Combat Report
December 12-19, 1941
Phil--DEI--Malaya
While things are ahead of schedule in this region, it has not been without some issues. Michael is being a good Allied player trying to get some licks in bleeding me a little here and a little there. Some of his moves have been smart and highly effective.
Philippines
Mindanao
This area is always a quick priority for me. I want it for the bases and to serve as a solid springboard for moving south. As one can see on the map, the entire island shall be mine within 2-3 days. Major forces here are the 18th ID, an SNLF Assault Brigade, and the SNLF Para Assault Brigade.
Luzon
All the eastern bases from Subic Bay up are taken. I've only used the 48th ID and 65th Brigade. Am holding for the moment waiting the reinforcement of the 38th ID (from Hong Kong) before moving into Clark. His units are pretty evenly spread between Clark--Bataan--Manila presently. When Mindanao wraps up, the 18th ID will move in to help up here.
Eastern DEI
Manado
Took this base using an Inf Reg, however, Michael struck back twice causing losses. He attacked with that damned Vibrator (Vindicator) Squadron Lexington carries at the start of the war and they sank 4-5 lesser ships. I disbanded into the Port there and was then promptly hit by 18 B-17 TWICE sinking two more ships and damaging six others. NOT GOOD. Moved in Zeros and they smacked around a Hudson Squadron as well as damaged some of the B-17s.
Namlea
Have a Fast TF about to take Namlea (next to Ambon). That Sz-2 AF is just what the Doctor ordered for protecting my slower invasion forces as I move into the area.
Borneo
Tarakan
Will take this base tomorrow as an entire Brigade with BBs embedded prepare to land.
Miri/Brunei
These bases fell without issue or damage to oil facilities. Those DRATTED Vibrators showed up again and sank two AK and damaged one more. Grrr...
Singkawang
Michael has moved useful bombers here trying to cut my forces reinforcing Palembang. Set-Up a CAP TRap for tomorrow. My KB-4 (CVLs Ryujo, Zuiho, and Shoho) just refueled and rearmed at Cam Rahn Bay. They move directly towards this base with all three Zero Daitai set at 100% CAP Range 1. If those bombers fly, they will be met by 60 Zeros and shall be SHREDDED!
Malaya
Proceeding swimmingly! Cut the peninsula in half keeping ALL the forces north of Port Dickson from retreating to Singers. Now have Mersing, Kloung, Johore Bharu, and Malacca.
The Imperial Guards is moving down from the north with 4 TK Regiments.
The 55th, 5th, 18th, and 21st ID are getting into Johore Bharu and will move south within 3 days. Expect an assault crossing by Christmas. Singapore will fall within days of that BABY! As I said...swimmingly!
Sumatra
Palembang fell on the 18th. I landed second Brigade that easily handled the defenders. Presently have three Base Forces moving in to set-up the AF. Will work to take the southern edge of Sumatra ASAP. The oil facilities took some damage but are not bad. Lordy. Don't we, as Japanese players, look to check Palembang after capture with great fear and trepidation??!! I've got about 100 each of oil and refinery to repair. Not bad but would prefer to NOT use supply for this!
Burma
Haven't even begun to look at it. Everything is for Singers though I am sure Michael is evacuating ALL of it. Let him eat some penalty points for leaving those bases so quickly.
NOTE: RA/BTS adds a lot of garrison requirements to China, India, and Burma. This helps to suck-up units that would be deployed elsewhere and SLOW things down. China is the worst with this in that we added nearly 1,000 additional garrison points for EACH SIDE. India added about 500 and Burma added roughly 150. We'll see if this works at all.
That is the war so far...