Air Raid Pearl Harbor (Navy CPO vs Imp AI)

[RangerJoe]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

This far into the war the DEI are under the umbrella of Japanese Netties which are deadly to most ships. Their long range carrying a torpedo makes Koepang a poor choice for a stopover, and Darwin will soon be in range. The pocket formed by Horn Island, the Eastern DEI and the Northern Oz is a trap that valuable ships should not go into until you get back air and naval superiority. I always send ships like Boise down the west side of Oz, fueling at Perth or Adelaide before going on to Sydney for repairs. It's worth the trip to save the ship!

Oh yes, take the scenic route for sure!

[ChiefOC]

SitRep 02/28/42

Grab a cup of Navy Jo (named for SECNAV Josephus Daniel's prohibition of booze on USN ships to make coffee the strongest drink onboard) and let me tell you part of a tale, the tragedy of SS Automedon. As we would say in the Navy, this is a No (CENSORED), er no-pooper, that is it is a true account.

The British Admiralty wanted a survey to ascertain His Majesty's forces and prospects in the Far East in case of war. Dutifully, a comprehensive report of every aircraft, artillery piece (and which way it was pointed), bag of bullets, bushel of feed, machine gun, rifle, tank, truck, estimates of resisting attack etc regarding Singapore and put it in writing. The report would be placed in the hands of the Master of SS Automedon. At approximately 0700 on 11/11/1940 Automedon was fired upon by an unknown vessel. Although a RRR (similar to an SOS) was sent out, the Admiralty presumed Automedon was lost at sea with her secrets. Not so. The German Raider Atlantis took Automedon as prize NW of Sumatra, including her hidden dispatches in their weighted bag. In short, Atlantis' captain sent the captured intelligence to the German Embassy in Tokyo and a copy would go to Japanese government. [X(]

In any case Automedon's failure was now complete. Singapore has fallen and lost were a dozen units, some damaged aircraft and 10 ML's under construction. Strategically, this opens the door to Japan to get out of the Java sea and beyond. Plus it's huge port and resources. Bugger. On the note of the Motor Launches lost, during my scramble, I had all the small launches etc with ASW 4 or more linked like remora fish to convoys that departed to safer waters. No sense in throwing away strong, at this phase, ASW assets. The "Remora" thus escorted the convoys, while refueling from them. Points are points.

The next day more disaster. Resistance collapsed at Manila and Clark and most units therein were destroyed or crawled into Bataan. A couple small units escaped to make nuisances in parts of the PI. Likewise, a few units are holed up on the smaller islands waiting for hope.

And now some good news. The day after the fall of Singapore, Dutch Submarine 021 put three torpedoes into CV heavyweight Akagi in the Java sea. A bit south, another Dutch sub likewise put three fish into light cruiser Oi. Exploding boilers, collapsing bulkheads were heard and both ships were claimed sunk. [Yeah right. I can believe Oi reached her final berth in DJ's Locker, but Akagi is too tough a bird to cook with 3 torps. At least I know she can't be fixed in Singapore, leastwise not her floatation damage.] North of Koepang, USS Sailfish hit a troopship with two torpedoes, and both exploded! Not satisfied, Sailfish's skipper fired two more fish, two more explosions. A PB forced Sailfish deep, but breaking up sounds were heard. However, a IJN SNLF, at least part of one, is locked in combat on Koepang. That place needs to hold.

Much further east, Canton Island also has uninvited guests, but just a small party. I did squeeze in a Base Defense Force and an AA unit prior and the issue is undecided. USS Porpoise helped by sinking a destroyer [X(] escorting the party. The next day, Porpoise repeated her success, two IJN DD's in two days. Nice. The IJN force was evac'd the second day, no complaints here, but a few questions. Hmmm.

Let's sea . In Papua, C and D Company are retreating to Port Moresby. Lark Battalion, showed some cheek and retook Gasmata on New Britain after the IJA left for parts/reasons unknown. Hey. Go Lark Battalion!, at least what's left of it. Far West, way far west, HMS Repulse, her damaged escort HMS Jupiter and xAKL Proteus are 8 days out from Cape Town.

In "Home" waters, Damaged ships Chicago and destroyer Phelps are passing Johnston Atoll headed to Pearl. Likewise, badly damaged USS Salmon, bombed by Japanese aircraft a few weeks ago will make Pearl tomorrow. Well done to Captain and crew. At Pearl, the only seriously damaged ships present are crippled Honolulu and floating wrecks California and New Mexico - hardly touched since December 7th due to all the other lesser damaged ships. To help Pearl, Lahaina Seaport is making advances. It now is a level 4/2 port and A/F 4/7. Another month or so and it will be a level 5 port hopefully, to help with upgrades and lesser damaged ships. Hilo is Port 2/2 and A/F 2/5. Midway will welcome New Mexico's SAG tomorrow as it returns from it's first bombardment of Wake. Mississippi, St. Louis and 4x DD's make up the rest of the force. Midway is a port 2/1, A/F 4/1 currently boasting five squadrons - DB, TB, PA, B17bs and P-40s. TF 65 (Enterprise and Yorktown) covered Mississippi's Surface Action Group, bagging a handful of Betty's, a couple Zeros and a a few Vals.

A quick note on Operation Northern Lights. Naval Station Adak - Port 1/5 received it's first task force. This is supplies and some engineers. Following are convoys of more troops, fuel, and more fuel, a few tenders, and 8 submarines, all bringing supplies. Included are "Cruiser" subs Argonaut, Narwhal and Nautilus. These three should be fun to watch. They were built to treaty limits, especially in one department, similar to the French Surcouf. Argonaut, Narwhal and Nautilus all have 2x 6 inch guns. Some subs have a 3" or a 4" deck gun. Two 6"s ought to make an impression.

End of month (unofficial stats) I say unofficial as they are what is in the Intel report which claims Akagi sunk, which I don't believe, and way too many Marus are not included amoung the sunk which I believe did not/will not make their full circle trip.

Stats

Allied A/c pts lost 866
IJN/IJA a/d pts lost 1461

Allied Army pts lost 4294
IJA/IJN Army pts lost 1776

Allied ships sunk 89 (+23 from last month)
Pts for sunk ships 379

IJN ships sunk 362 (+157 from last month)
Pts for sunk ships 2576

PP = 2582

Japanese score 9536
Allied score 14093

[Andy Mac]

Hmmm Quiet China don’t know how many times I have to say those scenarios haven’t been touched in 10 years !

The AI is better on the ones I updated and posted if you didn’t update I would. For your next game I tried to make the AI cover its invasions slightly better in the updated AI

[RangerJoe]

To check and see if a ship with any aircraft on board sank, check the plane losses. Sunk planes are shown as "ground" losses.

[ChiefOC]

SitRep 03/14/42

"Good morning, Admiral. Welcome back, how was Bremerton?"

"Thank you Chief. Cold, too damn cold for this Texan, might take a few days of aloha weather to defrost me."

"Admiral, if I may, it was a nice thing you did for those boys off Warspite while you were there."

"Chief, I tell you. The Brits have been taking care of our boys who have given all, it's only right and proper we reciprocate. It won't be long before Americans forget about British Tars being buried up in Washington, and not too much longer and England will also forget them. Besides, it was a distraction from waking up ten thousand people and lighting fires under their @sses to get them moving. Now. What's the latest?"

"Sir, Crippled Honolulu is being escorted to San Fran by crippled DD's Phelps and..."

"What the hell happened to Phelps?!"

"Collision sir, with cruiser Chester. Chester came out best as can be expected and should be outta drydock in a couple days. Afraid she and Talbot will take about a month or so 'Stateside. Same with Honolulu."

"Hell's bells. As if we don't have enough to worry about, some simple formation steaming should be the least of our worries."

"Aye, sir."

- - - - - - - - - -
A relatively slow couple of weeks.

Carriers Enterprise and Yorktown are covering the withdrawal of New Mexico's bombardment group after working over Wake. Especially after New Mexico took a torpedo for her troubles and will be headed 'Stateside after Pearl.

In the DEI, tomorrow two transport task forces will arrive with construction workers and the 19th Indian Division to develop/defend Cocos Island, aka Big Rock Candy Mountain. In Borneo there are survivors from 8 ragtag units that need to be reinforced/supplied as well as one in the Celebes. Pelambang is under invasion, and Rangoon is also being attacked by the IJA. There was a small naval battle in "The Slot" between New Caledonia and Noumea. IJN heavy cruiser Kumano was sunk after she and her escorts gave Pensacola's surface group a drubbing, though no USN ships were lost. In similar fashion, there was a small disaster (Navy Regulations cite a disaster occurs whenever 15 or more personnel are killed/seriously injured) off Johnston Atoll. Fleet Oiler Ramapo and two destroyers were attacked by two IJN tin cans. What in the actual f...? Destroyer Dent and Ramapo were sent to the bottom with no IJN losses. Ughh

[ChiefOC]

SitRep 03/31/42

Another relatively quiet 2 weeks, with some notable exceptions.

IJN subs still making a nuisance of themselves of the California coast as well as the East Coast of Oz and elsewhere. But not without cost. I-168, whom had been bedeviling ASW groups around Pearl Harbor surfaced in front of the ole S-38, which fired two torpedoes at the enemy sub. One hit, one explosion, one sunk I-boat. Near Sydney, the newish Indian DE Sutlej was vectored in and sank I-4.

Speaking of subs, USS Nautilus, operating from Naval Air Station Adak fired her entire torpedo compliment at a tanker, with no detonations. Then she surfaced and sank the Ogura Maru (19 pt TK) with her two 6-inch guns. Ha, take that.

I was planning a leapfrog amphib to cut off the IJA invasion of Rangoon, but then the IJN landed in my back yard - taking Akyab and Cox's Bazaar. How annoying. I sent the only local naval units to assist consisting of 2 Brit CLs, the Dutch CLAA Van Henrnskerk, Dutch DD Tjerk Hiddes and a Brit DD. They were intercepted by two IJN CA's escorted with a CL and 3 DDs. No losses to the IJN, but both Dutch ships were sunk and both Brit CLs were crippled. Ughh.

The IJA made amphib landings in Java. Far north at Merck, and what I suspect is a nuisance raid SSW of Soerbaja at Banjoewangi. Maybe having 4 of my 5 CL's defending Java in drydock with damage or on their way to a drydock might have been a factor. Meanwhile, it is still open season, for the most part, on sinking marus and their escorts in the waters surrounding Java. Dozens of ships, including some small escorts (PBs) and a few auxiliaries, have been sent to the bottom from surface groups out of Soerbaja - until the last two each received unwanted attention from Betty Bombers. I'm getting very efficient at sinking marginally escorted merchies - but versus combatants - not so much. And no sightings of IJN Carriers for a month. Making me pretty nervous.

For development:
NAS Adak is up to Port 3/5 and AF 1/4
Cocos Is Port 1/0
Darwin Port 4/3 and AF 4/7 with level 3 forts.
Port Moresby Port 2/2 and AF 3/6 with level 3 forts.
Lihue, TOH Port 2/1 and AF 1/3
Lahaina, TOH Port 4/2 and AF 4/7
Midway Port 2/1 and AF 4/1, with about 7,000 troops. (Yes, I got guys sleeping on the beaches and am working on making better accommodations.

Scoreboard

Allied Ships sunk: 107 for 513 points
IJN/IJA ships sunk: 469 for 3,402 points (which include the inaccurate loss of CV Kaga). "Official" losses also include CA Maya sunk near Philippines by 1,000 lb bomb - and two IJN DD's sunk by mines. I laugh because there are no Allied a/c within 30-40 hexes of the PI. The only mine hits I can confirm are the two that have two of my subs limping back to base.

Political points avail: 1,696
Japanese score: 11,918
Allied score: 16,308

New stat:
Current Carriers available:
Lexington
Saratoga
Yorktown
Enterprise
Hornet - just new to the PTO
Indomitable
Formidable
Hermes
Honorable Mention Langley (AV-3) USN Flagship at Darwin

Confirmed IJN Carriers/capital ships sunk:
CVL Zuiho
CAs x 3

[BBfanboy]

In one paragraph you mention Indian DE Tjerk Hiddes, and in another paragraph you mention Dutch DD Tjerk Hiddes.
At this point in the game the only two Indian DEs are Jumna and Sutlej.

[ChiefOC]

Good catch BBfanboy. Yup, my notes were not very organized. First sub kill to a DE goes to Indian DE Sutlej. My apologies.

[ChiefOC]

SitRep 04/15/1942

IJA forces are still undeterred in their conquests. Fighting rages in Rangoon, as Pegu has fallen. With Akyab and Cox's Bazaar in Japanese hands, the Burma Front is threatening to collapse. The planned reinforcement of Port Blair is now in doubt with regards if any ground forces can be forced through IJA/IJN control of surrounding seas and air. Port Morseby and Darwin are building up defenses and reserves.

Most of Sumatra, including Palembang, has been taken. In Java, IJA landings in Merak in the north and Banjoewangi in the south were thrown back into the seas. However, a large force landed and took Kalidjadi (North of Tjilatjap) and appear to be here to stay. More than a dozen IJN task forces are maneuvering without opposition along the east coast of Java. The idea of relief/rescue of over a dozen stranded/isolated units throughout the DEI may be moot.

In the Central Pacific waters, it has been calm with very few sightings of the IJN. However, even the few confirmed ships sightings eluded attack apparently in complete disregard of the U.S. Navy and USAAF forces. Those sightings include Japanese submarines from Prince Rupert, Canada all the way to San Diego, California. It appears I may need to implement a Defensive Sea Zone off SOCAL to prevent any IJN submarine interdictions of new USN arrivals chopping into PACFLT.

There was one bright note in Rangoon. With all the refugees flooding in, there is a report of a group of nuns deviated towards British Military Police HQ. One nun, removed her headwear, kissed all the others, and identified herself to the Sergeant of the Guard as non-other than Major Gregory Boyington, United States Marine Corps. The Major was reported MIA some weeks back. Major Boyington was notified during his last engagement he is confirmed to have shot down two Japanese bombers and is now a double Ace.

[BBfanboy]

Your description of the Japanese steamroller advancing over the DEI and Burma is a familiar one, the only deviations being your successful speed-bump defences in a few spots. Good work there!

But one niggling thing for me:

mute = soundless
moot = besides the point; bypassed by events

[ChiefOC]

Thank you BBfanboy. Typos are a bit of an CDO thing for me. I initially had OBE (Overcome By Events) one of many standard USN abbreviations still stuck in my craw after 24 years of USN AD, but then changed it, and inaccurately chose the autocorrected version.

[ChiefOC]

SitRep 04/30/42

In the BTO, Rangoon has fallen, and the Allied Forces are being chased up the coast. In an effort to escort shipping into the Bay of Bengal and restore some semblance of order; there was a bit of a naval battle. Previously, Allied DDs had been met by IJN CLs. Then Allied CLs were met by IJN CA's. This time the British force consisted of three BBs, CAs and DDs, covered by HMS Hermes' Carrier Group. (Don't laugh.) True to form the IJN intercepted with two BBs, etc. BBs Resolution and Ramillies are now licking their wounds in Columbo after both being hit by Long Lance TT's and 14" gunfire. HMS Cornwall is next to them having been mauled by 8" gunfire. However, CA Myoko, along with CL's Tama and Naka were sunk. Numerous hits were scored on the IJN BB's with no apparent damage. The next day Swordfish from Hermes administered a torpedo coup de grace to CA Furataka limping from the scene.

Things are heating up in Java and by that, are looking grim. IJA forces are now in seven cities from Soerkatu to Batavia, with a reported 14 units of @28 thousand troops in Batavia. I have reinforcements enroute from NZ, as well as the 53rd British Brigade, but things are not going well. The Dutch CL Java led 4 DDs in an attack on a IJN convoy near Tjilatjap. Fortunately, the convoy was four small unescorted merchies. The transports were all sunk with no Allied damage. How the mighty Java Fleet has fallen. Once boasting 5 CLs, the occasional CA and about a dozen DD/DEs; it is now just Java and her four DDs. The rest, including CLs DeRuyter and Tromp nearing Melbourne enroute to Sydney are repairing, enroute to yards and/or escorting cripples.

USN Subs report numerous IJN task forces, with Carriers, Battleships etc in the Gilbert and Marshal Island chains. Lady Lex's TF was fortunate to have located one of the small ones near Palmyra. CA Mogami, CL Yubari and DD Asakaze were sunk. Even so, it took most of Lexington's capabilities to do so and she is now enroute back to Pearl for rearming and perhaps refit.

Of note, early on a, US Sub brought two .50 cal mg teams from the USN Cavite Base Force from the PI to Port Moresby. The unit is slowly reconstituting itself. It now includes 10 rifle squads, seven Engineers, three engineering vehicles, four 40mm Bofors guns and 30 Aviation Support. Not bad.

Also noteworthy. I am keeping a weather eye out for interesting Allied vessels and air groups. I just "found" the British AMCs Cornwallis and Pansy. There's a frightening name, ay what? Very interesting lasses. I'll save the surprise until later, needless to say I have them on War Patrols.

Score sheet:

Allied A/C pts lost: 1,281
IJA/IJN A/C pts lost: 2,521

Allied Ships sunk: 111
Pts for s/s: 536

IJN ships sunk: 563 (Unofficial)
Pts for s/s: 4,286

Allied Army loss pts: 6,693
IJA Army loss pts: 2,921

Political pts: 1,436

Japanese score: 14,029
Allied score: 17,072

No change to Allied CVs in theatre. IJN heavies confirmed sunk are now one CVL and 6 CAs.

[ChiefOC]

SitRep 5/15/42

"I like that better Chief", said Nimitz. "Read it one more time."

"Aye Admiral" replied the Chief.

"From CINCPACFLT, to COM TF 68.

In carrying out the task assigned in OP Plan 29-42, Enterprise and Hornet will be governed by the principle of calculated risk, which you'll interpret to mean the avoidance of exposure of your force to attack by superior enemy forces, without good prospect of inflicting as a result of such exposure greater damage to the enemy. Signed, Nimtz"

"Yep, that'll do it. Have someone get that over to Communications right away", ordered Nimitz.

"Aye Aye, Admiral".

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

In the Burma Theatre of Operations (BTO) Pegu, Rangoon, and Mandalay have fallen. Not sure how the IJA got to Mandalay coming out of the jungle from nowhere. I have landed forces at Cox's Bazaar to retake Cox's Bazaar and then get things up there under control. Reckon we'll see. His Majesty's carrier HMS Indomitable is part of the screening force, probably on her last OP as she is due to rotate out with about 60 days.

Things in Java are both better and worse. Allied forces have backed IJA forces up to the key city of Bandoeng. Meanwhile the IJN has landed reinforcements at Batavia. Enemy troops in Batavia are now estimated at 21 units of @62 thousand troops. It is still in Allied hands, though not sure how. I can only presume thanks to Java's ragtag fleet sinking dozens of transports and AKs, most units landed are fractions or way short on Assault Strength. I have several ground units headed into Java (via Soerbaja's huge port with fighter cover) but they seem to be moving sooooo slow and the IJA will probably not wait to bag them as well.

Also in Java, Dutch DO-24K-1 flying boats have rescued survivors of eight shattered and scattered units throughout Borneo. They are all refitting/rebuilding in Soerabaja. That leaves just two orphan units left in Borneo, but they are currently both out of reach and without a beach, just SW of Tarakan.

There are also five straggler units in Sumatra with little hope of rescue. Likewise, and kind of incredibly, three Allied units are holding out in the PI. Two are PA units, so no hope for them. However, I "bought out" the Cebu Base Force and US Subs are smuggling small teams of the CBF to Darwin.

Darwin has become considerably more dangerous from an offensive standpoint. Currently Darwin hosts 42 fighters, 31 LBs, and most importantly 44 flying boats - the vast majority being PBY-5A Catalinas. I just smuggled in the 222 Group RAF, so now my Cats carry torpedoes. But like so many of my bastions, supply remains a problem. Darwin only has a bit more than 5K of supplies. And that means no A/C replacements.

Allied troops are digging in at Port Moresby. I have managed to get several units into PM, but supplies are below 10K. Buna, Lae etc have all fallen.

In the US Sub Campaign, the first US Sub casualty happened when S-36 was bombed and sunk by Japanese A/C. The subs are doing mostly recon work, but occasionally score a hit - which actually explodes - and have sunk several small merchies. An older Momo Class DD (no ASW capability) also fell victim to sub attack. The Sub reconnaissance is keeping eyes on several IJN TFs, reporting many CVs, CVLs, and multiple BB TFs. Noteworthy is a smaller TF with just two CVLs headed for New Caledonia. NC is still in contention and many small IJN convoys have been intercepted and destroyed there. TF 68 comprising Enterprise and Hornet are headed to NC to ambush the two CVLs.

[BBfanboy]

Thank you BBfanboy. Typos are a bit of an CDO thing for me. I initially had OBE (Overcome By Events) one of many standard USN abbreviations still stuck in my craw after 24 years of USN AD, but then changed it, and inaccurately chose the autocorrected version.

For me and any British commonwealth countryman, OBE usually means "Order of the British Empire" - a decoration awarded for exceptional service.

[BBfanboy]

If you have no further plans for Indomitable after this op, you might check if withdrawing her early will give you a reward in PP.

About the Dornier Patrol A/C - there should be some PBYs to upgrade them to by now. IIRC, the PBY can carry about twice as much which means more troops rescued per aircraft.

[ChiefOC]

25 May 1942

"Hello boys, this is Tokio Rose. That was your favorite song 'Don't sit under the Apple Tree'. But you don't have to worry who your girl is with Joe, it is your 4F friend holding her hand. I'm sure they are talking about you.

Today, Imperial Headquarters announced another glorious victory in the Marshall Islands. Your American navy lost many ships including two aircraft carriers and a battleship. Why keep fighting fellas? Your friends in the Philippines have surrendered and encourage you to do the same thing to save lives. Now, another favorite song for you. By Bing Crosby, here is 'I surrender dear'".

- - - - - - - - - -

"Admiral, I sure would like to feed that dame a knuckle sandwich", said Chief.

"Ha ha ha, Chief" replied Admiral Nimitz. "Settle down, she's just doing her job. When Adm Halsey takes Enterprise into Tokyo harbor in a few years, I'll see if he can arrange for you to have lunch with Rose. Besides, like many of you boys, I like the music she plays. Chief, have one of your Petty Officers run over to Communications and check for traffic".

"Your furrowed brow gives me the idea you are a bit worried."

"Perhaps chief", answered Nimitz. "The Marshalls are just north of Halseys' projected track headed down south. Usually Tokyo Rose is full of poi, but I think there might be more to her broadcast".

"Aye, aye Admiral. Right away", replied chief.

[ChiefOC]

While Hornet and Enterprise's group were stalking a reported two light carriers heading to Port Morseby, the reports got worse and worse, soon growing to four carriers, with lots of battleships and smaller escorts. Meanwhile, the handfuls of subs I was screening TF 68 found more bad guys. Behind and North of TF 68, subs reported a IJN TF of two battleships, two cruisers and several tin cans. Figuring it was getting stuck between a rock and a cliffside, I turned TF 68 NE to hit the IJN battleships. Lady luck threw a kiss, and a Fleet boat fired a salvo of fish, scoring a torpedo hit on BB Kongo. Not a mortal wound in itself, but it hamstrung the IJN TF. My carriers closed.

5/23: Kongo and CL Tenryu were sunk by carrier airstrike near Mili
5/24: BB Nagato was left afire with many hits/damage and DD Akikaze sunk from carrier strike (Nagato was then hit and sunk by a torpedo from US Sub) near Majoro.
5/25: Heavy Cruiser Ashigara along with DDs Oite and Asanagi sunk near Majoro from Carrier airstrike.

TF 68 returning to Pearl having expended most of it's airstrikes and half it's gas.

5/31/42 SitRep

A quick look around starting at Territory of Alaska.

Adak - a 4/5 port and 2/4 airfield with 4/9 forts and @25k of supplies, 12 PBYs and a couple squadrons of subs with shore batteries and DefBats.

Dutch Harbor - a 3/3 port, 0/0 a/f with 3/6 forts, base force, HQ and coast bat.

Midway is a 2/1 port, 4/1 a/f with 3/6 forts. A base force, Seabees, HVY AA plus 42 fts (Buffaloes and P-40s), 34 SBDs, 15 TBDs and 6 Scouting B-17s.

Pearl is busting at the seams, mostly. 8/5 port, 10/7 a/f with 6/9 forts. only serious damaged ships are DD O'Brien (from a collision) and BBs California (982 dys) and Pennsylvania (150 days) whom aren't going anywheres soon. Penn's system damage is 62 which is why she is still here.

Canton is secure but supplies are at 13k. Same for Suva, Pago Pago, Koumac and Noumea (New Caladonia).

Port Morsesby is a different kettle of fish on the simmer. Only ten flyable P-39s, 0 fuel, 0 supplies and a hvy IJN TF with four CVs, three BBs, etc etc to keep it that way. I have six subs watching the show and not helping.

Darwin is a fort/force to be reckoned with. But that could be short lived unless I get the supplies higher than 7K.

HMAS Canberra is cruising (19) knots nearing Perth having eaten another (her 3rd? so far) torpedo from a Betty. She has a single escort with two more meeting her tomorrow.

Java DEI. Right. Well, the IJA is being a proper unwanted guest holding the northern third of Java, being held at bay at Bandoeng. CL Java is still Flagship of her ragtag squadron fighting off IJN convoys. CL Sumatra snuck back into Soerbaja, only to be also hit with a torpedo from a Betty. Grrrr. Yard Officer says 48 days to repair her. Not sure if Java has that long to hold out.

CL's DeRueter and Tromp will render Honors as they pass HMAS Canberra on their way back to also reinforce Soerbaya having just gotten repaired themselves.

On a good note, I've airlifted/evac'd all unit remnants in Borneo except the Tarakan Base Force and Tarakan Coastal Gun Battalion survivors. I have a plan to rescue them, I just need a little luck and the IJA/IJN AI to ignore them a bit more. Then there is the Manado Garrison Battalion survivors at the far NE corner of Celebes. They might have a chance of rescue as well, with a bit of luck.

Burma continues to devolve. The IJA took Mandaly and Cox's Bazaar cutting off several units. The next day or two will see if I can reform the line, or order a full retreat.

Port Blair thus far has been mostly ignored. Except every time a transport or two try to sneak in, they are then met unceremoniously by the IJN.

Stats

Allied a/c pts lost: 1647
IJA/IJN a/c pts lost: 3232

Allied Army pts lost: 7453
IJA Army pts lost: 3247

Allied ships sunk: 124
pts for Allied ships sunk: 676

IJN ships sunk: 660 (an increase of @100 from last month)*
pts for IJN ships sunk: 5336

*these include Kaga - which I know is still commissioned, but not Kongo, which I know sank.

Political points: 560

Japanese score: 16,025
Allied score: 19,003

[BBfanboy]

Nice work on the intel that set up the Marshalls raid. Well done!

The IJN land unit losses look much higher than usual for early game. Did you sink a lot of loaded transports or was it the AI shock-attacking strong positions?

[ChiefOC]

Aye. Majority of IJA losses have been at sea. The IJA are referring to Marus as their Imperial transports to meet their ancestors. To paraphrase George C Scott in "Patton", my ABDA CL led task forces have been m♧♡rdering the IJA landing forces by the shipload. I've destroyed entire landing convoys from 4 to 25 ships. One very large convoy went down with 35 THOUSAND casualties.

Destroyed convoy

20210502_160106.jpg (4.58 MiB) Viewed 830 times

[ChiefOC]

Mid June 1942

Battleships Idaho and Mississippi, only two combat-ready USN BBs in the PTO are taking on fuel etc preparing for Operation Door Knock. But they won't have long to wait. USS Wasp along with USS N. Carolina, CLAA San Juan and six DDs just arrived San Diego. Also HMS Warspite will be loosing her moorings for Hawaii as well. But Wake will have to wait for more than one CV to escort them. Sara and Lady Lex have a few more weeks to finish their refit. When they clear the docks,
Yorktown and her two sisters will go in, once they get back from their current patrol down to Canton Is.

Commonwealth Troops have reoccupied Mandalay, Schwebo, Akyab, and Cox's Bazaar, so the BTO is looking better, but is still a mess.

My Borneo relief plan had some success. I transported a small Det of Aviation Support and some Dutch Do-24K-1s to Pamekasan. From there, the flying boats had the range (without flying over land) to reach my stranded Tarakan units two hexes straight down from Tarakan. First I exfiled some of the Tarakan Base Engineers, then got all the survivors from the Tarakan Coastal Gun Battalion. But while getting the balance of the Tarakan Engineers, a small IJN/IJA TF was headed to Soerbaya, and I thought they might want Pamekasan. I had more aircraft evacuating Pamekasan, while the 24K-1s were airlifting survivors into it. I called all the birds back into Soerbaya to see what would happen, and yes the IJA hit Pam. I lost some ground squads, and a couple broke 24K-1s. But I did save many squads which do add up at the end of the day. All the invaders Amphib ships were sunk, so this story not done yet.

My Mando survivors (with a negligible AV of Four (4)) are now next to the apparently abandoned base at Gorontola (Celebes). I've had a US Sub keeping an eye on it, with a small amount of supplies. More on that later too.

HMS Australia is leading a relief force including a handful of CLs and DD Norman back to Soerbaya. Not a moment too soon. A Betty stuck a torpedo into the side of CL Java, so my Java Task Force is now whittled down to 6 destroyers, until help comes or the Yardbirds fix a couple cruisers. I do wish those college boys with 50 odd fighters could keep better control of the airspace of the most important Allied Port in the DEI.

Speaking of important ports, I've shoved just shy of 5K of supplies and two dozen Kittyhawks into Port Moresby. A couple of my "flashbang" merchies were lost drawing the wrath of Bettys and 36cm HE, but PM has gotta hold. As soon as the IJN heavies used up their loads of shells, they left. That's gonna burn time and gas to go refuel and return. Works for me.

Speaking of Bettys, my flagship of my New Caledonia TF, USS Pensacola also ate a Betty torpedo leading another sweep of Ironbottom Sound. Pensacola is now headed to Auckland with a pair of DDs. Her float damage is 52, so presuming a sub or heavy seas don't take her, PCola will be out of action for some time. I'll be glad if/when TF 568 (York, Big E, and Hornet) can get down there and help. Long ways from Pearl.