I have previously played only 1 team game as Japanese, in which I was responsible for the Pacific Theater, so I have a lot to learn.
Setup:
Bill and I decide on a historical start, with Dec 7 surprise, PDU is OFF. In reviewing my forces I make a determination that the following are my long term strategic goals through the end of 1942:
1. Eject the allied forces from Malaya and the Dutch East Indies and push the Allies back North of Rangoon, and south into Australia.
2. Secure and fortify mutually supporting bases in the South Pacific in order to prepare for the eventual allied shift into an offensive posture.
3. Destroy Allied CV’s whenever and wherever possible. (I realize that the allies will respawn some of the CV’s that I destroy, but I must not think that way in this game)
4. Hold China and slowly expand where possible.
5. Secure and fortify the Phillipine Islands.
I my dozen or so PBEM games as allies, I noticed a common thread among Japanese players. Often they try to expand too far and too fast, overextending themselves and essentially leaving themselves weak everywhere. I am determined not to let this happen.
I am dividing my goals into several geographical areas of focus.
1. Central and South Pacific: Basically east of Rabaul and South of Midway is a block of millions of square miles of ocean and a few key islands that I must secure and fortify. My operations here will be aimed at preparing for my future defense.
2. Dutch East Indies – this is my breadbasket. I must take this carefully and without losing too many forces, and I must get the flow of oil and resources moving early into the home islands.
3. The Phillipines – A measured and careful campaign is necessary here in order to secure a strong defensive buffer for the home islands.
4. China/India – I have very little experience operating in China or India, so my plans are modest. Hold what I have, and then expand slowly.
My specific short term goals going into the game:
1. Secure and resupply/reinforce my initial invasion points. Wake Island, the northern Phillipines, Kota Bharu.
2. Move fast and get the Hong Kong takeover finished early.
3. Lock down northwestern Borneo by air and sea to prevent reinforcement and resupply of Kuching and Singkawang.
4. Initiate follow on invasions of Kuching, Naga, Manado, Admiralty Islands and Canton Island. Ensure that enough forces are tasked to each of these invasions that there is no possibility they will fail.
Turn 1: December 7th, 1941
Our forces have their orders and we can do little but sit and hope for a good outcome. It isn’t long before the first messages begin to trickle in.
Our initial strike on Pearl Harbor goes well. While taking moderate losses (approximately 20 aircraft), our brave pilots sink the BB West Virginia as well as the submarine Tautog. Heavy damage is inflicted on the US ships moored there.
Elsewhere all other invasions go well with the exception of Wake Island. Only a portion of our landing forces decide to attack, and it is not enough.
Airstrikes against Singapore and the Phillipines are disappointing. Total damages for the day’s attacks are as follows:
And so, on the morning of December 8th, we have our bomb damage assessments in hand as we begin to plot our orders…
EDIT - Incidentally, we are already 10 days into the game, so I should be updating this relatively quickly.
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