Matrix Games Forums

Current scoreboard for 2/13/1923.
 
Note the Japanese base points: this is what's hurting me. Note to self: zero out all VPs for Japanese side for holding onto Home Islands.

Ship reinforcement track for 2/13/1923.
 
Note all the commerce raiders lined up. It was a gamble - now the question is, can they break the back of IJN? They won't make it to the Home Islands until mid- to late May, only 6 months before the scenario ends.

Marshalls on 2/13/1923.
 
Minor activity. IJN has a CL/DD raiding group operating off Ponape; most likely those are anti-ASW hunters. Presence of 1-2 BBs is likely. USN has 14 DDs on ASW patrol, a handful of subs scattered here and there, 3 DMs laying mines all over, and a carrier en route to pluck off some Felixstowes off Eniwetok and Kwajalein. Ground invasions unlikely in the next few weeks due to lack of transportation.

Overall look of thing as of 2/13/1923.
 
Heavy transport traffic from West Coast as more and more 1/1923 transports finish their upgrades.
 
I desperately need another base closer to Japan but fighting 11 units stacked on Wake or 6 on Marcus? No, thanks.

Of course, the design intent of the scenario was to have the US be incentivized to re-take Manilla.  That was the primary "objective" of this flavor of WPO.  Distant alternatives were the combination of the Bonins and Ryuku's.  Purpose in either case was to establish the conditions for beginning a sea/air blockade of Japan Home Islands.  If we create a scenario in which the only way to win is to physically occupy the home islands, then we didn't met the design goals !  And we did not design in the ability of Japan to rapidly mobilize a huge "militia" that could probably kick the allies of this period back into the sea upon landing in the home islands.  So even if this were possible in the game, it would only be because we haven't modeled everything.  We need to search for a way to make the retaking of the PI feasible and desirable.  The "threat" to the home islands should be modeled by the PP making it impossible for Japan to release most of the divisions that do not start released. 
I'll admit that with no stacking restrictions, the Japanese can make retaking of any particular island base problematic, however, hopefully, there are enough viable alternative bases to make the "pile on to one hex" idea non-optimal.  Thus the counter to the Japanese putting 4 Divisions at Eniwetok, is to target 2-3 other less well defended bases in the Marshalls/Gilberts. 
Other ideas include adding more time to the scenario and maybe adding a more Southerly return option as well.  It is possible that with "hindsite in advance" the Japanese can too strongly defend the intended return path - at least in the game.  The Southerly route was not under serious consideration at this time, but taking more time was. 
 
 

> Of course, the design intent of the scenario was to have the US be incentivized to re-take Manilla.  That was the primary "objective" of this flavor of WPO.  Distant alternatives were the combination of the Bonins and Ryuku's.  Purpose in either case was to establish the conditions for beginning a sea/air blockade of Japan Home Islands.  If we create a scenario in which the only way to win is to physically occupy the home islands, then we didn't met the design goals !
 
True - hence the beta-testing Do realize - I'm getting very desperate. I know I won't be able to go through the minefields at Truk and Eniwetok (moderated in 1.7 but removing MLEs and mine-carrying IJN submarines); I know there's no way I can land in PI with its level 9 forts all over (moderated in 1.8 by drastically reducing available engineers and removing all base forces altogether save for a few in major ports). I know I can no longer exploit undefended islands - Wayne took care of those once I landed at Iwo Jima. Now even Bonins have 8 units! So - I'm trying to see what I can do.
 
> And we did not design in the ability of Japan to rapidly mobilize a huge "militia" that could probably kick the allies of this period back into the sea upon landing in the home islands.
 
1.8 will fix that - read on.
 
> The "threat" to the home islands should be modeled by the PP making it impossible for Japan to release most of the divisions that do not start released.
 
Actually... I intend to make most divisions released from the start. The catch is that most of them are going to be very low-quality. As we look at IJA armament, most pieces of it were introduced only in 1922. This means to me that only 3-4 divisions will have combat capability, the rest of them staffed with rifle squads. I may take it even one step further, replacing rifle squads with conscript squads that can be upgraded to rifle squads... =) 
 
> Other ideas include adding more time to the scenario and maybe adding a more Southerly return option as well.  It is possible that with "hindsite in advance" the Japanese can too strongly defend the intended return path - at least in the game.  The Southerly route was not under serious consideration at this time, but taking more time was.
 
This is very, very tempting... and giving USN a base in Shanghai is too. After all, IJN becomes 5 x stronger when it doesn't have to fight a three-front war (west, south, east).
 
P.S. In 1904 British forces intercepted and held a brand-new IJN CA bound for Home Islands when Japan declared war on Russia. Mind you, Britain was allied to Japan back then. Does it mean that we can go ahead and delete Singapore and other far western bases, essentially starving IJN out of fuel? Won't that be fun =) Oh, and no replacement Felixstowes either!

Calm.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/13/23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Mili at 84,85

Japanese Ships
SS No. 42, hits 3

Allied Ships
DD Robert Smith
DD La Vallette
DD Farragut
DD Sumner
DD Farenholt
DD Doyen
DD Sinclair
DD McLanahan
DD Gillis

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Mili at 84,85

Japanese Ships
SS No. 42

Allied Ships
DD Lichfield
DD MacDonough
DD Zeilin
DD McDermut

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/14/23

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/15/23

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/16/23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Maloelap at 82,81

Japanese Ships
SS No. 29

Allied Ships
DD Zeilin
DD Lichfield
DD MacDonough
DD McDermut

And 9th IJN sub goes down... No. 29

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/17/23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Iwo Jima at 63,53

Japanese Ships
PC Ch13
DD Tsuga
PC Ch05
PC Ch11

Allied Ships
SS R-20, hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Iwo Jima at 63,53

Japanese Ships
DD Tsuga, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch13
PC Ch05
PC Ch11

Allied Ships
SS R-20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Maloelap at 82,81

Japanese Ships
SS No. 29, hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
DD Doyen
DD Robert Smith
DD La Vallette
DD Farragut

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Marcus Island at 75,56

Japanese Ships
AS Karasaki, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS R-14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Iwo Jima at 63,53

Japanese Ships
PC Ch13
PC Ch05
PC Ch11

Allied Ships
SS R-20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Maloelap at 82,81

Japanese Ships
SS No. 39, hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Robert Smith
DD La Vallette

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Maloelap at 82,81

Japanese Ships
SS No. 39, hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Lichfield

IJN tries to sneak in several ships spearheaded by BB Okinoshima through my ASW ranks around Maloelap, but turns around upon being spotted. CV Hornet's bombers hit dust.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/18/23

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/19/23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 108 troops unloading over beach at Bacolod, 42,57


Japanese ground losses:
58 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 108 troops unloading over beach at Bacolod, 42,57


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Shimizu at 65,43

Japanese Ships
DD No.1
DD No. 4
DD Tsubaki
PC Ch17

Allied Ships
SS S-33

Calm before the storm.

Hornet's planes keep hitting dust as IJN's BBs swerve to avoid Ponape's minefields. Perhaps it's time to turn back?

48 hours before Shikka is invaded.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/20/23

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/21/23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bacolod

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 300 troops, 0 guns, 15 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Bacolod base !!!

Still no luck with catching IJN's Rogue TF in the Marshalls. DDs are having to split due to low fuel, and it's just Hornet and its 2 escorts now.

2 regiments about to unload on a beach southwest of Shikka.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/22/23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 74,80

Japanese Ships
SS No. 30, hits 2, on fire (Both are direct hits)

Allied Ships
DD McDermut
DD Lichfield
DD MacDonough

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 66,44

Japanese Ships
AK Kunikawa Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-15

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 59,45

Japanese Ships
AK Onoe Maru, Shell hits 3

Allied Ships
SS R-6

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/23/23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 64,46

Japanese Ships
MLE MLE 06

Allied Ships
SS R-25

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/24/23

Hornet's planes lose the IJN's TF and the carrier is turning back.

Here's the path of the weeklong chase:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/25/23

A regiment of 3rd, an FA regiment, and an HQ are unloading at Shikka, watched over by 4BB 4DD.

The whole 2nd division and 5BB 4DD are on the way to support them.

Depending on stockpiles I take the island may become a submarine base.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/26/23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Majuro at 83,83

Japanese Ships
SS No. 58

Allied Ships
DD McDermut
DD Lichfield
DD MacDonough
DD Zeilin

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1074 encounters mine field at Wotje (82,79)

TF 1074 troops unloading over beach at Wotje, 82,79



Allied ground losses:
457 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 108 troops unloading over beach at Catbalogan, 44,57


Japanese ground losses:
44 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wotje

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 5474 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 12500 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
1748 casualties reported

(Image courtesy of Capt)

The transports refused to unload at Wotje for some reason. I certainly did not change their settings to Do not unload. I guess it's good, as it's giving the 275 disabled infantry squads on the island a chance to recover; I guess it's bad since I could have moved the TF if I knew and then I wouldn't lose that transport.

Shikka assault team is almost ready.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/27/23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 108 troops unloading over beach at Catbalogan, 44,57


Japanese ground losses:
108 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Majuro at 83,83

Japanese Ships
SS No. 58

Allied Ships
DD McDermut
DD Lichfield
DD MacDonough
DD Zeilin
DD Robert Smith
DD La Vallette
DD Farragut
DD Sumner
DD Farenholt
DD Doyen
DD Sinclair
DD McLanahan
DD Gillis

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Majuro at 83,83

Japanese Ships
SS No. 58, hits 1

Allied Ships
DD McDermut
DD Lichfield
DD MacDonough
DD Zeilin
DD Robert Smith
DD La Vallette
DD Farragut
DD Sumner
DD Farenholt
DD Doyen
DD Sinclair
DD McLanahan
DD Gillis
DD Palmer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Wotje at 82,79

Japanese Ships
SS No. 27, hits 1

Allied Ships
AK San Bernadino, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
86 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Catbalogan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1188 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 32 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Catbalogan base !!!

3/A regiment with an HQ and artillery are already marching to Shikka.

2nd division is unloading right behind them.

I want to see the look on Capt's face when Shikka falls...

I am not sure whether I want to reveal the location of 9BB in the area. I think I want to lure out some of his surface ships... then again, I doubt any are in immediate range.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/28/23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 79,78

Japanese Ships
AP Denmark Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS H-9

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 83,80

Japanese Ships
SS No. 58

Allied Ships
AK West Cape, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1


Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported

IJN SS No. 8: 1247 (DD Buchanan)
IJN SS No. 15: 2553 (DDs Claxton, William D. Preston)
IJN SS No. 22: 615 (PC Eagle 10)
IJN SS No. 27: 10615 (AK San Bernandino, PC Eagle 13)
IJN SS No. 29: (Sunk 2/17/1923) 5615 (PC Eagle 3, TK Montanes)
IJN SS No. 30: (Sunk 2/22/1923) 5000 (AK Dos Hermanos)
IJN SS No. 37: 5000 (AK Taurus)
IJN SS No. 39: 24000 (TK Gertrude Kellogg)
IJN SS No. 40: 5000 (AK Magallanes)
IJN SS No. 45: (Sunk 3/18/1923) 37400 (AP West Point, MSW Eider, TK L. P. StClair)
IJN SS No. 58: 6400 (AK Si Kiang, MSW Pelican)
IJN SS No. 62: (Sunk 8/26/1922) 10000 (AK Georgian)
IJN SS U-46 (O2): 1247 (DM Ingraham)
IJN SS U-55 (O3): 2015 (MSW Pelican, PC Eagle 11)
IJN SS U-125 (O1): (Sunk 11/17/1922) 24000 (TK Larry Doheny)
IJN SS UB-125 (O6): 38442 (BB Nebraska, DDs Lea, Taylor, TK Admiral Chase) The Japanese top ace.
IJN SS UB-143 (O7): 10000 (AK Hollywood)
USN SS H-4: 9700 (CA Tokiwa)
USN SS H-9: 6000 (AP Denmark Maru)
USN SS O-14: 5000 (AO Noshima)
USN SS O-16: 1516 (ML Kuroshima Maru)
USN SS R-1: 1570 (DD Hamakaze)
USN SS R-4: 20000 (AKs Nankai Maru, Natisan Maru, Sinno Maru)
USN SS R-5: 7650 (AP Koyo Maru, DD Matsu)
USN SS R-7: 10000 (AK Tottori Maru)
USN SS R-8: 27000 (APs Hayo Maru, Nissen Maru #2, TK Ryuei Maru)
USN SS R-9: 10000 (AK Kosei Maru)
USN SS R-10: 11710 (AO Muroto, CL Yahagi, DD Amatsukaze)
USN SS R-11: 18000 (AP Turisima Maru, TK Itsukushima Maru)
USN SS R-12: 21020 (AKs Nissyu Maru, Sansho Maru, DD Hasu)
USN SS R-14: 28000 (AKs Ina Maru, Malacca Maru, TK Rikko Maru)
USN SS R-15: 1516 (ML Yenoshima Maru)
USN SS R-19: 16000 (TK Kaizyo Maru)
USN SS R-20: 10516 (AP Izumo Maru, ML Kurokami Maru)
USN SS R-21: 15000 (AKs Akiura Maru, Junpo Maru)
USN SS R-22: 11845 (AK Momoha Maru, DDs Isokaze, Kagero)
USN SS R-23: 18000 (AKs Risen Maru, Toyooka Maru, AP Shofuku Maru)
USN SS R-24: 8000 (AK Kiso Maru, AP Nichiryu Maru)
USN SS R-25: 13000 (AK Morioka Maru, AP Ryoyu Maru #21)
USN SS R-26: 25000 (AKs Hankow Maru, Kanto Maru, Nitiran Maru)
USN SS R-27: 450 (DD Urunami)
USN SS S-2: 12000 (TK Yamazuru Maru)
USN SS S-3: 9130 (AK Shanghai Maru, AP Kenshin Maru, DD Hinoki)
USN SS S-4: 15000 (APs Ceylon Maru, Daihachikyo Maru, Tacoma Maru)
USN SS S-6: 17882 (AK Nitii Maru, AP Taian Maru, MSWs Ashikazi Maru, Katoku Maru)
USN SS S-7: (Sunk 2/8/1923) 19004 (APs Manzyu Maru, Taibun Maru, Tenyo Maru, PC Ch08)
USN SS S-8: 27650 (AK Hokko Maru, DD Okikaze, TK Nissan Maru)
USN SS S-9: 39020 (AKs Lyons Maru, Nana Maru, AP Igasa Maru, DD Hagi, TK Eiyo Maru)
USN SS S-14: 37500 (AK Toyohasi Maru, APs Buyo Maru, Hokusho Maru, Horaisan Maru, Husimi Maru, Sakido Maru, MSW Natsushima Maru)
USN SS S-15: 13030 (APs Biyo Maru, Mikage Maru #20, Saiho Maru, DD Ashi)
USN SS S-16: 39790 (AKs Heimei Maru, Nitiai Maru, Sansei Maru, AP Anyo Maru, DD Nire, TK Yuho Maru) The top ace.
USN SS S-17: 30362 (AK Sinsei Maru, APs Chowa Maru, Kaedesan Maru, Hawaii Maru, BB Mishishima, DD Hatsuyuki)
USN SS S-32: 1080 (DD Yanagi)
USN SS S-34: 13448 (APs Kiri Maru, Ryuyo Maru, MLs Katashima Maru, Ninoshima Maru, Toshima Maru)
USN SS S-35: (Sunk 12/11/1922) 5000 (AK Sugiyama Maru)

Total subs lost in the line of duty:
IJN - 12
USN - 5

Any particular aspect of an (almost) year-old campaign that readers want to know about?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/01/23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 82,80

Japanese Ships
SS No. 38

Allied Ships
DD Tarbell
DD Crosby

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Wotje at 82,79

Japanese Ships
SS No. 28

Allied Ships
DM Burns
DM Ingraham
DM Stribling

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/02/23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 71 troops unloading over beach at Dumaguete, 41,57


Japanese ground losses:
151 casualties reported

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/03/23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Wotje at 82,79

Japanese Ships
SS No. 38, hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
DD McDermut
DD Lichfield
DD MacDonough
DD Zeilin
DD Robert Smith
DD La Vallette
DD Farragut
DD Sumner
DD Farenholt
DD Doyen
DD Sinclair
DD McLanahan

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Wotje at 82,79

Japanese Ships
SS No. 38

Allied Ships
DD McDermut
DD Lichfield
DD MacDonough
DD Zeilin
DD Robert Smith
DD La Vallette
DD Farragut
DD Sumner
DD Farenholt
DD Doyen
DD Sinclair
DD McLanahan
DD Gillis
DD Palmer


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Dumaguete

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 821 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Dumaguete base !!!

Combat reports don't quite reflect the intensity of the game at this point:

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR 03/03/23

Martin SC-2 reports suspected submarine at 82,79
Martin SC-2 reports suspected submarine at 82,81
Martin SC-2 attacking No. 58 at 82,79
Vought O2U Corsair reports suspected submarine at 82,79
Vought O2U Corsair reports suspected submarine at 82,79
Vought O2U Corsair reports suspected submarine at 82,81
Vought O2U Corsair attacking No. 58 at 82,79
Sopwith Cuckoo reports suspected submarine at 82,79
Sopwith Cuckoo reports suspected submarine at 82,79
Sopwith Cuckoo reports suspected submarine at 82,81
C Type NR Blimp reports suspected submarine at 82,79
C Type NR Blimp reports suspected submarine at 82,81
C Type NR Blimp reports suspected submarine at 82,79
Felixstowe F.2 reports suspected submarine at 79,81
Martin SC-2 reports suspected submarine at 82,79
Martin SC-2 reports suspected submarine at 82,81
Martin SC-2 reports suspected submarine at 82,79
Vought O2U Corsair attacking No. 26 at 82,81
Sopwith Cuckoo reports suspected submarine at 82,79
C Type NR Blimp reports suspected submarine at 82,79
C Type NR Blimp reports suspected submarine at 82,79

BBs are lining up to bombard Wotje.

Where are IJN's dreadnoughts?
 
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/04/23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Maloelap  at 82,81

Japanese Ships
SS U-46 (O2)

Allied Ships
DD Tingey
DD Corry

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Wotje, at 82,79

Allied Ships
DD S. P. Lee
DD Henshaw
DD Barry
DD Perry
BB Rhode Island
BB Connecticut
BB Illinois
BB Oregon
BB Georgia
BB Minnesota

Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Maloelap  at 82,81

Japanese Ships
SS U-46 (O2)

Allied Ships
DM Ingraham, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
DM Burns
DM Stribling

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Maloelap  at 82,81

Japanese Ships
SS U-46 (O2), hits 4

Allied Ships
DD McDermut
DD Lichfield
DD MacDonough
DD Zeilin
DD Robert Smith
DD La Vallette
DD Farragut
DD Sumner
DD Farenholt
DD Doyen
DD Sinclair
DD McLanahan
DD Gillis
DD Palmer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Wotje  at 82,79

Japanese Ships
SS No. 28

Allied Ships
BB Minnesota
DD S. P. Lee
DD Henshaw
DD Barry
DD Perry

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Wotje, at 82,79

Allied Ships
DD S. P. Lee
DD Henshaw
DD Barry
DD Perry
BB Rhode Island
BB Connecticut
BB Illinois
BB Oregon
BB Georgia
BB Minnesota

Japanese ground losses:
97 casualties reported
Guns lost 1