ORIGINAL: DanielAClark
An Australia attack...
Interesting.
Will look forward to seeing how you handle getting China under your thumb.
Here is hoping I don't muck everything up!
Empire of the Sun - DesertWolf101 (J) vs Andy Mac (A)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
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DesertWolf101
- Posts: 1722
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 1:06 pm
RE: Empire of the Sun
Here is hoping I don't muck everything up!
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DesertWolf101
- Posts: 1722
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 1:06 pm
RE: Empire of the Sun
December 8, 1941
Submarines
Japanese submarines fanned out across the northern Java Sea during the night, and during the day, I-122 found and sank TK Manvantara with a spread of four torpedos.
I-124 laid some mines at Calapan and shortly thereafter DD Peary slammed into one and suffered heavy damage. Having dropped off its eggs, I-124 then found the large AK Tantalus fleeing from Manila south of Busuanga and sank it with two torpedo hits.
South Pacific
Leaving behind the Akagi and some escorts to guard against a breakout attempt from the Sydney/Newcastle area, I sent the now diminished KB of four carriers at flank speed towards Melbourne to catch what I surmised would be an evacuation of shipping from the area.
Sure enough, the KB found itself in the middle of dozens of allied cargo, transport, tanker and replenishment vessels attempting to sail away from the area. Repeated airstrikes rolled over these ships through the morning and afternoon. When the sprouts from near misses finally settled, dozens of allied vessels had been sunk or critically damaged. The KB will stay in the area the next day for mopping up operations.
Back near Sydney, no breakout attempt by damaged vessels was detected and thus Akagi sent its aircraft to pound the vessels in the harbor some more. Even further north, bad weather prevented the Kaga from sending another strike against the shipping at Brisbane.
Gulf of Siam
I had concentrated a vast array of invasion convoys in the Gulf of Siam as they sought to disembark troops at Singora, Patani, and Kota Bharu. My opponent noted these juicy targets over the last turn and sent in Force Z to do its dastardly work. Luckily, Tanaka and his boys of the heavy cover force stood on the way. During the raging night battle, the Japanese heavy cruisers and destroyers did masterful work pumping torpedo after torpedo into the Prince of Wales and Repulse. This slowed these mighty ships and made them vulnerable to Kongo and Haruna who moved up with their heavy guns and blasted the proud British warships into scrap metal. In addition, the British destroyer Tenedos also took a torpedo and slid into the sea.
Unfortunately, the Japanese did not escape unscathed. Minor shell damage, particularly from the four escorting British destroyers, was sustained by practically all the Japanese warships, but destroyer Asashio also took a torpedo hit and did not make it through the night.
Celebes Sea
Seeking to intercept enemy shipping fleeing through the area, I dispatched a powerful surface action group of three heavy cruisers and six destroyers to the Celebes Sea. At night, this force encountered An American naval force composed of the light cruiser Marblehead and 5 destroyers seeking to flee south through the Makassar Strait. The Japanese Navy easily came on top, sinking the Marblehead with a torpedo hit and 6 8inch shells and damaging a couple of destroyers for minor damage to a Japanese destroyer.
The victorious task force then returned to its task of hunting for enemy shipping, finding and sinking AG Albatros further to the north.
Central Pacific
Japanese troops capture Guam, Makin, and Ocean Island.
I forgot to halt the Netty bombing of Wake Island and five Nell bombers were lost as a result when they encountered Wildcats.
Philippines
31 Zeros swept over Manila but encountered no resistance. The reason became apparent when 32 Zeros swept over Clark airfield next and encountered the entire allied fight force in the sky over the field. Three Zeros were lost in the ensuing dogfight, but they in turn bagged 15 of the defending fighters.
My opponent sent in 9 B-17D bombers to hit Babeldaob from Cagayan but I had anticipated this and placed some Zeros there on CAP. All 9 B-17Ds were either destroyed or repeatedly damaged and they failed to score any hits.
The Americans also sent 11 B-17D bombers from Luzon to hit Pescadores. Nate fighters were on duty here and despite their weak armament managed to repeatedly score hits on the bombers, disrupting their aim.
One of my Nate pilots made a head on attack and drove a B-17D out of formation – I know what this implies in real terms, but does anyone know what this actually means in game outcomes? Increased disruption for the overall bomber formation?
Malaya
Throughout the day, Hudson and Blenheim bombers attempted to hit the Japanese invasion shipping in the Gulf of Siam. Nate fighters on CAP however did a great job intercepting the bombers, shooting down or driving away the majority of them. Those bombers that did make it through missed their targets.
After a heavy pounding from the air, Japanese troops attack and take Kota Bharu.
Hong Kong
IJAAF light bombers hit the troops at Hong Kong to maintain disruption there in anticipation of the pending Japanese assault.
--------
A very long day, but thankfully a rather successful one for the Japanese.
Submarines
Japanese submarines fanned out across the northern Java Sea during the night, and during the day, I-122 found and sank TK Manvantara with a spread of four torpedos.
I-124 laid some mines at Calapan and shortly thereafter DD Peary slammed into one and suffered heavy damage. Having dropped off its eggs, I-124 then found the large AK Tantalus fleeing from Manila south of Busuanga and sank it with two torpedo hits.
South Pacific
Leaving behind the Akagi and some escorts to guard against a breakout attempt from the Sydney/Newcastle area, I sent the now diminished KB of four carriers at flank speed towards Melbourne to catch what I surmised would be an evacuation of shipping from the area.
Sure enough, the KB found itself in the middle of dozens of allied cargo, transport, tanker and replenishment vessels attempting to sail away from the area. Repeated airstrikes rolled over these ships through the morning and afternoon. When the sprouts from near misses finally settled, dozens of allied vessels had been sunk or critically damaged. The KB will stay in the area the next day for mopping up operations.
Back near Sydney, no breakout attempt by damaged vessels was detected and thus Akagi sent its aircraft to pound the vessels in the harbor some more. Even further north, bad weather prevented the Kaga from sending another strike against the shipping at Brisbane.
Gulf of Siam
I had concentrated a vast array of invasion convoys in the Gulf of Siam as they sought to disembark troops at Singora, Patani, and Kota Bharu. My opponent noted these juicy targets over the last turn and sent in Force Z to do its dastardly work. Luckily, Tanaka and his boys of the heavy cover force stood on the way. During the raging night battle, the Japanese heavy cruisers and destroyers did masterful work pumping torpedo after torpedo into the Prince of Wales and Repulse. This slowed these mighty ships and made them vulnerable to Kongo and Haruna who moved up with their heavy guns and blasted the proud British warships into scrap metal. In addition, the British destroyer Tenedos also took a torpedo and slid into the sea.
Unfortunately, the Japanese did not escape unscathed. Minor shell damage, particularly from the four escorting British destroyers, was sustained by practically all the Japanese warships, but destroyer Asashio also took a torpedo hit and did not make it through the night.
Celebes Sea
Seeking to intercept enemy shipping fleeing through the area, I dispatched a powerful surface action group of three heavy cruisers and six destroyers to the Celebes Sea. At night, this force encountered An American naval force composed of the light cruiser Marblehead and 5 destroyers seeking to flee south through the Makassar Strait. The Japanese Navy easily came on top, sinking the Marblehead with a torpedo hit and 6 8inch shells and damaging a couple of destroyers for minor damage to a Japanese destroyer.
The victorious task force then returned to its task of hunting for enemy shipping, finding and sinking AG Albatros further to the north.
Central Pacific
Japanese troops capture Guam, Makin, and Ocean Island.
I forgot to halt the Netty bombing of Wake Island and five Nell bombers were lost as a result when they encountered Wildcats.
Philippines
31 Zeros swept over Manila but encountered no resistance. The reason became apparent when 32 Zeros swept over Clark airfield next and encountered the entire allied fight force in the sky over the field. Three Zeros were lost in the ensuing dogfight, but they in turn bagged 15 of the defending fighters.
My opponent sent in 9 B-17D bombers to hit Babeldaob from Cagayan but I had anticipated this and placed some Zeros there on CAP. All 9 B-17Ds were either destroyed or repeatedly damaged and they failed to score any hits.
The Americans also sent 11 B-17D bombers from Luzon to hit Pescadores. Nate fighters were on duty here and despite their weak armament managed to repeatedly score hits on the bombers, disrupting their aim.
One of my Nate pilots made a head on attack and drove a B-17D out of formation – I know what this implies in real terms, but does anyone know what this actually means in game outcomes? Increased disruption for the overall bomber formation?
Malaya
Throughout the day, Hudson and Blenheim bombers attempted to hit the Japanese invasion shipping in the Gulf of Siam. Nate fighters on CAP however did a great job intercepting the bombers, shooting down or driving away the majority of them. Those bombers that did make it through missed their targets.
After a heavy pounding from the air, Japanese troops attack and take Kota Bharu.
Hong Kong
IJAAF light bombers hit the troops at Hong Kong to maintain disruption there in anticipation of the pending Japanese assault.
--------
A very long day, but thankfully a rather successful one for the Japanese.
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mind_messing
- Posts: 3394
- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 11:59 am
RE: Empire of the Sun
ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101
Aircraft R&D
Final item before I get to the first turn – my aircraft research:
12 X 30 Frank A
10 X 30 Sam
6 X 30 N1K1-J George
6 X 30 Ki-83
5 X 30 Shinden
4 X 30 Ki-44-IIa Tojo
3 x 30 Rufe (for transition to A6M5)
3 X 30 A6M3
3 X 30 B6N2 Jill
3 X 30 D4Y1 Judy
3 X 30 Ki-102c Randy
3 X 30 Ki-43-IIa Oscar
3 X 30 Ki-49-Ia Helen
2 X 30 Ki-45 Nick a
2 X 30 Grace
2 X 30 J1N1-S Irving
2 X 30 Ki46-III KAI Dinah
1 X 30 D4Y1-C Judy
1 X 30 Ki46-III Dinah
1 X 30 P1Y2-S Frances
1 X 5 H8K1 Emily (mostly just to set the factor for production)
1 X 5 H8K2-L Emily (mostly just to set the factor for production)
This was very much a work in progress initially, and certainly there are a number of areas here that I would have likely done differently if I knew more at the time. In particular, I would probably have done a less spread type approach in favor of a more narrow and concentrated one. Now that I am settled into the R&D process I don’t want to change much unless it is a critical mistake or omission. Do you guys see any?
Some thoughts.
I like the focus on the late war airframes. More bang for your buck that way in my view.
I'd have concentrated the entire A6M line in the Rufes and push them to the A6M5c - it's probably the best all-round model of the Zero (though there may be others who differ and prefer the M8).
I'm not sold on the Tojo, I'd have dropped it and replaced it with the Ki-61 Tony (with the aim of moving forward the Ki-100).
I'm not sure it's worth R&D for the Helen, rather than just waiting till it (and subsequent improvements) arrive. I'd have used the factories for the Ki-74 Patsy (closest thing Japan gets to a B-29).
Dinah III isn't worth the R&D, better just waiting for it to arrive.
As Lowpe has pointed out, the glaring omission for me is the Peggy T. You can get by till 1943 to get the Lily dive bomber model, but getting the Peggy T is a big one for giving the IJA serious anti-shipping capability. It really takes a lot of pressure off the IJN when it arrives, as the IJA suddenly has vastly more scope for training NavT (and you're likely awash with training ground bombing pilots by the time the Peggy T arrives).
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DesertWolf101
- Posts: 1722
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 1:06 pm
RE: Empire of the Sun
ORIGINAL: mind_messing
ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101
Aircraft R&D
Final item before I get to the first turn – my aircraft research:
12 X 30 Frank A
10 X 30 Sam
6 X 30 N1K1-J George
6 X 30 Ki-83
5 X 30 Shinden
4 X 30 Ki-44-IIa Tojo
3 x 30 Rufe (for transition to A6M5)
3 X 30 A6M3
3 X 30 B6N2 Jill
3 X 30 D4Y1 Judy
3 X 30 Ki-102c Randy
3 X 30 Ki-43-IIa Oscar
3 X 30 Ki-49-Ia Helen
2 X 30 Ki-45 Nick a
2 X 30 Grace
2 X 30 J1N1-S Irving
2 X 30 Ki46-III KAI Dinah
1 X 30 D4Y1-C Judy
1 X 30 Ki46-III Dinah
1 X 30 P1Y2-S Frances
1 X 5 H8K1 Emily (mostly just to set the factor for production)
1 X 5 H8K2-L Emily (mostly just to set the factor for production)
This was very much a work in progress initially, and certainly there are a number of areas here that I would have likely done differently if I knew more at the time. In particular, I would probably have done a less spread type approach in favor of a more narrow and concentrated one. Now that I am settled into the R&D process I don’t want to change much unless it is a critical mistake or omission. Do you guys see any?
Some thoughts.
I like the focus on the late war airframes. More bang for your buck that way in my view.
I'd have concentrated the entire A6M line in the Rufes and push them to the A6M5c - it's probably the best all-round model of the Zero (though there may be others who differ and prefer the M8).
I'm not sold on the Tojo, I'd have dropped it and replaced it with the Ki-61 Tony (with the aim of moving forward the Ki-100).
I'm not sure it's worth R&D for the Helen, rather than just waiting till it (and subsequent improvements) arrive. I'd have used the factories for the Ki-74 Patsy (closest thing Japan gets to a B-29).
Dinah III isn't worth the R&D, better just waiting for it to arrive.
As Lowpe has pointed out, the glaring omission for me is the Peggy T. You can get by till 1943 to get the Lily dive bomber model, but getting the Peggy T is a big one for giving the IJA serious anti-shipping capability. It really takes a lot of pressure off the IJN when it arrives, as the IJA suddenly has vastly more scope for training NavT (and you're likely awash with training ground bombing pilots by the time the Peggy T arrives).
Thanks to this and the above advice I have received, I have been convinced to make some alterations to my R&D. I understand the wisdom on just waiting for the Helene now, but I am afraid that boat has already sailed given the repairs already done. However, I have canceled the Dinah recon plane research factory and freed up the Emily plants. With these I decided to go for the Peggy T as that seems to be the biggest hole in my plan.
RE: Empire of the Sun
ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101
Interesting points. In particular I was not aware that the Lilly used up less supplies per mission in comparison to the medium bombers. I guess I mistakenly thought that it was a per engine thing rather than designation based.
Edit: I took a look at the manual and now note that its a maximum load issue. Level bombers on offensive missions consume supplies equal to their maximum load divided by 1000. So I take it that means that a Lily with a max load of 881 would in fact consume only one supply point while a Sally with a max load of 2,205 would consume 2 (or 3 because we round up in AE right?)
Alfred can correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that individual planes do not use supply, just as individual devices do not. Rather units use supply. Thus, supply use is calculated as number of planes times load for the unit as a whole. Thus a unit of 20 Sallies would have a load value of 44,100 and use 44 supply. Whereas a unit of 20 Lilly Ibs would have a load value of 17,780 and use 17 supply. If you are using your bombers primarily as ground support, the 100 KG bombs of the Lillies and the 50 KG of the Sonias are sufficient to cause the desired disruption in soft devices. When targeting hard devices, such as tanks, heavier bombs certainly help if you wish to disable these devices. Also, as you noted, the effectiveness of port attacks and airfield attacks diminish with the lighter bombs. However, certain tradeoffs are necessary when playing with the significant supply and fuel restrictions of scenario 1. There is a reason that Japan designed its air force as it did. Making wholesale changes to the bomber force places a strain on Japanese resources and is a major reason, in my opinion, why so many JFBs run low on supply early in games.
As to the Lilly DB and the Peggy, keep in mind that the only real alternative to these planes for the IJA are kamikazes. I have read others criticize the Lilly for its 100 KG bombs, but these are sufficient for everything but armored flight decks, CAs, and BBs, and really torpedos are the desired weapon for BBs under any circumstances, so much of the objection to this bomber fades when one considers that the primary targets will be unarmored flight decks, APAs, and Fletcher DDs. Also, bomb size makes no difference if you are trying to deliver the package with an airframe that can not stand up to the heavy allied late-war flack.
RE: Empire of the Sun
The biggest thing to keep in mind is to make all of you moves with purpose and a clear objective. Do not fly missions simply to fly missions and keep the boys busy. Do not just cruise around with KB, or BBs, or any ships really. Move to objectives. Do not use more than is necessary to accomplish objectives and do not use less. This is a fine line, and mistakes will be made from time to time. Try to fight quick, decisive battles rather than protracted engagements. You are right to want to use manuever as much as possible in China and elsehere.
Remember that your mechants have very large fuel tanks, which can be transferred to other ships. There is no reason to have these merchantmen sailing around with topped-off tanks all the time. Many times, the loss of 600 fuel in the topped off tanks of an Aden is more devastating than the loss of the ship itself.
Remember that your mechants have very large fuel tanks, which can be transferred to other ships. There is no reason to have these merchantmen sailing around with topped-off tanks all the time. Many times, the loss of 600 fuel in the topped off tanks of an Aden is more devastating than the loss of the ship itself.
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DesertWolf101
- Posts: 1722
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 1:06 pm
RE: Empire of the Sun
ORIGINAL: Alamander
The biggest thing to keep in mind is to make all of you moves with purpose and a clear objective. Do not fly missions simply to fly missions and keep the boys busy. Do not just cruise around with KB, or BBs, or any ships really. Move to objectives. Do not use more than is necessary to accomplish objectives and do not use less. This is a fine line, and mistakes will be made from time to time. Try to fight quick, decisive battles rather than protracted engagements. You are right to want to use manuever as much as possible in China and elsehere.
Remember that your mechants have very large fuel tanks, which can be transferred to other ships. There is no reason to have these merchantmen sailing around with topped-off tanks all the time. Many times, the loss of 600 fuel in the topped off tanks of an Aden is more devastating than the loss of the ship itself.
Thanks for the information on the supply usage. You are of course correct that given the limited resources available, especially in Scenario 1, much care should be taken to economize where possible. The Aden example you provide is a good one to keep in mind.
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DesertWolf101
- Posts: 1722
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 1:06 pm
RE: Empire of the Sun
Southeast of Johnston Island
Aboard the I-18, Commander Otani’s eyes widened as he studied the composition of the American task force ahead of him through the periscope. Despite the heavy destroyer presence, he skillfully maneuvered his boat between the Porter and the Flusser and launched 8 torpedoes at the prize in the center. Three torpedoes slammed one after the other into the Lexington, raising large water sprouts over its side as they tore ugly gashes along its side. Shortly after the third torpedo impact, an explosion ripped through the mighty ship as the aviation fuel went up in flames.
Otani took the I-18 sub deep and waited out the destroyer counterattack before the tin cans raced back to assist their stricken charge.
Aboard the I-18, Commander Otani’s eyes widened as he studied the composition of the American task force ahead of him through the periscope. Despite the heavy destroyer presence, he skillfully maneuvered his boat between the Porter and the Flusser and launched 8 torpedoes at the prize in the center. Three torpedoes slammed one after the other into the Lexington, raising large water sprouts over its side as they tore ugly gashes along its side. Shortly after the third torpedo impact, an explosion ripped through the mighty ship as the aviation fuel went up in flames.
Otani took the I-18 sub deep and waited out the destroyer counterattack before the tin cans raced back to assist their stricken charge.
RE: Empire of the Sun
[&o] Good luck is always welcomed on your side and helps when plans meet reality and have to be adjusted on the fly. Good luck and have fun.
RE: Empire of the Sun
ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101
Southeast of Johnston Island
Aboard the I-18, Commander Otani’s eyes widened as he studied the composition of the American task force ahead of him through the periscope. Despite the heavy destroyer presence, he skillfully maneuvered his boat between the Porter and the Flusser and launched 8 torpedoes at the prize in the center. Three torpedoes slammed one after the other into the Lexington, raising large water sprouts over its side as they tore ugly gashes along its side. Shortly after the third torpedo impact, an explosion ripped through the mighty ship as the aviation fuel went up in flames.
Otani took the I-18 sub deep and waited out the destroyer counterattack before the tin cans raced back to assist their stricken charge.
Are you now going to engage in a maskirovka and retitle this thread to "Revenge of the Lexington"?
Alfred
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DesertWolf101
- Posts: 1722
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 1:06 pm
RE: Empire of the Sun
ORIGINAL: Bif1961
[&o] Good luck is always welcomed on your side and helps when plans meet reality and have to be adjusted on the fly. Good luck and have fun.
Indeed a stroke of good fortune!
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DesertWolf101
- Posts: 1722
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 1:06 pm
RE: Empire of the Sun
ORIGINAL: Alfred
ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101
Southeast of Johnston Island
Aboard the I-18, Commander Otani’s eyes widened as he studied the composition of the American task force ahead of him through the periscope. Despite the heavy destroyer presence, he skillfully maneuvered his boat between the Porter and the Flusser and launched 8 torpedoes at the prize in the center. Three torpedoes slammed one after the other into the Lexington, raising large water sprouts over its side as they tore ugly gashes along its side. Shortly after the third torpedo impact, an explosion ripped through the mighty ship as the aviation fuel went up in flames.
Otani took the I-18 sub deep and waited out the destroyer counterattack before the tin cans raced back to assist their stricken charge.
Are you now going to engage in a maskirovka and retitle this thread to "Revenge of the Lexington"?
Alfred
[:D][:D][:D]
Luckily for me, the Lexington's aircraft all went down with her, so I don't have to worry about them avenging their mothership.
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DesertWolf101
- Posts: 1722
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 1:06 pm
RE: Empire of the Sun
December 9, 1941
Submarines
I-153 uses its deck gun to sink an AKL west of Pontianak.
North of Billiton, I-155 ignited the fuel laden TK Semiramis into a floating torch with a torpedo hit.
Also north of Billiton, I-165 sinks TK Strix with two torpedoes.
TK Iris went down like a rock east of Muntok as I-154 attacked on the surface during the day and pumped 5 torpedoes into it.
Sargo and Sturgeon took some moderate depth charge damage when they went for one of my Luzon invasion convoys.
South Pacific
I dispatched a few cruisers and destroyers to hunt down some of the surrounding merchant shipping but despite many messages received of encounters with enemy task forces none of them resulted in battles. The KB’s aircraft however did find a number of ships during the day to put under.
Further north, the Kaga’s aircraft flew this turn and inflicted some more pain on the damaged merchant shipping in Brisbane. It was Akagi’s turn near Sydney to not launch aircraft however – likely due to weather.
Celebes Sea
I split up the heavy cruiser task force into three components to cover more sea here as my opponent attempted to rush his vessels from the Philippines to safety. One of these, the cruiser Nachi and two escorting destroyers, ran into the dreaded Boise during the night. Despite the heavy expenditure of ammunition and torpedoes, Nachi and Boise scored only a few glancing hits on each other before the battle ended.
Meanwhile, the other two sub-divisions from the original cruiser task force continued hunting down enemy shipping. TK British Sailor, AS Otus, AP Rochambeau, and AVP Heron were sunk. Unfortunately, ammunition was starting to run low now.
Malaya
16 Zeros swept over Singapore encountering 41 Buffalo fighters. 27 Oscar Ib fighters then went over the city and mauled the surviving 16 Buffalos that were still in the air to meet them. At the end of the day, we lost 5 Zeros and 2 Oscars for about 20 Buffalos.
Sally bombers continued their effort to pin down the British and Indian troops at Alor Star while Japanese mechanized and motorized forces raced across the road south of Patani in an effort to cut them off.
Allied bombers come in again to hit the invasion shipping in the Gulf of Siam and this time encounter no fighter opposition. Two AKs are hit and sunk. Silver lining is both were empty.
Philippines
One of my surface action groups encountered the American PT boat squadron but no hits were inflicted or sustained.
41 Betty bombers pounded Manila’s airfield but encountered no resistance given my opponent’s fighters were still concentrated over Clark.
20 Betty bombers follow this attack and sink the majority of the remaining damaged subs still in port.
10 Catalinas launch an attack on invasion shipping in northern Luzon and encounter no resistance. AK Keisho Maru, thankfully having already unloaded its troops, takes two torpedo hits and sinks. The Cats arrive again in the afternoon however and this time they sink an AK that was still unloading troops. 7 squads and 9 vehicles are lost with the ship.
The B-17Ds shift their attention to Takao. 7 of them come over and encounter more Nate opposition. The B-17Ds are harassed with damaging attacks all the way through to their target but they still manage to knock out a Nell bomber on the ground.
Japanese forces come ashore at Laoag in Luzon and land at Davao in Mindanao.
Central Pacific
Japanese troops land and take Tarawa.
China
Japanese troops are racing towards Ichang in an effort to reinforce it before the Chinese attack. Chinese bombers attack in an attempt to delay the arrival of the reinforcements.
The Chinese 20th corps is caught by two Japanese divisions and a mixed brigade west of Wuchang and sent reeling back.
Hong Kong
More air strikes hit the defenders. Japanese troops arrive in the hex and bombard.
-----
A day for the silent service – with of course the I-18’s attack being the centerpiece.
Submarines
I-153 uses its deck gun to sink an AKL west of Pontianak.
North of Billiton, I-155 ignited the fuel laden TK Semiramis into a floating torch with a torpedo hit.
Also north of Billiton, I-165 sinks TK Strix with two torpedoes.
TK Iris went down like a rock east of Muntok as I-154 attacked on the surface during the day and pumped 5 torpedoes into it.
Sargo and Sturgeon took some moderate depth charge damage when they went for one of my Luzon invasion convoys.
South Pacific
I dispatched a few cruisers and destroyers to hunt down some of the surrounding merchant shipping but despite many messages received of encounters with enemy task forces none of them resulted in battles. The KB’s aircraft however did find a number of ships during the day to put under.
Further north, the Kaga’s aircraft flew this turn and inflicted some more pain on the damaged merchant shipping in Brisbane. It was Akagi’s turn near Sydney to not launch aircraft however – likely due to weather.
Celebes Sea
I split up the heavy cruiser task force into three components to cover more sea here as my opponent attempted to rush his vessels from the Philippines to safety. One of these, the cruiser Nachi and two escorting destroyers, ran into the dreaded Boise during the night. Despite the heavy expenditure of ammunition and torpedoes, Nachi and Boise scored only a few glancing hits on each other before the battle ended.
Meanwhile, the other two sub-divisions from the original cruiser task force continued hunting down enemy shipping. TK British Sailor, AS Otus, AP Rochambeau, and AVP Heron were sunk. Unfortunately, ammunition was starting to run low now.
Malaya
16 Zeros swept over Singapore encountering 41 Buffalo fighters. 27 Oscar Ib fighters then went over the city and mauled the surviving 16 Buffalos that were still in the air to meet them. At the end of the day, we lost 5 Zeros and 2 Oscars for about 20 Buffalos.
Sally bombers continued their effort to pin down the British and Indian troops at Alor Star while Japanese mechanized and motorized forces raced across the road south of Patani in an effort to cut them off.
Allied bombers come in again to hit the invasion shipping in the Gulf of Siam and this time encounter no fighter opposition. Two AKs are hit and sunk. Silver lining is both were empty.
Philippines
One of my surface action groups encountered the American PT boat squadron but no hits were inflicted or sustained.
41 Betty bombers pounded Manila’s airfield but encountered no resistance given my opponent’s fighters were still concentrated over Clark.
20 Betty bombers follow this attack and sink the majority of the remaining damaged subs still in port.
10 Catalinas launch an attack on invasion shipping in northern Luzon and encounter no resistance. AK Keisho Maru, thankfully having already unloaded its troops, takes two torpedo hits and sinks. The Cats arrive again in the afternoon however and this time they sink an AK that was still unloading troops. 7 squads and 9 vehicles are lost with the ship.
The B-17Ds shift their attention to Takao. 7 of them come over and encounter more Nate opposition. The B-17Ds are harassed with damaging attacks all the way through to their target but they still manage to knock out a Nell bomber on the ground.
Japanese forces come ashore at Laoag in Luzon and land at Davao in Mindanao.
Central Pacific
Japanese troops land and take Tarawa.
China
Japanese troops are racing towards Ichang in an effort to reinforce it before the Chinese attack. Chinese bombers attack in an attempt to delay the arrival of the reinforcements.
The Chinese 20th corps is caught by two Japanese divisions and a mixed brigade west of Wuchang and sent reeling back.
Hong Kong
More air strikes hit the defenders. Japanese troops arrive in the hex and bombard.
-----
A day for the silent service – with of course the I-18’s attack being the centerpiece.
RE: Empire of the Sun
ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101
[:D][:D][:D]
Luckily for me, the Lexington's aircraft all went down with her, so I don't have to worry about them avenging their mothership.
The units can be bought back. In fact doing so should be a top priority for your opponent as the VF squadron can be utilised for pilot training. There is a great shortfall of USN fighter pilot training opportunities well into 1942.
Alfred
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DesertWolf101
- Posts: 1722
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 1:06 pm
RE: Empire of the Sun
December 10, 1941
Submarines
Near Sinkawang, I-121 finds and sinks AVP Poolster with a torpedo.
S/SW Pacific
West of Tasmania, heavy cruiser Chikuma finds ten transports and cargo ships and sinks or cripples eight of them. Airstrikes from the KB once again sink a bunch of transports – the KB will move back towards the Sydney area.
Japanese Val and Kate bombers from Akagi and Kaga hit the damaged shipping at the ports of Sydney and Brisbane respectively.
Japanese troops land at Kavieng
Central Pacific
Japanese troops land and take Nauru Island.
DD Wakaba hunts down and sinks AM Penguin.
Philippine Sea
One of my cruiser task forces guarding the eastern escape route from the Philippines finds and sinks a group of five AKLs. It then finds two AKs and sinks those as well.
Sulu Sea
Having largely exhausted their ammunition, my cruiser task forces in the area were declining combat opportunities. One of them found the AP President Madison and another found the TK Gertrude Kellogg and an AK in the night but did not engage. The last cruiser sub-division found and did sink an ALK as it was retiring to Babeldaob to rearm.
A fresh Japanese force composed of a light cruiser and a destroyer arrives in the area however and promptly sinks four Allied AKLs.
Ceram Sea
Japanese forces land at Sorong.
South China Sea
A Japanese destroyer task force led by the light cruiser Kuma finds 6 merchant ships from Hong Kong and ravages them.
Philippines
I attempted a night bombing of Manila port resulting in the damaged submarine Saury taking another hit and sinking.
Seeking to disrupt my ongoing landings at Davao, my opponent sent in the three British destroyers that begin the war in Hong Kong. They catch my landing force by surprise during the night and inflict damage on a patrol boat and a cruiser minelayer but the action ends early before any of my ships are mortally wounded.
A composite force of Japanese cruisers and destroyers once again tangles with the PT squadron off the coast of Luzon with three PT boat destroyed as a result.
Japanese troops come ashore at Dadjangas. Laoag in Luzon and Davao in Mindanao are taken.
Borneo
Japanese troops land at Miri and Brunei.
China
Tojo fighters from the experimental squadron intercept Chinese bombers over Ichang, shooting four of them down.
The Chinese attack at Ichang but are thwarted with considerable losses with the arrival of Japanese reinforcments.
Hong Kong
IJN bombers from Formosa pound the Hong Kong defenders to prep the way for the coming assault on the city.
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As usual, these early turns are very hectic. I am keeping well to my plan of sinking as much sealift as possible.
Submarines
Near Sinkawang, I-121 finds and sinks AVP Poolster with a torpedo.
S/SW Pacific
West of Tasmania, heavy cruiser Chikuma finds ten transports and cargo ships and sinks or cripples eight of them. Airstrikes from the KB once again sink a bunch of transports – the KB will move back towards the Sydney area.
Japanese Val and Kate bombers from Akagi and Kaga hit the damaged shipping at the ports of Sydney and Brisbane respectively.
Japanese troops land at Kavieng
Central Pacific
Japanese troops land and take Nauru Island.
DD Wakaba hunts down and sinks AM Penguin.
Philippine Sea
One of my cruiser task forces guarding the eastern escape route from the Philippines finds and sinks a group of five AKLs. It then finds two AKs and sinks those as well.
Sulu Sea
Having largely exhausted their ammunition, my cruiser task forces in the area were declining combat opportunities. One of them found the AP President Madison and another found the TK Gertrude Kellogg and an AK in the night but did not engage. The last cruiser sub-division found and did sink an ALK as it was retiring to Babeldaob to rearm.
A fresh Japanese force composed of a light cruiser and a destroyer arrives in the area however and promptly sinks four Allied AKLs.
Ceram Sea
Japanese forces land at Sorong.
South China Sea
A Japanese destroyer task force led by the light cruiser Kuma finds 6 merchant ships from Hong Kong and ravages them.
Philippines
I attempted a night bombing of Manila port resulting in the damaged submarine Saury taking another hit and sinking.
Seeking to disrupt my ongoing landings at Davao, my opponent sent in the three British destroyers that begin the war in Hong Kong. They catch my landing force by surprise during the night and inflict damage on a patrol boat and a cruiser minelayer but the action ends early before any of my ships are mortally wounded.
A composite force of Japanese cruisers and destroyers once again tangles with the PT squadron off the coast of Luzon with three PT boat destroyed as a result.
Japanese troops come ashore at Dadjangas. Laoag in Luzon and Davao in Mindanao are taken.
Borneo
Japanese troops land at Miri and Brunei.
China
Tojo fighters from the experimental squadron intercept Chinese bombers over Ichang, shooting four of them down.
The Chinese attack at Ichang but are thwarted with considerable losses with the arrival of Japanese reinforcments.
Hong Kong
IJN bombers from Formosa pound the Hong Kong defenders to prep the way for the coming assault on the city.
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As usual, these early turns are very hectic. I am keeping well to my plan of sinking as much sealift as possible.
RE: Empire of the Sun
Task Force Z destroyed. 
I-boat nails a Fleet Carrier. Do you happen to know what the moon percentage was if it happened during the night? Allies typically expose their carriers too early when they cannot protect themselves from I-boats sufficiently. Happy hunting. One tactic I like to pursue early on is the Iboat rush. Surround those Pacific Islands you know that will be re-supplied (ports 2 or smaller), and have 4-5 Iboats rush in a patrol the base from 3 hexes distance with a glen doing night search. You maximize your DL...fireworks almost always follow (check those Iboat Captains).
Another is to make a task force of 2 subs and assign a Commander to give you a chance at good leadership rolls.
Well done.
Not sure about the Oz gambit with the KB. Good search for the Allies and more 4E and empty repair yards...but will they use them properly? Time will tell, and it is good to see differing tactics.[;)]
I-boat nails a Fleet Carrier. Do you happen to know what the moon percentage was if it happened during the night? Allies typically expose their carriers too early when they cannot protect themselves from I-boats sufficiently. Happy hunting. One tactic I like to pursue early on is the Iboat rush. Surround those Pacific Islands you know that will be re-supplied (ports 2 or smaller), and have 4-5 Iboats rush in a patrol the base from 3 hexes distance with a glen doing night search. You maximize your DL...fireworks almost always follow (check those Iboat Captains).
Another is to make a task force of 2 subs and assign a Commander to give you a chance at good leadership rolls.
Well done.
Not sure about the Oz gambit with the KB. Good search for the Allies and more 4E and empty repair yards...but will they use them properly? Time will tell, and it is good to see differing tactics.[;)]
RE: Empire of the Sun
Good luck Desertwolf! I play as the Allies and don't have much to offer in the way of advice, but I'll be following your AAR closely.
"Jack, you have debauched my sloth!" Dr. Stephen Maturin
RE: Empire of the Sun
Well, if there are lots of small task forces with no CAP, do you break your carrier air units into thirds to attack as many as is possible? Kates with bombs at 1000 feet save the torpedoes and work very well against lightly armored or unarmored targets.
Did you also magic move and/or are moving to capture a base to position AKEs, ADs, and AOs? This could be useful for your carriers.
Don't forget night search.
Did you also magic move and/or are moving to capture a base to position AKEs, ADs, and AOs? This could be useful for your carriers.
Don't forget night search.
Seek peace but keep your gun handy.
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia Child
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia Child-
DesertWolf101
- Posts: 1722
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 1:06 pm
RE: Empire of the Sun
ORIGINAL: RangerJoe
Well, if there are lots of small task forces with no CAP, do you break your carrier air units into thirds to attack as many as is possible? Kates with bombs at 1000 feet save the torpedoes and work very well against lightly armored or unarmored targets.
Did you also magic move and/or are moving to capture a base to position AKEs, ADs, and AOs? This could be useful for your carriers.
Don't forget night search.
I gradually split up my KB in three to go after the shipping in different areas around the coastline of southeastern Australia. I used up the torpedoes of 4 of the carriers and kept 2 on bombs only as a reserve. I did use the magic move of the first turn to get this far south with the KB as well as AOs but not with the other support ship types. I certainly have the intention to eventually capture bases in New Guinea, the Solomons, etc. though.
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DesertWolf101
- Posts: 1722
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 1:06 pm
RE: Empire of the Sun
ORIGINAL: CV10
Good luck Desertwolf! I play as the Allies and don't have much to offer in the way of advice, but I'll be following your AAR closely.
Thank you CV10! I am hoping it will be an interesting one, even if it ends up being a campaign where I get badly defeated.