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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Revenge of the Enterprise

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RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/29/2020 2:14:44 PM

DesertWolf101

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

oh I didn't know, I will read the beginning

did you take notes? I can barely remember the last couple weeks ago (both PBEM and personal life), definitively not something I could do

Yes I did take notes and I have the saved turns to go over as well. I certainly could not do this from memory alone.

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)

Post #: 61

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/29/2020 3:15:52 PM

Alfred

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quote:

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Nice job on that intercept of Ryujo! IIRC, that is the biggest of Japan's CVLs.
You may be a newbie at this PBEM GC game, but you seem to have a clear idea of what is important. Naval search to identify enemy weaknesses or threats is one of them. Well played!

Thank you!

Speaking of naval search, I did often wonder whether night time naval search suffers reduced effectiveness relative to daytime search. Do you or anyone else happen to know the answer to that?

You were lucky the enemy air TF did not skedaddle out of Dodge City. Game mechanics very much favour air TFs avoiding any surface combat. Usually there is a need for the enemy to have damaged ships which reduce the overall TF speed and thereby prevent it from getting away from a fast surface TF.

As to the search, there is no differentiation between night and day other than there is only a single night phase compared to two day phases. But then you only get a single dedicated night combat phase compared to two dedicated day combat phases.

Also you have to take into account "atmospherics" such as cloud cover, moonlight, weather, radar etc for air operations.

Alfred

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 62

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/29/2020 3:21:13 PM

Alfred

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quote:

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

your AAR should be renamed "Avenging the Enterprise"

Remember this is an AAR of an already completed campaign. The title will make more sense with later events.

I think we know the answer already. No need for Spoiler Alert.

The only real question was whether the coup de grace was delivered by Essex class or Lexington/Wasp classes. Your later post that you kept the saved files strongly suggest that the game did not last beyond 200 turns. A coup de grace delivered around mid 1942 perhaps?

Alfred

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 63

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/29/2020 5:31:37 PM

DesertWolf101

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

quote:

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

your AAR should be renamed "Avenging the Enterprise"

Remember this is an AAR of an already completed campaign. The title will make more sense with later events.

I think we know the answer already. No need for Spoiler Alert.

The only real question was whether the coup de grace was delivered by Essex class or Lexington/Wasp classes. Your later post that you kept the saved files strongly suggest that the game did not last beyond 200 turns. A coup de grace delivered around mid 1942 perhaps?

Alfred

Alfred you are a wizard!

In this case I will say that you have one thing right and another wrong.

(in reply to Alfred)

Post #: 64

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/29/2020 6:27:30 PM

DanielAClark

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

you live and learn

unless he makes a mistake or there is a lucky torpedo leveling the field, he has now pushed serious Allied offensives to 1943

EDIT: you should had posted, beforehand, your plan of using Big E on Pt Moresby... I mean it took 36 min from your SW Pacific post for DanielAClark to notice that the KB was suspiciously missing

Heh...I merely guessed based on the prevalence of Allied players who send their CVs to the Coral Sea in December 1941 or January of 1942...

...and it almost always ends in a lost carrier.

Reading this, though...I need to figure out how to add some night naval search capability in my Guadalcanal campaign.

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)

Post #: 65

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/30/2020 6:08:25 PM

DesertWolf101

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December 23

Submarines

SS KXVIII spotted the fat AK Hirokawa Maru off Singora but missed with two torps.

SW Pacific

The KB pulled back to the north, likely for replenishment and repairs after two turns of flank speed. My opponent threw a parting airstrike from the KB on Port Moresby on the way out.

Philippines

The last of the Japanese forces at Iba are wiped out by my troops. I suspect he may have pulled out some of them over the last turn or two with fast transports. The victorious troops will rest up a bit and head back to the other front lines.

China

More heavy pounding of my troops advancing on Hankow from the air.

His continued interest in the bombing of Changsha airfield drew me to commit a squadron of the Flying Tigers to the battle. Fortunately, this was the turn where he pulled out his Zeros and replaced them with Nates. As a result, a dozen or so Nates and Sonias were shot down by my Tigers.

The Japanese 21st and 22nd Divisions shatter my blocking position at Chuhsien, wrecking the defenders and driving the survivors towards Wenchow. I lost 5,301 casualties here for just 395 Japanese.

The Japanese 1st Raiding Regiment takes Chihkiang, which I had undefended in a surprise paratroop drop. I divert some troops to retake it.

Borneo

The Japanese reinforced the CAP over Sinkawang with Zeros, making it more difficult for my B-17E bombers in todays strike. Lost a few to battle damage, but claimed a couple of Zeros in return.

The Japanese take Pontianak and Samarinda with a couple of shock attacks.

----

China was heating up very quickly. Japanese troops had crossed the river in force south of Chengchow, and I was starting to question the wisdom of a frontal assault on Hankow after I realized starts with high levels of fortifications in addition to the heavy urban terrain.

(in reply to DanielAClark)

Post #: 66

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/30/2020 6:29:05 PM

DesertWolf101

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December 24

Submarines

I-21 sinks AM Robin next to Palmyra where a torpedo connects out of a spread of four.

SS Sargo attempts the same feat against DD Fubuki off Cam Ranh Bay but all four torps miss.

After SS KXVIII�s failure to hit AK Hirokawa Maru yesterday, SS KXI attempts its luck against the same target and succeeds, sending it down with two torpedoes.

Malaya

An Oscar sweep wrecks my Buffalo CAP over Singapore � my fighters here are completely outmatched against the best of the IJA.

Borneo

The Japanese take Brunei.

China

Four Japanese destroyers bombard the first Chinese units that arrived in Hankow. No losses were sustained however.

Chinese bombers came in to bomb the troops around Hankow in the morning and were met by some of my Flying Tigers. The Tigers shoot down four Sally bombers.

Over the last few turns I committed the Chinese bomber force against his troops attempting to encircle Chengchow and Loyang in an effort to slow things down. I was wary of his CAP however so I kept trying to be unpredictable with my target selection in the area.

In the same sector, I attempted to throw the Japanese advanced guard back over the river before the arrival of more Imperial forces. A deliberate attack on the 6th Independent Mixed Brigade and the 32nd Division met with one to one odds, but I lost 3,000 troops to my opponents 1,000.

I bombarded this turn the troops Japanese troops at Hankow to test the waters and lost 237 casualties for no gain.

------

I decided to cancel the advance on Hankow, which was unlikely to yield positive results, and concentrate on the deteriorating situation to the north.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 67

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/30/2020 6:45:27 PM

DesertWolf101

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December 25

Submarines

I-6 finds my replenishment task force north of Hawaii and launches four torpedoes at AO Sabine. One torp hits the fuel-laden ship but the torpedo duds

Philippines

Japanese forces land in force at Cagayan.

Malaya

More Oscar sweeps come over Singapore but meet no resistance. I have to be careful how I commit my fighters here.

Borneo

A successful night strike by Blenheim bombers on Sinkawang knocks out three Japanese fighters and a recon aircraft on the ground.

China

Japanese recon must have alerted my opponent to the presence of my aircraft at Kukong. A large Sally strike escorted by Zeros sweeps aside defending I-16 fighters and knocks out several Chinese bombers on the ground.

----

Given the Japanese threat to Mindanao and the loss of Borneo, I decided to pull out of my fighters from the Philippines before it was too late to do so. I also bought out the B-17Ds at Cagayan and started to send them to Java.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 68

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/30/2020 7:17:22 PM

DesertWolf101

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December 26

Submarines

I-3 sinks AK Katrina Luckenbach with two torpedoes off the shores of Canada.

SS KX strikes DD Hibiki with a torpedo near Samarinda, The torpedo was not enough to sink the destroyer so SS KX tries again later in the turn and this time sinks its prey.

Philippines

My last surviving PT boat in the Philippines, which had been busy dodging several Japanese attempts at knocking it out with surface task forces over the last few turns, finds a Japanese convoy in the night and sinks AK Ishikari Maru with two torpedo hits. What a champ.

Instead of falling back to Clark from Lingayen, I had reinforced my troops there from Iba. Despite similar levels of AV on both sides, a Japanese shock attack gets 4 to 1 odds and inflicts almost 10,000 losses on my inexperienced troops for only about 2,500 Japanese casualties.

Farther south at Lucena, the trapped 51st PA Infantry Division withstands a Japanese assault with 1 to 2 odds in its favor.

Even further south at Cagayan, the Japanese attack and get 1 to 1 odds and reduce the fortifications to 0. It looks like the town will fall in the next attack.

Malaya

Japanese Nell and Betty bombers pound Singapore from the air, ending a long hiatus from bombing for the fortress town. We lose a dew aircraft on the ground for about similar numbers of Japanese brought down by flak.

China

Japanese Sally bombers attempt to bomb Chinese troops near Chengchow but are intercepted by Chinese Hawk fighters who shoot several down.

The Japanese, having crossed the river now in force, shock attack the Chinese to devastating effect. Four Japanese divisions and a mixed brigade inflict 20,000 losses on my troops for only 3,000 Japanese losses. The Chinese survivors fall back on Nanyang while the victorious Japanese advance northwards towards Chengchow.

Under heavy pressure, I attempt to create some diversions elsewhere in the hopes of drawing away reinforcements from the north. Over the last few turns, I converged several of my units south of Changsha on Nanchang.

----

What a debacle in the Philippines. After initially doing quite well here, I threw it all away by committing to a defense at Lingayen instead of Clark. As it is, my troops are now too weakened to make a stand at Clark and will have to already retreat all the way to Bataan for the final stand. This was the turn where I really internalized the different terrain values in the game, something I didn't really quite comprehend until now.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 69

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/30/2020 7:23:58 PM

DesertWolf101

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The situation in China. I am pulling away from Hankow after deciding against the offensive there and attempting a diversionary attack at Nanchang. My troops are holding strong in the Changsha sector, but the situation in the north is critical after a heavy defeat just south of Chengchow.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 70

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/30/2020 7:59:01 PM

DesertWolf101

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December 27

Submarines

Nothing of note

SW Pacific

I was determined to hold on to Port Moresby, and was reinforcing it with whatever troops I could get into place. My opponent detected one of these convoys and sent in a light cruiser task force to intercept. After a long battle, I lost three APs, two AMs, and the French destroyer Le Triomphant. The silver lining was that most of the troops on board had already made it ashore when the convoy was wrecked.

Philippines

The Japanese shock attack at Cagayan but the timely arrival of some reinforcements proves decisive. 855 Japanese losses are inflicted for 338 Filipino casualties.

Malaya

Japanese mobile regiments arrived at Kuala Lumpur last turn, where my first line of defense was situated. I had mainly relied on blocking detachments until now to slow the Japanese down. Attempting to take advantage of the strung out Japanese advance, I ordered a shock attack by the 11th Indian Division for this turn. My opponent�s forces attacked first, weakening his two armored regiments against my defenses before my attack went in during the Allied phase, inflicting significant casualties on the Japanese, especially in vehicles.

China

Concerned with the situation in the north, I made the poor decision to attack the Japanese army in the Changsha sector. 3 to 1 odds in my opponents favor resulted in 7,891 Chinese casualties for only 2,396 Japanese.

This loss was tempered somewhat by the successful storming of Nanchang by my troops, inflicting about 1,000 Japanese casualties for 250 Chinese losses. Several Japanese aircraft were destroyed with the capture of the base.

A large Japanese force, mainly composed of the victors of the Battle of Hong Kong, finally arrives at Kukong and bombard the defenders.

-----

Despite several attempts to draw away Japanese forces from the north, I didn't notice any shift away of units from there. With the rail cut south of Chengchow, my troops will also clearly not be getting any reinforcements in time. The Chinese forces in the sector will either have to hold on their own or die trying.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 71

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/30/2020 8:24:02 PM

DesertWolf101

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December 28

Submarines

Nothing of note.

Philippines

The heroic stand of the 51st PA Infantry Divison at Lucena finally comes to an end as the Japanese bring up reinforcements and shock attack, forcing it to surrender.

The Japanese land more troops to reinforce their depleted forces at Cagayan. Further Japanese troops land at Zamboanga.

Malaya

It�s a cat and mouse game over the skies of Singapore. After several sweeps failed to elicit any response from my fighters � I successfully caught unescorted IJA bombers on a bombing run on Singapore. My Buffalos shatter the approaching bombers, bringing down more than 30 Lily and Sally bombers. Unfortunately, two S-boats and a Dutch sub were caught in port and sunk by the surviving bombers.

Having weakened the two mobile regiments in the previous turn at Kuala Lumpur, I launched my Blenheim bombers at the Japanese troops in the hex behind them (to prevent their arrival during the turn) and launch a shock attack. The Japanese 1st Tank and 5th Recon regiments are forced to retreat, leaving behind them 61 lost vehicles.

China

My Flying Tigers swing into action once more, this time flying CAP over Kukong that I surmised was soon to be attacked by the Japanese. The Flying Tigers do well, pushing past the escorting Zeros to shoot down several Sally bombers.

In what I think was an attempt to establish a crossing for subsequent forces, the Japanese 3rd Independent Mixed Brigade and the 5th Armored Car Company shock attack across the river into Loyang. I had built up the defenses here however and shattered the attack, inflicting 2,466 Japanese losses for 139 Chinese.

-----

The air war is the one domain where I had yet to make any serious errors, and I had by now accumulated several British, USAAF, and Flying Tiger aces.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 72

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/31/2020 8:04:37 AM

Alfred

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So far your opponent is exhibiting the very common mistake of JFBs who believe that Japan can be played as if it were America. A belief that there is a surfeit of military resources which allow blind attacking; no need for patient accumulation of the necessary assets to achieve sound strategic objectives because there is always more stuff coming down the pipeline. Any attack is justified because otherwise there is no fun.

In short a typical armchair player who even if they have spent decades reading up on the PTO, have really not comprehended the nature of the conflict.

A quite different mindset is required to play Japan well. Any proper depiction of the PTO is not one where the blue and red sides are equal, where the same mindset can be applied to both sides. it is asymmetrical warfare in terms of real world capabilities and real world intentions. AE does a good job in capturing the essence of the PTO. Which is a major reason why so many Japanese PBEM players just quit the game when their initial fun of just steamrolling the unprepared Allies is checked and they confront the reality of being on the strategic defensive. They can't make the mindset transition, a transition which in truth should never have to be made because it should have applied from Day 1. From day 1 Japan should never be profligate with its deployments and application of assets. No galumphing on the high seas wasting fuel, no unfocussed air operations frittering away airframes whose replacement construction imposes a significant opportunity cost, ditto for land units.

Alfred

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 73

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/31/2020 8:37:02 AM

DesertWolf101

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

So far your opponent is exhibiting the very common mistake of JFBs who believe that Japan can be played as if it were America.� A belief that there is a surfeit of military resources which allow blind attacking; no need for patient accumulation of the necessary assets to achieve�sound strategic objectives because there is always more stuff coming down the pipeline.� Any attack is justified because otherwise there is no fun.

In short a typical armchair player who even if they have spent decades reading up on the PTO, have really not comprehended the nature of the conflict.

A quite different mindset is required to play Japan well.� Any proper depiction of the PTO is not one where the blue and red sides are equal, where the same mindset can be applied to both sides.� it is asymmetrical warfare in terms of real world capabilities and real world intentions.� AE does a good job in capturing the essence of the PTO.� Which is a major reason why so many Japanese PBEM players just quit the game when their initial fun of just steamrolling the unprepared Allies is checked and they confront the reality of being on the strategic defensive.� They can't make the mindset transition, a transition which in truth should never have to be made because it should have applied from Day 1.� From day 1 Japan should never be profligate with its deployments and application of assets.� No galumphing on the high seas wasting fuel, no unfocussed air operations frittering away airframes whose replacement construction imposes a significant opportunity cost, ditto for land units.

Alfred

I cannot say for sure, but I think my opponent may have approached this campaign a bit differently, at least initially, due to the fact that I was a complete newbie. On the whole however I have to agree with you Alfred. If I were to ascribe a single factor that most undermined my opponent's operations during the length of our game is that he was overly aggressive. I mean that in the sense that my opponent consistently took risky moves without adequate preparation that often exposed his forces to the threat of considerable damage.

(in reply to Alfred)

Post #: 74

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/31/2020 8:57:44 AM

Alfred

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Playing a newbie or someone perceived to be a weaker player is no justification for engaging in unsound tactics and strategies.

Alfred

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 75

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/31/2020 9:32:39 AM

DesertWolf101

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December 29

Submarines

While patrolling around Truk, SS Pollack found and attacked TK Nissyo Maru with four torpedos but was stymied by the curse of the Mk14.

South Pacific

I received signals intelligence a few turns ago that a Japanese landing force was on its way to Nadi in the Fiji islands. That is pretty daring of my opponent to jump that far forward this soon! Luckily I had a minelayer in the area and quickly dropped some eggs at Nadi. The advanced warning also gave me time to rush the Lexington and Saratoga to the area.

Philippines

The only allied fighters remaining in the Philippines, P-26A Peashooters, rose up to meet the incoming bombing raids on Bataan but were too outdated to do much damage.

The Japanese capture Zamboanga, which was the only base I had available that produced supplies in Mindanao.

The Japanese arrive at Clark � I am pulling back my troops as fast as possible into Bataan before the inevitable Japanese attack.

Borneo

The Dutch forces that were pushed out from Tarakan ended up in the adjacent hex of Tandjoengselor. The Japanese pursued them with an amphibious landing there but my Dutch troops had taken some of their coastal guns with them and they sank the AK Teisen Maru during the landing.

China

The only way I could support the northern front was with air support, and I moved in a number of Chinese fighter units into Loyang and Chengchow to deal with his intensifying air raids. The antiquated aircraft met his raids and while they only knocked out a bomber or two, they did help with disrupting their aim. In the meantime, I was busy playing mind games with my opponent in using my own Chinese bombers while attempting to dodge his CAP.

A Japanese deliberate attack is launched against Kukong, taking down the fortifications to level 1. The odds were 1 to 2 in my favor however with about 3,000 Japanese casualties for 1,000 Chinese.

At Loyang, I shock attack the heavily depleted forces that crossed over last turn and send them reeling back across the river with 3,000 casualties.

-----

It was nice shattering the Japanese brigade and armored car company at Loyang, but it did delay my attempt to transfer some of the units over to Chengchow in the adjacent hex which is being rapidly approached by a very sizable Japanese army.

(in reply to Alfred)

Post #: 76

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/31/2020 9:37:07 AM

DesertWolf101

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December 30

Submarines

SS Stingray finds a large Japanese convoy south of Cam Ranh Bay but fails to damage its prey due to faulty torpedoes.

South Pacific

The KB rears its ugly head next to Luganville where Val dive-bombers sink two AKLs. The KB must be here to protect the Fiji invasion force.

Philippines

Japanese troops land at Davao. Even more Imperial troops reinforce Cagayan.

Malaya

Japanese IJN bombers pound the 11th Indian Division at Kuala Lumpur. Despite the defenses I had built up here, I decide caution was the better part of valor here and start pulling back the division ahead of a large number of approaching Japanese units. At least the division did a good job blunting his advanced guard.

China

Chinese fighters damage a number of IJA bombers while the experienced Flying Tigers tangle successfully with some Zeros and Nates.

-----

The lack of an attack on Pearl Harbor has started to pay dividends for me. With a large number of Catalina patrol aircraft intact, I blanket the area around Fiji with search arcs. Hopefully my advantage in recon here will come to use.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 77

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/31/2020 11:41:10 AM

DesertWolf101

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December 31

Submarines

Just off Balikpapan during the night, SS KIX spots the Japanese battleship BB Hyuga and launches four torpedoes at it. Unfortunately, they miss. Later during the day however, the same submarine spots a light carrier task force and launches another spread of four torps at CVE Taiyo. A single torpedo hits the Taiyo, damaging her but not enough to put her under.

Philippines

The Japanese shock attack at Clark, eliminating my fortifications there but getting the worst of it in terms of casualties. 2,3111 Japanese losses are registered for 955 allied. A fortunate result, which should allow my forces to retreat in good order into Bataan.

The Japanese shock attack at Cagayan but had the misfortune to do so just as the 102nd PA Infantry Division arrives at Cagayan as reinforcements. 638 Japanese casualties are inflicted for the loss of 270 Filipino troops. I even launch my own deliberate attack during the Allied phase and knock out another 454 Japanese troops.

The Japanese occupy Davao and land at Jolo.

Malaya

I attempt to protect the retreating 11th Indian Division with Buffalo fighters on CAP but my opponent escorts his bombers with Oscars and sweeps aside my fighters.

---

The KB and the convoy pass through my submarine picket line without incident, but at least I have a very good sighting of where they are.

< Message edited by DesertWolf101 -- 5/31/2020 12:01:47 PM >

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Post #: 78

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/31/2020 12:21:41 PM

DesertWolf101

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January 1st, 1942

Submarines

After yesterday�s excitement, nothing of note this turn.

Philippines

Clark falls to the Japanese but barely any allied troops still remained there to take casualties.

Yet another wave of Japanese troops arrives at Cagayan. Nevertheless, the heroic Filipino troops launch a shock attack and push the Japanese out of the hex with 1,000 casualties.

Borneo

Fed up with the persistent Dutch defense at Tandjoengelor, the Japanese bring up four battleships and blast them to shreds. A shock attack then easily takes the base.

China

Near Hankow, the Flying Tigers catch a flight of Nates and Sally and shatter them. The Zeros show up later however and we take several losses.

Two Japanese divisions and an infantry regiment entered Wenchow last turn and attacked this turn. I had been building up the forts here and providing the defenders with replacement squads. The Japanese attack therefore met a significant degree of resistance and suffered accordingly, losing 4,834 troops to 432 Chinese. The battle of Wenchow starts of on a good note.

The first Japanese units start arriving at Chengchow, the big showdown here is imminent as I attempt to push in forces from Loyang. Besides investing in fort building and striking the Japanese troops with my bombers in the open, I also go through all my units and ensure that they get the best commanders possible.

-----

The KB and the convoy vanished... what?? I suspect the weather may have blanketed them from my search. No matter, the Saratoga strike force is already in position waiting for an opening and the Lexington strike force is swinging in from further north in the hope that I can catch his fuel train.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 79

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/31/2020 1:38:03 PM

DanielAClark

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Why risk Lexington and Saratoga this way?

Can they really stand up against the KB in 1941?

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 80

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 5/31/2020 8:25:54 PM

DesertWolf101

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quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark

Why risk Lexington and Saratoga this way?

Can they really stand up against the KB in 1941?

I certainly did not intend to engage the KB directly with my carriers. This was a situation however where I had extensive long range recon and he had none. I was attempting to place Lady Lex and the Saratoga in a position where I could take advantage of any openings to go after his invasion convoy and logistics if they were to temporarily fall out of the immediate cover of the KB.

(in reply to DanielAClark)

Post #: 81

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 6/1/2020 9:21:24 AM

DesertWolf101

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January 2, 1942

Submarines

I-2 finds some of our AKLs off Port Moresby but elects not to launch torpedoes. It surfaces instead twice later in the turn and puts two of them under with its deck gun.

SS Narwhal intercepts a convoy on the way to Rabaul but duds on a PB.

S/SW Pacific

The Japanese landing force arrives at Nadi. CV Hiryu hits one of the recently laid mines but does not appear to be heavily damaged. My opponent landed the 4th Division and the 144th Infantry Regiment here so there is not much I can do to prevent the fall of Fiji.

Philippines

The Japanese capture Manila.

Malaya

Oscars on CAP catch a Blenheim strike escorted by Buffalo fighters in Malaya. The Buffalos keep the IJA fighters off the bombers but suffer several losses for their valiant efforts.

Sumatra

A Japanese fast transport composed of several light cruisers and half a dozen destroyers lands SNLF units at Palembang.

China

Chinese fighter aircraft continue to harass enemy bombers over Chengchow while dodging Zeros. A experimental Tojo squadron sweeps and catches them this turn however, shooting down a two Polikarpov biplanes and a Hawk. Chinese bombers on the other hand continue to do a good job disrupting the Japanese armies converging on Chengchow.

-------

The bulk of the Japanese troops arrive in Chengchow and and carrier action seems imminent around Fiji - these were tense but exciting turns.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 82

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 6/1/2020 9:43:31 AM

DesertWolf101

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January 3, 1942

Submarines

I-26 puts a torpedo into AK Procyon next to San Diego, sinking her.

I-2 takes some minor damage from a depth charge attack in retaliation for her strikes over the last turn.

S/SW Pacific

Japanese battleships BB Hiei and BB Kirishima pound the beleaguered 8th New Zealand Brigade at Nadi. A Japanese attack then drives the Brigade back to Suva.

Central Pacific

Nell bombers hit Wake Island but meet no opposition. I had already pulled out the Wildcats.

Philippines

Bataan is pounded by almost a hundred bombers in total. This will largely be the daily routine from now on as my opponent seeks to degrade my final bastion in Luzon.

Malaya

The Japanese take Kuala Lumpur, but the 11th Division has long pulled out.

Borneo

I noticed that my opponent had placed some ships into port at Balikpapan, so I struck it with my B-17 bombers from Java. 6 PBs and 2 DMSs were crippled or sunk.

Java Sea

12 Catalinas loaded with torpedoes strike out of Soerabaja and sink three loaded Japanese AKs near Bandjermasin. 791 Japanese troops go down with the ships. Dutch 139WH-3 bombers join in on the fun and put two 300kg bombs into another AK.

Sumatra

Some Buffalo fighters I had put up on LRCAP over Palembang to defend the garrison from air attack shoot down 7 out of 31 Nells. I follow this up with my own bombing strikes on the SNLF units from Java and Singapore.

The bombing strikes severally weaken the SNLF units, greatly reducing their effectiveness when they attack at the end of the turn for a 1 to 2 ratio in my favor. Unfortunately, my garrison at Palembang remains very small and will not hold if he reinforces.

--------

I notice that the carriers had pulled away a few hexes to the north from the transports still unloading at Fiji. Time to strike!

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Post #: 83

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 6/1/2020 2:06:16 PM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 1445
Joined: 11/26/2016
Status: offline

January 4, 1942

Submarines

Nothing of note.

S/SW Pacific

The Enterprise squadrons that survived the sinking of their ship have since been stewing in Port Moresby, waiting for a chance to get back at the Empire of the Sun. Today they strike back with their first round of vengeance. A light cruiser force aiming to knock out my convoys heading to Port Moresby is sighted and engaged, with the Enterprise SBDs crippling light cruiser Kiso with several 1,000lb hits. They went in for another go in the afternoon and put another 1,000lb bomb into destroyer Akebono, triggering a massive explosion and leaving it with heavy damage.

At Fiji, the first attack to go in was by the A-24 Banshee squadrons that I had snuck into Suva and set for a max 1 hex range naval attack. The inexperienced pilots don�t do too well, scoring only a few hits on some AKs. Next up however were the much better trained naval aviators of the USS Saratoga, who hit seven Japanese ships, sinking two outright and leaving three in definite sinking condition, including a fat AP.

Malaya

I sweep the Japanese CAP over Kuala Lumpur that gave me a bloody nose two turns ago. We trade about even kills with a few fighters lost on both sides.

Betty bombers hit Singapore.

Borneo

Japanese forces come ashore at Bandjermasin. My Catalinas go for another run at his landing force but he put up a CAP of Oscars, which knocked out a few Cats and threw off their aim, causing them to hit only a single vessel.

Sumatra

My opponent threw a LRCAP of Zeros over Palembang, greatly reducing the effectiveness of my airstrikes on his troops there.

China

The Flying Tigers swing into action with a CAP over Kukong �several Zeros and a dozen Sallys are knocked out for minimal Tiger losses.

Maximum effort in the air over the Chengchow sector by both sides, as the Japanese assemble 2,120 AV in the hex against 1,673 Chinese. The Japanese bombard this turn to test the waters.

-----

I got my licks in near Fiji, now to bug out!

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 84

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 6/1/2020 2:38:07 PM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 1445
Joined: 11/26/2016
Status: offline

January 5, 1942

Submarines

S-27 finds the Japanese AK Sensan Maru off Nadi, a cripple from last turn�s SBD strikes, and sends it to the bottom.

I-26 attacks the ASW task force sent to hunt it, sinking DD Gilmer with a single torpedo hit.

Java Sea/Borneo

I had been waiting for just this moment � As I previously mentioned, I had extensive naval search over the Java Sea and this extended to recon flights over bases in Borneo like Balikpapan and Sinkawang. My plan was to attempt a repeat of the Ryujo sinking by keeping a large number of cruisers in proximity for lightening strikes into these waters when opportune targets present themselves.

Last turn I noticed potential tanker activity at Balikpapan as well as a convoy approaching Bandjermasin. There also didn�t appear to be any major Japanese surface task forces in the immediate vicinity (likely due to the action around Palembang). I assembled two cruiser task forces and sent one at each of the two targets.

The first to connect was the attack on the convoy. Six British cruisers (two heavy and four light) found six AKs escorted by four Japanese destroyers. In two rounds of night fighting, the entire Japanese convoy was sunk for minimal damage to the cruisers.

Next were the three British light cruisers on the more risky Balikpapan raid. Unfortunately, due to the more dangerous nature of this mission, I only sent three ships. This was not ideal since the target they encountered was a large gaggle of fat tankers with mostly PB escorts. Nevertheless, I caught the tankers loading and vulnerable, and 4 large tankers and an AO were left sinking or about to sink. During the day, the three daring cruisers were still in the area and attacked once more, sinking 6 more large and small tankers, two more replenishment vessels, and an assortment of subchasers and small escorts. They only ceased their fire when they exhausted practically all their ammunition and torpedoes.

Malaya

The Japanese take Kuantan

Sumatra

The Japanese land additional reinforcements at Palembang with fast transport groups. Heavy cruisers pound my defending forces with a night bombardment.

China

The Japanese finally attack Chengchow. They get 2 to 1 odds in their favor, but the heavy fortifications I built up seem to have gone a long way towards insulating the defenders. The Japanese sustain 7,374 casualties for 2,285 Chinese! Unfortunately fortifications are reduced to level 1.

Just to the south of Chengchow, Chinese forces reinforcements finally arrived from Nanyang to push a Japanese mixed brigade and an infantry back across the river in a shock attack. 2,317 Japanese casualties were inflicted but for 4,212 Chinese.

------

The KB races at flank speed south of Fiji to get the Saratoga but the American carrier force had no intention of sticking around to meet the fate of the Enterprise.

< Message edited by DesertWolf101 -- 6/1/2020 2:42:01 PM >

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Post #: 85

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 6/1/2020 3:01:16 PM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 1445
Joined: 11/26/2016
Status: offline

January 6, 1942

Submarines

I-2, still camping off Port Moresby, is depth charged for minor damage by DD Voyager.

S/SW Pacific

The Japanese take Suva, thus completing their conquest of Fiji.

I paid a price for my continuous efforts at building up Port Moresby today. My opponent brought in Betty bombers to Rabaul and today they sunk AP President Coolidge with four torpedo hits � ouch. Luckily, she had already dropped off her passengers.

Malaya

I lost the mind games with my opponent over Singapore this turn. I gambled that it may be a turn when he sends in the bombers but my Buffalo CAP was instead heavily reduced by an Oscar sweep. Luckily, many of my pilots survived.

Sumatra

The Japanese finally take Palembang from the exhausted defenders.

China

With my opponent sending vast Japanese forces at Chengchow, Changsha, Wenchow, and Kukong, I concluded that he likely left a number of areas weakly defended. Over the last week, I moved forces out of Sinyang and sent them towards Nanking. I didn�t think these troops could take Nanking, but I hoped they would be able to shatter some Japanese garrisons, create some panic at Imperial headquarters, and cut off the rail line between Nanking and Suchow. This move was risky, but was very much in keeping with my style of war in China. This turn my troops storm and seize Hwainan.

Another Flying Tiger CAP goes up over Kukong. This time however my opponent sent in an ungodly number of Zeros. We trade about even losses.

------

With practically no transports left to guard and likely short of fuel from its sprint after the Saratoga, the KB retreats back to the north towards Truk.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 86

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 6/1/2020 3:05:59 PM

DesertWolf101

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Joined: 11/26/2016
Status: offline

The Aces list thus far - not sure where this fits in with the average game by this time in the war, but overall I think the air war is where I am giving my best effort.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 87

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 6/1/2020 3:24:55 PM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 1445
Joined: 11/26/2016
Status: offline

January 7, 1942

Submarines

Nothing of note.

Malaya

The Japanese take Temuloh.

Celebes

Japanese forces attack at Manado but fail to take the base. Only a matter of time though.

China

The air battles over Kukong rage on. Despite a fair amount of losses, the Flying Tigers put on a good show today, knocking out a large number of Zeros and bombers. With Zero numbers likely low due to heavy attrition, my opponent even sweeps with Nates this turn to no effect.

The Japanese bombard at Chengchow. I in turn bombard at Changsha where I bought the Chinese independent artillery regiments into play.

A failed Japanese effort at Wenchow � 1639 Japanese lost for 740 Chinese. The siege goes on.

The Chinese central thrust takes Luchow, throwing the weak garrison forces back.

-----

The sustained air strikes, the heavy losses during the main attack on my fortifications, and the smaller scale battles around the main Chengchow zone have weakened my opponents forces - for the first time I feel like I may be able to hold in the northern sector.

< Message edited by DesertWolf101 -- 6/1/2020 3:25:29 PM >

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Post #: 88

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 6/1/2020 3:40:35 PM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 1445
Joined: 11/26/2016
Status: offline

January 8, 1942

Submarines

I-9 sinks AP Kota Barce close to San Francisco.

Java Sea

The Japanese send in their light carrier task forces in to the Java Sea to cover the Makassar Strait. A number of Catalinas and Swordfish aircraft go out to strike the Imperial Ships but are skewered by Zero fighters.

China

Realizing that my reinforcements were on the verge of entering Chengchow. My opponent launches a last ditch shock attack to take the base before I could reinforce it. The exhausted Japanese fail to make much headway however, losing 3,487 troops for 2,081 Chinese.

The Central Chinese thrust crushes traitorous Chinese collaborator units, inflicting 1,000 casualties and seizing Pengpu. The primary objective of closing the rail connection between Nanking and Suchow has been achieved, but I press on.

-----

I note with interest that not only are my opponents Japanese forces in Chengchow exhausted and disrupted, they also seem to be retreating from the city. Could victory be around the corner?

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Post #: 89

RE: Revenge of the Enterprise - 6/1/2020 3:52:35 PM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 1445
Joined: 11/26/2016
Status: offline

January 9, 1942

Submarines

Nothing of note

S/SW Pacific

32 Zeros sweep Port Moresby from Rabaul. I lose 12 P-40E Warhawks for about 10 Zeros.

Malaya

48 Oscars in two waves sweep Singapore but find no opposition.

The Japanese take Malacca

Java Sea

The Japanese send in their light carrier task forces in to the Java Sea to cover the Makassar Strait. A number of Catalinas and Swordfish aircraft go out to strike the Imperial Ships but are skewered by Zero fighters.

China

After a long time successfully evading his CAP, my opponent finally guessed correctly where my Chinese bombers will strike this turn. 7 Tojos from the experimental squadron shoot down 6 SB-III bombers.

-----

A massive number of Japanese air raids pound my troops at Chengchow, looks like he is definitely pulling his forces back over the river.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 90