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RE: 24th December 1941 - 12/26/2009 3:12:16 PM

crsutton

Posts: 9590
Joined: 12/6/2002
From: Maryland
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

Speedy,

Yep, I'm reading this AAR.

Putting excess units in a contested hex into reserve mode is good as it will reduce them to casualty exposure. The point to note is if the enemy's deliberate/shock is going to achieve a >2:1 ratio, some of your reserve units will be activated to redress the odds. Thus what you want to do is ensure you have sufficient troops ready for combat to maintain a 1:1 ratio in response to an enemy attack, thereby allowing the units you deliberately chose to "rest" in reserve mode, to so rest.

Alfred

The only thing I would add to this is that leadership and experience are a big factor. You would not do this with Chinese or milita troops, but with your best troops as they will react while low exp units in most cases will not come out of reserve leading to terrible results.

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Post #: 121

RE: 24th December 1941 - 12/26/2009 4:09:28 PM

crsutton

Posts: 9590
Joined: 12/6/2002
From: Maryland
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On pilot training. Mind you I have two pbems going as the Allies so am learning as I go. And, the most recent patch has changed things dramatically but here is my take.

If you think the Allies are critically short of aircraft in the early months, wait until you have some combat losses and realize how few pilots you have. It is April in one game and I have yet to see any decently trained pilots come out of the replacement pool. No surprise here. I have decided that the Allies just can't really get into any massive attrition battles with Japan before the later portion of 1942. So, you should eat your losses in space and land units and preserve and train your air force for this period.

This means that fully 1/3 to one half of my air units are reserved for training purposes. As much as I need them, I am not rushing units to the front. Where I can, I am pulling all experienced pilots out of rear squadrons and filling them with raw trainees. Most come with 25-35 exp. I set training units on 100% training. Surprisingly there are very few operational losses. IRL training losses wrecked a lot of planes and killed a lot of new pilots but you don't have to worry in the game. Just watch the morale. If it drops, rest the unit for a few days then back to 100% training.

Make sure you replace Lt and Capt squadron leaders with Majors and LTCs as soon as posible. It is expensive but makes a difference.

Under the new patch, if you train for a specialty, it seems the unit gains experience in that field very fast. I have fighter pilots training on escort with 45 exp but now showing over 55-60 exp in air combat skill.

Here is what I do for each class.

Fighters: No brainer here-train for escort. Air combat is the skill you need. However, Allied fighters have a great advantage over Japanese fighters in that they can carry decent bombs. Once you reach high enough air combat levels they will not gain much more, start training them for bombing and strafing. All my experienced P39s are training for low level naval attack. Some early fighters do not carry bombs, but they will upgrade to excellent late war fighters that all carry bombs, so train them for bombs once your air combat skill reached decent levels. Call me crazy, but it is low naval attack for me. I remember what the P38Js with their 1,000 pounders did to shipping in WITP. I am only hoping that they are close to that in AE.

Medium bombers. I set them at 1000 feet and train them for low naval attack. If you are using your mediums early in the game, it is to fight off Japanese ships and invasion forces. I figure they can gain ground bombing exp plenty enough when I go on the offensive.

Heavy bombers. I am finding that there are too few to risk early in the war. I rarely use them for offensive operations except when I am absolutely sure there will be little oppostion.That means I am training them up. The questions is what to train them in. You can use the B17 and Bolos to fill in for your critical shortages in recon, ASW, and patrol aircraft. So, these are the one type of units that I am training 100% on general training. For the first half of 1942, I expect my HB to be at times performing all of these critical duties. They might not be the best at anything but are needed for all. Might as well go for balance.

Patrol aircraft. Recon units 100% recon. Naval patrol bombers 50% train on naval search, 50% on ASW. Then I plan on switching them. These are the planes that get radar later in the game. Once they have the exp on search and ASW, then they learn to low level naval bomb. This includes the PBY liberators. I don't know if they will be effective but for sentimental reasons they will always be low. I knew a PBY pilot and he said they got some training in high level bombing but never used it and quickly forgot it. He told me the only time they ever flew at high altitiudes was to cool down their beer. My PBYs are staying low.

This is what I am doing. I may be completely off base and time will tell. I find the Allied air force in AE to be much weaker in AE than in WITP in the early months. So far in my experience any concentration of Japanese air assets will sweep any Allied force out of the sky. So for the Allies, I think the best tactic is to not look for the decisive battle in 1942 but to train, train and train!

Last point on Whiraways. They will die like dogs in combat. Don't use them. Look upon your whiraway units as solely training units. Now look at your Austrailian aircraft replacement rates and start some long term planning on how you will use the whiraway units-and then train them for those skills. Some will upgrade to patrol aircraft and some to mediums, and a few will become fly the vengence DB. You have to plan ahead.

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Post #: 122

RE: 24th December 1941 - 1/3/2010 2:06:21 AM

ckammp

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Bump.

I'm too lazy to look for this AAR on the second page.

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Post #: 123

RE: 24th December 1941 - 1/4/2010 5:47:11 PM

ckammp

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Bump.

Maybe Speedy had too much fun over the holidays?

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Post #: 124

30th December 1941 - 1/5/2010 10:26:46 AM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
Joined: 9/11/2001
From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

LOL ckammp - Back from holidays. They were to oshort IMO and I'm not happy about being back at work...especially with the snow forecast today......boo.

Alfred/crsutton - thanks a lot for your comments on reserve mode. Helps a lot.

crsutton - fantastic. Thanks a lot for your training thoughts. I've already set up my training schedule similar to yours except I'm actually using my patrols planes on patrol rather than training them.

--------------------------------

A bad day for thr Allies for me to come back to..........

PI -

The Allied attack at Clark Field stalled when a much larger Japanese force was encountered than expected. This gamble on my part failed and will probably shorten the seige on Luzon by a few weeks.......

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 40593 troops, 782 guns, 505 vehicles, Assault Value = 1739

Defending force 27786 troops, 225 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 964

Allied adjusted assault: 1348

Japanese adjusted defense: 1270

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
2637 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 85 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 152 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 86 disabled
Vehicles lost 21 (0 destroyed, 21 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2163 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 221 disabled
Non Combat: 21 destroyed, 148 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Vehicles lost 101 (2 destroyed, 99 disabled)

Assaulting units:
194th Tank Battalion
1st PA Infantry Division
71st PA Infantry Division
41st PA Infantry Division
192nd Tank Battalion
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
86th PS Coastal Artillery Battalion
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
3rd/12th PA Inf Battalion
31st Infantry Regiment
21st PA Infantry Division
Subic Bay Defenses
31st PA Infantry Division
91st PA Infantry Division
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
14th PS Engineer Regiment
51st PA Infantry Division
11th PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
South Luzon Force
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
Provisional GMC Grp
USAFFE
Asiatic Fleet
PAF Aviation
1st USMC AA Battalion
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
Manila USAAF Base Force
Far East USAAF
301st PA Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
2nd Engineer Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
20th Infantry Regiment
16th Engineer Regiment
4th Division
2nd Recon Regiment
4th Infantry Regiment

-----------------------------------

Malaya -

The Buffalos flying from Singers had a day of mixed fortunes. They lost 14 of their number over southern Malaya to Zeroes/Oscars (3 lost by the Japanese) but they did manage to maul an unescorted Nell raid against the small supply ships off Singapore reportedly shooting down 14 of them. 3 small AK's were sunk by Nells.

The majority of Commonwealth troops are heading to Singapore now from Malacca.

------------------------------------

Rest of SRA -

Where on earth is this new Japanese invasion force going. They're now passing Bangka Island still heading SW. Could they really be heading to Java so early? If so I'm amazed since Faber surely can't have enough force to take it with the mass of Japanese forces engaged in Luzon, Malaya and now Burma? I have alerted the Dutch airforce who have come out of training. 80 fighters and bombers await in Batavia alone for this force. 3 small MSW's were blown to bits off Batavia by B5N's.

Amazingly CL De Ruyter is still just afloat and may make Makassar.

2 small freighters were sunk in the region by Ryujo.

--------------------------------

Burma -

The IGD has shown it's hand at Moulmein routing the 2nd Burma Bde. We try to stand at Pegu.

--------------------------------

Other Areas -

All quiet elsewhere. No combat around PM.

--------------------------------

China -

Oh China.........a mini-game within a game.

I had high hopes for the attack at Nanchang...I was wrong.....

Ground combat at Nanchang (85,54)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 27408 troops, 269 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 943

Defending force 13520 troops, 92 guns, 76 vehicles, Assault Value = 422

Allied adjusted assault: 422

Japanese adjusted defense: 685

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 4)

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), preparation(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
809 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 50 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 50 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2545 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 232 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 108 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled

Assaulting units:
21st Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese Corps
23rd Group Army
30th Group Army

Defending units:
11th Ind.Mixed Brigade
12th Ind.Mixed Brigade
23rd RGC Temp. Division
17th JAAF Base Force

I'll post more on China next turn and with maps to show the mire of movements there. I am conducting a very agreesive defense rather than just sitting back. I know it will soak up supplies but I feel just sitting back will allow Faber to pick me off at will.

The large mass of Chinese/Japanese forces have met at Hanking. I have ordered the artillery to shell the Japanese tomorrow.

-----------------------------------

Submarine Warfare -

A day of frustrating failed/missed attacks including one on a TF comprising Kongo off Saigon and the first attack on an enemy freighter near Wakkanai off Hokkaido.

SS S-38 stalked a convoy off Morotai and reportedly sunk the troop laden AK Yamura Maru with 3 torpedoes.

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Post #: 125

31st December 1941 - 1/5/2010 6:46:45 PM

Speedysteve

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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

The last day of 1941 passes.........

-------------------------

PI/Malaya -

A quiet day here.

-------------------------

Rest of SRA -

Well I never. Faber has invaded Java at Merak! I personally think this is a mistake since he can't possibly have the force to take it whilst commited in Malaya and Luzon. Batavia has over 200AV in place and I'm massing a further 200AV at Bandoeng. I may then move on Merak depending on what Faber does. At present only Mortar BN's have been reported ashore...........

In the skies over the Invasion fleet the Dutch tried in vain to hit to hit a Japanese ship. Over 90 bomber sorties reported no hits on the enemy (focussed on CVL Zuiho). My fighters claimed 2 Zeroes but lost 6 of their number. I have ordered the TB's at Singapore to fly south. They're currently at Palembang and will be at Batavia in 2 days time for combat sorties..........

Kendari fell to the Japanese...........

---------------------------------------------

China -

Hmm. Recon and shelling at Hankow revealed the below:

Ground combat at Hankow (85,50)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 101204 troops, 623 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3369

Defending force 33707 troops, 404 guns, 104 vehicles, Assault Value = 1093

I've put some new men in charge and have given orders for my men to attack the heathen Japanese tomorrow........

There's so much movement in China at the mo with many hot spots as the below shows..........

Faber is advancing on Tsiaotso in the north of the screenshot which I'm abandoning.

---------------------------

Other areas -

The Japanese attacked with fury outside of Port Morseby and advanced to within the town's limits. It will probably fall with the next attack.

---------------------------

Submarine warfare -

A successful series of co-ordinated attacks by my boats today.

SS KIX heavily damaged AK Kyokusei Maru off Saigon. She finished her off later in the day.

AK Hukuyo Maru was sunk after 2 attacks by SS KXII and SS Pickerel near Saigon.

Troop laden AK Soyo Maru was sunk by SS S-41 off Laoag.

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Post #: 126

December 1941 Summary - 1/5/2010 6:57:27 PM

Speedysteve

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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

The first month of operations has come to an end. Here's a summary of the situation:

Overall a 'standard' first month of the war in terms of Japanese conquests. I feel Faber will take Luzon and Malaya ahead of historic schedule. The landing on Java is ahead of schedule (but IMO is premature).

Air losses are almost identical which I'm fairly happy with.

I'll summarise the ship losses in my next post......

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Post #: 127

RE: December 1941 Summary - 1/5/2010 7:15:37 PM

Speedysteve

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From: Reading, England
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Ship losses (reported by intel):

Ship Type Allied Japanese

AK 71 15
AP 9 3
AMc/AM 7 4
TK/AO 9 1
APD 0 2
AV/AVP 2 1
DMS 0 4
CM 2 2
SS 0 2
PT 14 0
PB 7
DD 14 9
CL 7 1 (Katori)
CA 1 1 (Chokai - doubtful - mine hit)
BC Repulse
BB Pennsylvania

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Post #: 128

1st January 1942 - 1/6/2010 12:23:32 PM

Speedysteve

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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

PI -

A quiet day except a few artillery exchanges at Clark Field. Some FP's flying out of Bataan put 2 bombs into an AK at Laoag.

------------------------

Malaya -

The Japanese vanguard has reached Kuala Lumpur. The final AA and BF remnants are leaving Malacca for Singapore where we'll hold for as long as we can.

The IJAAF obviously thinks we have no fight left as unescorted Sallies tried to bomb Allied troops positions on the Island! Buffalo's shot down 10 of them. I have a Buffalo ace with 7 kills now!

------------------------

Rest of SRA -

The noose is tightening. Betties flyout of Kendari now and they sunk a fuel laden TK at Soerabaya. CL De Ruyter made Makassar but was sunk by Ryujo's Kates as was DD Piet Hien.

More Japanese streeamed ashore at Merak! Where does Faber get these troops from. There's a reported 2 x Bde's and the 38th Division (from Hong Kong I presume). This could be an interesting fight. AV at Batavia is upto 371. 200 massing at Bandoeng. We will then see where Faber goes.

Another 80ish bomber sorties only score 2 hits aginst the invasion fleet. a 300KG hit on an AP and one on AO Notoro which I'm happy about. The TB's have landed at Batavia and will hopefully add their weight tomorrow......be great if we could bag CVL Zuiho or a BB.

The last 2 functioning CL's and 10 x DD are leaving Soerabaya tomorrow for a suicide run into Merak........

-------------------------

China -

The hopeful attack at Hankow failed:

Ground combat at Hankow (85,50)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 100970 troops, 623 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3355

Defending force 33712 troops, 404 guns, 104 vehicles, Assault Value = 1092

Allied adjusted assault: 1253

Japanese adjusted defense: 5221

Allied assault odds: 1 to 4 (fort level 4)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(+), preparation(-)
experience(-)
Attacker: disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
1454 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 107 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 100 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Vehicles lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
3352 casualties reported
Squads: 36 destroyed, 606 disabled
Non Combat: 12 destroyed, 570 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

China is sure frustrating.....I have decided, therefore, to halt most ambitions of gains in the centre and south but to keep my forces massed at the enemy bases with a small force at my bases to rest and build up forts. IMO this has the added advantage of preventing the Japanese bases from production benefits as well.

The only positive note in China todasy was in thre north at Paotow:

Ground combat at Paotow (92,34)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7124 troops, 86 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 234

Defending force 2828 troops, 40 guns, 100 vehicles, Assault Value = 85

Allied adjusted assault: 353

Japanese adjusted defense: 211

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 1)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
87 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
11th Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
17th Group Army

Defending units:
1st Cavalry Brigade
4th Cavalry Brigade

We rest tomorrow................

---------------------

Submarine warfare -

A usual day of duds and misses except......

SS Tuna scored the first kill of the war off northern Japan when she surfaced and probably sunk AK Sinsei Maru. However during the fight a 3" shell from the freighter punctured the starboard hull so Tuna's returnig to Dutch Harbour for repair.

SS KX was spotted by DMS W-6 off Merak who doggedly hunted her landing 3 x DC's nearby. KX is limping away to Soerabaya.

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Post #: 129

2nd January 1942 - 1/6/2010 4:10:46 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

The main area of focus today was in north Java around Merak.

My suicide TF was detected by patrols and a Japanese covering force centered around BB Mutsu and BB Fuso intercepted. CL Mauritius, Dragon and DD Van Nes were blown to pieces. In return damage was achieved on DD Minekaze. My survivors (incl 3 damaged DD's) will return to Soerabaya and then to Australia if they can.

In the air over 100 bomber sorties were launched against the Japanese armada. Again poor results were achieved and only 2 x AK were damaged and DD Kamikaze and DMS W-5 were sunk.

On land Merak was stormed by 38th Division, 2 x Rgt's and a Bde + support. All in all circa 900AV! This will be tough to stop. Recon appears to show them marching directly to Batavia! As such all units bound for Bandoeng are heading to Batavia directly.

-----------------------------

Georgetown and Temuloh fell in Malaya. I'm holed up in Singapore - 1100AV.

PM fell today. I wonder if Faber will head for Australia or Noumea.

-----------------------------

Submarine warfare -

The ONLY good news around Merak today was achieved by SS O-16 when she encountered BB Mutsu in daylight after her fight and hit her with a torpedo which left her damaged.

AK Koto Maru was sunk by SS KIX near Soc Trang, Vietnam.

-----------------------------

Other stuff -

BB Prince of Wales made Perth and will be repairing damage for 3 months before heading to Cape Town.

As an FYI all my CV's are in San Diego with the squadrons training and awaiting planes.

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Post #: 130

3-4th January 1942 - 1/7/2010 6:11:29 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
Joined: 9/11/2001
From: Reading, England
Status: offline

Hi all,

2 day update.

------------------------------

PI -

Seige continues at Luzon. Ineffective Japanese bombardments. B17's bombed Lingayen airfields and will target Takao's tomorrow.

------------------------------

Malaya -

Japanese are approaching Malacca. Every day we rest more and gain a bit more strength. AV upto 1174 now.

LBA is harrasing the Japanese advance cauaing 168 casualties on the 4th.

-------------------------------

Java -

The Japanese landing force has moved away NE and is passing Bangka Island now. 5 x AK's have been sunk by TB's out of Batavia.

LBA has bombed Japanese held Merak causing minor damage and losing 9 planes over 2 days to Zeroes.

Recon now indicates the Japanese are moving SE AND SW out of Merak. As such I have moved forces to Buitenzorg as well.

With no shipping in the area LBA will target enemy troops concentrations tomorrow.

---------------------------------

Other areas -

Japanese are massing opposite Pegu, Burma. We await them whilst Blenheim's harrass enemy positions during the day.

The first US convoy has reached Suva containing 35K supply and 90K fuel. 5 other convoys are inbetween Suva and PM heading for SoPac. These contain the first serious reinforcements for the area including troops and planes.

---------------------------------

Submarine Warfare -

The only known success over the past 2 days was the sinking of the Minelayer Hatsutaka by SS Sailfish near Toboali.

AK Siantar nearing Christmas Island IO was ambushed and sunk by SS I-157.

SS I-162 hit a mine off Batavia on the 4th.

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Post #: 131

5th January 1942 - 1/8/2010 3:36:58 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

A fairly quiet day by how things have been so far.

--------------------

PI -

Bombardments by the Allies at Clark cause 250 Japanese casualties.

B17's raid Takao destroying a reported 11 enemy planes on the ground.

--------------------

Malaya -

Japanese moving south of Kuala Lumpur. LBA from Singapore bombs 42nd Infantry Rgt positions causing 130 casualties.

--------------------

Java -

Dutch airforce bombs 38th IJA Division a Merak causing 126 casualties. Patrolling Zeroes shoot down 4 planes. Tomorrow I've ordered Merak's airfield to be bombed.

Troops massed at Batavia and Buitenzorg now. I can react to whicheverway Faber moves down now.

With the IJN CVL's moving off I've decided ot evac the remaining shipping from Java - namely from Soerabaya and Baravia. In total about 70 ships are moving away to either Perth or Columbo.

--------------------------------

Burma -

The ghost is up in Burma. Recon has identified the Japanese are trying to outflank Pegu to the NE. As such with no other easily defensible points in Burma I've ordered the evacuation of it through Katha and then to Imphal.

--------------------------------

Other areas -

KB shows up at Noumea! Remaining undetected by my PBY's they launched strikes from the NE! A convoy of mine had just about finished unloading there (great luck on my part....not). There's no aircraft in the region so they had an easy ride in sinking 4 x AK, 3 x TK and an AP. 3 more ships (including CA Pensacola) are damaged and limp into Noumea's harbour). This may indicate Faber is heading for SoPac and Noumea. If so and he comes within a month there's just nothing there to stop him.

-------------------------------

Submarine Warfare -

First day of the war of no successful contacts today.

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Post #: 132

6th January 1942 - 1/8/2010 5:58:27 PM

Speedysteve

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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

Firstly a question!

For the Allies what is it worth converting AK's to (if anything!)?

---------------------

A calamitous day and IMO some poor fortune for the Allies.

Java -

Rather than the seas being clear around Java a CVL is moving towards from the NE and Shokaku/Zuikaku + CVL force are moving in from the east! Could this preclude more landings? If so I'm screwed there since there isn't enough force to hold both the west and any further landngs.

Onto the carnage......

The forces leaving Soerabaya were mauled throughout the day by Shokaku/Zuikaku. The Japanese had a field day since all available fighters are in the west fighting the Japanese bridgehead at Merak. Over the course of the day my fleeing ships lost:

AK - 12
AP - 4
AMc - 13
TK - 1
AO - 1
AR - 1
AGP - 1
AVP - 1

Crap timing/luck on my part but c'est la vie. I hope the rest of the force moves SW of Java tomorrow and reaches safety. So far the Batavia ships are heading safely west of Merak.

At Merak the Dutch airforce attacked en masse, achieving little damage to the airfields but 2 Zeroes were reported shot down for the loss of 3 Dutch.

--------------------------------

PI -

The day was a mass of roaring guns at Clark Field. The Japanese sustained 354 casualties vs the Allies 121. To conserve supplies we rest tomorrow.

--------------------------------

China -

The Chinese achieved a victory today in pushing back a Japanese Tk Rgt on the highway near Chengchow!

--------------------------------

Submarine Warfare -

SS S-37 Left AP Hakone Maru listing and heavily damaged NW of Talaud - elianden. She tracked the convoy and missed SC CHa-16 later in the day.

Irony struck for AK Manini near Canton Island today....SigInt had alerted me to a Japanese sub patrolling there so I detached my 4 x DD's that were guarding Manini and her companion there to intercept. They missed the Japanese sub (SS I-175) who sank Manini as it neared the island.

-------------------------------------

Other stuff -

Some 'decent' reinforcements are due to appear in Aden over the next month from BB's, 2 x Australian Divisions and 13 x Squadrons. As such to accommodate this a large convoy is leaving Bombay for Aden.

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Post #: 133

RE: 6th January 1942 - 1/8/2010 7:05:51 PM

khyberbill

Posts: 1941
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From: new milford, ct
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quote:

For the Allies what is it worth converting AK's to (if anything!)?

I convert some to AKE's. I believe in 43 you can also convert some to AKA's and they are useful.

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Post #: 134

7th January 1942 - Zuiho sunk! - 1/9/2010 1:44:22 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

Guys - do you want more or less info in general? Or are you happy with the amount I write?

Thanks khyberbill. I forgot to look into Support Ships this turn but I will look into this next turn.

7th January 1942 was the best day for the Allies yet...........

------------------------

Java -

LBA out of Batavia struck at the Japanese TF's approaching Merak again.....this time with a difference......they actually hit a capital ship. To be fair the TB's have done ok throughout and 26 Vildebeast's lumbered towards the enemy. Only 2 Zeroes were flying CAP and my boys lined up both CVL Zuiho and BB Nagato! Both were reportedly hit by 5 torpedoes each and sunk. Wow! Was not expecting that but I'll take it. MY pilots were avergaing betwene 50-65 NavT experience as an FYI.

I wonder if Faber will continue moving his TF's to Merak or retreat now.

-------------------------

PI -

I had ordered my remaining fighters to fly CAP over Clark Field today. Faber launched a wave of attacks, the first 2 including a Zero sweep and the 2nd escorted by Zeroes. The remaining 2 (Sallies and Ann's were un-escorted). A titanic tussle erupted in the skies which by day's end left 19 Allied fighters missing for a reported 14 x Zeroes and 16 x enemy bombers. A few more aces for the locker room.....we rest/train tomorow.

-------------------------

Malaya -

Enemy forces have reportedly Malacca. Japanese planes reported at Kuala Lumpur. LBA and Buffalos will attack them tomorrow from Singapore.

-------------------------

Burma -

The Japanese unexpectedly stormed across the river and assaulted Pegu as my men were boarding trains! Luckily there was enough fight in my lead troops to hold the Japanese from storming Pegu. It will be touch and go though. All units except 1st Burma Division should be on there way to Katha tomorrow.

Blenheim's from Rangoon bombed Tavoy's resources damaging 40% of them before flying onto Calcutta. There is no Allied airpower in Burma anymore.

---------------------------

Other areas -

AMC Westralia sunk after being gutted by fire in Noumea harbour. Not sure where KB has gone too but wary of attacks on the PH-Suva convoy route now.

----------------------------

Submarine warfare -

No successful attacks today.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Speedy -- 1/9/2010 1:50:06 PM >

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Post #: 135

8th January 1942 - 1/9/2010 6:57:40 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
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Hi all,

PI -

Zeroes swept over Luzon but the Allied fighters were away training.

B17's attacking industry in Hong Kong. Tojo's were on CAP causing no casualties. Minor damage achieved on LI.

Japanese shell at Clark Field.

---------------------------

Malaya -

Malacca falls to the Japanese. No air raids.

---------------------------

Java -

Faber retreated the fleets moving on Merak. Dutch airforce bombed the 38th Division as it neared Batavia. Japanese Zeroes mauled the B-339's shooting down 7 of them (+ 2 other planes lost) for 1 Zero. 90 Casualties caused.

Dutch troops will shell and probe the Japanese positions nearing their line at Batavia tomorrow.

---------------------------

Burma -

We have a dilemma at Pegu! The Japanese forces there are preventing my men boarding trains! As such I'm having to move on foot. Whether the Japanese allow me that luxury before they attack again is another matter............

----------------------------

Other areas -

Japanese troops have landed at Buna and Sandakan.

2 failed attacks by the Chinese in northern China at Paotow and Kweisui....grrr....hate China.

----------------------------

Submarine Warfare -

SS S-39 damaged AK Saiho Maru, carryign troops, with a torpedo in the South China Sea.

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Post #: 136

RE: 8th January 1942 - 1/9/2010 9:29:35 PM

khyberbill

Posts: 1941
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quote:

We have a dilemma at Pegu!

However, you can bring in troops by train into an occupied city. The can get off a train, just cant embark on one.

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Post #: 137

9th January 1942 - 1/9/2010 10:22:02 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

Khyber - roger. Frustrating and odd.....a tragedy occured today at Pegu. Despite warnings from my Military Advisors on the speed that the Japanese could advance the Allied army at Pegu was massacared.....1st Burma Division took the brunt of it and by days end had 'disintegrated'....the remnants of the other units routed back to Rangoon...all in all over 15,000 men had been lost in this debacle.....

I'll be lucky now to get anything out of Burma....I misjudged this theatre I think it's fair to say.

Luckily I have already routed the UK 18th Division to India and a couple of Aussie divisions are due in Aden soon.

If I can get anything out of Burma it will be NE from Rangoon then hopefully through Meiktila before the Japanese...doubtful though. The other more painful option is across country via Akyab.....

-----------------------------------

Little else happened today other than Kuala Lumpur being bombed by Allied LBA from Singapore and Japanese engineers by the Dutch at Batavia.

Good news is P40E's of 17th PS arrived at Brisbane today.....they're untrained but the first decent fighters to be in Australia.

My last heavy units of the SRA are slipping out of Batavia tomorrow....the damaged CA Houston (2 shell holes, 8" mount destroyed), CL Danae (boiler room damage) and CL Dragon (superstructure damage and a large hole in the port hull) escorted by 5 x DD's.

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Post #: 138

RE: 9th January 1942 - 1/10/2010 6:40:27 AM

Alfred

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Speedy,

The transport network NE from Pegu allows for faster movement than the similar (but not identical) transport network NE from Rangoon. Combined with the high fatigue/disruption levels your retreated units in Rangoon presumably have, I think you will easily lose the race to Meiktila. Thus I think from Rangoon you may have to take the unpleasant march to Akyab. On the bright side, reinforcing Akyab from overland does give you some strategic benefits.

Alfred

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Post #: 139

10th January 1942 - 1/10/2010 12:46:27 PM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
Joined: 9/11/2001
From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

Hi Alfred - I suspect you're right. Especially as Faber has an ARM Rgt there too.......having said that my Rangoon forces had all moved 18-25 miles NE of Rangoon todayandthe Japanese are still in Pegu.....we'll see

Some questions guys - I looked at the Support Ship options today.....which AK classes are best to convert into AKE's? I ask with the thought in mind of what capacity is needed to replenish BB shells?

Also I couldn't find anything that could convert into an AR is this true?

I had moved some of the MG BN's in Australia to Sydney to disband them into the Pools. However the option to disband them is greyed out. From looking at other units it seems as though you can only disband units that don't have a withdraw date. Is this the case?

----------------------------------------

A fairly quiet day overall except for 2 successful Submarine attacks:

SS S-39 damaged CL Kuma witha torpedo south of Saigon. In return the escorts landed some DC's near S-39....she's returning to Singapore (talking of Singapore i'm still managing to sneak in supply. Got 6000 unloading right now

) over 72K of supply in Singapore right now

S-36 blew up AK Heian Maru with 2 torpedoes near Soc Trang.

---------------------------

The other 'piece of news' was a failed attack by 38th Division at Batavia. They overran some of the outer defensive position but at terrible odds and losses of 1200 men to my 300. I'm risking an attack tomorrow since simply put the Dutch are going to be overrun at some point. No point in just sitting there and not trying anything. If they succeed I may even be able to wipe out this small invasion.....fingers crossed:

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15380 troops, 191 guns, 120 vehicles, Assault Value = 479

Defending force 16957 troops, 184 guns, 81 vehicles, Assault Value = 440

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 83

Allied adjusted defense: 573

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 6 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
1202 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 58 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 70 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 24 disabled
Guns lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 13 (0 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
297 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Assaulting units:
38th Division
19th Ind. Engineer Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
5th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
1st Regt Cavalerie
2nd KNIL Regiment
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st KNIL Regiment
Marinier Battalion
1st KNIL AA Battalion
KNIL Army Command
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
ML-KNIL
ABDA
Batavia Base Force

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Post #: 140

RE: 10th January 1942 - 1/10/2010 2:23:31 PM

Smeulders

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Speedy, I don't know if it's really needed to slip supply to Singapore. You'll probably have enough to last until it falls anyway. Good luck on the attack in Batavia, I'm hoping your attack in Batavia succeeds, but I doubt it. The troop quality and the terrain bonus both work against you.

Congrats on the subs, some nice attacks.

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Post #: 141

RE: 10th January 1942 - 1/11/2010 4:07:48 PM

ckammp

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From: Rear Area training facility
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re: ship conversions

If you want to resupply BBs, your best bet is to convert the C2 Cargo Class xAKs to C2 Lassen AEs. These AEs can support all weapons , including 16in/50 Mk 7. Ships available for this conversion include Royal T. Frank, Mount McKinley, Irenee Du Pont, Ruth Alexander, and Henry S. Grove.
For conversion to AKE, there are two good choices. First is Harriman Cargo Class xAK to Harriman Tender AKE. Second is Hog Island Cargo xAK to Hog Island Tender AKE. The main drawback with these AKEs is they are too small to be able to service 16in guns, although they can do 15in guns. Harriman Class xAKs include Liberty Glo, Exmoor, Nisqually, Katrina Luckenbach, Horace Luckenbach, and Dorothy Luckenbach. For Hog Island xAKs, there are Mobile City and Chatanooga City.

AFAIK, no ships can be converted to ARs.

As for your disbanding units; I'm not sure why you can't disband the MG Bns. To disband a LCU, three conditions must be met:
Unit must be at the national base.
Unit must not be permanently restricted.
Unit must not be scheduled for withdraw.
Your MG Bns at Sydney should meet these conditions and should be allowed to be disbanded. You might want to list this problem in the Tech Support thread, see if the devs can help.

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Post #: 142

11/12th January 1942 - 1/12/2010 1:58:11 AM

Speedysteve

Posts: 15998
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From: Reading, England
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Hi all,

In San Francisco for work this week......odd since it is 1.30AM in the UK now but I'm still feeling a little awake....probably a few more hours in me.

I'm contemplating a potential CV raid in the Marshalls over the next month or so. I am only thinking on it now since it would be nice to strike back but I won't do so just for the sake of it. If it can draw KB away from SoPac that would be great.....hmm food for thought.

Thanks guys - Smeulders. It's now a moot point since Netties launched against my 2 surviving AK's near singapore and sank them!

The attack on Batavia did fail but almost achieved 1:1 odds.....it was worth a try IMO otherwise I'd just be sitting there for the inevitable:

Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 11425 troops, 147 guns, 78 vehicles, Assault Value = 425

Defending force 14431 troops, 229 guns, 120 vehicles, Assault Value = 398

Allied adjusted assault: 235

Japanese adjusted defense: 247

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
181 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 20 (0 destroyed, 20 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
795 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 132 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 110 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

ckammp - Fantastic. Thanks a lot for the great advice

--------------------------

Malaya -

Japanese troops have reached Johore Bharu, They have been harassed all the way down by LBA from Singapore. Oscars have been patrolling on CAP but my Buffalo's have had the better of them reportedly shooting down 2 of them

The battle for Singapore will begin soon. I have just over 1200AV.

4 x AK were sunk east of Sumatra. These were Batavia refugees.

---------------------------

PI -

An interesting couple of days over Luzon. After standing my fighters down for 5 days I decided to rise to meet the sweping Zeroes today. My boys, although not experten are neither Novice's anymore either as this example shows:

Morning Air attack on Clark Field , at 79,76

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
P-26A x 5
P-35A x 8
P-40B Warhawk x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-26A: 2 destroyed
P-35A: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Over the course of the day 9 Zeroes were reported downed for 5 x P26, 4 x P35 and 4 x P40. I'm fairly happy with this since it's the P40's that are the true comparative.

B17's bombed industry at Canton causing light damage and downing an Oscar. Tomorrow Haiphong's Resources are the target.

The Japanese bombard daily at Clark but my AV is still slowly rising. I bombard once in 3 or 4 days and cause about 400 casualties.

------------------------------

Java -

Other than the failed attack at Batavia there was a disaster in the air as a raid against Merak was slaughtered by Zeries. The unescorted bombers lost 25 of their number........still a stalemate at Batavia.

Interestingly patrols have detected what appears to be CV's near Balikpapan and a couple of TF's have been detected west of Kendari. I assume the CV's are Zuikaku and Shokaku detected before. Not sure if the TF's near Kendari are another invasion force for Java?

-------------------------------

Other areas -

KB has been detected west of Luganville. My patrolling sub near PM detected a TF moving SE. Could this be an invasion force for Noumea. I hope not.....

My PM stragglers reached Buna but are rebuffed by SNLF troops....a long slow painful death now awaits.

--------------------------------

Submarine warfare -

No successful submarine attacks for the Allies. However a Sub laid mine crippled PB Fuji Maru 4 at Brunei.

On the 'other side' YP-74 was sunk by SS I-9 whilst patrolling for the sub near Kodiak Island!

< Message edited by Speedy -- 1/12/2010 11:17:16 PM >

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Post #: 143

13th January 1942 - 1/12/2010 11:36:06 PM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Ah ckammp - think I've figured out why I can't disabnd the Aussie MG Bn's....they're due to withdraw within a year. Dang.

---------------------

Overall a pretty quiet day with little happening in Luzon or on Malaya (Japanese massing at Johore before crossing into Singapore.)

The main action was over Java where Zeroes once more slaughtered 20 Dutch aircraft (15 of them fighters) for little result. I have 7 operational Dutch fighters left. That action has caused me to consider something:

I still have 38 x Buffalo at Singapore along with 25 x bombers. With the seige about ot begin they'll be no real need for them to be here much longer. I think I will evac the bombers via Medan, Port Blair and then Chittagong.

The Buffalo's can go to Java. NOT to fight the Zeroes but to wait as escort for my TB's. Simply put Faber HAS to come at sompoint with more troops to take Java. He doesn't have the strength at Batavia/Buitenzorg to take either base. I think this is the course of action I will take tomorrow.

Talking of fighters in the SRA. Below's a screenshot of my groups at Clark. I'm proud of them. They've done well against substantial odds (exp increased 5-10 points overall).........

------------------------------

Other areas -

Appears Faber is moving an invasion force towards New Caledonia. SS Thresher is tracking 2 TF's heading SE from Woodlark Island area. Darn it. I have substantial (24th Division, 8th USMC Rgt + support, oodles of supplies, planes etc a week out of Suva).

------------------------------

Submarine warfare -

The usual duds/misses on my side.

SS I-156 obliterated the small AP Kajang with 2 torpedoes off Sinabang, west Sumatra (swear I read this as Sinbad at first).

------------------------------

Reinforcements -

Substantial reinforcements are beginning to appear. In the US this is mainly in the form of troops, BF's and AK's (along with 3 shiny new Gato subs

)

From Britain:

3 x Hurri Sqn
1 x Blenheim Sqn
Rest of the Aussie Division
BB Royal Sovereign (tomorrow)
CV Indomitable (3 days)
Several BF's in Karachi/Madras.

Feeling pretty good about India now. With 18th UK Division, 7th ARM ashore, AVG around Calcutta, soon to be 4 x Hurri Sqn's, an Aussie Division (the other will be sent to Australia) - the only things I could do with immediately now are more Engineers and bombers.

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Post #: 144

RE: 13th January 1942 - 1/12/2010 11:37:36 PM

Speedysteve

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Aussie MG Bn in Sydney as an FYI.........

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Post #: 145

RE: 13th January 1942 - 1/13/2010 6:58:49 AM

Speedysteve

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Anyone have any thoughts on things? Views? Strategy? Agree/disagree with me moving my planes from Singapore etc?

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Post #: 146

RE: 13th January 1942 - 1/13/2010 7:45:47 AM

Alfred

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Speedy

Anyone have any thoughts on things? Views? Strategy? Agree/disagree with me moving my planes from Singapore etc?

Agree that the mediums ultimately should make their way back to CBI for use against moving LCU stacks. Whether that should be now depends on when you think their retreat path will be cut off. Buffaloes escorting the Vildebeeste is also OK provided the intention is to ultimately move them down to Darwin, otherwise they should be moved now to CBI.

I still adhere to a much earlier post of mine which recommended that Allied mediums should not be wasted against task forces, instead they should concentrate on ground attack where they will actually hit something and probably not face major LRCAP over target (in comparison to task forces).

You may like to consider using some of those small Dutch bases around Flores/Sumbwa etc as secret refueling anchorages for ants which can shoot out and return after raiding. The idea being to make the penguin capture all of the dot/small bases to secure his rear simultaneously he is conducting major DEI invasions, rather than doing the small captures after the key bases have been captured.

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Post #: 147

14th January 1942 - 1/13/2010 9:07:03 PM

Speedysteve

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Hi all,

Hi Alfred - The Buafflos will ultimately be used in CBI except maybe the Aussie and NZ Squadrons. I feel the need to use them on Java now though otherwise they'll be insufficient fighters there to allow my TB's to get through on 'one last chance' to cause damage.

The Buffalos flew to Batavia today and the LBA to Port Blair. That's it Singapore is left on it's own with 2010 AV, 70K Supply and level 3 Forts (60% to level 4).

Interesting idea on the use of the smaller bases. I like it.

Thanks.

------------------------------------

Things were fairly quiet today throughout the SRA. Allied LBA bombed a Japanese Tk Rgt at Johore Bharu on their way to Port Blair and Clark's B17's bombed Haiphong's Resources for no effect.

------------------------------------

China -

The Japanese surprisingly and suddenly stormed across the river towards Loyang. They were clearly surprised when they met a ail of fire under the organised defences of 8 Chinese Corps. Losses were calamitous amounting to a reported 8971 Japanese casualties vs 152 Allied. This, unexpectanly, provides me with a decnt opportunity and place for limited counter attacks. I have ordered my stout men to 'Shock' attack tomorrow. My aim is to ultimatley re-occupy Tsiaotso (with it's resources and factories) to the NE and then see what the situation is like then.

Further south another Chinese Corps should be NE of Hankow tomorrow, hopefully, providing enough strength to attack here too. I would like to cut the roads east of Hankow to cause trouble there.

----------------------------------------

Submarine Warfare -

There were 2 reported successes today.

Firstly, SS Skipjack put a fish into the oil filled AK Kagu Maru NW of Moppo, Korea.

SS KXII surfaced to duel with the lone AK Kokai Maru which was left burning and sinking south of Saigon.

-----------------------------------------

Other stuff -

First plane reinforcements should be unloaded at Suva tomororw. Probably too late to interfere at Noumea if Faber comes soon (still tracking TF SE).

3 new Dutch subramines were commissioned at Soerabaya. I have 11 submarines on patrol around the threatened east coast now.

I thought I'd examine my fighter units at Clark in more depth. The boys have done well. all in all they have claimed 168 enemy planes for the loss of 118 airframes:

P40E/B -

24PG/3PS - 17 losses/28 kills
4PG/17PS - 28 losses/35 kills
24PG/20PS - 18 losses/33 kills
21PS - 29 losses/33 kills

P35A -

34PS - 17 losses/22 kills

P26A -

6PS - 19 losses/7 kills