Busting Fortress Palembang - PTBS (J) vs Grollub (A)

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> Busting Fortress Palembang - PTBS (J) vs Grollub (A)

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Busting Fortress Palembang - PTBS (J) vs Grollub (A) - 8/8/2012 11:43:53 AM

PT boat skipper
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Hi all,

This is my first attempt to write an AAR.

I have played WITP and WITP AE quite a lot since a few years so this is my 8th major campaign against another player (the 3rd against my current opponent who plays allies). Hopefully it will last a long time.

We are playing scenario one (no mods) with the following settings:

Fog of war – ON (green)
Advanced weather effects – ON (green)
Allied damage control – ON (green)
Player def. Upgrades – OFF (red) - (I have never played with this setting before...)
Historical first turn – ON (green)
December 7th surprise – ON (green)
Reliable USN torpedoes – OFF (red)
Realistic R&D – ON (green)
No unit withdrawals – OFF (red)
Allied reinforcements – FIXED
Japanese reinforcements – FIXED

We have five HR:

1. No strat bombing from any side until July 1943.
2. Four engine bombers - no naval bombing below 10k. Exception: US Navy 4EB (appears middle 43 in small numbers)
3. Night bombing: a) only against cities/bases b) only at moonlight 70+ until July 1 1943 (when better nav systems became available)
4. Max alt CAP/Sweep 25k
5. Units *has* to be bought (political points) and assigned to relevant HQs in order to be used in a certain theater. For example from Manchuria to China and India to Burma etc.

We are already some days into the campaign and there has been some major sea battles near Palembang, where my opponent has concentrated practially all available naval units. He has also reinforced Palembang with units from Singapore (!) very early. Hence the name on the AAR. We run the game in a fairly slow manner with no more than one turn each day.

I will not post too much details but more like an overview of major events (perhaps a weekly summary).

< Message edited by PT boat skipper -- 8/8/2012 4:10:42 PM >

Post #: 1

Strategy and operations - 8/9/2012 10:33:16 AM

PT boat skipper
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As of 7 Dec 1941, the Empire of Japan is at war with the western allies.

My task as the supervisor of all naval and army military operations is to ensure a complete military victory against the western allies, including China. Until this has been achived NO military actions will be taken against the Soviets.

The highly classified general operational plan was finally approved about three months ago. The plan cover the military operations during the initial six months of the war. It has five lines of operations and nine decisive points (objectives). One of those nine objective is Palembang. The main assets of the Combined Fleet (including Kidou Butai) will ONLY be used to directly, or indirectly, contribute to getting those nine objectives.

Explanation of decisive points (globalsecurity.org):

"A decisive point is a geographic place, specific key event, or enabling system that allows commanders to gain a marked advantage over an enemy and greatly influence the outcome of an attack. Decisive points are not centers of gravity; they are keys to attacking or protecting them. Normally, a situation presents more decisive points than the force can control, destroy, or neutralize with available resources. Part of operational art consists of selecting the decisive points that will most quickly and efficiently overcome the enemy center of gravity. Decisive points shape operational design and allow commanders to select objectives that are clearly defined, decisive, and attainable.

Some decisive points are geographic, for example, a port facility, transportation network or node, or base of operations. Other physical decisive points include elements of an enemy force, such as units, command posts, fire support units capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction (WMD), or important communications sites. Events, such as commitment of the enemy operational reserve, may also be decisive points. Once identified and selected for action, decisive points become objectives."

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 2

Initial operations by Southern Army - 8/9/2012 10:45:01 AM

PT boat skipper
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Although the general operational plan is highly classified I can give a little information regarding the planning for initial operations by the Southern Army.

14th Army will attack and conquer Luzon.
25th Army will attack Malaya and conquer Singapore and Sumatra.
16th Army will occupy the rest of the DEI/SRA.
15th Army will initiate the attack into Burma.

Of those four armies, the main effort will be the 14th Army which will be rapidly reinforced by the 21st and the 4th Divisions. Additional reinforcements from Manchuria will also be shipped to 14th Army as soon as possible (most notable heavy artillery, combat engineers and a battlegroup from the 1st Division. Furthermore, 16th Army has been ordered to assist 14th Army by attacking and conquering the southern island of Mindano (Davao/Cagayan) asap.

< Message edited by PT boat skipper -- 8/9/2012 11:00:29 AM >

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 3

The war begins: 7 Dec 1941 - 8/9/2012 10:54:27 AM

PT boat skipper
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This is of course the historical turn. The result below was beyond all expectations. All eight US battleships are reported sunk! USS Nevada suffered a magazine explosion. Needless to say, KB will move on (I most probably would not have stayed a second day anyway).

Allied Ships
AV Curtiss, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB California, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 6, and is sunk
BB Tennessee, Torpedo hits 7, and is sunk
CM Oglala
BB Arizona, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 7, and is sunk
CL St. Louis, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 10, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
AV Wright, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
BB Nevada, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
AV Tangier
DD MacDonough, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AD Dobbin, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Aylwin, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CL Phoenix, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA San Francisco, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CL Detroit, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Cummings, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Helena, Bomb hits 2
DD Phelps, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Allen, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Dewey, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Monaghan, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AM Tern, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Worden, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Honolulu, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DM Tracy, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CL Raleigh, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
SS Narwhal, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DM Montgomery, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AO Neosho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Bagley, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
AD Rigel, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AR Medusa, Bomb hits 1
DD Shaw, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Case, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DM Sicard, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Chew, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Cassin, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS Cachalot, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
AVD Thornton, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Regarding Force Z success was also achieved. However there was no reports of actually sinking the two ships so a task force will be dispatched in order to conduct a nighttime surface attack.

Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB Prince of Wales, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

< Message edited by PT boat skipper -- 8/9/2012 11:01:40 AM >

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 4

8 Dec 1941 - selective reports to GHQ - 8/9/2012 11:20:49 AM

PT boat skipper
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Southern Fleet
The task force sent to look for the damaged PoW and Repulse was intercepted by an allied task force to the east of Singapore.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Mersing at 52,82, Range 9,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu
DD Oshio
DD Michishio, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 1
DD Uranami

Allied Ships
CL Danae, Shell hits 4
DD Vendetta, Shell hits 1
DD Stronghold, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Inconclusive results and then the Jintsu TF decided to retreat. However:

Japanese Ships
SS I-154

Allied Ships
CL Danae, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
DD Vendetta

And finally...

Japanese Ships
SS I-166, hits 2

Allied Ships
CL Danae, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD Vendetta

Then the 22 Air Flottilla makes a second attack:

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
BC Repulse, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

And finally the end of Force Z:

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Electra
BC Repulse, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Tenedos

Furthermore, CVL Ryujo attacks some ships south of Luzon and most probably sank AV Langley and a couple of Submarine tenders with bombs.

Third Fleet (supports 14th Army operations against Luzon)

Quite a few merchantmen were sunk fleeing from Hong Kong by a couple of DD TFs.

However, air attacks against four spotted enemy destroyers heading north(!) from Manilla? were completely ineffective (torpedo attacks).

14th Army
Appari was captured (naval airborne troops).

25th Army
Kota Bharu was captured.

4th Fleet
Maikin atoll was captured.

< Message edited by PT boat skipper -- 8/9/2012 1:38:44 PM >

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 5

RE: The war begins: 7 Dec 1941 - 8/9/2012 11:31:31 AM

castor troy
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9 BB sunk on turn one? lol

_____________________________

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 6

9 Dec 1941 - selective reports to GHQ - 8/9/2012 11:41:34 AM

PT boat skipper
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3rd Fleet/14th Army
Four US destroyers in two small TF evades or ducks the 3rd Fleets escorting TF and manage to engage ALL three(!) invasion task forces heading towards northern Luzon. A pretty big disaster as all three invasions TF also turn backs North after the fight without unloading anything...

Initially:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Laoag at 81,71, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Yudachi
DD Samidare
DMS W-17
DMS W-18
PB Kyo Maru #12
PB Kyo Maru #13
SC Ch 4
SC Ch 5
SC Ch 16
SC Ch 17, Shell hits 2
SC Ch 18
xAK Brisbane Maru
xAK Hawaii Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Sanko Maru
xAK Takao Maru
xAK Bunzan Maru
xAK Shinko Maru
xAK Oigawa Maru

Allied Ships
DD John D. Ford
DD Peary, Shell hits 2, on fire

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

Then:
Night Time Surface Combat, near Aparri at 83,72, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DMS W-15
DMS W-16, Shell hits 1
PB Kamitsu Maru, Shell hits 1
PB Taiko Maru
SC Ch 1
SC Ch 2
SC Ch 14
xAK Arizona Maru
xAK Akiura Maru
xAK Kazuura Maru
xAK Keiyo Maru
xAK Matsukawa Maru
xAK Ohio Maru
xAK Yuzan Maru
xAK Anzan Maru #2, Shell hits 1
xAKL Kurama Maru

Allied Ships
DD John D. Ford
DD Peary, Shell hits 1, heavy fires

And finally, in daylight(!)
Day Time Surface Combat, near Aparri at 82,73, Range 16,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PC Kaki, Shell hits 1
PC Sumire, Shell hits 2, on fire
DMS W-19, Shell hits 4, on fire
PB Bisan Maru #3, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AMc Choun Maru #7, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PB Choun Maru #18
SC Ch 3
SC Ch 13
xAK Sydney Maru
xAK Anyo Maru
xAK Kumagawa Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Tatukami Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Okiyu Maru
xAK Kosei Maru
xAK Kotoku Maru
xAK Keisho Maru
xAK Hokuan Maru
xAK Maya Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
xAK Takaoka Maru
xAK Atlas Maru
xAK Kamoi Maru
xAK Shinyubari Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Shirogane Maru
xAK Tenzan Maru
xAK Yamadori Maru
xAK Karachi Maru
xAK Pacific Maru
xAK Kuwayama Maru
xAK Siraha Maru
xAK Chuko Maru

Allied Ships
DD Pillsbury
DD Pope

Japanese ground losses:
73 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

xAK Tenzan Maru collides during the battle and is later in the day sunk by two US submarines.

Needless to say, the 21st and 23rd Air Flottila did not hit the destroyers (with bombs AND torpedoes). However, the 3rd Fleet did manage to sink a bunch of PTs and a british destroyer (from Hong Kong).

In further developments british torpedo bombers (!) are now based on Luzon (Clark Field):

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Laoag at 81,72

Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Vildebeest III launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo

25th Army
Army Recce elements and tank units have begun advancing towards Alor Star in northern Malaya.

4th Fleet
Tarawa is captured.

< Message edited by PT boat skipper -- 8/9/2012 11:44:49 AM >

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 7

RE: 10 Dec 1941 - selective reports to GHQ - 8/9/2012 12:16:11 PM

PT boat skipper
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14th Army/3rd Fleet
Unloading commence at Appari. However, due to attempts to harrassment attacks by several enemy PT-boats, the invasion TF heading south towards Vigan and the second TF heading torwards Appari are again diverted north... The US destroyers on the other hand are heading south along the east coast of Luzon.

An airborne assualt by Yokosuka 3rd SNL fails to capture Tuguegarao just south of Appari.

Three large US AP and one patrol boat sunk by CL Kuma, which was hunting the US destroyers, just outside Legaspi.

Fleet Command acknowledge that 16th Division (heading for Mauban, east of Manilla) and 4th Division from Nagoya, heading for Appari, are underway and operational control are therefor passed to Third Fleet. 16th Division is escorted by a surface task force led by BB Fuso.

16th Army
Landing begins at Davao, Mindanao.

25th Army
Landing begins at Miri, North Borneo.

Reports from Air Recce that the enemy might be withdrawing units from Alor Star toward the south. 3rd Air Division ordered to concentrate air to ground strikes at Alor Star.

4th Fleet/SE Area Fleet
Landings at Kavieng (NE Rabaul) commenced.

6th Submarine Fleet
I-26 hits AO Cuyama just northwest of San Fransisco

China Expeditionary Army
Large momements of KMT units observed. There are signs of a general hasty retreat towards the Northwest. Redeployment orders sent to 1st, 11th, 12th and 13th Armies. Estimated time needed for complete reployments (incl aux chinese units to rear areas), as well as clearing the Shanghai-Beiing railroad, is one month.

< Message edited by PT boat skipper -- 8/9/2012 12:19:16 PM >

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 8

RE: 10 Dec 1941 - selective reports to GHQ - 8/9/2012 2:54:44 PM

TheLoneGunman_MatrixForum
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Not a bad start.

It's going to take the Allies a while to catch back up in the battleship race. Now if only you can sink some of those pesky Allied carriers.

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 9

11 Dec 1941 - selective reports to GHQ - 8/10/2012 9:50:36 AM

PT boat skipper
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Southern Army: 14th Army, 3rd Fleet, 5th Air Division and 11th Air Fleet
Luzon situation. Air Recce by 5th Air Div reports that US tanks and vehicles are heading north towards Tuguegarao/Appari from the Manilla area. Furthermore, about 70 US fighters (P-40s) made low-level attacks against the bridgehead in Apparri. Only two enemy fighters were shot down by the rather insignificant Zero CAP (LR).

Decision: the Vigan-landings are cancelled since that task force is now actually closer to Takao rather than North Luzon becasue it choose to retreat becasue of enemy PT boats. All the ships in that task force are now instead ordered to Pescadores, where the 48th Division has been alerted to be ready to embark. If US ground forces are heading north on Luzon there might be an opportunity to trap a number of them by landing the 48th Division at Lingayen Bay (the 48th Div is also 100% prepared for Lingayen). Southern Army stress the importance to start embarking the 21st Division at Shanghai asap (delayed due to lack of shipping). The 21st Division will land in the 2nd wave behind the 48th Division.

25th Army
Miri is captured!
Landings commence at Kuching, NW Borneo. BB Kongo slightly damaged by bombs from a handful of Vildebeest III. Two british planes are shot down by the battleship's AAA.

16th Army
Davao is captured! One enemy battalion surrenders. Participating units from the 14th Army will now be transported to Luzon (and attack Legaspi/Naga) while the 16th Army will launch an all-out effort to capture the entire island of Mindando asap. The 2nd Division has embarked at Sendai and is on its way.

A small force has managed to land an aviation coy at Manokwari (the west area of New Guniea) east of Ambon. A forward sea plane base will be established asap in order to asses the enemy defenses of the Ambon area. A US task force led by CL Marbelhead and some destroyers failed to stop this risky landing (by two small xAKL).

4th Fleet
Landing at Guam as well as some smaller invasions around New Guinea.

< Message edited by PT boat skipper -- 8/10/2012 10:51:29 PM >

(in reply to TheLoneGunman_MatrixForum)

Post #: 10

12 Dec 1941 - selective reports to GHQ - 8/10/2012 10:23:13 AM

PT boat skipper
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Luzon
Zero fighters (LR CAP) shoot down two out of three Wildebeest III that tried to attack the transport of the 16th Division, which is now approaching its landing area at Mauban directly east of Manilla. There are however reported movements of enemy ground units towards the planned landing area. In fact, there is an unidentified unit already in place at Mauban. The invasion is ordered to proceed with all haste (16th Div is 100% prepared for Mauban). BB Fuso TG will stay and provide fire support during the breakout attempt after the landings which will happen tomorrow.

The 5th Air Division attacks columns of US tanks in Tuguegarao. However, the US ground attack compells the navy paratroopers to regroup to Appari. 14th Army are ordered to simulate the movement of a counter-attack (no units are to actually move south into Tuguegarao). Air Recce reports that enemy infantry formations are moving north along the western coastal road (towards Vigan). The trap might be closing. The 48th Division commence embarking at Pescadores.

25th Army
Recce & tank units capture Alor Star, which had been evacuated. The enemy are seemingly withdrawing towards the south.
Kuching is captured! (CL Kashii slightly damaged and one transport sunk by enemy coastal battery).
Landings commence at Singkawang (NW Borneo).

Southern Fleet/16th Army
A larger US task force, with cruisers Houston and Boise, sinks two xAKL loaded with another aviation coy just off the northwest tip op New Guinea. This clearly indicates that the entire US Fleet in the Southern Fleet AOR are concentrated to the east of Ambon.

There are quite a confusing naval situation with many allied ships fleeing the Phillippines towards the south and the east. Many are sunk by DDs and a small task force centered on CVE Hosho, using some old but still quite useful B4Y1 Jean bombers.

4th Fleet
Guam is captured by the 144th regiment.

A light australian cruiser (Adelaide) sinks three small xAK at Hollandia, but all the tropps and most of the supplies are already ashore.

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 11

13 Dec 1941 - selective reports to GHQ - 8/10/2012 11:03:15 AM

PT boat skipper
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Luzon
3rd Fleet ordered by Southern Army to simulate landing-operations near Vigan/Laog (NO units will land there) in order to further draw US Forces north.

Landings commence at Mauban against the enemy 41st PA Infantry Div. The enemy airforce make an all-out effort as more than 100 (!) fighters (P-40) attacks the ships with bombs and machineguns at very low level. Again the few Zeros on LR CAP are ineffective. However, all troops are ashore and the air attack only badly damage four smaller transports (as well as machinegunning other transports and escorts). BB Fuso is ordered to provide fire support for tomorrows assualt by the 16th Div.

Southern Fleet/25th Army
Singkawang is captured! 22nd Air Flottilla is ordered by 11th Air Fleet to regroup there from Saigon with their only Zero-unit, one Nell-unit and one elite Betty-unit (the one that sank BB PoW and BC Repulse) .

I-154 hits and severely damage the dutch CL Tromp with one torpedo outside Palembang.

MANY allied ships spotted moving in Singapore-Palembang area. There might be a major evacuation operation ongoing transporting troops away from Singapore. Vanguard Force (Adm Kurita with four CA) is ordered by Southern Fleet to destroy allied shipping around Palembang. Kurita promptly divides his force into two TFs in order to conduct a Pincer movement. The north TF (CA Kumano/Suzuya) will head toward Palembang while the south TF (CA Mikuma/Mogami) will move to Tobali.

16th Army
A few enemy PT boats diverts the invasion TF heading for Zamboanga twice (western Mindanao).

The 38th Division (which formally belong to the 16th Army) initiate the process of attack Hong Kong together with units from the 23rd Army, which is in charge of this operation.

4th Fleet
Landings commence at Wake island with an extra naval guard unit. However, the defenders do not surrender although the forts gets reduced to one ... and the attacking two japanese units suffer quite a large disruption. One transport is also badly damaged by coastal artillery. 4th Fleet order the TF Commander to abort and withdraw.

A collections of various allied cruisers (led by CA Canberra) sinks two xAKL at Shortland SE of Rabaul. However, all the troops (one coy) and most supplies are already ashore.

< Message edited by PT boat skipper -- 8/10/2012 10:54:35 PM >

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 12

14 Dec 1941 - selective reports to GHQ - 8/10/2012 9:36:34 PM

PT boat skipper
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Luzon
16th Division defeats the 41st PA Infantry Div and captures Mauban, despite many allied low-level air attacks by P-40s against the division. The division will now advance towards Manilla.

48th Div and supportive units (incl one tank brigade) are now in position six hexes north of Lingayen thus much closer to Vigan/Laog. The two invasion TF consists of 25 ships each and both include a CA plus many smaller escorts.

5th Air Div reports that a Ki-21 daitai has attacked two enemy units at Lingayen, a coastal artillery battery and the 4th Marine regiment, which might be on the move towards the south? Further intelligence sources have identified the formation just north of Lingayen as the 31st US Infantry regiment. If the landnings are conducted promptly two of the best enemy formations on Luzon might be cut off and defeated.

The invasion will begin tomorrow (15 Dec) and 11th Air Fleet is ordered to assign all available fighters as LR CAP over the two task forces since the landing will be conducted in the afternoon which will increase the risks of enemy air attacks.

Southern Fleet
Several naval battles takes place near Palembang - see the specific post below.

4th Fleet
Due to a misunderstanding, the TF Commander thought he was meant to finish unloading supplies before aborting the mission at Wake. This mistake will most likely cost 2-3 transports lost due to effective enemy coastal artillery.

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 13

14 Dec 1941 - special report to GHQ re Palembang naval ... - 8/10/2012 10:16:50 PM

PT boat skipper
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Southern Fleet - The naval battles near Palembang - 14 Dec 1941

The southern TF of Adm Kurita's Vanguard Force is the first to run into enemy forces when it steams at full speed towards Tobali.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Billiton at 52,92, Range 12,000 Yards (17% moonlight)

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CA Mikuma
DD Maikaze
DD Hagikaze

Allied Ships
CL Java, Shell hits 1
CL De Ruyter
DD Evertsen
DD Kortenaer
DD Piet Hein

At appox the same time, Adm Kurita himself, leading the northern TF in Suzuya, run into enemy PT boats just outside Palembang. The PT boats soon disappears into the night after losing one PT boat and Kurita then turn southeast, into the strait between Sumatra and the Muntok-Tobali island.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 49,90, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi

Allied Ships
PT TM-10
PT TM-11
PT TM-12, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Meanwhile, the southern TF run again into the dutch TF closer to Tobali.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Toboali at 51,93, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Shell hits 1
CA Mikuma
DD Maikaze, Shell hits 2
DD Hagikaze

Allied Ships
CL Java
CL De Ruyter
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Kortenaer, Shell hits 1
DD Piet Hein

After sunrise, the northern TF with Kurita encounter two slow moving enemy ships that steams into the strait from the north. CL Tromp, already listing after an earlier submarine attack, is immediately sunk but her escorting destroyer manage to escape.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 49,91, Range 21,000 Yards

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
C.XI-W: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Nowaki, Shell hits 1
DD Arashi

Allied Ships
CL Tromp, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
DD Van Ghent

At the southern end of the strait, just northwest of Tobali, the southern TF is in position to guard the exit. An enemy convoy consisting of three large troopships and one escorting destroyer suddenly appears from the north. They are all sunk and they might have been carrying an entire enemy brigade.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Toboali at 50,94, Range 22,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Shell hits 1
CA Mikuma
DD Maikaze
DD Hagikaze

Allied Ships
DD Vampire, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
xAP Boschfontein, Shell hits 27, and is sunk
xAP Poelau Telo, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Tjisaroea, Shell hits 24, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
5179 casualties reported
Squads: 49 destroyed, 230 disabled
Non Combat: 135 destroyed, 218 disabled
Engineers: 27 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 45 (28 destroyed, 17 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

However, at noon small numbers of allied aircraft appear and attack both the northern and southern TF. Apparently there must be an Air HQ in Palembang as half of the attacks are actually made with torpedoes. Both Suzuya and Mogami are hit with one torpedo each. After a quick battle assessment Mogami is considered to be moderately damaged while Suzuya only has recieved minor damage.

Then more than 20 B-17D Fortress attack Sinkawang airfield from the south (flying from Java?). The 22nd Air Flottilla is however ready for this attack and more than 20 Zeros tear into the enemy bombers downing at least four. Only eight bombs hits the vicinity of the airfield.

Air Recce finally reveals that there are now at least 30 transports located at Palembang as well as many enemy warships in Singapore. The transports at Palembang are most likely also loaded with troops (from Singapore?) so Kurita asks for support by the Southern Fleet's heavy distant cover force (BB Kongo and Haruna).

The following orders are then given regarding the next day (15 Dec).

1) The northern TF (Suzuya and Kumano: both have about 65% ammo left) will steam into Palembang harbour (only two hexes distant), do as much damage as possible, and then quickly retire at full speed before daylight towards Singkawang.

2) The sourthern TF (Mogami and Mikuma: both have only about 20% ammo left) will immediately retire towards Singkawang.

3)In order to prevent enemy warships from Singapore from interfering, the heavy distant cover force (BB Kongo and Haruna) will patrol an area south of Singapore during nighttime before turning back towards Sinkawang before daylight.

4)In order to make sure that no mishaps happen regarding the regrouping of the damaged Southern force, a special TF consisting of CA Atago and two DDs will make a sortie towards Tobali and the head back for Sinkawang behind the Southern Force.

5)Additional warships are ordered to quickly make for Sinkawang as reinforcements due to the massive allied presence in this area.

6)22nd Air Flottila's naval bombers at Sinkawang are ordered to make naval attacks on allied ships about six hexes distant from Sinkawang (in order to avoid running into the presumable heavy CAP(-traps) at Singapore and Palembang).

< Message edited by PT boat skipper -- 8/10/2012 11:03:02 PM >

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 14

15 Dec 1941 - reports to GHQ - 8/16/2012 11:01:11 AM

PT boat skipper
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Luzon
The 48th Div commences landing at Lingayen. There are no enemy air attacks. Surprisingly, many enemy fighters instead attack the 16th Div at Mauban on the east coast. At least ten P-40s are shoot down by Zeros (diverted from Lingayen).

16th Army
Cagayan is invaded by a brigade-strength force from the 2nd Div.

Southern Fleet
Very intensive sea battles in area between Sumatra and Borneo. See special report below.

I-162 reports that a US task force (CA Houston and CL Boise) is steaming westward south of Borneo.

Ternate is invaded.

Combined Fleet
One merchant cruiser, deployed in the east Pacific, runs into a very valuable US supprt task force.

Japanese Ships
AMC Aikoku Maru, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Crane
DD Kilty
AO Sabine, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
AO Kaskaskia, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
AO Platte

< Message edited by PT boat skipper -- 8/16/2012 11:45:15 AM >

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 15

15 Dec 1941 - Special Report: Palembang Naval Battle - 8/16/2012 11:49:12 AM

PT boat skipper
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Palembang Naval Battle - 15 Dec 1941

The northern task force (Kurita) is heading into Palembang and runs into allied PT-boats during the night.

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi

Allied Ships
PT TM-10
PT TM-11, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Meanwhile, the southern TF is regrouping to Sinkawang and avoids a Dutch TF near Tobali (Mogami is actually quite damaged and there is very little ammunition left).

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CA Mikuma
DD Maikaze
DD Hagikaze

Allied Ships
CL Java
CL De Ruyter
DD Evertsen
DD Kortenaer
DD Piet Hein

The northern TF run into a PT-boat again.
Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi

Allied Ships
PT TM-10

And then two another PT-boats.
Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi

Allied Ships
PT TM-13, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT TM-14

Two dutch destroyers are also guarding the inlet to Palembang.
Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi

Allied Ships
DD Van Nes, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
DD Witte de With

And, another PT-boat...
Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi

Allied Ships
PT TM-15, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

The southern TF cover force intervenes near Billiton when a British TF suddenly appear in the night.
Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Shell hits 4
DD Akatsuki
DD Ayanami

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Glasgow
DD Isis

Then Kurita's northern TF enters Palembang harbor. The allied ships are still onloading, however Kurita's ships are soon runing shorth of ammunition and he decides to withdraw.

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi

Allied Ships
AM Toowoomba, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
xAKL Kwangtung
xAKL Lee Sang
xAKL Marudu
xAKL Oriskany
xAKL Tatung, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Beatrice
xAKL Belawan
xAKL Benkalis
xAKL Benkoelen
xAKL Boelongan
xAP Camphuys, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Duijmar van Twist
xAKL Soerabaja
xAP Le Maire
xAKL Parigi
xAP Pijnacker Hordijk
xAP Rochussen, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
xAP Rooseboom
xAKL Schouten
xAP Siberg
xAKL Sigli
xAKL Silindoeng
xAKL Sinabang
xAKL Sipirok
xAKL Sipora
xAP Speelman, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAP Van Riebeek, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAP Van Diemen, Shell hits 9, on fire
xAP Van Landsberge, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Van Neck, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
xAP Van Rees, Shell hits 7, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
Guns lost 28 (20 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Vehicles lost 47 (24 destroyed, 23 disabled)

On the way out a Allied TF manages to evade the japanese ships (only 3% moonlight).
Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi

Allied Ships
xAK Ping Wo
xAK Taiyuan
xAK Whangpu
xAP Glenapp
xAP Glenorchy
xAP Hong Peng
xAP Poelau Bras
xAP Kota Gede
xAK Bintang
xAK Nicholas van Vonn
AM Jan van Amstel
PC Tydeman

After sunrise, the heavy cover force runs into a british TF south of Singapore.
Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 1
BB Haruna, Shell hits 14, on fire
DD Asashio
DD Arashio, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
CL Dragon, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
CL Durban, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
CL Mauritius, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
DD Tenedos, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
DD Electra, Shell hits 7, heavy fires
DD Encounter, Shell hits 1
DD Jupiter, Shell hits 2, on fire

Meanwhile, Kurita is now steaming toward Sinkawang and dispatch a dutch destroyer outside Palembang inlet.
Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Witte de With, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

And then Kurita runs into the allied transports again, this time in daylight! However, Kurita must have very little ammunition left as the japanese ships withdraw after only two salvoes at very long range.
Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi

Allied Ships
xAK Ping Wo
xAK Taiyuan
xAK Whangpu
xAP Glenapp
xAP Glenorchy
xAP Hong Peng
xAP Poelau Bras
xAP Kota Gede
xAK Bintang
xAK Nicholas van Vonn
AM Jan van Amstel
PC Tydeman

Then a PT-boat is avoided.
Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano
DD Nowaki
DD Arashi

Allied Ships
PT TM-10

And then, disaster. ANOTHER British TF appears. DD Banckert distingues herself by sinking two japanese destroyers. The japanese cruisers are hit and quite damaged. However, Exeter is hit by Suzuya and suffer damages to her engines.
Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 8, on fire
CA Kumano, Shell hits 10
DD Nowaki, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Arashi, Shell hits 18, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Exeter, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Enterprise, Shell hits 1
CL Caledon, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Banckert

Kurita cannot escape eastwards as the British TF close again.
Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, heavy fires
CA Kumano, Shell hits 6, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Exeter, on fire
CL Enterprise
CL Caledon, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Banckert

And then again...
Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, heavy fires
CA Kumano, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Exeter, heavy fires
CL Enterprise
CL Caledon, on fire
DD Banckert

Meanwhile, the heavy cover force runs into ANOTHER British TF, this time AT Sinkawang (a quite aggressive allied move).The battleships however does not have much ammunition left, and Haruna's superstructure is quite damaged and on fire.
Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 2
BB Haruna, Shell hits 5, heavy fires
DD Asashio
DD Arashio

Allied Ships
CL Dauntless, Shell hits 1
CL Ceres, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Express

The end of Kurita's northern task force...
Allied aircraft
139WH-3 x 7

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage, Kumano dead in the water ...

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 18
Vildebeest III x 19

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CA Suzuya, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk

< Message edited by PT boat skipper -- 8/16/2012 11:53:04 AM >

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 16

16 Dec 1941 - Reports to GHQ - 8/16/2012 3:47:14 PM

PT boat skipper
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Luzon
Lingayen is captured and the 4th Marine Regiment is very badly mauled (it was in op mode). About 20 P-40s are shot down over Lingayen trying to interfere. Serveral transports are damaged by a coastal artillery battalion (they surrendered later). The armoured brigade gets order to rapidly move inland to cut of enemy units operating in Northern Luzon.

16th Army
Cagayan is captured!

Combined Fleet
KB sinks one DD and one TK south of Tokyo (fleeing from the Philipines).

AMC Aikoku Maru is sunk by US DDs and CA Indianapolis SE Hawaii.

Southern Fleet, 11th Air Fleet
Air attacks from Sinkawang on dutch CL De Ryuter between Singapore and Palembang are ineffective (22nd Air Flottilla will use torpedoes from tomorrow).

SS I-157 delivers some payback for yesterday near Oosthaven:

Allied Ships
CA Exeter, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage: Magazine explodes on CA Exeter
DD Banckert

There are reports of sea actions around Billiton (SW Borneo) with american warships. Two japanese destroyers run into a TF with Houston and Boise, and one japanese DD gets seriously damaged (later scuttled), while CL Izusu damage CL Marblehead in another US TF.

Tarakan is invaded.

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 17

RE: 15 Dec 1941 - Special Report: Palembang Naval Battle - 8/16/2012 8:44:25 PM

Capt. Harlock
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quote:

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 18
Vildebeest III x 19

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CA Suzuya, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk

Very impressive for Vildebeests. Can you get any LRCAP in the area?

_____________________________

Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?

--Victor Hugo

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 18

RE: 15 Dec 1941 - Special Report: Palembang Naval Battle - 8/16/2012 10:49:56 PM

PT boat skipper
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@Capt. Harlock

The Vildebeest were not that impressive since Suzuya and Kumano were both severely damaged and "dead in the water" by the time of the final air attack. I only had 18 Zeros (22nd Flottilla) and they were doing CAP over Sinkawang (the day before a major B-17 raid was made against that airfield). I also had four major TFs and it was difficult to guess which one needed air cover the most. I thought the southern TF was in most danger and sort of expected the allies to dispand all transports in Palembang, thus allowing Kurita to retreat all the way back to Sinkawang. However, the Exeter TF was the one that nailed Suzuya & Kumano IMHO.

I have however ordered the entire 11th Air Fleet (with 90+ Zeros and many torpedobombers) into the area since the allied air threat in Luzon has been removed.

(in reply to Capt. Harlock)

Post #: 19

17 Dec 1941 - Reports to GHQ - 8/17/2012 8:59:24 AM

PT boat skipper
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Luzon
The armoured brigade reach the highway one hex (Cabanatuan) southeast of Lingayen. They will launch a shock attack tomorrow which will cut off allied forces in northern Luzon. There are only one enemy unit present (an artillery regiment).

20+ P-40s are shoot down over Lingayen as they vainly tried to attack the advancing armoured brigade. The allied cannot have many fighters left now on Luzon.

Landings commence at Naga.

Southern Fleet
Namlea (next to Ambon) is captured. It will be used as a forward base for navy recce sea planes.

A major naval battle takes place at Sinkawang in daylight: many japanese warships had left during the night for other ports in order to repair battle damage and/or rearm and refuel. However, several japanese warships arrived as reinforcements and one of those smaller TFs ended up fighting a powerful allied combined cruiser squadron. This is again a very aggressive allied move since the 22nd Air Flottilla has deployed in full strenght to Sinkawang and has 30 torpedobombers ready.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Singkawang at 56,88, Range 22,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 45, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CL Java
CL Enterprise
CL Dauntless, Shell hits 3, on fire
CL Boise, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
CL Caledon, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Banckert
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
DD Thracian, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

And again DD Banckert quite impressively dispatch a modern japanese DD. She must either be very lucky or have an extraordinary captain. The japanese are outnumbered and outgunned but fight bravely to the bitter end until both are sinking. A transport TF is thus protected and the allied does not make a bombardment (if that actually was the allied intention).

Then the 22nd Air Flottilla goes into action:

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
G3M2 Nell x 16

Allied Ships
CL Boise, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Java
CL Dauntless, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Interesting that Boise actually seems to be severely damaged? was she actually hit by torpedoes? or did Takao hit her badly, and did the fire spread out of control? The situation is very unclear (fog of war)...

The second attack:
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
G3M2 Nell x 17

Allied Ships
CL Java
CL Dauntless, on fire, heavy damage

Eh, no hits at all!?...

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 20

18 Dec 1941 - Reports to GHQ - 8/17/2012 9:26:18 AM

PT boat skipper
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Luzon
A major victory occurs as the armoured brigade (4th & 7th Tank Regiments and the 48th Recce Bn) defeats a very disorganized allied "counter-attack" at Cabanatuan. Several allied units arrived the same turn as the japanese launch their shock attack. Two enemy infantry divisions (from Clark field) are forced to retreat back to Clark and two tank batttalions retreat north from where they came (and they are now trapped):

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2090 troops, 4 guns, 207 vehicles, Assault Value = 134
Defending force 6459 troops, 102 guns, 218 vehicles, Assault Value = 325

Japanese adjusted assault: 122
Allied adjusted defense: 50

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cabanatuan !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
169 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1285 casualties reported
Squads: 92 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 128 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 42 (41 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 101 (101 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 4

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
48th Recon Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
7th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
51st PA Infantry Division
192nd Tank Battalion
71st PA Infantry Division
194th Tank Battalion

Meanwhile, the 16th Div captures Batangas south of Manilla and there are signs that the allies are in full retreat from Manilla to Clark field.

Southern Fleet
Brunei, Manado, Tarakan & Samarinda are captured!

The alllies continue to be aggressive. During the night there is another naval battle at Sinkawang. However, the last japanese CA in the area, which was guarding the transport TF yesterday, has been organized into a proper TF.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Singkawang at 56,88, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Shell hits 4
DD Murakumo
DD Uranami
DD Shikinami
DD Asagiri
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships
CA Houston, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Alden
DD Edsall, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD John D. Edwards
DD Whipple, Shell hits 2, heavy fires

Then the 22nd Air Flottilla attacks during the day:
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
G3M2 Nell x 10

Allied Ships
CA Houston, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Whipple, on fire

Did Houston sink?

And:
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
G4M1 Betty x 7

Allied Ships
CL Dauntless, heavy damage

No hits again on a very damaged (crippled?) cruiser...

Just ONE day before the Ambor invasion force is in position, they are attacked by a handfull enemy divebombers (SB2U-3 Vindicator) flying from Ambon. Two of the three ships transporting an infantry regiments are hit and the chance for success is now very slim. The TF commander (onboard BB Ise) makes the decision to land anyway. The damaged AP is diverted to nearby Namlea where it will be beached so the tropps can be saved (half a regiment is onboard...).

3rd Air Division (Kohta Bahru)
There are signs that the enemy is sending more fighters to reinforce CAP above Singapore. AVG/1st Sqn with H81-A3 has been identified. Air combats (sweeps) will continue by the two Oscar daitai each flying every second day.

< Message edited by PT boat skipper -- 8/17/2012 9:31:06 AM >

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 21

19 Dec 1941 - Reports to GHQ - 8/17/2012 9:50:44 AM

PT boat skipper
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Luzon
11th Air Fleet is being transfered to west Borneo since the allies must have dispanded their few remaining fighters. 5th Air Division will take over CAP duties.

Tuguegarao is captured.

Southern Fleet
South of Singapore a japanese CL/DD TF intercept an allied TF heading north toward Singapore during the night (no moonlight).

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai
DD Michishio
DD Uranami
DD Asagiri
DD Yugiri, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Glasgow
DD Encounter, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Express, Shell hits 2

And again:
Japanese Ships
CL Sendai, Shell hits 5, heavy fires
DD Michishio, Shell hits 1
DD Uranami
DD Asagiri
DD Yugiri, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Glasgow, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD Encounter, on fire
DD Express, Shell hits 30, and is sunk

Sendai hit Glasgow with a 61cm long lance torpedo. Then, Glasgow hits Sendai with several 6inch salvos which turn her into a burning wreck...

On the return to Sinkawang:

Japanese Ships
DD Michishio
DD Uranami, Shell hits 1
DD Asagiri

Allied Ships
CL Dauntless, Shell hits 41, and is sunk

And then:
Submarine attack near Singapore at 49,85

Japanese Ships
SS I-165

Allied Ships
CL Glasgow, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Glasgow is sunk. Something similar to this happened before...

22nd Air Flottilla attacks a convoy near Palembang:

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
G3M2 Nell x 11
G4M1 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 4
CW-21B Demon x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
xAK Howra, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Van Ghent
DD Stewart, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AMC Pansy, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Taiping, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

And then something similar happens again...

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 14
Vildebeest III x 10

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Yugiri, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
CL Sendai, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

They are both sunk. However, they did manage to help sink a very capable british CL (Glasgow) and a british DD.

Landnings at Ambon commences. No enemy air attacks - the divebombers moved to Balikpapan, from where they damaged two xAK at Tarakan.

4th Fleet
Two enemy DMs are spotted at Wake island by I-16 - this will get difficult. The Operation to finally capture Wake is slowly gearing up. 3rd Fleet is ordered to transfer several DMS to 4th Fleet.

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 22

20 Dec 1941 - Reports to GHQ - 8/17/2012 10:05:12 AM

PT boat skipper
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Luzon
The allies are moving all available units to Clark field.

Southern Fleet.
There are still allied ships heading north into Singapore.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Singkep at 49,88, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Murasame
DD Harusame

Allied Ships
xAP Amra, Shell hits 1, on fire
xAP Tairea, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Glenorchy
xAP Kota Gede, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
AM Eland Dubois, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Submarine attack near Palembang at 49,90

SS I-159

xAP Glenapp, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

The Ambon situation. There will be no attack until reinforcement.

4th Coastal Gun Battalion
Molukken Garrison Battalion
Manado Garrison Bn /1
Ternate Det. Base Force
Sorong Det. Base Force
Ambon Base Force

VS:
4th Engineer Co /2
146th Infantry Rgt /3

16th Army
Malaybalay is captured on Mindanao. The mopping up continues.

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 23

21 Dec 1941 - Reports to GHQ - 8/17/2012 10:22:23 AM

PT boat skipper
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Luzon
Manilla is captured! (the enemy had evacuated the city).

Southern Fleet
Air Recce from Namlea discover an enemy AIRCRAFT CARRIER and a SAG nine hexes south of Ambon. All naval units are ordered to clear the area. After some hesitation, the Southern Fleet withdraws a SAG led by CA Chokai.

China Exp Army
AVG 2 and 3 have been identified trying to LR CAP some moving chinese units south of Nanchang. Only two Ki-27 and no bombers are however lost in the "trap". There might be a pocket forming as chinese units south of Nanchang are on the move westward. 13th Army is informed and ordered to take action as soon as their units are relieved in garrison duties by the RPC.

The chinese tries to break through to the west south of Nanchang. However, 11th Bde has a good defensive position and is blocking the roads. Another brigade is moving south from Nanchang and the 23rd Army, in the south, has blocked another west-east road.

Ground combat at 85,56 (near Nanchang)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 11403 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 416

Defending force 5547 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 185

Allied adjusted assault: 345

Japanese adjusted defense: 610

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
176 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1877 casualties reported
Squads: 21 destroyed, 117 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled

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

Defending units:
11th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Tsiaotso captured by 1st Army (since the chinese were withdrawing anyway):

Ground combat at Tsiaotso (88,42)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17447 troops, 150 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 602

Defending force 1548 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 51

Japanese adjusted assault: 279

Allied adjusted defense: 13

Japanese assault odds: 21 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Tsiaotso !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
925 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 28 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 9 destroyed, 2 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
36th Division
16th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
5th New Chinese Corps

< Message edited by PT boat skipper -- 8/17/2012 10:26:52 AM >

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 24

22 Dec 1941 - Reports to GHQ - 8/17/2012 10:47:27 AM

PT boat skipper
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Luzon
AS Otus, which apperently must have been in Manilla since she was severely damaged by kates (CVL Ryujo) on the scenod day of the war, manage to escape from Manilla (she was in the harbor when the city fell) only to run into the waiting RO-33:

Submarine attack near Busuanga at 77,79

Japanese Ships
SS RO-33

Allied Ships
AS Otus, heavy damage

AS Otus is sighted by SS RO-33
SS RO-33 launches 2 torpedoes

AND:

Submarine attack near Busuanga at 77,79

Japanese Ships
SS RO-33

Allied Ships
AS Otus, heavy damage

AS Otus is sighted by SS RO-33
SS RO-33 launches 2 torpedoes

Unbelievable. AS Otus must be the luckiest ship in the war so far.

Situation at Clark field below. Many japanese units have not arrived yet. There are also one-two allied units moving north from Bataan.

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 780 troops, 81 guns, 24 vehicles, Assault Value = 851
Defending force 32744 troops, 424 guns, 511 vehicles, Assault Value = 844

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

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

Assaulting units:
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
21st Division
48th Engineer Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
48th Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
48th Field AA Battalion

Defending units:
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
1st PA Infantry Division
41st PA Infantry Division
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
51st PA Infantry Division
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
14th PS Engineer Regiment
71st PA Infantry Division
91st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
Asiatic Fleet
USAFFE
1st PI Base Force
803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
Cavite USN Base Force
PAF Aviation
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
South Luzon Force
1st USMC AA Battalion
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
Far East USAAF
4th Marine Regiment
Subic Bay Defenses
Manila USAAF Base Force
Provisional GMC Grp

Southern Fleet
Several B-17Ds (flying from Koepang, Timor?) hit the ground forces on Ambon. Did the allies believe that the decimated regiment was going to shock attack? The enemy aircraft carrier seems to have disapperared (south).

11th Air Fleet
For some reasons, a sortie is made against two HDML in Singapre and several Nells (eight) and a few Zeros are brought down by the allied CAP. A few allied fighters and one HDML are destroyed. 11th Air Fleet and 3rd Air Division are ordered to make a joint effort to clear the skies over Singapore.

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 25

23 Dec 1941 - Reports to GHQ - 8/17/2012 10:59:39 AM

PT boat skipper
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Posts: 386
Joined: 7/17/2006
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Luzon
Bayombong seem to be the next battle as isolated allied units in northern Luzon are heading there (in order to break through to Clark field?).

Southern Fleet
In a very professional sneak attack the imperial navy prove their superiority in night fighting near Palembang.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Muntok at 50,89, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Shinonome
DD Shirakumo
DD Murakumo
TB Hayabusa

Allied Ships
CL De Ruyter, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Kortenaer, Shell hits 1
DD Piet Hein

3rd Air Division
A sweep by 19 Ki-43-Ib Oscar over Singapore results in about equal losses (2-4 fighters each).

Two enemy xAKL heading north between Sumatra and Malaya are sunk by a Sonia daitai.

6th Fleet
RO-66 reports that CA Australia and one DD are heading toward Pago Pago.

China Exp Army

Leading elements of the 11th Army are following the retreating chinese towards Nanyang.

Ground combat at 86,46 (near Nanyang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 12463 troops, 141 guns, 126 vehicles, Assault Value = 441

Defending force 5882 troops, 28 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 177

Japanese adjusted assault: 789

Allied adjusted defense: 15

Japanese assault odds: 52 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
173 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 30 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled

Allied ground losses:
4612 casualties reported
Squads: 155 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 134 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 10 (10 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
6th Division
13th Tank Regiment
9th Armored Car Co
1st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
7th Chinese Corps

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 26

24 Dec 1941 - Reports to GHQ - 8/17/2012 11:09:54 AM

PT boat skipper
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Posts: 386
Joined: 7/17/2006
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Southern Fleet
Mines are discovered in Palembang harbor by I-158, which then hits one... She might make it back to base.

A few japanese DDs/TBs engages some PT-boats near Palembang during the night.

11th Air Fleet
A sweep over Palembang by Zeros shoot down about six dutch fighters for no own losses.

However, the ordered sweep over Singapore is cancelled because of bad weather. Thus both the 11th Air Fleet AND the 3rd Air Division (with 90 Ki-21 bombers) will have to fly tomorrow. Hopefully, the sweep by the 11th Air Fleet might come in first.

16th Army
Landings commence at Cebu and Iloilo.

A shock attack fails at Hong Kong. But it is now only a matter of days.

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 27

25 Dec 1941 - Reports to GHQ - 8/17/2012 11:25:07 AM

PT boat skipper
Matrix Veteran

Posts: 386
Joined: 7/17/2006
Status: offline

Luzon
First battle of Bayombong. The allies tries to shock attack while the japanese 4th Division arrives from the north the same turn.

Ground combat at Bayombong (80,75)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 3227 troops, 60 guns, 37 vehicles, Assault Value = 300
Defending force 13816 troops, 125 guns, 89 vehicles, Assault Value = 506

Allied adjusted assault: 0
Japanese adjusted defense: 919
Allied assault odds: 1 to 99

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

Allied ground losses:
1765 casualties reported
Squads: 89 destroyed, 65 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 31 (9 destroyed, 22 disabled)
Vehicles lost 24 (1 destroyed, 23 disabled)

Assaulting units: (these enemy units are now trapped in North Luzon)
31st PA Infantry Division
21st PA Infantry Division
192nd Tank Battalion
3rd/12th PA Inf Battalion
194th Tank Battalion

Defending units:
4th Division (arrived this turn in combat mode)
4th Tank Regiment
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion

Southern Fleet
There are still allied naval units near Singapore-Palembang. Especially enemy DDs and PTs.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Singkep at 49,88, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Naka
DD Yudachi
DD Akatsuki
DD Ayanami, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Encounter
DD Isis, Shell hits 1

AND:

Day Time Surface Combat, near Singkep at 50,88, Range 15,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Naka
DD Yudachi
DD Akatsuki
DD Ayanami, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Encounter, Shell hits 1
DD Isis

It was raining which might explain the disappointing result above. It would have been great to take out those two british DDs.

In some other actions, three enemy PT-boats are sunk nearby.

11th Air Fleet/3rd Air Div
Very bad weather over Singapore - no air attacks possible today. But there are still about 15 enemy ships located in Singapore harbor.

25th Army
Georgetown is captured (it was bypassed by the mobile units on their way south and thus captured somewhat late).

16th Army
Butuan is captured and a couple of enemy units surrender. Only a few enemy units left on Mindanao.
Iloilo is captured. But not Cebu - an infantry regiment is on its way.

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 28

RE: 25 Dec 1941 - Reports to GHQ - 8/17/2012 8:27:47 PM

Capt. Harlock
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Posts: 5358
Joined: 9/15/2001
From: Los Angeles
Status: offline

quote:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Singkep at 49,88, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Naka
DD Yudachi
DD Akatsuki
DD Ayanami, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Encounter
DD Isis, Shell hits 1

AND:

Day Time Surface Combat, near Singkep at 50,88, Range 15,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Naka
DD Yudachi
DD Akatsuki
DD Ayanami, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Encounter, Shell hits 1
DD Isis

TF commander to Ayanami: turn off the shell magnet!

_____________________________

Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?

--Victor Hugo

(in reply to PT boat skipper)

Post #: 29

26 Dec 1941 - Reports to GHQ - 8/19/2012 7:50:12 PM

PT boat skipper
Matrix Veteran

Posts: 386
Joined: 7/17/2006
Status: offline

Luzon
An intial attack is launched at Bayombong. The following allied units are trapped in a pocket (plus another PA infantery division one hex north).

Defending units:
31st PA Infantry Division
3rd/12th PA Inf Battalion
31st Infantry Regiment
194th Tank Battalion
North Luzon Force
21st PA Infantry Division
192nd Tank Battalion

25th Army
Kuala Lumpur is captured.

Temuloh is captured:
FMSV Brigade surrenders.
8th Indian Brigade is trapped.

11th Air Fleet/3rd Air Division
Finally the attack plan is executed.

A sweep by Zeros clear some of the heavy CAP over Singapore (and Palembang).

After the fighter sweep by 11th Air Fleet, Singapore harbour is hit by about 90 Ki-21s of 3rd Air Div (in two waves).

Allied Ships in Singapore harbor are hit/sunk:
CL Java, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Whipple, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Capetown, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Poelau Bras, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Kwangtung, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Hong Peng, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Banckert, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage (a major threat to IJN destroyers is removed)
DD Kortenaer, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Hong Siang, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships (2nd attack)
CL Java, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Capetown, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Whipple, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Glenorchy, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

An allied TF is attacked (not that sucessfully) by the 22nd Air Flottilla SE Palembang.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
G3M2 Nell x 19
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied Ships
xAKL Bust
xAP Mijer
DD Piet Hein
xAKL Schouten
AM Pieter de Bitter
xAP Le Maire, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CL Colombo

And, an attack is made at Palambang against Enterprise, that is, the HMS Enterprise. Despite light clouds no hits are reported...

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
G4M1 Betty x 6

Allied Ships
CL Enterprise

Southern Fleet
There are still some allied destroyers patrolling outside Palembang.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Toboali at 50,93, Range 4,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Yura
CL Kinu
DD Yugumo
DD Natsushio
DD Hayashio, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 1
DD Yamagumo
DD Asagumo
DD Minazuki
DD Fumizuki, Shell hits 1
TB Kiji
TB Kamo

Allied Ships
DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Parrott, Shell hits 3, on fire

(in reply to Capt. Harlock)

Post #: 30

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