The Emperor's Champions - 3x3 AAR

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/19/42
Aside from the South Pacific, it was mostly quiet today. Airstrikes northwest of Wuchow met a few I-16c and the escorting Nates made short work of them. Other airstrikes at Hsinyang and Palembang. The Allies again hit Tarakan.
Units were landed at Menado along with a bombardment by battleships.
Another assault on Clark continued to gain ground.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
The bombardment forces hit Suva hard in the morning, and the KB planes hit the NZ Brigade hard in the daylight. The first push on Suva met with reasonable success, although the base is not secure yet. Casualties were about even, which works to our advantage since we have about 3-1 odds. Outer defenses were breached as well. More airstrikes by KB and another bombardment, along with a charging full assault are planned for tomorrow and will hopefully take the island. Cargo ships with large quantities of supplies also arrived and will ensure our troops have the ammo they need tomorrow.

Sub Ops:
Quiet today.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
I-16c - 3

Imperial Air Force
None.


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
None.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/20/42
A good day for the Empire in all major areas.
Standard airstrikes all around, but a large one occured at Akyab. 47 Zeros and 125 assorted bombers were met by 35 fighters of the AVG. Several Zeros were lost, as well as some bombers but the strike did get through and inflict some damage.
Zeros at Miri continue to inflict damage on the Dutch oil bombing runs.
The big news is at Singapore - after a 3 month campaign, the British have surrendered and the valueable port city, repair yards and resource center now belong to the Empire of Japan! Over 65,000 enemy soldiers were captured and will be promptly put to work repairing the battle scarred port facilities.[center][/center][center]British at Singapore march under a flag of truce.[/center]
Another high point was at Menado where the naval landing forces secured the base, opening the way for further expansion into the DEI.[center][/center][center]Japanese landing forces securing the streets in a village at Menado.[/center]
An assault on Clark saw a further weakening of the defensive position there.


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Operation Enrai has come to a close with a solid push into Suva which routed the defenders to the other side of Fiji Island. Naval bombardments and a solid strike by KB aircraft all but assured that the NZ Brigade could not resist the SS Detachment and the NLF forces. The airfield is in surprising decent condition, with expansion of the airstrips already under way. Contruction groups are already enroute to finish the expansion to allow Nells to operate with full torpedo loadouts. For now, a Daitai of Zeros and Nells have flown in to begin interdicting any Allied shipping in the area.[center][/center][center]Local huts at Suva will be used to house Japanese soldiers until proper housing has been established.[/center]
The bombardment force has reloaded from the AKs that brought in supplies and will begin shelling the defenders at Nandi to prevent them from organizing a defense. The ground forces at Suva will rest for half a week and then move out to clear the island. Tankers and cargo ships are both enroute with supplies and fuel.
Alfs from Munda and a Zero/Nell force from Rabaul attacked allied ships at Lunga today. The DD Cushing was sunk, and 2 cargo ships were hit by torpedoes.
The KB will take a route northwards to Truk that will allow it to pass near to Lunga in case any Allied ships remain there to be sunk. For now, the KB will not take on the LBA of Noumea, that will wait until Komorabi in in full swing.
Regarding Komorabi, the 38th Division has been released from Wuchow by Gen Mantill and the 6th Armored reserve has been release by GHQ. Both have been added to the Order of Battle and will load up in the next 2-4 days to head for Truk.

Sub Ops:
The AK Liran was reported sunk today, it had been hit several days ago by the I-166. Also, a Glen flying near Trincomalee was shot down by flak today. The sub carrying it has been sent back to Rangoon to take on a replacement aircraft and pilot.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
P-40E Warhawk - 5
P-40B Tomahawk - 5
Brewster 339D - 2
CW-21B Demon - 2
Martin 139 - 2

Imperial Air Force
A6M2 Zero - 10
G3M Nell - 4
Ki-48 Lily - 3
Ki-21 Sally - 2
E13A1 Jake - 2
G4M1 Betty - 2
Ki-49 Helen - 1
Ki-51 Sonia - 1


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
None.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/21/42
Relatively quiet today. Allied airstrikes against Myitkyina and ships at Menado. Only a couple other airstikes here and there.
The 191st Chinese Division came across the river between Changsa and Hengchow today and was summarily punished for the incursion by a large IJA force at the crossroads.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
The large convoy at Lunga drew more attacks from Rabaul and Munda, but the Nells and Alfs failed to land any hits today.
In the event this convoy lingers, a small plan has been formed to possibly do some minor damage. Fast destroyers from Makin and Truk have been ordered to rendezvous 360 miles northeast of Lunga. A slow CL has also been sent, along with the CS Mizuho and its 20 Alf planes. The KB has been ordered on a more northwestern course that will take it very close to Ndini. Once the Destroy & cruiser forces meet up, if the Allied convoy is still at Lunga, they will move in for a night surface combat. If the Hornet comes around to attack our 'vulnerable' detroyers, the KB will be there to pounce on the American carrier group. Most likely the Allied force will leave before we get there, but since the KB is on its way to Truk anyways it doesn't hurt to take a stab.

Sub Ops:
The I-2 missed while targeting a Destroyer near Los Angeles. It received some damaged from depth charges, and it is tough to say if it will make it home. It is a long trip to Tokyo from LA.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
None.

Imperial Air Force
None.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
I-2 19/56/0 (West Coast US)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/22/42
Much more air action today.
The first strikes to be launched from the newly conquered Singapore airfields were small groups of Kates which attack the CL Tromp and Java at Palembang. No hits were scored.
Sallys hit enemy troops at Hsinyang, and Zeros and Betties did well against Hurricanes over Imphal.
Other strikes included Wuchow, Yenen, Manilla, and Clark.
The Allies launched srikes at Tarakan, Myitkyina and Miri. The Miri strike was definitely showing signs of stress, as most of the bombers took off after seeing a couple of their comrades shot down. Only a couple planes made it through to bomb the oil production facilities there.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
Alfs again attempted to hit ships at Lunga with no success. The enemy convoy is still in place as KB and surface forces draw closer.
The large ships at Suva bombarded the other side of the island and caused a fair amount of damaged, destroying several Allied patrol planes on the ground.

Sub Ops:
Nothing of interest today.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Martin 139 - 6
Brewster 339D - 5
PBY Catalina - 5
CW-21B Demon - 4
Hurricane II - 3
Wirraway - 2

Imperial Air Force
A6M2 Zero - 2
Ki-43-Ib Oscar - 2
G4M1 Betty - 1
B5N Kate - 1


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
I-2 19/52/0 (West Coast US)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/23/42
Many airstrikes again today.
Sallys bombed Akyab by moonlight for a second night in a row. Other strikes at Yenen, near Wuchow, and Palembang. Kates from Singapore hit a cargo ships at Palembang as well.
The Allies launched smaller strikes at Tarakan, Salamaua, and Menado.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
Alfs at Lunga scored a couple hits today on the AK Empire Steelhead and the AK Empire Ocean. Nells and Zeros from Rabaul attacked at well, putting a torpedo into the DD Selfridge.[center][/center][center]The DD Selfridge, c. 1930.[/center]
The KB is now within range of the shipping lane from Lunga to Noumea. The fleet has been ordered to sail west at full speed to bring them in range of the area. Whether the Allied ships stay at Lunga or not, they will be within range of the KBs planes by tomorrow.
The Allies did spot KB today with a Catalina patrol plane. The Catalina likely radioed its sighting report in, but the pilot did not make it back as Zeros on CAP shot it down.

Sub Ops:
The I-2 is slowly bringing flooding under control and some hope remains that it will make it home afterall.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Hudson I - 1
PBY Catalina - 1

Imperial Air Force
G4M1 Betty - 1

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
I-2 19/46/0 (West Coast US)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/24/42
Thunderstorms continue to dampen action in China and Burma.
Airstrikes launched at Manilla, Clark, and Palembang. Alfs from Rangoon took some shots at a ship near Akyab, but no hits were landed.
Allied air units hit Tarakan, Salamaua and attacked the battleships at Menado.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
The action of the day was near Lunga. As planned Admiral Yamaguchi moved into position south of Lunga. However, what was not planned was a convoy carrying a large portion, if not the entire, 12th Australian Brigade.
Although orders had been given to target destroyers and personnel transports at Lunga, spotter planes radioing back to Yamaguchi indicated there appeared to be a loaded convoy heading northeast towards the island. Not wasting the opportunity to sink valuable Allied cargo in deep water, Yamaguchi altered the orders of his strike force.
At approximately 0900, the main strike force of 88 Kates, 58 Vals, and 15 Alfs (escorted by 25 Zeros) launched to find the convoy. It was located a short time later, approximately 150 miles west of the KB, and 90 miles southeast of Guadalcanal.
As the Zero's circled, they spotted no enemy air cover, and no armed ships defending the convoy. It was a good day to be a Japanese bomber pilot. The cargo ships were mercilessly pounded by many torpedoes and 250kg AP bombs. Subsequent strikes launched later in the morning and afternoon confirmed all seven cargo ships sunk.
Radio intercepts throughout the day indicated that the 12th Aus Bde had been onboard the cargo ships and with no friendly ships in the area (the ships at Lunga had problems of their own), none of the Bde that had been onboard were rescued.
While Yamaguchi's fleet was doing it work, the CS Mizuho, rendezvoused with the surface units from Makin and Truk northeast of Lunga. With the small fleet brought together, travel was stopped and 16 Alf floatplanes were launched towards Lunga.[center][/center][center]The CS Mizuho.[/center]
Thus it was that throughout the day, Alfs from Munda, Nells and Zeros from Rabaul, and more Alf's from the Mizuho attacked the Destroyers and cargo ships at Lunga. Several hits were landed, including a torpedo hit on the DD Dunlap. While the 30 kg bombs of the Alf's were not fatal, they caused sufficient damage that we are confident our surface force of one CL and 4 destroyers will be able to move in tomorrow and finish off any ships that do not flee the area. If they attempt to flee south, they will be hit by Yamaguchi, if they flee east they will be hit by the Mizuho (which will move to the southeast through the night), and if they flee west, the Nells at Rabaul will get them.[center][/center][center]Airstikes in the south Solomons.[/center]

Sub Ops:
The I-2 continues to bring flooding under control as it heads west for the Home Islands.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
None.

Imperial Air Force
A6M2 Zero - 1

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
I-2 19/38/0 (West Coast US)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/25/42
Much more action in the air today.
Japanese airstrikes launched at Manilla, Clark and Yenen. Also, several Betty's attacked ships near Balikpapan, and Kates attacked ships near Palemang. The CL Danae was hit at Balikpapan, and the CL Java was hit at Palembang.
The Allies launched a strike at Miri, which was met by many Zeros. Most of the enemy planes were damaged or shot down, and the two that did get through caused no damage.
IJA forces assaulted Yenen with little progress. The news was better in the Phillipines though, as Clark field was secured and several Allied units retreated towards Bataan. Clark airfield does have some significant damage, but our dedicated Japanese engineer units will have it up and running in no time. The surrounded Chinese units at Hsinyang continue to take heavy losses as well.
Japanese engineers also completed work on the expansion at Singapore. Major facilities are now online there. (It is a size 9 port now.)

Feurer Krieg Area Report
A strike by Allied bombers at Biak was met by Oscar defenders. Several of the escorting Brewster fighters were shot down, but the Hudson bombers stood up well to the weak Oscar MG's. Still the enemy bombers were distrupted enough that they were not able to hit their target.
Near Lunga, the Allied ships present did not attempt to leave. Due to skillful execution by the local air commanders, three separate strikes all converged over Lunga at the same time. The strike consisted of 8 Zeros, 48 Kates, 44 Vals, and 45 Alfs. Several ships were hit repeatedly.[center][/center][center]Multiple strikes are coordinated into one.[/center]At that point in the day, the DD Dunlap, DD Jarvis and a couple cargo ships were confirmed sunk.[center][/center][center]The DD Jarvis seen dead in the water after torpedo attacks off Guadalcanal.[/center]
Late in the afternoon, the CL Kashima and its destroyer group arrive and finished off the DD Selfridge and heavily damaged the DD Ellet and the cargo ships Empire Steelhead and Empire Ocean. In the action though, the Ellet mananged to land a hit on the DD Hayashio causing some fires on deck. Although the damage was minor, it did cause enough concern that the Allied ships were allowed to slip away to the northeast. It is unlikely they will be able to survice the trip back to Noumea.[center][/center][center]Remnants of the ships at Lunga are chased off by the Kashima.[/center]
Admiral Yamuguchi is now very low on fuel, but has just enough to return to Rabaul, where plenty of fuel is on hand. The KB will head to Rabaul immediately, refuel and then go to Truk for aircraft replacements and minor repairs. From there it will set out on Operation Komorabi.
Lastly, the battlegroup at Suva again bombarded Nandi causing heavy casualties. The ground forces at Suva have been ordered to march to Nandi to finish securing the island. With KB heading to Truk, an additional group of Zeros has been flown to Suva to provide cover for the surface fleet there.

Sub Ops:
All quiet.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Brewster 339D - 10
Martin 139 - 6
CW-21B Demon - 3

Imperial Air Force
A6M2 Zero - 2
G4M1 Betty - 4
B5N Kate - 1
Ki-36 Ida - 1

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-2 19/37/0 (West Coast US)
DD Hayashio 8/0/13 (Lunga)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/26/42
Many airstrikes again today. The Allies took more losses over Miri and scored no hits. Also Blenheims were over Myitkyina, but did little damage.
There were Japanese airstikes at Yenen, east of Mandalay, and Hengchow. Additionally, wave after wave of Japanese bombers took aim at the pocket of Chinese defenders near Hsinyang.
G4Ms out of Singaport attacked the CL Tromp and Java near Muntok. The Tromp was spared, but two or three torpedoes hit the Java inflicting serious damage to the ship.
West of Hsinyang, the 1st Chinese Tank regiment was hit hard and forced to retreat back to Ichang.[center][/center][center]Russian built T-26 tanks of the Chinese 1st Tank Regiment.[/center]

Feurer Krieg Area Report
The DD Ellet was confirmed sunk near Lunga. As the KB and the other Japanese ships in the area headed to Rabaul, the Mizuho launched an Alf strike and found the Empire Steelhead and put many 30kg bombs on target. With over a half a dozen submarines in the area, it is unlikely that the last two cargo ships will escape from Lunga, even if they don't sink due to the bombing damage.

Sub Ops:
All quiet.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Brewster 339D - 3
Martin 139 - 1
CW-21B Demon - 1
PBY Catalina - 1

Imperial Air Force
G4M1 Betty - 4


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-2 19/34/0 (West Coast US)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/27/42
A fair bit of action today.
Oscars and Kates found the CL Tromp at sea at Palembang and managed to put two bombs into the ship, causing heavy damage. Additionally, airstrikes were launched at Singkawang and Manilla. The Manilla strike was quiet large, over 160 aircraft, as most of the offense ground units in the Luzon move into position around the important city.
The Allies came to Miri again, and scored no damage. They also launched limit strikes against our ground forces in Myitkyina.
Japanese reinforcements landed at Tarakan today.
In China, the Allies evacuated Wuchow. Japanese forces restored order today and claim the city for the empire. Several I-16c aircraft were captured on the ground.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
Quiet as KB and other ships refuel at Rabaul and then head for Truk to assemble for Operation Komorabi. The KB was bone dry as it pulled into port, and used up over 40,000 fuel to refuel. More tankers have begun loading up fuel to replace what the KB has used. There is still enough in Rabaul to refuel the TFs on their way to Noumea.
Emily recon reports that the Allied airfield at Lunga continues to grow. A late day strike to slow the Allies construction progress has been ordered for the Nells/Zeros at Rabaul if no ship targets are found at sea tomorrow.

Sub Ops:
The RO-66 found the limping AK Empire Steelhead and put two torpedoes into the ship to finish it off. The assist adds the RO-66 to the kill board.
East of Trincomalee, the I-25 Glen equipped sub, already known for hitting cargo ships west of Java, found an isolated ML, the Gouden Leeuw, and hit with one torpedo, cause a large amount of damage to the relatively small ship. Upon return the port the captain of the I-25 will be recognized for his continued skill and contributions to the war effort, although he will be asked again to not take such risks with his valuable scouting ship.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Brewster 339D - 6
I-16c - 5
Martin 139 - 1
CW-21B Demon - 1


Imperial Air Force
B5N Kate - 2
Ki-43-1b Oscar - 1
G4M1 Betty - 1


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-2 20/33/0 (West Coast US)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 2/28/42
Poor weather kept the air activity lower today. Strikes continued at Manilla.
Wuchow was secured as Gen Mantill's armies continue their march across China.
Battleships Mutsu, Hyuga and Yamashiro pounded the coastline near Tarakan befure an initial ground assault which gained little ground owing to low levels of supplies. An assault against Singkawang had little effect also.
North of the Phillipines, the SS Thresher was located by a pair of destroyers and hit multiple times. Although not confirmed sunk, the sub is likely heavily damaged.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
The Allies launched a strike against Noemfoor, but the Oscars on station there distrupted the attacked and downed a few of the escorts.
Nells from Rabaul caused some light damaged at Lunga.

Sub Ops:
Nothing to report.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Brewster 339D - 4
Hudson I - 1

Imperial Air Force
None!


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-2 20/31/0 (West Coast US)

[FeurerKrieg]

The analytics department continues to work on the February statistical report, it should be completed soon.

War Report 3/01/42
Large scale airstrikes were launched across China, with a massive attack by 170 Sally bombers at Yenen. Even with the heavy bombing, a strong attack by IJA units gained little ground.
The 62nd Chinese Corp was forced to retreat back to Ichang, further ensuring the isolation of the Chinese units at Hsinyang.
In the Phillipines a major offensive against the city of Manilla made great strides. The city's fall is very near. Reinforcements continue to land at Tarakan, while the units already present keep the pressure up on the Dutch defenders.
A couple Allied subs were discovered by ASW forces, but managed to escape unharmed in both instances.
The Allies launched limited strikes, but were again back over Miri, losing another trio of fighters and scoring no hits with the Martins.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
The KB has pulled into Truk for R&R. All air units have been filled out and some new pilots have been brought on board a couple of the carriers. A few of these are quiet green, but with luck they will learn much from the veterans they are surrounded by.
The Reserve Armored unit will arrive at Truk in approximately 2 days. Once it is unloaded, the final OOB will be drawn up and task forces assembled. The 38th Division will likely arrive at Truk a couple days after the main fleet sails, but it will unload and rest for a couple days before heading south to Noumea.
A Daitai of Bettys have been flown in to Biak. Although the base is not equipped with torpedos, the Bettys will still be able to inflict some damage on any careless Allied transports in the areas north of Australia.
Also, engineers have been disembarked at Tarawa to assist with the airfield construction there. Another unit has left the Gilberts to head for Canton Island. More are on the way, and over the next month island all across the Pacific will see a significant strengthing of their defensive abilities.


Sub Ops:
Nothing to report.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
CW-21B Demon - 2
Brewster 339D - 1

Imperial Air Force
None!

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-2 20/25/0 (West Coast US)

[cantona]

great and inspirational AAr guys

[FeurerKrieg]

Thanks! Always good to know there are readers out there. [:D]

[cantona]

one question though, are float planes THAT effect as anti-ship aircraft?

[Monter_Trismegistos]

I also feel that your AAR is brilliant. I love the idea of "At-Risk Damaged Ship Report".

[FeurerKrieg]

Thanks for the comments!

The damaged ship list is handy, it helps me keep track of what our real losses are from any given engagement. Take Wake for example, although it seems bad at first, I think all that we actually lost were APs and some small gunboats. All the capital ships made it home for repairs and a return to action someday.

Sorry the posts have not been as well illustrated lately, I've been busy with work and kids. Summer is coming though, hopefully I'll have more free time then.

[FeurerKrieg]

ORIGINAL: cantona

one question though, are float planes THAT effect as anti-ship aircraft?

Against unarmored ships they are pretty handy. Given that they can operate with no airfield they can be put pretty far forward. If cruisers show up, then they don't work so well, but against Destroyers and cargo ships, as was case at Lunga, they can certainly get some penetrating hits. In the case of DD's, they can give some system damage that slows them down, and makes them less effective in a surface engagement.

[turkey1]

Feurer krieg

I was wondering what happened to the Iron storm II game you were playing with Alikchi

He hasn't posted an update the AAR for quite a while.

[FeurerKrieg]

He just up and vanished. He was half way through the report for December 8th, and then never came back. I haven't seen an email, PM or anything from him.

[TheElf]

Yes, Feurer, I'm glad to see you back at it.