RE: 20-21 Dec 1941; Kuching 2

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: 20-21 Dec 1941; Kuching 2

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RE: 20-21 Dec 1941; Kuching 2 - 9/21/2014 11:18:44 PM

Jorge_Stanbury

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From: Toronto and Lima
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Well done!

You should send some submarines to look for Ashigara just in case. You also know he shall be heading to Saigon, the only place where it can get fixed. Also look for float planes lost during the turn; 1 Jake and 2 Petes

How bad was the damage on Repulse? any fire?

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 31

RE: 20-21 Dec 1941; Kuching 2 - 9/22/2014 1:02:49 AM

IdahoNYer

Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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quote:

Also look for float planes lost during the turn; 1 Jake and 2 Petes

Right you are! 1xJake, 2xPete and an Alf (Kashii) all listed as ground losses. I should know this....thanks for the reminder!

As for damage, I got very lucky....no major systems destroyed either.

Repulse: 11(sys)/0(float)/0(Eng)
Exeter: 15/11/3
Enterprise: 31/36/11

Will likely send Enterprise back to Colombo. Will see about Exeter. Will patch up Repulse as time permits in Java.

This assumes I-Boats don't get a good shot off in the Java Sea of course.

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)

Post #: 32

RE: 20-21 Dec 1941; Kuching 2 - 9/22/2014 4:42:42 AM

Wuffer

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I smell cavalry.

Honestly, I wish you two would play this out w/o this nasty flying stuff. With iron, not aluminium. :-)
Jutland style.
Not Shweinfurts.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 33

RE: 22-23 Dec 1941 - 9/24/2014 1:03:52 AM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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22-23 Dec 1941

Jpn ships sunk:
SS:1 (I-154)

Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 15
Allied: 12

Subwar:
Jpn: 3xAttack: 1 ship hit; xAP
I-154 listed as sunk by DD Pillsbury off Batavia
Allies: 3xAttack: no ships hit
S-37 dam by A/C off Formosa (should make port) Continued heavy pressure by Jpn air forces relocation of numerous subs.

Amph Inv:
Dumanquilas (PI)

Bases lost:
San Fernando (PI)
Catanduanes (PI)
Tablas (PI)
Kuching (DEI)
Tsiaotso (China)

SIGINT/Intel:
19/38 Div loaded on AK to Singora - Another PIR - 38th ID (currently at Hong Kong) looks to be heading for Malaya - and heading to Singora rather than another amphibious landing at Mersing.

While the naval battle at Kuching didn�t affect losing Kuching, it may have given the IJN pause - even well protected invasions can be interdicted. Little activity in the DEI since Kuching and Manado were taken. Will await the next major thrust in the DEI. KB now north of Rabual, invasion task forces sighted north of Kavieng.

West Coast. I-boat(s) continue to roam off LA/San Diego and 2xASW TFs are sent to deal with the threat, as well as an increase of air focused on ASW. xAP Queen Elizabeth will depart on the 24th regardless.

In NOPAC, P-40 squadron arrives in Kodiak; will move to Umnak when base ready.

In CENPAC, 3rd Mar DB completes offloading at Canton Is, but I-21 makes 4 attempts to penetrate the anchorage - on the fourth try, puts 3xtorps into xAP St. Mihel which is sunk.

In SOPAC, with the KB staying north of the Solomons, for now, it remains quiet.

In SWPAC, the KB moves north of Rabaul and pounds the airfield with two strikes of over 250 a/c each. Small raids from Truk add to the carnage. The airfield is effectively shut down. Aus Catalinas will relocate to Pt. Moresby. Surviving 4xBanshees are damaged and 3 damaged B-17s will likely never fly again. Long term, I don�t mind the bombing and closing the AF�.Rabaul is lost anyway, its just going to take that much longer for Japanese engineers to make the base operational for their own use. In any case, the first arriving subs to Townsville out of PH are quickly refueled and sent to the waters around New Britain and New Ireland. That is about the best we can offer in the way of defense north of Australia at this point. Port Moresby has not been reinforced yet, and I�m debating whether to move in any forces. I have a CD unit and an Aussie Bde staged, but need political points to release them in any case.

In the Philippines, Jpn take San Fernando on the second assault and land at Dumanquilas on the western side of Mindanao. On the positive side, Bataan reaches fort level 3.

In China, the Jpn forces continue to press in the eastern part of the country, while Chinese forces attempt to NOT get encircled.

In Malaya, Singapore is bombed for the first time - CAP stays on the ground. Damage is minimal as bombers stay at 23k.

In the DEI, Kuching falls in the first assault. Transports were fully offloaded when Repulse and her consorts paid their visit. Repulse makes it safely to Soerabaja; DD Pillsbury departed Batavia to provide additional ASW protection, sinks I-154 enroute to the rendezvous with Repulse. Exeter and Enterprise still transiting the Java Sea, an ASW TF will depart Soerabaja to assist. Repulse and Exeter will stay in the DEI and need some repair, and its not exactly clear where the IJN will strike next. Shalfroth�s Eastern Striking Force has temporarily relocated to Soerabaja in order for the ABDA Fleet to reorganize. With the entire fleet in one port, we�re extremely vulnerable for the moment. Will send fleet units back out as soon as practical.

(in reply to Wuffer)

Post #: 34

RE: 22-23 Dec 1941 - 9/24/2014 3:19:41 PM

Jorge_Stanbury

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Question on Rabaul air raid; do you think the lost planes is a good tradeoff for the heavily damaged airfield?
they would had been safer in P.Moresby; but I like forcing KB to bomb a place they will need very soon

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 35

RE: 22-23 Dec 1941 - 9/25/2014 6:25:58 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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quote:

Question on Rabaul air raid; do you think the lost planes is a good tradeoff for the heavily damaged airfield?

Short answer - yes.

Longer answer - wasn't expecting the KB to "pop in" undetected. Figured by having the Cats up there, I'd see him coming, and move the bombers if the KB was coming. Thought there was a possibility of a Kavieng force without massive KB support could be hit by the bombers.

In any case, losing about half dozen planes on the ground and no pilots (pilots are resting comfortably now in the reserve pool) is well worth Rabaul airfield being closed by damage.

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)

Post #: 36

24-25 Dec 1941 Christmas in the Pacific - 9/25/2014 10:21:15 PM

IdahoNYer

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24-25 Dec 1941

Jpn ships sunk:
SS:2 (I-2, I-3)

Allied ships sunk:
AG:: 1
xAKL:1

Air loss:
Jpn: 5
Allied: 9

Subwar:
Jpn: 3xAttack: 1 ship hit; AG
I-2 and I-3 listed as sunk by scuttling off Canton Is (tracker); RO-66 and I-170 listed as hitting mines at Canton Is (Combat Reporter).
Allies: 1xAttack: no ships hit

Amph Inv:
Iba (PI)
Rabaul (SWPAC)
Manokwari (SWPAC)

Bases lost:
Butuan (PI)
Dumanquilas (PI)
Sibuyan(PI)
Taiping (Malaya)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

DEI remains strangely quiet while Jpn airpower focuses on Singapore. KB still providing cover for Rabaul invasion while Jpn subs appear to be reaching their patrol zones sub activity is on the increase.

West Coast. I-boat(s) off San Diego are now the focus of 3xASW groups. xAP Queen Elizabeth departed on the 24th without issue. First Slow Convoy to Auckland begins forming at LA.

In NOPAC, NSTR.

In CENPAC, hectic day around Canton Is. DMs escorting the 3rd Mar DB convoy lay minefield which has immediate, but confusing results. Separate reports list I-2 and I-3 both scuttled (likely due to mines?) off Canton, while other reports have the RO-66 and I-170 both hitting mines. In any case, mines hit something! Lex and Enterprise move toward Christmas Is to provide ASW air cover to convoy landing army regiment. Other than subs patrolling off the islands of Hawaii, Midway, Palmyra and Canton, its quiet in CENPAC.

In SOPAC, still quiet. xAPs carrying Marines approaching Suva and Noumea with CV Sara in support.

In SWPAC, IJN begins landing at Rabaul, and a TF is closing on Kavieng as well. KB still patrolling in the vicinity and US subs are closing on patrol zones in the area. Still debating on whether to reinforce Moresby. CA Louisville limps into Townsville at 52/73/24. Tough girl, amazing she made it!

In the Philippines, no bombing of either Bataan or Manila which I find odd - weather is good. Manila reaches Fort Level 2. Clark still at level 1 as engineers still repairing damage from airstrikes. xAKLs still bringing in limited supply and resources from outer islands and Tarakan.

In China, Wenchow on the coast is bombarded by 2xBBs. Little damage.

In Malaya, heavy air attacks on Singapore continue - CAP stays on the ground. Damage is minimal as bombers stay at 23k and damage is repaired by engineers - but - forts are not able to expand due to damage inflicted. Some squadrons are moved/dispersed to Johore Bahru.

In the DEI, Exeter and Enterprise reach Soerabaja. Enterprise will sail shortly under escort for Colombo. Exeter will repair on site. With the heavies in port doing some repairs, ASW TFs are formed to hunt subs in the Java Sea - which are more heavily concentrated on Batavia right now.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 37

RE: 24-25 Dec 1941 Christmas in the Pacific - 9/25/2014 11:03:56 PM

paullus99

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Early focus like that on Singapore & ignoring the Philippines might mean an early push on India - keep your head up....

_____________________________

Never Underestimate the Power of a Small Tactical Nuclear Weapon...

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 38

RE: 24-25 Dec 1941 Christmas in the Pacific - 9/28/2014 5:36:16 PM

IdahoNYer

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quote:

Early focus like that on Singapore & ignoring the Philippines might mean an early push on India - keep your head up....

You may be right - I've diverted Singapore bound troops to Ceylon and other than fortify bases there's not much else I can do in India, right?

I'm more concerned in SOPAC right now - Jpn 4th ID heading to, or in, Truk with the KB roaming around Rabaul spells trouble - not much can stop a full Jpn division in either SWPAC (incl Aus) or SOPAC.

(in reply to paullus99)

Post #: 39

RE: 26-27 Dec 1941 - 9/28/2014 6:36:26 PM

IdahoNYer

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26-27 Dec 1941

Jpn ships sunk:
None

Allied ships sunk:
AVP:: 2 (small Dutch)
xAK:1
xAKL: 3

Air loss:
Jpn: 12
Allied: 14

Subwar:
Jpn: 5xAttack: 1 ship hit; xAK sunk
Allies: 1xAttack: no ships hit

Amph Inv:
Utan Melintang (Malaya - with barges)

Bases lost:
Iba (PI)
Utan Melintang (Malaya)
Rabaul(SWPAC)
Manokwari (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel:
Elements of Kure 2nd SNLF moving on xAK to Ambon

Activity in DEI increases as Mini-KB moves toward Ambon which is a logical next invasion as it effectively isolates the DEI from Darwin. Rabaul falls early, but not to either the 4th ID or 144th Reg - but to SNLF units. This likely means this is just the first step, in a series of Amphibs - is Moresby the next big target or is the IJN going deep toward Noumea? KB still providing cover for Rabaul - so where the KB heads next should provide us that info - not that we have enough force anywhere just yet�.

West Coast. 2x I-boat(s) confirmed off San Diego/LA and so far our ASW TFs are just drawing torpedo attacks. Convoy AS1 will depart LA regardless on the 28th.

In NOPAC. 201st Sep In Reg boards transports at Kodiak, bound for the South Pacific (by way of St. Rupert and LA). Taking some risk here, but troops are needed in SOPAC/SWPAC more than NOPAC at the moment. No Jpn activity up north yet.

In CENPAC, 34th In Reg lands at Christmas Is, so far without issue. No activity at Canton as transports will return to PH. Enterprise and Lex TFs remain patrolling vicinity of Christmas. Once offloading completed, Lex will head to PH to exchange its Buffaloes for Wildcats and link up with Yorktown out of Diego. Enterprise TF will head to SOPAC..

In SOPAC, still quiet. xAPs carrying Marines land at Suva and its now I realize that my 13,000 ton xAP can�t dock at Suva�.could have sworn it was 12,000 when it left LA. Add a larger font to my WiTP wishlist.

In SWPAC, loss of Rabaul comes a few days earlier than expected, but it was inevitable. Horn Is reinforced by garrisons of Kavieng and Lae so far. No additional troops yet for Moresby - this is my tough call right now - put more troops in or let if fall as is? If the Jpn want Moresby, they can take it regardless of what I can currently commit. However, if I let it fall without a prolonged fight, it could just speed up the Jpn timetable. I need a SIGINT hit on where he�s going next!

In the Philippines, IJN has a small CL/DD TF roaming the islands attempting to stop the xAKLs heading to Luzon. Three are lost, but a couple manage to sneak by. Battle of Clark Field should begin shortly.

In China, with Wenchow the target of 2xBBs with about 4xDDs as escort, will send a sub to mine Wenchow and keep a sub off the coast to try and interdict. Troops continue to pull back west under pressure.

In Malaya, more air attacks on Singers do little but prevent further fortification (which is probably accomplishing the mission of those attacks). Was surprised by a barge launched amphib on the Malayan west coast - won�t cut anything off except perhaps a rear guard battalion, but it was a surprise.

In the DEI, the Mini-KB roams north of Ambon, sinking 2xDutch AVPs off Ambon. Nells (out of Manado) hit Kendari which is also a likely immediate target. All I can muster in the Ceram/Banda Sea area are some subs. Allied Fleet remains in Soerabaja for the time being.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 40

RE: 26-27 Dec 1941 - 9/29/2014 12:10:29 AM

BBfanboy

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It's real easy to mix up the tonnage figures on APs. The total load capacity is usually a little under the actual displacement tonnage of the ship.
This is the reverse of most AKs and TKs which are usually a little lighter than the load capacity.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 41

28-29 Dec 1941 - 10/5/2014 10:08:33 PM

IdahoNYer

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28-29 Dec 1941

Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
xAKL: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 12
Allied: 24

Subwar:
Jpn: 2xAttack: no ships hit
Allies: 7xAttack: 3 ships hit; xAK:2 dam, PB sunk

Amph Inv:
Aitape (SWPAC)
Lae (SWPAC)
Wewak (SWPAC)
Zamboanga (PI)
Kendari (DEI)

Bases lost:
Lingayen (PI)
Aitape(SWPAC)

Bases Liberated:
Patani (Malaya) - very temporarily retaken�.still�

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

Continued heavy air attacks against Singapore and increasing activities in the Eastern DEI highlight the last two days. KB has vanished - presumably back to Truk to re-arm/refuel.

West Coast. One I-Boat hit by a DC is the good news, but two still are lurking off San Diego, waiting for CV Yorktown which just arrived. Convoy AS-1 with 30 ships sailed from LA as scheduled without incident.

In NOPAC. NSTR

In CENPAC its mostly quiet, except for sub sightings and trying to hunt down the subs within 300 miles of Hawaii - without much success for either side so far. Lex and Enterprise still loitering off Christmas Is.

In SOPAC, Marines offloading at Suva and now Noumea. Saratoga TF refuels south of Noumea and a CA TF loiters south of the Solomons awaiting the next move from the IJN.

In SWPAC, Lae is invaded as I�m sure is a prelude to more activity aimed at Port Moresby. KB has disappeared, which is better than moving south raiding the Australian coast. Still anticipating moves south toward Moresby as well as the Solomons. Not much can be done to prevent that at this point - have about half a dozen subs now trolling around the Rabaul-Truk areas hoping to catch a break.

In the Philippines, Jpn army gets closer to Clark on Luzon and also lands at Zamboanga which was being used as a sub transport resupply base. He�s working on choking off the ability to resupply and he�s gradually succeeding. In the air, the last P-40s and P-35s tangle with Oscars over Manila and while aren�t mauled, failed to interdict the intended targets of bombers that were active over Lingayen.

In China, much the same with heavy pressure in the eastern areas

In Malaya, continued air attacks on Singers do little as the Royal Air Force stays on the ground as long as Zeros are used in force. The isolated Indian Bde up north manages to secure Patani base which was evacuated -if nothing else, this will take some forces to chase this brigade down and retake the base. To reduce the xAKL supply runs out of Palembang to Singers, IJN subs mine the approaches to Palembang and sink an xAKL. Sweepers out of Singapore will attempt to clear, but supply right now in Singapore is plentiful (70k+).

In India/Burma, December has been a pretty quiet month. No air activity over Rangoon yet - and this has allowed a large amount of supply convoys to offload without issue (and minimum escort). Jpn forces are moving slowly towards Moulmein and we�ll only attempt a delay in Burma - to keep the Burma road open as long as possible.

In the DEI, the Mini-KB (Likely Zuiho and Ryujo) continues to prowl east of Celebes, supporting both the current landings at Kendari and the likely projected invasion of Ambon, but does not strike at any targets. Nells out of Manado do hit ground units at Kendari in support of the invasion there. With the weather bad, I�m going to sortie the bulked up Force Z (BB,BC,4xCL,DDs) out of Soerabaja against the Kendari landings. Air cover will be minimal (some P-40s out of Makassar), but I�m counting on bad weather, a shortage of carrier carried torpedoes from previous attacks, and a whole lotta luck. Its only going to get worse as the IJN tighten its noose around Java, and with some luck, I might get into a good scrap with his covering force (estimated to include 2xKongos and CAs) and give him a bloody nose. Western approaches to Java remains covered by a CA/CL TF in Batavia.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 42

RE: 28-29 Dec 1941 - 10/5/2014 11:18:13 PM

Jorge_Stanbury

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From: Toronto and Lima
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"Convoy AS-1 with 30 ships sailed from LA as scheduled without incident"

Be careful with the size of convoys, it helps ASW but increases the chances of collision

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 43

RE: 28-29 Dec 1941 - 10/7/2014 6:56:29 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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quote:

Be careful with the size of convoys, it helps ASW but increases the chances of collision

Understand.

I've had a few collisions now and again, but bearable. I'm more concerned with port size, escorts and ship availability to determine convoy size. I seldom go above 40, but usually 20 is minimum for resupply convoys.

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)

Post #: 44

RE: 28-29 Dec 1941 - 10/7/2014 7:38:47 PM

Capt. Harlock

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quote:

I�m going to sortie the bulked up Force Z (BB,BC,4xCL,DDs) out of Soerabaja against the Kendari landings. Air cover will be minimal (some P-40s out of Makassar), but I�m counting on bad weather, a shortage of carrier carried torpedoes from previous attacks, and a whole lotta luck. Its only going to get worse as the IJN tighten its noose around Java, and with some luck, I might get into a good scrap with his covering force (estimated to include 2xKongos and CAs) and give him a bloody nose. Western approaches to Java remains covered by a CA/CL TF in Batavia.

Any update on this?

_____________________________

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

--Victor Hugo

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 45

30-31 Dec 1941 - 10/7/2014 9:46:55 PM

IdahoNYer

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30-31 Dec 1941

Jpn ships sunk:None

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1
AM: 1
xAK: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 9
Allied: 12

Subwar:
Jpn: 4xAttack: 1 ship hit; DD Stronghold sunk
Allies: 5xAttack: 1 ship hit; CVE Taiyo hit w/1torp off Rabaul by SS Pollack

Amph Inv:
Ambon (DEI)
Gasmata (SWPAC)

Bases lost:
Patani (Malaya)
Baler (PI)
Tagbilaran (PI)
Brunei (DEI)
Kendari (DEI)
Mergui (Malaya)
Lae (SWPAC)
Wewak (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel:NSTR

As 1941 closes out, the KB has shown itself in the Solomon Sea hitting Moresby hard with naval air - likely next stop on the Tokyo Express. Force Z�s sortie against Kendari finds an empty anchorage. Lastly, pressure in NW China increases.

West Coast. Continued lack of success against I-Boats off San Diego and Los Angeles.

In NOPAC. NSTR

In CENPAC, Lexington TF heads away from Christmas Is towards PH and Enterprise sets course for Auckland.

In SOPAC, still quiet so far. Need another month plus to bring more troops in to hold a defensive line of Noumea-Suva - Pago. Not sure if he�s going to give me that time. Right now, with only a regiment of Marines at Noumea and Suva, its not nearly enough.

In SWPAC, the KB comes calling by sending large strikes against Port Moresby from the Solomon Sea - catching and sinking an AM and two xAKs offloading on the docks. Not really surprised here, it�s the logical next step. Moresby is at fort Level 2, but no reinforcements have been landed. A number of FA Bns, an AA Bn and some initial infantry units have been assembling at Townsville, but nothing to stop a determined attack on Moresby, nor, with the KB prowling will they be able to be safely transported there. Horn Is has been reinforced by the evacuations of the various New Guinea/Kavieng detachments. Priority focus now is more the defense of NE OZ than New Guinea.

In the Philippines, Jpn air focuses on Clark Field defenses, obviously his next major objective. While I have forces in Clark - they won�t hold despite the good terrain. My question is - will they withdraw to Manila or Bataan?

In China, continued pressure in the east - especially east of Sian. AVG is brought into Sian to see if we can disrupt some enemy air ground support. Still pulling back west to use terrain, but not as fast as the Jpn are advancing in many places.

In Malaya, Patani is retaken without much extra effort, and the isolated 15th Indian Bde there surrenders. Was hoping for another turn or two, but not totally unexpected. What was unexpected was no air attacks against Singers - bad weather is a good thing!

In India/Burma, Jpn forces have closed on Moulmein and the AVG squadron in Rangoon will fly patrols in support expecting some Jpn ground support there.

In the DEI, Force Z�s sortie to Kendari is picked up by subs shortly after departing Soerabaja; I-155 fails to penetrate the screen three times, but the force is sighted. I-158 has better luck, sinking a DD off Makassar, but the main body is successfully screened. By the time Adm Palliser arrives off Kendari, both the invasion and covering forces have departed. With no orders to bombard, Palliser changes course back to Java. SW of Makassar on the return leg to Java, Palliser receives new orders to turn about and strike Ambon�.

(in reply to Capt. Harlock)

Post #: 46

RE: 28-29 Dec 1941 - 10/7/2014 9:49:55 PM

IdahoNYer

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From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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quote:

Any update on this?

CPT Harlock - looks like you might have to wait a bit longer - although Force Z had no surface contact on the 30/31 Dec turn, here's what I got from Large Slow Target on the turn back:

"Bring some popcorn and lots of patience for this turn - long surface battle ahead."

Should prove interesting - will get to it tonight!

(in reply to Capt. Harlock)

Post #: 47

1942 begins with the Battle of Ambon - 10/10/2014 3:02:20 AM

IdahoNYer

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1-2 Jan 1942

Jpn ships sunk:
CVE: 1; Taiyo - torpedoed earlier, listed as sunk
CA: 2; Haguro and Takao sunk at Ambon
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
CL: 2; Mauritius and Dragon sunk at Ambon
DD: 2; sunk at Ambon

Air loss:
Jpn: 17
Allied: 11

Subwar:
Jpn: 3xAttack: no ships hit; (including CV Lex missed off Palmyra)
Allies: 3xAttack: 1 ship hit; xAK sunk

Amph Inv:
Kavieng(SWPAC)
Madang (SWPAC)
Sorong (SWPAC)
Port Swettenham (Malaya)

Bases lost:
Dinagat (PI)
Long Island (SWPAC)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR

1942 starts off on the right foot by severely bruising the vaunted IJN Cruiser fleet in the Battle of Ambon! Was a good two days as the CVE Taiyo was reported as sunk from her previous torpedoing and the CV Lexington being missed by 4xtorp off Palmyra.

West Coast. I-Boats off San Diego appear to be moving west as the CV Yorktown prepares to sail.

In NOPAC. NSTR

In CENPAC, only the near miss on the Lady Lex.

In SOPAC, xAP Queen Elizabeth arrives at Auckland after a quick unescorted crossing from LA carrying the 53rd (Sep) IN Reg, headed for Koumac.

In SWPAC, it as quiet for a turn as the KB apparently moved north toward Truk - at least that is what I think was the KB which was sighted by SS Trout just south of Truk.

In the Philippines, Jpn air focuses on Manila this turn. Jpn army forces reach Clark AB. P-40s out of Cagayan strafe and bomb IJN shipping off Zamboaga and manage to put a 500lb bomb on the CL Natori, penetrating armor and starting fires.

In China, same as previous - heavy pressure in the east�.still hating China�.

In Malaya, another barge landing on Malaya�s west coast is intercepted by a lone motor launch with less than stellar results. The Jpn army slowly closes on Singapore - again, no air raids.

In India/Burma, another supply convoy reaches Rangoon.

In the DEI, Force Z turns about and heads to Ambon to intercept the reported invasion force there - which includes the BB�s Nagato and Hyuga in the amphibious TF. I figure Repulse and PoW can make short work of two old BBs in an amphibious TF! Enroute, Force Z is sighted by yet another sub, I-164, which fails to penetrate the screen twice and misses a DD each time with torps. As the sun rises on the 2nd of Jan, Palliser�s Force Z manages the unthinkable - surprising a large cruiser TF off Ambon! So much for the old BBs, even with surprise, this is going to be a tough fight!

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< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 10/10/2014 4:07:11 AM >

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Naval Battle at Ambon - 10/10/2014 3:09:16 AM

IdahoNYer

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Due to Thunderstorms, visibility is limited and fire is opened up by the CL Mauritius at 6000yds on surprised IJN. Although Allied gunnery is again less than desired, hits are quickly scored against the CAs including the PoW landing a 14� shell on the Nachi. While the Allied cruisers score hits, the 6� shells fail to penetrate the cruiser�s armor, but the British CLs also carry torps, two of which launched by the old CL Dragon, hit the CA Takao setting her ablaze. But the cheering on the British ships is short lived as the fleets close to within 3000yds and the CL Mauritius becomes the target of the Myoko, Haguro and Atago - one of which puts an 8� shell into the British CL�s magazine and the Mauritius is blown to bits. By now the IJN has fully recovered from their surprise, and torpedoes and gunfire from both sides continue to strike home. CL Java becomes a favorite target, as does the CA Haguro. While Java struggles under 8� guns, so does Haguro against the 14� and 15� British guns. IJN torpedoes begin to hit home, sinking two British DDs in quick succession. But luck stays with Palliser as the Repulse is also hit, but just scratches paint. His luck continues as CA Myoko collides with a DD, but Palliser decides to break off the action. In doing so, two Allied DDs collide, but are not seriously damaged.

By the time the battle is over, PoW and Repulse are barely scratched. The Heavy�s screen has done their job, protecting their charges, but the cost is high. Besides Mauritius blowing up, CL Dragon will succumb to her damages that day, and CL Java will be scuttled that night. The remaining DDs are all banged up to some degree, but with some luck, all should make Darwin. As for the IJN, two CAs are known to have been sunk (by float losses) - Haguro and Takao are listed as sunk. CA Nachi has to be a floating wreck, struck by at least a couple of heavy caliber shells. Myoko and Atago are likely lightly to moderately damaged. The two CLs and all but one or two DDs should be fully seaworthy.

While the tactical results are probably a draw or slightly in favor of the Allies, strategically the battle remains an IJN victory - Ambon will still fall (although the defenders on the ground held off two assaults!). Still in Jan 1942, I�ll take these results any day. Repulse and PoW will initially head to Darwin, and then, most likely, back to Java. The problem now being a severe shortage of DDs in the DEI and without a sufficient screen of CLs and DDs, the capital ships are too vulnerable to torpedoes - either sub or surface launched. Will consider whether to pull the PoW and/or Repulse out of the DEI altogether once they return to Java. Still, keeping at least one of the two capitals in theater will serve as a �Fleet in Being� to keep the IJN cautious. A number of DDs will have to be sent to the yards - some may continue to Java, others (especially the US four pipers) will detach in Darwin for repairs elsewhere.

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RE: Naval Battle at Ambon - 10/10/2014 3:39:40 AM

Mike McCreery

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Bravo on the heavy cruisers!!!

Overall I am coming to the conclusion that they are the primary surface combat threat for the Japanese and not their battleships. The battleships have the downside of being fuel and ammo pigs and are much less versatile.

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RE: Naval Battle at Ambon - 10/10/2014 11:29:50 AM

HansBolter

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I would disagree that it was a strategic victory for Japan.
Ambon is not strategic.
Japanese CA losses early are since they are a limited commodity.

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RE: Naval Battle at Ambon - 10/10/2014 1:32:21 PM

offenseman

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I agree. The loss of two CAs trumps a non-factor base like Ambon. Well done by the allies

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RE: Naval Battle at Ambon - 10/10/2014 1:54:05 PM

Jorge_Stanbury

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Congrats on the cruisers. As already mentioned, these are irreplaceble for the japanese

He will likely throw everything to persecute your tf. Next turn will be interesting to watch. I hope they'll all make it to Darwin and/ or there are no night battle

< Message edited by Jorge_Stanbury -- 10/10/2014 2:57:02 PM >

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RE: Naval Battle at Ambon - 10/10/2014 8:08:29 PM

BBfanboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Wargmr

Bravo on the heavy cruisers!!!

Overall I am coming to the conclusion that they are the primary surface combat threat for the Japanese and not their battleships. The battleships have the downside of being fuel and ammo pigs and are much less versatile.

+1!
If any of those heavy caliber hits on Nachi were belt penetrations, I wouldn't give much for her chances. If she goes that is four of the 14 large CAs (including Ashigara) - a disaster for Japan.
I wonder how he is using his BBs?. Bombardment should be down the list from SCTF protection of his invasions. The CAs are great KB carrier escorts because they have the speed needed and can fight off most Allied SCTFs at this stage.

EDIT: P.S. - he had too many ships in his TF. Two TFs of eight ships would have performed better than a single one of 16 ships.

< Message edited by BBfanboy -- 10/10/2014 9:11:59 PM >

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RE: Naval Battle at Ambon - 10/11/2014 3:49:39 AM

Capt. Harlock

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quote:

one of which puts an 8� shell into the British CL�s magazine and the Mauritius is blown to bits.

Pity -- she's one of the more useful Brit cruisers. You don't want to get that close until you have a supply of Fletcher-class DD's.

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RE: Naval Battle at Ambon - 10/11/2014 10:31:36 PM

IdahoNYer

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All - fully agree about the value of IJN cruisers. Their loss will hurt the IJN for a long, long time. Was too bad about the Mauritius - she went down early in the fight too - and she was dishing it out 6" shells fairly effectively beforehand. But that was the only "tough" loss in the fight - I'll take that. Especially in Jan '42.

So far, I've been extremely lucky in the two surface engagements. LargeSlowTarget has been very "deliberate" in his amphibious operations - extremely heavy surface escort. Very different from the AI, and has taken some getting used to "this ain't the AI!". No easy pickings for a quick strike. In being deliberate, he's massed a lot of combat power to protect his force - each and every time. However - a couple of lessons I've taken away from that so far. First, its slowed his tempo down. Second, CA covering force is vulnerable to Capital Ship gunfire, and third he has been using his assets more defensively - focusing on protecting his amphs, rather than aggressively hunting down the threat. Granted, luck has greatly favored my operations so far - the sheer volume of torps launched in both surface engagements should have crippled the Allied TF.

However, the most significant takeaway is that I've got to maintain some type of "Fleet in Being" as long as possible - just maintaining the threat might slow his moves in the DEI. With a little more luck, maybe, just maybe, I can draw the KB into the DEI and away from where I'm still very vulnerable - SWPAC and SOPAC.

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RE: Naval Battle at Ambon - 10/11/2014 10:39:40 PM

KenchiSulla

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Prince of Wales and Repulse are a major threat to the early Japanese expansion... Very well done!

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Post #: 57

3-4 Jan 1942 - 10/12/2014 3:04:19 AM

IdahoNYer

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3-4 Jan 1942

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1; Arashi off Kendari from damages at Ambon

Allied ships sunk:
CL: 1; Java scuttled after crippling damage at Ambon

Air loss:
Jpn: 16
Allied: 9

Subwar:
Jpn: 0xAttack: no ships hit;
Allies: 1xAttack: no ships hit;
SS Tuna hit by ASW a/c south of Truk - should make port
SS KXII damaged by convoy escort off Saigon - should make port

Amph Inv:
Buna (SWPAC)
Manus (SWPAC)

Bases lost:
Burias (PI)
Siargao (PI)
Atimonan (PI)
Port Swettenham (Malaya)
Madang (SWPAC)
Gasmata (SWPAC)
Kavieng (SWPAC)
Sorong (SWPAC)
Ambon (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel:
3/4 Div loaded on CM Okinoshima headed for Rabaul - 4th ID seems to be assembling at Rabaul

After the excitement of the last few days, it was pretty quiet. Allied subs fail to intercept the withdrawing IJN from Ambon, but the Allied TF limps into Darwin without issue.

West Coast. xAP Lurline with 1xDD as escort prepares to depart LA for Auckland with the 138th (Sep) In Reg in a quick transit run. CV Yorktown to provide ASW cover and shuttle some Marine squadrons to PH.

In NOPAC. NSTR

In CENPAC, Lexington docks at PH and changes out her Buffaloes for Wildcats.

In SOPAC, things will pick up here shortly - at least from the Allied perspective, and hopefully the IJN will give us a couple of more weeks. Marine regiments have been successfully unloaded at Noumea and Suva, and their fast xAPs are headed to Auck, then back to LA. A NZ Eng Co is enroute to Koumac to begin defensive preparations for the 53rd (Sep), to reach Noumea within a week or so. Just clearing the Pago-Pago area are the two fast convoys from LA carrying the much needed everything for the intial defenses of SOPAC (and some SWPAC units). Once these arrive at Auckland in the next week, there will be plenty of activity moving them to Noumea, Suva and Pago, with the Saratoga and Enterprise providing cover. The greatest resource we need right now is TIME.

In SWPAC, the amph TF off Buna is hit by the half dozen or so Banshees at Moresby and the big AMC Kongo Maru is hit by 2x1000lb bombs and left burning. No Jpn fighters so far!

In the Philippines, the last PBY squadron is withdrawn to Java as the Jpn ground forces close on Clark. The first of two B-17D squadrons (the third will disband) flew off to Java as well. Heavy Jpn raids on Manila go unopposed. What�s left of the USAFE (handful of fighters and recon/search planes) limits itself to a couple of Seagulls bombing the invasion of Digos - and manage 2x250lb bomb hits on an xAK!

In China, nothing to see here, move along�..

In Malaya, weather clears and the raids resume against Singapore. Allied a/c stay on the ground. Damage is minimal, but enough to prevent forts from expanding. Jpn land forces continue to close on the positions in the south.

India/Burma: The first Capetown-Perth convoy is forming up.

In the DEI, Force Z limps into Darwin and will await 3xDDs outbound from Java. Repulse�s damage isn�t severe (15/4/2), but enough for me to decide to bring her to Colombo to repair. She�ll depart with 2xdam DDs as escort in the morning. PoW will return to Soerabaja.

< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 10/12/2014 4:05:56 AM >

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Post #: 58

RE: 3-4 Jan 1942 - 10/12/2014 5:58:19 AM

BBfanboy

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Is Soerabaja still safe? If Ambon is threatened Soerabaja has to be on the target list soon.

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RE: 3-4 Jan 1942 - 10/12/2014 4:18:00 PM

IdahoNYer

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quote:

Is Soerabaja still safe? If Ambon is threatened Soerabaja has to be on the target list soon.

So far, all of Java is still "safe" - at least from LBA. As I'm waiting for the turn, here's a quick screen shot of the situation in the DEI. After Jolo fell, I expected a quick move toward Tarakan and then Balikpappan. Didn�t happen - IJN went further east toward Ambon and Kendari. On the western side, nothing at all since Kuching fell a while ago. I still have some time until he can bring Soerabaja in Zero fighter range - and that�s Makassar (albeit at long range).

Will be interesting to see what�s next on the list - and it�s a long list to choose from. Palembang is an option, but that�s risky and I don�t see that for a while. Tarakan is on borrowed time, and that�s my bet for the next landings. More concern is whether he goes for Makassar (focus to Java) or landings on Timor (focus on NW OZ). By landing on Ambon and Kendari simultaneously, my worry is that he�s leaning toward isolating the DEI from Australia, and then landing at Darwin. Not much I can do about Darwin if he wants it (at least until I Corps arrives), so I�ll focus on maintaining Java for a while. If he goes for Makassar, that�s probably the target of the next Allied naval sortie.