Defending the Malay Barrier: Turn 6, 1st - 15th March, 1942. Japanese Patrol intercepts US Sweep

 The rules used throughout the campaign is General Quarters 3 (GQ3).

The remnants of the Japanese Distant Cover Group newly transferred from the WAF, mount a patrol tasked with intercepting any allied forces attempting to attack one of the invasion convoys. Despite the poor weather, a Force 7 near gale with visibility limited to 19,000 yards, they spot the allied East Group steaming north.

The small Japanese force consisting of the heavy cruiser Atago and destroyers Oshio and Ikazuchi, move to intercept the allies.

East Group lead by the light cruisers USS Boise and HMNZS Leander escorted by 8 Clemson class destroyers, Stewart, Edwards, Alden, Whipple, John D Ford, Pope, Peary and Pilsbury, are steaming north when they spot enemy ships approaching from the north west.

The poor weather will adversely affect the accuracy of gunnery and torpedoes and speed is limited to 25 knots on both sides.

The first sighting of the enemy!

Continued -

Defending the Malay Barrier: Turn 6, 1st - 15th March, 1942

 

The start of turn 6 with just a handful of objectives remaining for the Japanese.

The Java targets will be critical and being large convoys will need a good deal of escorts. The Japanese of course must still capture Timor and Bali.

Continued -

Defending the Malay Barrier: Turn 5, 15th - 28th February, 1942

 

The situation at the start of turn 5. The most notable development being the fall of Singapore. 2 RN destroyers in drydock were destroyed with the remaining 4 having sailed to join the Dutch in Batavia. The objectives circled have been captured by the Japanese.

The Japanese must capture all objectives before the end of turn 6 to claim victory. The margin of that victory will be determined by the number of victory points (VP's) gained by each side. This will prove to be very tight indeed with the EAF in particular having no leeway for failure.

Continued -