Sir, yesterday on May 30, the Japanese government officially broke relations with the United States. Today, their ambassador has delivered what amounts to a declaration of war. Intelligence informs us that the Japanese will attempt to invade the Philippines. It is imperative that you hold out as long as possible.
Forces in the Philippines:
Philippine Division – includes an overstrength Philippine Regiment, and the 31st United States Infantry. Total combat troops – about 1400 Filipino troops and 1200 US troops, with about 7,000 support troops.
1st Battalion, 15th US Infantry – 408 Combat troops, and about 600 support troops.
88th Field Artillery Regiment composed of 75mm Guns M1897s.
86th Field Artillery Battalion composed of 155mm Guns M1918A1s.
45th and 57th Philippine Scout Regiments, each with 800 infantry and 2800 support troops.
26th Philippine Scout Cavalry Regiment, with 791 Cavalrymen and 2700 support troops.
In addition, there are 4 base forces, 2 aviation units, and 2 forts.
On Mindanao, there is a divisional sized unit of Philippine Scouts that are badly equipped third rate troops.
The American troops are untrained, but have superb equipment. The Philippine troops, by and large, have no training, old equipment, and poor leadership.
Naval strength in the Philippines consists of 10 old Philippine Gunboats, 3 large American gunboats, one old monitor, 2 armored cruisers, 2 light cruisers, 14 destroyers, 11 submarines, 2 minesweepers, 2 destroyer minelayers, 4 minesweepers, and various auxiliary craft.
There are no aircraft present, though an airfield has been constructed as squadrons were due to ship out next month.
Our plan of action: Fortify and hold North of Manila, falling back to Manila and finally Bataan when we must. Quality US units will be evacuated if possible
should the need arise.
The navy will sortie immediately, with a subscreen covering the North of Luzon, and a cruiser destroyer force to interdict any possible landings. Also, a force composing my 2 DMs and 2 DDs will lay mines in Lingayen Gulf, as a defense measure. Covering them will be the cruisers and a destroyer force.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/31/22
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Naval bombardment of Batan Island, at 47,47 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
17 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Yanagi
DD Hinoki, Shell hits 2
DD Kashi, Shell hits 1
DD Momo, Shell hits 1
CA Idzumo, Shell hits 1
CA Aso, Shell hits 1
CA Adzuma, Shell hits 1
CA Nisshin
CA Kasuga
Allied ground losses:
258 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1
Japanese blast Batan Island. This force alone outnumbers, so I will not attempt to meet it head on.
The end of the first day of war.
Orders for June 2: All units proceed to deployment areas to meet Japanese threat.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/01/22
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TF 3 troops unloading over beach at Batan Island, 47,47
Japanese ground losses:
472 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 6 troops unloading over beach at Aparri, 46,49
Japanese ground losses:
1621 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 15 troops unloading over beach at Laoag, 45,49
Japanese ground losses:
840 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Batan Island
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 1636 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 1240 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 166 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Batan Island base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
91 casualties reported
Allied ground losses:
2065 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Batan has fallen, and the landings have begun. Am ordering the Philippine Division to Clark Field, and sending the cruiser force to engage the enemy at Aparri.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/02/22
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TF 6 troops unloading over beach at Aparri, 46,49
Japanese ground losses:
890 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 15 troops unloading over beach at Laoag, 45,49
Japanese ground losses:
121 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 46,48
Japanese Ships
CA Idzumo
DD Yanagi
DD Hinoki
DD Kashi
DD Momo
Allied Ships
SS S-2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 46,48
Japanese Ships
CA Idzumo
DD Yanagi
DD Hinoki
DD Kashi
DD Momo
Allied Ships
SS S-2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Rabaul, at 61,88
Japanese Ships
DD Kaya
DD Momi
DD Maki
DD Keyaki
CA Yakumo
CA Tokiwa
CA Asama
CA Iwate
Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 2 troops unloading over beach at Vigan, 44,49
Japanese ground losses:
1827 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 6 troops unloading over beach at Aparri, 46,49
Japanese ground losses:
531 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 15 troops unloading over beach at Laoag, 45,49
Japanese ground losses:
108 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Aparri at 46,49
Japanese Ships
DD Enoki, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Nara, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
DD Tsubaki, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
DD Kuwa, Shell hits 2
AK Johore Maru
AP Jouban Maru
AP Ueizuru Maru
AP Uji Maru
AP Ujigawa Maru
AP Ume Maru
AP Unkai Maru #3
AP Unkai Maru #6
AK Unyo Maru
AK Unyo Maru #2
AP Ural Maru
AK Ussuri Maru
AK Utide Maru
AK Uyo Maru
AP Victoria Maru
AK Wales Maru
AK Yae Maru
AK Yahiko Maru
AK Yamabiko Maru
AK Yamabuki Maru
AP Yamafuku Maru
AK Yamagiku Maru
AK Yamagiri Maru
AK Yamahagi Maru
AK Yamahuku Maru
AK Yamahuzi Maru
AK Yamakaze Maru
AP Yamakisan Maru
AP Yamakuni Maru
AK Yamasimo Maru
AK Yamaura Maru
AK Yamayuri Maru
AK Yamazato Maru
AK Yamazuki Maru
AP Yasukuni Maru
AP Yamura Maru
AP Yawata Maru
AK Yodogawa Maru
AK Yoneyama Maru
AP Yoshida Maru #3
AP Yoshino Maru
AP Yoshinogawa Maru
AK Yosida Maru #1
AK Yosida Maru #3
Allied Ships
CA Huron, Shell hits 3
CA Rochester, Shell hits 3
CL New Orleans, Shell hits 1
CL Albany, Shell hits 8
DD Rathburne
DD Dorsey, Shell hits 1
DD Southard
DD Hovey, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Long
DD Broome, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Alden, Shell hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 8 troops unloading over beach at Tuguegarao, 46,50
Japanese ground losses:
1340 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Aparri
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 7519 troops, 48 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 169 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Aparri base !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Laoag
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 4303 troops, 22 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 221 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Laoag base !!!
The Japanese are now ashore in force. 2 Japanese destroyers were crippled and one sunk, but the impact was negligible. The surface force will now move to Lingayen, to interdict troops there.
Failed Submarine attack on 2 June
First Naval Battle of the War
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/03/22
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 2 troops unloading over beach at Vigan, 44,49
Japanese ground losses:
1291 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 8 troops unloading over beach at Tuguegarao, 46,50
Japanese ground losses:
214 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 2 troops unloading over beach at Vigan, 44,49
Japanese ground losses:
415 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 8 troops unloading over beach at Tuguegarao, 46,50
Japanese ground losses:
33 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 44,49
Japanese Ships
DD Kisaragi, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
DD Hatsushimo, Shell hits 18, and is sunk
DD Yugure, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
DD Harukaze, Shell hits 20, and is sunk
AK Ehime Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
AP Eihuku Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
AP Eiko Maru
AP Eli Maru, Shell hits 5
AK England Maru
AP Enju Maru
AK Erie Maru, Shell hits 1
AK Florida Maru
AK France Maru
AP Fusemi Maru, Shell hits 1
AP Genkai Maru
AK Genoa Maru, Shell hits 2
AP Ginyo Maru
AP Giyu Maru
AK Glasgow Maru
AP Gokoku Maru
AP Gosei Maru
AK Gosyu Maru
AP Gotake Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Goyo Maru
AP Gyoko Maru
AP Haaburu Maru
AK Hague Maru
AP Haguro Maru
AP Hakka Maru
AK Hakkai Maru
AK Hakodate Maru, Shell hits 1
AP Hakone Maru
AK Hikosan Maru
AK Hitati Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
AK Naruto Maru
Allied Ships
CA Huron, Shell hits 1
CA Rochester, Shell hits 3
CL New Orleans, Shell hits 4
CL Albany, Shell hits 1
DD Rathburne
DD Dorsey
DD Southard, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hovey, on fire
DD Long, Shell hits 2
DD Alden, Shell hits 1
Japanese ground losses:
162 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Lingayen at 44,50
Japanese Ships
CA Kasuga
CA Nisshin
CA Adzuma
CA Aso
CA Idzumo
DD Momo
DD Kashi
DD Hinoki
DD Yanagi
Allied Ships
PG Elcano, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Lingayen at 44,50
Japanese Ships
CA Kasuga, Shell hits 1
CA Nisshin
CA Adzuma, Shell hits 1
CA Aso, Shell hits 2
CA Idzumo, Shell hits 1
DD Momo, Shell hits 1
DD Kashi
DD Hinoki
DD Yanagi
Allied Ships
DM Hart, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DM Rizal, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Smith Thompson, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
DD Barker, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Guam, at 62,66 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses
20 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Hishi, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Hasu, Shell hits 1
DD Warabi
DD Tsuta, Shell hits 2
DD Ashi
DD Nokaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Oi, Shell hits 1
CL Kitakami
BC Haruna
BC Kirishima
BC Hiei
BC Kongo
Allied ground losses:
283 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4
Port hits 4
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Lingayen, at 44,50
Japanese Ships
DD Yanagi
DD Hinoki
DD Kashi
DD Momo
CA Idzumo
CA Aso
CA Adzuma
CA Nisshin
CA Kasuga
Runway hits 8
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Vigan
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 7426 troops, 8 guns, 39 vehicles
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 980 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Vigan base !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tuguegarao
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 7240 troops, 50 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 442 to 1 (fort level 3)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Tuguegarao base !!!
Several US ships are damaged, and several Japanese are sunk. Despite the fact that two landings have been turned back, the Japanese now have more than enough troops ashore to take Luzon.
Will move the Philippine Division (plus 31st US Infantry) to attack enemy troops at Vigan. Will move the cruiser force to Lingayen to engage enemy cruisers.
The cruisers attack another invasion TF.
The gunboat Elcano, a Spanish American War vet, is turned into driftwood.
My DM force is cut to pieces....
The cost of victory.
NE Luzon is secure in enemy hands.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/04/22
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Lingayen at 44,50
Japanese Ships
AK Ehime Maru, on fire
AP Eihuku Maru, on fire
AP Eiko Maru
AP Eli Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AK England Maru
AP Enju Maru
AK Erie Maru
AK Florida Maru
AK France Maru
AP Fusemi Maru
AP Genkai Maru
AK Genoa Maru
AP Ginyo Maru
AP Giyu Maru
AK Glasgow Maru
AP Gokoku Maru
AP Gosei Maru
AK Gosyu Maru
AP Gotake Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AK Goyo Maru
AP Gyoko Maru
AP Haaburu Maru
AK Hague Maru
AP Haguro Maru
AP Hakka Maru, Shell hits 1
AK Hakkai Maru
AK Hakodate Maru
AP Hakone Maru
AK Hikosan Maru
AK Hitati Maru, Shell hits 26, and is sunk
AK Naruto Maru
Allied Ships
CA Huron
CA Rochester
CL New Orleans
CL Albany
DD Rathburne
DD Dorsey
DD Southard
DD Hovey, on fire
DD Long
DD Alden
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Davao, 41,61, firing at TF 4
TF 4 troops unloading over beach at Davao, 41,61
115 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Kaba, Shell hits 1
AK Heimei Maru, Shell hits 3
CL Tenryu
DD Kashiwa
AP Hawaii Maru, Shell hits 1
DD Katsura
AP Hakusan Maru
Japanese ground losses:
1108 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 7 troops unloading over beach at Legaspi, 44,55
Japanese ground losses:
1845 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat at 43,49
Japanese Ships
AK Ehime Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Eihuku Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Eiko Maru
AP Eli Maru, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK England Maru, Shell hits 3
AP Enju Maru, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
AK Erie Maru
AK Florida Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
AK France Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
AP Fusemi Maru
AP Genkai Maru
AK Genoa Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ginyo Maru
AP Giyu Maru
AK Glasgow Maru
AP Gokoku Maru
AP Gosei Maru, Shell hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
AK Gosyu Maru
AP Gotake Maru, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
AK Goyo Maru
AP Gyoko Maru
AP Haaburu Maru
AK Hague Maru
AP Haguro Maru, Shell hits 1
AP Hakka Maru
AK Hakkai Maru
AK Hakodate Maru, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hakone Maru, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hikosan Maru
AK Naruto Maru
Allied Ships
CA Huron
CA Rochester
CL New Orleans, Shell hits 6
CL Albany
DD Rathburne
DD Dorsey
DD Southard, on fire, heavy damage
DD Long
DD Alden
Japanese ground losses:
63 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Davao
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 6104 troops, 48 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 7110 troops, 69 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Landings Continue on Luzon, and now troops come ashore in Mindanao. Meanwhile, US cruisers blast enemy transports.
The cruisers attack another TF, but are finally suffering the effects of war.
Enemy landings continure.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/05/22
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Davao, 41,61, firing at TF 4
TF 4 troops unloading over beach at Davao, 41,61
208 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CL Tatsuta, Shell hits 3
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 1
DD Kaba, Shell hits 4
DD Katsura, Shell hits 3
DD Matsu, Shell hits 2
AP Hasuna Maru
Japanese ground losses:
977 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 7 troops unloading over beach at Legaspi, 44,55
Japanese ground losses:
1329 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 14 troops unloading over beach at Butuan, 43,60
Japanese ground losses:
2272 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Davao, 41,61, firing at TF 4
TF 4 troops unloading over beach at Davao, 41,61
34 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
159 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 7 troops unloading over beach at Legaspi, 44,55
Japanese ground losses:
700 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 18 troops unloading over beach at Zamboanga, 39,59
Japanese ground losses:
169 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Legaspi
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 16214 troops, 56 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0
Japanese assault odds: 280 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Legaspi base !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Davao
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 9290 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 7664 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles
Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Davao
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 6100 troops, 47 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 9290 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported
More landings in Luzon and Mindanao. Now, the Japanese have the ability to hit Manila from the flank. A giant pincer is in the making.
The defeat is in the making.....
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/06/22
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 14 troops unloading over beach at Butuan, 43,60
Japanese ground losses:
1661 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 18 troops unloading over beach at Zamboanga, 39,59
Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 9 troops unloading over beach at Cotabato, 41,60
Japanese ground losses:
916 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 14 troops unloading over beach at Butuan, 43,60
Japanese ground losses:
642 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Wake Island, at 82,63 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
45 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Aoi, Shell hits 2
DD Kiku, Shell hits 1
DD Yamakaze
DD Umikaze, Shell hits 4, on fire
CL Nagara, Shell hits 3
CL Tsugaru
CL Tsushima, Shell hits 1
CL Niitaka, Shell hits 2
CL Tone, Shell hits 2
CL Chitose, Shell hits 2
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato
Allied ground losses:
149 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lingayen
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 12556 troops, 45 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 10679 troops, 88 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese ground losses:
487 casualties reported
Guns lost 13
Allied ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Davao
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 9321 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 7705 troops, 53 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1
Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Butuan
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 15505 troops, 65 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 486 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Butuan base !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Zamboanga
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 1128 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Zamboanga base !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Davao
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 6111 troops, 47 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 9208 troops, 98 guns, 0 vehicles
Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
And now it gets even better. Japanese battleships blast Wake, so [even though this AAR focuses on the PI] that scratches off any Philippine relief expedition. Wake will have to be retaken first.
The Philippine Division (including its 31st US Infantry - modeled separately), enroute to Vigan, encounter lead elements of the Japanese drive, and the battle of Lingayen begins. If you'll look at the map I beat off one TF before it could land its troops, but still I am outnumbered. And intel reports a second Japanese Division at Legaspi moving North, plus 2 or 3 Divisions in NE Luzon. There is no way I can hold Luzon. And this is vs the AI!
Final placement at the beginning of June 7, 1922. Mindanao is all but lost, and if I mount an aggressive defense with the Philippine Division in Luzon, Manila will be hit from the south, with only 3 regiments to protect it.
Ships sunk to date:
So, I hope this AAR has shown that while WPO is the perfect PBEM game, the AI is still a fun playstyle. That said it can be broken if you play ahistorically (what AI can't?), but if you play in a conceivable manner, it will throw you a curve ball or two.
