RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (Full Version)

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Cribtop -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/22/2011 2:58:05 AM)

Feb 21, 1942

nygiants59: I tend to concur that Java is a higher priority. The hope is that Singers falls soon as I will then have the forces (after a short rest) to hit Sumatra, Java and NW Oz virtually simultaneously.

A quiet day. Itching to get the next replay back as we ordered DAs at both Singapore and Nanyang for the 22nd.

Subs

No contacts.

4th & SE Fleets; 14th Army

No change.

16th Army

Tawau falls. Talaud Eilanden invaded.

DA Bandjermasin easily takes the base with 3:1 odds. 1 Dutch LCU retreats while the base force surrenders. Resources captured at 59(1). Operation SM is officially in the books. Our invasion fleet and covering force (Celebes Sea Sqdn) will withdraw to the new IJN gas station at Balikpapan. We need to seize Denpasar and then reorganize our forces somewhat for the next phase of Ops in this AO. For all practical purposes the eastern DEI fell without a fight in this game. So far, so good. A large convoy begins unloading troops that shifted forward from Babeldoab to Kendari, including 16th Army HQ. Kendari now becomes our new Administrative HQ for this AO. Babel will still be important as a repair base for the Navy and as a logistics/convoy hub.

25th Army

Our 16K bombing campaign has Singer's airfield damage up to about 40 and on an upward trajectory. We order the first of what we hope are two consecutive, and decisive, DAs here. Not that Cribtop HQ will cry if we get lucky and take the base tomorrow, mind you. [:D]

15th Army

Still pursuing into the plains near Magwe. DA Toungoo by 2 regiments tomorrow as the enemy is trying to pull out. The RTA Cav Division is about to cut the LoC between Lashio and Mandalay.

China

DA Nanyang tomorrow as previously mentioned. Cribtop HQ estimates between 1 and 2 more attacks will take the base, 3 at the outside as daily BAs show enemy AS dropping fast.

Our long awaited southern offensive kicks off soon. We sent 1 reinforcement division marching to Pucheng to clean up the enemy there. This in turn will allow us to re-shuffle the Wenchow garrison and re-assemble another division. We can cobble together a third division equivalent from odds and ends in the south as well. This force will then move on Kanshien and probe the enemy's strength there. We may not yet have quite enough to roll up the South but believe the time when CF could mount his own early offensive here has passed.

5th Fleet

D-Day at Adak is 72 hours away. No sign of the enemy per our Jakes, subs and picket ships. Paramushiro Jima makes level 3 forts.





thegreatwent -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/22/2011 3:54:36 AM)

You may have explained it prior but what escorts are going with the Adak invasion?



Cribtop -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/22/2011 6:36:58 AM)

Quickie update as I just watched a very long replay.

thegreatwent - We have 2 TBs and 2 I-boats out as pickets. The invasion TF consists of the whole of 5th Fleet - 2 BBs, 3 CLs and 6 DDs - escorting 2 fast AMCs carrying supplies and a Naval Guard unit. We plan to get in and get out fast.

Today's events were numerous, and not all were expected, but most were good.

- Cuttlefish sent an SCTF into Bandjermasin consisting of 3 CL and 5 DD. Due to a colossal screwup, namely incorrectly estimating that a tiny amount of supplies would offload in the first "free" unloading phase, Celebes Sea Sqdn had moved off cover duty while the invasion TF stayed at Bandj. All seemed lost but our brave Kaigun samurai in 3 DDs, 4 DMS and a few PBs managed to fend off the enemy and escape. Several ships are damaged but none sunk. All should make port unless enemy SS pick them off. Painful but better than we deserved.

- We deliver the last support units for our paras on Horn Island and for some reason that triggers a premature shock attack (??!!) Fortunately we do ok despite a 1:2. Lots of supplies inbound over the next few days to help us finish this. Need to hurry lest CF reinforce. Did this occur due to some coding foible because we delivered the last squad of the unit? We had been flying in support for days without an SA.

- DA Singers knocks forts down to 0 while bombing keeps airfield damage at 43. Despite this we get a bad adjusted AV roll and miss a 2:1. Still, with a little rest and more bombing we should take it at last soon.

- Nanyang falls! Odds 5:1, forts dropped to level 1. 18 LCUs are destroyed, casualties 60,686 (9861) vs 2584(33). BANZAI!! [&o][&o] The VPs from this coup put us 770 points ahead of CF even without taking Singapore (VP gain for the day was 792). To say we now have options in North China is an understatement.

Full report tomorrow.

PS - just noticed I went over 1,000 posts and joined the Matrix Elite Guard. Banzai!




Cribtop -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/22/2011 11:33:14 PM)

February 22, 1942

A big day as detailed above.

Subs

Stingray duds on a DD in the Celebes Sea Sqdn. Retaliatory DC attack gets a solid hit with an internal explosion and the sub is claimed sunk. She's at least damaged enough to require time in the yards.

4th Fleet

A Glen reports a CV in a TF at Canton, but only shows 11 auxiliary aircraft. Probably an AV, but we will vector in a few subs just in case.

SE Fleet

See above for the Horn Island SA. Odds were 1:2, casualties 60(7) vs 71(0).

14th Army

No change.

16th Army

See above for the surface action off Bandjermasin. All units are retiring on Balikpapan. The big convoy at Kendari unloads all LCUs in one day. We will now hit Denpasar while re-assembling combat power at Kendari.

Talaud Eilanden falls.

25th Army

See above for the Singers attack. Stats for the combat are odds 1:1, forts dropped to 0, casualties 1519(71) vs 3381(21). Our LCUs have too much DIS and FAT to attack again tomorrow despite our stated intention to do so. We will rest a day or two while the bombing continues. With forts down to nil all we need is a good adjusted AV roll to take the base.

15th Army

DA Toungoo takes the base despite level 2 forts with 9:1 odds. Three enemy LCUs were able to flee the hex in the movement phase but we catch a Burma Brigade for casualties of 728(54) to nil.

China

See above for the good news at Nanyang. We will rest a day or two and then intend to move on Sian, which we believe we have the combat power to take now that our two armies can combine against the one remaining force of the enemy. Thereafter we would love to seize Lanchow or at least cut it off to deprive the Chinese economy of all its oil, thus shutting down refineries and HI. We must remain vigilant against counterattack, either from Ichang, Changsha or the South. However, we have solid defenses in these areas and even plan a limited offensive in the South.



Miller -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/22/2011 11:47:14 PM)

Be VERY careful when invading Java. Its early Feb in my game and my sneaky opponent sent his US CVs from (I assume) NW Oz up to just off the NW coast of Java to catch my invasion forces unloading at Merak. My mini-KB reacted and in the carrier battle I lost 2 CVEs and Ryujo looks very unlikely to survive, sinking CV Enterprise in return.

I had half expected a move like this but was confident the the 110 Zeros on the mKB would keep his bombers at bay, however his CV a/c got a perfectly co-ordinated attack with lots of Dutch crap launching from all over Java going in at the same time......just too many targets to shoot down and most of his SBDs got through.

Bottom line is, unless you know his CVs are elsewhere it may be a good idea to have the big boys covering the invasion of Java.



Cribtop -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/22/2011 11:54:36 PM)

Excellent advice. I plan to use pickets south of Java, LBA support and the full might of MKB (all IJN CVs) in support. Cross Java attacks are VERY effective indeed.



Miller -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/23/2011 12:05:12 AM)

I did have plenty of subs and air search in the area, however I think he may have used a full speed (18 hex) run to avoid any chance of being detected the day before, or maybe I should just fire my air search sqd commander (out of a cannon, into a wall) for failing to spot them[:@]

With hindsight a couple of Netty sqds plus escorts at Palembang would have helped as well. If I only lose the 2 CVEs I have been lucky to come away with a draw.......



ny59giants -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/23/2011 12:40:14 AM)

Java - I like to capture and build up Oosthaven and Denpasar (place Air HQs, Nell/Betty, and Zero). A third Air HQ is at Koepang.

You can also add a quick para landing at Christmas Island (IO) and transport in a BF to provide support for a small Mavis/Emily group. The small 9 plane group that started the game in Malaya works fine here.



Cribtop -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/24/2011 6:18:48 AM)

Miller,

Yeah, it's hard to guard against the flank speed moves to a known launch point. Always more dangerous to be the covering force than the counterattacking side.

Just watched the replay for a rather quiet Feb 23rd. Will post the update and a screenshot tomorrow. We would like some reader advice on two options for the upcoming Sian campaign.



Cribtop -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/25/2011 6:00:28 AM)

Feb 23, 1942

The first of two quiet days in the aftermath of our victory at Nanyang.

Subs

S-36 torpedoes and sinks an xAKL in a DBCL TF near Tawi Tawi. The lifeboat ship in the TF rescues most of the troops. Net losses as far as we can tell are just two squads. This Cribtop Lifeboat Doctrine thing is surprisingly effective.

4th Fleet

No change.

SE Fleet

An enemy SCTF chases off I-5 just off Sydney.

14th Army

Burias invaded.

16th Army

Tawi Tawi invaded despite the loss of an xAKL.

Lots of TFs sortie from Kendari. They will pull troops back to Kendari to re-form and prepare for the invasion of Java.

25th Army

Other than bombing of Singers and an effective BA, no change.

15th Army

Pursuing into the plains near Magwe.

China

BA in the 12th Army stack 1 hex SE Sian shows raw AS 1789 vs 1907 in the enemy's favor. He has had weeks to dig in to the rough wooded terrain, too. We recall when the enemy launched a DA with odds 1789 vs 2300 and got an adjusted AV of 1000ish to 7700. This recollection makes us leary of a direct assault even if we bring the 3000+ AS from Nanyang to the party.

Home Islands

I-27 arrives and sorties for Babeldoab on a shakedown cruise. She will be employed watching the coast of Oz.



Cribtop -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/25/2011 6:10:08 AM)

China Front Discusson

Cribtop HQ has ordered the commencement of Operation S, the seizure of Sian. However, we are concerned that even with the combined power of 11th and 12th Armies, we don't have the AS to punch through the 1 hex of wooded rough terrain guarded by 24 enemy LCUs (some of which are HQs, some non-combat, and some defeated forces from Chengchow).

Are we just being wusses or is there a smarter way? Reader input is requested. The screenshot below details two options, routes Green and Blue.

[image]local://upfiles/29885/4C2DDDB8DE284DCD91E1C825867DF167.jpg[/image]

Route Green

Pro: Short and sweet. Route Green uses a good road with an easily defended LoC to move on Sian with both 11th and 12th Armies, supported by North China HQ. Total AS will be approximately 4789. Win the battle in the hex SE of Sian and the jig is up.

Con: Terrain. The enemy has a rough, wooded hex to defend and has been there unmolested long enough to build up a few fort levels.

Route Blue

Pro: We avoid the enemy concentration SE of Sian and move around the flank, eventually smashing the lone LCU posted E of Sian and then crossing the river into the city hex itself. This presents the enemy with the Devil's choice of abandoning the defensive position in the rough woods to save the city or being cut off. Even better, 12th Army could enter the hex from the SE without a shock attack with enough AS to allow the main force to cross the river without an SA. In short, we could use route Blue to manuever the enemy out of his strong defensive position SE of Sian. Much of the approach on Route Blue will be concealed from the enemy.

Con: Route Blue takes longer. It will be mid-March before we are in position.

What do you think, readers? If we have the juice to push 1900 AS out of the rough wooded hex Route Green is the obvious choice. We doubt we have the combat power and thus favor Route Blue, but are willing to be talked into or out of either option.

PS - Congrats to my second favorite team, the South Carolina Gamecocks, for a big win in extra innings at the CWS tonight. I'm a proud Texan (in case you hadn't guessed) but the Gamecocks are my second favorite team behind the Longhorns as my family lived in South Carolina from 1715 until the day my Dad left to seek his fortune in Georgia, California and Texas (the promised land).



ny59giants -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/25/2011 7:23:17 AM)

Case Green is a Go!! I Repeat, Case Green is a Go!! [:)]

However, move a division or a very strong mixed brigade into the rough hex three hexes due east of Sian to secure your right flank.
Use massive bombers to hit ground troops in hex SE of Sian and also the AF at Sian (destroy supply).
Avoid prolonged combat (includes the use of bombardment attacks) against a stack of units as that will bring his experience level above 50% and grant them full AS (most Chinese start with experience in upper 30 to low 40s).
You are too worried about having a continuous line of troops rather than have a sharp point at the end of the spear (form the Japanese "Death Star"). You are giving him too much respect.
I did the same thing in my game and I don't know if I gave the Chinese too much time to recover. He has supply issues in the north and cannot afford to do too many attacks.

I'm taking the 2nd WR off the field and adding another TE. I'm giving the ball to Jacobs and seeing if you can stop me. Time for smashball football. Since you do live in Texas, you should know how to conduct some smashball, right?!? [:D]



Blackhorse -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/25/2011 9:09:05 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Case Green is a Go!! I Repeat, Case Green is a Go!! [:)]

However, move a division or a very strong mixed brigade into the rough hex three hexes due east of Sian to secure your right flank.
Use massive bombers to hit ground troops in hex SE of Sian and also the AF at Sian (destroy supply).
Avoid prolonged combat (includes the use of bombardment attacks) against a stack of units as that will bring his experience level above 50% and grant them full AS (most Chinese start with experience in upper 30 to low 40s).
You are too worried about having a continuous line of troops rather than have a sharp point at the end of the spear (form the Japanese "Death Star"). You are giving him too much respect.
I did the same thing in my game and I don't know if I gave the Chinese too much time to recover. He has supply issues in the north and cannot afford to do too many attacks.

I'm taking the 2nd WR off the field and adding another TE. I'm giving the ball to Jacobs and seeing if you can stop me. Time for smashball football. Since you do live in Texas, you should know how to conduct some smashball, right?!? [:D]


+1



fcharton -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/25/2011 9:22:49 AM)

Hi,

One problem with the blue line is that you do not hold the railway line between Taiyuan and the open hex north of Sian. This makes your supply situation complicated once you attack Sian from the north.

Francois



princep01 -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/25/2011 1:20:03 PM)

Cribtop, frankly, after the beating administered at Nanyang, either path is a road to victory at Sian. The green line approach is likely to be faster, but bloodier. The blue line MIGHT afford you a chance to grab Sian with fewer casualties. So, it is just a matter of what inflicts the great pain on the Chinese while costing your forces the least.

If you think the supply situation is solvable using the blue line appraoch, then it is the more eloquent solution in my view. I give points for style (ie gaining a positional goal with few casualties) in warfare. But the green line will mush the Chinese to pulp too.



Nemo121 -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/25/2011 1:36:12 PM)

With air supremacy you will be able to disrupt the Chinese stack sufficiently ( if you commit enough bombers ) to make an advance through the forest relatively easy. The key though is to commit enough bombers to disrupt large numbers of units in the Chinese stack.... commit too few bombers and you'll only disrupt the top couple of units and that simply won't be enough to keep your losses low.

The red route risks being countered by a withdrawal to Sian and a river crossing in the face of those Chinese forces would, in all likelihood, cause several of your units massive casualties. Better to take the surer route with more factors under your control than the longer route which has a gamble at its end ( the river crossing ).



Canoerebel -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/25/2011 1:47:01 PM)

Green Route is better in all respects.  First, the Chinese would simply shift their forces over to contest an advance via the Blue Route, so either way you're going to face the same force in the same woods.  So it's better to face them while their fresh from defeat and Cuttlefish hasn't had time to recover his equilibrium.  As others have said, use your airforce and try to cobble together a few divisions elsewhere, both to guard your flank and to create the appearance of pressure from new directions.  Sian will indeed be low on supply.



Cribtop -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/25/2011 4:08:25 PM)

I bow to the received wisdom of the council of war. Green route it is. Good suggestion to cut the reinforcement route in the rough hex 3 places east of Sian.

There is also some truth that I'm using a line to keep out infiltrators rather than focusing everything at the tip of the spear. That has served me well so far but the time has come to move to a less linear formation in the north.



Cribtop -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/26/2011 12:01:22 AM)

February 24, 1942

Subs

KXIII misses an APD en route to Kendari.

4th Fleet

No change.

SE Fleet

Our kamikaze xAKL arrives at Horn Island and unloads hundreds of tons of supplies. More than enough for a DA tomorrow. Our para unit is in top condition again and just hit 100 prep for Horn Island. Taiyo is at Truk re-configuring her air groups as I figured out during the Canton debacle she can't carry torpedoes. We are going to bring Hosho into SE Fleet to join her on a raid soon to add more punch and some Kates. If there's any way for Taiyo to take on torps please advise.

14th Army

Burias falls. In a few days we will begin loading the regiment of 16th Division currently at Cagayan. Then we reunite the unit and use it in 16th or 25th Army AOs.

16th Army

We are gathering at Kendari and re-shuffling forces in preparation for the next push. We have decided to use 2nd Raiding Regt to seize Denpasar as it is unreinforced. An xAK sinks in Balikpapan harbor, meaning that we did lose 1 ship from the Bandjermasin encounter.

Morotai invaded by DBCL warriors. Tawi Tawi falls.

25th Army

MKB is just about done clearing SYS damage. The Fleet Oilers are almost full at Brunei. Java awaits. One more day of rest before what we SINCERELY hope is the last attack at Singapore.

15th Army

We are pushing on into the interior. Base forces are moving forward as well as we want to sweep the AVG's new base at Mandalay. Odd CF has yet to commit them to battle. While it is wise to avoid fighting the Japanese too early too often (witness our excellent A2A exchange rate, still hovering at 3:1), he could avoid combat more safely by just pulling back to a rear area base in India or China.

China

We are resting our troops at Nanyang one more day tomorrow, then Operation S commences in earnest. We are taking the board's advice and going straight up the middle with as many bombers as we can scrape together.

We have at long last reinforced Pucheng (recall that we trapped a Corps, a base force and an HQ fleeing Wenchow here) and launch a DA there. Odds 4:1, casualties a rather disappointing 707(3) vs 1120(4). We'll try again tomorrow as the enemy surely is almost completely out of supplies after being cut off for more than a month.

5th Fleet

Adak invaded and should fall tomorrow.



ny59giants -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/26/2011 1:11:09 AM)

quote:

Taiyo is at Truk re-configuring her air groups as I figured out during the Canton debacle she can't carry torpedoes. We are going to bring Hosho into SE Fleet to join her on a raid soon to add more punch and some Kates. If there's any way for Taiyo to take on torps please advise.


These two small carriers could lose an air battle vs one American CV if CF places an additional airgroup on CV Hornet (which is due around 1 March 42 at either Eastern USA or Panama).

Taiyo Class doesn't carry any torpedoes.



Cribtop -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/27/2011 12:54:12 AM)

Feb 25, 1942

nygiants59: I concur. The intention with these CVEs is to raid convoy routes, hoping to bag a big convoy and give CF something to think about. There's no guarantee we won't bump into a USN CV, but I'm going to route them to minimize the risk. I think the psychological and strategic impact of forcing the enemy to re-route and/or more heavily escort his convoys is worth the risk of these two slow tubs.

Subs

Sealion duds on a DMS near Manado. Guess she wasn't hit too badly after all. K IX misses the same DMS 40 miles away.

4th Fleet

No change.

SE Fleet

Our big reinforcement TF finishes unloading at Truk. In a happy coincidence, Rabaul hits level 7 airfield, freeing up 3 construction LCUs to build up bases in the Solomons, where some of the newly arrived forces will be stationed.

DA Horn Island achieves only a 1:2 due to fort levels, but casualties are a gratifying 45(3) vs 27(0). We will wait a few days and then attack again in co-ordination with dropping the second para unit. The xAKL has dropped 800+ tons of supplies already so this little op should accelerate.

Three AMCs with search planes are probing the enemy convoy routes near Noumea, Fiji and Canton Island, respectively. Intention is to snoop around for convoys or evidence of CF's carriers. Best estimate of Cribtop Intel is that they are based somewhere in the Auckland/Fiji/Noumea triangle.

14th Army

We at last slog into position near Cotobato to finish off the remnants of the enemy's Mindanao defenders. DA tomorrow.

16th Army

Morotai falls. We continue to pull together disparate units to Kendari in preparation for further attacks. We have 2nd Raiding Regt and numerous transports in position at Makassar for the Denpasar Op.

25th Army

DA Singapore tomorrow. Fingers crossed. We know the enemy is still at 0 forts as daily bombings have pushed airfield damage up to 55.

15th Army

The enemy has abandoned Magwe. Cribtop HQ is surprised as even token resistance could have resulted in serious damage to the significant Oil facilities there if CF got lucky. Looks like the enemy is bagging it in Burma as he is falling back rapidly, pressed by our troops. Recon shows no Chinese forces in theater. The RTA Cav corps cuts the railroad to Lashio.

China

Operation S commences as our troops march out. We will remain alert to attacks from the Changsha/Ichang front but recon shows nothing brewing. In fact, the biggest stack other than the Sian army we can see is 11 LCUs at Kanshien. Only 8 at Changsha and 9 at Ichang (although those are pretty stout formations by Chinese standards). I think both players are still incorporating the reality of the destruction of the Nanyang stack on the balance of power. I'm sure the view on that looks better from Tokyo than it does from Chungking.

DA Pucheng gets 16:1 odds, casualties 659(4) 228(1). Note the rapid degradation of the enemy's adjusted AV (down from 4:1 odds in yesterday's attack).

5th Fleet

Adak falls. One more day to unload supplies and we will steam for home. Picket ships don't detect a whiff of activity.

Other

Cribtop Intel regretfully informs HQ that the reported sinking of Prince of Wales was in error. Not a huge surprise with only 2 torpedo hits, but hopefully she is laid up in the yard for some time.



Cribtop -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/27/2011 10:25:21 PM)

February 26, 1942

Captain Robert "Bob" Martin of the 2/19th Bttn, 22nd Australian Brigade, surveyed the wreckage of another failed Japanese attack on his position in the waning hours of a warm afternoon in Fortress Singapore. As he panned his binoculars from left to right, shrapnel wounds from a grenade stung him for the thousandth time. Most of the men on the front line, an abandoned cannery become fortified outpost, carried one wound or another. This morning the Japanese had come again as they did every three days or so. He was astonished at the effectiveness of their infiltration efforts and appalled at their willingness to suffer casualties in frontal assaults both day and night. The stench of the dead overwhelmed the smell of fires, expended ammunition and even the rather unpleasant odor emanating from his long shredded uniform. Still, his men had held with pride for weeks of constant bombing and ground assault.

His attention was pulled from the shattered buildings and broken men by two surprisingly clean officers moving up a communications trench leading back to Battalion HQ. "Capt. Martin, I presume?" said the first man, a staff Colonel with a distinctly English accent.

Martin snapped a salute. "Speaking, Sir."

"I'm Merriweather, and this is Major Upton, from AHQ Far East. We are here in person to make sure the cease fire announced by wireless is strictly observed."

"What cease fire? As you can see, we've been a bit busy the past few hours."

"Yes, quite unfortunate but the word hasn't reached all the subordinate commands on either side. Hence our little tour," said the Colonel.

He gestured to Upton, who produced a written order from General Percival informing all British Empire forces of a 24 hour cease fire, effective at 1300 hours.

A few hours too late for some of his men, thought Martin bitterly. It was then that an even darker thought rose unbidden from the pit of his stomach. "Colonel, may I inquire what this is all about?"

"Nothing to concern you, Captain. Use the time to re-provision and rest your men. You can expect further orders from AHQ tomorrow."

Merriweather seemed a decent sort, but acting was clearly not his strong suit. Martin considered his options and decided to risk going a bit beyond the bounds of military decorum. "Colonel, I've got a company down to 30% effectives that have held this ruin for over 15 days. For their sakes, please tell me what's going on."

Upton and Merriweather shared a furtive glance. "Look, Captain, the truth is the Jap 2nd Division finally broke through to the harbor. Our defenses are split in two. AHQ asked Yamashita for a cease fire to... Well, to discuss terms."

The air went out of Bob Martin. It seemed like all the hurts of the past three months, great and small, weighed on him anew with crushing force. "Is that it, then?"

Neither staff officer said a word in reply.

"Right. Well, do me a favor. Move in closer and pretend to talk things over for a few minutes."

"What for, Captain?" asked Merriweather.

"Can't let the men see me crying, Colonel."

Today, the fall of Singapore puts a coda to a black week from the Allied perspective. Despite the valiant defense of the fortress for 11 days past the historical surrender date (ironic that Percival's reputation probably fares a lot better in this virtual reality than it did historically), the enemy has suffered through the surrender of more than 100,000 UK and Chinese troops (51 LCUs) in the space of five days. Cuttlefish's decision not to withdraw any troops meant the fort held out for longer than we are used to in AE. However, he has lost more than is common now that all is said and done.

The base fell with 2:1 odds against zero forts. 33 LCUs surrender, including AHQ Far East, 9th and 11th Indian Divisions, 22nd and 27th Australian Brigades, and air HQs 223 and 224 Group RAF. Recall that six more LCUs were destroyed in the fighting before the base fell, so 39 are lost in total. Japanese units, while fatigued, are all at 95% of TO&E strength and ready for fresh conquests in Sumatra, Java and Oz after a few days' rest. Facilities are captured with about 33% damage. We will repair the Shipyard. Nonetheless, we tip our hats to a brave effort by the Brits here. Cribtop HQ feels more relief than jubilation, but a win is a win. VPs jump to 10,415 vs 6,307 this turn.

Subs

Escorts in a troop convoy bound for Kendari chase off K VII near Batjan. I-1 announces our presence in the Indian Ocean by sinking an xAKL near Koggala.

4th Fleet

No change.

SE Fleet

No change.

14th Army

DA hex 78, 91 (near Cotobato) forces four battered LCUs to retreat with 2:1 odds, casualties 396(34) vs 105(1). We forgot to get out of move mode for this attack and still pull it off. The fall of Cotobato will effectively end combat operations on Mindanao and free up a regiment to rejoin the balance of 56th Division at Singapore.

16th Army

We spotted a DD in harbor at Soerabaja and try a port attack but no joy.

25th Army

Singapore falls and causes Cribtop HQ to issue the following orders. Imperial Guards will ship out to the Burma front. Two divisions will be used to seize northern and southern Sumatra. The remaining two divisions, plus 16th Division coming from Luzon, will invade Java in the company of three armored units. 21st and 38th Divisions will gather at Kendari and then invade NW Oz with three additional tank regiments in tow. All of these ops will commence not later than 10th March to ensure the landings take advantage of the invasion bonus. MKB will be needed to support the invasions. Eventual intention is for the Sumatra Divisions to move to Java to finish off sieges in the company of yet another division we will soon buy out of Kwantung Army.

15th Army

An abandoned Magwe falls to 33rd Division. Oil is captured at 297(3), refineries at 99(1). Nice.

China

DA Pucheng goes off at 26:1 odds, casualties 911(16) vs 184(0). Only a matter of time here.

5th Fleet

We finish unloading supplies at Adak and set course for home.

Other

CS Nisshin and I-29 arrive for duty.



ny59giants -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/27/2011 11:20:11 PM)

I repaired/expanded Heavy Industry in Malaya to 100 (Georgetown to 25 & Singapore to 75) and the Repair Shipyard to 60 (large enough for two large warships (not two BBs). Why?? You have the Resources in that area and will probably ship in fuel from Palembang to Singapore. Might as well use it there. I lost the base on Jan 26th, so I did well (took it on Dec 31st as Japan [:)]).

Sumatra - I use any components of a division not rebuilt to take this island. Use the full divisions on Java.



Cribtop -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/27/2011 11:33:26 PM)

Yes, I was following the HI thread on the main page with interest. Seems to me the OP's idea there - to repair HI in the periphery because it goes into a pool that doesn't have to be transported home - is sound. As a result we already patched up Georgetown's nominal damage.

My idea is to use 3 Divisions to get Java into a state of siege while two of them wrap up Sumatra ASAP. Then we use all five divisions to smash the sieges and call it a day. Still, Sumatra's defenses seem almost non-existent so perhaps two divisions is overkill. The unassembled division, the 56th, will be re-formed quickly by recalling the third regiment from Mindanao. I'm a BIG fan of re-assembling divisions as they hold up in heavy combat much better than regiments. Plus, if you need the maneuver elements, you can always divide them.



ny59giants -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/28/2011 12:41:27 AM)

Could you post a screenshot of Java along with known or suspected Allied force disposition along with your proposed invasion (and conquest plans)??



Capt. Harlock -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/28/2011 3:09:56 AM)

quote:

Captain Robert "Bob" Martin of the 2/19th Bttn, 22nd Australian Brigade, surveyed the wreckage of another failed Japanese attack on his position in the waning hours of a warm afternoon in Fortress Singapore. As he panned his binoculars from left to right, shrapnel wounds from a grenade stung him for the thousandth time.


Very nice writing -- but shouldn't you be doing something from the Japanese side?[;)]



Cribtop -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/28/2011 3:37:30 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

quote:

Captain Robert "Bob" Martin of the 2/19th Bttn, 22nd Australian Brigade, surveyed the wreckage of another failed Japanese attack on his position in the waning hours of a warm afternoon in Fortress Singapore. As he panned his binoculars from left to right, shrapnel wounds from a grenade stung him for the thousandth time.


Very nice writing -- but shouldn't you be doing something from the Japanese side?[;)]


Thanks Capt. H! We were wondering if anyone was enjoying the writing. Normally we do stick to the Japanese PoV, but since the 1st person accounts are an homage to Cuttlefish's superlative AARs, and since he occasionally showed the other side of the war in Small Ship, we thought it appropriate to acknowledge a fine stand at Singapore in this instance. We will confess to a few worries that 5 divisions at Singers wouldn't be enough. [&o]

As requested by nygiants, a screenie of Java (plus Oosthaven) with a few notes:


[image]local://upfiles/29885/0657685D84EE49B2995D453B654A1F95.jpg[/image]

Enemy forces present per recon over the past few weeks:

Batavia - 12 LCU, 21 fighter (F), 29 bomber (B), 35 auxiliary (aux)

Soerabaja - 8 LCU, 7 B, 8 aux

Madioen - 1 LCU, 20ish F

Malang, Denpasar, Oosthaven, Merak - 1 LCU each

Buitenzorg - empty



princep01 -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/28/2011 4:34:52 AM)

That is fine writing, Cribtop. I enjoy those first person breaks in the strategy talk and combat reports.

My contribution is this: Percival was a huge, bleeding wimp.



PaxMondo -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/28/2011 5:08:49 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

Ugh, baby crying again. Screenie later tonight.

Know that one all too well myself! [;)]



Cribtop -> RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A) (6/28/2011 5:32:45 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: princep01

That is fine writing, Cribtop. I enjoy those first person breaks in the strategy talk and combat reports.

My contribution is this: Percival was a huge, bleeding wimp.


Thanks!

PS - in real life, Percival didn't exactly acquit himself well. In this game, he still lost Malaya, but perhaps with more style and a bit of grit. [;)]



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