Days of Infamy--RA Scen 70

[John 3rd]

Thank you Sir. I will have to check, however, I am nearly sure that these 3 I-Boats are from the PH Operation at the start of the war. As soon as they dropped off their Midget I sent them towards the DEI so I could use them in the IO. Will check in a few minutes and see...

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: ckammp

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

While giving orders on my last turn I tried to form-up a Midget SS TF from Can Rahn Bay with intentions of dropping my little beasties at Columbo or Trincomalee.  I have 3 I-Boats present and 9 Midgets.  When I tried to create the TF it wouldn't let me load the midgets aboard my I-Boats.

Never done this before so I will ask if there is something I am missing here?

Make sure you have the correct type of sub; you need to use Type C1 I-boats.

Type C1s:
I-16
I-18
I-20
I-22
I-24

The I-Boats present are I-16, -18, and -20. They SHOULD load the Midgets but don't want to. Anyone have any bright ideas?

[John 3rd]

The cat is thoroughly out-of-the-bag around Midway.

To celebrate Christmas Day I had BCs Kongo and Haruna deliver some special metallic presents to the troops stationed on the atoll. A bit of damage was done and nearly 100 troops were taken out.

The morning recon searches from the base found the Invasion Force and its Cover Force only about 30 miles away. I shifted two CLs into the Invasion Force so they can duel with the defenses. The Landing will start tomorrow.

KB refueled from its AOs and cut into the path between Pearl and Midway. Unfortunately nothing was spotted so the KB, soon to be rejoined by the two bombardment BC, will move closer to Midway, refuel, and attack the base. I detailed Akagi and Shoho's Kates to perform an AF attack.

The base SHOULD fall to the initial Shock Attack.

As stated earlier, I will then take the three strongest SNLF and immediately move SE to take Johnston. Kure and Laysen will also be taken.

Two large BF are currently at sea to land at Midway and Johnston.

Once Johnston falls, the KB will move North and then NE to go hunting around Hawaii and up towards Dutch Harbor. When Dutch Harbor falls the CVs will return to Truk for some R&R as well as new mission assignments...

[ckammp]

re: Midget Subs
 
Just saw your post in the "Midget subs can do it!" thread; I think I see your problem:
 
You wrote you created a midget ss transport TF, there should be an option for midget ss carrier TF, that's the one you want.

[John 3rd]

Aha! THAT makes sense. I will see what I get when the new turn arrives this evening. Thanks Sir.

[John 3rd]

December 26, 1941

Central Pacific

The Midway Operation comes to a successful close as the troops storm the beaches and overwhelm the defenders on the day after Christmas. The Marines of the 6th Defense Bn awoke to nearly 40 Japanese ships off their shores. The troops fought well sinking an AKL and damaging an APD. Fire support for the landing was provided by two CL and 36 Kates from Kaga and CVL Zuiho. In an excellent development, the aviation personnel are kept away from their PBYs and nearly TWO DOZEN are destroyed during the day. It should be noted that the Marines, as they should, put up a stiff fight and caused 1,136 Japanese casualties prior to their surrender.

Troops of the 51st Naval Guard, Yangste SNLF, and Yokohoma 4th SNLF immediately receive rudimentary maps of their next target: Johnston Ilse. The Invasion Force splits with 6 AK continuing to unload so that there will be nearly 20,000 supply at Midway. The remainder, with their Cover Force, begins re-loading the troops and will set out tomorrow for their next objective.

KB, after refueling again, moves due south to take a look at Johnston.

North Pacific
The Dutch Harbor Invasion Force has departed into terrible weather and begins its movement to the east.

South Pacific
Lae and Aitape are captured.

There is still shipping at PM so I order the Escort to attack the Port and we'll see if they bag anything. It is somewhat doubtful as they are spotted moving along the coast and have 7 Wirraway try to attack. Am somewhat concerned about an American CV popping up so I'll hit PM and then not launch any operations until more aircover is present in this region.

In a sight to warm every Japanese player's heart, I-3 raises its periscope just outside of Newcastle, Aust to see the damaged American CL Boise slowly moving down the coast with DD Voyager providing feeble escort. Two Torps are launched and one hits the target. As it slides to a stop heavily damaged and quick reversal of course brings stern tubes to bear and ANOTHER Torp smacks into the (hopefully) sinking vessel...BANZAI!

Philippines
My first Inf Division and 4 Art units enter the Clark hex and cutoff two large Allied units at Iba. 65th Brigade enters the Iba hex tomorrow so we shall see what is there.

The southern attack is now moving towards Dadjangas and should be there within a day or two.

Mindanao is now in its last stages as my TK Reg closes the only escape route for Allied troops when it captures hex 78,89. Three units are at Cagayan as well as three more in that central base.

Eastern DEI
The Ternate build-up is almost complete and I shall soon move on Ambon and Kendari. CarDiv2 moves into the area after CS Chitose takes a TT from SS Seal. CRAP! Luckily damage is not bad whatsover so I pull two DDs and she heads for Babeldoap.

Central DEI
The Balikpapan IF is now loading at Tarakan.

Western DEI
The 38th ID and its BB Escort are now 8 hexes NE of Singkawang and moving in for the Landing. Am a little concerned about aircover so I may delay for my CVEs to come over and help. Will make that call tomorrow.

Malaya
My first Japanese Inf Reg moves into the Malacca hex. It will bombard as more troops stream into the hex prior to taking it.

The other prong of the attack will see a Japanese ID enter the Johore Bharu hex tomorrow.

Burma
Troops arrive at Tavoy. They will bombard and prepare to take the base when reinforcements arrive.

China
Two more hexes are taken as the vice begins to really clamp down on the Central Plains of China. My opponent does not APPEAR to be taking any preventive moves here so I am beginning to hope that an envelopment might actually work...

[John 3rd]

There is a rather cluttered screenshot Posted below.

The movement to create a short as well as deep envelopment of the Chinese at Chengchow and Loyang. Currently there are 10 units in Chengchow, 8 in Loyang, and 5 NE of Loyang.

The BLACK arrows clearly show the envelopment swinging around the rear and NE of the Chinese position. The forces there include 3 Inf Div, 4 Ind Brigades/Regiments, and 2 TK Regiments.

The YELLOW arrow shows two Inf Div moving due west towards Sian.

The GREY denote troops moving NE and NW from Sinyang.

BLUE show additional reinforcements moving into the fight. The northern group of 3 Brigades just drove the Chinese from that hex and I have an Inf Div coming up from the south.

[FatR]

One thing that should be kept in mind when planning offensives in China: complete destruction of Chinese units should be avoided whenever possible. They will return at 1/3 strength and with their pre-destruction experience in Chungking after, IIRC, 120 days. So, do not surround, only cut roads when it is necessary, and drive Chinese before your troops.

Also, aviation is your friend in maneuver warfare, particularly on the plains. Unit subjected to air attacks are forced into combat mode from movement mode, and therefore the side that controls air can be more mobile.

Looks like your opponent intends to defend Central Plains. That's a golden opportunity for Japanese. Use it for a push in the north all the way to Sian.

[John 3rd]

THAT is the plan FatR!

I will continue moving more aircraft into the Theatre. Right now I have about 100 bombers working and intend to raise that by at least another 50-75. Have never before done anything like this in WitP or AE so it is QUITE the learning experience for me.

Any additional help and/or tips is appreciated Forum people!

Make so I can YELL "B--A--N--Z--A--I!!!"

[John 3rd]

December 27, 1941

Lew and I are running a rather slow week due to him having heavy work commitments. Got a turn from him last night and ran it then spent this morning doing a methodical region-by-region review of things. Spent about an hour messing with China and making sure things were going as well as can be planned and hoped for there.

Regions:

North Pacific
The Dutch Harbor IF is just to the west of Attu right now and continues battling its way through heavy, nasty seas. I know this landing will come as a complete surprise so my only real concern is HOW BAD will my troops be disrupted by landing in the face of the Arctic Winter. Might be rather exciting!

There are three I-Boats patrolling around up there between Anchorage, Kodiak, and Dutch Harbor. Nothing spotted so far...

Central Pacific
Midway is repairing its damaged facilities. I have two SNLF and an Aviation unit present at the moment. There is a Chutai of Mavis now flying out of the base. They have a Search Arc of 120-180*. There is a large Engineering unit on its way from Manchuria that should reach the base about January 1st. Those boys should help with rebuilding the Forts and anything else that is needed.

Johnston gets a recon flight this round from a Glen and it spots only one unit present. The Johnston IF is well on its way to the target carrying 5,000 men.

The KB is roughly halfway between Midway and Johnston and moves this turn to the hex directly east of the target. Once the atoll is taken the KB will move back to Midway and refuel from the AOs. I've decided at that point to go hunting NE of Pearl Harbor and see if I can catch anything going back-and-forth with the West Coast. Originally I was going to move KB-1 up to the Aleutians for support but don't think it is necessary.

Southeast Pacific
A SNLF unit lands and takes the undefended Baker Island. This is the extent of my movement SE for the time being. The goal will not be to overextend the perimeter. I want to grab that base due south of Tarawa that isn't an atoll. Figure having Tarawa, that base, and Baker should provide me a lodgement strong enough to fight from.

South Pacific
Rabaul and Truk are now shuttling troops, supplies, and fuel between them. Need to get the AF to Sz-7 ASAP.

The losses in AKL and AK from the recent naval engagements are really noticeable here. Getting replacement hulls down here from the Home Islands takes a bit! Figure no major moves beyond consolidating the Lae area.

The TF spotted and attacked at PM is moving off towards Australia. I have a STF of 2 CA, 1 CL, and 4 DD that was going into PM and now is ordered to move to Cairns in hopes of catching this TF at Sea before it completely moves out of range. Bit of a risk and I really had to think about it since an American CV could easily appear.

Philippines
The 65th Brigade enters Iba and cuts off two large units from Clark. I order a bombardment for tomorrow to see what is present here.

At Clark a bombardment shows the units present. It is a decent amount and enough to easily stop an attack by just one Infantry Division. I elect to use patience for a second Inf Div is on the way as well as more artillery and engineering units.

Have a screenshot below showing Clark.



Mindanao suddenly gets frustrating. After grabbing Davao a few days ago I ordered the two Regiments and Imperial Guards Brigade to move out and finish off the troops north of there and then head for Cagayan. Surprisingly they are only making 2 miles a day. Seeing that I throw out that plan and order them loaded for an Amphibious assault on Cagayan. Much faster.

Eastern DEI
At Ternate the Japanese begin loading the Ambon Invasion Force. Escort shall be quite heavy to protect it from any Allied TF.

CarDiv2 slides down this turn to a point just west of Ambon and doesn't spot anything worth mentioning. Hiryu and Soryu will continue towards Darwin and see if anything stirs.

Central DEI
At Tarakan troops finish loading for the invasion of Balikpapan. A heavy escort of 2 BB shall provide heavy gun support. CVEs Taiyo and Hosho (24 Zero, 12 Val and 6 Kate) travel along as well providing CAP and a few Strike Aircraft.

Western DEI
The 38th ID as well as a pair of BB wait for things to clear-up a bit before moving on to Singkawang.

Malaya
At Malacca the Japanese bombard the base and find two weak infantry units and small base force holding the town. The Japanese will attack tomorrow and gain the base. Reinforcements will then bolster the area and we will begin to advance north to meet-up with the Imperial Guards coming down from Alor Star.

An Infantry Division finds Johore Bharu also lightly held. An attack will be made tomorrow that should gain the base. Once that occurs nearly everything at Mersing shall move south and the movement across to Singapore itself will occur. I give the orders for 18 units of varying types to begin moving towards Johore Bharu so this happens quickly.

Aircraft get orders to strike LCU throughout the peninsula as well as Singapore to keep everyone's heads down as the true Japanese assault gets underway.

China
As said earlier I spent a ton of time moving units around, checking prep objectives, shuffling garrisons, and moving aircraft into the theatre. This perusal yielded more units for the gathering offensive on the Central Plains. I am choosing to reinforce to pinchers (north and south) moving along the Deep Envelopment.

The entire China AF is reshuffled with about 100 more aircraft entering the fray. I actually chose to buy out a Lily Sentai from Manchuria and bring it west to help with the attacks. Each fighter and bomber unit got orders to hit differing targets. Every city and town in the targeted area gets attention as well as do troops throughout the region. This should slow any Chinese movement if and when they chose to move about.

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
December 28-29, 1941

Phase Two Operations are fully underway starting in these two turns. Johnston Isle, Dutch Harbor, Cagayan, Ambon, Balikpapan, Singkawang, and Milne Bay are squarely in the Japanese sights over the next week-to-ten days. There are also major developments within China, the Philippines, and Malaya. During the 48 hours watched there is no significant resistance anywhere on the maps.

North Pacific
The Dutch Harbor Invasion Force just passed Attu and when that happened there was a collision (random event?) between two AK. I've elected to have them unload at Attu and grab the island. D-Day for Dutch Harbor is slated for January 2nd.

Central Pacific
Johnston Isle--The Invasion Force is two days out from taking this base. I've flown Jake Recon both days and there are just 1,000 troops present here. Should be able to take the base without issue. Just to make sure Lew's attention is focused here I have Akagi and Zuiho's Kates strike Johnston on the 29th.

After the Isle falls, KB will fall back to Midway and refuel. After that it will move NE and the East to interdict anything moving between PH and the West Coast.

Tabiteuea--This base falls and is the final target to be occupied for the foreseeable future in the SE Pacific. Between it and Baker, the Japanese will be far enough out to really throw those Emily and Mavis a good distance.

South Pacific
Port Moresby--A number of B-17s had flown from here right after I took Rabaul but they seem to have stopped. My Zeros were damaging a bunch so I bet they have flown back to Aussieland for R&R and will then stage again from PM. Something will have to be done about that base...

It would appear that Lew rushed the 'at sea' units this scenario starts with from the central Coral Sea to PM. This means that PM has a full Ausiee Brigade, at least 2 Base Forces, and a couple of minor units. It will be a hard nut to crack with only the South Seas Force at Rabaul.

Lae--Two SNLF recently took this base and now two Construction Bn are present to begin creation of the base I need. There are 15,000 supply unloaded so that will be good for a bit.

Truk--I simply don't have enough shipping right now down here. There are two convoys ferrying units from Truk to Rabaul. Once these are all moved (figure two weeks) then we shall advance again.

RA starts with a stronger Japanese presence at Truk with several additional BF and an Air Flotilla. These, plus the normal units, must be moved to Rabaul and then on to Lae, Lunga, and Milne Bay.

Rabaul--A large Tanker TF will begin unloading 65,000 fuel here. The TF started from Port Arthur just after the war began. The Imperial Fleet is bolstered by the arrival of 6 DD from the DEI. The AF just went to Sz-4 and is flying 32 Zero and around 60 Betty at the moment.

I've decided that things are moving well enough in the DEI to pull a pair of Battleships and their escorts to come to this region. They will leave Babeldoap and go to Truk for repair and then move to Rabaul. From that base their large guns will work to level PM.

Milne Bay--Michael and I have spoken often about the key to PM being Milne Bay. Whomever controls and builds up that base control Port Moresby. I've decided to form-up a Fast TF and grab the base hex and then bring in engineers.

Once Lae and Milne are fully operational we shall reduce PM and take it.

The Philippines
It appears that Lew is allowing me to cut-up his forces on Luzon. The screenshot attached to this entry tells the tale.

1. I have 65th Inf Brigade in Iba holding an Inf Div and BF.
2. Clark has 15 units holding it and I won't attack there until the 21st ID is reinforced by the 48th.
3. Two TK Regiments took Cabantuan on the 28th and are now advancing into Manila which only has two units in it.
4. Lucena has three units in it and my reinforced Inf Div there is waiting to attack.

The moment my two TK Reg enter into Manila I will attack Lucena. Fully expect to take the hex and those units will be driven east, away from Manila, to that coastal town due east of Manila. They will be crushed and driven into the sea at that point.

At Iba I will hold those troops there and use my two Inf Div to crush Clark to drive the resistance into Bataan.

If I can get those two TK into Manila then there is a realistic possibility of destroying the two units present in that hex.

Given a wee bit of luck there is a real chance I can destroy seven-ten Allied units before starting the final phase of the campaign and laying seige to Bataan.

Cagayan--After realizing how long it was going to take my troops to move across central Mindanao I picked up the three Inf Regiments/Brigades and they will land at Cagayan on the 31st. Once they take this base then the only resistance left in Mindanao shall be in its center.

Eastern DEI
The Ambon Invasion Force landed on the 29th and appears to have enough strength to take the base. We'll know about that tomorrow or the day after.

CarDiv2 swung through here and is now trolling the waters off NE Australia looking for targets. Nothing as of yet...

Am building up Ternate to operate from for the next week or so.

Central DEI
The Balikpapan Invasion Force has departed Tarakan and is moving south. It is protected by two CVE and two BB. I ordered a faster TF to land at the hex NW of Balikpapan to cutoff retreat to that base.

Western DEI
The 38th ID with its BB Escort gets the green light to advance on Singkawang. Bombers from Mersing have hit the AF over the last two days and I think it is safe to advance and grab the base. As soon as it is taken and aircraft flown in then we move to Palembang.

Malaya
Once again, Lew allows me to cutoff troops! The 28th is a banner day in the Malay Campaign. Both Malacca and Johore Bharu fall to easy assaults. There can be no doubt that Singapore will fall quickly now.

Malacca--The Infantry Regiment and two TK Regiments advance NW and NE to advance up the peninsula. They will be reinforced by another regiment and a couple of artillery units.

Alor Star--Imperial Guards, 2 Inf Reg, and two TK units are advancing south as fast as allowed.

Johore Bharu--Two Inf Div hold the base. I have the makings of two more traveling from Mersing to JB as well as as lots of artillery, engineers, and Southern Army HQ. As soon as they are present we cross into Singapore! BANZAI!

Aircraft are attacking anything moving on the peninsula as well as Singapore's AF.

Burma
Tavoy--My TF Regiment isn't enough to take the base, however, and Inf Reg arrived yesterday. I fully expect to take the base on the 30th and begin moving north towards Moulmein.

China
The southern edge of my Deep Envelopment blasts the Chinese troops out of hex 85,47 as they advance NW.

A Japanese ID kicks the Chinese out of hex 88,45 SE of Loyang.

If Lew doesn't move quickly I will have the Chinese in those two cities cutoff. That would be FUN to watch and see how long they hold while I drive on Sian...

[John 3rd]

Here is a screenshot I took as my troops cleared out Johore Bharu:

[John 3rd]

The BLACK arrows denote the envelopment moving NW and South across the Chinese cities of Chengchow and Loyang. On both sides the troops shall advance into the next hex tomorrow. This will leave only one exit for the Chinese troops of Loyang. Thus, I will move units into there and then have the area cutoff. Barring a major surprise this should be accomplished within a week.

The GOLD arrows represent the Deep Envelopment. One Army (One ID and 3 Inf Brigades) advances due west towards Sian while another (2 ID, 1 Brigade, and 1 TK Reg advance from the south towards Nanyang.

Over 200 aircraft are now hitting many of the Chinese columns forcing them to slow down if they are, in fact, moving...

[ny59giants]

Sir John,

Please use the "W" button to show hexside control when you post land based screenshots. It's easier to see what is going on when I can see them.

[FatR]

Congratulations on your success at Malaya. In my current game I screwed up at Mersing, not getting supply and support there in time, while my opponent extracted Malaya Army swiftly, and this resulted in a very serious slowdown. Singapore is not easy to take in the current metagame.

[John 3rd]

As by Michael's request, here is Malaya with the hexside control tabbed on...

[John 3rd]

...and China...

[SoliInvictus202]

very interesting AAR - always great to read some new updates! - thanks!

SolInvictus

[John 3rd]

Thank you Sir.

Lew and I have a leisurely game going. We get in a turn a day and this is pretty comfortable for both of us. He works a ton and so do I and we both have famillies. His kids are older then my two Hellions but we're pretty much in the same boat and that makes the campaign fairly simple.

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
December 31-January 5, 1942

Didn't get a chance to do any updates over the last 4-5 days due to having to finish my managerial training at the hotel. Worked a series of four audit shifts running from 10pm-7am. When I was in my 20s this would have been no big deal, however, in my mid-40s is ANOTHER matter! Seriously messed with my system...

Since I have a week's worth of updating to do I will proceed with a region-by-region set of updates with a screenshot attached to each. We will begin with Operation Northern Lights: the Aleutians.

Reasons for an Early Attack:
1. I wanted to make early moves into this region so I could use bases from up here to wage my Commerce War against the West Coast of the USA. The reduction in turn-around time for SS and AMC traveling from Dutch Harbor instead of Paramushiro Jima or the Marshalls is quite telling.

2. There is always a fear that the Allies will move into these bases during the winter and the Japanese NOT know about it. By grabbing them now I will have 3-4 months to supply, expand, and fortify them.

3. Prevents any form of early northern assault upon the Home Islands. The memory of Dan coming across this area and invading Hokkaido in 1943 in our WitP Campaign shall never leave me...


We had left off with the Japanese Dutch Harbor Invasion Force moving past Attu. Fog had caused a collision between two AK and so I decided to divert them to Attu and grab that base so I didn't lose any troops from the crippled merchants. The base is landed upon on the 31st and falls New Years Day 1942.

A Naval Guard unit from northern Japan lands at Amchitka on the 2nd and the base falls on the 3rd. These troops immediately begin reloading for Adak where they should land on the 6th.

The Dutch Harbor Force achieves complete surprise and begins landing on the 4th of January. Three SNLF, a Mortar unit, and small Engineering unit (about 7,500 men) actually get shore without TOO much disruption. Considering it is a winter landing this was quite surprising. No surprises await the troops as the base is defended by a small Artillery unit and a Base Force. The initial attack gets a 1-1 and reduces Forts to 0. I will wait until the 7th and attack again. Barring a major surprise the base will fall that day.

The escort of 8 DD get some action on the approach and landings days. They sink an AM and 4 YP that tried to flee the scene.

Once the troops at Dutch Harbor finish their job I will move and grab Cold Harbor. This will be the furthest I move east for the meantime. Might like Kodiak (just to make the eastward moves APPEAR truly threatening) in the Spring but we'll see.

From Paramushiro Jima I already have a Base Force and Con Bn sailing to begin work at both Attu and Amchatka. Additional engineers will be moved once the TF return to the Kuriles in a few weeks.