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cap_and_gown(j) v witpqs(a) - no witpqs - 1/2/2010 2:10:53 AM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

I have started a scenario 1 game against witpqs. I am opening this thread because I need advice from all the JFBs out there.

Here is my basic plan for the opening phases of the war. I wish to prevent both Java and Australia from being reinforced. I want to isolate Java because I do not want my job of taking it to be any harder than necessary. I want to isolate Australia to prevent it from being used as a launching pad for an allied offensive, especially against the DEI, but also the Solomons.

To isolate Java, I will have two major thrusts: one towards Singapore and northern Borneo; the other towards Timor and northern Australia.

To isolate Australia, I wish to capture the following bases: Pago-Pago; Suva; and Noumea. Call this the south-sea thrust.

In order to execute the South-Seas thrust I have the following plans. First, use the 2nd and 56 divisions based in the home islands as well as the 65th brigade to take these objectives. I do not know what I will find when I get down there; I do not know how fast and where my opponent will reinforce these areas. I wish to take them either simultaneously or in quick succession. At any rate, I am going to bring a big hammer just in case. On the way down to Fiji/New Cal/Somoa, I will take Rabaul en-passant with the 146th regiment located at Badelbedoab. I will also take Canton/Baker with SNLF units based at Truk and Jailut.

The KB will obviously support this thrust. I have done the initial strike on PH and had mediocre results. The KB has now sailed 7 hexes directly west of PH and will do another port attack, this time using only Kates set at 9000 feet and set to use bombs rather than torps. From there, the KB will head west to support the invasion of Wake. It will then move to Truck to reload torps and to join up with the various invasion fleets. From there, the South-Seas force will move together, first towards Rabaul, and then further South. I am setting up a sub screen of Noumea on the west and Pago-Pago on the east to try to damage reinforcements going to these places and to alert me as to whether reinforcements are being sent. I have yet to decide whether to split the KB and go for Samoa and New Cal simultaneously or go from east to west as a group, i.e. Samoa->Fiji->New Cal. (Here is where I would like advice!)

For the Malayd thrust I am using the 25th Army. Because large elements of the 16th Army are now being used for the South Seas thrust, I will also add the following divisions to the Malay offensive: 38th division after the fall of Hong Kong and the 21st and 4th divisions, both attached to the Southern Army. This commitment is necessitated by the diversion of most of the 16th Army to the South Seas. This will give me 6 divisions to take Singapore.

Because the 21st and 4th divisions will be committed to Malaya, and the 65th brigade will be committed to the south seas thrust, this will mean the units available for taking Luzon will be rather weak. Basically, I will have two divisions from the 14th Army: 48th and 16th. This, in my estimation, will not be enough to secure Luzon. Instead, these two divisions will establish a beach head at Vigan where an airbase will be built in order to commence a continuous bombing campaign of Manila, Clark Field, and Bataan.

For the Timor thrust, I plan on using various SNLF units as well as the 41st infantry regiment based at Samah. The Timor thrust will be supported by LBA and large portions of the IJN surface fleet. Initial targets will be Jolo, Manando, Djadangas and Tenate. Air HQs from Takao will need to be brought down from Takao so that Netties can be stationed at these bases with torpedo ordinance. The first order target for this thrust is Timor, with a possible extension to northern Australia exclusive of Darwin (I do not feel I will have enough troops to take Darwin in the opening stages of this offensive.)

Likewise, the air HQ at Kampong Trach is moving to Victoria point so that I can base Netties there and prevent Malaya from being reinforced, resupplied, or evacuated.

So there it is: a plan built around isolating the major theaters of operations. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

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Post #: 1

RE: cap_and_gown(j) v witpqs(a) - no witpqs - 1/2/2010 6:56:51 AM

bklooste

Posts: 1104
Joined: 4/10/2006
Status: offline

Cutting Australia of to the NE is not such a big deal they can still go via the west or via NZ what are you hoping to achieve ?

I wouldnt even consider the South East without PM. Look at the map he reinforces PM take Soloman and takes an island like Tarawa and you have a vulnerable huge over extended bubble.

Id rather send the 16th Army and secure Burma before the allies can get decent air power. Getting Burma and especially Port Blair is kind of important in isolating the DEI and it is especially nice to do before the Allies get sufficient air to make it difficult.

Id.
1. Use part of 16th Army for an early strike into Burma , prepare Paras for Port Blair.
2. Use Imperial division prepare for PM buy it after a week use it and 44th Reg to capture Rabaul and PM.
3. Use spare forces to secure Southern Borneo up to Timor. This will require significant assets.

Use KB between 2 & 3 .
Once PM and the DEI are surrounded you can go after Fiji and New Cal while PI and Malaysia survivors prepare for Java.

What are your plans for Malaysia , Kendari and Sumatra ?

_____________________________

Underdog Fanboy

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 2

RE: cap_and_gown(j) v witpqs(a) - no witpqs - 1/2/2010 10:39:47 AM

bklooste

Posts: 1104
Joined: 4/10/2006
Status: offline

I probably shoould elaborate ..

If your strategic goal is to isolate the DEI and hence exact a maximum penalty on his forces then
- You need a plan for Burma /Port Blair ( You just do it with some Paratroopers and IJAAF)
- I dont think the full Isolate Australia operation is congruent with Isolating DEI at the same time as they both need significant resources.

Also since you dont really isolate AUstralia taking New Caladonia and Fiji what do you get out of it and can you achieve it with less ?

_____________________________

Underdog Fanboy

(in reply to bklooste)

Post #: 3

RE: cap_and_gown(j) v witpqs(a) - no witpqs - 1/2/2010 12:08:33 PM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

The 15th Army is tasked with taking Burma. That is two divisions. I don't know if that is enough, except there is a good chance that he will bug out towards Mandalay. Also, after the fall of Singapore, a division or two can be moved up to Burma.

Port Blair is high on my wish list. My raider battalion is already heading to Nagasaki to board some ships to head to the Kra Peninsula, plus my transport aircraft are heading to Indochina.

As to PM, I have thought about this and have considered a plan that will take the divisions used for the South Seas to take this objective. Basically, this plan is similar to a Blitzkrieg operation in that I initially plan on ignoring the flanks and going for the deep penetration. The flanks will be filled in later.

As to Tarawa, et. al., it is part of my overall goal here to make him come at me through the central pacific rather than from Australia. This way he must rely on his carriers rather than LBA.

Thank you for your comments.

(in reply to bklooste)

Post #: 4

RE: cap_and_gown(j) v witpqs(a) - no witpqs - 1/3/2010 6:48:48 AM

bklooste

Posts: 1104
Joined: 4/10/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: cap_and_gown

The 15th Army is tasked with taking Burma. That is two divisions. I don't know if that is enough, except there is a good chance that he will bug out towards Mandalay. Also, after the fall of Singapore, a division or two can be moved up to Burma.

Port Blair is high on my wish list. My raider battalion is already heading to Nagasaki to board some ships to head to the Kra Peninsula, plus my transport aircraft are heading to Indochina.

As to PM, I have thought about this and have considered a plan that will take the divisions used for the South Seas to take this objective. Basically, this plan is similar to a Blitzkrieg operation in that I initially plan on ignoring the flanks and going for the deep penetration. The flanks will be filled in later.

As to Tarawa, et. al., it is part of my overall goal here to make him come at me through the central pacific rather than from Australia. This way he must rely on his carriers rather than LBA.

Thank you for your comments.

To me PM is a prerequisite for the SE operations. I saw this as a pentration but what if his 3 carriers show up you wont have any LBA support ? You going to split KB to do this ? To me it would seem better to focus on Isolating the DEI and use KB for this , SE of Borneo can get nasty ( and take Rabaul /PM durring this pahse) then in the 2nd phase use KB for the South East push.

_____________________________

Underdog Fanboy

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 5

Good News/Bad News - 1/4/2010 9:53:29 PM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

Turn 3, Dec 9, 1941

SUB ACTION

This turn was a nail biter. During the night there was a great deal of sub activity. The very first combat animation showed the U.S. Plunger firing on the Shikoku!

Believe when I say I was holding my breath! Fortunately, the torps were duds.

After that, it was the Japanese turn. First up was a tanker south of Fiji. 3 torp hits, one dead tanker.
Next was a CMc, probably originating from Singapore and heading, probably, to lay some mines at Singkwang. Well, that plan was foiled.
Next, one of my subs surfaced and used up all its deck gun ammo blasting away an xAKL between Singapore and Borneo.
Finally, a Dutch sub tried to interfere with the landing at Miri but missed its shot at a DMS. According to the report, the sub then took two hits from DCs, though it is still hanging around in Miri harbor.

Daylight Raids

When Dawn finally broke, the KB was 7 hexes west of PH and launched a large raid of Kates escorted by Zero against the port. Unfortunately, airfield attacks, even with the first turn surprise, are not what they were in WitP. The allies fielded a deadly CAP of about 90 planes. I lost about 21 Kates A2A and another 4 to AAA. A few Zeros were shot down as well. At best the Zeros came out even. Oh my poor pilots!

At least I sunk 3 of his BBs, though I am not sure which ones. The combat report indicates some BBs sinking that were not hit. Nevertheless, the plane loss statistics show that 6 Kingfishers were destroyed on the ground today, a sure sign the 3 BB did indeed sink. I guess that is a fair return for the loss of 25 Kates, but it still hurts.

Morning Air attack on Pearl Harbor , at 180,107
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
     A6M2 Zero x 59
     B5N2 Kate x 129

Allied aircraft
     P-26A x 1
     P-36A Mohawk x 28
     P-40B Warhawk x 60
     F4F-3 Wildcat x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
     A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
     B5N2 Kate: 12 destroyed, 25 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
     P-36A Mohawk: 1 destroyed
     P-40B Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
     BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 4, heavy damage
     BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
     BB Maryland, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
     CL Phoenix, Bomb hits 1, on fire
     DD Litchfield, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
     CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 1, on fire
     BB Arizona, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
     BB Tennessee, and is sunk
     BB California, and is sunk
     BB Nevada, and is sunk

Next up were two sweeps over Luzon, one against Clark, the other against Manilla. Again, the Zeros were somewhat disappointing, achieve around a 1:1 loss ratio against the Warhawks. My goal was to wear down his fighter strength while the bombers rested a turn. That didn't work so well. Next turn we go back with both Zero sentais plus all the bombers at Takao against Clark field. No sense in dividing our forces. This time the Zeros and bombers are going to be staggered at various altitudes with the Zeros above 25000 feet. Hopefully, we will avoid the bounce, though this is difficult against allied radar.

Morning Air attack on Clark Field , at 79,76
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid detected at 22 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
---------------------------
Japanese aircraft
     A6M2 Zero x 40
Allied aircraft
     P-35A x 8
     P-40B Warhawk x 15
     P-40E Warhawk x 19
Japanese aircraft losses
     A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
     P-35A: 3 destroyed
     P-40B Warhawk: 3 destroyed
     P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed
-------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
     A6M2 Zero x 40
Allied aircraft
     P-26A x 3
     P-35A x 1
     P-40B Warhawk x 2
     P-40E Warhawk x 22
Japanese aircraft losses
     A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
     P-26A: 1 destroyed
     P-40B Warhawk: 1 destroyed
     P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed

At Malaya, we executed unopposed airfield attack against Khota Bahru and Alor Star. Tomorrow we go after Georgetown, which is were his planes seem to be parked right now. His troops in Alor Star appear to bugging out. Once I am done unloading next turn, my guess is we can march into Alor Star unopposed.

Miri was captured this turn, as was Makin. Next up are Manando, Jesselton, Jolo and Tenate, all in about 2 days. Kuching and Singkwang will follow that in 4 or 5 days. But first I am rushing at base force (TF speed set to full) from Cam Rahn to Miri so that I can base some Zeros at Miri to provide CAP for the Kuching and Singkwang invasions.

21 div at Shanghai loads for shipment to Malaya.
4 div at Osaka also loads for shipment to Malaya.
33 div at Nagasaki loads tomorrow for shipment to Bangkok and then onto Burma.
2 div (Sendai), 65 Brigade (Takao), and 146 Regiment (Badeldoab) all embark for the South Seas.

I spent a good deal of time today setting up a pilot training regime in Manchuria and the HI. I also found out I need to turn of repair of R&D factories for planes I don't want lest they eat my supply. I also checked in on engine production and made some adjustment.

Finally, there is China. This is something of a mystery to me, though the terrain and disposition of forces is easier to understand than in WitP. My initial goal is to clear the north China plain of enemy units and secure the rail lines to ensure the shipment of resources. In furtherance of this goal, I abandoned some outlying bases, such as Ichang. I have seen that Jap players like to hold Ichang. I am not sure why.

(in reply to bklooste)

Post #: 6

China planning Map - 1/4/2010 10:11:22 PM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

Here is my planning map for China.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 7

RE: China planning Map - 1/5/2010 1:26:30 PM

Mundy

Posts: 2869
Joined: 6/26/2002
From: Neenah
Status: offline

Looks like the radar operators on Oahu were taken seriously this time...

M-

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Post #: 8

Dec 9 - 1/6/2010 4:53:53 AM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

Dec. 9

Luzon
Something of a snoozer of turn, even though there were ten gazillion sub attacks on my TFs landing a Vigan. No S-Boats, so lots of duds. Reportedly two subs were sunk, though I can only be sure of one. Amazingly, the SS Shark got hammered so bad it had to surface, but when it did, it opened fire with its deck gun and sank two PBs!

Despite this gallantry, it will not be repeated as the crew of the SS Shark is being eaten by the real thing. RIP

At any rate, Jap SCs are proving to be pretty good at ASW.

I have detected a flaw in my plans for Luzon. I had planned on holding a beach head with two divisions at Vigan where I would build up the airbase for continuous bombing of the Clark/Manila/Bataan complex. But after thinking about it, I decided that just one airfield was not enough because of the group overstacking that would occur. So now I am sending the other division to Appari. My plan now is to clear out northern Luzon with these two divisions while multiple air bases are built on the north end of the island. Anyway, Vigan will be captured tomorrow and airbase construction will begin.

One of the TFs landing at Vigan encountered the MTBs from Hong Kong and retreated out to open sea where it encountered another TF of PTs and again retreated. So now it is two hexes away from Vigan. We will try landing again tomorrow. I have three surface combat TFs covering the Vigan landings. I hope these guys can deal with the PTs and MTBs. Question: since these guys have such short legs, how long can they stay in action before they need to go to Manila to refuel?

Over at Guam I may have brought too few troops to take the place. I am not sure what the allies have there, but I only have 14 AV. This could be an embarassment.

DEI
Jesselton and Manado will be invaded tomorrow, Jolo the day after.

Malaya
Unloading done at Pattani. Troops now headed to Khota Bahru. Unloading almost done at Singora. Unloading finished at Champon. Troops headed to Victoria Point. Many other troops, including the Imperial division are heading by rail to Singora.

South Seas
Ocean Island to be invaded tomorrow. KB north of Johnston now, heading to Wake. Meanwhile, 2 divisions plus 65th Brigade are all on their way to Truk from when it is on to the South Seas with a first stop at Rabaul.

< Message edited by cap_and_gown -- 1/6/2010 4:57:14 AM >

(in reply to Mundy)

Post #: 9

RE: China planning Map - 1/6/2010 5:18:41 AM

Treznor

Posts: 85
Joined: 12/2/2008
Status: offline

OH CHINA! WOOT! This is quickly becoming my 'little' joy of planning in my game. Good luck with southern China, bring forces to bear effectively while maintaining HQ command integrity has cost me dearly with Political Points.

_____________________________

"Something 'witty' inserted here"

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 10

The easter parade - 1/7/2010 8:40:02 AM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

Dec 11-12

Two turn have gone by now.

As I feared, I did not bring enough troops to Guam. How embarrassing.

More are on the way.

Menado was taken this turn as was Jesselton. Kuching will be invaded next turn. I have a Zero Chutai at Miri to provide LRCAP over Kuching. Unfortunately, they don't have aviation support. The base force I was rushing to Miri was sunk by a Dutch sub. So I am sending another from Saigon as quickly as I can.

My invasion of Jolo was delayed by all the shipping that is fleeing From Manila. My cover force ran into the 3 DDs from Hong Kong and a long day battle took place. All my DDs were hit and the Fubuki was sunk. All the brit DDs were hit and one is reported sunk.

I have a spotting report of 3 CLs at Jolo, perhaps waiting to intercept and invasion. This may be the US cruisers, or it may be some DDs. One of the 4 stackers, either Pillsbury or Pope was bombed by Kates from the Ryujo in that area and is now reported sunk. At any rate, I am sending the CVL to attack this force. Also, a cruiser TF is heading in the Sulu Sea to act as a cover force for the Jolo invasion now that the original cover forced has been forced to retire. (picture attached)

I found one of the US CVs the hard way. 2 AMCs that I just found a turn or two ago got hit and sunk between Pago-Pago and Canton Island. Well, at least I know that one of the US CVs is apparently headed to Pago-Pago and probably next to Australia, and then maybe the DEI.

Ternate will be invaded tomorrow.

Witpqa has not bothered with escorts for many of his retreating ships. As a result, my subs are sinking numerous targets.

KB approaching Wake. Invasion in a couple of days.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by cap_and_gown -- 1/7/2010 8:42:40 AM >

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 11

Picket Ships - 1/7/2010 5:16:07 PM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

The loss of two AMCs to an US CV force last turn has given me an idea: Screen the HI with picket ships! Take some of the micro-xAKs and station them between Marcus and Paramashiro and see if they get hit. I know the Japanese did this, don't know why I didn't think of it before.

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 12

A funny thing happened on the way to Kuching - 1/8/2010 6:07:47 AM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

Dec 12, 1941

A funny thing happened on the way to Kuching. I had one BB TF and one CA TF (the ones that start out on the Malay coast) following the Kuching invasion force. Well, that was a mistake. Instead of covering the invasion force, the transports ran smack into CLs Danae, Dragon, and Durban.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kuching at 58,88, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Ayanami, Shell hits 5, on fire
APD Fuji
APD Hagi
TB Hiyodori, Shell hits 1
TB Hayabusa, Shell hits 2, on fire
AMc Toroshima Maru
PB Heiei Maru #7, Shell hits 1
xAK Syoka Maru
xAK Rokko Maru
xAK Atago Maru
xAK Meiyo Maru, Shell hits 11, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Santos Maru
xAK Igasa Maru, heavy damage
xAKL Ryoyu Maru #21
xAKL Sasago Maru, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
xAK Zyuyo Maru
xAKL Hidaka Maru
xAKL Raizan Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
176 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Finally, the heavy hitters showed up. Turned out they didn't hit very heavy at all.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kuching at 58,88, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna, Shell hits 2
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Jintsu
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki
DD Isonami
DD Uranami
DD Shikinami

Allied Ships
CL Danae, Shell hits 4
CL Dragon, Shell hits 1
CL Durban, Shell hits 2

Then all the forces retreated. Well, I am going to try again this next turn. Not just and Kuching, but Singkwang as well. The BBs will cover the Singkwang invasion, and the CAs will cover Kuching. I think there is a good chance the PoW may show up as well. This time, however, the surface combat TFs will not be following, but moving directly to the target. Lesson learned.

Hard to say what will happen. Will he react into Kuching and hit my damaged frieghters before my Cruisers show up? Will the PoW show up? Will I get a mid-ocean intercept by the BBs who are set to travel the path his reaction force would need to take? Only time will tell.

More troops landed on Guam, so that should fall tomorrow, as should Ternate. Appari also fell. Hong Kong fell today. Transports are on the way to pick up the 38th division.

Alor Star has been abandoned. He is also bugging out of Khota Bahru.

The Wake invasion should happen tomorrow. KB will launch an all out strike to suppress the garrision. I hope it falls. The next stop for the KB is Truk where my forces are beginning to marshal.

I am going to try to invade Tarawa tomorrow. I am worried about his CV that was south of Canton Island. But a) they probably need to fuel at Pago-Pago, and b) my naval search coverage here is pretty good. I should spot him if he shows up.

Oh, and the Ryujo attack against the three four-stackers at Jolo failed to hit the targets. Ryujo will try again tomorrow. This will also be teamed up with an attack by the Cruiser force sitting in the Sulu Sea.

< Message edited by cap_and_gown -- 1/8/2010 6:12:35 AM >

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 13

A sticky situation - 1/9/2010 12:06:01 AM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

Dec 13, 1941

An interesting turn, with something of a sticky situation.

DEI

witpqs did not return to either Kuching or Singkwang. I now have troops ashore in both places. The Singkwang invasion TF is retiring and Singkwang will be attack by two SNLF units tomorrow. I still have more troops to unload at Kuching. This TF will be covered by my Cruiser support group. Meanwhile, the fast BBs are heading for the Sulu Sea where interesting things are afoot.

The PoW turned up in the sights of one of my subs in the strait between Celebes and Borneo. The sub missed. Nevertheless, it was apparent that witpqs was trying to intercept my CVL. His ships hit the exact hex where it had been last turn, but it had moved one hex.

The day opened with a surface engagement at Jolo. I sank one US DD out of 3 and have run out of ammo after a lengthy engagement. The Cruisers supporting the Jolo invasion are now heading to Saigon to rearm. As a result, the Jolo invasion force is retiring to safety and to wait on developments in the Celebes Sea.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Jolo at 74,90, Range 25,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Shell hits 1
CA Ashigara
CL Kuma
DD Satsuki, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Minazuki, Shell hits 2
DD Asakaze
DD Matsukaze

Allied Ships
DD John D. Ford, Shell hits 1
DD Peary, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
DD Pope, Shell hits 1

During the remainder of the turn there were numerous air attack the CVL Ryujo, including an attack by allied float planes. They all missed. The Ryujo struck back with an attack on some US CAs and CLs. The Marblehead was reported hit and sunk.

The question now is what to do to make sure the allied surface forces do not intercept the Ryujo. I am sending it north in what I hope is an unexpected direction. Meanwhile, 2 Cruiser TF that I sent to raid the shipping fleeing down the Macasar strait are not retreating eastwards as are the invasion TFs from Menado and Ternate. (BTW, Ternate was captured this turn.) The Zuiho and 2 TFs of the IJN's slow BBs are now steaming from Badeldoab west to come to the relief of the Ryujo. If, as I suspect, the allied TFs head east, they are going to get hit by a torpedo attack from the Zuiho.

CentPac

Guam held out yet again after the arrival of a fresh SNLF unit. Crap. I will wait a turn or two for disruption to fall and shock attack with the forces there.

Wake held out against my invasion despite a heavy strike from the KB and Nells based at Roi/Namur.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Wake Island , at 136,98
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 21
G4M1 Betty x 2
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 1st Marine Defense Battalion, at 136,98 (Wake Island)
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
B5N2 Kate x 113
D3A1 Val x 124
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 7 damaged
D3A1 Val: 4 damaged
Allied ground losses:
137 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 14 (1 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wake Island (136,98)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 1511 troops, 19 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 62
Defending force 957 troops, 24 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 22
Japanese adjusted assault: 9
Allied adjusted defense: 6

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: disruption(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-), disruption(-), supply(-)

Japanese ground losses:
345 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
58 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

I guess we try again. The KB will hit the island again tomorrow while supplies continue to unload. That will no doubt cause another shock attack, but so be it.

Tarawa was captured.

Luzon

Numerous air attacks, including Wildebeests, against the ships unloading at Vigan. The Zeros acquitted themselves well, downing numerous allied fighters and bombers.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 14

RE: A sticky situation - 1/9/2010 1:03:41 AM

PzB74

Posts: 5076
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From: No(r)way
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You can do mostly what you want this early on but the goal should also be to destroy as many Allied ground troops and ships as possible. As I see it you will be forced to leave Fiji / New Caledonia within mid 43 unless you want to loose your garrisons and Base Force units.

Australia won't become a true threat until last half of 43 and I think you need to take Perth as well to isolate it.
- Take Perth, Darwin and land in Port Moresby, New Caledonia and the area around Cairns and you should be in full control for quite some time to come

Doing something half way is half witted, so be a tad patient and take a big hammer and an ambitious plan with you when you leave!-)

_____________________________

"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 15

RE: A sticky situation - 1/9/2010 1:21:45 AM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: PzB

You can do mostly what you want this early on but the goal should also be to destroy as many Allied ground troops and ships as possible. As I see it you will be forced to leave Fiji / New Caledonia within mid 43 unless you want to loose your garrisons and Base Force units.

Australia won't become a true threat until last half of 43 and I think you need to take Perth as well to isolate it.
- Take Perth, Darwin and land in Port Moresby, New Caledonia and the area around Cairns and you should be in full control for quite some time to come

Doing something half way is half witted, so be a tad patient and take a big hammer and an ambitious plan with you when you leave!-)

Thanks for the advice. I definitely want and need PM. I also want Darwin, though that may need to wait a bit. I am not so sure about Perth, and I don't like the idea of Cairns, though Thursday Island should probably be taken. Rather than Perth, I was thinking about Ceylon and Diego Garcia.

One more screen shot. Witpqs is bugging out in Luzon for Clark Field. This is what I expected. It will be a little while before he realizes I am not going to be attacking there for a while. This will give me time to set up a defensive line to shield my air bases in northern Luzon which can then go to work on round the clock bombing of the Manila/Clark/Bataan complex. The defensive line will consist of two divisions: 48th and 16th. Plus all the supporting troops.

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Post #: 16

RE: A sticky situation - 1/9/2010 3:08:28 AM

PzB74

Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline

Think you can "lure" your opponent into Bataan with very few troops in Luzon.
As soon as you get closer to Manila in the south he is forced to make a difficult choice; Stay and defend both Manila and Clark ++ and risk getting cut of and eliminated in no time - OR do an orderly retreat into Manila / Bataan and settle down to wait for the storm.

_____________________________

"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 17

RE: A sticky situation - 1/9/2010 3:39:41 AM

stldiver

Posts: 724
Joined: 7/6/2006
From: West Palm Beach, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: cap_and_gown

quote:

ORIGINAL: PzB

You can do mostly what you want this early on but the goal should also be to destroy as many Allied ground troops and ships as possible. As I see it you will be forced to leave Fiji / New Caledonia within mid 43 unless you want to loose your garrisons and Base Force units.

Australia won't become a true threat until last half of 43 and I think you need to take Perth as well to isolate it.
- Take Perth, Darwin and land in Port Moresby, New Caledonia and the area around Cairns and you should be in full control for quite some time to come

Doing something half way is half witted, so be a tad patient and take a big hammer and an ambitious plan with you when you leave!-)

Thanks for the advice. I definitely want and need PM. I also want Darwin, though that may need to wait a bit. I am not so sure about Perth, and I don't like the idea of Cairns, though Thursday Island should probably be taken. Rather than Perth, I was thinking about Ceylon and Diego Garcia.

One more screen shot. Witpqs is bugging out in Luzon for Clark Field. This is what I expected. It will be a little while before he realizes I am not going to be attacking there for a while. This will give me time to set up a defensive line to shield my air bases in northern Luzon which can then go to work on round the clock bombing of the Manila/Clark/Bataan complex. The defensive line will consist of two divisions: 48th and 16th. Plus all the supporting troops.

I agree with PZB, but so far in my experiance you need resources and they are found in India, not Australia. Definatly Darwin and North Australia, but as to Fiji it may be a bridge to far for no benefit (i.e. no resources and easily bypassed once taken then later retaken for free).

I am playing PBEM's for both sides and amazingly my attacks as Japan are almost duplicated by my opponent as Japan. What I have found is you can go to North Australia, Calcutta/Imphal India and Fiji but you will run out of fuel and troops to run all operations. Thus the decision becomes what do you need, buffer zone, or resources. Each player will make that decision based on his opponent, but I can say that I have drawn many resources from India that have kept my engine going. I am overextended yes, as I have already withdrawn from Fiji in Sept 42 due to realizing the growing allied airpower would make extraction difficult.

My feeling on Perth and Cairs/ Townsville, while nice territory wise, do not bring resources and easily circumvented. Good Luck and as once an allied fan boy turned JFB, good hunting our time in the sun is short lived.

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 18

RE: A sticky situation - 1/9/2010 6:20:59 AM

CapAndGown

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From: Virginia, USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: PzB

Think you can "lure" your opponent into Bataan with very few troops in Luzon.
As soon as you get closer to Manila in the south he is forced to make a difficult choice; Stay and defend both Manila and Clark ++ and risk getting cut of and eliminated in no time - OR do an orderly retreat into Manila / Bataan and settle down to wait for the storm.

Good idea. I was thinking about that. As you point out, this can be most likely achieved by invading from the south. So I will need to find some troops.

(in reply to PzB74)

Post #: 19

RE: Good News/Bad News - 1/10/2010 1:28:54 PM

bklooste

Posts: 1104
Joined: 4/10/2006
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quote:

ORIGINAL: cap_and_gown

Turn 3, Dec 9, 1941

How come the Pearl attack happened on turn3 ? Your certainly wouldnt get surprise.

_____________________________

Underdog Fanboy

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 20

RE: Good News/Bad News - 1/10/2010 3:23:24 PM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: bklooste

quote:

ORIGINAL: cap_and_gown

Turn 3, Dec 9, 1941

How come the Pearl attack happened on turn3 ? Your certainly wouldnt get surprise.

The date is kinda wrong. It was Dec 9 for the orders phase, but I was reporting on the combat replay for Dec 8. Attacks against PH took place on Dec 7th and 8th. Witpqs has hinted that my PH raid was very "fruitful." I am quite sure that I got three of his BBs. Not sure what else might have gotten hit.

(in reply to bklooste)

Post #: 21

RE: Good News/Bad News - 1/10/2010 3:34:53 PM

Grotius

Posts: 5798
Joined: 10/18/2002
From: The Imperial Palace.
Status: offline

Glad to see you back in action, Cap! (Cap was my PBEM opponent more than once in WITP.)

I'm curious why your covering surface group didn't protect your transports on the way to Borneo. Had you set the surface ships to follow the Amphibious TF? You're not the first person to mention that their covering group didn't show up.

Also, are you playing with the historical first turn? I'm about to start a PBEM as Japan, and I'm leaning toward the historical turn just because I fear I'd screw up the non-historical turn, including the PH attack.

Finally: do you have a timetable for taking the DEI? In all my efforts to take it as Japan in WITP, I could never come close to the historical timetable. I guess the secret is to have everything in motion all the time?

Anyway, good luck!

_____________________________

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Post #: 22

RE: Good News/Bad News - 1/10/2010 3:54:44 PM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Grotius

Glad to see you back in action, Cap! (Cap was my PBEM opponent more than once in WITP.)

I'm curious why your covering surface group didn't protect your transports on the way to Borneo. Had you set the surface ships to follow the Amphibious TF? You're not the first person to mention that their covering group didn't show up.

I will not be using the follow order again for covering groups on the turn before the invasion. Instead, I am going to send them directly to the invasion objective seperate from the landing force.

quote:

Also, are you playing with the historical first turn? I'm about to start a PBEM as Japan, and I'm leaning toward the historical turn just because I fear I'd screw up the non-historical turn, including the PH attack.

This is not a historical first turn. I have something of Field Marshal Montgomery in me. I like to have my forces organized in a tidy fashion so I can understand what is going on. So I use the first turn to get units that belong together heading to the same places. Another thing is that for the PH raid, I want the Kates to concentrate on ships, while the Vals work over the air field. What I have found is that you should take most of your Zeros and set them to 100 feet and airfield attack. Apparently the turn 1 bonus for airfield attacks that existed in Witp is not in AE. So to have any effect you need as many planes as possible attacking the airfield. Even then, the next day witpqs was able to establish a CAP of 80 fighters!

quote:

Finally: do you have a timetable for taking the DEI? In all my efforts to take it as Japan in WITP, I could never come close to the historical timetable. I guess the secret is to have everything in motion all the time?

Yes, I have a timetable: as quickly as possible.

(in reply to Grotius)

Post #: 23

RE: Good News/Bad News - 1/10/2010 4:14:25 PM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

Dec 14

This is a quick update.

Zuiho Kates attacked the PoW with no result. Bettys from Babeldoab bombed the Repulse, again with no result.

Kates from the Ryujo are reported to have hit CL Boise with one bomb, causing a fire, and to have hit CA Houston with 4 bombs. Houston is reportedly sunk. Also, Marblehead was not attacked, so the report of its sinking yesterday was apparently correct.

The force that was to invade Jolo will now split up and take the bases on Palawan while I send in fresh forces to deal with the US DDs at Jolo. The fast BBs that were supporting the invasions at Singkwang and Kuching are moving to provide cover for the Palawan invasion.

Meanwhile, Ryujo is heading into the Sulu sea and then to Takao to rearm and refit the Claudes with Zeros. Zuiho will attempt to attack the PoW and Repulse again tomorrow.

Singkwang was taken this turn. An attack at Kuching is order for next turn.

CentPac

I have ordered shock attacks at Guam and Wake for tomorrow. The Wake invasion force is retiiring, but the KB will again launch a ground attack on the US forces at Wake, as will the Nells at Roi/Namur.

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Post #: 24

RE: Good News/Bad News - 1/10/2010 4:18:14 PM

Grotius

Posts: 5798
Joined: 10/18/2002
From: The Imperial Palace.
Status: offline

Yeah, the main thing I dislike about the historical first turn is that things aren't organized to my taste. I don't really understand the "magic move" with this non-historical first turn, though. I gather about 10 TFs or so get it?

I also worry that I'll mess up the PH attack -- my inclination would be to put all the Kates on Port Attack and most of the Vals as well, as I figure he'll repair the airfield soon enough, but sunk ships can't be repaired. But then, I'm not inclined to stick around for a second day of PH attacks.

As for covering ships, your new method will guarantee that your surface ships are on station. But now you'll have to worry about mid-ocean intercepts of your transports! The worrying never ends. :)

I like your DEI timetable, hehe.

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(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 25

The Battle of the Celebes Sea - 1/12/2010 12:37:40 AM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

Dec 15, 1941

Lot of surface action this turn.

The invasion force headed to Puerto Princessa ran into a force of PTs. The invasion force was slaughtered.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Puerto Princesa at 73,83, Range 1,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
     PB Kantori Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
     xAK Aso Maru, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
     xAK Josho Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
     xAK Meisho Maru, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
     xAK Midori Maru, Shell hits 4
     PB Fuji Maru #4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
     PT-31
     PT-32
     PT-33
     PT-34
     PT-35
     PT-41
     PT Q-111
     PT Q-112
     PT Q-113
Japanese ground losses:
     223 casualties reported
        Squads: 8 destroyed, 3 disabled
        Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
        Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
     Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

When dawn broke, the BB covering force arrived. Too late, obviously, to support the invasion. (I wasn't expecting those PTs to be there. Witpqs tells me they had just gone there to refuel.) At least we exacted a small revenge for the evening slaughter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Puerto Princesa at 73,83, Range 24,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
     BB Kongo
     BB Haruna
     CA Takao
     CA Atago
     CL Jintsu
     DD Asashio
     DD Oshio
     DD Michishio
     DD Arashio
     DD Akatsuki
     DD Hibiki
     DD Isonami
     DD Shikinami
Allied Ships
     PT-31
     PT-32
     PT-33
     PT-34, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
     PT-35, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
     PT-41
     PT Q-111, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
     PT Q-112, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
     PT Q-113, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

The really important surface action of the day occurred when my cruiser TF commanded by Tanaka ran into the PoW and Repulse. Fortunately, it didn't turn out as badly as it could have. 1 IJN CA and 1 DD sunk. It looks like all the Brit DDs may be on the verge of sinking. But, naturally, the BB and BC came through fine. (I have yet to see a long lance hit home on a warship.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Jolo at 73,92, Range 24,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
     CA Aoba
     CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 3
     CA Furutaka, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
     CA Kako, Shell hits 2, on fire
     DD Oboro, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
     DD Uzuki, Shell hits 1
     DD Kikuzuki, Shell hits 1
     DD Yuzuki, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
     BB Prince of Wales, Shell hits 6, on fire
     BC Repulse, Shell hits 10
     DD Vampire, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
     DD Tenedos, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
     DD Electra, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
     DD Express, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage

The retaliatory bombing attack from the Ryujo did no accomplish much, of course, but the combat report does indicate fires aboard the PoW.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tawi Tawi at 71,92
Japanese aircraft
     A5M4 Claude x 4
     B5N1 Kate x 12
Japanese aircraft losses
     B5N1 Kate: 9 damaged
Allied Ships
     BC Repulse, Bomb hits 2
     BB Prince of Wales, on fire

Meanwhile Zuiho got in its licks against the Dutch.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Dadjangas at 76,94
Japanese aircraft
     B5N1 Kate x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
     B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
Allied Ships
     CL De Ruyter, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
     CL Tromp
     CL Java

I believe the De Ruyter is sunk. A Dutch float plane is listed as destroyed on the ground as part of today's aircraft losses.

The way I see it, action in the Celebes sea has now cost the allies 4xBrit DD, 2xUS DD, Houston, Marblehead, and De Ruyter while the Japanese have lost 2xDD and one CA. (Plus other smaller combatants and non-combatants.)

In ground action today, Khota Bahru was captured with heavy losses to the allies:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kota Bharu (51,75)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 13195 troops, 171 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 433
Defending force 3617 troops, 40 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 125

Japanese adjusted assault: 309
Allied adjusted defense: 2

Japanese assault odds: 154 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Kota Bharu !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(-), disruption(-), preparation(-), fatigue(-)
morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
     37 casualties reported
        Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
        Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
        Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Allied ground losses:
     2744 casualties reported
        Squads: 86 destroyed, 17 disabled
        Non Combat: 127 destroyed, 16 disabled
        Engineers: 36 destroyed, 0 disabled
     Guns lost 25 (25 destroyed, 0 disabled)
     Vehicles lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)
     Units retreated 3

Guam finally fell. Unfortunately, Wake held out. Apparently bad weather kept the KB from launching its ground attack. This probably could have tipped the odds in my favor. I am sending the SNLF that was used to take Guam to reinforce the beat up SNLF that is still sitting on Wake. At least he has plenty of supply. The KB itself is now retiring to Truk to rearm in preparation for the push south.

US CV Enterprise was last seen at Pago-Pago. It may have joined up with Lexington there. Whether it has slipped away undetected or not is hard to tell. Hard to know where they are going. If the CVs are heading to Wake, that could be bad for my follow-on invasion. Or he could be headed to Australia. That would be my bet. Considering how aggressive witpqs has been in the Celebes Sea, with practically his entire surface force there, I wouldn't be surprised to see the US CVs headed in that direction.

Until then, however, I am going to try to for a decisive finale to the action around the Celebes. All the BBs Japan owns, except for those accompanying the KB are headed to the narrowest point of the Makassar Strait. No doubt PoW and Repulse can exit the scene before I can catch them, but if the should try to stick around, I am going to try to engage them with my BBs. I have one TF with the 2 fast BBs, and two TFs with 3 each of the slow BBs. PoW and Repulse, meanwhile are low on ammo and, if I am right, have lost their escort. Thus, even my surface TFs do not catch them, I have two subs waiting in the Makassar straight that should have a clear shot at them. Even if I do miss the PoW and Repulse, there are still the Dutch cruisers that will not be able to exit the Celebes before I can block their escape route.

The other TFs in the area, including Tanaka's depleted force, and both the Zhuiho and Ryujo are heading home. Ryuho is going to Takao to replace the Claudes with Zeros, and Zuiho is heading to Badeldoab. From there they will head to Truk where they will join up with the KB where I will then form KB1 and KB2. The fast BBs. after their short patrol in the Makassar strait will also head to Truk to form part of the escort for KB2.

(in reply to Grotius)

Post #: 26

Celebes Ablaze! - 1/13/2010 3:11:53 AM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

Dec. 16, 1941

Naval engagements took place across the Celebes and Sulu Seas today. This cost the IJN 1xDD in exchange for numerous allied DDs and at least 1 CL, probably 2. Also of note, not one long lance scored a hit, even though during one engagement the IJN was able to surprise the allies. So far in this game there have been no long lance hits against a warship.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Puerto Princesa at 73,84, Range 3,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Jintsu
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki
DD Isonami
DD Shikinami
Allied Ships
PT-31
PT-32
PT-33, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
PT-41, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Tawi Tawi at 72,89, Range 6,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
CA Kako
DD Uzuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Yuzuki
Allied Ships
MTB 7
MTB 8
MTB 9
MTB 10
MTB 11
MTB 12
MTB 26, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB 27

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Sangi at 75,95, Range 12,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 1
BB Mutsu
BB Fuso, Shell hits 1
CL Yura
CL Kinu
CL Kitakami
DD Mikazuki
DD Minekaze
DD Sawakaze, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Okikaze
DD Yukaze
DD Wakatake
DD Kuretake
Allied Ships
DD Alden, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Barker
DD Bulmer
DD Edsall, Shell hits 2
DD John D. Edwards
DD Paul Jones, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Sangi at 75,95, Range 10,000 Yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 10,000 yards
Japanese launch Long Lance torpedoes at 10,000 yards before allies detect Japanese presence
Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Fuso
CL Yura
CL Kinu
CL Kitakami, Shell hits 1
DD Mikazuki
DD Minekaze
DD Okikaze
DD Yukaze
DD Wakatake, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CL Java, Shell hits 3
CL Tromp, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Banckert
DD Van Nes
DD Witte de With
DD Evertsen
DD Kortenaer
DD Piet Hein
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Manado at 75,96, Range 7,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu
BB Fuso, Shell hits 1
CL Yura
CL Kinu
CL Kitakami
DD Mikazuki
DD Minekaze
DD Okikaze
DD Yukaze
Allied Ships
CL Java
CL Tromp, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Banckert
DD Van Nes
DD Witte de With
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 2
DD Kortenaer
DD Piet Hein
DD Van Ghent
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Manado at 75,96, Range 10,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 2
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
CL Tama
CL Kiso
CL Oi
DD Sanae
DD Asagao
DD Fuyo
DD Karukaya, Shell hits 1
DD Hasu
DD Kuri
Allied Ships
DD Alden, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
DD Barker
DD Bulmer
DD Edsall, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 3, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Manado at 74,96, Range 11,000 Yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 11,000 yards
Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 2
BB Fuso, Shell hits 1
CL Yura
CL Kinu
CL Kitakami
DD Mikazuki
DD Minekaze
DD Okikaze
DD Yukaze
Allied Ships
CL Java, Shell hits 1
CL Tromp, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
DD Banckert, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Van Nes
DD Witte de With
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Kortenaer
DD Piet Hein
DD Van Ghent
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Gorontalo at 73,96, Range 25,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 4
BB Ise, Shell hits 3
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 1
CL Tama
CL Kiso, Shell hits 1
CL Oi
DD Sanae
DD Asagao, Shell hits 1
DD Fuyo
DD Karukaya
DD Hasu
DD Kuri, Shell hits 1
Allied Ships
CL Java, Shell hits 12, on fire
DD Banckert
DD Van Nes, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Witte de With
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Kortenaer
DD Piet Hein
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The last of the PTs
Day Time Surface Combat, near Jolo at 74,88, Range 21,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Jintsu
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki
DD Isonami
DD Shikinami
Allied Ships
PT-31, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-32, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The last of the four stackers
Day Time Surface Combat, near Jolo at 73,92, Range 22,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Jintsu
DD Asashio
DD Oshio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Akatsuki
DD Hibiki
DD Isonami
DD Shikinami
Allied Ships
DD John D. Ford, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
DD Pope, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Gorontalo at 73,96, Range 21,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Ise
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 1
CL Tama
CL Kiso
CL Oi
DD Sanae
DD Asagao
DD Fuyo
DD Karukaya
DD Hasu
DD Kuri, on fire
Allied Ships
DD Alden, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
DD Bulmer, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Gorontalo at 72,96
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
G4M1 Betty x 8
Allied Ships
DD Evertsen, on fire
DD Banckert, Bomb hits 1

With these actions the battle of the Celebes Sea comes to a close. Both sides appear to be retiring. The IJN BBs are heading to Truk, the nearest rearming point. (There is an AKE at Truk.) The slow BB TFs will return to the DEI while the fast BBs will join up with the KB, as will the CVLs Zuiho and Ryujo.

Meanwhile, on Luzon, the Sallys struck at the port at Bataan. Escorting Zeros achieved a 2:1 kill ratio of defending P-40s. The allied airforce on Luzon is being attritted away and will soon be completely irrelevant.

< Message edited by cap_and_gown -- 1/13/2010 3:17:15 AM >

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 27

RE: Celebes Ablaze! - 1/13/2010 3:32:55 AM

Grotius

Posts: 5798
Joined: 10/18/2002
From: The Imperial Palace.
Status: offline

Wow, lots of surface action! Too bad about the Long Lances.

On the "follow" order: check out rule 6.2.7.1, page 94 of the manual. If you order the surface combat group to "lead" and the transports to "follow," the surface group will slow down so that the transports stay with it -- and the surface group will be in "front" if there's trouble at the destination. A rather significant change from WITP! It might be helpful to you.

_____________________________

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 28

RE: Celebes Ablaze! - 1/13/2010 3:51:47 AM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Grotius

Wow, lots of surface action! Too bad about the Long Lances.

On the "follow" order: check out rule 6.2.7.1, page 94 of the manual. If you order the surface combat group to "lead" and the transports to "follow," the surface group will slow down so that the transports stay with it -- and the surface group will be in "front" if there's trouble at the destination. A rather significant change from WITP! It might be helpful to you.

Thanks for the tip about the follow order. Still not sure I trust it. I still think I will send in the surface force just before the invasion fleet in order to clear the area of enemy surface combatants.

(in reply to Grotius)

Post #: 29

Battle of the Celebes Seas concludes - 1/15/2010 2:54:16 AM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

Dec. 17-18

Dec. 17 saw the last surface engagement of the battle of the Celebes Sea. Our retiring BBs ran into the remnants of the Dutch force and sank two more DDs.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Gorontalo at 71,96, Range 9,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
CL Tama
CL Kiso
CL Oi
DD Sanae
DD Asagao
DD Fuyo
DD Karukaya
DD Hasu
DD Kuri
Allied Ships
DD Banckert, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 1
DD Piet Hein
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

On Luzon the Japanese how have established multiple air bases are starting a continuous bombing campaign against the Manila/Clark/Bataan complex. I am talking PzB's advice and temporarily bring the 38th division from Hong Kong to southern Luzon where they will march north to Manila and so, hopefully, inducing witpqs to withdraw to Clark Field. Once that is accomplished the 38th will reboard and head for Malaya. I will then use the two other divisions to hold the allied troops at Clark until after Manila falls and a couple of the divisions there can be diverted back to Luzon.

Dec. 18

Sorong has been invaded and will fall tomorrow.

An air flotilla arrived at Menado and went active this turn. Now that the Nells there have torpedos, they should discourage witpqs from further interference with our next thrust south to Ambon and Kendari. I am debating on whether to wait for the slow BB TFs to rearm at Truk and return before launching this offensive, or whether to rely on the deterrent value of my torpedo bombers to keep PoW and Repulse from interfering.

Witpqs apparently is intent on guarding Jolo from invasion. Not only were these two PGs there, but the Brit MTBs are heading in that direction as well.
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Jolo at 74,90
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
G3M2 Nell x 12

Allied Ships
PG Asheville, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
PG Tulsa, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Batjan at 76,104
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
G3M2 Nell x 14

Allied Ships
AVD William B. Preston, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Troops are now on the way to Puerto Princessa. Meanwhile, I am going to pick up two SNLFs at Miri and use them to take Tarakan in order to better shield my bases on the western side of Borneo from air attacks and to further dominate the Celebes Sea. Jolo too will be occupied by the troops tasked with taking Puerto Princessa. Nevertheless, I am not planning a thrust down the Makassar strait. Instead, my main thrust is still aiming at Timor.

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 30

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