A Glorious Way to Die: John 3rd vs. NY59Giants BTS: Lite

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
December 18-20, 1941

Action and frustration speaks of the last couple of days.

North Pacific
Saratoga stays in the area and polishes off three crippled DDs from her appearance on the 18th. In some ways this was good in that I could keep track of Saratoga (more later)but was crappy in losing the ships. All were the old WWI age Dds but a dd is a DD. What I could not understand is the DDs wouldn't RETREAT past Sara's TF. I set them for Direct--Absolute and they didn't do it. The ships moved 4 hexes Day 2 and two hexes Day 3. Frustrating but OK.

Central Pacific
Midway
Wanted to track Saratoga due to the Midway Invasion. Under the steady guns of BB Hyuga and CAP from three CVEs the Invasion Force storms ashore on the 19th and CRUSHES the resistance quite easily. Immedately move in 12 Zero, 36 Betty, and 12 Mavis. The TF is carrying 35,000 supply so that will take a couple of days to unload.

Laysen or French Frigate?
Want to take one or the other for a forward Mavis base. Any opinions here?

KB-3
The reason I wanted to watch Saratoga is CARDIV2 (Hiryu--Soryu--CAV Tokachi) passed by Midway on the 20th headed NE. I detach from the KB CAV Kushiro and 2 DDs to link-up and advance NE with her sister. The firepower here is pretty good (175 Planes) and want to move NE of Midway and then slide due east trying to Catch Saratoga heading for PH or the West Coast. Might be a waste of fuel but want to take the chance.

Palmyra
Base falls after a second Naval Guard unit comes ashore and crushes the enemy on the 20th.

South Pacific
Capture Tarawa, Ocean, and Nauru. Am headed for Tabiteaua (Sp?) and Baker Isle. Once taken these two forces will unite to take Canton.

Philippines
No major developments.

Eastern DEI
Manado
In a fit of 'WTH?', Michael intercepts a convoy carrying two BF Coy and two small IJA Engineering units just a hex from Manado with four Dutch DDs IN THE DAYLIGHT! I had a CL and 5 DDs providing escort but the Dutch slip thru and get into the convoy. They sink TEN small AKs and depress this commander. No Betty or Vals fly from Manado to exact vengeance. CRAP!

Namlea
ON the bright side a Fast TF drops off a large Base Force and easily takes Namlea on the 20th. The Fast TF is then dived into two STF to hunt the Dutch. We'll see if they catch anything. Zeros and Mavis land at Namlea with 24 Nells due to arrive the next turn.

Central DEI
Tarakan
BBs Fuso and Yamashiro blast Allied positions as troops come ashore on the 20th. They'll bombard again the base SHOULD fall tomorrow to the 4th Brigade.

Western DEI
Palembang
Up and running. Have Zeros and Oscars flying CAP with 3 Base Force and then an Air Flotilla due to land tomorrow.

Malaya
Southern Half
Begin concentration of 3 ID and numerous Artillery and Engineering units at Johore Bharu. Will order them to begin their approach march to Singers on the 22nd.

Regular bombing is now hitting Singers everyday.

Northern Half
Michael is trying to take Port Swettenham (I don't know why) but he attacked here with the 11th Indian ID and three BF on the 20th. They scored 1-1 but got a pretty good bloody nose for the effort. Every bomber in the area hit this set of troops and will again tomorrow.


That is the news. Michael is doing a damned fine job of blooding my merchants and hitting back wherever he can. The Manado Disaster shouldn't have happened but it did. Don't know what happened with that STF but that's the breaks! Just got make sure to embed a few warships in all my TFs sailing into Harm's Way.

[John 3rd]

Here is a screenshot of the current massive movement of Supply, Fuel, and Troops heading towards the Line Islands. There must be 10-12 more off this map to the west all heading for the same location. We're building up the Line Islands ASAP and preparing for a little journey due NORTH BABY!

[John 3rd]

This shot shows the submarine cordon growing ENE of Hawaii. An equal number are patrolling off the West Coast. Six more are en route to take-up a northern patrol area above Pearl Harbor.

[Sangeli]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Laysen or French Frigate?
Want to take one or the other for a forward Mavis base. Any opinions here?

I would probably opt for French Frigate so you can have a better eye on Pearl Harbor. It's probably in range of 4E but if it has no port or air base then there's nothing really 4E can destroy besides the occasional Mavis. Unfortunately a move on either one probably will set off all sorts of bells in Michael's head about a move towards Pearl Harbor.

So how much longer until you finally land in Hawaii? I'd be interested in your initial invasion plans.

[CaptBeefheart]

I would think Laysan would be less obvious as an offensive outpost, more for Midway protection, unless you have a history of putting Mavises at French Frigate. No need to telegraph your intentions.

Cheers,
CC

[John 3rd]

Took Laysen for the obvious role it would play in being a buffer/forward base for Midway. Don't think it will look too interesting. I've got one engineering unit there and will add 2-3 more to try and get AF-1. A BF Coy is on the way so we can move our Mavis forward a bit.

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: Sangeli

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Laysen or French Frigate?
Want to take one or the other for a forward Mavis base. Any opinions here?

I would probably opt for French Frigate so you can have a better eye on Pearl Harbor. It's probably in range of 4E but if it has no port or air base then there's nothing really 4E can destroy besides the occasional Mavis. Unfortunately a move on either one probably will set off all sorts of bells in Michael's head about a move towards Pearl Harbor.

So how much longer until you finally land in Hawaii? I'd be interested in your initial invasion plans.

I am working out a comprehensive plan to the Invasion of the Islands as well as a tally of all units--so far--ordered to the front here.

One of the guiding factors is having enough Air Support immediately available. Have moved the entire 9th Air Fleet to Tokyo so it fills out ASAP. This is an additional unit added to RA--BTS and consists of an Air Fleet HQ, 3 Air Flotilla, and 3 large Base Forces. The units start at cadre strength (25-35%). They have been at Tokyo for 10 days or so and are filling out rapidly. SHOULD be able to embark them about the 1st of January. The Air component is at Tokyo training to beat all Hell. The Daitai for the 9th Air Fleet will consist of 81 Zero, 54 Betty/Nell, 27 Val, 27 Kate, 36 Mavis/Emily, and 36 Jake. All the planes start as older models and have to upgraded throughout the month before deployment.

[Sangeli]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Took Laysen for the obvious role it would play in being a buffer/forward base for Midway. Don't think it will look too interesting. I've got one engineering unit there and will add 2-3 more to try and get AF-1. A BF Coy is on the way so we can move our Mavis forward a bit.

Well, I definitely agree that French Frigate is MORE obvious of an offensive outpost but I think either way you've given away your plans. There's no good reason to occupy Laysen this early besides pushing on Pearl Harbor. I'd guess by now Michael knows something is coming in Hawaii.

[John 3rd]

As thoroughly expected, my opponent is RACING OUT of Burma. Air Recon today showed Myitkyina, Mandalay, and Akyab empty. Units spotted are moving out of the region. Two men on bicycles and brooms will be able to occupy this area once they get there.

[John 3rd]

The movement of troops and material is pretty massive. For the IJA land side, we have the 2nd ID, 56th ID, and I am about to buyout the 20th ID from Burma (this will happen tomorrow). The IJN will contribute 4 SNLF Assault Brigades and the Parachute Brigade. Want to capture Johnston right before the assault and will then stage Tinas through it to drop paratroopers: NICE and RUDE SURPRISE!

[John 3rd]

Spent some time thinking about this match while at work today and have come to the conclusion to SLOW DOWN in the DEI. Michael is a top notch opponent and I must recognize that by being abit more careful over in this region. The punches that he has annoyingly landed make me want to stop the bleeding so early in the game so I will do just that. Bit of a pause for the next 4-5 turns as I regroup, move warships around, and adjust my aerial forces a bit. Once I've taken that breath we'll rain hellfire and damnation down around the boy...

BANZAI!

[John 3rd]

Operation Eastern Storm
Assault Planning
December 24, 1941

Combined Fleet woke to no turn this morning so it has focused its energies on creating the OOB for Operation Eastern Storm. Orders have been continuously ordering units to the east in preparation for the Hawaii Operation. These orders have not been meticulously thought out or done with great planning. Now, barely two weeks into the war, a serious examination is occurring on just what is moving and what will truly be needed for the offensive.

Here is the tentative assault plan:

Lihue Port 2/AF 1 350 AV
--6th Infantry Brigade
--1st Maizuru SNLF

Johnston Port 1/AF 1 350 AV
--3 Naval Guard
--1st Para SNLF

Lahaina Port 4/AF 3 600 AV
--2nd ID
--1st Para SNLF

Kona Port 2/AF 1 450 AV
--56th ID

Hilo Port 2/AF 1 400 AV
--1st Sasebo SNLF
--1st China SNLF

Operational Planning
1. Approach Phase (Yellow) D-5
--Capture of French Frigate Shoals
--Capture of Johnston Atoll (Move in 2 Daitai of Tina from Marshalls)

2. D-Day (Red)
--Capture of Lihue, Hilo, and Kona

3. D+2 (Pink)
--Capture of Lahaina

Fleet Elements Committed:
5 CV, 1 CVL, 2 CAV, 3 CVE, 6 BB, 5 BC, plus Support Warships
--KB-1 (Amagi, Shokaku, Zuikaku, CVL Ryukaku with 90 Zero, 75 Val, 90 Kate, 9 Kate-R 264 Planes)
--KB-2 (Hiryu, Soryu, CAV Tokachi, CAV Kushiro with 84 Zero, 48 Val, 60 Kate, 6 Kate-R 198 Planes)
--CVE TF (Hosho, Ibuki, Taiyo with 39 Fighters, 12 Val, and 12 Kate 63 Planes)

Air Units:
4 Daitai of Zero, 4 Daitai of Bombers (Nell/Betty), 1 Daitai Kate, 1 Daitai Val, 8 Chutai Air Search, and 2 Daitai Tina: 430+ Planes

Forces Committed and at Sea presently:
HQ: Combined Fleet
Air: 23rd Air Flotilla, 24th Air Flotilla, and 2 Base Forces
Construction and Engineers: 8 Construction units, 2 Naval Pioneers, 3 IJA Inf Reg
Artillery: 3 Artillery Reg and 1 CD unit
Infantry: 20th Infantry Division

Additional Planned Forces:
9th Air Fleet HQ, 3 Air Fleet, 3 BF

More forces will be sent and added to the OOB as time passes...

[John 3rd]

I am WIDE OPEN for ideas and commentary!

[1EyedJacks]

Mines and subs?

From Johnston your Liz should be able to to support your landings. Just curious - what did you set for production of that air frame? you might-could add construction and air support units to your Johnston part of the game plan? There's a stacking limit on that Island - yes? So I think you'd have to pull off your infantry units. They could be re-purposed for capturing another base.

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: 1EyedJacks

Mines and subs?

From Johnston your Liz should be able to to support your landings. Just curious - what did you set for production of that air frame? you might-could add construction and air support units to your Johnston part of the game plan? There's a stacking limit on that Island - yes? So I think you'd have to pull off your infantry units. They could be re-purposed for capturing another base.

I have a single LIZ unit. It will fill out to 12 planes. Production is set at 8 per month. I have self-imposed a two unit limitation is creating 4EB for Japan.

The Para SNLF unit that hits Johnston will then attack Lahaina in conjunction with the ID scheduled to land there. Want it at D+2 so, perhaps, Michael moves some aircraft to that valuable AF. The Paras will trigger a Shock Attack with the ID so maybe we can crush some plane units here.

Subs are deployed (roughly 25 total. I will use nearly all 7 of the ML SS to sow mines at bases captured on the DAY they are capured. REALLY WANT to make Michael think about sending in Bombardment TF for these hexes.

Mines will be HUGE. I have a set of 5-8 BIG ML now and they will sow massed fields at Lahaina, Hilo, and Kona.

[John 3rd]

Japanese Submarine Operations
A Glorious Way to Die
Between the Storms Lite
Started: April 1, 2015

December 27, 1941

Ro-Class
Ro-33
DD Trippe Siquijar 1TT 12-07-41
AP Legaspi Siquijar 1 Sh/1TT 12-08-41
AKL Luzon Siquijar 19 Sh 12-08-41
AP Neptuna Siquijar 2TT 12-08-41
TK Gertrude Kellogg Lucena 2TT 12-09-41

Ro-34
TK LaEstella Caltex Lucena 2TT 12-09-41
AP President Madison Tarakan 2TT 12-16-41

Ro-63
AV Langley Tawi Tawi 1TT 12-09-41

Ro-65
AKL Correigidor Parmekasan 1TT 12-26-41

Minelayer SS
I-122
AK Tai Sang Singapore 12-08-41
AK Wulin Singapore 3 Sh/1 TT 12-08-41

I-123
AP Candesa Taytay 1TT 12-08-41

1-124
AK Tantalus Sibuyan 1TT 12-09-41

I-126
TK Paula Semarang 2TT 12-08-41
AKL Mauban Biak 2TT 12-15-41

I-127
AKL Isla Philipinas Zamboanga 12-08-41
AK Si Kiang Jolo 1TT 12-10-41
AKL Magallanes Tarakan 1TT 12-21-41



I-Boats
I-153
AD Blackhawk Balikpapan 1TT 12-08-41

I-154
AP Van den Bosch Bandjermasin 3 Sh/2TT 12-11-41

1-157
AK Nirvana Diego Garcia 2TT 12-16-41
AP Rajula Diego Garcia 3TT 12-16-41

I-158
AP Rohna Diego Garcia 3TT 12-21-41
AK Nirpura Diego Garcia 2TT 12-22-41

I-159
CL Dragon Muntok 2TT 12-07-41

I-160
AK Mundra Pt Blair 2TT 12-10-41

I-162
AK Wing Sang Trincomalee 2TT 12-12-41

1-164
AKL Pahang Sabang 1TT 12-10-41

I-166
TK Aldegonda Oosthaven 1TT 12-08-41


Totals
Warships
SUNK
CL Dragon
DD Trippe

DAMAGED

Other (Sunk--Damaged)
AD 0 1
AV 0 1
AP 7 0
TK 3 1
AK 7 1
AKL 4 1

TOTAL21 5

[John 3rd]

Combat Operations
December 20-26, 1941

A period of relative calm (for Dec 1941!) as I adjust to Michael's playing style and set-up additional landings and movements. He pulls off no big surprises during this week of time and I get some major planning/thinking taken care of.

North Pacific
After doing good work, CV Saratoga and escorts disappear. Best guess is they head back to the West Coast so they can rendezvous with CV Yorktown and CVL King's Mountain at the end of the month.

Attu
A Fast TF takes Attu on the 26th.

Load a single AK for each of the four bases bringing in roughly 2,000 supplies for each base. Once SURE that Saratoga has cleared out of the area, several engineer and base force units will move out to begin base construction. No real plans to move farther east then this but one never knows. Grabbing Cold Bay to deny it to the enemy is always a decent idea. Getting POWs from Dutch Harbor is never bad either. We'll think on that one for a while.

Central Pacific
Lordy---SOOOOOOOOOO many TF moving towards the Line Islands! Have to expand my captured bases due to troop capacity issues. Add Malden, Penryn, and that other one nearby to the capture list.

Palmyra
Base falls when a second Naval Guard lands there on the 20th.

Tabiteuea
Captured on the 21st

Baker
Captured on the 22nd

Canton
Captured on the 27th

These atolls and islands falling shouldn't alarm Michael too much. Normal moves for me, however, as I move more and more troops to the Line Islands area, I hope to make him nervous about me coming south. I do like grabbing the Tahiti Area but have no interest THIS Campaign. Now if Michael THINKS I am going there or attacking Pago Pago--Suva--New Caledonia then that is great!

South Pacific
Have a set of bases along the north coast of New Guinea. Continue moving small units into place. No GRAND plans here but the longer I wait to hit Rabaul the more suspicious Michael will become. Need to designate a unit for that. Perhaps I'll blood the 20th ID, who has just departed Korea, and use them to take the base. The appearance of a full ID to take Rabaul should serve as a deterant and to calm Michael down as to something 'big' being in the wind.

Philippines
Luzon
The Allied Forces have fallen back into Bataan and Manila. The 33rd ID is about to land at Naga, Lucena, and Legaspi. This will deal with southern Luzon and then the troops will combine to advance northwards to Manila.

Clark
Base falls easily on the 26th to the 65th Inf Brig

Bataan
The 38th and 48th ID are driving south from Subic Bay to make a grab at Bataan. Not sure about just two IDs doing this but if I can open the door to Manila by grabbing Bataan FIRST then Naval Bombardments can follow and make Manila FAAAAAAAR easier.

Mindanao
The Allies only possess Cagayan. Land an ID next door. It will arrive in 2-3 days and finish the Allies here. This ID will probably move to Luzon to speed things along there.

Eastern DEI
Have Namlea, Manado, and will soon have Ternate.

KB-3 (3 CVL) arrives at Babeldoap and will support Eastern DEI Operations.

Central DEI
Tarakan
Capture base on the 21st and the facilities are intact.

Samarinda
Fast TF drops off 4th Birgade on the 27th. Base will fall next turn and then the troops will march on Balikpapan.

Western DEI
After the fall of Palembang, the two Inf Brigades sweep towards the west coast and Oosthaven.

Lahat
Falls on the 27th.

Malaya
The Army starts the march into Singapore on the 26th. Crossing will be on the 28th. The Assault Force is 4 ID, 3 Engineer Reg, and 6 Artillery units. This strength should EASILY capture the objective. Nothing got to Singapore from the north or central region of Malaya. It SHOULD be an easy assault.

Port Swettenham
The besieged base get relief on the 27th when the 4th ID blasts the 11th Indian ID and five other units from the hex.

Imperial Guards is about to enter the base SE of Georgetown. Once that base is taken, we'll heard the defeated units into a base and finish them off.

Post-Malaya
Six ID will be freed up once Malaya is done. Three ID will be sent to Java and the other three will move on Burma and capturing the bases along the coast (Akyab, Cox's Bizar, and Chittagong. Once against his should serve to distract Michael and to my real intentions...

[John 3rd]

December 28, 1941

The 26th saw a spat between four old Japanese CLs and 8 DDs, who had just delivered troops to Samarinda, and an equally balanced Brit-Dutch CL---DD TF. No results there but a lot of shooting. Grab a pair of Big Boys and try it again on the 28th. Two old BBs do their work and sink CL Durban and two DDs while pounding another CL and pair of DDs. The results were fairly good. Liked it!

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
January 5, 1942

It has been a steady clip of turns that Michael and I have been getting in. Will do a detailed report tomorrow but thought this screenshot might raise a few eyebrows. IJN SS at work BABY!

[John 3rd]

I am sure all of you have had the opportunity to read Michael's recent Postings. Tues--Wed--Thurs are insane days for me my store where I barely have time to do a turn let alone AAR work. Will try to get something done fairly soon.

His attacks at Tarakan by HALF of the entire Allied Fleet were somewhat a surprise. I expected this concentration of all US, British, Hungarian, Dutch, Somali, Australian, Hindu, Australian, and Greek warships into one monster set of TFs has already opined on by me in the early Posts of this AAR. Totally predictable. The only problem I had was my air search didn't even spot it. THAT sucked! I would have cleared out if they had been seen. Oh, well...

Damage is real but not as horrific as it could have been. We've lost 1 CA and 4 DD due to massive Allied Airpower.

The appearance of this Force is a godsend to me! I know know WHEERE it is! Hosannah.

Order the following invasion to ROLL: Port Moresby, Rabaul, and Pago Pago.

Eastern Storm is set to begin loading on January 20th with landings to occur around the 25th--26th. I know know the MAXIMUM I shall be facing with the Hawaii Operation and it makes IJHQ feel a bit more optimistic..