Vettim89 vs Greasylake - Reversal of Fortunes

Matrix Games Forums

Forums Register Login Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ

My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums Log Out

Vettim89 vs Greasylake - Reversal of Fortunes

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> War In The Pacific - Struggle Against Japan 1941 - 1945 >> After Action Reports >> Vettim89 vs Greasylake - Reversal of Fortunes

Page: [1] 2 3 4 5 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Vettim89 vs Greasylake - Reversal of Fortunes - 3/26/2008 6:00:03 PM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

Well this is my first AAR and actually my first full game PBEM game. Some specifics as to the scenario: AB extended map using Big Bob mod 1.4 Scenario 92 (I think)

House rules:

1)Use common sense(the most important one)
2)Train pilots by attacking real targets...no attacking abandoned bases or supply training
3)Use PPs on Kwangtung/China Command unts that are moved out of Manchuria/China
4)LCU stacking: 30,000 defenders on an atoll and 75,000 max on one hex island
5)No invasions by subs
6)ASW TF max of 6 ships
7)AC stacking: 50x base size +1 (a level 1 base can have 100 ac, level 2 150, etc)
8)AC that transfer greater than 9 hexes must rest one turn before conducting any air operations
9)No naval bombing with B-29s
10) 4E city bombing attacks above 15,000 feet during the day
11)Invasions and paratroop landings only at base/dot hexes
12)No cutting(resetting) land movement of land stacks with small units or fragments of units
13) No city bombing attacks from or against Chinese bases
14) Naval bombardments of hexes in support of troops already present or within 14 days of a planned invasion.

But to allow some more realism I propose the following also. These are to put some historical political context into the game

14. Dutch units may not be moved out of the DEI - not even fragments (They would not have left - period)
15. Phillipine units may not be moved out of the Phillipines (as above)
16. Only Chinese units already assigned to SEAC may operate outside China (politics of china were complex)
17. If the Japanese player invades India, Australia, or NZ, he must have a LCU in every base he conquers at all times. This is a simplified garrison rule. Seen too many AAR's where the Japanese have the Allies pinned in Karchi with the whole of India devod of LCU's. No splitting of units to create a dozen small fragments to accomplish this either
18. Canadian units may only operate in Canada, Alaska, and the Aleutians unless the Japanese invade Australia/NZ. Then Canadian units can be transferred to Australia Command/ANZAC by playing the PP (This gives the Allied player some recourse against a complete takeover of Oz/Kiwiland)

< Message edited by vettim89 -- 2/27/2009 3:57:26 PM >

Post #: 1

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 3/26/2008 6:07:23 PM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

Decided to do this a little late so I don't have the first turn Combat Report available. We went with historical first turn. So we had the PH attack, invasions in Malaya, Guam, and Wake, lots of destruction of allied AC, etc

A couple of oddities that have thrown both my opponent and I a little bit of a curve. First, Wake Island fell on the first attempt. My opponent remarked that he has never had this happen on the first turn. The second is what could be considered an absolute failure of the PH attack. No ships sunk and only 5 with over 50% systems damage. KB is still lurking off the coast so Greasylake may have no choice but to go for a second day worth of attacks.

As to my short term strategic goals: pull back in Malaya and Burma to delay the inevitable as long as possible, build up the DEI forts as much as possible - not moveing a lot of units here, establish a line from Pogog Pogo to Suva to Noumea as my first line of defense in the SP.

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 2

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 3/26/2008 6:56:14 PM

Saso

Posts: 232
Joined: 3/7/2008
From: Italy
Status: offline

quote:

Well this is my first AAR and actually my first full game PBEM game.

Good luck vettim89!

_____________________________

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 3

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 3/27/2008 4:30:08 AM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

Well day 2 didn't go quite as well. I lost Tennesee and 2 other BB's have over 90 system damage. Nothing with over 30 floatation though. Only good new to report is that aircraft losses for today include 14 Vals and 15 Kates. The Attrition begins

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/08/41

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 20 troops unloading over beach at Guam, 63,66

Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Kota Bharu, 24,45, firing at TF 85
TF 85 troops unloading over beach at Kota Bharu, 24,45

76 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
PG Tatsumiya Maru
PC Ch 7

Japanese ground losses:
488 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 87 troops unloading over beach at Aparri, 45,49

Japanese ground losses:
220 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 88 troops unloading over beach at Vigan, 44,49

Japanese ground losses:
204 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Legaspi at 45,54

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara
DD Yukikaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Shiokaze

Allied Ships
TK Manatawny, Shell hits 29, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Legaspi at 45,54

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara
DD Yukikaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Shiokaze

Allied Ships
AK Dos Hermanos, Shell hits 7, on fire
AK Elcano, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AK Escalante R, Shell hits 2, on fire
AK Governor Wright, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 6, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Guam, at 63,66

Japanese Ships
DD Yuzuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Uzuki
DD Oboro
CA Kako
CA Furutaka
CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba

Allied ground losses:
348 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Vigan, at 44,49

Japanese Ships
DD Samidare
DD Yudachi
DD Harusame
DD Murasame
DD Asagumo
DD Minegumo
DD Natsugumo
CL Naka

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 10
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 6

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Legaspi, at 45,54

Japanese Ships
DD Shiokaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Umikaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Yamakaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Yukikaze
CL Nagara

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 6
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Aparri, at 45,49

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze
DD Harukaze
DD Nagatsuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Minazuki
DD Satsuki
CL Natori

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 8
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 6

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Aparri, at 45,49

Japanese Ships
DD Matsukaze
DD Asakaze
CL Kuma
CA Ashigara
CA Maya

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 4
Port supply hits 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 20 troops unloading over beach at Guam, 63,66

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Kota Bharu, 24,45, firing at TF 85
TF 85 troops unloading over beach at Kota Bharu, 24,45

14 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
109 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 87 troops unloading over beach at Aparri, 45,49

Japanese ground losses:
171 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 88 troops unloading over beach at Vigan, 44,49

Japanese ground losses:
89 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Singapore , at 22,51

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 75

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 15 destroyed, 21 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 2 damaged
Vildebeest IV: 2 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 7

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Clark Field , at 43,51

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 75
G3M Nell x 35
G4M1 Betty x 52
C5M Babs x 9
Ki-46-II Dinah x 2
Ki-15 Babs x 15

Allied aircraft
P-26A x 2
P-35A x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 2
P-40B Tomahawk x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-26A: 3 destroyed
P-35A: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 9

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Alor Star , at 24,44

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 10
Ki-21 Sally x 11
Ki-48 Lily x 44

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48 Lily: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Alor Star , at 24,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
Ki-21 Sally x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 2 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pearl Harbor , at 114,72

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 61
D3A Val x 31
B5N Kate x 57

Allied aircraft
P-36A Mohawk x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 4
P-40B Tomahawk x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
D3A Val: 1 destroyed, 25 damaged
B5N Kate: 10 destroyed, 31 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-36A Mohawk: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB California, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Litchfield, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Conyngham, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
CL Helena, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB Arizona, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Detroit, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Port hits 7

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Aparri at 45,49

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 4

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Nagatsuki

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Aparri at 45,49

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 4

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Arizona Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Guam, at 63,66

Japanese Ships
DD Yuzuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Uzuki
DD Oboro
CA Kako
CA Furutaka
CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba

Allied ground losses:
99 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Vigan, at 44,49

Japanese Ships
DD Samidare
DD Yudachi
DD Harusame
DD Murasame
DD Asagumo
DD Minegumo
DD Natsugumo
CL Naka

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 7
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Legaspi, at 45,54

Japanese Ships
DD Shiokaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Umikaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Yamakaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Yukikaze
CL Nagara

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 4
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 6
Port supply hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Aparri, at 45,49

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze
DD Harukaze
DD Nagatsuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Minazuki
DD Satsuki
CL Natori

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Aparri, at 45,49

Japanese Ships
DD Matsukaze
DD Asakaze
CL Kuma
CA Ashigara
CA Maya

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Legaspi

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2540 troops, 15 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 40 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Legaspi base !!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hong Kong

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 22536 troops, 253 guns, 17 vehicles

Defending force 11822 troops, 105 guns, 3 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 6

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 4

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 3/30/2008 8:49:35 PM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/10/41

Well, there isn't one. I am playing several games right now and ran a turn on another game before copying the combat report.

Recap of 12/09 - 12/10:
Opponent takes Makin
Opponent continues invading northern Luzon
KB Withdraws to the west
Opponent takes Guam
Force Z engages IJN off Malaya. Repulse is badly damaged but afloat. FOW reports her sunk but she is now. All but one of the DD's is sunk

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 5

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 3/30/2008 8:54:29 PM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/11/41

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 41,54

Japanese Ships
DD Yamagumo
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma
DD Chidori
DD Manazuru
DD Tomozuru

Allied Ships
AO Pecos, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on CCP New 4th Army, at 47,41

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 8
Ki-21 Sally x 13

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
45 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Alor Star , at 24,44

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 43
Ki-21 Sally x 27
Ki-48 Lily x 22
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1
Ki-15 Babs x 3

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
27 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Alor Star , at 24,44

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 26
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3
Ki-15 Babs x 3

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
7 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 13000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Singapore , at 22,51

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 35

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
12 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
7 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Hong Kong Fortress, at 43,42

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 6
Ki-51 Sonia x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 5 destroyed, 12 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on FMSV Brigade, at 24,45

Japanese aircraft
C5M Babs x 1
Ki-21 Sally x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 12000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 8th Indian Brigade, at 24,45

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 5
Ki-48 Lily x 30
Ki-15 Babs x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
12 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 8th Indian Brigade, at 24,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
C5M Babs x 1
Ki-21 Sally x 30
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3
Ki-15 Babs x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 10000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 12000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 27,51

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
G3M Nell x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Thanet
DD Thracian
DD Scout

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kweichow , at 45,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 13
Ki-30 Ann x 7
Ki-15 Babs x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-30 Ann: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-30 Ann bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kanhsien , at 45,39

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 6
Ki-48 Lily x 20

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Clark Field , at 43,51

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
P-26A x 2
P-35A x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 2
P-40B Tomahawk x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-26A: 1 damaged
P-35A: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Singora at 24,43

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 6
Hudson I x 6

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Shirakumo
DD Yugiri
DD Murakumo

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 27,46

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Mogamigawa Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 27,51

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
G3M Nell x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Thanet
DD Thracian
DD Scout

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 34,63

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 9
B5N Kate x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Bisayas
AK Don Jose
AK Sagoland, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Anakan, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hong Kong

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 45290 troops, 472 guns, 14 vehicles

Defending force 11464 troops, 92 guns, 4 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 4

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 4)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 4

Japanese ground losses:
283 casualties reported
Guns lost 10

Allied ground losses:
132 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kota Bharu

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 16796 troops, 235 guns, 14 vehicles

Defending force 10183 troops, 46 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

Japanese ground losses:
107 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
117 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kota Bharu

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6066 troops, 35 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 16567 troops, 231 guns, 14 vehicles

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tuguegarao

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 676 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 15 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Tuguegarao base !!!

So IJN is having fun beating up on the fleeing merchant shipping and moving forward in PI and Malaya. My opponent is moving at a very slow pace right now but I suspect that is just feeling me out. Repulse has made it back to Singapore with 87 System Damage and 70 Flotation. SHe is alfoat but just barely. AS getting her out is a pipedream, I plan to just use her as a flaoting target. Amazingly, the DD's that started in Hong Kong will make Singapore in the first movement phase of the next turn (hopefully). I am going to make another post regarding my current tactical and strategic plans

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 6

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 3/30/2008 9:13:39 PM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

First, I would appreciate any and all comments regarding this post. I will divide this into short term, mid term and long term as far as my plans.

Short Term

1. SCTF at Soroebaja (all the Dutch + UK CL's), Tarakan (4 USN DD/Dutch PT's), and Kendari (Remaining USN ships)
2. Aggressive mining of Batavia, Palembang, and Mokassar Strait
3. Sub Patrols are focused in choke points - North of Luzon, Makassar Str, Moluccan Str, etc and off northern Borneo
4. POW is making her way through the Sunda Strait and will make for Ceylon via West Coast of Sumutra
5. US CVTF are still hiding near Christmas Island (PO). Will head to PH next where they will meet up with Saratoga.
6. Placed small AUssie/NZ SCTF in Rabaul and Noumea to counter unsupported landings in Coral Sea area

Mid Term

1. All Merchant shipping pulling out of Bay of Bengal. Will start CS from Aden to Karachi, Madras, and Colombo. Small TF will move supply around Bay of Bengal from these hubs
2. Pulling all units in Burma to a line roughly from Ledo to Akyab. Will leave rear gurad units behind to slow advance
3. Moving CS TF to Suva. WIll use this as a hub to then supply OZ, NZ, and Noumea.

Long Term

1. Establish defensive perimeter in SE Pacific focused on Pogo Pogo, SUva, Noumea, PM line
2. Do a fighting withdraw in Burma without commiting additional units there to keep as much free to guard against a invasion in central/western INdia
3. Concede the DEI but do a strongpoint defense focused on the Resource and Oil Centers.
4. Avoid engaging IJN prior to Zero bonus expiration but use my CV's to attack targets of opportunity

That will take me to May (hopefully). What I really need help with is what to do with subs

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 7

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 3/31/2008 3:48:28 AM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

13 Dec 1941

Having read some other AAR's, I decided to changed this to a narrative form vs. Combat Report form. I will probably still include some combat reports occasionally as might be warranted. We'll todays turn was interesting in what didn't happen. Greasylake had a mini-KB just north of the Makassar strait yesterday which made me accept my fate. I had over 30 ships moving past Balikapapan at that time and knew if he contued south, it was going to get ugly. To my surprise, his CVTF moved East and is now north of the Molacca's. All my shipping is now through Macassar and heading to Soroebaja.

Greasylake landed troops at Wenchow today and that is bad for about half a dozen Chinese units that are about to be pinched. I am moving as many units back as fast as I can to a point west of Canton. This area will be touch and go for the next week or so. In north central China I am moving my partisan units in position to block as many LOC's as I can.

Yesterday I thought the threat of KB reappearing had waned so the SCTF that was lurking at Johnston Island headed back to PH. You can imagine the smerk on my face when KB appeared NW of Johnston today and pounded the base and the lone MSW I somehow managed to miss.

The war is a week old and I have only lost 6 ships: BB Tennesee lost on Day 2 of PH, the 3 UK Destroyers lost in the Force Z sortie, and an AO and TK lost in the PI. My concern at this point is not where the Japanese are but where they are NOT! Greasylake has only a few units ashore in Malaya (18 K troops and Koto Bhura and one unit at Singora), troops at Wake (historical), Makin (maybe), and Guam. He has a sizable force ashore in northern Luzon but still within historical limitations. WIth the exception of Wenchow he has not yet appeared anywhere I didn't expect him. He has made no move toward NG, Rabaul, or the Gilberts yet. I don't know if I should be worried yet or not. Is he considering an invasion of the HI or Midway? Also no moves in the SRA area at all yat. I know its only been a week but I am still worried about the possibilites.

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 8

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 3/31/2008 3:53:38 AM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

Forgot - Hong Kong fell and 11000 Brits begin their long stay as guest of the Japanese army

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 9

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 3/31/2008 11:21:27 AM

Saso

Posts: 232
Joined: 3/7/2008
From: Italy
Status: offline

Can you post some screenshoots?

_____________________________

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 10

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 3/31/2008 8:46:23 PM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

Yes I will post some screen shots soon. I should have posted the Ships Sunk screen as I am quite proud of my 7 days in and only 6 ships lining the bottom of the Pacific. Greasylake really misses that opportunity in the Makassar Strait. Also, with the successful run of the Hong Kong DD's, I don't ffel bad about losing the DD's in the Force Z TF. Really feel like I came out even in that exchange. I think Greasylake may be a little disoriented right now and that is in my favor. If I were playing the Japanese I think I would be up to some real nefarious actions by this point, but that's just me

(in reply to Saso)

Post #: 11

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 3/31/2008 9:12:12 PM

marky

Posts: 5780
Joined: 3/8/2004
From: Wisconsin
Status: offline

Photobucket works best

_____________________________

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 12

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/1/2008 6:31:05 AM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

14 Dec 1941

Will devide this into Good News, Bad News, and Operations Update

Good News

POW hs now cleared the northern tip of Sumutra and is heading to Ceylon. My PT's left Manilla and mauled a landing TF at Lingayan - 3 MSW sunk and 2 AP's and a AK badly damged. I lost a PT and had another damaged. A S Boat hit a TransportTF south of the Pescadores and reported a hit. I am aggressively patroling the waters around the HI and one TF reported sinking a sub. The first TF are leaving Soroebaja loaded with fuel and resources and heading to Perth. LBA in Malaya fairly mauled a transport TF transiting SE of Singapore - wonder where he's going.

Bad News

Clark Field has about ceased to be effective. I am moving units out as fast as I can to Manilla and Cagayan. Repulse Flotation damage went up!

She now sits at 77 FLOT, 88 SYS. That is it for today but as I now see AmphTF moving toward teh SRA I suspect that will change soon.

Operational Update

KB is heading west - currently due south of Midway. I lost track of the mini-KB last seen near the Moloccas. Still no action in SP. I am moving all Dutch units on Java to Batavia Titilijap and Soroebaja. All Dutch units on SUmutra that can move are moving to Palembang. In China, my opponent seems very weak in NE China so I am planning a low intensity offensive there to tie up units as much as possible. My CVTF are still lurking south and east of the HI and will not return until the Sub Threat is reduced.

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 13

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/1/2008 6:55:18 AM

dennishe

Posts: 1081
Joined: 9/22/2007
From: Leiden, the Netherlands
Status: offline

If you leave bases at Java empty, the Japanese player can use paratroopers to capture empty bases and his invasion force can just walk in there. This will save him a lot of disruption and casualties. Further he can cut of your armies at Batavia and Tjilitjap from Soerabaja (by for example capturing Djokjakarta by paratroopers). He then can finish them off one by one.
Moving troops in Sumatra takes a lot of time (probably too much) and will be a huge burden on your troops (exaust levels). You might want to think this over.......

_____________________________

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 14

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/1/2008 4:24:50 PM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

Thanks for the advice Dennishe. The only troops moving in Sumutra are those close enough to actually make it to Palembang. I will stop most unit movement in Java. Forgot about the whole para thing. Obviously one of the biggest holes in this game is the wholesale use of Paratroops and air transport. It was done in RL but on a much more limited basis: Japanese took Miri in northern Borneo with paratroops the frist week of the war (interestingly enough I think the stock range for japanese transports won't let them reach), Aussies took and sustained Wau on PNG completely with air transport, and of course the Chindits/Merrill's Marauders adventrues in Burma. Still very limited use of paratroops in RL compared to game.

(in reply to dennishe)

Post #: 15

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/1/2008 9:06:39 PM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

15 December 1941

What a difference a day makes. The two TF sighted SE of Singapore yesterday were really 5 TF's. Mersing has been invaded and bad weather prevented my LBA from Singapore from interfering. The turn arrived withe comment "Hmmmm" from Greasylake. I am wondering if that was brought on by the fact that Mersing is no where near empty as I have been pulling back units from northeren Malaya from the onset of hosilities. I suspect he was hoping for a Coup d' Main with the effect of severeing the forces in Malaya in two. I have more units inbound so I hope I can hold off the invaders long enough to get the remaining troops out.

The other three TF's (2 SCTF and one AmphTF arrived at Kuching. Here my brave Dutch PT's tried to emulate their American brethren's success of yesterday only to be "crunched to crap" for the net result of no hits. I will keep the 2 remaining boats here to die a glorious death tomorrow. My subs were guarding Brunai so are out of position. That is being remedied

Mines in Wenchow harbor are still hitting the ships unloading there. Mini-KB is spotted in the Celebes Sea covering the invasion of Davao. Here CD scored some good hits but not enough to repulse the invaders. Speaking of Repulse, her Flot damage is down to 75. KB again appeared NW of Johnston Island and pounded the atoll into a pile of coral dust. I suspect an invasion is forthcoming soon. I am repositioning my subs north and west of here as I have to believe there is a replenishment TF lurking out there somewhere. Wish me luck.

< Message edited by vettim89 -- 4/1/2008 9:19:35 PM >

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 16

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/3/2008 4:12:31 AM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

16 Dec 1941

Will divide this into area of operation

PI: Greasylake continues to build forces in northern Luzon but has not started any offensive operations as of yet. Suspect he is trying to accumulate enoug AV to steamroll the US/Filipino forces all the way to Manilla. Did have one SS report a torpedo hit on an AK. Davao fell today and the Filipino troops chose surrender over retreat opening the road to Cagayan.

Malaya: Greasylake continues his bombing campaign in Northern Malaya. The weather clears and my LBA is doing its best to hammer the AmpTF at Mersing but haven't sunk anything as of yet. I have a small SCTF moving into Singapore that will replenish there next turn. I will have to check intel before sending it out as IJN BB's are just a few hundred NM SE of here at Kuching Good news is we are about equal in troop numbers here and I have the troops retreatign from Kota Bhura approaching.

SRA: only action here is that Kuching fell. Intel already reporting A/C stationed at this level 4 base so the complexion of this theatre is about to change.

No action in SP as of yet. KB and Mini-KB have disappeared

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 17

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/3/2008 4:13:28 AM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

Air losses to date

Attachment (1)

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 18

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/3/2008 4:14:14 AM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

Shisp sunk to date not coutning PT's, PC's. PG's

Attachment (1)

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 19

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/3/2008 5:19:34 AM

Alfred

Posts: 6685
Joined: 9/28/2006
Status: offline

vettim89, in response to your post of 30 March regarding what to do with your subs.

1. Excepting the S-class subs whose torpedo dud rate is OK, the other USN subs, IMHO, are best employed to ferry supplies/evacuate units out of the Philippines. The Dutch subs in particular can be quite effective in launching their torpedoes (remember that O-19 and O-20 are dedicated minelayers but need a port size 9 or the presence of an MLE to reload mines).

2. Where to place your wolfpacks depends on (a) the endurance of the sub, and (b) where you are basing your patrol planes. If you maintain naval search planes at Singapore, Bataan and Manila, then you will find the South China Sea to provide you with a rich target environment. Due to their short range and assuming their home port is Soerabaya, the 3500 endurance Dutch subs are best employed off the Malay peninsula. Remember that in WITP, unlike RL, there are no "choke points" where subs can be best located, instead the best locations to place subs is where your patrol planes on naval search generate high DL.

3. The problem with your intended "aggressive mining" of Batavia, Palambang and Makassar Strait is that (a) only use of the Dutch ML will allow the laying of sufficient mines to constitute "aggressive mining" but most of these ML are short legged, (b) your ML will be far too vulnerable to Betty attack, and (c) you do not have a size 9 port in the DEI for mine reloads. I would seriously consider removing the Dutch ML out of the DEI and setting them to mine rear areas before they become war zones eg Ceylon/India.

Alfred

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 20

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/3/2008 6:38:42 AM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

Thx for the advice Alfred. Already executing your ML plan. They are all heading up to Columbo already. With Kuching's level 4 AB in enemy hands, I cannot see risking this units in the DEI anymore - just too valuable. My S-boats are already doing some damage but have had at least one hit with a "newer" boat - Shark I think. I am using the Dutch mining subs to mine Balikapapan now. The other Dutch subs are exactly where you sugggested - trying to interdict the supply line between Saigon and teh Malay peninsula. I sent most of the non-S US subs east to act as recon in the Central Pacific. The remaining newer US subs will be sent to Perth to operate out of the historical sub base there - sending 3 AS there now. Of course this is dependent on Greasylake not attemptin an OZ invasion. Unfortunately I only have 4 PBY's left in the PI so my S boats may need to move south soon. Plan to run them out of Soerobaja until it is threatened them likley move them via Perth to the East Coast of Oz to run in the Solomons. Other choice would be to move them into the Bay of Bengal to try to interdict shipping supporting Japanese operations there

(in reply to Alfred)

Post #: 21

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/3/2008 6:48:42 AM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

17 December 1941

Well the Sibuyan Sea (sp?) is alive with enemy TF's now. It appears Greasylake is going to clear the central PI before resolving the Luzon issue. Was able to intercept one TF with PT's and had one torpedo hit reported for the loss of one PT and bad damage to another. Every time these guys engage it makes me think of John Wayn and The Were Expendable. One SNLF took the unoccupied base due east of Clark Field.   No worries as I decided to make my stand at Manilla.

Intel reports 23 k troops at Kuching which seems odd as the base is already fully under Japanese control.   Perhaps my opponent anticipated a toughter fight.   No other landings today. My LBA keeps pounding the TF's off Mersing to no avail. A IJN SCTF bombarded there last night but is withdrawing toward Saigon. I will send a UK SCTF with 3 CL's and 4 DD's in tonight to see if they can wreak a little havoc.

Large invasion TF spotted SE of Davao heading SE - suspect the north coast fo NG is about to be under new management.   Still no SP action since Tarawa fell on day 1.   To quote Gandalf, "Its the long breath before the battle". So we wait

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 22

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/4/2008 5:22:19 AM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

18 Dec 1941

A very slow day. Greasylake moved against 3 bases in central PI but failed to take any one first attempt. He also took Lingayan by land. My CL SCTF found Mersing empty as the AmpTF had finished unloading and withdrew. Good news is INtel Report reveal I did sink one AP in the air battles over Mersing. I have been reading a lot of AAR's and have come to the conclusion that one of the biggest flaws in this game is that the Japanese have too much transport and I am making it my sole goal in this game to destroy as much enemy shipping as possible as early as possible.

Really could use some advice on how to keep alive here. My only hope is that Greasylake is pretty inexperienced too. Having read some of the accomplishments of some of the good Japanese players I really fear that Greasylake will consult them and overwhelm me before I can fight back.

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 23

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/4/2008 9:08:36 AM

Alfred

Posts: 6685
Joined: 9/28/2006
Status: offline

What exactly would you like advice on? So far you seem to be doing OK.

Alfred

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 24

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/4/2008 8:26:47 PM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

Well, having read some AAR's of very successful Japanese players who conquered India and/or Oz, I was just wondering what measures could be taken to avoid a collapse like that. The first thing I am doing is what I am not doing. I am not doing the "Charge of the Light Brigade" thing anywhere. I am only commiting forces where I think they have a chance to inflict real damge. Even the Force Z sortie had hopes of causing some serious diruption of the Malay campaign. Maybe it did because Greasylake has not yet moved south from Kota Bhura. I have stemmed the Mersing invasion for time being and am slowiy pulling units back from northern Malaya. If he had succeeded in this Coup d' Main, it would have greatly accelerated the pace of the Malay Campaign for him. While Greasylake's slow pace thus far may not serve him well in the long run, it does keep me from being able to find an area were I might achieve local superiority. I will not send my forces into the teeth of the beast just to say I am doing something.

So I sit and wait and build forts and wait some more.

(in reply to Alfred)

Post #: 25

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/5/2008 5:01:45 AM

Alfred

Posts: 6685
Joined: 9/28/2006
Status: offline

vettim89,

Allied players who lose India/Australia generally tend to do so by neglecting to garrison their rear areas and by recklessly moving garrisons to what they think will be the front (but which often turns out to be not so because the enemy refuses to attack the newly reinforced positions).

Things to watch out for regarding Australia.

1. Unlike the stock map, on AB's map you simply cannot get sufficient supplies up to northern Australia to maintain a strong enough defence up there against a determined Japanese attack. If attacked in strength, Broome, Derby, Wyndham, Darwin and Daly Waters cannot be held. It is therefore pointless to build up AF at these bases - build up only fortifications, particularly at Daly Waters.

2. If the enemy intends to capture Perth, they usually land at dot Exmouth. Realistically there is little you can do to forestall this manoeuvre. What you can do though is ensure you garrison Kalgoorlie against a paradrop which is the second leg of the enemy plan to capture Perth.

3. Too many Allied players leave Whyalla and Adelaide empty of troops which is exploited by the enemy.

4. Do not strip Sydney of Australia Command units before you have the enemy on the run. Players who convert them to an unrestricted command usually regret it.

Alfred

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 26

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/5/2008 5:07:59 AM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

19 Dec 1941

All and all a good day for the Allies. Started off when I took a gamble and sent the CL SCTF north to Kota Bhura after missing the transports at Mersing. As you can see we found another TransTF and "Crunched them to Crap" with confirmed kills on an AP and an AK and heavy damage to anotehr AK. This TF is now hightailing it back to Singapore in front of a large IJN CA heavy SCTF and another SCTF behind them. If the Japanese are not moving at full speed they will not intercept. Then a Dutch sub put a TT into an AK in the South China Sea! The Dutch ruled the day!

Greasylake continues his central PI offensive with troops unloading at Jolo and Iloilo. Neither base falls this turn but it is just a matter of time. Japanese air power moves its focus to Manilla as Clark Field is now just a shattered shell of it's former self. British and Dutch airpower launches dozens of sorties today but only manages 2 bomb hits on an already damaged AP. Georgtown falls.

Did a major reorganization of my subs today splitting the large group east of the PI into two groups. One group is now based at PH and is heading south to inerdict the route between Truk and Japan. The second group is now based at Soerobaja (for now) and is heading for the South China Sea. as this seems to be where its at right now, I need a bigger presence.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 27

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/5/2008 5:08:45 AM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

Current situation in South China Sea

Attachment (1)

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 28

RE: Vettim89 vs Greasylake - no oily bodies of water al... - 4/5/2008 9:31:00 PM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

20 Dec 1941

We seem to be falling into a pattern of every other day being an active day. Not much to report. Jolo and Iloilo fell in the central PI. The units at Iloilo retreating to the dot at the south end of the Island. Too bad I left no shipping in PI else I would try to extract these units. Beginning to wonder when it will be time to pull the last air units out. I don't want to do it too soon as I want to inflict as much dage as possible. I have already withdrawn one P-40 unit and one B-17 unit so they reappear on the WC in 90 days. There is a big fat unprotected AmpTF at Jolo right now. I am moving the US 4-piper DD's up to Tarakan for a possible high speed run next turn. AT this point of the game, I have no desire to engage Greasylake's SCTF's. All I want is for shipping to die, shipping to die in large numbers, and shipping to die quickly. Did I mention I want to kill Greasylake's merchant fleet?

Aussies continue to hold Mersing with no sign of budging. Units retreating from Kuala Lampur are still probably the better part of a week off. Need Mersing to hold that long so those guys can get into Singapore. AM debating a suicide run of several small AK TF from Columbo to Singapore to raise supply levels. WHile that might be good in the short run, I don't want Grreasylake to get a big pile of supply when he finally takes the island. Opinions?

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 29

A Personal Touch - 4/5/2008 10:54:58 PM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

As I watched the Japanese invading Mersing it made me wonder what it must have felt like to have been in one of these places in the early part of the war. Was there a feeling of impending doom or maybe confidence. So, while I'm no CUttle fish I thought I would take a stab at it.

Able Seaman Fred Barrett (RAN) was startled awake by the sound of artillery shells. This is the third day that the Japanese have been pounding the Australian Positions around Mersing. Fred tries to shake the cobwebs out of his head and orient himself. It seems like a dream. Just ten days ago he was on board HMAS Vendetta, a "Scrap Iron" destroyer escorting the Prince of Wales and Repulse toward a Japanese invasion fleet. Now, he is sleeping in a rain filled foxhole praying the next shell doesn't have his name on it.

At least there is firm ground under him now unlike the night of the battle off Kota Bhura. He still does know what happened. The ships were in battle formation heading towards the landing zone. They hadn't spotted the enemy yet but knew they were close. Suddenly night became day as the sky filled with explosions. Barret saw Repulse explode like a roman candle; he was sure she was doomed. Fred was straining his eyes on the horrizon to try to even get sight of the enemy ships when the was a blinding flash amidship and he was thrown to the deck. When he came to his senses, he was on the starboard foredeck near his postion at the forward 4" mount, but there was something terribly wrong. The deck was at an incredible angle that was steepening by the second. Having only been on the ship since September and in the Australian Navy for only six short months, Fred was having a hard time figuring out what had happened, but amidst the grinding of metal and rapidly canting deck he realized the Vendetta was bending amidships and "closing" like a giant jackknife. He began to slide towards the abyss of shearing metal, burning fuel, and exploding ammo the middle of the ship had become. Men all around were screaming and he heard the XO's voice screaming to abandon ship. He picked himself up and jumped over the starboard rail. The night was filled with screaming, explosions, and gunfire as he could hear POW trying to fight the enemy ships that no one from Vendetta or the two other sinking destroyers ever saw. The twin peaks of his ship's bow and stern arched up and quickly slipped beneath the surface in a matter of minutes. It was over in less than 30 mintues and then silence fell.

In the morning a local fisherman pulled Barret and the few crewman who escaped the nearly instant demise of HMAS Venetta, Vampire and Tenedos. Four days ago they dropped the survivors off here at Mersing. They were hoping to be able to find transport into Singapore but the Japanese showed up again the first night here and started offloading troops. As dawn comes today, the able bodied survivors of the Battle of Kota Bhura are told to make their own way to Singapore as best the can. It seems the local army commander doesn't want the navy boys in the way when the Japs decide to come for real.

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 30

Page: [1] 2 3 4 5 next > >>

All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> War In The Pacific - Struggle Against Japan 1941 - 1945 >> After Action Reports >> Vettim89 vs Greasylake - Reversal of Fortunes