Dec 25, 1941
Played this turn a while back but only now having a chance to get back to the AAR. I have another turn in the hopper to run tonight.
Subs
I-6 turns on its ASW hunters off CONUS but misses DD Kennison. The skillful captain then evades any counterattack by the DD.
SE Fleet
Something overflies South Seas Fleet as it moves into position for the invasion of Munda. Cribtop Intel thinks it's search planes out of Rabaul but KB is ready just in case.
14th Army
We sweep and bomb Clark with gratifying results as a P-40 and several Cats are smashed. Cribtop Intel estimates that the enemy has lost a significant number of the Catalinas that be-deviled our surface assets and that more are still trapped there in a damaged state awaiting execution. DA at Bayombong results in a slightly disappointing 1:2, casualties 68(0) vs 58(0). More troops arrived in the hex today and it should fall soon.
16th Army
Not a lot today, we attack Tarakan tomorrow and 21st Div arrives at Babel.
25th Army
Nells from Sinkawang port attack Kuching in an effort to suppress CD guns. Taiping falls. We are anxious to get down the peninsula to reduce Singapore by air and ground attack.
15th Army
We are almost ready to attempt a paratroop assault on Port Blair. One turn of recon to see whether it's been reinforced will maintain surprise, if not we assault and will then fly in a base force.
Recon shows Pegu empty. Interesting as this is the traditional blocking position for Allied players intending to put up resistance in Burma. If the Port Blair op is scrubbed this may be a spot for 1st Raiding Regt to visit instead.
China
The encirclement continues but we are held up by a weird bug. A hex we recently kicked a Chinese corps out of still shows as Allied controlled. This prevents the unit from advancing towards Chengchow as the hexside is still green. We will try a DA there tomorrow to clear this issue and perhaps move in an armored car company from another direction if it doesn't. Odd.
Other
Scads of PBs and ACMs complete conversions and will head out to assist with escorting convoys and maintaining minefields throughout the Empire. We have enough extra ACMs now to try some nasty ASW tricks.
Once More Over the Cliff! Cribtop(J) v LoneGunman(A) no LG pls
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: Once More Over the Cliff! Cribtop(J) v LoneGunman(A) no LG pls
Dec 26, 1941
Subs
Pike misses a DD escorting a CA SCTF near Manado. An I-boat patrolling near Penhryn Island (wow, think a Brit named that place?) picks up radio transmissions from what appears to be a convoy moving East to West just to the north and plots an intercept course for tomorrow. We may finally be zeroing in on LG's convoy routes.
4th Fleet
TB invasion is loading at Jaluit. The Claudes originally based at Roi Namur are upgrading to Zeros at Tokyo.
SE Fleet
The enemy is nowhere to be seen as we invade Munda and Shortlands and continue unloading supplies at Tulagi. We are considering seizing Guam by paratroop assault from Truk. Range is a bit long but the troops won't be needed until Rabaul is taken and it could be a time saver. 90th Regt and 4th Div are unloaded at Truk and will be used to seize Rabaul and PM, respectively.
We have kept KB in a single TF in the interests of operational tempo but will soon put her in a two TF look. Surface assets that will be freed up after the fall of Kuching are slated for use as escorts for the second KB TF. We will also route the Jake-carrying AMCs and two fast CS to serve as added nav search and pickets (we may finally have a good use for these AMCs, IMHO). KB has to remain in SE Fleet until the Papuan Peninsula is taken in a few weeks, but we are feeling the need to get the CVs to the DEI for assaults on Java and Timor.
14th Army
We sweep and bomb Clark, netting post turn runway damage of 75 and kill at least 1 P-40 and 1 Cat on the ground (Intel screen shows two of each destroyed). Cribtop HQ orders an end to sweeps in this AO as it has been over two weeks since any CAP rose to contest the skies. The IJAAF bomber wing at Takao will take over bombing duties very soon.
Lubang is occupied by the rowboat corps while an empty Lingayen falls. Our troops arrive in Mauban and will attack tomorrow, while another regiment is ordered to march directly on a now-abandoned Manila. Cribtop HQ estimates we will be in siege mode on Luzon within 10 days. The only disappointment is a 1:1 attack at Bayombong, casualties 31(0) vs 37(2). We have two more tank regiments inbound to finish this annoyance.
16th Army
Zeros from Manado sweep Ambon but no one is home. We will wait a day and then bomb the port on secondary attack as enemy ships continue to be spotted (probably Dutch seaplane tenders, but what the hey). A Nell on search claims a hit on an AVP at Balikpapan. LG is now apprised that torpedo bombers are in place in the Makassar Strait and Ceram Sea. DA at Tarakan again provides a rebuff with 1:1 odds, forts again knocked down to 0, casualties 65(2) vs 99(1). The enemy is showing minuses for experience, preparation and fatigue, we have a minus for leadership. We relieve the local commanders and will try again soon, but Cribtop HQ is frustrated enough to order an SNLF at Samah out of local reserve and onto transports to finish this battle. Fortunately, we are in an intended operational pause while 21st Div unloads at Babeldoab anyway.
25th Army
DA Jesselton takes the place with 6:1 odds, casualties 52(11) vs 0(0). Our forces in North Borneo consist of a single SNLF coy which is effectively engaged in a land-based dot cleanup campaign against unarmed base forces. Fun!
The Kuching invasion launches but Cribtop Intel is somewhat concerned to receive reports of a "heavy volume of radio transmissions" at Batavia, which could be a major SCTF or even enemy CVs. Readers of my first AAR will recall the rather unfortunate events at Kuching in that war involving enemy CVs running amok. We will keep an eye on this as Cribtop HQ has been expecting some sort of reaction to the occupation and Nettification of Sinkawang by either a bombardment TF or CV raid. Still, we want to get Kuching taken as it is the last amphibious operation required of 25th Army until the fall of Singapore and will free up fleet assets as mentioned above.
Not much in Malaya other than marching to fresh targets. We sweep Georgetown with Oscars and prepare to move base forces and two IJAAF bomber wings from Indochina to newly captured bases in Malaya. 2nd and 56th Divisions are moving by rail and should be in theatre within 48 hours.
15th Army
A second day of recon confirms Pegu is empty. Perhaps LG doesn't intend to fight for Rangoon.
China
The trap is almost closed on the plains but LG finally begins moving troops to try to escape the pocket. We are concerned the enemy could try to employ his Chengchow/Loyang garrisons to attack the side of the bag and attempt to envelop us. His LCUs near Ichang could in theory be used in similar fashion but are impeded by rough terrain and stiffer forces watching them. We could quickly concentrate 3 to 4 divisions against any move out of Chengchow but that would mean the escape of at least some enemy units. In order to speed things up we order our troops at the "bottom" of the bag to march across the river to shock attack two LCUs that were already forced to retreat. This will allow us to breach the river lines protecting the enemy at its weakest point and effectively reverse the anvil and hammer roles originally envisioned for the Op while at the same time effecting a rapid concentration of 12th Army. Refer to the screenie in the December 24 post to get a visual on all this.
DA in the bugged hex described above miraculously finds an LCU not visually present yesterday and smashes it with 44:1 odds, casualties 695(50) vs 10(0). We pray this whole affair isn't some sort of synch bug. [:@]
Other
We have allowed Idas and Sonias to accumulate to 50 in the pools and today order production stopped.
Subs
Pike misses a DD escorting a CA SCTF near Manado. An I-boat patrolling near Penhryn Island (wow, think a Brit named that place?) picks up radio transmissions from what appears to be a convoy moving East to West just to the north and plots an intercept course for tomorrow. We may finally be zeroing in on LG's convoy routes.
4th Fleet
TB invasion is loading at Jaluit. The Claudes originally based at Roi Namur are upgrading to Zeros at Tokyo.
SE Fleet
The enemy is nowhere to be seen as we invade Munda and Shortlands and continue unloading supplies at Tulagi. We are considering seizing Guam by paratroop assault from Truk. Range is a bit long but the troops won't be needed until Rabaul is taken and it could be a time saver. 90th Regt and 4th Div are unloaded at Truk and will be used to seize Rabaul and PM, respectively.
We have kept KB in a single TF in the interests of operational tempo but will soon put her in a two TF look. Surface assets that will be freed up after the fall of Kuching are slated for use as escorts for the second KB TF. We will also route the Jake-carrying AMCs and two fast CS to serve as added nav search and pickets (we may finally have a good use for these AMCs, IMHO). KB has to remain in SE Fleet until the Papuan Peninsula is taken in a few weeks, but we are feeling the need to get the CVs to the DEI for assaults on Java and Timor.
14th Army
We sweep and bomb Clark, netting post turn runway damage of 75 and kill at least 1 P-40 and 1 Cat on the ground (Intel screen shows two of each destroyed). Cribtop HQ orders an end to sweeps in this AO as it has been over two weeks since any CAP rose to contest the skies. The IJAAF bomber wing at Takao will take over bombing duties very soon.
Lubang is occupied by the rowboat corps while an empty Lingayen falls. Our troops arrive in Mauban and will attack tomorrow, while another regiment is ordered to march directly on a now-abandoned Manila. Cribtop HQ estimates we will be in siege mode on Luzon within 10 days. The only disappointment is a 1:1 attack at Bayombong, casualties 31(0) vs 37(2). We have two more tank regiments inbound to finish this annoyance.
16th Army
Zeros from Manado sweep Ambon but no one is home. We will wait a day and then bomb the port on secondary attack as enemy ships continue to be spotted (probably Dutch seaplane tenders, but what the hey). A Nell on search claims a hit on an AVP at Balikpapan. LG is now apprised that torpedo bombers are in place in the Makassar Strait and Ceram Sea. DA at Tarakan again provides a rebuff with 1:1 odds, forts again knocked down to 0, casualties 65(2) vs 99(1). The enemy is showing minuses for experience, preparation and fatigue, we have a minus for leadership. We relieve the local commanders and will try again soon, but Cribtop HQ is frustrated enough to order an SNLF at Samah out of local reserve and onto transports to finish this battle. Fortunately, we are in an intended operational pause while 21st Div unloads at Babeldoab anyway.
25th Army
DA Jesselton takes the place with 6:1 odds, casualties 52(11) vs 0(0). Our forces in North Borneo consist of a single SNLF coy which is effectively engaged in a land-based dot cleanup campaign against unarmed base forces. Fun!
The Kuching invasion launches but Cribtop Intel is somewhat concerned to receive reports of a "heavy volume of radio transmissions" at Batavia, which could be a major SCTF or even enemy CVs. Readers of my first AAR will recall the rather unfortunate events at Kuching in that war involving enemy CVs running amok. We will keep an eye on this as Cribtop HQ has been expecting some sort of reaction to the occupation and Nettification of Sinkawang by either a bombardment TF or CV raid. Still, we want to get Kuching taken as it is the last amphibious operation required of 25th Army until the fall of Singapore and will free up fleet assets as mentioned above.
Not much in Malaya other than marching to fresh targets. We sweep Georgetown with Oscars and prepare to move base forces and two IJAAF bomber wings from Indochina to newly captured bases in Malaya. 2nd and 56th Divisions are moving by rail and should be in theatre within 48 hours.
15th Army
A second day of recon confirms Pegu is empty. Perhaps LG doesn't intend to fight for Rangoon.
China
The trap is almost closed on the plains but LG finally begins moving troops to try to escape the pocket. We are concerned the enemy could try to employ his Chengchow/Loyang garrisons to attack the side of the bag and attempt to envelop us. His LCUs near Ichang could in theory be used in similar fashion but are impeded by rough terrain and stiffer forces watching them. We could quickly concentrate 3 to 4 divisions against any move out of Chengchow but that would mean the escape of at least some enemy units. In order to speed things up we order our troops at the "bottom" of the bag to march across the river to shock attack two LCUs that were already forced to retreat. This will allow us to breach the river lines protecting the enemy at its weakest point and effectively reverse the anvil and hammer roles originally envisioned for the Op while at the same time effecting a rapid concentration of 12th Army. Refer to the screenie in the December 24 post to get a visual on all this.
DA in the bugged hex described above miraculously finds an LCU not visually present yesterday and smashes it with 44:1 odds, casualties 695(50) vs 10(0). We pray this whole affair isn't some sort of synch bug. [:@]
Other
We have allowed Idas and Sonias to accumulate to 50 in the pools and today order production stopped.
RE: Once More Over the Cliff! Cribtop(J) v LoneGunman(A) no LG pls
Dec 27, 1941
Subs
A busy day beneath the waves. A specially designed all DD ASW TF near Babeldoab harasses Shark on the day KBL and several large task forces from the Tarakan and Manado invasions return to base. Shark still shoots at a DD in KBL but duds. Another ASW TF hounds perennial Formosa Straits denizen Permit.
KXII exchanges fire with our kamikaze xAKL supply ship near Sinkawang as she returns to base empty. Brave little Kaishu Maru takes several hits but forces the sub under the waves with two shots of her own. She should survive barring another encounter.
I-2 guns xAKL Manini into sinking condition near Lihue.
4th Fleet
4th Fleet unloads at Kwajalein starting tomorrow. This will torpedo enable Roi Namur and Kwaj, freeing up 24th Air Flotilla to torpedo enable TB or Noumea.
SE Fleet
Despite being overflown by what is identified as Allied torpedo bombers (probably Cats out of Rabaul), Operation TS achieves its objectives, taking Munda and Shortlands and dumping months worth of supplies. KB, South Seas Fleet and the invasion TFs all are ordered to retire on Truk. The battle fleets will next escort Operation KR, the invasion of Kavieng and Rabaul. Auki (near Tulagi) is occupied by the rowboat corps.
14th Army
Clark Field absorbs its daily dose of pain, although flak claims a Betty. Mauban is taken in one attack with 2:1 odds, casualties 1664(42) vs 106(1). 51st PA Division is thrashed and retreats to a doomed Manila. We order all 16th Div units to march on this VP trove.
16th Army
21st Div completes unloading and KBL has re-fueled and re-armed. Conditions are now in place for Operation BAK, the invasion of Boela, Ambon and Kendari. Criptop HQ is preparing for the enemy to resist this move deeper into the DEI more strenuously. We will have LBA at Manado, a strong SCTF and KBL covering the attack. Kendari is envisioned as the eventual headquarters for 16th Army and our major base to hold the DEI once the enemy begins his inevitable counterattacks. Except for Tarakan, we are pleased with progress in this AO.
25th Army
Nells pound Kuching, hoping to reduce Coastal defenses ahead of the invasion. Our forces have rendezvoused south of Saigon and now begin the run into the beaches.
In Malaya, we march on, not much to report.
15th Army
Recon continues to show a denuded Rangoon area. It appears the enemy will stand further north or will abandon Burma altogether.
China
We occupy one more hex in the Sinyang Kessel today. The trap fully closes tomorrow. Recon reveals enemy units in the marshes south of Ichang. They are single LCUs in two hexes, but could presage a counterattack out of Ichang. We are ready for this move. SigInt shows that LG has ordered at least one of his reserve LCUs to march out of Chungking and toward the front. Interesting.
Subs
A busy day beneath the waves. A specially designed all DD ASW TF near Babeldoab harasses Shark on the day KBL and several large task forces from the Tarakan and Manado invasions return to base. Shark still shoots at a DD in KBL but duds. Another ASW TF hounds perennial Formosa Straits denizen Permit.
KXII exchanges fire with our kamikaze xAKL supply ship near Sinkawang as she returns to base empty. Brave little Kaishu Maru takes several hits but forces the sub under the waves with two shots of her own. She should survive barring another encounter.
I-2 guns xAKL Manini into sinking condition near Lihue.
4th Fleet
4th Fleet unloads at Kwajalein starting tomorrow. This will torpedo enable Roi Namur and Kwaj, freeing up 24th Air Flotilla to torpedo enable TB or Noumea.
SE Fleet
Despite being overflown by what is identified as Allied torpedo bombers (probably Cats out of Rabaul), Operation TS achieves its objectives, taking Munda and Shortlands and dumping months worth of supplies. KB, South Seas Fleet and the invasion TFs all are ordered to retire on Truk. The battle fleets will next escort Operation KR, the invasion of Kavieng and Rabaul. Auki (near Tulagi) is occupied by the rowboat corps.
14th Army
Clark Field absorbs its daily dose of pain, although flak claims a Betty. Mauban is taken in one attack with 2:1 odds, casualties 1664(42) vs 106(1). 51st PA Division is thrashed and retreats to a doomed Manila. We order all 16th Div units to march on this VP trove.
16th Army
21st Div completes unloading and KBL has re-fueled and re-armed. Conditions are now in place for Operation BAK, the invasion of Boela, Ambon and Kendari. Criptop HQ is preparing for the enemy to resist this move deeper into the DEI more strenuously. We will have LBA at Manado, a strong SCTF and KBL covering the attack. Kendari is envisioned as the eventual headquarters for 16th Army and our major base to hold the DEI once the enemy begins his inevitable counterattacks. Except for Tarakan, we are pleased with progress in this AO.
25th Army
Nells pound Kuching, hoping to reduce Coastal defenses ahead of the invasion. Our forces have rendezvoused south of Saigon and now begin the run into the beaches.
In Malaya, we march on, not much to report.
15th Army
Recon continues to show a denuded Rangoon area. It appears the enemy will stand further north or will abandon Burma altogether.
China
We occupy one more hex in the Sinyang Kessel today. The trap fully closes tomorrow. Recon reveals enemy units in the marshes south of Ichang. They are single LCUs in two hexes, but could presage a counterattack out of Ichang. We are ready for this move. SigInt shows that LG has ordered at least one of his reserve LCUs to march out of Chungking and toward the front. Interesting.
RE: Once More Over the Cliff! Cribtop(J) v LoneGunman(A) no LG pls
Well, dear readers, you have probably noticed a distinct lack of posts in recent weeks. Sadly, I haven't gotten another turn since the 12/27/41 offering detailed above. I've sent a "what's up, is this game dropped" e-mail but haven't received a response (which I suppose is in fact a response, eh?). It is thus with great frustration that I must assume this game is on life support if not outright dead.
I'm not sure what to do. I love AE, and I'm even one of the crazy few willing to play the Empire, but I can't seem to keep a game going for even six months, much less a few years, of game time. I'll probably seek a new opponent but will try to be selective in who I choose as I really want to see at least one game through to completion. I'd be interested in someone taking over for LG or in playing a 2X2 game if that would help.
[:(]
I'm not sure what to do. I love AE, and I'm even one of the crazy few willing to play the Empire, but I can't seem to keep a game going for even six months, much less a few years, of game time. I'll probably seek a new opponent but will try to be selective in who I choose as I really want to see at least one game through to completion. I'd be interested in someone taking over for LG or in playing a 2X2 game if that would help.
[:(]
RE: Once More Over the Cliff! Cribtop(J) v LoneGunman(A) no LG pls
Considering your opponent knew your last game ended with a disappearing opponent he would have been on his best behaviour with this one. Maybe he got the WitE bug- but this is unnecessary why to treat an opponent. Three weeks, three months, or three years a PBEM gamer should know the frustration he his causing you.
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Canoerebel
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RE: Once More Over the Cliff! Cribtop(J) v LoneGunman(A) no LG pls
Cribtop, there should be a Hall of Shame for discourteous people. May he who reaps the wind reap a whirlwind.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Captain Cruft
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RE: Once More Over the Cliff! Cribtop(J) v LoneGunman(A) no LG pls
I'll take it on if you get to that point.
I now have 3 games as Japan and am feeling an itch to spend some time as the good guys.
I now have 3 games as Japan and am feeling an itch to spend some time as the good guys.
RE: Once More Over the Cliff! Cribtop(J) v LoneGunman(A) no LG pls
Thanks for the support guys. I'm not trying to run down my opponent, but can't help but show some frustration. I've thought about it and will probably opt to seek out a new opponent and start over. I'd only be losing three weeks of game time and could use the latest patch database updates. Downside is a new Japanese turn 1. Ugh.