The Ne(i)lson touch

[Roger Neilson]

There was a lot more smoke coming from his ships than mine!

Roger

[Terminus]

Well yeah... It was meant as a sort of all-round "Ow!"...

[Roger Neilson]

A minor skirmish compared to the Pescadores actions......

Roger

[Roger Neilson]

Ok, a great deal of my shipping lie at rest under the protection of the great batteries that defend Manila Bay, the rest of my transports are all en route there and my battle fleet (what's left of it)is at Lingayen celebrating their first hits on the all powerful British Fleet.

So, then this happens.....

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/25/24



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Manila at 43,52

Japanese Ships
SS No. 31

Allied Ships
DD Huon, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage [:-]
DD Wanderer
DD Windsor
DD Torrens
BB Valiant

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1001 encounters mine field at Manila (43,52)

Allied Ships
DD Wanderer
DD Torrens
DD Huon, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Manila at 43,52

Japanese Ships
SS No. 31, hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Torch
DD Tyrant
DD Violent
DD Vimy
DD Yarra

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1009 encounters mine field at Manila (43,52)

Allied Ships
DD Vimy, Mine hits 1, on fire[:-]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 45,48

Japanese Ships
SS No. 9

Allied Ships
BB Orion, Torpedo hits 1[:-]
DD Vidette

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52

Japanese aircraft
Mitsubishi 1MF2 x 3

Allied aircraft
Sopwith 2F1 Camel x 4
Sopwith Cuckoo x 8
Fairey IIID x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Sopwith Cuckoo: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Sopwith Cuckoo launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Fairey IIID bombing at 1000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 42,53

Japanese aircraft
Mitsubishi 1MF2 x 10
Mitsubishi B1M1 x 12

Allied aircraft
Sopwith 2F1 Camel x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Mitsubishi B1M1: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sopwith 2F1 Camel: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Argus

Aircraft Attacking:
2 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
Not a lot to write home about.... and then the coastal batteries opne up ans seemingly score no hits whatsoever, his ships sail through as if in a regatta and proceed to do soem very nasty damage to my defenceless shipping at anchor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Manila at 43,52

Japanese Ships
TK Ogura Maru #1
TK Ogura Maru #2
TK Ogura Maru #3, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
TK Ose, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
TK Ryuei Maru, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
TK Rikko Maru
TK Sacramento Maru, Shell hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
TK San Clemente Maru, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
TK San Diego Maru, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
TK San Luis Maru
AP Arizona Maru, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
AK Asahisan Maru
AK Azumasan Maru, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
AP Buyo Maru
AP Chojun Maru
AP Haaburu Maru
AP Hakuyo Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokumyo Maru
AP Hokutatsu Maru
AP Kaedesan Maru
AP Kamishima Maru
AK Kanto Maru
AK Katuragi Maru
AP Keizan Maru
AK Kenryu Maru
AP Kiri Maru
AP Kisaragi Maru
AK Kiso Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Kisogawa Maru
AK Kitahuku Maru, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
AP Kitano Maru
AP Kiyama Maru
AP Kiyoshima Maru
AK Kiyosumi Maru
AP Kiyozumi Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
AP Kizan Maru, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
AK Kurama Maru
AP La Plata Maru, Shell hits 19, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Maebasi Maru
AP Tama Maru
AP Tamashima Maru
AP Tanba Maru
AP Uji Maru
AP Yamakuni Maru
AP Yubae Maru, Shell hits 20, and is sunk
AK Shinyo Maru #5, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Tatsufuku Maru
AK Kashii Maru
AK Hisashima Maru
AP Imizu Maru
TK Chiyoda Maru
AK Shun Yuan

Allied Ships
BB Warspite
BB Valiant
BB Queen Elizabeth
BB Malaya
BB Barham
CL Champion
DD Torrens
DD Windsor

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Manila at 43,52

Japanese Ships
ML Katsuriki, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
ML Yento Maru, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
ML Katashima Maru, Shell hits 5, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Agincourt
BB King George V
BB Centurion
BB Thunderer
BB Monarch
DD Yarra
DD Tyrant
DD Torch
DD Violent

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Manila at 43,52

Japanese Ships
DD Tsuga, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Agincourt, Shell hits 1 -celebrations all round lads, that'll teach them!
BB King George V
BB Centurion
BB Thunderer
BB Monarch
DD Yarra
DD Tyrant
DD Torch
DD Violent

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Manila, at 43,52

Allied Ships
BB Agincourt
BB Monarch
BB Thunderer
BB Centurion
BB King George V

Japanese ground losses:
253 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Now this scenario is becoming about as difficult for String as shooting fish in a barrel. My lads, what's left, up anchor and we are all off to gather in Lingayen.... nowhere else to run really. looks like its the old circle the wagons and wait for the US Cavalry time.... except they are not going to turn up...

Really don't give much for my chances now.... I'd be interested to see if anyone comes up with a better idea at this stage. really its all over but the coup de grace I feel.

Maybe my subs will save the day for me.... maybe not!


Roger

[Tankerace]

Just out of curiosity, what aggression levels do your Battleship TF commanders have? Funny thing about WPO, commanders make all the difference. I've seen battles go one way, the other way, or nothing happen. I'd expect with 60+ aggression commanders your battleships would do somewhat better.

[Roger Neilson]

I must say I haven't really thought that one through. I've gone for leadership and naval skill......

I'll have a look next move.

Roger

[Roger Neilson]

Ok, the end draws closer... but I'm taking some with me.....

The great retreat from Manila and its shore battery defences (LMAO) continues.He picks up the odd stray and despatches it.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/26/24

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 43,43

Japanese Ships
SS No. 37

Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage it sinks shortly after

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Bataan at 42,51

Japanese Ships
TK Sacramento Maru, Shell hits 24, and is sunk
AP Hakuyo Maru, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
AP Kiyozumi Maru, Shell hits 11, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Agincourt
BB King George V
BB Centurion
BB Thunderer
BB Monarch
DD Yarra
DD Tyrant
DD Torch
DD Violent

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 42,49

Japanese Ships
SS No. 8

Allied Ships
DD Vimy, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 41,51

Japanese Ships
SS No. 20, hits 1

Allied Ships
BB Monarch
DD Torch

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 41,51

Japanese Ships
CL Tone, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS L-52

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 43,48

Japanese Ships
SS No. 71

Allied Ships
DD Vimy, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 41,50

Japanese Ships
SS No. 43

Allied Ships
DD Huon, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 43,48

Japanese Ships
SS No. 71

Allied Ships
CV Argus, Torpedo hits 1
DD Winchelsea
DD Whirlwind

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat at 41,51

Japanese Ships
CL Tone, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Agincourt
BB King George V
BB Centurion
BB Thunderer
BB Monarch
DD Yarra
DD Tyrant
DD Torch
DD Violent

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat at 41,51

Japanese Ships
CL Chikuma, Shell hits 5, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Agincourt
BB King George V
BB Centurion
BB Thunderer
BB Monarch
DD Yarra
DD Tyrant
DD Torch
DD Violent


Not really a lot left to do, pull in more subs and hope we get some nice shots as they charge in to Lingayen Bay to finish me off.

[steveh11Matrix]

This'll be written up as a total vindication of the Big-Gun battleship and the waste-of-space that is the aircraft carrier, while on the QT various Admiralty personnel will be tasked with improving ASW capabilities, and Torpedo Bulges & such will become high-priority items...and maybe, just maybe, some improved subs will be designed for the RN.

Of course, the Japanese will note what worked (subs) and what didn't (just about everything else), will also note that the RN was able to attack a force at sea using aircraft, and also to make a strike against shipping in a harbour. Forward thinkers might think.... ;)

Steve.

[Roger Neilson]

Nothing from String for a few days, have emailed him to check if he is ok.

Roger

[Roger Neilson]

No reply, so game is on hold until he reappears.


Roger

[Bill Durrant]

He was in the Forum today. I know he is often on MSN - will try and see if he is there

[Roger Neilson]

Move received, will play it tonight and post results on here... lokks like just a slight interruption to String's demolition job on my forces!

Roger

[Roger Neilson]

Ok, we are back, but with not a lot to report so far.... not that I have much say, its really down to String to dictate the action I'm afraid. My forces continue to avoid open contact except for sitting waiting for him to revisit Lingayen for our 'potential' last stand. Otherwise I must make a note to get my sub commanders eyes tested when they return to port!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/27/24

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 35,46

Japanese Ships
SS No. 40

Allied Ships
BB Warspite
DD Wanderer
DD Windsor
DD Torrens
Torpedoes miss![:@]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 41,51

Japanese Ships
DD Umikaze
DD Matsu
DD Akikaze
DD Shimakaze

Allied Ships
SS L-52

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 43,43

Japanese Ships
SS No. 37

Allied Ships
DD Valentine
DD Verity
DD Whitehall
DD Vortigern
DD Vivien
DD Vimiera

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 43,45

Japanese Ships
SS No. 42, hits 1

Allied Ships
CL Comus
DD Vanoc
DD Vanity
CL Caroline
DD Whitley
DD Vidette
Torpedoes miss![:@]

I spot a TF of BB plus supports heading my way from Hong Kong, maybe next move will bring another surface engagement.

Cheers

Roger

[Roger Neilson]

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.............[>:][>:][>:][>:][>:][>:][>:][>:][>:]

Ok, apart from the odd sub attack which damages an AK of mine, and two more sets of misses by my subs absolutely nothing happens. Looking at the map I spy two subs around Lingayen, and one actually in the bay!

There is nothing else on the map that isn't mine. Oh for some decent recce aircraft.

Conclusions:

He is sitting back knowing he has won

He is massing just out of range for the final battle

He is as much in the dark as I am....

Really with the few seaworthy craft I have left I can't go anywhere, so the presence of most of my transport shipping in Lingayen hopefully will tempt him in, though given his superiority after the earlier battles its really a matter of taking a few with me and upholding the glory of Jpanaese fighting spirit as he will destroy me when he does arrive.

Ok, stay posted.

Roger

[Roger Neilson]

A new day, and either he decides that there might be a surface force of mine at Tainan or its a prelude to an invasion there.... interesting either way.

Maybe not what he expected as a result, no ships of mine there, but some fairly fierce shore defences....

Naval bombardment of Tainan, at 48,44 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

255 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
BC Princess Royal, Shell hits 34, on fire
BC Inflexible, Shell hits 32, on fire
BC Renown, Shell hits 17
BC Hood, Shell hits 7
BB Erin, Shell hits 14
BB Marlborough, Shell hits 34, on fire
BB Royal Sovereign, Shell hits 24

Japanese ground losses:
225 casualties reported
Guns lost 14

So, with luck he has some fairly shot up ships there, so time to hit with a destroyer raid I hope. Also I am sending some subs to try to pick off cripples as he retires. Of course if that was just one of several Tfs heading to Tainan I am in trouble, but i have little to lose, and much to gain.... I'm 1500 points behind still.

Cheers

ROger

[Roger Neilson]

and nothing occurs next day..... what is happening?

Roger

[Roger Neilson]

Day 30 and..........................


















Nothng happens!

Roger

[Roger Neilson]

Day 31 and one of his subs enters Manila Bay, finds CL Tatsuta and hits with a torpedo. looking at the combat she is reported listing, counterflooding. However when I get to my orders she only has 33 float dmg......

Again nothing else happens.....


Roger
[&:]

[Roger Neilson]

Day 32.... the sub returns to take on CL Tatsuta and hits with two more torps.... glug, glug.

More and more reports of sightings of subs round my coastlines.... and no sign of any ships... this looks like String's new way of warfare.

Cheers

Roger

[Roger Neilson]

Day 33 and still its a tense sub versus surface game....

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/03/24

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lingayen at 44,50

Allied Ships
SS K-8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Bataan at 42,51

Japanese Ships
DD Yanagi

Allied Ships
SS K-III, hits 2, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 14 encounters mine field at Bataan (42,51)

Japanese Ships
DD Kashi, Mine hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 33,47

Japanese Ships
SS No. 57

Allied Ships
DD Yarra
DD Torch
DD Tyrant
DD Violent
BB Thunderer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 33,47

Japanese Ships
SS No. 57

Allied Ships
CL Caroline
DD Vanoc
DD Vanity
DD Whitley
DD Vidette

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 43,49

Allied Ships
SS K-14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 33,47

Japanese Ships
SS No. 57

Allied Ships
DD Tyrant, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yarra
DD Torch
DD Violent
BB Monarch
BB Centurion
BB Agincourt

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 42,49

Japanese Ships
DD Akikaze
DD Shimakaze

Allied Ships
SS M-1


A few more moves of this and I'll have a rethink as to how to proceed.... maybe he is sitting back and assuming this is won?

Cheers

ROger