RE: Blood on the Water! (Full Version)

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John 3rd -> RE: Blood on the Water! (5/20/2015 1:30:24 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAMadhouse

Hi John,

Diversity in aircraft giving you choices. Good reason. My thoughts were how specializing at the beginning could pay dividends later. The reason is because the R&D factories saved by focusing on George could be enough to get some of those late war toys to play with. Maybe by doing that you could get jets, for example, early enough to be a factor. Like you said, choices.

And for what it's worth, I think staying up North was the right choice. A tough choice but the right one. You had a chance to wreck a couple of his carriers really early in the war. Sure you could've been hurt but odds are you would have come out the clear victor. Having to only worry about LBA would only help you out for Eastern Storm.

Joe



Ahhhhh....NOW I understand. Yes--One can game the system. You KNOW George would be fantastic so why not sink all your research into it? Makes sense to me now.



John 3rd -> RE: Blood on the Water! (5/20/2015 1:33:01 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: vicberg

This AAR is like watching a cliffhanger. Only it's every day.


Yes it has been. I got screwed twice in this ambush. SHOULD of had him but a convenient blizzard got in the way. Fickle THY NAME IS WEATHER! The second time was when his four DDs hit me. My Ops Points must have run up pretty high because I counted and saw that the KB only moved half its movement. IF we had moved all of it, then the KB would have been at the magical SEVEN range to his CVs south of the carriers.

Grrr...



John 3rd -> February 5, 1942 (5/20/2015 1:38:02 AM)

Central Pacific

The Japanese Invasion Forces are now loaded and slowly moving north or southeast. Lihue, Hilo, and Kona are fully set and ready to advance. Am getting the Lahaina TF out from Christmas and then all is set to go. KB-2 pulls back south to ready itself to protect the Kona and Hilo IF. Four BBs depart Christmas to provide the gunfire support--if needed--for these two targets. Ise and Hyuga will provide direct cover for the Lihue Landing.

KB will arrive at Midway in two days. It will fuel and replenish sorties. Have already started shuttling damaged Daitai from the KB to pick-up new airframes. Shokaku's Kate Daitai was at only nine planes (28 pilots). It flew to Midway and got all the planes needed to restock. We'll be ready to go team.

Are you???



Prydwen -> RE: February 5, 1942 (5/20/2015 2:25:25 PM)

Hi John,

That's exactly what I was ineffectively trying to say. We all have hindsight and we all have tracker to help us out when our knowledge of history (or the game version anyway) fails us. It's the reason why the majority of the JFB's do Oscar, Tojo, and Frank for IJA fighters and skip Tony. Tony isn't a terrible plane but it has an uncommon engine and a high service rating in the initial models. Those are the two nails in it's coffin. Historically Japan had no idea how the Tony would be maintenance-wise until they actually built it and found out. If the George had historically been CV capable then everybody would rush it and ignore the Zero line. They would be foolish not to and we would never have had this conversation.

Now let's see some Eastern Storm fireworks! [X(] [:'(]

Joe



John 3rd -> Manila! (5/20/2015 4:06:19 PM)

You do know that there are OTHER things happening in this game--RIGHT?

Luzon's resistance ENDS on Feb 6, 1942:


[image]local://upfiles/18041/987FE4A14CE14FB6911E321D3E94B686.jpg[/image]



Mike McCreery -> RE: Manila! (5/20/2015 4:30:49 PM)

Good thing Leandros is playing the AI and not you eh? :P



Sangeli -> RE: Manila! (5/20/2015 5:11:01 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Luzon's resistance ENDS on Feb 6, 1942:

Wow! That was fast! Good job. You can prep that artillery for Pearl Harbor now. But where do you send the infantry?



traskott -> RE: Manila! (5/20/2015 5:33:53 PM)

Suscribed.

Want to see that PH assault...



John 3rd -> RE: Manila! (5/20/2015 11:48:16 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Sangeli

quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Luzon's resistance ENDS on Feb 6, 1942:

Wow! That was fast! Good job. You can prep that artillery for Pearl Harbor now. But where do you send the infantry?


You read my mind. ALL the artie goes east. I plan to take two of the four ID and bring them east as well. This SHOULD give me a five ID attack on PH if and when the time comes. Plan to buyout at least one more from Korea/China as well.

The other two go south for Australia Operations.



John 3rd -> RE: Manila! (5/20/2015 11:48:40 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: traskott

Suscribed.

Want to see that PH assault...


Good to have you on board Sir.



John 3rd -> Blood on the Water! (5/22/2015 3:44:16 AM)

Sorry: No turns today. Haven't spoken to Michael.

Maybe he's figured out COMPANY IS COMING to collect some pineapples!



Sangeli -> RE: Manila! (5/22/2015 6:52:23 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
You read my mind. ALL the artie goes east. I plan to take two of the four ID and bring them east as well. This SHOULD give me a five ID attack on PH if and when the time comes. Plan to buyout at least one more from Korea/China as well.


Good plan. It's gonna be a slugfest so the more artillery here the better. Be sure to bring most of your xAKLs here to carry all that artillery on disposable ships.



John 3rd -> The Fate of the Empire (5/22/2015 4:11:00 PM)

February 8, 1942


FROM: Combined Fleet, Admiral Ugaki Matome Commanding
TO: All Forces Operation Eastern Storm

The fate of the Empire rests with you. All forces commence approach to landing areas.

May our Emperor live 1,000 Years!




John 3rd -> The Chess Board (5/22/2015 4:17:31 PM)

Final Composition
Operation Eastern Storm

Northern Force

Lihue Invasion Force 17,468 Troops with 4 CL and 3 DD embedded within TF
Close Escort: 2 BB, 2 CA, and 8 DD
Close Air Cover: 3 CVE (63 Zero), 3 CL, 5 DD

Kido Butai: 5 CV (388 Planes), 4 BC, 2 CA, 2 CL, 10 DD

Southern Force

Hilo Invasion Force 14,827 Troops with 2 CA and 3 DD embedded within TF.
Kona Invasion Force 18,758 Troops with 2 CA and 3 DD embedded within TF.

Close Escort: 4 BB, 2 CL, and 8 DD
Close Air Cover: 5 CVL--2 CAV (254 Planes), 2 BC, 2 CA, 1 CL, and 7 DD

Lahaina Invasion Force 21,774 Troops and 5 DD embedded in TF.

[image]local://upfiles/18041/BA52F1E04A9F47CB9EA6226A81D3DE00.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> The Chess Board (5/22/2015 4:20:29 PM)

...and the Southern Side...

[image]local://upfiles/18041/BCEDBE23B1C6466EBDE824B371217FC2.jpg[/image]



traskott -> RE: The Chess Board (5/22/2015 4:25:14 PM)

[&o][&o] Good luck

Remember me never play against you [:D]. Too much stress



John 3rd -> The Chess Board (5/23/2015 3:02:15 PM)

Just got the next turn done. We had a communication error as to who had the actual turn. I THOUGHT I had sent it but not.

No real developments. His Air Search isn't very effective. Nothing but my CVLs were spotted.

He will KNOW at the end of this next turn. I'll set the TF destinations and we'll be ROLLING...



John 3rd -> The Dice are ON the Table! (5/23/2015 11:17:49 PM)

February 10, 1942

The cat is now thoroughly out of the bag!

Other thing I have not mentioned:

1. Order 10 Ro-/I-Boats to move into the dotted zone of the Hawaiian Isles.

2. Three ML TF prepare to drop mines:
a. 7 ML SS--4 will mine Lahaina once it is landed upon and the other 3 will mine the base west of Lahaina tomorrow to try and catch any warships attempting to interfere with Kona Landings.
b. Kona/Hilo ML: Have 800 Mines on board 6 ML. Will split it nearly 50-50 between the bases.
c. Lihue ML: Four ML carry roughly 500 mines for that location.

3. Kido Butai is now refeulled and replenished. The five CVs move out from Midway and will take position due east of PH to block anything LEAVING or COMING in. Goals:
a. If I have done my job, NO SUPPLIES have made it into PH. This will be key to taking the place!
b. These CVs are carrying an additional pair of Zero Daitai (72 Planes) to aid in TF protection and the first grand SWEEP of PH.
c. If a landing runs into serious trouble, the KB shall split and all four BC shall speed in for assistance.
d. After initial landings, I shall reorganize the KB into 2 CV and 4 CVL/3 CV, 1 CVL, and 2 CAV.

4. AO TF: I have three AO TF carrying enough fuel to stay at sea for at least two-three weeks if necessary.

5. Every Invasion Force is loaded so everything can be landed in one day. Each TF is also carrying 25-50,000 supply.


Questions? Comments??

What does Michael have at PH? How many of his BBs are repaired?? Remember it was a TERRIBLE PH Attack on Dec 7th...

WE are at D-2. Eastern Storm shall come ashore on February 12th.


Banzai! BANZAI!! BANZAI!!!
[sm=sterb029.gif]

[image]local://upfiles/18041/3828D684628C40049D9BEEF696B2BAC8.jpg[/image]



Sangeli -> RE: The Dice are ON the Table! (5/24/2015 12:32:10 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
What does Michael have at PH? How many of his BBs are repaired?? Remember it was a TERRIBLE PH Attack on Dec 7th...

Hard to say for certain. What we do know, however, is that the Allies are going to problems with force projection in Hawaii. Pearl Harbor is big and strong but that's the only real base for the Allies. All planes have limited range except the few B-17s right now. BBs can only go 6 hexes per phase. In other words, if you keep a safe distance from Pearl Harbor the Allies will have problems hitting you. Biggest threat are cruisers and destroyers as they can hit you then fall back to PH. But Lahaina is not a safe distance away. I think you should wait longer than D+2 for that invasion. Let the Allies try to counter your other invasion first which will be under much more favorable odds and keep the Lahaina force primarily as a reserve. Should the Allies do something stupid and waste their strike power then go ahead and land there. But if they play conservative and keep their forces marshalled but on hand then you probably should land Lahaina's forces somewhere else further from Pearl while you build up strength for a second round of invasions.



John 3rd -> RE: The Dice are ON the Table! (5/24/2015 1:41:00 AM)

Damn. That is SOUND and GOOD advice. I'm gonna think about it some.

Initial response is that it makes a bunch of sense. Can strengthen the southern landings at Hilo and Kona and set-up base expansion at a faster pace. Can also use my ML SS to set-up Minefields at LaHaina AND the island right next to it. Any TF moving south MUST go through those hexes on a high speed run. Won't do a ton of damage but it WILL force him to do some MSW and/or stop the high speed bombardments for a day or two. As I earned in my earlier attempt at this, the key is to get some breathing space to build-up the bases FAST.

Additional important factor in taking your suggestion would be to allow me to split my BB TF into two equal parts 2 BB, 1 CL, and 5 DD to cover both bases Invasion Forces. I was seriously thinking to hold them back so they could be used at Lahaina. This strengthens the southern landings as well.

Screw it. I totally AGREE with your thinking Sangeli. Consider a major reshuffling in order next turn.

Many thanks![sm=character0272.gif][sm=character0267.gif]



Sangeli -> RE: The Dice are ON the Table! (5/24/2015 1:52:22 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Screw it. I totally AGREE with your thinking Sangeli. Consider a major reshuffling in order next turn.

Heh I think it was one of the better trains of thought I've had recently. Glad tyou agree.

Anyway, at this point its hardly even noticeable to change plans. That's the beauty of the first 4 months of the war for Japan: you can be very flexible with landings as preparation doesn't really matter. I think every invasion for the IJN in this period should have a floating reserve to take advantage of this.

What do you have planned for after the landings? Surely you aren't just going to sit and base build.


EDIT: Seems I need to look at maps more before I post. Nothing in Hawaii is more than 5 hexes from PH. Everything is within fighter range but at least 5 hexes is outside of TBD torpedo range. Either way, Hilo and Kona are still better options since you can keep the KB out of range of PH fighters and still cover the landing with LRCAP easily enough.



John 3rd -> The Dice are ON the Table! (5/24/2015 3:45:18 AM)

Just got the turn from Michael. Doubt is I will get it done this evening but will try.

This is what he sent...

John,

Ok, lets see if you have better luck this time around.

ENJOY!!
Michael

...and my rejoinder...

Banzai BABY!

This is why I SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO wanted those two CVs and CVL!



John 3rd -> RE: The Dice are ON the Table! (5/24/2015 3:48:30 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Sangeli

quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Screw it. I totally AGREE with your thinking Sangeli. Consider a major reshuffling in order next turn.

Heh I think it was one of the better trains of thought I've had recently. Glad tyou agree.

Anyway, at this point its hardly even noticeable to change plans. That's the beauty of the first 4 months of the war for Japan: you can be very flexible with landings as preparation doesn't really matter. I think every invasion for the IJN in this period should have a floating reserve to take advantage of this.

What do you have planned for after the landings? Surely you aren't just going to sit and base build.


EDIT: Seems I need to look at maps more before I post. Nothing in Hawaii is more than 5 hexes from PH. Everything is within fighter range but at least 5 hexes is outside of TBD torpedo range. Either way, Hilo and Kona are still better options since you can keep the KB out of range of PH fighters and still cover the landing with LRCAP easily enough.



It is EXCELLENT thinking.

After I read it, I did pull up the game and count ranges but didn't want to rain on your impressive parade.

I shall be able to LRCAP Hilo/Kona from the south without issue. Lihue will be another story and this is why I am laying a much thicker minefield there.

Follow-On?

Lahaina: Still have another ID sitting at Christmas!

Will see how the initial fight goes and then strike there when the iron is hot. Paras will make it an immediate Shock Attack.



John 3rd -> RE: The Dice are ON the Table! (5/24/2015 4:54:16 PM)

Got the turn and am running it.

It is D-Day!

Predictions:
1. He'll have had two days to crank up some mines.
2. SS in every hex for the landing sites.
3. He'll throw a strong STF at ONE of the Landing Forces. We'll see if my ML SS catch anything.

Thoughts:
1. What does he have for dangerous aircraft at PH? I'll bet very little. He always uses that F4F group to reinforce his CV Air. The SBDs might still be there. We'll see.
2. I'll bet there isn't too much in the way of warships in the harbor. He'll have pulled the CAs and CL:s to aid his CV TF.

Let us find out team.



John 3rd -> Operation Eastern Storm: D-Day 2-12-42 (5/24/2015 5:49:15 PM)

Combat Report
February 12, 1942
Hawaii

We are ashore folks! All three landings go in with minimal disruption or activity by the enemy. Didn't find a mine ANYWHERE and, sure enough, Michael choose to contest the Lihue Landing.

Lihue
2 BB, 2 CA, 2 CL, and 8 DD vs. CLs Anchorage, Honolulu, Phoenix and 6 DD. A successful American TT strike sinks DD Arare in return for sinking CL Anchorage and moderate damage to CL Phoenix and 2 DDs.

All three landings are flawless. Will take the bases without a doubt tomorrow.

Moves:
1. KB moves into the NE of PH to block any withdrawals and prevent any resupply.
2. Pound three American SS at the landing sites.
3. Separate out about 30 ships that are already unloaded. They head for Christmas to lift the 2nd ID so it might join in the Lahaina Assault.
4. Move the CVEs and CVLs slightly so they don't become easy SS targets.

Here is the surface fight:


[image]local://upfiles/18041/F82F59C177D5498E9ECE1F20E0CB8D24.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> Operation Eastern Storm: D-Day 2-12-42 (5/24/2015 5:50:49 PM)

Here is a screenshot of what things look like at the end of the first day:


[image]local://upfiles/18041/FD7CBD4A04C14A7691DF6A664063777F.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> Reply (5/24/2015 5:58:43 PM)

Now that the assault is in full bloom, the question goes to Michael's response. I KNOW this operation has taken him completely by surprise. He said as much over the phone. I have been so adamant about NEVER trying this again that cannot believe it. He also slipped that NOTHING has gotten through to PH since the war started. That is HUGE. A real chance that PH might already be somewhat low on supply.

What will Michael do? Choices:

1. Concentrate and force a major CV battle within a month (he has to move his Aussie Force and wait for Hornet to arrive).
2. Counter-land somewhere FAR away to make me pull the CVs back.

I see him doing #2. He is aggressive in his own way. I bet he makes a thrust northwards in the South Pacific to draw me away. This will take time to organize and prepare so I have that working for me. Figured this was a reality a month ago and already have sent three INF Regiments to Port Moresby, Lunga, and Rabaul. SNLF Assault Brigades hold Pago Pago, Savaii, and Canton. Will be getting several Naval Guard soon and they will reinforce the Marshalls.

The DEI has lots of firepower in it presently so I figure little danger there presently.

Eventually I will re-organize the CVs and create a secondary TF centered around Junyo--Hiyo and some CVLs. THEY will move south. Junyo is only 19 days from completion. Akagi will be repaired in about the same amount of time.

We'll see...




Sangeli -> RE: Reply (5/24/2015 7:20:17 PM)

The earliest the Allies could mount a counter-landing is sometime in spring 42. And even then I'd be more concerned about the Allies reinforcing a key defensive positions than mounting a true counter-attack.

Personally I think the best thing you could do is send the KB out aggressively in the SoPac sometime in March/April to prempt or smash whatever the Allies are doing down there. But in order to do that you need to strengthen the siege of PH so that LBA and surface ships can keep it isolated. After disrupting Michael's plans, you can send the KB back to PH to really suppress the base and get ready for a landing. That should coincide nicely with your units reaching 100% prep I think. But you have to find a way to lay an effective siege on PH WITHOUT relying on CVs first...that may be a little more difficult. Need to find a way to let those air bases build up while taking out some of Michael's surface assets. That way you can sortie cruisers against any convoy that may try to sneak in.



traskott -> RE: Reply (5/25/2015 11:22:45 AM)

Ufff, now all is about how much troops AND supplies the allied has put on PH before this battle...



John 3rd -> Lovely Map (5/26/2015 2:22:15 PM)

February 14, 1942

Been away camping for the last two days and we plan to go out again this weekend Sat--Sun--Mon. Wet and soggy but fun!

OK. Eastern Storm has thundered ashore with little to no interference from American Forces. Other then that clash at Lihue there has been NO RESPONSE from the good ole US of A.

Lihue, Kona, and Hilo are now firmly in Japanese hands. A full two Division Landing (with Paras) shall take Lahaina in two days. Each base has between 25-40,000 supply unloaded and are in good shape. Now it becomes an engineering race. In one day these are the results:

Lihue AF 1 (12)
Kona AF 1 (06)
Hilo AF 1 (10)

I shuffle the troops and TF with lots of movement between ships and units. Unloaded ships head back for Christmas or Midway. Mines are now fully sown at all three locations and we'll see what Michael does.

That is the current...

[image]local://upfiles/18041/8B01D96ECBE342D3A43AAF12E282A3D5.jpg[/image]



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