Canoerebel
Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002 From: Northwestern Georgia, USA Status: offline
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5/9/42 Singapore: A month ago, an Allied CL/DD force caught unprotected Japanese shipping at Singapore and sank perhaps 20 to 30 merchants. You knew Chez would never allow that to happen again, but it did...almost. The same CL/DD force left the same port on the same mission and caugh dozens of merchants unprotected (confirming a hunch that the combat TF recently sighted enroute to Rangoon was the only one operating in the area). The CL/DD force tangled with a sub, sank it, and then fought with about five large merchant TFs. For some reason, the action was fairly light, with the Allies sinking at least one PB and one xAK and damaging another PB and at least two more xAK. The enemy force included CS Chitose, a CL or two, and several DDs. Surely Chez has learned a lesson this time? Bay of Bengal: My FT force is in position seven hexes due south of Moulmein, but I don't think my recon flew yesterday. I don't show any detection level for Moulmein. I have a hunch it's vacant, but I'm not positive. Do I pull the trigger, or do I wait one more day (my TF wasn't detected) and add another recon squadron to the mix (this one operating out of a better supplied base? I haven't issued the orders yet...but I think I'll give it one more day. DEI: Suddenly no major activity around Java, plus no signs of the KB. The Allied carriers and BB TFs are in place just NE of Cocos Island, where they'll remain a few more days "just in case." A base force is unloading at Cocos Island. The last big CD unit (American) is inbound for Benkolen. I'm weighing whether it can be best used there (probably) or at Cocos, which will be invaded eventually. China: The Chinese troops are reorganizing before looking for the next battle. There is one obvious opportunity across the river from Loyang, but I feel sure Steve will evacuate his vulnerable force. Nevertheless, the Chinese will take a shot. CenPac: Oops, one of the two big Tarawa invasion TFs wasn't given destination orders, so didn't depart San Diego yesterday. I think Tarawa is lightly held, though I can't be certain since Steve probably has plenty of troops to disperse around the map. I may try a little pre-invasion with a 100%-prepped Marine unit and 100%-prepped tank unit currently at Hawaii. This force could go in a day or two early. If Tarawa was weakly defended, that would save the use of the bigger force including 32nd Div. On the other hand, if it were more strongly held, I could promplty land the remainder. I like that idea. Pago Pago: Lead element of the relief force might be just three days out. I've detached two loaded DMs to lay a minefield there. ETA two days.
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