The Divine Wind war or "slow" War

[Williamb]

Just got WPO this weekend and been trying it out.

Thought Id do an AAR. Controlling both sides and setting up set peice battles. Also some modifications to starting positions.

So here is the background history setting up this AAR. Sort of doing it like a Military history book

1924 THE ROAD to WAR

The Allied/Japanese war of the 1920s was an offshoot of the end of WWI. Japan had taken many German holdings in the pacific in an opportunistic military plan.

Coupled with their victory over the Russians in the 1905 war had given the Japanese military a sense of superiority. With a weak neighbor in China and a Soviet Empire that had no thoughts of eastern expanison the only threat that the Japanese held to their dominance of the pacific was their allies in WWI the British, Dutch, French and Americans.

The then Current Emperor of Japan was Tashihito son of Emperor Meiji.



Tashitito was in favor of military expanison but differed to civilian leaders. But the Military pushed hard for some kind of expanison of Japanese military power while it was so dominant in the Pacific.

On the Allied side things were much chaotic. Woodrow Wilson had been unable to push the US into the League of nations. And in 1920 after 8 years of controlling the White House the Democrats lost it to President Warren Harding in 1920.

Harding had been a compromise candidate. Many had Favored Medal of Honor winner General Leonard Wood who had been pushed as Commander of the US army in europe during WWI but been overruled by Wilson.



Wood didnt have enough votes to win outright in the election in 1920 and stood aside to give Harding a chance to win. But he still remained popular with Republicans. Harding made Wood Governor General of the Phillipines.

France had little interest in the Pacific and Britian was the only other major player in the Pacific. They with the US kept a strong presence in China after their involvement in the Boxer rebellion.

China would become the spark that would ignite the pacific powder keg.

[Williamb]

THE CHINA SAGA

China had fragmented into warring sectioins each bent on defeating the others. And each fragment had connections to a major Super power.

In the South a Chinese Warlord name Chu Sia Ma had dealing with the British empire. Near Singapore A Warlord names Chung Kai Shek dealt with the US. in the North the Chinese war lord Pu Yi held Manchuria with Japanese assistance.

In the Phillipines General Woods set to the task of preparing the Phillipines defenses. He also had China as part of his area of Influence.

Woods meet and made freinds with Kai Shek. Kai Shek wanted more US aid to help defeat other Japanese warlords. Woods was unable to give much more aid without significantly weakening the Phillipines defense. Woods complained about the Harding Administrations lack of backing and devised his own plan.

Woods created the AEF (Allied Expeditionary force) for deployment in China. It included Several US destroyers and submarines. Also sent was two battalions of the 15th Infantry Regiment and was joined by a British expiditionary force. These troops landed in Shang Hai and started backing Kai Shek.

In Japan these moves were veiwed suspiciously. When word got back from US newspapers about Woods asking for a larger military backing as well as the redispositioning of US battleships to the Phillipines it was veiwed with great Alarm.

The current japanese Government with mostly civilian control had been pushing for the signing of the Washington Treaty with the US and Britian. But many in the Japanese Military veiwed the treaty with great suspicion. Especially when it limited the Japanese to fewer Battleships than the US or Great Britian.

The thought of a US or British backed Chinese Government as well as redispostioned warships were seen as a direct threat to the Japanese. This combined with their veiw that their navy was Superior to the Allies and that the Washington Treaty was an attempt to weaken the Japanese superior navy was the thought on the Japanese militaries mind.

[Williamb]

THE JAPANESE DEBATE

In the highest levels of the Japanese government the debate rages over how to counter the moves of the allies. The "war party" was led by Tanakagiichi.

Tanakagiichi was a former staff officer under Admiral Togo and was a decorated veteran of the Russo Japanese war.




Tanakaguiichi argued that Japan couldnt allow the allies to limit Japan's ability to respond to their actions. He pushed for action against the allies and their attempts to take League of Nations action against Japan.

On the "peace" side was the Japanese civilians who wanted to sign the treaty of Washington. They argued that getting on paper an agreement with Britian and the US to allow Japan to retain influence in the far east at the price of some of their current battleships under construction as well as prevent the US and britian from building more Battleships was in Japan's favor.

Tanakaguiichi argued that Emperor Meiji took the risk of war with Russia a know world power and the japanese were able to defeat them with out much loss. Tanakaguiichi stated in front of the emperor. "The divine Emperor Meiji knew that the west was weak and the east was not a place that the west was overly concerned about. The west wants to keep China weak and under its control and will do the same to us."

Those opposed stated that "There is little chance that the Japanese fleet so outnumbered by the allied fleets of Britian and the US could win any kind of naval war. The path to conflict with the west was a pth of self destruction"

Tanakaguiichi counter "you are correct there is little chance we can win a naval war with the west. Japan's navy can win batles but not wars."

"However I dont propose we fight a purely naval war. It is Japan's army that must win this war not Japan's navy. The key to this war will be the bases each side possesses. The Japan's navy need only to place Japan's army in the position to win this war. Our army must seize as many bases as it can. We can then dig them in and force the west to try and take them back."

"The weakness of the Allies lies in their lack of Army units to counter Japan's army. We must force them to fight blood for blood for each inch of territory. We can afford to take losses. They are weak and decadent in the west. They cannot nor will not be willing to take the losses needed to fight this war."

The opposition countered " And what about the homeland ? Will you risk an allied attack on Japan itself ?"

Tanakaguiichi counter yet again " There is little the west can do to japan. Yes their fleets can bombard our coasts. But our army can repell any attack on Japan herself. Our navy must have a policy of choosing which battles to fight and whish to avoid. The Pacific Ocean is a vast area and there is little ability to detect a well hidden fleet. We can run supplies in and out of our bases choosing the most advantageous time for us to strike."

Then the opposition countered. "What about Allied planes ? Surely their aircraft can strike into japan herself. That is a threat that must be considered"

Tanakaguiichi scoft. "Airplanes are nothing more than flying origami. Most aircraft lack any kind of ordinace to seriously threaten any capital ship. They can do some pin pricks against shipping, Other than torpedo planes which are rarer, But lack the bomb load to seriously damage our fleet before our ships can find and kill their fleets. This is a war of battleships not of massive planes in the sky."

"But again our navy's main goal is to place the army in a positon to win this war. We must be like the southern side in the America civil war. We wil have our raiders and our blockade runners but main fleet action should only be forced when it is in our favor. We must strike boldly and put our army in position to seize as much territory as we can."

"This is the time when Japan is at its strongest against the west. We can take advantage of their current poor dispositions and seize all that we can and hold in the face of the allies responce. Like in WWI it will be our troops in trench prepared to face the enemy. We can make their losses so heavy that they will ask for terms."

Then the Emperor Spoke. "It is true my father faced the risk of war with Russia. Many at that time said we could not win. This time the foe is much larger and posses a greater threat. Is this a greater risk or a greater opportunity for Japan to rise greater than before ? When a risk become greater than the reward then we must hold off action. But when the reward is greater than the risk then we must have the conviction to take the risk for the chance of the greater benefit. "

"It is to war we must go...."

[Williamb]

THE DIVINE WIND PLAN

With these words the Emperor of Japan set in motion the raod to war. Tanakaguiichi and his staff worked on several plans to unleash japan's army all over the Pacific. Tanakaguiichi argued "A Limited plan of offense doesnt mean a lesser risk. The risk is great even if we only pick one opponent. For all will surely enter the war to take advantage of any defeat. "

"To defeat one only means another foe will be faced later on. We must defeat ALL to completely eliminate any chance of Japan loosing. So therefor not only the US and Britian must be our main targets but also the Dutch and French and Chinese. All would love to expand at the expense of japan so therefore we must eaully be willling to expand at the expense of them. palns must be made for an invasion of all territory in the pacific. Our army will be streched but by eliminating all enemies it also limits any territory being used as bases to strike back at us. The Pacific will only be Japan's to rule and no one else"

The plan is called "Operation Kamakaze". We will spring forth like a divine wind sweeping our enemies before us.

Phase one of the plan will concentrate on seizing several key bases to set up for the next phase. These are the first few key bases that we must take.

In China.

We will enter Manchuria from Port Arthur. The Chinese emperor Pu Yi agrees to let us have complete freedom of movement through their territory. They will surrender all bases in Manchuria to us. We will then sweep around and attack Nothern China.

Also we will make two landings on China's coast. Our main effort will be in Shanghai where the Allies have a large force of British, French and American troops. Their defeat and swift removal will demoralize their Chinese allies.

Also a secondary landing will occur at Amoy with the goal of tying down Chinese forces in that region and limiting them from helping the Allies to the North in Shanghai.

The Phillipines

The main landings here will be along the Nothern coast. The Us has no real forces in the area to oppose us. We will land then strike south for Clark Airbase and Manila.

A second landing will occur at Legaspi to march towards Manila from the South.

Another force will land at Dadjangas with the Goal of conquering the isle of Mindanio.

Also will land a smaller force to seize Taytay and nearby islands.

Dutch East Indies.

We will hit here in two places. We will land Naval Infantrya dn Cavalry at Jesselton and we will land the Expeditionary Brigade at Mendano. We will follow up by moving to other bases when they are taken.

New Guinea.

We shall make a strong effort here. Our initial landing will be at Hollandia. We will them move on other bases along the northern coast.

New Britian & Solomons.

We will take Kaveing and Land at Talasea with the goal of taking Rabaul.

Central Pacific.

We will initially seize bases at Wake and Tarawa. Later will will move on Guam.

Each area has its own Phase two plan that we wil launch upon completion of phase one in that area.

China we expect to be a long brutal part of the Campaign. We dont expect the Phillipines to hold out long. The Dutch east Indies will take time due to the vast area to be taken. Our Central Pacific Campaign will be to limit useful bases for the Americans to counter attack from. New Guinea is to be where we meet and defeat the British and Australians.

This will not be an easy quick war but will a very aggressive policy we hope to take much territory from our enemies.

[Williamb]

THE POST 1924 US PRESIDENTUAL ELECTION.

In 1924 Calvin Cooledge won an easy victory over his democratic challenger in the US presidentual Elections. Warren Harding had set in motion many economic policies that led to the "roaring 20s" into high motion but had refused to cut the US budget more than the Republican party wanted. This led to a tie vote in the first round of the Republican nomination process between him and General Woods who refused to give up command of the Phillipines to campaign. That then forced the delegates to select Calvin Cooledge as a compromise candidate between the two factions.

Cooledge agreed that the US budget needed more cuts in spending and was able to successfully unite the party behind him. The biggest part of the Budget at that time was the Military budget. Cooledge promised to cut out waste in the US military.

While these cuts limited how much the Military could spend it left the the decision up to the War Department and the Joint Cheifs. This led to many of the military leaders to favor projects in their area of influence at the expense of other areas. One such place was overseas deployments such as the Phillipines.

With fewer supplies and drastic cuts in military deployments the Phillipines was cut almost completely to the bone. Finally after a shipment of supplies to the Phillipines was cancelled this led to General Woods to resign as Governor General of the Phillipines.

When asked why he was giving up his command Woods stated

" I see why Cooledge got the name of "Silent Cal". Without any supplies our guns will be silent, Our ships are thousands of miles away from where they are needed , hell even our soldiers are silent now that we dont have enough beans to feed them".

"At this time we are seeing a rise in hostility from Japan. Our weakness will only encourage them. Mark my words we will see a war with Japan real soon. "

When asked about his plans General Woods stated "Im going to Washington to set right this problem."

With the US position in the Pacific now weakened it was only a matter of time before Japan was ready with their plans.

[Williamb]

MAY 31st 1926. THE WAR BEGINS

At 9 PM Washington DC time the Japanese Ambassador to the US entered the White house West wing to meet with the US President and his advisors on an matter of urgency according to the sealed orders that were given to the Ambassador.

The Japanese Ambassor entereed the room and wordlessly handed the sealed letter to the US Secretary of State. A bit surprized the Secretary opened it and after putting on his glasses read the letter in absolute silence.

After finishing he took off his glasses and starred at the Japanese Ambassador who look rather red face.

"So then" The Secretary stated. "Its war ?"

The whole room looked up in surprize. The Japanese Ambassor quietly replied. "It is so. It is the will of our Emperor"

"Is that all you have to say ?" Admonished the Secretary.

"Hai" replied the japanese Ambassador. "We are now at war good afternoon gentlemen". He stated heading for the door.

The President stood up paced and then said " War ? Are we ready ?

The Secretary of State replied. "We better be."
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3PM LOCAL TIME.

ON THE MANCHURIAN/KOREAN BORDER.

Japanese Troops of the Kwangtuan Army began to cross the border into Manchuria in co operation with the Chinese Government of Pu Yi. The Chinese troops stood aside as battalions of Japanese crossed the border on a march into China.

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5PM LOCAL TIME

ON the JAPANESE CONTROLLED ISLES OF THE JAPANESE SEA

Silently fleet after fleet of Japanese ships slipped out of their harbors. From sleek new battleships to tansports and cargo ships a massive armada set sail with most of them stearing south towards the Philipines Islands.

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7PM LOCAL TIME

AEF (Allied Expeditionary forces) in China HQ in Shanghai.

Message received from Phillipines HQ to Commanding Officer AEF.

WAR HAS BROKEN OUT. JAPANESE FORCES ON MARCH IN PACIFIC STOP.

FORCES BEING MOBILIZED FOR WAR EFFORT STOP.

HOLD POSITION FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE STOP

DUE TO INABILITY OF NAVY TO REACH YOU SUGGEST ALL SHIPS OF AVN (American Volunteer Navy) MAKE DUE HASTE TO PHILLIPINES AND SAFETY STOP

GOD BE WITH YOU STOP

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US HQ Phillipines

GENERAL COMMANDING OF ALL US FORCES IN THE PHILLIPINES ORDERS OF THE DAY

WE ARE AT WAR WITH THE EMPIRE OF JAPAN. OUR ALIIES THE BRITISH, ANZAC, FRENCH, DUTCH and CHINESE ARE WITH US

UNDER ORDERS OF WAR PLAN 1 WE WILL BEGIN OCCUPATION OF TRENCHLINE IN THE AREA OF CLARK AIRBASE SOUTH TO MANILA AND TO BATAAN PENESULA

HOLD POSITIONS AT ALL COSTS. DO YOUR DUTY AND WIN THE WAR.

[Williamb]

THE FIRST SHOT OF THE WAR. BADGER VS A PACK OF WOLVES.

2:12 AM LOCAL TIME

OFF THE NORTH EASTERN COAST OF LUZON PHILLIPINES

After the Declaration of War hit the Phillipine Isles on May 31st the Commander of the Pacific Fleet at Manila order all ships to war stations.

One of the Ships silent sliding out of Manila on a cruise north to the Japanese Isles was the Submarine S - 2.

Commanded by Lt Commander T.C. Alwyn the S-2's mission was to hunt Japanese Shipping off the coast of Japan.

On a course North around Luzon the S-2 ran into a Japanese Cruiser TF sent to intercept US ships comming out of Manila. These hunters were in standard patrol with Japanese DDs zigzagging hunting US subs while the Cruisers looked for Allied ships.

They were bearing strait down on the S-2.

LT Commander Alwyn order a 5 degree attack angle bearing straight in on the Japanese TF.

"Helmsman hold steady. Torpedo tubes prepare to fire." Then to his Ex he stated. "We are like a Badger facing a pack of Wolves. The best way to hit is straight in. We will fire two torpedoes off the starboard side of teh Lead Japanese Cruiser and then turn and fire 2 more torpedoes off the Port side. Then we will see if that Japanese Captain wants to play chicked with 4 torpedoes of hope he can turn fast enough and out run 2 torpedoes towards either turn."

"Helmsman call off distance"

"Sir" replied the helmsman. "They are at 4,000 yards and closing.

"3,000 yards."

"2,000 yards'

"1,500 yards"

"Torpedo tubes 1 and 2 FIRE. Then reload quickly !"

Swoosh Swoosh went off the first two torpedoes. The Japanese TF continued on unaware of the attack. The two front japanese destroyers were starting their inward zig pattern."

"Sir this is Forward torpedo room. Tubes one and two reloaded !"

"good" stated Lt Commander Alwyn. "Tubes one and two FIRE"

Swoosh SWOOSH.

"Helmsman dive to depth of 500 feet go DIRECTLY UNDER the incomming ships I doubt their DDs will turn back into their crusiers."

The S-2 began its dive just as the lead Japanese DDs started to close in. The front Japanese Cruiser was the Light Cruiser Yura. At 500 feet a cry went up from their lookouts about the approaching torpedoes. The Yura turned to the Port side to dodge the first two topedoes.

AS they did the the lookouts spoted the incomming two port topedoes. the Japanese Captain gave the order to turn starboard. but before they even got partly turned the first torpedo slammed into the starboard side.



The Yura began to slow list as Japanese DDs frantically began dropping depth charges hunting for the S-2.



But the S-2 had turned starboard to avoid the rear Japanese DDs who rushed to protect the Japanese Heavy Cruisers in the area while the Front DDs hunted towards where the S-2 had fired the torpedoes from.

Slowly the badger returned to its hunt leaving the pack of wolves to lick their wounds.

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2:30 Am Local Time


Also waiting for a US sortie was the Japanese Sub #14 heading south to the Manila harbor it watched numberous US ships sortie out into the sea.

The the USS Zane a destroyer closed to withing 500 yards of the #14. Fearing an attack the 14 fired two torpedoes then quickly submerged. The Zane spotted the incomming torpedoes and swiftly dodged them. Then the Zane pounded the area with depth charges but by then the #14 had move out of danger.

[Rysyonok]

Interesting

Can you increase your screenshot size a bit? It's hard to read.

Thanks

[Williamb]

ORIGINAL: Rysyonok

Interesting

Can you increase your screenshot size a bit? It's hard to read.

Thanks

OK will try a higher resolution. See if that works.

[Williamb]

03:50 PM Local time

Off the Coast of China.

So far the Japanese had acheived full surprize. Most of their TFs had not even been detected.

But at the same time a few Allied TFs were leaving China heading towards the Phillipines. The AVN (Ameirican Volunteer Navy) swung wide into the Sea of Japan keeping far away from the Japanese held Islands in the area. Closer to the shore was a TF of Chinese Cruisers and destroyers led by Capt. I. Enlai.

Luck had been with both sides for most of the night. The Allied TFs hadnt been spotted by the Japanese while all the Japanese TFs in the area hadnt crossed paths with the Allied ones.

That change when just before 4 AM a look out on the Chinese CL Chao Ho spotted smoke comming from the port. At first Capt Enlai ordered his ships to avoid the ships not knowing what they were. but as the dawn started to rise he quickly realized that it was a TF of Japanese oilers and Coaliers heading back to Japan. Luck had run out at that time.

Captain Enlai order his ships to close to within 21,000 yards and opend fire from very long range. After 5 minutes he closed to within 15,000 yards. Afte 15 minutes fearing a Japanese TF of Warships might hear the tankers distress calls he veered off to the South.

The result of this Bombardment was 1 tanker severly damaged by multiple hits (The San Clemente Maru) with another 4 tankers hit by at least one shell or two.

[Williamb]

0700 AM local time June 1st 1926

Coast of Batan Isle Phillipines Islands.

Japanese troops began landing in full strength on the small Island of batan just north of Luzon Phillipines.

It was the 81st naval guard of Japanese Marines led by Captain H. Shiotani of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Their goal as the US airplane base set up on the Island.

Landings also occured Aparri on the Northern Luzon beaches.
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1200 PM Noon Local time June 1st 1926

Town of Luda, Manchuria China

The Austin armored cars of the 1st Armor Car Chutai worked their way up the dusty Chinese roads running deeper into Manchuria.

Up ahead near the Town of Luda they were met by the Chinese border guards of the Emperor Pu Yi. The Guards opened the closed gate and admitted the Japanese troops into the town.

In the center of town Col. J. Okajima the Commanding officer rode in the third car in the column. Bright banners lined the street greeting the Japanese with various slogans.

"We welcome our Japanese brothers in Arms"

"We rejoice at the arrival of our Allies"

"Our Glorious Emperor waits breathlessly for the brave soldiers of the nippon empire"

Okajima's column stopped at the town center and immediately raised the Japanese flag over the village. Okajima unrolled a scroll and began reading.."

"In the name of our most glorious illustrious emperor I claim the town of Luda for the Japanese Empire and welcome its citizens into our struggle against western imperialism."



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1600 PM June 1st 1926

Isle of Batan Phillipines Isles

Lt Col. R Donahoe commanded the 102nd US base force stationed on Batan Isle. While the deignation was that this was a construction battalion in fact it was made up mostly of local Phillipino natives who were doing the construction work. Donahoe did have 1 company of soldiers with some small arms and a single machinegun but no large scale military emplacements were prepared.

Donahoe had 2 platoons of Phillipino soldiers dig in around a small ravine leading from the beaches towards the airbase. He stationed one more platoon on the base itself and the other on a small hill forward of the ravine. The machinegun was placed to fire down the ravine.

Shiotani's 81st naval Guards worked their way up the beaches. The ran into the Phillipino troops on the forward hill and surrounded them. Donahoe got word of them being shelled by mortors and heard furious fighting going on from the Hill.

Suddenly a charge of troops started up the ravine. The machinegun posted there began firing. More Japanese troops began to work their way up the ravine. The first initial charge was replused with heavy losses by the Japanese.

For two hours the troops on the forward hill kept fighting. Donahoe could still hear firing from that direction. The Japanese at the ravien brought up some morters and a lone 75 mm gun and started attacking the Ravine again. With Ammo low and little chance of victory. Donahoe sent out word to raise the white flag declaring " We cant win the war here that must be deceided someone else. My priority is to save as many men as I can" he radioed back to HQ in Manila.

Captain Ahiotani took the sword of Donahoe to the Cries of "BANZAI ! BANZAI ! BANZAI !"

Shiotani reported over 250 casualties in the feirce fight for the hill and the ravine.

On the forward hill of ravine the remains of the entire Phillipino platoon were found in their psotions either shot or bayonetted as they died to a man when their ammo ran out.

[Williamb]

Standings after 1st day




0315 AM Local time June 1st 1926

Sea of Japan

The American Volunteer navy had easily avoided all the Japanese Tfs crusing in the Area. The 13 Destroyers had moved further south during the day knowing that there were probably Japanese Ships looking for them.

But as night came on the second day out the optimisim of the crews began to rise that they just might make the Phillipines in one peice. Their course had been towards Legaspi on Phillipines east coast instead of directly to Manila.

But shortly after 3 PM smoke was sighted ahead. Quietly the ships sailed forward to see what awaited them.

It turned out it was the Japanese minelayer the Kurikami Maru laying mines between islands in the Sea of Japan. When the US destroyers saw that it was only a single ship they pressed the attack fighting their way out of the Sea of Japan into the Pacific.

The front Destroyers let loose with a barage that quickly hammered the Kurikami Maru setting it ablaze. As the destroyers passed it they shelled it and launched several torpedoes that hit and caused the Kurikami Maru to slowly sink.

The American Volunteer Navy slipped past the dying Japanese ship and into the safety of the Pacific Ocean.



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All day during the 1st of June word came of many landings along Northern Luzon at Aparri and Vigan. Thousands of Japanese invasion troops poured in Luzon establishing a beach head.

the only reponce of the US came at around 1500 when Planes from Clark Airbase launched an attack. 5 Douglas DT 10s dropped bombs on the Japanese AP Kogyo Maru and the Cargo ship Kasii Maru without scoring any hits.

The Battle for Luzon began in earnest.

[Williamb]

Standings on June 2 1926