I was having an email discussion with Mr. Clark and Mr O'Neil, and I was reminded of the fact that HMS Repulse, HMS Tenedos and HMAS Vampire departed Singapore on 5 December 1941, for a "showing the flag" visit to Darwin. The ships were recalled the next day after a Lockheed Hudson reconnaissance aircraft from No. 1 RAAF Squadron sighted and reported the Japanese invasion fleet in the South China Sea, Repulse and the DDs arriving back in Singapore around noon on 7 December. Force Z sailed the following day and we all know what happened after that.
IRL Admiral Phillips would never have countenanced one of his two capital ships sailing away, splitting his force prior to going into action, but in DTMB game terms, what would happen if Repulse and her consorts are not recalled? Well, here's something you can try if you want. Full disclosure, the modifications for this new start option have not been playtested in any way, it is available if someone wants to give it a try:
2.4.1 Naval Combat Mission Command Decisions
Another exception to 2.4.1 Naval Combat Mission Command Decisions: HMS Repulse and HMS Tenedos can combine with the ANZAC cruiser squadron, and/or one U.S. Destroyer Division if it was transferred to Darwin, prior to the formation of ABDA on Turn 3 (i.e. 15 January 1942).
Turn 0:
Allied Command Decisions (Allies have two CDs this turn, both of which are required)
Add a TrnsfrSG-D (Transfer HMS Repulse, HMS Tenedos and HMAS Vampire from Singapore to Darwin) mission.
Turn 1:
Allied Command Decisions (WESGROUP, EASGROUP and Darwin each nominally get one; assign ships to missions)
Add an SD (Sortie a Sweep from Darwin against the Eastern Attack Force (eastern axis) mission. This mission is exempt from the normal Sweep requirements in that it does not require a cruiser.
That's all there is to it. Obviously it involves playing optional Turn 0, so it is combined with the Force Z Sortie option. Can the IJN sink HMS Prince of Wales on Turn 0 - most probably with their LBA - like they did historically, so they can transfer Kongo and Haruna to the Eastern Attack Force (EAF) on Turn 1 to deal with Repulse? Can Repulse do what she was originally designed to do and be a cruiser-killer against the EAF? Only the dice will tell...
Dave