected to be shipped north after finishing working up in them.
Allied submarines and anti-shipping sorties continued to take their toll on Japanese shipping, with the Dutch more than proving their worth. Their subs on three occasiosn surfaced to engage with torpedoes and deck guns, succeeding in sinking one and leaving the other two badly damaged and burning. Their T.IVa bombers also hit two other transports with bombs. The SS Saury also joined in the submarine turkey shoot, hitting another transport, but the SS Perch was spotted by ASW patrols and depth charged. The crew onboard are reportedly battling flooding which is effecting one quarter of the ship.
Not to be out done, British planes also went after Japanese shipping. Swordfish reportedly hit one cargo ship, while Vildebeest hit two more, one of which took 6 torpedoes. It is thought to have sunk, but there has been no conformation.
The battle of attrition at Rangoon is continuing, which the Allies are loosing. Two raids hit Rangoon during the day, both featuring large Zero escorts, in addition to Nates and Oscars. The strength of AVG/A and AVG/C is now down to just 17 operation machines. Allied commanders are hoping the two RAAF squadrons at Colombo can quickly master the new Hurricane IIs and be able to aid in the defence of Rangoon soon.
Japanese bombers also struck at Clark Field, further weakening the fighter strength stationed there. With Japanese troops all around Manila and Clark Field, the evacuation of what remains of the air assets is considered imminent.
Japanese troops in the Philippines staged their first attack on Manila, and though they were beaten back were not dislodged. More troops are also arriving at Cagayan in the south and at San Marcelino near Clark Field.
The small garrison at Victoria Point was forced to surrender today with a Japanese division attacked.
The first RAAF unit in Australia began to take possession of new Beaufort bombers during the day. They are expected to be shipped north after finishing working up in them.
Dec 23rd
23rd December
AVG/B left Singapore to join the rest of the AVG at Rangoon and is replaced by a smaller P-40 unit flying out of the Philippines. Dutch planes and ships begin transporting outlying units from the small islands and bringing them back to Java.
The AK Shinzui Maru wass struck on two separate occasions during the night by US submarines. During the first, the Seal surfaced and struck it with two torpedoes and then sprayed it down repeatedly with .50 cal MGs. After it had left, the Porpoise arrived and put another torpedo into it. There were two other successful submarine attacks during the day, with the S-39 and Truant each putting two torpedoes into cargo ships. The Sturgeon spotted a burning troop transport but missed it.
The raids on Rangoon continued, with the Japanese bringing up even more aircraft. Almost 40 Zeroes were involved, though Oscar and Nate numbers were much reduced. Another seven Tomahawks were lost on the ground and in the air, bringing down a similar number of enemy planes.
The Japanese commenced ground operations against Johore Nahru, accompanied by air raids against it and Singapore. Six Sonias were lost – five to flak – as well as a pair of Buffalos in the raids. Both airfields were also damage. While the damage at Johore Nahru was soon repaired, damage to Singapore airfield was still being repaired.
The ground assault saw the 5th & 18th Infantry Divisions backed up by the 1st Tank Regiment attack the Allied defenders. This first attack was beaten back, but as there are an estimated 40,000 Japanese further attacks are certain.
Despite the risk of Japanese troops so close, Vildebeest continued their raids, torpedoing another two transports. The Swordfish as well as Dutch Martins and T.IVa bombers all missed on their attack runs.
Japanese troops in the Philippines occupied Tuguegarao, while they also bombarded Sam Marcelino. Allied troops replied in kind at Clark Field and Cagayan.
The Japanese government reluctantly announced that the DD Hayate had been lost, two weeks after being bombed at Wake. Allied commanders believe at least half a dozen other vessels were sunk and are still awaiting conformation.
AVG/B left Singapore to join the rest of the AVG at Rangoon and is replaced by a smaller P-40 unit flying out of the Philippines. Dutch planes and ships begin transporting outlying units from the small islands and bringing them back to Java.
The AK Shinzui Maru wass struck on two separate occasions during the night by US submarines. During the first, the Seal surfaced and struck it with two torpedoes and then sprayed it down repeatedly with .50 cal MGs. After it had left, the Porpoise arrived and put another torpedo into it. There were two other successful submarine attacks during the day, with the S-39 and Truant each putting two torpedoes into cargo ships. The Sturgeon spotted a burning troop transport but missed it.
The raids on Rangoon continued, with the Japanese bringing up even more aircraft. Almost 40 Zeroes were involved, though Oscar and Nate numbers were much reduced. Another seven Tomahawks were lost on the ground and in the air, bringing down a similar number of enemy planes.
The Japanese commenced ground operations against Johore Nahru, accompanied by air raids against it and Singapore. Six Sonias were lost – five to flak – as well as a pair of Buffalos in the raids. Both airfields were also damage. While the damage at Johore Nahru was soon repaired, damage to Singapore airfield was still being repaired.
The ground assault saw the 5th & 18th Infantry Divisions backed up by the 1st Tank Regiment attack the Allied defenders. This first attack was beaten back, but as there are an estimated 40,000 Japanese further attacks are certain.
Despite the risk of Japanese troops so close, Vildebeest continued their raids, torpedoing another two transports. The Swordfish as well as Dutch Martins and T.IVa bombers all missed on their attack runs.
Japanese troops in the Philippines occupied Tuguegarao, while they also bombarded Sam Marcelino. Allied troops replied in kind at Clark Field and Cagayan.
The Japanese government reluctantly announced that the DD Hayate had been lost, two weeks after being bombed at Wake. Allied commanders believe at least half a dozen other vessels were sunk and are still awaiting conformation.