Miller vrs Rob Nik 4.0 Mod - Japanese Prospective

[kfmiller41]

Rob Brennan please don’t read this thread.

























Have decided to try to do an AAR for this new contest. I am also looking for any advice I can get as Japan. I am currently in 2 other Games as Japan and have made some mistakes, mostly concerning Production, planning operations and using air units properly. I am playing Rob Brennan.

Game is Scenario 20 Nick 4.2 Mod on the standard Map
Settings Turned off
Facilities expand off
Auto Upgrade for Air Groups off
Historical first turn off
Vary setup off
Both sub doctrines off

All other settings on
Reinforcements -/+ 15 days
House Rules for this game
No new Allied TF formed on turn 1.
No Change in orders for Allied Air groups on Turn one
Only one port attack by Japan on turn one.
No invasions in Sumatra Java or Sulawesi on turn one
No night bombing attacks other than city or naval also no more than 6 ships in ASW TF


I will be starting my planning for this game tomorrow and my initial goals (phase 1) are to take the DEI quickly along with Singapore and Rangoon. I will invade the PI but isolating it initially and taking manila and Baatan after the other phase one objectives fall. After that I am kind of unsure of what goals to set. I don’t plan on doing much in China due to the changes making it very difficult there so any help would be welcome.[&o]

[Gen.Hoepner]

Hi Ken[;)]

I'll be following your AAR.

If you do not go for China i'd suggest going for India after the fall of DEI and Singapore...and obviously Manila

[Speedysteve]

Hi there,

As a fellow user of Nik Mod (against Nik) I would mention the following as guidelines:

1. Flak - As you are aware flak is now much more effective. On attacking heavily defended locations (Manila/Clark/Singapore for game start - everywhere later on) you have to be careful. I rarely bomb a base below 15,000 feet now and on the above locations normally at 20,000 - 22,000 feet. Of course you can bomb lower but expect heavier losses and very low morale afterwards.

I would also rarely use DB's for base attacks. They will get smashed for minimal damage caused.

2. Plane usage - You now have a greater plethora of options at game start. The Oscar is a decent fighter now against the hotch potch assembly of Allied planes in the DEI. Use it. They are effective planes now. Even the Nate will not be shot down like pigeons now.

3. CV's and CAP - BEWARE. DS CAP now no longer exists anywhere. Planes will leak through the CAP and have the chance of hitting your ships for example. KB is still a potent weapon but just be aware it can no longer travel around the globe zapping location after location with impunity.

Good luck. It's a fine mod that creates a good game [:)]

Regards,

Steven

[Gen.Hoepner]

hope we'll see the same result with later Allied DS

[Nikademus]

Also make note of the China changes as well. Should prove to be a greater challenge for Japan player if my last dry run (China) was any indicator. That doesn't mean the Chinese player should remain static....you'll still need to deploy your reinforcements but you should have time to do so now.

land Flak will be dangerous but only in signifigant concentrations. DB's must be careful....esp Japanese unarmored types. Be aware of the disruption value of shore bombardment for bases with ports. (See Nikmod 4.0 thread for tests which showed how surface TF in conjunction with air bombardment can "blitz" a heavily AA defended target)

[kfmiller41]

Dec 1 1941 Imperial Japanese Headquarters

Notes of Imperial staff meeetings taken by Commander (Navy) Imouri, assistant to Gen Yamamoto.

After a long series of meetings the Japanese high command finally finalized their plans the war long in coming with the United States. Although several members of the military and many civilian politicians were against going to war the die was cast when America decided to embargo oil and other supplies necessary for our survival earlier this year. The road will be long and hard but Japan will emerge victorious as the Emperor has decreed.

The initial plan approved by the Army and Navy call for the following attacks on December 7th.

A surprise attack on the Naval Base at Pearl Harbor by the main carrier force of 6 fleet carriers. This plan was forced thru by Admiral Yamamoto despite alternate plans for an attack on Manila by some senior Admirals and the Army. Plans are to remain in the area long enough to inflict severe damage to the Pacific Fleet and the base at Oahu before retiring.

Invasions of the following bases are planned for the first 2 days. (game is 2 days a turn)

Brunei
Miri
Jesselton
Jolo
Puerto Princess
Cagayan
San Jose
Khotu Bharu
Songkhia
Batan
Appari
Vigan
Guam
Wake ¡V this force was reinforced after intelligence indicated a larger force than originally planned for.
Makin
Tarawa
Nauru
Legaspi
Daveo
Hong Kong
Cebu
Iliola


All convoys have at least one or two combat vessels attached for protection from any allied surface vessels which may appear. Air attacks will hit Clark field, Singapore and various other targets of opportunity. Air commanders assure the Army Chiefs that thier planes can sweep the air of allied aircraft in a short time. We shall see if there just boasting.

Units have been ordered to plan for follow up invasions of Balikpapan, Taraken, Kendari, and Kuching and Support units will go to Jolo, Cagayan and Khotu Bharu once they are secured.

Industry was reorganized with a major push to produce Nakajima engines, Zero and Oscar Fighters and Betty Bombers, all of which are sadly lacking. Claude, Nate and other obsolete factories are being converted. Other industry adjustments will be coming up once the Minister of Industry has had time to review all the data ļ

The Navy was very unhappy with the suggestion of scrapping any planned ships (an Aircraft Carrier was mentioned) but it may yet happen if shipyard capacity cannot support planned building and any repairs, further meetings are planned [:@] to discuss this issue.

Although China has been a sore for many years, the army has decided to make renewed effort to capture resources there and units have been detailed to assemble for attacks against Chengsa and Yenan. Although the Army is confident of sucess (they have promised this before) the Navy will of course plan on bringing victory on other fronts.

Plans commence on December 7th. The time for peace is over. The plan is set and Admiral Yamamoto is convinced that the attack on Pearl Harbor will grant us freedom to achieve our aims before America can respond. [&o]


If anyone has any suggestions for my commentary (good or bad) please let me know as I want to make this as enjoyable as possible while giving enough information.[:D]

[jhdeerslayer]

Good commentary. Good luck and I'll be watching. You might give me some pointers in our game! [;)]

[kfmiller41]

Dec 9 1941 - Combined Fleet Headquarters Hiroshima

Private Diary notes of Commander (Navy) Imouri, assistant to Admiral Yamamoto.

Admiral Yamamoto’s plans have gone very well if reports can be believed. Our attack at Pearl Harbor achieved total surprise and although no ships have been reported as sunk at least 8 battleships have taken numerous bomb and torpedo hits. Several other vessels are also reported hit and at least 100-150 aircraft were destroyed. I note that there were no American aircraft carriers present and that the base facilities were not damaged very much. From the Admirals orders I can hope that the task force commander will continue his attacks until the base is sufficiently damaged to be out of commission for a long time.

On other fronts out attack results were very good. According to reports we lost a total of 63 aircraft vr’s 216 for the allies. All scheduled landing have begun and Tarawa and Batan Islands fell on Dec 7th. Allied response has very limited, mostly harassing air raids but no surface ship encounters. The only vessel reported sunk was an allied submarine near Vigan

One disturbing report is from Wake Island, where fierce resistance has been encountered by the landing troops and 2 APs were badly damaged from fire from shore and from a torpedo from an American submarine operating in the area. The issue is in doubt but I am sure the SNLF troops will carry the day.

Had time to review the aircraft production figures in more detail and submitted a report recommending changing production of 2 aircraft plants producing KI-51 Dive Bombers and KI-48 Bombers and retool them for KI-43 Oscars and KI-49 Helens. I hope the report won’t be disregarded as we need these planes to upgrade our less modern designs.

The army reported success in China at Nachang and troops moving swiftly (as much as possible in that place) towards there objectives. I will be going to Nanking to represent the Navy at a conference covering supply and other matters. Hopefully I can get a feel for what is really happening there.

Has dinner with Lt Commander Ito who will be going to Saigon for an update on our progress in the Burma and DEA areas and will brief the Admiral upon his return. Wished him a safe and speedy trip.

[Gen.Hoepner]

A very good way to do an AAR Ken!
It will be a must to read for me. Update it frequently please....and oh: remember the Jap Fanboy club is with you![:)]

[kfmiller41]

Dec 11 1941 – Naval Headquarters Building Saigon

Combat Report Received from Operation Officer Iwari (senior Surviving Officer) IJN Chokai Flagship of transport group invading Jolo, Phillipines

9 Dec 1941
While on night patrol screening TF 126 and TF 7 along with 2 destroyers encountered lone enemy Heavy Cruiser and engaged her in long range gun battle. Scored multiple hits with guns and torpedoes and after two hours of combat and after receiving 1 hit and no significant damage enemy cruiser rolled over and sank. Continued patrol with no further encounters

10 Dec 1941
Enemy force of approximately 3 cruisers and 8-9 destroyers moving at high speed in an attempt to attack transports was engaged at 4000 yard range. After 3 hours of combat enemy force withdrew to the south. Estimate heavy damage to 1 light cruiser and 2 destroyers and light damage to several others. Damage to Flagship is heavy. Have taken a torpedo hit on Starboard side aft of bridge and dozens of hits from 5” shells. IJN Usugumo was hit by a Torpedo and exploded. Despite heavy damage and fires transports of TF 126 were not engaged by enemy force. TF 7 commander has report one ship was damaged by enemy action but screening vessels were able to engage enemy and force them to withdraw. We have suffered over 100 casualties, including Captain Wantanabe who is injured. Expect to dock in Shanghai along with IJN Sagiri in 4 days.


Report from Lt Commander Ito to Commander Imouri Fleet Headquarters Hiroshima.

Sir,

Our initial plan seems to have worked as designed. Combat reports from forces landing at Brunei, Miri, Jesselton, Puerto Princessa, Lamon Bay, Cagayan, San Jose and Legaspi all show enemy bases captured with only minor losses and minor base damage. There is heavy fighting for the port of Davao, but 56th brigade was landed with supplies and equipment intact and it is estimated the city will fall in 2 days. A radio call from commander of 38th division has reported that Hong Kong has surrendered with almost 17000 prisoners. Also Khotu Bharu fell yesterday to 18th Division troops.

Base supports forces have been dispatched to Jolo and Brunei to bring the airbases online and fighter aircraft have been dispatched to the bases to protect incoming convoys.

The Kuching task force sailed yesterday after 5 destroyers arrived to escorts the convoy. The 35th brigade commander wanted the ships to sail with a very small escort but was overruled by my orders from you to ensure all task forces had adequate escort vessels.

The Air commander at Saigon told me that his pilots report very heavy flak damage to aircraft flying against Singapore, even at very high altitudes. The last heavy raid had so many damaged aircraft that moral is very shaky in the bomber formations. This is something that must be addressed very soon.


Radio Message from Admiral Nagumo commander TF1 180 miles NE Pearl Harbor, Hi to Fleet Headquarters Hiroshima

Have successfully concluded 4 days of raids on Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. Aircraft loses are light but many aircraft are damaged and require repairs. Reports indicate that one Battleship has been sunk, identified as USS Tennessee. All Battleship present are burning and have major damage. Airfields are heavily damaged as are port facilities. Have not encountered enemy aircraft carriers but as a precaution have ordered planes to prepare in case carriers are found. Will retire so the southwest in the next 2 days.


Fleet Headquarters – Hiroshima, Admiral Yamamoto’s Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Onishi notes from Commanders meeting 11 December.


Orders to be issued for South Seas Detachment for immediate departure for Wake Island as soon as transport is available. Transports have been dispatched from Palau and should arrive in several days.

Surface Task force orders sent to Palau to dispatch 2 Battleships and escorts to Truk to support upcoming landings at Rabaul. This is necessary due to lack of aircraft to support operation at this time. There are also reports of enemy surface activity in the area.

Orders have been sent to Kure to stop the construction of IJN Shinano. This order also comes with orders to use materials saved from this measure to bring several aircraft carriers to completion more quickly.

Private Diary notes of Commander (Navy) Imouri, assistant to Admiral Yamamoto (currently in Nanking)

It is amazing the confusion and stubbornness of the Army Officers here. According to reports I have received from my Naval sources the Army abandoned the city of Nanning and Pakhoi! This was done by the local army commander Major General Matsui and without any other authorization. His reason was (and this information was gotten informally from a friend) Nanning is to isolated to defend. I find this very hard to understand as I thought the army had China subdued. Worse still it is reported the unit in question 19th Mixed Brigade tried to assault across a river north of Canton and ran into 5 Chinese divisions and lost almost 5000 men. Thank the emperor the Navy isn’t run this way. I will be glad to get back to Headquarters.

Reports forwarded to me for review prior to my return showed air losses of 35 aircraft against a reports loss of 93 allied planes. This shows that our planes and pilots are equal or better than our opponents.


For the readers of this thread. I wanted to try something different so i am using this format to pass information that seems interesting. I hope you all enjoy it and please if you have any ideas let me know. This is fun for me and I will enjoy doing it if you enjoy reading it[:D][:D]

[kfmiller41]

Imperial Headquarters Dec 15th - situation report submitted by Commander Imouri to Army/Navy Chiefs

Eastern Pacific – TF1 continued to attack in Pearl Harbor area but has commander has radioed that he will be withdrawing from the area to refuel and head towards Wake and then Truk for redeployment elsewhere. Air losses due to Flak have been much heavier in the last 2 attacks. Reported losses of 108 Aircraft vr’s 35 for the allies and one more battleship confirmed sunk along with many hits on other ships.

Situation on Wake island is not favorable at this time. There are only 1300 men left from the invasion force with little supply. The South Seas Detachment has begun loading on ship and should arrive with heavy escort within a week. Wake must be taken to protect out convoy routes farther south.

Task Force 85 with almost 5700 troops left Truk for Rabaul escorted by task force 112 including the battleships Ise and Hyuga for close in support. This operation will give us control of a major base in the Solomon’s chain.

Dutch East Indies / Philippines – Lingayan fell after the allies abandoned the area, troops continue to arrive for further operations. Recon suggests that Naga has been abandoned as well.

Kuching landings have proceeded on schedule and the city should fall in the next day or two. Aircraft have been moved to temporary airfields in Brunei and Miri to protect the landing areas and provide long range air cover to Kuching. TF 106 consisting of 4 small Carriers is positioned SE of Taraken to sink any allied shipping leaving the area along with land based aircraft. They have been successful so far.

Burma – Alor Star will be attacked shortly and troops are moving south from Khotu Bharu with more troops coming in shortly.

Allied shipping to Date.

2 BB
1 CA
2 CL
11 DD
1 PG
2 AS
1 AV
2 AVD
5 MSW
2 SS
1 AO
6 AK
2 TK
Japanese Shipping Losses to Date

1 DD
1 PC
5 AP

Air Losses

332 Allied 35 Today
227 Japan 108 Today

As the report shows operations are going well except in 2 areas, Wake and in Aircraft losses, which are much higher than expected. This will be corrected in future operational planning. Allied Air attacks are frequent over certain areas and until forward airbases can be established convoys should be restricted to areas within land based air cover.

[Gen.Hoepner]

108 japanese planes lost only today?[X(][X(]
These losses are very high, especially if we're talking about the "cream"...the KB pilots....be carefull with them!

[Speedysteve]

Shows what can happen when you have REAL flak [;)]

[Gen.Hoepner]

Yes, Flak has always been underpowered in this game. Now Nik has done a great Job and i'm really happy with it ( especially with the A2A combat model).
However i never use my Vals/Kates for Airport/Port attack( just for the 1st turn at PH) even in the stock scenario, cause i consider lost for no good every crack IJN pilot who's not died sinking an allied capital ship

[Speedysteve]

Hi Gen,

I too in Nik's game will virtually never consider using KB's assets against ports/airfields unless absolutely desparate. A waste for something that LBA could achieve.

KB should IMO be used to control the seas after PH.

[Nikademus]

How much of those losses were to flak? Was it because you attacked Manila?

Just curious. Speedy has been very sensible in his attack approaches and his losses have been pretty moderate.

[EDIT - "Sensible" as in "Sensible for a pommie basturd who has little to no leadership skill")

[Speedysteve]

Almost a compliment from Nik.....whats the Earth coming too?..........

[DuckofTindalos]

Are those the rumblings of the Four Horses I hear?

[Speedysteve]

Wouldn't surprise me I hear they like Danish.......

[Nikademus]

Your right.