RE: Dec 8. 1941, Cont.

RE: Dec 8. 1941, Cont. (Full Version)

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BBfanboy -> RE: Dec 8. 1941, Cont. (6/24/2018 7:08:43 PM)
That Transport TF with the CS is likely headed to Ambon. That is where I would send Houston and Boise. If that turns out to be wrong they might fuel up before the run to Australia, or head for Horn Island straits and go to SOPAC. I would turn that AS around and head north around the Philippines. He has guards on his transport TFs but might not even ben planning to invade Luzon for a few weeks so you might slip the AS by. His bombers will be concentrating on Clark Field and Manila. EDIT: Looks like Force Z is in good position to loop around Borneo and be the anvil to Houston/Boise's Hammer on that CS/Transport TF.

Anachro -> Dec 9. 1941 (6/25/2018 3:01:47 PM)
Dec. 9th, 1941 Bad news as John proceeds to take Palembang without any damage to the facilities. Moreover, he has landed a full division at Mersing while also putting paras along the train tracks at Malacca to prevent my troops from quickly strat moving down to Singapore. The British troops on the Malayan peninsula are in real danger of being cut off. I lose the CL Dauntless to night surface engagement off of Palembang, as well as several big TKs. The British DDs heading towards Miri are sunk by enemy surface forces. John also managed to get his fast transport force to Rabaul to land troops before I can gather the forces down there to react. Will still try an intercept if possible. The only good news is that John has a small force of 2 BCs and 1-2 DDs caught between a 6x Dutch DD fleet, Force Z, and a 2xCA / 6xDD fleet. I might try to get it engaged and see if I could snag one. KB2 is nearby however. Boise and her escorts failed to intercept the enemy invasion fleet, but did manage to make a good escape to the south. Good thing too, because that fleet is being escorted by KB2. If the DDs and CA TF can manage to cause damage through intercept, perhaps Force Z can catch up and sink the 2 BCs outright. However, I might want to preserve them and try to get a surface action with carriers instead in the crowded waters of the DEI. [image]https://i.imgur.com/81v4dBs.png[/image] KB Headed for the West Coast? KB appears to have refuled and now is heading in a direction towards the west coast. Either he is planning to invade there or he is planning a raid of some sort. Two immediate targets strike my mind: 1) he will raid up and down San Francisco and Los Angeles and try to sink the various ships that inhabit those waters; 2) He could be going for the 5 damaged BBs that start out under repair in or near Seattle. We'll see, but I am already moving my ships around in anticipation. ASW is up and working along the west coast as well and has already run into one of two submarines. He tried to catch the Saratoga south of Sand Diego and she will be heading to safer unknown waters till I get things in order (and improve my ASW). [image]https://i.imgur.com/Vnilu3a.png[/image]

BBfanboy -> RE: Dec 9. 1941 (6/25/2018 4:51:46 PM)
Getting an intercept on carriers is quite difficult unless they have a very slow ship in their TF, you have a good DL on them (from night naval search by FP) and react settings. If your other two TFs use up the BC TFs ammo, they would be less risky pickings for Force Z. The 5 BBs at Seattle would indeed be a big draw for John. He loves to raid and he loves to sink major ships with little risk to his own. Move some extra AA to Seattle and enough fighters to all the nearby bases to have more than KB. Chewing up his air strikes would be a coup! Unless transports are spotted I doubt he could arrange a significant invasion this early. A Regiment or two at major industrial cities should be enough to hold them.

Anachro -> RE: Dec 9. 1941 (6/26/2018 4:55:59 PM)
I haven't gotten the replay yet, but John did send me this cryptic message by email: quote: Got the turn run and am doing orders. Am trying to get a feel for your play style...You surprised me some this turn! Will post more when I find out just what it means later tonight. I elected to try and sink some of his BCs using a combination of the CA TF, DDs, and Force Z. I also sent CL Marblehead and some DDs to try and intercept his CS force. Boise is low on fuel and retiring to Darwin. I also elected to strat bomb Palembang with anything I could find as a punishment for taking it so early without much air cover to protect it. @BBfanboy Yup, I'm moving some AA, regiments, and fighters north, but I should have ample ground protection at least. Haven't decided yet if I want to move the BBs and risk him reconing all my ports up there to find which one I hid them in or if I should put them all in one to concentrate protection and coverage.

Bearcat2 -> RE: Dec 9. 1941 (6/26/2018 5:53:44 PM)
In this scenario; you might be wise to just let him have everything for the first 6 months; he outproduces you in A/C, he has 6 CV's, 7 CVL's and 3 CVE's at start; and he knows where everything you have starts.

Anachro -> Dec 10. 1941 (6/27/2018 1:13:35 PM)
Dec. 10, 1941 A number of engagements take place that are quite surprising. The CS invasion fleet lands at Ternate instead of Ambon and the Marblehead-backed force sent to confront it instead manages to run into a surface engagement with KB3! No serious damage suffered to KB3, but one carrier takes a shell hit and is listed as "on fire." In the Makassar Strait, there are several engagements between the enemy BC fleet and Dutch DDs and an Allied CA task force. The Allies come off worse and lose 4-5 old DDs in a series of night and day engagements. The good news is that Force Z appears one hex away from the BCs at the end of the turn and can hopefully engage a force that is very low on ammo during the night. It will attempt to do so before running south. The DEI is getting a bit too hot and it appears the two KBs will try to link up and deny the waters of the DEI to Allied intervention. I am sending most surface forces south to Darwin before transit to the SoPac and further division later. Still figuring out if I can extract troops from Singapore, but if not, they will hopefully all arrive at Singapore to hold it for some time. In the eastern Pacific, KB is heading towards the west coast and is currently situated to strike towards San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego. There is also the possibility it can turn north towards Seattle. Local ships in port are fleeing to safer waters while fighters are brought in to reinforce CAP. Hopefully, we can kill some KB pilots. Elsewhere, Allied planners already begin discussions around how to wrest away the initiative, at least for a few weeks or months to buy time... [image]https://i.imgur.com/1XjXpW3.png[/image] quote: Day Time Surface Combat, near Donggala at 68,97, Range 16,000 Yards Japanese Ships BC Hiei, Shell hits 2 BC Kirishima, Shell hits 3 DD Kayobuki DD Mazabuki, Shell hits 1 Allied Ships CA Houston CA Chicago DD Alden, Shell hits 1 DD Barker, Shell hits 1 DD Bulmer, Shell hits 4, and is sunk DD Edsall, Shell hits 2 DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 1, and is sunk DD John D. Ford, Shell hits 2, on fire quote: Day Time Surface Combat, near Donggala at 68,97, Range 20,000 Yards Japanese Ships BC Hiei BC Kirishima, Shell hits 5 DD Kayobuki, Shell hits 1 DD Mazabuki, Shell hits 1 Allied Ships CA Houston, Shell hits 2 CA Chicago, Shell hits 1 DD Alden, on fire DD Barker, on fire DD Edsall, Shell hits 1, on fire DD John D. Ford, Shell hits 1, heavy fires quote: Day Time Surface Combat, near Obi at 76,106, Range 13,000 Yards Japanese Ships CV Hiryu CV Soryu CS Chitose CS Chiyoda BC Chichibu, Shell hits 2 CVL Tokachi, Shell hits 1, on fire CVL Kushiro, Shell hits 1 DD Kuroshio DD Oyashio DD Hatsukaze DD Natsushio DD Hayashio, Shell hits 1 DD Amatsukaze Allied Ships CL Marblehead, Shell hits 7, on fire DD Stewart, Shell hits 2 DD Parrott, Shell hits 1 DD Pillsbury, Shell hits 2, on fire

jwolf -> RE: Dec 10. 1941 (6/27/2018 2:22:19 PM)
Did the Japanese spot Force Z yet?

DOCUP -> RE: Dec 10. 1941 (6/27/2018 2:33:26 PM)
Force Z is in a bad position KB 2 can sprint south and be in position to hit it. KB? also move south west and be in range to strike Force Z and other ships. Just my thought. Enjoying the AAR. Keep it up.

CaptHaggard -> RE: Dec 10. 1941 (6/27/2018 4:49:27 PM)
Anachro� Enjoying this AAR�great graphics and op summaries! Hag

Anachro -> Evaluating the Adversary (6/28/2018 2:39:47 AM)
@jwolf Yes, unfortunately. @DOCUP Well aware, but I'll need to take the risk and hope for the best when I get the turn back. In retrospect, I probably should have moved them to attack the BCs and then kept them moving east, as I doubt his carriers would go that way, but we'll see what happens. Starting Japanese Carriers I've decided to do a little analysis of the Japanese and Allied OOBs. The Japanese start with: 6 CVs (2 Akagi Class, 2 Hiryu Class, 2 Shokaku class) 7 CVLs (2 Ryukaku Class, 1 Ryujo Class, 2 Zuiho Class, 2 G.6 Class) Beyond the fact that the Japanese receive an additional Akagi, with the Kaga being a BC or something, they receive a two new types of CVLs. The Ryukaku Class and the G.6 Class. The funny thing about these is that they are better in every way compared to the historical counterparts. They are faster and can keep up with fast carrier task forces and have significant AA defenses in later upgrades. In other words, they are very powerful ships meant to amplify a carrier task force model (2 CV, 2 CVLs). The Ryukaku, for instance, gets radar in early 1943 and starts out with an AA rating of ~450 that rises to ~2500 by late '44. The weakness would be no armor whatsoever. [image]https://i.imgur.com/CuVIKsk.jpg[/image] More interestingly are the G.6 CVLs, which not only are very fast at 34 knots, but have a pretty crazy upgrade path. Starting at ~30 aircraft capacity, when upgraded these things are also armored in a way that's roughly equivalent to a Shokaku-class CV (140/60/25). However, the scary thing is these can be sent in for refit in August, 1942 to upgrade them to full CVs with a speed of 32 knots. Magically, their a/c capacity doubles. Yamamoto sure is a genius. [image]https://i.imgur.com/n8nvfDm.jpg[/image] Japanese Carriers Additions In addition to the above the Japanese through mid '44 get: 8 CVLs (3 Chitose Conversions, 1 Chitose-class, 1 Ryuho-class, 3 Aso-class) 6 CVs (2 Junyo-class, 3 Shokaku-class, 1 Shokaku-Kai class) + 3 Adatara-class CS Ships The Aso-class is fast and has a good fighter complement to augment CAP and provide ASW duties. The Shokaku-kai class is an improved Shokaku-class with additional a/c capacity of ~80. [image]https://i.imgur.com/bS5RExg.jpg[/image] [image]https://i.imgur.com/d2NHJt6.jpg[/image] The additional CS Adatara-class ships cannot upgrade to CVL and I assume are meant to act as additional scouting escorts for Japanese carrier fleets so they can devote more of their carrier planes to an actual strike package, avoiding the mistakes of Midway while reaping the benefits of a full offensive strike. [image]https://i.imgur.com/30ugYa9.jpg[/image] Conclusion: By mid-1944, the Japanese Navy can theoretically field 14 fleet carriers and 13 light carriers and 4 escort carriers for a combined aircraft capacity ~660 fighters and ~760 bombers. These numbers can of course be shifted around to enlarge the number of fighters for protection. When these numbers are added to the fact that this mod makes the George and Jack CV-capable, it is a very potent theoretical force. A Japanese fan boy's wet dream, indeed. I'm not really sure how realistic it is even assuming some changes to the treaty and a more forceful control by Yamamoto of the direction of the navy (Midway revealed that Yamamoto was still very much enthralled by the big guns of the battleships and saw a purpose for them even as he advocated for air power). On top of all this, the Japanese start with 6 BCs and 2 CBs. They can build an additional 4 Yamato-class BBs and 4 Fuji-class CBs. They have a lot of different ships on which they can spend their scarce navy shipyard points.

FlyByKnight -> RE: Evaluating the Adversary (6/28/2018 2:51:31 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Anachro However, the scary thing is these can be sent in for refit in August, 1942 to upgrade them to full CVs with a speed of 32 knots. Magically, their a/c capacity doubles. John 3rd sure is a genius. Fixed that for you. [;)]

jwolf -> RE: Evaluating the Adversary (6/28/2018 1:22:44 PM)
quote: The funny thing about these is that they are better in every way compared to the historical counterparts. Amazing coincidence, that. [;)] It's as you said, a JFB wet dream. As far as I can see, it's really a fantasy mod designed to give a severe challenge for the Allied player. And that's fine, as long as both players know the score going in.

Anachro -> RE: Evaluating the Adversary (6/28/2018 1:25:43 PM)
Starting Allied Carriers The Allies start out with: 4 CVs (2 Lexington-class, 1 Yorktown-class, 1 Indomitable-class) 1 CVL (1 Hermes-class) 4 Cruiser-Carriers (2 Charlotte-class, 1 Melbourne-class, 1 Vindictive-class) The new things here are a British CV existing from the start with no withdrawal date (CV Indomitable), but more-so are the four cruiser-carrier hybrids, which can later on convert to CVLs (sadly the Hermes cannot upgrade to a CV and double its a/c capacity). These produce roughly two CVL variants. First is the Charlotte-class. With decent speed of 32 knots, decent armor, and ~1600 AA defense, these things are nice little additions to the fleet. Moreover, they have a relatively quick 4-month conversion time when turning them into CVLs. [image]https://i.imgur.com/YJuMJtw.png[/image] The next classes are the Melbourne and Vindictive-class cruiser hybrids, which also convert to CVLs. While these are listed as separate classes, their stats are identical to my eye and there is little difference between them. When converted, their speed drops to 30, they have okay armoring, and decent AA defense (~1000). However, their conversion time is slightly longer at 6 months. [image]https://i.imgur.com/EQ5hwV6.png[/image] All in all, these are nice little additions, but they are marginal relative to overall Allied might. Nonetheless, they might be the margin of difference in the first 1 or two years. British carriers are a bit slower, whereas all Japanese carriers seem to be uniformly faster. In addition to the above, the allies get additional surface forces in the form of an additional Dutch light cruiser, an additional BC in Force Z, a strengthened and partly more modernized Asiatic Fleet (some more modern DDs, an additional CA). The Marblehead can also convert to a CLAA. French forces are also more numerous, with some submarines, destroyers, and light cruisers at start. Allied Carriers Additions Through mid-1944, the Allies receive the following carrier reinforcements: 16 CVs (3 Yorktown-class, 1 Ranger-class, 3 Illustrious-class, 9 Essex-class) 12 CVLs (11 Independence-class, 1 Unicorn-class) + Numerous CVEs This number obviously grows larger beyond mid-44. Of these, the majors are obviously the 9 Essex-class carriers and the three Yorktown-class carriers. Some changes are that the Wasp is a Yorktown-class and the CV Ranger seems more capable and actually arrives in the Pacific. The Ranger-class, however, does have a lower a/c capacity and slower speed akin to the British carriers, nor is it well-armored. [image]https://i.imgur.com/fzLdVrX.jpg[/image] Conclusion:The US gets some upgrades and would theoretically be able to field 20 fleet carriers, 17 light carriers, and numerous escort carriers by mid-1944. As we know from the analysis above, this is not a quantitative advantage of sufficient preponderance in my mind, especially given how strong his CAP fighters should be. Moreover, there are weaknesses in the Allied numbers: the Hermes isn't a true CVL, the British CVs have lower capacity and are slower, the Ranger has meany weak points and lower capacity. There is basically a high-speed and low-speed Allied carrier fleet and this creates tactical problems. In contrast, all the Japanese carriers excepting the Junyo-class are 32 knots or higher, meaning they are all as fast or faster than their Allied equivalents. They can operate with complete unity and uniformity - this is a great strength! This necessitates attritional tactics in the early game, but not in a way where we can afford parity in losses. Attritional tactics must result in inordinate damage to the enemy, otherwise they will not be worth it, as later game invasions require domination of the local area. Parity of losses would fail to provide that. The Allies over the coming year must develop a way to seize the strategic initiative and force the Japanese to react in such a way as to place their forces in areas of tactical disadvantage. I feel John always likes the idea of charging in with his forces and should there be appropriate bait, he will come; it remains to be seen if he will eventually combine his carriers and always use them as such or continue to operate them somewhat separately.

ny59giants -> RE: Evaluating the Adversary (6/28/2018 1:55:57 PM)
I take some of the responsibility for the changes in both OOB that you have mentioned. John was not the one to propose them all. I had a strong hand in suggesting them to him as I recent played Gen Patton in BTSL until Dec 43. Along the way we had three re-starts due to issues with the economy. Yes, Japan is stronger and should last longer. However, they have more choices and if not careful can have economic issues. Hopefully, these changes will get games into late 45 or 46. This was are goal with the 'what if' with ships. I'm just reaching end of June 42 vs njp72 (Nathan) as Allies. The Allied Navy has suffered very little to date, so late 42 will be more pragmatic for Japan. One area that John did overrule me on was what IJN fighters can be CV capable. I suspect that the Allies will need to use their CV Corsairs wisely or the Hellcats will be outclassed by the George. For Allies, having 75 PP/day has helped. It should help reinforce and slow down Japan's expansion.

Anachro -> RE: Evaluating the Adversary (6/28/2018 2:11:29 PM)
@ny59giants I agree with you for the most part and certainly am not disparaging the choices made as much as I am poking a few small holes in them at my opponent's expense [:D]. I was well aware of what I signed up for when I agreed to play the mod. I personally would love to see 46 and to be honest I love the early challenge of the Allies even without all the additions this mods makes. As far as I'm concerned, it makes the game more interesting, even if it does delve a little bit into fantasy with the alternate history. It will be interesting to see how John managed his economy. I wonder, do you think he is forced to make significant decisions in trade offs in terms of how he spends his shipyard points and the various impacts on his economy? And, yeah, really my only wonderment at the moment is the CV-capable Georges.

Bearcat2 -> RE: Evaluating the Adversary (6/28/2018 5:29:03 PM)
You should take a look at what he starts with in A/C research factories, while the mod does limit his starting resources; it more than makes that up with it's increased starting factories; look for the George in late 42. Good Luck!

Anachro -> RE: Evaluating the Adversary (6/28/2018 9:26:28 PM)
I just noticed the Realistic R&D was turned OFF. Can someone explain to me what this does again concretely? Will this be a problem or minimal change to the game?

modrow -> RE: Evaluating the Adversary (6/28/2018 9:32:56 PM)
Big effect IMO, because it gives John much more flexibility in optimizing R&D. Here's what the manual says "2.4.8 REALISTIC R&D This switch controls whether the Japanese player can convert the production of factories which are producing currently available aircraft into ones researching future aircraft, and vice versa. If the switch is set to the �on� position, and the Japanese player wishes to change the aircraft type being produced by a factory, the choice of aircraft to convert to will be restricted in the following manner: When switching from an aircraft that is currently available and in production, only other aircraft that are also in production can be selected. Similarly, when that the Japanese player wishes to change the aircraft type of a factory that is performing research (see section 13.5), only other aircraft that are also being researched (that is � not yet available for production) can be selected. This represents the differences between mass production factories and research and development centers. In reality these are two different things, and freely swapping between them is not realistic. If the switch is set to the �off� position, no such restrictions apply. This will allow the Japanese player a greater ability to switch production of their factories to any aircraft type, regardless of whether those factories are representing aircraft production or R&D facilities." Hartwig

Anachro -> Dec 11. 1941 (6/29/2018 12:27:34 AM)
@Hartwig Thanks for the info. Given the advantages already given to Japanese fighter development with starting factories, I wouldn't think Realistic R&D should be turned off. While awaiting more info on that from John, here is the following turn: Dec. 11 1941 A bit more quiet and don't get the battleship engagement I was hoping for, but perhaps that's a good thing. All my surface ships flee to the south and as expected, John brings KB2 and KB3 closer to Sorabaja in attempt to launch carrier attacks against my forces. His search is spotty, however, and while he manages to spot and attack my CA Houston force (for little damage caused), Force Z and my other task forces remain undetected. I will continue the retreat south to safer grounds: first Darwin to refuel and then elsewhere. He might try to follow me all the way down to Darwin though. I will attempt to keep my forces hidden in smaller ports that he might not recon until he moves a safe distance away. Might put Force Z in Madjene or Pare Pare. [image]https://i.imgur.com/WqGi6FE.png[/image] At Singapore, his taking of Malacca won't last and I believe I will be able to get all my forces south into Singapore at least. Given the number of airfields he will soon hold, I doubt I'll be able to transport my troops out and might need to fly some out to save the PPs. Most will probably stay behind to tie down his forces as long as possible. The good news is that the Aussies do their part and hold for now at Mersing! CL Mauritius, the last surface unit at Singapore, moves out alone in the night to try to cause some damage to his transports; doesn't get any, but finds a CL and 2 DDs and acquits itself quite well. It is hidden Pontianak for the moment and will move away when possible. [image]https://i.imgur.com/BXwoHPn.png[/image] Elsewhere, the Japanese land at Vigan on Luzon. On China, Japanese tanks attack across a river against much strong opposition and will be shock attacked in return tomorrow. Ichang will be isolated and hopefully taken with loss to the Japanese. The main KB has disappeared and is most likely in the eastern Pacific approaching the West Coast at the moment, but most ships are out of harm's way. Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco have had their fighter complements reinforced. Los Angele's is a little weak, but will try to reinforce more. The battleships at Seattle are being moved to Seattle to remain there with heavy CAP. In the South Pacific, John lands and takes Tabiteuea and Ocean Island; can't tell yet if he plans to go deep there or is merely establishing a perimeter. The real interesting thing is the situation around Rabaul. Currently, my forces hold, he is taking damage from bombardments, and a CA task force I sent there is undetected with enemy transports nearby that appear to be headed towards Lae/Buna or to reinforce Rabaul. There are enemy cruisers nearby, but I should be able to hit the transports first. Maybe I can actually cause some real hurt to John tomorrow! [image]https://i.imgur.com/LUz0Img.png[/image]

durnedwolf -> RE: Dec 11. 1941 (6/29/2018 12:39:20 AM)
You should be able to move troops from Singapore via sub also. Not a lot, but all you need is a cadre. Also - you can't turn R&D back on without restarting the game. My 2-cents is that R&D Off, while it favors Japan for air production, is not a game breaker, even in this mod.

durnedwolf -> RE: Dec 11. 1941 (6/29/2018 12:41:39 AM)
PS - I like the map graphics but I find it's hard to realize\visualize the actual terrain effects for ground combat. Just curious - what do you do to help remind yourself of a hex's actual terrain value?

Anachro -> RE: Dec 11. 1941 (6/29/2018 12:50:53 AM)
@durnedwold Noted on R&D. Regarding the map and terrain, I make liberal use of the "1" hotkey. Pressing 1 reveals the terrain type of every land hex on the map, like below. A bit cluttered, but I only use it to narrow in on the terrain type of the relevant hex I'm looking at, so doesn't matter too much. [image]https://i.imgur.com/ml0Ayfm.jpg[/image]

Anachro -> Dec 12. 1941 (6/29/2018 9:35:53 PM)
Dec 12. 1941 Kind of a quiet day. KB2 does lots of air strikes in the DEI and manages to sink the Dutch CL De Ruyter with a lucky TB strike from 4 Kates. The rest (Force Z, CA Houston/Chicago, etc. are unharmed and should be safe and hidden until such a time as they can escape. I am consigned to holding Singapore for as long as possible. I remain confident I will get my forces there; the Aussies hold for another day with little casualties to themselves and far more the enemy! In China, I shock his AFVs near Ichang and they are destroyed. There is one more unit of AFVs in hex which will be shocked tomorrow. Japanese forces also rough themselves up in a shock attack near Nanchang. quote: Ground combat at Mersing (51,82) Japanese Shock attack Attacking force 13788 troops, 197 guns, 43 vehicles, Assault Value = 735 Defending force 5770 troops, 92 guns, 8 vehicles, Assault Value = 129 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 1) Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), morale(-), experience(-) Attacker: shock(+) Japanese ground losses: 969 casualties reported Squads: 4 destroyed, 68 disabled Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled Allied ground losses: 74 casualties reported Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled The frustrating thing for me is near Rabaul my CA force somehow manages to completely miss the enemy transports it was aiming for, allowing them to land troops while ending up in a position complete different from the path I had set for them - they strayed quite away from it and I assure you the TF commander will be relieved of command when he returns to port. Luckily, he still appears two hexes away and will try to hit the transports again tomorrow. [image]https://i.imgur.com/A1dudGF.png[/image] Sigint tells us that the enemy is bringing troops to Tulagi, Tagula Island, and Midway! I toyed with the idea of bringing my carriers back (currently en route to Australia), but I do not think Midway is important unless he uses it as a stepping stone for greater things. Even then, it's not that important. For now, I am sending minelayers, additional AV, and CA/CL TFs to sit nearby to intercept a potential landing. CA/CL/DD forces are en route to Tulagi and Tagula as well to intercept those landings. Maybe eventually I'll actually get lucky and intercept one! I'm still amazed I didn't hit his transports headed for Rabaul yesterday. quote: SIG INT REPORT FOR Dec 12, 41 Heavy Volume of Radio transmissions detected at 111,92. Radio transmissions detected at 149,162. Heavy Volume of Radio transmissions detected at 111,92. 5/1st Sasebo Assault Division is loaded on a Japanese AP moving to Midway Island. Radio transmissions detected at 119,132. Heavy Volume of Radio transmissions detected at 85,100. 3/III/71st Naval Guard Unit is loaded on a Japanese xAK moving to Tagula Island. The main KB carrier task forces are still invisible to me. He could be heading for the west coast, but I don't know where yet. It could also be a feint hoping to draw my forces out towards Midway.

Anachro -> Dec 13. 1941 (6/30/2018 2:44:57 PM)
Dec 13. 1941 A mixed bag of a day, but probably more good than bad. Some mistakes were made. First, in Singers it seems I accidentally had one of my Aussie units moving out of Meersing to the next hex. I would bet that John shocks tomorrow and takes Mersing before moving to cutoff my forces in the north. It will be a race to see if I can free up Malacca first. Farther south, I miscalculate on Marblehead's movement and it remains in the open and is subsequently blasted away with some of its escorts by KB2. In the South Pacific, my cruisers again fail to hit his transports and so will move back to Taluga to link up with reinforcements and await the invasion fleet heading there. I also suspect that I'll be able to intercept the fleet heading for Tulagi, which has been spotted. [image]https://i.imgur.com/UFgkGbO.jpg[/image] Near Hawaii, KB has once again been spotted north of Pearl Harbor - it seems it's not heading to the West Coast (though 2 AMCs appeared off of Seattle). It seems my worry that it was a faint to draw me out might have been true. I would suspect that it is moving to cover future landings at Midway. Wake Island was landed at and taken today, but I was able to fly out parts of its defensive battalion to Midway. My DMs will mine Midway before KB can react and then move south to safer waters. Sigint also detects heavy radio activity that seems to be on a path towards the Aleutians. We'll see. The big, good news for me is that I had placed several minefields in a hex off of Palembang and John's ships run straight into them. Several cargo ships are heavily damaged, as are a few destroyers, and a light cruiser is hit, causing a magazine explosion and sinking her. Not sure which CL - the replay lists the Nagara-class CL Isuzu, but my intelligence reports lists the ship sunk as the Furutaka-class CL Kako being scuttled (worth 40 VPs). Only 1 IJN float plane destroyed on the ground, so I'm guessing it was the Isuzu not the Kako. All in all, I'll take it. The first Japanese combat vessels of the war appear to have finally been sunk. quote: TF 8 encounters mine field at 49,90 Japanese Ships xAK Giyu Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage xAK Zinzan Maru, Mine hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage Japanese ground losses: 23 casualties reported Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled quote: TF 105 encounters mine field at 49,90 Japanese Ships DD Inazuma PB Shuko Maru #2, Mine hits 1, heavy damage CL Isuzu, Mine hits 1, heavy damage xAK Nissyo Maru, Mine hits 1, heavy damage xAK Nissen Maru, Mine hits 1, heavy damage xAKL Assam Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage Japanese ground losses: 31 casualties reported Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Magazine explodes on CL Isuzu quote: TF 88 encounters mine field at 49,90 Japanese Ships DD Asagiri, Mine hits 1, heavy damage DD Murakumo, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Anachro -> Dec 14. 1941 (7/1/2018 3:08:51 PM)
Dec 14. 1941 I was happy to note John's only comment in his email to me was "YUCKIE" and, finally, I have a decently good turn for a change! I make several interceptions of various transport invasion fleets and even manage to catch 3 AMCs that were weirdly just southwest of Hilo. In the ensuing battles, I sink a lot of xAKs, etc. and destroy a decent amount of units. I'm guessing there were partial forces or base units. First, the CA Pensacola and her escorts intercept 5 xAKs heading towards Tulagi, sinking them all. Then CL Dragon, CL Durban, and DD Paul Jones sink a number of xAKs and XAKLs heading for most likely Ambon. On top of all this, Dutch subs manage to sink 2 transports off of Kuantan! [image]https://i.imgur.com/6PvAEYy.jpg[/image] KB moves west. I have mined Midway and and moving ships out of its anticipated pathway. We'll see where KB goes tomorrow - perhaps I can get some supply into Midway! Moving ships back to the west coast to setup convoys. At Singapore, he takes Mersing and now it will be a race to see if I can free Malacca first and get as much stratted down to Singapore as I can. quote: Night Time Surface Combat, near Auki at 115,136, Range 2,000 Yards Japanese Ships xAK Genkai Maru, Shell hits 13, and is sunk xAK Hotsukawa Maru, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk xAK Indus Maru, Shell hits 16, and is sunk xAK Sunten Maru, Shell hits 6, and is sunk xAK Tihuku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk Allied Ships CA Pensacola DD Sands DD Bundaberg DD Tamworth Japanese ground losses: 1457 casualties reported Squads: 21 destroyed, 38 disabled Non Combat: 33 destroyed, 29 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Guns lost 5 (3 destroyed, 2 disabled) quote: Day Time Surface Combat, near Hilo at 182,113, Range 18,000 Yards Japanese Ships AMC Asaka Maru, Shell hits 25, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk AMC Awata Maru, Shell hits 39, and is sunk AMC Tabai Maru, Shell hits 36, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk Allied Ships CL Honolulu CL Phoenix DD Cassin DD Dale DD Worden DD MacDonough DD Dewey DD Hull, Shell hits 1 quote: Day Time Surface Combat, near Ternate at 77,101, Range 15,000 Yards Japanese Ships xAK Hasuna Maru, Shell hits 23, and is sunk xAK Shinkoku Maru, Shell hits 23, and is sunk xAK Ujigawa Maru, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk xAK Yamabuki Maru, Shell hits 19, and is sunk xAKL Heiwa Maru, Shell hits 4 xAKL Kidokawa Maru, Shell hits 8, and is sunk xAKL Nanka Maru, Shell hits 11, and is sunk xAKL Fukuyama Maru, Shell hits 12, and is sunk xAKL Horei Maru, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk xAKL Ryua Maru, Shell hits 11, and is sunk xAK Taiyu Maru, Shell hits 11, and is sunk Allied Ships CL Dragon CL Durban, Shell hits 1 DD Paul Jones Japanese ground losses: 2245 casualties reported Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Non Combat: 37 destroyed, 83 disabled Engineers: 47 destroyed, 37 disabled Vehicles lost 10 (5 destroyed, 5 disabled)

DOCUP -> RE: Dec 14. 1941 (7/1/2018 3:43:24 PM)
Nice job.

BBfanboy -> RE: Dec 14. 1941 (7/1/2018 5:01:11 PM)
The ships sunk near Auki appear to have been carrying a Naval Guard unit or SNLF. That will slow his expansion a bit, or force him to skip more islands and leave you backwater places to plague him! [:)] Great work on detecting those TFs and having SCTFs near enough to intercept! I am sure John was not counting on you being such a tough, aggressive opponent. [sm=00000030.gif]

Anachro -> RE: Dec 14. 1941 (7/1/2018 5:55:55 PM)
@BBfanboy I've found a lot of Japanese players tend to expect a passive Allied player in the early stages of a game and leave a lot of early invasions unescorted. Perhaps this is because a lot of Allied players tend to do a complete Sir Robin early on. However, if they are more guarded in their early invasions, it slows them down. So it's a trade-off. All in all, it probably makes sense to accept some early losses for an early expansion of the perimeter. I supposed I should give some rundown of movements: The CV Indomitable and her escorts are moving down to the SoPac to reinforce it. The USN carriers and BCs are also moving there with various CA/CL/DD escorts. From what I can tell so far, I think John is going for an aggressive SoPac, CenPac push. Base on sigint heavy radio traffic, he might also be doing an early move for the Aleutians. Even if I'm wrong and he goes for India, I feel it is pragmatic to reinforce the SoPac because I think the value of naval forces in India is somewhat low. It's hard to defend all the coasts and the war there, thanks to geography, is heavily dependent on land combat, not naval power. I leave some surface forces in Ceylon to intercept any undefended early invasions he might try. As an aside, I bought out some plane reinforcements using the plane purchase mod that BTS includes, just to try it out. Bought out 12 P40's and just reinforced PH for now. Although 100 PPs or 12 planes is a bit expensive, it's a nice thing to have I guess.

zuluhour -> RE: Dec 14. 1941 (7/1/2018 11:14:29 PM)
wow, a solid turn! I play for that kind of day.

dave sindel -> RE: Dec 14. 1941 (7/2/2018 3:17:14 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: zuluhour wow, a solid turn! I play for that kind of day. +1

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