1922 Grand Campaign: goodboyladdie (A) vs Dixie (J)

[goodboyladdie]

The mistake above could prove costly as Martin's forces still seem to be intent on landing. They are shown as heading West, which could mean they'll land at Balikpapan instead. 3 Dutch subs are sailing from Batavia for Tarakan and Balikpapan. K-1, which is patrolling near Tawi Tawi is moving to Tarakan. The US sub S-8 is sailing from it's patrol area off Manila to assist the Dutch at Tarakan.

The old US CL New Orleans (sys damage 3 still) is sailing from Diamond Harbour to Singapore to be ready to deploy to assist the Dutch.

[goodboyladdie]

USS Rochester, 2 Chinese Light Cruisers and 4 newly arrived Destroyers are sailing on an offensive patrol from Canton to Lamon Bay in the hope of intercepting some of Martin's supply convoys.

20 Sqn has arrived at Hong Kong to provide air cover over the Naval base. The Japs are no longer visible at Nanking. I do not know if they are moving South or heading North in response to the 1st Chinese Cav Corps appearance at Jehol...

Edit: I forgot that S-6, which still has sys damage of 3, is sailing from Canton to patrol off Okinawa.

[goodboyladdie]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/02/22

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Tarakan at 33,61

Japanese Ships
BB Aki, Shell hits 4
BB Satsuma, Shell hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
CL Hirado
CL Yahagi, Shell hits 1
CL Chikuma
AP Juko Maru
AK Kagu Maru
AP Tacoma Maru
AP Taganoura Maru
AP Taian Maru
AP Taibun Maru
AP Taigen Maru
AP Taihei Maru
AP Taiho Maru
AP Tainichi Maru
AP Taizin Maru
AK Takaoka Maru
AP Takayo Maru
AK Taketoyo Maru
AP Takuei Maru
AP Takunan Maru
AP Taian Maru
AP Taimei Maru
AP Taiyo Maru
AP Tama Maru
AP Tama Maru #2
AK Tamagawa Maru
AK Tamahoko Maru

Allied Ships
BB De Ruyter, Shell hits 16, heavy damage
BB Hertog Hendrik, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
BB De Zeven Provincien, Shell hits 23, on fire, heavy damage
TB Z3, Shell hits 22, and is sunk

Bugger! Forgetting to move the Dutch has proven costly. I'll watch the movie and let you know if my Dutch Capital ships are no more...
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Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2654 troops, 101 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2865

Defending force 43284 troops, 257 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 568



Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


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Ground combat at Manila

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 20071 troops, 175 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 568

Defending force 173424 troops, 917 guns, 52 vehicles, Assault Value = 2865


Japanese ground losses:
46 casualties reported

[goodboyladdie]

A convoy carrying 25,000 tons of supplies to Canton Island will now head for Rabaul to await orders. The cargo will be used to support the operations of the SOPAC force which now has orders for Balikpapan. The Ducth BBs are now very heavily damaged. I suspect that two will sink as I attempt to get them to Balikpapan.

[goodboyladdie]

I have the 4 TBs from Batavia heading for Balikpapan via Soerabaya. Martin seems to have ships lurking to the North West.

I am still agonising over whether or not to switch the focus of my actions to the DEI and send Pac Flt there. It would seem to be the surest way of meeting the Japanese Fleet in battle and hopefully destroying it. My slower Pacific strategy will allow faster reinforcement, but with the lack of airpower in this game it is quite easy to zip across to Rabaul from PH without being seen.

[goodboyladdie]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/03/22


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Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2598 troops, 102 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2915

Defending force 43314 troops, 257 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 569



Allied ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


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Ground combat at Manila

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 20068 troops, 174 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 174573 troops, 934 guns, 53 vehicles, Assault Value = 2915


Japanese ground losses:
86 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 1

I do not know if the lack of Naval action means that Martin has descided he cannot land at Tarakan? I'll have to see where his invasion force later when I get a chance to run the turn... The good news is the Dutch are in the war, which means the USN now has more base options in theatre.

[goodboyladdie]

221 Group RAF is unloading at Singapore. DD Peary has completed upgrade and is leaving Singapore to cruise to Canton.

The Jap unit opposite Jehol has disappeared, so 1st Cav is moving to Chihfeng.

The Jap invasion force is nowhere to be seen. The Dutch coast defence ships are over halfway to Balikpapan, where they will auto disband. At least one is in danger of sinking before they get there...

[goodboyladdie]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/04/22


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Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2616 troops, 104 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2945

Defending force 43502 troops, 258 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 567



Allied ground losses:
69 casualties reported
Guns lost 3


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Ground combat at Manila

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 19969 troops, 175 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 562

Defending force 175527 troops, 951 guns, 53 vehicles, Assault Value = 2945


Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 2

[goodboyladdie]

CENPAC

Now that the Dutch are in the war, the US Government has underwritten the cost of improvements to Port facilities at Soerabaya and Batavia. The US Pacific Fleet, less two of the latest Dreadnought Battleships, is proceeding to the theatre via a refuelling stop at Rabaul. 49 Destroyers remain at Pearl Harbor to support/protect the 2 Battleships that will form the core of the Central Pacific striking force. Next turn (if I remember) I will order the 3 Pre-Dread's at Dutch Harbor South to provide a bombardment force to support any Pacific offensive.

At Canton Island VP-2 became operational after unloading last turn, with Naval Search orders.

Fortress Manila

Another AK ran the blockade with 2500 tons of supplies. The subs patrolling the approaches to Manila seem to be keeping the Japanese away.

CBI and DEI

Singapore is now a size 9 Port. The 2 US DMs, with 2 DDs as escort, are sailing to mine Tarakan. The British sub L-1 will mine Kuching while her sister L-2 mines Brunei. Another US DD has got down to sys damage 1 at Diamond Harbour and is cruising to Singapore.

The Dutch BBs are 1 hex away from Balikpapan, which is a size 4 Port I think. I am hopeful this is big enough to help them control their flooding. It would be a shame to lose them after their sacrifices helped beat off the Invasion of Tarakan...

[goodboyladdie]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/05/22


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Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2636 troops, 104 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2991

Defending force 43592 troops, 257 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 565



Allied ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


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Ground combat at Manila

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 20031 troops, 177 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 564

Defending force 176629 troops, 967 guns, 54 vehicles, Assault Value = 2991


Japanese ground losses:
107 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[goodboyladdie]

3 new 'O' Class medium range subs arrived at San Diego. They are on the way to PH, where many of the subs in the area are getting worn out due to constant patrolling. North Force is cruising South from Dutch Harbor to Pearl Harbor...

[goodboyladdie]

The Dutch have disbanded in Balikpapan. Fingers crossed all you AFBs...

[goodboyladdie]

In China a skirmish is coming. I am hoping it will distract Martin. His major forces that crossed the river in the South have long since disappeared. I do not think they will force their way back past Tientsin, so I might send a sub to keep an eye on Tsingtao...

[goodboyladdie]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/06/22

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Sub attack near Tarakan at 33,61

Japanese Ships
AK Kagu Maru
CL Yahagi
CL Hirado

Allied Ships
SS S-8

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Sub attack near Tarakan at 33,61

Japanese Ships
AK Takaoka Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-8

Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported

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Coastal Guns at Tarakan, 33,61, firing at TF 5
TF 5 troops unloading over beach at Tarakan, 33,61


18 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CL Chikuma
CL Hirado

Japanese ground losses:
1690 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported

Me and my big mouth...[8|]
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Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2684 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3033

Defending force 43700 troops, 259 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 565



Allied ground losses:
80 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


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Ground combat at Tarakan

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1845 troops, 35 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 32

Defending force 7083 troops, 51 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 279


Japanese ground losses:
92 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


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Ground combat at Manila

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 20037 troops, 177 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 561

Defending force 177677 troops, 984 guns, 56 vehicles, Assault Value = 3033


Japanese ground losses:
120 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[goodboyladdie]

The fact that Martin could only spare two older BBs to escort the Tarakan Force and has not replaced them makes me wonder where his modern ships are? I am hoping they are not heading for the Pacific just as I decide to commit fully to fighting in the DEI...

The last four Dutch Torpedo Boats have arrived at Balikpapan. I expect Tarakan to fall this turn and the units ther will run to join my forces at Balikpapan. I had the three US 4000 mile range Gunboats at Brunei - they are heading to see what damage they can do at Tarakan. The Minelaying task force is now heading for Balikpapan instead. USS Rochester and 4 DDs have detached from the Chinese CLs and are heading for Brunei to refuel before joining the Dutch. The old monitor Monadnock and 4 DDs have disbanded in Canton. Sub R-16 arrived at Canton and sailed straight away to investigate what is happening at Tsingtao.

In China, 1st Cav Corps will launch a bombardment attack to see what they are up against at Chihfeng.

The Dutch BBs:

[goodboyladdie]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/07/22

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Coastal Guns at Tarakan, 33,61, firing at TF 5
TF 5 troops unloading over beach at Tarakan, 33,61


41 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CL Chikuma, Shell hits 1
AP Taizin Maru

Japanese ground losses:
1357 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
30 casualties reported

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Sub attack near Wake Island at 82,63

Japanese Ships
ML Katsuriki

Allied Ships
SS R-5

Martin is obviously expecting me to come for Wake...
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Sub attack near Tarakan at 33,61

Japanese Ships
AK Tamahoko Maru, Torpedo hits 1
AP Tama Maru
AP Takuei Maru
AP Taihei Maru

Allied Ships
SS K-IV

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

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Coastal Guns at Tarakan, 33,61, firing at TF 5
TF 5 troops unloading over beach at Tarakan, 33,61


28 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CL Chikuma, Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
742 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported

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Sub attack near Tarakan at 33,61

Japanese Ships
AK Takaoka Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Taganoura Maru
CL Yahagi

Allied Ships
SS K-IV


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Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2700 troops, 110 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3074

Defending force 43716 troops, 257 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 568



Allied ground losses:
46 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


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Ground combat at Chihfeng

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7106 troops, 50 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 208

Defending force 2382 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 52



Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


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Ground combat at Tarakan

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1753 troops, 33 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 28

Defending force 16472 troops, 165 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 318


Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


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Ground combat at Manila

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 20049 troops, 177 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 178751 troops, 1000 guns, 59 vehicles, Assault Value = 3074


Japanese ground losses:
107 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 1

[goodboyladdie]

I have aircraft on Midway now - 1 fighter squadron and a long range Blimp unit (see screenie).

The Dutch BBs at Balikpapan are not doing too well. I might try to get the least damaged ship to Soerabaya. The worst are both on 75 flood damage.

The Chinese will be launching a deliberate attack at Chihfeng this turn.

[goodboyladdie]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/08/22

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Coastal Guns at Tarakan, 33,61, firing at TF 5
TF 5 troops unloading over beach at Tarakan, 33,61


6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AP Taian Maru

Japanese ground losses:
233 casualties reported

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ASW attack near Tarakan at 33,61

Allied Ships
SS K-IV

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Coastal Guns at Tarakan, 33,61, firing at TF 5
TF 5 troops unloading over beach at Tarakan, 33,61


3 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
140 casualties reported


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Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2740 troops, 110 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3121

Defending force 43821 troops, 257 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 570



Allied ground losses:
81 casualties reported
Guns lost 5


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Ground combat at Chihfeng

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7105 troops, 49 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 208

Defending force 2382 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 52

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)


Japanese ground losses:
45 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
269 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Pathetic!
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Ground combat at Tarakan

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1749 troops, 33 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 28

Defending force 18057 troops, 196 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 325



Allied ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


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Ground combat at Manila

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 20083 troops, 176 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 568

Defending force 179600 troops, 1007 guns, 59 vehicles, Assault Value = 3121


Japanese ground losses:
76 casualties reported


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Ground combat at Tarakan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 18057 troops, 196 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 325

Defending force 1743 troops, 30 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 28

Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Tarakan base !!!



Allied ground losses:
643 casualties reported
Guns lost 12


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

[goodboyladdie]

19th Engineer Rgt is loading at Mare Island for PH. They are preparing for the Wake Invasion.

In the DEI, the SOPAC force will put into Menado for bunkers, before heading off to try to catch the Jap shipping off Tarakan. The damaged Dutch ships at Balikpapan are in real trouble. Two are in the 80s and climbing for flood damage. I am attemting to get De Zeven Provincien (51/57) to Soerabaya before she gets too high to even think about moving. Hopefully having one less ship will alow the small port at Balikpapan to help more with the other two...

The 13 new DDs have refuelled at Singapore and will now head to Balikpapan.

[goodboyladdie]

The 2 operational Chinese CLs will bombard Laoag, escorted by 5 US Destroyers.

S-3 is moving from Takao to Tsingtao to hopefully cause Martin some trouble if he is withdrawing his troops from China to re-deploy in the DEI.