The Retreat From Palembang - The Matrix Games version of Rising Sun

15 February, 1942
Palembang, Sumatra: The Japanese airborne attack on the 14th was not successful: They failed in their gamble to take P1 Airfield and sustained about 80% casualties in the attempt; At Plaju they did take their objective, the oil refinery, but did not have sufficient strength to hold it; however some of the Japanese paratroopers are still holding out, most importantly at the roadblock between P1 Airfield and Palembang city. A general evacuation of southern Sumatra has been announced and all Allied troops in this command area are to withdraw south toward Oosthaven on the southern tip of the island, on the Sunda Strait, and obtain transport there to Java. To buy additional time for the large number of noncombatants (i.e. civilian dependents and functionaries, air force personnel, service troops and stragglers from Singapore) to get off the island, the Allied troops must delay the Japanese advance around Palembang for 3 or 4 hours. The Japanese paratroopers are not the problem; the sea landing force is approaching up the Musi River. While the remnants of the Allied air forces attempt to delay them on the river they will not be able to stop them, just cut them up a little. It is a difficult proposition for the Allied commander.