Wild Sheep Chase - obvert (J) vs JocMeister (A)

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Watch list

AMC Hokoku Maru

Sunk with all hands by US CVs near Penryn Island after a short foray in the South Pacific. No new unit will be chosen now, but others may be picked to watch as they appear later.

xAK-t Oregon Maru

This ship is waiting in Tokyo harbour for some troops to transport to the SE Pacific. There are plenty arriving soon.

PB Nagoya Maru

Hanging out in Nagasaki/Sasebo after finishing the conversion to PB and waiting for a fast convoy to escort.

14th Tank Rgt

Since the Mersing invasion closed off the rail lines, all armour units in Malaya will now move to Burma in time for attacking Pegu.

Tainan Ku S-1

This and 3rd Ku S-1 are primarily responsible for destroying the US fighter force in the PI as well as the British fighters in Singapore. Now they are in the process of wiping out the Dutch fighters. It is important to do this quickly before Hurricanes appear on this front in February. If we knock out Dutch pilots now, they cannot be replaced. So far about 40 fighters were destroyed in two days of sweeps. Because of fatigue around 20 and reduced fighters to hit, 20% will rest this turn.

After a week or two here both the 3rd and Tainan units will move to Burma. The AVG must be dealt with. They will be heavily supported by IJA fighter units in Burma, hopefully reducing losses to the high EXP pilots of these units. Rangoon has shown between 40-55 fighters over the last few weeks. None of them have tried to engage the 54 Nates at Pisanoluke that are covering the push to Moulmein.

Once this campaign is in hand or controlled enough to allow the IJA to continue, all qualified 80 EXP pilots will be moved to TRACOM except for a few to lead this and other groups, and new trainees will be placed in the group to gain EXP.

DD Shiranui

This DD has made the journey across the Pacific with the KB and is now heading up toward Truk for a short rest and some repair.

I-25

This sub is stationed to watch an area around the western approaches to Pearl Harbour as well as routes to Midway. A quiet war so far as not much shipping has moved through the area. Not many ASW flights or TFs seem to be operating out here since the KB knocked out several of them early on.

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31 Dec 1941

DEI: The supplies got low enough at Macassar so that there are no drop tanks for the Tainan zeros. No sweeps. This meant that the Bettys bombing the overstacked Soerabaja airfield were vulnerable. Escorted by 13 zeros, they came in at 15,000 and only lost 2 planes. The escorts shot down a Demon and a Buffalo. 1 Wildebeast destroyed on the ground.

Question. On the report below, it usually states fighter patrol altitude and then lists scrambling fighters to the same altitude. No. 453 Sq RAF is at patrol 20000 and then scrambles fighters between 9000 and 1900. Is the first value the altitude at which CAP is set? And the next two based on reports of attack altitude from radar and visual sightings? And why would some scramble to 9000 if the attack is coming in at 15000?

[font="Trebuchet MS"]
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Morning Air attack on Soerabaja , at 56,104

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
G4M1 Betty x 17



Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 14
B-339D x 1
CW-21B Demon x 3
75A-7 Hawk x 2


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed
B-339D: 1 damaged
CW-21B Demon: 1 destroyed
Vildebeest III: 1 destroyed on ground



Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1-Vl.G.IV with 75A-7 Hawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
2-Vl.G.IV with CW-21B Demon (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
1-VI.G.V with B-339D (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
No.21 Sqn RAAF with Buffalo I (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.243 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.453 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers[/font]

Next Nells came in without escort to attack three destroyers in the harbour, of course the same turn the drop tanks were not available. This after 4 turns of just sitting and waiting until the field was smoothed out for them. So, the same CAP, at 20000ft, went after them coming in at 10000, but missed them completely. It looks like the raid was only detected at 1 mile out, so I can see why they would miss them on the way in, but you'd think we'd have gotten chewed to bits on the way out.
[font="Trebuchet MS"]
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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Soerabaja at 56,104

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 12



Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 5
CW-21B Demon x 1
75A-7 Hawk x 1


Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 3 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Piet Hein
DD Witte de With
DD Kortenaer



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.243 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
1-Vl.G.IV with 75A-7 Hawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
2-Vl.G.IV with CW-21B Demon (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
No.21 Sqn RAAF with Buffalo I (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
No.453 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

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Elsewhere our forces got 1 to 2 at both Ambon and Zamboanga. A little air support and this should turn around in a few turns.

China: The AVG showed up at Nanning this turn, but strangely missed 10 Anns flying in to bomb the field at 6000ft. I have a feeling they were too high (20000ft) and the raid was spotted too late (3 min).

PI: Another deliberate attack at Manila results at 1 to 1, but we're getting closer and putting more PA troops in the infirmary. This turn, even though several units are showing some fatigue in the 20-30 range. We're shocking. This could lead to a lot of casualties on both sides, but if we pull out a 3 or 4 to 1 attack, they might be suitably one-sided. Before these PA units escape back into Clark we want to wreck them completely. Major air support will hit the PA troops before the attack.

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Ground combat at Manila (79,77)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 23748 troops, 233 guns, 592 vehicles, Assault Value = 773

Defending force 18799 troops, 262 guns, 155 vehicles, Assault Value = 265

Japanese adjusted assault: 517

Allied adjusted defense: 263

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
622 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 27 destroyed, 18 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1545 casualties reported
Squads: 27 destroyed, 106 disabled
Non Combat: 12 destroyed, 37 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 55 (5 destroyed, 50 disabled)
Vehicles lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)


Assaulting units:
16th Engineer Regiment
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
21st Ind. Engineer Regiment
Kanno Detachment
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
20th Infantry Regiment
65th Brigade
16th Recon Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
16th Army
14th Army
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
41st PA Infantry Division
71st PA Infantry Division
1st PA Infantry Division
51st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
Manila USAAF Base Force
USAFFE
South Luzon Force
Cavite USN Base Force
PAF Aviation

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1 Jan 1942

The new year opens with optimism within the growing Empire. Generals and Admirals are beginning to see their long prepared plans come into being, and achieve some amount of success, so far. For the most part, all is on schedule.

DEI: Just south of Lombok in the Indian Ocean 7 DDs run into more fleeing ships. They sink an AG and an AK. They are out here looking for a 6 ship convoy seen the day before. Fighters in Soerabaja stayed down today, which is no fun. At Batavia 16 Nells and 15 Bettys bombed the fields supported by 21 zeros. 1 Buffalo countered, and was summarily dispatched. A few DC-2s destroyed on the ground.

Malaya: The 2nd Div took Johore Baru. Now it's just waiting time. Trying to clear the rail lines of scraps left behind by the Allied retreat.

China: The first combat with the AVG took place over Kweilin with 8 Oscar Ic and 7 Tojo taking on 10 H81-A3. after the battle, no IJA planes were lost and they knocked out 4 AVG planes with another ops loss. A good start.

SO PAC: Finchafen invaded. Buna the next target. Then Milne Bay. Bombing Port Moresby airfield with no opposition. Lots of ENG and support units flowing into Rabaul. Many will stay there to beef it up quickly, then move south into the islands.

PI: Every bomber within range hit troops at Manila, providing around 35 disabled infantry squads before the attack by ground forces. This was the culmination of several days of attacks and plans worked to perfection, destroying over a 1,000 squads, guns, and vehicles. Details below. Our troops are tired. As many as can be used effectively will immediately move into Clark in hopes of pursuit and another battle before the Allied forces disappear into Bataan.

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Ground combat at Manila (79,77)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 20602 troops, 224 guns, 577 vehicles, Assault Value = 748

Defending force 17522 troops, 256 guns, 154 vehicles, Assault Value = 137

Japanese adjusted assault: 832

Allied adjusted defense: 303

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Manila !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
1026 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 51 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Vehicles lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
6292 casualties reported
Squads: 477 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 381 destroyed, 44 disabled
Engineers: 56 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 140 (139 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 113 (105 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Units retreated 10


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
9th Infantry Regiment
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
21st Ind. Engineer Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
16th Engineer Regiment
20th Infantry Regiment
65th Brigade
Kanno Detachment
7th Tank Regiment
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
16th Army
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
14th Army
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
1st PA Infantry Division
71st PA Infantry Division
41st PA Infantry Division
51st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
Cavite USN Base Force
Manila USAAF Base Force
II Philippine Corps
USAFFE
PAF Aviation


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2 Jan 1942

DEI: The Palembang invasion arrived today. Two separate invasion TFs arrived. One Fast TF with 3 CA, 1 CL, 4 DD carrying an SNLF. The other the big amphib TF with the 38th Div and two ENG units. Support units in another amphib TF will wait offshore until the base is secured before moving in. The Ryujo TF is offshore for air support.

It's a good thing too, as 11 Vildebeests flew in to stampede the proceedings. The bleeding CAP intercepted and shot down all of them.

China: The AVG slunk back into a hole somewhere. Bombings continued everywhere. In the far north 3 Armour units routed the 2 Chinese corps again, destroying over 200 squads. I don't want to wipe these out completely, so I have to be careful about how hard I hit them from now on.

Malaya: Malacca captured.

SO PAC: Buna captured.

PI: On Mindanao our troops are finally reaching Malaybalay. They have discovered that indeed the Allies are using this base as a last redoubt. Six units totalling about 150 AV are here. We will attack when the final 2 Rgts arrive.

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3 Jan 1942

DEI: The 7 DD TF intercepted 6 Allied ships in the night and sank 3 PG, 1 AG and 2 AO. A good catch. This concludes the hunting of ships fleeing the PI and DEI. All that are left it seems are PTs, AMcs, and other small craft.

In spite of two separate ASW TFs in the hex and several planes on night search and ASW, the Allies infiltrated Ryujo TF where CA Mikuma was torpedoed by KXVII. Only one hit, but a good one. There is 48 flood damage. This ship will head to Palembang to hide out for a while and take all minor damage down.

Palembang was taken this turn with only minor damage to Oil and Refineries. About 15 damaged for each. The 38th will immediately begin preparing for Java.

Burma: Moulmein was captured today. The IJA and Thai units will move forward toward Pegu immediately. Air support has almost finished upgrading to Oscar Ics.

China: Chinese troops vacated Wenchow which 2 IJA Divs have occcupied. One is waiting there until proper garrison troops have arrived in about a week. Chinese troops are huddled in Chusien. They have about 550 AV there with 2 Corps, 2 Group Army HQs, 3rd War Area, and a construction unit. The 116th Div and the 2nd INd Bgde are there now, about 600 AV. 2 Div are on the way to help.

6 Anns again evade the AVG at Nanning. They're back at base drinking sake with shaky hands. We'll avoid this attack until the AVG is pinned down.


Malaya: Our Rgt from Khota Baru has caught up to the stranded Allied units at Temuloh. We now have to wait for the incredibly sluggish IJA ENG unit coming along at 2 hexes a turn. Armour is being brought up to deal with these units so other forces can be committed at Singapore soon.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Temuloh (50,78)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3732 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 127

Defending force 4212 troops, 53 guns, 35 vehicles, Assault Value = 121



Assaulting units:
56th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
8th Indian Brigade
22nd Indian Brigade
3rd HK&S Light AA Regiment
FMSV Brigade
1st ISF Base Force
3rd ISF Base Force


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PI: On Mindanao Zamboanga was captured. The AV in Malaybalay is now IJA 455, Allies 147. After supply catches up we will attack. Looking to get this cleared out so these troops can move toward Luzon to finish off Bataan.

We bombarded at Clark. There some very weakened units there. About 620 AV to our 830 AV. Tomorrow one more unit will arrive and we will attack. All air forces will be set to bombard at Clark.

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4 Jan 1942

Malaya: Two Allied units just north of Johore Baru are caught and should be crushed tomorrow. It'll be about a week before the IJA crosses the causeway into Singapore.

China: The northern army keeps moving ahead and destoys another 350 squads in the mountains today. The roads are mostly clear according to recon up to Sian. Sian is reported to have 75,000 Chinese troops.

SO PAC: The KB is passing Shortlands on its way up to Truk. Milne Bay is invaded.

NO PAC: No opposition here, and the SNLFs are loading to take two more bases. We still may go for Dutch Harbour if nothing shows up within the week.

DEI: A shock attack at Ambon gets a 2 to 1 but many ENG squads are disabled. We're keeping it up for tomorrow.

Thinking ahead for Java, recon shows Batavia to be lightly held by 5 units totalling 6100 troops. Instead of heading for Soerbaja right away, we're going to land on both sides of Batavia and try to shut down the rail connections. This could happen within 7-10 days. Units are prepping for landing spots, which also seem lightly held. A DMS is moving in to check out the situation as well.

Here is a map of the area.

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5 Jan 1942

DEI: Apparently either our recon was previously insufficient or the Dutch have been reinforcing Batavia, because this turn it shows 11 units and over 20,000 troops. The plans will change again, as Soerabaja is a better target with it's port, Oil, and production. Recon will continue to look for the least defended landing locations.

Ambon continues to hold out. This turn was a 1 to 1 with equal casualties.

Over Soerabaja Tainan group was able to sweep again and took down 12 various fighters for theh loss of 1 zero.

Malaya: One hex north of Johore Bahru several Battalions and a Base force were cleared of the rail line. One unit stubbornly remains in the hex and will be attacked again next turn.

PI: At Malaybalay the IJA 4 to 1 AV advantage turns into a 1 to 1 attack with equal casualties. A rest, more bombing, and it'll go again. No forts here at all. Next time will be a shock attack.

At Clark the attack resulted in a 1 to 2 with fairly even casualties, again, but more Allied squads destroyed. Rest will be needed before any other activity here. One more Rgt is moving in to support.

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Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 23438 troops, 287 guns, 553 vehicles, Assault Value = 883

Defending force 27393 troops, 464 guns, 308 vehicles, Assault Value = 612

Japanese adjusted assault: 515

Allied adjusted defense: 739

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
754 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 106 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 48 disabled
Guns lost 14 (1 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Vehicles lost 64 (11 destroyed, 53 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
641 casualties reported
Squads: 39 destroyed, 70 disabled
Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 15 disabled
Guns lost 33 (14 destroyed, 19 disabled)
Vehicles lost 29 (6 destroyed, 23 disabled)


Assaulting units:
48th Engineer Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
2nd Formosa Inf. Regiment
65th Brigade
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
16th Army
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
14th Army
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
48th Field Artillery Regiment
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
3rd/12th PA Inf Battalion
194th Tank Battalion
51st PA Infantry Division
21st PA Infantry Division
31st PA Infantry Division
41st PA Infantry Division
14th PS Engineer Regiment
71st PA Infantry Division
91st PA Infantry Division
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
192nd Tank Battalion
1st PA Infantry Division
11th PA Infantry Division
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
Subic Bay Defenses
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
PAF Aviation
Manila USAAF Base Force
USAFFE
1st PI Base Force
II Philippine Corps
I Philippine Corps
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
Cavite USN Base Force
Far East USAAF
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment


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China: Just north of Canton, the city of Wuchow was captured with factories mostly intact today. Always good to get more supply production and remove these from Chinese control. The South is heating up. Also, 15 units and 110,000 troops are listed in Changsha. The AVG is also believed to be here now. Is something brewing in the center?

Interestingly, 2 Corps made a feignt toward Hankow as if to draw our forces out into a chase. Two Divs are taking the bait, as no matter what the Chinese bring in this area now, they will be short on supply and slow. If anything starts moving from Changsha massive bombing will shift in this direction and stall them while nearby units break back. Forts in all central bases are 3 to 4, so it would be tough to crack this area. Several armour units could come in quickly as well.

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6 Jan 1942

This is one of those turns when I just shook my head, poured a scotch, and got back to work on the next turn. Okay, a few choice phases were uttered, but overall nothing catastrophic occurred.

DEI: The night phase started with 2 inconclusive sub attacks followed by KXVIII sending two fish into a fully loaded Akatsuki Maru, a big TK. She burned bright few a few minutes and went down. KXVI was next. All of this while 3 separate ASW TFs were cruising the area and after 10 Lilys scanned during the day from Balikpapan. Many precautions have been taken with subs in the area, and I didn't want to have to bring in valuable tankers this early, but Babeldaob is empty and fuel needs to move to So PAC soon as well. It must be risked.

Sub attack near Donggala at 69,96

Japanese Ships
xAKL Saiko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PB Chiyo Maru
PB Tama Maru

Allied Ships
SS KXVI

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

Some payback came when 15 zeros over Soerabaja shot down 8 of 9 Dutch and British fighters that came up. Tainan picked up the scraps a little later. This might be all for the groups at this base. major airfield bombing will commence tomorrow.

SO PAC: Then came the heart jumping moment as Akagi appeared full frame in the sights of SS Gar. Even though this is not great, (and an ASW TF was on its way to meet the KB from Truk next turn) it's only 38 float damage and a bit of system. Some time in the yard but if no other attacks occur she should be fine.

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Sub attack near Lihir at 112,121

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi, Torpedo hits 1
BB Kirishima
CA Chikuma
CA Tone
CL Abukuma
DD Akigumo
DD Kasumi
DD Arare
DD Tanikaze
DD Hamakaze

Allied Ships
SS Gar

SS Gar launches 6 torpedoes at CV Akagi

China: Nanyang was captured today. Considering the lack of troops here and the mauling they took, pending more recon, these forces might move up to create a second prong going toward Sian. It seems many troops are caught out in the clear still and haven't moved back into the trees. I am a bit concerned about counters in the center. I will be bringing in quite a few troops from Manchuria to help there, especially IJA ENG units in the early going.

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Ground combat at Nanyang (85,45)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 63371 troops, 632 guns, 210 vehicles, Assault Value = 2269

Defending force 14816 troops, 123 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 404

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 1797

Allied adjusted defense: 65

Japanese assault odds: 27 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Nanyang !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
839 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 86 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled


Allied ground losses:
5014 casualties reported
Squads: 238 destroyed, 100 disabled
Non Combat: 232 destroyed, 56 disabled
Engineers: 91 destroyed, 25 disabled
Guns lost 65 (23 destroyed, 42 disabled)
Units retreated 7


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
11th RGC Temp. Division
32nd Division
58th Infantry Regiment
34th Division
35th Division
13th Tank Regiment
13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th Division
13th RGC Temp. Division
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Army
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion

Defending units:
77th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
4th Construction Regiment
5th War Area
2nd Group Army
22nd Group Army


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Northern units continue to advance. Here is an annotated map.

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Here is a view of the SO PAC area. The KB moving back up to Truk, a bit slower now.

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7 Jan 1942

DEI: Work began against the Soerabaja fields today with two IJN bomber groups going in and taking out quite a few planes on the ground for few losses.

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Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 28

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 2
B-339D x 1
CW-21B Demon x 1
75A-7 Hawk x 3


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 2 damaged
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed on ground
B-339D: 1 damaged
139WH-3: 1 destroyed on ground
Hudson I: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 30

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Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
G4M1 Betty x 17

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 2
B-339D x 1
CW-21B Demon x 1
75A-7 Hawk x 1


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed
B-339D: 1 damaged
B-339D: 1 destroyed on ground
Do-24K-1: 1 destroyed on ground
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 24

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Malaya: On Malaya the isolated units at Temuloh were obliterated and surrendered. All is clear for the gathering of forces to move into Singapore. The crossing should commence in 4-5 days.

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Ground combat at Temuloh (50,78)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4422 troops, 38 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 231

Defending force 4156 troops, 52 guns, 35 vehicles, Assault Value = 122

Japanese adjusted assault: 132

Allied adjusted defense: 58

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Temuloh !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
245 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
4527 casualties reported
Squads: 194 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 197 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 64 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 76 (76 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 42 (42 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 6


Assaulting units:
56th Infantry Regiment
1st Tank Regiment
14th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
8th Indian Brigade
22nd Indian Brigade
3rd HK&S Light AA Regiment
1st ISF Base Force
FMSV Brigade
3rd ISF Base Force


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PI: At Malabalay forces are rested and will shock attack tomorrow.

China: Chinese forces move out of Chusien and into the less defendable rough hex to the west. Bombing hits Liuchow hard.

CENT PAC: I-8 got some revenge for the sub attacks yesterday, hitting and sinking an xAK, Henry S Grove, loaded with fuel at Christmas Is. in spite of at least 4DD covering. She took 3 hits for about 30 float damage and will head back to Truk. This is the first action subs have seen in this area.

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After the holiday hiatus this game will be moving forward again in the next day or so. As usual the visit back to family in the NW of the states was great, but also trying.

I did learn more history of my grandfather, who worked in the shipyards at Vancouver, WA. According to an article from the local paper;

By the time the effort stopped in 1946, Kaiser Shipyards had built 10 liberty ships, 30 tank-landing ships, 50 escort aircraft carriers, 31 attack transports, 12 C-4 troop ships, eight C-4 cargo vessels and two 14,000-ton dry docks. That's 141 military ships in less than 44 months.

Have no fear, GJ, more CVEs are coming!

Grandpa was a foreman on a riveting team. Quite a tough guy who liked to show it when he could. Apparently he used to win money in bars by betting guys he could punch a quarter inch spike through a 2 x 4. I wouldn't have liked to get hit by that big paw in a bar brawl.

Jocke is back from the northern reaches of Sweden tonight and I'll probably get a turn back tomorrow. I have one or two to catch up on that I'll write up later today, which is good because I'm losing track a bit of the details. Another great reason to do this AAR.

Here is an interesting article about the shipyards in the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA areas during the war. Apparently some of the Liberty ships are still around the area in various forms.

http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/print_story.php?story_id=124406121209594300

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There are a few days to catch up on which I'll review and give short notes about before the game resumes tomorrow.

8 Jan 1942

DEI: Attacks against Soerabaja continued. 7 fighters came up but the escort got Bettys through and they hit 5 planes on the ground.

Near Macassar 4 PBs on ASW put 4 hits on S-37. Good to see ASW starting to have some affect.

Ambon holds out still against a DA that came up 1 to 2. Allies suffered 7 squads destroyed, and this should fall soon.

Malaya: As an experiment 47 Sallys flew into Singapore airspace to attack ground forces at 7,000 ft. Almost half (23) were damaged by flak. Only 9 squads were disabled. This could help raise disruption just before the crossing of the causeway in a week or so, so Sally missinos will be slowed before then to get ready.

PI: Our forces capture Malabalay with major casualties to PA units there.

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Ground combat at Malaybalay (80,90)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 11909 troops, 91 guns, 17 vehicles, Assault Value = 434

Defending force 3788 troops, 25 guns, 51 vehicles, Assault Value = 115

Japanese adjusted assault: 384

Allied adjusted defense: 91

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Malaybalay !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
1094 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 143 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Allied ground losses:
3909 casualties reported
Squads: 97 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 272 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 20 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 34 (34 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 63 (63 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 6

Assaulting units:
146th Infantry Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
Kure 2nd SNLF

Defending units:
3rd PA Constabulary Regiment
102nd PA Infantry Regiment
3rd/101st PA Battalion
Cagayan USAAF Base Force
III Philippine Corps
1st /101st PA Battalion
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China: Our forces take an empty Chusien.

SO PAC: Rossel Island falls and Lunga is invaded.

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9 Jan 1942

SO PAC: near Nadi the RO-66 put a torpedo into TK Peik. This is the first contact subs have made in the south Pacific area.

DEI: The only other major event is a large raid against Soerabaja. The B-17s are there, but our forces could only damage them while hitting many Dutch and British planes.
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Morning Air attack on Soerabaja , at 56,104

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
G3M2 Nell x 27
G4M1 Betty x 39



Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged
B-17D Fortress: 2 damaged
L-212: 13 damaged
L-212: 1 destroyed on ground
139WH-3: 2 damaged
CW-22 Falcon: 2 damaged
CW-22 Falcon: 1 destroyed on ground
B-339D: 2 damaged
B-339D: 1 destroyed on ground
T.IVa: 1 damaged
T.IVa: 1 destroyed on ground


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


Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 16

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
27 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
18 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb



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In other news, 4 AMc were sunk by Kates near Banjowengi.

PI: Bombardment shows AV at Clark to be 973 to 517. We'll most likely wait for troops from Mindanao to join in before continuing.

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10 Jan 1942

Burma: Sweeps commenced against the AVG at Rangoon today. We scored 4 kills for the loss of 2 zeros.

PI: At Cagayan we attacked and got only a 1 to 2 on a deliberate attack. A few more turns and some bombing and we'll try again.

China: Near Loyang armour units get only a 1 to 2 but take out many squads for no losses.

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Ground combat at 86,41 (near Loyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1642 troops, 0 guns, 247 vehicles, Assault Value = 168

Defending force 6057 troops, 66 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 149

Japanese adjusted assault: 90

Allied adjusted defense: 155

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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


Allied ground losses:
525 casualties reported
Squads: 40 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 12 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled


Assaulting units:
5th Tank Regiment
12th Tank Regiment
15th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
34th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
8th Group Army
43rd Chinese Corps
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Near Sinyang, in the forest, our forces ill-advisedly were ordered to attack without first bombarding to see the composition of forces. This was not a good result. Still I'm not sure the Chinese will be able to take advantage of this as another Division is on the way to reinforce. Few units were lost, so it's all about rest and holding on.

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Ground combat at 85,47 (near Sinyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24612 troops, 210 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 857

Defending force 25538 troops, 162 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 841

Japanese adjusted assault: 264

Allied adjusted defense: 1285

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 4

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

Japanese ground losses:
2036 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 182 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled


Allied ground losses:
462 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 70 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled


Assaulting units:
3rd Division
20th Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
31st Group Army

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Air Losses

After looking more closely at the losses for the day the results in Rangoon were better than expected. A lot of ops losses for the AVG as well.

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11 Jan 1942

DEI: Air attacks on Java continued hitting a few planes, included a Vildebeast.

Subs: Near Perth I-123 attacked DD Vendetta which is in a convoy with at least one xAKL. Things are starting to move around. SS Sculpin dudded on my convoy returning to Babeldaob near Siargao and took one ASW hit. A 10 ship concvoy slipped past 4 subs into PH this turn even though it was spotted previously and all area patrols were altered to intercept. Grr.

PI: Clark was evacuated this turn. The base will be taken tomorrow and the seige will begin. On Mindanao we'll try again at Cagayan with an additional Inf Reg now in the hex.

China: At Chusien bombardment show the Chinese troops to be nearly as strong as ours, at 1375 to our 1467, but we're going to attack hoping they are low on supply and because this is just a rough hex they have only moved into recently, so may not have built forts yet. It's a risk, but a good one to take, as it could tip the balance here if we even pull a 1 to 1. I'd like to get these troops moving out of the deep southern portion of Central China and away from the vulnerable coastal bases.

Burma: No AVG today, and Rangoon is empty. Sweeps will commence at Toungou and Mandalay, trying to hit them while their moral is low. Bombing will begin at Pegu as our forces are moving toward the crossing and will arrive there in 2 to 3 days.

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12 Jan 1942

subs: For some reason it just makes me happy when I see Hibiki doing anything. I fully credit Cuttlefish. Today she and others DCed a sub to no effect. DC attacks are increasing though, and most are initiated before a torp launch now. This is partly because I have a bunch of ASW air in Balikpapan searching out the buggers and because there are 3 dedicated ASW TFs along with the others assigned to TFs moving through the straits. One PB escort even initiated the attack this turn, which is a rarity.

SO PAC: Aoba and Kako with 4 DD hit 4 transports unloading at Port Moresby, sinking 2 xAKs and 2 xAKLs. They were there a few turns so probably fulfilled their mission. I set Netties to attack, but forgot that I now have an HQ in Rabaul so they were still using bombs. I have to start being careful down here now as the Banshees are somewhere out there now as are about 75 P-40s. Once the KB has rested up it will support an invasion of Port Moresby using the Rgt in Rabaul, an SNLF, and a big base force with 30 AV included. This might be anough to take the base, and there are more SNLFs if not.

Burma: 32 zeros swept Tongou and another as yet untouched AVG group came up to play. They lost 9 planes for 5 zeros, including ops losses.

DEI: Preparations for the invasion of Java are commencing. Fast transports are loading SNLFs and Guard units for Semarang and Tjepoe, and the 38th Div at Palembang is along for the ride as well, as are some AF Coys and ENG units. The mini-KB will be around with 40 zeros for CAP and 30 Kates for ASW.

Evidence of the need for air cover was provided today by 18 Beests sortied out of Batavia which hit and sank one xAK bound for Cocos Is with supply. My CAP from Oosthaven didn't fly due to weather.

PI: Clark fell today. Now for the long waiting for more units from Mindanao and elsewhere.

Cagayan fell but the PA units retreated to the east after losing over 200 squads. A few more turns of pursuit and attack and this should be done.

China: Attacks continue in the north on the way to Lanchow and Sian. The armour really eats up Chinese units at this stage. The only thing I'm worried about is killing off these units. I'd rather get them to 2 AV and make them rebuild.

At Chusien our DA came off 1 to 1, and we got slightly better casualty results. That is if we can rebuild and he can't. We'll keep trying after a day or so.

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Ground combat at 87,56 (near Chuhsien)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 41440 troops, 357 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 1468

Defending force 42043 troops, 195 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1348

Japanese adjusted assault: 806

Allied adjusted defense: 625

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1783 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 216 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2395 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 182 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 23 disabled

Assaulting units:
11th Ind.Mixed Brigade
17th Division
116th Division
12th Ind.Mixed Brigade
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
4th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
70th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
16th Construction Regiment
10th Group Army
25th Group Army
23rd Group Army
3rd War Area
32nd Group Army
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NO PAC: The AV and AMC patrol in the middle of the N Pacific encountered a massive Allied TF in the night. Unfortunately they are setup as a fast transport TF. Nothing saw them in the air during the day, but I'm not even sure the Petes flew in the raging winter of the Pacific. I'm sending the 3 CL 4 DD TF from Attu. Can't tell which way these guys are going though.
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Alliford Bay at 191,51, Range 22,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
AV Kimikawa Maru
AMC Awata Maru

Allied Ships
DD Fox
DD Brooks
DD Gilmer
DD Hatfield
AP U.S. Grant
xAKL Columbian
xAK Hawaiian
xAK Panaman
xAK Pennsylvanian
xAK Utahan
xAK Virginian
xAK Trento
xAK Knoxville City
xAK Horace Luckenbach
xAK Katrina Luckenbach
xAK Susan Luckenbach
xAKL Mapele
xAK Crown City
xAK Mount McKinley
xAK Barbara Olson
xAK Clevedon
xAK Cold Brook
xAK Don Isidro
xAK Dorothy Philips
xAK Eldorado

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13 Jan 1942

China: Another portion of the AVG attacked at Changsha this turn by Tainan Ku S-1. 4 Kills plus a few ops losses make it another bad day for the AVG. 17 AVG H81-A3 swept at Hankow, or the toll might have been higher. I haven't yet put up a CAP in China as the bomber crews there will still be terrible.

Many air attacks on the Chusien stack disabling over 30 Chinese inf squads.

On the road to Sian our stack put the hurt on 3 fleeing Chinese Corps and a few HQs. Again, worried about destroying the units completely. Two hexes from Sian now on both sides.

DEI: Java landings should go ahead tomorrow. All kinds of ASW and small SCTFs are buzzing around to thwart pesky PTs and subs. Fingers crossed.

Burma: No sign of any airforces. The Thai and IJA troops on the way to Pegu arrived angry after being pestered for 90 miles by all of those mosquitos and swept aside the defenses. Both sides suffered big losses, but more of their squads were destroyed.
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Ground combat at Pegu (55,53)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 20384 troops, 225 guns, 18 vehicles, Assault Value = 763

Defending force 4669 troops, 42 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 172

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 370

Allied adjusted defense: 42

Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Pegu !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
2670 casualties reported
Squads: 49 destroyed, 89 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 29 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Allied ground losses:
2432 casualties reported
Squads: 94 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 72 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 41 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 18 (17 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 7 (7 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3
Units destroyed 3


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
112th Infantry Regiment
4th RTA Division
15th Ind. Engineer Regiment
3rd RTA Division
2nd RTA Division
7th RTA Division
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
32nd Field AA Battalion
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
4th Burma Rifles Battalion
6th Burma Rifles Battalion
Tenasserim BAF Battalion
16th Indian Brigade
107th RAF Base Force
100th RAF Base Force

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14 Jan 1942

subs: It's crazy out there at night. Battles going on all over the map right now as things really start moving. I-7 missed 2 PGs near Sydney. Two SC crushed S-39 near Sinkawang with 5 hits, including two critical. Sealion missed a TF near Babeldaob. Several other subs were attacked to no effect. One Allied sub has been camping at Balikpapan. 4 ASW groups are now in the hex trying to get rid of this interloper.

DEI: All go for Java invasion. It should be two turns before multiple TFs land at both Semarang and Tjepoe. In the meantime attacks continued on the fields at Soerabaja and Batavia. Several more Beests and some other crap Dutch bombers destroyed. Dutch air is so weakened, there is virtually no fighter support

Malaya: All is ready to move into Singers. We have 3500 AV assembled. Sallys will commence bombing troops instead of the airfield for a few days. Excited to get this rolling.

Burma: Bombing at Rangoon commenced, knocking out a Blenheim and scoring 15 or so hits. No sign of any British or AVG fighters. Troops resting at Pegu.

China: Bombing Chinese stack at Pucheng, trying to catch up to them. Moving in closer to Sian. Getting ready to bomb there as well.

SO PAC: Ndeni fell today. Lugenville is on the menu tomorrow. These will be built up only in fortifications. Just scouting bases. The defensive lines will begin in the Solomons across to Milne Bay, including Rossel Is.

Time to update with some screenshots, which follow.

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Java Invasion

here is a look at the basic overview of the area and the major landing TFs involved. One more is off-map and will arrive a few turns later still. Also, each amphib TF will be accompanied by both ASW and a small SCTF to battle PTs. Fast Transport TFs can handle anything, with CLs and many DDs in each. Small IJAAF and IJNAF fighter groups are ready to fly in and provide CAP once bases are secured.