RE: The Perils of Victory (Full Version)

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John 3rd -> RE: The Perils of Victory (7/4/2015 5:17:01 PM)

Allied Ship Losses

Saratoga is not sunk. There are additional PH BBs (California and Idaho) that are as well as some warships that tried to escape Pearl Harbor. Michael told me that Boise sank after those two TT hits a few days ago.


[image]local://upfiles/18041/CDC31499D2934EF5B53F910C42934978.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> The Perils of Victory (7/4/2015 5:24:13 PM)

Japanese Ship Losses

Pretty decent except for Hyuga going down to three SS TT in the Aleutians. The two CA were sunk during his Western CV foray up from Soerabaja. COULD have sunk four CA if he'd flown one more strike. Got a little lucky there. DD losses are higher then I want but s number are older DD:



[image]local://upfiles/18041/9210DE809D6548A794F1F9001AE25AC0.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> Surrey with the Fringe--NOT! (7/5/2015 3:07:33 PM)

April 9th and 10th are good days over Pearl Harbor.

Kates fly both days and sink a Battleship BOTH days! Down goes the Oklahoma on the 9th and New Mexico follows here on the 10th. This leaves only USS Arizona. ALL OTHER PH BBs ARE SUNK!

BANZAI![sm=Evil-210.gif]

Little-to-no AA fire the last two days. I lowered bombing altitude back to 9,000Ft and saw little difference. Supply is out or close to being so. Looks like it is time folks. All BBs, joined by the CAs, prepare for two massive bombardments with MAX effort from LBA. The first assault on Pearl's defenses shall be April 12th.


[image]local://upfiles/18041/A5450BFF88764D9E8D83298C7FCA1299.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> The Battling Bastards of Batavia (7/6/2015 2:33:47 PM)

April 11, 1942
Java

The opening of the ground war was excellent with a quick capture of the Philippines and Malaya. Life LOOKED pretty good at that point. Then Japan ran into the Dutch who, unlike the real Dutch, put up one HECK of a fight. Batavia held versus two and then three Infantry Divisions. Capturing Soerabaja on April 1st allowed for me to bring a FOURTH ID to the fight.

The last Infantry Division did the trick. On April 11th the Japanese go in and the 'Battling Bastards of Batavia' finally surrender. Hosannah! Java bogged me down for a full month longer then I wanted. DRAT!

We now have five ID in Java working on their next assignment. The good news is that only the 21st ID needs serious time to rebuild. It will garrison Batavia and reconstitute itself. The remaining four move to Soerabaja and continue to plan for western/southwestern Australia.

Here is the final attack:


[image]local://upfiles/18041/69E36EE2A5EC43FC9B856A1C1FE78780.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> The Battling Bastards of Pearl? NOT! (7/6/2015 2:51:22 PM)

April 12, 1942
Pearl Harbor

The Japanese Army stormed ashore at Pearl Harbor in late-March. Since that time the troops have sat and prepared for their assault upon the American lines. At Lvl-5 the Forts LOOKED quite impressive. Every night the Infantry and leaders of the 14th Army could watch as Battleships shells the bases and defenses around Pearl Harbor. The unrelenting attacks during the day added to the chaos. Continued Port Attacks by Kate TB were mixed in an ever-lowering to the ground aerial bombardment.

On April 9th it was determined that supplies for the Americans had begun to dwindle if not run out. Time to attack! Orders are given to prepare for an assault on the 12th.

Japan's Combined Fleet HQ, based in Hilo gave the orders to all Betty, Liz, and Kates to shift over to entirely ground support operations. New Oscars, freshly brought in by the army, added to CAP and Escorts flying to their assigned targets. Southern Army Command at Lihue (never wanting to be CLOSE to Combined Fleet) coordinated the ground attack through 14th Army HQ.

The max effort went allow these lines:

Two naval bombardments occurred during the night--#1 by 6 DD and 3 old BB while #2 brought in the BIG BOYS with 4 BB, 2 CA, 2 CL, and 10 DDs pounding the American lines as well as AFs.

Daylight brought six waves of Japanese aircraft. A total of 125 Fighters, 15 4E Liz, 122 Betty/Nell, and 53 Kate rain bombs down on the positions.

Starting at dawn the assault goes in. LOTS of Japanese artillery open up and add to the chaos. While braced and prepared, the Americans are completely OUT of supply. They quickly use their remaining ammo to barely stem the Japanese onslaught. The attack breaks the American line and nearly forces a decisive moment from the Americans. Though they hold, the Fortifications are not nearly as scary as once seen.

Orders go out to rest for a day, bring up ammunition, and preapre for a second attack on the 14th.

Japanese Deliberate Attack
Result: 1-1 (NEARLY 2-1--score 1524 to 819)
Forts drop to 4
Casualties: Japan--2674 Americans--2605

How about that?[sm=fighting0056.gif]

BANZAI!
[sm=Evil-210.gif]

[image]local://upfiles/18041/7B6F82675DFC4853B24A32A3ADE4204C.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> RE: The Battling Bastards of Pearl? NOT! (7/6/2015 11:29:46 PM)

Just wanted to tip my hat to Olorin for his excellent work in having a chance to take Pearl Harbor two months ahead of me. Quite impressive!

A hearty BANZAI goes out to him.



Cavalry Corp -> RE: The Battling Bastards of Pearl? NOT! (7/7/2015 5:12:40 PM)

John, I see you are doing well here - but please check out the posts in the BTS thread as I am posting quite a few smallish issues with RA7.9.


Please advise where this map is from - its rather nice?
cav



Olorin -> RE: The Battling Bastards of Pearl? NOT! (7/7/2015 9:03:14 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Just wanted to tip my hat to Olorin for his excellent work in having a chance to take Pearl Harbor two months ahead of me. Quite impressive!

A hearty BANZAI goes out to him.



Hey John thanks!

I couldn't comment in your AAR until now, because my opponent Jocke reads it as well. Didn't want to risk OpSec.

Regardless of its other merits, the strongest argument for a PH invasion is that it's... FUN!



John 3rd -> RE: The Battling Bastards of Pearl? NOT! (7/7/2015 10:48:11 PM)

Thanks Cavalry. Will do so now.

Olorin: I want DETAILS once you have completed your conquest! Michael and I expect to see the fall of Pearl Harbor within 2-3 assaults. My guess is no later then May 1st.



John 3rd -> RE: The Battling Bastards of Pearl? NOT! (7/7/2015 11:01:46 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: cavalry

John, I see you are doing well here - but please check out the posts in the BTS thread as I am posting quite a few smallish issues with RA7.9.


Please advise where this map is from - its rather nice?
cav


I am HAPPY to model Chemkids FANTASTIC work!



Cap Mandrake -> RE: The Battling Bastards of Pearl? NOT! (7/8/2015 2:43:17 AM)

Chemkids... beautiful work. Looks like a game board. I imagine that was the look you were aiming for.



HansBolter -> RE: The Battling Bastards of Pearl? NOT! (7/8/2015 10:41:58 AM)

While these maps ARE beautiful I found I had to go back to the stock artwork as these custom maps provide no visual indication of what the game terrain type is.

I know I can get that info with a hot key but I don't want to constantly have to toggle that on and off any more than I want to leave it on permanently.

If only the game provided the terrain type somewhere in the top bar when you click on a hex.....


Just my quirky tastes I guess.



John 3rd -> The Battling Bastards of Pearl? NOT! (7/9/2015 4:46:50 AM)

April 14, 1942

The second assault upon the Pearl Harbor defenses goes nearly as well as the first. The Japanese score a 1-1 (1711--1501) seeing the Forts drop down to 3. Japanese casualties are just 1511 and the Allies lost 1036 with 61 guns being destroyed/disabled. VERY SUCCESSFUL.

The entire BB Fleet nailed the target generating over 600 casualties, AF/Pt Damage, and generating fires. The air component added a 200 casualties and more damage to vehicles and guns.

The afternoon was crowned by a strike of 29 Zero and 55 Kates hitting BB Arizona TWENTY times as well as a couple of AM and an ARD.

There are enough supplies for two more attacks. We'll rest the 15th and come in again of the 16th. If Forts can be brought down to 2 with that attack I might order a SHOCK ATTACK to try and finish the defense.



[image]local://upfiles/18041/2144809D23A046F4AFE5D5442C36A714.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> The Battling Bastards of Pearl? NOT! (7/9/2015 4:51:04 AM)

In the Central Pacific, the entire Japanese carrier fleet will arrive at Truk tomorrow. A rest will ensure for a day or two and then they shall sail for Soerabaja.

Currently have six Japanese ID available for operations. The discussion we were having earlier on the previous page (and this one) now comes back to the fore. Four of these ID are in excellent shape for another Operation. Two are prepping for Geraldton and two for Albany. One Inf Brigade is prepping for Cocos and another for Broome.

Am considering a western China offensive out of eastern Burma. Has anyone tried this? I have not done it before.



Amoral -> RE: The Battling Bastards of Pearl? NOT! (7/9/2015 2:30:06 PM)

You say there are enough supplies for 2 more attacks. Are there additional supplies in Hawaii somewhere, or do they have to come from home? If forts are still at 3 and you are getting 1-1 with even casualties, I think 2 attacks is unlikely to take the base.



Sangeli -> RE: The Battling Bastards of Pearl? NOT! (7/9/2015 4:59:52 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Amoral
You say there are enough supplies for 2 more attacks. Are there additional supplies in Hawaii somewhere, or do they have to come from home? If forts are still at 3 and you are getting 1-1 with even casualties, I think 2 attacks is unlikely to take the base.

I disagree! I would put money down that a shock attack on the second attack will take the base assuming John gives his units some time to recover fatigue between attacks and keeps up the naval bombardment. Don't forget how shock attack gives you a boost in adjusted AV.



John 3rd -> RE: The Battling Bastards of Pearl? NOT! (7/10/2015 2:23:51 AM)

Hi Guys. Long day at the Store.

I have enough for two more assaults. There is another 80,000 within 3-4 days of Hawaii. Also have three Engineering Regiments about to arrive. They missed the initial landing when I rushed it to get in while the Invasion Bonus was still on. Am debating--pending on next two attacks--on landing 40,000 supply, those Eng Reg, and a full Brigade.

The orders allowed for a day of rest. Am inclined to agree with Sangeli. Turn just got here from Michael so we'll order a Deliberate Attack and THEN a Shock Attack. We'll gamble on enough supply and disruption to carry the day.



John 3rd -> The Perils of Victory (7/10/2015 2:43:38 PM)

Sangeli looks pretty right. April 17, 1942 sees a Deliberate Attack score a 2-1 assault and the Forts DROP to 2. My disruption went up to nearly 40 with three of the ID so we rest one day and then launch a Shock Attack scheduled for April 19th at dawn. This attack will use up the last of the supplies on hand. We'll have to brave CD fire if we are to land more...

Tomorrow will see 3 CA hit the base while all seven BBs and their escorts load up the big shells for one last dance...


[image]local://upfiles/18041/B646B983B9AB4FACB5F08627E67F55EE.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> RE: The Perils of Victory (7/10/2015 2:44:50 PM)

The big difference between the last attack and this one is that the 25th ID totally collapsed. Its AV dropped to ZERO. NICE!
[sm=fighting0045.gif][sm=happy0065.gif][sm=Cool-049.gif]



John 3rd -> The Perils of Victory (7/11/2015 1:28:54 PM)

The attack on April 18, 1942 sees a 2-1 result at Pearl Harbor. Forts drop to 1. Pearl will fall tomorrow. Despite getting low on supplies and disruption the High Command orders one, last maximum effort upon the target. All 7 BB and 3 CA will blast the final hold out positions adding their weight to the final attack.

Here is a screen shot of the VP score BEFORE PH falls:



[image]local://upfiles/18041/543FA55D71294090BEFC86F3E5A98331.jpg[/image]



Lowpe -> RE: The Perils of Victory (7/11/2015 2:09:43 PM)

Pray for the fuel![sm=innocent0001.gif]



pws1225 -> RE: The Perils of Victory (7/11/2015 2:31:46 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Pray for the fuel![sm=innocent0001.gif]


+1



John 3rd -> Pearl Harbor FALLS: TORA! TORA!! TORA!!! (7/11/2015 6:12:55 PM)

April 20, 1942
Operation Eastern Storm

It is an all-out effort between the Kaigun, LBA, and the Army. Pearl Harbor is captured by the Empire of Japan on April 20, 1942.

Bombardments: Three bombardment featuring 7 BB, 3 CA, 6 CL, and 28 DD pound the American perimeter causing 991 Cas, 40 Guns, and 61 Vehicles to be disabled or lost.

Aerial Assault: Over 400 aircraft fly cover or drop bombs on targets of opportunity. They account for 333 Casualties, and 13 Vehicles.

Ground Assault:
All five Infantry divisions, with the very last shell being fired from the Artillery charge the American Lines. The Americans throw in the towel nearly immediately. The result is a 13-1 attack. The Japanese capture 50,989 POWs, 784 Guns, and 568 Vehicles. A total of twenty-nine units surrender.

Take a look:


[image]local://upfiles/18041/8543A959C5ED4A1A9C2F7CFF1B7B8722.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> RE: The Perils of Victory (7/11/2015 6:13:50 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: pws1225


quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Pray for the fuel![sm=innocent0001.gif]


+1



Yaaaa...well...we capture 156,000 fuel. It isn't 500,000 but it does pay for some of the operations to this point. Disappointment here!



Olorin -> RE: The Perils of Victory (7/11/2015 6:57:16 PM)

This is a time for a BANZAI!!!!

Capturing so much fuel is also a nice bonus. I think I may have expended about 300k in 100 days around Hawaii, I 'd be ecstatic to get half of it back.




John 3rd -> RE: The Perils of Victory (7/11/2015 8:10:24 PM)

Concur. My fuel bill from Dec 7-April 20, 1942 is just at 350,000. Getting back nearly half is definite aid.

Already formed two MSW TF to deal with mines.

Michael told me that there was over 500,000 fuel on the last turn. Guess the engineers got a chance to do their thing prior to the surrender! Pretty realistic if you ask me...

Michael now THINKS KB is released from PH duty. I chuckled when he said this on the phone today. KB is now entering the eastern DEI and will be Soerabaja in two days. We're hoping to spring a NASTY surprise on the Allies...



John 3rd -> RE: The Perils of Victory (7/11/2015 8:12:34 PM)

With the Fall of Hawaii, it is now TRULY time to play...



Justus2 -> RE: The Perils of Victory (7/11/2015 10:04:02 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Concur. My fuel bill from Dec 7-April 20, 1942 is just at 350,000. Getting back nearly half is definite aid.

Already formed two MSW TF to deal with mines.

Michael told me that there was over 500,000 fuel on the last turn. Guess the engineers got a chance to do their thing prior to the surrender! Pretty realistic if you ask me...

Michael now THINKS KB is released from PH duty. I chuckled when he said this on the phone today. KB is now entering the eastern DEI and will be Soerabaja in two days. We're hoping to spring a NASTY surprise on the Allies...


Congratulations on taking PH, I am anxious to see how the rest of this plays out. I do like the thought of KB showing up a week earlier than he would have expected, I can't wait to see how he reacts.



John 3rd -> RE: The Perils of Victory (7/12/2015 2:41:10 AM)

I now have ELEVEN Infantry Divisions freed up between the Fall of Java (5 ID but 1 is severely damaged) and Pearl Harbor (all in good shape but we're leaving one to serve as direct garrison) and then a fresh ID that departed Fusan four days ago. This ID is now re-routed north to the Aleutians...making this the second ID up there working on its Arctic tan.

Thoughts:
1. Add one more ID for a northern thrust into Alaska. Force: 3 ID, 1 Brigade, 4 TK Reg, and a decent number of engineers.
2. Send 2-3 ID from Pearl to widen the salient in the South by taking Nadi--Suva and threaten New Caledonia.
3. Send 2 ID to Burma to launch an eastward thrust in Western China.
4. Use 4 ID to take NW Australia and threaten Perth.

Yes--I know this disperses the effort but Michael cannot be everywhere at once. Want to FORCE a Fleet Engagement. Biggest chances of that are Perth and/or Nadi--Suva.

Go ahead. Sound off...



Justus2 -> RE: The Perils of Victory (7/12/2015 3:17:30 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

I now have ELEVEN Infantry Divisions freed up between the Fall of Java (5 ID but 1 is severely damaged) and Pearl Harbor (all in good shape but we're leaving one to serve as direct garrison) and then a fresh ID that departed Fusan four days ago. This ID is now re-routed north to the Aleutians...making this the second ID up there working on its Arctic tan.

Thoughts:
1. Add one more ID for a northern thrust into Alaska. Force: 3 ID, 1 Brigade, 4 TK Reg, and a decent number of engineers.
2. Send 2-3 ID from Pearl to widen the salient in the South by taking Nadi--Suva and threaten New Caledonia.
3. Send 2 ID to Burma to launch an eastward thrust in Western China.
4. Use 4 ID to take NW Australia and threaten Perth.

Yes--I know this disperses the effort but Michael cannot be everywhere at once. Want to FORCE a Fleet Engagement. Biggest chances of that are Perth and/or Nadi--Suva.

Go ahead. Sound off...



I'm certainly no expert, but based on what I've seen in this AAR, here's my thoughts.

1 - I would definitely reinforce the Alaska arm. I know there was discussion about advancing to threaten the West Coast, and a possible strategic bombing campaign. Even if you've decided not to pursue this, Michael doesn't know that yet, and given your success at PH, he has to be considering that risk. The Alaska moves would be the logical next step, so it keeps this threat front-burner for him, whether you pursue it or not.

2/4 - Both of these could support an objective of isolating Australia, or at least making it more difficult for him to supply. With PH gone, I would guess he will shift most of his shipping to the Capetown route, so Perth would be valuable. He can still route to Adelaide/Melbourne, but Perth would be a good base for raiding into that LOC. Whatever shipping remains from the West Coast will have to take the southern route - again Suva won't block it, but it extends it and gives you opportunities.

3 - Not sure I would commit forces here, it seems like a recipe for getting bogged down in favorable terrain for his defense, and with an extended supply line. It's hard enough as the Allies to force supplies along that route, you would have to send them around to Rangoon first then push them up the trails. I would just seal that route off, maybe make some demonstrations toward NE India, but I would not commit heavy ground forces here. This might work if you were going all in for an India strategy, but this is at best a tertiary objective for you, and if you are focused on isolating Australia, I don't think you'll have the shipping to reinforce additional armies in Burma.



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