Tristanjohn vs ChezDaJez: Lemur's Scen 15

[ChezDaJez]

This was the first turn between TristanJohn as the Allied player and ChezDaJez playing the Japanese.

We are playing Lemur’s version of Scenario 15 with the following settings:
FOW, ADV Weather, Allied DMG Control, Submarine doctrines: ON
Historical 1st Trun, Varied Setup, and Dec 7th Surprise: OFF
1 day turns.

The only house rule used applied to the 1st turn only. The Allied player could not rebase any aircraft and CAP levels at PH set to less than 50% and no airstrikes from PH. The Allied player was free to launch full airstrikes everywhere else. This was to reflect the surprise achieved at Pearl Harbor with the rest of the Pacific having ample warning because of PH.

This AAR is will provide a synopsis of the war using Lemur’s scenario which I find to be more historically accurate than the original scenario 15. I will NOT be providing any intelligence that is not already known to my opponent, except when it is too late for him to do anything about it <g>.

Japanese Player (ChezDaJez) thoughts:

Overall, I got good results from this first turn. My planning followed the historical plans with a couple of exceptions. I increased the size of the Wake Island landing force and conducted additional landings in the Philippines at San Marcelino and Davao on turn 1. I wanted to make sure that I didn’t have to revisit Wake and I wanted to grab 2 good airbases in the PI to help interdict his fleeing ships. Additional landings will be occurring shortly.

I had hoped to sink at least 1 BB at Pearl but the results were generally good there. His ASW forces have been particularly effective this first turn sinking 1 sub and damaging 2 others. I had my subs moving away from their original start locations. I hope to change this soon.

Chez


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/07/41

BANZAI! BANZAI! BANZAI!
WAR BEGINS!

Allied Forces Dealt Devastating Blows in response to Yankee Military and Economic Aggression!

Pearl Harbor, Philippines and Malaya Bombed. Wake Island and Batan Island captured. Over 200 Allied aircraft destroyed!

Today, December 7th, 1941, the mighty forces of Imperial Japan struck Allied forces at numerous key installations across the Pacific and Southeast Asia in response to the continued Allied military buildup and the outrageous theft of resources that rightfully belong to the people of Japan.

Imperial Headquarters has announced that Imperial Japanese Navy airstrikes have decimated the U.S. Pacific Fleet in Hawaii causing severe damage to 2 battleships and heavily damaging 6 others. Several other naval ships sustained moderate to heavy damage including 1 CA, 1 CL, 1 DD and 1 AR.

US naval forces in the Philippines lost the AVD W.B. Preston with the CA Houston torpedoed and CL Boise struck by 5 bombs. An AK, the Mauban, was also heavily damaged.

Off the coast of Malaya, the British BC Repulse was struck by a bomb with what is expected to be only minor damage.

In addition, IJN forces captured Wake and Batan Islands. Our infantry continue to land at Vigan, Aparri, Legaspi, Davao and San Marcelino in the Philippines. Japanese force have also landed at Khota Bharu with additional forces landing at Songkhia in Malaya.

US losses have been heavy. Ports and airfields throughout Malaya and the Philippines have also been bombed with heavy damage sustained.

Our own losses have been light with 1 submarine sunk and 2 others damaged. Minor damage has been sustained by 1 BB, 1 CA, 1 DD, 1 ML, 1 AP and 1 AK. Our air losses number about 90.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
US Ships Damaged by Japanese Air Attacks at Pearl Harbor
BB Nevada, Bomb hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 12, on fire
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 15, on fire
BB Arizona, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AR Medusa, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Schley, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB California, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Honolulu, Bomb hits 1

[ChezDaJez]

With the exception of Khota Bharu, events are occurring as I had planned. Khota Bharu was delayed when the transports failed to begin unloading on turn one. Additional landings are being planned in support of Malaya ops and to probe deeper into the SRA. One bright spot was the heavy DD losses he took NE of PH. I had sent KB moving east hoping to catch some big fish, possibly heading for the coast but found his ASW forces instead, decimating them. Unfortunately, it appears that a fair amount of shipping will escape from the PI but his losses there have been significant.

His ASW forces are giving me fits. I have now lost 3 subs with 3 others heavily damaged in just 2 days. The Brits have been particularly effective. If he keeps this up, I won’t have any subs left by the end of the month. Hopefully, the loss of those DDs will reduce his ASW forces sufficiently for my subs to do their duty.


After Action Report for 12/8/41

BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!!
Imperial Japanese forces continue their offensive, inflicting heavy losses to the Allies. Our forces continue to disembark in the PI at San Marcelino, Davao, Aparri and Vigan. Other landings supporting our brave soldiers in the Malaya Theater at Khota Bharu and Songkhia are also being conducted. Continuous air and naval bombardments in support of these operations are taking a heavy toll on enemy defenses.

Our heroic Navy at sea has inflicted severe punishment to Allied forces as they flee the Philippine theater of operations. Several night surface combats resulted in the Allies seeing 2 APs, 4 AKs and 1 TK along with the AS Canopus and several MSWs being sunk or severely damaged. It is believed the majority of these vessels sank.

Our brave carriers, steaming east to catch fleeing ships from Pearl Harbor, encountered 3 ASW TFs patrolling there. Of the 12 DDs attacked, 11 suffered severe damage with at least 6 being sunk.

Japanese submarines have also been heavily engaged and have suffered fearful losses accordingly. I-65 was severely damaged attacking an ASW TF near Malaya. I-3 was attacked by a lone DD near PH and lost. I-4 was also sunk near Pearl Harbor after valiantly staving off attack after attack. I-24 conducted a courageous attack against a heavily defended convoy near the PI but was unable to obtain any hits.

Our expert aviators continue to pound enemy airfields throughout Malaya and the Philippines. Clark airfield has especially been hard hit. One disappointment was the execution of an A6M2 commanding officer after he failed to provide adequate protection to a G4M1 force attacking Manila, resulting in heavy losses to those brave flyers.

LATE BREAKING NEWS……
Imperial Headquarters has just announced the fall of several key bases to our forces. These liberated bases are: Legaspi, Vigan, Aparri, Davao, Hong Kong and Guam. San Marcelino should fall tomorrow and Khota Bharu within the next few days.

BANZAI!!!

Chez

[ChezDaJez]

The war against Yankee aggression continues in full swing. Tris caught a supply convoy at Wake with his carriers inflicting heavy damage to 3 CLs however I am developing a counterstroke that will punish his impudence. His ships fleeing the PI have taken a pounding. I believe he has lost at 10-12 AP/AK, an AV and possibly an AS. Efforts continue to attack the remaining ships. POW and Repulse managed to safely flee Singapore with just a single bomb hit on the Repulse to hurry them along. He was able to neutralize my submarine barrier by sinking 2 and damaging 2 others during his flight

Operations in the PI are going slower than I had hoped due to a lack on supplies in the north. The supply vessels that were to accompany the invasion forces got held up during loading.

I’m not quite sure how far I want to go in Burma. Offensive operations will occur in the region. Rangoon is certainly on the list for inclusion into the Greater Eastern Co-Prosperity Sphere, possibly Mandalay too. I don’t want to get over extended yet at the same time I need to gain resources and limit his movements. Of course, the more he retreats, the shorter his supply lines become.

A TF is currently enroute Kuching to begin offensive operations in Borneo. Other landings on this resource rich island are also being planned. There is a surprise in store for him at a yet to be named location.

My plan for China is a slow advance as my troops build up. Any gains there are secondary to the capture of the SRA so for the time being the forces currently stationed there will have to do the dirty work.

Now for the war news…

After Action report for 12/9/41

BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!!
Our glorious Imperial forces continue their assault on the warmongering Allied forces. Heavy air raids on Clark, Alor Star and Singapore are having the desired effect. Clark Field is out of action with runways damaged and many aircraft destroyed.

Ground combat continues in China, Malaya and the Philippines. That opium den of a city, Changsha, has been liberated! Chinese forces in the vicinity have been routed and mopping up continues. San Marcelino also welcomed our benevolent armies with open arms!

The Imperial Japanese Navy is making its righteous presence felt in the Philippines. Several night surface actions have resulted in the sinking of 3 PGs, 2 MSWs, 1 AK sunk and 1 other left sinking. Heavy naval air attacks throughout the area also accounted for the CL Boise, 4 AKs and a TK. The AV Langley was also sunk. Several other merchants and auxiliaries including the AS Canopus are believed to have also been damaged.

A Yankee CV TF raided ships near Wake Island damaging 3 CLs and an AP. It is feared that 2 CLs may not make it back to port. We ask that the honorable Japanese people pray to our exhalted Emperor for his divine intervention on behalf of our fearless sailors.

BANZAI!!!

[Tristanjohn]

As the war opened last week Japan ran wild in the PI and the Allies retreated everywhere. The lone happy note has been the damage to a number of IJN cargo and combat vessels returning from the invasion of Wake Island. In a running two-day battle a carrier task force under the command of Admiral Bull Halsey reportedly sank at least four Japanese warships, including two light cruisers, while inflicting other unspecified damage on the fleeing enemy. No further information was available.

[Tristanjohn]

Reports on the second day's action off Wake Island are just coming in.

[ChezDaJez]

The war continues but with a couple of setbacks. The supply situation in the PI is slowing things down. Loading of supplies back at the homeports has been slow. Combat in Khota Bharu has ground to a halt while my soldiers get a little rest. However, other areas are beginning to heat up.

I have a ton of Nates and Claudes that need upgrading but the pools need to be built up so I have to withhold many of those squadrons from combat so as to not lose too many pilots. This has put a damper on the number of escorts I can provide. Oh, well. C’est la guerre!

After Action Report for 10 December 1941
BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!!

Long Live the Emperor!

Reports from the front continue to reveal the tremendous performance of our military men as they courageously fight to liberate SE Asia and the Southern Resource Area from the tyranny of the Colonial powers.

Kuching in Borneo was bombarded heavily IJN surface forces with Imperial troops landing shortly thereafter. Kuching is expected to be freed at any time. Infantry units have also landed on, and captured Makin Island in the Central Pacific. Once again, the humble forces of Japan show their humanity by freeing an enslaved people from colonialism. It is reported that the defenders on Makin ran at the first sight of our troops. Our infantry forces near Khota Bharu are taking a much deserved break after inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. Soon they will rejoin the fight and continue to demonstrate the superiority of our brave forces overseas.

Japanese air forces continue to pound away from the air at the Yankee aggressors and their minions. Strong air attacks were delivered against Singapore and Clark Field. Both sustained heavy damage with numerous aircraft destroyed. Other air attacks in Malaya and the Philippines are continuing. Rabaul was bombed by Japanese air forces for the first time, causing the defenders to scatter like leaves in the wind. Damage assessments are still being obtained.

Enemy air attacks near Malaya have been ineffective causing only light damage to one transport.

At sea, our heroic sailors are conducting mopping up operations in the southwestern approaches to the Philippines. The number of Allied ships sent to the bottom have increased by a MSW, an AO and a PG thanks to the valiant efforts of our naval flight crews. Two US CVs conducting terror operations near Wake Island inflicted some damage to our naval units. Three IJN CLs, 2 DDs and 1 AP were sunk but their crews are safe. They fought bravely, damaging several of the enemy planes in the attack. One brave sailor was seen to throw a riceball from his liferaft at a passing Dauntless flying overhead.

Enemy ASW forces continue to be effective near Pearl Harbor, damaging 2 more submarines. However, these brave crews were able to save their subs so as to be repaired and sent against the enemy once again.

BANZAI!!!
Chez

[ChezDaJez]

The war continues. The supply situation is being resolved. Don’t know why they taking so long to load. They were only loading about 300 supply per turn but now have started loading much quicker. Strange. Got my nose bloodied at Naga. Thought Tris had pulled his troops out as the spotting report LIED and said there were only 780 troops. More like 14780 troops. Not a big deal though, just a few disrupted squads. Anyways…

After Action Report for 12/11/41
BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!!

Imperial Headquarters is reporting that the enemy continues to retreat from our advancing forces. IJN forces bombarded Khota Bharu again causing great confusion amongst the defenders. Kuching was also bombarded for the second time as our infantry continues to land there. Coastal defenses did manage to obtain a few hits inflicting relatively minor damage on 2 DDs and 2 APs.

Heavy air attacks throughout Malaya were again conducted with Singapore being the focus of attention. It is reported that approximately 20 aircraft were destroyed on the ground. In the PI, Cagayan and Manila were visited by our bombers and the cowardly defenders finally came up to fight. Our fighter escorts drove off the enemy fighters from Manila and reported 21 of the P-40Es being shot down for the loss of less than 6 of our own bombers and fighters.

Rabaul was also attacked by our air forces again but cloud cover prevented accurate assessment of the damage.

Enemy air forces have attempted several airstrikes against our naval forces without success. In one bold attempt, 2 Martin bombers attempt to attack one of out carriers but were quickly blown from the air.

Our LBA continues to inflict significant losses on the enemy fleeing from the Philippines accounting for a TK and an AK. Naval air forces operating from out carriers in the area also reported great victories, sinking an AK and severely damaging an MSW that is believed to have subsequently sunk.

The brave crew of I-70 managed to evade escorts and launch 2 torpedo attacks against Allied naval forces near PH. Unfortunately, they were unable to determine the results of the attack as the enemy forced them deep.

Our surface forces have also not been idle. The AS Canopus was caught attempt to flee and was quickly sunk by our DDs.

The enemy launched a futile ambush attempt on our infantry forces as they attempted to enter Naga this morning. Our brave infantry commander quickly seized up the situation and alerted our troops before the enemy could close the trap.

BANZAI!!!

[ChezDaJez]

The war continues. The final remnants of my Wake Island convoy continue to founder as they attempt to get to a port. Lost another AK from this group and expect another AP and probably 2 DDs to go down.

The offensives in the PI and Malaya have slowed greatly due to the supply situation but that is rapidly being rectified. I didn’t realize how slow the loading and getting the supplies to where they are needed would be. Many of my troops are now sitting waiting for ammo. They have enough to maintain daily requirements but not enough for sustained combat.

Allied ASW continues to be very effective. I have lost 4 SSs so far and had several others damaged while my own ASW has been somewhat idle.

The latest press release from Imperial Japanese Headquarters follows:

After Action Report for 12/12/41

BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!!

Our glorious Army and Naval air forces continue their attacks against the enemy’s shipping wherever and when ever its found. Two more AKs and a MSW joined the other Yankee ships already on the bottom of the sea.

Our land forces continue their reorganization in preparation for the next offensive phase. Soon the Allied forces shall again feel the sharpness of Japanese steel. Already thousands of their soldiers have felt our military might.

The war at sea continues unabated. The Allied forces have hidden themselves in their ports. Our battleships once again bombarded Khota Bharu inflicting serious damage to the facilities.

Allied air attacks have been swatted aside as though they are flies. An AK was slightly damaged from an enemy bomb but the valiant crew quickly put out the fires and continued unloading their cargo.

BANZAI!!!

[ChezDaJez]

12/13/41

The war continues. Still slowed by a lack of supplies however, ships are unloading and more are on the way.

The Malaya and PI land theaters have been relatively quiet which is allowing my troops to rest and recoup disruption. Tavoy and Kuching have fallen to my troops. Fatigue levels are not bad but being in the malarial zones, I know they won't improve any time soon.

My opponent appears to be massing some troops NW of Canton. Don't know what their objective is but a have a division and smaller LCUs waiting to take them on.

After Action Report for 12/1341

BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!!

TAVOY falls!!! Japanese troops entered the city early today to large civilian crowds waving Japanese banners. Allied trooops were nowhere to be seen. Locals indicate that they fled the area after learning our troops were enroute! Once again, another city enjoys the benefits of joing our Greater Co-Prosperity Sphere!!!

KUCHING liberated!!! In Kuching, enemy forces were driven into the jungle after a short, but sharp, fight. Local civilians, frightened at first, began appearing and waving to our troops. Many local women have allowed our troops to enjoy their company as they rightfully should.

Heavy air battles in the skies over Manila have resulted in the downing of at least 14 Allied figthers while losing only 4 of our own. Our bombers inflicted heavy damage and facilities to the airfields around Manila.

In China, Our land forces are mounting a large offensive against the northern city of Yenen where several Chinese units await our steel. Re-indoctrination of the local populace continues as guerilla forces have been active as of late. Additional troops are on the way to quell these inferior elements.

Elsewhere, Allied pirate submarines continue to annoy our naval and merchant forces. One of our transports was torpedoed in the Straits of Formosa. Heavily damaged, the brave crew has patched her holes and she should enter port soon. Two of our PGs received minor damage during a gun battle with coastal defenses at Kuching. Their ferocious attacks on these land batteries were successful as not one transport was damaged.

Enemy air attacks continue to be largely ineffective. Several Dutch air units have attempted to attack our sea forces without success.

BANZAI!!!

[ChezDaJez]

After Action Report for 12/14/41

Unfortunately I accidently deleted the combat report while trying to copy it so I just have my notes from the combat screen as it flashed by.

Pretty slow turn as the Japanese continue to reorganize and gather supplies for resumption of the offensive. Several air attacks launched throughout Malaya and the Philippines. IIRC, my escorts reported 11 fighters destroyed for a loss of 2 over Manila. Most of his large airbases are around the 50 damage mark.

USS Enterprise got very lucky as the I-70 had the CV lined up in her sights until the escorts came along and spoiled the deal by hitting her with a DC before she could fire.

His forces continue to grow near Canton, now numbering over 110K. Fortunately, I was able to withdraw my 2 units before he could attack them. Am now in the process of building up Canton's defenses just in case. Help is on the way. I expect a large battle to take place in Yenen shortly. I think he has roughly 40K troops there and I have a "few" more.

One point of concern is the effecttiveness of his ASW forces. My subs have really taken a beating. I've now lost 5 subs with several more heavily damaged and unlikely to make it back to port. I-15 is at 82 flot dam so I know she won't make it.

With the exception of the near torpedo attack on the Enterprise, I haven't seen his carriers since he pounded my Wake Island convoy (the last one finally sank for a total of 11 from that convoy) shortly after the war began.

As this is Lemur's scenario 15, the Japanese player only starts with about 6 land based A6M2 squadrons. There are plenty of Nates and Claudes so the Japanese player is forced to put a lot of effort into increasing Zero and Oscar production. So far I've managed to upgrade only 3 squadrons. The good news is except for the P-40, the majority of Allied land based fighters are crap. One major concern is Navy pilots. There is only one in the pool and except for the initial PH attacks, I haven't lost any Navy pilots. Gonna have to be real careful with them, I guess..... (but not too careful, Tris)

Chez

[ChezDaJez]

The war continues. Some land combat but no major battles except at Yenen. Air attacks continue against airfields and ground units. Continuing to build up supplies. Reinforcements have finally reached Khota Bharu and Songkhia. BTW, the press reports tend to "gloss" over the true facts and will diminish failures and exaggerate victories.

Latest press report from Imperial Japanese Headquarters:

After Action Report for 12/15/41

BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!!
Our glorious troops continue to prevail in battle, inflicting heavy casualities whenever the enemy is encountered. Heavy fighting was reported in the Chinese city of Yenen where our troops are making progress against the hordes of Chinese peasants that the criminal warlords have thrown into the breach in a futile attempt to stem our advance.

Operations at Rabaul continue on pace as our troops reduce their pathetic fortifications before storming the city en masse. In the Philippines, our forces continue to land at Lingayan and elsewhere. The massive build up of our troops there will certainly soon lead to the incorporation of this backwater area into the Great Co-Prosperity Sphere.

Enemy air attacks near Borneo have been futile with several of the attackers shot down or badly damaged.

Our superior airpower continues to exert itself throughout the region, freely attacking airfields and troop concentrations with little intereference. Once again, our fighters paved the way for our bombers as they cleared the air over Clark Field claiming 17 of the enemy downed for a loss of 2 of our own.

At sea, the enemy has clearly been swept from the sea. Only the cowardly attacks from his pathetic ASW forces achieved any success.

Long Live the Emporer!!!

BANZAI!!!

[Captain Cruft]

Don't put Jap subs up against anything but unescorted transports, they will die 90% of the time. If there are no unescorted transports to be found them use them for minelaying and transport. Except for the ones with Glens, they are very useful for recon.

[ChezDaJez]

I've pretty much been using them the way the Japanese historically did, as scouts but his ASW has been very good hitting about 50% of the time and sinking them about 33% of the time. He has sunk 6 and damaged about 6 more.

My opponent seems to be hunting them down. I assume he is detecting them with aircraft and then sending an ASW TF after them. I don't have any subs within 3 hexes of any base.

Chez

[ChezDaJez]

The war continues. I’ve gotten a little behind on my AAR as my opponent and I have set a blistering pace conducting 21 turns since Monday. The current game date is 12/27/41. I am moving cautiously in China, intending only to take what resources I can. I do not plan to conduct an all out campaign there unless the opportunity presents itself.

The Central Pacific is seeing a steady, if slow build up. My main goal is to build up several key bases as a defensive perimeter.

My offensive is underway in New Guinea and Rabaul is under fire. I have not quite decided how far I want to go here. Certainly, the Solomons and beyond can be useful but I’m very leery about over extending myself. I need to be able to keep what I take supplied.

Offensive plans for the SRA are well underway. Troops have been identified and conducting training operations for attacking their targets. I expect a relatively quick victory on Borneo. Java might be a different story depending upon the defensive tactic he employs there.

The Philippine issue should be resolved within the next month, I expect. The offensive there is gaining speed and I am confident that I can prevent any additional men or supplies from reaching Manila or Bataan. The down side here is that they are already both well-garrisoned.

Malaya is going slower than hoped but at least progress is being made. Things have heated up now that I fixed the supply fiasco I put myself in.

At sea, I am using KB very cautiously. If I can pick off a convoy or engage his carriers with a high degree of success, I will. Otherwise, I will conserve my pilots as best I can. I will not waste them in support of land operations. I’ll use the IJA air forces for that.

After Action Reports for period 12/15/41 – 12/21/41

12/16/41
Lingayan fell as did Tavoy. Now that I have Tavoy, I can be begin to exert to airpower in and around Rangoon and Burma.

Clark AB pounded again. 15 Allied fighters reported shot down for the loss of 2 more bombers. That makes 32 fighters reported shot down so I figure more likely 8 or so.

Khota Bharu still holds out but reinforcements continue to land. Alor Star will soon be seeing my troops approach. I want to push him back into Georgetown and keep as many of his forces away from Singapore as I can.

My ASW finally accomplished something damaging the KXVIII north of Borneo. I-7 got a shot at a DD east of Pearl but missed.

12/17/41
Bombarded Tarenktan and Pontiak on Borneo in efforts to suppress any airpower there.
Invaded and captured Tarawa.

Invaded Cagayan. I expect it to fall quickly as there aren’t many troops there. Manila was bombed heavily with 21 fighter reported shot down versus losing 2 more bombers.

So far, there has not been any major sea battles with the exception when allied shipping fled the PI area and his raid on my Wake Island convoy. Beyond an occasional sub reporting convoys steaming between the West Coast and Hawaii, I have not seen so much as an AK anywhere since the 12th. He is either hiding out in port or going way south to avoid any problems.

12/18/41
Khota Bharu falls- finally. I think my opponent managed to pull most of the troops out as he had only 6K left there. Alor Star under land bombardment as my forces move up to capture that city.

The Allies launched several air attacks against my shipping in the area without success. Several of his Martins were destroyed or damaged.

Yenen continues to be a thorn. 86K IJA troops stalemated against 31K Chinese, 1:1 odds, fort lvl 1. Fatigue is having an effect. More troops on the way.

Troops continue to land at Cagayan but otherwise quiet in the PI as my air and land forces rest up for the next push.

12/19/41
More troops landing at Rabaul. I expect to take possession very soon. Conducted land bombardment at Rabaul in order to soften him up there. More troops are ordered in for further exploitation of the area.

Conducted heavy air raids against Manila again shooting down 9 P-40Es versus 2 A6M2s. Cagayan falls. His troops were cut off and surrendered. They’ll make good slave labor for a little while. Cotabato should fall soon. Surprised it didn’t at 3:1 odds, lucky dogs. Continuing to press his troops elsewhere on Mindinao as they retreat.

12/20/41
I-7 put 2 torps into the DD Jarvis near PH. I expect she will sink soon. Three other DDs are reporting heavy damage so I assume these are PH survivors enroute the WC for repair.

Troops continue to unload at Rabaul and the base is mine!!!

Manila was bombed again with 3 US fighters being shot down and 2 Vals lost. Conducting heavy air attacks against LCUs at Tuegarero. Many casualties reported. Cotabato falls! Allies lost only 8 soldiers, what cowards!

Yenen still holds out. Additional troops resulted in combat odds of 0:1! Ouch. Place is starting tick me off. Attacked Chinese troops east of Hanoi but nothing resolved. He has about 20K of them there.

12/21/41
Bombarded Menado for suppression purposes. My ASW has been more active lately. Don’t know if its because Tris has more subs in the area or if my forces are finally doing something.

Have decided to hold off at Yenen until 2 more divisions arrive. I have replaced several leaders there and hopefully that will help. Odds at 0:1.

On Malaya, my troops are preparing to push against Alor Star and then Georgetown. Bombardments and air attacks are softening up the enemy’s positions.


Chez

[ChezDaJez]

After Action Reports for period 12/22/41 through 12/25/41

Turns have been coming hot and heavy, 24 turns in 5 days. Not too shabby.

12/22/41
I am continuing to pound Manila from the air hoping to knock out the runways and destroy aircraft. Air attacks against Naga have also been ongoing as he has a fairly substantial force there that stopped one of my divisions cold. I need to soften them up a bit before continuing.

Yenen continues to hold out against my forces. Have resorted to bombardment attacks to help rest my forces and soften him up. Also conducting air attacks there to further speed things along. Other attacks in China, notably east of Hanoi have also been stalemated by equally sized opposing forces. Neither one of us can retreat nor are either of us strong enough to take the hex. Tris continues to maintain strong forces (100k) NW of Canton as a blocking force for any Jap move towards Wuchow. Very effective.

As this is after the fact I will relate what KB has been tasked to do. I have sent them on a raiding mission east of Noumea. I figure he won’t be expecting me there and his search aircraft should be somewhat thin. Fuel will be a consideration so I can’t stay long but the hope is to put a scare into my opponent so that he will have to reroute some convoys at least temporarily. If I get lucky, I may even find some naval forces to play with. They should be in position around the 12/27.

In Malaya, I continue to press Alor Star. Fort level is down to 3 so I think it will fall in the next day or two.

12/23/41
An air attack against Manila resulted in 9 P-40s and 5 PBYs reported destroyed for the loss of one of my own. Manila’s runways must be looking like the moon by now but still he manages to get planes off the deck, maybe LR Cap from Clark or Bataan.

Alor Star has fallen after a sharp fight and his units are retreating to Taiping. I now control all of northern Malaya except for Georgetown but its turn is coming. I have ordered 3 additional divisions into southern Malaya. Landings are planned for Johore Bharu, Mersing and Kuantan. The plan is prevent any reinforcement of Singapore while engaging any nearby forces.

The war at sea has been relatively quiet with just an occasional ASW or sub attack without much success lately. His ASW has been very good having cost me at least 6 subs so far. I am learning to move them around a bit more so he can’t pin down their positions as well.

12/24/41
Speaking of ASW, I lost another sub between PH and SF, the I-6. Took 3 hits and vanished.

In the Philippines, Loaog falls. My air attacks against Manila and Naga continue. My pilots reported 9 fighters and 1 PBY destroyed at Manila for the loss of one bomber. US troops in Naga have been bombed for several days without much effect even though I am using 30+ bombers each turn. My land forces are also bombarding Allied units in Tuguegarao, softening them up for my units marching to them.

12/25/41
Merry Xmas, Yankee dog!

My ASW found the Porpoise and the Shark near Batan Island, heavily damaging the Shark. Another ASW TF found the KVIII in the South China Sea and promptly put 3 DCs on her. It is believed to have sunk. Finally beginning to have some success with my ASW.

Air attacks against Singapore resulted in 5 Wildebests being destroyed but my bombers suffered heavy damage in return. Some fool operations officer ordered them in at 3000 feet. Thankfully, none were lost.

About 20 British Blenheims, operating out of Rangoon, struck at an IJA infantry division near Moulmein today inflicting minor disruption. This is the first major air raid conducted by the British against my land forces. I am sure I will see more.

In the Philippines, my army forces conducted a shock attack on Naga but was repulsed with heavy losses.. More troops shall soon join this battle. Artillery bombardment continues at Tuguegarao.

A Japanese invasion force has landed at Brunei on Borneo. A CA bombardment force paved the way. As far as I can tell, Brunei is lightly defended and should fall quickly.


Chez

[ChezDaJez]

After Action Reports for period 12/26/41 through 1/1/1942

12/26/41
The Allies finally gave me my Xmas present when Victoria Point fell today. A day late but hey… Other forces in Malaya are preparing for the final push towards Singapore. Additional troops have landed at Kuantan and Johore Bharu. More are on the way. The final days for Malaya are approaching fast. I believe that Singapore should fall by the end of the second week in January. The weather has turned crappy with heavy rain and thunderstorms interfering with my air attacks in Malaya and Burma.

Ground bombardment attacks continue in the Philippines as my troops prepare to storm Naga and Tueguegarao. Airstrikes continue against Manila/Clark areas as my air forces wear down what few fighters he has remaining.

China has been relatively quiet with bombardment attacks only. Yenen is still a sore spot as it no matter what I do I can’t seem to get the combat odds above 0:1 even though I have over a 3:1 troop advantage with supply and HQs present. Fatigue levels probably doing it.

12/27/41
Brunei on Borneo falls at the first taste of combat. Its troops have retreated west. Pursuit is continuing.

My ASW TF in the South China Sea encountered the Dutch sub KVIII and put her down with 2 attacks.

Attacked Tuguegarao in the PI. It still holds out but cracks are appearing in the defense. Shouldn’t be too long before it to falls. Naga repulsed my attack but he is being whittled down. I believe he may have a low supply situation there as he is cutoff from Manila.

Allied air attacks from Singapore against my convoys near Kuantan resulted in the destruction of 10 Wirraways and Wildebests for no losses. Launched a shock attack against Moulmein. It continues to hold but I hold a much greater numerical advantage and I expect it to fall very soon.

12/28/41British warships bombarded my land forces attacking Moulmein causing minor disruption. I did not spot them prior to their attack so not sure where they came from. I will move air units in support. Hopefully that will cause some problems.

His ASW is at it again. I-16 hit and sunk about 6 hexes east of PH. My ASW is picking up, especially in the choke points near Batan Island. Sturgeon, Shark, Permit, Perch and Pickerel were all subjected to ASW attacks but each managed to evade.

Additional troops are still landing at Kuantan and Johore Bharu. Coastal defenses at Kuantan have been very effective against my LCUs. Bombarded Johore Bharu but damage was relatively light.

Air attacks continue against infantry units throughout China and Malalya. The Malayan airstrikes hopefully are softening him up there.


12/29/1941KB showed up SE of Noumea and found several small supply TFs there. Sank 2 AKs in 2 different TFs. One ship, the Empire Lightning took 27 bomb hits and blew up. Not much result for such a large airgroup. KB will retire as fuel is becoming a concern.

Tuguegarao fell in the PI. The Allied troops are retreating with IJA forces in hot pursuit. The Japanese troops suffered over 900 casualties while the US suffered 8 in a 2:1 shock attack but at least they retreated.

Bombarded Johore Bharu and Kuantan again with some success. Bombarded Amboina and caught 10 aircraft on the ground, destroying them. Also bombarded Jolo in preparation for assault.

British naval forces bombarded Moulmein again. He is creating havoc with my R+R program there. Another airstrike against the airfield in Rangoon saw 9 Zeros destroyed and 8 damaged for the loss of 1 Buffalo!!! Those Buffalos are kicking butt against my Zeros. Other airstrikes continued to soften up ground forces through out China and Malaya.

British air forces launched a strike against my transports at Johore Bharu without success. Two of the three attackers were downed. Another Brit strike was intercepted by Oscars at Khota Bharu and repeled with heavy casualties. 4 of 5 attackers were downed for no losses.

More troops landing at Johore Bharu and Kuantan. CDs are very effective against my troops but no ships hit. Kuantan falls! The city fell with very few casualties to my forces. The press is on in Malaya. Hopefully I will be able to round up the stragglers and send them to their maker.

More Japanese ASW attacks conducted near Batan Island but the Perch and Permit managed to escape again.

Ground attacks were launched at Yenen and Johore Bharu. Yenen continues to inflict heavy casualties on my troops but the enemy is weakening. Johore Bharu saw a deliberate attack that reduced fortifications to lvl 4. Again sustained heavy casualties but additional forces are on the march.

12/30/1941
The Brits bombarded Moulmein again causing many casualties. I am powerless to stop these bombardments as the come from Rangoon, 1 hex away. Air and naval forces are moving to help counter this situation.

In the Philippines, Jolo fell after a short fight.

My shock attack on Yenen was again repulsed with very heavy losses but fortifications are down to lvl 1.

A shock attack on Johore Bharu reduced fortifications there to lvl 3. Odds are now 1:1 so he is being hurt, but so am I. Casualties were heavy again.

More air attacks at Rangoon with no success. 20 Zeros engaged 10 Buffalos and I lost 14 destroyed and 4 damaged for NO LOSSES to the Buffalos. I don’t understand. Additional air attacks were conducted in China, Malaya and the Philippines.

The Gudgeon escaped an ASW attack near Kwajalein. His subs are turning up everywhere however I am now making a concerted effort to track down every sub sighting.

12/31/1942New Year’s Eve and the war continues. Can’t the Allies see that resistance is futile and can only lead to their mass destruction? The Allies should surrender now and save their pathetic lives.

The Brits bombarded Moulmein again. Casualties were minor but I am not sure how to stop it without committing air and naval forces that are needed elsewhere. Oh, well. They are on their way. I should have a nasty surprise for them in a few days.

The Permit continues to lead a charmed life avoiding another attack however Gudgeon was not so lucky receiving a DC hit. Heavy ASW patrols near Batan Island are paying offing, mainly suppressing his subs but getting an occasional hit.

Troops continue to offload at Buin. This continues my expansion into the Solomons.

Johore Bharu withstood another shock attack today. Again, I incurred heavy losses. The odds had dropped to 0:1 as my troops are getting fatigued and disrupted. I will need to rest there soon. A bombardment attack was directed at Moulmein with only 8 Allied casualties out of 11k troops stationed there. At this rate, it will be 2005 before I have success.

In central PI, a deliberate attack by 9K IJA troops against1K yielded 29:1 odds. No retreat, 12 Allied casualties… WTF? At Jolo, a deliberate attack by 775 IJA troops against 863 US troops gave 1:1 odds with only 1 US soldier killed.

Several air attacks were conducted in China against ground forces there. The intent is to keep them from moving much.

1/1/1942Happy New Year! This year shall show the world that Japan is not a country to be messed with. I anticipate an early end to the war as my Japanese forces finish their conquest of the Pacific!

Two separate ASW forces attacked the I-19 near Washington State without success.

In Malaya, IJN BBs bombarded Mersing in preparation for landings there. The Allies are being pushed back at a slow, but steady rate. Damage was fair. Japanese troops have pushed into Georgetown and assaulted the town. Fortifications are down to lvl 4 with odds at 2:1. Most of the British troops there retreated into the city after earlier battles. I expect the city to fall anytime.

British ships consisting of cruisers and destroyers bombarded my forces in Moulmein without penalty once again. Casualties are growing, as is disruption. My troops are unable to move and can only hunker down and take it. Army commanders are screaming, “Where is the Navy, where are the planes?” Don’t worry, brave soldiers. Help is on the way.

Japanese ASW forces attacked 2 submarines, the Saury and the Skipjack, in the Batan Island area. The subs were able to escape despite a terrific depthcharging. A US submarine, USS Porpoise, attempted to turn the tables on her pursuers without success.

Air attacks in the Philippines, notably against Clark and Manila, are destroying what little remains of his air forces there. 4 more aircraft destroyed on the ground. Other attacks continue to target his land forces throughout the islands. A US unit surrendered to the victorious Japanese army in the PI after being trapped in the highlands without supply. 2775 Allied soldiers are now POWs. Jolo also fell with another 1500 Allied prisoners taken.

In Malaya, Allied Wildebeests launched a strike against my merchant shipping without success. A British submarine, HMS Trusty, attacked an ASW force but missed.

War Summary to Date: Overall, the war goes well for the Japanese. Steady progress is being made in Malaya, slowly pushing the Allies back into a pocket north of Singapore. Once they have been taken care of, Singapore will surely fall.

On the Burma front, my troops are pressing the attack in Moulmein and shall soon begin moving to Rangoon. The plan here is to advance to roughly the Mandalay-Alkyb latitude so as to prevent any major movements coming towards Rangoon.

In China, I hold Changsha and soon Yenen will fall. I wouldn’t normally mess with China very much but I am going to need the resources she can provide. Any offensive directed their will be for that purpose.

The Philippine armies continue to be pressed from the north and south back to Manila/Clark/Bataan citadels. I have sufficient forces in place (4+ divisions) that the fall of these islands should take place before the month is out.

The offensive being planned for the SRA is awaiting the release of troops in Malaya and the Philippines. The major ports in northern Borneo are already in my possession. I expect to make swift progress into Java once the offensive begins.

The Central Pacific remains quiet as forces slowly build up at key locations there. New Guinea and the Solomons plans have not been finalized but Rabaul, the Shortlands and Buin are in my hands so I can have a plethora of choices there.

[Ron Saueracker]

ORIGINAL: Captain Cruft

Don't put Jap subs up against anything but unescorted transports, they will die 90% of the time. If there are no unescorted transports to be found them use them for minelaying and transport. Except for the ones with Glens, they are very useful for recon.

I wonder how the IJN subs managed to sink all those USN capital ships during the war?[8|]

[Ron Saueracker]

What is the uber ASW sub death toll?

[Tristanjohn]

At this juncture (turn 39) the IJN has lost (I believe) six boats, with several more damaged, while the Allies have suffered a number of losses (sorry, can't recall just how many) as well, to include a couple of those short-range Dutch jobs. It's not out of hand as yet.

[ChezDaJez]

Japanese break US Naval code indicating Allied submarines losses heavier than believed!

I only know of one Dutch sub (KVIII IIRC) that has sunk. (As reported on my Intel list)

The Japanese have lost 7 subs, 5 of them between the West coast and Hawaii (or surrounding waters). Two others were lost in the Straits of Malacca attempting to get into the Indian Ocean. This does not count the number of damaged boats. I won't say how many are damaged but it does FAR exceed the number sunk.

Tris' ASW has been deadly. I don't know for sure but my losses indicates to me that he aggressively pursues them when spotted. I have adopted tactics that appear to be working in reducing my losses.

On the other hand, my ASW has picked up, especially around Batan Island where he seemed to have a few boats stationed. I now very aggressively hunt them down whenever I get a sighting. The Japanese ship ASW generally leaves much to be desired (average=2) but the Momi DEs in Lemur's scenario have an ASW level of 10. They account for the majority of my attacks in that area. Too bad there are only a handful of them.

Chez