From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japan's Thoughts

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From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japan's ... - 6/28/2006 8:14:15 PM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

Welcome to THE BEGINNING of a, hopefully, long and enduring AAR! This campaign is being played as a 1.801 stock scenario. The chief antagonists were to be myself, John 3rd, and Moses vs. Robert Davidson and Marc Bennett (Tabpub and Capt. Mandrake); however, Moses has had to bow out so it will be one versus two.

We have agreed upon a fairly standard set of House Rules. Limits have been placed on ASW TF size, number of aircraft and base size (50-1), and realistic measures controlling Allied 4EB (10,000 Ft minimum ceiling).

A Note about my AAR style:
I ran an AAR between myself and Wolfpack for a period of time and plan to follow that format. I am not a computer guru who adds all sorts of frills (fancy maps, pictures, and cool stuff) to their AAR. I'll will write my thoughts, plans, overviews, and occasionally ask for advice from the sage members of this august Forum!

Additionally, you wil NOT endless combat reports attached to this AAR! Those drive me nuts! I will provide a, hopefully, cogent synopsis of the action.

Myself:
I've been in education for 15 years as a High School teacher and Adjunct Professor of Military History. My love has always been the navy in World War Two. I cut my reading teeth on Paul Dull's Battle History of the Imperial Navy, At Dawn We Slept, and other well known titles. Loved it so much, I followed that passion into College and got my Masters Degree in Military History. My Thesis was on the US Treaty Navy between World War One and Two.

With this as background, I LOVE this game! The chance to try differing things, re-work Japanese industry, and do 'better' then the Japanese has an allure that I cannot avoid...YUM!

As a Japanese player, I am NOT gamey with my moves. Might be bold as Hell but nothing I do will be abusive of the game.

Enough about this, let us shift to THE PLAN (projected December thru February):

1. Pearl Harbor I will be launching a standard PH attack. Do not like the Manila attack because the Japanese chose not to do it. What would this game be like WITHOUT that opening move??!! Would love to sink a bunch of American SS but will stay to the historical opening.

Once I have hit PH, the KB will split. CarDiv 2 (Hiryu/Soryu) and CarDiv 5 (Shokaku/Zuikaku) will quite opening head for the Southest Pacific. I hope to draw attention there and, perhaps, get an early engagement with the American CVs. The KB will prowl around there covering my opening moves in the Central and SE Pacific Theatres.

In what I hope to be a surprise, CarDiv 1 (Akagi/Kaga) will move north for 3-4 days and refuel. They will then move between the US and Hawaii and HOPE to get lucky! Would love to sink a large convoy, damaged ships coming out of PH, or anything moving over from the West Coast.

2. Central Pacific I have ordered a concentration of shipping and troops at Kwajelein. There will be lite forces there (4CL and 8DD) and some reinforced LBA. Initial objectives will be:
A. Wake
B. The Gilberts and Baker Island
C. Canton

The KB will be covering these operations.

3. SE Pacific Have really bumped up the striking power here. I've ordered the 1st Fleet HQ, Combined Fleet HQ, 4th Inf Div, an Engineering Reg, 16th Army HQ, some Artillry units, several Base Forces, and smaller Infantry/Construction units to Truk. Additionally, the naval component has been added to as well: 4CA, 1CL, 8DD will cover operations here. Have added some LBA assets here as well...

Objectives:
1. Rabaul
2. Northern New Guinea and the Solomons
3. Port Moresby
4. Luganville
5. Noumea

The KB may be calle dupon to help in these operations...

4. Eastern DEI Have stregthened Palau with Fleet assets: the mini-KB (2CVL and 2CVE with 52 Zero and 62 Kates), 2 older BB, 3CA, 3CL, and 16DD fill out this section of the Fleet. I have also moved several stronger SNLF units here as well as a couple of Base Forces.

Objectives:
1. Mindanao
2. The Bases heading into Amboina
3. Amboina
4. Timor

5. Western DEI Many of the smaller units I have moved to Truk and Kwajelein come from this area so it is a little weaker then normal. All the remaining IJN BB and Fleet units are located here.

Major Targets:
Singapore: I want to TAKE OUT Singapore quickly! No less then 6 Inf Div will be used in the attack! Two will take the normal northern approach while 4 will land at Kuantan. I prefer the middle landing site on the eastern coast. Get that AF up and running and life becomes VERY hard for the Allied players! Perhaps a little gamey but I doubt it.

Philippines: There will still be landings here but I do not intend to do much until Singapore and Java are gone.

I will make a grab for Palembang and Kuching pretty quickly.

Once Singapore is gone, I will take Java.

6. Burma There will be units driving north here but it will be of tertiary importance. Want a couple of the AF Bases there to sink anything going into or out of Rangoon.

7. China This is my weakest area. Moses is a GREAT land warfare tactician and I had counted on him running areas 5-7. I will try normal procedures here in clearing the rail-line. As soon as I have Political Points available, I will pull Brigades out of China and send them to garrision Pacific Islands and strengthen attacks elsewhere.

A Note on Landings. I HATE GAMEY opening landings!

I will only be landing at a few sites on Dec 7th. Attacks elsewhere will begin LOADING on the 7th and then move out. I want my opponents to have a chance to organize themselves over the first few days before I utterly DESTROY them!

Economy:
1. I am expanding, moderately, repair yards, naval shipyards, shifting Frank Research to Tojo/Tony, bumping Zero production, and dropping a bunch of USELESS aircraft production to focus on what I will need. Will explain more here as things develop.

I think that is about it.

Have sent the opening turn to my worthy opponents and we are awaiting Tabpub's return from his Aussie sojourn...

Questions???

Post #: 1

RE: From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japa... - 6/28/2006 8:54:20 PM

castor troy

Posts: 14330
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From: Austria
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Great to see you�re doing an AAR again. Looking forward to following it!

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 2

RE: From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japa... - 6/28/2006 10:34:58 PM

ny59giants

Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
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Are your LCU's being loaded from their original home ports and sent across the ocean or are you using a non-historical to allow you to move them part way to their destination??

I'm glad in CHS with extended maps that ships from Hawaii don't have to go only to the WC and can have the lower sys damaged (about 40 or less) sent to WC via Panama.

I like that your focus is more naval than land since many Jap players use the "game mechanics" to conquer China/India and use those freed up units to fortress the islands in the Eastern Pacific for the eventual American counter-offensive.

_____________________________

(in reply to castor troy)

Post #: 3

RE: From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japa... - 6/29/2006 1:03:52 AM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

Thanks Castor! Am looking forward to doing this again.

NYGiants59--The only thing I am doing with repositioning my LCUs is taking them from where they currently are at--like Taan--and sending them to Palau where they will begin loading on the 7th for their missions. The 1st Turn warping function drives me nuts. I've participated in a few of the threads panning it and getting into discussions about whether this TF would have been spotted approaching Palembang BEFORE the opening attack. I don't believe in that.

Example: My Wake Attack will occur about the 11th/12th of December. I will unload the existing TF and then RELOAD it with the Invasion Force I want for the attack.

I'll generally follow Japanese Doctine and not leap beyond the range of LBA unless I have CV support. This is also realistic.

Does that answer your question??

(in reply to ny59giants)

Post #: 4

RE: From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japa... - 7/3/2006 7:48:48 AM

1275psi

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Joined: 4/17/2005
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Of course Tabpub has to survive his holiday 1st!

After he left me he already had sore feet -then he went bush bashing, walked all over canberra -has caught a cold, and jammed more sights and things and night clubbing into 3 weeks than I could handle in a year!

Man he has stamina!

Really looking forward to the game -but keep on tabpubs back to actually write some AAR!.
have fun.

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 5

RE: From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japa... - 7/3/2006 8:57:03 AM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

Thanks for the note!

Hope you didn't run him TOO ragged. He might be in a delicate emotional state and I don't want to push him over the edge with immediate Japanese victories and horrendous Allied losses!

I've sent the turn and am waiting for them to return it so I can get this AAR rolling...

(in reply to 1275psi)

Post #: 6

RE: From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japa... - 7/3/2006 10:48:52 AM

FeurerKrieg

Posts: 3397
Joined: 6/15/2005
From: Denver, CO
Status: offline

Good luck! Sounds like you have some good opening plans.

_____________________________

Upper portion used with permission of www.subart.net, copyright John Meeks

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 7

RE: From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japa... - 7/14/2006 10:40:01 PM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

Dateline: Early December 1941

From: Imperial HQ, Toyko

Attention All Units: "Climb Mount Niitaka!"

The Emporer requests that we bow our heads for a moment to mark this historic moment for the Empire of Japan. Let us all pray to our ancestors for Divine Protection and Providence over the well-laid plans of the Imperial Army and Navy.

BANZAI!

(in reply to FeurerKrieg)

Post #: 8

RE: From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japa... - 7/14/2006 10:40:59 PM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

Translation to above Memo: Taptub is FINALLY ready to start this Campaign!

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 9

Tora! Tora! Tora! - 7/16/2006 8:57:15 AM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
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From: La Salle, Colorado
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After a LONG wait, the war has finally begun!

Commander Fuchida's triumphant transmission was picked up in the Inland Sea of Japan just a few minutes ago! Tora! Tora! Tora! The Imperial Fleet led by the Kido Butai has struck the very heart of American Naval Power at Pearl Harbor.

These are the preliminary results of the attack:

The US Battleship Force has been dealt a crippling blow:

Name 800Kg Bombs---TT---250Kg Bombs
Arizona 3--2--6 Heavy Damage
Nevada 5--1--5 On Fire
Tennessee 5--2--6 Heavy Damage
W. Virginia 4--2--5 Heavy Damage
Oklahoma 4--5--6 SUNK! Credit must go to the Akagi's TT Daitai (4TTs)
Maryland 6--3--12 Sinking Condition
California 4--3--10 Sinking Condition
Pennsylvania 2--3--6 Heavy Damage

If American Damage Control is not up to thier normal high standards, there is the real possiblity of two more BBs sinking--BANZAI!

Other Ships Hit:
CA New Orleans 1TT On Fire
CL Helena 1B
DD Dewey 1B Heavy Damage
DD Downes 1TT Heavy Damage
DM Breeze 1B Heavy Damage
DMS Perry 1B On Fire
PT-Boat 1B SUNK
AP--U.S. Grant 1 800Kg B On Fire

The American Airfields were heavily hit and nearly 70 planes are claimed destroyed (39 Fighters--15 Bombers--15 Recon).

Japanese losses were fairly lite: 28 Planes (7 Zero, 11 Val, 10 Kate).

After recovering the 2nd Wave, Admiral Nagumo (following orders) has split his victorious force into two pieces:

CarDiv 1 Akagi and Kaga, CAs Tone and Chikuma, CL Abukuma, and 3DD are headed to hex reference point 113,55 to rendezvous with Tankers and 3DD for refueling. They were ordered to move to this pint at Full Speed so American Recon might not spot them. They will then fuel and raid along the Hawaii--US West Coast sea lanes.

CarDiv 2 and 5 Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku, 2BC, and 6DD have taken a direct (in-the-open) course towards Johnston Island. They are to divert American attention in their direction and hide the movement described above. These CVs will aid SE Pacific/Central Pacific Operations.

On the whole, the Pearl Harbor raid has exceeded expectations with ALL US Battleships sunk, sinking, or heavily damaged. It is a GREAT start! BANZAI!

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 10

RE: From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japa... - 7/16/2006 9:26:46 AM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
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Tomorrow I will post initial operational moves and plans.

Changes made to the economy, production, and other facets will also be covered.

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 11

RE: From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japa... - 7/16/2006 10:50:30 AM

Wellard

Posts: 57
Joined: 6/6/2006
From: Inverness,Scotland
Status: offline

So nice to see someone playing in the spirit of the game for a change.I too have got fed up of Japanese gamesmanship which in my view just spoils the enjoyment of the game for the Allied player(s)

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 12

RE: From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japa... - 7/16/2006 6:59:03 PM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

Thanks for the thought Wellard! I get sick of the first turn crap! This is a conservative and REAL beginning to the campaign.

I believe that my opponents will play by the rules as well. If I don't get carried away (like upgrading all my Army DB into 2EB, strategic bombing in China, etc...) then they won't. It should be a FAIR and fun game.

Got furious this morning. I spent nearly an hour typing in the AAR landings and plans and when I sent it to the AAR---I LOST IT--'time expired and logged off.' DAMMIT! How can I preventr that from happening? I will re-type it this afternoon.

(in reply to Wellard)

Post #: 13

RE: From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japa... - 7/16/2006 7:03:47 PM

Wellard

Posts: 57
Joined: 6/6/2006
From: Inverness,Scotland
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I find if I have long posts(like in my RPG forums) that it's easier to do the whole thing on Word Pad then cut and paste.

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 14

RE: From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japa... - 7/16/2006 7:44:26 PM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

Roger and Nomad just said similar things in the Support Forum. Oh, well...

Have a bit of a crabby Nine-Month pregnant wife (Don't get me wrong--I would be too if I was a big as her and carrying a baby in 100* heat) who just yelled down. So...got to go get groceries with the family and then re-write what I had done earlier.

(in reply to Wellard)

Post #: 15

The Philippines - 7/16/2006 7:53:44 PM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
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From: La Salle, Colorado
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Found out that I have a few minutes so I will hit the Philippine Operations.

Landings
I have landed at Batan (with no Covering Force) and Aparri (1 CL and 5DD Covering). The Batan (as normal) garrision surrendered immediately. Aparri is getting an SNLF, large BF, and several smaller units. The Philippines is to be a backwater until Singapore and Java fall.

The only place I plan to take fairly quickly here is Mindanao. I have a Brigade and large BF loading at Palau to land in Davao, another Invasion Force of a Brigade is loading at Camranh Bay to hit Cagayan, and a smaller SNLF will take Dadjangas. These units should be enough to clean out Mindanao within 2 weeks.

Air Action
Imperial Japan had a decent opening day. Unfortunately, the Americans were tipped off about the incoming attacks from the Pearl Harbor and had moved their planes. Navy Air Forces struck Manila and Clark Air Fields to good extent. Army units supported the landing at Aparri. Throughout the day, a total of 16 P-40s were destroyed in exchange for only 1 Zero, 1 Betty, and 1 Nell.

A large strike is planned for whatever Manila Bay still holds tomorrow.

Will cover the other operations when I get back.

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 16

RE: The Philippines - 7/16/2006 7:58:57 PM

Wellard

Posts: 57
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From: Inverness,Scotland
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TORA,TORA,TORA

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 17

RE: The Philippines - 7/17/2006 2:14:10 AM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
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From: La Salle, Colorado
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December 7, 1941

Having already covered the Pearl Harbor attack and opening Philippines moves, I now shift to the rest of the Pacific by Theatre:

Malaya
The Imperial Army, with a substantial Covering Force (2 BC, 6 CA, 1 CL, and 10 DD), landed on the shores of Kuantan. The initial landing consists of 2 Inf Div, 1 Eng Reg, and 1 Base Force. Within a week, another pair of Infantry Divisions, with more support units, shall land here as well.

Traveling through Thailand and Northern Malaya are yet another pair of Divisions with Tank support. These units shall be the hammer from the North while the anvil will cross the peninsula ASAP to, hopefully, cutoff retreating units. If this fails, then the drive to Singapore shall begin.

The plans are for Singapore to fall no latter then January 1, 1942.

In the air over the peninsula, a series of strikes occurred. The following northern air bases were struck by Dive Bombers or 2-Engined Bombers of the Imperial Army: Khota Bharu, Alor Star, and Georgetown. A large strike hit Singapore itself from Saigon. These attacks, coupled with ineffectual counter-attacks, led to the loss of over 25 British aircraft (11 F, 7 B, 10 TB). Only one Army Bomber was lost on this day. Unfortunately, word of the great strike at Pearl Harbor also allowed for the British to somewhat disperse their planes.

Large strikes are planned for tomorrow at Georgetown (Recon showed 40+ planes there) and a Port Strike at Singapore. A significant number of Nells were left on �ship attack� for anything that presents itself as a target.

Total Aerial Losses: Japan 38 and Allies 159

China
A number of small, nuisance air strikes were made here at Changsha, Nanchang, the crossroads (grid reference 46,35) and Hong Kong.

There are A LOT of troops moving throughout China. Offensive Operations will commence within 10 days.

Hong Kong�A large Invasion Force is marching these. Two Inf Div, 2 Art Reg, and an Eng Reg will be there tomorrow. The hope is for Hong Kong to fall within 3 days.

Southeast and Central Pacific
A gathering of shipping and reinforcements is occurring at Truk and Kwajalein. Initial plans from Truk are the capture of Kavieng and then Rabaul. Kwajalein shall Invade Wake and Midway Island.
These operations shall be covered by KB-1 (Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku). It is thoroughly expected to find the American Carriers, who were not at Pearl harbor, somewhere in this area.

New Landings Planned
Palau is loaded Invasions Forces for the following areas:

Davao--1 Brigade and 1 Base Force
Danjangas�1 NLF
Morotai, Weda, Sorong�1 NLF
Amboina�3 SNLF and 1 Base Force

Amboina is the prize here. If High Command can capture this within 10 days, then the eastern exit from the DEI will be closed.

Covering these landings are several Naval Task Forces:

KB-3 2 CVL�Ryujo, Zuiho, 2 CVE�Hosho, Taiyo (total planes 110: 51 Z, 12 V, 53 K), 2 CA, and 6DD have been ordered to move SW of Davao and intercept fleeing Philippine shipping.
2 BB (Fuso, Yamashiro), 2 CA, 1 CL, and 8 DD shall cover the landings. Most of this force will accompany the Amboina Landing Force.

Industrial Notes
1. Conversions            Work has begun on converting 20 7,000T AKs into MLE, AS, AR, and AE configuration. Despite some who think the war shall be won quickly, Adm. Yamamoto Isoroku has seen this to be a pressing need to help later in the war.

2. Fighter Research      A great amount of fighter research has been shifted on more promising designs: Tony, Jack, Tojo, and A6M3a are the chief beneficiaries of the change. Just a few months earlier with any of these designs can only help�

3. A number of lesser aircraft designs have been discontinued and others expanded.

4. Naval Construction The CV Shinano has been stopped, CVs Junyo, Hiyo, and Shoho have been accelerated, and 2 of the new �Moon� class of DDs have also been accelerated.

5. Naval Expansion      Naval Yards are being expanded in a gradual manner as well as Ship Repair facilities.

I do believe that is everything.

Questions???

(in reply to Wellard)

Post #: 18

RE: The Philippines - 7/17/2006 2:19:26 PM

castor troy

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John,

hope you didn�t convert too many AKs into AEs. What are you planning to do with them? I always found them completely useless!

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 19

RE: The Philippines - 7/17/2006 8:55:51 PM

IS2m

Posts: 194
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Good AAR, I will be reading this one with interest.

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 20

December 8th - 7/18/2006 8:13:30 PM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
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From: La Salle, Colorado
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December 8, 1941

Opening Japanese attacking continue to go very well and are, in some ways, ahead of schedule:

Hawaii
The Kido Butai commences its operations:

KB1 (Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku) under Nagumo Chuichi are spotted (as hoped) moving towards Johnson Island. The Americans are certain to think this is the ENTIRE Strike Force!

KB2 (Akagi, Kaga) successfully moves northeast to rendezvous with the Tanker Train. They will stay there for a day or two and then move into the shipping lanes between Hawaii and the West Coast.

Philippines
Landings continue at Aparri. American aircraft make repeated attempts to attack in decent numbers (12 P-26/18 P-35�Out of Vigan) but score no hits. A Daitai of Zeros is assigned LR CAP to cover these ships. Will make a grab at Aparri tomorrow�

Over 50 Army bombers strike at Tuquegarao and inflict minor damage as well as casualties.

Manila Port Strike        106 Z and 78 Betty/Nell strike Manila Bay and find a host of targets! Numerous hits are scored on 4 DD, 5 AK, and 2 PG, 387 Casualties, and 5 guns are destroyed. The Port takes some damage as well. Will hit it again tomorrow.

Paratroopers land and take Taytay as well as Puerto Princessa.

Malaya
Kuantan           The source of all action in Malaya is Kuantan! Landings continue during the day but then the Imperial Army CAPTURES the town/air field/port with minimal damage (Port 42/Service 18/Runway 19).   About a dozen Oscars are flying LR CAP this day and they manage to shot down 7 bombers and 2 fighters. One AK takes a bomb for little damage!

With capture of Kuantan, I move 2 Daitai of Fighters, 2 Daitai of Army Bombers, and 2 Daitai of Navy Bombers to the site. The 5th & 18th Infantry Divisions immediately move out to cut across the peninsula. They are accompanied by an Engineering Regiment.

Launch Air Raids on:
Alor Star          7 F and 38B cause damage to the Air Field (AF)
Georgetown     23 B destroy 1 B on the ground, inflict 35 Cas, and hit the AF
Singapore         Port Strike! 25 Z and 46 Nell fight thru 15 Buffalo, inflict 26 Cas, and damage the Port�NO SHIPS! Zeros shoot down 5 Buffalo and 4 Nells are lost to AA Fire.

Central Pacific

Guam   Two small AF Construction Battalions begin to land on Guam. Will take it next round.

Wake   Loading begins with 3 Naval Guard and 24th Aviation Regiment. These units shall be escorted by 4 CL and 6 DD. If the landing goes easily, they will then pivot and attack Midway.

China
Air Raids are launched at Changsha and Wuchow for minor casualties and AF damage.

Hong Kong      SHOCK ATTACK! 5-1 Forts reduced to 0! Japanese: 626 Cas, 12 G, 3 V. Brits lose: 245 Cas, 12 G. Will have Hong Kong tomorrow. It pays to hit with a stronger force right at the start: 2 Inf Div, 2 Eng Reg, and 3 Art Reg�

SS Action
I-153 strikes TWICE hitting the ML Rigel (1TT) and AP Manoora (2TT) just Northeast of Batavia. The Manoora sinks and I-153 gets the Japanese SS Force off to a good start!

I-154 tries to put a TT into CL Mauritius but misses and pays for it with a Depth Charge causing minor damage.

KXIII puts 2TT into an inbound AP east of Kuantan and takes 2DC from Japanese ASW.

(in reply to IS2m)

Post #: 21

CV Fight--December 9, 1941 BANZAI! - 7/18/2006 8:48:42 PM

John 3rd

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From: La Salle, Colorado
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December 9, 1941

Holy Cow---Carrier Battle East of Johnson Island!!!!

Hawaii
KB1 (Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku) gets jumped and then CREAMS TWO American Carriers! BANZAI!

Reported conversation between Adm Nagumo and Commander Genda:
�So Genda, it appears that our Pearl Harbor Strike exceeded are wildest expectations.�

�Admiral, it was a shame that the American carriers were not present. In fact, I wish we could��

The cry comes out from observers of �American Dive Bombers!� Amid the hue and cry, Japanese CAP tries to intercept the inbound American Squadrons:

American Wave 1: 4 Wildcats�8 Buffalos, 34 Dauntless, 12 Devastator vs. 39 Zero
Amid cries of anguish! Hiryu, Zuikaku, and Soryu EACH take a 1,000lb bomb! Several Dauntlesses hit BC Kirishima with 2B. For this, the Americans lose 2W/6B, 12Daunt, and 6 Dev.

American Wave 2: There MUST be 2 CVs! 6 W, 34 D, 15 Dev vs. 39Z
The CAP, now fully aware of the battle SLASH into this wave of attacks. Down falls the majority of the incoming strike, more are claimed by AA, but a few still nose over into their dives and plant another bomb on CV Hiryu.

Furious at the attack, the Japanese scouts report no less then THREE American TF 100 miles east-northeast of the fleet. Adm Nagumo orders a 120* turn to port to engage. From the decks of the Japanese CVs rise a strike of 31 Z, 60 V, 43 K. A few minutes later another, smaller wave of 11 Z, 18V, 14K leave the deck of the burning Hiryu.

These strikes, the cream of Japanese aviation, bore in to the American Force.

Wave 1 easily pushes aside the American CAP (13W/12Buf) and CRUSHES the USS Enterprise�9 bombs and 8 TT slam into her and turn into a SUNKEN vessel within 10 minutes! Additional hits (2 bombs) are scored on the CA Chester.

Wave 2 misses the other American CV (conveniently under a rain storm) and concentrates on a cruiser TF. Hits are scored on CL Helena (4B), CL Honolulu (1B) and CA San Francisco (1B/1TT).

For these attacks, the Americans lose 7 W and 10 Buf in exchange for 4 Z, 7 V, and 7 K.

A succession of strikes then occur in the afternoon as the Japanese close the range.

American Counter-Attack! A small raid encounters Japanese CAP�2 Buf, 8 Dauntless, 4 Dev vs. 35 Z. The Zeros continue to slash into the American force shooting down nearly the ENTIRE strike. That said, only 4 Dauntless manage to drop their bombs but they devastate the CV Hiryu. Two Bombs hit, adding to the previous 2, and numerous secondary explosions occur!

Nagumo is reported to have said �these Americans sacrifice themselves like Samurai.�

Final Strike: The Japanese finish the battle by sending an afternoon Strike Wave, led by Commander Fuchida, of 30 Z, 50 V, 46 K. Only 2 American Buffalo try to stop the attack. In their sites is the mighty CV Lexington! This time, in less then 10 minutes, the Lexington is sunk beneath a rain of 9 bombs and 8 TTs. Vice-Adm Wilson Brown is killed during the attack. Looking for other targets, the Japanese hit CA Chicago (2 B/1TT), DDs Mahan (1TT)�Flusser (1B)�Drayton (1TT/1B). The Japanese shot down 1 Buffalo and lose 3 Val and 4 Kates.

Summation
Good News:
TWO American CVs SUNK! Goodbye Enterprise and Lexington! Why were they there when I was clearly spotted moving in that direction the previous day?!!

Americans lose a total of 9 W, 19 Buf, 38 Dauntless, and 16 Dev. Don�t know if any of the air groups made it to Johnson Island or not�

I also score significant damage to 2 CA, 2 CL, and 3 DD.

Bad News:
CV Status:
Hiryu Sys-59/Flotation 24/Fires 49 She is a flaming wreck! Doubt if she is saveable�
Soryu 15/4/12 As long as the flotation is fixed, she will make Kwajalein.
Zuikaku took a bomb but it was a dud and scored no REAL damage

Japanese lose a total of 4 Z, 10 V, and 11 K�LESS then the Pearl Harbor Raid!

All of Hiryu�s planes moved to the other 3 CV so I don�t lose any of her aviators (Good).

Plans:
Send Hiryu with 2 DD towards Kwajalein. She won�t make it but at least I�ll try.

Send Soryu with 2 DD also to Kwajalein. She is still capable of 5/5 movement so I put her to Full Speed to clear the area.

CarDiv 5 will move 2 hexes to the east and see if they can pick off any cripples�

The sink and/or cripple all 8 US BB at Pearl and then SINK 2/3 of American CV strength two days later is AMAZING! Losing 1 CV in exchange for all this is not TOO bad�

Wouldn�t you agree???

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 22

RE: CV Fight--December 9, 1941 BANZAI! - 7/18/2006 9:19:39 PM

veji1

Posts: 1019
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well that's a start !!! Should speed up your plans in the pacific...

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 23

RE: CV Fight--December 9, 1941 BANZAI! - 7/19/2006 4:38:34 PM

fabertong

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Joined: 2/25/2004
From: Bristol, England, U.K.
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Well done.........but as a cautionary note.......the good Capn' and tabpub will get their carriers back.......the Hiryu, if she goes, is gone for good..........good luck with Hiryu.

(in reply to veji1)

Post #: 24

RE: CV Fight--December 9, 1941 BANZAI! - 7/19/2006 4:47:46 PM

Ron Saueracker

Posts: 12121
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From: Ottawa, Canada OR Zakynthos Island, Greece
Status: offline

Sure would be nice if they brought CAP to realistic levels in an upcoming patch. CAP is just plain silly right now.

Interesting battle though.

_____________________________

Yammas from The Apo-Tiki Lounge. Future site of WITP AE benders! And then the s--t hit the fan

(in reply to fabertong)

Post #: 25

RE: CV Fight--December 9, 1941 BANZAI! - 7/19/2006 5:53:00 PM

pauk

Posts: 4162
Joined: 10/21/2001
From: Zagreb,Croatia
Status: offline

good result, but as Mr Penguin said - american carriers will respawn - as Essex!

So, 2 big CVs for Hiryu is not a dissaster for the ALlies in the start of the game. I even dare to say - this is Japanese tactical victory, it could become a Allied strategy victory...

To avoid latter, KB should continue spread panic all over the Pacific and find other American CVs or, sink many enemy surface vessels or merchants...IMHO...

good luck!

_____________________________

(in reply to Ron Saueracker)

Post #: 26

RE: CV Fight--December 9, 1941 BANZAI! - 7/19/2006 7:29:45 PM

Wellard

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Joined: 6/6/2006
From: Inverness,Scotland
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Agreed now is the time to strike for the west coast convoys

(in reply to pauk)

Post #: 27

RE: CV Fight--December 9, 1941 BANZAI! - 7/19/2006 8:37:48 PM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
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From: La Salle, Colorado
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Pauk and Wellard,
Your advice is spot-on. Just got another turn done and have to update AAR. Akagi and Kaga are now moving (cruise speed) towards shipping lanes between West Coast and Hawaii. Might move them farther south and try to catch anything headed to SOUTH Pacific...
John

(in reply to Wellard)

Post #: 28

December 9, 1941 - 7/20/2006 8:10:53 PM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

December 9, 1941

I have already reported on the Carrier Battle East of Johnson Island. As I bask in the afterglow of two out of three sunk American carriers, let us look at the rest of the Pacific:

Central Pacific
Landing at Guam�This is only a Naval Construction Battalion but it will easily do the job.

Loading Three large Naval Guard units and a Base Force to take Wake Island. They will be escorted by 4 CL and 6 DD. Once they have taken Wake, they will move to Midway. Since I do NOT have to worry about American CVs, I am moving the Midway Assault up by about three weeks.

Philippines
I continue my landing at Aparri and TAKE IT! Move two Daitai of Fighters there. The base isn�t TOO badly damaged. Order the main infantry unit there (65th Brigade) to move west and take Laoag. There is a PT Boat attack while this is happening and my CL plus 5 DD sink THRE PTs for no loss!

Port Attack Manila again with 54 Z and 45 B. My planes shot down five P-40s, hit an AK, DD, PG, inflict 237 Cas as well as 8 Guns. I do this for no losses. Later in the day, DD Pillsbury and PG Asheville sink in the harbor.

Air Raid Vigan and do light damage.

My scouts notice lots of (I assume) 1 ship TF leaving Manila and heading South-Southeast. Move a Daitai and a Chutai of Nells to Palua to hit them as they pass. I have KB-3 in position tomorrow to hit anything traveling due south towards Tarakan and Balikpapan.

Malaya
Kuantan My 48th Infantry Division begins landing at the freshly taken Kuantan. Adding this unit to the 5th and 18th Division, places a TON of firepower in my hands to cutoff the peninsula.

Air Raids on Singapore, Alor Star, Georgetown, and Khota Bharu occur with some damage and casualties inflicted.

China
CAPTURE Hong Kong! The extra units I sent to attack do the job brilliantly! I get an 8-1 on the attack. Japanese lose 794 Cas and 12 Guns for a bag of 6,871 POWs and 97 Guns. Port is in GREAT shape! Immediately order MSW and AP to Hong Kong to pick-up that Inf Div for future missions. I like the fact that there is A LOT of fuel and supply there!

Order the expansion of the Naval Repair Yards.

Japanese Air Strikes over Changsha and Wuchow.

Sub Action
I-153 gets it second kill when the ML Rigel sinks the day after it was hit.

I-166 gets a double kill today when it sinks MSWs Bendigo and Burnie! Very Nice!!

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 29

RE: December 9, 1941 - 7/20/2006 8:38:15 PM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

December 10, 1941

Central Pacific
In the aftermath of the Battle of Johnston Island, my KB-1 splits up:

CarDiv 5 (Shokaku and Zuikaku) stays in the area but doesn�t attack anything due to range. I didn�t want to get too close to Hawaii and run the risk of LBA hitting me. His damaged Cruisers and DDs start the day at range SIX and so I cannot attack! Hmmm�

Order this Division to head for Kwajalein. I split BCs Kirishima and Hiei off to Bombardment Johnston Island in case there is anything there.

CarDiv 2 (Hiryu and Soryu) is damaged. Soryu�s crew gets everything under control (was 15 Sys-4 Flot-12 Fires and is now 20-0-4) and heads for Kwajalein and then Home Islands for Repairs.

Hiryu is badly damaged and I am pretty certain will sink. Progress is made in fighting the fires but I see the flotation factor coming up (59 Sys-24 Flot-49 Fires down to 67 Sys-29 Flot-16 Fires). There is a chance to save her but it will be the crew to do it. Kwajalein is a LONG WAYS AWAY!

If I can get lucky (save Hiryu), then this will be a HUGE victory! If I lose her, which I expect, then it is only a tactical victory�

KB-2
CarDiv1 (Akagi and Kaga) TRY to refuel. (I HATE THE REFUELING FUNCTION!!) I order them (at Cruise Speed) to move into the shipping lanes between PH and the West Coast. Sure would be nice to catch Saratoga�or sink some damaged BB�or drown 20,000 troops�

Wake The Wake Island Invasion Force departs Kwajalein.

Guam As expected, it falls easily.

Philippines
Air Raids over Manila (27 Z and 63 B do a Port Attack�186 Cas, 7 G, Port Dam), Vigan, and Laoag.

Invasions Forces have left Palau for Davao and Dadjangas and Cam Ranh Bay for Jolo and Cagayan.

Notice that nearly all the 1 ship TF leaving the Philippines are heading SE instead of towards Tarakan. Move KB-3 in that direction to start sinking some ships�

Malaya
Had bad weather in Saigon so no Singapore Raid.

Air Attack Khota Bharu and Alor Star and lose 2 Army bombers for a little AF damage.

Lose an AP damaged two days ago by KXIII

Make decision to GO FOR IT! With 3 Inf Div landed at Kuantan, I decide to shift the 16th Div�s objective from Kuantan to Johore Bharu. Perhaps I CAN really get him with a deep envelopment� Figuring on a naval response to this, I attach 2 BC, 4 CA, 2 CL, and 8 DD as Cover.

DEI
Bombard Palembang with 4BB (Nagato, Mutsu, Hyuga, Ise), 1 CA, 2 CL, 8DD. They destroy 4 Fighters and 1 Bomber, 193 Cas, 4 Guns, 2 Vehicles. Aerial recon later spots the Repulse here! Yummyyyyy�

Landing Forces have left Saigon for Kuching, Miri, and Brunei.

More Invasions Forces are at sea heading for Sorong, Morotai, Weda, and Amboina. I expect these to be spotted tomorrow.

China
No real action.

Subs
SS Salmon (on the surface) attacks a TK and hits it with 6 shells while taking 1 shell in return at 41, 51.

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 30