The Full Campaign - Lodrik (J) vs. JochenHeiden (A)

[BananaConvention]

This is becoming a bi-weekly tradition this campaign. For the third time, Lodrik magically beams a large carrier task force off the coast of Australia near Brisbane, and proceeds to lay waste to everything in sight. It's absolutely frustrating, infuriating, and embarrassing to endure repeated raids like this despite my best efforts to try and spot them coming in.

https://youtu.be/P8X-Mkz6COA

[BananaConvention]

This turn was so action packed, where do I begin?

First, it looks like Lodrik and his evil invaders picked the WRONG base to strike! In what can only be described as a tactical defeat of the Kido Butai, our valiant airmen put up an outstanding defense of one of our most important bases in the South Pacific, and inflicted heavy casualties on Lodrik's aircraft! In China, the encirclement of Lodrik's forces at Kukong is complete, but another vital supply line is cut off further North. At Palembang, Lodrik's ships run into a hail of gunfire and most don't live to tell the tail. At Noumea, one of Lodrik's despicable submarines runs into a recently laid minefield and pays the price. Finally, the brave defenders at Clark Field in the Philippines are subjected to another brutal land assault... will they survive it?

https://youtu.be/eDNo7c5aymg

[BananaConvention]

Lodrik ordered a massive assault on our front lines in China. In what can only be described as the largest land battle to date in this campaign, much is at stake. Will our brave Chinese fighter prevail, or will the never-ending hordes of Axis invaders prevail and punch a hole in our lines?

In the Coral Sea, the Kido Butai heads north away from New Caledonia, but for how long? A suspicious looking convoy north of its position may hold the answers as to the longevity of Kido Butai's latest foray into South Pacific waters.

Finally, in the Dutch East Indies (DEI), no fewer than six enemy task forces comprised of cruisers, battleships and carriers are sighting advancing on three separate axes. Is this the big invasion we have been waiting for?

https://youtu.be/O4s7DYMc3u0

[BananaConvention]

Just when I thought I cleared all the mines near Rangoon, my ships decide to find a few more. These are necessary losses, but I can't seem to rid myself of these mines.

Elsewhere, Japanese Mavis float planes make their presence known; the Kido Butai is hanging out menacingly in the Coral Sea. Our attack at Kukong fails miserably.

Finally, a massive invasion fleet looms off the coast of Java. Is this the end of Surabaya as we know it?

https://youtu.be/3qqRXQvc458

[BananaConvention]

Our Dutch and British aircraft fall by the dozens as Lodrik initiates his long-dreaded invasion of Java.

Fortress Cagayan goes down in flames, but not before we chip some paint off a few Japanese ships there.

The brave defenders on Luzon in the Philippines endure another brutal assault by the fanatical Japanese invaders, and they prove once again that Clark Field is the absolute best terrain on the island to hold.

Our brave Chinese troops counter-attack at Henyang and send the Japanese paratroopers packing, but did we make matters worse by doing it?

https://youtu.be/8ZpYIif88eY

[BananaConvention]

Another slaughter in the air, but this time over China. I am creating super-human fighter pilots for Lodrik right now.

Other than a significant amount of sub activity this round, nothing unexpected occurred. Lodrik has a firm grip on Java, and that invasion is well on its way.

https://youtu.be/1FAFFoV0wtc

[BananaConvention]

This day was a mixed bag for us. The Dutch Air Force once again proved its (un)worth, but the Dutch submarine force on the other hand, is another story.

Things seem to be back on track for the time being in China, and Lodrik continues to leave us gaps to get ships through to Rangoon.

While the invasion Java is most certainly a dark spot on our campaign, it wasn't entirely unexpected, and overall I am feeling a small sense of optimism for the days ahead.


https://youtu.be/DijyyUjS1Go

[BananaConvention]

This day was a very dark day for Japan!!

Lodrik gambled big on an attack at Kendari on Celebes, but a few British and Dutch aircraft had something to say about it. When they were done, the waters near the base were ablaze with wreckage of Japanese ships, and Japanese soldiers bobbing in the water praying for rescue.

At Wake, a single Naval Guard unit came ashore thinking it would be a cake walk, but they ran into a wall of steel rain. When the smoke clears, will there be any left?

On Mindanao, the Japanese troops at Cagayan were caught sunbathing on the beach, drinking sake and going for a swim. The men of Fortress Malaybalay came screaming out of the hills and send the Japanese running.

Finally, something goes right for us after weeks of setbacks and disappointments! The Japanese won't soon forget the 26th of January, 1942.


https://youtu.be/qBA9eCtG2mk

[BananaConvention]

Normally after a really good turn, I have a bad one immediately after... NOT TODAY! There is so much to discuss.

We had success all over the place, once again. In the Philippines, the brave defenders at Clark endure another brutal assault. At Cagayan, we give the Japanese troops there another whoopin'.

The Dutch light cruiser Sumatra, retreating from Surabaya, runs directly into the IJN heavy cruiser Suzuya at night, and what transpires can only be considered an act of divine intervention.

At Kendari, the only thing left of the enemy are smoldering wrecks and bodies. In a final sendoff, the British Buffalos send a couple more Japanese ships to the bottom on their way out. Not a single Japanese soldier ever set foot on Kendari.

At Wake, the fearless Marines charged out of their bunkers and trenches to repel whatever remained of the 84th Naval Guard, only to find there was nothing left of them... total victory has been achieved there and the defenders there have a new lease on life.

Finally, Lodrik launched his attack on Surabaya. The only troops we had left there were the static defenders... will they hold? The fate of a damaged Dutch submarine hangs in the balance.



https://youtu.be/zUawsmTmu2Y

[BananaConvention]

It was destined to happen, but I was hoping it could have been later on. We've lost Surabaya on Java, and with it goes our last functional submarine base in the Dutch East Indies.

In the Bay of Bengal, Lodrik has us in check, with some sly positioning of ships and task forces, preventing our attack aircraft from finding the right target. We very nearly lost a lot of aircraft this day because of it.

In the Solomons, our subs continue to eat depth charges. The list of damaged subs grows every day, and for little gain as of late. I'm keeping with my tradition of two good turns, one bad one.

Today was a bad one.

https://youtu.be/xdi80wNZAJ0

[BananaConvention]

Even though he's taken Surabaya, we aren't done in the DEI. One of our beloved Sugar (S) Boats sent a little hate mail over to the Japanese invaders near Ternate, and we are well on the way to beating him back to Batavia. A poor conceived and executed attack by the Dutch Palembang, and a couple base losses on Northh Sumatra were the only really sour notes in the region.

In China, we continue to deadlock Lodrik from South to North. He's going to have to get drastic if he wants to beat the stalemate. We are showing that a determined player can defeat the grossness that is known as the "DEATH STACK."

In the Bay of Bengal, Lodrik's battleships near Rangoon have engaged their cloaking devices, but they'll be re-spotted and destroyed soon enough.

Finally, things are looking good in the Solomons... with a little luck, a minor operation underway there will yield major results. Tune in to see what we have in store for Lodrik!

https://youtu.be/z6VOcqaOUYU

[BananaConvention]

What an epic FAILURE today. We lost all over the place, and have very little to be proud of this turn. At the end of the video I'm going to include some bonus WitPTracker material for you all to get a grasp of the strategy situation as it pertains to the actual score of the campaign.

In China, the stalemate continues with little signs of letting up. It's just a giant quagmire and I'm starting to get tired of it.

On Luzon in the Philippines, Lodrik tries again for Clark Field. Will this be the day he takes it or will we shut him down for a 10th time?

Our attack at Tulagi occurred, but what we found there was barely worth the fuel and ammunition we burned to pull it off.

Lastly, Lodrik's magically-teleporting Kido Butai returns to the South Pacific, and wreaks havoc on us...again. Losses were heavy, and they have major implications.

Come watch this train wreck with me!

https://youtu.be/oXAraYojuyE

[BananaConvention]

I can only sum up this last turn in one word: MADNESS.

Planes were falling out of the sky all over the place. In the DEI, our British and Dutch pilots conducted a number of fruitless suicide attacks. At Luganville, the KB lost some of their best and brightest but still caused us damage.

In the Bay of Bengal, Lodrik's heavy forces packed it up and started heading home after his questionable activities near Akyab.... did he get out scot-free or did we chip more paint from his hulls?

On Java, Lodrik's evil barbarians of soldiers continue their pillaging and destruction as they slowly roll up the East and West ends of the island. Only Batavia and the mountain fortress of Bandoeng stand in their way now. How long can we hold?

Near Australia, Lodrik's subs make their reappearance and wreak havoc on our convoy lanes. Now we know where all his subs went... AUSTRALIA!

Finally, the unthinkable has occurred: Lodrik has landed troops on Luganville. The fate of the island and the sacrifices of the thousands of soldiers, sailors and airmen that gave their lives to hold Espiritu Santu hangs in the balance. Can we hold out, or are we doomed? The next day's battle will have dire consequences on our future plans in the South Pacific. Pull up a chair, grab a beverage, and tell me what you think about the situation in Luganville. It's bad...

https://youtu.be/uoLtg2sylN0

[BananaConvention]

I knew it was coming, but I didn't think he would have as much as he did...

Before we get to that, let's briefly touch on some other things. Lodrik's subs are creating a lot of issues for me near Australia, and I've yet to come up for a proper solution for them.

In China, we attacked at Kukong after a long wait. Did we carry the day or did his stubborn troops withstand yet another assault?

In the Bay of Bengal, his heavy units have retreated to the Strait of Malacca, but our submarines have uncovered the identity of a new threat south of Rangoon. What are his intentions with these units?

Finally, the dreaded attack at Luganville has come. I bet the farm on this one. We are either HEROES or ZEROES. The fate of thousands of troops and dozens of aircraft and pilots, as well as the sacrafice of dozens of ships hangs in the balance. Did we hold it, or did Lodrik's overwhelming sweep the field and set us back months in the South Pacific? Come watch with me and let's see how it all worked out!

https://youtu.be/oT5dC-9weo4

[BananaConvention]

Lodrik is NOT letting up! For the second consecutive day, his troops attack ours on Luganville. This time, they're attacking us without any fortification level. Will this be it for us on Luganville this turn?

Lodrik also attacks our blocking force to the west of Kukong in China, and as predicted, our troops don't hold, and also as predicted, he sends an armored car unit in full pursuit and they follow our retreating forces into the next hex. In an absolute act of sacrifice and bravery, the Chinese drag their pursuers along for a wild ride, and where they ended up will shock you!

You don't want to miss this one! Watch the action live with me, and learn the situation after the dust settles. After today's heroics, I'll never talk trash about Chinese troops again. They're warriors.

https://youtu.be/t3m9aHM_koc

[BananaConvention]

Today is the day we get answers as to whether or not we are going to get some breathing room at Luganville or if the Kido Butai is going to stay nearby and deny is access to the island.

We also got an answer (presumably) as to where those mystery troop transports near Bouganville disappeared to. Lodrik landed somewhere alright, and the location has me scratching my head!

In China, we launch a shock attack with over 40,000 infantrymen on Lodrik's besieged troops at Kukong. Is today the day we finish these invaders for good?

Finally, Lodrik's carriers make a surprise appearance out of the blue and sends us running for our lives in the Bay of Bengal. Can we make it to safety or did I overcommit with my only carrier in the Indian Ocean? Watch what happened and tell me what you think!

https://youtu.be/xHhaCZYaezw

[BananaConvention]

It's back to despair mode.

Lodrik has turned up the heat to maximum. We have aggressive action by Lodrik on many fronts, and we don't have the forces to oppose him.

In China, the battle has been decided decisively at Kukong. There won't be any more major combat there for while. Did it go the way we wanted it to, or did he find a way to escape?

In the Bay of Bengal, Lodrik has subs, surface combatants and a Kido Butai contingent bearing down on Ceylon. Does he have the fuel to press the advantage or can we thread the needle back into port before it's too late?

At Luganville, Lodrik is pressing the pace. He landed a MASSIVE invasion force. All the number crunching says we can't can't hold here at all. This could be it for us on Luganville this time around. Is it time to throw in the towel or should we stay and fight to the land man? As before, there is MUCH at stake, but odds are even less in our favor than before.

https://youtu.be/4ErdbkQ30fA

[BananaConvention]

Today's the day we find out if we fold our hand or take the jackpot.

Before we get to that, we have other things to discuss however. In China, I see a potential hole in our lines that is making me nervous, and possibly rethinking our defense strategy.

At Colombo on Ceylon, Lodrik sends a massive fighter sweep of A6M Zeroes over the base, but when they get there, they find the Fleet Air Arm and Royal Air Force at higher altitude, ready to greet them. What happens next will absolutely shock you!

Finally, the big attack happens at Luganville. We smashed many pieces of a puzzle put together to make a solid defense of the island happen. Did any of them pan our, or was it all for nothing? The fate of thousands of our troops, 80 of our best planes and pilots, and nearly 20 of our precious combat warships is at stake here. Were we HEROES or big giant ZEROES? Watch with me and find out how it worked out and what our next steps will be.

https://youtu.be/K8ifJ0n9cpM

[BananaConvention]

We have avenged the deaths of so many Dutch pilots on Java on this great and terrible day.

We found Lodrik's carriers today, and they were exactly where I expected them to be, just to the north of New Caledonia. In what has now become the second largest air raid launched against us since Pearl Harbor, Lodrik's Kido Butai committed over 170 aircraft in an all-out assault on the Luganville Heavy Cruiser Bombardment Group as they were pulling into the harbor at Noumea. Already in the air and ready to fight, 1LT Lopez and 70 other fearless American pilots met Lodrik's evil invaders head-on in an epic clash of aerial warfare, the results of which can only be described as the Noumea Turkey Shoot, nearly equal to the slaughter of the Dutch Air Force over Java earlier in the campaign.

But it wasn't all great for us; despite our best efforts, a large number of Japanese strike aircraft found their way through the cracks and dove down upon the hapless ships as they attempted to get underway. When they were done, several of our largest and best cruisers currently available in the theater lay wreathed in smoke and flames, with their survival in question. We may have done well in the air, but it was potentially a heavy price to pay.

Watch this turn with me and enjoy the crazy action, with bonus footage of a complete-and-total facepalm Mark 14 Torpedo Fail moment, which left an American sub captain throwing pots and pans at an enemy ship when he had nothing else to fire at it!

https://youtu.be/opDKvQ4I1XM

[BananaConvention]

We had a lot riding on today.

What was to become of the Kido Butai sitting off the coast of Noumea, and more importantly, did the Northampton and the Chicago finally sink? All these questions and more are answered in today's presentation. You may or may not be surprised at the outcome of it all.

Plus, activity is picking up in Thailand, Luzon and Mindanao. Lots to see and discuss in today's video, don't miss it!

https://youtu.be/HPlGiUm7kR4