Typhoon of Blood-Innkeeper Bill vs Hotel John III RA 3.0

[khyberbill]

Recently John III and I began a game of the Reluctant Admiral 3.0 mod. I refer you to the Scenario Design and Modding section of the forum (tm.asp?m=2856822 ) for more detailed info on this mod. Many of you know John from his AAR’s in WITP so you are aware that I am in for a painful drubbing especially in the first year. We will be periodically upgrading with the Betas as we proceed with the game.

HR John sent me a nice list of HR which I promptly erased by mistake. He is to send me another list and hopefully I won’t erase it this time. I can’t always remember HR and have already asked for forgiveness if I cross the line. However, I try not to play gamey. When the HR list arrives I will post here. The one HR I vaguely recall was altitude limits for the first few years for sweeps. Probably a good HR for the game.

[khyberbill]

Current Situation We are just a few days into the game and John has been making the usual moves. His strikes on PH and Manila were not too bad. In fact, the best I have ever experienced, no BB’s sunk although all are badly damaged. Below is the sunk list from 12/7.

[khyberbill]

KB The KB has slowly proceeded southwest. He has a second active CV TF near Koepang chasing some of the fleeing ships from that part of the world. And a third CV is drifting southwest from Manila and is now southeast of Singapore and hammering shipping.

Philippines The usual invasions here, nothing out of ordinary to note at this time. One of my S boats managed to sink an AKL at Vegan. I am consolidating troops at Clark. If there is a better place to make a stand, please let me know. John has sent a number small STF into the islands to nab escaping ships. If one ship makes it out of this area it will be considered a victory. I am also going to make a last stand in Mindanao in Malaytabay due to the terrain. It wont be much of a stand, but it will be the last one there. John really hates shipping from Manila and has done his best to sink every ship.

DEI As previously report, the mini-KB is prowling, it wont sink too many ships though as most have left the area. In WITP I would try to extract some fuel or oil to Darwin but in AE that just leads to sunken ships.

China I hate China. John is not acting too aggressively, yet. There does seem to be a push towards Sian and so I will leave troops in the mountain and forest hexes to try and be a speed bump. I am generally pulling back to try and find a defensible line. Nice thoughts, hard to implement. Notice, I didn’t call it a strategy, just a thought.

Malaysia John did not do the Mersing invasion bit, and my respect for him did rise a bit on that-I do consider that a gamey move, others may have a different opinion. Here the plan is to fortify and defend Singapore. Many of the ships in Singers are on their way to safety although a few have been sunk by his I boats. I did try and clear a path with DD’s and will continue to sweep from Merek to Singers and back with them until all the merchants have cleared and are on their way to safety.

Burma I have tried to stand and defend in Burma in AE and have failed miserably. The troops are just too green. So, the plan is to fall back and make stands behind rivers etc. I expect to be pushed back almost to the Indian border. John has a monsoon rule which will slow events down. In my current PBEMs, supply after one of the patches is very slow to reach front lines so I expect this to be a static front unless he pulls a lot of troops out to concentrate in other areas in which case I will start pushing.

In the next post, I will discuss my current flawed thinking for how to conduct the war.
If anyone wants to see a particular please let me know.

[ny59giants]

Since I talk with John at least once weekly and we compare what is going on in each game, I will not be visiting much. Good luck and happy hunting.

[khyberbill]

Good luck and happy hunting.

Thank you Michael, although it is more like happy hunted!

[khyberbill]

This is a screen shot showing the current Japanese expansion and the location of the three CV TF's. Rabaul and Palembang fell today 15 Dec 42.

[khyberbill]

At this stage of the war, John can do what he pleases. I have sent a few small CL/DD forces into DEI landings to harass John and to inject a little caution into his planning but he has swatted me away like a fly. As of 12/14/32 he has already taken Shortlands and has a small row boat force at Lunga. In the DEI Ambon has fallen as well at Ternate and a few other ports and he just landed a strong force at Rabaul. In Malaysia, most of my forces will make it to Singapore. Force Z decided to withdraw and is now refueling somewhere whilst I ponder the next move. The two fast BB/BC in Force Z are nice to add to USN CV TF’s.

Intel has noted that an infantry regiment is on the way to Paraminshino-Jima. I assume for Adak/Attu. I don’t expect an immediate invasion because KB is now marauding in the South Pacific and that is the closet CV force. Baker Island has fallen and there appears to be a SNLF on its way to Canton Island. The patrol unit there has been shifted to Pago Pago.

These are my current plans for early defense and action. Subject to change due to John’s aggressiveness.

Alaska and Aleutian Islands

As noted above I expect an attack in the near future, probably Adak or Attu. A previous PBEM has taught me that it is extremely difficult to hold Alaska against a determined effort. However, a stout defense with tactical attacks by cruiser forces can tie down the Imperialist running dogs. Eventually, John either has to withdraw his forces or lose them in 43/44. As an aside, my father spent part of the war in Attu and Adak. He was trained as an engine mechanic for C-47’s and B-17’s but ended up as the NCO in charge of the NCO club.

Midway

John loves to invade this island early and since KB can prevent any real support of a defense there, if he does invade, it will be lost. More of a morale blow than anything else. Early US subs are not a real factor and basing them from Hawaii instead of Midway means they lose a few days patrolling with dud torpedoes.

Hawaii

I have not seen where this has been an objective of John’s in the past. I will reinforce early in the war as an insurance policy and then withdraw troops to where needed as the threat recedes.

South Pacific

John has already taken Lunga and Rabaul after nine days. I expect he will grab Noumea and some of the islands east of there. I have already withdrawn the French to Howe Island. I am already planning on reinforcing Tahiti (hey, the ladies need protecting from the running dogs of Japan!) and probably a few other bases in the area to control the sea lanes to Oz. The Allies can expect frequent sweeps by KB.

New Zealand

I don’t expect an attack here as it triggers a nice group of reinforcements. Will build up forts at all likely landing sites just in case.

Australia

There will be the obligatory invasion of Darwin. Something about Darwin attracts the Japanese. I would be surprised if John tries to take the whole place. Early sweeps on the east coast by KB is expected. Most shipping will be based in Melbourne until LBA is up to par. Fuel and supply will come from West Coast and Abadan. HI is now turned off in Oz.

India and Ceylon

I am preparing for an invasion of both places. Unfortunately, I don’t have much to prepare with. The Brewster Buffaloes are on guard though as will as are the Blenheims. And lets not overlook the Wapitis. There will be sweeps by his CV’s in the Bay of Bengal. There are only mine sweepers left in this region and will base most shipping from Bombay with small cargo TF’s to Colombo. Periodic large shipments of fuel from Abadan to Colombo will be made.

Burma

I imagine John will push the Allies out of most of Burma early and then just try to hold the line. He has a monsoon house rule but I forget what it is. Hopefully he will remind me.

China

Chinese will stand and die. Or they will flee and die. But die they will.

If I have missed anything please let me know.

[khyberbill]

We are now up to Christmas 41 and John got a nice present. The Big E crossed the path of KB northeast of Hawaii. I really can't add much more to that other than to say that Santa brought me sticks this year. Some B17's at PH did attack KB but most were on ASW so all are now on naval attack, I dont expect them to hit anything but one can hope that Santa hasnt completely forgotten the Allies.

In other news, John has also taken Christmas Island, Rabaul and Attu. I expected Attu and Rabaul, Christmas Island wasn't a surprise, but not expected so soon. I had mined the harbor at Attu but did not hear any of the comforting sounds that a ship struck one.

All troops except the big 25 pounders in Lark were successively evacuated from Rabaul to PM. We are now pulling out the troops left in the Eastern side of NG and hopefully will retrieve them too. Aussies get too little devices to just let these troops die.

The allied subs have been getting some licks in, especially at Christmas Island (a passing S-boat dropped in and started firing away) and the DEI. I have never had so much success with subs this early in the game and an quite happy so far. The Seadragon surfaced in Manado harbor and started firing at an AK with the 3 inch gun and scored 10 hits and then a torpedo actually exploded! The Dutch have also been doing better than expected.

Now I am going to go and have a margarita.

[Smeulders]

Hey Bill, not a nice start to the game, but there's still a long game coming up.

[khyberbill]

Hey Bart, how are you doing? Thanks for dropping in.

I hate it when a plan comes together wrong. I was sniffing around for his oilers. Now I have to wait until the Essex carriers show up. I always get this feeling that I am better off just parking the carriers in San Diego until autumn 43.

[khyberbill]

An aggressive sub captain sunk (we hope) a fat AP coming out of Paramushiro and a Dutch sub sunk a big tanker in the port of Miri. There are now two CV TF's on the east coast of Java, not sure where they are headed. A sub was lost at Manado. John is sniffing around Dutch Harbor and at least one ship is loaded with troops headed to Adak. Palmyra was taken. I did not see that coming and the shock attack destroyed a PBY squadron. It costs 60 PP to buy them back and after spending the PP a year wait occurs so I will just wait until I build up some PPs which are now buying out infantry on the West Coast. Same with the squadrons on the Big E. I will buy them out in 6 months and use them for training when they arrive. By mid 1944, I will have a land based Corsair squadron with 40 planes and nice EXP.

[khyberbill]

The end of 1941 is here and I say good riddance. One of John's Fast Transports hit a speed bump in Adak (Mark 6 mine). Tracker reports a destroyer sunk. Most of the ships from DEI have made their destinations. Some are being converted to AG, AKE or xAP. Others are being used to haul fuel and supplies to India and Oz. The first of the few ships fleeing Manila has made it to Seattle. The xAK Governor Wright took the scenic route past Mt. Fuji and survived. Only seven ships made it out of Manila to either Oz or the West Coast. However, John's concentration on preventing escape from Manila allowed 95% of the ships from DEI and Singapore to escape. Lots of tankers have made it to Abadan.

The seaplane tender is still sitting off of Dutch Harbor. I am not sure if this is a lure or they are fishing for king crab. If the latter, they had better come to Seattle and get a license. If the former, they had better catch some crab. Being sailors, they might already have lots of crabs.

[khyberbill]

Happy New Year. The Seadragon celebrated the New Year with a solid performance. First, she torpedoed an xAP approaching Balikpapan. Then an xAK in the same convoy. During daylight, the Seadragon surfaced and attacked the xAP on the surface and sank her.

A large surface force is seen approaching Midway Island. Knowing John's tendency to take Midway I am not surprised by this move and evacuate VP-42 to Pearl Harbor. Normally I base an AS there but did not in this game. I have always wondered about this move. To hold this island he will have to put a sizable force on it, one which will be lost when the time comes, thus I suspect ultimately the VP balance favors the allies. In addition, it should be vulnerable to CA or fast BB bombardments. Am I missing something? Prelude to invasion of Hawaii?

[Smeulders]

ORIGINAL: khyberbill

Hey Bart, how are you doing? Thanks for dropping in.

I hate it when a plan comes together wrong. I was sniffing around for his oilers. Now I have to wait until the Essex carriers show up. I always get this feeling that I am better off just parking the carriers in San Diego until autumn 43.

You're playing John III, you might get a shot at the KB when he sends it to the raid the West Coast, that might even the odds a bit.

Can't you send a DB squadron to attack the seaplane tender around Dutch ? That thing can't put up that much air cover.

[khyberbill]

Can't you send a DB squadron to attack the seaplane tender around Dutch ? That thing can't put up that much air cover.

No airfield within range of where the tender is. Nor is there a DB squadron. It is winter up there which slows construction.

[khyberbill]

In the last few days John invaded Dutch Harbor (and found it empty) and attempted an invasion of Johnson Island. Dutch Harbor had been evacuated (except for mines) because I did not want to defend a place in the Arctic that would be difficult to build an airport. Unimak Island is where the troops are now located with lvl 3 forts and almost a lvl 1 airport.

A few days ago a large TF with PB's and xAK's was observed steaming towards Johnson I from the Northwest and a TF with BB/BC observed coming from the West. The SCTF was obviously going to reach Johnson I at least a day after the invasion TF. A TF with a few cruisers that was on it's way to Midway bearing welcoming gifts was diverted and engaged in two nights of battle NW of Johnson I. The low night fighting EXP and lack of radar hampered the effort. About 10 ships were sunk with a few more possibly not being able to make it to port before the CA TF decided that the uncoming BB's were too much. Not a big victory but a nice one this early in the game.

The last of the ships from Oz are now reaching the West Coast and getting loaded with troops and supplies for various parts of the world. A few Canadian units have been bought out and are on their way to the North Pacific.

Java is now the battle ground as John has taken most of the rest of DEI. There was a shock attack (1:2 odds)at Bandoeng and a deliberate attack at Soerabaja. Bandoeng is a nice place to hole up in the hills of Java. Right now, LVL 2 forts (those Dutch have to start digging faster), >600 AV and all of Java's supply. I have evacuated some troops to Coco Islands which is a nice island to have. Given John's aggressive nature, I am already sending supplies to OZ along the western edge of the map so the loss of Coco Islands would not change my supply route but it is nice for a buffer.

India continues to build up forts on the eastern coast. All potential landing sites by John are at least LVL 2 forts and it is only 13 Jan 42. The British 18th Division is in Colombo. In Malaya, John just took Moulmein.

Chime in if you want any particular information.

[khyberbill]

Lots of action, most of it very bad for the Allies, the last few turns. John, as expected, invaded Hawaii, Kona to be exact, the turn after, he invaded Lahaina (sp?). A rampaging KB also sank a number of transports headed towards PH with reinforcements. A smaller CV force popped up almost due west of Perth and sank a few freighters. Carnage in the east, carnage in the west and a little in the North where two of my carriers bumped into two of John's CVE's near Dutch Harbor. The results were pathetic, only 3 bomb hits on one of the CVE's from both TF's. No Schlitz for those pilots, just spam and beans.

Not sure what I am going to do in Hawaii. I have already changed the direction of relief troops going there to places elsewhere. With John's command of the sea (I only have 3 CV's) it will be hard to send in reinforcements. Most of the fighters in PH have been shot down. I have resorted to night naval attacks but no ships have been hit yet. Even the vaunted PBY's have scored goose eggs. What would Nemo do?

Any thoughts out there?

[FatR]

I can't advise you directly, because I'm reading John's AAR, but try to assess strength of your forces and known positions of Japanese assets first. Then evaluate how much you really need Hawaii for your eventual counteroffensive, and, therefore, what you're willing to risk for them.

[khyberbill]

Thanks for stopping by FatR. Unfortunately, all the modders for RA are in the same boat as you. Thus no help from those that have intimate knowledge of the mod.

[gr8bookworm]

Not much advice for you, but as an Allied player I would be risking everything including my CV's to keep control of Pearl.

Risking your remaining CV's versus the KB is not smart I must admit but the longer term consequences of losing Pearl are just too great for me.
Aside from Hawaii I would be getting Christmas Island back and heavily fortifying it ASAP? At least that way you can keep your supply lines open but also harass his shipping to and from Pearl?