Greetings.
This will be the Japanese counterpoint to Canoerebel's AAR for our game that will be starting in about a week or so.
The game is Reluctant Admiral's new edition in the 5.0 format. It is a Da Babes-Based Mod and I will add the Reluctant Admiral description in the next Post.
Dan and I have known and played each other since the Uncommon Valor days. We had a magnificent campaign over in WitP that went into mid-1945 where I launched an Invasion of India (in 1945) as the final roll of the Japanese dice. It was fun and CRAZY! Very fond memories of that campaign.
Next Post contains the RA Scenario Description.
May the best man win!
Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
The Reluctant Admiral is a Japanese 'what if' scenario based upon a greater contribution by Adm. Yamamoto Isoroku. The premise of the Mod is that Yamamoto exerted a much greater influence first on the Japan Naval Aircraft Industry, then as Deputy Navy Minister, and finally as Navy Minister itself. Yamamoto chooses, at great risk to his life, to forego command of the Combined Fleet and dedicate himself to preparing Japan for a war he didn't want.
He adds two new slipways for Fleet construction to facilitate a different, final pre-war expansion of the Kaigun. New and expanded Naval Yards, Heavy Industry, and Armaments are added at tremendous cost for the Japanese economy as the Admiral attempts to prepare Japan for a possibly long war.
In so choosing to do this Yamamoto then changes the 4th Circle Building plan replacing the 3rd and 4th Yamato-Class Battleships with three improved Shokaku-Class CVs and a pair of Kawachi-Class fast Battlecruisers, two Tone-Class CAs, an accelerated Agano-Class deployment, and additional destroyers. Quick, reasonably cheap carrier conversions are moved forward seeing all of the pre-war CVs/CVLs deploy by December 7th or at slightly earlier dates in 1942.
The Japan Naval Air Arm is changed so that everything is staked to the Zero Airframe with a specialization of the Zero into a Land-Based Interceptor as well as CV-Based Fighters. Research and production expansion is achieved by streamlining the air industry (cutting several models) while bringing forward second generation aircraft: Judy, Jill, etc… By great effort the IJNAF deploys nearly all new aircraft on December 7th.
RA 5.0 now brings his ‘vision’ to the IJN’s Land Component. He reorganizes the SNLF units into a Brigade-Sized offensive force and—knowing it will be a war of attrition—converts many Naval Guard into enhanced units with Coastal Defense artillery for a stronger defensive unit. Additional small units are added to the IJN’s Troops and support units better reflecting Yamamoto's foresight into base building, defense, and expansion needs.
The foresight of the Admiral paysoff during 1942 and early-1943 as new ships, aircraft, and ground units enter into the Japanese Order-of-Battle, however, the cost is steep. Though expanded and using modern aircraft many Japanese Naval Air units start with their experience lowered to reflect the dilution of the experienced pilots into new units. Supply and fuel reserves start at a much reduced state. The Japanese MUST take the DEI as fast as possible.
In a major change over the previous versions of Reluctant Admiral, the 3.0 postulates more of Yamamoto’s influence upon the wartime Kaigun. First class destroyers are accelerated and emphasis is shifted to the AA Akizuki-Class at the expense of the more balanced Yugumo’s. Manpower is at a premium within the Fleet so Submarines, Escorts, and ASW forces all see a major retooling reflecting the Japanese quality over quantity belief. Yamamoto chooses the immediately useful projects, including 2nd-class destroyers, fast transports and coastal defense fleet, at the expense of large destroyers and subs offered by the stock, historical choice.
It should be noted that not all the changes are for the Japanese. The Allies see continued major changes in their starting locations, new air units, several ground units, a CLAA conversion for the Omaha-CL, a pair of additional CVLs, and options for nearly 10 CVEs. The added warships reflect a ‘stopgap’ counter to the increased Japanese strength found at war’s start.
How well can YOU do to use these new tools OR how well can you stop the Japanese Navy in its tracks as the Allies?
Designer's notes:
1. RA 5.0 is now fully compatible with Da Babe’s Modifications and may be used on the Extended Map with any other Babes feature.
2. Production is 'on' for this scenario
3. Garrison requirements have been raised in China as well as India to, hopefully, better reflect the political environment of the regions.
Scenario Designers: Stanislav Bartoshevitch (FatR), Michael Benoit (NY59Giants), John R. Cochran, III (John 3rd), Juan Gomez (JuanG), Ben Kloosterman (BK), John (JWE), EJ (SuluSea) and John Young (Red Lancer)
He adds two new slipways for Fleet construction to facilitate a different, final pre-war expansion of the Kaigun. New and expanded Naval Yards, Heavy Industry, and Armaments are added at tremendous cost for the Japanese economy as the Admiral attempts to prepare Japan for a possibly long war.
In so choosing to do this Yamamoto then changes the 4th Circle Building plan replacing the 3rd and 4th Yamato-Class Battleships with three improved Shokaku-Class CVs and a pair of Kawachi-Class fast Battlecruisers, two Tone-Class CAs, an accelerated Agano-Class deployment, and additional destroyers. Quick, reasonably cheap carrier conversions are moved forward seeing all of the pre-war CVs/CVLs deploy by December 7th or at slightly earlier dates in 1942.
The Japan Naval Air Arm is changed so that everything is staked to the Zero Airframe with a specialization of the Zero into a Land-Based Interceptor as well as CV-Based Fighters. Research and production expansion is achieved by streamlining the air industry (cutting several models) while bringing forward second generation aircraft: Judy, Jill, etc… By great effort the IJNAF deploys nearly all new aircraft on December 7th.
RA 5.0 now brings his ‘vision’ to the IJN’s Land Component. He reorganizes the SNLF units into a Brigade-Sized offensive force and—knowing it will be a war of attrition—converts many Naval Guard into enhanced units with Coastal Defense artillery for a stronger defensive unit. Additional small units are added to the IJN’s Troops and support units better reflecting Yamamoto's foresight into base building, defense, and expansion needs.
The foresight of the Admiral paysoff during 1942 and early-1943 as new ships, aircraft, and ground units enter into the Japanese Order-of-Battle, however, the cost is steep. Though expanded and using modern aircraft many Japanese Naval Air units start with their experience lowered to reflect the dilution of the experienced pilots into new units. Supply and fuel reserves start at a much reduced state. The Japanese MUST take the DEI as fast as possible.
In a major change over the previous versions of Reluctant Admiral, the 3.0 postulates more of Yamamoto’s influence upon the wartime Kaigun. First class destroyers are accelerated and emphasis is shifted to the AA Akizuki-Class at the expense of the more balanced Yugumo’s. Manpower is at a premium within the Fleet so Submarines, Escorts, and ASW forces all see a major retooling reflecting the Japanese quality over quantity belief. Yamamoto chooses the immediately useful projects, including 2nd-class destroyers, fast transports and coastal defense fleet, at the expense of large destroyers and subs offered by the stock, historical choice.
It should be noted that not all the changes are for the Japanese. The Allies see continued major changes in their starting locations, new air units, several ground units, a CLAA conversion for the Omaha-CL, a pair of additional CVLs, and options for nearly 10 CVEs. The added warships reflect a ‘stopgap’ counter to the increased Japanese strength found at war’s start.
How well can YOU do to use these new tools OR how well can you stop the Japanese Navy in its tracks as the Allies?
Designer's notes:
1. RA 5.0 is now fully compatible with Da Babe’s Modifications and may be used on the Extended Map with any other Babes feature.
2. Production is 'on' for this scenario
3. Garrison requirements have been raised in China as well as India to, hopefully, better reflect the political environment of the regions.
Scenario Designers: Stanislav Bartoshevitch (FatR), Michael Benoit (NY59Giants), John R. Cochran, III (John 3rd), Juan Gomez (JuanG), Ben Kloosterman (BK), John (JWE), EJ (SuluSea) and John Young (Red Lancer)
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
Choices...
Choices...
CHOICES....
I always make a bid to do something 'deep' within the Japanese Offensive. In my current game against Lew I have taken ALL of Australia. Where to go this time?
Options:
1. Normal John Expansion: Original Perimeter, plus SE down to New Caledonia, NW Australia, and Dutch Harbor west in the Aleutians.
2. SE Thrust: Drive to take everything including Pago Pago and Suva.
3. Southern Thrust: Take New Zealand
4. Australia
5. Left Hook into India: Take Calcutta and all of NE India
6. Heavy Left Hook: Above plus Ceylon
7. India
8. All out China Attack
Throw 4 out since I've done that. Taking all of India--to me--is impossible so probably throw that out. HATE land warfare in China and it is unrealistic for Japan to actually take all of China (through it can be done in the GAME).
This leaves 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9.
Am open to thoughts and opinions.
Have at it!
EDIT: 9. Australia Medium: Bowen--Cloncurry--Tennant Creek Line
Choices...
CHOICES....
I always make a bid to do something 'deep' within the Japanese Offensive. In my current game against Lew I have taken ALL of Australia. Where to go this time?
Options:
1. Normal John Expansion: Original Perimeter, plus SE down to New Caledonia, NW Australia, and Dutch Harbor west in the Aleutians.
2. SE Thrust: Drive to take everything including Pago Pago and Suva.
3. Southern Thrust: Take New Zealand
4. Australia
5. Left Hook into India: Take Calcutta and all of NE India
6. Heavy Left Hook: Above plus Ceylon
7. India
8. All out China Attack
Throw 4 out since I've done that. Taking all of India--to me--is impossible so probably throw that out. HATE land warfare in China and it is unrealistic for Japan to actually take all of China (through it can be done in the GAME).
This leaves 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9.
Am open to thoughts and opinions.
Have at it!
EDIT: 9. Australia Medium: Bowen--Cloncurry--Tennant Creek Line
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
Just finished my side of RA 5.0 and am sending the files to FatR so he can check on engine and airframe questions.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
Interesting options. I'm looking forward to this game. With respect to your options, is it possible to combine numbers 2 AND 3 to take both New Zealand and Suva/Pago Pago? That might entirely sever the supply lines to eastern Australia from the US west coast.
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ny59giants
- Posts: 9888
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:02 pm
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
I would at least modify option 1 to include taking all of western Australia. This will protect the vital SRA from this area.
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RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
Good luck John!
"There’s no such thing as a bitter person who keeps the bitterness to himself.” ~ Erwin Lutzer
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
Going with a combination of 2 & 3 could be doable.
RA combines the SNLF units from their Battalion strength (Assault Value about 70) to that of a Regiment (AV 210). One gets less units (they can still breakdown into 1/3) but gains a hammer for assault purposes. Three of the SNLF Assault brigades would be enough to initiate a move into the SE Pacific before substantial reinforcements arrive. The South Seas Force (144th Inf Reg) is still the only IJA unit under Kaigun's control at the start of the war. Could use this beginning Infantry strength to go after Suva--Pago Pago while awaiting several Inf Div for the NZ attack. If I land in New Zealand does Dan get the same units as if I took Australia?
Additionally, Michael and I were talking that the KEY is to force Dan to commit part of his Fleet so it can be destroyed. Will he be conservative or bold? This is true question. He is such a great opponent that I am sooooooo looking forward to seeing which playing style he'll adopt.
ME? Hell I am utterly predictable. CHARGE!
BANZAI!
Just checked and saw that taking NZ would add about 2-300 HI, roughly 400 LI, 4-600 Resources, and a shipyard to the Japanese economy if taken. There is some advantage in doing that.
RA combines the SNLF units from their Battalion strength (Assault Value about 70) to that of a Regiment (AV 210). One gets less units (they can still breakdown into 1/3) but gains a hammer for assault purposes. Three of the SNLF Assault brigades would be enough to initiate a move into the SE Pacific before substantial reinforcements arrive. The South Seas Force (144th Inf Reg) is still the only IJA unit under Kaigun's control at the start of the war. Could use this beginning Infantry strength to go after Suva--Pago Pago while awaiting several Inf Div for the NZ attack. If I land in New Zealand does Dan get the same units as if I took Australia?
Additionally, Michael and I were talking that the KEY is to force Dan to commit part of his Fleet so it can be destroyed. Will he be conservative or bold? This is true question. He is such a great opponent that I am sooooooo looking forward to seeing which playing style he'll adopt.
ME? Hell I am utterly predictable. CHARGE!
BANZAI!
Just checked and saw that taking NZ would add about 2-300 HI, roughly 400 LI, 4-600 Resources, and a shipyard to the Japanese economy if taken. There is some advantage in doing that.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
ORIGINAL: SuluSea
Good luck John!
Thanks Sulu. DAMN---I love the artwork!
Have downloaded your new combat screen and it is being added to the RA Site for people to use.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
Suscribed !!!
Do you have a copy of the AAR u talked about on the first post ? ( India Invasion at 1945!!! GREATTT !! )
Do you have a copy of the AAR u talked about on the first post ? ( India Invasion at 1945!!! GREATTT !! )
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
I googled Admiral Yamamoto and that's one that came up. [:)]
"There’s no such thing as a bitter person who keeps the bitterness to himself.” ~ Erwin Lutzer
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Chickenboy
- Posts: 24580
- Joined: Fri Jun 28, 2002 11:30 pm
- Location: San Antonio, TX
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
ORIGINAL: SuluSea
Good luck John!
Oh no!
John, will your torpedo-equipped A6M aircraft all launch their torpedoes at a 15 degree angle off of true?
Will they drop torpedoes whilest overflying your BBs?
Shouldn't you want them to attack in closer proximity to the enemy?
Will your airgroups have such poor formation management that they appear to prepare set to slam into the forecastle of your BBs?
Will your aircraft stand much chance of making it to the enemy whilest belching smoke from 'friendly fire' battle damage?
I'll be keeping watch for these and other scintillating questions. [8D]
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
Damn...Chickenclucker you just made me spew my tea EVERYWHERE!
Traskott: I just went over the old WitP Forum site to find the name of the AAR but was shocked that they had deleted nearly all of them. HORRIBLE. YES: I did land in India in 1945 and achieved total surprise. Didn't go well after that but it a trifle bit exciting to plan, carry out, and then watch.
Traskott: I just went over the old WitP Forum site to find the name of the AAR but was shocked that they had deleted nearly all of them. HORRIBLE. YES: I did land in India in 1945 and achieved total surprise. Didn't go well after that but it a trifle bit exciting to plan, carry out, and then watch.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
Just sent these proposed HR to CR:
RA 5.0
House Rules
1. 1st turn can have multiple port attacks, but ONLY from carriers. Manila and Singapore may have Fighters up and on CAP. Allies cannot transfer new Squadrons reflecting prior knowledge.
2. PPs to move out of national borders (Japan - Manchuria, Thai) and (Allies - India, China)
3. No strategic bombing (Oil, Resources, HI, LI, etc.) on EITHER side until January 1, 1944.
4. Non-historic 1st turn, normal reinforcements, PDUs ON, orders for TF formed already OK, no transfers
5. Aircraft Limitations (reflecting the Mod):
-No A6M3 on CVEs
-No A6M4 on any form of Carrier
-A7M Sam and B7A-D Grace cannot be operated from CVEs
6. Four-Engine Bombers:
a. 4E bombers restricted to 10k or higher for naval and ground attacks (does not include PBY/Mavis type patrol craft)
b. 4E bombers CANNOT bomb troops
We'll see what he says. Dan wanted them lean, mean, and simple.
YES: I will hit both PH and Manila on Turn One. Manila gets CarDiv1 while PH is slammed by CarDiv 2 and 5. As quickly as possible Mini-KB (Ryuho, Shoho, and Zuiho) will split to add a 3rd CV to each of the Heavy CV Carrier Divisions (2 CV and 1 CVL).
RA 5.0
House Rules
1. 1st turn can have multiple port attacks, but ONLY from carriers. Manila and Singapore may have Fighters up and on CAP. Allies cannot transfer new Squadrons reflecting prior knowledge.
2. PPs to move out of national borders (Japan - Manchuria, Thai) and (Allies - India, China)
3. No strategic bombing (Oil, Resources, HI, LI, etc.) on EITHER side until January 1, 1944.
4. Non-historic 1st turn, normal reinforcements, PDUs ON, orders for TF formed already OK, no transfers
5. Aircraft Limitations (reflecting the Mod):
-No A6M3 on CVEs
-No A6M4 on any form of Carrier
-A7M Sam and B7A-D Grace cannot be operated from CVEs
6. Four-Engine Bombers:
a. 4E bombers restricted to 10k or higher for naval and ground attacks (does not include PBY/Mavis type patrol craft)
b. 4E bombers CANNOT bomb troops
We'll see what he says. Dan wanted them lean, mean, and simple.
YES: I will hit both PH and Manila on Turn One. Manila gets CarDiv1 while PH is slammed by CarDiv 2 and 5. As quickly as possible Mini-KB (Ryuho, Shoho, and Zuiho) will split to add a 3rd CV to each of the Heavy CV Carrier Divisions (2 CV and 1 CVL).
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
WHat a pity. II have seen a try of that at the old witp too. It failed because 4 old US DDs destroyed the full replenishment jap fleet xDDDD:
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Chickenboy
- Posts: 24580
- Joined: Fri Jun 28, 2002 11:30 pm
- Location: San Antonio, TX
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
Some discrepancies in other PBEM AARs involving the use of paying 'retail' versus buying units on the cheap through an attached HQ changeover. You may want to clarify the nature of your expectations for #2.
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Chickenboy
- Posts: 24580
- Joined: Fri Jun 28, 2002 11:30 pm
- Location: San Antonio, TX
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
In your mod, John, can you base A6M3 on CVEs or is that A6M3a still?
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
The A6M3a does not exist. We jump straight to the M5 in Nov 42.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
ORIGINAL: Chickenboy
ORIGINAL: SuluSea
Good luck John!
Oh no!
John, will your torpedo-equipped A6M aircraft all launch their torpedoes at a 15 degree angle off of true?
Will they drop torpedoes whilest overflying your BBs?
Shouldn't you want them to attack in closer proximity to the enemy?
Will your airgroups have such poor formation management that they appear to prepare set to slam into the forecastle of your BBs?
Will your aircraft stand much chance of making it to the enemy whilest belching smoke from 'friendly fire' battle damage?
I'll be keeping watch for these and other scintillating questions. [8D]
So you're saying that's the Asian version of TMTSNBN? [;)][:)]
"There’s no such thing as a bitter person who keeps the bitterness to himself.” ~ Erwin Lutzer
RE: Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Damn...Chickenclucker you just made me spew my tea EVERYWHERE!
Traskott: I just went over the old WitP Forum site to find the name of the AAR but was shocked that they had deleted nearly all of them. HORRIBLE. YES: I did land in India in 1945 and achieved total surprise. Didn't go well after that but it a trifle bit exciting to plan, carry out, and then watch.
They have not deleted any AARs, you just have to adjust the search settings in the forum to find them. I hope for Dans sake that this one gets further than the end of 42........he is due a decent long term challenge.