Hunting the Hibiki: Q-Ball (Allies) v Cuttlefish (Japan)

[Capt. Harlock]

BOISE is basically unhurt, but after 2 days completely out of ammo. What a ship!

Boise has frequently been a thorn in the side of the IJN in a number of AAR's. Small wonder, since she's basically a heavy cruiser armed with 15 6-inch guns. (Makes you wonder if it wasn't a mistake for the Japanese to up-gun the Mogami class to 8-inchers.)

[Q-Ball]

Capt Harlock: Boise was always legend on the WITP AARs. The US Asiatic Fleet pretty much ran the gauntlett, including a cruise all the way around Borneo, sinking several transports, 4 DDs, and shooting up Chokai pretty good. Houston sank, Marblehead needs months of yard time, and several DDs went down, but Boise wasn't scratched.

Combat Report, Dec 13, 14, 1941

Two days without a major move of note, though I suspect Cuttlefish is hatching several evil plans.

Phillipines: Japanese troops come ashore at San Fernando; I am moving everyone back on Clark and Manila. Apparently, he isn't landing at Lingayen, so I'm even moving the CD guns. My PT boats attack constantly in the daytime, and withdraw, including today against a transport TF. Major air attacks on the 13th resulted in 7 Zeros shot down, no attacks today.

Malaya: I am pulling everyone back on Singapore, and so far we haven't seen any Japanese bombing. Suits me fine, I would like to get everyone back in good order.

Borneo: An invasion TF appears to be approaching Kuching.

Celebes Sea: Nothing so far. Nada!

Sub Wars: CF's subs are doing a number on ships fleeing, they sank Dominion Monarch off Batavia, that one hurts. Also got a couple xAKLs. Several more fleeing transports also sunk, by BBs and CVLs. He has concentrated on getting PI ships, and done a good job. I got out all the ASs and warships, but he has caught and sunk most slow ships.

On my side, S-36 sank another AK off Appari, 2nd ship of the patrol. She heads home with empty tubes; THAT always feels good! Another Dutch sub put a torp into Chokai off Cam Ranh; she was shot up pretty good by Boise, and reported "heavy damage". I hope we got her.

Japanese Intentions:
I have no idea where CF is headed. 2 Jap BBs have bombarded Wake a couple days lately, I suspect an invasion TF will show up shortly. I haven't seen ANY sign of movement around the Celebes Sea, or off Rabaul. KB was sighted last about 4 days ago moving toward Midway, but we have not spotted them there. It wouldn't surprise me if they were going to Truk or maybe supporting a Wake Invasion.

Intel has identified the 4th Division as moving toward San Fernando, and the 33rd toward Bangkok. I wonder where the 2nd, 21st, and 38th are going? They are the remaining "uncommitted" divisions; all the other ones are pretty much pointed somewhere at start. I can get used to this Allied SigInt! I never bothered as Japan. "Radio Transmissions Detected at San Francisco". Thanks fellas!

Maps I'll post a map or two once something interesting happens.....

[scott64]

GO Boise [:'(]

[Q-Ball]

scott1964: Indeed! Boise now rests at Batavia, with 3 USN DDs.

Combat Report, December 15th and 16th, 1941

Still relatively little BIG news, though a few things are brewing that indicate future action.

Malaya:
The 16th saw the first air attacks over Singapore. We lost 10 Buffalos, in exchange for 4 Zeros and 2 Sallys. They didn't do much damage. Not a bad result really, but not one we can keep up for any legth of time. Alor Star has fallen, and Japanese are marching down the Peninsula, approaching Georgetown and Temoulah. I have withdrawn most troops already to Singapore, leaving just enough to guard against Para Drops; without that, he could drop Paras up ahead on the tracks to capture the "railway stations", and move everyone up quickly. The 2 Australian Brigades are entrenched at Mersing, to guard against a landing there.

Borneo: A large TF of some sort is sighted just off Kuching. Force Z is in position to sortie, and will be at Kuching tonight. If that's where he is going, should be fun! To date, he has not made any move on the NW tip of Borneo, which is puzzling; this is a pretty standard step to Java.

Celebes Sea: Still no Japanese landings anywhere in the DEI, other than Miri. No Japanese landing on Davao. I used Cagayan to bomb the Oil a Miri a couple turns, but supplies there are very low. I paid the PPs to move all the B-17s to Soerbaya; better there than get killed on the runway on Mindanao. A Dutch surface combat TF is steaming toward Jolo, to attack whatever is there.

DEI: All defensive preparations and moves, including:
On SUMATRA, all northern units are concentrating at Medan. This is something like 8 units, which should be a speedbump.
On JAVA, I am using the Dutch air transport to airlift the Barisan Regt. into Soerbaya. It's a big unit, and pretty wasted on Pamakasan. This should take the rest of the month. Once that is complete, we will probably start consolidating troops at Palembang the same way.
I am lifting Fuel like crazy from Java; any hull leaving the DEI is taking fuel with them. The first ships are pulling into Australia, and will head back for more.

Carrier Dispositions: I found the location of KB, the hard way; Quail is a refugee from the PI. Japanese Carrier a/c hit Wake from the north the day before. I think this means that KB is heading toward Japan.

After the opening bell, we sent Ent/Lex south toward Pago Pago. They are now steaming toward Sydney. I had intended to use them in the DEI, but I don't want to do that unless I am certain that KB is NOT going to make an appearance. I would rather sit in port than risk it frankly. That is exactly where Saratoga is, sitting in San Diego, waiting to accumulate adequate fighters for her airgroups.

The hard way to find KB:

[aztez]

Good luck! I will keep an eye on this one.

As for Medan "speed bump". Those 8 units were knocked out in the 1st assault againts the base. I actually had the same idea and it looked like a plan since you could gather +300av worth of troops. In reality these troops did not mount anykind of defense.

[erstad]

ORIGINAL: aztez

Good luck! I will keep an eye on this one.

As for Medan "speed bump". Those 8 units were knocked out in the 1st assault againts the base. I actually had the same idea and it looked like a plan since you could gather +300av worth of troops. In reality these troops did not mount anykind of defense.

With the increased FOW, I've been aggressively doing recon. Saw those units there, so I brought in a couple of regiments. Plus, I made sure I didn't land where the troop concentrations were. There's something like 3 bases spaced every two hexes around Medan, connected by major road, so Japan can pick and choose where they land.

Not sure if anything is much better, though. The dutch troops just aren't very good.

[Q-Ball]

aztez and erstad: Thanks for the input. Yeah, I don't expect Medan to hold, the point really is to make Cuttlefish do what erstad did, which is bring 200+ AV to take it, not just little units to "mop up".

Combat Report, Dec 17th, 18th, 19th

These days featured 2 surface victories for the Allies; one that I am proud of, and one that frankly was kind of BS PT stuff.

First, on the 17th in the Phillipines:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near San Fernando at 80,74, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
AMC Asaka Maru, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1
xAK Azuma Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
xAK Katuragi Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Arimasan Maru
xAP Dairen Maru, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Hoten Maru, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAP Tsingtao Maru, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Taizan Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Shanghai Maru
xAP Ukishima Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Aso Maru #7, Shell hits 11, on fire
PB Yamahagi Maru #3, Shell hits 3

Allied Ships
PT-31, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT-32
PT-33
PT-34
PT-35
PT-41
PT Q-111
PT Q-112
PT Q-113

Apparently, there were surface combat TFs in that hex, and CF had them following the proper way. They just got to the transports first. Even though it's my victory, I am not sure I like this result; that's alot of blood for transports that are supposed to be protected. That's also 13 out of 18 on torp hits. A little high? I can understand CF's frustration on this one.

The following night, at Jolo; this one, there was no surface combat TF protecting the transports, so this is on CF. They got crushed by the Dutch:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Jolo at 74,90, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Saiko Maru, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
CM Yaeyama, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
xAK Kyusyu Maru, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
xAK Tenryu Maru, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Taifuku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Nanrei Maru, Shell hits 13, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Java, Shell hits 1
CL De Ruyter
CL Tromp
DD Banckert
DD Van Nes
DD Witte de With
DD Evertsen
DD Kortenaer

C'est la guerre on that one. My opponent's morale is a bit low at the moment given the transport losses in the SRA.

Borneo: Still no sign of the Japanese on the NW tip of Borneo. They are taking bases on the NE tip, including Jesselton, Kudat, etc. Those bases seem kind of superfluous though; unless an airbase is size 2 or greater, it's not a threat to the Japs.

Phillipines: CF is advancing everywhere, final phase is coming shortly.

[Micke II]

Apparently, there were surface combat TFs in that hex, and CF had them following the proper way. They just got to the transports first. Even though it's my victory, I am not sure I like this result; that's alot of blood for transports that are supposed to be protected. That's also 13 out of 18 on torp hits. A little high? I can understand CF's frustration on this one.

Hi Q-Ball

Very interesting to follow this game with the very agressive defense strategy of the Allies.
It's not the first time a surface combat with a follow order doesnt react in the same hex when the transport TF is attacked by PT.
i dont know if it's a bug or part of the new game mechanic.
Now I incorporate destroyers and a slow light cruiser in the convoy to get a better protection.

[Q-Ball]

Combat Report, Dec 20-23, 1941

It's been a fairly uneventful few days until the 23rd, a couple big events happened. Otherwise, pretty much the standard Japanese advances. First....

Malaya: Japanese are advancing down the peninsula, taking Temoulah, but we are retreating in good order. I actually rebuilt the 11th Indian Division at Singapore. I still have a couple brigades making their way down, once they clear Malacca we will pull the Australians in from Mersing. We should be in the fort completely by New Years.

Phillipines: CF is taking the remaining bases outside of Manila and Clark.

Borneo: I am attaching a Map; CF is occupying several bases in the lower Phillipines, and I sent Force Z in to cause trouble. I had observed BBs there, but because Force Z survived the opening round, I think it's only fair to find trouble, since that's what Churchill intended. They found it.

Force Z tangled with a large TF built around 2 Kongos, and included 2 CA, a couple CL, and DDs. We sank CL Jintsu, and a DD...more on that later. Attached is a map of the region:

[Q-Ball]

DEATH OF THE HIBIKI

Here is the big news though: Hibiki was the DD sunk in that night action by Prince of Wales! She took 5 shell hits, including 2 14in hits which did her in. It's amazing that Hibiki made it through years of careful management by Cuttlefish through many combats, only to not even make it out of 1941 in this AAR! Alas, I need to change the title of my AAR, because mission is accomplished:

[Miller]

[&o]

[Fletcher]

Excellent AAR! I´ll take an eye on it, of course.
Best of lucks !
Fletcher

[Canoerebel]

So, the game is over, right?

[Q-Ball]

No, Cuttlefish reports that Captain Ishii was rescued by another destroyer, and will be re-assigned another command. That, or he is changing his AAR to "Littler Ship, Big War: Voyages of Wa-4", an epic story about a coastal minesweeper.

[SuluSea]

ORIGINAL: Q-Ball

No, Cuttlefish reports that Captain Ishii was rescued by another destroyer, and will be re-assigned another command. That, or he is changing his AAR to "Littler Ship, Big War: Voyages of Wa-4", an epic story about a coastal minesweeper.

On another note a virtual salute to all the brave sailors off the Hibiki. [;)]

[Nikademus]

for the record....my mod had NOTHING to do with Hibiki's loss. [;)]

[Capt. Harlock]

Prince of Wales! She took 5 shell hits, including 2 14in hits which did her in. It's amazing that Hibiki made it through years of careful management by Cuttlefish through many combats, only to not even make it out of 1941 in this AAR!

A virtual salute to Prince of Wales! (Her failure to sink the Bismarck is redeemed . . .)

[Q-Ball]

Thanks fellas for the comments! I am also reading your AAR Fletcher, good luck there.

Combat Report, Dec 25,26thth

Cuttlefish took out his rage at losing Hibiki on Force Z again, really mauling it. Repulse is still OK, but we lost another DD, and Prince of Wales is in port at Balikpapan, hoping to pump out at least a little bit. She should be OK as long as Cuttlefish doesn't find it and decide to focus on her.

Phillipines: This battle is entering it's final phases. Attacks today got 8 of my dwindling fighters for no Zeros, we have just a handful left, and they are low morale. CF has done a nice job handling my air there.

I have decided to concentrate everyone on Clark, making Manila an open city. Clark has better terrain, and is backstopped by Bataan; without Bataan, he can't use Manila Harbor anyway.

SW Pac In the first signs of any kind of Japanese activity in the SW Pac, a US Sub sighted a couple DD's 250 mi. north of Kaveing. Of course our torps were duds. Interesting though, I think it's about to heat up over there.

[Capt. Harlock]

Alas, I need to change the title of my AAR, because mission is accomplished

If I may make a modest suggestion for a new title:

"Scratch one Tin Can!"

[Q-Ball]

December 27th,28th,29th

A few interesting events, as the wheels of the Japanese War Machine grind on.

Malaya: Japanese are still slowly marching down the peninsula; most of my troops are already in Singapore, just a rear-guard making him walk down. I expect to cross over and blow the bridges about January 15th or so.

Phillipines: The Siege of Clark Field has begun. The last of my fighters are pretty much shot, and I evacuated the bombers awhile ago. Manila is an open city, and will fall shortly.

Elsewhere in the DEI: Japanese forces land at Tarakan and Menado, first steps in the DEI. At Tarakan, HMS Tenedos stopped pumping and left port, so far unseen; with 69 flt, she might actually make it to Soerbaya.

I moved Prince of Wales from Balikpapan; only a matter of time before CF found her, and with CVs lurking a couple torps would do her in. She has been at sea 2 days, and despite the damage (see graphic above), is still holding together. I think she'll make Soerbaya, where I hope to make temporary repairs and move her out of theater.

Carriers: Ent and Lex are about to dock at Perth. I still have no idea where KB is, since I observed them about the 12th heading to Japan. I doubt they are anywhere at the moment they can hurt me, though that is about to change...I wonder if they are covering the Rabaul landing.

SW Pacific: CF is about to land at Rabaul. BBs visited and didn't do much damage, and a fleet is offshore. SS Porpoise sank a transport in-route. Intel indicates that 144th Regt. is loaded for Rabaul.

It is a pretty obvious move to use the 144th on Rabaul. With that force, keeping Lark Bn. there is a waste; it's not enough to hold it anyway. I already moved Lark Bn out of there, and it's now at Noumea. It might be captured there too, but at least will be somewhere he won't expect.

At Port Moresby, I used flying boats to pull in all the NG Rifle units, and re-built the Port Moresby Brigade. That's all I'm going to do to reinforce it for now.

Sub Wars: So far my results have been disappointing; until SS Porpoise took out a transport, I have sunk a total of 2 more via S-Boat, and 1 via Dutch Sub. I've lost 1 sub, on Dec 7th on a sub on sub attack!