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

[Cap Mandrake]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

March 21, 1942
Operation Eastern Storm

The good news is that Southern Army HQ will make it in time for the invasion.

Troops begin loading in FOUR days. The Landing Force:

14th Army HQ
5 Infantry Divisions
4 Army Engineer Regiments
8 Artillery units
6 Support units

Loading begins March 26th.

The day we invade Pearl Harbor (Supported by 4 BB and 4 BC) is March 29, 1942.

[X(] Hory crap! That-ah rot of Japan-mens! Bettah bring rots of chopsticks and that-ah green mustard.

[Itdepends]

How are younstill getting torpedo attacks? For some reason I recall the game didnt allow these on ports byond a certain size other than on the opening day of the war.

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: Itdepends

How are younstill getting torpedo attacks? For some reason I recall the game didnt allow these on ports byond a certain size other than on the opening day of the war.

CHEATING! I re-wrote the code with the scenario.

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: Cap Mandrake

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

March 21, 1942
Operation Eastern Storm

The good news is that Southern Army HQ will make it in time for the invasion.

Troops begin loading in FOUR days. The Landing Force:

14th Army HQ
5 Infantry Divisions
4 Army Engineer Regiments
8 Artillery units
6 Support units

Loading begins March 26th.

The day we invade Pearl Harbor (Supported by 4 BB and 4 BC) is March 29, 1942.

[X(] Hory crap! That-ah rot of Japan-mens! Bettah bring rots of chopsticks and that-ah green mustard.

CRAP! I have lots of rice, soy sauce and two complete TANKER FULL loads of Saki. To forget this might mean I have to call off the WHOLE offensive! Man...

[John 3rd]

March 23, 1942

I think Michael is about to run. Spoke with him earlier today and the TT hits really FREAKED him out. Whatever is planned shall occur soon, therefore, I am bring the ENTIRE Kido Butai into PH strike range. We carry nearly 750 planes. The attack will only consist of Zeros and Kates and it will be HUGE!

GOOD NEWS: Southern Army Command begins unloading at Lihue today.

Two turns before we begin loading...

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
March 24, 1942
Pearl Harbor Waters

It has be an inconvenient war for the Akagi air crews. Just the 3rd day of the war their home base was hit by a single torpedo by an American submarine. Forced to return home, Akagi sat out the next three months of the war. Her flyers were transferred to other carriers, experienced an extended stay at Christmas Isle, and, finally, flew into Kona for raids on Pearl Harbor. To the great relief relief of the airmen they were finally returned to their freshly repaired carrier on March 21st.

This day breaks with a stormy morning. The massed carrier fleet of Japan fills the sea as far as the eye see. By Noon the seas calm enough to go to flight operations. This day is to be like no other prior in the history of the world. America's fighters have been smashed into the earth over the last several weeks. Pearl Harbor's AA has been attrited. Today the Kido Butai will throw everything it has at the Harbor.

At 1230 hours (local time) the flags run up Fleet Flagship Shokaku mast signalling for all 65 ships to turn into the wind and prepare for flight operations. Just five minutes later Vice-Admiral Yamaguchi Tamon issue the order to 'launch when ready.' From 7 CV, 5 CVL, 2 CAV, and 3 CVE planes climb steadily into the sky. By 1251 hours everything is in the air.

The initial wave consists of 127 Zero and 198 Kates. It is followed shortly thereafter by a 'clean-up' wave of 18 Zero and 39 Kates. A total of 383 warplanes fill the sky. An equal number sit on the carriers held back for CAP or anti-ship duty (Vals) if needed.

Roughly two hours later (range 8) the Japanese appear over their target and wreak havoc!

The heavily damaged battleships receive little attention:
Tennessee 1 Bomb--Heavy Damage
Nevada 3 Bombs--Heavy Damage
Arizona 1 Bomb--Heavy Damage
Pennsylvania Not touched.
Oklahoma 1 Bomb--Heavy Damage

The more lightly damaged battlewagons are smothered under bomb hits:
New Mexico 14 Bombs--On Fire
Idaho 18 Bombs--On Fire
California 19 Bombs--On Fire

Though half of the attack force pummels the battleships, the OTHER half pummel many other sheltered, hiding ships.

CL's Honolulu (1B) and Phoenix (2B)
2 DD, 2 APD, 2 DM, 1 AP, 1 AR, 1 AO, 1 AK, 2 AV, and an AM is hit.


This massive attack only sees FOUR Kates shot down with four more cracking up on landing. OUTSTANDING!

Seeing blood in the water and vowing NOTHING shall escape the harbor, Adm Yamaguchi orders the Fleet to close to less then 200 miles so 800 KG bombs and modified Torpedos can be brought into play. With the Emporer's blessing, tomorrow will seal the fate of many American ships within the harbor...

BANZAI!

[John 3rd]

...meanwhile at Lahaina, Kona, and Hilo troops move to their embarkation areas.

...making sure there is enough loading capacity, all three Ports see dozens of AK, AKL, and AP moving into position to receive troops.

...last minute additions struggle to make it to Lahaina to join-up.

...Southern Army HQ sets itself up at Lihue and begins pouring over the latest photos and intelligence regarding landing zones and enemy positions.

...all Japanese aircraft will enter a two-day maintenance cycle to maximum effort flights.

[John 3rd]

A note on these bombardments and possible breakout:

1. What has won this phase of the battle in unarguably the BB/BC bombardments. Must pay homage to Sangeli for pushing me to do it. They have wrought HUGE dividends for the operation.

2. Bombardments started at 20,000 Yards, then reduced to 18,0000, and are now set to go at 16,000. If there is little damage from the next two bombardments I'll really draw it down to 12,000 and see what happens. Will keep drawing closer until it doesn't matter (ie invasion!).

3. Battle Fleet: Presently there are 4 BB and 4 BC involved in these attacks. The next turn will see the second pair of Kongo's enter the fray taking us to 6 BC. Will need to bring in two 100 ship Invasion Forces to drop off the boys. Will embed 2 BB and 1 BC in each while keeping the remaining 4 BC on Surface Attack. After the initial landing day, the 4 unused BC will then bombard. This way we keep the bombardments continuous.

4. Kido Butai: The KB will operate in three TF. Two heavy CV TF staying together east-northeast with then the 3 CVE moving due north in case he makes a breakout in that direction. A breakout going south will get the treatment of Betty/Kates from Kona.

5. There are 4 CA and a modern CL escorting each of the two major CV TF. Four STF are formed and patrolling looking for a breakout to occur.


After showing the immense firepower within my KB, I do not expect Michael to engage with his western USA CVs. He'll probably look to move them to the south where they can threaten my southern flank. Makes a bunch of sense. A second option is to go north again but he could get cut off and that isn't going to happen. My bet--SOUTH!

My guess is now he'll try to distract me in the DEI with his combined ABDA CV TF. Haven't grabbed bases at Koepang or Aussieland yet. This is the most logical place for him to raise some Hell. Next turn I shall recall any TF moving into this area so no surprises are allowed to occur. It'll slow things down even more but I have all the oil facilities so we'll back up for the moment and see what Mavis/Emily tell us. When Java is gone I shall have five available ID for operations as well as 2-300 combat aircraft.

[John 3rd]

No turn yesterday. I thought I had sent the turn to Michael but he never got it. Resent and we should be moving again this afternoon.

[John 3rd]

Yummy!

I LOVE potatoes!

Take a look at this strike carrying 800 Kg, 250 KG, and TORPS!

[John 3rd]

March 25, 1942
Pearl Harbor

Adm Yamaguchi smiles as he contemplates the reports flowing into his flagship. The Shokaku had closed on Pearl Harbor during the night and, once again, launched every available Zero and Kate at the American anchorage. No enemy fighters, little effective AA fire, and excellent intelligence led the strike to be highly accurate.

Each CV Kate was allotted specific areas of the anchorage to attack and great success had been achieved. The little CAVs, experiments in Naval Aviation and Cruisers, were given the honor of carrying Torpedoes for this attack. Junyo, Akagi, Ryukaku, Nisshin, and Shoho carried 250lb Kg bombs, and Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku, Amagi, and Zuiho lugged the battleship busting 800 Kg bombs.

As the bombs rained upon the American targets a moment of sheer glory occurred when the old Battleship Idaho exploded when her forward magazine detonated. GLORIOUS! The remaining battleships are all in sinking condition. Twenty other ships took significant damage with an AMc and Destroyer being confirmed sunk. The new CL Honolulu was beached after being hit by 3 800 Kg and one 250 Kg bomb.

All this achieved for the slight cost of two Kates shot down over the target with two more cracking up upon landing.

The Admiral orders the range to stay the same but swings closer to his base of Lahaina so the smaller CVLs might replennish after tomorrow's strikes. Studying the reports the Admiral contemplated which Kate groups would be awarded the honer of carrying torpedoes and which would carry the massive 800 Kg bombs. Ahhhhh...decisions...decisions...

[John 3rd]

One of my hunches is a bit more certain this day. A Allied STF of cruisers and DDs parked itself at Koepang this day. A Mavis was shot down SE of Koepang as well. Me thinks there be sharks in the water down there. Thankfully...NOTHING Japanese is in the area.

Thinking about setting a CAP Trap. Begin to concentrate Fighters (84 Oscars and 48 Zero) in Southern Java to see if my opponent might be provoked into an attack...

[John 3rd]

March 25, 1942

TO: All Ground Forces--Eastern Storm
FROM: Southern Army Command and Combined Fleet HQ

"Begin loading operations at once. Once loaded meet at Lahaina anchorage for final briefing in two days."



Units and Their Prep Level for Pearl Harbor:
Southern Army Command--44%
Combined Fleet--74%

14th Army HQ--39%

Infantry Divisions
Hilo (92 Ships)
1. 2nd ID--69%
2. 56th ID--59%
Kona (65 Ships)
1. 16th ID--41% belongs to 14th Army
2. 48th ID--53% belongs to 14th Army
Lahaina (55 Ships)
1. 20th ID--53%

Every ID is at FULL strength--roughly 2250 Assault Value.

[John 3rd]

March 26, 1942
Operation Eastern Storm


0215 Rr-Adm Tanaka Raizo sat on the bridge of his mighty BB Hitachi and wondered when the 'milk runs' of these bombardments to Pearl Harbor would end. Before departing Lahaina this day he had seen the entire 20th Inf Div loading onto waiting ships. The same scene was described at Hilo and Kona. Finally, this siege would move into its last phase. Who would ever have guessed this plan would work for so few losses? Amazing.

His reverie is interrupted when his lead DD announces "ENEMY Vessels spotted 11,000 yards bearing 345*."

It has got to be some of those damned PT Boats that the enemy had been using the last few days. Grabbing binoculars, Tanaka immediately spotted an freightor attempting to turn away. What the hell? Is this the American attempt to finally breakout? More ships were spotted in the dim distance. Confirming that even more, the pair of Battlecruisers following his bombardment radio they too had spotted enemy ships.

THRILLING! "Captain--Open fire but make sure of your targets and DO NOT waste ammunition."

The secondaries of his battlewagon open up almost immediately. The slaughter begins...


0947 A weary but happy Admiral orders the Task Force to return to Kahaina. "Captain--We must reprovision quickly. Many ships did manage to slip past us. We're faster so we should get in more hunting tomorrow. Signal to the Task Force--'Well done!'"

Michael mostly empties Pearl Harbor and the day long slaughter is precisely that.

Totals:
4 PT, 12 AK, 2 YO, 2 AKL, 3 AM, 1 TK, 1 AO, 1 PG, 5 AG, AV Wright, AV Tangier, 2 AD, 2 AE, 2 AP, 1 CM, 1 AM, 1 AVP , 1 AD.

In an exciting moment, the heavily damaged Battleship California was attacked by 3 CL and 4 DDs. The engagement got close with one CL taking moderate but saveable damage in return for hitting the California with 56 Shells and one TT. Probably sunk but not for sure...

A few warships are interspersed with the breakout and one of them--CL Phoenix--catches 4 DMS heading for Lahaina. She sinks 3 of 4 but that is not too much payment for what we bagged this day.

SS Operations
I-8 SINKS AD Rigel near Pearl
I-25 SINKS AE Mauna Loa also near Pearl

Air Operations
The breakout is perfectly timed with bad weather closing down my flightdecks in the morning. Vals attack enemy shipping during the afternoon while a massed strike hits Pearl again. All remaining battleships are still in Pearl and they get PLASTERED. No Torps but BB Pennsylvania BLOWS UP! Nice...

Planning
EVERYTHING hunts shipping tomorrow! I only have one real day to do this before we get everyone back to reload for the landing but one more day should see another 20-40 ships sunk.

[John 3rd]

The ships 'appearing' to move NE are small craft. PTs, AMs, etc...

We want to the stuff heading due east. Am slightly wary of an appearance by his CVs (put that at about 10%) but want the fleeing shipping. Have five STF moving to cull the herd with then KB to finish them off tomorrow the 27th. Must come home on the 28th so we can reprovision and cover the landings on the 29th. The BBs/BCs MUST get their loadouts for the landing. Simple as that.

All three Invasion Forces are done loading so they are ordered to rendezvous just south of Lihue. Want them out of the fracas.

[pws1225]

Nice work. May your next few days be equally successful.

[John 3rd]

Odd question: For the AFB out there, what impact would it make not having ANY Pearl Harbor BBs left? It appears pretty realistic that I will sink all eight BBs. Are they valuable at all? I know bombardments are a good tool with them but what do you think?

[bigred]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Odd question: For the AFB out there, what impact would it make not having ANY Pearl Harbor BBs left? It appears pretty realistic that I will sink all eight BBs. Are they valuable at all? I know bombardments are a good tool with them but what do you think?

FatR sank all my slow BBs except California and Maryland. If u play the game out then the allies will be forced to use CL's and CA's for Bombardment. Effect will be a stronger defensive ground force if u can keep them in supply.

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
March 27, 1942

Michael exploits the game in two ways to make this day fairly palatible for him:
1. He creates over two dozen PT Boats and sends them to sea where my BBs and BCs react to them and expel all their ammo at these useless targets. We sink NINETEEN of them. The BBs and BCs all run out of ammo and head for Lahaina.

2. By sortieing all of his ships in single ship TF my carriers refuse to launch. One raid by 46 Zero and 20 Akagi Vals sink CL Honolulu but that is it for air attack.


BB California appears to be sunk. Last turn had three 'sinking sounds' and this one had two. If California is gone then that makes three down and five to go.

My STF still account for an AVP. AP, 3 PC, 1 AM, and 1 AK. Add 19 PTs and Honolulu and you have the bag for the day.

Eyes on the prize team: Pearl Harbor. The CVs are ordered to Lahaina for replenishment. All BBs and BCs are present and reloading at the end of this turn. Tomorrow the heavies will be sent to embed themselves in the invasion forces and we'll land directly after that.

Still have a number of TF searching for the fleeing shipping. Am sure we'll catch some more tomorrow.

[JocMeister]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Odd question: For the AFB out there, what impact would it make not having ANY Pearl Harbor BBs left? It appears pretty realistic that I will sink all eight BBs. Are they valuable at all? I know bombardments are a good tool with them but what do you think?

It will make atoll landings in 43 and 44 harder. But there are ways around it. I disagree with bigred about bombardments. Usually when you do bombardment runs the slow BBs are simply...too slow! So you either end up using CAs or fast BBs anyway. At least I do. They also drink too much fuel to operate in forward areas early on.

Just like in the real war there isn´t much use for the slow BBs besides atoll suppression, convoy duty and being torpedo magnets.

Personally I rather have 1 fast BBs then 4 slow.