The Reluctant Admiral, Mk 2

[John 3rd]

Good Day Readers!

This is the re-start to Michael Benoit and I's Reluctant Admiral AAR. We fought our way into mid-February 42 in our first attempt but stopped once it became apparent that the Mod was going to get a serious re-tooling. The new version of RA is out now and so we are beginning again with the intention of going the distance.

Michael liked the idea of waiting since his side got several new toys in this version of the Mod. The Mk 2 of RA has much more to offer the Allied Player and, thus, serves to add some choice and bring some interesting possibilities that were absent in Mark One. Since we will run concurrent AARs I expect Michael to cover all that in his side.

For those unfamiliar with Reluctant Admiral this Mod is premised on Adm Yamamoto winning more arguments within the Imperial Japanese Fleet and taking the role of Navy Minister in 1939 instead of transferring into Combined Fleet. As Navy Minister he oversees the creation and implementation of the 4th Circle building plan.

Naval Building Changes:
1. Scrap the 3rd and 4th Yamato-Class BB as well as the excellent Taiho design and instead build 3 improved Shokaku-Class CVs to be ready during 1943.

2. To keep the Gun Club Admirals somewhat mollified, Yamamoto allows the building of 2 quick modern Battlecruisers.

3. Another pair of Tone-Class Scout Cruisers are ordered.

4. The Agano-Class CLs (with Oyodo and Niyodo added into the class) are built as designed (without 18 months of arguing) with 8 6" Guns (4x2) and arrive in pairs. Agano and Noshiro are serving with the Fleet at the time of Dec 7th.

5. An additional 18 DD (Yugumo and Moon-Class) are ordered with the orders going to only 2-3 shipyards allowing for specialization and quicker building.

6. CV conversions are somewhat hastened with CS Nisshin, specifically, coming in as a CVL.

7. The 3.9"/65 is adopted earlier as Japan's prime heavy shipboard AA weapon.

In doing this Japanese shipyards are expanded somewhat in the Home Islands but also in Port Arthur. A major new naval shipyard is added in Shanghai to handle a portion of the construction.

IJNAF Changes:
1. Yamamoto's time as Chief of Aeronautics pays off handsomely as he encourages more A6M2, Betty, and Emily work to be done bringing the planes in slightly faster and in greater numbers.

2. The Val and Kate see slight expansion of their production lines.

3. Added Research aides in the creation of follow-on Dive-Bombers and Torpedo Aircraft.

4. The Zero Design team is not pulled away to create Jack. Instead the Team works to create two lines of Zeros--Land-Based Interceptors and Ship-Based Fighters.

5. Yamamoto's popularity forces the Army to cooperate slightly more in the sharing of Machine Gun and other useful technology.

IJN Ground Forces:
1. Several small plants are created in Japan near the Navy Arsenals that build earth-moving equipment: steam-shovels, bulldozers, and rollers. Though there are not that many, these valuable tools are added to Japanese Construction units, Base Forces, Air Flotillas, and HQ units. The small units only gain 2-3 and the engineers to run them while larger units get up to a dozen total. Not much but it is something...


Imperial Deployment:
The Navy is more forwardly deployed for the beginning of the war:

a. The older BBs are stationed at Cam Rahn Bay and Babeldoap to directly support the Invasion TF.

b. The smaller CV/CVLs of Japan are concentrated at Babeldoap for immediate use against Allied Forces. These ships include Ryujo, Zuiho, Taiyo, Hosho, and the newly completed Shoho.

c. All front-line Aerial Units start with modern aircraft. Claudes are in the Home Island and all other Fighters are Zeros on Dec 7th. More Betty and the beginning of Emily production is seen. There are roughly 150 more aircraft available to the Japanese player.

d. Several units have been moved around to facilitate the moves into the Aleutians, south towards Rabaul, and anywhere from the Marshalls.

e. A pair of Japanese ID have been moved to aid in the capture of the Southern Resource Area. The 4th ID is at Samah and the 21st at Takao.

This is the starting point for RA. I thought taking the time to put all this down will help as we start the war. Turn One is done and has been sent to Michael...

[John 3rd]

Everytime I begin a new Campaign I want to try something new and different. This usually leads me to vary things at the start with Dec 7th. This is my current operational planning:

1. PH vs. Manila? Most people know that I am a big fan of hitting both if rules allow for it. In our case they do. Based on the time stamp of the email arriving, the Asiatic Fleet can sortie 2 SS/digit. In this case the Turn arrived at 6 seconds after so Michael is allowed to sortie 12 Boats from Manila. He will certainly pick all the S-Boats and a few of the others.

I've elected to break a cardinal rule of mine by sending FIVE CV after PH and detaching the slowest (Kaga) to reinforce the attack on Manila. This is how I broke down the fighting assignments:

a. PH All Fighters set to 10% CAP while two Daitai Sweep, 2 Daitai AF Attack, and 1 Daitai flies Escort. All Kates set to Port attack at 8-10,000 Ft. The Vals of Akagi, Hiryu, and Soryu on Port Attack while Shokaku and Zuikaku's hit the AF. Normally I don't send anything after the AF (other then Zeros), however, I changed this time due to some Thread conversations regarding the benefits of mauling as many planes at PH as possible.

b. Manila is going to be hit from the west and east. Kaga (180 miles SW) will throw her entire complement against the Port while the 3 CVL and 2 CVE launch their planes from 180 miles due east. The combined strikes equal a total of 85 Zero, 39 Val, and 69 Kate. Roughly half of the Zeros are to attack Manila's AF.

Army Objectives:

Philippines--I am thinking about hitting Luzon hard and try for a quick knock-out. Have never done this before and don't know what sort of strength is needed. Right now I plan to land at Legaspi and Iba for my first landings. Am thinking about using 3 1/2 ID for the assault plus Tanks and support units. Figure to clear Luzon fast and then lay siege to Bataan.

Malaya--Normal troops landing at Singora and Pattani while I plan to hit Kuantan instead of Kota Bharu. The Kuantan landing will occur on the 8th or 9th to reflect a realistic distance from the shore prior to landing. No Mersing Gambit here.

Burma--Gonna try moving aggressively here ASAP. Imperial Guards and Tank units to move immediately for Tavoy and drive up the coast. Will reinforce this thrust as troops become available.

Oil Centers--Japan starts this game in trouble due to the industrial expansion to get it to Dec 7th. The need for Oil and Resources is far greater in this Mod then real life so I will reflect this by immediately going for the north coast of Borneo and a quick landing at Palembang that then bounces to western Java. The strategy worked well in my first run with RA so we'll do it again.

Past these immediate moves my intentions are up-in-the-air. Thinking:

a. Going after eastern India has little interest. Never tried grabbing Ceylon so that holds some allure.

b. Will do the 'normal' grabbing of NW Aussieland.

c. Don't want to waste the fuel for New Zealand and want to not get carried away with grabbing everything in the South and SE Pacific. I am--though--thinking about grabbing a base or two in the SE Pacific to force Michael to stretch the Sea Lanes...

d. Am seriously thinking about grabbing Dutch Harbor (something different) early late-December or early-January. Will backfill the Aleutians from there west.

[FatR]

Good luck with your new game!

If you want to overrun Luzon swiftly, look at what I did in my current Japanese PBEM of Scen 70. Except, ignore Mindanao, besides maybe Davao. If you don't want quick Malaya (which is likely not possible without landing at Mersing), drop 33rd Division on Luzon as well, to be sure.

[John 3rd]

Hey FatR! Glad we've got the RA Mod Files going well now. I've sent out a bunch of copies!

I looked about the map this morning and came to about the same conclusion. Taking Singapore fast isn't a huge priority. I'll simply swing around it and grab Palembang then Java using CV LRCAP. Luzon shouldn't be too bad if enough force comes in within the first week to ten days. With choosing Iba as my main landing site I also gain a larger Port and AF to initially operate from.

Am still waiting on the return of Day One from Michael. He has already told me that he'll do the same thing as the last game where ALL Allied aircraft will be set to train 100% on Dec 7th so they don't get killed in hopeless counter-strikes on the Invasion Fleets. I think this is a REALLY cheesy move but it is his choice. This is part of the reason why I am landing at Kuantan instead of Kota Bharu. Nothing will be flying on Dec 8th so might as well land there.

[bklooste]

Hi John , 

Good luck.

1. PH vs. Manila? Most people know that I am a big fan of hitting both if rules allow for it. In our case they do. Based on the time stamp of the email arriving, the Asiatic Fleet can sortie 2 SS/digit. In this case the Turn arrived at 6 seconds after so Michael is allowed to sortie 12 Boats from Manila. He will certainly pick all the S-Boats and a few of the others.


I've elected to break a cardinal rule of mine by sending FIVE CV after PH and detaching the slowest (Kaga) to reinforce the attack on Manila. This is how I broke down the fighting assignments: 

a. PH All Fighters set to 10% CAP while two Daitai Sweep, 2 Daitai AF Attack, and 1 Daitai flies Escort. All Kates set to Port attack at 8-10,000 Ft. The Vals of Akagi, Hiryu, and Soryu on Port Attack while Shokaku and Zuikaku's hit the AF. Normally I don't send anything after the AF (other then Zeros), however, I changed this time due to some Thread conversations regarding the benefits of mauling as many planes at PH as possible. 

I think its a good option  the few more knots ( esp with eng fatigue) are worth it , i think speed of ships makes a huge difference vs getting hit . Make sure kaga is well covered from Houston  , Boise and all the subs though...he will go after her for sure.

The AF are good since Vals bounce of BBs and you want his Flying boats and they seem easy to damage... Any thoughts of staying a few days ? ( I like attacking PH on day 1 and 3  give him some fatigue on day 2 for CAP and see if any allied CVs are lurking between Wake and PH  , if not i get a fresh attack on day 3.)
Army Objectives:

Philippines--I am thinking about hitting Luzon hard and try for a quick knock-out. Have never done this before and don't know what sort of strength is needed. Right now I plan to land at Legaspi and Iba for my first landings. Am thinking about using 3 1/2 ID for the assault plus Tanks and support units. Figure to clear Luzon fast and then lay siege to Bataan.

Not sure the extra divs help early in the Luzon campaign unless you want to take some risks by landing close to Manilla ( this may be an option with Kaga there) ...  Note 38th Div in Hong Kong is prob worth 2 divs ( due to its experience) , if you set it to move mode for a few days Hong Kong is over much quicker  , you then land it in the PI at a port with some nice Naval support.

Malaya--Normal troops landing at Singora and Pattani while I plan to hit Kuantan instead of Kota Bharu. The Kuantan landing will occur on the 8th or 9th to reflect a realistic distance from the shore prior to landing. No Mersing Gambit here.

Kuantan is a waste of time.. too slow on that road though the AF is worth it just wouldnt send more. Then again NW Borneo is a better AF still especially if you are going Palembang.

Make it looks like you are going for Mersing prep some units , Point the Palembang force there  , drop some paras behind him in Malaysia . Then he will send all his planes there , send a expendible target and LR CAP it.  This will deplete his planes , maybe force him to run down the peninsulaand maybe give you a shot at force Z.

Burma--Gonna try moving aggressively here ASAP. Imperial Guards and Tank units to move immediately for Tavoy and drive up the coast. Will reinforce this thrust as troops become available.

Prob a good option , this will keep his reinforcements goifn to Burma instead of Malaya and Sumatra is this what you want ? It sets up a big air battle in Burma in early 42 be ready for it.

Oil Centers--Japan starts this game in trouble due to the industrial expansion to get it to Dec 7th. The need for Oil and Resources is far greater in this Mod then real life so I will reflect this by immediately going for the north coast of Borneo and a quick landing at Palembang that then bounces to western Java. The strategy worked well in my first run with RA so we'll do it again.

You repairing any oil in Manchuko ?

Past these immediate moves my intentions are up-in-the-air. Thinking:

a. Going after eastern India has little interest. Never tried grabbing Ceylon so that holds some allure.

Ceylon is easy VERY early , very risky later. Its impact with yoru plans in Burma need to be worked out.  

c. Don't want to waste the fuel for New Zealand and want to not get carried away with grabbing everything in the South and SE Pacific. I am--though--thinking about grabbing a base or two in the SE Pacific to force Michael to stretch the Sea Lanes...

d. Am seriously thinking about grabbing Dutch Harbor (something different) early late-December or early-January. Will backfill the Aleutians from there west.

A good option , its sets up a potential big battle and an attritional air battle.

[bklooste]

Some more comments ...
 
You taklng Wake , Johnson and Midway ? 
 
Seydlitz  AAR has something interesting , that will go well with a Dutch Harbour campaign .. He maintained a lot of subs of the west coast ( moved there after pearl)  and got great results mainly because the sub chasers there have very low ASW (0) and ASW planes and ships low exp - though allied players think the west coast is sage also most shipping has to come from the west coast .  He then sent KB of teh West coast and found the allied player had shipped out most of his AA , the training units were easy meat for KB sweeps  but he suffered plane losses when he attacked the same city twice and his opponent brought all the air craft in the west coast on CAP .
 
 
Have you read Nemos AAR ? I would...Interesting stuff about Sumatra.  If your opponent reinforces Palembang ( based on your last game)  you have a Brigade to knock out in * 1/2 terrain .
 
also
 
Ausies vs Amis  about a Burma &  Dutch harbour campaign.
 
Suggest you keep IJN Netties and Zeros out of the land based action ( or pull all their good pilots  and put some into TraCom Reserve)  with the idea of saving teh Navy for decisive battle ( in which you then use the good pilots) .  Then Attrition with the IJAAF

[bklooste]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Hey FatR! Glad we've got the RA Mod Files going well now. I've sent out a bunch of copies!

I looked about the map this morning and came to about the same conclusion. Taking Singapore fast isn't a huge priority. I'll simply swing around it and grab Palembang then Java using CV LRCAP. Luzon shouldn't be too bad if enough force comes in within the first week to ten days. With choosing Iba as my main landing site I also gain a larger Port and AF to initially operate from.

Am still waiting on the return of Day One from Michael. He has already told me that he'll do the same thing as the last game where ALL Allied aircraft will be set to train 100% on Dec 7th so they don't get killed in hopeless counter-strikes on the Invasion Fleets. I think this is a REALLY cheesy move but it is his choice. This is part of the reason why I am landing at Kuantan instead of Kota Bharu. Nothing will be flying on Dec 8th so might as well land there.

I think you need to work out your goals first ....then work a more detailed plan .

eg Singapore is not important unless you want to
1) Support Rangoon ( land there or take troops out) .
2) Attack Ceylon ( which needs to be early) ..


If nothing is flying Mersing would have been nice ...

[bklooste]

Resources and oil dont really make a strategy in most cases since all players will take the oil your just doing the status quo and its what you do with the oil and how long you make it last that make it part of a coherent plan.
 
Its worth restating that
- Destroying allied units is pointless because of fragments.
- Japanese suffer from lack of experienced pilots
- Allied have fixed production.
 
Because of this attrition where you either lose poor / untrained pilots and you both  loose airframes is a win-win for Japan even if it is at a bad ratio.  A similar thing happens on land . All alied squads and pilots gain over time through better equipment the more you destroy in 41 the better.
 
Add to this  that there are nationalities. You can take advantage of this
 
- eg Preserve the IJN air and grind down the IJAAF
- Target a single allied power and destroy his land replacements or airframes so he cant train.
 
Say you want to grind down allied air so it will be weak in late 42 , you then need to choose who eg lets say  you go Burma and an early Ceylon to setup some heavy air attrition vs british units. This will most likely work as the player doesnt want to loose either Burma and Ceylon and you will get a reasonable amount over your own bases. You will also probably gain significant land replacement losses in Ceylon and Burma  ( prob less so as will probably do a runner) .
 
After Ceylon is finished ( it doesnt even matter if you win) you then have US  units that have been training for 3 months and can follow up with DUtch harbour and maybe a West coast KB raid. This is a good time as he will probably commit them at 50 sklill /40 exp in average planes  (p40) and it is probably very good to kill them.
 
You can modify it as you like  but one thing people seem to do badly IMHO is the axis of attack , while great tactically it denies the fact that your are competing with a production model. In fact in many cases its better to loose a battle with expendables and inflict certain desired losses .  ( For Japan  Air frames are expendable , ground troops etc but KB and high exp pilots must be held for decisive battle ) eg if Japan looses 100 Zeros with 40-50 skill pilots its no big deal as both are easy to replace even if  he only kills 30 P40s with 60-70 exp pilots. This can often be exploited by attacking him at many places at once even though you may loose many fights you will give him casualties and eat into his replacements - provided its against a single nationality . eg a single big attack in China moving to  Xiang does not achieve the objective of destroying the Chinese army as well as multiple attacks all over the map - china is also a bit strange because an isolated attack is bad - he will get the unit back with free troops. CHina has almost no replacementts so sucking his supply and attritioning his soldiers all over the map is good.
 
Now inflicting losses against restricted replacements are pointless so losses against say India and Australia militia are a waste of time.
 
US ground units are a difficult case since the US gets lots of replacements but their air units are prob the most important thing to grind down.
 
Anyway sorry for the  unorganized brain dump.

[John 3rd]

We got Turn One done and will describe the excitement in a bit.

[BrucePowers]

[John 3rd]

Dec 7, 1941

The opening round of the war is in and I will describe it as officially AVERAGE! Not much to write home about, however, nothing to really cry about either. In short: I take it.

News from around the Pacific Port Strikes:

Pearl Harbor Attack
The Akagi, Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, and Zuikaku (4 BC, 2 CA, 1 CL, and 10 DD) struck the Port at dawn. The Crews of one Daitai of Kates evidently decided to watch the fun from the deck of Soryu ([&:]). A total of 83 Zero, 96 Kate, and 120 Val flew the attack mission.

As detailed earlier two Daitai of Vals hit the AF. There was no aerial resistance whatsoever. An estimated 30 planes were destroyed on the ground and the AF took over 100 hits. Not too bad...

The Attack Squadrons then hit the Port with their normal efficiency. For a cost of only 4 Vals and 5 Kates the following hits were achieved:

Arizona 2 Torp--One Major Explosion for Heavy Damage
Pennsylvania 1 800KB Bomb, 2 250KG, and 3 Torps for Heavy Damage
Maryland 2 800KG, 1 250Kg, and 2 Torps for Heavy Damage
West Virginia 1 800Kg, 1 250Kg, and 3 Torps for Heavy Damage
Oklahoma 3 800Kg and 1 250Kg for Heavy Fires
Nevada 3 800Kg, 3 250Kg, and 3 Torps for Heavy Fires and Heavy Damage
California 3 800Kg, 2 250Kg, and 2 Torps for Heavy Damage
Tennessee 3 800Kg, 3 250Kg, and 1 Torp for Heavy Fires

CA New Orleans 1 250Kg and 1 Torp
CL Helena 2 800Kg for Heavy Damage
CL Phoenix 1 800Kg and 1 250Kg for On Fire
CL St. Louis 1 800Kg for On Fire
CL Honolulu 1 800Kg for Heavy Fires

A DD and a DMS each took 1 250Kg for Heavy Damage

Should note that the Ha-22 actually penetrated the Harbor and hit BB West Virginia with a Torp! How about that?

The only BB that might be in trouble is Nevada. I don't see any of the other ships being in serious danger of sinking. The only really good note here is the damage inflicted on the Cruisers. None of them will be operational for a while.

The KB splits after the attack. I send Akagi, Hiryu, and Soryu SW towards the Marshalls. They are very obvious with their route as I want them to be spotted. CarDiv5 moves due north to refuel and then they might either move back in or lurk and try to bag shipping coming out of PH going towards the West Coast. I haven't done this in a long time so I hope to catch Michael by surprise.

Manila
The Kaga (minus her Kates which ALSO did not fly--[:o]) attacks from the West while 3 CVL and 2 CVE hit from the East. A total of 74 Zero, 39 Val, and 36 Kate hit the AF and Shipping within the Port. The results are OK.

The AF takes significant damage and 10 planes are destroyed on the ground.

The Port Attacks sees 10 SS hit (2 confirmed sunk), 3 DD hit (DD Pope sunk in magazine explosion), AV Langley, 1 AO, 2 TK, and 3 AK.

Japanese losses amount to only 1 Val. This helps to balance the somewhat meager return.

Kaga moves west two hexes and gets 3 DD to add to her screen (now Kaga, 1 CL, and 8 DD). The CVL move slightly SW. The pair of CVEs move due south to the middle of the Philippines. I've set all their aircraft on Naval Attack/Port Attack-Manila. We'll see if we can bag more shipping this way.

Commentary:
1. OK results for the attacks. Am saddened at two Daitai of Kate not flying. Those 54 Planes would REALLY have made a difference.

2. The real results of these attacks will become apparent as we get more sinkings at either Manila or off the Hawaii Coast...

[John 3rd]

After the Port Strikes here are the pertinent details of Day One of Operations against the Allies:

Air Strikes and Landings:
Philippines
1. Iba is attacked by 9 Z and 54 Betty. They destroy 5 P-40 on the ground and put 144 holes in the AF.
2. Clark gets the attention of 42 Zero and 54 Betty. These planes destroy 4 P-40, 2 B-17,a Recon Plane, and put 158 holes in the AF.
3. Manila's attack by CV Air has already been described.

Vigan is landed upon and Iba will receive Japanese attention about the 10th. Additional Landing Forces are moving towards Legaspi and Altimoran.

Malaya
1. Georgetown has 29 F and 48 B destroy 1 Fighter, 1 Bomber, and punch 79 holes in the AF.
2. Kota Bharu gets 9 Zero and 86 Bombers. They massively crush the Af by plastering it with 187 hits, destroy a Fighter, and 4 Hudsons.
3. Johore Bharu has a Deep Strike of 18 Zero and 54 Betty. The AF takes just over 100 hits.

No Landing takes place other then the normal landings at Pattani and Singora. The main, initial landing will be at Kuantan so we grab a good AF to use. There will be no quick Malaya Campaign. We'll slowly work our way down the peninsula and take Singapore by late-February...

Other Areas:
1. Hong Kong is hit repeatedly. The AF takes nearly 90 hits and 2 Walrus are destroyed.

IJN SS Action:
The first shots of the war are fired at 12:01am when I-155 plasters the elderly CL Dragon with 2 Torps sinking her 80 miles east of Muntok.

[John 3rd]

Michael didn't fly any planes as expected and I intend to take advantage of this by being able to land tomorrow at Kuantan. No recon spotted the Invasion Force so it should be fairly simple. The IF is protected by 4 CA and 8 DD. We'll see if there is any response...

Invasion Forces have departed for Tarakan, Miri, Kuching, Singakawang, Rabaul, Lae, Ocean Island, Baker Isle, and Wake.

As the Klingons might say "KaBlah!"

[John 3rd]

Michael and I try to get in about a turn a day but we are very busy so sometimes that pace drops a bit. We've gotten in 3 over the last 5 days and I haven't seen one come in yet this morning I thought I'd do an update.

Nothing special to report other then the 'normal' slaughter of Philippine shipping as it flees towards the South. We'll do Day-by-Day Reports:

Dec 8th sees a group of Japanese small STF fan out to catch shipping:

CL Natori + 2 DD sink 4 AKL and a TK
2 CA, 1 CL, 2 DD sink 2 PG
CL Naka + 2 DD sink a pair of AP

Heavy aerial battle over Manila as the Japanese pound the AF and Port. A little over a dozen American Fighters fall for the loss of 2 Zero and 8 Bombers. The AF goes to over 50% in damage with Port in about the same shape.

Vigan falls as well as Victoria Point (Paras)
Landings begin at Guam and Kuantan. No resistance...

Dec 9th action: (Michael called this the Slaughter in the Sulu Sea)
CL Natori sinks DD Ford in a magazine explosion and an AM

CL Naka + 2 DD sink 2 AKL

3 DD sink an AM, pursue it into the Bataan Minefield where DD Fumizuki hit s mine. SS Pickeral thinks it has an easy target where it shoots (misses) the crippled DD in exchange the Fumizuki damages Pickeral, it tries to submerge but cannot, and is then sunk on the surface by the crippled DD! Pretty cool...

2 DD sink 2 AKL

2 DD and 2 TB sink 2 AKL

2 CA sink a large AK, 2 AKL, and 1 TK near Tarakan

CV Kaga's planes sink an AO and an AM

Aerial action sees Iba, Manila, Bataan, and Clark nailed by LBA. The Japanese lose 2 Zero for about 10 Allied planes and serious damage to all three AF.

Ground developments see Kuantan and Ocean Isle taken

US CVs are spotted NW of Palmyra so I move the KB (Akagi, Hiryu, and Soryu that direction as they retire from PH.

Dec 10th:
2 CA sink a large AK and AKL near Tarakan

CL Nagara and 4 DD sink 2 AM

CL Naka + 2 DD sink an AKL

2 DD and 2 TB sink 2 of 8 MTB at Iba while covering the Invasion Force there

Japanese CV unite SW of Jolo placing Kaga, Ryujo, Zuiho, and Shoho into one TF. They are ordered due south to a point between Tarakan and Palembang.

Landings at Miri, Baker, and Iba this round with Baker immediately falling
Guam is attacked, gets a 1-1 and Forts drop to 0

SS Action:
In this Mod the Japanese start with a radically different deployment. I placed about 12 boats around PH but then moved groups of SS to points all around the Map: 3 off US West Coast (about 8 hexes), 6 moving south around Pago Pago-Suva-Noumea, all the Ro-Class around Rabaul and New Guinea, and 5 boats near Pt Blair. This redeployment has seen a much more fruitful set of attacks (albeit with a BUNCH of missed Torp attacks). Here are those results:

Dec 8th:
Swordfish hit Kaga for the second day in a row but (for the second day in a row) the Torp doesn't explode! [&o]
I-122 sinks a TK off Batavia
I-124 sinks an AKL off of Bataan
I-121 sinks AVP Poolster off of Palembang
S-36 is nailed by 6 DC with Heavy Damage near Manila
I-162 reacts into the Rangoon minefield and kills itself...

Dec 9th:
I-123 sinks an AKL off Bataan
I-7 tangles with a convoy coming out of San Diego and sinks APD Waters while missing a DD
I-3 hits a large AP (Ormiston) with a Torp at 106,169
SS Pickeral sunk by DD Fumizuki as described earlier

Dec 10th:
I-1 kills itself reacting into the Sydney Minefield. CRAP! Lesson learned no SS Reaction allowance.
I-3 sinks an AP SE of Lord Howe Island
I-165 sinks a TK near Soerabaja
Ro-65 sinks an AP NE of Cooktown
I-153 sinks AS Holland as it flees the Philippines

With the exception of the two SS reacting into Minefields, this is a pretty good set of results for the IJN SS! Have had about 15 or more attacks with no results--highly frustrating--but that is OK. Think it funny that each of the 4 ML SS bagged a ship...

Will Post Screenshots in a bit...

[John 3rd]

Here is a picture showing the number of Japanese CV TF, STF, SS,and Invasion Forces moving in the area. By moving this far south so early I hoped to bag some of the ABDA warships before they can concentrate.

Plan on moving the CVs around Borneo to link-up with the Singakawang Invasion Force and refuel there. The CVs might draw some attacks where they can then destroy planes. If not, then I will do Port Strikes in the four days of expected movement...

[John 3rd]

We have our lodgement at Kuantan with forces moving out from Pattani and Singora. I expect Michael to retreat without a fight to Johore Bharu. Wanted Kuantan so I can immediately begin an earial assault upon Fortress Singapore. Will take another day or two to get enough Base Forces present to allow 200 planes to fly from this excellent facility.

The screen doesn't show how I am about to attempt grabbing Port Blair with the 1st Raiding Force out of Bangkok. Probably a 50-50 chance of success. If I fail and there is a chance of success I will pull the two SNLF Paras in Victoria Point to add to the assault.

[John 3rd]

The standard Invasion Forces move out and will hit Lae and Rabaul within a day or two. I'm hitting Rabaul with 144th Inf Reg and 2 SNLF. Lae gets an SNLF, Air HQ, and 2 Construction Bat so I can immediately begin base expansion.

[John 3rd]

EDIT: This was my OFFICIAL 5,000th Post! Wow. I simply have no life I guess...


Combat Report
December 11-16, 1941

As can be expected the Japanese juggernaut is gaining momentum as it winds up Phase One Operations. Life in the Cochran Household remains wild-and-crazy so I am having to do Postings only about twice a week. It isn't like my previous AARs but I do want to keep it up for those who are playing the Reluctant Admiral Mod and those who might be interested...

There have been no major surprises or set-backs within the week's operations. As could be expected some things have gone quite well while others have had some...shall I say...issues...

Let us go around the map to start with:
North Pacific
The Japanese build-up at Paramushiro Jima is gaining momentum. About 10 units are now at the base and since these are mainly Support Troops, the base is expanding rapidly. Before we commit to the Dutch Harbor Operation, I want the Port at 3 and AF at 2 or better...

Troop/Shipping Deployment:
1. The Brigade on Sakhalin Isle will form the core of offensive strength. This unit (already prepping for Dutch Harbor) and 3 SNLF are the Infantry component to the Northern Lights Operation.
2. As stated above there are about ten units pulled for support. They include: several Construction Bat, an Artillery unit, 3 small Base Force, and a larger Base Force.
3. Naval Force: There are now 2 CL and 9 older DD at the base. The 'teeth' of the Naval Support shall arrive in a few days as CVEs Hosho and Taiyo (1 CA, 1 CL, and 6 DD) move into the Port. They currently carry 21 Zero, 12 Val, and 6 Kate. It isn't much but IF we have surprise then things should be OK...

Central Pacific
Wake Island fell on Dec 13th to two Naval Guard units. CD did manage to sink an AKL and damage 2 AK and 2 PG. I'll leave 1 Naval Guard and move a Con Bat and Base Force to the atoll.

Baker Isle has gotten a small Base Force and a group of Mavis is now flying from this advanced base.

Another Naval Guard has taken Ocean, Nauru, and Tarawa. It is now headed for Lunga.

KB-1 Akagi--Hiryu--Soryu moved to Baker and refueled. It is now heading south towards Pago Pago where an I-Boat spotted a TF on the 14th, put a Torp into an AK on the 15th, and still followed it on the 16th.

KB-2 Shokaku--Zuikaku are about 800 miles NE of Pearl Harbor. They have kept their presence quiet to this point and, since they just refueled, this is now about the change. We'll see if they can bag anything...

South Pacific
Lae and Rabaul fell on Dec 13th. I have an Army Air HQ at Lae and an Air Flotilla at Rabaul. Support troops are now moving in to expand the bases to a more usable size. There is only 30 Zero and 27 Betty present in this area for the moment so I am moving another Daitai of each to this location. They should arrive in a few days.

As expected, Michael has pulled all but one unit from Port Moresby. No need to waste forming an Invasion Force. I shift my surface assets into a Fast TF carrying about 2,500 troops. They will move down and grab the base quickly and in a low-risk manner.

Philippines
My initial landings have been a mixed bag:
1. Vigan--No opposition. I landed 2 Base Force, 3 TK Reg, and 2 SNLF. They have spread throughout Northern Luzon and taken most of it. The 65th Brigade has been added to this area and it is now in Lingayen 'dealing' with two Phil Inf Div.

2. Iba--Ran into a Hornet's Nest here. Michael said he got a 1st turn piece of Intelligence leading him to think this was my main landing area. He was right. I landed with only 2 Regiments of Inf and a BUNCH of Support Troops. They didn't have the power to take the hex and I nearly got driven back into the sea by NINE American and Philippino units! [X(] CRAP! OK. Moved the 21st Inf Div from the Vigan Landing site and placed it into the Iba perimeter. This did the trick and I am now holding without too much difficulty.

3. Atimonan--I'm making it look like real trouble in Iba because Michael has no idea of the scale on my landing here. Nearly 2 1/2 Inf Divisions have landed and are driving on Manila. A Tank and SNLF unit is moving SE to get Legaspi.

After my massacre of Allied shipping over the first few days, Michael told me he was certain my STF had all moved way south. He formed up the remaining shipping from Southern Luzon and the Central Philippines and had them meet at Legaspi. They ran right into a CL--DD TF of mine and down went another 8 large xAK!

On the frustrating side, CL Boise got into my Shipping Lanes between the Home Islands and Babeldoap. On the 12th she announced her presence by sinking a small and medium TK. The 13th saw her move towards Legaspi where she was intercepted by 3 DD. CRAP! Down went 1 DD and another was badly hit in exchange for 4 5" hit that scraped the paint of the CL. The 14th, however, saw things get brighter. My 2 CVE (heading to Paramushiro Jima) managed to mangle the cruiser with 7 250 Kg bombs. Don't know if she sank from this or not but the ship is crippled at best...

Eastern DEI
I grabbed Ternate (12th) and Menado (14th) and plan no further movement until Phase Two gets rolling.

Central DEI
Quick movement here!

Tarakan fell on the 16th with no damage to her facilities.

Tommorrow--the 17th--will see the invasion of Balikpapan by a full Brigade. Should fall fast! Will immediately move a large Base Force there to extend aircover. A stout TF of 2 BB, 2 CA and smaller protect this Force.

Western DEI
Miri and Brunei have been captured with no damage to facilities.

I skipped Kuching and landed at Singkawang on the 12th. It fell on the 13th with Fighters moving in immediately.

The Palembang Invasion Force is a hex South of Singkawang and is ready to go. The 4th ID will quickly and easily take the base. Am waiting for the KB-3 to refuel and reprovision before starting for the target.

KB-3 Kaga--Ryujo--Shoho--Zuiho made a swing around Borneo from the 11th to the 15th. While doing their little cruise they hit Soerabaja Port twice and got favorable results: about 20 Dutch Fighters, 2 AS, SS KVII, 1 CM, and 1 AMc. About another dozen or so ships were hit. This isn't too bad considering the Force has a total of 27 Val and 63 Kate. I kept the Vals and 18 Kates flying anti-shipping attacks during the Soerabaja Operation. My opponent was certainly surprised by this move so early...

Malaya
The Kuantan Lodgement continues to expand and the Allied troops are running as fast as they can down the peninsula. I have a full Inf Div and 2 Regiments at Kuantan with another Inf Div, some TKs and a bunch of support units moving down the west side of the peninsula.

I do not want the Forts at either Johore Bharu or Singapore to rise so I have already started Sweeps of the two bases and have 100 Sally flying attacks against the AFs. The Sallys began their campaign yesterday.

Burma
Paras grabbed Victoria Point on Day One.

I take all three units and assault/capture Port Blair on the 12th.

Tavoy is taken by Paras on the 13th. This SHOULD cut the air bridge between India/Burma with Malaya.

The Imperial Guards, another Inf Reg, and a TK Reg are about to Tavoy where they will quite visibly advance up the coastal road. Want Michael to watch their approach as I plan the Ceylon Invasion...

China
I hate it!

We have a truce until January 1st in effect. I am shuffling my troops and getting everything sorted. I plan to form-up a couple of assault groups and try to advance the line...

Ships Sunk:
12/11/41---2 AK, 1 AO, 6 PT, 1 AS, and SS Argonaut
12/12/41---6 PT, 1 AP, 2 AS, SS KVII, 1 CM
12/13/41---7 xAK and 1 AMc
12/15/41---AM
12/16/41---AK

Japanese SS Action
12/11
I-153 sinks AO Tan 1 east of Balikpapan
I-172 sinks SS Argonaut a hex from Pearl Harbor!

12/12
I-156 sinks AP Hong Siang near Ceylon
I-158 hits an AK off Kendari

12/16
I-169 sinks AK Coast Farmer near Pago Pago

About 75% of my SS are now headed home after the opening due to a lack of Torps. Initial attack totals for the SS are: CL Dragon, SS Argonaut, 1 AP, 2 TK, 1 AO, 1 AVP, 1 AK, 3 AKL, 1 AS, and 7 more ships damaged. Not too bad for an opening...

Summary
The situation looks good right now. If I can grab Palembang intact then we are in great shape. Am trying to reflect the increased need for speed in gaining the oil and resources since the Mod starts with Japan being down about 700,000 supply and fuel (each) from their tradition starting point.

Luzon will be interesting. I've brought a TON of firepower their in hopes of a quick victory. Never tried that before. Does anyone have any tips for this endeavour?

Just talk to my esteemed opponent and he leaked the information that Boise did, in fact, get scuttled! He noted that 7 bombs will ruin any ship's day and that the fires were completely out-of-control. He, thus, denied me the glory of sinking that PEST!

[John 3rd]

I did, however, get a picture of that dratted CL getting clobbered while providing bombing practice for the 12 Vals operating from Taiyo...

[John 3rd]

December 18, 1941
0545 Local Time

The Commander of the I-19 has been patrolling the area NE of Pearl Harbor ever since the less-then-impressive attack that commenced hostilities. At 0515 he is called to the Bridge as his sound man picks up the sounds of rapidly approaching high-speed propellors from the direction of Pearl Harbor.

With barely enough time to get off a snap-shot of 4 torpedoes, the Captain clearly identifies the distinct profile of a Yorktown-Class carrier. Unfortunately the rapid set-up doesn't allow for a good shot and all the torps miss. A very ineffective ASW attack occurs for about 30 minutes and the TF moves off toward the NE and the West Coast of the United States.

A short time later the I-19 raises it radio mast and a Contact Report is issued in the clear...

The Nagumo Force
0730

Vice-Admiral Nagumo has chaffed for the last two plus weeks at his role of aimlessly and, by his view, dangerously patrolling the waters NE of Pearl Harbor. He has his command about 650 miles away from the American base. Despite the admonitions of Commander Genda, Nagumo is preparing to leave the area within two days. Due to Genda's influence there has been no patrols flown from his TF for five days so the TF has the factor of surprise.

The Contact Report from I-19 comes through very quickly. NOW is the chance! The Admiral turns CarDiv5 into the wind and nearly 40% of his Dive-Bombers lift off the decks to search to the NE and SW. The catapults of his two Battlecruisers fling another six planes into the air.

A Strike Force under the leadership of Commander Akira (Shokaku) is arranged on the decks in anticipation of contacting the Enterprise. Roughly an hour later a Contact Report comes in that shocks everyone on the Bridge of Shokaku. A Lexington-Class carrier and 8-10 destroyers has been spotted to the NORTHEAST about 120 miles away!

Suddenly the very fears that Nagumo has harbored regarding this follow-on operation materialize. His carriers are in danger of being attacked by an equal number of American carriers from two directions at once. Fortunately--he feels--there is rough weather to the SW and none of his pilots spots the Yorktown-Class carrier.

The somewhat inexperienced crews (to the veterans of CarDiv1 and CarDiv2) of Shokaku and Zuikaku rapidly launch the Attack Force of 14 Zero, 30 Val, and 39 Kate. To the cheering crews lining the decks, this is an auspicious moment. Never before have carriers fought each other.

The first carrier fight of World War Two is underway...