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

[goodboyladdie]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/22/22

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ASW attack at 41,51

Japanese Ships
SS U-46 (O2)

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Sub attack near Manila at 43,52

Japanese Ships
SS No. 31

Allied Ships
TK Talang Akar, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Martin's subs start to bite. I believe this was a neutral vessel so a protest will have to be lodged...
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Sub attack at 43,48

Japanese Ships
SS U-55 (O3)

Allied Ships
MSW Avocet, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Heron
MSW Bittern
MSW Finch

These are my only ASW capable combatant ships in area, so I could have done without this, but it is only what Martin has had to put up with since day 1...
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Ground combat at Mukden

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 18272 troops, 88 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 783

Defending force 18866 troops, 117 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 458

I will have to try plan C to get my boys to move before they get cut off

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Ground combat at Davao

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 23760 troops, 202 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 407

Defending force 6696 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 173

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


Japanese ground losses:
367 casualties reported
Guns lost 15

Allied ground losses:
62 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


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Ground combat at Davao

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5821 troops, 30 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 166

Defending force 23162 troops, 182 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 378


Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[goodboyladdie]

First things first, the Diplomatic fallout...

The Dutch Government has issued a formal protest about the horrific unprovoked attack on a neutral Dutch flagged tanker approaching Manila. Future shipments will be escorted by Dutch Torpedo Boats to ensure such an atrocity does not reoccur.

The British and French Governments have lodged a formal protest about the close Naval Blockade being enforced at Shanghai by units of the Imperial Japanese Navy.

The evidence...

[goodboyladdie]

The 808th EAB, which was on it's way to assist the RAN at Rabaul aboard the AP Henderson, has been diverted to Midway to assist in the major engineering works being undertaken there as a matter of urgency. My subs are reaching their patrol areas and the first of the re-inforcements from CONUS should arrive next turn.

[goodboyladdie]

The death of the Avocet...

[goodboyladdie]

In the PI I have decided to use the Rochester tf as a fast transport force. They will be routed around the known sub threat. Huron is now at 99/65. I will have to make up my mind about her...

S-17 is now disbanded in Canton Harbour with a Sub Tender. The two DDs that escorted the AS to Canton are sailing to Singapore for an urgent ASW upgrade. SEAC HQ is sailing on three seperate convoys for Singapore.

[goodboyladdie]

And the situation at Guam is now critical...

[Dixie]

[center]Japanese Diplomatic Statement to Dutch Government[/center]

Whilst the Imperial Japanese Government regrets the events leading up to the attack on the neutral Dutch vessel and any loss of life resulting, it must be noted that the vessel was operating outside of the internationally agreed laws. The vessel was sailing in a known warzone with all navigation lights off, despite the fact that the Japanese government has passed on the location of safe channels for merchant vessels and hospital ships operating around the Philippine Islands the Dutch vessel was several miles outside of the nearest agreed safe route into Manila. The ship refused to respond to requests to stop engines and allow a boarding party to investigate it's cargo.
The Japanese government also has evidence that the tanker was carrying war supplies to the United States forces in Manilla, in particular a large quantity of naval grade kerosene. Should further shipments of war supplies, including naval fuel, munitions and/or aircraft be intercepted they are liable to be interred at the nearest Japanese port or returned to their own territory if neutral. Cargo ships of beligerant nations will have the crew removed from harm and disembarked under the care of the International Red Cross and their ship will be either seized, or sunk.

[center]Japanese Response to British and French Protests over Shaghai Blockade[/center]

The naval blockade of Shanghai is an internationally accepted method of warfare. However, to lessen the suffering of the civilian population of Shaghai the blockade will be temporarily lifted to allow shipments of food and medicine into the city. It must be noted however that the general blockade on war material remains in place, and that there are currently no safe channels for neutral shipping unless under prior agreement. As such neutral shipping is advised to stay clear of all ports along the Chinese coast, unless they have explicit permisssion from the Imperial Japanese Government.

[goodboyladdie]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/23/22

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TF 1124 encounters mine field at Wenchow (50,41)

Allied Ships
CL Ying Jui, Mine hits 1, on fire

Bugger!
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Naval bombardment of Guam, at 62,66 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CA Yakumo, Shell hits 3
CA Tokiwa
CA Asama
CA Iwate


Allied ground losses:
76 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 5
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 2

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Day Time Surface Combat at 42,52

Japanese Ships
BB Mishima
BB Suwo
DD Amatsukaze
DD Isokaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Enoki
DD Nara
DD Tsubaki
DD Kuwa
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Yudachi
DD Nowaki
DD Mikazuki
DD Urukaze

Allied Ships
TK Talang Akar, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

It does not look like USS Huron will make it out now. The Dutch response to this latest outrage will be interesting, but they can't really afford to fight - I'll post details of their Navy to demonstrate how ill equipped they are later
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Ground combat at Mukden

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 18293 troops, 86 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 785

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0



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Ground combat at Davao

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 684 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 386

Defending force 6550 troops, 30 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 165



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Ground combat at Davao

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5770 troops, 30 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 165

Defending force 23263 troops, 182 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 386


Japanese ground losses:
2 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[goodboyladdie]

ORIGINAL: Dixie

[center]Japanese Diplomatic Statement to Dutch Government[/center]

Whilst the Imperial Japanese Government regrets the events leading up to the attack on the neutral Dutch vessel and any loss of life resulting, it must be noted that the vessel was operating outside of the internationally agreed laws. The vessel was sailing in a known warzone with all navigation lights off, despite the fact that the Japanese government has passed on the location of safe channels for merchant vessels and hospital ships operating around the Philippine Islands the Dutch vessel was several miles outside of the nearest agreed safe route into Manila. The ship refused to respond to requests to stop engines and allow a boarding party to investigate it's cargo.
The Japanese government also has evidence that the tanker was carrying war supplies to the United States forces in Manilla, in particular a large quantity of naval grade kerosene. Should further shipments of war supplies, including naval fuel, munitions and/or aircraft be intercepted they are liable to be interred at the nearest Japanese port or returned to their own territory if neutral. Cargo ships of beligerant nations will have the crew removed from harm and disembarked under the care of the International Red Cross and their ship will be either seized, or sunk.

[center]Japanese Response to British and French Protests over Shaghai Blockade[/center]

The naval blockade of Shanghai is an internationally accepted method of warfare. However, to lessen the suffering of the civilian population of Shaghai the blockade will be temporarily lifted to allow shipments of food and medicine into the city. It must be noted however that the general blockade on war material remains in place, and that there are currently no safe channels for neutral shipping unless under prior agreement. As such neutral shipping is advised to stay clear of all ports along the Chinese coast, unless they have explicit permisssion from the Imperial Japanese Government.

Excerpt from report prepared by League of Nations ad hoc committee investigating the latest Neutrality incident in the Pacific War: "In Conclusion the League is unable to support the Dutch assertion that the Neutral vessel was carrying a non-military cargo. The actions in this regard by the Imperial Japanese Navy were correct and followed International Law to the letter. The League counsels against any further inflammatory action by the Dutch. However, the League deplores the brutal and unnecessary sinking of said vessel when she tried to make for a Neutral port to make emergency repairs the following day. A firm protest will be lodged with the Japanese Ambassador with a formal warning that acts of this nature will not be tolerated by the International Community."

[goodboyladdie]

3 DDs are on the way to PH from San Diego, 3 from LA and 7 and an oiler from Mare Island. The fast element of the Seattle convoy is unloading most of the 144th Field Artillery Regiment and 48000 tons of supplies at Midway. The Light Cruiser USS Chicago has sailed again to escort the slow element in. A raid on Wake Island to disrupt the Japanese build up is being discussed.

Here are the three DDs out of San Diego. Can you see which one is named after my wife?

[goodboyladdie]

The situation at Guam is drawing in my submarines. Another will arrive at Saipan shortly to try to ambush the task forces that bombard Guam nightly.

[goodboyladdie]

The Dutch have cancelled their sailings to Manila after the lack of support at the League of Nations. They cannot afford to go to war against the Japanese on their own. They only have three very old BBs, 8 Torpedo Boats (small destroyers not MTBs) and about 7 submarines. They have six aircraft too. When US Destroyer reinforcements arrive from the Mediterranean they may recommence sailings if the USN provides escort, but for now it is too dangerous and they are too isolated. They have ships on the way to Guam which may cause problems. The US is sending PI flagged ships to the Dutch supply ports to undertake these dangerous voyages instead.

At Manila USS Huron is at 99/52. She is sailing with PG escorts to try to break out to Hong Kong for emergency repairs. Even if she makes it past the guns of Bataan and the blockade she will have nature and time against her...

[goodboyladdie]

The Chinese CL damaged by a mine at Wenchow has disbanded there to effect repairs. She is not too bad (31/5 I think) so she should be fit to run soon, but the harbour is still mined. The two undamaged CLs will sail to bombard Okinawa before running to Canton. 2 undamaged USN PGs are disbanded in Shanghai with two damaged Chinese CLs. The port has a 90 point shipyard and is full of French and British soldiers so that is probably the best place for them for now.

In the North the Mukden force is away. The Japanese units from Chifeng has moved East to slow the Chinese down. I think we should make it anyway as the Japanese flanking force has some poor roads to deal with on the way. The 1st Cavalry Corps is not that far away now either...

[goodboyladdie]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/24/22

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TF 34 encounters mine field at Bataan (42,51)

Japanese Ships
DD Kawakaze
DD Urukaze
DD Mikazuki
DD Yudachi
DD Tsubaki

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Naval bombardment of Guam, at 62,66


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Vought VE-7SF: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Yakumo
CA Tokiwa
CA Asama
CA Iwate


Allied ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 19
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 4

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Naval bombardment of Manila, at 43,52 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

22 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Isokaze
BB Suwo
DD Kawakaze
DD Amatsukaze
BB Mishima, Shell hits 2
DD Urukaze
DD Mikazuki
DD Nowaki
DD Yudachi
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Kuwa, Shell hits 2
DD Tsubaki
DD Nara, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Enoki


Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 1


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TF 11 encounters mine field at Wenchow (50,41)

Japanese Ships
DD Uzuki
BB Settsu, Mine hits 1, on fire
DD Isonami
DD Hayate
DD Minazuki, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Hooray! Wenchow is proving to be a mine nightmare for us both...
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TF 34 encounters mine field at Bataan (42,51)

Japanese Ships
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Isokaze
DD Urukaze
DD Hatsuyuki

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Sub attack near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese Ships
CA Iwate, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Kaya
DD Momi
DD Keyaki

Allied Ships
SS S-14, hits 1

Good stuff! This move paid off straight away.

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Day Time Surface Combat at 41,51

Japanese Ships
DD Nara, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Huron, heavy damage
PG Elcano, Shell hits 1, on fire
PG Romblon
PG Bobol
PG Jolo
PG Marie Duque

My heart was in my mouth watching this
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Sub attack at 41,51

Japanese Ships
SS U-46 (O2)

Allied Ships
CA Huron, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Bugger! She nearly made it too.
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Ground combat at Mukden

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 37513 troops, 201 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 788

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese assault odds: 526 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Mukden base !!!

He has moved a lot of troops to China.

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Ground combat at Davao

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 688 troops, 27 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 387

Defending force 6601 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 166



Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported


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Ground combat at Cagayan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8613 troops, 104 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 154

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese assault odds: 118 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cagayan base !!!



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Ground combat at Davao

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5770 troops, 30 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 165

Defending force 23291 troops, 188 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 387


Japanese ground losses:
17 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

[goodboyladdie]

The end of Brave Huron. I forgot that she did two hexes a day even with a displayed speed of 0 knots. If only I had remembered - she would have made HK easily...[:(]

[goodboyladdie]

3 more DDs depart from LA for PH, 7 more leave Mare Island. I am taking a gamble and the Pacific Fleet is going to carry out a sweep of Wake Island. My subs in that area have spotted nothing, but you never know. I hope that our clash at Midway convinced Dixie that it is too tough a nut for him to crack at the moment. I have subs arriving at Kwajalein soon, so if that is where he went I shall soon find out. After this sweep the Pac Flt will probably have to return to Pearl because they will need ammunition and some ships need repairs.

[goodboyladdie]

The rest of the 103rd USAAS Base Force has been lifted off from San Marcelino. I might have to use a couple of subs to start removing cadres from Manila as I have so little in the way of troops in China and Canton is wide open if Martin wants to brave the chance of accidentally clashing with the Royal Navy.

The gun boats that were escorting USS Huron will head for San Marcelino for fuel before running for Canton.

[goodboyladdie]

Dixie's blocking force before Chifeng did their job. My unit moved off the railway to get around it. I have given all my units orders to head to the same hex as his blocking force. He could cut me off if I keep making these silly errors.

Here is a shot showing the Hong Kong garrison, the raid heading for Naha and the hornet's nest off Wenchow.

[goodboyladdie]

I have a horrible feeling that about 700 of the current 730 odd hits are mine. Writing a WPO AAR is a lonely job...

[davidjruss]

Goodboyladdie,

Take Heart,

Your Thread is being read.

DavidR