RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (Full Version)

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DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 2:42:06 PM)

December 15, 1941

Wow what a turn - where to even begin in recounting this day of twists and turns?

Battle of the Ceram Sea

Let's zoom in on the Ceram Sea area where December 14 ended with a substantial Japanese invasion convoy on its final approach towards Ambon. The convoy had two heavy cruisers and five destroyers as direct escort and was supported by a covering force of three heavy cruisers and three destroyers. Nell and Betty bombers, armed with torpedoes, were well within range and available for support from Manado. The invasion convoy was picked up by enemy naval search on December 14 and I was aware of the presence of four Clemson class DDs in the area. With this information I decided to proceed with the mission.

Sure enough, the action started in the Ceram Sea with a clash between the Japanese covering force and the Clemsons who without success fired off their torpedoes before being driven away with no real damage to either side. The invasion convoy also arrived at Ambon and all the Japanese troops and their supplies were landed under the covering guns of the escorting warships. So far so good, but then events started to spiral...

The Dutch Navy arrived with the dawn - three light cruisers and five destroyers engaged the covering force in a very long and drawn out fight that repeatedly extended from long to short to long distances. The fight went pretty well for the Japanese. The two largest of the three Dutch light cruisers as well as a destroyer were left in clear sinking condition.

[image]local://upfiles/55490/4CD0E1609CFB46ED8318F66C59E1515E.jpg[/image]



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 2:49:38 PM)

Battle of the Ceram Sea Continued

The covering force, having exhausted practically all its ammunition, began to retire to the north... running straight into an even larger enemy task force - Force Z. The Japanese ships ducked and weaved and avoided the bulk of enemy fire. Destroyer Kuroshio was battered form the start, but as the range got long again, I even hoped that the cruisers would escape somewhat intact. Unfortunately, Nachi then took a plunging direct hit from the Repulse that slowed her down and allowed Prince of Wales to riddle her with 14 inch gunfire, sealing her fate. [:(]

[image]local://upfiles/55490/EB5CBB9F4EA84468B5846BE1AD3E405A.jpg[/image]



Lowpe -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 2:53:41 PM)

Clear weather...and you still have great torpedo pilots![sm=innocent0001.gif]




DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 3:00:11 PM)

Battle of the Ceram Sea Continued

Of course Force Z was far from done, and now pushed past the battered covering force to charge right into the convoy!

Frankly as soon as I saw the convoy being engaged by Force Z, I just hoped that the escorting warships would come through ok. The escorts had already fired off the bulk of their ammunition in support of the landings, and the convoy was caught unloading and unprepared. Surprisingly enough, the escorts actually fought pretty well, preventing a very bad situation from turning into an outright massacre. Of course, a large number of medium sized cargo ships were lost (thankfully all empty), but not all of them, and the escorts and the cargo ships themselves fought back hard. It was quite interesting to see the transports repeatedly put 8cm shells into some of Force Z's escorting destroyers for instance. Three of them are in pretty bad shape and I am guessing will likely sink.

Having largely depleted its ammunition, Force Z then retired to the south.



[image]local://upfiles/55490/0351CE6DE37F4B89AB5571EC2B7F9173.jpg[/image]



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 3:01:10 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Clear weather...and you still have great torpedo pilots![sm=innocent0001.gif]




That was what I was hoping!



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 3:07:10 PM)

Battle of the Ceram Sea Continued

As Force Z retired and the air phases arrived, I willed the Nettie bombers to rise up and punish the enemy battleships. Unfortunately, I immediately started being hit with messages that the Nettie bombers were having trouble linking up, etc. Gah! To make matters worse, Francesco astutely sailed out with every ship he had in range to distract from the Nettie's targeting. So in the end, the strikes that did go out either failed to coordinate and turned back to base, went after riff raff, or went after the already doomed Dutch task force!

[image]local://upfiles/55490/7A770332ADCD4CCBA34A5F1CDC17742E.jpg[/image]



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 3:18:33 PM)

Battle of the Ceram Sea Conclusion

In terms of warships my losses are the Nachi and a Kagero class destroyer sunk. Various damage on other warships but nothing clearly fatal just yet - we shall see what the next turn brings.

On Francesco's side I am positive he lost the two Dutch light cruisers and up to four destroyers all of whom were severely punished. Elsewhere on the map I also sank a British destroyer and put a sub launched torpedo near Java into the already battered Mauritius light cruiser. She hasn't sunk but she is unlikely to show herself again anytime soon.

I did also lose 14 cargo ships, the bulk of which were 7 point Toho or Ehime class ships. At the same time Francesco lost a few tankers and various cargo/transports during the turn too due to my sub and Nettie strikes.

Overall though this one clearly goes to the Allies. Basically it comes down to the loss of the Nachi, which is a ship I just can't afford to lose. It could have been worse though - I did successfully land all the troops from the invasion convoy and I am optimistic they will do the job and take Ambon.

Now to plan what to do for day two. I think I could very well lose even more ships as I seek to extract them. Even worse, Francesco hit Manado with B-17 bombers and the damage to the airfields is at 45 runway damage. I am not even sure I can fly strike missions out of there anymore until the airfields are repaired. [sm=rolleyes.gif]



Lowpe -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 3:43:14 PM)

Looks like you are in for a fight![:)]



RangerJoe -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 4:10:02 PM)

I like to take the empty base next to Ambon and have a land HQ there with prep for Ambon. I suppose that an Air HQ could also be placed there for torpedo bombers and fighters.



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 6:23:12 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Looks like you are in for a fight![:)]


Most certainly - Francesco is definitely bringing the heat!



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 6:26:36 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

I like to take the empty base next to Ambon and have a land HQ there with prep for Ambon. I suppose that an Air HQ could also be placed there for torpedo bombers and fighters.


Or in Ambon directly. He has reinforced Ambon with a couple more units but I have landed 335 AV (including two tank regiments) to his current 88 AV so I should hopefully be able to take it.



RangerJoe -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 7:39:10 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101


quote:

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

I like to take the empty base next to Ambon and have a land HQ there with prep for Ambon. I suppose that an Air HQ could also be placed there for torpedo bombers and fighters.


Or in Ambon directly. He has reinforced Ambon with a couple more units but I have landed 335 AV (including two tank regiments) to his current 88 AV so I should hopefully be able to take it.


I mean capture it a turn or two before Ambon. That gives you an airbase in the area for fighter protection, a level 2 airbase can handle torpedoes for Nells and Bettys and if they are not available then those will use the full bomb load on Low Naval attacks. Then the land HQ can help at Ambon without being in the line of fire.



Andy Mac -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 7:49:50 PM)

The Dutch cruisers are expendable they have limited upgrades and this is their prime and really only purpose later in thewar if they survive they become convoy escorts only



Andy Mac -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 7:50:56 PM)

How did Force Z survive turn 1 intact



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 8:23:48 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac

The Dutch cruisers are expendable they have limited upgrades and this is their prime and really only purpose later in thewar if they survive they become convoy escorts only


They are indeed, so really not a big loss for my opponent.



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/3/2021 8:25:07 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac

How did Force Z survive turn 1 intact


We did not play the historical first turn Andy and I sent my carriers to Pearl instead of near Singapore.



George Patton -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/4/2021 6:55:03 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Looks like you are in for a fight![:)]


Most certainly - Francesco is definitely bringing the heat!


As I wrote before, Linus will use every expendable assets to slow down the japanese advance. Always escort your TFs. He loves sending a light TF ahead of an heavy one, like in this case. The light expendable TF will force your ships to use all the ammos, then comes the big ships.

This will be a great war [8D][8D]



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/4/2021 1:18:17 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: George Patton

quote:

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Looks like you are in for a fight![:)]


Most certainly - Francesco is definitely bringing the heat!


As I wrote before, Linus will use every expendable assets to slow down the japanese advance. Always escort your TFs. He loves sending a light TF ahead of an heavy one, like in this case. The light expendable TF will force your ships to use all the ammos, then comes the big ships.

This will be a great war [8D][8D]


Thanks Patton. I think this will be a great game too. Francesco is definitely an excellent player and I am very much enjoying the challenge.



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/4/2021 1:31:12 PM)

December 16, 1941

Some good news from the Ceram Sea today. I successfully managed to extricate all my ships from the sector except for three Toho/Ehime class cargo ships, including two that were already about to sink and that I counted as lost in my previous posts. With absolutely no more ammunition left and with enemy subs zooming in for the kill, it was high time to get out of there. That's not all - Ambon immediately fell to the planned Japanese attack.

In other news, a pocketed force of two Indian Brigades + surrendered to Imperial forces after they were surrounded and attacked at Alor Star in Malaya. I also set my Netties loose on some shipping around Rangoon where six enemy cargo ships were promptly sunk. I wish I could say the same elsewhere - light cruiser Adelaide was discovered running around near Rabaul but was missed by the dozen or so Nells that attempted to torpedo her.

[image]local://upfiles/55490/232FE0CAD1CD4700B5C8E4BDD5F88D40.jpg[/image]



Lowpe -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/4/2021 1:36:32 PM)

You need to look at where Force Z, really any SAG, can rearm...and refuel.

These aggressive Allied fleet moves come at a cost, fuel and rearming minor sys and engine damage. They are usually very vulnerable after the raid.

Since you can predict their next movement, then you can hit them hard under very favorable conditions.








DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/4/2021 1:39:51 PM)

In the Philippines Francesco had moved up the bulk of his P-40 squadrons to Cabanatuan to get them within normal range of Aparri where my ships were disembarking troops and supplies. I surmised that many of these planes would be on naval attack settings which provided a perfect opportunity for a full strike on Cabanatuan's airfields. Sure enough, I plastered the said airfields, facing no resistance in the process, and also moved up some sturdy battleships within range to take the attention of any survivors which they successfully did without receiving any damage. The only thing that marred an excellent turn in the area was a sub attack that sank one of my cargo ships carrying a damaged fragment from a Zero squadron. Luckily I had already removed the pilots before it sailed.

[image]local://upfiles/55490/FB2F3B32DEA34947BD59EA2D02472FF4.jpg[/image]



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/4/2021 1:44:59 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

You need to look at where Force Z, really any SAG, can rearm...and refuel.

These aggressive Allied fleet moves come at a cost, fuel and rearming minor sys and engine damage. They are usually very vulnerable after the raid.

Since you can predict their next movement, then you can hit them hard under very favorable conditions.



I think Force Z is very likely completely out of ammunition and my guess is the ships will be heading to Soerabaja for repairs/replenishment. I am increasing the number of subs around the port in the hopes of scoring a hit on his battleships if/when they head there. Francesco has already lost approximately 20 destroyers thus far, many in the SRA, so that could create more of an opening for my subs.



George Patton -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/5/2021 6:15:28 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101


quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

You need to look at where Force Z, really any SAG, can rearm...and refuel.

These aggressive Allied fleet moves come at a cost, fuel and rearming minor sys and engine damage. They are usually very vulnerable after the raid.

Since you can predict their next movement, then you can hit them hard under very favorable conditions.



I think Force Z is very likely completely out of ammunition and my guess is the ships will be heading to Soerabaja for repairs/replenishment. I am increasing the number of subs around the port in the hopes of scoring a hit on his battleships if/when they head there. Francesco has already lost approximately 20 destroyers thus far, many in the SRA, so that could create more of an opening for my subs.


I agree with you. At this time and in this area, only Soerabaya has the capabilities to support constantly the Force Z. Other ports will allow only limited ammo/refuel.



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/5/2021 3:26:58 PM)

December 17, 1941

The turn started well enough when one of my well escorted convoys ran across the American submarine Seal north of Luzon and promptly sank her with three direct depth charge hits. I also ordered a battleship bombardment of Clark airfield but all but one battleship decided to engage the Subic Bay defenses instead of the base itself so the damage was minor.

In the Ceram Sea a new Japanese heavy cruiser force surged into the area to reassert Imperial dominance and encountered some lagging remnants from the former battle. Three Dutch destroyers and the light cruiser Tromp were promptly sunk. By my count, of the Dutch destroyers and cruisers that are available at the start, only one of the destroyers is still afloat.

My Netties picked off a few more cargo ships and motor launches near Rangoon but I am having pretty bad luck with the Netties in Rabaul. Francesco has been overly brazen in the area with a couple of light cruisers and although they did nothing but pick off a couple of xAKLs, it's frustrating to see my Nells refuse to fly to engage and miss in the one time they actually do.

It's also getting pretty interesting in China. I'm fairly pleased with progress in this theater. I have inflicted significant damage to numerous Chinese Corps and have already pushed forward quite well. Francesco left the road to Ankang pretty open and I am seeking to exploit the opportunity. I have parachuted in and captured the base and have airlifted a complete naval guard unit. Other Japanese forces are racing forwards from north of Sinyang and I am fairly confident I should make it at least all the way to Ankang. Combined with another force successfully advancing down the road north of Tsiotso, large Chinese armies south of Sian are under threat of being caught between the two pincers at/around Sian.

[image]local://upfiles/55490/65AA30BAB90C4A4D864604C10084AE12.jpg[/image]



rustysi -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/6/2021 2:05:57 AM)

quote:

I also ordered a battleship bombardment of Clark airfield but all but one battleship decided to engage the Subic Bay defenses instead of the base itself so the damage was minor.


Just an FYI, in case you're unaware. Use the F6 key and you should see you can't hit Clark w/o going past the defensive naval guns of Subic Bay. Its got something to do with it being one of those straight hexes or something like that, its in the manual.



RangerJoe -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/6/2021 3:38:16 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: rustysi

quote:

I also ordered a battleship bombardment of Clark airfield but all but one battleship decided to engage the Subic Bay defenses instead of the base itself so the damage was minor.


Just an FYI, in case you're unaware. Use the F6 key and you should see you can't hit Clark w/o going past the defensive naval guns of Subic Bay. Its got something to do with it being one of those straight hexes or something like that, its in the manual.


I do believe that it is considered a narrow strait. [;)]



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/6/2021 6:10:28 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe


quote:

ORIGINAL: rustysi

quote:

I also ordered a battleship bombardment of Clark airfield but all but one battleship decided to engage the Subic Bay defenses instead of the base itself so the damage was minor.


Just an FYI, in case you're unaware. Use the F6 key and you should see you can't hit Clark w/o going past the defensive naval guns of Subic Bay. Its got something to do with it being one of those straight hexes or something like that, its in the manual.


I do believe that it is considered a narrow strait. [;)]


Interesting, thanks lads.



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/6/2021 6:17:14 PM)

December 18, 1941

Somewhat of a shorter update this turn.

Three bases fell in rapid succession in China. Nanyang, Chengchow, and Tsiaotso all fell into Imperial hands.

In the Central Pacific, one of my subs had spotted a large force of Francesco's Destroyer Minesweepers heading southwestwards. I was surprised to see him sail around with such little caution with the KB barely having left the area. I took the opportunity though to circle back and position the KB within close proximity of where I calculated the DMS force would end. The plotting was excellent and the KB ended up three hexes away from the DMS group, but the weather scrubbed all flight missions except for a small strike against an unrelated resupply mission to Johnston Island. Curse thee Poseidon! [:@]

[image]local://upfiles/55490/D0B42BB3700740B2B2A8C33B4BB0B145.jpg[/image]



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/9/2021 6:04:32 AM)

December 19-20, 1941

The war goes on at considerable intensity.

Over the last two turns, the Japanese have continued to advance forward in China and Malaya. In the former some Japanese divisions are racing to catch some Chinese Corps before they enter jungle/rough terrain on the secondary road leading to Ankang, a race that will likely be decided next turn. In Malaya, Japanese forces have cleared the rail all the way to Johore Bahru, which likely means I will meet my timetable of crossing into Singapore before the end of the year.

There has also been plenty of air action over China and Singapore, most of which I got the short end of the stick on due to good play from Francesco and some bad luck with weather/coordination. Overall though I still lead by a significant margin in air victories/losses which I hope to widen some more soon.

Finally the big news is that it looks like Francesco is going for some sort of Palembang gambit. His naval search has been a bit sub par in the DEI which made me think he was probably using his patrol aircraft as transports. Sure enough my recon is showing 9 units already at Palembang. Now the fortress Palembang tactic is something I never us when playing as the Allies due to it being a fantasy scenario, but we have no HR about it for this game so fair enough! I am debating either going in and taking Palembang straight away or perhaps doing something even more risky like landing directly in Java. I anticipate a hot reception either way!

[image]local://upfiles/55490/1D2E235E8B3045E8AADF5B458F6A7AA3.jpg[/image]



DesertWolf101 -> RE: Where the Chrysanthemums Grow - DesertWolf101 (J) vs ITAKLinus (A) (8/9/2021 7:54:15 AM)

Staking Limits - Singapore Assault

It's my first time playing with stacking limits as the Japanese and I have a question with regards to the assault on Singapore. I am currently massing my troops at Johore Bahru (stacking limit 75,000) for the crossing but if I bring all the troops I have available forward the stacking limit will be exceeded by some 20,000.

Question: Do I bring these troops forward regardless and cross into Singapore with all of them together or will exceeding the stacking limit handicap me even if the actual battle is on the next hex? Should I cross with the 75,000 and then reinforce with the rest?



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