thanks a lot for writing this AAR - I am currently trying to get a much better understanding of your RA 3.0 mod - in order to get ready for a full scale PBEM with it as Japanese... -
this AAR and the last one provide invaluable intel on it!
Typhoon of Steel: John vs. Bill--RA 3.0
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
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SoliInvictus202
- Posts: 367
- Joined: Fri Aug 27, 2010 7:24 pm
- Location: Austria
RE: How about this?
Appreciate the comments Sir.
Getting a feel for the Mod has been interesting. It is the same as 2.0 but far different. We dialed back the starting IJN Air Experience and that has shown some. The Fleet is laid out differently with more assets starting at Saipan, Truk, Kwajalein, and the Kuriles. I like that we kept the balance of the Battleline at Hiroshima as well as the CVEs. The goal--due to the lack of resources and oil--MUST be a rapid conquest of the DEI. This is what I have attempted to do with the opening moves I've made.
Need to do a comprehensive update once I'm done with all the unemployment paperwork.
Getting a feel for the Mod has been interesting. It is the same as 2.0 but far different. We dialed back the starting IJN Air Experience and that has shown some. The Fleet is laid out differently with more assets starting at Saipan, Truk, Kwajalein, and the Kuriles. I like that we kept the balance of the Battleline at Hiroshima as well as the CVEs. The goal--due to the lack of resources and oil--MUST be a rapid conquest of the DEI. This is what I have attempted to do with the opening moves I've made.
Need to do a comprehensive update once I'm done with all the unemployment paperwork.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: How about this?
Bill and I are cranking out turns faster then I can keep up with the AAR. We've just started the January 7th turn. I will do updates this evening as well as tomorrow to get caught up.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Vals off California...
Never done this before...
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Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Vals off California...
Not a single one of those 'lone P-40s' made an appearance! John Belushi must have been passed out...
On the January 7th turn I finished loading the Kona Invasion Force. The composition is 2nd Inf Div, Imperial Guards Brigade, 90th Inf Reg, and the South Seas Force (25,000 men). They will be supported by a large Base Force, Air Flotilla, 2 Ind Engineer Reg, and 4 Con Bat.
Escort will be 4 CVs and their respective TF. Close cover will consist of 2 BB, 2 BC, 4 CA, and DDs.
D-Day is set for the 17th roughly...
On the January 7th turn I finished loading the Kona Invasion Force. The composition is 2nd Inf Div, Imperial Guards Brigade, 90th Inf Reg, and the South Seas Force (25,000 men). They will be supported by a large Base Force, Air Flotilla, 2 Ind Engineer Reg, and 4 Con Bat.
Escort will be 4 CVs and their respective TF. Close cover will consist of 2 BB, 2 BC, 4 CA, and DDs.
D-Day is set for the 17th roughly...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Playing Catch-Up
I've been so busy playing my turns with Lew and Bill as well as brainstorming the 'Perfect War' Mod that I have not had a chance to keep my AAR current. To make this easier, I am going to do a region by region report with corresponding map to show where we are now at in the game. I sent the January 16th turn to Bill a couple of hours ago so that is our current date.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Aleutians
January 17, 1942
Here is where we currently stand in the Aleutians:
1. Using 4 SNLF, a few Con Bn, 2 Mortar units, and 3 small Base Forces, the Japanese have grabbed everything from Dutch Harbor (taken on the 11th) west. No enemy units have been spotted whatsoever. Plans are to take Cold Bay and stop the eastward expansion until winter is concluded.
2. Naval Units committed: CVEs Hosho and Taiyo (30 Zero, 12 Val, and 6 Kate), 2 CL, and 4 modern/11 older DDs. Two AOs have kept everyone fueled.
My hope is to draw some American strength up north to keep them away from Hawaii. With only having the 4 CVs, I cannot really risk a serious CV clash with more then 1 American carrier. Having sunk Enterprise REALLY helps. Most I have to face at the moment is two and that should be OK I hope. If they come north then it will be bad but at least I will know WHERE they are...
Here is where we currently stand in the Aleutians:
1. Using 4 SNLF, a few Con Bn, 2 Mortar units, and 3 small Base Forces, the Japanese have grabbed everything from Dutch Harbor (taken on the 11th) west. No enemy units have been spotted whatsoever. Plans are to take Cold Bay and stop the eastward expansion until winter is concluded.
2. Naval Units committed: CVEs Hosho and Taiyo (30 Zero, 12 Val, and 6 Kate), 2 CL, and 4 modern/11 older DDs. Two AOs have kept everyone fueled.
My hope is to draw some American strength up north to keep them away from Hawaii. With only having the 4 CVs, I cannot really risk a serious CV clash with more then 1 American carrier. Having sunk Enterprise REALLY helps. Most I have to face at the moment is two and that should be OK I hope. If they come north then it will be bad but at least I will know WHERE they are...
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- Aleut117.jpg (75.02 KiB) Viewed 216 times
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
West of Hawaii Operations
January 17, 1942
North and West of Pearl Harbor
The Japanese have taken Midway (1-3), Laysen (1-6), and Johnston Isle (1-15) in preparation for the direct invasion of Hawaii.
It is at Johnston Isle that the only serious Allied counterpunch has been landed for the war. The Midway-Laysen Invasion Force of TB/PB/AK/AKL moved in on Johnston from the north and were spotted by PBYs flying from there. While the Invasion Force was moving south I had a pair of BBs (Ise and Nagato), 1 CL, and 9 DD coming in from the west.
For some reason the STF refused to link-up with the Invasion Force and I watched in frustration as 2 CA, 2 CL, and 5DD pounced on my helpless ships KNOWING a pair of BBs were only two hexes west! Oh, well...losses were pretty serious at 8 PB, 6 AK, and 4 AKL. Luckily I got my 3 SNLF ashore before all was lost and they managed to grab Johnston.
Units used include 5 SNLF/Naval Guard, 5 of the smaller Base Force, and a number of Con Bn that are now heading to the area. All combatants have moved SE to join the Hawaii Invasion Force.
The impact of this defeat at Johnston is important in that my intention was to use these ships and forces to try and grab Lihue, Hawaii. The losses necessitate a change in plans. Will now wait until we've grabbed the Big Island and will then move on Lihue.
North and West of Pearl Harbor
The Japanese have taken Midway (1-3), Laysen (1-6), and Johnston Isle (1-15) in preparation for the direct invasion of Hawaii.
It is at Johnston Isle that the only serious Allied counterpunch has been landed for the war. The Midway-Laysen Invasion Force of TB/PB/AK/AKL moved in on Johnston from the north and were spotted by PBYs flying from there. While the Invasion Force was moving south I had a pair of BBs (Ise and Nagato), 1 CL, and 9 DD coming in from the west.
For some reason the STF refused to link-up with the Invasion Force and I watched in frustration as 2 CA, 2 CL, and 5DD pounced on my helpless ships KNOWING a pair of BBs were only two hexes west! Oh, well...losses were pretty serious at 8 PB, 6 AK, and 4 AKL. Luckily I got my 3 SNLF ashore before all was lost and they managed to grab Johnston.
Units used include 5 SNLF/Naval Guard, 5 of the smaller Base Force, and a number of Con Bn that are now heading to the area. All combatants have moved SE to join the Hawaii Invasion Force.
The impact of this defeat at Johnston is important in that my intention was to use these ships and forces to try and grab Lihue, Hawaii. The losses necessitate a change in plans. Will now wait until we've grabbed the Big Island and will then move on Lihue.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
South of Hawaii Operations
January 17, 1942
South of Hawaii
The capture of the Line Islands in late-December has facilitated the invasion of Kona, Hawaii. D-Day is set for the 20th.
This is massive operation by Japanese standards:
1. Kido Butai (Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, and Zuikaku) carrying 256 Strike Aircraft (90 Zero, 93 Val, and 93 Kate) will make its presense known tomorrow. The Strike Force has CS Chiyoda, 2 CA, and 10 DD. CV Shokaku is still damaged from that 1,000lb hit from Enterprise earlier (Sys 20) and this concerns me but I have strong need of every deck I can get.
2. Cover Force: BBs Ise and Nagato, 3 CA, 3 CL, and 10 DD. I will split this big STF up once we reach Kona. It is commanded by the masterful Tanaka.
3. Invasion Force: BCs Hiei and Kirishima, 1 CA, 5 CL, 13 DD, and 67 AK/AKL/AP carrying 32,000+ men and 84,000 supply.
4. There are 15 I-Boats and S-Boats operating around the islands currently with another 6 moving back into the sea lanes between West Coast and Pearl Harbor.
It is my hope that the KB nails some shipping next turn and draws the enemy onto itself as the Invasion Force begins the run in. As the transports approach, the CVs will move to provide direct CAP until the base is taken.
Recon over the last week has shown NO ENEMY present here. Let us hope it stays that way!
Once Kona falls, I have 54 Zero ready to fly in and takeover CAP. Got to love that drop tank range from Christmas and Palmyra!
South of Hawaii
The capture of the Line Islands in late-December has facilitated the invasion of Kona, Hawaii. D-Day is set for the 20th.
This is massive operation by Japanese standards:
1. Kido Butai (Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, and Zuikaku) carrying 256 Strike Aircraft (90 Zero, 93 Val, and 93 Kate) will make its presense known tomorrow. The Strike Force has CS Chiyoda, 2 CA, and 10 DD. CV Shokaku is still damaged from that 1,000lb hit from Enterprise earlier (Sys 20) and this concerns me but I have strong need of every deck I can get.
2. Cover Force: BBs Ise and Nagato, 3 CA, 3 CL, and 10 DD. I will split this big STF up once we reach Kona. It is commanded by the masterful Tanaka.
3. Invasion Force: BCs Hiei and Kirishima, 1 CA, 5 CL, 13 DD, and 67 AK/AKL/AP carrying 32,000+ men and 84,000 supply.
4. There are 15 I-Boats and S-Boats operating around the islands currently with another 6 moving back into the sea lanes between West Coast and Pearl Harbor.
It is my hope that the KB nails some shipping next turn and draws the enemy onto itself as the Invasion Force begins the run in. As the transports approach, the CVs will move to provide direct CAP until the base is taken.
Recon over the last week has shown NO ENEMY present here. Let us hope it stays that way!
Once Kona falls, I have 54 Zero ready to fly in and takeover CAP. Got to love that drop tank range from Christmas and Palmyra!
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- KonaIF117.jpg (57.03 KiB) Viewed 216 times
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Solomons and New Guinea
January 17, 1942
Solomons and New Guinea
The Japanese advance into this region has been quite restrained (by my view) with the conquest of the Lae Region, Shortlands, and Lunga. Nearly all the troops other then small SNLF Coy and Support Troops have been pulled to aid the assault on Hawaii.
There are NO warships is this region except for a few SS. Troops are being moved into the area from Japan and China to begin a very modest build-up. Plans are for little-to-no expansion here until March or April.
Solomons and New Guinea
The Japanese advance into this region has been quite restrained (by my view) with the conquest of the Lae Region, Shortlands, and Lunga. Nearly all the troops other then small SNLF Coy and Support Troops have been pulled to aid the assault on Hawaii.
There are NO warships is this region except for a few SS. Troops are being moved into the area from Japan and China to begin a very modest build-up. Plans are for little-to-no expansion here until March or April.
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- NewGuineaSolomons.jpg (106.03 KiB) Viewed 216 times
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Luzon
January 17, 1942
Luzon, Phil
In an huge surprise, the Japanese took Clark on January 14th. Bill had moved nearly everything into this hex (36 Units) and it only took two attacks to drive him back into Bataan. Must have gotten one heck of a die roll for that attack! There are two Japanese Inf Div here as well as a Brigade. Lots of support units are expanding AF and Manila.
Am not in any hurry to take this, however, as the Japanese gain small Infantry units (Naval Guard/SNLF/Etc...) they will be sent here to get some experience and attempt to capture Bataan.
All Naval Aircraft have been pulled out and the Army is now attacking Bataan everyday.
Starting about Febuary 1st I will bring in some units and reduce the rest of the Philippines at a leisurely pace.
Luzon, Phil
In an huge surprise, the Japanese took Clark on January 14th. Bill had moved nearly everything into this hex (36 Units) and it only took two attacks to drive him back into Bataan. Must have gotten one heck of a die roll for that attack! There are two Japanese Inf Div here as well as a Brigade. Lots of support units are expanding AF and Manila.
Am not in any hurry to take this, however, as the Japanese gain small Infantry units (Naval Guard/SNLF/Etc...) they will be sent here to get some experience and attempt to capture Bataan.
All Naval Aircraft have been pulled out and the Army is now attacking Bataan everyday.
Starting about Febuary 1st I will bring in some units and reduce the rest of the Philippines at a leisurely pace.
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Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Malaya, Java, and Sumatra
January 17, 1942
Combat Report
The Japanese juggernaut has enjoyed unplanned success throughout the DEI. At no stage has the enemy been able to get a decent counterattack off in any way, shape, or form. All Nipponese operations have been under direct CV aircover or under LR CAP from nearby bases. We'll run east to west:
Timor
After the quick seizure of Ambon, the Japanese dropped off troops on either side to widen the gap in the eastern thrust. Ternate and Manado are captured while the NW Coast of New Guinea is systematically being grabbed.
Koepang fell December 27th, with Dili going a few days later, and finally Lautem (1-1)
A Base Force is at Ambon with the teeth of this thrust now residing in Koepang where the 11th Air Fleet and an Air Flotilla support 27 Zero, 60 Nell/Betty, and a dozen Mavis search planes.
Java
My initial landing at Merak succeeded without issue and Batavia fel quite quickly providing that Port for reinforcements to pour in. The 33rd and 4th Inf Div now have taken all of western Java but have run into stout resistance at Bandoeng. An attack on Jan 11th by both Inf Div lowered Forts to 2 while sustaining a 1-1 attack. We waited a few days and attacked again on the 15th and got the 1-1 again. Forts down to 1.
This resistance led me to improvise a landing at Tjedpoe just to the west of Soerabaja with an Inf Reg, Inf Bat, and two TK Regiments. All of central Java is now mine and my forces lay seige to Soerabaja. First attack will be tomorrow and I expect to capture the city. It is quite conceivable for Java to be completely finished by Feb 1st.
Sumatra
After gaining Palembang I send out a TK Reg and Nvl Guard to capture the bases on the southern end of the island. This has been done well with everything token in the bottom 1/3 of the island. Paratroops were used to capture Medan and Langgsa. Complete success occurred here and a Naval Guard was flown in so the drive on Sabang would be enough to capture it. Seven Allied units are waiting up there for rescue... Have to say the paratroopers and armor have really served to speed up this campaign.
Malaya
Bill retreated faster then I could advance here. With the exception of 3 Brigades (2 Indian and 1 Aussie) all forces got back to Singapore safely. Over 150 planes are now hitting the AF/Port everyday. I have Imperial Guards and two other ful ID present in Johore Bharu and once they are consolidated into their full Divisions I will then cross the causeway and attack the city. Would like to wait for the 38th ID to get down and help if possible.
The 38th has been stuck taking those Chinese Ports west of Hong Kong. Kwangchowan, Pakhoi, and Nanning all belong to the Imperial Army these days. It is amazing what ONE large Inf unit can do when used well!
Fleet Units:
KB-2---A polyglot TF has been sued quite effectively to cutoff and sink shipping fleeing the region. Currently the entire CV Group is operating together getting ready for a major raid on Perth. TF strength is 2 CV (Akagi/Kaga), CV Ryujo, and CVLs Shoho and Zuiho. They carry 114 Zero, 54 Val, and 96 Kate (Total 264 Planes). Michael thinks Perth is the logical place to retreat to and then gather shipping for convoy usage. We shall see what sort of trouble the carriers can stir up. Once this raid is done, CarDiv1 will be recalled to the South Pacific to rejoin her sisters attacking Hawaii. The CV and 2 CVL shall remain in the DEI so they can occasionally cause chaos.
Should note that I already have oil and fuel being pulled out of Palembang and Miri/Brunei. Tankers are formed up and doing their job for the moment.
Combat Report
The Japanese juggernaut has enjoyed unplanned success throughout the DEI. At no stage has the enemy been able to get a decent counterattack off in any way, shape, or form. All Nipponese operations have been under direct CV aircover or under LR CAP from nearby bases. We'll run east to west:
Timor
After the quick seizure of Ambon, the Japanese dropped off troops on either side to widen the gap in the eastern thrust. Ternate and Manado are captured while the NW Coast of New Guinea is systematically being grabbed.
Koepang fell December 27th, with Dili going a few days later, and finally Lautem (1-1)
A Base Force is at Ambon with the teeth of this thrust now residing in Koepang where the 11th Air Fleet and an Air Flotilla support 27 Zero, 60 Nell/Betty, and a dozen Mavis search planes.
Java
My initial landing at Merak succeeded without issue and Batavia fel quite quickly providing that Port for reinforcements to pour in. The 33rd and 4th Inf Div now have taken all of western Java but have run into stout resistance at Bandoeng. An attack on Jan 11th by both Inf Div lowered Forts to 2 while sustaining a 1-1 attack. We waited a few days and attacked again on the 15th and got the 1-1 again. Forts down to 1.
This resistance led me to improvise a landing at Tjedpoe just to the west of Soerabaja with an Inf Reg, Inf Bat, and two TK Regiments. All of central Java is now mine and my forces lay seige to Soerabaja. First attack will be tomorrow and I expect to capture the city. It is quite conceivable for Java to be completely finished by Feb 1st.
Sumatra
After gaining Palembang I send out a TK Reg and Nvl Guard to capture the bases on the southern end of the island. This has been done well with everything token in the bottom 1/3 of the island. Paratroops were used to capture Medan and Langgsa. Complete success occurred here and a Naval Guard was flown in so the drive on Sabang would be enough to capture it. Seven Allied units are waiting up there for rescue... Have to say the paratroopers and armor have really served to speed up this campaign.
Malaya
Bill retreated faster then I could advance here. With the exception of 3 Brigades (2 Indian and 1 Aussie) all forces got back to Singapore safely. Over 150 planes are now hitting the AF/Port everyday. I have Imperial Guards and two other ful ID present in Johore Bharu and once they are consolidated into their full Divisions I will then cross the causeway and attack the city. Would like to wait for the 38th ID to get down and help if possible.
The 38th has been stuck taking those Chinese Ports west of Hong Kong. Kwangchowan, Pakhoi, and Nanning all belong to the Imperial Army these days. It is amazing what ONE large Inf unit can do when used well!
Fleet Units:
KB-2---A polyglot TF has been sued quite effectively to cutoff and sink shipping fleeing the region. Currently the entire CV Group is operating together getting ready for a major raid on Perth. TF strength is 2 CV (Akagi/Kaga), CV Ryujo, and CVLs Shoho and Zuiho. They carry 114 Zero, 54 Val, and 96 Kate (Total 264 Planes). Michael thinks Perth is the logical place to retreat to and then gather shipping for convoy usage. We shall see what sort of trouble the carriers can stir up. Once this raid is done, CarDiv1 will be recalled to the South Pacific to rejoin her sisters attacking Hawaii. The CV and 2 CVL shall remain in the DEI so they can occasionally cause chaos.
Should note that I already have oil and fuel being pulled out of Palembang and Miri/Brunei. Tankers are formed up and doing their job for the moment.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Malaya, Java, and Sumatra
I'd think it is too risky to invade Hawaii with just 4 carriers. Loss of Enterprise might tip the scales, though, and it seems that you can achieve a resonable degree of surprise.
The Reluctant Admiral mod team.
Take a look at the latest released version of the Reluctant Admiral mod:
https://sites.google.com/site/reluctantadmiral/
Take a look at the latest released version of the Reluctant Admiral mod:
https://sites.google.com/site/reluctantadmiral/
RE: Malaya, Java, and Sumatra
Hi Stanislav.
You are correct. I am more then a little nervous with this invasion. CarDiv1 should have been here but has gotten hung-up in the DEI far longer then I want. As soon as the Perth Raid is done I'm bringing all the heavies back together until I can get Junyo/Hiyo. The landing at Kona shall revolve around a quick capture. If I can take it Day Two of the invasion then I move in Zeros and the CVs are free. If not...
You are correct. I am more then a little nervous with this invasion. CarDiv1 should have been here but has gotten hung-up in the DEI far longer then I want. As soon as the Perth Raid is done I'm bringing all the heavies back together until I can get Junyo/Hiyo. The landing at Kona shall revolve around a quick capture. If I can take it Day Two of the invasion then I move in Zeros and the CVs are free. If not...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
"The Game's Afoot!"
January 19, 1942
Hawaiian Waters
The Japanese Fleet moves in to begin the Battle for Hawaii. I had given some thought to waiting a day and trying to slip the Invasion Fleet closer but decided against it. It proved to be a good choice as B-17s spotted the Cover Force and Invasion Fleet on the day of operations starting.
The KB moved in just south of the Big Island and spotty a multitude of small TF in the area. Many were small 3-4 ship ASW TF that are out trying to wipe my I-Boats out. With a deep breath I watch the combat unfold...
Morning Action:
Invasion Fleet is targeted by two small waves of B-17s. In total 17 drop their bombs without a hit.
The KB turns into the wind as each CV Air Group is assigned a target to hit. The results are somewhat mixed due to American fighters covering one TF:
Shokaku's Group: 8 Zero, 22 Val, and 24 Kates attack an ASW TF covered by 24 Fighters. The Zeros do fairly well protecting the Strike but 1 Zero, 4 Val, and 4 Kate fall to the American planes. In return a DMS is sunk and DD Alywin is probably s
unk.
Zuikaku's Group: 17 Zero, 12 Val, 10 Kate sink an AMc and damage a PG
Hiryu's Group: 6 Zero, 24 Val, 24 Kate sink 2 PC and probably sink another DD.
Soryu's Group: 9 Zero and 12 Kate sink an AKL NE of Hawaii
ALLIED Counter
A massed attack by 85 Fighters (Mohawks, Warhawks, and F4F-3) and 13 B-17 arrives to find 48 Zeros flying CAP. The Japanese pilots do outstandingly well as they plow into the American Fighters. At the cost of 4 Zeros, the Allied fighters are decimated. Though causing Yamaguchi's blood pressure to rise, the B-17 drop their bombs and miss both of the CarDiv2 CVs.
Afternoon Strikes:
33 Zero, 14 Val, 20 Kate attack shipping directly outside of Pearl Harbor. A little over two dozen fighters rise to intercept but they are swept from the sky. This strike sinks 3 DM and an ACM.
9 Zero , 27 Val hit an ASW TF damaging and perhaps sinking 2 DDs and 2 PG.
ALLIED Attack
17 Zero make runs on 7 B-17 for little effect. Their bombs miss Shokaku and Hiryu.
When tallies for the day are done, the KB has lost 9 Zero (4 pilots), 12 Val (8 pilots), and 8 Kate (4 pilots) in exchange for over 80 kills. Fully ¾ of the American losses are Fighters and this SHOULD serve to decimate the Allied fighter presence over the islands. Losses are a little higher then expected but the results are pretty good. Nearly 20 ships are hit and/or sunk. If one had seen more escorts covering that first shipping strike, these losses would have been halved.
With so many fighter losses, the Americans will have to attack with little to no escort. Figuring to build on success, Adm Yamaguchi sends a Val Daitai to Palmyra in exchange for 27 more Zeros. A further 33 Zero can be called upon for further action if needed.
The KB moves down to link-up with the Cover Force and Invasion Force. A Sweeping unit of 1 CA, 3 CL, and 7 DD is formed to cruise slightly ahead. The TF number is ONE so it should encounter anything send out by the Americans FIRST.
Spirits are high as the force is two days from landing at Kona. To confuse the Americans as to the possible landing site, Jakes are ordered to recon all bases south of Pearl Harbor. If the Japanese can make it LOOK like they are landing at—say—Lahaina then this should fix it for the troops to begin their landing WITHOUT surface interference by the Pacific Fleet.
That is the plan at least…
Hawaiian Waters
The Japanese Fleet moves in to begin the Battle for Hawaii. I had given some thought to waiting a day and trying to slip the Invasion Fleet closer but decided against it. It proved to be a good choice as B-17s spotted the Cover Force and Invasion Fleet on the day of operations starting.
The KB moved in just south of the Big Island and spotty a multitude of small TF in the area. Many were small 3-4 ship ASW TF that are out trying to wipe my I-Boats out. With a deep breath I watch the combat unfold...
Morning Action:
Invasion Fleet is targeted by two small waves of B-17s. In total 17 drop their bombs without a hit.
The KB turns into the wind as each CV Air Group is assigned a target to hit. The results are somewhat mixed due to American fighters covering one TF:
Shokaku's Group: 8 Zero, 22 Val, and 24 Kates attack an ASW TF covered by 24 Fighters. The Zeros do fairly well protecting the Strike but 1 Zero, 4 Val, and 4 Kate fall to the American planes. In return a DMS is sunk and DD Alywin is probably s
unk.
Zuikaku's Group: 17 Zero, 12 Val, 10 Kate sink an AMc and damage a PG
Hiryu's Group: 6 Zero, 24 Val, 24 Kate sink 2 PC and probably sink another DD.
Soryu's Group: 9 Zero and 12 Kate sink an AKL NE of Hawaii
ALLIED Counter
A massed attack by 85 Fighters (Mohawks, Warhawks, and F4F-3) and 13 B-17 arrives to find 48 Zeros flying CAP. The Japanese pilots do outstandingly well as they plow into the American Fighters. At the cost of 4 Zeros, the Allied fighters are decimated. Though causing Yamaguchi's blood pressure to rise, the B-17 drop their bombs and miss both of the CarDiv2 CVs.
Afternoon Strikes:
33 Zero, 14 Val, 20 Kate attack shipping directly outside of Pearl Harbor. A little over two dozen fighters rise to intercept but they are swept from the sky. This strike sinks 3 DM and an ACM.
9 Zero , 27 Val hit an ASW TF damaging and perhaps sinking 2 DDs and 2 PG.
ALLIED Attack
17 Zero make runs on 7 B-17 for little effect. Their bombs miss Shokaku and Hiryu.
When tallies for the day are done, the KB has lost 9 Zero (4 pilots), 12 Val (8 pilots), and 8 Kate (4 pilots) in exchange for over 80 kills. Fully ¾ of the American losses are Fighters and this SHOULD serve to decimate the Allied fighter presence over the islands. Losses are a little higher then expected but the results are pretty good. Nearly 20 ships are hit and/or sunk. If one had seen more escorts covering that first shipping strike, these losses would have been halved.
With so many fighter losses, the Americans will have to attack with little to no escort. Figuring to build on success, Adm Yamaguchi sends a Val Daitai to Palmyra in exchange for 27 more Zeros. A further 33 Zero can be called upon for further action if needed.
The KB moves down to link-up with the Cover Force and Invasion Force. A Sweeping unit of 1 CA, 3 CL, and 7 DD is formed to cruise slightly ahead. The TF number is ONE so it should encounter anything send out by the Americans FIRST.
Spirits are high as the force is two days from landing at Kona. To confuse the Americans as to the possible landing site, Jakes are ordered to recon all bases south of Pearl Harbor. If the Japanese can make it LOOK like they are landing at—say—Lahaina then this should fix it for the troops to begin their landing WITHOUT surface interference by the Pacific Fleet.
That is the plan at least…
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- Hawaii119.jpg (69.08 KiB) Viewed 216 times
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: "The Game's Afoot!"
Well executed so far. Big Ops like this really DO raise your BP while viewing the replay.
RE: "The Game's Afoot!"
You're dead right on that! Even watching those B-17s drop over the CVs caused me to cringe each time!
D-Day is two days away. I this is a perfect world, my CAP will smash his attacks and the Air Search will confuse him as to target. I'll pull KB back to two hexes due south of Kona on the landing day and hope immediately take the base. My STF should be able to handle any American ships that try to get into the landing area. Once I've got Kona, the KB can move off and sink anything fleeing the area. This the hope at least.
I've got a TF of AOs carrying 25,000 fuel for the CVs with another loading 32,000 more. Got to be prepared for staying a while.
D-Day is two days away. I this is a perfect world, my CAP will smash his attacks and the Air Search will confuse him as to target. I'll pull KB back to two hexes due south of Kona on the landing day and hope immediately take the base. My STF should be able to handle any American ships that try to get into the landing area. Once I've got Kona, the KB can move off and sink anything fleeing the area. This the hope at least.
I've got a TF of AOs carrying 25,000 fuel for the CVs with another loading 32,000 more. Got to be prepared for staying a while.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Decision Made
January 20, 1942
Hawaii
A surprisingly placid turn today. Looks like I get my wish for the extra day. Bill isn't even commenting as the hammer approaches. Don't know if that is good or bad but we'll see pretty quickly.
OK. Recon flew both morning and afternoon. Kona has a single unit in it. Ditto: Hilo AND Lahaina! I will land as planned at Kona. If the base falls easily I will make a fast end-around with anything that can get there in one day and grab Hilo. Lahaina is tempting but I will wait a little for that move. Here we go...
Action for the day was only a single strike against the combined TF that were just 40 miles from their destination. A polyglot escort of 53 Fighter tried to cover just 5 A-20. They were intercepted by 60 Zero. Another two dozen fighters and all the bombers are splashed! No damage to anything.
The CVs refueled today will swing around to the hex just south of Hilo tomorrow to fly LR CAP over the other TF. AOs stay under the protection of the carriers. I move 24 more Zero in from Palmyra in exchange for another Kate Daitai. Should be able to maintain a strong CAP over the CVs as well as the other TF.
Since I need the AF and Port intact there will be no bombardment of any of these sites.
Should note that I-18 finishes DD Aylwin with THREE torpedos! Wow. Not much left of that little DD.
Hawaii
A surprisingly placid turn today. Looks like I get my wish for the extra day. Bill isn't even commenting as the hammer approaches. Don't know if that is good or bad but we'll see pretty quickly.
OK. Recon flew both morning and afternoon. Kona has a single unit in it. Ditto: Hilo AND Lahaina! I will land as planned at Kona. If the base falls easily I will make a fast end-around with anything that can get there in one day and grab Hilo. Lahaina is tempting but I will wait a little for that move. Here we go...
Action for the day was only a single strike against the combined TF that were just 40 miles from their destination. A polyglot escort of 53 Fighter tried to cover just 5 A-20. They were intercepted by 60 Zero. Another two dozen fighters and all the bombers are splashed! No damage to anything.
The CVs refueled today will swing around to the hex just south of Hilo tomorrow to fly LR CAP over the other TF. AOs stay under the protection of the carriers. I move 24 more Zero in from Palmyra in exchange for another Kate Daitai. Should be able to maintain a strong CAP over the CVs as well as the other TF.
Since I need the AF and Port intact there will be no bombardment of any of these sites.
Should note that I-18 finishes DD Aylwin with THREE torpedos! Wow. Not much left of that little DD.
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Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.