Defenseless: Between the Storms Japan

[John 3rd]

Greetings gentle readers. It has been quite some time since I started an AAR.

What we have occurring is the 3rd match between myself and Gregg from fine state of Virginia. We have played two matches of Between the Storms: Heavy and are now shifting to Between the Storms: Air to run as a test of the updated Mods. The first match saw him make a fantastic intercept of the Kido Butai in May 1942 and absolutely CRUSH it. Never seen a fight that was sooooooo lopsided in all my gaming years with Admiral's Edition! The second round saw a CRAZY war happening where he put ALL ground units into India to go through Burma to Siam to Malaya to Southern China by mid-43. At the same time I had destroyed the Allied carrier force including all starting American CVs AND two Essex carriers. It was a crazy match! He surrendered there due to no navy left and all his merchies being very, VERY edible for the Kaigun.

This brings us here to our 3rd game. We know each other's strengths and weaknesses as well as styles of play. It SHOULD be a very good match!

Strap yourselves in for a very lively playtest featuring the power of DAI NIPPON vs. the Imperialist swine of the Allies.

[John 3rd]

Forgot to mention that I always title my AARs after a recent book. In this case, I am referencing John W. Lambert and Norman Polmar's Defenseless: Command Failure at Pearl Harbor. The book is somewhat pedestrian but I did learn a lot about the PLANS for Oahu's Combat Information Center and what it SHOULD/COULD have done on December 7, 1941.

Some of the detailed discussions between Adm. Kimmel and Gen. Short came to be additions to the mod.

[John 3rd]

OK. Going to Post a batch of files I have written regarding the Modifications made and AltHist of the Between the Storms Mods.

Between the Storms
ALTNAV 1922-1935

The Between the Storms Mods for AE have been created to reflect a slightly different outcome of the historic Washington and London Naval Conferences to cover the time of 1922-1937. With little changes and tweaks to the Treaty System, a slightly a-historic outcome is produced. The Treaty Years give way to the ramping up of World War Two. Japan grapples with the consequences of exiting the Treaty System and works to create a more balanced Fleet under the able leadership and foresight of Naval Minister Yamamoto Isoroku.

The Washington Conference
Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes blueprint for naval disarmament gets out and the Japanese stonewall a Naval Conference for a full year buying time to advance the construction state of their Tosa-Class Battleships and Amagi-Class Battlecruisers. Once the Conference occurs, the Japanese successfully argue, by changing their diplomatic codes just PRIOR to the Conference, for a 70% Ratio in relation to the United States Navy. The delay works BOTH ways as the Americans have used that extra time to further several of the Battleships and Battlecruisers as well.

1. The Ratio Change from 5:5:3 to 10:10:7:
a. The United States and Imperial Japan gain by the time delay and 5:3.5 ratio. Both fleets start with several capital ships that were never built. See Below:

United States
Utah 21,825
Florida 21,825
Arkansas 26,000
Wyoming 26,000
Texas 27,000
New York 27,000
Oklahoma 27,500
Nevada 27,500
Arizona 31,400
Pennsylvania 31,400
Idaho 32,000
New Mexico 32,000
Mississippi 32,000
California 32,300
Tennessee 32,300
Maryland 32,600
Colorado 32,600
West Virginia 32,600
Washington (Colorado-Class BB) 32,600
Montana (S. Dakota-Class BB) 43,200
Constitution (Lexington-Class BC) 43,500
Constellation (Lexington-Class BC) 43,500

TOTAL 688,650

Lexington Converted to CV
Saratoga Converted to CV

Imperial Japan
Kongo 27,500
Haruna 27,500
Hiei 27,500
Kirishima 27,500
Fuso 30,600
Yamashiro 30,600
Hyuga 31,260
Ise 31,260
Nagato 33,800
Mutsu 33,800
Kaga (Tosa-Class BB) 39,300
Tosa (Tosa-Class BB) 39,300
Atago (Amagi-Class BC) 41,217
Takao (Amagi-Class BC) 41,217

TOTAL 462,354

688,650 x .7 482,055
Available 19,701

b. Tonnages are left open for the British to build two 35,000 Ton battleships (Rodney and Nelson), while the Japanese use their near 20,000 Tonnes to build a Light Battlecruiser named Chichibu (2x2 14" Guns).

2. The whole subject of CVs is reworked:
a. Two 'experimental' CVs (two Hosho's and two Langley's) are allowed to be built for further carrier experimentation. The Americans convert USS Langley and USS Ely to CVEs and they begin the war at the Panama Canal. Japan has IJN Hosho and Ibuki.
b. Two BC to CV conversions are still allowed. The Americans use all their Treaty tonnage to make Wasp a 4th Yorktown-Class CV. The Japanese convert a pair of Amagi-Class BC then don't build the failed Ryujo design and, instead create the smaller IJN Ryukaku and Karasu while Soryu enters as a Hiryu-Class CV.

3. The Big 3 allow for more research into 'Cruiser' Submarines. Since no one had any real idea of where submarines were headed, this allows for further experimentation. The Americans build an additional Argonaut, Narwhal, and three Seaplane carrying subs. The Japanese add three Mine Layers and four large ocean-going Glen SS, and the French add another Surcouf.

The London Conference
Moving on to the London Conference (1930), the subject of Cruisers is re-worked:
1. Japan--at all costs--sticks to its goal of 70% for CAs (instead of 60%). Japan is authorized to build a total of 14 CAs.

2. Great Britain--who nearly scrapped the treaty due to the issue of CAs and CLs--stands firm over its argument and forces a larger tonnage for CLs. This brings no change to the Treaty since Japan was already at 70% in this category.

3. Both Japan and the United States were looking at hybrid Flightdeck Cruiser—CVs and they force Great Britain, following the example set with the Washington BC—CV Conversions, to allow for two hybrids each to be built in the early-30s. The nations are allowed ONLY these two vessels to place up to 8" guns on them. USA builds CLV Charlotte and Jacksonville (3x3 6" and 18 Planes), GB builds CAV Melbourne and Wellington (sold/given to those respective navies with 2x2 8" and 15 Planes), and Japan finishes up with CAV Kushiro and Tokachi (3x2 8" and 27 Planes). These hybrids are not true, useful CVLs nor are they true, useful cruisers but they have a unique niche in 1941 and ALL of them can be converted into carriers later in 1942.

American Admiral’s Moffat and Reeves argue—and win—for the allowance of up to 25% of cruiser construction to be of the Flightdeck Cruiser variety. This is a historically accurate argument and THIS reality allows for a further pair of Flightdeck Cruiser to be built for the US Navy. Japan begins with two, NZ one, Aust one, and the USN has FOUR.

***It should be noted that to take maximum advantage of the revised Treaty tonnages, Japan converts several of the oldest CLs into fast ML, builds additional Myoko-Class CAs and keeps the last four Mogami-Class as 6” CLs.

This covers the Treaty Period of 1922 to 1935.

[John 3rd]

Japanese Pre-Circle and Circle Plans


Changes/Additions
BB Kaga and Tosa
BC Takao and Atago
LBC Chichibu
CVL Ryukaku and Karasu
CVE Ibuki and Hosho
CA Yoshino, Miyako, Chishima, and Seiki (Myoko-Class)
CL Minase, Otonase, and Ayase (Jintsu-Class)
DD +4 Minekaze-Class
SS +3 ML SS and 4 I-Boats

The Capital Ships and SS have already been detailed in the Washington Conference description.

There is no Ryujo here. The sister ships, Ryukaku and Karasu, have smaller air groups and are stable CVLs.

Two ‘experimental’ carriers are allowed by Treaty so Japan has Hosho and Ibuki.

The construction of 4 follow-on Myoko-Class CA comes PRIOR to the London Conference. The 3 additional CLs were planned but never built. These are. Ditto for the Minekaze DDs.

Circle One Plan (1930)
CA Kako, Aoba, Furutaka, and Kinugasa are down-gunned to 6” Light Cruisers (3x3 6”)
CL Mogami, Mikuma, Suzuyu, and Kumano built as planned (5x3 6”)
CAV Kushiro and Tokachi
6 Hatsuharu-Class DD
10 Shiratyuki-Class DD

The London Conference of 1930 goes slightly better for Japan. The Americans get their Flightdeck Cruiser agreed to and Japan then builds her CAV to the maximum allowable by Treaty and then some…

The oldest CAs are down-gunned due to the Conference allowing for the actual 15-15-12 numbers to still stand-up. A number of old CLs are phased out of active Fleet service and are converted to fast minelayers and training ships. Japan starts with 12 nearly matching CAs with 8 newer and/or more modern CLs added to her strength.

Two additional Shiratyuki-Class are ordered over the original 8 planned.

Circle Two Plan (1934)
2 Hiryu-Class CVs
2 CC Aratami-Class
3 CS Chitose-Class
4 DD Shiratsuyu-Class
18 DD Asashio-Class

Japan KNOWS it is leaving the Treaty System so Soryu and Hiryu are built as true sisters of the Hiryu-Class. The Japanese lay down two cruisers of exceptional size. The Aratami-Class Command Cruiser (25,000 tons) are built as an experiment to test new technologies that will be incorporated into the next generation of Japanese capital ships featuring triple gun turrets, better compartmentalization, differing AA armament, etc… Four additional Asashio-Class are ordered over the planned 14.

Between the Storms—Air takes hold with the next Circle Plan. Admiral Yamamoto becomes Vice-Naval Minister and begins promoting air-minded, younger officers to higher rank so their presence becomes more and more noticeable over time. Work begins on increasing/building an additional naval slipway at both Port Arthur and Shanghai.

Circle Three Plan (1937)
CV Shokaku and Zuikaku
CS Nisshin built as CVL
2 BC B-65-Class
2 Niitaka-Class CA
2 CL Tokoro-Class
22 DD Kagero-Class

The Fleet Faction of the IJN are sold on two fast BC with plans made for the monster Yamato-Class BBs pushed back several years. They will, in fact, never be built.

The Natori-Class Training CLs are scrapped as well as the Tone and Chikuma Aircraft Cruisers.

The B-65 require no extra yard expansion and are built as larger, tougher and more capable successors to the Aratami-Class CC. The new Niitaka-Class CA is built to provide escort to carriers freeing up the 12 early CAs for surface warfare. Tokoro-Class CL are a slightly smaller Mogami-Class CL that is fast and capable and are destined to replace the elderly World War One CLs. The 4 ‘fake’ Kagero-DDs (hiding the cost of the Yamato-Class) are built as real DDs.

In 1939, Yamamoto accepts, at grave risk to his life, the position of Naval Minister. He immediately begins moving Fleet-minded individuals into retirement or other less critical positions within the Kaigun. The Yamato-Class BB, in fact ANY BB, is scrapped.
The lessons coming from the European war are taken to heart. The Bismarck’s end and Taranto demonstrate the power of the aircraft carrier.

Circle Four Plan (1940)
4 CV Shokaku Kai-Class
2 CA Niitaka-Class
2 CL Tokoro-Class
5 CLAA Teshio-Class
4 DD Shimakaze-Class
32 DD Yugumo-Class
24 DD Akizuki-Class

No Taiho or Unryu in the 4th Circle. Four slightly improved Shokaku Kai-Class are ordered with Niitaka and Tokoro continuing their builds. The Japanese take strong notice of the war in Europe and see the advent of the Dido-CLAA cruiser. A similar design is quickly worked out and the Teshio-Class is put into the order cue.

A total of 60 DDs are ordered in Circle Four. Historically the order was for 29 Yugumo, 3 Kagero, 12 Akizuki, and 1 Shimakaze—Total 45. This number is bounced to 60 due to streamlining each class to ONE manufacturer allowing for specialization and quicker building.

As Japan counts down to war, the Americans pass the Two-Ocean Bill and the Japanese have to counter it with SOMETHING.

Circle Five Plan (1941)
8 CV Hiryu-Class
3 CVL Aso-Class
2 CA Niitaka-Class
1 CL Tokoro-Class
4 CLAA Teshio-Class
8 DD Shimakaze-Class
24 DD Akitsuki-Class

Slow to build and expensive Shokaku-Kai are moved away from and Japan orders eight of the far easier to build Hiryu-Class carriers. Four can be built by 1944 with four more in 1945. Four Tokoro-Class are ordered but three are converted into CVLs. The remainder of cruiser construction comes in the form of four more CLAA.

In RL the Japanese ordered 16 Shimakaze- and 16 Akitzuki-Class DDs. The number is left the same but shifted towards the Akitsuki-Class to see how many the Japanese can build by the end of hostilities.



New Ship Classes for Between the Storms
Aircraft Carriers
Shokaku-Kai: 28,155T, 32 Knots, 81 Planes (36F-24DB-21TB), Belt 165, Deck 60, and Tower 25

Aso (Tokoro Conversion): 12,000T, 33 Knots, 36 Planes (27F-9TB), Belt 75, D 25, T 0

Battlecruisers
B-65: 31,500T, 32 Knots, 3x3 14”, 4x2 3.9”, B 190, D 125, T 180

Heavy/Command Cruisers
Aratami: 25,000T, 3x3 12”, 4x2 3.9”, 6x3 LL, B 160, D 100, T 200

Niitaka: 16,000T, 4x3 8”, 3x2 3.9”, 8x4 LL, B 140, D 75, T 100

Light Cruisers
Tokoro: 9,700T, 33 Knots, 4x3 6”, 4x2 3.9”, 8x4 LL, B 140, D 60, T 100

Teshio: 8,500T, 32 Knots, 16x2 3.9”, B 75, D 25, T 75

[John 3rd]

All Treaty changes and some Allied AltHist must be accounted for thru 1941.

Additional/Changed Allied Ships to December 7, 1941

United States
CV Wasp (Yorktown-Class)
CVL King’s Mountain
CVE Langley and Eli
CLV Charlotte, Jacksonville, Anacostia, and Patuxent
BB Montana (S. Dakota-Class)
BB Washington (Colorado-Class)
BC Constellation (Lexington-Class)
BC Constitution (Lexington-Class)
DD +4 Mahan and +4 Farragut-Class
SS +3 Flying Fish-Class, +1 Argonaut-Class, and +1 Narwhal-Class

Following Admiral Platt and Captain Reeves fervent desires, the USN builds its two hybrid CLV (authorized under the London Treaty) AND two more. LOTS of other naval construction is added and in the Fleet by 1941.

Some Cleveland-Class CL are converted into CVLs and several AV/AO-Classes are allowed to be converted during the war as emergency CVEs. Totals equal an additional 3 CVL and 8 CVE. The CVL are automatic while the CVEs are player’s choice.

United Kingdom
BC Renown
CLAA Dido and Argonaut
DD +4 DD
SS +2 T-Class

The Renown is added to Force Z while the smaller ships are escorts for CV Indomitable and CVL Hermes. Great Britain’s naval deployment is completely revamped.

Netherland East Indies
BB Prins Hendrik and Prins Willem
CL Eendract and Van Heemskerck
DD +4 DD
SS +3 SS

The Dutch arguably gain the most in this scenario. The Japanese increased build-up prods the Dutch to get construction of the Eendract, Van Heemskerck, Batch-3 DDs, and several more SS completed BEFORE the German Invasion. After the Destroyer-for-Bases Deal, Franklin Roosevelts turns—thru Lend-Lease—to the Dutch and offers them the elderly BB’s Texas and New York. The Dutch accept and the battleships are transferred in early-41. Though needing more crew and carrying American ‘volunteers,’ these old battleships give the Dutch some serious teeth.

Should be noted that these additions were all Real Life thoughts and topics prior to Dec 7th.


France
CL Jean de Vienne
DD +3 Le Hardi-Class
SS +4 (2 Pascal-Class and 2 Surcouf-Class)

These vessels start at Tahiti and are all somewhat damaged due to poor upkeep in the 18 months since the fall of France. They are good but slightly dinged up at start.

The French also gain a powerful Battlecruiser TF in early-1943 with Strasbourg, Dunkerque, CA Algerie, CL Lamotte-Picquet, 3 DD, and 3 SS.

Australia
CAV Melbourne
DD +4 Admiralty S-Class
SS +2 T-Class

New Zealand
CAV Wellington
DD +2 Admiralty S-Class

Great Britain pawns off their CAV hybrid carriers to these Dominions who promptly make them their naval flagships. Aircraft lines are created so these ship’s aircraft update as time passes.

[John 3rd]

Allied Redeployment and Actions
December 7, 1941

Wherever possible, the Allied changes to deployment and shipping are backed by works of history. For our purposes, please see the following books for our work on Allied Forces: Williford’s Racing the Sunrise: Reinforcing America’s Outposts, 1941-1942, Bartsch’s Doomed from the Start: American Pursuit Pilots in the Philippines, 1941-1942, Lundstrom’s The First South Pacific Campaign: Pacific Fleet Strategy December 1941-June 1942, Noppen’s The Royal Netherlands Navy of World War II, and Lambert and Polmar’s Defenseless: Command Failure at Pearl Harbor. Other invaluable resources are the congressional Hepburn Report, Washington Treaty, and 1st/2nd London Naval Conferences.

North Pacific
1. A TF protected by CL Concord and 4 DD has just unloaded a small Army infantry battalion and construction unit on the frozen shores of Umnak.
2. Dutch Harbor and Cold Bay have also seen reinforcements.

West Coast, Central Pacific and Hawaiian Area
1. The USS Saratoga is already formed into a TF with BBs New Mexico, Idaho, and Mississippi setting sail for Pearl Harbor. The Saratoga is carrying a Marine Pursuit Squadron as well as her normal complement of aircraft.
2. The Scouting Force is returning to PH after covering a major reinforcement of Pago Pago. There are four TFs present with a STF of 2 BC and a CLV, CV Enterprise, CV Lexington, and an AO TF at Malden Isle heading north towards Hawaii.
3. Those TFs will move past a reinforced Christmas Isle that now boasts an entire Army regiment for its defense.
4. Taking General Short up on his gracious offer, Admiral Kimmel has ceded Midway Island to the army. Midway now has two army infantry battalions, a base force, 2 squadrons of fighters and an air search detachment. Additionally, the local area is covered by a detachment of 6 PT boats. The troops are digging in on December 7th.
5. Wake gains immensely from the changes at Midway. The atoll gains a 2nd Defense Battalion, additional supply, 6 PT boats, full squadrons of Marine fighters and dive bombers as well as a small detachment of PBYs. The 2nd Defense Battalion enables fortifications to be improved making Wake a tough nut to crack.
6. CVL King’s Mountain has just flown the DB squadron to Wake and is retiring towards Pearl Harbor.

SE Pacific
1. As stated above, Pago Pago was the scene of a large-scale reinforcement that was covered by the entire Pacific Fleet Scouting Force. Reinforcements include an Army Regiment, 2 Marine Defense Battalions, a Pioneer Battalion, base force, an Army pursuit squadron, a Vindicator DB squadron, supplies, and fuel. The base is already expanding and has support ships, some old S-Boats, and a small STF built around CL Detroit and 4 DDs.
2. South of Pago Pago sits French Tahiti. This base holds a somewhat dilapidated French naval squadron of 1 CL, 3 DD, and 2 SS. They are a little rusty but available for use.

South Pacific
1. A large reinforcement TF for PM is formed up at Townsville. The troops include two Aussie infantry battalions that serve to round out the 30th Australian Brigade as well as another base force. The TF is protected by 2 CL that are embedded as well as escorted separately by CA Australia and another CL.
2. A small TF of CLV Anacostia and 2 empty AP are near Ndeni returning to the West Coast from the Philippines.

Philippines
1. The Pensacola TF arrives at Manila on December 1st and unloads most of its cargo. Manila has 3 squadrons of A-24, 2 squadrons of fighters, and some additional units from this TF. As soon as it is mostly unloaded, the TF is sent south to Cagayan to reinforce Del Monte Field. It is now fully unloaded and leaving for Surabaya ASAP!
2. The reinforced Asiatic Fleet is withdrawing south as fast as it can. The Allied player has CLV Charlotte and Pensacola at Jolo, CAs Houston and Chicago at Zamboanga, and CLs Boise and Phoenix at Cebu. DDs escort all three TFs.
3. The summer of 1941 sees the navy begin moving units from Manila to Cebu to try to separate all of its eggs from being in one place. A squadron of submarines, an AS, and other support ships move there as well as the Marine regiment and other support units. A small Philippine squadron of old fighters provide CAP there.
4. CL Marblehead and 5 DD are leaving Tarakan as well as 4 DDs departing Balikpapan. All are going south.
5. If the Allied player is keeping track, the reinforced Asiatic Fleet has some serious teeth: 1 CLV, 3 CA, 3 CL, and 20 DDs.

Singapore
1. At high risk and great cost, Great Britain races to reinforce Singapore. Several squadrons worth of Hurricane fighters are present as well as the 48th Gurka Brigade and infantry from Hong Kong.
2. Force Z is reinforced with Prince of Wales and Repulse gaining the Renown and several more DDs. Adm. Phillips is returning from a conference in Java so the TF is near Toboali heading for Singapore.
3. CV Indomitable and CVL Hermes, with a strong escort, are coming to provide fleet air cover for Z. The CV TF is at Trinkat directly escorting a fast TF carrying 3 complete Indian Brigades to Singapore.

Java
1. Though understaffed, the old US BBs Texas and New York are now Javan. The Dutch have several more cruisers and DDs as well as submarines. Though not a lot, the Dutch are prepared to stand tall defending their home!

[John 3rd]

OK. Turn One has been sent. Let me find our House Rules...

[John 3rd]

Found them!

House Rules
1. If you feel something’s gamey/amiss or just peeved with anything for any reason, let’s talk about as soon as it surfaces. This includes the possibility of modifying house rules.

2. Fighters can sweep at best and second-best maneuver altitude bands only.

3. Amphibious assaults can only happen at dot and regular bases. This includes submarine-borne troops.

4. Both players must pay PP to move restricted units out of the country they are in.

5. No 4E naval bombing below 10,000 feet, except for USN 4E air units who can bomb at 5,000 feet.

6. B-29s cannot be used for naval attacks.

7. No new TFs can be formed on turn one. Any existing TFs can be altered.

8. 1st turn can have multiple port attacks, but ONLY with carrier involvement. Manila and Singapore may have Fighters up and on CAP. Allies cannot transfer new Squadrons to Manila or Singapore reflecting prior knowledge. You must use Fighters at those bases for CAP.

9. There are some planes that were too large for CVEs, both Allied and IJN.
Japan: George, Sam, and Grace.
Allies: Only F4F and FM fighters can operate from USN CVEs (and their Martlet and Wildcat equivalents from RN CVEs).

10. No strategic bombing (Oil, Resources, HI, LI, etc.) on EITHER side until July 1, 1943.

11. 4EB can be used to attack troops but this must be done in moderation. This is as agreed upon between the players.

12. A maximum of 8 PT Boats may be placed within one TF.

13. As seen in our previous campaigns, either player may ask for a redo of orders based on missing something ‘essential’ after sending the new turn. Some games call this declaring a mulligan. The player being asked has the choice of saying ‘yes’ or ‘no.’

[John 3rd]

Since I have not regularly posted on the Forum for the last couple of years, let me throw some info out there...

I am a veteran of many matches over the years. Several have gone into 1945. My current, slow-moving match against BigRed is on until we hit January 1, 1945. Am ending the game at that point so I devote myself to some serious Mod work.

I am NOT a techinical/computer whatsoever so when I started to learn the Scenario Editor, it was trial and error. My Master's Thesis was entitled "Between the Storms: The Impact of Naval Disarmament Upon the United States Navy: 1922-1936." Am a military historian by trade and found the ability to create AltHist absolutely intoxicating. The first venture with FatR and a HOSTE of other helpers was called "The Reluctant Admiral" and was a 'what if' involving Adm Yamamoto Isoroku, that Mod led to the Treaty Mod which dealt with tinkering the Washington and London Naval Treaties (as detailed above), and then we spliced the two Mods together to Between the Storms.

This AAR is designed to discuss the Mod, explore it, and use it to MAXIMUM abuse!

Once my match with BigRed is done, I plan---with my highly capable accomplice Michael (NY57Giants)---to create a set of Between the Storms Mods starting in May 1942. Since this will mean developing RA, Treaty, and the three BTS Mods, I expect the work to take a considerable amount of time...

Life State: am 59, moving from Colorado to Baggs, WY (as a political refugee) for retirement. My lovely Bride Paula and I have been together for 23+ years and have two sons that are 21 and 19. We have a cabin near Baggs and are building a house in town next year. At that point, I shall return to college teaching part-time and kick back for some serious retirement!

[SierraJuliet]

Hi there John. I've been away from AE for a couple of years until I recently achieved retirement. Of late I've been catching up on the active AARs. Looking forward to this new AAR. The Allied fleets do look to be beefed up for the commencement of hostilities. All the best and may you keep KB together for many years.

[John 3rd]

Glad you are experiencing retirement SJ. I am currently semi-retired just working a couple days a week at the store. Once we move, I will go back to part-time teaching at the nearby community college and simply enjoy life with the wife, cats, and fish.

You are correct. The Allies have a completely different OOB and are beefed up. Must hit hard and fast so they do not get the chance to concentrate.

Will hopefully get the turn back today from Gregg.

Prior to that happening, I will post on what Japan's war aims are for the first six months of the war. I am always hyper-aggressive and will not disappoint with where the Empire is going!

BANZAI!

[BBfanboy]

Hello John. I am always amazed at how much you get done while living RL as well! Looking forward to the usual frenetic pace of your ops!

Questions - are the Japanese navy starting positions unchanged from Scenario 1 and are there more 'magic move' TFs than in Scenario 1?

[John 3rd]

Let us look at the Japanese carrier deployment prior to the 7th.

Pearl Harbor Strike Force in the Kuriles
CARDIV1 (Akagi, Amagi, CVL Karasu) and CARDIV5 (Shokaku, Zuikaku, CVL Ryukaku) with 69Z, 48V, 63K, and 9 Recon
Escorts include 4 BC, 2 CA, 1 CL, 1 CS, and 16 DD
These ships are divided into two CTF commanded by Vc-Adm Nagumo and Rr-Adm Fujita

Saipan TF
CARDIV2 (Soryu, Hiryu, and CVL Zuiho) with 63Z, 42V, 57K, and 3 Recon
Escorts include 2 CB, 1 CL, 8 DD
Command sits with Vc-Adm Yamaguchi

CVE TF
Hosho, Ibuki, and Taiyo carrying 36 Fighters (18Z & 18C) and 21 TB (12K and 9M)
Escort: 2 CA, 1 CL, 5 DD
Rr-Adm Takagi commands

Cam Rahn Bay
CVL Ryujo and 2 CAV (Kushiro and Tokachi) with 66Z, 24K, 9 Recon
3 CS (Chitose, Chiyoda, and Mizuho) carrying 72FP (60J and 12A)
Escort is a meager 4 DD
Rr-Adm Hara commands

You see the combination of 2 Fleet Carriers with a CVL in the 3 Divisions of the Kido Butai. This re-organization reflects the actual planning that Genda, Fuchida, and several others had planned and recommended historically in April 1942. They saw the value of a "CAP Carrier" and wanted to see changes made. Unfortunately, this plan was wrecked at Midway but you do see it at Santa Cruz. This info is detailed in the 1956 book ZERO! by Okumiya, Horikoshi, and Caidin.

Historically the Japanese started with 6 CV, 2 CVL, and 2 CVE. In BTS Japan has 6 CV, 4 CVL, 2 CAV (Flightdeck Cruisers), and 3 CVE.



Planned Dec 7th/8th Carrier Attacks
In my normal opening strikes I send two Carrier Divisions (1st and 5th) to attack PH and then use CARDIV2 to hit Manila. The CAV are generally used to his Manila as well. The CVE TF usually simply covers the initial invasion forces moving out from Babeldoap and Peleliu.

Not so in this match. Attacks plans are:
1. Due to the Strategic Goal of taking the Hawaiian Ilses, I plan to use the Kido Butai (6 CV and 3 CVL) to pulverize Pearl Harbor. Total Striking Force: 201 F, 96 DB, and 183 TB = 522 Planes.
2. Really like hitting Manila and getting after those SS! We will use the CVE and CAV TFs to hit the Port from east and west. Total Striking Force: 78 F, 33 TB, and 72 FP = 183 Planes. Never used FP before in an attack capacity but am going to give it a try.

[John 3rd]

Hello John. I am always amazed at how much you get done while living RL as well! Looking forward to the usual frenetic pace of your ops!

Questions - are the Japanese navy starting positions unchanged from Scenario 1 and are there more 'magic move' TFs than in Scenario 1?

Hey Sir. ALWAYS good to see you pop up.

There are a few more with the 'speed' bonus. All of the CTF have it but don't think anything else does. Wanted to give the Japanese Player LOTS of options with using his carriers.

I really, REALLY hate the 'speed' bonus on anything but the carriers and historical Invasion Forces. My Turn One moves are always very conservative. For this match, I have several Cargo/Transport TF moving supply and fuel to Babeldoap, Truk, and Kwajalein. The only landings I am making on Turn One is at Batan Isle and Kuantan in Malaya. Nothing gamey like a Mersing Landing or crazy stuff like landing at Noumea or Christmas Isle or Wake/Midway. Don't like that at all...

[John 3rd]

Having played Gregg twice now, I have an excellent sense of our strengths and weaknesses. He is exceptional in ground combat where I am OK (that might be being kind). I have consistently been superior in naval combat where he has been just OK. Strategic Planning will reflect this for our match:

The 'normal' assault will occur in the DEI as well as Burma.

I will be active in China immediately. Last match we agreed to a 1 month ceasefire in China at start to move units around before commencing hostilities. That was a mistake on my part. His Chinese had a month to prepare and that made things VERY difficult. Additionally, I bought out too many units from China to use elsewhere and that really hurt once I realized his strategy and saw the threat in China.

The American and Allied Fleets start sooooo much stronger in this opening so I intend to stage a very elaborate decoy in the South Pacific to mask my real intentions to take Hawaii. I am skipping the 'normal' Ocean and Nauru Isle assaults and, instead, send those units and TFs south towards Luganville while at the same time Truk sends several TFs to the same location. Once in place, they will assault Tulagi, Guadalcanal, Luganville, Efate, and New Caledonia. This is something I might do so I HOPE Gregg falls for it and gathers his carrier and surface TFs to thwart this lightning thrust. If all goes well, I grab all this within 10-14 days before he can reinforce any of these locations and then I RUN LIKE HELL. The troops will have enough supply and engineers to build, fortify, and hold while the true threat unveils itself to the east. On the BRIGHT side we gain important bases and force the Allies to look the wrong way...on the DARK side he gets there faster then me and I take a very bloody nose for a diversion.

The Eastern Offensive will begin with taking Wake and Midway (normal moves for me) while shipping loads at Kwajalein to move east. The Kido Butai will continue to operate around Hawaii (lots of AO support and base out of Midway for the short term) then cover landings at Lahaina and Hilo, Kona, and Lihue. Brigade-sized attacks will hit Lihue, Kona, and Hilo while a full ID takes Lahaina. IF we can grab these without too much difficulty then we will expand bases, pound PH, and then eventually assault it with 3-4 ID.

At some point Gregg will either have to fight OR concede Hawaii to Japan. Either choice SHOULD result in victory...I hope...

This is the initial strategy...

[John 3rd]

Am still waiting on Turn One. Gregg has a new computer and had to do an install. It is having issues...

[SierraJuliet]

Your Hawaii adventure sounds like a high stakes opening. Big reward if you can get it going your way.

Where do you plan on getting the 3 to 4 ID from for the main assault? Also, what trade off do you think you will have make in the SRA to have sufficient forces available for this operation?

[John 3rd]

I will use an ID from the Home Islands and 3-4 Brigade equivalent units for start. After that, I will buy IDs from Manchuria. Figure early-mid-February for landing at Oahu. Will have everything else (hopefully) by the end of December/start of January.

I screwed up 'no unit withdrawals' and have to do the turn all over. Grrrr...OK...doing that today and tomorrow.

[John 3rd]

Put my flag at half-staff today and am fairly depressed. Got a nice note from Gregg and started working on the turn. Got everything BUT the Home Islands and China done. Will send tomorrow most likely...

[RangerJoe]

Put my flag at half-staff today and am fairly depressed. Got a nice note from Gregg and started working on the turn. Got everything BUT the Home Islands and China done. Will send tomorrow most likely...