Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A)

Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (Full Version)

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fcharton -> Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/8/2013 2:40:35 PM)
With my game against Spence now in late 1942, the debt crisis ravaging Europe, taxes on the rise, summer upon us and me getting old, I thought it would be a good idea to begin a second game as the Allies. RichardIII, who may visit now, but will soon be respectfully asked to leave this thread, and only be back when I stand victorious in the ruins of Tokyo or the other way around, promptly answered the call, and we are now getting ready for the big adventure. This will be stock scenario 2, played with the current beta version (1123n), one day turn, with PDU on, realistic R&D, fixed replacements and advanced weather off. Home rules have been kept to a minimum: no 4E naval attacks below 10k, no fighters over 30k, and full PP for borders. I am allowed to change the orders of existing task forces and Chinese units before we begin, but that is all I can do on the eve of the day that will live in infamy. I have no experience at all with the Allied side of the game, green as grass, wet behind the ears, everything. And, as your typical JFB, I enjoy a good spanking on the occasion, and love to learn from my bruises. So, dear reader, sit back and enjoy this story of an allied virgin… One word of notice before we start: I have two AAR, one as Japan against Spence, and this one as the Allies against Richard III. Spence is welcome on this AAR, Richard III is welcome on the other one, so please refrain from commenting about one on the other.

Cap Mandrake -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/8/2013 8:04:39 PM)
Brilliant title! Early 1942 for the Allies is a lot like getting ******* (I imagine). I had to Google the expression, thinking at first if might be something they tell you in the dental chair before the NO2.

PaxMondo -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/8/2013 11:35:47 PM)
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obvert -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/9/2013 11:06:23 AM)
Great! Have fun Francois!

fcharton -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/10/2013 9:22:15 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Cap Mandrake Early 1942 for the Allies is a lot like getting ***** (I imagine). I don’t know either. This is my first time playing the Allies. The first turn was the easiest to play. As I was supposed to be surprised, I didn’t issue any order, except setting all industry to “no repair” (I have no supplies to waste in China), and ordering CL Danae to merge with Force Z, and send the lot to Muntok. Why Muntok, you might ask, and interestingly, a fulminating admiral Philips asked that very question to Lieutenant General Percival, down at the Raffles yesterday night. Our reporters were on the scene. - With all due respect, sir, Muntok is a strange destination for Force Z - Admiral, Muntok is the home town of Miss Lee, my new secretary (points to a young lady, whose long manicured fingernails are probably impractical for typing, but whose fleshy… well you get the picture), and she tells me the locals would be delighted to feel that the Royal Navy takes care of them. - But sir, I respectfully insist that Singora … - Singora is too far away north, admiral, in range of Japanese bombers, in fact. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I must attend that local ceremony they call a "sarong party". Dismissed, Admiral. (exeunt) History is a bitch, dear reader, you save an admiral’s life, yet he complains about it. What next, paint Percival as the incompetent lieutenant general who lost Singapore? That fateful morning (December 7th 1941) Guess who visited this morning I don’t have the turn yet, but judging by the strike package, KB was one carrier short. Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 53 B5N2 Kate x 117 D3A1 Val x 101 The missing flattop must be Kaga, the slowest of the lot, which is probably bound to the Philippines or the South China Sea. I didn’t see her today, which is only fair and historical, but I’m expecting a visit tomorrow. Interestingly, if Kaga went to the South China sea by warp force express, KB oilers had to move the slow way from Eterofu, which means KB will not be able to run wild in the Marshalls or around Australia this time. In Hawaii, none of my planes flew, but the flak was naughty Allied aircraft no flights Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 7 damaged A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed by flak B5N2 Kate: 3 damaged B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed by flak D3A1 Val: 15 damaged D3A1 Val: 2 destroyed by flak Tracker says 11 Zeroes, 7 Kates and 5 Vals. The airfield/city attack was pretty good. Allied aircraft losses PBY-5 Catalina: 157 damaged PBY-5 Catalina: 10 destroyed on ground B-17E Fortress: 9 damaged B-18A Bolo: 32 damaged B-18A Bolo: 4 destroyed on ground SBD-1 Dauntless: 18 damaged SBD-1 Dauntless: 3 destroyed on ground A-20A Havoc: 26 damaged A-20A Havoc: 3 destroyed on ground P-40B Warhawk: 86 damaged P-40B Warhawk: 3 destroyed on ground F4F-3 Wildcat: 19 damaged F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed on ground R3D-2: 1 damaged B-17D Fortress: 58 damaged B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed on ground O-47A: 13 damaged O-47A: 1 destroyed on ground P-36A Mohawk: 41 damaged P-36A Mohawk: 2 destroyed on ground C-33: 5 damaged Repair Shipyard hits 4 Airbase hits 46 Airbase supply hits 2 Runway hits 98 Port hits 11 Port fuel hits 1 Tracker says 60 planes lost on the ground, 65 runway and 45 airbase damage. This will probably be felt tomorrow if my opponent chooses to stay. But I believe the port and ship attack did disappoint Allied Ships BB California, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 3, on fire BB Nevada, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1 BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 2 BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1 CM Oglala BB Arizona, Bomb hits 5, on fire CL Helena, Bomb hits 2 BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire DD Tucker, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage CA New Orleans, Torpedo hits 1 CL St. Louis, Bomb hits 1, on fire BB Maryland, Bomb hits 1 Nothing was sunk, of the battleships, Nevada is hit worst, now at 26/76/4, California is 31/28/1, Pennsylvania is 4/38/1, and Tennessee 2/27/24. The rest in the low 10s. Cruisers St Louis, Helena and New Orleans were lightly damaged. No ship is on fire. What now? If I were Japan, given the low damage inflicted on battleship row, I would probably stay another day. Yet, most of my battleships are sea worthy, half of them can fight, and my destroyers and cruisers are at full strength, and so the temptation to send them KB hunting is great. I will lose ships in the process, but the opportunity to defang KB is too good to pass. The main problem with this approach is the lack of air cover. The airfield in Pearl Harbor is trashed, and only a third of my planes are fit. I have about 70 fighters, 8 dive bombers, and a dozen level bombers. I could transfer the Lexington bomber squadrons to either Pearl or Lahaina (which is undamaged), but I am stuck with my 70 obsolescent fighters to protect all my ships and ports against the KB. Another solution would be to flee: take all the ships that will float, and sail everyone south. KB is now three hexes north of Pearl, and will be either north east or north-west tomorrow, sailing south will probably put most of my ships out of harm’s way, not a glorious move, but then… Alas, poor penguin The rest of the turn was fairly typical. Makin and Bataan Island were captured. The IJA landed in Kota Baru. Swordfishes and Hudsons from Malaya tried to attack enemy surface forces around Kota, without success. The airfields in Alor Star, Clark Field, and Hong Kong were attacked, and a few old planes were destroyed while the enemy lost a handful of Nates. Cagayan was visited by a bombardment task force. In Guam, AM Penguin was the only ship lost today, to a Betty raid from Saipan. On my plate** I am now confronted with those huge early game orders. I don’t want to take care of everything at once. Many tasks, like organizing convoys, training pilots, building bases, and deciding replacement strategies can wait a few days, or weeks. Today, apart from putting fighters on CAP, defending Pearl and getting ready in Malaya, I intend to take care of three things. Concentrate my surface forces in the DEI and South Pacific into task groups that can raid enemy invasion forces. Deploy all the submarines I can find. I intend to use them as a defensive force during the early days of the war, to try and sink or damage invasion forces. Try to save some of the shipping that begins the game in the Philippines, Hong Kong and Singapore. Oh, and I’ll probably do something about China too.

SqzMyLemon -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/11/2013 10:54:08 PM)
Hi Francois, I wish I could have tendered a request to be your opponent, not assuming you would have accepted of course, but my plate was full. To echo Pax's comment in the Opponent's Wanted forum, it would have been a privilege to share a game with you. If your first experience with the Allies is anything like mine, you could be in for a very fun but painful 1942. Good luck and enjoy your matchup. I look forward to following your AAR as always.

PaxMondo -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/12/2013 1:38:54 AM)
China: you know what to do here: pull WAY back and get your forts building in 3x terrain. Your sole goal here should be to not lose the Chungking valley before you retake Burma. Accomplish this and you will be moving into Shanghai in early '44. And that is a disaster for IJ.

GreyJoy -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/12/2013 12:58:35 PM)
Yes, the strategy in China is clear for the allies: defend in the rough terrain hexes (better if WR) and use masses of men to stop the superior quality japanese units. Unluckly this isn't a SL game (right?), so you won't see many manouvring armies and you won't be able to use the SL to your favour... but a wise chinese player should be able to hold...at least for a while. Just get out of the northern plains ASAP! but you already know that[;)]

fcharton -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/14/2013 8:15:55 PM)
What say you? It is useless? Ay, I know But who fights ever hoping for success? I fought for lost cause, and for fruitless quest! (Edmond Rostand) Living in infamy (December 8th 1941) The better part of valor After the unprovoked, and somewhat unsuccessful, Japanese raid yesterday, the Allied High Command in Hawaii, considering that the damage wrought on our air base was too heavy to confront a second day of attack, implemented codeplan sauve qui peut and ordered all the ships save Nevada , Tennessee and DD Tucker, to sail south at flank speed. This is what you get, dear reader, for putting a French general at the top of the Allied command. And KB went in for a second day, targeting the port, and found very little. There must be a god for wimps! Morning Air attack on Pearl Harbor , at 180,107 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 39 B5N2 Kate x 112 Allied aircraft P-36A Mohawk x 26 P-40B Warhawk x 39 F4F-3 Wildcat x 3 SNJ-3 Texan x 1 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed B5N2 Kate: 11 destroyed, 26 damaged B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak Allied aircraft losses P-36A Mohawk: 6 destroyed P-40B Warhawk: 3 destroyed F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed Allied Ships BB Nevada, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 8, on fire Allied ground losses: 5 casualties reported Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Repair Shipyard hits 7 Port hits 8 Nevada and Tennessee are more damaged than yesterday, but still in good condition. Overall, we lost about 25 fighters, and shot down 33 Kates, and about 15 Zeroes. There was no counterstrike, as the dive and torpedo bomber squadrons transferred from the Lexington did not fly. KB is now 8 hexes north-west of Pearl Harbor. With about 75 planes lost over the last two days, I believe my opponent will retire, but I am still moving my ships east, and not retiring to Pearl until I’m sure KB is gone. Unless something terrible happens tomorrow, I will probably have been dealt one of the nicest PH ever: no ship sunk, and heavy losses to the KB squadrons. Well, in fact, one ship was sunk : SS Thresher, moving to try and intercept KB, was torpedoed by… a Japanese submarine. Sub vs Sub: SS I-168 attacking SS Thresher at 180,106 - near Pearl Harbor Japanese Ships SS I-168 Allied Ships SS Thresher, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage SS I-168 launches 4 torpedoes at 4,000 yards Procrastinating On Luzon, the plan was to sweep mines in the straits and keep all the Asiatic Fleet except the submarines in port today. To this effect, all valid fighters were sent to Manila, and put on CAP, and all bombers and patrol aircrafts were sent to Clark, and set on naval attack, to try and disrupt any landings. This proved efficient against a first wave of bombers, that went in unescorted. I suspect almost none of the 18 Betties returned to base. Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77 Japanese aircraft G4M1 Betty x 18 Allied aircraft P-26A x 3 P-35A x 6 P-40B Warhawk x 5 P-40E Warhawk x 42 Japanese aircraft losses G4M1 Betty: 12 destroyed No Allied losses A second wave went in escorted, and it was costly for us, as we lost over 15 Warhawks, but the enemy lost a dozen planes too, and no bomber reached the port. Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 61 G3M2 Nell x 33 Allied aircraft P-26A x 3 P-35A x 4 P-40B Warhawk x 4 P-40E Warhawk x 36 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed G3M2 Nell: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged Allied aircraft losses P-26A: 1 destroyed P-40B Warhawk: 1 destroyed P-40E Warhawk: 9 destroyed Naval attacks were inefficient. All enemy task forces were capped by Nates, which successfully dodged the Catalinas, shooting down five. Curiously, no landings took place (there were ships near Appari yesterday, though). Overall the first day over Luzon was costly, but we did manage to protect the fleet, that will now rush forth. I am sending all ships towards Jesselton, where Boise, Houston and US Destroyers are waiting. Depending on the situation I will try to extricate them along the North or East coast of Borneo. Most of my other retreating ships were lucky. The cargoes from Hong Kong sailed undetected, as did those ships that begin the war in the Philippine Islands, except two light cargoes (Latouche and Kanlaon II) which chanced upon the IJN destroyers that had bombarded Cagayan yesterday. In other news Over Rangoon, we traded punches. I had sent the first squadron of the AVG, and am buying the rest today, as I intend to defend Burma. We shot down a few Sallies and Betties, but lost half a dozen planes to sweeping Zeroes. All cargoes managed to flee. The only invasion happening today was Guam, which should fall tomorrow. Finally, Kota Baru fell to a shock attack. Overall, I am quite happy of this turn. Air losses are 88 Japan for 51 Allies, and I have lost five ships so far: AM Penguin, xAKL Kanlaon II and Latouche, SS Thresher, and one MTB from Hong Kong, which stupidly decided to recon the Canton minefield… The turn has been sent, and my opponent just sent me the replay, with the words “Brave RN…!”, I’m afraid my HK destroyers have met their fate.

desicat -> RE: Dutch Treat (or retreat) (7/14/2013 10:22:48 PM)
What do you do with the Dutch during the Japanese expansion? Do you concentrate them in Sumatra or Java or do you leave them at their basic starting locations? Do you have an overall Strategy for the Dutch?

Terminus -> Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/14/2013 10:42:29 PM)
It's not nice to change the subject line in other peoples' AARs...

desicat -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/14/2013 10:44:55 PM)
I didn't think I was changing the subject, he was detailing his opening moves and I was curious about what he was planning in the DEI. I am sorry if this question was out of order. I posted the same question in the War Room for general input.

BBfanboy -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/15/2013 2:30:23 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: desicat I didn't think I was changing the subject, he was detailing his opening moves and I was curious about what he was planning in the DEI. I am sorry if this question was out of order. I posted the same question in the War Room for general input. The question is not out of order. Like me, you thought that changing the subject line was only visible at the top of the post you made. But it actually changes the subject in the AAR title on the page that lists all of the AARs. Sometimes this can give the opponent a clue into what is happening in the other guy's AAR. I find it strange that there is no programming to stop casual readers from changing an AAR title subject line. Only the AAR author(s) should be able to do that.

Encircled -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/15/2013 7:14:40 AM)
Subscribed!

fcharton -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/21/2013 9:13:09 AM)
Aftermath (December 9th 1941) Remember Thresher, and other Hawaiian stories After two days that could have been better, Kido Butai left Hawaii, and was seen near the French Frigate shoals today. All the ships dispatched south are sailing back to port, where we’ll sort the cripples, and send the rest to the South Pacific. Four US battleships are fit for action, the four others will need a few of months in the yard. The only remaining threat around Hawaii comes from submarines. I am assigning Bolo squadrons to ASW duties and will commit my destroyers to it. Today, SS Tautog had a lucky shot on I-2. Sub vs Sub: SS Tautog attacking SS I-2 at 178,107 - near Lihue Japanese Ships SS I-2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage I-2 is probably done with. That’s two sub on sub attacks in two days. Tattered tincans The Hong Kong destroyers, Scout, Thanet and Thracian were sent on a dangerous mission between Formosa and Luzon: find and sink loaded transports. They found the escort instead, and that was too bad. Day Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 80,73, Range 15,000 Yards Japanese Ships CL Naka DD Natsugumo DD Minegumo, Shell hits 1 DD Asagumo DD Murasame, Shell hits 3, on fire DD Harusame DD Yudachi DD Samidare, Shell hits 1, on fire Allied Ships DD Scout, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage DD Thanet, Shell hits 6, heavy fires DD Thracian, Shell hits 21, and is sunk Scout sank later that day, Thanet will probably make it back to Manila. Meanwhile, the US destroyers found the missing Kaga off Borneo, John D. Ford was sunk, Pope, Peary and Pillsbury are fine. The mini KB was also found on the south-eastern corner of Mindanao. Kates attacked Houston and Boise, for little effect. Together with a tanker torpedoed near Muntok, those three destroyers were all my losses today. A Japanese transport was torpedoed and sunk in return. Boots on the ground The Japanese landed in Appari, and will probably be in Vigan and Davao tomorrow. There are no signs of enemy ships near Borneo, or around the Celebes. I believe my opponent is going for a slow and methodical approach. Two SNLF units also landed in Pakhoi. The KMT garrison resisted, but in clear terrain and without forts, it will probably be a short affair. On the road to Lang son, my troops resisted a first shock attack. Ground combat at 71,56 (near Lang Son) Japanese Shock attack Attacking force 3446 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 114 Defending force 8071 troops, 33 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 158 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 Japanese ground losses: 152 casualties reported Squads: 1 destroyed, 27 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled Allied ground losses: 160 casualties reported Squads: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled Assaulting units: 4th Ind.Mixed Regiment Defending units: 52nd Chinese Corps Air losses today were harsher on us, as Zeroes finally came in and swept Manila, Clark and Rangoon. We lost 36 planes to 21 enemies. Strategic thoughts I begin the war without a clear plan for the Allies, first because I think it makes little sense to plan before understanding what my opponent is up to, second because I think it is fun to start the game just reacting. In the Pacific, the bad result of the strikes on Pearl Harbor opens a lot of possibilities, but I am not sure I want to exploit them. I would prefer my opponent to extend, overextend if possible, and strike at his long supply lines in late 42. Call it a Sir Robin if you like. On the other hand, I want to defend China, and believe the best way to do this is to fight in Burma, and reinforce India as early as I can. I do understand Burma won’t hold against a determined Japanese assault, but a half-hearted attempt might be resisted, and the Burma road kept open for a while. If this cannot be done, I want to be in a position to counterattack very early. This sort of determines my strategy for the DEI. My objective there is to force my opponent to commit troops, and buy time to defend Burma. A first action is to stage a forward defense in Malaysia (ie not retreat everybody to Singapore), and try to delay enemy advance. Then I want to build as many roadblocks as I can on Sumatra and Java. China, as those who read my other AAR will sure have guessed, is the most developed part of my plan. I am evacuating the northern plains, of course, but I believe there is more to do there than just run for the mountains and try to hold the line. My strategy rests upon three observations. First, the KMT begins the game with a lot of disabled troops that will repair at no cost. If I can just delay the initial Japanese offensives by a few weeks, my opponent will find much stronger units before him. Morale also goes up relatively fast in the beginning of the game. Second, 350 infantry squads per month is not small replacement rate. I want to rotate a few units into supply-savvy areas (Chungking certainly, Changsha and Lanchow perhaps) and let them build into very large forces. If my front line units buy enough time to rebuild a few corps, I believe I stand a good chance of holding the heartlands. Finally, I have lots of units, and there is no point using all of them to hold the line. More specifically, I have a lot of small units that begin the game in forward position. I don’t think it makes sense to retreat them, as they won’t make a difference, and I know from experience that they won’t hold against Japanese troops. My objective is to split them into small fragments, and send them on the roads, to try and disrupt Japanese supply flow. So, there you have a three tiered strategy for China: a large reserve kept in the back, using all the replacements and supplies (which I want to try to keep open from Burma for as long as I can), first line units holding an approximate defensive line, and trying to slow enemy advance, so that the reserve can rebuild, and, finally, lots of small groups meant to complicated Japanese movement and supply flow.

BBfanboy -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/21/2013 1:16:31 PM)
You said you haven't made a plan yet, but you have enunciated a good part of one already. Early concentration on Burma/India, roadblocks in Malaya/DEI, and the three-tier operations in China. I like your ideas but fear there may be one big problem in the approach - supply. Disabled squads do not heal if there is no supply. Your Chinese troops will not begin to heal disruption an fatigue nor fill out their ranks until they get a decent amount of supply. Chungking and Changsha and other Chinese cities do not produce enough to provide food and bullets, let alone medical supplies and new boots. Over in Malaya, the roadblocks suffer the same problem - too little supply from Singapore, lots of fatigue and disablement from malaria, and poor morale. Until they get to a source of supply and support troops they will continue to get weaker without any combat. That is why most players now pull them back to Singapore/Johore Bharu. Regardless of where your future plans go [once you know what your opponent is doing], you need to push forward fuel and supply to help the defenders of Australia, Samoa, New Zealand, DEI, the Aleutians, and any islands within 25 hexes [Mavis range] of PH. Both Canoerebel and Nemo have shown that establishing a strong logistic base in every area is a force multiplier once the shooting starts. If you can keep fighting longer than your opponent in the same area, he will yield the field to you. Bonne Chance! [:)]

fcharton -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/26/2013 7:34:33 PM)
Hi BBFanboy, Thanks a lot for your comments, as a Japan only player, I always had assumed that logistical nightmare were a JFB thing, and that, apart from China where everything was lacking, the allies swam in fuel and supplies all war long. I am now realizing that supplies is a problem for the allies too, and that China is not as bad as I thought, supply wise, so long you don’t fight useless battles at the beginning of the war, or repair the industry. I am with you about Malaysia, and will try to retreat. For the rest, I think I will wait a week before I begin thinking about supplies, convoys, and all those JFB things. Waiting for the barbarians (December 10th 1941) This was a relatively quiet turn. KB is now halfway between Hawaii and Wake, and the fleet is slowly sailing back to port. Lexington just took the fighter squadron from Wake, and is now sailing east. She managed to sink a Japanese cargo off Eniwetok. Morning Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok at 127,109 Allied aircraft F2A-3 Buffalo x 10 F4F-3 Wildcat x 8 SBD-3 Dauntless x 13 Japanese Ships xAK Tatuharu Maru, Bomb hits 10, and is sunk I’m not too happy about it, as I’d rather keep my carriers hidden, but then. The rest of the Pacific is quiet. I will take care of it once the Japanese have landed. Prudent Philippines Today, my opponent landed in Davao, under air cover from mini-KB. On Luzon, Appari was captured and troops landed in Vigan, but there was no landing in the south, between Mauban and Legaspi. A large task force was detected a few hundred miles east of Luzon, and Houston and Boise were dispatched to meet her, while three US destroyers lurk around Legaspi. In the air, Japanese fighters swept Manila and Clark Field, and minced my fighters in very small bits. The ships evacuated from the Philippines seem to have been lucky, so far. Today, three cargoes stumbled on Kates from mini KB, near Zamboanga Morning Air attack on TF, near Zamboanga at 75,86 Japanese aircraft B5N1 Kate x 10 Allied Ships xAKL Princess of Negros, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires xAKL Bisayas, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk xAKL Compagnia Filipinas, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage And then, near Balabac, three more met Kaga. Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Balabac at 69,82 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 12 D3A1 Val x 22 Allied Ships xAK Ming Sang, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage xAK Hai Lee, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires xAK Bennevis, Bomb hits 8, and is sunk This is of course sad for those fine ships, but it seems that most of the Asiatic Fleet will manage to escape, as mini KB is probably now sailing north to support the Legaspi/Atimonian invasion, and Kaga should remain north of Borneo. There still were no landings in northern Borneo, despite Kaga being there to cover. One task force was detected north of Brunei, and is probably going either there or to Miri, but all this seems to confirm my opponent belongs to the prudent and methodical variety. In Malaya, nothing happened. Our stringbags got lucky, twice… Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Patani at 51,73 Japanese aircraft Ki-27b Nate x 8 Allied aircraft Catalina I x 2 No Japanese losses No Allied losses Japanese Ships CA Suzuya, Bomb hits 2, on fire Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kota Bharu at 52,76 Allied aircraft Swordfish I x 5 Allied aircraft losses Swordfish I: 1 damaged Swordfish I: 1 destroyed by flak Japanese Ships DD Usugumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire DD Hatsuyuki Lost ground Tarawa was captured today, Kavieng was invaded and will fall tomorrow. The USN base force in Guam held against one shock attack. The Japanese have come in a bit light. In China, Pakhoi was captured. The Chinese corps defending it went from 169 nominal AV, to 14 adjusted. I am pretty sure post war propaganda will make it a great strategic victory for the Chinese, but it didn’t seem so in the field today. That’s pretty much all for today, I’m afraid. Air losses were 19 Japanese vs 28 Allied, we lost five ships to two Japanese, for a grand total of fourteen Allied ships sunk, to four Japanese. Life is good, so far.

fcharton -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/28/2013 12:03:04 PM)
Down with the subs (December 11th 1941) Today, the Japanese landed in Miri, took Davao and Kavieng, and Guam held against a second shock attack, but that’s beside the point… Dear diary, today, we had a very bad day at the hand of Japanese submarines This morning, in Hawaii, the fleet returned to port, unscathed. And there was a lot of rejoicing, and carousing, and nurse kissing, and, well, you’ve seen it all in the movies. And no one apparently noticed one battleship was missing (yeah, you’ve read that in Irving, too). During the night, off Lahaina, BB Pennsylvania had been torpedoed. ASW attack near Lahaina at 183,109 Japanese Ships SS I-21 Allied Ships BB Pennsylvania, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage AD Dobbin xAP St. Mihel AVP Avocet And again Submarine attack near Lahaina at 183,109 Japanese Ships SS I-21 Allied Ships BB Pennsylvania, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage And another time Sub attack near Lahaina at 183,109 Japanese Ships SS I-21 Allied Ships BB Pennsylvania, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage And then she was lost with all hands. She was not, unfortunately, the only battleship torpedoed today Sub attack near Pontianak at 54,89 Japanese Ships SS I-155 Allied Ships BC Repulse, Torpedo hits 1 CL Dragon DD Vampire DD Express DD Electra And then Sub attack near Singkawang at 56,87 Japanese Ships SS I-156, hits 5 Allied Ships BC Repulse, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage CL Durban DD Tenedos DD Express DD Electra Repulse is now 25/72/37, she might make it to Singapore, unless she meets some bad guy on the way. A very bad day at the hand of Japanese submarines, as I said. Helping hand In Vigan, our PT boat tried to disrupt the landings, the cover force intervened, but … Night Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 80,73, Range 8,000 Yards Japanese Ships CL Naka DD Natsugumo DD Minegumo DD Asagumo DD Murasame DD Harusame DD Yudachi DD Samidare Allied Ships PT-35 PT-41 PT Q-111, Shell hits 1 PT Q-112 PT Q-113 Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 8,000 yards DD Yudachi collides with DD Murasame at 80 , 73 Murasame is reported sunk. The skies of Burma Most of the air battles happened over Rangoon today. We lost five AVG planes, and as many Buffaloes, but the enemy lost a few Zeroes, too. And then, he flew his Betties, unescorted. Losses today are 25 to 25, which suits me fine. Rangoon now has a lot of air support, all the AVG and a few more squadrons are based there. I think we can try to defend Burma (and protect the convoys that should arrive son). China, surrenders, and the new beta One feature of the new beta is the increased frequency of surrenders. In stock, a small unit defeated by a large one would usually retreat, and the victor would engage in a long chase, over bad terrain, or leave fragments everywhere behind the bases he conquered. This is not the case anymore. Today, the defenders of Kavieng and Davao surrendered, despite having supplies and a good road connecting them to the back. In China, the division left in Kweiteh surrendered: Ground combat at Kweiteh (90,46) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 7770 troops, 69 guns, 29 vehicles, Assault Value = 279 Defending force 401 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 16 Japanese assault odds: 127 to 1 (fort level 1) Japanese forces CAPTURE Kweiteh !!! Allied ground losses: 593 casualties reported Squads: 18 destroyed, 0 disabled Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 0 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Units destroyed 1 Assaulting units: 32nd/A Division 32nd/B Division Defending units: 69th Chinese/C Corps But this cuts both ways, and in Pucheng (north, mapwise, of Wenchow), japanese paras had a bad day. Ground combat at Pucheng (86,57) Japanese Shock attack Attacking force 279 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 22 Defending force 17118 troops, 76 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 629 Assault collapses, attacking force wiped out Japanese ground losses: 249 casualties reported Squads: 21 destroyed, 0 disabled Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Guns lost 5 (5 destroyed, 0 disabled) Units destroyed 1 Assaulting units: Yokosuka 1st SNLF /1 Defending units: 70th Chinese Corps 86th Chinese Corps 32nd Group Army Why send paras there, you might ask. I don’t know either, cutting off Wenchow, probably. In Hong Kong, a first shock attack achieved 2:1 odds and reduced the forts to level one. The fragrant harbor will fall tomorrow.

BBfanboy -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/28/2013 3:11:46 PM)
Morale may affect whether a unit surrenders or not. At the beginning of the game, most Allied units in the front lines [and all over India] have poor morale.

fcharton -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/30/2013 12:20:32 AM)
Take that, you, enemy (December 12th 1941) Today, Miri and Victoria Point were captures (both garrisons surrendered), and the base force in Guam resisted another shock attack. The Empire is now landing the 144th Infantry Regiment, and Guam will fall, eventually, but a week will have been gained. A Brooklyn named Boise You might remember, dear reader, that the day before yesterday, a small task force composed of CA Houston and CL Boise was sent to investigate an enemy naval group detected east of the Philippines. They didn’t find the enemy yesterday, and the enemy reached Atimonian today and was about to land there when they met… Houston and Boise, the evil twins. It was a large force, three transports, and a dozen cargoes and light cargoes, escorted by two patrol boats, a pair of tincans, and one light cruiser (HEIM Kiso). A night battle ensued, during which the escort fought valiantly to protect the transports. Kiso was sunk in the process, but only one light cruiser was lost. Night Time Surface Combat, near Atimonan at 80,79, Range 8,000 Yards Japanese Ships CL Kiso, Shell hits 36, heavy fires, heavy damage DD Kamikaze DD Okikaze PB Busho Maru PB Keiko Maru xAK Kizan Maru xAKL Kofuku Maru xAK Konan Maru xAKL Nanko Maru xAK Minryo Maru xAK Shozan Maru xAKL Turusima Maru xAKL Tainichi Maru, Shell hits 4, and is sunk xAK Tofuku Maru xAK Tosei Maru xAKL Nichiryo Maru xAKL Fukkai Maru xAKL Totai Maru xAKL Bichu Maru xAKL Ryuto Maru xAP Rakuyo Maru xAP Horai Maru xAP Takatiho Maru Allied Ships CA Houston CL Boise Japanese ground losses: 1383 casualties reported Squads: 42 destroyed, 24 disabled Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled There was another battle in the morning, and again the screen played its role, and managed to score a few hits on both cruisers. But the results were harsher on the Japanese. Day Time Surface Combat, near Polillo at 81,78, Range 19,000 Yards Japanese Ships DD Kamikaze, Shell hits 12, and is sunk DD Okikaze, Shell hits 2, on fire PB Busho Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire PB Keiko Maru, Shell hits 24, and is sunk xAK Kizan Maru xAKL Kofuku Maru, Shell hits 3, heavy fires xAK Konan Maru, Shell hits 1 xAKL Nanko Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires xAK Minryo Maru, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage xAK Shozan Maru xAKL Turusima Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage xAK Tofuku Maru xAK Tosei Maru xAKL Nichiryo Maru xAKL Fukkai Maru, Shell hits 1 xAKL Totai Maru xAKL Bichu Maru xAKL Ryuto Maru xAP Rakuyo Maru xAP Horai Maru xAP Takatiho Maru Allied Ships CA Houston, Shell hits 4 CL Boise, Shell hits 1 Japanese ground losses: 1147 casualties reported Squads: 11 destroyed, 35 disabled Non Combat: 28 destroyed, 44 disabled Engineers: 4 destroyed, 10 disabled The escort is pretty much done for, and several cargoes probably sank at sea. Japanese LCU loss points went up by 26 today, which means over 300 squads and devices lost, most of them during this battle. That’s about a regiment lost. The combat did not go on, as Boise and Houston had used all their ammunition, but the Japanese fleet sailed back, and the invasion of Atimonian will have to wait. Houston and Boise are now in Iloilo, just between the mini KB (now off Davao) and the Kaga (near Brunei). I will try to rush them to Surabaya tomorrow, rearm them, and send them back to disrupt more invasion. There go the crown possessions Hong Kong fell today to a second shock attack. It was no surprise, but still, it is a pretty good result for Japan. Yesterday, while going through my doomed troops, I discovered that I had forgotten a few light cargoes in port. I ordered them out, into the waiting arms of a Japanese surface group. Day Time Surface Combat, near Hong Kong at 78,66, Range 23,000 Yards Japanese Ships CS Chiyoda BB Ise BB Hyuga CL Yura DD Kuretake DD Sanae Allied Ships xAKL Chengtu, Shell hits 6, and is sunk xAKL Joan Moller, Shell hits 8, and is sunk xAKL Kanchow, Shell hits 13, and is sunk xAKL Soochow, Shell hits 8, and is sunk xAKL Yat Shing, Shell hits 12, and is sunk xAKL Halldor, Shell hits 5, and is sunk Like a lady The carrier hunt season is on. Since the beginning of the war, Saratoga remained safely in port, and Enterprise has been sailing south, toward Fiji, out of enemy reach. The Lexington, on the other hand, was tasked with taking the Wake squadron back, and, with KB on her heels, had to crossed the Japanese Carolines today, near Ponape. She was attacked by land based planes, and got torpedoed. Morning Air attack on TF, near Ponape at 118,115 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 6 G4M1 Betty x 15 Allied aircraft F2A-3 Buffalo x 10 F4F-3 Wildcat x 4 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged No Allied losses Allied Ships CV Lexington, Torpedo hits 1, on fire CA Astoria Fuel storage explosion on CV Lexington Damage is lighter than it should have been. She is at 25 sys and 25 float, with no damage to her engines. She will probably make it.

morejeffs -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/30/2013 4:45:31 AM)
Why risk losing a CV to get 1 squadron of planes?? Not a great risk reward.....[:-]

fcharton -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/30/2013 3:40:11 PM)
Hi Morejeffs, You are right of course, this was a very silly idea. I believe that at the beginning of the game, with very little to do, that huge reinforcement list and the near certitude that you’ll win in the end, just a few toys to play with, and the general contempt on sir Robin and other passive approaches, it is all too tempting for newbie allies like me to take ridiculous risks. And on the seventh day (December 13th 1941) A relatively calm day today. Maiana, the island south of Tarawa, and Hwaiyin, north of Shanghai, were the only base captured by the Japanese today. Troops are landing in Brunei, which should fall soon, and Guam is being reinforced with infantry. In the air, we lost eleven planes (fighters, mostly) to nineteen Japanese (some fighters, some bombers). So far, we lost 239 planes and the Japanese 233. Underwater follies Beta version or different deployment, submarines are very active in this game, and account for a large part of sunk ships so far. Most of the Asiatic Fleet subs are cruising between Formosa and Luzon, and torpedo two or three ships every day. Today SS Snapper torpedoed the Soyo Maru, which didn’t sink but lost a couple squads. S-36 sank Satsuma Maru and DMS W-17 in Vigan. In return, I-154 sank AS Holland in the Celebes sea. So far, Dutch submarines claim four Japanese ships, US submarines four, and Japanese subs six Allied ships, including BB Pennsylvania. Mischievous Kaga Kaga, and perhaps one light carrier, is North of Kuching, off the range of my Singapore bombers. Her Kate squadrons sank AVP Poolster and AVD Childs near Pontianak. More importantly, her Vals did more damage on Repulse. Morning Air attack on TF, near Tandjoengpinang at 52,85 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 7 D3A1 Val x 22 Allied aircraft Buffalo I x 1 Japanese aircraft losses D3A1 Val: 2 damaged No Allied losses Allied Ships BC Repulse, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tandjoengpinang at 52,85 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 8 D3A1 Val x 20 Japanese aircraft losses D3A1 Val: 1 damaged Allied Ships BC Repulse, Bomb hits 16, heavy fires, heavy damage My brave little ship is still afloat, but barely. She’s now fighting the fires, speed down to two knots, with 85 float and 60 system damage, a hundred miles off Singapore… We need a miracle, in short order. A week into the war This was the seventh day of the war, and my first impression is that it is nice to be the Allies… As Japan, this part of the game is hell : you need to land in short order, sink as much of the Asiatic fleet as you can, shuffle garrisons in China, and intercept KMT troops before they retreat, sweep the AVG and the USAFFE, set up convoys, move fuel off Hokkaido. In comparison, the Allies just have to react, try to do mischief, and save their ships. I could probably react a bit more, but then, I’m supposed to be surprised, and stunned by that daring raid that will live in infamy (even if it didn’t quite succeed). I now need to begin planning for the defense of the Indies. I plan to buy a few units from Java and transfer them into Sumatra, to try and complicate the situation in Palembang (unless my opponent lands there very soon). I also want to supply Singapore, and prepare the defense of Burma. I have a few weeks before my opponent arrives in Moulmein. I also need to look at the troops in the US and Canada, and see whether I can reinforce the Aleutians, dispatch a few guys to the South Pacific, and move stuff to Cape Town, and from there into India. And then, there are convoys, and pilot training, and… From his actions this week, my opponent seems to be moderately comfortable with Japan. With mini KB and Kaga around, I believe he could have afforded a few more invasions during the first week. This suggests a slow and methodical approach, which would then mean a relatively small perimeter. I would rather have him extend deep into the Pacific, which would probably suit better my “India first” approach to reconquest. Let’s see if I can tempt him, there.

BBfanboy -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (7/30/2013 8:36:32 PM)
You may have seen this in other AARs, but in case you did not or forgot I will reiterate the point: build Prince Rupert as the main supply base to the Aleutians. This is easily done as each Canadian base comes with a BF with some engineers and there is no need to build those other bases at this time. There are also no Canadian aircraft that need to be supported there initially. So - rail all the BFs to Prince Rupert and start building, port first. There may also be a Canadian Brigade at Vancouver that can go to PR to help build, and provide a little security. Start the aircraft at PR training on Nav T., or if you are worried about subs, on ASW. Increase the Supply draw with the + button so it will have lots of supply for building and shipping to the Aleutians. Also note that PR has a 10K repair shipyard - very handy for repairing the frequent engine breakdowns in Arctic waters and upgrading the ships you assign to the region.

fcharton -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (8/10/2013 10:14:08 PM)
It is now December 19th, and this AAR has fallen back. Here is a catch-up installment, I will now try to keep apace. Slow buildup (December 14th to 18th, 1941) My opponent definitely belongs to the slow and methodical school of Japanese play. On Luzon, the southern landings seem to have been cancelled, and the Japanese are advancing from Vigan and Appari. Mindanao is a bit more active, as Butuan was invaded and captured. But apart from that, there were no new invasions in Borneo (apart from Miri and Brunei) and nothing yet in the Celebes, or the Philippines islands. In the south Pacific, the only bases invaded are Hollandia and Kavieng. China is relatively calm. Naval losses were amazingly low, too. Almost all the Asiatic fleet made it to safety, and the slow enemy advance provides little targets for my navy. BC Repulse made it to Singapore. I suspect my opponent thought she had been sunk, and gave up the chase. She is not saved yet, as she still needs to leave Singapore for safer moorings, once she is a bit patched up. Building Burma The Singapore reinforcements (44th, 45th indian and 48th Gurkha) arrived safely in Rangoon, and the 46th Indian is unloading. Once this is done, I will have about 900 AV in Burma, which should be enough to fend off the first wave (intelligence suggests japan committed the 33rd division and a few small units). So far, the AVG managed to protect convoys arriving in Rangoon, but their numbers are being reduced, and I still don’t have enough Warhawks in the pool to replace their H81-A3. They do get priority, though. The defense of Burma is my main strategic goal for the beginning of the war. To achieve this, I need to slow Japan in Malaysia and northern DEI, and keep the Singapore-Rangoon line open for as long as I can. I am diverting the SSVF Brigade to Port Blair, to prevent a paradrop capture. I am also reinforcing Sumatra from Java, to try and force my opponent to commit troops there. This will be done in two phases. First, I want to reinforce Palembang, and be very obvious about it, so that he needs troops there, at the time he is fighting for Singapore, which means Burma has to wait… Second, I want to position troops in northern Burma, to keep the straits of Malacca dangerous for as long as I can.

BBfanboy -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (8/11/2013 12:45:24 AM)
Several experienced players have urged that Cocos Island be taken ASAP and reinforced with at least a regiment. It may not seem that critical to Allied plans, but you definitely do NOT want the Japanese holding it. The search range of a Mavis from Cocos takes it very close to the Aus. coast.

fcharton -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (8/11/2013 12:24:34 PM)
Hi BBFanboy, Cocos Islands and Christmas IO are high on my priority list, but I don’t think he can jump there right now (especially as his first moves are very methodical). More of the same (December 19th 1941) Wake fell today. The SNLF force tasked for the task had been reinforced by a naval guard unit, and the two ate my marine detachment for breakfast. So far the pacific invasions are minimal, Makin and Tarawa were captured, together with Guam and Wake, but that is all, and no invasion fleets were detected. Same goes for the Southern Pacific. KB is probably refueling in Truk, so this will probably change soon. In the Indies, an SNLF unit landed in Jolo today, and a large task force was detected off Tarakan. Mini KB is covering that one, so I am sending submarines in, but no surface force. Another task force was detected near Singkawang, the Prince of Wales and friends are ready to jump on them if they turn south. Let’s see if we can liven up those invasions. On Luzon, Bayombong fell. I am a bit perplexed by the composition of the advancing column: Ground combat at Bayombong (80,75) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 735 troops, 42 guns, 114 vehicles, Assault Value = 95 Defending force 519 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 27 Japanese forces CAPTURE Bayombong !!! Allied ground losses: 115 casualties reported Squads: 4 destroyed, 5 disabled Non Combat: 12 destroyed, 1 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Units retreated 1 Defeated Allied Units Retreating! Assaulting units: 16th Recon Regiment 2nd Tank Regiment 8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment 9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion 15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion Defending units: 3rd/12th PA Inf Battalion Just tanks and artillery? I am beginning to wonder whether some of the infantry wasn’t on the southern task force Boise and Houston sent back home. This opens a possibility for a counter attack. Finally, the 46th brigade landed safely in Rangoon. We now have over 700 AV there, and will soon have level four forts. Some of those troops will be sent to Moulmein. I am detaching small units on the road to Rahaieng and around Pegu, to serve as flank guards.

fcharton -> RE: Lie back and think of Britain, RichardIII (J) vs fcharton(A) (9/7/2013 9:15:04 PM)
Unfortunately, this game has ended, Richard III is now welcome to this AAR. Francois

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