The Shipwreck of Our Hopes: Japanese Side

[bklooste]

ORIGINAL: terje439

ORIGINAL: bklooste

terje439

is this in Jan-Feb 42 though ?

Not sure whether you really want those big air bases they may be used against you later.

I started freeing up AV from the interior in Dec, and by Feb I believe I had something like 600 AV and alot of artillery ready in Chittagong (which of course also include units shipped in from Aden). Remember that Chittagong is rail-linked with the rest of India.
And I had fully extracted my Burma forces within 10 days after the Japanese stood outside Rangoon (but then again I never intended to stick around in Burma).

Terje

600 AV is not that much ..as a lot of this is very low exp and has liitle anti armour ( which would be good to kill before it becomes experienced) With Burma there is prob 7 or so divs commited + the 6 or so arm units from Manchuria ( i was incorrect in my earlier comment about not priotizing these ,they would be awesome in Southern India).

You bring up an important point and why i preffer Ceylon , if Ceylon is invaded he has to choose what to protect eg Ceylon , South India , Calcutta and Burma. The result will prob be these units going to South India and some being barged into Ceylon this may mean you loose Ceylon but you will have achieved your goal eg Force him to fight on your turf ( it will require his assets) and you will take Burma and maybe calcutta . If he rails the forces into Calcutta you will still take Burma , and you will be rampant in South India and own Ceylon . If he splits his forces he defends nothing.

However if you just do the hook , you could have issues with 400AV garrison in Calcutta + Burma forces + whatever he can rail in. To me doing both small hook and Ceylon is less risky.

[John 3rd]

Is it a record for Singapore to FALL on January 4, 1942??!!
 
Just asking....
 

[bklooste]

PzB took it on the 19th but he also took Palembang at about the same time.

[ny59giants]

Jan 3: Just a few more pieces getting in place

ASW/Subs:
S-38 misses the retiring transports midway between Manado and Babeldoab.

Carriers:
Mini-KB and KB2 are still due east of Lautem.

Malaya/Burma:
Taiping - The 112th RAF Base Force is again targeted by 59 Sally escorted in by Nates. 28th Gurkha Brigade is targeted by 20 Sally.

Singapore - Oscar escort in 45 Lily to get Airbase hits 1 and Runway hits 10.

Japanese forces CAPTURE Tavoy !!!

Sumatra:
Langsa - Zero escort in 19 Val to sink AMc Cheribon with 2 bomb hits.

Borneo/Java: [>:]

Philippines:
Bataan - 13 Sally and 13 Lily get limited damage on the AF - Airbase hits 1 and Runway hits 2.

SRA (East):
Koepang - Zero escort in 13 Betty to find two targets - AM Warrnambool, Torpedo hits 2, and xAKL Patris, Torpedo hits 2, are sunk.

Notes/Plans:
Shock attack with 1721 Assault Value is ordered for Singapore. A deliberate attack at Bataan is ordered with 947 Assault Value.

Transports at Saigon and Camranh Bay are ordered to Mersing in anticipation of Singapore falling next turn. Some are loading supplies and fuel. My 6 DMS leave Saigon for Mersing.

[ny59giants]

Jan 4: With fixed bayonets, the Imperial Army captures....

ASW/Subs:
S-36 is at Hong Kong as my mildly damaged CLAA, CL, and 4 DDs arrive. It is a draw.

Carriers:
Mini-KB and KB2 remain 1 hex due east of Lautem.

Malaya:
Singapore - All available level bombers in Malaya are ordered to attack the ground forces. First is Singapore Fortress as 50 Sally and 4 Lily come in at 16,000. Then, 79 Sally hit Singapore Base Force. The 22nd Australian Brigade is targeted by 54 Lily.

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 52064 troops, 651 guns, 321 vehicles, Assault Value = 1739

Defending force 23897 troops, 325 guns, 204 vehicles, Assault Value = 465

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 2174

Allied adjusted defense: 375

Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Singapore !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
1621 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 89 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 95 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 5 (0 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
46003 casualties reported
Squads: 1106 destroyed, 123 disabled
Non Combat: 3164 destroyed, 809 disabled
Engineers: 91 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 585 (585 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 149 (131 destroyed, 18 disabled)
Units destroyed 23

Assaulting units:
16th Infantry Regiment
2nd Engineer Regiment
38th Division
33rd Division
5th Division
2nd Recon Regiment
24th Infantry Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Mortar Battalion
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
25th Army
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st RF Gun Battalion
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
2nd Gordons Battalion
2nd Malay Battalion
1st Malay Battalion
3/16th Punjab Battalion
3rd Cavalry Regiment
Singapore Fortress
22nd Australian Brigade
2/17 Dogra Battalion
1st Manchester Battalion
2nd Loyal Battalion
27th Australian Brigade
SSVF Brigade
5/2nd Punjab Battalion
29 Battery/3 HAA
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
III Indian Corps
Singapore Base Force
224 Group RAF
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
Malayan Air Wing
AHQ Far East
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
Malaya Army
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment

Sumatra:
Palembang - Zero escort in 37 Nell/Betty to hit the AF - Airbase hits 4, Runway hits 10.

Borneo:
Out of Singkawang comes 13 Nell to sink two HDML outside of Palembang.

China:
Shanghai - The cease fire may be in jeopardy as 4 A-29A Hudson, 5 DB-3M, and 10 SB-III x 10 hit the port - ACM Shinko Maru #1, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage.

Philippines:
Bataan - Zero escort in 24 Betty to hit AF.

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 27068 troops, 269 guns, 262 vehicles, Assault Value = 958

Defending force 31695 troops, 587 guns, 554 vehicles, Assault Value = 986

Japanese adjusted assault: 579

Allied adjusted defense: 1197

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
2071 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 135 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 152 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Vehicles lost 63 (3 destroyed, 60 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
570 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 38 disabled
Non Combat: 17 destroyed, 112 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Vehicles lost 90 (9 destroyed, 81 disabled)

Assaulting units:
65th Brigade
48th Division
20th Infantry Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
16th Engineer Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
14th Army
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
192nd Tank Battalion
194th Tank Battalion
1st/45th PS Inf Battalion
21st PA Infantry Division
Manila Bay Defenses
4th Marine Regiment
11th PA Infantry Division
2nd/45th PS Inf Battalion
31st Infantry Regiment
14th PS Engineer Regiment
3rd/45th PS Inf Battalion
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
31st PA Infantry Division
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
202nd PA Construction Battalion
Provisional GMC Grp
Asiatic Fleet
Bataan USN Base Force
803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
I Philippine Corps
Far East USAAF
201st PA Construction Battalion
USAFFE
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
1st USMC AA Battalion
301st PA Field Artillery Regiment

SRA (East):
Lautem - landings commence
71 Kates hit 2nd KNIL AA Battalion.

Notes/Plans:
With the quick collapse of Singapore, the 3 plus divisions have begun prepped for: Palembang (33rd), Merak/Batavia (5th), and Semarang (38th). The three regiments of the 2nd Division are now going to Tarakan (4 Inf Rgt) and Balikpapan (16 & 24 Inf Rgt). Various support troops from Kuantan south to Singapore are prepping and/or marching to Singapore for coming invasions.

Singapore damage is 15-33-10.
Fuel left behind is 49k. [:)]
Resources (2) x 18
HI (4) x 31
LI (5) x 35
Repair Shipyard (6) x 44

With the recent postings about what to do after the SRA is captured, I have multiple divisions in Korea, Manchuria, and Japan prepping for Geraldton/Perth, Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Aukland, Rangoon, Chittagong, Calcutta, Madras, and Colombo. I want to keep their intel weenies busy. [:D]

[John 3rd]

I just sent this email to the 2x2 Players, Nemo, Canoerebel, and Paul Layne:
 
[font=calibri]Dr. Nemo,[/font][/align][font=calibri][/font] [/align][font=calibri]There have been a series of Postings in the companion Thread of our 2x2 AAR that have offended individuals to the point they have copied the 'diagnosis' to me thinking that I should know about what is being said.  While I really don't care to much about the Postings, others are taking offense.  This concerns me.  When I first was made aware of this, I copied it to Michael and we had a pretty good laugh about it.  [/font][/align][font=calibri][/font] [/align][font=calibri]Let us be straight about this.  I am not concerned what others think about my style of play.  As a radical idea, I play to have fun.[/font][/align][font=calibri][/font] [/align][font=calibri]From what I've seen so far it appears everything within our 2x2 campaign is ascribed to me.  Nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to that.  Evidently you don't read our side of the AAR.  It is funny when I read this stuff knowing that Michael has been the guiding force in this campaign and it is he that offended AJ with his notes in the emails of the game.  Ken then said for Michael to keep it up.  Since I got deep into the games with Dan and Paul, I have backed off of my rhetoric a good deal.  There is very little inflammatory bomb-throwing by me right now.[/font][/align][font=calibri][/font] [/align][font=calibri]It is quite true that I have narcissistic tendencies.  Fortunately they are nothing to the degree of our current President.  Michael will enjoy commenting to both those statements![/font][/align][font=calibri][/font] [/align][font=calibri]As a gentle reminder to you Sir---in the last three years of my life there has been very little positive.  Damned near lost everything due to a vindictive, foul ex-wife who sought to ruin my life.  Thought she came damned close by the grace of God this did not happen.  During much of that time the ONLY positive thing I had going for me was this stupid game!  I was able to release myself into a world where I had some illusionary control.  The game--with some irony--brought me close to a group of men whom I greatly respect and hope to meet sometime in the future.  The game has brought me friendships where I might least expect them.  Dan, Paul, and Michael are good friends whom I value a great deal. [/font][/align][font=calibri][/font] [/align][font=calibri]Don't know where to go past this point.  Simply thought you should know.[/font][/align][font=calibri][/font] [/align][font=calibri]Will be Posting this onto Michael and I's AAR to help alleviate any tension with people who are concerned about this.  [/font][/align][font=calibri][/font] [/align][font=calibri]I am not.  It is perfectly fine and I bid you a Good Day.[/font][/align][font=calibri][/font] [/align][font=calibri]Respectfully,[/font][/align][font=calibri]JRC3[/font][/align][font=calibri][/font] [/align]Thought it is important to mention that I do not have the full context (though that is obvious) of these commentaries and NO operational information has been passed to me by the concerned individuals.[/align] [/align]

[SqzMyLemon]

I enjoy the banter of both AAR's and my 2 cents are just keep enjoying the game as you state you are. We all get out of this experience what we will, but I hope I can say after a few games and sharing posts with many interesting people on the forum, that I too can consider some of them friends one day. What's a little trash talk against your opponents when playing as the Japanese anyway [:D], chances are your butt's will be handed back to you on a platter eventually. If your opponents tire of the jibes then of course they could comment on that to you personally. So until then, have fun and enjoy the rest of your matchup. I for one won't be looking to analyze your personality nor playing style, it is what it is and I'm just following along enjoying the matchup. [;)]

[Wirraway_Ace]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

It is quite true that I have narcissistic tendencies.  Fortunately they are nothing to the degree of our current President. 

You had me up to that point...

[ny59giants]

It is quite true that I have narcissistic tendencies. Fortunately they are nothing to the degree of our current President.

This can be said of most politicians with varying degrees. [:D]

[Wirraway_Ace]

and many Cowboys fans

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

It is quite true that I have narcissistic tendencies. Fortunately they are nothing to the degree of our current President.

This can be said of most politicians with varying degrees. [:D]

I DOOOOO so love to stir the pot! [:D]

Things are cool. Just hope that others are OK as well. Thought this should be openly addressed so anyone else who was concerned knew the situation and was mollified some by this exchange.

You want TRASH TALK??? Just wait until my good Allie and I start shooting at each other with my new Mod next week. It will be a BLAST with much crap being handed back-and-forth. Since it is ALLLLLL about me (that is the narsie coming out), I apologise now for Michael crying and needing to be held for the next few months.

BANZAI!

[bklooste]

He has a leader advantage at Bataan ??? Not Macarthur then...

[Grit]

While it's just a game.

When you put this much time and effort into something people are bound to take things personally.

I'm glad to be reading a set of AAR's where people are passionate about what they're doing. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[ny59giants]

Since John and I will be playing his mod, I will post some pre-turn 1 stuff and early 12/42 things Japan needs to do, IMO. Others can add their own ideas.

Conversions: a big thing to do asap for many different ships and we are just finishing them up in this game.
Aden Class - 25 to increase troop capacity
Ehime Class - most to increase troop capacity (per Mike Solli, this is the most efficient class to use)
Std - "x" - save them from any use as they convert to TKs in 6/42.
Lima Class - 6 to AKE

Mike Solli: his list from his AAR
4 AKs to AKEs
To'su to PBs (Reinforcement to ACMs)
Ansyu to PBs
Kiso to PBs

Brad (Q-Ball):
To'su to ACM
Kiso to PB
Minekaze and Kamikaze DDs to APDs (this is a personal choice that others may disagree on)
"E" many of them upgrade to nice escorts for AO/Tk later on.

Install TRACKER!!! John knows I will help with economic issues even though we will be opponents.

Use Mike Solli Excel spread sheet for Resource convoys Japan from nearby territories. Some will need to be done without escorts until conversions are done. I like 2 to 3 PBs with each.

The larger the port, the quicker the conversion process goes. I send most of my shipping to Ominato, Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki at start and then form up TF.

Increase supplies to repair damaged Oil Centers. 5 to 6 clicks for each and up to 8 or 9 for larger bases that have engines and airframes. Since this mod will have engineer vehicles increased in engineer/construction LCUs, Vehicles will need to be expanded to 140 to 150.

Load our game in Tracker to compare.

More to follow,
Economics Minister Benoit

[FatR]

I think most To'su xAKLs should be converted to PBs for convoys running around Home Islands. Many of these routes require convoys running non-stop on non-alternative routes (although it seems that Port Arthur convoys can be routed entirely through shallow waters, as evidenced by my luack results), better to escort them well. Better to convert half of Kisos to ACM instead. Their lack of speed means that only a minority of transports can be efficiently escorted for them, ASW TFs are not very effective in their role, unless that role is "being targeted instead of convoys", Kisos just aren't very useful. Maybe they should be used for early warning patrols around and to the south of Paramushiro.

I also think that Japan needs more AR and AS ships, at least +2 each, so that loss of one won't create a hole.

[John 3rd]

Michael updated his action and I got diverted with other issues yesterday. 
 
Here is a rundown of the day from my side:
 
1.  Port Moresby Invasion is happening as we speak.  Looks like a full Inf Div will do the trick.  We've moved fast enough for no troops to have made it in to reinforce the original garrision.  I expect to take the base in two days.  There was no response whatsoever to the landing. 
 
2.  The KB must not be able to Naval Search for its life.  I keep my Vals on Naval Strike for the second day and spot NOTHING as my Kates and Zeros smash into Melbourne.  Cannot believe that there is no shipping around here at all.  The Kates hit only a pair of ships but do manage to chew-up another Squadron of Allied Fighters and gain some more experience.  Disappointing but the whole thing was designed as a diversion so we'll have to see.
 
The KB will move toward Norfolk Island to refuel and cover the landing of the Imperial Guards Brigade at Nandi.  After that mission I believe that the CVs will move to Truk for some R&R as well as upkeep.
 
3.  BIG EXCITEMENT around Suva and Pago Pago!  My CL and 2 DDs that were near Suva got orders to head for the Allied TF at Pago Pago when they suddenly ran into an AMERICAN CV TF with Enterprise and Saratoga, 1 CA, and 6 DD!  Holy CATS!  The small TF tries to engage but the dratted Americans are able to get away.  Bet Ken about had a heart attack when that occurred.  [:D]
 
The CVs have only one apparent Air Group aboard because two small strikes were launched that damaged my CL, sank a DD, and demolished a poor PG.  The CL took 2 1,000lb bombs but isn't too bad.  Barring getting hit again I imagine she'll make it to Kwajalein.  Very exciting!  Luckily all of Sara's SBDs had been shot down near Timor a few days ago.
 
Considering everything, I will NOT race after this TF.  Will stick to my plans but it is nice to know that the Americans are willing to risk their CVs. 
 

[bklooste]

Melbourne prob had nothing ... Sydney then Melbourne iraid s pretty standard.  He is definetly waiting for you ro over expand and hit you at a point of weakness PM is easily and often reinforced by Jan. Maybe they are guarding Darwin instead.

[John 3rd]

We'll see about Darwin with Michael about to hit it fairly soon.
 
Thought hitting those Ports would serve as a nice diversion.  Bet they spotted the KB approaching since we didn't get the Kates to fly on Day One.  Oh, well...  Waste of fuel.  Will be more careful about that.  Have to admit I didn't really care too much regarding fuel as I have PLENTY at the moment.  We've been shuttling fuel forward to Truk and Rabaul (some to Kwajalein) so things are rock solid right now in that department.
 

[ComradeP]

Nice AAR thus far, interesting to see a very aggressive phase 1.

Do you have any kind of recon missions targeting Darwin and the future targets in Burma, India and Ceylon?

Do you have a clear picture of Allied losses thus far in terms of ground units and whether or not remnants, together with local forces, might slow down future invasions in Australia or elsewhere?

[John 3rd]

I am sure that they have pulled cadres of everything wanted. I truly hate that in this game. Can understand doing it but when one pulls out 25-75 guys so a unit can be rebuilt later it seems a bit farcical. This is a long-standing gripe of mine from WitP. Whenever I played the Allies I always tried to pull the entire unit. If I lost a ship or two carrying that unit only then did I have a fragment. Ah, well to each their own I guess.

We certainly have been aggressive but it certainly has been helped by the relatively easy capture of Malaya and Manila. Shall have to see if resistance stiffens when we move into NW Australia as well as the India Hook we are chatting about.

Recon has started in Rangoon. Don't think Michael has been able to start recon over NW Australia yet.