I have decided to make an AAR of my first "real" game against the AI. I chose the Ironman scenario for the challenge and the hope of some real surprises by the AI. I decided to change things up just a tad however with a few historical observations on my part. I played maybe a dozen or so games against humans in WITP but the complexity of this AE beast is dictating I cut my teeth against the AI first.
I figured such a huge "Ironman" Japanese buildup would not go unnoticed by allied intel so I took a peek at what "extras" the Japanese get as far as Naval assets only. Needless to say it is quite a large bump. It then occured to me that because of such a large military increase perhaps the allies would not be so complacent and would be more prepared for a large scale start of hostilities. I set up the first turn with the usual rules except I turned off Historical and Dec 7th surprise. I moved the TFs at sea only and gave orders to allied aircraft in the PI, Malaysia and Hawaiin Islands only. All that having been done things were executed for day one:
I had always wondered what a prepared PH would do and the battle was quite interesting to say the least. A midget sub put a torp into the California to start off and then the battle began.
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
B5N2 Kate x 144
D3A1 Val x 126
Allied aircraft
P-36A Mohawk x 10
P-40B Warhawk x 30
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 9 destroyed, 7 damaged
D3A1 Val: 11 destroyed, 19 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-36A Mohawk: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged
P-36A Mohawk: 3 destroyed on ground
P-40B Warhawk: 3 destroyed, 13 damaged
P-40B Warhawk: 2 destroyed on ground
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed on ground
PBY-5 Catalina: 3 destroyed on ground
B-18A Bolo: 1 destroyed on ground
SNJ-3 Texan: 1 destroyed on ground
SBD-1 Dauntless: 1 destroyed on ground
A-20A Havoc: 1 destroyed on ground
C-33: 1 destroyed on ground
Allied Ships
BB Nevada, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
AR Medusa, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB California, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Arizona, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AR Vestal, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAP St. Mihel, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires
CL Detroit, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
ACM Buttress, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
Repair Shipyard hits 2
Airbase hits 35
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 93
Port hits 14
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2
The allied cap made a huge difference with not nearly as much overall damage but every BB was still hit hard enough to be knocked out for at least 4 months or longer.Then the allied counter punch came
Morning Air attack on TF, near Pearl Harbor at 180,104
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 80
Allied aircraft
P-36A Mohawk x 5
P-40B Warhawk x 35
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
SBD-1 Dauntless x 18
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
P-36A Mohawk: 1 destroyed
P-40B Warhawk: 12 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-1 Dauntless: 4 destroyed
Morning Air attack on TF, near Pearl Harbor at 180,104
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 69
Allied aircraft
A-20A Havoc x 6
B-18A Bolo x 6
B-17D Fortress x 3
P-36A Mohawk x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
A-20A Havoc: 3 destroyed
B-18A Bolo: 2 destroyed
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed
P-36A Mohawk: 2 destroyed
orning Air attack on TF, near Pearl Harbor at 180,104
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3
B-17E Fortress x 4
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
CV Akagi
Not a single attacker made it through the cap the first round. Third round saw one group of B-18s get an attack on Akagi but no hits.
The rest of the wars beggining was rather the usual stuff. Many Japanese air raids on various targets with the extra cap making somewhat of a difference in the PI but no great slaughter like I had seen in my earlier non Ironman scenario start. The multitude of minor allied raids hit nothing and one dutch submarine sank a Japanese DD. There was a surprise early landing at Miri with the Invasion TF seemingly well covered. Wake was raided.
Overall the allies lost some 150 planes. KB type aircraft lost accodring to FOW around 60 planes total and the Japanese lost around 100 total on all fronts.
I hope I can keep everyone interested and entertained more posts to come outlining my overall plans for the early part of the war.
Ironman Scenario Ketza vs AI (No AI please)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: Ironman Scenario Ketza vrs AI (No AI please)
I will be interested to see how it plays out good luck
RE: Ironman Scenario Ketza vrs AI (No AI please)
Dec 8th finds the KB retiring towards Johnston Island and no more attacks on PH. I had been concerned about it lingering but now I am concerned about it heading towards Johnston as I had sent the Lexington towards Wake to pick up the marine Wildcats and sent the Enterprise towards Johnston. The KB will possibly be in between 2 weak one CV tfs if I am not carefull. I move more PBYs to Johnston and send out all the subs from pearl.
Some interesting sub activity to report the Gudgeon runs into a Japanese sub and sinks and a Dutch sub gets slaughtered by Japanese ASW off malayia.
Submarine attack near Kota Bharu at 51,75
Japanese Ships
SC Ch 7
xAK Awajisan Maru
DD Hayahara
DD Ayanami
DD Shikinami
PB Tatsumiya Maru
Allied Ships
SS KXI, hits 22, and is sunk
DD Hayahara fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Shikinami attacking submerged sub ....
PB Tatsumiya Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ayanami attacking submerged sub ....
DD Shikinami fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami attacking submerged sub ....
SS KXI forced to surface!
DD Shikinami firing on surfaced sub ....
PB Tatsumiya Maru firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Hayahara firing on surfaced sub ....
As you can see Japanese TFs are now well covered.
Sub vs Sub: SS I-6 attacking SS Gudgeon at 178,108 - near Lihue
Japanese Ships
SS I-6
Allied Ships
SS Gudgeon, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
SS I-6 launches 4 torpedoes at 1,000 yards
That was indeed a surprise!
The great Hong Kong exodus was put in motion. All the AKs were broken into small TFs and were loading with supplies for Manila. Several air raids against them while loading and 20% are sunk or beaten up badly. In the pre patch version of the game I had gotten 10k supply though so I have my fingers crossed. The mtbs are sent to Iba and the three DDs are sent towards the PI but run into a small Japanese force:
Night Time Surface Combat, near Hong Kong at 76,64, Range 1,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Inazuma
Allied Ships
DD Scout
DD Thanet
DD Thracian
Low visibility due to Thunderstorms with 85% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 85% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
Powers, A.L. crosses the 'T'
DD Ikazuchi sunk by DD Thracian at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
DD Scout engages DD Inazuma at 2,000 yards
Task forces break off...
That makes two DDs down and a whole lot more to go in Ironman!
The rest of Dec 8th is mainly me concentrating forces in China, the PI and starting the Malaysian retreat and concentrating the RAF in Singapore. Random Japanese air raids seem to be more coordinated then the pre patch version and Zeros are doing sweeps. Makin is invaded and Miri falls. I am not sure how much stronger the Japanese Air Force is but there seems to be larger amounts of aircraft in some of their raids. The mines at Bataan are cleared and all the main surface elements of the allied navies in the SRA/PI have escaped damage so far. I am going to counterattack in the PI with Pts and subs next turn and test out how much they have been toned down. I moved all the B-17s to Cagayan to concentrate and keep them out of harms way.
Unlike a normal game I am very nervous about what the AI can do as they have a lot more firepower and ability to cover TFs...
Im actually very excited about playing this scenario Andy. Good work setting it up!
Some interesting sub activity to report the Gudgeon runs into a Japanese sub and sinks and a Dutch sub gets slaughtered by Japanese ASW off malayia.
Submarine attack near Kota Bharu at 51,75
Japanese Ships
SC Ch 7
xAK Awajisan Maru
DD Hayahara
DD Ayanami
DD Shikinami
PB Tatsumiya Maru
Allied Ships
SS KXI, hits 22, and is sunk
DD Hayahara fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Shikinami attacking submerged sub ....
PB Tatsumiya Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ayanami attacking submerged sub ....
DD Shikinami fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami attacking submerged sub ....
SS KXI forced to surface!
DD Shikinami firing on surfaced sub ....
PB Tatsumiya Maru firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Hayahara firing on surfaced sub ....
As you can see Japanese TFs are now well covered.
Sub vs Sub: SS I-6 attacking SS Gudgeon at 178,108 - near Lihue
Japanese Ships
SS I-6
Allied Ships
SS Gudgeon, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
SS I-6 launches 4 torpedoes at 1,000 yards
That was indeed a surprise!
The great Hong Kong exodus was put in motion. All the AKs were broken into small TFs and were loading with supplies for Manila. Several air raids against them while loading and 20% are sunk or beaten up badly. In the pre patch version of the game I had gotten 10k supply though so I have my fingers crossed. The mtbs are sent to Iba and the three DDs are sent towards the PI but run into a small Japanese force:
Night Time Surface Combat, near Hong Kong at 76,64, Range 1,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Inazuma
Allied Ships
DD Scout
DD Thanet
DD Thracian
Low visibility due to Thunderstorms with 85% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 85% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
Powers, A.L. crosses the 'T'
DD Ikazuchi sunk by DD Thracian at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
DD Scout engages DD Inazuma at 2,000 yards
Task forces break off...
That makes two DDs down and a whole lot more to go in Ironman!
The rest of Dec 8th is mainly me concentrating forces in China, the PI and starting the Malaysian retreat and concentrating the RAF in Singapore. Random Japanese air raids seem to be more coordinated then the pre patch version and Zeros are doing sweeps. Makin is invaded and Miri falls. I am not sure how much stronger the Japanese Air Force is but there seems to be larger amounts of aircraft in some of their raids. The mines at Bataan are cleared and all the main surface elements of the allied navies in the SRA/PI have escaped damage so far. I am going to counterattack in the PI with Pts and subs next turn and test out how much they have been toned down. I moved all the B-17s to Cagayan to concentrate and keep them out of harms way.
Unlike a normal game I am very nervous about what the AI can do as they have a lot more firepower and ability to cover TFs...
Im actually very excited about playing this scenario Andy. Good work setting it up!
RE: Ironman Scenario Ketza vrs AI (No AI please)
The next few days between the 8th and 13th of December saw some interesting events unfold but nothing huge.
Hawaii and Cent pac -
The KB continues to head towards Johnston and sinks an AK and blows the heck out of the place with a massive air raid destroying all the supplies and leaving a huge hole in my search grid since the PBYs cannot fly. At this point I am a bit nervous and cross my fingers as Lexington and Enterprise pass very close to the area. Luckily nothing happens as the 2 TFs head towards Palmyra. Along the way a sub takes a potshot at the DD Mahan but misses. I begin to prep units for deployment to Palmyra and Johnston. A small DD force bombards Midway on the 11th but causes no damage. I lose eyes on the KB but my guess is its heading towards Kwalajein. Its most likely low on ammunition. I may have a small window to slip in troops and shuffle some air around.
Wake island is hit by a much larger force then usual including a CA thats new to Ironman and some DDs. The Island fights back and damages 6-7 ships. Allied sub torpedos are ineffective. The island is pounded by LB air with the 2 Wildcats that were left behind getting 5 kills. When the first deliberate attack hits the 4-1 odds is enough to kill the garrison and Wake falls on Dec 13th. Perhaps If I would have left the Lex in the area this would have been prevented but I am glad I got her out. WIth so many more Japanese naval assets I cannot afford to lose a carrier early. Guam also fell.
Invasion Support action off Wake Island
10 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AP Salt Maru, Shell hits 2
CA Yakumo
PB Kaiun Maru, Shell hits 1
PB Kaikei Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
PB Fukui Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
5in CD Gun Coastal Battery engaging AP Salt Maru at 12,000 yards
CA Yakumo fires to suppress enemy guns at 12,000 yards
PB Kaiun Maru firing at enemy guns
5in CD Gun Coastal Battery engaging PB Kaiun Maru at 2,000 yards
PB Kaikei Maru firing at enemy guns
5in CD Gun Coastal Battery engaging PB Kaikei Maru at 2,000 yards
PB Fukui Maru firing at enemy guns
5in CD Gun Coastal Battery engaging PB Fukui Maru at 2,000 yards
South Pacific
Normally I get fancy with the handfull of allied cruisers in the area and try to evacuate Rabaul to Gilli Gilli but I had a feeling I should play it safe here as well. As fate would have it that was a very good call. Rabaul was hit early and had the backing of carrier aircraft from what seems to be several CVLs. (One of which is flying Biplane bombers called Jeannes). ANything I would have tried would have been sunk. Rabaul holds as of the 13th of December because of the weakness of the unit the AI landed. There is no hope to save it or evacuate.
For the most part I am moving shipping around and concentrating forces at Suva and Noumea. I have a feeling the AI will be coming in booming. Landings were also made on NG proper and i think things are going to happening fast.
Afternoon Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 3
A6M2 Zero x 5
B4Y1 Jean x 10
B5N1 Kate x 23
Lower DEI
Nothing much happening here. I am evacuating a few bases and keeping eyes open for an early AI probe but so far nothing.
Upper DEI
Bettys from Miri are becoming an issue. Although not many in number they seem to have a tanker homing device as all 4 of the TKs and AOs from Manila were hit just as they approached Balikpapan sinking one outright. I dont think the others will make it either. All the other shipping except for 2 AKs are going to make it however. Kuching falls after a long battle between the CD guns and escorts. Sinkawing (sp) where my dutch bombers were stationed was plowed under by a 100 plane raid of Bettys and Nells and the Dutch subs placed nearby were ineffective.
Morning Air attack on TF, near Balikpapan at 64,97
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
G4M1 Betty x 8
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
TK Mindanao, Torpedo hits 1
TK Gertrude Kellogg, Torpedo hits 1
DD John D. Ford
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
PI
Things are looking good as can be expected so far. The counterattack along the coast was not as lethal as pre patch but 5 or so AKs and APs were hit by Pts and subs as of the 13th. The P-40s are doing very well against the air raids but some attrition is starting to show and fatigue is high. They are all concentrated in Manila. The B-17s at Cagayan were rained out on the 12th which was the first time I gave them orders. The target was shipping at Legaspi. Legaspi and three bases along the coast have fallen. There is a BB TF just hanging out at Davao. 2 subs went in to investigate but duds were fired. There is also another CVL group near Davao with the Chitose and Mizuho. (They start as CVLs in Ironman) I stumbeled upon them with a retreating PT boat from Legaspi. Around 5k supply made it into Manila from Hong Kong with 4 AKs surviving the trip from hell.
Submarine attack near Vigan at 80,73
Japanese Ships
xAK Keihuku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
Allied Ships
SS S-36
Japanese ground losses:
43 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
SS S-36 is sighted by xAK Keihuku Maru
SS S-36 launches 4 torpedoes
These are the kind of attacks that are keeping Japanese planes losses on par with the allies:
Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 20
Allied aircraft
P-35A x 16
P-40B Warhawk x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 14 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 4 damaged
PBY-4 Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 3
Day Time Surface Combat, near Legaspi at 82,82, Range 30,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CVL Mizuho
CVL Chitose
DMS W-7
DMS W-8
AMc Ataka Maru
AMc Kyo Maru #1
AMc Takasago Maru
PB Edo Maru
PB Myoken Maru
PB Saiko Maru
PB Gamitsu Maru #1
PB Nichi Maru #1
PB Showa Maru #3
PB Showa Maru #5
AO Hayamoto
TK Matsumoto Maru
xAK Myoko Maru
xAK Shinanogawa Maru
xAK Shinryu Maru
xAK Kanko Maru
xAK Yasukawa Maru
xAK Hasuna Maru
xAK Meigen Maru
xAK Yamafuku Maru
xAKL Kakyu Maru
xAP Haruna Maru
CA Iwate
DD Hitonose
E Kurotori
E Haiirotori
Allied Ships
PT-32
Malaysia/India/China
Not much to report. Lots of Japanese air raids all over. Allied air force is concentrated in Singapore and the AI has avoided raiding it but loves Georgetown. Rangoon has been hit a few times and Bettys smacked around some AKs leaving the base on the 12th. Two bases fell in China before I could consolidate but the Japanese Invasion from Vietnam has gotten a bloody nose along the border. China really is a mess and it will take me some time to straigten things out. The British AF units at Hong Kong made it to Mandalay on the 13th. The same day Hong Kong fell.
Ground combat at Chengchow (88,44)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 21156 troops, 126 guns, 44 vehicles, Assault Value = 722
Defending force 13550 troops, 57 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 205
Japanese adjusted assault: 309
Allied adjusted defense: 61
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Chengchow !!!
Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(+), morale(-)
Japanese ground losses:
509 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 49 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
6898 casualties reported
Squads: 117 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 348 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 63 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 20 (20 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 8
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
As you can see lots of surprises in just the first few days. There are 2 mini KBs supporting main axis of advance and much more naval presence and many more escorts. I am still not sure what I am going to do overall and wont make that call for a few more days. Naval losses are on my part are somewhat light and a ratio of 1-1 is being maintained with aircraft losses.
Hawaii and Cent pac -
The KB continues to head towards Johnston and sinks an AK and blows the heck out of the place with a massive air raid destroying all the supplies and leaving a huge hole in my search grid since the PBYs cannot fly. At this point I am a bit nervous and cross my fingers as Lexington and Enterprise pass very close to the area. Luckily nothing happens as the 2 TFs head towards Palmyra. Along the way a sub takes a potshot at the DD Mahan but misses. I begin to prep units for deployment to Palmyra and Johnston. A small DD force bombards Midway on the 11th but causes no damage. I lose eyes on the KB but my guess is its heading towards Kwalajein. Its most likely low on ammunition. I may have a small window to slip in troops and shuffle some air around.
Wake island is hit by a much larger force then usual including a CA thats new to Ironman and some DDs. The Island fights back and damages 6-7 ships. Allied sub torpedos are ineffective. The island is pounded by LB air with the 2 Wildcats that were left behind getting 5 kills. When the first deliberate attack hits the 4-1 odds is enough to kill the garrison and Wake falls on Dec 13th. Perhaps If I would have left the Lex in the area this would have been prevented but I am glad I got her out. WIth so many more Japanese naval assets I cannot afford to lose a carrier early. Guam also fell.
Invasion Support action off Wake Island
10 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AP Salt Maru, Shell hits 2
CA Yakumo
PB Kaiun Maru, Shell hits 1
PB Kaikei Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
PB Fukui Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
5in CD Gun Coastal Battery engaging AP Salt Maru at 12,000 yards
CA Yakumo fires to suppress enemy guns at 12,000 yards
PB Kaiun Maru firing at enemy guns
5in CD Gun Coastal Battery engaging PB Kaiun Maru at 2,000 yards
PB Kaikei Maru firing at enemy guns
5in CD Gun Coastal Battery engaging PB Kaikei Maru at 2,000 yards
PB Fukui Maru firing at enemy guns
5in CD Gun Coastal Battery engaging PB Fukui Maru at 2,000 yards
South Pacific
Normally I get fancy with the handfull of allied cruisers in the area and try to evacuate Rabaul to Gilli Gilli but I had a feeling I should play it safe here as well. As fate would have it that was a very good call. Rabaul was hit early and had the backing of carrier aircraft from what seems to be several CVLs. (One of which is flying Biplane bombers called Jeannes). ANything I would have tried would have been sunk. Rabaul holds as of the 13th of December because of the weakness of the unit the AI landed. There is no hope to save it or evacuate.
For the most part I am moving shipping around and concentrating forces at Suva and Noumea. I have a feeling the AI will be coming in booming. Landings were also made on NG proper and i think things are going to happening fast.
Afternoon Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 3
A6M2 Zero x 5
B4Y1 Jean x 10
B5N1 Kate x 23
Lower DEI
Nothing much happening here. I am evacuating a few bases and keeping eyes open for an early AI probe but so far nothing.
Upper DEI
Bettys from Miri are becoming an issue. Although not many in number they seem to have a tanker homing device as all 4 of the TKs and AOs from Manila were hit just as they approached Balikpapan sinking one outright. I dont think the others will make it either. All the other shipping except for 2 AKs are going to make it however. Kuching falls after a long battle between the CD guns and escorts. Sinkawing (sp) where my dutch bombers were stationed was plowed under by a 100 plane raid of Bettys and Nells and the Dutch subs placed nearby were ineffective.
Morning Air attack on TF, near Balikpapan at 64,97
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
G4M1 Betty x 8
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
TK Mindanao, Torpedo hits 1
TK Gertrude Kellogg, Torpedo hits 1
DD John D. Ford
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
PI
Things are looking good as can be expected so far. The counterattack along the coast was not as lethal as pre patch but 5 or so AKs and APs were hit by Pts and subs as of the 13th. The P-40s are doing very well against the air raids but some attrition is starting to show and fatigue is high. They are all concentrated in Manila. The B-17s at Cagayan were rained out on the 12th which was the first time I gave them orders. The target was shipping at Legaspi. Legaspi and three bases along the coast have fallen. There is a BB TF just hanging out at Davao. 2 subs went in to investigate but duds were fired. There is also another CVL group near Davao with the Chitose and Mizuho. (They start as CVLs in Ironman) I stumbeled upon them with a retreating PT boat from Legaspi. Around 5k supply made it into Manila from Hong Kong with 4 AKs surviving the trip from hell.
Submarine attack near Vigan at 80,73
Japanese Ships
xAK Keihuku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
Allied Ships
SS S-36
Japanese ground losses:
43 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
SS S-36 is sighted by xAK Keihuku Maru
SS S-36 launches 4 torpedoes
These are the kind of attacks that are keeping Japanese planes losses on par with the allies:
Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes
Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 20
Allied aircraft
P-35A x 16
P-40B Warhawk x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 14 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 4 damaged
PBY-4 Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground
Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 3
Day Time Surface Combat, near Legaspi at 82,82, Range 30,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CVL Mizuho
CVL Chitose
DMS W-7
DMS W-8
AMc Ataka Maru
AMc Kyo Maru #1
AMc Takasago Maru
PB Edo Maru
PB Myoken Maru
PB Saiko Maru
PB Gamitsu Maru #1
PB Nichi Maru #1
PB Showa Maru #3
PB Showa Maru #5
AO Hayamoto
TK Matsumoto Maru
xAK Myoko Maru
xAK Shinanogawa Maru
xAK Shinryu Maru
xAK Kanko Maru
xAK Yasukawa Maru
xAK Hasuna Maru
xAK Meigen Maru
xAK Yamafuku Maru
xAKL Kakyu Maru
xAP Haruna Maru
CA Iwate
DD Hitonose
E Kurotori
E Haiirotori
Allied Ships
PT-32
Malaysia/India/China
Not much to report. Lots of Japanese air raids all over. Allied air force is concentrated in Singapore and the AI has avoided raiding it but loves Georgetown. Rangoon has been hit a few times and Bettys smacked around some AKs leaving the base on the 12th. Two bases fell in China before I could consolidate but the Japanese Invasion from Vietnam has gotten a bloody nose along the border. China really is a mess and it will take me some time to straigten things out. The British AF units at Hong Kong made it to Mandalay on the 13th. The same day Hong Kong fell.
Ground combat at Chengchow (88,44)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 21156 troops, 126 guns, 44 vehicles, Assault Value = 722
Defending force 13550 troops, 57 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 205
Japanese adjusted assault: 309
Allied adjusted defense: 61
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Chengchow !!!
Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(+), morale(-)
Japanese ground losses:
509 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 49 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
6898 casualties reported
Squads: 117 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 348 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 63 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 20 (20 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 8
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
As you can see lots of surprises in just the first few days. There are 2 mini KBs supporting main axis of advance and much more naval presence and many more escorts. I am still not sure what I am going to do overall and wont make that call for a few more days. Naval losses are on my part are somewhat light and a ratio of 1-1 is being maintained with aircraft losses.
RE: Ironman Scenario Ketza vrs AI (No AI please)
A few suprises the AI should do better with the extra assets
RE: Ironman Scenario Ketza vrs AI (No AI please)
ORIGINAL: Andy Mac
A few suprises the AI should do better with the extra assets
I thought from the title of the thread you had to stay out [:D]
RE: Ironman Scenario Ketza vrs AI (No AI please)
The title was the bait to get him in [8D]
14 and 15 Dec update on the way.
14 and 15 Dec update on the way.
RE: Ironman Scenario Ketza vrs AI (No AI please)
Hawaii and Cent pac - Nothing to report other then moving marine battalion garrisons to Johnston and Palmyra and a reorg on the Hawiin air assets. Many squadrons are disbanded and B-17s are flown in from the West Coast.
South Pacific Rabaul falls after more Japanese troops arrive but not after a fight with 10 or so light Japanese surface units damaged. Another landing is made on NG and Japanses submarines make their presence known near Melborne sinking an AK.
Submarine attack near King Island at 79,172
Japanese Ships
SS I-10
Allied Ships
xAK Barossa, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Barossa is sighted by SS I-10
SS I-10 launches 6 torpedoes at xAK Barossa
DEI After Kuching falls the AI lands at the next base over. Betties are buzzing all over in small numbers and its making me think twice about how agressive I will be with the ABDA surface units and Force Z. Most of the ships from PI make it to Java except the tankers. A large fully loaded convoy of tankers from Palembang arrives in Batavia unhurt that will be heading to Austrailia.
PI WOW have things heated up. At least a dozen airstrikes on Clark and Manila each day. My P-40s are taking a toll on the attackers but the attrition and fatigue is really beggining to show. 2 more mini KBs have shown up near the PI and started drilling Manila with all the land based bombers. Its getting ugly fast. One bright note is my American PTs scored a large victory off Vigan sinking a few AKS and damaging many more. The Brit MTBs however were not so lucky and lost 4 boats in their attack. For some reason the AI disbanded the Chitose, Mizuho TF in Legaspi and my B-17s finally took off and hit Chitose hard in the Harbor.
Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 52 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 4
A6M2 Zero x 12
B5N1 Kate x 16
Ki-27b Nate x 5
Allied aircraft
P-35A x 5
P-40B Warhawk x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 20
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 8 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
P-35A: 1 destroyed
P-40B Warhawk: 1 damaged
P-40B Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed
Night Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 80,73, Range 1,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
xAKL Hinode Maru #20
xAKL Musashi Maru, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Rokko Maru
xAKL Toshi Maru #2, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Akitsui Maru
xAK Konan Maru, Shell hits 5
xAK Somedono Maru, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Kosin Maru, Shell hits 8
xAK Kurohime Maru, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Kikuryu Maru, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
Allied Ships
PT-33
PT-34, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
PT-35
PT-41
PT Q-112
PT Q-113
Morning Air attack on Legaspi , at 82,82
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 9
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
CVL Chitose, Bomb hits 2, on fire
Night Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 80,73, Range 1,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CL Naka
DD Natsugumo
DD Minegumo, Shell hits 1
DD Asagumo
DD Murasame
DD Harusame
DD Yudachi
DD Samidare
Allied Ships
MTB 7
MTB 8
MTB 9
MTB 10, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
MTB 11, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
MTB 26, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
MTB 27, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
Malaysia/India/China Ichang fell to me was the big news. The AI had abandoned it. The invasion from Vietnam took the hex in question when another brigade arrived to help and managed to push the odds to 2-1. Raids on Rangoon and Johore were mauled but for the most part things were quiet.
Afternoon Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
G4M1 Betty x 9
Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed
Morning Air attack on Johore Bahru , at 50,83
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 36
Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 26
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 8 destroyed, 12 damaged
So far Japanese air losses are at 391 to the allies 230. Ship losses are rather light for both sides compared to some WITP games I have seen in the past. Subs are much more active and there seems to be always something interesting to watch during combat.
I am going camping for a few days and will ponder my strategic moves then. Most likely after a few weeks of learning the mechanics of AE I will be looking for a human player to start a game with as well. Another post Monday night.
RE: Ironman Scenario Ketza vrs AI (No AI please)
Ironman Scenario Ketza vs AI (No AI please)
No AI please [:D]
1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born
RE: Ironman Scenario Ketza vrs AI (No AI please)
This is the update until 18 Dec 1941:
Hawaii and Cent pac - Not much to report. A Japanese submarine off California bagged an AK loaded with part of a base force heading to Christmas Island. Another sub attack was driven off. 8 DDs showed up in Panama and headed to San diego to await arrival of the Yorktown. Yorktown and Saratoga will sail for pearl in a few weeks to guard the build up of cent pac Islands. Enterprise and Lex are in port and the Air TFs are getting an overhaul with the best AA platforms being selected.
South Pacific - Quiet except for misc Hudson raids on the slow Japanese advance in the area that so far havent hit anything. I would be aggresive with the local naval forces but there is Japanese carrier borne threat present.
DEI - A small Japanese probe has taken the base near Ambon. Most of Menado has been evacuated. Japanese forces have takne the base next to Sinkawaeng (sp) and are slowly advancing along the coast. 2 Major convoys of allied tankers are leaving the area filled with fuel and heading to Austrailia. Mines are being laid along the bases of the coast facing the Japanese advance now before Mrs Betty becomes to much of a factor. The minelayers will then be moved to Ceylon.
PI - I withdrew all of the P-40 squadrons to save as many pilots as possible as they could no longer put up an effective fight. There are many aces including one with 9 kills that I wanted to save for another day. All 4 squadrons will show up in San Fransisco in 60 days. Pts boats and subs continue to harass Japanes ships in the area but it really is noithing more then a nuisance. I have decided to concentrate at Clark and Manila and await deveopments. The AI is pounding both places with 5-10 raids per day.
Malaysia/India/China - Several AI assaults in China and one more Chinses base falls. The assault out of Vietnam gains another hex. I go through all of the Chinese industry and turn off repairs. A few bases were sucking up supply. In Malaysia the Japanes take the first base coming up the coast but I have effectively withdrawn in front of them. I am withdrawing an infantry and Armor battalion from Singapore on the 18th and moving them to Batavia. My plan is to withdraw 6-8 battalions from the Indian III corp and eventually get them out of the theatre.
Things are bit slow atm. Tghe next upodate will take things up to the 20th of December.
Hawaii and Cent pac - Not much to report. A Japanese submarine off California bagged an AK loaded with part of a base force heading to Christmas Island. Another sub attack was driven off. 8 DDs showed up in Panama and headed to San diego to await arrival of the Yorktown. Yorktown and Saratoga will sail for pearl in a few weeks to guard the build up of cent pac Islands. Enterprise and Lex are in port and the Air TFs are getting an overhaul with the best AA platforms being selected.
South Pacific - Quiet except for misc Hudson raids on the slow Japanese advance in the area that so far havent hit anything. I would be aggresive with the local naval forces but there is Japanese carrier borne threat present.
DEI - A small Japanese probe has taken the base near Ambon. Most of Menado has been evacuated. Japanese forces have takne the base next to Sinkawaeng (sp) and are slowly advancing along the coast. 2 Major convoys of allied tankers are leaving the area filled with fuel and heading to Austrailia. Mines are being laid along the bases of the coast facing the Japanese advance now before Mrs Betty becomes to much of a factor. The minelayers will then be moved to Ceylon.
PI - I withdrew all of the P-40 squadrons to save as many pilots as possible as they could no longer put up an effective fight. There are many aces including one with 9 kills that I wanted to save for another day. All 4 squadrons will show up in San Fransisco in 60 days. Pts boats and subs continue to harass Japanes ships in the area but it really is noithing more then a nuisance. I have decided to concentrate at Clark and Manila and await deveopments. The AI is pounding both places with 5-10 raids per day.
Malaysia/India/China - Several AI assaults in China and one more Chinses base falls. The assault out of Vietnam gains another hex. I go through all of the Chinese industry and turn off repairs. A few bases were sucking up supply. In Malaysia the Japanes take the first base coming up the coast but I have effectively withdrawn in front of them. I am withdrawing an infantry and Armor battalion from Singapore on the 18th and moving them to Batavia. My plan is to withdraw 6-8 battalions from the Indian III corp and eventually get them out of the theatre.
Things are bit slow atm. Tghe next upodate will take things up to the 20th of December.