Command Decisions: Samurai vs. Yeomen RA 6.4

[Cribtop]

Odd TF composition there for the Allies.

[EHansen]

It was probably an escort TF trying to escape. I think the escort TFs suffer penalties when
they are caught in a surface combat.

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: EHansen

It was probably an escort TF trying to escape. I think the escort TFs suffer penalties when
they are caught in a surface combat.

I think they were fleeing the Fall of Singers and Larry didn't bother to change them into something more useful.

[John 3rd]

January 4, 1942

Thought I might Post a 'BIG PICTURE' shot of the Empire presently.

Carrier Positions:
CARDIV1 (-) Kaga, Zuiho, Taiyo, and Hosho are just SW of Palmyra. Akagi and Ryujo are making the trek back-and-forth to Kwajalein to replenish sorties. Christmas Island will be taken in two days. Have decided to move the CVs up towards Johnston to Cover that landing.

CARDIV2 Hiryu, Soryu, and Shoho are shown on the screen moving past Cocos going HUNTING for the Allied supply chain to Australia. CVL Nisshin is just south of Cam Rahn Bay and will move on to Oosthaven then permanently join CARDIV2. A force of 2 CV and 2 CVL should easily handle anything the Brits have.

CARDIV5 Shokaku and Zuikaku will be out of drydock tomorrow. They will spend one day re-sizing a couple of air groups and then depart to join CARDIV1. Once they arrive we'll go back into 2 CV--1CVL TF with the 2 CVE operating on their own.

PLANNING
FEBRUARY
Operation Black Rain: Landing and capture of Perth and all points near it. D-Day is scheduled for January 31st.

Operation Typhoon: Capture of Tahiti and points north towards the Line Islands. Operation to Commence January 20th and culminate no later then mid-February.

MARCH--APRIL
Operation Southern Storm: A steady, relentless attack designed to destroy Allied/American units at ALL points in the South Pacific culminating in New Caledonia.

Operation Whirlwind--pending a quick outcome with Black Rain--this Operation is bold, nasty and totally designed to make the Allied Player (Larry) PANIC!


In all facets of these upcoming Operations the goal will be to sink shipping and DESTROY Allied LCU. Territory is irrelevent. We want to BREAK THINGS and force the Allied counter-offensive back into 1943 when the Kaigun will be at its greatest strength. Once the work is done the Japanese will prioritize and redeploy to a smaller, less INSANE defensive line.

That is the thinking. Do you think it is TOO conservative?!! [X(]

Current World Map:

[John 3rd]

Lots of nice, pretty toys coming! Here are the upcoming reinforcements for the Kaigun:

[EHansen]

CARDIV5 Shokaku and Zuikaku will be out of drydock tomorrow. They will spend one day re-sizing a couple of air groups and then depart to join CARDIV1. Once they arrive we'll go back into 2 CV--1CVL TF with the 2 CVE operating on their own.

As someone about to start their first campaign PBEM, could you explain the bolded a bit?

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: EHansen

CARDIV5 Shokaku and Zuikaku will be out of drydock tomorrow. They will spend one day re-sizing a couple of air groups and then depart to join CARDIV1. Once they arrive we'll go back into 2 CV--1CVL TF with the 2 CVE operating on their own.

As someone about to start their first campaign PBEM, could you explain the bolded a bit?

Sorry to not respond earlier. Let me run my turn and see if Zui--Sho is available I'll screenshot the entire process.

I put on a new avatar! Thought a Japanese BB at full steam would look pretty good.

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
January 4-5, 1942

There is a lot of moving stuff and PLANNING go on every turn right now. For those Japanese Players just getting started I REALLY advice you coming up with a solid vision of where YOU HOPE your offensive will run in AE. I always figure the 'normal' short-term DEI and Opening Moves stuff, plan for the mid-game (March--May 42), and then the long-game of (June 42+). If you develop just the skeleton of a plan and/or set of goals it makes moves FAR EASIER as you roll from one phase of the game into the next. This is just my .02. Always remember that I love to use the AAR as a learning tool for both me and other players so PLEASE sound off if you have thoughts or questions.

North Pacific
Convoys going to Umnak, Amchitka, and Attu.

Form-up a Fast TF of 4 CL and 4 DDs to take three Construction/Engineerings units to Umnak.

Those pesky 4-Pipers that got away from the Philippines in a small convoy make an appearance at Umnak. Two old DDs bombard the base. Good to know that there is something up here presently.

Central Pacific
The first reinforcement convoys begin unloading at Midway and Palmyra. Probably 8 TF right now moving across the Pacific bringing units to the Eastern Edge of the Empire presently.

Christmas Isle will be taken tomorrow. The TF is just 4 hexes away and the entire 2nd ID is locked, cocked, and ready to rock! It has two BBs embedded within it for counter-battery fire. There are mines present and I don't have any DMS/MSW so I expect to see some damage during the landing.

Mavis are now flying out of Malden and Palmyra. They don't spot anything so I free up CARDIV1 to swing due north.

Johnston
Have decided to get a little tricky. Enterprise must be near PH right now. I order the Johnston Invasion Force to head in from the west. It will end up just 8 hexes away next turn and provide a ripe plum for an attack. I hope Jim takes the bait and jumps forward with the CV. Order Akagi to re-combine with the Kaga, Zuiho, Taiyo, and Hosho. They leave the patrol area they have hovered in for the last week and move north. Plan on a FULL SPEED jump next turn and interpose the TF between Johnston and PH. If my opponent has moved out of or away from Pearl Harbor then we shall trap Enterprise and CRUSH her. Hopefully...

Course if there are more then Enterprise then this might be...shall...I ..say...DANGEROUS. To help the cause, I fly off Akagi's Kates and land a Daitai of 27 Zero. This should help really strengthen CAP. My gut tells me to try this so I shall.

SE Pacific
OK.

South Pacific
The 56th ID is tasked with taking Rabaul and it begins loading at Hiroshima to move in that direction. This ID will be the main assault unit to take Rabaul, Port Moresby, and New Caledonia. The 56th is prepping for Koumac so it is ready when the time comes and the Invasion Bonus is over.

Capture Wau in New Guinea. Have a Fast TF bringing in an Engineering unit to Lae for base work.

Philippines
Take Iba on the 5th and gain 7,892 POWs while destroying a Philippine ID and other unit.

Order an Inf Div from Manila and send it to Subic. This ID begins prep for Darwin. AKs/APs are ordered to the base for loading.

Begin MSW at Bataan and lose a DMS to a mine. Oops!

A force of 3 CA, 2 CL, and 9 DD depart Babeldoap for Truk and then Jaliut to augment the SE Pac Operations.

Eastern DEI
Nothing

Central DEI
Invasion Forces will land at Samarinda and Pare pare tomorrow.

Still have to backtrack and grab Tarakan. Will use the Philippine ID (mentioned above) for that task.

Sumatra
Driving on Benkoelen from two directions.

Oosthaven gains Support Ships (AS, AR, AKE, AD, and an AG to support the CVs and BBs.

Java
Have an Infantry Brigade arrive at Batavia. The 4th ID, fresh from Cocos, will begin unloading at Merak tomorrow. Once it gets to Batavia we'll start the Java Campaign in earnest.

Malaya
Have already detailed the destruction of Force Z.

It sure is nice to have Singers open as a Port. Nearly 100 ships arrive this turn and disband. I hae 6-8 damaged warships that need repair and they are headed here to get it done.

Capture Malacca on the 5th and destroy 5 units (3,283 POWs)

Will take Georgetown in a couple of days and gain another 6-7 units.

Burma
Two more Tank Reg will be in play within 2-3 days. I will then advance 3 TK Reg from Pegu and head for AVG HQ at Toungoo.

My esteemed opponent is wasting the AVG away with Sweep over Rahaeng. Last turn 19 Fighters (6 Oscars--6 Zero--7 Tojo) met up with 11 AVG and CRUSHED them! Those Tojos kick some serious butt. We shot down seven for none. NICE!

China
Am bogged down at Yenan. Have launched three assault here and dropped the Forts to 1. Have been unable to get a 1-1 and two of my IDs are badly beat-up. I may stockpile my Political Points and order another assault and then buy a Chinese ID for cheap!

Reinforced the North and order attacks to begin clearing the road for my push towards that Chinese Oil.

Home Islands
Order all warships in Japan to rendezvous at Kobe. This will bring Sho--Zui, a BC, 2 CL, and 5 DD together tomorrow. Will re-size at that point and show MISTER HANSEN how this is done.

Order more AK conversion to carry troops as well as 3 AKE, 3 AD, and 2 AS.

SS Operations
S-36 is SUNK at Palmyra by ASW. NICE! This is my second Allied sub sunk by ASW. It is a good start.

Engineering
Jehol AF-6

That is the news.

[EHansen]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

ORIGINAL: EHansen

CARDIV5 Shokaku and Zuikaku will be out of drydock tomorrow. They will spend one day re-sizing a couple of air groups and then depart to join CARDIV1. Once they arrive we'll go back into 2 CV--1CVL TF with the 2 CVE operating on their own.

As someone about to start their first campaign PBEM, could you explain the bolded a bit?

Sorry to not respond earlier. Let me run my turn and see if Zui--Sho is available I'll screenshot the entire process.

I put on a new avatar! Thought a Japanese BB at full steam would look pretty good.

I know how to resize air units, I was wondering just what you had in mind. Resizing the units on the CV, resizing LBA units, etc? How much increase and things like that.

[John 3rd]

Ohhhhh...OK. I like to take the small Chutai Japan gets (9 or 12 planes size) and re-size them into full Daitai (27 Planes). Any form of IJN Fighter, DB, and TB get this treatment. Most of the time they stay in Japan to help with an expanded Pilot Training Program.

On another side, I use the CS (before conversion starts in Feb 42) to make a whole bunch of Alf, Jake, Pete groups into 24 planes Daitai.

Does that help?

[EHansen]

Yes it does, thank you.

[John 3rd]

I asked the guys how they thought the Mod was going if they had any issues regarding House Rules, game play, etc...

Right after I asked, Jim sent me this note about a 'self-imposed' HR between him and Larry:


John

I had created a "in-house" rule of using our own troops,ships & planes (parochially)and having to change commands, even up to using PP's to control other Allied nationalities forces as an equalizer to you. You didn't ask for it but I was having a hell of a time with Larry changing orders on US TF's in the first few turns. since neither Larry or I had done a 2X2 type game before...

This in house "HR" came out in the AAR when I was contemplating a Amphib TF to take back Midway/Palmyra Is' and I don't have even half the load value of a proper Amphib TF in USN AP's with the new "carry" loads! SEVERAL experienced players just about had strokes when protesting the in house "HR" saying it went against the game balance vs. the Japanese and especially playing an advanced player like you.

I asked one of the experienced players who was espousing the Australian route, H O W did 250K of troops get to Australia from the US by the end of 1942 (as he alleges historically happened) if we DID NOT HAVE the logistical capacity to move them like is represented in the game??? I went on a three day computer search and cannot find ONE reference to a USA XXX Regt, or Xst Armored shipped to Australia on such and such a date by Cruise ships, Rust buckets, or teletransportation! US to China through India -yes, US to Britan - there's bucketloads of info, but US to Australia? - nada not happening...

Thier reply is the Brits, Aussies, and other nations shipping supplied the "lift" the US troops used. While this may be true for the game, this makes no sense to me IRL as the British were in the middle of the African campaign, the Aussies don't have that much in AP's laying around and they were scrambling against Japan anyway and the Pacific was the second option for everything USN got that early in the war...

So "W H Y" is a huge game "cheat" like this built into the game & allowed for the Allies, when tiny tweaks to airframes cause weeks of teeth gnashing and hand wringing about accuracy on the forums? Or am I completely off the mark with my observations???

I NEVER thought of this before in my games until now, probably because my focus was on the game, the loads were never this challenging, and I never had to play with another player before.

Jim


Wow. Interesting thinking. I would never have EVER asked to limit things like that. Set that right immediately.

[John 3rd]

January 6, 1942
Combat Report

Very good round for Japan and a trap is now set. Will he take the bait?

North Pacific
Convoy activity and that is it.

Central Pacific
Midway
This base is now over-stacked with an SNLF Assault Brigade, CD unit, and Base Force. It will stay that way for about a week prior to the arrival of the 11th Inf Regiment. Tomorrow will see the arrival of an AS, AG, and AKE to provide support for subs and Raiders. Need to work on the Allied SS Operating here. Time for some minefields...

Johnston
The Invasion fakes its move towards the atoll and has PBY attack hitting an AK for moderate damage. Instead of closing in, the convoy moves due south where it will gain the LRCAP providing by carrier Ryujo.

CARDIV1 moves about 8 hexes due north of Palmyra and IS NOT SPOTTED. The CVs will move due north and end up about 7-8 hexes from the atoll and be in perfect position to ambush ANYTHING in that area. We'll see if the fly will enter the spider's web...

Christmas Isle
The 2nd ID crashes ashore and crushes its opponents in a 636-1 attack. Christmas is ours! T make life a little stressful, S-27 puts two Torps into little CA Kako's flank. She does not sink and is immediately disbanded into port and SHOULD survive. Anyone remember which S-Boat it was that actually sank Kako after Savo Island?

An American STF is spotted about 12-14 hexes NE of the Line Islands. Split my surface units into two STF (Palmyra and Christmas) to meet the possible raid. Each STF has a BB, CL, and 5 DD.

SE Pacific
Nothing

South Pacific
Nothing

Philippines
Calm

Eastern DEI
Getting ready to move and hit some bases. Will detail later.

Central DEI
Land at Bandjermasin and Pare Pare. No issues. Bases will be ours tomorrow.

SURFACE FIGHT! CA Myoko, a CL, and 3 DD stumble onto 3 British DD, 3 American DD, 2 Dutch DD, and a French KV. The fight is a long one lasting 13 rounds and at the end the KV, a Brit and an American DD are sunk with all others hit. Japanese take moderate damage to a DD. The fight took place ENE of Soerabaja. Nice results there.

Got to break for minute.

[John 3rd]

...sorry for the break in the report. Had to make dinner for the boys and then go do inventory.

Java
Merak
The Victorious troopers of the 4th ID begin unloading at this small Port. They join the 65th and 35th Brigade in the task of destroying Java.

Cocos
Two Base Forces begin unloading. A group of 16 Mavis fly in for scouting. Will be sending a pair of AV to help in that department.

CARDIV2 takes up position near the edge of the map and begins its hunt for the enemy. It shall refuel in two days from a lone AO. We'll begin our sweep towards Perth once a TF of 4 AOs finish loading at Palembang and take up a position to support the operation.

Malaya
Troops of the Imperial Guards and 55th ID are moving into position for the next set of attacks.

Singapore
Disband BBs Mutsu and Nagato along with their escorts. There are now 135 AK/AP in the Port. We'll wait 4-5 days and then load for the assault on Perth.

Burma
Rahaeng
The AVG Sweeps in each phase of the day. There are 8 and then 7 of their modified P-40s doing the work. They are met by 17 Fighters each time and lose 4 planes to 1 Japanese. I'm enjoying slowly destroying these decent pilots.

China
Bombers are ranging over the Central Plains cities as well as the north. Attacks coming up in this region.

Reinforcements
CL Yahagi enters the Kaigun! Yes. Can you say RADAR??!! Yep---thought ya could...

Conversions
1. In RA the 3 CS (Nisshin comes in as a CVL) are allowed to convert starting February 1, 1942. I've moved Mizuho (Chitose Class CS and not a piece of junk) and Chitose Home. They will escort a TF running troops to Truk and then come home for conversion. Chiyoda is with CARDIV1 and she will be sent home in 5-6 days. Will miss those Floatplanes but want 3 CVLs!

2. There are six large APs that can convert to CVEs in June of 1942. I've started to gather these big vessels and they shall sail in a single, fast convoy with at least ten escorts protecting them. Their job will be to move Infantry Divisions and other large units to various points on the board until it is time to convert them. Don't want to take in risks whatsoever with these valuable ships.

The Kaigun can use EVERY ship it can get!

[Simonsez]

Mr "The 3rd",

I've seen on other threads that there are differing opinions on the value of the floatplane cruisers to actually provide search coverage when on the move with the KB. Have you, or has anyone actually logged turns where the launching of floatplanes was successful versus not? Is there any consensus that it is greater than a 50/50 proposition?

I assume that you can't rely on them as the eyse and ears of the KB and you still must send Kates and Vals aup nyway in order to ensure good search coverage. That being said, I wonder what other roles these ships can play? I've used them extensively in the early game to run about and resize all of the small floatplane groups that are on the board. Once that is done, I'd consider pairing up a small CS lead SAG TF with the main SAG TF in support of Thunder Runs and naval bombardments to provide extra ASW, Search and Recon. I'm thinking the CS SAG should follow the main SAG and a one or two hex distance perhaps. I'm not sure they're good for much else.

Regards,

[John 3rd]

I like using the CS with my CV TF and I rarely have issues with Search. That being said, the moment I can convert them I do.

Tend to use 10% of my Vals as searchers as well to supplement. If Torps run out or become low I shift that over to Kates.

[zuluhour]

As an allied player, I way over do it. 10% search every attack squadron. I do not want to pay the piper twice.

[John 3rd]

Always a GOOD safety tip there Mr. Zulu!

My CVTF usually contain 2 CV--1 CVL, 2 BC, 2-3 CA, 1 CL, and DDs. Figure Search Aircraft of 16 Floatplane and then 5-6 Val. Seems adequate but one never knows...

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
January 7, 1942

Goodness! Soooooooo close.

North Pacific
Calm with TF moving about.

Central Pacific
CARDIV1 spots a STF to the SW and plasters CA Pensacola and DD Lawrence with 6 and 3 bombs respectively. What the HELL are they doing out there?

The rest of the action with Johnston will be described in a separate Posting.

Midway
Enemy TF spotted approaching from the east. CRAPPY weather prevents sorties flying in the afternoon. Currently have 12 Zero and 27 Betty stationed here. Order the TF's away from Midway to see what is about to hit it. Have 5 SS in the area and vector them in for a swipe at the warships.

Line Islands
Enemy STF still approaching Palmyra. Have a strong STF ready to 'greet' it!

SE Pacific
Clear

South Pacific
Manus
AF reaches Sz-2. Will have a Daitai of Kates there in another day. We'll see what those Allied cruisers loitering at Lae have to say about that!

Have small Convoys carrying 1-2 Engineering units headed to Buin and Lunga.

Philippines
Luzon
Am MSW Bataan and he sends 3 PTs out to attack. Lose a DMS to a Torp hit. Grrr...

He attempts to STRAFE my troops using P-40s at Manila. Two are blasted out the of the sky and many more are damaged.

Eastern DEI
Celebes
Send units out from Pare Pare to grab the three nearby bases.

Troops are about to be lifted out of Mindanao and then we'll truly begin the Eastern DEI Campaign.

Central DEI
Bandgermasin falls easily. Move 18 Zero there and two Recon units.

Bombers from Balikpapan attack shipping at Soerabaja. They sink 2 HDML and miss three DDs numerous times.

Malaya
Kota Bharu
The base is easily taken by the 55th ID.

Need to be careful with these attacks so the Allied Troops are 'herded' to one point for final surrender.

Burma
Rahaeng
The 'normal' sweep by 9 AVG encounter 22 Fighters. We lose an Oscar for 3 or 4 P-40s.

Order movement in Burma for the first time since I took Pegu. Three TK Reg move north to attack Toungoo. Two TK Reg, 1 Army HQ, and an Artillry unit stay at Pegu. They could REALLY cause some serious chaos if they moved out from Rangoon...

China
Clear hex 93,34 in Northern China with a 9-1 attack. Looks like we'll get moving here now.

Have another ID enter Loyang. This makes 3 ID and 2 Brigades. Order a Deliberate Attack for tomorrow.

Do the same thing for Yenan.

Home Islands
Prepare to move out CARDIV5 tomorrow. Have CL Yahagi and a new DD coming to meet-up with the TF.

The 56th ID loads and departs Hiroshima headed for NE Australia.

It is the NEXT Post you want to read!

[pws1225]

Waiting ... [&:]