This is going to be a thread for my AI T3 Ironman (scenario 21) game which I'll try to update gradually. The game rules and self set house rules will be as follows:
FoW: on
Advanced weather effects: on
Allied damage control: on
Player defined upgrades: on
Historical first turn: off
December 7th surprise: on
Reliable US torpedoes: off
Realistic R&D: on
AI Difficulty level: hard
Turn cycle: 1 (I had to think this through but I can always change later to two, it just means a bit more loss of control)
The only thing I've modified for this scenario is raise all the Commonwealth and US infantry and marine squad production by 5-10%, not too much IMHO.
Self made rules are paying PP to move units across national borders (excluding USA-Canada), no 4E nav bombing under 10k feet, no strategic bombing (for an undetermined date), no crazy resizing of air units.
The date currently is Jan 5th, 1942. Here's the current score board, acting to be a test upload as well. As we can see, the AI is on a roll in many fronts. We have had a few token victories, but nothing critical yet. Things will most likely get much worse.
The war has began with a bang. Japan initially invaded Midway Island, Johnston Island, Hilo in Hawaii, Coal Harbor near Vancouver in addition to the landings in Philippines and Malaya. One of the US CVs circled up around Wake Island to pick up the fighters onboard before it fell, which happened within 4 days. We also rallied CVs near Johnston where we managed to sink a small amphibious force. After that the CVs went south toward Christmas island out of harms way of KB. There they managed to disrupt another Japanese landing, but in the ensuing surface combat the USN lost a CA.
Despite all this, the Japanese managed to land a large unit on the island and took it. Hilo in Hawaii was also invaded but the Americans managed to hold on to it with the skin of their teeth, flying in a combat engineer regiment. After this the very limited unrestricted Pacific theater units (2 regiments and support) were all sent towards Hilo. It was finally retaken on Jan 5th, and now these units are prepping for Christmas Island. Planes and material being piled to Palmyra and Fanning Island.
The Japanese also invaded and took Coal Harbor and managed to blockade Seattle for the whole December with a large CV force. The CVs sent frequent and non-frequent raids seemingly resulting in a battle of attrition. USN sent 2-4 subs to patrol in the area but they got a few ineffective attacks. These CVs finally left in early January, subs got a few chances and one torp hit one of the CVs, but only a smaller S-boat torpedo.
Meanwhile the Japanese raiders managed to sink a large convoy including 3 fighter units and a patrol unit (ouch) heading to Pearl. However, with 3 CV groups, we managed to clear the lane, for now.
KB hang around for around 5 days, doing 3-4 attacks at Pearl. No BB sunk but most of them will probably be out till mid or late '42. Seattle was also raided and 2 other BBs damaged.
In the South Pacific the first priority is to reinforce Pago Pago, Canton, the Line Islands, and take back Christmas Island. I believe New Zealand to be under serious threat, so we will just have to fight our way through in the Pacific to establish lines. Fiji and Noumea have recently fallen and what could be saved of remnants of two NZ Brigades were flown out. Additionally, Japanese raiders are operating in the Indian ocean, where they have sunk a decent amount of tankers and cargo ships header for Cape Town. As of now, we can't risk sending anything to Australia from Cape Town, which is a bit of a problem. As mentioned earlier, the US CVs fought with raiders to clear the lane, and Lexington took a torpedo putting it out of action to mid April, so there's limited possibilities to send a CV there, but it probably has to be done.
In the DEI and Malaya, the Japanese landed at Khota Bharu and at Mersing a few days later. The reinforced Force Z fought with a very large task force, which seemed to have included a third sister ship of the Yamato and Musashi. How could our intelligence be so blind!
This fight was inconclusive, and with strong CV TFs operating in the area and air control over Singapore lost, we have withdrawn all surface forces to Java. Additionally, it was decided to pull two Indian divisions out of Singapore and send them Palembang. Additionally, a few air HQ and AA was pulled out. The Australians were left to defend Johore Bharu and Singapore as long as possible, as the main Japanese force take a while to march down the peninsula. They have taken Manado and Balikpapan recently. As of now, most of the UK and Dutch air forces are training Low level nav bombing, waiting for the inevitable clash. In a small battle of Java Sea, Force Z managed to sink two CVL, but PoW took a torpedo and needs to get repaired and upgraded. Another clash was with the Dutch cruiser force near Balikpapan, disrupting a landing but sinking few ships and failing to stop it. Tactically, the Dutch probably lost more.
The Philippines are getting squeezed, and all the important bomber, fighter and patrol units were flown off to use elsewhere.
In China, the Japanese have taken Wenchow, are threatening the southern rail line with a break through from the Wuchow area, and threatening Nanning from the north. The Chinese use what limited intel they have to deploy forces to attempt to contain these advances. In the north, activity has been limited so far.
In Burma, this is where a real steam roller is coming. Japanese commando units are effectively disrupting rail lines and have even defeated weaker Burmese forces, and with much combat power needed to displace them, we are leaving southern Burma defenses very light. Rangoon can't be held and we will probably have to basically abandon it soon, probably. We'll see how we manage to stall in the north, the Commonwealth intends not to fight in disadvantageous locations here with their already meager troops. Attempts to send supply shipping into Rangoon have resulted heavy losses.
Port Blair has been reinforced with a Dutch regiment and a smaller unit.
The coast in Seattle is clear for now, and it's clear the enemy is trying to build an air base in Coal Harbor. BB Colorado will soon be repaired and available to start bombing runs here. We haven't attempted to bomb or sweep with our fighters, due mediocre skill and plane levels.
We had actually two naval battles in the Java Sea. A large IJN BB/CA TF was spotted entering Java Sea from the NE. First BC Repulse and a large assortment of CL and DDs clashed with the IJN TF consisting of two Fuso class BBs, 4 CAs and several DDs. As a result, Repulse was sunk and several allied ships heavily damaged.
The allied ships withdrew to Batavia, and the next turn everyone was sent to Soerabaja. In that turn, a large IJN CV force entered the Java sea as well in striking range of Soerabaja, and boy, strike they did. It is quite clear the allies have lost a competitive chance for the Java Sea at this point as most of our ships are damaged, and the Dutch CLs almost in sinking condition. We also have most other cruisers and DDs damaged to some extent, Soerabaja is over capacity and the IJN CVs might strike again next turn. We will attempt to attrition the attacks as much as possible, while withdrawing lighter forces towards Perth and onwards.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 05, 42
Day Time Surface Combat, near Kalidjati at 51,99, Range 28,000 Yards
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
Walrus II: 1 destroyed
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 2
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 11, on fire
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 1
DD Kagero, Shell hits 2
DD Isokaze
DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Uruyuke
DD Tachekaze, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Yakumo, Shell hits 2
CA Adatara, Shell hits 3, on fire
CA Azuma, Shell hits 5
CA Bandai, Shell hits 2
Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Shell hits 46, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CA Houston, Shell hits 2
CL Java, Shell hits 1
CL Danae, Shell hits 8, heavy fires
CL Durban, Shell hits 2
CL Mauritius, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Alden, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Barker, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Bulmer, Shell hits 1
DD Edsall, Shell hits 1
DD John D. Edwards
DD Paul Jones
DD Parrott, Shell hits 2
DD Vampire
DD Stronghold, Shell hits 1
DD Electra, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
DD Express, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Isis, Shell hits 1
DD Jupiter, Shell hits 2, on fire
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 06, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kalidjati at 51,99, Range 10,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Ushio, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
CA Nishiki, Shell hits 2
CA Hirado
DD Yugakaze
Allied Ships
CA Houston, Shell hits 4
CL Java
DD Bulmer
DD Edsall, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD John D. Edwards
DD Paul Jones, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Vampire, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Stronghold, Shell hits 1
DD Jupiter
In southern China, the Japanese advance towards Nanning, and from Wuchow towards Liuchow and Kweiling is trying to be halted. Also the Japanese advance from Wenchow is being stalled as long as possible. In Burma, large formations are advancing from the south towards Moulmein. We are trying to crush the small commando formations behind the lines to allow for a proper withdrawal. We will also withdraw along the coast to use the formidable pre-made forts (level 6 along the coast, courtesy of British foresight) to stall the enemy advance.
The Japanese have been really hustlin’. Philippines is quashed into the Clark Field – Manila – Bataan triangle. The main focus of defense is in Clark Field. The Japanese have made many heavy assaults there, which have resulted in heavy casualties, including one day resulting basically 2 divisions worth casualties. However, these attacks are wearing the Philippines army down, and Manila actually looks like it’s going to go first. After this happens, things are going to go down hill very quickly due to the supply situation. All excess supply available is piled into Bataan.
In the Malayan peninsula, the Australian brigades have done a great job holding back the Japanese division landed at Mersing. The Japanese main army is taking their sweet time coming down south, but the gig is up now. The Australians are retreating the causeway, and they defeated one Japanese attack with the help of lvl 3 forts.
China has been not that much better either. Kukong in the south fell in a shocker attack despite a seemingly decent garrison, and IJA looks to be pushing west from the direction of Chushien and Pucheng, where the Chinese corps were defeated. Chinese are now defending E, SE and S of Changsha. Kukong has left the flank a bit open, but we are trying to plug the road north with a strong corps, however flanking maneuvers can be expected, which would compromise Changsha defenses E and SE. I am sure we will experience more gradual pressure from the south and western China. The center and north look quite secure now.
In Burma, the Allies are in full retreat. The Allied managed to finally kick the elite commando unit blocking the railroad north of Toungoo, and are now hurrying into Myitkyina, and to garrison and form the next line of defense in the villages bordering Burma and India. The Japanese are advancing with a tank regiment, with a strong division closely following. Most of the US bomber, fighter and some engineering units have been sent to Capetown to reinforce India.
In the DEI, Japanese CV TFs have been roaming the Java sea. Allied naval control is only subs and Dutch and UK bombers, which get a few occasional successful attacks, but nothing more. The invasion of Java will probably commence shortly. The defense is heavily focused north, in the Merak-Batavia-Bandoeng axis. US heavy bombers are flown out to Australia, and float plane patrols to Port Blair and Ceylon. The Southern DEI garrisons have been mostly been flown into Koepang, which should hopefully act something more than a speed bump. The naval units in DEI are all being withdrawn to western and southern, including the Prince of Wales. The cruisers and DDs will probably go to Melbourne and Sydney to repair, while POW goes to Cape Town to repair and upgrade.
In the Southern Pacific, Allied troops are about to land on the shores of Christmas island. 2 inf regiments, 1 marine regiment, amphibious HQ, a combat engineer unit and some arty. A reserve supply fleet will handle supply unloading afterwards. Christmas Island has been bombarded by a decent cruiser force for at least a week with pretty good efficiency.
On the naval side, Allied have been losing cruisers left, right and center. Almost all cruisers left and the Prince of Wales have been withdrawn towards Perth. Unfortunately, CA Houston and CL Boise based out of Koepang attempted to bombard Kendari, running into a few CVLs with heavy CA escort. Boise and CL Tromp sank, while Houston and the rest got away unscathed. However, the Japanese CVL force started pursuing (currently to the NW tip of Australia) and managed to put 2 torps into the fleeing Houston. I don’t have high hopes for her survival, unless it can hide in Exmouth or Port Hedland. We might be able to fly a small fighter contingent to protect it at Hedland, if it gets there.
In Colombo, a small Japanese raid of 3 TBs managed to sink the CA Cornwall patrolling Colombo harbor. No air search managed to spot the Japanese raiding force beforehand, and we were a day away from joining 2 US DDs to that TF, which might’ve helped fend off the TBs.
The most notable success however has been north of New Zealand, where Norfolk Island was invaded by a full division (!). B-17 squad trained in naval search is looking north of NZ and managed to spot the TF packing up on Norfolk, most likely this particular division. A cruiser force made a quick run from Sydney and managed to sink the entire convoy carrying the assumed division. It should halt or delay any potential advances south. US CVs are now nearing Auckland as well to provide support. Really need to get LBA fighters, and establish bases south and SE of Fiji as well, to build an efficient air bridge.
Fiji and New Caledonia are under Japanese control, therefore the Allies are reinforcing Pago Pago and soon establishing a naval base on Vavau, which will be built up as a major hub in the South Pacific. From these bases, after Christmas Island is retaken, the US navy will hopefully be able to suppress Fiji at least and plan for eventual liberation.
The logistic train from East Coast to Cape Town is finally beginning to chug along, however, the presence of raiders in the Southern Indian Ocean is uncertain at the moment. We will find out shortly as the first fuel convoys are heading to Australia.
On the 24th of January, IJA invaded Perth. Their relatively small CV TF has control of the seas around Perth and a decent amount of shipping is still in port. However, the invasion TF luckily took quite a beating from coastal defenses consisting of 9", 6" and 4" guns. Roughly a ½ division got ashore with heavy disruption and the Australians attacked the next day. The Japanese can be driven back to the sea, provided, no more supplies or troops are landed. US CVs are in the Tasman sea and will start moving here, additionally, the damaged cruisers at Perth will bombard.
2 NZ CLs and 2 DDs were based there. Lost 2 DDs but the CLs survived. The invading TF lost all its escorts and its transports got left on fire more or less. During the day Vindicators, B-26s and Bolos bombed and hit decently enough to disrupt the landing further. USN will now take over. Christmas Island and Palmyra being built as major supply dumps and waypoints for the stuff to be distributed among the SOPAC.
Meanwhile 3 US CVs are near Perth, ready to jump in and rescue it. The 3 Aussie emergency P-40 reinforcement squads have done a great job keeping the enemy attacks at bay, and the invading force was driven to the sea. Probably it has somewhat whittled the CAGs too. Air search lost them this turn, but they might still be near by, or gone back to replenish. Will probably hold a day to see if we can get them back on the radar before doing anything.
Singapore also fell a few days ago. The allied morale is shaking but recent victories instill confidence.
It's been hectic in the past few days. The 3 US carriers managed to ambush a 2 CVL force and got into a close call with a strong cruiser force. We also managed to sunk a small amphibious force trying to sneak by towards Port Augusta and Adelaide to the east. Some combat reports:
Feb 2nd:
Morning Air attack on TF, near Albany at 52,156
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 4
F4F-3A Wildcat x 9
F4F-3 Wildcat x 26
SBD-2 Dauntless x 34
SBD-3 Dauntless x 66
TBD-1 Devastator x 37
Japanese Ships
CL Yubari, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Ryotaku Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Naniwa Maru, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Sendai
xAK Anzan Maru #2, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Kurohime Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Tatuha Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Nissho Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Maya, Bomb hits 2, on fire
xAK Taigen Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Akasi Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
Japanese ground losses:
8046 casualties reported
Squads: 157 destroyed, 298 disabled
Non Combat: 116 destroyed, 299 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 78 (69 destroyed, 9 disabled)
February 3rd:
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Albany at 50,158
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
SBD-3 Dauntless x 15
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Myojinami, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
DD Kosugiri, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Fubuki(II) class DD
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Myojinami
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Busselton at 25,163
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
B5N1s Kate x 14
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1s Kate: 3 damaged
Allied Ships
AMC Corfu, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
TK Belita
TK Salland, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
TK Osthav, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 45944 troops, 787 guns, 270 vehicles, Assault Value = 1128
Defending force 24455 troops, 403 guns, 268 vehicles, Assault Value = 457
Japanese Ships
xAP Kongo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAP Kitano Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Takatiho Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AMC Mogami Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
153 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
February 6th:
Invasion Support action off Geraldton (49,141)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force
13 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
xAP Takatiho Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
PB Santos Maru
PB Kamitsu Maru
xAP Horai Maru
xAP Kitano Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AMC Mogami Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage
Night Time Surface Combat, near Perth at 47,147, Range 26,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa
CA Tsugaru
CL Natori
CL Kinu
CL Abukuma
DD Shikinami
DD Ayanami
DD Tagonami
DD Suruyame
Allied Ships
CV Saratoga
CV Yorktown
CA Astoria
CA Minneapolis
CL Concord
DD Mustin
DD Russell
DD O'Brien
DD Walke
DD Helm
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Gridley
DD Maury
Night Time Surface Combat, near Geraldton at 49,141, Range 8,000 Yards
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2s Zero: 4 destroyed
Japanese Ships
PB Kamitsu Maru, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
PB Santos Maru, Shell hits 24, and is sunk
xAP Horai Maru, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAP Takatiho Maru, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
xAP Kitano Maru, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
xAP Kongo Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire
AMC Mogami Maru, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
Japanese Ships
DD Yamanagiri, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Tadeyame, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
Morning Air attack on TF, near Perth at 48,147
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 1
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
DD Yamanagiri, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
Morning Air attack on TF, near Perth at 48,147
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid detected at 15 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
TBD-1 Devastator x 3
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
DD Tadeyame, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVL Ryujo, and is sunk
Base SE of Manila was still open so hence retreat
Ground combat at Manila (79,77)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 45453 troops, 807 guns, 324 vehicles, Assault Value = 1285
Defending force 22279 troops, 218 guns, 204 vehicles, Assault Value = 201
Allied ground losses:
716 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 45 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 15 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 39 (37 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units retreated 2
Units destroyed 1
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
Clark Field fell, a day or two after that Manila fell. So it's just Bataan now.
The Pago Pago invasion as expected failed and the surviving enemy ships retreated towards Suva or to the NW. The main thing is the situation is stabilized. Very heavy IJN CV TFs are cruising in SW DEI and kicking the snot out of Java and South Sumatra air bases. Additionally cruisers and BBs are bombarding Palembang and Java east coast.
We couldn't completely stop Japanese landing on Aussie west coast but we sure did try, and saved the damaged cruisers and shipping in Perth the meanwhile. If they come really in force, we will have to start trading time for space and defend the southern part of Australia. There are still raiders out in the southern Indian ocean are pretty effective, as they got a few tankers heading for Adelaide. It should also be mentioned the Japanese had more CVs near Perth but left heading back to the DEI probably to replenish, leaving only the two CVLs. They might come back soon.
The subs are getting a lot of attacks, although they are taking damage too but it should help XP.
Very good results off Oz west coast! [&o] Do the Japanese aircraft ground losses indicate that CVL Shikoku also sank?
The IJ troops at Geraldton must have lost virtually all their supply before it could be unloaded. A drop of paratroops might be able to get the base back before the Japanese can fly in reinforcements and supply.
Look to the fatigue of your CV based pilots and airframes. If they have been flying missions for two or more days they may need a day off to rest up. Flying fatigued pilots guarantees disappointing bombing/torpedo results while flying fatigued aircraft is asking for ops losses, probably including priceless pilots. CVs should strike and disappear before returning to strike again.
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
Yes they have flown pretty much continuously for those past days, it's been a very target rich environment to say the least. It's true that the pilots and planes are tired. I would like to have a few days break to hang in port and take on reinforcements and pilots and rebuild the groups as a lot of planes have been lost to ops and A2A. However the damage done has been great too, but Japan is reinforcing Geraldton and there are ominous sings from subs and Dutch scout planes that a stronger CV TF might be heading back in the area. It looks like IJ is going to attempt outflanking Perth by going east and then south from Geraldton.
The Japanese have continued attempts to funnel troops and supplies in western Australia. US CVs continued to interdict shipping at Geraldton, and in addition put several bombs on Japanese BBs which arrived from the north and a few torps. However, doubt we got any of them. They withdrew, and in their wake came a strong CV force. The end result was a lot of shipping sunk, but the ultimate price was paid in the form of the Yorktown, which took a few bombs and something flammable blew up and sunk, taking many DBs and TBs with it, however the fighter group flew off while it could. Remaining 2 CVs are far SW of Perth, while the strong enemy CV force between Perth and Melbourne now. I have no wish for another CV engagement any time soon and will withdraw to Cape Town if need be. But would prefer Hobart or Melbourne. We need to upgrade and fill the groups and ships. The cruisers are still in Perth under decent CAP, interdicting Geraldton shipping when possible.
IJ have also quietly landed a full division in Portland Roads (NE Ausralia), which seems to be making it’s way down the coast.
There have also been attempts to land in Koggala the southern tip of Ceylon. So far they have been disrupted, however a CV force is now in scene here, too.
Thirdly, a major CV force has approached Canton Island. There are 100 AV, lvl 3 forts and 270 mines on the island. The large enemy CV and amphib force have lingered around for several days now, without invading. Since the enemy likes of deep raids, Palmyra and Christmas Island are being reinforced further. Also, Pago Pago and Vava’u is now at least decently held, and a lot of stuff is heading for NZ. The Indian Ocean is a lot more problematic in raiders than the Pacific ocean side, so as I’m unable to clear it out, I will probably have to shift the shipping route more from Port Stanley. A base is also established in Rangiroa, and probably it would be wise to establish at least one more along the NZ – Port Stanley line. Once we get this Pacific sorted things will start working out, I think.
Dutch air force got some hits but all the airfields are cratered and burning now. Koepang could be also used as a base for A-24 Dive bombers but it is untenable now.
Palembang was also invaded with a full division. Another division landed at Oosthaven and is walking towards Palembang.
The critical thing is to keep the Southern Pacific clear of raiders, as several important convoys are going to NZ. Also defend Ceylon, and prevent another engagement with Japanese CVs. It will still be some time before additional fighters reach Australia, though, and we must defend Sydney and Melbourne. We can trade space for time in other places.
Feb 7th Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Geraldton at 48,141
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 3
F4F-3A Wildcat x 7
F4F-3 Wildcat x 17
SBD-2 Dauntless x 21
SBD-3 Dauntless x 34
Japanese Ships
xAK Yosyu Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Miya Maru, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
xAK Shimosa Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Hitachi Maru, Bomb hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Omono Maru, Bomb hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Kumoza Maru, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk
Japanese ground losses:
8791 casualties reported
Squads: 118 destroyed, 247 disabled
Non Combat: 123 destroyed, 352 disabled
Engineers: 44 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 55 (48 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Vehicles lost 29 (16 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Ground combat at 88,43 (near Anyang)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 20250 troops, 209 guns, 68 vehicles, Assault Value = 1385
Defending force 9908 troops, 85 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 261
Japanese Ships
xAKL Ina Maru
xAKL Sakae Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAKL Kokuyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAKL Kitahuku Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAKL Eiwa Maru
xAK Chuko Maru
AKA Hong Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Marei Maru
xAK Yamadori Maru
xAKL Kakyu Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
163 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Morning Air attack on TF, near Geraldton at 49,141
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Feb 10th Night Time Surface Combat, near Koggala at 29,50, Range 5,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
TB Koetoi, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
AKA Miri Maru, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB Royal Sovereign, Shell hits 1
CA Exeter
CL Enterprise
CL Dauntless
CL Ceres
CL Glasgow
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Evertsen
DD Van Ghent
DD Napier
DD Nizam
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Colombo at 29,48, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
TB K-20
TB K-21
Allied Ships
HDML Panglima, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
HDML Pennigat, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
HDML Panji, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
Day Time Surface Combat, near Koggala at 28,50, Range 14,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
TB K-20, Shell hits 2, on fire
TB K-21, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB Royal Sovereign, Shell hits 4
CA Exeter
CL Enterprise
CL Dauntless, Shell hits 1
CL Ceres
CL Glasgow
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Van Ghent
DD Napier
DD Nizam
Day Time Surface Combat, near Perth at 49,146, Range 23,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
TB Tokachi, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CA Astoria
CA Minneapolis
CL Java
CL Durban
CL Marblehead
DD Vendetta
DD Kortenaer
DD Tenedos
DD Express
DD Isis
Morning Air attack on TF, near Geraldton at 49,141
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2s Zero x 8
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 2
F4F-3A Wildcat x 6
F4F-3 Wildcat x 14
SBD-3 Dauntless x 20
TBD-1 Devastator x 35
Japanese Ships
xAK Chuko Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Marei Maru, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
LSD - 7, on fire
xAK Taian Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Sakae Maru
xAKL Kitahuku Maru
xAKL Tsukikawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
AKA Victoria Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Indus Maru
xAKL Kokuyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
xAKL Jouban Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Kurogane Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Honan Maru
xAKL Amakasu Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Yamadori Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
LST Sento Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
xAKL Yanagigawa, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
Feb 11th Night Time Surface Combat, near Pago Pago at 147,163, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
TB Kasasagi, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
AKA Ceylon Maru, Shell hits 7, heavy fires
AKA Jolo Maru, Shell hits 34, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City
CL Helena
DD Sims, Shell hits 1
DD Cummings
DD Lamson
DD Flusser
DD Balch
DD Monaghan
Japanese ground losses:
613 casualties reported
Squads: 17 destroyed, 32 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Night Time Surface Combat, near Geraldton at 49,141, Range 5,000 Yards
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2s Zero: 9 destroyed
Japanese Ships
xAK Taian Maru, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
xAK Yamadori Maru, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
xAKL Indus Maru, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Kitahuku Maru, Shell hits 1
xAKL Honan Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
xAKL Hinode Maru, Shell hits 8, on fire
xAKL Ina Maru, Shell hits 5, heavy fires
xAKL Hiyori Maru, Shell hits 2
xAKL Kuramasan Maru, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Eiwa Maru, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Sakae Maru, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
LSD - 7, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CA Astoria
CA Minneapolis
CL Java
CL Dragon
CL Durban
CL Marblehead
DD Vendetta
DD Kortenaer
DD Tenedos
DD Express
DD Isis
Day Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 49,90, Range 13,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Takase
Allied Ships
PT TM-4, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT TM-5, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-6, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT TM-7, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-8, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT TM-9, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
Feb 12th Night Time Surface Combat, near Geraldton at 49,141, Range 1,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
xAKL Kitahuku Maru, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
xAKL Honan Maru, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
xAKL Hiyori Maru, Shell hits 18, and is sunk
xAKL Sakae Maru, Shell hits 21, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CA Astoria
CA Minneapolis
CL Java
CL Durban
CL Marblehead
DD Vendetta
DD Kortenaer
DD Tenedos
DD Express
DD Isis
Day Time Surface Combat, near Pago Pago at 149,161, Range 8,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
xAKL Meiko Maru, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
xAKL Yoshinogawa Maru, Shell hits 23, and is sunk
xAKL Kashi Maru, Shell hits 27, and is sunk
xAKL Tatibana Maru, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City
CL Helena
DD Sims
DD Cummings
DD Lamson
DD Flusser
DD Balch
DD Monaghan, Shell hits 1
Airbase hits 1
Day Time Surface Combat, near Koggala at 29,50, Range 18,000 Yards
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2s Zero: 24 destroyed
Japanese Ships
xAP Taizan Maru, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
xAP Naminoue Maru, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
AMC Soryu Maru, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AMC Shin'yo Maru, Shell hits 40, heavy fires, heavy damage
AMC Taipan Maru, Shell hits 39, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB Royal Sovereign, Shell hits 3
CA Exeter
CL Enterprise
CL Dauntless
CL Ceres, Shell hits 2
CL Glasgow
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1
DD Napier, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Nizam
Japanese ground losses:
2730 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 47 destroyed, 109 disabled
Engineers: 88 destroyed, 57 disabled
Guns lost 6 (6 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (4 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Ground combat at Bataan (78,77)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 30069 troops, 552 guns, 181 vehicles, Assault Value = 688
Defending force 28488 troops, 502 guns, 310 vehicles, Assault Value = 612
Feb 15th Day Time Surface Combat, near Hoorn Islands at 138,157, Range 13,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
SC Ch 27, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
xAK Thames Maru, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
SC CHa-24, Shell hits 1
AK Ishikari Maru, Shell hits 27, and is sunk
AK Koetoi Maru, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
Allied Ships
DD Lamson
DD Flusser
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Koggala at 30,55
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 9
Hurricane IIa Trop x 7
Hurricane IIb Trop x 7
B-26 Marauder x 3
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
xAKL Kidokawa Maru
xAK Sansho Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Kosho Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Geraldton at 44,139
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 2
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
SBD-3 Dauntless x 30
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 7 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Kawachi, Bomb hits 4, on fire
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 6, on fire
Morning Air attack on TF, near Koggala at 30,52
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 11
Fulmar II x 7
Swordfish I x 3
Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish I: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
AKA Madras Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AKA Roko Maru #2, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CM Katsuriki, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
TB Rumoi
Japanese ground losses:
5542 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 56 destroyed, 133 disabled
Engineers: 144 destroyed, 65 disabled
Guns lost 5 (4 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 16 (16 destroyed, 0 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Koggala at 29,50
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 8
Hudson IIIa x 3
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
LST Hakata Maru #2, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
LST Kure Maru #5, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Japanese Ships
DD Shimokaze
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Kawachi, Bomb hits 3, on fire
Feb 17th Night Time Surface Combat, near Koggala at 29,50, Range 1,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
TB Otori, Shell hits 2, on fire
TB Makomanai, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB Royal Sovereign, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1
CA Exeter
CL Enterprise
CL Dauntless
CL Ceres
CL Glasgow
CL Caledon
CL Capetown
CL Colombo
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Evertsen
DD Van Ghent
DD Nizam
Day Time Surface Combat, near Koggala at 29,50, Range 5,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
TB Otori, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB Royal Sovereign
CA Exeter
CL Enterprise
CL Dauntless
CL Ceres
CL Glasgow
CL Caledon
CL Capetown
CL Colombo
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Evertsen
DD Van Ghent
DD Nizam
Feb 18th Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Geraldton at 48,140
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 2
F4F-3 Wildcat x 11
SBD-3 Dauntless x 56
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 9 damaged
Japanese Ships
xAKL Hoki Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Rokakku Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Momoyama Maru, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
xAKL Bizen Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
xAKL Bunzan Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Katsuragisan Maru, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Konei Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Taisoku Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Muroran Maru, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
xAKL Suzan Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
5262 casualties reported
Squads: 107 destroyed, 126 disabled
Non Combat: 147 destroyed, 133 disabled
Engineers: 18 destroyed, 17 disabled
Guns lost 57 (38 destroyed, 19 disabled)
Feb 19th Afternoon Air attack on Koggala , at 29,50
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30
B5N2 Kate x 43
Allied aircraft
Fulmar II x 5
Hurricane IIa Trop x 9
Hurricane IIb Trop x 28
P-39D Airacobra x 15
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
Feb 20th Night Time Surface Combat, near Geraldton at 49,141, Range 4,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
xAK Sinsyu Maru, Shell hits 9, heavy fires
xAK Seian Maru, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Sydney Maru #2, Shell hits 25, and is sunk
Feb 21st Night Time Surface Combat, near Geraldton at 48,143, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CMc Enoshima, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CMc Ninoshima, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
CMc Washizaki, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
PB No. 254, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
Allied Ships
CL Java
DD Reid
DD Bulmer
DD Whipple
Morning Air attack on TF, near Perth at 42,144
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 33
B5N2 Kate x 56
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 7
F4F-3 Wildcat x 27
Allied Ships
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Barker
CA Indianapolis
DD Alden
Afternoon Air attack on Canton Island , at 153,143
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 103 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 47
B5N2 Kate x 30
D3A1 Val x 30
A6M2s Zero x 22
ight Time Surface Combat, near Wallis Island at 142,156, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
xAK Nanman Maru, Shell hits 40, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Yodo Maru, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
Allied Ships
DD Lamson
DD Balch
Japanese ground losses:
6982 casualties reported
Squads: 56 destroyed, 135 disabled
Non Combat: 182 destroyed, 330 disabled
Engineers: 33 destroyed, 62 disabled
Guns lost 49 (47 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Day Time Surface Combat, near Canton Island at 153,143, Range 28,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CV Akagi
DD Yayoi
DD Mochizuki
DD Hatakaze
DD Asanagi
DD Nokaze
DD Tawakaze
CA Yakumo
CA Ibi
CVL Kinryu
CVL Akaryu
BB Kaimon
CA Azuma
CA Bandai
Allied Ships
PT-20
PT-21
PT-22
PT-23
TF 551 encounters mine field at Canton Island (153,143)
Japanese Ships
DD Minegumo
DD Yugumo, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
1 mine cleared
Morning Air attack on TF, near Cochin at 28,40
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
The aircraft numbers show at least 3 Japanese CVs off SW Australia. You are overmatched and must retreat with your damaged CVs.
I would rule out Melbourne because the shipyard cannot take a CV to repair float damage and because Australia probably does not have enough supply yet to support replacement of the number of aircraft you have lost. Retreat to Capetown is the only viable option - full speed until map edge is reached and cruise speed thereafter.
You have done well ambushing his invasion attempts. Canton Is. invasion is too well supported by IJ carriers so you may lose that - fly out some cadres of the key units if you can.
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
The game has rolled on over a month again with a current date of April 3rd 1942. The Japanese invasion armada off Canton in late February withdrew (I guess they got scared after all). As a result, we still hold this very central location and are able to supply it, however it’s still too tenuous even to support submarine operations. Forts are almost at level 5.
In the North East corner, near Vancouver and Seattle, we’ve seen random Japanese cargo ships trying to supply the landings at Bella Bella and Coal Harbor, but we constantly have 2 BBs and 4DDs and US based bombers at the scene bombarding the places, so they haven’t been too successful. I would certainly like to retake those places at some point but have more urgent worries so no real combat unit can be spared here. The Aleutian islands have been very quiet, though a few US base forces were send to build up a few air bases near Dutch Harbor.
In the Southern Pacific, we’ve had a few misfortunate events i.e. enemy CVs slipping through air search and surprising with some convoy hits. Luckily, the most important convoys have managed to evade although some relatively small number of fighters and base forces were sunk, but the units themselves were saved. Additionally, IJ has occupied several islands in the Marquesas, which have the capability to fly torpedo bombers. It’s quite a central location and can interdict the build up of the bases on the southern route to NZ. I might eventually move some BBs with a lot of fighter support to bomb these places, although for now they could be bypassed, although it’s tricky. And an invasion is some time away still since troops are going elsewhere.
The southern Indian Ocean has been really a pain. I’ve basically dodged the enemy CVs there, which have been mostly patrolling between Perth and Melbourne, while supporting the IJ ground advance from Geraldton (another landing came a bit later at Busselton). We’re now holding at Calgoorlie, and built this air base up to bomb the IJ troops and reduce their effectiveness. Everything that could be evacuated from Perth, was. Now we’ll see how well we can hold this advance, the IJ has practically a free hand supplying the Australian west coast. Japanese air forces have been very effective, but then again, so has the Commonwealth bombers. In the desert, there’s few places to hide. We also have managed to get a few P-40 squadrons to Australia from the IO side, and additionally we’re building an air bridge all the way from PH to Australia which even P-39 could eventually make (in 8 hops).
Small landings have also been made at Broome and Normanton in the northern parts. Supplying Australia with fuel has been painful and resulted in many losses. We also encountered the lend lease sent by Germany in the form of CVs Peter Strasser and Graf Zeppelin and the corresponding Me-109 and Ju-87 planes. Also the Atlantis AMC raiders have been encountered, though one of them has been sunk. Australia was pretty much dry excluding Darwin, we couldn't even refuel subs at Sydney. We got a few fuel convoys through again to buy more time.
Java was invaded in several places and we’re down holding to Bandoeng now (Soerabaja will fall in a few days.)
The two Indian divisions sent to Palembang finally buckled under the intense pressure. We still hold Benkoelen and Padang on the west coast, with a Dutch regiment each, and have sucked all supplies we could out of Palembang. We are retreating everything towards those, but Indian divisions are completely messed up.
China has been pretty static. No further advances in the South, Center or North has been made. Reinforcements have been distributed to the western mountainous sector in Kunming and Paoshan.
Burma. What’s there to say. There is nothing but retreat. We even abandoned Myitkyina in favor of Ledo, and have 4 Chinese divisions headed there as well.
IJ has also been active on Ceylon, where they took Koggala. We are now facing Ki-44 IIa Tojos on Ceylon. Airacobras are dropping like flies, but the Hurricanes seem to be holding their own. In addition to that, IJ managed to drop two divisions at Mangalore. We sent one Indian division to contain it, but due to low morale they retreated. Now there are at least 2 Commonwealth divisions + support + a tank brigade allocated to take Mangalore back. Then we will garrison the coast properly. The UK fleet is a bit whittled down though, so we may have to actually abandon Ceylon if IJ gets more troops through, which it may well do. CV Hornet is at Mombasa and ready to join CVL Hermes and two other UK CVs in the Northern Indian Ocean. IJ has also made a CV raid on Karachi, though it was detected early enough to get the tanker shipping out of the way.
Note: I am not posting every combat report, only those assumed most significant.
Feb 25th Night Time Surface Combat, near Coal Harbour at 203,49, Range 5,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
xAK Tenryu Maru, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
xAK Enju Maru, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
Japanese ground losses:
2223 casualties reported
Squads: 85 destroyed, 110 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Night Time Surface Combat, near Wallis Island at 142,156, Range 11,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
SC Ch 25, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
xAK Saiho Maru, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Izumo Maru, Shell hits 37, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
DD Lamson
DD Balch
Morning Air attack on TF, near Koggala at 31,51
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Night Time Surface Combat, near Koggala at 29,50, Range 5,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Isonami, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
AKA Gili Gili Maru, Shell hits 6, on fire
AKA Moresby Maru
AKA Colombo Maru, Shell hits 15, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
AKA Sakhalin Maru, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
Allied Ships
CL Enterprise, Shell hits 1
CL Dauntless
CL Ceres, Shell hits 3, on fire
CL Glasgow
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1
DD Nizam
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Koggala at 29,50, Range 6,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Isonami, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
AKA Sakhalin Maru, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
Allied Ships
CL Enterprise
CL Dauntless
CL Ceres
CL Glasgow
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1
DD Nizam, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Morning Air attack on TF, near Goa at 25,23
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid detected at 50 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
D3A1 Val x 13
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
CLAA Van Heemskerck, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
Feb 27th
Day Time Surface Combat, near Pago Pago at 147,162, Range 28,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
PC Ashi, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
xAK Ishikari Maru, Shell hits 25, and is sunk
LSD Shikishima Maru, Shell hits 38, and is sunk
PB No. 266, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City, Shell hits 1
CL Helena
DD Sims
DD Cummings
DD Lamson, Shell hits 1
DD Flusser
DD Balch
Japanese ground losses:
2013 casualties reported
Squads: 40 destroyed, 82 disabled
Non Combat: 32 destroyed, 198 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Day Time Surface Combat, near Perth at 49,147, Range 22,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CVE Hosho, Shell hits 3
CVE Chuyo, Shell hits 35, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVE Shinyo, Shell hits 3
CVE Yamashiro Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Fubuki, Shell hits 1
DD Usugumo, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
DD Fuyo, Shell hits 1
DD Karukaya
Allied Ships
CL Java
CL Durban
CL Marblehead
DD Maury, Shell hits 1
DD Ellet, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Reid
DD Bulmer, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Stewart, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Vendetta, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Kortenaer
DD Tenedos
DD Express, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Isis
TF 619 encounters mine field at Port Blair (46,58)
Japanese Ships
CVL Ibuki, Mine hits 1
DD Hayashio, Mine hits 1, on fire
Morning Air attack on TF, near Perth at 49,147
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 101 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 43 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
B5N1 Kate x 12
B5N2 Kate x 11
Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 15
F4F-3 Wildcat x 4
Day Time Surface Combat, near Perth at 49,146, Range 26,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 3
CL Kitakami, Shell hits 1
CL Oi, Shell hits 2
DD Uranami, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Kuretake
DD Yugakaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
Allied Ships
CL Java, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Durban, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Marblehead, Shell hits 1
DD Maury
DD Ellet
DD Reid, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
DD Kortenaer
DD Tenedos
DD Express, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
Afternoon Air attack on Adelaide , at 75,163
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
B5N2 Kate x 14
D3A1 Val x 24
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged
D3A1 Val: 4 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
xAKL Hetton Bank, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
Runway hits 3
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 1
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Karachi at 40,8
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
B5N2 Kate x 27
A6M2s Zero x 1
Allied aircraft
Fulmar II x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar II: 3 destroyed
Allied Ships
KV Freesia, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
AMc Cochin, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
AM Poole, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
AMc Karachi, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
Mar 1st
Night Time Surface Combat, near Wallis Island at 142,156, Range 9,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
xAK Akasisan Maru, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Shanghai Maru, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
DD Lamson
DD Flusser
Japanese ground losses:
1926 casualties reported
Squads: 73 destroyed, 254 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (7 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Mar 2nd
Morning Air attack on TF, near Manihiki at 161,163
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
B5N2 Kate x 28
D3A2 Val x 58
Allied aircraft
no flights
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Warhawk: 3 destroyed
Allied Ships
xAK Exmoor, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Am. Packer, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DMS Southard, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
AM Tern, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Admiral Y. Williams, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Panaman, Bomb hits 8, and is sunk
xAK San Gabriel, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Mormacmar, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Alabaman, Bomb hits 9, and is sunk
xAK Diamond head, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Lihue, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AM Cairns, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
Mar 3rd
Night Time Surface Combat, near Koggala at 29,51, Range 5,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
AKA Moresby Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
Night Time Surface Combat, near Koggala at 29,51, Range 6,000 Yards
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft
no flights
Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete: 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Walrus II: 1 destroyed
Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 25, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Oboro, Shell hits 2
DD Yugao
DD Tatsuyuke, Shell hits 2
DD Okitsugumo
CA Adatara, Shell hits 1
CL Hiragatake, Shell hits 2
Allied Ships
CA Exeter, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CL Enterprise
CL Dauntless
CL Ceres, Shell hits 2
CL Glasgow, Shell hits 5
CL Caledon, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
CL Capetown
CL Colombo, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Tjerk Hiddes, Shell hits 46, and is sunk
DD Evertsen
DD Van Ghent
DD Decoy, Shell hits 3, on fire
Night Time Surface Combat, near Koggala at 30,51, Range 5,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Oboro
DD Yugao
DD Tatsuyuke
DD Okitsugumo, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA Adatara
CL Hiragatake, Shell hits 2
Allied Ships
CL Enterprise, Shell hits 1
CL Dauntless
CL Ceres
CL Glasgow
CL Capetown, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Decoy, heavy fires
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kingscote at 64,176
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 1
F4F-3A Wildcat x 6
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
SBD-3 Dauntless x 33
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged
Japanese Ships
xAK Misaku Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Yamafuku Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Kureha Maru #3, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK La Plata Maru
xAK Kisaragi Maru
xAK Ehime Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Kunitu Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
Japanese Ships
xAK Misaku Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Kisaragi Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Kureha Maru #3, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Ehime Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Raoul Island at 140,193
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
B5N2 Kate x 28
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
APD King, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Mormacrio, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Steel Voyager, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
PC Travis
xAK West Ivis, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Poelau Laut
xAK Waimea, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Mahukona, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Night Time Surface Combat, near Wallis Island at 142,156, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
PB Shoei Maru, Shell hits 25, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Yoshino Maru, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
DD Flusser
DD Balch
Mar 11th
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Wallis Island at 140,153, Range 2,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
xAK Okuni Maru, Shell hits 20, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Amakusa Maru, Shell hits 23, heavy fires, heavy damage
Allied Ships
DD Flusser
DD Balch
TF 827 encounters mine field at Port Blair (46,58)
Japanese Ships
CV Hiyo, Mine hits 1, on fire
Day Time Surface Combat, near Nukufetau at 138,146, Range 12,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
AK Hatsuake Maru, Shell hits 36, and is sunk
Allied Ships
DD Flusser
DD Balch
Morning Air attack on TF, near Melbourne at 82,170
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Arado x 1
Me109 T x 14
Ju-87N x 20
Allied Ships
CL Concord
CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 1, on fire (500kg SAP Bomb)
DD Cushing
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Melbourne at 82,170
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Arado x 1
Me109 T x 14
Ju-87N x 30
Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
Me109 T: 1 destroyed
Ju-87N: 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed
Allied Ships
DD Cushing
DD Fanning, Bomb hits 1
CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Case
DD Drayton
Mar 12th
Morning Air attack on TF, near Mataiva at 176,170
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
G4M1a Betty x 22
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
xAP Republic, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
xAK Ohioan, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Sagadahoc
xAK Santa Rita, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AM Rail, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
Morning Air attack on TF, near Diego Garcia at 16,61
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 10
Sea Hurricane Ib x 7
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
Albacore I: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
xAKL Noshiro Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Hiyoshi Maru, heavy damage
AMC Atlantis, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Toshi Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Musashi Maru
Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 72 (65 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Mar 23rd
TF 851 encounters mine field at Bataan (78,77)
Japanese Ships
CVE Iki, Mine hits 1
CVE Taiyo, Mine hits 1
DD Shinonome, Mine hits 1, heavy damage
CVE Hizen, Mine hits 1
2 mines cleared
Day Time Surface Combat, near Wallis Island at 142,156, Range 13,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
SC CHa-26, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Tango Maru, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
Allied Ships
DD Balch
DD Monaghan
Japanese ground losses:
303 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 13 (8 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Diego Garcia at 14,59
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 4
Fulmar II x 7
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
xAP Takao Maru, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
Mar 24th
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Diego Garcia at 9,63
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 10
Fulmar II x 7
Allied aircraft losses
Albacore I: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
xAKL Takunan Maru #10
xAK Yosida Maru #1, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Kanko Maru
xAKL Hinode Maru #20, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
Japanese ground losses:
136 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 8 (6 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Ground combat at Arakan Yoma (C) (55,47)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 17739 troops, 156 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 605
Defending force 2485 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 87
Looks like you have been giving as good as you got - a win for the Allies at this stage in the game. BB Nagato is gone and Haruna is likely to have burned up - especially if the Japanese didn't have a base on NW Australia to disband her into.
You have sunk more troops than Ironman has and sunk a lot of important amphib ships - AKs, LSD, etc. And who knows if those mine hits on IJ carriers at Port Blair might have caused some runaway fires of flooding? Wait a month for Ironman to do its minesweeping and move the sweepers away before restocking the mines at PB! [:D]
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
I definitely agree, punches have been thrown around both ways although maybe the Japanese have suffered a bit more. Though the allied aren't still out of the woods yet, the IJ auto victory is very much in the realms of possibility [&:]
Looks like the situation has calmed a bit especially on the Pacific side. I think we have a "relatively" safe passage from PH / Christmas Island onward to NZ and AUS (knocks on wood). We got a mot regiment and division into NZ which are now going to Australia as well to help out with these different invasions. We'll see what happens forward. Victory score for JAP - Allied is 47k- 17k, just a small push! But the allies are determined...
gets popcorn
