The Emperor's Champions - 3x3 AAR

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 4/10/42
Waves of Japanese airplanes hit Lashio again, keeping the airfield shut and destroying several Hurricanes on the ground.
Approximately 70 Betty bombers hit Bankha also.
The Allies had some planes up as well, Martins and Hudsons from Bankha and Batavia hit a couple transports unloading troops at Jambi. Blenheim IV's from Akyab attacked the troops marching on Lashio - they were met by a light CAP which reduced the effectivness of their attack.
Also, Cebu Island was occupied in the Phillipines.


Feurer Krieg Area Report
More action at Wake today:
The two damaged gunboats sailed east from the island in the nightime and managed to stumble across a group of transport ships escort by only a DMS. Unfortunately the gunboats were in such a bad way from the hits taken the day before from the big US ships that they could not effectively engage the transports. To make matters worse, the transports and even a tanker proceeded to shell the gunboats, sinking them both after many 3 and 4" shell hits. At Wake itself, the New Mexico and company came in for another bombardment run, again doing little damage. Our Coastal guns blazed away and the New Mexico was actually reported to have minor fires on deck.

Later in the evening and throughout the day, various Allied ships attempted to unload on the shores of Wake. Our troops were ready however and the Allies took some damage. First the AK San Simeon hit a mine and several enemy troops were lost in the explosion. Then, as the ships closed to unload, our coastal guns continued to land hits now and then, actually heavily damaging three cargo ships and one destroyer.

Once the sun was up several airstrikes were launched, but none managed to hit a target. Alf's launched from Wake itself, and from Kwajelein, Betty's on long range missions spotted their targets, but had a tough time putting their bombs into any enemy ships. LB-30's flew in attacks from Midway and although they got past the Oscar's at Wake, they did little damage.

The American's attempted an attack to gain some ground but did not fair well. Although our troops did take some casaulties, the enemy shock attack was easly stopped cold. We expect more reinforcements tomorrow, but the enemy force that has already landed is likely in rough condition.

Ground combat at Wake Island
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 3320 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 86
Defending force 10137 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 135
Allied max assault: 64 - adjusted assault: 7
Japanese max defense: 132 - adjusted defense: 264
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese ground losses:
240 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Allied ground losses:
465 casualties reported

A group of Kate torpedo bombers has been brought in to take care of some of the enemy ships in the area. Also, a lone destroyer has been ordered in to attempt to hit enemy transports at night tomorrow. With luck the landings will be distrupted in the nighttime by the destroyer, and then the Kates will sink some enemy ships in the daylight.

At Koumac, the 6th Armor managed to reach the base to reinforce the base forces currently defending the area. It is expected that several of our naval battalions will reach the base tomorrow night as well, hopefully just in time for any attacks launched in during the day tomorrow. Enemy LBA has not been active, my guess would be it is scouring the seas expecting to catch our carriers comng after their transports. They won't find them of course, but our subs will continue to try and get some more hits in.

Sub Ops:
The AK Admiral Chase, hit a couple days ago, today was spotted sinking near Noumea. Subs in various places near Thursday Island, Noumea, Koumac and south of NG continue to stay in the thick of things looking for easy targets.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Hurricane II - 10
Blenheim IV - 2
Hudson I - 1
PB2Y Coronado - 1

Imperial Air Force
Ki-43-Ib Oscar - 3
H6K4 Mavis - 1


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
AP Shinko Maru 51/77/0 (Balikpapan)
PC CH32 41/48/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Matsukawa Maru 44/75/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Hyuga 27/37/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Mutsu 57/56/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Hakuyo Maru 10/5/9 (Jambi)


The PG's Saiko Maru and Kogyoku Maru were sunk east of Wake today.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 4/11/42
Butung Island, near Kendari, was occupied by Japanese forces today.
Nates over Rangoon proved their worth today, shooting down approx 30% of an unescorted raid by Blenheim IV bombers. The remaining bombers were heavily disrupted and the raid caused little damage. Many Japanese planes again hit Lashio, as well as hitting Bankha in Sumatra.
Martins flying out of Balikpapan hit a transport unloading at Jambi. And Sonia divebombers stationed at Georgetown hit the AK Annalock at Kuala.


Feurer Krieg Area Report
At Wake:
In true Samaruai style, the DD Makigumo steamed in to Wake at full speed to try and find enemy ships by surprise. Unfortunately, the American transports were guarded by a small group of enemy destroyers on patrol. The Makigumo and these destroyers squared off for several hours, but very early on the Makigumo took hits to its main guns which put it at a sever disadvantage. The ship pressed on, however, and managed to fire off torpedoes, one of which hit the DD Kilty, which - along with multiple gun hits - managed to sink the enemy destroyer. AS was inevitable, the Makigumo was driven under by the other three enemy destroyers and was lost at sea with all hands.[center][/center][center]Nighttime destroyer battles at Wake.[/center]

Throughtout the night, enemy ships continued to try and unload. Our coastal defense guns damaged several ships throughout the night and next days, as well as inflicting several casualties as the enemy was still landing under fire. In the midst of the landings, the BB New Mexico and its cruiser group fired off several secondary sized gun rounds at our defense, but did little damage. Enemy Liberators also flew over from Midway, but did little damage. Partly because they were harassed by our Oscar fighters.

During the daylight hours, Bettys from Kwajelein took the long flight to look for targets again, this time though they did hit one of the Allied ships, the APK Mauna Loa. More importantly, the Kates that had flown in yesterday were loaded with torpedoes and managed to locate the BB New Mexico as it retreated from its nighttime bombardment. No less than 5 torpedoes were put into the New Mexico, and the ship rapidly sank in the noon time sun.[center][/center][center]The USS New Mexico, burning after being hit by several torpedoes.[/center]

On the island itself, the landing was again a failure. Several elements of the 25th USA Div and the 34th USA Engr Rgt were isolated and neutralized. Although some pockets of resistance remain, the initial threat presented from this invasion has passed for the moment.

At Koumac, the level bomber masses began attacking ground units at Koumac. Many of the naval landing groups have arrived at the base and the 38th Div is expected to make it to Koumac tomorrow.

Lastly, the CA Australia was confirmed sunk today.

Sub Ops:
The I-19 attacked and hit the AK Absaroka near Koumac.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Blenheim IV - 15
OS2U-3 Kingfisher - 2
Walrus - 1
PB2Y Coronado - 1


Imperial Air Force
Ki-43-Ib - 2
B5N Kate - 1
Ki-21 Sally - 1
Ki-27 Nate - 1


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
AP Shinko Maru 51/72/0 (Balikpapan)
PC CH32 41/42/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Matsukawa Maru 44/82/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Hyuga 27/32/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Mutsu 57/62/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Hakuyo Maru 15/0/3 (Jambi)
AP Kamishima Maru 37/15/15 (Palembang)

[MarcA]

Sirs

At day break on the 12th of April forces of the Chinese Expeditionary Force stormed the bridges across the Xiangiang river west of Changsha. The crossing was held by forces of the 7th and 44 th Chinese corps under the command of the 5th War Area with the 168th, 63rd, 2nd New and 4th New corps in reserve.

The chinese forces were smashed and driven back west towards Kweiyang.



The preperatory air bombardment for the assault was light at 3 days in order to maintain the deception that the primary attack would occur in the North West.

Although the 59th Chinese Corps was dispatched to the area from Kweiyang a few days ago it was dispatched too late to particpate in the battle. Further the appearance of more SEAC fighters at Kungchang highlights the success of the deception until the the last moment.

The 70th Div and 20th Mixed Bde have been ordered West to block the 6 shattered and single fresh corps on the Kweiyang road while all remaining forces proceed to Chungking with all speed. The supporting engineering and artillery forces have also been ordered across the river and to proceed to Chungking as well.

Current estimates puts the fighting strength at Chungking at 4 corps. There are a further 6 (estimated) which can be dispatched from the blockade around Sian while there are approximately 9 at Ichang, though most of the forces at Ichang were badly malled during the recent fighting at Hsingyang.

I will keep the memebers of the high command informed of significant develpments.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 4/12/42
Various airstrikes over China & Burma. Sonias at Alor Star hit the AK Annalock in northern Sumartra several times. Some of our ships took some hits at Jambi from Martins based at Bankha. West of Kendari, the Sasebo 1st SNLF chansed some Dutch holdouts from the mountains into the base at Pomala.
Gen Mantill has already detailed the initial victories in China.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
At Wake the Allies are pulling back. Although several Kates made spotting reports, no attack successfully located their targets. The MSW Rail and AK Dorothy Philips were confirmed sunk in the area though.

At New Caledonia, all units have returned to Koumac except for a NLF unit standing garrison at La Foa. Recon shows 102nd USA RCT and the 7th Australian Division forming up on the beaches, along with some elements of the 2nd USMC Para Bn. Once our troops have rested, we may attempt a counterattack to push them into the water before the enemy can build up strength.

Sub Ops:
No activity today. A convoy of several ships east of Australia continues to be tracked by 6 subs.
One sub is also following along with the retreating Allies ships at Wake.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
None.

Imperial Air Force
Ki-46-II Dinah - 1

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
AP Shinko Maru 51/64/0 (Balikpapan)
PC CH32 41/39/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Matsukawa Maru 44/97/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Hyuga 27/20/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Mutsu 57/64/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Hakuyo Maru 16/0/1 (Jambi)
AP Kamishima Maru 40/26/6 (Palembang)
AP Yamura Maru 27/8/15 (Jambi)
AP Hokumyo 58/5/24 (Jambi)

[Akos Gergely]

Very, very good AAR and an excellent eye candy - I've just read it through from post one today . May I ask why don'T you upgrade the allied ship graphics to Fremen's nicer ones?

Where is KB right now - what is with the damaged CVs? Since there would be no heavy USN CV reinforcements until well into '42 summer I think you should consider splitting KB up into smaller TFs. Also what is the status of the warships in building? Did you cancel Musashi? Shinano? How about the Unryus?

Cheers and keep it up!

[FeurerKrieg]

Thanks for the comments!

1) Allied ship graphics - it is on my drawing board, but I haven't gotten to it yet. I figured I should do the Jap ships first since I'm playing the Jap, and those are mostly done now(with Fremen's work mostly, and cargo ships from JWE I think). Rest assured, I will get there eventually. I did try to upgrade the Allied AK/AP/TK (JWE's maybe?), but the background was wrong so I had the big pink box. I switched those back to stock for now.

2) KB - It is between the Home Islands and the Phillipines. The Hiryu has headed into the repair yards, replaced by the Hiyo and Ryujo (fresh out of the repair yards). They are now (and have been for a couple weeks) under the command of Gen Mantill and will be used for seaborne support for his operations in India/Burma.

3) KB is out of my command, so I can't comment on how Mantill will be handling it. Mini-KB is heading towards the the western edge of the Marshalls and will be covering the assaults on Luganville and the Santa Cruz islands. Several Glen subs are headed south to watch for convoys going to Australia, and the Mini-KB will also be used to attacked any of those convoys that try to make it through.

4) Yamamto is finished and linking up with KB. I think Mushashi is under construction, and all the CV's I think are under accelerated production. I'll try to remember to check sometime, or perhaps Alex can comment on the production plan he is following. Oh, and I think Shinano is halted.

[Akos Gergely]

Thanks for the info. Yeah I also think Shinano does not worth the effort (though I like her very much), but Musashi might well worth it, especially later in the war.

As for the Allied ship sided i have a huge pack, with all art replaced from Fremen's (90%), Big B's and TOMLABEL's ones, I can send it to you if you want (it's approx 5-6 MBs zipped). It contains some extra arts I used to put in for upgraded ships (some allied ships really changed their appearance - Tennessee class BBs for example...)

[FeurerKrieg]

Sure, you can email them to me. I'll PM my email address.

[Akos Gergely]

Files sent, let me know what you think .

[FeurerKrieg]

Lots of new Allied ships are from various sources now installed courtesy of csatahajos.

Thank you sir!

[lyceum]

Great AAR! Really like the maps and presentation. [:D] Was it not thought the KB would be better served in your control Fuerer Krieg? Think it could certainly be needed around New Caledonia. Looks like BB Mutsu is going down slowly too [:(]

[Terminus]

As long as she stays in port and isn't struck again, she'll eventually be pumped dry and be able to limp home.

Fantastic AAR as ever, Feurer...

[FeurerKrieg]

If KB went near New Caledonia, it would get hammer by 2E and 4E bombers. I was happy to get away with only light damage to the Shuikaku, and repairable damage to the Hiryu. FOr now, I like to think the Allies don't know where KB is. Once it shows up in the Indian ocean, they may decide to be bold, not realizing mini-KB is in the Pacific. Until the Allies get more carriers, I think mini-KB is sufficient in the Pacific. By the end of 42, Mantill will probably be done with KB and it will get some yard time for repairs, and then into the Pacific for the 1943 Allied counterattacks.

The British fleet has shown no hesitancy in coming out under threat of LBA, so any invasions in India would be threatened by surface forces unless KB can patrol the Bay.

Regarding Mutsu, she is under Alex's control and I think (but Alex would be the one to comment) she is making for the HI straight away. The ship is past the Phillipines now, but still has a fair way to go.

[FeurerKrieg]

Back at it, I have a couple reports I need to catch up on, only tiem to do one tonight though.

War Report 4/13/42
The AK Annalock was reported sunk near northern Sumatra.
Wasile was secured by the Yokosuka 3rd SNLF. Several enemy fighters were encountered over Batavia, but our Zero's dealth with them in short order.
There were contiued airstikes over China, and enemy bombers hit the AP Tamashima Maru near Jambi.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
Many Allied cruisers bombarded Koumac through the night. In the face of cruiser bombarments and heavy bomber attacks, the ground troops at Koumac are still a determined bunch. Today their AAA guns managed to down a LB-30 Liberator - a small victory but certinaly uplifting to the troops on the ground.[center][/center][center]LB-30 Wreckage near the airfield at Noumea. [/center]

Sub Ops:
East of Yanam, India, the I-158 took aim at the DD Panther, but all its torpedoes went wide of their mark. Luckily the ship was not damaged in the counterattack by the enemy destroyer.
East of Australia, we fared better as the convoy that is being tracked was attacked by the I-23 (a Glen sub) which hit the AK Empire Moorhen with three torpedoes, sinking the cargo ship instantly. Escorts attacked and caused minor damage to the I-23.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Hawk 75A - 8
F.K.51 - 5
CW-21B Demon - 5
Brewster 339D - 4
LB-30 Liberator - 1

Imperial Air Force
G4M1 Betty - 3


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
AP Shinko Maru 51/74/0 (Balikpapan)
PC CH32 41/41/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Hyuga 27/18/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Mutsu 57/68/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Kamishima Maru 42/19/2 (Palembang)
AP Yamura Maru 29/8/5 (Jambi)
AP Hokumyo 66/13/11 (Jambi)
I-23 15/2/0 (Australia)

AP Matsukawa expired in the Celebes Sea.
AP Hakuto Maru put out its fires.

[FeurerKrieg]

Turns coming fast these days. I'm still a day behind on the reports, but the screenshots & reports are filed away neatly, so no worries about missing any action.

War Report 4/14/42
China and Burma were fairly quiet in the air, but at Batavia Zeros and Betty's cut through the enemy CAP and successfully hit three cargo ships, the Virginian, Steelmaker and Sibolga. A follow on strike put another torpedo into Sibolga, sinking the ship.
One Hudson attacked a the CL Yura near Singapore but missed.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
Allied cruisers again hit Koumac, causing slightly less casaulties this time around. Enemy bombers launched repeated ground strike with the 38th Div and 56th Brigades taking most of the heat. The enemy ground units at La Foa managed to cut off the 8th NLF and destroy what was left of the unit. A bit less than half of the unit had been evacuated by Mavis float planes to Rabaul. The unit will rebuild there for now.

Ise, Nagato and a slew of cruisers pounded the airfields at Henderson, destroying two Catalina's and doing a fair amount of damage. They will continue their bombadment tomorrow and then head north to replenish the large guns. Nells from Rabaul also attacked the airfields in the daylight, but score few hits.

Near Wake a group of Alf's and Oscar's attacked some Allied cargo ships fleeing to the east, but landed no hits. Some LB-30's showed up over Wake also, about half were turned away by the Oscars on CAP, including one that was spotted crashing in the distance as it attempted to return to Midway. The couple that got through inflicted light damage on the coastal defenses there.

Sub Ops:
A change of sub commanders at La Foa and Noumea a couple days ago seems to pay dividends today. First the I-169 was attacked but took light damage at La Foa. Later, the I-169 attacked and hit the cargo ships American Packer, but nearby escort this time hit the sub cause significant damage. It will attempt to return to Rabaul.
The I-175 at Noumea attacked the DD Le Triomphant, but its torpedoes went wide of their target. The attacks are encouraging as these ships had been sitting for some time not launching attacks. Making an example out of their former Captains seems to have worked.[center][/center]

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
CW-21B Demon - 5
LB-30 Liberator - 1
Brewster 339D - 2
PBY Catalina - 2

Imperial Air Force
Ki-46-II Dinah - 1
H8K Emily - 1
G4M1 Betty - 1
G3M Nell - 1


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
AP Shinko Maru 51/78/0 (Balikpapan)
PC CH32 41/40/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Hyuga 27/15/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Mutsu 57/66/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Kamishima Maru 43/15/0 (Palembang)
AP Yamura Maru 29/4/1 (Jambi)
AP Hokumyo 74/10/6 (Jambi)
I-169 49/45/0 (La Foa)

[lyceum]

Really enjoying your write-ups Fuerer Krieg!

How is supply at Koumac? In the face of allied air power is it feasible to send in transports of troops and supplies? Are you looking to evacuate or hold/conquer New Caledonia? Maybe a 'Tokyo Express' of fast destroyers could get some supplies and troops through?

[FeurerKrieg]

Around 20k supplies at Koumac. The goal is to hold at Koumac, while Lougainville (currently size 3) is secured. Once I have two airbases, it will force the Allies to split their LBA attaks. If I can get Efate up to size 2 (not sure what it is at the moment) then I'll have three airbases they have to split LBA over to keep them all closed. With luck, that will present enough spread that I can get some fighters in there and take some pressure off Koumac, and also provide for LRCAP if I want to send in some Tokyo Expresses.

Long term, if I can hold at Koumac long enough, I may be able to get some divisions from the SAA (but only after the DEI is secured, that is certainly a priority for any 'free' divisions), and then will resume the offensive. Small cadres of all the units at Koumac are being flown back to Rabaul just in case the worst happens and we get kicked out of Koumac.

The South Seas Detachment is currently a bit east of Lougainville and meeting up with the mini-KB, I expect a landing in the next 10 days or so.

If this is all the farther the perimeter goes in the Pacific, I'll be happy enough. Most of the current serious assets (ie KB) are going to be put into taking parts of India and China at the moment, so that we can then take some assets back from those theaters in time to put up a fight in the Pacific. (At least that's my impression, Alex & Mantill might have slightly different views).

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 4/15/42
The air war was alive and well in China as hundreds of Japanese airplanes attacked targets from Lashio to Changsa. Several enemy planes were destroyed on the ground at Chungking.
Farther south, Bettys and Nells attacked a cargo ship at Batavia but scored no hits. Also, the SS Drum attack a Japanese troop transport near Hong Kong, it did not hit.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
No enemy ships hit Koumac today, allowing our forces there to launch an attack against the enemy. A fair amount of casualties were inflicted on the enemy even in the face of heavy attacks by Allied LBA.

Ise, Nagato and company pounded the airfields at Henderson again before heading north to rearm. Today's damage was focused more on the personnel areas than the airfield and caused significant casaulties.

At Wake, three Alf's attacked the AK Corrales and score a hit with a 30kg bomb. Apparently the ship was not in the best of shape as it was reported to sink the same day. Radio intercepts reported some elements of the 25th USA Division were on board the ship. The AK Laida was also reported sinking east of Wake.[center][/center][center]Lucky hit east of Wake.[/center]

Sub Ops:
The I-175 attacked and hit the AK Admiral Nulton at Koumac today, sinking the ship. It also managed to dodge the escorts twice throughout the night and next morning.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
I-16c - 11
Blenheim IV - 5

Imperial Air Force
E7K2 Alf - 3
Ki-48 Lily - 1
E14Y1 Glen - 1
G4M1 Betty - 1


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
AP Shinko Maru 51/78/0 (Balikpapan)
PC CH32 41/39/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Hyuga 27/4/0 (Balikpapan)
BB Mutsu 57/71/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Kamishima Maru 43/11/0 (Palembang)
AP Hokumyo Maru 78/25/5 (Jambi)
I-169 49/42/0 (La Foa)

[Vetamur]

Hello.. just wanted to say I love your AAR. I just discovered it (until stumbling upon yours I was only reading Pzbs and Pauks consistantly) and am hooked. 
 
I also have a quick question..Im a newbie and in my first PBEM Im in about the same time frame you are (about 3 weeks game time behind). I noticed you only have about half the political points I have making me think I am not using my enough... can you give me a BRIEF over view on what youve spent them on?
 
By comparison..I only recently started re assigning commanders of air groups and ships.. I transfered a handful of air units from the HI to SE Asia and China.. and I transfered maybe one armored regt. to the Phillipines (when I was getting impatient with how difficult it was to take out the last bastion of resistance)..
 
am I overly conservative?
Thanks.

[FeurerKrieg]

PP points- Well, I can't say I really remember what they have been spent on. A fair bit has gone to releasing Home Defense air units. The 6th Armor Reserve also cost a bit. Personaly I have spent some on a couple Base Force units (moving them to SE or 4th Fleet) but that doesn't cost much. Also, I have used a tiny bit to switch actual bases over to the proper command, again its cheap and mostly for 'aethetics' so that when I look at the strat map 4th fleet is the areas I want it to be in.

I have spent a fair amount on leader changes, espcially with subs and airc ombat TF's. I'm always changing a sub commander when they come into port if the current commander hasn't done well. Usually trying to get high agression and high naval skill. For the Glen subs, I put in commanders with low aggression so they won't take the same risks.

Not sure what PP's my teammates have used.