From Here It SEEMS Like an Eternity...Imperial Japan's Thoughts

[John 3rd]

[font="times new roman"]December 8, 1941[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Opening Japanese attacking continue to go very well and are, in some ways, ahead of schedule:[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Hawaii[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]The Kido Butai commences its operations:[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]KB1  (Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku) under Nagumo Chuichi are spotted (as hoped) moving towards Johnson Island.  The Americans are certain to think this is the ENTIRE Strike Force![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]KB2  (Akagi, Kaga) successfully moves northeast to rendezvous with the Tanker Train.  They will stay there for a day or two and then move into the shipping lanes between Hawaii and the West Coast.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Philippines[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Landings continue at Aparri.  American aircraft make repeated attempts to attack in decent numbers (12 P-26/18 P-35—Out of Vigan) but score no hits.  A Daitai of Zeros is assigned LR CAP to cover these ships.  Will make a grab at Aparri tomorrow…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Over 50 Army bombers strike at Tuquegarao and inflict minor damage as well as casualties.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Manila Port Strike        106 Z and 78 Betty/Nell strike Manila Bay and find a host of targets!  Numerous hits are scored on 4 DD, 5 AK, and 2 PG, 387 Casualties, and 5 guns are destroyed.  The Port takes some damage as well.  Will hit it again tomorrow.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Paratroopers land and take Taytay as well as Puerto Princessa.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]Malaya[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Kuantan           The source of all action in Malaya is Kuantan!  Landings continue during the day but then the Imperial Army CAPTURES the town/air field/port with minimal damage (Port 42/Service 18/Runway 19).   About a dozen Oscars are flying LR CAP this day and they manage to shot down 7 bombers and 2 fighters.  One AK takes a bomb for little damage![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]With capture of Kuantan, I move 2 Daitai of Fighters, 2 Daitai of Army Bombers, and 2 Daitai of Navy Bombers to the site.  The 5th & 18th Infantry Divisions immediately move out to cut across the peninsula.  They are accompanied by an Engineering Regiment.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Launch Air Raids on:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Alor Star          7 F and 38B cause damage to the Air Field (AF)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Georgetown     23 B destroy 1 B on the ground, inflict 35 Cas, and hit the AF[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Singapore         Port Strike!  25 Z and 46 Nell fight thru 15 Buffalo, inflict 26 Cas, and damage the Port—NO SHIPS!  Zeros shoot down 5 Buffalo and 4 Nells are lost to AA Fire.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Central Pacific[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Guam   Two small AF Construction Battalions begin to land on Guam.  Will take it next round.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Wake   Loading begins with 3 Naval Guard and 24th Aviation Regiment.  These units shall be escorted by 4 CL and 6 DD.  If the landing goes easily, they will then pivot and attack Midway.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]China[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Air Raids are launched at Changsha and Wuchow for minor casualties and AF damage.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Hong Kong      SHOCK ATTACK!  5-1  Forts reduced to 0!  Japanese:  626 Cas, 12 G, 3 V.  Brits lose:  245 Cas, 12 G.  Will have Hong Kong tomorrow.  It pays to hit with a stronger force right at the start:  2 Inf Div, 2 Eng Reg, and 3 Art Reg…[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]SS Action[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]I-153 strikes TWICE hitting the ML Rigel (1TT) and AP Manoora (2TT) just Northeast of Batavia.  The Manoora sinks and I-153 gets the Japanese SS Force off to a good start![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I-154 tries to put a TT into CL Mauritius but misses and pays for it with a Depth Charge causing minor damage.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]KXIII puts 2TT into an inbound AP east of Kuantan and takes 2DC from Japanese ASW.[/font]
 

[John 3rd]

December 9, 1941

Holy Cow---Carrier Battle East of Johnson Island!!!!

Hawaii
KB1 (Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku) gets jumped and then CREAMS TWO American Carriers! BANZAI!

Reported conversation between Adm Nagumo and Commander Genda:
“So Genda, it appears that our Pearl Harbor Strike exceeded are wildest expectations.”

“Admiral, it was a shame that the American carriers were not present. In fact, I wish we could…”

The cry comes out from observers of “American Dive Bombers!” Amid the hue and cry, Japanese CAP tries to intercept the inbound American Squadrons:

American Wave 1: 4 Wildcats—8 Buffalos, 34 Dauntless, 12 Devastator vs. 39 Zero
Amid cries of anguish! Hiryu, Zuikaku, and Soryu EACH take a 1,000lb bomb! Several Dauntlesses hit BC Kirishima with 2B. For this, the Americans lose 2W/6B, 12Daunt, and 6 Dev.

American Wave 2: There MUST be 2 CVs! 6 W, 34 D, 15 Dev vs. 39Z
The CAP, now fully aware of the battle SLASH into this wave of attacks. Down falls the majority of the incoming strike, more are claimed by AA, but a few still nose over into their dives and plant another bomb on CV Hiryu.

Furious at the attack, the Japanese scouts report no less then THREE American TF 100 miles east-northeast of the fleet. Adm Nagumo orders a 120* turn to port to engage. From the decks of the Japanese CVs rise a strike of 31 Z, 60 V, 43 K. A few minutes later another, smaller wave of 11 Z, 18V, 14K leave the deck of the burning Hiryu.

These strikes, the cream of Japanese aviation, bore in to the American Force.

Wave 1 easily pushes aside the American CAP (13W/12Buf) and CRUSHES the USS Enterprise—9 bombs and 8 TT slam into her and turn into a SUNKEN vessel within 10 minutes! Additional hits (2 bombs) are scored on the CA Chester.

Wave 2 misses the other American CV (conveniently under a rain storm) and concentrates on a cruiser TF. Hits are scored on CL Helena (4B), CL Honolulu (1B) and CA San Francisco (1B/1TT).

For these attacks, the Americans lose 7 W and 10 Buf in exchange for 4 Z, 7 V, and 7 K.

A succession of strikes then occur in the afternoon as the Japanese close the range.

American Counter-Attack! A small raid encounters Japanese CAP—2 Buf, 8 Dauntless, 4 Dev vs. 35 Z. The Zeros continue to slash into the American force shooting down nearly the ENTIRE strike. That said, only 4 Dauntless manage to drop their bombs but they devastate the CV Hiryu. Two Bombs hit, adding to the previous 2, and numerous secondary explosions occur!

Nagumo is reported to have said “these Americans sacrifice themselves like Samurai.”

Final Strike: The Japanese finish the battle by sending an afternoon Strike Wave, led by Commander Fuchida, of 30 Z, 50 V, 46 K. Only 2 American Buffalo try to stop the attack. In their sites is the mighty CV Lexington! This time, in less then 10 minutes, the Lexington is sunk beneath a rain of 9 bombs and 8 TTs. Vice-Adm Wilson Brown is killed during the attack. Looking for other targets, the Japanese hit CA Chicago (2 B/1TT), DDs Mahan (1TT)—Flusser (1B)—Drayton (1TT/1B). The Japanese shot down 1 Buffalo and lose 3 Val and 4 Kates.

Summation
Good News:
TWO American CVs SUNK! Goodbye Enterprise and Lexington! Why were they there when I was clearly spotted moving in that direction the previous day?!!

Americans lose a total of 9 W, 19 Buf, 38 Dauntless, and 16 Dev. Don’t know if any of the air groups made it to Johnson Island or not…

I also score significant damage to 2 CA, 2 CL, and 3 DD.

Bad News:
CV Status:
Hiryu Sys-59/Flotation 24/Fires 49 She is a flaming wreck! Doubt if she is saveable…
Soryu 15/4/12 As long as the flotation is fixed, she will make Kwajalein.
Zuikaku took a bomb but it was a dud and scored no REAL damage

Japanese lose a total of 4 Z, 10 V, and 11 K—LESS then the Pearl Harbor Raid!

All of Hiryu’s planes moved to the other 3 CV so I don’t lose any of her aviators (Good).

Plans:
Send Hiryu with 2 DD towards Kwajalein. She won’t make it but at least I’ll try.

Send Soryu with 2 DD also to Kwajalein. She is still capable of 5/5 movement so I put her to Full Speed to clear the area.

CarDiv 5 will move 2 hexes to the east and see if they can pick off any cripples…

The sink and/or cripple all 8 US BB at Pearl and then SINK 2/3 of American CV strength two days later is AMAZING! Losing 1 CV in exchange for all this is not TOO bad…

Wouldn’t you agree??? [:D][:D]

[veji1]

well that's a start !!! Should speed up your plans in the pacific... 

[fabertong]

Well done.........but as a cautionary note.......the good Capn' and tabpub will get their carriers back.......the Hiryu, if she goes, is gone for good..........good luck with Hiryu.

[Ron Saueracker]

Sure would be nice if they brought CAP to realistic levels in an upcoming patch. CAP is just plain silly right now.[8|]

Interesting battle though.

[pauk]

good result, but as Mr Penguin said - american carriers will respawn - as Essex!

So, 2 big CVs for Hiryu is not a dissaster for the ALlies in the start of the game. I even dare to say - this is Japanese tactical victory, it could become a Allied strategy victory...

To avoid latter, KB should continue spread panic all over the Pacific and find other American CVs or, sink many enemy surface vessels or merchants...IMHO...

good luck!

[Wellard]

Agreed now is the time to strike for the west coast convoys

[John 3rd]

Pauk and Wellard,
Your advice is spot-on.  Just got another turn done and have to update AAR.  Akagi and Kaga are now moving (cruise speed) towards shipping lanes between West Coast and Hawaii.  Might move them farther south and try to catch anything headed to SOUTH Pacific...
John
 

[John 3rd]

[font="times new roman"]December 9, 1941[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]I have already reported on the Carrier Battle East of Johnson Island.  As I bask in the afterglow of two out of three sunk American carriers, let us look at the rest of the Pacific:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Central Pacific[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Landing at Guam—This is only a Naval Construction Battalion but it will easily do the job.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Loading Three large Naval Guard units and a Base Force to take Wake Island.  They will be escorted by 4 CL and 6 DD.  Once they have taken Wake, they will move to Midway.  Since I do NOT have to worry about American CVs, I am moving the Midway Assault up by about three weeks.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Philippines[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]I continue my landing at Aparri and TAKE IT!  Move two Daitai of Fighters there.  The base isn’t TOO badly damaged.  Order the main [/i]infantry unit there (65th Brigade) to move west and take Laoag.  There is a PT Boat attack while this is happening and my CL plus 5 DD sink THRE PTs for no loss![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Port Attack Manila again with 54 Z and 45 B.  My planes shot down five P-40s, hit an AK, DD, PG, inflict 237 Cas as well as 8 Guns.  I do this for no losses.  Later in the day, DD Pillsbury and PG Asheville sink in the harbor.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Air Raid Vigan and do light damage.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]My scouts notice lots of (I assume) 1 ship TF leaving Manila and heading South-Southeast.  Move a Daitai and a Chutai of Nells to Palua to hit them as they pass.  I have KB-3 in position tomorrow to hit anything traveling due south towards Tarakan and Balikpapan.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Malaya[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Kuantan           My 48th Infantry Division begins landing at the freshly taken Kuantan.  Adding this unit to the 5th and 18th Division, places a TON of firepower in my hands to cutoff the peninsula.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Air Raids on Singapore, Alor Star, Georgetown, and Khota Bharu occur with some damage and casualties inflicted. [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]China[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]CAPTURE Hong Kong!  The extra units I sent to attack do the job brilliantly!    I get an 8-1 on the attack.  Japanese lose 794 Cas and 12 Guns for a bag of 6,871 POWs and 97 Guns.  Port is in GREAT shape!  Immediately order MSW and AP to Hong Kong to pick-up that Inf Div for future missions.  I like the fact that there is A LOT of fuel and supply there![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Order the expansion of the Naval Repair Yards.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Japanese Air Strikes over Changsha and Wuchow.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Sub Action[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]I-153 gets it second kill when the ML Rigel sinks the day after it was hit.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I-166 gets a double kill today when it sinks MSWs Bendigo and Burnie!  Very Nice!!  [:D][/font]

[John 3rd]

[font="times new roman"]December 10, 1941[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Central Pacific[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]In the aftermath of the Battle of Johnston Island, my KB-1 splits up:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]  [/font]
[font="times new roman"]CarDiv 5 (Shokaku and Zuikaku) stays in the area but doesn’t attack anything due to range.  I didn’t want to get too close to Hawaii and run the risk of LBA hitting me.  His damaged Cruisers and DDs start the day at range SIX and so I cannot attack!  Hmmm…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Order this Division to head for Kwajalein.  I split BCs Kirishima and Hiei off to Bombardment Johnston Island in case there is anything there.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]CarDiv 2 (Hiryu and Soryu) is damaged.  Soryu’s crew gets everything under control (was 15 Sys-4 Flot-12 Fires and is now 20-0-4) and heads for Kwajalein and then Home Islands for Repairs.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Hiryu is badly damaged and I am pretty certain will sink.  Progress is made in fighting the fires but I see the flotation factor coming up (59 Sys-24 Flot-49 Fires down to 67 Sys-29 Flot-16 Fires).  There is a chance to save her but it will be the crew to do it.  Kwajalein is a LONG WAYS AWAY!  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]If I can get lucky (save Hiryu), then this will be a HUGE victory!  If I lose her, which I expect, then it is only a tactical victory…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]KB-2[/font]
[font="times new roman"]CarDiv1 (Akagi and Kaga) TRY to refuel.  (I HATE THE REFUELING FUNCTION!!)  I order them (at Cruise Speed) to move into the shipping lanes between PH and the West Coast.  Sure would be nice to catch Saratoga…or sink some damaged BB…or drown 20,000 troops…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Wake[/b]              The Wake Island Invasion Force departs Kwajalein.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Guam[/b]              As expected, it falls easily.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Philippines[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Air Raids over Manila (27 Z and 63 B do a Port Attack—186 Cas, 7 G, Port Dam), Vigan, and Laoag.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Invasions Forces have left Palau for Davao and Dadjangas and Cam Ranh Bay for Jolo and Cagayan.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Notice that nearly all the 1 ship TF leaving the Philippines are heading SE instead of towards Tarakan.  Move KB-3 in that direction to start sinking some ships…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Malaya[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Had bad weather in Saigon so no Singapore Raid.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Air Attack Khota Bharu and Alor Star and lose 2 Army bombers for a little AF damage.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Lose an AP damaged two days ago by KXIII[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Make decision to GO FOR IT!  With 3 Inf Div landed at Kuantan, I decide to shift the 16th Div’s objective from Kuantan to Johore Bharu.  Perhaps I CAN really get him with a deep envelopment…  Figuring on a naval response to this, I attach 2 BC, 4 CA, 2 CL, and 8 DD as Cover.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]DEI[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Bombard Palembang with 4BB (Nagato, Mutsu, Hyuga, Ise), 1 CA, 2 CL, 8DD.  They destroy 4 Fighters and 1 Bomber, 193 Cas, 4 Guns, 2 Vehicles.  Aerial recon later spots the Repulse here!  Yummyyyyy…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Landing Forces have left Saigon for Kuching, Miri, and Brunei.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]More Invasions Forces are at sea heading for Sorong, Morotai, Weda, and Amboina.  I expect these to be spotted tomorrow.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]China[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]No real action.[/font]
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[font="times new roman"]Subs[/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"]SS Salmon (on the surface) attacks a TK and hits it with 6 shells while taking 1 shell in return at 41, 51.[/font]
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[USSAmerica]

John, I like your AAR style. It's very easy to follow without all the combat reports. I also like your plans! The Imperial Navy is making you look like a genius so far. [:D] I look forward to following your exploits over the coming months.

[John 3rd]

Why Thank You Sir!
 
I get tired of the endless Combat Reports.  To me, an AAR should allow the reader to get inside the head of the writer and help understand ideas, tactics, strategy, etc...  Wish I had the computer talent to match my opposite number writing the Allied version of this campaign!  Oh, well...
 
Just got the next turn finished and am off for bed so I can work Fri-Sat.  C'est la Vie.
 

[John 3rd]

December 11, 1941
Central Pacific
As my CVs retire towards Kwajalein, I try to take steps to keep them intact by striking at Johnston Island. I do not know if any of Enterprise’s or Lexington’s planes diverted there:
 
Naval Bombardment of Johnston Island by BC’s Kirishima and Hiei: destroy 1 Bomber, 157 Cas, 4 Guns, 4 Vehicles, and damage the AF/Port.
 
Unfortunately, I am right in that there are planes there! Poor Hiryu is attacked in the morning and evening by 6 A-20s. I set a Zero Daitai on LRCAP to protect her but, for some reason, only 2 Zeros defend the carrier each time. They shoot down 1 A-20 during the morning and 2 A-20s during the afternoon. This defense is not enough because a single 500lb Bomb strikes Hiryu in the afternoon. She is now at 74 Sys--46 Flot--9 Fires. Grrrrr….
 
Soryu is nearly at Kwajalein and has 22 Sys--0 Flot--1 Fire. Should dock at the base tomorrow.
 
Akagi and Kaga continue a slow move into the Allied shipping lanes. My Glen SS pick-up ships in San Francisco. Perhaps the convoys are about to commence….
 
 
Philippines
A small convoy of mine bumps into the damaged DD Perry and a fight begins. The 9 AP-TK hit the poor DD 21 times! An AP gets hit once and loses 5 casualties at hex 42, 53.
 
The PG Isabel sinks in Manila Bay.
 
I fling one last Port Strike at Manila Bay with 24 Bombers. They inflict 123 Cas, 6 Guns, and damage the port.
 
Laoag is hit by 15Z 50 B doing some damage.
 
My opponents have left a group of B-17s in Davao! A strike by 8 of them hit a MSW with 2B and an AP carrying the Dadjangas Invasion NLF. No major damage to the AP but the MSW sinks.
 
Malaya
Air strikes are flown as my Invasion Force moves to cut the peninsula. I hit:
1. Khota Bharu 12F 52B Lose 2B and hit AF pretty hard.
2. Malacca 13B and hit AF
3. Strike an Indian Brigade retreating from Kuantan with 19F and 43B doing 65 Cas and 2 Guns.
Should land at Johore Bharu in two days.
 
DEI
Those Davao B-17s flew a strike at another TF. This time 12 B-17s attacked at 45, 68 (my Morotai Invasion Force) and hit the AP with a single bomb doing 27 Cas.
KB-3 gets into action and sinks an AF (with troops aboard), AO, and TK. During these strikes, I lose a single Kate.
 
China
Air Strikes on Changsha, Yenen, and Wuchow.
Ground Attack at 50,31 (crossroads hex). I have 1 Inf Div and 3 Brig vs. 3 Chinese Corps. Get a 1-1. Japanese Casualties: 641 Cas, 32 G, 1V for 596 Chin Cas and 7 Guns. More troops arrive there tomorrow and will attack again.
 
Subs
I-10 puts a TT into an AP NE of Suva. I have six SS in that area and perhaps they will get a few more attacks into this small convoy. The convoy is escorted by an American CA.

[ctangus]

Hi John,

Very interesting AAR. Your plans for Malaya seem very scary (from an allied point of view). [:)]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

If I can get lucky (save Hiryu), then this will be a HUGE victory! If I lose her, which I expect, then it is only a tactical victory…

I'd argue with you on that. I'd say it's a strategic victory, even if Hiryu does sink, again from an allied point of view. Sure those US carriers will respawn but you probably won't see them in action against you until the US already has a large CV superiority, the CAP bonus, etc. An extra 60 carrier planes for you would be nice, certainly, but likely not decisive.

In the meantime, your initial CV superiority is magnified even more during the expansion of your empire. Your opponents are liable to be much more cautious with their remaining CVs as well. That will make it all the easier for you to establish exactly the defensive perimeter that you want, which has strategic implications in and of itself.

Anyway, well done so far & good luck - I'll be following this with interest.

[John 3rd]

Thank you for the thoughts!  I do not disagree with you in your views whatsoever. 
 
It just frustrates me that I might lose this valuable ship due to two 500lb Bomb hits from Johnston Island bombers.  One ALWAYS seems to get through!  I just made the notes for the current turn will elaborate when I get home from school.
 
My WORTHY opponents will, by force, have to change their tactics for the first six months of the war.  In many ways, it is now IMPERATIVE for me to sink another and then NO MATTER WHAT the Allies cannot oppose my plans in 1942!  This will make me more viable in 1943...
 

[Moondawggie]

John 3, ain't it a bear when you've done a good job, and then get unfairly bushwacked in the hour of victory!

Imagine how Buckmaster felt at Midway when that damn sub torpedoed his Yorktown after he'd all but saved her, and the US was leading 4-0 in CVs destroyed.

Or how po'ed the Japanese were at Santa Cruz when 2 very lucky scout SBDs each dropped a 500 lb bomb on Zuiho's unsupecting decks, before any real USN rair raids came to visit.

Funny thing about war and wargames: luck always enters into play sooner or later.

I still think you're doing damn well! [:)]

[John 3rd]

Good Day All!
 
I have been having a hard time finding time to write my AAR.  My wife is VERY pregnant and due any hour...  This is our second son and he is not being very cooperative!  Anyone EVER have a wife FINISHED with her pregnancy but no baby YET???  [:@][:D]
 
Things...are...interesting...
 
I do HOPE to update the AAR when I get home in about 45 minutes.  Wife and 2 1/2 year-old son SHOULD be sleeping!  [&o][&o]

[John 3rd]

Finally get a chance to update!

December 12, 1941

Central-Southeastern Pacific
Kavieng, NB Begin Landing with an NLF, Naval Construction Unit, and small Navy Base Force. Get attacked by 2 Hudson and 7 Wirraway from Rabaul. One AP takes 2B but no other activity.

Sortie Rr-Adm Ohira aboard CA Aoba to take SE Pac Strike Force (4CA, 6DD) and bombard Rabaul.

IJN Hiryu I ordered the TF containing CarDiv5 to escort Hiryu and provide CAP. For some unfathomable reason, they chose not to and, ONCE AGAIN, Hiryu is attacked by bombers from Johnston Island! 6 B-17 manage to put 1 Bomb on her. Damage is nearly at the catastrophic point (88 Sys—65 Flot—20 Fire). Will probably scuttle her tomorrow.

Suva I-10 puts 1TT into an AP 2 hexes NE of Suva. Have other SS there and vector them in.

Philippines
Naval Actions:
1. 3 PT vs. 2AP/1AK at Aparri. An AK takes 1TT and the PTs get away.
2. Approaching Mindanao—DD John Ford runs into a convoy and damages an AP. Later that day 6 B-17s hit another AP with 2 bombs. Between the 2 attacks, I lose 84 Troops.

Air Action:
1. Raid Manila with 27Z and 22B getting 253 Cas, 2 Guns, and doing Port Damage.
2. Over Laoag is a fierce Air Battle 11 Nates and 10 Zeros (Aparri-based) fight 18 P-35 and 16 P-26. I lose NO FIGHTERS and shot down 4 P-35 and 7 P-26. Not bad. Laoag’s ground unit is hit by 15 Z and 50 B causing 49 Cas, 1 Gun, and Airfield damage.
3. 16 P-35 hit a convoy AP with 1 bomb at 41,52 causing 38 Cas.

Ground:
1. Laoag Falls! 86-1 with no Japanese Casualties.

Malaya
Naval Actions:
1. As expected, Allied SS start operating in my convoy route of Saigon to Kuantan. KXII hits an empty AP with 1TT and pays for it by taking 6 Depth Charges.
2. Spot several other SS in area…

Air Actions:
1. The AVG Appears! 55 P-40 and 10 Buffalo with 13 B-17s attack Kuantan. I lose 5 Nates and 1 Sally with very light damage to the Airfield. Will move Zeros there to deal with this predictable move.
2. Raid Singapore with 26 Z and 25 N vs. 13 Buffalo. I shot down 7 Buffalos but lose 5 Nells to flack! Do 35 Cas and damage to Port.

Western Dutch East Indies
Naval Action:
1. KXIV hits an AK with 2TT at 29,53 and I lose 43 Cas. This convoy is approaching Kuching, Borneo.

Air Action
1. The same convoy is then hit with 10 TB and I have an AO and PG each get 1TT. Frustrating…


China
A number of small, nuisance air strikes were made here at Changsha, Wuchow, and the crossroads (grid reference 46,35)

To clear the road hex, I make a Deliberate Attack at 51,31 with 3 Inf Div and 3 Brig vs. 3 Chinese Corps. I get a 1-1 and casualties are (Jap) 1556, 27 G, and 4 V for 917 Chinese and 3 G.

[John 3rd]

December 13, 1941

Central-Southeastern Pacific
Kavieng, NB Capture the port and move a Chutai of Mavis here.

IJN Hiryu For the second straight day, Admiral Nagumo ignores a direct order to close up and protect IJN Hiryu! GRRRRRR… A small group of 6 B-17s paste the Cv with 3 Bombs causing fatal damage. Order her scuttled and SCREAM to the High Heavens my frustrations with this game!

Suva I have an SS make an attack on an AP but miss as it enters Suva Harbor.

Philippines
Naval Actions:
1. Jolo I-159 finds American warships and gets 3DC. She relays the message of 1CA, 1CL, and 6DD there…hmmmm…
2. Approaching Mindanao—The convoy that the DD Ford hit yesterday is ordered to land its NLF at Talaud Island so it doesn’t get wiped out by the AP sinking…

Air Action:
1. Flying from Davao, 9 B-17 hit the Davao Invasion Force. One Ap gets 2 bombs which costs me 53 Casualties.
2. Another AP in the central Philippines (headed for Cagayan) gets 2 Bombs from those eagle-eyed, never-miss B-17 bombers (MARK THIS as the FIRST of many B-17 rants.

Malaya
Naval Actions:
1. KXI just east of Kuantan puts 1TT into an AP and is hit by 7 DC during two ASW attacks. He is hitting my ships but I am damaging his SS. We’ll see how long he wants to keep this up…
2. Spot several other SS in area…

Air Actions:
1. Bad weather cancels nearly all air strikes this day.

Ground:
1. My lead Inf Div moves into the central hex between Kuantan and the western coast. The other two are close behind.
2. My 4th Inf Div will begin landing at Mersing tomorrow.

Western Dutch East Indies
Naval Action:
1. O20 hits an AK with 3TT (sinking it) and causing 41 Casualties to the approaching Kuching Invasion Force.
2. HOLY COW! Spot Force Z at Kuching!!!
3. (Directly related to point 2) Order Kuching Invasion Force to divert towards Brunei…
4. I-154 hits and sink ML Krakatau NE of Batavia.

Air Action
1. Attack on FORCE Z! In a heroic attack, 6 Z and 22 Nells fight their ways through 10 Buffalo (shooting down 3) to then drop their TTs. Of the 22 Nells, 8 go for Prince of Wales, 8 for Repulse, and 6 for CL Danae. The CL takes 2TT and the BB and BC are MISSED! DAMN… Still---probably scared the tar out of my opponents…

Ground:
1. Landing at Brunei, Borneo

Eastern Dutch East Indies
Naval Action:
1. Spot warships near Amboina and move KB-3 southwards to hit them.

Ground:
1. Begin my small landings at Morotai and Wasile. My Morotai AP is hit by 2 TT from Menado. The AP sinks but unloads all of its NLF.


China
A number of small, nuisance air strikes were made here at Changsha, Wuchow, Ichang, and the crossroads (grid reference 46,35)

To clear the road hex, I make a second Deliberate Attack at 51,31 with 4 Inf Div and 3 Brig vs. 3 Chinese Corps. I get 6-1 and casualties are (Jap) 1223, 42 G, and 5 V for 951 Chinese and 5 G. Chinese units retreat towards Homan and I chose to follow.

Hong Kong Begin Minesweeping. Have two PC hit 1 mine each.


Comments
The desire to defend Kuching with Force Z surprises me and forces me to change plans. I send the 4 old BB back towards Palembang in hopes that the British TF retreats in that direction. Set all Nells and Betty to Naval Attack.

The Allied ‘inexperienced’ squadrons are hitting my forces harder then I expected. I think they are getting lucky but I have to be careful.

British and Dutch SS are scoring but also taking damage. This will be a see-saw affair for another couple of weeks. Let us hope the useless Japanese ASW achieves something.

It appears that my opponents are forward deploying their surface assets and I expect several naval actions soon. Each of my important Invasion Convoys has a solid Escort Force so I am not too worried. It looks as if there are 3 concentrations of warships: Kuching, Jolo, and Amboina. I need Lvl 4 Airfields to make their life tough…

[John 3rd]

I neglected to mention that the Attack upon Force Z did cost 2 Nells to AA Fire.