BTS4.6 The Mike and Mike show ends Bristolduke (J) v MichaelU/lb4269 (A)

[bristolduke]

The Mike and Mike era on ESPN is coming to a close. It is only fitting the same can be said here.

This is the companion AAR for "Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J)" My esteemed allied opponents known as Michael and Mike are the basis for the title "The Mike and Mike show ends"

These two are clearly better than I am, but hopefully I can surprise them in some areas and pull off the upset. I am also not good at writing, but will try to offer the appropriate perspective to the Mike and Mike show.

We actually played a day before being informed by NYgiants that PDU=off would not work with the mod, thus we changed it and are restarting. Here are the new settings:

Fog of War - ON
Advanced Weather - ON
Allied Damage Control - ON
PDU - ON
Historical First Turn – OFF
Dec 7 Surprise - ON
Reliable USN Torps - OFF
Realistic R&D - ON
No Unit Withdrawals - OFF
Reinforcements - +/- 30 days
Turn cycle - 1

The original WITP had a 33% chance that a carrier would be in Pearl, 33% that both carriers would be in Pearl and thus a 33% chance neither would be in Pearl. AE took the historical approach, yet the main reason Japan executed the Pearl option was to hit the carriers. If Yamamoto had known the carriers would not be there would he have pursued the Pearl option? Intelligence reports could have alerted him to the high probability of both carriers not being present, because of the US approach to rotate them. With all the new assets in this mod, playing a base historical game didn't make sense. With this new direction the Imperial planning sessions would have looked and ended different. Whatever one planned, there would certainly be assets to support it. BTS located assets in logical positions but still most units have their historical location. This may not make sense for a different approach, so some assets were relocated. So in establishing our house rules we tried to accommodate the surprise with some "realistic" limitations, thus our overriding rule of having fun, having a challenge and trying to keep things realistic. Our first turn looked like this

Only for game start:
1) the allies can't change anything turn 1 except in China where the war is already in progress.
2) Japan's approach must be plausible which I defined as follows:
a) day 1 invasions limited area of the Philippines to Malaya and bases on South China Sea, unless these invasions are already preset
b) no CV hunting for 3 turns by Japan
c) no additional warp TF
3) Only one turn 1 port attack
4) Because of the additional assets, strategies in Malaya could be different and certainly could be stronger. The British deployed Force Z as a counter to possible invasions, not knowing where they might take place. However, in a world of larger forces, they may have taken a more conservative approach. Thus the Allied player was allowed to choose between two options. They could leave the TF assignment for force Z in tact and look to contest any Malayan invasions, or they can cancel the orders and remain in port which the assurance that there would be no "port attack" against Singapore on turn 1.

Our other house rules basically stemmed from "gamey" experiences we had uncovered in other games. We may add to this list as the game proceeds as neither side has experienced a complete game and thus may not know all the exploits.

5. No 4 engine bombers below 10,000 ft, and they can’t bomb troops
6. No night bombing under 10,000 ft
7. No silly paratroop fragments drops
8. Amphibious landings only at bases
9. No Chinese units outside China and Burma
10.PPs paid to cross borders (Exception US/Canada and Manchuria/Korea)
11. Aircraft restrictions (which were taken from a post by John 3rd on the mod)
-No A6M3 on CVEs
-No A6M4 on any form of Carrier
-A7M Sam and B7A-D Grace cannot be operated from CVEs


We agreed to use the new BTS mod 4.6. I have decided on the BTSL scenario (60) for the additional battlecruisers and less big BB.

But the real reason is I love alternative historical analysis and the ability of simulations to analyze the impacts. The premise here is the additional influence Adm Yamamoto could have had in the planning of the Japanese operations. The fixation of the Japanese navy on the concept of the "decisive battle" drove much of their strategic thinking. But did that fixation mean there were no options to Pearl Harbor? After Pearl Harbor failed to destroy the carriers, Yamamoto looked for an additional opportunity for the "decisive Battle" Thus came the Midway operation. Rather than surprise, the play to lure the carriers by forcing them to respond to a major threat, "Midway". The plan worked as the US had no choice but to respond. Yamamoto had achieved his "Decisive Battle", it was just decisive for the wrong side as planned.

With all the additional assets, it is no longer necessary to "surprise the carriers" and should in fact be easier to lure the allies into the decisive battle. The longer the allies postpone engaging that battle the closer th Auto Victory Japan will get. The planning for the war is sound will my execution be up the the task?

So what is the plan? As you can see by my "plausible approach", control of the South China Sea is Phase one of the plan. Without control of Malaya and the Philippines, expansion into Sumatra and Java is unrealistic. With the combined use of both IJA and IJN air assets we will immediately establish air superiority in the area. This will be achieved by initial bombing of all key airfields followed by invasions and control of those airfields. Thus the high amount of damaged aircraft will turn into destroyed aircraft. The strategic objective is the destruction of 60% of the allied air assets in the area.

In addition, the initial phase will see the elimination of the US navy from the Philippines. We will solve the US 2 navy problem by eliminating the one in the Philippines. While not the major surface fleet of the US it will allow us a free hand as we move forces into the Southwest Asia theater. We will still have to deal with Force Z, but since Pearl is 5000 miles away we limit the forces the US can bring to bear. The destruction of the merchant fleet will limit what forces the allies can withdraw as well. The strategic objective of Phase one in this area is 80% destruction of US naval/merchant vessels.

The final objective of Phase one is the expansion of the Empire. All bases touching the South China Sea are targets. We expect to occupy 9-% of them in the 1st week of Phase 1 and will control 100%, including Singapore, Clark, Manila and Palembang by the end of the month.

Phase two of the operation will be the control of Sumatra, Java and the Dutch East Indies. In addition we will expand into Burma with the objective of cutting off the Burma road to China. We will also try to engage the US Pacific fleet with invasions in Wake and Midway and expansion into the Coral Sea. Obviously, the timing of Phase two depends upon the success of Phase one and any allied reactions, but it is anticipated that Phase two will complete by the end of February.

The final offense phase has not been fully determined. China will be aggressively pursued and that with success in the first two phases should bring us close to Auto Victory. Thus which direction to pursue will likely be on the disposition of the allies and whether or not we have achieved a decisive victory over the US navy. Keep in mind I have never gotten to this point in previous games so we are dealing with new territory.

[Kitakami]

As a JFB, and one that is playing this very scenario from the Allied side, I will read with much interest. Subscribed!

[John 3rd]

Am glad you chose BTSL. I think it is a GREAT addition to Modding with a more realistic set of BBs for Japan and a few NICE additions past that.

As always, I am available (as well as Michael) for any help you need. Will be following your AAR!

BANZAI!!!

[PaxMondo]

Helping Michael in his game, all I can tell you is to watch your supply. IJ looks to be very short of supply production for whatever reason. Take it easy with your factory expansions until you have assessed your supply....

[ny59giants]

As an AFB at heart playing Japan, the easiest thing to do to eat up too many supplies is expanding bases. I added extra Engineers and Eng Vehicles to OOB.

Warning!! Look at Allied at start OOB as this mod has many changes for both sides at start that can bite.

[FlyByKnight]

Mind if I read? I hope you don't get bogged down like in our game.

[bristolduke]

ORIGINAL: CharlieVane

Mind if I read? I hope you don't get bogged down like in our game.

No problem. The fuel bug in that mod is the limitation there and is still a problem. Supply wasn't the problem, so maybe different concerns.

Of course I learned a few things from you as well.[:D]

[bristolduke]

ORIGINAL: Kitakami

As a JFB, and one that is playing this very scenario from the Allied side, I will read with much interest. Subscribed!

With 2 day turns vice our one I doubt we will ever catch up to you. But enjoy!

[Bif1961]

Good looking forward to see how this unfolds.

[Kitakami]

ORIGINAL: bristolduke

ORIGINAL: Kitakami
As a JFB, and one that is playing this very scenario from the Allied side, I will read with much interest. Subscribed!

With 2 day turns vice our one I doubt we will ever catch up to you. But enjoy!

Perhaps not, but I am certain I will learn much by reading this AAR

[bristolduke]

Dec 7 and all is quiet at Pearl Harbor! However most people awake to find the US at war with Japan.

This is a two pronged attack. First to be at war with Japan are the British. Those large toop transports are indeed headed to Mayala and points west. Air cover is provided by a carrier battle group (3 CVL) while two surface combat fleets provide naval cover. The surprise are the morning airfield attacks looking to neutralize the British air forces.

The reports from the debriefings are very encouraging.

Singapore
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 72
G3M2 Nell x 13
G4M1 Betty x 57

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 28 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 14 destroyed by flak
G4M1 Betty: 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed, 23 damaged
Buffalo I: 4 destroyed on ground
Hurricane IIb Trop: 4 destroyed on ground
Blenheim IV: 7 destroyed on ground
S.19 Singapore III: 1 destroyed on ground
Vildebeest III: 6 destroyed on ground
Swordfish I: 1 destroyed on ground
Hudson I: 2 destroyed on ground
Catalina I: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 31
Airbase supply hits 12
Runway hits 129

Kota Bharu

(coordination lost on this attack. Came in two parts)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 51

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27b Nate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 3 damaged
Hudson I: 12 damaged

Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 37


Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 22

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 2 damaged
Vildebeest III: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3


Alor Star

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 79

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 14 damaged
Blenheim I: 3 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 11
Runway hits 58

Georgetown

(part of this attack aborted)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 56

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 25 damaged
Blenheim IF: 18 damaged
Blenheim IF: 1 destroyed on ground


Kuantan


Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 25

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 2 damaged
Blenheim I: 1 destroyed on ground
Beaufort V (PR): 1 destroyed on ground
Hudson I: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 25


These were followed up with invasions at Kota Bharu, Kuantan, Mersing, Singkawang, and Kuching. It was after these invasions that the real success of the morning attacks proved that complete air superiority had been achieved as the British offered not air resistance to the invasions. The only counter raised by the British was this attack on the covering carrier group.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Terempa at 55,84

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 3 destroyed

This means that most landing forces will be ashore before any air resistance could be offered tomorrow and of course the covering force is still on station. We will be expecting quick beachheads being established.

A couple of hours after the Malayan airfield attacks, the US forces on the Philippines woke up to the same process. In addition the Kido Butai consisting of 6 CV were off shore.

Manila

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 132
B5N2 Kate x 125
D3A1 Val x 147

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 42 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground
PBY-4 Catalina: 29 damaged
SOC-1 Seagull: 7 damaged
SOC-1 Seagull: 1 destroyed on ground
Beech 18-S: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
xAP Rochambeau, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
AS Otus, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
PG Tulsa, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
SS Seadragon, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
AO Pecos, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAP President Madison, Bomb hits 1
SS Spearfish, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
TK Mindanao, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
SS Sturgeon, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
SS Swordfish, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
xAKL Compagnia Filipinas, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Governor Wright, Bomb hits 2, on fire
PG Isabel, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
ARD YFD-1 Dewey, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK American Leader, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SS Stingray, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
SS Seal, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage
xAK Ethel Edwards, Bomb hits 2, on fire
xAK Tantalus, Bomb hits 2, on fire
SS Sculpin, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Sagoland, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AM Quail, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
AM Whippoorwill, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
SS Skipjack, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage
xAKL Paz, Bomb hits 1, on fire
SS S-41, Bomb hits 1
SS Snapper, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage
AVD Childs, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AS Canopus, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAP Elcano, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
SS Salmon, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage
SS S-37, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage
SS Searaven, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
SS Sealion, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage
AO Trinity, Bomb hits 1, on fire
SS Sargo, Bomb hits 1
PG Asheville, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Dos Hermanos, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Dona Nati, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAP Don Esteban, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Yu Sang, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires


Repair Shipyard hits 2
Airbase hits 24
Airbase supply hits 11
Runway hits 83
Port hits 26
Port fuel hits 6
Port supply hits 1


Clark Field

(coordination lost. Two separate attacks)

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
G3M2 Nell x 27
G4M1 Betty x 54

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 133 damaged
P-40B Warhawk: 23 damaged
O-47A: 23 damaged
O-47A: 1 destroyed on ground
P-40E Warhawk: 25 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 43
Airbase supply hits 11
Runway hits 132



Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
G4M1 Betty x 27

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 5 damaged
P-40B Warhawk: 5 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 5 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground
O-47A: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 25

Ida

(Coordination lost. Two separate attacks)

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 27

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 31 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 51

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

No Japanese losses


Bataan

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 27

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-4 Catalina: 11 damaged

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 60


To the south, LBA and two carrier groups attacked the Cebu and Cagayan airfields, in uncoordinated attacks.

Cagayan

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 9

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 11 damaged

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 27


Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 32

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 5 damaged

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 9



Cebu

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 24
A6M2 Zero x 15
D3A1 Val x 12

Allied aircraft
P-26A x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Stearman 75M: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 17


The air attacks were followed up by invasions at Lingayen, Iba, Aparri and Busuanga. There was no air resistance offered by the US to these invasions.

There were some skirmishes with US TF.



Morning Air attack on TF, near Iloilo at 79,84

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N1 Kate x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 1 damaged
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CA Chicago
CA Houston

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Siquijor at 76,87

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Mayrant
CL Boise, Torpedo hits 1
DD John Barry

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
7 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Iloilo at 79,84

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 19

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CA Chicago, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires
DD Pillsbury
CA Houston

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Chicago


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Iloilo at 79,84

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N1 Kate x 5
D3A1 Val x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CA Houston, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires
CA Chicago, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Houston


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Siquijor at 76,87

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N1 Kate x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CL Boise, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 9000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Iloilo at 79,84

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Pillsbury
CA Chicago, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Houston, heavy fires
DD Pope
DD Peary, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD John D. Ford

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
15 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
6 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Houston
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Chicago


According to intelligence estimates we succeeded in achieving our strategic objectives of destroying 60% air assets in Malaya and Philippines and 80% of the US fleet. We still need to capture those airbases to finalize the losses, however, the complete lack of air resistance was a surprise and from the high-command perspective meets day 1 objectives.

Day 2 is now in the hands of Mike and Mike to see about how to respond.

[bristolduke]

Dec 8

There was an operator error, but based upon the results of day 2, it appears the day 1 air assault was very effective.

The clues
1) one air attack on the invasion fleets off Malaya (2 Do-24K-1 attack Mersing, met by 16 zeros)
2) a couple of Swordfish and Vildebeest III show up in Northeast Borneo
3) rush hour traffic out of Singapore and Manila.

First the operator error.
When we did our restart, I tried to replicated every move made previously. As part of this approach two surface combat fleets headed by a couple of BB each were set to accompany the landing task forces. I apparently missed re-establishing those links. I realized after the first turn and hoped it would go in-noticed. No such luck. Force Z went after the Singkawang invasion force.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Singkawang at 56,88, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAK Fushimi Maru, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
xAK Mexico Maru, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Mikasa Maru, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
xAK Ryoyo Maru, Shell hits 8, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Torpedo hits 1
CL Danae
CL Mauritius
DD Vampire, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Vendetta


The good news was that the Yamaguro was able to get a torpedo into the Prince of Wales. According to our intel reports this was enough to sink the POW but Headquarters has it's doubts. Still it may have chased Force Z to the south, which would meet our objectives.

Other than that this was a turkey shoot for the Japanese for subs and air attacks.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Malacca at 48,81

Japanese Ships
SS I-164

Allied Ships
xAP Perak, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, heavy damage

xAP Perak is sighted by SS I-164
SS I-164 attacking on the surface


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Malacca at 48,81

Japanese Ships
SS I-123

Allied Ships
xAP Ipoh, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage

xAP Ipoh is sighted by SS I-123
SS I-123 attacking on the surface


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Singapore at 49,85

Japanese Ships
SS I-121

Allied Ships
xAK Demodocus, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

xAK Demodocus is sighted by SS I-121
SS I-121 launches 2 torpedoes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Balikpapan at 63,99

Japanese Ships
SS I-153

Allied Ships
TK Josefina, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

TK Josefina is sighted by SS I-153
SS I-153 launches 2 torpedoes at TK Josefina


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Batu Pahat at 49,82

Japanese Ships
SS I-125

Allied Ships
xAKL Lyemun, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Balikpapan at 63,99

Japanese Ships
SS I-153

Allied Ships
AG Gemma, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Muntok at 51,89

Japanese Ships
SS I-155

Allied Ships
xAKL Marudu, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

xAKL Marudu is sighted by SS I-155
SS I-155 launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Marudu


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Toboali at 51,93

Japanese Ships
SS I-166

Allied Ships
AMC Kanimlba, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Toboali at 51,93

Japanese Ships
SS I-165

Allied Ships
AMC Manoora, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

AMC Manoora is sighted by SS I-165
SS I-165 launches 2 torpedoes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Toboali at 51,93

Japanese Ships
SS I-166

Allied Ships
TK British Judge, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Cebu at 80,86

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N1 Kate x 5
D3A1 Val x 12

Allied aircraft
P-26A x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAP Legaspi, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Kanlaon II, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
xAKL Surigao, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Isla Filipinas, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Cagayan at 80,88

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAP Candioa, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Zamboanga at 75,88

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAKL Kolambugan, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk



On the ground, the following bases were taken:

Kota Bharu
Kuantan
Mersing
Lingayen
Iba
Aparri
Busuanga
Makin

Invasions were made on
Kudat
Jesselton
Brunei
Miri
Atimonan

Finally, Air Assualts successfully captured Victoria Point and Malaybalay.

[ny59giants]

Any ship hit with an exploding torpedo shows up on the sunk list, regardless of size of ship.

Malaya: Work to recombine all your divisions there. Don't cross over into Singapore with any divisional components, only full divisions (at least 3 or 4).

I got John to allow more Command HQs to be unrestricted. So, I pair them up with an Army/Corp HQ to allow the possibility of getting the 90% Adjusted AV when attacking a base. So, you should have 25th Army and Southern Army HQs both prepping for Singapore. The 14th Army is for Manila or Bataan. I use the NE Command HQ that is up at Ominato for Luzon. In the days ahead ship it to Luzon. I prep the 16th Army HQ for Batavia and pair it up with Combined Fleet HQ. I choose Batavia over Soerabaja due to the potential terrain bonus you may face there. When it comes to capturing Java, its easy just to land and march your troops everywhere. That takes too much time which you don't have. I've learned that multiple invasions speed up the capture if you have plans for major expansion before the invasion bonus ends.

Nell Recon planes: I love these guys!! [&o] I set my factory to build 15/month. However, it automatically upgrades to the Irving recon. Don't allow it to!! [:-]

[bristolduke]

Southern Army HQ is landing at Mersing as we speak. Hadn't thought of Combined Fleet for Java. That should help as Java is usually tougher to blitz.

Thanks for the thought on the Nells.

[bristolduke]

Dec 9

Overall another good day. However, some bad luck as the risks of these fast invasions was highlighted.

First, unfortunately, is the risk of operating carriers in a confined space. Combined with the fact that it was a Dutch sub not US sub.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Terempa at 55,80

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo, Torpedo hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Minegumo
DD Samidare
DD Yudachi
DD Harusame

Allied Ships
SS KXII, hits 2


She didn't survive.

As I indicated, we have complete control of the air over Malaya, but the British did move some air to eastern Borneo. These popped up to disrupt the invasion at Miri

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Miri at 64,87

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 4
Vildebeest III x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Giyu Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAKL Kaishi Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
APD Aoi, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Miri at 64,87

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 4

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kaishi Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Fortunately, most of the troops had already been off-loaded.

Other than those setbacks, the overall plan was proceeding almost perfectly. The subs again had a good day.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Palembang at 49,91

Japanese Ships
SS RO-33

Allied Ships
TK Basilea, Torpedo hits 1

TK Basilea is sighted by SS RO-33
SS RO-33 launches 2 torpedoes at TK Basilea


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Billiton at 52,92

Japanese Ships
SS I-155

Allied Ships
CM Willem v d Zaan, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Toboali at 50,93

Japanese Ships
SS I-159

Allied Ships
TK Basilea, Torpedo hits 1

TK Basilea is sighted by SS I-159
SS I-159 launches 2 torpedoes at TK Basilea



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tandjoengbalai at 47,77

Japanese Ships
SS I-160

Allied Ships
HDML Pennigat, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage


I split one of my surface combat fleets into two fleets to patrol the Sulu Sea for the Manila escapees. They had an excellent day of gunnery practice.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Puerto Princesa at 74,84, Range 9,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CL Niyodo
DD Usugumo
DD Hatsuyuki

Allied Ships
TK Hai Kwang, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Puerto Princesa at 75,84, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CL Niyodo
DD Usugumo
DD Hatsuyuki

Allied Ships
ACM Colonel Harrison, Shell hits 12, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Jolo at 73,87, Range 9,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
CL Ishikari
DD Fubuki
DD Shirayuki

Allied Ships
xAKL Princess of Negros, Shell hits 10, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Puerto Princesa at 74,85, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CL Niyodo
DD Usugumo
DD Hatsuyuki

Allied Ships
TK Manatawny, Shell hits 20, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Puerto Princesa at 74,85, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CL Niyodo
DD Usugumo
DD Hatsuyuki

Allied Ships
AM Tanager, Shell hits 4, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Zamboanga at 75,86, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CL Niyodo
DD Usugumo
DD Hatsuyuki

Allied Ships
xAKL Magallanes, Shell hits 4, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Puerto Princesa at 75,85, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
CL Ishikari
DD Fubuki
DD Shirayuki

Allied Ships
AM Bittern, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Puerto Princesa at 75,85, Range 19,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
CL Ishikari
DD Fubuki
DD Shirayuki

Allied Ships
xAKL Sarangami, Shell hits 8, and is sunk

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Puerto Princesa at 75,85, Range 21,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
CL Ishikari
DD Fubuki
DD Shirayuki

Allied Ships
xAK Ravnaas, Shell hits 23, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Puerto Princesa at 75,85, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma
CL Ishikari
DD Fubuki
DD Shirayuki

Allied Ships AKL Bisayas, Shell hits 8, and is sunk


Land based and carrier based aircraft also had opportunities.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Talaud-eilanden at 81,95

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 12
B5N1 Kate x 3
D3A1 Val x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAKL Cebu, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Latouche, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Donggala at 67,97

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
B5N2 Kate x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CM Prins van Oranje, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Sangi at 75,95

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
B5N2 Kate x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AG Gold Star, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Georgetown at 49,74

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 10

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAP Hong Siang
xAKL Raub, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Georgetown at 49,74

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 8

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAKL Raub, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Nam Yong, Bomb hits 1, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Georgetown at 49,74

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27b Nate x 34

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AMc Medusa, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Legaspi at 90,82

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 46
D3A1 Val x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAKL Escalante, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
xAKL Taurus, Bomb hits 9, and is sunk


On the ground we captured
Jesselton
Brunei
Tarawa
Kudat
Guam
and Johore Bahru isolating Singapore.

There were invasions at
Davao
Miri
Vigan


The failure to take Singkawang and/or Kuching may impact the follow-on efforts, so we moved a sentai of zeros to Johore Bahru just in case.

[John 3rd]

Loss of that CVL sucks.

Good pace with landings and invasions.

What are your plans for SoPac and NoPac?

[Bif1961]

Yes the 48 AC CVL hurts, did you get any of the planes off before it went down, or was it torpedoed at night?

[bristolduke]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Yes the 48 AC CVL hurts, did you get any of the planes off before it went down, or was it torpedoed at night?

There were no survivors

[bristolduke]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

What are your plans for SoPac and NoPac?

That's the key question. I usually go after Adak at the beginning, but will all the new assets decided I would need a solid effort to take control of the area, so it would wait.

After the initial set of invasions, what is next? Certainly we will be finishing off Java at the start of the year. Midway, Wake Island and Rabaul operations are already underway. as it would be nice to lure the Allied carriers out.

I have a chance to have a VP majority by the end of Dec. So the fastest way to auto victory would be where? I've never tried to take Pearl, but it would seem the best approach along with expansion in to So Pac. I have never been a fan of an Indian expansion as it seems contrary to Japanese thinking, plus it gets a lot of resources off in a corner of the war effort.

Some advancement to Aus. will be necessary but it will not be a large focus. Which I think leads us back to south pacific and eventually Pearl. My guess is the earlier I go after Pearl the better.

Thoughts anyone?

[adarbrauner]

ORIGINAL: bristolduke

Dec 9

Overall another good day. However, some bad luck as the risks of these fast invasions was highlighted.

First, unfortunately, is the risk of operating carriers in a confined space. Combined with the fact that it was a Dutch sub not US sub.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Terempa at 55,80

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo, Torpedo hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Minegumo
DD Samidare
DD Yudachi
DD Harusame

Allied Ships
SS KXII, hits 2


She didn't survive.

As I indicated, we have complete control of the air over Malaya, but the British did move some air to eastern Borneo. These popped up to disrupt the invasion at Miri

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Miri at 64,87

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 4
Vildebeest III x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Giyu Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAKL Kaishi Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
APD Aoi, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Miri at 64,87

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 4

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kaishi Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Fortunately, most of the troops had already been off-loaded.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I never witnessed a 4 fish spread all at target , while target escorted by 4 escorts
(and hope to never to in future). And, I guess, you were sailing at mission speed, right?

I think this as mostly unrealistic (and so it would have been even if I were the side enjoying the coup); I remember some quote or statistic somewhere, according to which the fastest vessel ever hit by torpedo in the war was steaming at 22 -23 knots?, and that a British light cruiser hit by an acoustic torpedo.


P.s. edit: hey, but you've been really unfortunate here, 3 hits by 9 Vildebeest and Swordfish flying at 10 angels, what's going on here??