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RE: December 11, 1941

 
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RE: December 11, 1941 - 1/20/2012 4:15:20 AM   
Dan Nichols


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Joined: 8/30/2011
Status: offline 		edited to eliminate clutter.

< Message edited by Dan Nichols -- 1/20/2012 2:54:19 PM >

(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 91
RE: December 11, 1941 - 1/20/2012 6:41:27 AM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		It is the Guards Mixed Brigade starting in Tokyo on Dec 7th.

Just did Dec 12, 1941 and it is a pretty tough turn for the Japanese...until the end!

The Lady LEX has been spotted due east of Tulagi...



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Post #: 92
Lady LEX Spotted - 1/20/2012 6:23:54 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Combat Report
December 12, 1941

This is a day that really belongs to the Allies but the end result is a substantial victory for Japan within the DEI. As the turn unfolded I was becoming slightly depressed but that turned to a mild elation as I saw the end. Ready? OK. Let us start:

North Pacific
Most of the TF for Attu, Adak, and Unmak have just departed.

The main TF that will take Dutch Harbor is about to start loading the 1st China SNLF Assault Brigade. With winter rules in effect I will not try to land at the defended base, however, I will deposit this unit at Adak where it can move the moment the weather penalty lifts.

I've gathered 15 of the older Japanese DDs to Cover all this. It is not much and they shall be reinforced by a pair of CAs to provide a little bit of teeth.

Central Pacific
The Wake Island Invasion occurs without an issue. One CA provides a bombardment while another parries the Marine CD from the actual Landing Force. The SNLF Brigade storms ashore and, as hoped, immediately overwhelms the defense. The Americans surrender and I am surprised to see the Wildcat Squadron still present. All of them are destroyed. NICE!

The 2 CAs and 1 CL depart to reload at Kwajalein while the troops immediately begin reloading into their transports for Midway.

CarDiv2 will dock at Kwajalein tomorrow and refuel/reprovision before moving south to deal with the Lexington.

South Pacific
Manus and Shortlands are invaded.

The Lunga Landing gets a nasty surprise while still about 5 hexes from its target. A force of 11 Buffalo and 9 SBD attack it from the USS Lexington. This landing group was only carrying a small Base Force in 5 AKL so I get very lucky to only lose a pair of ships in return for discovering the presence of the CV. Why only this many planes flew to attack I do not know but I shall not complain about that.

Recall the Luganville and Efate IF since they might get involved with Lexington if she retreats towards Pago Pago--Suva.

The Shortlands TF is redirected by way points into the Coral Sea.

The Imperial Guards Brigade plus support units (9,000 men) are only a day from Rabaul and the TF has been spotted. Lexington is within attack range of Rabaul if she moves towards the base. Crap! Fine. Order the TF back above Manus and out of range.

If Lex moves off then I will redirect and make the Landing at Rabaul.

Lae Invasion Force is two days out and allowed to close their target.

BBs Nagato and Mutsu arrive at Rabaul. Rabaul--thanks to the comments from our good player earlier--is overstacked by about 12,000 men. I have to load them up and get them out. If I do any changes to RA after this release this is a place where I MUST take care of a problem.

PLAN: Perhaps I can keep Lew interested by keeping some shipping in the Coral Sea while I get CarDiv2 into the area. Since Lex has those Buffalo for fighters, I will bump my CV CAP up to 70% to crush anything coming in from a Strike and attempt to sink this CV with the battle tested veterans of Hiryu/Soryu Air Groups (68 and 63 planes). Would prefer not to meet at 2-1 but want the chance to score a major early war victory.

Eastern DEI
At Ambon, a surface fight occurs between CA Myoko, 2 CL, and 3 DD vs. CLs Marblehead and Tromp and 4 DDs. The battle is inconclusive with 1 Jap DD taking moderate damage while Marblehead and 2 DDs receive the same. Myoko still delivers a bombardment to help the attack upon Ambon which then succeeds at the end of the day. During the day the Ambon AF is loaded with planes and Hudsons, 139WH-3, and a few PBY harass Japanese forces but cause no damage. The Base resoundingly FALLS to the Japanese attack and nearly 2 dozen Allied aircraft are destroyed! YES!

The CVLs move west to rendezvous with CarDIv1.

Reload the Boela Force to land at Dili, Timor. Other landing forces are shooting the breach to head for Lautem and Koepang.

Central DEI
CarDiv1 ends up a little south of Makassar and delightfully PLASTERS CA Houston with a strike of 19 Zero and 21 Val. The Dutch Fighters flying Cover are swept aside as 6 bombs sink the cruiser making our total TWO US CA sank in the opening days. BANZAI! CarDiv 1 now moves slightly SW to conduct anti-shipping strikes, join the CVLs, and do a Port Strike against Soerabaja tomorrow. CAP is lowered on all 5 carriers so the strike has enough Escort to punch through the Dutch fighters that are certain to be flying CAP over that base. Perhaps we'll see that Squadron of British Hurricanes?

Western DEI
Damned Allied aircraft cause some trouble as a pair of AK are sank (one by A-24 and the other by Vildebreest). Another pair are hit during the day as well. Lastly two damaged by A-24 yesterday also go down. Allied STF did sweep into Singkawang but found nothing for their efforts. All the TF retire towards Miri during the day.

Everything rests with the Battalion of Infantry offloaded yesterday. I ordered a Shock Attack HOPING they would be enough. If not then the timetable is badly damaged as I have to wait 2-3 days for the CVs to arrive. The Japanese Infantry prove UP TO THE TASK as they take the base in a brilliant 3-1 assault! (Thank Goodness) This is one of the things that truly drives me nuts with Allied players. The Japanese Opening is really not so much a case of mass but a combination of dash and audacity. A single defeat can unhinge things significantly. Here the case is perfect. IF I could not take Singkawang then Palembang would get 3-4 more days to set-up a stiffer defense. At least one of those STF should have bombarded my troops to disrupt them. Some of the aircraft could have done the same. A repulse (no pun intended) would have been pretty serious.

DOESN'T HAPPEN Baby! Add to the victory another massed destruction of planes on the Allied AF. several Fighters, 5-6 139WH-3,and--HUGELY IMPORTANT--a full Squadron of those dratted A-24! Yaaaaaa....just what the Japanese Witch Doctor ordered! Move 18 Zero and 30 Oscar there to provide CAP, add a small Chutai of Nells, and order all the TF back to the base to finish unloading and prepare for Palembang. The 4th Inf begins its run to the target...

Malaya
Nearly all of the 2nd Wave TF have unloaded their cargo at Singora. Imperial Guards arrives by train adn begins to redeploy and move west. Two Independent Regiments move into the next hex between Singora and Alor Star while the rest of the column will begin moving tomorrow. Will have to watch out for hex stacking limits!

Two large TF--destined to land at Mersing--are about 4-5 days away from their target.

I've chosen this strategy of a late Mersing Landing in the hopes of making Lew think I am simply coming down from the north in a one dimensional assault. We'll see if this works at all.

Order the 1st Raider Force (Victoria Point) to land at Medan so I can grab the AF there.

Philippines
At Vigan a Philippino Inf Div is routed out of the hex and the 48th ID is given orders to move south. My reinforcements for driving the Allies back into Bataan will be landing over the next couple of days.

From Naga I have 3 Recon units begin checking the Central Philippines looking for any 'hidden' surprises.

China
No developments.

SS Action
Have 3 different attacks on shipping near Batavia fail. Grrr...

I-166 does score a nice victory as she sinks Dutch DD Van Nes as she is returning from the Singkawang sweep.


Summary
The turn was rough to watch because I did not know what the Infantry Attacks would yield. Taking Wake, Singkawang, and Ambon all with planes at the bases is HUGE! I started a Japanese victory dance while watching from the terminal. (You probably don't want to visualize that! ). Tracker states that the following Allied aircraft were destroyed in the turn: 12 139WH-3, 26 A-24 (BANZAI!), 7 B-339D, 13 F4F-3, 7 Hudson, 6 PBY, and 5 Buffalo----71+ planes. THAT puts a serious dent into Allied capabilities at this early stage.

Perhaps my Soerabaja Raid tomorrow can truly further the cause by crippling the Dutch Air Force? We'll see about that...

How is that for a pretty wild and hairy turn that breaks BIG for the Japanese at the end??!!





< Message edited by John 3rd -- 1/20/2012 6:26:06 PM >

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Post #: 93
Lady LEX Spotted - 1/20/2012 6:30:38 PM   
John 3rd


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From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Lew has promised a rare morning turn so I am hoping we can get one more in today!

Just so you know our turn rhythm...I, currently, work mostly nights and he works during the day. I generally do the turn at 10pm and send it to him by 11pm r so and shoots it back by 5-6pm.

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Post #: 94
RE: Lady LEX Spotted - 1/20/2012 6:43:49 PM   
Cribtop


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Status: offline 		BANZAI - big "get" with the A-24s.

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RE: Lady LEX Spotted - 1/20/2012 6:47:05 PM   
John 3rd


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From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		They are a true addition to the Allied OOB in the DEI. I like that we placed them here and HATE IT!


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Post #: 96
The Solomons - 1/20/2012 7:01:28 PM   
John 3rd


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Status: offline 		Here is the current shot of shipping in the Solomons area.

Forgot to mention 2 CA, 1 CL, and 4DD are in the process of taking a swipe at PM. They run some risk in doing this if the CV enters the Coral Sea...





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Post #: 97
Eastern DEI - 1/20/2012 7:11:31 PM   
John 3rd


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Status: offline 		The Eastern flood of Imperial TF is rolling forward:

The CVLs move east to add to CarDiv1's Port Attack.

The CVEs move into a Supporting Role.

Everything else moves towards Timor...





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Post #: 98
Central DEI - 1/20/2012 7:16:35 PM   
John 3rd


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Status: offline 		The two CTF move to link-up and hit Soerabaja. After hitting shipping and the Port they will scoot due west--drawing fire--to get ready to Support Palembang:






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Post #: 99
Western DEI - 1/20/2012 7:22:29 PM   
John 3rd


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Status: offline 		The TF begin a rapid move back to Singkawang to get under CAP. The Palembang IF holds there for one more day before moving out...





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Post #: 100
RE: Western DEI - 1/20/2012 11:53:42 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Lew was a good as his word. We got one more in and I just finished a new turn. Odds are we'll get another in tonight.


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Post #: 101
The Battle Continues - 1/23/2012 4:19:52 PM   
John 3rd


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Status: offline 		The weekend hiatus for AAR writing is over and I will catch-up on all the happenings over the last 4 game turns. Have got to run Lew's current turn and then I shall update.

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 1/23/2012 4:20:18 PM >

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Post #: 102
Battle Report: December 13-16, 1941 - 1/23/2012 7:35:43 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Combat Report
December 13-16, 1941

A crazy and rough four turns have been played by Lew and I through the weekend. If ever there was a doubt as to him temporizing his aggressiveness, it has been laid to rest over these turns. His opponent--ME--should have expected this better and been more prepared for it. I knew he might be willing to bet the house to slow down the initial tide and, in a couple of places, I've made him pay for it but he has blooded the Kaigun around Rabaul in a NASTY fashion!

North Pacific
The Attu, Adak, and Umnal Invasion Forces are moving. Adak and Attu will have an escort of 7 older DDs to protect them.

Central Pacific
CarDIv5 is headed for the Marshalls to refuel and then move on to the Coral Sea.

The Midway Invasion Force is now about 50% of the way there and has been rejoined by reprovisioned 2 CA to provide gun support for the landing.

CarDiv2 refuels and victuals at Kwajalein and is now 2/3 of the way to the Solomons: 70% CAP to protect these tender decks.

South Pacific
LONG ENTRY here!

We left off with the Lexington being spotted East of Tulagi, a STF heading into PM, the Rabaul IF was twiddling its thumbs near Manus, and BBs Mutsu and Nagato arriving at Truk.

13th:
The PM Strike Force sinks CL Adelaide

Allied Cruisers are everywhere!
---CA Canberra and CL Perth intercept and destroy a convoy near Rambutyo of 1 AK and 4 AKL carrying two small BF Coy. Hmmm... Already bought them back out and they will be at Tokyo within a couple of weeks.
---CLs Ajax and Achilles sink a pair of AKL off of Shortlands
---CL Leander sinks a pair of AKL at Manus

Form-up the BBs (2 BB and 4 DD) to bombard Rabaul

14th:
CarDiv2 departs Kwajalein for the Tulagi Area

TF Spotted at PM so I redirect the TF that just left there to hit it again.

15th:
Nagato and Mutsu PLASTER Rabaul in an excellent bombardment.

DAY PHASE: The BBs (with little main gun ammo left) encounter 4 CA, 3 CL, and 3 DD one hex NW of Rabaul. The battle takes forever and, at first, I am celebrating my 16" guns vs. the Allied 8" and 6" rifles. This celebration rapidly turns to concern as I watch shell after shall slamming into Mutsu (occasionally Nagato). The 4 DD are not enough to protect the BBs and a Torp slams into Mutsu's side. The fight lasts an incredible 21 Gunnery Rounds with 2 CA, 2 CL, and 1 DD badly damaged on the Allied side. Mutsu takes--GET THIS--66 6"/8" hits! CRAP! Well...we hope the BBs can make it back to Rabaul.

NO! Lexington moves in South of Gasmata and launches strikes during the day:
---Mutsu takes 2 1000lb bombs and another Torp and a DD is hit twice with bombs
---My PM Force has Kako and Furutaka each take a bomb. CL Yubari gets 2.

End of the day: Mutsu Sinks, lose 1 DD, and I have two CAs racing for their lives to get home.

16th
In a stroke of GOOD luck, CA Furutaka, CL Abukuma, and DD Mutsuki stumble into the Lex's TF during the night. Furutaka hits Lex with 2 8" Shells and Mutsuki hits here with a Torp. NICE! Furutaka pays for it as she is hit 13 8" shells from Lexington and her 2 CA protectors.

Lexington retreats towards Luganville but is not damaged enough to NOT fly strikes: Kako is finished in the morning and Furutaka--Yubari are sunk in the afternoon.

LORDY! OK. PLAN: Lex is hurt and cannot make full speed. Next Turn CarDiv2 enters the waters NW of Lunga and may be close enough to hit Lex from long range. We'll see about that. If I can sink Lexington without anymore losses then I will consider it worthwhile for this bloodbath to have happened. If I cannot or we run into Enterprise then things are gonna be BAD. We'll have to see...

Eastern DEI
TF are moving to take out Timor. Land at Lautem on the 15th and take it on the 16th. A TF will land at Dili tomorrow and another will land at Koepang on or about the 18th. This side of the DEI looks pretty good at the moment.

My 2 CVE are south of Timor and moving into a blocking position SE of Soerabaja.

BB Ise and Hyuga bombard Darwin on the 16th and sink an AVP while doing that.

Central/Western DEI
My 5 CV/CVL link-up on the 13th and go to work East of Soerabaja hitting the Port and moving towards Batavia while gradually moving into a position to Cover the Palembang IF. Over the 4 turns these ships LAY WASTE!

13th
Soerabaja is smashed by 49 Zero and 84 Kate. These planes sink 4 AMc and SS KVII while damaging 3 TK, an AVP, an AR, 2 AK, and 3 AKL.

14th
Shipping at Sea is targeted and 2 AP, 2 AKL, 1 TK, 1 AVD, and DD Parrott get sunk. About 8-10 more ships are hit.

15th
KB is now NW of Batavia and ready to Cover the Palembang TF approaching from the NE.

As hoped the Allies throw everything at the CVs so it can be SMASHED and they do not attack the graver threat of the Invasion Force. Four strikes are flown against the KB and over 70 Zeros flying CAP make good work of them. Nearly 70 planes are shotdown or destroyed by AA (22 Fighters, 18 PBY, L-212, 139WH-3, Blenheim, and a few Vildebreest are among the destroyed). Coupled with the losses from the fall of Singkawang and Ambon and one sees the Allied air threat starting to drop. There are still A-24, Swordfish, and more Vildebreest to account for but this is pretty solid work. I imagine that these planes will be seen when I land at Palembang on the 17th.

KB Strikes: CL Java, 3 DD, 1 CM, 1 AG, 2 AVP, 3 TK, 1 AD, 1 AMc, and 1 DM are sunk during the course of 4 Strikes launched by the TF.

16th
Two small strikes are flown against the KB and they are easily brushed aside.

Air Strikes: CL De Ruyter, DD Pope, 6 AP, and 5 AKL are sunk with another 10-12 damaged during the day.

The Palembang IF is three hexes from its destination on the 16th. I've got two CV's worth of Zeros flying LR CAP to protect the Landing Force. Four CAs are embedded in the TF to provide plenty of support during the landing. Have an Air Flotilla and large Naval LF about 2 days behind this landing force to get the AF up and running ASAP.

Talk about a tale of two regions. Get my crap handed to me near Rabaul and dish it out around Java. NUTS! CarDiv1 will not be able to stay much longer due to sorties dropping below 200 on each CV. Figure two days and then it is time to head for the barn.

Malaya
The Imperial Guards and 18th ID are all formed up and they are leaving Singora. Will have another ID formed up and on the move on the 17th or 18th.

Move planes into Kota Bharu while troops move out from there towards the center of the Peninsula.

Will land at Kuantan on the 18th and Mersing directly after that.

Burma
The 55th ID is leaving Pisanlouke and heading for Moulmein while an Inf Reg and TK Reg are moving up from the south.

Philippines
The 65th Brigade takes Legaspi (14th) and destroys a small Philippine unit stationed there.

San Fernando falls on the 15th to the 48th ID

2nd Inf Div will be completely unloaded on the 17th and it will join the assault.

Hong Kong
The base is attacked and Forts are dropped to ZERO. Base should fall tomorrow opening up the 38th ID for nex operations.

China
Japanese units enter Changsha on the 15th. Not sure if 4 ID and support units is enough but we shall try it. Have 2 ID and 2 Brigades on the way to strengthen this attack.

Have other units moving to attack the bases on the Central Plains.

SS Action
13th
I-158 sinks AP Hong Kheng near Koggala

14th
I-166 sinks CM Willem v d Zan near Soerabaja
I-157 sinks AKL Agnes near Columbo
Ro-65 hits AO Bishopdale at Port Moresby

15th
I-155 hits a mine at Palembang
I-157 hits AK Indira Cochin near Konggala
Ro-64 hits AP Mildura near Port Moresby

PLANNING:
I've decided the first ID that will be bought out of Manchuria will be the 14th. It is set to prepare for Port Kembla and to confuse the Allies, I set 5 other Inf Div all to prepare for other likely Invasion Targets in India and Ceylon. Should serve to confuse Lew if sees this.

Summary:
Nasty four turns in and around Rabaul! I got hasty and let Lew's boldness severally cost me ships. STUPID. Lesson relearned and I will not make it again. If I can sink Lexington then all is better and we'll see what happens after that.

The combining of the 5 CV/CVL north of Java has made a powerful unit that can raid with impunity right now. They have done quite well.

Total Ships Losses December 13-16, 1941
Japanese: BB Mutsu, CAs Kako and Furutaka, CL Yubari, 2 DD, 1 AK, 1 AMC, and 8 AKL
Allies: CLs Adelaide, De Ruyter, and Java, 5 DD, 1 SS, 5 AMc, 8 AP, 2 CM, 1 AG, 3 AVP, 8 AKL, 1 AVD, 4 TK, 1 AD, 1 DM




< Message edited by John 3rd -- 1/23/2012 7:38:35 PM >

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Post #: 103
Solomons Fighting - 1/23/2012 7:55:01 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		This is the situation for tomorrow:






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Post #: 104
RE: Solomons Fighting - 1/23/2012 11:41:08 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
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From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		No luck on the Lexington intercept. CarDiv2 will move into the Coral Sea in an attempt to bag some of the CAs and CLs operating around Rabaul.

The more I thought about it, the more I dreaded a meeting between CarDiv2 and Lex. Thought about how I might be throwing in more after bad. This is better where I can facilitate the landing and advance my airpower. With Lex wounded (probably slightly) she will be out of the equation. I'll combine CarDiv2 and CarDiv5 and use them to sweep the area looking for Lexington and Enterprise. Far more prudent action I think...


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Post #: 105
The Battle of the Coral Sea - 1/24/2012 5:37:41 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
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From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		December 18, 1941
The Coral Sea

CarDiv2 enters the Coral Sea and finds a Hoste of Allied warships.

In the morning two strikes are flown:

Strike 1: 6 Z, 22 V, 12 K sink the damaged American CA USS Minneapolis with 4 Bombs and 2 TTs

Strike 2: 6 Z, 10 K attack a Cruiser Force at Rabaul hitting CAs Canberra and Astoria and CL Leander with a 250Kg bomb each

Strike 3: 6 Z 19 V sink DD Mahan (escort for Minneapolis)

During the Afternoon another TF is spotted to the NW (Range 8) but bad weather prevents 8 Zero and 22 Kates from getting there (too BAD!). This is the USS Lexington. She is still operating here despite taking a Long Lance a few days ago.

Strike 4: 6 Z and 19 K attack the Cruisers at Rabaul and add 2 more Bombs to CA Astoria (3 total for Serious Damage), 2 bombs hit CA Portland, and 2 more nail CL Leander (3 for Serious Damage)

We lose a single Kate for the day.

I've made a Screen Shot of my plans for tomorrow to swing CarDiv2 SW below New Guinea to prevent a retreat to Australia.

To be honest I am not sure of myself here. The gutsy move is to position CarDiv2 a hex or two from the present location and NAIL Lexington and take shots at the damaged cruisers, however, I am worried that Lexington will seriously damage and/or have a chance to sink at least 1 of my CVs. I control Shortlands and it has 12 Mavis flying from it. An AR, AV, and AS are already headed there.

This is an economic turn where I will be planning out the economy for the first six months. I've got about an hour of work before I send the turn.

Am wide open for suggestions from the readership!

Your thoughts???




Turn sent.

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< Message edited by John 3rd -- 1/24/2012 7:34:02 PM >

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Post #: 106
RE: The Battle of the Coral Sea - 1/25/2012 5:52:44 AM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 1176
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		I'm a big believer that the Allies can lose as much as they want and still have more than enough.  The Japanese cannot lose anything and the Japanese IRL made the mistake of over dividing their forces and paid for it consistently.  As Japs, I like to move into an area in force.  The allies have no choice but to retreat.  I get what I want without much of a fight.  Even against determined resistance, the Allies at this stage of the war will not win.  They might get a lucky hit or lucky torp, but can't overcome japanese power right now as long as japanese power is projected.  I like what you are doing, but you are too dispursed right now, and that can mean death for the Japanese.  If the Enterprise is close by.....

< Message edited by vicberg -- 1/25/2012 2:12:46 PM >

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Post #: 107
RE: The Battle of the Coral Sea - 1/25/2012 6:05:47 AM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 1176
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		CarDiv1 around Java is sub bait for GOOD Dutch subs and a few strikes on ports won't do much.  I've done the same approach and was disappointed in the results.  I popped a few ships, but that was it.  CarDiv1 and CarDiv2 in the Solomons right now would have sunk all allied ships and the Lexington without risking ANYTHING.  The KB at this point in the game is unstoppable, if kept together.  Anything else is a major risk.  In a couple of months, the Allies can have 5+ carriers.  More than enough for separated Japanese Carrier forces.  The problem is that the Allies have pre-knowledge from history.  They know that japs are going for Java, Malaysia, Sumatra, Solomons, Gilberts and then something else.  The only question is that something else?  OZ, India, PH, China?  So they can effectively counter punch wherever they want.  This is why I like to focus operations on a specific area, get LBA into the area and then move on.  Slower advance for the japs, but safer. 

Cutting off Lexington is worth it at this point.  One Allied carrier is worth the losses so far.  But once again, if Enterprise is around that area, it's a huge risk. 

< Message edited by vicberg -- 1/25/2012 2:14:37 PM >

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Post #: 108
Is this BAD??? - 1/25/2012 4:34:24 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		The Answer is: NO!


BANZAI! BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!!!






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Post #: 109
Is this BAD??? - 1/25/2012 5:40:06 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Combat Report
December 18-19, 1941

The action reaches a climax in the Coral Sea and things continue swimmingly in the DEI.

North Pacific
TFs moving to their destinations.

Central Pacific
The Midway IF is one day out and begins its final run to target. I have added a CA to the Invasion Force and have a CA and CL set aside as a Bombardment Unit. If there is no interference then Midway shall be Japanese by the end of December 20th!

CarDiv5 is now due south of Johnston with AOs following. The demise of Lexington sets up something interesting now. Instead of moving southwest at all speed to the Coral Sea, perhaps these CVs should head due south and stir up trouble down by Pago Pago and Suva? Hmmm... Will think on that option. Only USS Enterprise remains unaccounted for at the moment.

South Pacific
Two days of major action here as CarDiv2 enters the Coral Sea looking for trouble.

18th (repeat entry from earlier)
CarDiv2 enters the Coral Sea and finds a Hoste of Allied warships.

In the morning two strikes are flown:

Strike 1: 6 Z, 22 V, 12 K sink the damaged American CA USS Minneapolis with 4 Bombs and 2 TTs

Strike 2: 6 Z, 10 K attack a Cruiser Force at Rabaul hitting CAs Canberra and Astoria and CL Leander with a 250Kg bomb each

Strike 3: 6 Z 19 V sink DD Mahan (escort for Minneapolis)

During the Afternoon another TF is spotted to the NW (Range 8) but bad weather prevents 8 Zero and 22 Kates from getting there (too BAD!). This is the USS Lexington. She is still operating here despite taking a Long Lance a few days ago.

Strike 4: 6 Z and 19 K attack the Cruisers at Rabaul and add 2 more Bombs to CA Astoria (3 total for Serious Damage), 2 bombs hit CA Portland, and 2 more nail CL Leander (3 for Serious Damage)

We lose a single Kate for the day.

I've made a Screen Shot of my plans for tomorrow to swing CarDiv2 SW below New Guinea to prevent a retreat to Australia. Since Japan controls Shortlands and it has 12 Mavis flying from it. An AR, AV, and AS are already headed there.

19th
The day opens with few Allied warships spotted. Two small strikes fly:

Strike 1: 8 Z, 10 V, 12 K attack CL Perth and hit it with 3 Bombs

Strike 2: 6 Z and 10 K finish off DD Mahan (thought it was sunk yesterday)

Over near Lunga, Lexington reveals herself when a small Strike of 8 Buf and 12 SBD hit the small Landing Force near that target. Two of three AKL are sunk, however, this strike reveals where the Lexington is located.

CarDiv2 turns into the wind and launches a killer strike of 12 Zero and 41 Kate at Lexington's TF. In a maddening moment, the Hiryu's planes get lost in bad weather. The remaining planes (8 Z and 19 K) find Lexington. They easily brush past the CAP of 12 Buffalo (shooting down 8 of them) and dive on the Lady Lex. With 19 planes attacking they score NINE bomb hits and also hit Louisville with 2 more. BANZAI! The intelligence screen reveals the loss of 91 planes (Buffalo, SBD, Vindicators, and TBF). How about that???

Strike 4: 24 V sink an AP near Port Moresby

As the sun sets, the Japanese know that there are at least 4 CA and 2 CL out there in a damaged state (2-3 hits each). In a bold (possibly stupid) move, CarDiv2 splits to widen its combat power. Hiryu moves towards Lunga and Soryu stays near her current location covering possible flight to Australia. Sinking any of these ships will only make the rest of the year and Aussie Invasion far easier.

Eastern DEI
Dili falls on the 18th.

The Koepang IF is attacked by 10 A-24 flying from the base on the 19th. The landing will occur tomorrow. A force of 3 CA will bombard the AF tonight.

The Wyndham IF passes Ambon this day heading for its target.

Western DEI
The landing at Palembang on the 17th reveals only the initial two units present. The 18th sees the base fall in a 30-1 attack. THANK GOODNESS we capture things nearly intact! Oil: 892 OK to 8 damaged Refinery: 1011 OK to 9 damaged. Palembang is INTACT: BANZAI! The 2 Tk Regiments were set to follow in pursuit and they attack on the 19th taking Praboemoelih destroying the two units there. Each Regiment sets out for a different objective: one heads for Oosthaven while the other goes due west.

The KB continues to be attacked and shoots down a bunch of aircraft. More strikes are conducted that see an AG, AVP, ML, 2 HDML, 2 AP, 2 AKL, 1 AK and damage another 12-15 in Batavia's Port. With sorties near zero, CarDiv1 heads for Cam Rahn Bay having done fantastic work. The CVLs still have a good number of sorties so they stay in place.

Malay
Alor Star falls on the 19th.

Philippines
Movement but no real developments.

China
Attack Changsha and nearly get a 1-1 (933--991) but do lower Forts to 3

Capture 90,56 as the Japanese move west out of the Shanghai area

SS Action
19th
I-157 sinks AK Indira near Columbo.

I-155 sinks after striking a mine near Batavia

Those are the developments...WOW...pretty exciting...


< Message edited by John 3rd -- 1/25/2012 5:42:18 PM >

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Post #: 110
RE: Is this BAD??? - 1/25/2012 6:31:15 PM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 1176
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		LOL and WOW.  This is going to be a fun AAR to watch.  Your aggressiveness is matched by your opponent's.   I bet he's regretting sending Lady Lex by itself into the Solomons. That's aggressive.  I'll keep quiet about conservative play in the future. 

(in reply to John 3rd)
Post #: 111
RE: Is this BAD??? - 1/25/2012 6:53:35 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		No! I need to hear this. Michael and I just talked on the phone and had a similar conversation. Vicberg--keep up your comments and opinions. Always good to read. Got to keep my feet somewhere near the ground...


< Message edited by John 3rd -- 1/25/2012 6:54:14 PM >

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Post #: 112
One Day - 1/26/2012 4:57:21 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		We had to take a One Day Break within the game due to FatR finding out he and I had missed a file change somewhere on January 1st. His last set of database changes were not included and so we had to scramble to get that right. Luckily it does not appear to have caused Lew and I to restart our game. Sent the three Scenario files that we modified to Lew last night and so I expect a turn later today.


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Post #: 113
Keeping to the Schedule - 1/26/2012 5:09:42 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		With the apparent sinking of Lexington in the Coral Sea, the Japanese SHOULD be able to get back onto track in the SE Pacific.

Total losses from the surface actions include the following larger vessels: BB Mutsu, CAs Furutaka and Kako, CL Yubari, and 2 DD.

In return we have sunk USS Lexington and hope to sink several Allied CA and CL. Currently the bag includes Lexington, CA Minneapolis, and DD Mahan. Damage has been done to CAs Canberra, Portland, Astoria, and Louisville as well as CLs Leander and Perth.

The Landings for Rabaul. Luganville and Efate shall be within 2-4 days. Lae and Milne Bay should go about the same time. Once these bases are grabbed, I shall reorganize and move units, supply, and fuel down from Truk. There are TK and AO at Truk just waiting to begin moving the 300,000 fuel that is present there. I've got enough engineers to quickly expand Rabaul's AF and then Port. Am a little low on Supply but have 150,000 coming from the Home Islands so that quickly take care of the issue. Additional units of the Kaigun are on the way: 2 CA, 2 CL, and 12 DD shall be at Truk by Christmas. Will probably pull another pair of BBs over from the Western DEI to provide serious gunfire support.

Figure about January 1st the Landings at New Caledonia will start. I will also move south and grab Norfolk Island. A serious pause will begin at that point as I shuffle fuel and units forward preparing for the big jump to the area around Sydney.


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Post #: 114
Picture - 1/26/2012 5:19:55 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		Here is the coming Coral Sea turn:

1. Invasion Forces for Lunga, Efate and Luganville can be seen moving along. The Efate and Luganville IF carry Naval Guards. Lunga has an SNLF Coy and 2 Construction units.

2. Rabaul IF will land in two days and it has BB Nagato, 4 CLs, and 6 DDs protecting the Imperial Guards Brigade, 14th Army HQ, 2 BF, and 2 Artillery units.

3. CV Hiryu, CA Tone, and 4 DD move east to catch any Allied Warships moving along the Lexington TF's path. Hiryu will also finish off Lexington if she did not sink after a Long lance and 9 bombs.

4. CV Soryu, CA Chikuma, and 4 DD move slightly WSW to block the door of retreat towards Australia.

The Allied TF are clearly seen in the screenshot.





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Post #: 115
Eastern Arm - 1/26/2012 5:27:05 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
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Status: offline 		Here is the Eastern DEI and NW Aussie area.

The Koepang IF (despite A-24 interference) will land tomorrow. The 33rd Inf Div (using way points) wil land at Wyndham in about 4-5 days.

The thing that proves so tough for Japanese players early in the war is how to keep the momentum up. Here--boxed in yellow--the Japanese have many reinforcement, supply, and fuel TF moving things forward. At this point in the offensive I have the immediate landings occurring, next landing already formed-up and sailing, and am planning for the set of landings to take place after that. This is my humble attempt at 'keepin' up the skeer!'






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Post #: 116
Western Arm - 1/26/2012 5:35:12 PM   
John 3rd


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From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		The Octopus's Western Arm has grabbed Palembang and the three TK Reg brought along fan out south, west, and north to quickly capture Southern Sumatra. The 4th Inf Div will land in about a week at Merak and, thus, break into Java before a defense can seriously be formed.

CarDiv1 retires for fuel and provisions to Cam Rahn Bay. The CVLs continue to absorb Allied Attacks while inflicting damage on the 30+ ships still within Batavia's Harbor.

Once again, supply and reinforcement convoys are following the landing forces. An Air Flotilla, large Base Force, and 4 Con Bn will be landed at Palembang within days. Will move serious amounts of airpower there at that point to free up my CVs and CVLs. Once available they shall move to Koepang and then raise Hell south of Java and along the coast of Australia.






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Post #: 117
Re-Start - 1/30/2012 8:22:55 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		I know Lew (Adm Nelson) posted in his thread so I thought I should do the same in mine.

While looking over some things, FatR spotted a serious set of omissions with 4.0. It looks like when he, kfsgo, and I were passing the files back-and-forth on January 1st I missed one set from FatR. This led his final ship and aircraft to be left out of the final product. At first we tried to splice things so everything would be present but the damage was pretty bad since work was done on top of any changes made by Stanislav. We elected to back up to his last set of changes and then I have spent the weekend redoing all the modifications I did prior to the final release. Tedious? YES. Needed? YES! They are now done.

Lew and I shall do a restart tomorrow. Luckily none of my GRAND PLAN was overly revealed so I can still go ahead with my utter and complete fiendishnish...

Will do the re-start while still using this Thread just to keep everything in one place.


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Post #: 118
Once More... - 2/1/2012 7:05:11 PM   
John 3rd


Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline 		After getting all the files straightened out, I sent Lew and Roland the CORRECTED files last night.

Stanislav told me he would get the RA Site changed and will add the Allied Loading Screen Art choices that EJ got done. NICE!

The three of us decided to load the newest Beta from MichaelM---THANKS MichaelM for your hard work--and then re-installed the Extended Map and Stacking Limits. For the record this campaign will run on the 1108r9 version of the Beta.

Turn One was sent to each opponent just a few minutes ago.

My plan regarding Lew continues as before with the TOTAL AND COMPLETE DESTRUCTION OF AUSSIELAND planned! Of course, some changes have been made within the Operational side of the plan. After our massed tussel forcibly reminding me of his absolute aggressiveness in our first attempt at this, I have done some re-organization. Important Changes:

1. Pearl Harbor will be hit by the 4 BIG BOYS of CarDiv1 and CarDiv5. CarDiv2 will strike Manila and support the DEI Operations.
2. There will be no fooling around after the PH Strike. The KB will move to immediately support landing in the South Pacific. The AOs are sent to Kwajalein where they will move out to support the KB wherever needed.
3. I am reinforcing the Luzon Landing to raise the total to 4 Inf Div and 65th Brigade to force a QUICK retreat into Bataan.
4. Instead of immediate moves towards Ambon I will work to knock-out Mindanao. First will be a Day ONE Para drop at Cotabato grabbing that Lvl 2 AF. A force of 21 Kates and 12 Zero will then provide strike potential from there on Day TWO as two Infantry and oneTank Regiments move from Babeldoap to hold and then take the base/island.
5. There will be a Kota Bharu Landing this time. FIVE Inf Div will attack Malaya to achieve the same goal as Luzon.
6. China will focus on the Central Plains as well as a drive on Changsha.


I will exude a feeling of PATIENCE when it comes to the South Pacific this time. (Breath IN, Breath OUT---IN, OUT...) All four of the remaining Japanese BBs (Ise/Hyuga and Nagato/Mutsu) shall travel to Truk to buttress the attack there!

These are the plans...



< Message edited by John 3rd -- 2/1/2012 7:08:55 PM >

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Post #: 119
RE: Once More... - 2/1/2012 9:06:38 PM   
FatR

 

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From: St.Petersburg, Russia
Status: offline 		I strongly advise you to try updating this game to the new version first, before restarting.

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Post #: 120
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