Forlorn Hopes: The Japanese Respond

[bigbaba]

nearly 80! AP/AK sunk/damaged in ONE day![&o]

if you show this excellent preformance few days more, the yanks have to swim back to PH.

[John 3rd]

Thanks bigbaba!  I found that I couldn't read my own writing and need to change the sinking totals from the above screenshot:  27 AK, 5 AP, 1 AO, 1 MSW, 3 LST, 3 LCI, and 1 DE.  The damaged numbers stay about the same.
 
Few other thoughts:
1.  I kept the KB in the fight for one more day before replenishing at Wakkanai.  Current loadout for the KB is 569 Zero, 135 Dive Bomber, and 91 Torpedo Bomber. 
2.  I strip away the heavy guns from the KB for some serious surface action.  Three STF are created:
  a.  3 BB and 6 DD head for Wakkanai to protect it from landings.
  b.  1 BC, 3 CA, 1 CL, and 7 DD to Sapporo to cause trouble.
  c.  3 CA, 1 CL, and 6 DD to the same for the same purpose.
3.  There were several ships repairing when this insanity started and they will arrive to help the STF defending Hakodate.  1 BB, 1 CL, and 3 DD will add to the 2 CA, 2 CL, 5 DD currently holding the location.
 
That small TF managed to sink--by itself--on the 9th a total of 15 AK and 2 AP at Hakodate!  They sank a convoy carrying the entire 54th Aviation Regiment.  The losses were pegged at 5,600 troops.  They sank ships in another convoy for a further 1,600 casualties. 
 
Dan is landing but these troops are disrupted, arriving with little supply, and are ripe for the picking once things settle down...
 
The Americans also landed at Adak in the Aleutians.  They flew into a storm of bombers from Amchitka but still got troops ashore.  Expect to lose that island (AF-1 Pt-1) tomorrow.  To add to the casualties I moved another 36 Betty up there raising the total to nearly 90 flying from that base.
 
Nearly 200 transport planes are now lifting the 18th Inf Div to Sapporo to TRY and hold it.  The 3rd Marine Division is landing there so I doubt whether I can keep it for more then a day or two.  The Port has Lvl-7 Forts so some Infantry might be able to hold out.  Additionally there is the very real possiblity that the 3rd Marines weren't prepped for this target so they are a mess as well...
 

[Andvari]

John,
 
I started reading your AAR a couple of weeks ago when you replied to some related threads about CV battles. Pretty damned exciting! I'm more into your game than I am my own right now.
 
I know you're in the middle of major operations on and around Hokkaido, but when you get a chance post a situational map of China. You asked a few days ago where all the troops were coming from in the Burma theatre. It could be China.
 
If the Nanning/Canton corridor is lightly held, an offensive in this area could help you in the long run. You might be able to free up some troops to use around Hanoi for defense later.
 
Anyway, good luck in the Home Islands!

[USSAmerica]

John, this is great stuff, as always!  Both the game and your AAR are very fun and exciting!  Keep it up!  [8D]

[EUBanana]

I think its looking bad for Canoerebel here to be honest.  Sure, he's got his lodgment and all, and in the short term he seems to be at least giving as good as he gets, but in the medium term, he's surely going to have serious problems supplying and reinforcing Hokkaido, while the Japs will be in Stalingrad mode, sending out the tanks and aircraft from the factory straight into battle...

But it'll be fun to see play out.  [:D]

[Nemo121]

It'll all come down to logistics, as always and what will determine the enemy's ability to push supplies through to his newly captured bases  is his posession of carriers.
 
So, it all comes down to destroying the USN CVs ASAP. That has to be the ultimate priority here - although, obviously, IJA bomber raids and IJN bombardment runs to keep the enemy airbases at Sakhalin etc closed

[John 3rd]

Thanks for all the comments guys. I have never been in a situation like this before. The turns take hours to crank out! We only got one in today due to it being our local home town "La Salle Day" with parade, park fun and games, BBQ, and fireworks.

I grow more confident by the turn in the destruction of a massive number of American troops. On Hakkaido alone there might be upwards of 100,000+ prisoners possible. My troops begin unloading tomorrow and I will have nearly 100,000 fresh soldiers at Hakodate by December 15th. His troops are in pieces, poorly supplied, and cutoff by my command of the sea through Surface TF and LBA.

Got some CV damage inflicted today with Franklin heavily damaged as well as CVL Bataan. Will make another crack at his forces (maximum effort) tomorrow. My planes are fragmented, tired, and excited to be doing the Emporer's bidding!

Banzai!

Current Screenshot with information:

[John 3rd]

Forgot to attach the Screenshot!

[John 3rd]

The war is over my readers. Read the screenshot notes!



I cannot stop the ENTIRE American Army, Marine Corps, and Navy. Dan has literally put everything into this one basket and, despite all the horrific losses and logic, has managed to land and take Sakhalin Island and many points to the east. This was not planned on because his forces attacked with hardly any strength but they took what wasn't defended and drove out what was.

Hey we should commend those LASER-EYED 4EB for their ability to do what couldn't be done for two years of war. SINK my CVs! I hate those damned planes...

Hokkaido will be retaken--that is fact--but I can do nothing else and the aerial bombardment of the Home Islands starts very soon...



Rather down-in-the-dumps at the moment. Dan has been taking about ending the campaign due to it taking up too much time, emotion, and energy. I disagreed with him until the last couple of days where it has taken hours to give orders for one turn, then waiting, and finally watching it play out. Feel mentally eghausted...



Here is the Screenshot:

[Nemo121]

Did you not bombard the airfields in Sakhalin the instant they fell? Bombardment + IJA bomber runs was always going to be your only defence against masses of 4E being based there.

Any chance of seeing the combat replay?
 

[ny59giants]

You both need to slow down to only one or two turns per day and allow time for you to get over the emotional roller coaster you have been on since his ships left Iwo Jima for this adventure.

OK, I'll take off my counselor hat now. [:D]

[John 3rd]

I have fought myself to a standstill.  The LBA is in tatters (fighters OK but bombers have terrible morale), CBA has been wiped out, and my Fleet is a mess.  I've hit him over and over and over sinking mass numbers but it does no good.  As soon as he got that Port on the north end of Sakhalin it was over. 

His CVs put in and IMMEDIATELY got hundreds of fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo bombers.  Add 250 4EB in Sapporo, 200 4EB in Tokohara, and planes in Shikuka... (EDIT) Don't forget Iwo Jima with 200 4EB there as well!

I feel like Hudson in Aliens "Game over man---game OVER!"  [:'(][:'(] 

I'll stick it through for a while but the Home Islands are now toast.  I cannot put fighters over every city in Japan right now and the 4EB will simply blow through them anyway!

I think my fighting morale matches the Japanese Air Force.

[John 3rd]

Thanks Mike.  I think I need to pay for an hour-long session of counseling to be followed by an hour-long massage and perhaps I would feel better.
 
 

[John 3rd]

An Armistice Offer has been made by the Allies towards the Empire of Japan.  The Emporer is giving his due consideration...
 
If allowed by the Allies, this offer will be posted next onto the AAR.
 

[John 3rd]

This is what I got from my Friend Dan Roper:



John,

I don't know about you, but I am exhausted. I was totally useless today at work. I went for a long run up Lavender Mountain this evening to sort through things and here's what I come up with:

I offer you an armistace on the following terms:

1. We declare an armistice and stalement, with neither side winning or losing. It's a tie!
2. What I get out of it is the satisfaction that I didn't lose despite the horrible hole you put me into at the beginning of the game.
3. What you get out of it is the satisfaction of not enduring the massive Allied build-up and onslaught and the decline of your hard-earned Empire.
4. The Allies agree to end the oil embargo.
5. The Japanese agree to withdraw from China, but may keep their pre-war territory in Manchuko and Korea.
6. Other than that, both sides revert to pre-war territory.
7. We then invade Russia; the Japanese get to keep all Russian oil, natural gas, and coal. The Allies get all precious metals and Russian babes.
8. Neither of us ever has regrets over ending the game.
9. Neither of us ever claims or implies that we wish we hadn't quit the game because we probably would have won. We both agree that we had plans, resources, and problems unique to both sides and that unforeseen events could have destroyed the best laid plans and derailed the most unstoppable momentum. IE, we mutually agree that the outcome of the game was uncertain and that ending the game now was in our mutual best interests so that we can resume a normal life.
10. I get to start my sabbatical from gaming to see if I can reclaim a sane lifestyle.
11. You get to turn your focus to other things or to a fresh new game in which you can make sure the Japs run amock as only you can do.
12. To prevent second thoughts and second-guessing, we immediately exchange passwords. That will eliminate any temptation to renew the game (God forbid!). Or, we can both send our passwords to NYGiants and he distributes them when he has them both.
13. As soon as we both say, "I do" we may read each other's AAR. That ought to take some time and open some eyes.
14. If you do not wish to enter into an armistice, I solemly pledge to continue devoting the same time and energy to the game until the mutually agreed upon end or imposed ending. IE, I won't drag my feet.

What say you, kind, noble, and most capable opponent?

Dan "Canoerebel" Roper

[John 3rd]

This was my response to Dan's Offer and Email.  It alludes to all sorts of things that my noble opponents have been fully clued into over the last 10 months of my life:

Master Dan:[/align] [/align]I just got done laughing from your email.  IT is well thought out and made me smile thoroughly!  Let me think about it some before making a commitment.  [/align] [/align]Have to admit--once I got to thinking about what you were feeling regarding time with the game and living life--that your thought has a certain appeal to me as well.  I am HYPED to play AE when it comes out; however, that won't be for at least a few months.  I could keep my slow games going with NY GIANTS and Mandrake while buying the Battleground Series and have some VERY relaxing Civil War fun that doesn't require strategic planning, sleepless nights, and 4 hour long turns!  [/align] [/align]Additionally, the whole reason why our game started (ie the Arrest and Trial Prep) is now winding down and in the home stretch.  I will need to find a job that can pay the bills as well as re-establish some form of life.  This will all take time to accomplish.[/align] [/align]Let me contemplate.  Would you mind if I posted your Armistice on the AAR?[/align] [/align]Warmly,[/align]John[/align] [/align]Good Readers,[/align] [/align]I have had time to play this campaign due to a former HS student's preposterous allegation against me in March of 2007 leading to my arrest in September of last year.  NY Giants, Paul Layne, Mandrake and Tabpub, Moses, Lee Hunt, Castor, and several others have kept up with the events as they have occurred.  We are approaching the time to either commit to a 4 day trial in early-September or go with a Plea Bargain (revealing how weak their case is) that has little-to-no impact upon my life or family.  [/align] [/align]Throughout this trying (pardon the pun) time, WITP has kept me on the saner side of life.  There have been some mighty dark days and my participation on this Forum and within this game has enabled me to keep going.  If you read portions of the AAR with this knowledge there are comments spread throughout it that will now make sense.[/align] [/align]Please keep in mind that I do not need to share this but I feel I need to pay tribute to all of you and the role this game has had in keeping me living while going through a dark journey...[/align] [/align]Thank You.[/align]John[/align] [/align]

[Mistmatz]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

This is what I got from my Friend Dan Roper:



John,

I don't know about you, but I am exhausted. I was totally useless today at work. I went for a long run up Lavender Mountain this evening to sort through things and here's what I come up with:

I offer you an armistace on the following terms:

1. We declare an armistice and stalement, with neither side winning or losing. It's a tie!
2. What I get out of it is the satisfaction that I didn't lose despite the horrible hole you put me into at the beginning of the game.
3. What you get out of it is the satisfaction of not enduring the massive Allied build-up and onslaught and the decline of your hard-earned Empire.
4. The Allies agree to end the oil embargo.
5. The Japanese agree to withdraw from China, but may keep their pre-war territory in Manchuko and Korea.
6. Other than that, both sides revert to pre-war territory.
7. We then invade Russia; the Japanese get to keep all Russian oil, natural gas, and coal. The Allies get all precious metals and Russian babes.
8. Neither of us ever has regrets over ending the game.
9. Neither of us ever claims or implies that we wish we hadn't quit the game because we probably would have won. We both agree that we had plans, resources, and problems unique to both sides and that unforeseen events could have destroyed the best laid plans and derailed the most unstoppable momentum. IE, we mutually agree that the outcome of the game was uncertain and that ending the game now was in our mutual best interests so that we can resume a normal life.
10. I get to start my sabbatical from gaming to see if I can reclaim a sane lifestyle.
11. You get to turn your focus to other things or to a fresh new game in which you can make sure the Japs run amock as only you can do.
12. To prevent second thoughts and second-guessing, we immediately exchange passwords. That will eliminate any temptation to renew the game (God forbid!). Or, we can both send our passwords to NYGiants and he distributes them when he has them both.
13. As soon as we both say, "I do" we may read each other's AAR. That ought to take some time and open some eyes.
14. If you do not wish to enter into an armistice, I solemly pledge to continue devoting the same time and energy to the game until the mutually agreed upon end or imposed ending. IE, I won't drag my feet.

What say you, kind, noble, and most capable opponent?

Dan "Canoerebel" Roper

It should be quite obvious that I and probably all the other readers of your and Canoerebels AAR would not be happy if you decided to call the game a draw. On the other hand I understand very well how much time this game can consume, how demanding it can be and how it can affect real life.

Either way, the two of you provided a hell of a show and I'd like to thank you both for hours of great entertainment. Thank you John and Dan. [:)]

[John 3rd]

I am mulling over dan's proposal but have thought that a more comprehensive review of what happened with his invasion might be a good thing for readers.  In particular those who woould play Japan might benefit from it so I plan to do that when I get some free time this afternoon. 
 
Perhaps some reflective commentary as to tactics and strategy would be useful too...
 

[ny59giants]

Sir John,
I hope you decide to continue on. It seems to me that you have landed at Normandy (or Dan has) and it is dawn on 7 June and the battle has yet to be decided one way or another. Both of you have concerns to address in the coming days of battle. I would suggest that you restrict yourself to only one turn per day for the foreseeable future. You two have cranked out turns at a rate higher than any other game I've followed (you stated that some days it was 3 or 4).

The question is can you bring in enough forces to throw him out??
Can Dan keep those bases supplied and then build them up??
Right now, no one knows and I'm like others viewing this AAR (and his). We want some sort of answer.  [:D]

[n01487477]

John,
I concur with Michael & similarly I don't believe Japan would or should in this case capitulate straight away ... for the sake of satisfaction give it a week or two to play out the final struggle. Then, if things are as bad as they really seem, accept the armistice. The Japanese people would need that certainty drilled into them before they could 'accept' the facts as they stand right now. You know your history well, at least make it an acceptable and semi-historic end.. (Although, from what I really think, the Japanese probably would have fought on longer had the Allies invaded the Home Is)

Hell, they still teach history in Japanese schools in a circuitous manner... but that is another Forum thread...

I realise the roller coaster both you guys have been on ... in the end it is your decision...just my 2cents.

Regards
---Damian---