5-6 Jan 1942 (Full Version)

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IdahoNYer -> 5-6 Jan 1942 (10/15/2014 3:29:53 PM)

5-6 Jan 1942

Jpn ships sunk:
SS: 1; I-173 listed as sunk by d/c from escort off Midway
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
PT/MTB: 4; all off Makassar

Air loss:
Jpn: 23
Allied: 15

Subwar:
Jpn: 0xAttack: no ships hit;
Allies: 1xAttack: 1 ship hit; xAK sunk
SS KVI dam by convoy escort off Kompong Trach - should make port
SS Saury damaged PB ASW off Sapporo - should make port

Amph Inv: None[:)]

Bases lost:
Clark Field (PI)
Digos (PI)
Oroquieta (PI)
Kuala Lumpur (Malaya)
Kuantan (Mallaya)
Buna (SWPAC)
Manus (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel:
51st Naval Gd planning for an attack on Makin - finally some activity in CENPAC; will the KB support?? If so, perhaps we have some time to reinforce Moresby. If not, perhaps Lex and Yorktown can provide some excitement.

Overall, with one exception, it was a quiet two turns. That exception was the loss of Clark - which was expected, but not quite this quickly. KB has disappeared. No amphs??!!

West Coast. xAP Lurline w/DD and CV Yorktown w/4xDD departed West Coast without incident. Another small fast convoy is forming up in LA to bring troops to SOPAC.

In NOPAC. NSTR

In CENPAC, DM Preble is credited with sinking I-173 off Midway - one penetrating hit was observed, and was surprised to see her listed as sunk. South of PH, 4xI-Boats are identified by air, and we’ll focus four dedicated ASW TFs to hunt them down - along with additional ASW dedicated a/c.

In SOPAC, it stays quiet.

In SWPAC it is also quiet.

In the Philippines, Clark Field is taken by Jpn forces totaling 1238 AV. With only a level 1 fort, the loss was expected, just not quite so quickly. The victory did cause over 3800 Jpn casualties, and the US/PI forces fell back toward both Bataan and Manila as planned. The the last B-17 squadron is withdrawn to Java from Mindanao. P-40s again manage to hit shipping off Zambanga, hitting an xAK. Likely one of the last xAKLs (out of Tarakan) unload supplies at Bataan - another is enroute, and the last handful of fighters on Luzon are tasked to provide cover for it.

In China, a large 835 AV Jpn force mauls 3xChinese Corps east of Nanyang as the withdrawal to the Sian line continues. Jpn had 1880 casualties, but very few destroyed.

In Malaya, Jpn raids against Singapore drop to 18,000 ft and one of the many scores well, destroying a number of a/c and causing 37 runway hits (other similar sized raids affected less than 10 hits). Ground forces continue to push south, defenses at Kluong continue to dig and should be at level 3 before the lead Jpn elements arrive.

India/Burma: Rangoon continues to receive supply convoys without interference. Lead Jpn regiment reaches Moulmein and begins bombardment. Moulmein is held by a reinforced Bde (with poor morale) to delay.

In the DEI, additional 3xDD arrive at Darwin to provide escort for PoW back to Java. A large IJN TF (2xKongo BB, 4xCA, 2xCL, DDs) maul the MTB squadron at Makassar - but perhaps this is a good indication of what I can expect as a cover TF when an amph is launched at Makassar?




IdahoNYer -> 7-8 Jan 1942 (10/17/2014 1:36:58 AM)

7-8 Jan 1942

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
PT/MTB: 2; again, off Makassar

Air loss:
Jpn: 31
Allied: 15

Subwar:
Jpn: 4xAttacks: no ships hit;
Allies: 7xAttacks: 1 ship hit; xAKL dam (AKE, TK, xAK hit with dud torps!!)

Amph Inv:
Makassar (DEI)
Morotai (DEI)

Bases lost:
Port Dickson (Malaya)
Tavoy (Malaya)
Bengkalis (PI)

SIGINT/Intel:NSTR

Activity picks up in the DEI with the IJN getting the jump on us Allies by landing at Macassar before PoW can return to Java. Elsewhere, the AVG engages the IJA effectively over Nanyang. Remains quiet in the Pacific.

West Coast. NSTR

In NOPAC. NSTR

In CENPAC, the ASW campaign against the 4xI-Boats has so far accomplished nothing - no runs, no hits, but plenty of errors. CV Lex TF will depart to the NE in the morning to avoid the sub “pack” to the south where she will link up with CV Yorktown and proceed to await developments at Makin-Tarawa.

In SOPAC, it remains quiet and a NZ Eng Co is landed at Koumac. The 53rd (Sep) IN Reg begins loading at Auckland, also bound for Koumac. CV Sara, which was loitering south of Noumea, moves to the SSW to launch its Marine fighters to Sydney to “upgrade” the F4Fs to Buffalos. Until the F4F-4 becomes avail, I’m downgrading the Marine squadrons to Buffs to provide additional planes for the Navy. Navy Pilots are still in extreme short supply as well of course….

In SWPAC remains fairly quiet, although the first LBA raid on Port Moresby took place - with bomb carrying Nells missed the xAKL offloading in the harbor. Half dozen P-40s were flown in to provide some limited fighter cover.

In the Philippines, IJA a/c hit Manila but do minimal damage. Handful of P-26s and P-35s intercept with predictable results. On the bright side, those fighters were providing cover for another xAKL which was offloading at Bataan. The “Mindanao Air Force”, a half dozen Seagulls and P-40s operating out of Cotabato score hits on two xAKs at Jolo.

In China, AVG out of Sian flying long range patrols over Nanyang holds its own against IJA aircraft, shooting down 4xOscar Cs, 2xNate and 2xSonia at the cost of 2 fighters. As with most operations, the IJA flew successive waves of sweeps and missions which basically wear out fighter opposition.

In Malaya, more of the same massed raids against Singapore, but these doing minor damage. Even so, damage has accrued to 33 AF dam and 23 Run Dam - plus supply loss as well, which has now dropped to 64k, despite the resuming of xAKLs shuttling supplies in from Palembang. On the bright side, with all the attention to Singers, no bombs have fallen on Kluong or Johore defenses.

India/Burma: Jpn continue to build up against Moulmein and we await the inevitable attack. Strangely, except for recon, no enemy airpower has been used in this theater.

In the DEI, The same IJN TF (2xKongo BB, 4xCA, 2xCL, DDs) visits Makassar again, brushing aside the remaining Dutch MTBs. This time it’s a prelude to invasion. With only a Cruiser TF at Soerbaja, and the PoW TF SW of Koepang, no naval counterattack is possible for a few more days - and that assumes PoW will make it back w/o incident to Soerabaja - and of course, the TF was sighted by an I-Boat shortly after departing Darwin. Losing Makassar will bring Soerabaja in Zero range - albeit extended range.





IdahoNYer -> 9-10 Jan 1942 (10/20/2014 11:31:37 PM)

9-10 Jan 1942

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk: (all between Cooktown and Moresby)
AM: 4
CM: 1
xAK:1
xAKL:3

Air loss:
Jpn: 56
Allied: 24

Subwar:
Jpn: 4xAttacks: no ships hit;
Allies: 4xAttacks: 1 ship hit; xAK dam
S-36 dam by escort off Lingayen; should make port.

Amph Inv:
Port Moresby (SWPAC)
Tandjoengselor (DEI)

Bases lost:
Lucena (PI)
Cagayan (PI)
Moulmein (Burma)
Sambas (DEI)
Makassar (DEI)
Morotai (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel:
2/46 In Reg loaded on ship moving to Tarakan - may be a target for a TF intercept if we can get some bad weather.

Have been wringing my hands whether or not to reinforce Moresby - well, with the IJN depositing the entire 4th ID on Moresby this turn, that decision is made - Moresby will fall. With that invasion, the KB re-appeared causing havoc off the NE coast of Australia. To add to the “discoveries”, the Mini-KB appeared SE of Java to find and strike the PoW TF!!! Not a good couple of days, and I’m sure more are in the forecast….such is Jan 1942 for the Allied Cause.

West Coast. A small 10 ship fast convoy departed LA on the 10th bound for Auckland - part of its cargo includes the first port maintenance units headed for SOPAC. It will link up with transports from PH carrying the 4th Marine Def Bn, also heading to SOPAC.

In NOPAC. NSTR

In CENPAC, the I-Boats off PH have vanished, perhaps due to weather, perhaps they have pulled out. In any case 4xASW TFs will continue to search for a while. Lex and Yorktown rendezvous NE of PH and will move toward the Canton area and loiter.

In SOPAC, The 53rd (Sep) IN Reg departs Auckland, bound for Koumac, and Auckland prepares to receive the first of the fast convoys that departed LA on the 17th and 21st of Dec carrying the first major reinforcements for both SOPAC and SWPAC, currently covered by CV Enterprise TF which will also dock.

In SWPAC the action heats up with the KB appearing off Moresby on the 9th, quickly hitting a small resupply ship convoy off loading at Moresby, another enroute and of course, the timing just happens to be when I dispatched the CM Bungaree to mine Moresby. Fortunately, no major fleet units were around Moresby. The amphib TF lands the 4th ID without much interference, although CD batteries damage an AMC and an xAK. I pull out the remaining aircraft (a couple of Banshees, P-40s and Aus PBYs). Moresby will fall with its “at start” garrison. Aus units staging and prepared to depart for Moresby will instead prepare the defense of NE Australia. Horn Island is a likely next target, and has been reinforced by the withdrawn New Guinea and Kavieng garrisons - a speed bump if the Jpn want it.

In the Philippines, clear weather brings air strikes targeting the AS Canopus offloading at Bataan, but the ship remains lucky, and no hits were scored. Jpn ground forces arrive at the gates of Manila - which looks to be their next target - currently defended primarily by PI divisions, totaling just over 500 AV in level 2 fortifications. Supply is still plentiful at both Bataan and Manila. Will be interesting to see if he attacks or lets attrition take effect. Still running 4xresupply subs to Bataan and three xAKLs are still in the vicinity in the Sulu Sea area - the problem being more of a lack of supplies at nearby anchorages (Cebu and Tarakan were the main supply ports) than enemy action. The further the distances to Bataan, the longer turn-around time. Supply will now load at Balikpapan which will make this a longer, much more hazardous run.

In China, AVG out of Changsa catch unescorted Sonias over Nanchang and shoot down 6 for no loss. Sian’s AVG squadron rests as Jpn ground forces continue to press east of Nanyang.

In Malaya, the Singapore AF takes to the air for the first time this month. The Hurricane debuts flying CAP over Singapore for the first time, and with the Buffaloes does very well against the usual heavy air attacks - 8xZero, 7xNetties, 3xSally are shot down in air to air at the cost of 1xHurri and 3xBuf. Not to be out done by the fighters, 2xBlenheim squadrons hit Kota Bahru AF, destroying 6xNetties on the ground. Overall, a very good day for the RAF.

India/Burma: Moulmein falls in the first assault, and the defenses fall back to the river line east of Pegu.

In the DEI, I'm surprised (but really shouldn’t be) by the appearance of the Mini-KB SE of Java and its Kates striking the PoW TF (BB,CL,5xDD). PoW gets hit by 2xtorps, but again, I get lucky and the PoW suffers a total of 2xfloat dam. CL Danae doesn’t fair quite as well, getting hit once with 28xsys and 19xfloat - but no fires. In any case, this is troublesome as the PoW (and the Repulse 120m to the south) are effectively cut off from both Java and Ceylon by the roaming Mini-KB. My only real option is to make a run for Perth at speed and hope for the best.



IdahoNYer -> 11-12 Jan 1942 (10/23/2014 1:48:22 AM)

11-12 Jan 1942

Jpn ships sunk:None

Allied ships sunk:
BB: 1; Prince of Wales
MTB: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 29
Allied: 16

Subwar:
Jpn: 1xAttacks: 1 ship hit; SS-Trout torpedoed by I-16 off Brisbane
Allies: 1xAttacks: no ships hit
SS-Trout w/hv dam makes it to Brisbane.

Amph Inv:
Buin (SOPAC)
Shortlands(SOPAC)
Tulagi (SOPAC)
Tarakan (DEI)
Koepang (DEI)
Denpasar (DEI)

Bases lost:
Dadjangas (PI)
Boac (PI)
Polillo (PI)
Shortlands (SOPAC)
Port Moresby (SWPAC)
Tandjoengselor (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

Japanese tempo increases dramatically, and Allied fortunes turn rapidly in the other direction. Heavy IJN activity in the eastern DEI effectively isolates Java from Australia, and operations begin in the Solomons. While the loss of Moresby was expected, the loss of PoW is a heavy blow.

West Coast. NSTR

In NOPAC. An IJN TF is spotted by PBYs south of Attu Is - 2 ships? Heading unknown. Possible amphib operation underway - not enough info known at this point. NOPAC Striking Force (CL, 3xDD, 2xAMC) will sortie from Dutch Harbor to Amchitka and Adak Islands. Adak has an engineer battalion digging, but no troops are currently on Amchitka, only 2xYPs off shore on patrol. 2x S-class subs are also on patrol in the Aleutians. For air, the airfield at Umnak is not complete, so only PBYs out of Adak are currently avail. At least I know the KB isn’t around…

In CENPAC, NSTR

In SOPAC, the first major convoy from the USA docks at Auckland, and begins offloading. This brings the first P-39s to SOPAC/SWPAC as well as CD units, engineers and a Marine Defense Bn. Another convoy will arrive shortly primarily bringing badly needed fuel. Auckland will be a very busy port for the next week - hopefully the KB will stay away and support the ongoing operations in the Solomons. With the KB’s location unknown, but believed to be in the vicinity to support operations from Moresby to the Solomons, caution rules the day.

In SWPAC, Port Moresby falls in the first assault to the 4th ID. No amph yet at Horn Island. Crippled CA Louisville with DD escort departed Townsville for Brisbane, and will need some luck to pass through the I-Boats off the coast - one of which torpedoed SS Trout as she was 80 miles off Brisbane. Focus here will be to bring troops/engineers to Cooktown and Portland Roads; initially for defensive purposes, but also to build facilities to strike back at Moresby and other New Guinea bases. At the other end of the north coast of Oz, Darwin is now at risk with the amphib operation at Timor. Troops are SLOWLY marching towards Darwin, but it will be a while before the 2nd Aus Div reaches the port. The first Bde of the Aus I Corps has just arrived at Aden, but it will be the better part of a month before these forces can effectively contribute to the defense of Australia.

In the Philippines, Jpn ground forces begin the bombardment of Manila, but leave the forces in Bataan untouched - no major air raids are conducted against either target. Manila port is effectively shut down as a sub base, and a number of patrolling subs will have to cut their patrols short due to increased transit time back to either Java or Darwin.

In China, nothing dramatic takes place - I manage to set the range for the AVG to zero by mistake, so they fail to fly in support of the defenses of Nanyang as Chinese ground troops continue to pull back toward the city.

In Malaya, I keep the RAF on the ground to avoid the sweeps which I figured would be heavy this turn - and they were. In addition to the sweeps, bombers hit Singers at over 20k alt, and do minimal damage, but AA finally starts clawing some planes down - 5 bombers lost to flak.

India/Burma: NSTR

In the DEI, the action heats up. First off, the Mini-KB guesses right that the PoW was heading to Perth. PoW’s luck finally runs out; torpedo bombers hit her with 3 torps, the LAST one causing a massive magazine explosion!! Escorting DDs are subject to a number of bombing runs, with one Flushdeck DD being hit. Repulse did make it to Perth, and after fueling, will now head to Capetown. Elsewhere, a large unescorted amph TF (CS, 2CA, CL, 11DD, CM, 5PB, 4xAK, 7xAP) invades Tarakan - the only Allied naval forces in the area are 5 British MTBs based at Tarakan - Hong Kong orphans. The MTBs make 5 separate attacks over the two days. During the final attempt in daylight on the 12th, the surviving 2MTBs manage to close range and score 2torp hits on the CS Chitose and an xAP! Nice. Hopefully the MTBs persistence not only caused some damage, but delayed the landing timetable some as I’m going to sortie Adm Shalfroth’s CA TF from Soerabaja to Tarakan on the 13th. Lastly in the DEI, landings at Denpasar just east of Java, and at Koepang on Timor basically isolates Java from Australia. Neither base is heavily defended, and the IJN is fully supporting both of these efforts with BBs. Denpasar’s loss will bring Zeros in range to effectively sweep Soerabaja and will result in closing the port as an effective base - hence Shalfroth’s sortie.





IdahoNYer -> 13-14 Jan 1942 (10/26/2014 10:59:46 PM)

13-14 Jan 1942

Jpn ships sunk:
CS: Chitose; reported as sunk after the 2xtorps hit the previous turn at Tarakan

Jpn ships un-sunk:
CA Takao now reported as still being in service - gotta love fog of war!

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1; Pillsbury succumbs to damage from PoW attack.

Air loss:
Jpn: 58
Allied: 30

Subwar:
Jpn: 1xAttacks: 1 ship hit; CL Marblehead torpedoed by I-156 off Balikpapan. Hv dam (67 float), she makes port at Balikpapan.
Allies: 5xAttacks: no ships hit

Amph Inv:
Ternate (DEI)

Bases lost:
Culion (PI)
Buin (SOPAC)
Tulagi (SOPAC)
Tawau (DEI)
Tarakan (DEI)
Denpasar (DEI)
Beaufort (DEI)
Nadzab (SWPAC)
Temuloh (Malaya)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

Fairly quiet two days as the Jpn mop up from last turn’s landings. Adm Shalfroth aborts the strike at Tarakan as Jpn pressure mounts in the DEI.

West Coast. Another fast convoy to Auckland begins to form up.

In NOPAC. The IJN TF of 2 ships remains about 80 south of Attu - sending a sub to the location.

CENPAC remains quiet.

In SOPAC, Auckland is the busiest port in the Pacific with over 40 ships in harbor offloading - about half of them docked. Not the time for the KB to come calling! IJN sub I-123 was detected and damaged in Noumea harbor - likely a mine laying mission. The first fighters arrive at Noumea - 5xMarine F4F-3s. Not much, but it’s a start. P-39s will arrive shortly as II Fighter Command will have to do double duty, providing fighters for both SWPAC and SOPAC for a while.

In SWPAC, Crippled CA Louisville with DD escort make it to Brisbane after slipping through the estimated 3xI-Boats off the port. IJN fleet units apparently have withdrawn north either to Rabaul or Truk, leaving the 4th ID at Moresby - which is a welcome development. Having the 4th ID at Moresby means it’s not going immediately elsewhere…

In the Philippines, Jpn ground forces continue bombardment of Manila as more forces are apparently being brought up, but only one small air attack targets the city. 4xsubs continue to bring in supply to Bataan and two dock this turn. AS Canopus with AM as escort, departed Bataan enroute to Java via Palembang.

In China, Jpn forces take the hex due west of Nanyang as Chinese forces continue to pull NW towards Sian.

In Malaya, one RAF Blenheim squadron raids Kota Bharu at 2000ft destroying 6xNetties on the ground. Jpn air hits Singapore with minimal results, but AA destroys 4xNetties. CAP stays on the ground. Kluong is raided for the first time, likely as a prelude to ground forces moving in.

India/Burma: Rangoon is targeted by Jpn Army aircraft, and RAF/AVG fighters give a good account for themselves, clawing down a number or Ann/Mary bombers and destroying as many Oscars as Buffalos lost. With Buffs and H81s flying, ground crews struggle to maintain adequate numbers available.

In the DEI, Adm Shalfroth aborts from striking at Tarakan. First, the CL Marblehead is heavily damaged by a single torpedo hit off Balikpapan during the night, then in the morning, 18xNells w/torps somehow miss hitting anything. Tarakan is just too risky, with no guarantees that shipping would even still be there. Shalfroth (2CA,2CL,8DD) will now raid warships reported off Makassar before returning to Java at speed. With bases at Makassar, Kendari and Denpasar becoming operational, the clock is ticking on an active Allied naval presence in the DEI. Although CL Marblehead reached port safely, with over 60 float, chances of getting her back to Java before Balikpapan is threatened directly is slim.






IdahoNYer -> 15-16 Jan 1942 Battle of Makassar goes badly (10/29/2014 4:22:11 PM)

15-16 Jan 1942

Awful turn on the naval side with Shalfroth’s sortie being a non mitigated disaster and subs penetrating both Brisbane and Noumea Harbors. On the positive side, RAF does well over Singapore. KB location remains unknown.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 2
AMC:1

Jpn ships un-sunk: SS I-154; originally claimed as sunk on 23 Dec.

Allied ships sunk:
CL: 1: Boise sunk by gunfire and sub torpedoes….painful loss
AM: 1
xAKL:1

Air loss:
Jpn: 43
Allied: 36

Subwar:
Jpn: 7xAttacks: 6 ship hit; Good day for IJN Silent Service: I-156 hits CL Boise w/4xtorp and CA Exeter w/1xtorp just off Soerbaja, I-165 hits CL Boise w/1torp in Java Sea, Mini sub sinks AM in Brisbane harbor, RO-33 hits SS O-16 w/torp off Denpasar, and I-123 successfully lays mines at Noumea harbor.
Allies: 2xAttacks: no ships hit

Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Batangas (PI)
Cotabato (PI)
Siquijor (PI)
Malaybalay (PI)
Malacca (DEI)
Ternate (DEI)
Chengchow (China)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR


West Coast. Convoy AF4 with 29 ships forms up to depart on the next turn.

In NOPAC. The previously sighted IJN TF of 2 ships south of Attu vanishes as Umnak AF completes to level 1 and P-40s arrive.

CENPAC remains quiet as CVs Lex and Yorktown await an AO NE of Palmyra.

In SOPAC, Auckland continues to offload cargo and units coming in from the US and prepares convoys for Noumea/Koumac including coast defense units. So far, no enemy eyes on Auckland. Same can’t be said for Noumea as I-123 lays mines in the harbor, most of which are immediately swept - only a pair of xAKs were offloading there at the time. 53rd (Sep) In Reg begins offloading at Koumac and the first P-39s arrive at Noumea, flown in from Norfolk Is.

In SWPAC, Brisbane is attacked by mini-subs - one of which manages to penetrate the harbor and sink a small AM. None of the subs are confirmed sunk. Defenses Australia remain weak.

In the Philippines, ground units in Manila are hit by airstrikes, and remaining four P-35s fail to effectively intercept due to altitude differences. The first ground assault is expected shortly. On Mindanao, the ring tightens as only Davao remains free - without any supply reserves. Cebu continues to function as a sub supply port as 2xsubs dock and load up.

In China, Jpn forces take Chengchow as Chinese forces abandon the fort level 3 city due to threat of encirclement. Other than the major effort by Jpn troops toward Sian, rest of China fairly quiet. Supplies are in fair shape due to the Burma Road influx.

In Malaya, over Singapore the CAP rises and has some luck due to weather which apparently prevented sweeps, mauling 13 bombers from an unescorted Nell strike. Even when escorted strikes are engaged, the CAP (now we some seasoned pilots) does well. All told 10xZero escorts are also shot down - but over half dozen Buffs and 3xHurris are lost.

India/Burma: Rangoon is targeted by IJA sweeps, and I made the mistake of keeping the CAP uip after last turn’s successes - resulting in half a dozen Buffs shot down and many AVG dam for only one Oscar.

In the DEI, Adm Shalfroth finds the target he was looking for at Makassar - a convoy w/BB Hyuga and DDs integrated in it. Should have been a good engagement for his Cruiser TF, but the Battle of Makassar started off badly as shown in the screen shot with 2 of 3 Hyuga salvoes hitting CL Boise right at the start (When does a BB hit anything right away??!!). Allied fire is directed against 2xPBs which are sunk, but Shalfroth decides to withdraw early with little else accomplished. Golden opportunity missed with little to gain. And it gets worse…much worse. Still, Boise is capable at this point (she sunk both PBs) and Shalfroth sails to Soerbaja at speed, then the subs start engaging 80 miles off the port; I-165 attacks 3 times, missing a DD twice, then hitting CL Boise. 40 miles out, I-159 hits CA Exeter w/torp and then hits CL Boise w/4xtorps!!! Exeter makes it to port with 34sys/54float, but Boise is of course sunk with all those hits. So Shalfroth’s adventure cost 1xCA crippled, CL Boise sunk, and CL Marblehead also damaged. Exeter and Marblehead’s are likely to be lost in the upcoming days as they’ll need repair elsewhere and with subs prowling (despite heavy Air ASW!!) I doubt they’ll both make it out of the Java Sea. For now, they’ll get some priority repairs. With the loss of PoW, Repulse heading to Cape Town, and the Makassar fiasco, the ABDA fleet’s glory days are well in the past. Still, they have done well - keeping a majority of the IJN surface fleet engaged for over a month. Will try to keep the remnants as a “fleet in being” for as long as possible - most likely out of Batavia as Jpn airpower is about to shut down Soerabaja.



[image]local://upfiles/32782/65A3A1EDA1C145B7B18A3D9DD535F5E6.jpg[/image]



BBfanboy -> RE: 15-16 Jan 1942 Battle of Makassar goes badly (10/29/2014 5:30:27 PM)

Looks like you got some bad rolls on Shafroth's engagement. Not that it is surprising for Hyuga to get hits right off at 1000 yards range, but the allied cruisers should have been able to hit well too.
I had an engagement which started at 1000 yards at night and Australian DD Stuart immediately launched torps, putting three exploding and one dud into BB Fuso. Good rolls on that one.



Capt. Harlock -> RE: 15-16 Jan 1942 Battle of Makassar goes badly (10/29/2014 7:47:52 PM)

quote:

CL: 1: Boise sunk by gunfire and sub torpedoes….painful loss


NNooooo...!! [X(]



IdahoNYer -> RE: 15-16 Jan 1942 Battle of Makassar goes badly (10/29/2014 11:12:45 PM)

quote:

Looks like you got some bad rolls on Shafroth's engagement.


Can't complain too much - I've had some very good luck/rolls so far!

The war continues.....



Jorge_Stanbury -> RE: 15-16 Jan 1942 Battle of Makassar goes badly (10/29/2014 11:39:47 PM)

I feel your loss ! [:(]

Specially since you did everything right, you dodge the distant cover and got into gun's range to the invasion fleet.
Moreover, that kind of SS success is very unlikely.

I also lost Boise in my PBEM (Houston too). I think for my next game I will make a clear distinction between "good" and "disposable" cruisers, being a lot more careful with the former and reckless with the later. In the early war the Allies need good luck to win any surface engagement. With good rolls, the ancient cruisers are more than enough, without it they are as doomed as any good one.




BBfanboy -> RE: 15-16 Jan 1942 Battle of Makassar goes badly (10/30/2014 5:02:49 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

I feel your loss ! [:(]

Specially since you did everything right, you dodge the distant cover and got into gun's range to the invasion fleet.
Moreover, that kind of SS success is very unlikely.

I also lost Boise in my PBEM (Houston too). I think for my next game I will make a clear distinction between "good" and "disposable" cruisers, being a lot more careful with the former and reckless with the later. In the early war the Allies need good luck to win any surface engagement. With good rolls, the ancient cruisers are more than enough, without it they are as doomed as any good one.



Agree with your line of thought. The old British and Dutch CLs have working torpedoes and are agile enough to dodge a lot of the torps/bombs aimed at them. Raiding at night is their natural element. I don't mind including the Dutch DDs and the British ones with the 4" guns only (Tenedos, Stronghold, et al). Their torpedoes also work and losing them isn't so painful since the Dutch ones have so small a fuel range and the Brit 4" guns are too weak to do much against Japanese DDs. Both DD types are very combustible.



IdahoNYer -> RE: 15-16 Jan 1942 Battle of Makassar goes badly (10/30/2014 5:04:15 PM)

I'm at the point of downgrading DEI operations to those type of CL TFs - just brought in a C and D Class CL from Ceylon for that purpose. Of course, my intent was to augment the primary CA TF with CL raiding TFs elsewhere...now that's about all I can do is raid. LargeSlowTarget protects his invasions too well for anything but a rear area raid!



IdahoNYer -> 17-18 Jan (10/30/2014 6:03:57 PM)

17-18 Jan 1942

Had the synch bug this turn, so combat reporter is a bit off…Tracker is good, but doesn’t match reporter…that’s with the combat save from Large Slow Target. Anyway, fairly non-eventful turn for the most part - the highlight being that Chinese actual held off a major IJA attack!

Jpn ships sunk:
CM: 1
DMS:1
xAK:1

Allied ships sunk:
MTB: 2
TK:1 (small 3000t)

Air loss:
Jpn: 20
Allied: 16

Subwar:
Jpn: 2xAttacks: no ship hit; 3-4 mini subs reportedly hit mines at Bataan
Allies: 3xAttacks: CM, CM and xAK sunk

Amph Inv:
Dili (DEI)

Bases lost:
Subic Bay (PI)
Lubang (PI)
Kolaka (PI)
Wau (SWPAC)
Oro Bay (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel:NSTR

West Coast. Convoy AF4 departed as scheduled without issues

In NOPAC. The two ships around Attu-Kiska are in fact AMCs which were attacked ineffectively by PBYs - my guess is a low cost recon using float planes. In any case, I’m sending the Northern Striking Force (CL,4DDs) to investigate and see if we can manage a mid ocean intercept. I’m also reinforcing the naval forces here from PH with a CA,CL and some more DDs - not flush deckers. Digging continues on Adak, Umnak and Dutch Harbor.

In CENPAC, CVs Lex and Yorktown fuel off Palmyra and ASW air patrols report hitting a sub 160m to the NE of the Task Force. SS Argonaut lays mines at Makin Is, but no further indication of Jpn moves in CENPAC so the CVs just loiter for now.

In SOPAC, offloading operations continue at Koumac and two additional transport runs to New Caledonia complete loading at Auckland. Marine CD Bn and Army Eng Bn will move directly to Koumac while a Base Force, CD and AA units will move to Noumea. CVs Enterprise and Saratoga will provide cover, hopefully limited to ASW patrols.

In SWPAC, quiet down under.

In the Philippines, Manila is hit again by airstrikes. PI reinforcements bring Bataan over the 45,000 man limit, so the remaining PI division will move to attack Clark AB. Mainly to reduce stacking, but perhaps there isn’t much at Clark as he’s moving to take Manila first…Lastly, AS Canopus with her AM escort reaches Palembang safely!

In China, IJA was bloodily repulsed for the first time in the war suffering over 3800 casualties in a failed attempt to take Nanyang. Now if we don’t get encircled here by the end of the month….AVG out of Sian battles Oscars over the city and manages only a 1-1 loss rate.

In Malaya, CAP stays on the ground and bombing of Singapore is again ineffective as altitudes are back up over 21,000. Night time nuisance raids by Blenheims against Koto Bharu destroy 2xNetties w/o loss. xAKLs continue to shuttle supplies in from Palambang without incident - supplies remain over 62k.

India/Burma: Rangoon is again targeted by IJA sweeps, and I keep the CAP up as a resupply convoy is unloading. While loses are about 1-1, the damaged planes continue to grow.

In the DEI, an IJN CA TF raids Balikpapan which was defended only by MTBs. 2xMTBs are lost without accomplishing anything, but CA Kako is reported to have hit a mine. Awaiting the first LBA raids on Soerabaja.



IdahoNYer -> RE: 19-20 Jan (11/2/2014 2:33:29 AM)

19-20 Jan 1942

Highlights - IJA forces attack Manila which holds two assaults, but the end isn’t far away, IJN BB TF bombards Darwin and a coastal convoy is destroyed.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1
xAK: 1

Jpn ships unsunk: CVE Taiyo - not a real surprise here.

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1
AM: 1
TK: 1
xAP: 1
xAK: 4

Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 5

Subwar:
Jpn: No Attacks:
Allies: 4xAttacks: xAK sunk

Amph Inv:
Lolobato (DEI)

Bases lost:
Batu Pahat (Malaya)
Vella Lavella (SOPAC)
Singakawang (DEI)
Watampone (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast. Convoy AS2 beings forming in LA. 27th ID moves from East Coast to Cape Town where it will be prepared to either deploy to Australia or India - by the time it arrives I may have enough Political Points to release it….

In NOPAC. No contact with the AMCs that were around Kiska. 1CA,CL,3DD arrive at DH from PH.

In CENPAC, NSTR

In SOPAC, the two New Caledonia convoys depart from Auckland with 2xCVs as cover. Additional convoys prepare to depart for Suva and Australia. Empty ships form convoy to return to LA.

In SWPAC, Darwin suddenly becomes a target. IJN BB TF bombards Darwin and sinks a coastal convoy (LargeSlowTarget sometimes has exceptional timing) just arriving from Perth. Mini-KB air hits Darwin AF with minimal effect. Bombardment does little damage to the facilities, but damages an xAP and xAK. Only retaliation is a small Banshee strike which claims a DD off Darwin. The real question is whether or not this is a prelude to invasion…

In the Philippines, Manila is attacked twice and holds - but all forts are reduced, its fall is imminent. On the positive side, an xAKL loaded with over 1100 supply arrives at Bataan from Palembang. Bataan’s defenses now at fort level 3.50 with AV over 700. Supplies are still over 37k. Also, due to reinforcements, Bataan is over the max of 45k personnel, so the only PI div there moved to attack Clark AF.

In China nothing major since the IJA repulse at Nanyang.

In Malaya, Singers is hit by ineffectual air strikes and Kluong reaches fort level 3 as IJA forces close on the base. IJN subs apparently laid another minefield between Singers and Palembang, but no ship is lost in the “discovery”.

India/Burma: Rangoon CAP stays on the ground as IJA sweep over the port.

In the DEI, with the IJN roughing up Darwin, its quiet in the DEI.




IdahoNYer -> 21-22 Jan (11/5/2014 5:00:55 PM)

21-22 Jan 1942

Highlights - Manila succumbs in the second of two attacks, Kluong holds off the first two assaults and the IJN bombards Darwin again.

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1

Jpn ships unsunk:DD Sazanami - not a surprise that one 1000lb bomb wasn’t enough.

Allied ships sunk:
ARD: 1 (in Manila)
AG: 1 (small Dutch AG in Darwin)

Air loss:
Jpn: 60
Allied: 44

Subwar:
Jpn: 1xAttacks: no ships hit
Allies: 4xAttacks, 1 ship hit: PB sunk

Amph Inv:
Ocean Is (CENPAC)

Bases lost:
Mauban (PI)
Manila (PI)
Calapan (PI)
Ocean Is (CENPAC)
Dobadura (SWPAC)
Dili (DEI)
Lolobato (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast. NSTR

In NOPAC. NSTR

In CENPAC, Ocean Is is taken without interference, Lex and Yorktown TFs just north of Palmyra heading west to loiter and await action at Makin/Tarawa. Staying cautious here as the KB’s location is unknown.

In SOPAC, Both troop convoys arrive at Koumac and Noumea respectively and begin unloading. CVs Ent and Sara TFs providing cover SE of Noumea. The buildup continues…

In SWPAC, Darwin is again attacked by both carrier air from the Mini-KB and a small bombardment force. IJN elements remaining in the vicinity, being hunted by 4xUS subs in the area. P-40s at Darwin need some help!

In the Philippines, Manila surprisingly holds the first attack, then surrenders in the second day’s assault. Not unexpected. The port was largely empty, the damaged ARD being scuttled. IJA will find Bataan a tougher position. In the meantime, the remaining PI infantry division moved from Bataan to Clark to disrupt Jpn operations, and reduce the Bataan troop level to less than 45k. Subs continue to shuttle supplies in, and small AGs and xAKLs are still attempting to run the blockade and bring in supplies.

In China the IJA continues to envelope Nanyang and cut off troops withdrawing toward Sian. This one may turn out badly…I had China.

In Malaya, the fight for Kluong starts with the first two IJA attacks being repulsed, but forts being reduced. The IJA is massed for success here - with the Imperial Gds Div, 33rd Div, 38th Div, 5th ID and at least 5xEng regiments plus other units. Kluong has a reinforced Div equivalent, and it will likely fall very soon. Mersing is abandoned, less a stay behind In Bn, and Johore will be another delay position. Goal is to keep the fight out of Singers till the end of the month. Singers CAP again rose to meet the threat and managed to find a lightly escorted Sally raid, downing 12 bombers. The CAP also does well against the Oscars, and even holds its own against the Zero. Numbers just ground the CAP down and it will take a few days before the fighters will take to the air again.

India/Burma: Rangoon CAP stays on the ground again as Oscars provide the sweeps, and Nates provide escort for IJA bombers which accomplish little. I’ve brought in a squadron of Hurris and hope to get maybe 40 fighters in the air next turn -perhaps enough to break through to the bombers.

In the DEI, the first Zero sweep over Soerabaja effectively removes the US P-40s and the few Dutch fighters for the Nells coming in over the port to bomb - but only sink a small AG. Still, its time for the remaining ships to depart for Batavia. Lastly, we mine the outer approaches to Soerbaja.




Jorge_Stanbury -> RE: 21-22 Jan (11/5/2014 6:25:06 PM)

With KB location unknown... Do you have Catalinas on the Makin/ Tarawa area? if not I would be very worried about the carriers getting ambushed



IdahoNYer -> RE: 21-22 Jan (11/5/2014 10:54:10 PM)

quote:

With KB location unknown... Do you have Catalinas on the Makin/ Tarawa area? if not I would be very worried about the carriers getting ambushed





I've got Cats patrolling off Canton Is and subs patrolling just off to the west of both Makin and Tarawa as the trip wire. But with 2 day turns, the KB can cover a lot of ground on those turns. Goal is to hit his amph TF - not to find the KB the hard way!



Jorge_Stanbury -> RE: 21-22 Jan (11/6/2014 12:14:20 AM)

do you at least have a hint on the KB whereabouts?
I think the risks of losing the carriers are outweighting any potential benefits of hitting his likely small amph TF



IdahoNYer -> RE: 21-22 Jan (11/6/2014 1:38:01 AM)

quote:

do you at least have a hint on the KB whereabouts?


No clue for going on two weeks since it was supporting Moresby invasion. That's not good. Mini-KB in the eastern DIE/off Darwin.

Lots of activity around Moresby recently - I figure he's lifting 4th ID out and aviation/engineers in. That's a guess. Nothing on SIGINT recently to help out what his next major target is. Got a hit that Makin was a target, but don't consider that "major" requiring KB support.

My bet - and worse fear - is that 4th ID will land on New Caledonia while I'm still setting up defenses. IF he's got the KB going to the Central Pacific, that's good news in my book - as long as I don't lose my CVs in ambush - so they'll hang to the east and see what develops. As you said, I'd rather pass on roughing up an amph TF, than losing carriers!



IdahoNYer -> 23-24 Jan (11/8/2014 2:58:11 AM)

23-24 Jan 1942

Highlights - Jpn begin turning their attention to Bataan after the fall of Manila, major aerial victory over Rangoon, and Darwin is bombarded with good effect.

Jpn ships sunk:
CA: 1; Ashigara’s loss is admitted from the action off Kuching
AV: 1; Sanyo Maru
AMC:1

Allied ships sunk:
AMC: 1 (off Bataan)
TK: 1 (small TK from Manila)
YO:1

Air loss: [:D]
Jpn: 77
Allied: 34

Subwar:
Jpn: No Attacks: no ships hit
Allies: 2xAttacks, 2 ship hit: AV sunk, xAK dam

Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Kluong (Malaya)
Torokina(SOPAC)
Lunga (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: Recon has picked up that it is likely the 4th ID is loading onto transports at Moresby.

West Coast. Convoy AS 2 with 38 ships departs LA without incident.

In NOPAC. NSTR

In CENPAC NSTR

In SOPAC, offloading is complete at Koumac while offloading continues at Noumea. Glens have been sighted over Noumea - this is not the time to find the KB!!!

In SWPAC, IJN TF (2BB,5CA,2CL,DDs) bombard Darwin with very good effect, effectively closing the airfield. The good news - no amph TF sighted yet! Not much can be done for a while - an Aus Div is slowly marching toward Darwin, but lead elements have just reached Daily Waters. Much IJN activity around Moresby, apparently moving the 4th ID elsewhere - the question is where…

In the Philippines, Jpn attention now shifts to Bataan - and the PI div moved into Clark. IJA air hits shipping (ACM) and the port, sinking the ACM. 2subs arrive with supply and an xAKL out of Palembang is 40 miles out. 730 AV in Bataan should be a hard nut to crack. Interestingly, a IJN BB TF was sighted in the Sulu Sea - could he be bringing BBs in to bombard? That could prove very, very interesting….

In China the focus continues to be at Nanyang. AVG does well providing LR CAP out of Sian and Chinese forces continue to pull out to the NW. I redeploy the AVG at the end of the turn, moving the AVG in Sian to Chunking to refit and redeploy the AVG Sqdn in Changsa to Sian to keep the fighters in the air over Nanyang.

In Malaya, Kluong falls in the first assault - but inflicts over 1400 casualties. Commonwealth forces fall back to Johore. Singers CAP stays on the ground, avoiding the sweeps. Plan now is to retreat through Johore to Singers, leaving only a Bde in Johore to delay the onslaught. The real question is whether or not the IJA invests Mersing prior to Johore.

India/Burma: As the saying goes, “I love it when a plan comes together”. Couldn’t be more true than over Rangoon. As planned, I commit 4 fighter squadrons, including the newly arrived Hurris as CAP, and in some extremely good fortune, the Oscars are nowhere to be found - the CAP has a field day against raids escorted by Nates. About a dozen Nates, Anns, Sonias, and Marys are shot down for the cost of a reported NO PLANES lost. The bad news is that while successful, this action badly fatigues the CAP over Rangoon, just as 6 xAKs arrive with supply. The transports will need to have some luck as I’m dispersing the fighters to secondary fields (Prome, Tongoo, Mandalay) to recover as I expect the Jpn to respond heavily.

In the DEI, remaining allied warships and auxiliaries depart Soerabaja for Batavia and manage to avoid subs and airstrikes. LR CAP assigned to cover the withdrawal however decides to cover the port, and are mauled by sweeping Zeros - losing 13 Demons for no gain. IJN airstrikes hit Soerabaja port, damaging CA Exeter undergoing repairs - she needs to move to Batavia, despite her damage.





IdahoNYer -> 25-26 Jan (11/12/2014 1:30:43 AM)

25-26 Jan 1942

Highlights - Jpn take Nanyang in China and the Chinese collapse is total with the forces surrendering instead of withdrawing. Possible KB sighting near Luganville.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
MTB: 6
xAKL: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 20
Allied: 14

Subwar:
Jpn: No Attacks: no ships hit
Allies: 3xAttacks, no ships hit
- a sub laid mine hits a PB in the Marianas

Amph Inv:
Boela (DEI)
Tarawa (CENPAC)

Bases lost:
Russell Is (SOPAC)
Treasury Islands (SOPAC)
Tarawa (CENPAC)
Nanyang (China)
Pare Pare (DEI)
Sidate (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: PBY air search has picked up a “CVE” in a TF near Luganville - with the Mini-KB in the eastern DEI, I have to assume worst case and this is the KB moving south to interdict the reported shipping at Noumea.

West Coast. NSTR

In NOPAC. NSTR

In CENPAC Tarawa is invaded and lost - this leaves Makin as the likely next target. Until I can confirm that the KB is not in the vicinity, the Lex and Yorktown will loiter near Baker Is. If it turns out that the KB is in fact moving on Noumea, I can release the CVs to a more aggressive patrol around to interdict the amphib of Makin.

In SOPAC, two IJN subs (and their Glens) in the vicinity of Noumea have apparently “discovered” the activity of offloading at the port, and a TF reportedly consisting of a CVE was sighted by PBYs off the west coast of Espiritu Santo. While the offloading at Koumac is complete, unloading at Noumea is still underway. Regardless, all but three ships still offloading troops and an AMC will weigh anchor and head south of Norfolk Is incase this is in fact the KB. CVs Enterprise and Saratoga will also move toward Norfolk Is, but only after Sara transfers its F4Fs to Noumea to bolster the two P-39 squadrons there. This gives Noumea almost 75 fighters as potential CAP. Perhaps I can give the vaunted Nippon Eagles a fight for a change if they go after the remaining ships in the harbor.

In SWPAC, Quiet around Darwin. IJN activity around Moresby subsides, and recon has not yet confirmed or denied that the 4th ID is still in place. Could the CVs approaching Noumea be a prelude to an invasion with the 4th ID?? That would be a worse case scenario for SOPAC.

In the Philippines, with the PI division forced to retreat from Clark, Bataan is now overstacked - so I’m sending the PI Div back to Clark! IJA air attacks Bataan Port, losing 5 Sonias to remaining P-35s and flak in exchange for sinking a crippled xAKL. What the IJA did not attack was the two xAKLs offloading at Bataan. Four IJN DDs are apparently trolling the Sulu Sea in search of xAKLs heading to Bataan, and one is caught and sunk near Cebu.

In China Nanyang falls in the second attack. The first major disaster in China, 4xCorps are destroyed with all troops surrendering - was hoping they could have pulled out since I had troops (including uncontested hexes without IJA troops) in adjacent hexes. In any case, with Nanyang lost, the withdrawal of troops towards Sian will be sped up.

In Malaya, Singers undergoes heavy air attacks from 20k feet, but the effects are better than previous attempts. As the weather is clearing, CAP stayed on the ground - they have a better chance in bad weather as sweeps are sometimes grounded.

India/Burma: No air attacks against Rangoon as 6 xAKs begin offloading. I pull the AVG out of Burma to Calcutta to refit - just short of planes at the moment.

In the DEI, the Houston, De Ruyter, a number of auxiliaries and attending DDs reach Batavia from Soerabaja without issue. Netties hit Soerabaja port hitting CA Exeter undergoing repairs twice. Getting Exeter out of Soerabaja will be challenging. Heavy Zero sweeps and good weather keep the CAP on the ground.





IdahoNYer -> 27-28 Jan (11/12/2014 10:23:13 PM)

27-28 Jan 1942

Highlights - KB comes a calling at Noumea and is met by a very lethal CAP, Singers port is hit hard, and looks like Balikpapan is next on the hit parade.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (by mines at Balikpapan)
AMC: 1
xAKL:1

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (S-36, KVI sunk at the shipyards while undergoing repair at Singapore)
AMC: 1
xAP: 1
xAK: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 65
Allied: 29

Subwar:
Jpn: 2x Attacks: no ships hit
Allies: 7xAttacks, 2 ships hit; AMC, xAKL sunk
SS-36 and KVI sunk by bombs while undergoing shipyard repair in Singapore.
SS O-20 heavily dam by DCs off Makassar while laying minefield.

Amph Inv:
Kirakira (SOPAC)
Salamaua (SWPAC)
Tawi Tawi (DEI

Bases lost:
Tawi Tawi (DEI)
Boela (DEI)
Lautem (DEI)
Auki (SOPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast. Another fast convoy to Auckland begins to form up.

In NOPAC. NSTR

In CENPAC with the KB confirmed off Noumea, Lex and Yorktown move west of Baker Is to strike at any sightings near Makin/Tarawa.

In SOPAC, the KB does in fact come calling at Noumea. With all but four Allied ships dispersed to the south, the KB launches two large strikes at the four ships left behind at Noumea and are met with a robust CAP. Despite being well escorted (reportedly one strike had 75 Zeros) the CAP over Noumea does extremely well - total losses (via tracker) when the dust settled: 25 Zeros, 10 Kates, 9 Vals in exchange for 9 P-39s and 9 F4F-3s. That includes both air to air and ops losses for both sides - have to figure most of those IJN pilots didn’t survive - most US pilots did. Nice debut for the P-39!! The cost was an AMC, xAP, and xAK sunk outright, with another xAK on fire at Noumea. Still a great trade off - the KB lost a good slice of fighters (and likely pilots) far away from Truk - I’m hoping this will cause the KB to retire, but we’ll see. As commented by LargeSlowTarget in his email sums it up well, “And yes, KB got bloodied. My Glens did spot a convoy at Noumea two turns ago and since you did not react to the Ocean Island Invasion, I did sent KB over for a look-see. Did not expect to find carrier planes on land-based duty!”

In SWPAC, activity picks up around Darwin with the Mini-KB’s air hitting the port without great effect. My concern is that this is a prelude to invasion - perhaps this is the destination of the 4th ID pulled from Moresby??? Time will tell.

In the Philippines, IJA air turns to attack shipping off Bataan without great result. Another xAKL is 80 miles out, and I can expect another air onslaught as she docks. With a number of xAKLs making the gauntlet to Bataan in recent days, the supplies have actually increased to over 37k!!

In China no major disaster occurred - both sides seem to be regrouping after Nanyang’s loss.

In Malaya, Singers port undergoes heavy air attacks from 20k feet, and this time with dire results - 2xSS are sunk while undergoing repairs and a number of lesser vessels (AMc, Patrol etc) are also sunk. IJA closes on Johore and I’m forced to reposition the air assets there back to Singers. Dispersing a Buff and 3 bomber squadrons at Johore was effective - at reducing losses to bombing and the bombers made a number of good runs at the IJA airfield at Kota Bharu, including this turn which destroyed 4 Zeros and 7 Netties on the ground. I can expect Johore to fall rapidly as I’ve only left one Bde there to delay - the troops from Kluong have withdrawn back to Singapore to refit - Johore is only to buy some time. Mersing has only a single reduced battalion and will also fall shortly.

India/Burma: No air attacks against Rangoon again as another 4 xAKs begin offloading. These supply runs are pushing a sizable amount of supply up the Burma road into China. 1/AVG re-equips to P-40s at Calcutta.

In the DEI, Balikpapan is bombarded by 2BBs, but the CL Marblehead escapes additional damage - but she needs to depart post haste as I expect Balikpapan to be invaded shortly. CA Exeter prepares to depart Soerabaja with DDs freshly arrived from Batavia.



IdahoNYer -> 29-30 Jan (11/15/2014 5:15:50 PM)

29-30 Jan 1942

Highlights - I’m surprised by a renewed air and sea effort against Noumea, and the Jpn air arm is given a serious blow above Singers.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (by sub off Makassar)
SS: 1 (I-9 off Rennell Is; likely from damages from DCs off Noumea)

Allied ships sunk:
CA: 1 (Exeter loses its fight against the sea just off Batavia)
AM: 1
xAP: 1
xAK: 1
xAKL: 4

Air loss:
Jpn: 104
Allied: 37

Subwar:
Jpn: 2x Attacks: 1 ship hit; xAP (small PI) sunk
Allies: 5xAttacks, 2 ships hit; DD sunk, xAK dam

Amph Inv:
Milne Bay (SWPAC)
Talasea (SWPAC)
Samarinda (DEI) - for overland attack on Balikpapan?

Bases lost:
Johore Bahru (Malaya)
Mersing (Malaya)
Tioman Is (Malaya)
Kirakia (SOPAC)
Salamaua (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: 6/16 Div planning for an attack on Palembang - first indicator of an attack on Palembang. 16th ID should still be on Luzon, and with Bataan still holding, I’m surprised to see a shift in planning objective for the division - as well as the division already broken down for sea movement.

West Coast. Convoy AF 5 continues to load.

In NOPAC. IJN sub sighted SE of Kodiak - first sub sighted in this theater.

In CENPAC its still quiet, but I’m sending the Lex and Yorktown TFs NW of Baker Is to range both Makin and Tarawa and see what’s lurking there….

In SOPAC, I get caught flat-footed. I expected the KB either to withdraw, or send fighter sweeps to clear the CAP off Noumea, so I keep the CAP on the ground and don’t reinforce with fighters staging in Brisbane or off the CVs. Instead, LargeSlowTarget hits Noumea with a large balanced strike - that was reportedly only escorted by about 40 Zeros. So instead of chewing up some more IJN carrier air, my CAP sits on the ground and Noumea gets pounded, hitting the airfield hard and sinking a number of merchies in the port. In addition, a Kongo-BB TF bombards, adding to the mayhem. End result - Noumea’s runway is over 50% damaged and I lose 8 planes on the ground. The question is - is this still a raid, or a prelude to invasion??

In SWPAC, the highlight is the first Cape Town convoy docks at Perth with supply and fuel, and the xAP West Point also arrives carrying the initial contingent of the Aus I Corps, hopefully bound for Darwin - how to get them there by sea is the big question for the moment. Darwin was only swept by Zeros and the CAP stayed on the ground.

In the Philippines, IJA air misses the small AG offloading at Bataan. Otherwise quiet.

In China still quiet for the moment.

In Malaya, as CPT Parmenter of F Troop once did, we “turn defeat into victory”. Both Johore and Mersing fall to the first IJA ground assault were the defeat - not totally unexpected. The victory resulted when all the Jpn air supporting those attacks automatically shifted to the only ground target remaining - Singapore - which I had the CAP up at 100%. Just coincidence, I figured the poor weather over Malaya might ground some escorts/sweeps. Instead, wave after wave of lightly to unescorted bombers came in - some, such as 72 unescorted Sallys - came in at low 6000 ft altitude - got chewed up by both fighters and Flak. Tally was 34xSally (14 to air, 16 to flak, 4 ops), 41xNetties (32 to air, 1 to flak, 8 to ops) and 13 Zeroes for a cost of 9xBuff and 1xHurri. Most Allied pilots of course survived. This should keep his air off balance out of Malaya for a turn or too, so combined with the bad weather, I’m going to sortie a CL TF raid up the west coast of Borneo to Miri. Also pushing a big xAK with a Corvette escort from Palembang to Bataan with supplies. She might make it…

India/Burma: Still quiet, and a convoy of xAKLs from Calcutta begin offloading at Rangoon. I’ll send the CAP back up next turn (less the AVG squadron still re-equipping with P-40s)

In the DEI, CA Exeter has “its engine room open to the sea” 40 miles out of Batavia and sinks. She almost made it! Otherwise, Jpn airstrikes continue against Soerabaja airfield with moderate effect. Before the airfield gets shut down, and to take advantage of the poor weather currently over Java, I’m going all out next turn in the air over Soerabaja. With Zeros in sweeps (although small in number) and on escort, this could go badly….



IdahoNYer -> January Summary (11/15/2014 9:14:57 PM)

Here's the big picture at the end of January 1942. We could certainly be doing worse.

NOPAC Little enemy activity since the start of hostilities. Remains a backwater theater for reinforcement priorities.

CENPAC Little activity since the initial assault on Wake Is. Priority is slowly building up Midway as a forward sub base. Most of the forces avail are to safeguard PH.

SOPAC Priority theater for reinforcements and until recently, little activity other than subs. With 2xReg on New Caledonia, a Reg and a Bde on Suva, and only a CD Bn on Pago Pago, we are still very vulnerable here.

SWPAC Follows SOPAC in priority for reinforcement. Remains vulnerable until reinforcements arrive. NW and NE Australia have little in the form of major defenses.

DEI Still retain SE Borneo, Java and Sumatra. Holding these areas are the best defense of Australia.

Bataan Last bastion in the PI. Supplies currently over 37k and defenses are good. How long can it hold?

Singapore Last bastion in Malaya! Supplies plentiful, but defenses (morale/experience) not as good as Bataan. Does have some airpower remaining. As with Bataan, these positions buy time for the rest of the Allied defenses.

Burma/India No major move on Rangoon yet is a godsend allowing much supply up the Burma Road. Ceylon has been a priority here, and is fairly well defended - at the expense of India.

China I still hate China. Major enemy push is in the NE, and my goal is avoid disaster by pulling back toward Sian and likely beyond.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/1DE3D396B23B4EE692BAFF44ADF1C4E8.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> RE: January Summary (11/15/2014 9:22:21 PM)

Here is the roll-up of air and naval losses so far. Other than losing the PoW, my naval losses have been moderate, and have cost the IJN some valuable assets. In the air, I've been lucky. Predominately bad weather has considerably helped the air effort. Having downed more planes than lost at this point will go a long way in 1942.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/48B40946CF2244DDA6D039341724AD88.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> 31 Jan - 1 Feb 1942 (11/17/2014 5:02:25 PM)

31 Jan - 1 Feb 1942

Highlights - Doorman sails from Batavia, quiet returns to Noumea and CAP has some success over Soerabaja and Changsa. B-17s debut over Moresby with less than stellar results.

Jpn ships sunk:
DMS: 3 (2 by surf action off Singkawang)
TK: 1 (small)
AK: 1 (confirmed - sunk earlier off Kuching)
xAK: 1

Jpn ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Nagatsuki)
SS: 1 (I-173)

Allied ships sunk: None

Air loss:
Jpn: 60
Allied: 25

Subwar:
Jpn: 1x Attacks: no ships hit
Allies: 4xAttacks, 2 ships hit; TK and xAK sunk

Amph Inv: None

Bases lost:
Choiseul Bay (SOPAC)
Milne Bay (SWPAC)
Talasea (SWPAC)
Emirau Is (SWPAC)
Samarinda (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast. Convoy AF 5 departs Los Angeles with 32 ships bound for Auckland.

In NOPAC. NSTR

In CENPAC, Lex and Yorktown move to within 160 miles of Tarawa and find no targets, but are detected by a patrolling Mavis. With no targets and being detected, I’ll withdraw the TF back to PH to replenish and conduct some minor repairs after a lengthy time at sea.

In SOPAC, quiet returns as the KB has apparently departed the area to the north. With the KB hopefully out of the area for a while, we’ll resume pushing troops and supplies to Noumea, Suva and Pago-Pago.

In SWPAC, the first B-17 strike on Moresby is a fiasco. Three squadrons get mauled in daylight over Moresby by 21xZeros losing 6 B-17s.

In the Philippines, to reduce the over stacking at Bataan, a weak PI Div moves to Clark. Sonias hit Bataan AF with moderate results. So far, the high density of engineers has managed to repair all damages and still slowly expand the fortification. Two subs arrive with supplies.

In China IJA raid Changsa AF where I just re-located 3/AVG. 19xSonia and 4xNates are downed in exchange for no Allied planes! 3/AVG will re-locate once again to Wenchow where the IJA has been sending unescorted bombers hitting ground targets for the past few days - there is a risk here as I can’t easily move out damaged planes, but it could bring some good results as well.

In Malaya, with the previous heavy losses, no enemy air appeared over Singapore - for the first time in many, many days. Troops rest and refit and prepare for the inevitable attack. I relocate the TBs to Sumatra and Java as well as some bombers to refit and keep out of the bombers eyes. B-17Ds out of Palembang strike Kota Bharu AF at night with poor results, and meet Zeros flying night cap which also have poor results.

India/Burma: Still quiet.

In the DEI, the “CAP Trap” over Soerabaja works better than I envisioned - only a single 15 plane Zero sweep precedes an unescorted Nell raid with predictable results. Although the Zeros don’t do poorly, the 50+ fighters on CAP push through and down 21xNells. 7xZeros also fail to return in exchange for 7xP-40 and 6xB-339s. Also, the crippled CL Marblehead manages to avoid a surface TF roaming the Java Sea and is still making progress toward Batavia. Lastly, Adm Doorman sets sail from Batavia undetected with 3CL,9DD and sinks 2xDMS off Singkawang enroute to Miri where a sub has identified a TK convoy uploading. Hopefully, the IJN thinks the Allied TF that raided Singkawang has returned back to Batavia - by the end of the turn, Doorman is 80miles off Miri with no detection level. This could work out well.




IdahoNYer -> 2-3 Feb 1942 (11/19/2014 1:48:11 AM)

2-3 Feb 1942

Highlights - Doorman’s wild cruise around Borneo is the one and only highlight.

Jpn ships sunk:
TB: 2
DMS: 1
PB: 1
TK: 3 (small)
xAP:1
SSX:1 (off Brisbane)

Allied ships sunk:
AG: 1 (small, scuttled from air dam off Puerto Princesa - Bataan run)

Air loss:
Jpn: 21
Allied: 6

Subwar:
Jpn: No Attacks: no ships hit
Allies: 3xAttacks, 1 ships hit; DMS sunk; sub laid mines off Rabaul hit (1)PB and (1)xAKL

Amph Inv:
Babo (SWPAC)
Bandjermasin (DEI)
Gorontalo (DEI)
Langsa (DEI)

Bases lost:
Masbate (PI)
Tassafaronga (SOPAC)
Loyang (China)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

West Coast. NSTR

In NOPAC. 2 IJN AMCs are again sighted and attacked by PBYs 160 SSW of Adak Is.

In CENPAC. NSTR

In SOPAC, Sara’s F4Fs are flown out of Noumea back to the CV and are replaced by Marine fighters. Two convoys depart Auckland for Noumea carrying 138 IN (Sep) Reg and supplies. A fast convoy from LA reaches Auckland with troops, aircraft, supplies and fuel. From that offload, another convoy with a Marine Def Bn and a Port Maint Bn begins loading/forming to head to Noumea. Also, a convoy with the 201 IN (Sep) Reg begins loading for Pago-Pago. Auckland is a very, very busy port at the moment.
In SWPAC, the lead Bde of the Aus I Corps begins a partial load into an AMC and an xAP for transport to Darwin. With some luck, these troops as well as a Militia Bde will reach Darwin in a few days. Enemy activity seems to have shifted from Darwin back toward the DEI.

In the Philippines, the Clark Field excursion is pushed back to Bataan resulting once again to overstacking. We’ll send them out to Clark again. IJA air hits Bataan port with minimal effect. Remaining 3 US fighters stay on the ground.

In China, Loyang is abandoned and falls undefended to the IJA. We continue to pull back toward Sian and try to stay one step ahead of encirclement. Quiet in the air.

In Malaya, the bombing of Singapore changes focus with heavy attacks on ground units as well as sweeps by Oscars. Raids are dropped to 14k feet, which allows AA to down 6 IJA bombers. RAF CAP stays on the ground, but will come up in the next turn. Changing to ground targets means only one thing - the softening up is coming to a close, assault is imminent - all ground units on rest are changed to combat and await the inevitable assault on “Fortress Singapore”

India/Burma: Still quiet, no air over Rangoon. BC Repulse and 2 damaged DDs arrive at Cape Town. BB Warspite transits the Panama Canal enroute to Cape Town.

In the DEI, While the eastern DEI has heavy IJN activity supporting the invasion of Bandjermasin, Adm Doorman’s sortie to disrupt shipping around Miri takes a strange turn - literally - by turning NE and attempting to sail completely around Borneo - not at all what I had ordered!

[image]local://upfiles/32782/64662511492F4B26B5DFABE4E4C41FA3.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> Battle of Miri (11/19/2014 1:49:34 AM)

Doorman’s raiding force successfully engaged shipping off Miri with good effects and also bombarded the port - all without loss. 3 Small TKs and a PB were sunk outright, and the other TKs and another PB are also likely to sink. So instead of just sailing back to Batavia as intended, Doorman decides to strike shipping along the north coast of Borneo and return via the Makassar Straits!!

[image]local://upfiles/32782/EAED272CA7754490994D630D892D9F23.jpg[/image]



IdahoNYer -> RE: Battle of Miri (11/19/2014 1:51:29 AM)

Off Kudat, Doorman finds a lightly protected troop convoy, assuming they are safe well in the rear area - 2 TB and an xAP are confirmed sunk and the other two xAPs are likely to sink as well.

[image]local://upfiles/32782/9F35BA1205864859832F69F11B82AE79.jpg[/image]

A nice haul for the cruise so far, but finding the TF ending the turn just north of the Makassar Strait after the replay was startling to say the least. Instead of allowing the TF to continue south into the heart of the IJN, I’ve broken down his TF into three TFs, each with a CL and 3 DDs and will turn about in an attempt to return via the north and western side of Borneo. And keep my fingers crossed that somehow they make it (lack of fuel aside, the enemy air will be likely in an all out effort to destroy this raiding force). With a lot of luck, the IJN will think Doorman will try and make either Balikpapan or Soerabaja, not take the long way back to Palembang.






Jorge_Stanbury -> RE: Battle of Miri (11/19/2014 2:20:29 AM)

Congratulations! very well played



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