PzB vs BWHeatley - Super dreadnoughts at war

[PzB74]

Yep, couldn't stay away from WPO - had to give it a try!
So me and BWHeatley will play the 'Super dreadnoughts' scenario 1926-30.

Since this is a hypothetical scenario I reasoned that we may as well include as many
battleships as possible as reinforcements are few in this game. Have to make do with what
we got for 4 years!! [X(]

I don't have time to update this scenario on a regular bases, but I'll try to cover the most
important events.

Here is the basis for the war:

Japan has decided to go to war against the United States after a prolonged period of quarreling over
various issues. It has been a slow buildup and both sides have developed new hyper modern dreadnoughts.

Tensions have also been rising between Japan and China/Britain, but Japan don't want to go to war over Shanghai
and Hong Kong - yet! The initial efforts will include the occupation of the Philippines. It's uncertain how the US will
react but a decisive battle will be sought if possible....

I don't want to declare war on both the US and Britain to begin with. So we'll try to occupy the Philippines, Guam and
Wake island in the first phase of the war. The plan is to deny the US advanced bases from which they can stage a relief
attack against the Philippines. If Bill attempts to recapture Wake early on he will have to bring his fleet and give me the
opportunity to defeat him early on.

If the US can be defeated I will consider attacking China and Britain. The latter will probably join the war at one stage
no matter what. We have also agreed on the following conditions:

*) Australia will join Britain when they goes to war
*)The Dutch will only be involved if Japan invades the SRA - something which will also drag in the British and the Commonwealth.
(The Dutch will join Britain if Malaya is invaded as well)
*)France will only go to war if provoked

It is not assumed that limited offensive actions against China and the USSR will drag Britain into the war, but Shanghai and
Hong Kong are very sensitive areas and we have to be careful.

Since the US only got a weak fleet in the Philippines I will only use my older ships to protect the invasion fleets.
The battlefleet will protect the invasion of Wake! It will be a week, 10 days before this comes down. Will place my long
range sub in postion around Pearl Harbour, Midway and Wake in the meantime.

20 AKs were converted to AR, AE, AS, auxillary cruisers and mineleayers.
Reinforcements will be few, Japan will only receive:
2 battlecruisers
2 carriers
17 destroyers
15 subs
And this is for the rest of the war [:(]

On the first turn a small invasion fleet unloaded 2 SNLF units at Batan Island and captured
it easily enough. The plan is to capture Aparri and Vigan with small attack units and then unload the army.

Another fleet will sail to Lingayen and surround Manila.
Mindanao will also be invaded by a fleet from Palau while the fleet at Truk is responsible for the capture of Guam.
Will attach a map when I finish the next turn!

It's unfortunate that battleships can't be attached to convoys. They're part of the custom setup for this scenario, but
disband these TFs and that's it. Old coastal defence warships and armoured cruisers should therefore be called ca's
and not bb's.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/31/26

Invasions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 58 troops unloading over beach at Batan Island, 47,47

Japanese ground losses:
303 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Batan Island

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1720 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1602 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Batan Island base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
2869 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[PzB74]

The game immediately roars into action!

As predicted Bill is very offensive and his cruiser squadron surges into Aparri
searching for prey. They're rewarded and finds a small task force carrying a Special Navy Landing Force.
The defending destroyers sacrifice themselves and the transports manage to escape.

In the meanwhile another landing force at Laoag successfully lands another SNLF unit. Tomorrow the main fleet
will arrive - but unloading will first commence after the port has been captured. I task force of older battleships
and cruisers will defend the fleet. My carriers will move to Legaspi escorted by 2 battlecruisers.

Amphibious landings are very costly so my preferred approach is to capture an undefended port with a small
landing force before landing the main force.

Bill is likely to catch on quickly, so I have to be careful - especially during the invasion of Wake. I'm still in the process
of gathering the covering fleet. Fuel and supplies also have to be brought forward. In an ideal surprise attack Wake, Guam
and the Philippines would have been attacked simultanously.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/01/26

Invasions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 17 troops unloading over beach at Laoag, 45,49

Japanese ground losses:
365 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub Attacks

The sub No. 14 claims the first successful attack of the war!

Sub attack at 42,50

Japanese Ships
SS No. 14

Allied Ships
PG Sacramento, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Surface Combat

Day Time Surface Combat, near Aparri at 46,49

Japanese Ships
DD No. 27, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
DD No.3, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Toyo Maru #2
AP Tsuiba Maru
AP Tsunushima Maru

Allied Ships
CA Huron, Shell hits 1
CL New Orleans, Shell hits 3
CL Albany, Shell hits 3
DD Waters, Shell hits 1
DD Dorsey
DD McCormick
DD Stewart, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Pope
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Bill trains his aviators at Guam...they don't have long to live!

Day Air attack on 1st Base Force, at 62,65

Allied aircraft
Vought VE-7SF x 6

Allied aircraft losses
Vought VE-7SF: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Vought VE-7SF attacking at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation map: Initial landing in the Philippines

[Alikchi2]

If this is anywhere near as interesting as your WitP AAR we're in for a treat [:D]

Good luck PzB!

I'm surprised by how few reinforcements you get though. What ships do you have to cover the Wake landings?

[PzB74]

Thanx Alikchi! Always difficult to duplicate a success, but this could be fun!
Another interesting turn with several 'firsts'! [8D]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/02/26

Sub/ASW Attacks

The Sacramento has a lucky escape with the bottom....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 42,50

Japanese Ships
SS No. 14

Allied Ships
PG Sacramento, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A couple of near misses rattles the S-32!

ASW attack near Laoag at 45,49

Japanese Ships
AP Akashisan Maru
DD Kawakaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Isokaze
DD Amatsukaze
AK Tokiwasan Maru
AP Oridono Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-32, hits 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Surface Combat

The destroyer Stewart must have sustained some damage in yesterdays engagement with my
destroyers! Today it ran into my Legaspi invasion force and was quickly dispatched of.

Night Time Surface Combat at 46,53

Japanese Ships
BB Iwami
BB Shikishima
CL Yuru
DD No. 21
AP Aratama Maru
AP Asama Maru
AP Atsuta Maru
AP Atuta Maru
AP Ayaha Maru
AP Buenos Aires Maru
AP Burisuben Maru
AP Tatumiya Maru
AP Tatuwa Maru
AP Tazan Maru
AP Teikei Maru
AP Teiryu Maru
AP Toko Maru #2
AP Tonan Maru

Allied Ships
DD Stewart, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 47,48

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso
DD Urukaze
AP Kamishima Maru
AP Keizan Maru
AP Imizu Maru
AP Tientsin Maru

Allied Ships
PG Elcano, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another batch of patrol craft is sent to the bottom by the Legaspi invasion force escort.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Laoag at 45,49

Japanese Ships
BB Katori
BB Mikasa
BB Hizen
CL Kuma
DD Minekaze
DD Sawakaze
DD Okikaze
DD Hakaze

Allied Ships
PG Romblon, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
PG Bobol, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
PG Marie Duque, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

In an amasing display of skill and courage a torpedo bomber pilot achieves something
that has never been done before: it puts a torpedo into the USS Huron [X(]

Day Air attack on TF at 47,53

Japanese aircraft
Mitsubishi 1MF3 x 14
Mitsubishi B1M2 x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Mitsubishi B1M2: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Huron, Torpedo hits 1
CL Albany
CL New Orleans

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Mitsubishi B1M2 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Mitsubishi B1M2 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Mitsubishi B1M2 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 1st Base Force, at 62,65

Allied aircraft
Vought VE-7SF x 5

Allied aircraft losses
Vought VE-7SF: 5 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Vought VE-7SF attacking at 100 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Laoag is captured and the army can begin its disembarkation.

Ground combat at Laoag

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1050 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 17 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Laoag base !!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Kido Butai strikes!

These pilots have an average experience rating of 30! It is now speculated about what
can be achieved with more training and better aircraft....

[PzB74]

As expected our plans are proceeding well - not much the small US force in the
Philippines can do. I'm already thinking past the initial stages! Where and when can
we confront the US Pacific Fleet: At Wake, Midway - or even at Pearl Harbour?

Advice anyone?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/03/26

Invasions

The fleet from Truk has arrived at Guam and starts unloading after an initial
bombardment.

TF 4 troops unloading over beach at Guam, 62,66

Japanese ground losses:
595 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub Attacks

Sub attack at 46,48

Japanese Ships
SS No. 30

Allied Ships
PG Asheville, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *sinks
-----------------------------------------------------------------
This attack scared me a bit...guess the ancient Hizen wouldn't have
liked a torpedo in her hull [:'(]

Sub attack near Laoag at 45,49

Japanese Ships
BB Hizen
DD Hakaze
DD Okikaze
DD Sawakaze
DD Minekaze

Allied Ships
SS S-32
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Surface Combat

Poor Huron finds my convoy heading for Legaspi - and the escort creams her!

Night Time Surface Combat, near Catanduanes at 45,55

Japanese Ships
BB Iwami, Shell hits 1
BB Shikishima, Shell hits 1
CL Yuru
DD No. 21
AP Aratama Maru
AP Asama Maru
AP Atsuta Maru
AP Atuta Maru
AP Ayaha Maru
AP Buenos Aires Maru
AP Burisuben Maru
AP Tatumiya Maru
AP Tatuwa Maru
AP Tazan Maru
AP Teikei Maru
AP Teiryu Maru
AP Toko Maru #2
AP Tonan Maru

Allied Ships
CA Huron, Shell hits 35, and is sunk
CL New Orleans
CL Albany, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Waters, Shell hits 1
DD Dorsey, Shell hits 2
DD McCormick, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
DD Pope
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looks like Bill is trying to save his transports - I ran over a couple of em...

Night Time Surface Combat at 44,63

Japanese Ships
BB Kashima
DD Take
DD Kaki
DD Tsuga
DD Kagero

Allied Ships
AK Kanlaon II
AK Latouche, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 44,63

Japanese Ships
BB Kashima
DD Take
DD Kaki
DD Tsuga
DD Kagero

Allied Ships
AK Luzon, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
AK Magallanes, Shell hits 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Then a large force of minor combatants is all but eliminated!

Day Time Surface Combat, near Catanduanes at 45,55

Japanese Ships
BB Iwami
BB Shikishima
CL Yuru
DD No. 21
AP Aratama Maru
AP Asama Maru
AP Atsuta Maru
AP Atuta Maru
AP Ayaha Maru
AP Buenos Aires Maru
AP Burisuben Maru
AP Tatumiya Maru
AP Tatuwa Maru
AP Tazan Maru
AP Teikei Maru
AP Teiryu Maru
AP Toko Maru #2
AP Tonan Maru

Allied Ships
PG Quiros, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PG Villalobos, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
PG Callao, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
PG Pampagna, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
PG Samar, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Finch
MSW Heron, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Avocet, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Bittern, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombardments

Guam is next!

Naval bombardment of Guam, at 62,66

Japanese Ships
BB Settsu
BB Yamashiro

Allied ground losses:
263 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Final battle of the Huron

[Helpless]

ORIGINAL: PzB


It's unfortunate that battleships can't be attached to convoys. They're part of the custom setup for this scenario, but
disband these TFs and that's it. Old coastal defence warships and armoured cruisers should therefore be called ca's
and not bb's.

Pzb,

The trick to have BB in transport TF is to form escort TF with BB and then change it to transport TF [:)]

BTW, which version of 'Super dreadnoughts' you are playing? Scen6 or 8?

Good luck in breaking their plans of oranges and of other fruits... [:)]

[Tankerace]

Yeah (don't mean to interject). The BBs are in the transport TFs at the start because the AI sometimes doesn't like to keep a close eye, and it was the best way of ensuring at least 2 or 3 Divs can get ashore. Good luck to both of you!

[PzB74]

That was most helpful Helpless [;)] Thx!
We're playing scen 8, the final one prepped for pbem play.

I'd also like to thank you for making such an excellent game Tankrace [8D]
It is working quite well and provides a really good challenge. Without ac it takes the art of war
to a new level. It should be more doable to defeat the odds in WPO than in WitP - I think :->

What do you think about the way me and Bill are playing this game: Allowing Japan to decide when to expand
the war by attacking the British and their Allies.! Would it be illogical to assume that the British would stay out
of the fight unless attacked first or threatened in any way?

From my point of view Japan has to fight smart and well to be able to defeat not only the US but also
the British and their Allies. Engaging them both simultanously would turn the war into a mission impossible
I'm afraid. As soon as both the British and American fleet were combined the odds would become crushing.

Another option is of course to declare war on them both and attempt to defeat the US first - but this would allow
the Allied player to be 'smart' and hold back.

[Tankerace]

Truth be told, you are playing it the way I had hoped. While obviously Japan can choose when and where to attack, I always hoped that there would be a house rule to limit other Allied involvement.

And your welcome on making the game, I'm just glad you like it!

[PzB74]

Good to hear that Tankrace, didn't want to think that I've 'coerced' Bill into splitting
his forces. I just didn't see any reason why Japan should go to war against all the Allied
nations at once!

Jap warplan: Cherry Blossom:
*) Invade the Philippines, Guam, Wake/Midway
*) force a showdown with the American
*) Invade China, DEI and Malaya and force a decisive showdown with the British
*) Protect our gains

Some minor naval skirmishes today and several minor vessels were sunk.

I'm slowly gathering a force around Saipan which will soon invade Wake Island.
A second invasion force will prepare to attack Midway.

My dilemma:

Should we await an American respons or force one?

Waiting would mean giving the initiative to Bill - and it would be difficult to know
where and when he would strike.

The second option would probably include a major offensive against Pearl Harbour.
Is this doable? We got the divisions and transports! The Pacific Fleet would almost
be certain to intervene. This would allow us to put subs in position and work out a
cunning plan [:D]

To keep my options open I've ordered 5 divisions in Japan to plan for Pearl Harbour.
Would like some input on this idea pls [&o]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/04/26

Invasions

The invasion of Mindanao and Lagaspi begins:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 23 troops unloading over beach at Cotabato, 41,60

Japanese ground losses:
90 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 57 troops unloading over beach at Legaspi, 44,55

Japanese ground losses:
1156 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub Attacks

Another patrol craft falls victim to our subs!

Sub attack at 46,48

Japanese Ships
SS No. 30

Allied Ships
PG Tulsa, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Naval Bombardments

Naval bombardment of Guam, at 62,66

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Vought VE-7SF: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Settsu
BB Yamashiro

Allied ground losses:
64 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Guam, at 62,66

Japanese Ships
BB Settsu
BB Yamashiro

Allied ground losses:
45 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2
Port hits 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Surface Combat

Day Time Surface Combat at 45,56

Japanese Ships
CA Nisshin
CA Idzumo
CL Tama
DD Momo
DD Yanagi

Allied Ships
PG Jolo, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Legaspi at 44,55

Japanese Ships
BB Iwami
BB Shikishima
CL Yuru
DD No. 21
AP Aratama Maru
AP Asama Maru
AP Atsuta Maru
AP Atuta Maru
AP Ayaha Maru
AP Buenos Aires Maru
AP Burisuben Maru
AP Tatumiya Maru
AP Tatuwa Maru
AP Tazan Maru
AP Teikei Maru
AP Teiryu Maru
AP Toko Maru #2
AP Tonan Maru

Allied Ships
MSW Finch, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill did find my carriers today...protected by the Tosa and Kaga. Not that a PG was
posed a threat...)

Day Time Surface Combat, near Legaspi at 44,55

Japanese Ships
CV Hosho
CV Shokaku
BB Tosa
BB Kaga
DD No.15
DD No.17

Allied Ships
PG Cebu, Shell hits 21, and is sunk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Several air strikes provided no hits today!

Day Air attack on TF, near Legaspi at 44,55

Japanese aircraft
Mitsubishi 1MF3 x 10
Mitsubishi B1M1 x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Mitsubishi B1M1: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Dorsey
CL New Orleans

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Mitsubishi B1M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Mitsubishi B1M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Legaspi at 44,55

Japanese aircraft
Mitsubishi 1MF3 x 4
Mitsubishi B1M2 x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Mitsubishi B1M2: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Albany, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Mitsubishi B1M2 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Mitsubishi B1M2 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Guam

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3485 troops, 14 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1161 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 14 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Guam base !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Vought VE-7SF: 3 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
1919 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[PzB74]

Lagaspi, Cotabato and Aparri were captured today and the expeditionary
force should soon be on the move.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/05/26

Sub Attacks

One of my subs interdict 2 minelayers heading due east from Luzon.
They're quite a way out, so I assume they'll run out of fuel long before
they reach Wake Island!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 52,55

Japanese Ships
SS No. 43

Allied Ships
DM Hart
DM Rizal
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

The limping Albany is sighted and sent to the bottom by two torpedoes!

Day Air attack on TF, near Boac at 43,54

Japanese aircraft
Mitsubishi 1MF3 x 3
Mitsubishi B1M1 x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CL Albany, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Mitsubishi B1M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Mitsubishi B1M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Mitsubishi B1M1 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Aparri

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1096 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Aparri base !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Legaspi

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7790 troops, 54 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1603 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 12 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Legaspi base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
49 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
226 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cotabato

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 963 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cotabato base !!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

End of the light cruiser Albany

[Freddy Fudpucker]

PzB,

I can't imagine where you find enough time to play all these PBEM games let alone write AARs. I'm addicted to your WiTP AAR and its a shame you have had to change opponents again but at least its still going.

I'll be following this AAR too. Good luck to you.

[PzB74]

Thx Freddy, can't promise to put as much time into this AAR as the one in the WitP forum.
Found that a WPO game takes a lot less time than WitP so I should be able to finish a turn now and then
when it's slow going on other fronts [:)]

A couple of very quiet turns, not much to report! Troops are marching towards Naga, Lingayen and Davao.
In the Central Pacific I'm sending subs and scout cruisers to Wake and Midway islands. In short time I'll try to 'grab'
Wake and follow up in force against Midway. As soon as the enemy fleet is spotted we will fall back and prepare for
a decisive battle. Only pre-dreadnought battleships and cruisers are left in the Philippines....

[PzB74]

The last few days have seen a steady advance in the Philippines towards Clark Field, Manila and Davao.
Seems like the bulk of the enemy defenders are concentrated here.

More action in the Central Pacific as enemy ships are encountered near Saipan and Midway.

The invasion of Wake is succesful and the island is captured without much fuss. The next step will
be more dangerous: the invasion of Midway.

I plan to leave 1 division at each of these islands together with arty and coastal defence units. 2 submarine
divisions will alse be based at Midway and Wake (2x8 boats).

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/10/26

Surface Combat

Enemy destroyers were encountered near Saipan - two were sunk! What were
they doing here, retreating from the Philippines?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 62,63

Japanese Ships
BB Kii
BB Owari
BC Amagi
BC Akagi
CL Kinu
CL Abukama
DD No. 23
DD No. 25, Shell hits 1
DD No. 28
DD No.7
DD No.9
DD No.11
DD No.13
DD Nire
DD Nashi

Allied Ships
DD Peary
DD Zane, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Sicard
DD Pruitt
DD William B. Preston, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Naval Bombardments

Naval bombardment of Naga, at 44,54 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Douglas DT-2: 1 destroyed

1 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
BB Iwami
CA Kasuga
CA Adzuma
CL Tama
CA Idzumo
CA Nisshin

Allied ground losses:
141 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Davao, at 41,61

Japanese Ships
CL Tatsuta
CA Ikoma
CA Ibuki
BB Kashima

Allied ground losses:
62 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Naga

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 27719 troops, 228 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2173 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Naga base !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Douglas DT-2: 2 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
48 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
1 casualties reported
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/12/26

Sub/ASW attacks

The first hits by Allied subs in this war!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Wake Island at 82,63

Japanese Ships
AP Ryuyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Yamakaze
DD Umikaze

Allied Ships
SS R-8

Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Wake Island at 82,63

Japanese Ships
DD Numakaze
DD Momi
DD Shimakaze
DD Keyaki
DD Maki
DD Kaede

Allied Ships
SS R-8, hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Wake Island at 82,63

Japanese Ships
AK Tokuwa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS R-8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of our subs surprised a fast transport made up of minelayers near Midway!

Sub attack near Midway at 95,61

Japanese Ships
SS No. 45, hits 1

Allied Ships
ML Baltimore, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DM Anthony

Allied ground losses:
30 casualties reported
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Invasions

TF 45 encounters mine field at Wake Island (82,63)

TF 45 troops unloading over beach at Wake Island, 82,63

Japanese Ships
AP Nagaragawa Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported

Japanese ground losses:
890 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 45 encounters mine field at Wake Island (82,63)

TF 45 troops unloading over beach at Wake Island, 82,63

Japanese Ships
DD Tade
AP Nagaragawa Maru, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Japanese ground losses:
695 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombardments

Naval bombardment of Wake Island, at 82,63

Japanese Ships
BB Settsu
CL Tsushima
CA Iwate
CA Asama
CA Tokiwa
CA Yakumo
BB Yamashiro

Allied ground losses:
120 casualties reported

Port hits 3
Port supply hits 17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Wake Island

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 12802 troops, 74 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 800 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Wake Island base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
118 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
1883 casualties reported
----------------------------------------------------------------------

[BlackSunshine]

ORIGINAL: Tankerace

Yeah (don't mean to interject). The BBs are in the transport TFs at the start because the AI sometimes doesn't like to keep a close eye, and it was the best way of ensuring at least 2 or 3 Divs can get ashore. Good luck to both of you!

Mind elaborating on this a little bit? I have always just sent a Surface Combat TF to follow the invasion TF. I also (normally) place a couple of DD/CL with a transport TF if they are available. This seems to work well.

The Escort mission was added in WITP (Im a UV vet), and I have yet to use it. How exactly does it work? Do you create a transport TF and then an escort TF set to follow the transport TF?

[BlackSunshine]

Nice writeup PzB. As I am in the exact situation as you in the same scenario (Japs, Scen #8) I will be following along intently.

A couple of things I have noticed:

- I also noticed the limited lack of reinforcements that the Japanese will be receiving. It isn't encouraging. How exactly are the Japanese supposed to be able to win if they are fighting all of the allies at the same time? It's impossible looking at the forces available.

- Why did you choose Wake/Midway as your inital objectives?

- What sort of forces (estimate) do the Japanese have on Luzon? What do you anticipate for the US?


As for after the Phillipines have been taken, that is what I have begun pondering after planning for this invasion. Theoretically, you will have a very large point lead just by capturing Manilla. one could just sit there and let the US try to take it back. That would not involve any struggle with another country for the entire game. An interesting idea to say the least.

I have a couple of other ideas I am pondering, but all would involve declaring war on another country. One thing that makes decisions a lot easier unlike WITP, is your resource situation. In all honesty, you really don't need to cazapture bases that produce oil or resources.

Oh yeah, and you are more than welcome to assist me in my AAR; Supremacy in the Pacific. I would appreciate any and all help [:)]

[Tankerace]

ORIGINAL: BlackSunshine

ORIGINAL: Tankerace

Yeah (don't mean to interject). The BBs are in the transport TFs at the start because the AI sometimes doesn't like to keep a close eye, and it was the best way of ensuring at least 2 or 3 Divs can get ashore. Good luck to both of you!

Mind elaborating on this a little bit? I have always just sent a Surface Combat TF to follow the invasion TF. I also (normally) place a couple of DD/CL with a transport TF if they are available. This seems to work well.

The Escort mission was added in WITP (Im a UV vet), and I have yet to use it. How exactly does it work? Do you create a transport TF and then an escort TF set to follow the transport TF?

Yes, you should send surface combats to follow invasion TFs. But putting a few predreads in with the transports ensures protection.

The escort mission works exactly as you described, although it can also be used to escort crippled ships back to base (when they split into single or 2 ship TFs).

[PzB74]

Japan is only fighting the Americans at this stage of the war Black Sunshine! We will not declare war on
the British or Chinese until we have reduced the Pacific Fleet. A two front war is not recommended by Sun Tzu [;)]
If we can destroy our enemies one at the time the odds evens out a bit...

Wake and Midway are good stepping stones for an operation against Pearl Harbour and without them the US
doesn't have any bases from which they can stage their fleets from.

Japan got ca 5 divisions of combat troops at Luzon - intelligence estimates that the enemy got some 7-8 inf
regiments divided into Manila and Clark Field. We're starting to bombard enemy positions outside Manilia tomorrow!

Will take a look at your AAR and see how you're doing [:)]

Pretty annoying that we only can upload 200kb files - a lot smaller limit than in the WitP forum [&:]
Difficult to show screenies....

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/13/26

Surface Combat

I had told Bill that I could pick up my men at Shanghai if he allowed me too...something he did.
My fast transport mission was then attacked by 13 US destroyers! [:@] 3 of our destroyers were
sunk by 6 enemy ships were set on fire by our cruisers - two of them may sink.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Shanghai at 52,39

Japanese Ships
CL Chikuma
CL Kuma, Shell hits 2
CL Kiso
DD Amatsukaze
DD Warabi, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hasu, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Chandler
DD Tracy
DD Borie
DD Parrott
DD Simpson
DD Bulmer
DD Pillsbury
DD John D. Ford, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Truxton
DD Paul Jones
DD Preble
DD Hulbert
DD Noa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 17 encounters mine field at Shanghai (52,39)

Japanese Ships
DD Hasu, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
99 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Shanghai at 52,39

Japanese Ships
DD Warabi, Shell hits 13, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Chandler
DD Tracy
DD Borie
DD Parrott
DD Simpson
DD Bulmer
DD Pillsbury
DD John D. Ford
DD Truxton
DD Paul Jones
DD Preble
DD Hulbert
DD Noa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Shanghai at 52,39

Japanese Ships
CL Chikuma, Shell hits 7
CL Kuma, Shell hits 1
CL Kiso, Shell hits 6
DD Amatsukaze, Shell hits 3

Allied Ships
DD Chandler, Shell hits 1
DD Tracy, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
DD Borie
DD Parrott, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Simpson, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bulmer, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Pillsbury, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD John D. Ford, Shell hits 3
DD Truxton
DD Paul Jones
DD Preble
DD Hulbert, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Noa, Shell hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Shanghai at 52,39

Japanese Ships
DD Hasu, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Chandler
DD Tracy, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Borie
DD Parrott, on fire
DD Simpson, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bulmer, on fire
DD Pillsbury, on fire
DD John D. Ford
DD Truxton
DD Paul Jones
DD Preble
DD Hulbert, on fire
DD Noa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub/ASW Attacks

ASW attack near Pescadores at 47,43

Japanese Ships
DD Tanikaze
DD Urukaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
SS S-33, hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Cagayan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13396 troops, 156 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 212 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cagayan base !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lingayen

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12557 troops, 169 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 184 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Lingayen base !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dadjangas

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5866 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 94 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Dadjangas base !!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Treason at Shanghai

The encounter at Shanghai showed how untrustworthy the Americans are and Imperial Command decided
that only brute force can bring this war to its conclusion. Another 4 divisions and several other LCUs started training
for an invasion of Pearl Harbour today.

Within 1-2 months a large fleet will set sail for the Hawaiian islands and force a showdown with the Pacific Fleet.
When this has been achieved the troops will land and occupy the island chain. Then we can fortify the place and turn
on the treacherous Chinese and British!!!

[BlackSunshine]

LOL! That's similar what happened to me at Shanghai. My experience is actually quite humorous.

For starters I dont know why I didnt send my evac TF with Minesweepers. Needless to say I hit a few mines on the way in. Then I picked up the troops, and got shelled from the CD guns. Then the stupid TF commander (or my frantic button pushing), unloaded the troops back at Shanghai and began to sail away! I was miffed. So I went back a second time, this time the SNLF at Shanghai were bombarded by the Allied dogs. Anyhow, I had minesweepers this time (which gave more targets for the CD guns) and then I finally got them out. It cost me 1 DD and 1 AP. [:@]

[PzB74]

The small SNLF unit at Shanghai isn't worth the trouble of picking it up - especially if the Chinese can't
uphold the place's status as a free port! I've ordered a blokade of the place.

Several large troop convoys are now loading troops - some 8 to 10 divisions should be loaded in a few days.
Within a month or so Operation Shingle should be in motion. The aim: the complete destruction of the US Pacific Fleet and the occupation
of the Hawaiian islands [:D]

Afterwards we'll deal with the treacherous Chinese....

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/14/26

Sub/ASW Attacks

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An emtpy transport was hit...it should make it
Sub attack at 47,45

Japanese Ships
AP Atuta Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Hakaze
DD Okikaze
DD Sawakaze
DD Minekaze
DD No. 21
AP Tatumiya Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-30
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The neutral free port of Shanghai has been thoroughly violated and enemy
subs are all around the place.

Sub attack near Shanghai at 52,39

Japanese Ships
CL Chikuma, Torpedo hits 1, on fire - damage is still slight
CL Kiso
DD Amatsukaze

Allied Ships
SS S-39
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Shanghai at 52,39

Japanese Ships
CL Kuma, Torpedo hits 1, on fire - again damage is slight!

Allied Ships
SS S-39
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Sasebo at 58,41

Japanese Ships
ML Aso

Allied Ships
SS S-41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Surface Combat

For some reason the light cruisers didn't leave Shanghai and another round of combat
erupts! Again the cruisers give better than they take!

Night Time Surface Combat, near Shanghai at 52,39

Japanese Ships
CL Chikuma, Shell hits 8, on fire
CL Kuma, Shell hits 2
CL Kiso, Shell hits 1
DD Amatsukaze, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Chandler
DD Borie
DD Parrott, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Bulmer, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Pillsbury, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD John D. Ford, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Truxton
DD Paul Jones
DD Preble
DD Hulbert
DD Noa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Even a lone Imperial light cruiser is too much for a dozen US destroyers [;)]

Day Time Surface Combat, near Shanghai at 52,39

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Shell hits 25, on fire

Allied Ships
DD Chandler, Shell hits 2
DD Borie, Shell hits 1
DD Parrott, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bulmer, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Pillsbury, on fire, heavy damage
DD John D. Ford, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Truxton
DD Paul Jones, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Preble, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Hulbert
DD Noa, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Shanghai at 52,39

Japanese Ships
CL Chikuma, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage - should still make it back to Japan!
DD Amatsukaze, Shell hits 13, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Chandler, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Borie
DD Parrott, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bulmer, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
DD Pillsbury, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
DD John D. Ford, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
DD Truxton, Shell hits 2
DD Paul Jones, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Preble, on fire
DD Hulbert, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
DD Noa, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

An ill advised shock attack by the Allied forces is repulsed!

Ground combat at Manila

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 13040 troops, 128 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 55517 troops, 459 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
112 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
321 casualties reported
Guns lost 12
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Fighting in Manila

Here is the list of enemy units in Manila! Our forces will attempt a deliberate attack tomorrow.