Speedy vs Swift - Jap perspective. Fight to the death

[patrickl]

Hi Steven

ORIGINAL: Speedy

Hi Patrick,

My own choice is to use Sally's and Helen's together. There isn't a lot to choose between them IMO.

HOWEVER, since I have had quite a few Lilly's from game start (and have gained even more from conversion to Sally's and Helen's) I plan to use them up and then once the pool is depleted change them to Sally's/Helen's. I like using Lilly's for ASW and will use them in the SRA for that purpose when it's fully conquered.

Also don't forget that you can downgrade Sonia's to Mary's and then upgrade them to Lilly's etc.

Actually you have reminded Patrick. Now that I have enough resource and oil back in Japan I am going to go through my production and make a few more tweaks.

Steven

Downgrade and upgrade[X(]. Sh...Keep it a secret between you and me. LOL[:D] Just to inform you, I don't read your opponent's thread while your war is on. We serve the Emperor! Banzai![:D]

Patrick

[Speedysteve]

Loose lips sink ships [;)]

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

The preparation continues for 'Case Blue'.............

A huge supply convoy left Japan today bound for Truk. In total 450,000 tonnes of fuel and supply are on board various tankers and freighters. Once this is unloaded at Truk along with the reception of the troops already at Truk or embarked on various transports the first phase can begin.

Phase 1 - will be the elimination of Port Moresby as an operational base. This will be achieved by air units at Lae and Rabaul. Whilst this is happeneing a landing force will be put ashore at Gili Gili. then PM will be taken.

Phase 2 - consolidation and expansion upto Guadalcanal which shouldn't pose any problems.

Phase 3 - Expansion and capture of Noumea and Espiritu Santo. The IJN will be crucial here.

Throughout all phases KB will be present but will NOT show themselves during phases 1 and 2 unless needed. They will be visible and active in phase 3.

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On the 15th Zuiho took on board a little more water and is upto 53 FLT. Hmm.

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Production was tinkered with today:

All Sonia factories converted to Tojo's and Tony's.

All Lilly factories converted to Helen's.

All Pete factories converted to Alf factories.

Steven

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

SS I-9 is to receive triple Saki rations when LCDR Fujii and his trained crew reach the atoll haven of Kwajalein.

GHQ had ordered the commander to patrol in a 60 mile radius 720 miles east of PH. On the morning of 17th April 1942 a large convoy appeared in the periscope during a routine scan! At last Fujii had a chance after 3 weeks of nothing but the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. This was his chance and he was going to take it...........

A deep rumbling sound was heard on board the I-Boat precisely when it should be if a torpedo had found its mark on the American Tanker! Cheers were heard throughout the sub and Fujii smiled to himself. His smile was soon dismissed though when the distinctive splash of DC's was heard on the hydrophone. The detonations were distant though and the initial panic passed. Within the hour Fujii ordered the boat to periscope depth.

In the distance he could see a Tanker burning heavily from Bow to Stern. It must have been the ship he hit. Once more his smile returned. Not content with this success Fujii ordered the engine room to propel at flank speed. Within 5 hours he had moved to a postion where a further 6 fish could be fired at an American Tanker. As before the firing solution was calculated and the fish were let loose. The now familiar deep rumbling was heard on board and an even greater cheer erupted!

A 2nd tanker had been hit. By the heavens thought Fujii. 2 tankers in 1 day! The Emperor will be pleased.

Now out of torpedo's Fujii ordered the boat to the West at creep speed whilst the angry convoy escorts dropped DC's all over the place but never near the victorious sub...........

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I-9 hit the Tankers 'W.S. Miller' and 'District of Columbia' both carrying fuel. Neither is expected to survive so far from port. A clear victory [:)]

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On the flip side the Dutch minelayer sub O-19 was reported sunk near Singapore. She had been hit a few days ago by DC's from the IJN destroyer near Batavia. A Gunboat found 12 men in the water off Singapore and took them on board for 'interrogation' in Singapore...............

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The 8th and 9th Construction Battalions left Truk today with over 20,000 tonnes of supply bound for Lae in preparation for support of Phase 1 of Case Blue............

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Whilst at Wake; Zuiho was a little drier today. Down to 43 FLT. Both Atago and Sendai will be fine (down to 17 and 24 FLT respectively). Just Zuiho to save.

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The 'District of Columbia' after I-9 had left her mark.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

The past few days have seen progress on Java and in China!

Java -

My army has reached the last serious barrier to control of the main island......Soerabaja. My men reached the city 2 days ago and immediately drew up cordens to the west and north. Artillery was sited and shells were fired on known enemy strongpoints. Intel reports most of the defenders are weary, in poor condition and with very low morale. GHQ has issued plans to put in a full attack tomorrow. It may well fall. Kick in the door and the whole rotten structure will collapse [;)]

China -

All is progressing as planned here. I must rememebr to take a screen shot here. Werner has not reacted well IMHO. He has let my concentrate my forces where I wanted to. In China I believe it is key for the Allies to remain fluid and seize the initiative when you can.

I basically own all of the rail except Homan and Sian. I have said to Werner that for historical interests I will take the rail and leave the rest for him. I could take the place now I have overwhelmed the majority of his army but I won't unless he provokes me [;)]

Burma -

the 33rd has reached within 60 miles of Ledo. A full attack is ordered on the battered and reteating Indian Division. The road will be open for Ledo then.

Within a week all of the alloted forces from Malaya will be at Rangoon. I'll then decide which action to take up here.

Case Blue -

The first major movement phase was initiated on schedule. D-Day for movement to jump-off positions was 23rd April.

On schedule KB left Okayama today. She comprised the following:

Akagi
Shokaku
Zuikaku
Hiryu
Junyo
Hiyo
Ryujo
Shoho
Hosho

She will head to Truk where the southern movement will begin.................

The following forces are at Truk or will be for the start of Case Blue:

5th Division
10th Division
2nd Division
1st Guards Mixed Brigade
South Seas Detachment
9 x large SNLF (80+ AP's)
3 x small SNLF
3 x NLF's.

Once Java is taken I will leave behind a brigade and large Naval Guard unit the rest will move to Truk for probably aiding phase 2 or 3 in Case Blue. These units will be:

48th Division
38th Division
35th Brigade
2 x Para Regiment's

Hell will be unleashed in the South Pacific...............

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Werner has been dead quiet over the past 2 weeks. No activity whatsoever anywhere other than subs nearing many of my bases. I suspect mine laying. I wonder if he has anything planned? I also wonder how strong his bases are in the South Pacific. To maintain secrecy i'm doing doing much down here until Phase 1 is underway.

However a spy in PM took this photo 2 weeks ago.............

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Firstly a couple of quirks -

1. MS Paint (which I used for screenies) has got corrupted somehow. Any recommendations to free art programs I can download to to screenshots etc.

2. Odd glitch at Wake Island. I have a transport TF loading the remains of units to participate in Case Blue. Now. I load the troops with the TF set to DO NOT UNLOAD. They load fine. I tghen set the destination to truk and home port as Truk still with DO NOT UNLOAD and next turn they have left Wake but have unloaded most of the stuff. WTF?!? Any thoughts?

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Burma -

Past 2 days have seen some success. As my field commander had predicted the battered Indian fled after an assault along the front by the 55th Division. They are now advancing on Ledo.

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Java -

Soerabaja will fall very soon. The Dutch are fighting hard behind well constructed sets of defences. My men should take the place within 3-4 days. The rest wuill be mopping up of irrelevant bases and islands. The SRA will offically be MINE then [8D]

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Case Blue -

All proceeding fine. KB has past Iwo Jima on its way to Truk. More men, supplies and fuel are arriving or en route to Truk.

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Wake -

Zuiho is looking fairly safe now - down to 91/27/0.

Once i'm sure no more ships will sink i'll post the official ending ship losses for the Wake Operation.

Your thoughts on the above 2 points would be welcome.

Regards,

Steven

[Speedysteve]

Any ideas anyone?

[patrickl]

Hi Speedy,

Check this out :

http://www.download.com/Paint-NET/3000- ... 38147.html

Hope it turns out ok.[;)]

Regards
Patrick

[ADavidB]

ORIGINAL: Speedy

Any ideas anyone?

A while back IIRC Frag recommended Irfanview. I've d/l'd it and it works well for me.

http://www.irfanview.com/

Good luck -

Dave Baranyi

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Thanks to both Patrick and Dave. Appear to all be sorted now.[:)]

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Well the pieces are moving in preparation for Case Blue. Tomorrow over 300,000 tonees of supply and fuel will reach the fortress stronghold of Truk. KB is sailing through the Mariana's as I write this and most troops necessary for phase 1 of Case Blue are at Truk preparing, resting and training for the upcoming battle.

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Java -

Soerabaja falls on the 26th April 1942! The battle lasted several days but the defenders were weak and my men confident of victory. Unfortunately Yamashita has reproted that several battalions of men looted and raped parts of the city when the breakthrough occured and chaos ensued!

By the next morning however the men were assembled and were marching off to the South West to capture the last base on the mainland!

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China -

Below is a map of the current situation. I'm currently marching a large part of my forces to Nanning to clear the rail west to Vietnam. From there I will swing north up the rail to clear Homan and Sian. Werner has said I can go as far as I like in China but I KNOW I could take the place now I have defeated ALL od the corps at the railroad cities expect Homan. His troops must be in an appaling way with low supply. However, I think it would be gamey to take all of China.

What do you all think?

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

After careful deliberation and a minor personal emotion i've decided to proceed in China. Werner is happy with me doing so and I will take all of it not that he realises it yet. Troops are being recalled from their march to Nanning.

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Other news -

My readiness level for Case Blue continues. I revealed to many of my men at Truk today their invasion destinations. The major units were assigned as follows:

PM
---------

10th Division
2nd Division
56th Division
84th Naval Guard (will remain as garrison)
15th Engineer Regiment

Noumea
----------------

5th Division
16th Division
1st Guards Mixed Brigade
3rd Engineer Rgt
21 Engineer Rgt
82 Naval Guard Unit (garrison).

Additional forces will arrive from Java and transfered from PM if phase 2 and 3 demands it.

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My tracking of Werner's convoys continues with another Tanker being hit by SS I-10 near Pago-Pago. I hope she'll sink. The below sit rep shows where this happened and additional hunting sub forces...............

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

The sub war continues with success! In the same hunting grounds as I-10, SS I-8 found a further Allied convoy and crept towards it unnoticed......The commander fired a full spread of 6 torpedo's at an AK. 1 hit was recorded and reports indicate the AK San Simeon is heavily damaged and carrying men! Obviouslt a lack of true troop transports has led Werner to do this. Hopefully she'll sink along with the men she was carrying.

I-8 was unfortunately damaged by a DC attack from the Destroyer Mugford. She should make Kwajalein ok though.

Other subs have been vectored in on likely courses the task force will take.

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KB has radioed Truk and has informed the base commander that they should reach the fortress within a day or 2 depending on sea conditions.

Further forces were mustered at Truk today:

2 A6M Daitai, 1 Chutai
1 A6M3 Daitai
2 Nell Daitai, 1 Chutai
1 Betty Daitai
1 Helen Sentai
1 Sally Sentai

More planes are to arrive in the next 3 days.

The storm is gathering for the southern move............

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Werner's only real response that is apparent for now is MINES! It seems he is utilising a LOT of subs in mining a lot of bases all over the Empire. They are more annoyances than a serious threat and I will not divert forces to deal with these.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

The 29th April saw the first Allied bomber raid against my Empire in Burma. 9 Blenheim IV's tried to bomb the airfield. The Oscars on CAP were unable to near the bombers to use their light weaponry to any effect. No damage was done to Mandalay's airfields. All in all an inefctual combat for both sides.

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Further subs attacks on Werner's convoys This time unfortunately all 6 fish fired at a loaded Tanker missed[:-]

I'm happy with how my subs have done. I'm going to tally up what ships they have sunk next turn.

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The 30th April 1942 saw what I call as the official ending of major action in the SRA! The few Allied defenders still willing to fight were massacred at Malang. Once they had been silenced the rest of the weary and battered Allies surrendered. Only 13,000 were taken. Java is all mine and all that remains in the SRA are a few islands in the Phillipines, Bali etc and the small bases on western Sumatra. They will be taken in due course.

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The Blenheims returend over Mandalay but this time the Major of F2/64th Fighter Sentai, Maj K Ishikawa, led fron the front personally shooting down 4 Blenheims! Excellent shooting sir.

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Phase one of Case Blue is about ready to start. KB is at Truk armed and ready. The necessary supply and fuel is in place. The troops are rested and trained. I will launch off from Truk in 2 days time provided no major mishaps occur.

Steven

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

As the preparation continues I thougt i'd tally up how effective or not my subs have been. They have performed well IMO.

Today a further enemy Tanker (Montebello) was sunk near Pago Pago by SS 1-10.

Here's a full list what my boys have achieved!:

Enemy ships sunk in India theatre:

AK Empire Moonrise

SRA:

MSW Tanager
Abraham Crijnssen
AP Van Neck
AK Loa Koeloe
Senang
Sibolga
TK Gertrude Kellogg
Iris

Now heres the one I like. Eastern Pacific main convoy lanes between America, PH and South Pacific:

AS Sperry
AK Henry S Grove
Lahaina
Timber Rush
TK Admiral Chase
Cathwood
Montebello
Uta Carbon
District Of Columbia
W S Miller
Gulfking

In return I have lost 4 subs in the SRA and only 3 in the Eastern PAcific.

Keep up the good work boys

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Tomorrow Case Blue will be launched.........

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Today was a day of organisaion!

Orders were given to Generals and then passed down the chain of command. It is time to board the transports for Operation Case Blue!

I have made 1 minor adjustment at the last minute. Recon over PM showed potentially 6 units there. To ensure I take the place I am committing ALL of the divisions for Case Blue rather than just half of them. I will still be able to use these forces for Noumea since I don't expect a long frawn out battle for PM. At least thats what I hope happens....

On the other side of the Empire men were embarking on transports in Soerabaja harbour bound for Truk. These forces will be used for phase 2 or 3 of Case Blue if needed.

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A further sub success! I-3 hit the TK Deroche with 2 fish and she is left burning from stem to stern. She is not expected to survive. Intel caught the action on screen.........

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

I want your opinions on something. I know we have mentioned Burma before and the differing views - attack from the sea etc. But I want to ask you this. I have as you know decided on Case Blue to expand my Empire further south. As such I am not commiting major resources to Burma.

That doesn't mean i'm light there. I have the following in Burma -

5 divisions worth of troops
2 Nell Datai
2 Zero Daitai
2 Oscar Sentai
3 IJA bomber Sentai

Now my feeling is this. As mentioned it is not a wise move to march through the trails upto Ledo or Kohima etc (accordingly i've ordered my division marching on Ledo to return to Myitkyina. Werner had moved 8 units to Ledo by the time my men reached within 30 miles of the place. No point in risking it).

I am tempted to sit where I am in Burma and wait for my men to conquer China. I was not planning to but since Werner has said I can do what I want in China. I truly believe I have a good chance of taking the place. If I do so then i'll have a lot of spare men to move into Burma. Maybe then I can something there even with the main forces (IJN and the rest of the divisions) in the south Pacific.

What do you think?

My main fear is Allied air. I have read as i'm sure you all have that by mid-end of 42 in Burma the Allied air can close down all airfields.

I see Burma as a win or lose situation. No draw. You either take it of get annihilated in time by Allied air.

Let me know your thoughts guys please..............

Steven

[DuckofTindalos]

You said it yourself: if you sit on your backside for too long, Allied iron will start falling on your head and make your life miserable. I say go for it; it's a loooooooooooong yomp through the Burmese countryside, but it's better to keep him off his balance.

Sitting still is a recipe for losing. Go with what you have now, and see if you can't scrounge up some reinforcements for Burma if your campaign in China turns out as you hope it will.

[Roger Neilson]

In one of my current games I noticed that both Diamond Harbour and Asanol were lightly defended. I had significant control of the sea and I therefore did an invasion of Diamond Harbour and a paradrop on Asanol. I took both places and was able to move and take Calcutta and Jamsehdpur. This effectively cut off the mass of the British forces, much of which was in the jungle area and it took them a while to react. There have been some fierce battles and its not over yet but at present I hold all the area apart from a couple of hexes of stubborn defence by surrounded and gradually starving British forces and Dimapur. Provided you have sea command you can pocket a massive amount of enemy troops and basing planes at Calcutta can cause major problems too. The British flank is very long in India and if they push too much forward this can be their undoing - provided you have the seapower.

That was in late July 1942 onwards. Its now mid September.

BTW I'm one of Werener's opponents in 'The Sun will never set' team game.

Roger

[Speedysteve]

Hi T, Roger,

Thanks for your thoughts.

My thoughts on your response -

1. T. Easy saying that but trails are so slow to traverse! Werner could move enough units to counter me. I know this from my 2 existing Allied PBEM alone....however....

2. Roger - problem is my major surface units are assigned to Case Blue. All I have in SRA is Kongo and Haruna + cruisers and DD's....

However T's comment made me think. How about this -

I know Werner has moved 8 units to Ledo to counter 55th Divisions advance SO

I have an NLF that is due to arrive in Akyab within the week.....................

How about I air transport my main divsions from Rangoon to Akyab to move from there whilst the 55th remains just outside Ledo as a decoy? If I don't prep my divisions to their destination he will not know the IGD etc is bound for India.

What do you think?

I see it as a compromise since I have not real sea power in the area but I know I need to move...........

Steven

[Roger Neilson]

Oka, maybe worth thinking about after Case Blue... in the meantime Akyab is worth taking asit diverts some of his attention.

Why are you so keen on taking Port Moresby?

Cheers

Roger