Tale of the Sheep! - JocMeister (A) vs. Lowpe (J)

[paullus99]

That's going to hurt.....and have him looking over his shoulder now.

[Lokasenna]

Perth: Japan wants it for area denial. The more territory Japan takes, the more you have to take back. Even if it's flimsy defenses (I abandoned SW Aus after taking it, although not really soon enough). It's also an opportunity to destroy LCUs for VPs, especially non-Chinese LCUs which are worth more. Without Perth, you can't very well move on an IJ-held Darwin because Darwin will need to be supplied by sea. The Arafura Sea route is rather dangerous and requires more carrier cover than coming up from Perth does. Perth is by no means a must-do option, but it has benefits. Similar to taking Diego, Canton, and Christmas and should be defended as such as well.

RE: Java raid - nice, however not so many sunk ships yet... you really want the AMC, those things are nice.

[JocMeister]

[font="Verdana"]Counter Ambush at Java[/font]
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Yuck. This wasn´t very fun! [X(] Hats off to Nick for completely outplaying me.

This is the first of about 5 encounters.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Christmas Island IO at 45,101, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CA Mogami
CA Mikuma
CL Jintsu
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Oshio
DD Michishio
DD Arashio, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Akatsuki
DD Hakaze

Allied Ships
CV Lexington
CV Enterprise, Shell hits 1
CA Portland, Shell hits 2, on fire
CA Northampton, Shell hits 2
CA Salt Lake City
CA Astoria, Shell hits 1
DD Dunlap
DD Fanning, Shell hits 1
DD Mahan
DD Drayton, Shell hits 1
DD Lamson
DD Flusser
DD Porter
DD Balch, Shell hits 1, on fire

Eventually Lex is hit and detached after "on fire". Results are predictable.

Sub attack near Christmas Island IO at 44,101

Japanese Ships
SS I-153

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Dunlap
DD Fanning

Ouch. [:(]

If it hadn´t been for the CAs doing a fantastic job of screening the CVs I could easily have lost both. Two CAs are lost in the process. The rest "should" be able to get away including Enterprise which can still do 30 knots. We will see tomorrow.

This all started a couple of turns ago when a Japanese sub put 2 TTs into AO Trinity which sank. This meant I couldn´t refuel Force Z which was detached to OZ...when a butterfly....

This raid turned from a failure into a fiasco pretty fast. [:D] I actually don´t feel that bad though. It was good play by Nick and poor play by me and I deservedly payed the price for it.

Updates might be a bit sporadic in the coming weeks. I just tore out the kitchen (not because of AE rage mind you [;)]) so I have a lot to do!

No screen because I´m tired and hungover!

[BBfanboy]

Um - tearing out the liquor cabinet doesn't mean you must necessarily consume the contents immediately .... [:-] [;)]

[obvert]

Just caught up on this. Looked like a successful enough raid to begin with, and although you didn't get a lot of troops you did hit some. How did he get around to the CVs? Did you wait there offshore or did he sprint and hit you on the retreat?

Sorry, maybe it's not that fun to get into details but I can't see from the initial shot which had the Kongos on the other side of Java how he could have engaged, unless this is later.

Sucks, anyway, but you could have lost her just to the sub without the strike, so at least you got something for her. Did the Enterprise planes on engage the Kongos in the day for some revenge?

[JocMeister]

ORIGINAL: obvert

Just caught up on this. Looked like a successful enough raid to begin with, and although you didn't get a lot of troops you did hit some. How did he get around to the CVs? Did you wait there offshore or did he sprint and hit you on the retreat?

Sorry, maybe it's not that fun to get into details but I can't see from the initial shot which had the Kongos on the other side of Java how he could have engaged, unless this is later.

Sucks, anyway, but you could have lost her just to the sub without the strike, so at least you got something for her. Did the Enterprise planes on engage the Kongos in the day for some revenge?

I don´t have a clue how he got them there. Didn´t spot them over the last two days so I assumed (wrongly! [:D]) that he used them to cover the retreating troop ships and moved North towards SCS.

Enterprise DBs took off for the Kongos. Only 2 hits and none penetrated. Since the TBDs were out of torps I had them on 50/50 search/ASW.

As I said I´m not really bummed out. It was good play on Nicks part and I don´t think I really did anything stupid. So hats off to Nick. [:)]

[BBfanboy]

He could have had more than one group of BBs hunting you too. It is not uncommon for Nav Search to miss an enemy TF in bad weather. As you said, good play on his part guessing where your CVs would be.

[Lowpe]

If Joc gets away with the rest, not too bad. It definitely puts Nick on notice that Joc is willing to fight...battle really could have gone either way.

[JocMeister]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

He could have had more than one group of BBs hunting you too. It is not uncommon for Nav Search to miss an enemy TF in bad weather. As you said, good play on his part guessing where your CVs would be.

Yeah, not impossible. I have to rely on dutch search and only 8 US Cats. Cat shortage is absolute critical.

ORIGINAL: Lowpe
If Joc gets away with the rest, not too bad. It definitely puts Nick on notice that Joc is willing to fight...battle really could have gone either way.

Everything else got away unless he snuck the KB in behind me. So 2 CAs + Lex. Nick lost 2 DDs and possible the Mogami. She didn´t sink from battle but showed up this turn as sunk by a mine...fingers crossed she hit a mine trying to get back towards SCS!

[JocMeister]

This made me chuckle last night.... [:D]

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

ORIGINAL: obvert

Just caught up on this. Looked like a successful enough raid to begin with, and although you didn't get a lot of troops you did hit some. How did he get around to the CVs? Did you wait there offshore or did he sprint and hit you on the retreat?

Sorry, maybe it's not that fun to get into details but I can't see from the initial shot which had the Kongos on the other side of Java how he could have engaged, unless this is later.

Sucks, anyway, but you could have lost her just to the sub without the strike, so at least you got something for her. Did the Enterprise planes on engage the Kongos in the day for some revenge?

I don´t have a clue how he got them there. Didn´t spot them over the last two days so I assumed (wrongly! [:D]) that he used them to cover the retreating troop ships and moved North towards SCS.

Enterprise DBs took off for the Kongos. Only 2 hits and none penetrated. Since the TBDs were out of torps I had them on 50/50 search/ASW.

As I said I´m not really bummed out. It was good play on Nicks part and I don´t think I really did anything stupid. So hats off to Nick. [:)]

For the most part, I agree. You didn't go really far out on a limb here, just one foot, and well... it got cut off at the ankle [:'(]. But without that sub attack you would've escaped pretty much OK. Oh well, what can you do? You do have to put up some resistance. Considering where he's at with KB and the Hawaiian adventure, this was a pretty good spot.

Too bad you have a rule against strat bombing. I would probably park my CVs near Java otherwise and just bomb the crap out of Palembang and Soerabaja the day after he took them (assuming KB still in the Pacific).

[JocMeister]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

ORIGINAL: obvert

Just caught up on this. Looked like a successful enough raid to begin with, and although you didn't get a lot of troops you did hit some. How did he get around to the CVs? Did you wait there offshore or did he sprint and hit you on the retreat?

Sorry, maybe it's not that fun to get into details but I can't see from the initial shot which had the Kongos on the other side of Java how he could have engaged, unless this is later.

Sucks, anyway, but you could have lost her just to the sub without the strike, so at least you got something for her. Did the Enterprise planes on engage the Kongos in the day for some revenge?

I don´t have a clue how he got them there. Didn´t spot them over the last two days so I assumed (wrongly! [:D]) that he used them to cover the retreating troop ships and moved North towards SCS.

Enterprise DBs took off for the Kongos. Only 2 hits and none penetrated. Since the TBDs were out of torps I had them on 50/50 search/ASW.

As I said I´m not really bummed out. It was good play on Nicks part and I don´t think I really did anything stupid. So hats off to Nick. [:)]

For the most part, I agree. You didn't go really far out on a limb here, just one foot, and well... it got cut off at the ankle [:'(]. But without that sub attack you would've escaped pretty much OK. Oh well, what can you do? You do have to put up some resistance. Considering where he's at with KB and the Hawaiian adventure, this was a pretty good spot.

Too bad you have a rule against strat bombing. I would probably park my CVs near Java otherwise and just bomb the crap out of Palembang and Soerabaja the day after he took them (assuming KB still in the Pacific).

Thanks. I´m usually pretty harsh on myself when but this time I think it was a well calculated risk. Next time the dice will be on my side I hope.

If we didn´t have the HR I would have used the CVs to pound PB instead of hitting ships! [:D]

[JocMeister]

[font="Verdana"]January 14th 1942[/font]
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A brief summery of important events. Sorry for the lack of updates. Kitchen renovation is taking all my spare time.

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Pacific
------------------------
I got more troops prepping for PH. I think he really is going to try and capture it! [X(]

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SOPAC
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Japanese move into the Solomons. I don´t have much in the area and with the KB recently spotted in the area I don´t dare move anything forward. With two full IDs he will come for the Fijis and possibly the Samoans as well. I don´t think a full OZ invasion is on the table just yet. He will need more then 2 IDs for that.

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DEI
------------------------
Enterprise made it to relative safety. I´m sending her to meet up with up with York and Sara. Hopefully Nick will think the loss of Lex meant the end of resistance in the DEI. Not so. [:)]

We did manage a decent ambush in the Malacca straights on the same turn Lex was sunk.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Medan at 46,76, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PC Kaki, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
PC Sumire, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
E Shimushu, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
SC Ch 2, Shell hits 1
SC Ch 3, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
SC Ch 7
SC Ch 9
xAK Yamahagi Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Kinsyo Maru
xAK Mexico Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Tonan Maru
xAK Mikage Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Kikukawa Maru
xAK Toho Maru
xAK Senko Maru, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Iburi Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Kaiko Maru
xAK Akagisan Maru
xAK Kokai Maru, Shell hits 2
xAK Sinsyu Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Osaka Maru
xAK Hankow Maru
xAK Eihuku Maru
xAP Manzyu Maru

Allied Ships
CL Ceres
CL Capetown
CL Colombo
CL Caledon, Shell hits 2
DD Vendetta

I might get another one next turn. Or I´m walking into an ambush. [:)]

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China
------------------------
Race to reinforce continues. I have no clue were the first attack will come. Recon is so bad I can´t make out where Nick is moving.

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NOPAC
------------------------
Got an odd spotting in the middle of nowhere this turn. 2 ships. AMCs trying to raid? Or something bigger?

[Bullwinkle58]

My guess would be raid/interdict Kodiak re-supply.

[JocMeister]

ORIGINAL: Bullwinkle58

My guess would be raid/interdict Kodiak re-supply.

Yeah, I think so too. Moved the Colorado up a couple of turns ago when the KB was spotted outside PM. I doubt Nick would try something here without the full KB.

[JocMeister]

[font="Verdana"]China[/font]
______________________________________________________________________________

Its really hard to try and explain and show what is really happening. But basically I´m just trying to contain Nicks main push which seems to be centered around Ichang and Nanyang.

I was prepared for the latter but not Ichang. Luckily I had moved troops up to threaten Nicks flank. These could be redirected to defense instead. Lack of roads make everything slow though.

I have currently committed all local reserves and are now moving strategic reserves from Sian and Changsha forward. This will take a while. So I hope I can hold for a couple of weeks. Most troops are in x3 terrain and have at least 1 fort built.

[JocMeister]

[font="Verdana"]DEI[/font]
______________________________________________________________________________

Japanese launch what appears like a two pronged invasion in the lower DEI. Troop ships are moving on Ambon and Kendari. I can´t reach the Ambon invasion but the Dutch might catch the Kendari one.

I have not given up the fight for Java yet.

[Yakface]

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

[font="Verdana"]China[/font]
______________________________________________________________________________

Its really hard to try and explain and show what is really happening. But basically I´m just trying to contain Nicks main push which seems to be centered around Ichang and Nanyang.

I was prepared for the latter but not Ichang. Luckily I had moved troops up to threaten Nicks flank. These could be redirected to defense instead. Lack of roads make everything slow though.

I have currently committed all local reserves and are now moving strategic reserves from Sian and Changsha forward. This will take a while. So I hope I can hold for a couple of weeks. Most troops are in x3 terrain and have at least 1 fort built.

I'm afraid your guys will be beaten into the hex by the Japanese. Chinese units will be moving at 4 miles per day. Japanese will be moving at around 7 MPD (assuming they are all infantry). It's because half the terrain he is moving through is clear. Don't know if that's important to you?

[JocMeister]

ORIGINAL: Yakface
I'm afraid your guys will be beaten into the hex by the Japanese. Chinese units will be moving at 4 miles per day. Japanese will be moving at around 7 MPD (assuming they are all infantry). It's because half the terrain he is moving through is clear.

Normally you would be right. But (assuming recon is correct) I started moving 6 days ahead of him (24 miles). I also used the meager Chinese air force to bump him out of move mode. I hope it will be enough and I think he has some armor with him which moves slower.

I should shift hex next turn so I hope he doesn´t too! [:)]

[Yakface]

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

ORIGINAL: Yakface
I'm afraid your guys will be beaten into the hex by the Japanese. Chinese units will be moving at 4 miles per day. Japanese will be moving at around 7 MPD (assuming they are all infantry). It's because half the terrain he is moving through is clear.

Normally you would be right. But (assuming recon is correct) I started moving 6 days ahead of him (24 miles). I also used the meager Chinese air force to bump him out of move mode. I hope it will be enough and I think he has some armor with him which moves slower.

I should shift hex next turn so I hope he doesn´t too! [:)]

You should be good - got the impression there were fewer days between your units setting off and his.