Who's afraid of the BigBadWolf? - Invasion of Darwin

[BigBadWolf]

Thanks, ttjhowell, and welcome. As for Imperial planes for expansion beyond SRA, I'm afraid that's confidential for the time being. But bear with me, all shall be soon revealed. [:D]

[BigBadWolf]

January 3rd, 1942
Palembang

The rain cover was so thick that Major Shono couldn’t see the air trip from his barracks window, although it was only 50 meters away. For the third time this morning he silently thanked his ancestors for this blessing and a day rest.

For 5 days now, his unit, 62nd Heavy Sentai, along with several others, have been bombing Batavia and allied installations there. At first, they met some resistance from enemy fighters, but in two days their escorts cleared the sky of them. But the flak was still taking their toll on the bombers. 62nd was down to 19 operational planes, out of 27. Eight of his birds have perished, taking their crews with them. His superiors wanted that airfield shut down, no matter the cost, but despite to numerous hits, by some miracle, enemy bombers kept on flying. Even this morning, three B17 took off from Batavia and attacked Kondo’s fleet, some 300 miles east of it. Fortunately, they missed, probably confused by the attack of float fighters aboard Kondo’s ships.
But the revenge will have to wait until gods decide to end the rain pouring down on Palembang.
Shono sincerely prayed that gods may leave it for a long time.

South China Sea, 60 miles SW from Belitoeng

Vice Admiral Kondo was now sure in his doubts. Entire Japanese air force, both Navy and Army, are conspiring together to have him killed. And they are ready to sacrifice some of the Japan’s most valuable ships to that effect.
How else one could explain complete lack of air cover over his task force? The war was raging for almost a month now, and Kondo could count the days without air attacks on the fingers of one hand. Only luck and probably some divine intervention, like that one from few days ago with a dud torpedo, saved them from certain doom. And of course, the courage and skill of the sailors under his command, he thought proudly. He thought of them as his children, all four or five thousands of them.

One man was behind the conspiracy, Kondo was convinced. Matsunga, that fat inbreed of ape and a goat. Kondo stroked his sword with affection. Soon, he will put it to good use. Too long he left him thirsty.

Skies over Changsha

Warrant Officer Nishihata watched in boredom at his target, Changsha airport, as he was approaching him. This was his seventh mission over it. They came, drop their tiny bombs and left. At first Chinese offered some resistance, but their soviet built machines weren’t match for even piece of crap like Ki 27 Nishihata flew.

Suddenly, a reflection in front and above him caught his attention. Three planes were diving on his squadron. Terrified, Nishihata realized that these weren’t Chinese fighters they encountered so far. While trying to remember IJA foreign airplanes recognition manual, he started turning his plane up and away, but it was too late. Machine gun bursts penetrated his canopy, hitting him with several bullets to the chest. As steering rod felt out from his hand, the last thought in Nishihata’s mind was” P40E Warhawk…” .

With dieing eyes he observed the ground getting closer and closer. He died before the plane crashed.

[BigBadWolf]

This last bit about Nishihata is just to show you with what sort of enemy we are dealing here. What kind of a man ambushes poor Nates with Warhawks? [:'(][:D]

[Dino]

What's worse, they'll be claiming it was a Zero...[:-] [:D]

[BigBadWolf]

That they will, philty colonialistic propaganda tells all sort of lies [:D]

[BigBadWolf]

January 4th 1942
Mersing, HQ of the 25th Army

General Yamashira absent mindedly listened to his Chief of Staff report, his thought directed towards the city across the Johore straits. Singapore, Gibraltar of the East, as the English called it. Well, soon it will become another possession of the Empire of Japan. He forced himself to pay attention to what Chief of Staff was telling him:
“…and 21st division started unloading this morning. 5th and 18th divisions are prepared at Johore and await orders to cross the straits. Artillery regiments are in position and are already firing at the targets within the city. Hopefully, 21st brigade and 15th Engineer Regiment will arrive in few days.”

Yamashira cursed his decision to send these units by jungle trails from Kuantan to Mersing, instead of aboard ships. “What about air force?”

“Well, we might have a problem there. As your ordered, all army bombers in the region have been transferred to Kuantan, with two army fighter squadrons and one Naval, under the command of 22nd Air Flotilla of Rear Admiral Matsunga. But commander of 3rd Air Division, General Akiyami isn’t too happy about the fact that he had to give all his planes to an admiral, if you understand me…”
Yamashito frowned: “Not that I care about Akiyama and his hurt pride, but that were the orders from Tokyo. 3rd Air Division has been transferred under the command of General Kawabe and Burma Army. Nothing I could do about it, even if I wanted to.”

Akiyama will have his planes back soon, right after Yamashita enters Singapore on his favorite horse. He wondered what Percival was doing at this moment…

[BigBadWolf]

January 7th 1941
Canton

47th Fighter Sentai has been testing new Nakajima fighter Ki-44 Shōki for two months now..

These prototypes were powered by a 1,250 hp Nakajima Ha-41 engine, and had a maximum speed of 363 mph. Armament consisted of two 12.7 mm Type I machine guns and two 7.7 mm Type 89 machine guns placed in the wing. Kanabayashi and his pilots suggested that 7.7mm machine guns in wings be replaced with 12.7 mm Type I machine guns, as 7.7 was considered inadequate, especially when compared to heavily armed American fighters.

Although they did see some action, their Sentaicho, Colonel Kanabayashi tried to keep them out of harms way, well aware that they are here to test new aircraft, not fight. But losses were inevitable, especially when testing new machines. So far, they have lost two planes, one on landing, when pilot came in too fast, but survived the accident. Another pilot wasn't so lucky, as his plane crashed several miles north of Canton airfield. The causes of the crash remained unknown, but human error was suspected.

As usual at this time of the day, the flight of 5 Shōkis was in air, performing armament test, when large formation of planes was noticed approaching from the north. They were identified as soviet built I-16c and SB-2c, in total some 40 planes. Despite huge enemy advantage in numbers Kanabayashi ordered his planes to intercept and engage the enemy, as he was confident in his pilot's skill and new aircraft value. Soon, his decision was confirmed, as Japanese pilots managed to take down 3 bombers and one fighter, with no losses on their side. Ill-trained and inexperienced Chinese pilots managed only to hit one AA gun, destroying it and killing 5 men of its crew.

Kanabayashi was pleased. He made sure that it was noted that the first kill of the new fighter was made by Major Kuroe, who destroyed one enemy fighter and a bomber each.


[center]


Ki-44 of the 47th Fighter Sentai[/center]



Kragen

The defensive fire was taking heavy toll on the Japanese troops landing on the beach, near the town of Kragen. Commander Tomonari, CO of Yokosuka 2nd SNFL was cursing the weather that cause the delay and made them attack in broad day light, instead of night, as originally planned. He clenched his teeth as shell exploded in front of him. They need to take the airfield as soon as possible, so that they can get some air cover. Enemy bombers were harassing them all morning, fortunately, not one hit was made on Japanese vessels. Another shell landed just several feet away from his cover. Not waiting for the dust to settle, he jumped out and ordered his men to charge, wondering whose brilliant idea was to start attack on Java by landing in the middle of it, and out of fighter protection.

Saigon, Military Hospital

Petty Officer 2nd Class Matsui Okura bowed once more to the doctor that was treating him this last months, thanked him and finally exited the Military Hospital in Saigon. Even though nurses in the hospital were very friendly to wounded pilots, he couldn't wait to get back to his plane. Often he dreamed about her, wondering did the mechanics manage to repair her, after they caught that burst of AA fire over Singapore that wounded him. He barely made it to Kota Bharu, and passed out them moment the plane stopped at the strip. Taking a deep breath, he enjoyed the fresh air for a moment, before hailing a rickshaws and ordering driver to take him to the airport. There was a transport plane that will take him to Tavoy, where his Daitai has been deployed. From what he heard, their enemies over Burma were famous Flying Tigers. Okura hoped that they will be more of a challenge than those inept British pilots he encountered over Malaya. There was no glory in killing them in their feeble air crafts.

[BigBadWolf]

January 9th, 1942
Kragen

For the last two nights, enemy torpedo boats from Soerebaja harassed Japanese ships in front of Kragen. For the cost of three PTs, they managed to sink one transport, and, as fate would have it, it was the ship that carried supplies for Tomonari’s men ashore. Although they managed to take the town, enemy left them very little. This halted the planned offensive to Madioen. There was nothing to do, but wait till supplies arrive. Tomonari received assurances that it is only the matter of days, before ships reach them. He only hoped that enemy doesn’t regroup and counter attacks by then.

430 miles south of Soerabaja

Rear Admiral Takagi held a conference with ship captains and commandants of air groups of 2nd Air Fleet on board of his flag ship Zuiho.

“Gentlemen, the situation is urgent. Our troops have been stranded in Kragen without supplies. Reinforcements are on the way, but in order to get there, we must clear them the way. We will strike at the enemy ships at Soerabaja port, while the strike force from Kuching, some 120 naval bombers will shut down the airfield. This mission is of utmost importance, as we will have only one chance. That is all our supplies of aviation fuel and ammunition will allow us.”

The 2nd Air Fleet has been at sea for the last 20 days, intercepting enemy ships and providing air cover for various invasions in this region. The pilots were exhausted, planes damaged, ships in need for some docking time, but most important, they were running out of everything Ship fuel, aviation fuel, ammunition , all was expended in the last 20 days.

“I know how dangerous situation is, but this is our job. And 9000 of our countrymen in Kragen expect us to do it well. That is all.’

[BigBadWolf]

[center]Toyomaru Hatsumoto

Operations of Japanese Army in China 1941-1942[/center]

Tokyo University Press, 1955.

When Japan made final decision on entering the war, main focus was on eliminating American threat and securing SRA. China theatre was somewhat neglected, due to lack of resources to support any major offensives on the mainland. After all, Sino-Japanese conflict has entered third decade, and Japanese High Command was convinced that Chinese didn’t present serious threat to the Empire. Only offensive actions to be taken, apart from assault on Hong Kong, are those aimed at eradicating Chinese partisans.
This decision wasn’t taken well by the Japanese commanders in China, especially by General Hata, commander of Chinese Expeditionary Army, and General Tsukata, commander of 11th Area Army. After many arguments, General Hata persuaded Prime Minister Tojo to approve the operation Ikazuchi, a plan to conquer Wenchow and Pucheng., thus establishing uninterrupted front line Canton – Nanchang.

Operation Ikazuchi was planned in three phases. In first phase, 116th Division was to move north from Foochow and secure important juncture 50 miles west of Pucheng. 11th Indian Brigade from Nanchang was to take up position North of Pucheng, finishing the encirclement of all Chinese forces in Pucheng- Weichow pocket. In the mean time, 4th Division, reinforced with one regiment of 17th Brigade was to move along the coast and take Weichow, and later join up with 13th Army to attack Puchang.
The plan was apparently well thought of, but Japanese underestimated Chinese forces, and committed too few forces. The situation worsen after the fall of Weichow, when 4th Division was reassigned to Philippines. The remaining forces were considered inadequate to take Pucheng,but commander of 13th Army, LtGen Nagatsu decided to push on. The attack was a failure, which resulted in some 3000 casualties on Japanese side. Units of 13th Army then took the positions on the hills around the city and limited their actions to bombardment of Chinese position, and await reinforcements.Nagatsu was seriossly reprimanded for his decision to attack well entrenched enemy, but managed to stay in command.
But the event that shock the Chinese Expeditionary Force and entire Japanese command will soon follow, in what has been commonly refereed to as Kweichow incident.

[center]
Final stage of Operation Ikazuchi[/center]

[BigBadWolf]

Sorry for not updating this thing before, but work has been rather frantic lately, and between it, family and actually playing the game (we usually do two turns a day) there wasn’t much time for writing AAR. Even had to drop my other game (Ken, if you are reading this, sorry mate, I really hope that we can pick it up some day).

So, for now just a quick review.We are in January 28th, but this is situation is few days older, nothing much has changed.

DEI






Soerabaja and Batavia are only major points of resistance here, possible Sabang (7000 troops detected). For the moment, I’m concentrating on Java, trying to get some more troops in, but with PI and Singapore tying up most of my units, there isn’t much left. Hopefuly, whole of DEI will be included in Japan Empire by the end of February.

Philippines



Numbers depict enemy strongholds.
After crushing defeat at Clark field, 13 Allied units retreated to Bataan, with Japanese army on their heels. For 5 days now, we are bombing them from ground and air, without much success. Last attack stated this:

Ground combat at Bataan
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 123913 troops, 1439 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 2903
Defending force 47825 troops, 335 guns, 29 vehicles, Assault Value = 1157

As we got whooped at Cagayan last week, I’m a bit scared to order attack.

Manila and Cagayan are also bombarded for ages now.

New Guinea

We have landed in Port Moresby and hopefuly we will capture it in the matter if days.

Malaya

Persival decided to make his last stand at Singapore, so he gave up everything north of it without a fight. Japanese troops suffered greatly crossing the Johore Strait, some 10000 casualties, but are now recovering well. Still, without at least two more divisions and support troops, General Yamashira is reluctant to send his men into full charge.

Burma

Afetr Takeda'a paratroopers captured Rangoon, convoys just keep coming. In several days of fierce air battles, Japanese combined Army and Navy Air force have won complete air superiority ovet this theatre. Okura became second Japanese ace in WW2. Ecpecially funy was when Brits send 150 fighters sweep on Rangoon, which was opposed by some 30 fighter CAP. They lost more then 20 planes, while Japanese losses were 15 machines and more importantly, only 9 pilots. Bombing raid on Mandalay yesterday went unoposed. Japanese troops are, as we speak, advancing along railroad northward. Final decision on their destination has not been made.

China

Meh.

Operation Ikazuchi has stalled in Pucheng, awaiting reinforcement. We have another two more operations going on at the moment, will decribe them later.

Pacific

Lots of action here in the last few days, as our subs are trailing two convoys from San Francisko. Both of them passed Hawaii, so they are going directly to Australia. Japanese fleet has pretty strong presence there, and will try to cause some damage. Possibal carrier TF at Pago Pago.

Soon to follow, Operation Hitei.

All advice is more then welcome. I'm especially interested in my progress, as this is my first PBEM campaign. Am I too far behind?

[BigBadWolf]

And here are inteligence screen



and industry



Anyone? [:(]

[BigBadWolf]

C'mon people, I need some oppinions here...Anyone?Please? [:(]

[Yava]

Surrender at once[:D]

Nah just kidding...
Things seem to be going preety well actually...

[BigBadWolf]

ORIGINAL: Yava

Surrender at once[:D]

Ah, AFB propaganda... [:D]

Nah just kidding...
Things seem to be going preety well actually...

Thanks, I needed some reassurance [:)]

[princep01]

ORIGINAL: BigBadWolf

This last bit about Nishihata is just to show you with what sort of enemy we are dealing here. What kind of a man ambushes poor Nates with Warhawks? [:'(][:D]

Actually, a very wise one. Also, one that may eventually become an ace:).

[princep01]

BigBad, I am a little more experienced than a NOOb, but not as experienced as some of the veterans that play this game.  However, I would have to say that you are doing reasonably well. 

Looking at the screen showing losses and points gained, you are doing quite well in the air war.  You must be catching a lot of Allied planes on the ground.

On the ground, it is my opinion that you are biting off a little more than you can chew by attacking Java while both the Phillipines and Singapore are still Allied controlled.  However, I know this is a delicate balance as soem players actively reinforce Java if the Japanese wait too long to attack it.  While I would not have attacked when you did, it may prove to be a wise move.  Personally, I would have gone for Balikpapan early and waited on Java until the Phillipines or Singapore fell. The fall of either will free a lot of troops to finish the job in Java faster. 

I did not see a map on Burma, but this is an area in which the Japanese actually have some exposure early in the game.  The Japanese players often rush headlong toward Mayala, but if they have only the forces typically available befoire Singapore folds, the British and CW can make a fight of things here.  True, it is not an equal fight, but it is, at least, more equal than the fights the Allies face in other theaters.  Be wary of Allied perfidity in Burma......sometimes this comes in the form of Chinese hordes and an ever growing air presence.

I assume that you have given strong consideration to grabbing New Caledonia very soon.  It is an unwise Imperial Japanese player that allows this bastion to reinforce before the IJA/IJN grab Noumea.  To me, there are few targets more important than Noumea by Jan. 30.  From experience with both stock and CHS versions, it is hard for the Allies to substantially reinforce Noumea before Feb 1.

Moving further east, I hope that you already possess  Baker Is. and, hopefully, Canton Is.  These, especially the latter island, are important bastions from which to suppress the Allied supply chain to Oz and New Zealand.

How about Midway?  Have you thought upon that jewel?  Am easy grab if the Allied player has not already reinforced it. 

You do not say a lot about KB and what that death star is doing.  I would definitely try to avoid using it near large concentrations of AQllied land based air, but as an interdiction force, it is peerless.  Killing Allied supply convoys is not the sexiest thing to do, but it is one of th emost effective things your Japanese can do.  The Allies are supply strapped in all parts of the DEI, South Pacific and even in Oz.  It is wise to leave them that way for as long as you can.

I hope I haven't droned on too long.  I enjoy you AAR.  Keep up the good work. 

[Cuttlefish]

ORIGINAL: BigBadWolf

C'mon people, I need some oppinions here...Anyone?Please?

It looks as though you are doing just fine. I agree with princeP01, I don't usually invade Java until I have secured either Singapore or the Philippines. But you hold Koepang and the key bases in southern Sumatra, so you are pretty well covered if your opponent gets any ideas.

Looking at the Intelligence screens I see that your HI is building up nicely. Your naval shipyard, vehicle, and armament pools are scary low, though. You may want to halt production on some ships (RO class submarines are my favorite choice) at least until your pool gets healthier again. You might also want to shut off reinforcements to ground units in some non-critical areas to try and get those pools back up to strength. If they stay this low your new infantry divisions, for example, will come in way understrength. I would give some thought to expanding the armament pool, though you want to be careful about expansion this early in the war.

[BigBadWolf]

First of all, thank for replays   @princeps     Java is just a side kick, whole area is sealed off, but I need troops from PI to take Soerbaja and Batavia. Only things I have there are parts of 4th MB and several Naval Guards.   I still haven’t decided what to do with Burma. I have 15th Army moving north (Guard Div and 33rd Div) but where will I go from there, I have no clue. I’m pretty confident that I can take Meiktila, but God knows what he has waiting in Mandalay. He abandoned air war completely, as my pilots killed one third of his brand new Hurries, and everything else he’s got out there is no match for 80+ experienced Zeroes. Altough, I have only so many of them, and soon I will need them elsewhere, so things may turn ugly really fast.   I have Canton Island, but it’s still far from lvl 4 AF. As for your other suggestions, I’m afraid that there are simply not enough troops left. I scraped everything that can carry a rifle for the Operation Hitei (soon to be revealed). But SouthPac is getting really interesting.   And KB is in the next update.   @Cuttlefish   Yeah, those pools are worrying, but I just had huge batch of reinvestments coming, some 400-500 AV and dozen BFs, plus I have few destroyers and Hiyo and Junyo accelerated, plus Shoho was commissioned in first days of January and Makigumo arrived today.   I did took your advice, and halted all reinforcements in Manchuria and China, as I have two divisions coming in two weeks, hopefully there will be enough time to fill the pools for them.   As for expanding weapons and armament industry, I’m still reluctant to do so, I spent fortune on engines and A/C factories. But I have some 40k oil and 30k resources coming home already, so in the coming weeks, I probably will.

[BigBadWolf]

January 29th, 1941
South Pacific, 300 miles NW of Pago Pago

When Rear Admiral Yamaguchi, who replaced ill Naguno as commander of 1st Air Fleet, received orders to sail towards Canton Islands, on the news that Americans had bombarded it, he requested another day of preparations, so that he can fully refuel his ships. Yamamoto refused his request, stating that there are tankers that will follow, and so Kido Butai sailed out with tanks half filled.

Yamaguchi could only regret this decision, as his task force was going on fumes, with the enemy closing in. He had a choice, attack the convoy unloading at Pago Pago, or try to intercept what he thought was enemy carrier TF coming from the north. But in order to do that, he muct wait for the tankers, which are still two days away.On the other hand, atacking Pago Pago will reveal his presence in the area, and the more valuable target, enemy carriers,will turn tail and run.Unless...

Yamaguchi paused for the moment. Only way Americans will give him battle is if they are convinced in their victory. If he can make them think that they have numerical superiority, Americans will stand and fight. He must give them bait they cannot resist. And what better bait then three IJN flat tops? Halsey will jump on the opportunity to destroy half of the Japanese fleet carriers.
Yamaguchi weighted risks and gains for a moment, and made a decision.

"Signal Shokaku and tell Jojima to come over here. I need to talk to him in private.”



550 miles south of Hawaii

In the vast ocean, a single small mistake in calculation could mean that a submarine waiting for its prey will miss it. Captain Yokota knew well that , so he made sure he triple checked his position, before being sure he is right where he supposed to be. His boat, I-26, was supposed to intercept large convoy several other boats were shadowing ever it left San Francisco. The wolf pack was slowly circling around its victims, ready to strike at any opportunity. Yokota hoped that he will have his tomorrow night. Until them, I-26 is much safer in the depths of the ocean, so he ordered helmsman to make his depth 50 meters. There he will wait patiently, as any good hunter would, for the prey to come to him.

[BigBadWolf]

January 31st, 1942
160 miles north of Samoa Islands

“Enemy planes to the east, Sir!”

“How many”

“About 30, Sir.”

Yamaguchi nodded with pleasure to ensign that brought him the report. For two days, Jojima was harassing Pago Pago and the convoys around it, sinking 3 destroyers, 4 auxiliary destroyers, two large 12000 tones tankers and few merchants. Enemy bought his deception, and decided to punish the attack. But instead of part of Japanese carrier force, as Halsey hoped, they will run into full Kido Butai. Just moments before enemy planes were sighted, recon planes reported Saratoga 150 miles east of their position, but still there was enough time to clear the decks of planes and ammunition and to empty fuel pipes. These precautions proved unnecessary, as attacker got shredded by more then 60 Japanese fighters. Only four SDB bombers got through, and their bombs were easily avoided by Hiryu and Zuikaku. But second wave was already coming, this time almost 50 of them. Yamaguchi lifted his eye brow at this. This means that there are two enemy carriers in vicinity. Japanese fighter pilots did their job, but fatigue and lack of ammunition took their toll, as Soryu was hit with one bomb.

[center][/center]

When the last American plane dropped their bombs and turned to east, Yamaguchi smiled. “Now its my turn” he thought to him self, addressing his enemy beyond the horizon.

“Signal all carriers. I want everything that can fly to take off in the next half an hour and sink those American ships.”

And they obeyed. Wave after wave from two Japanese task forces flew to the east, delivering their deadly load to the Americans. Short reports of devastation kept coming to the bridge of Zuikaku.

CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 11, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CA New Orleans, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Concord, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 2
CA New Orleans, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

By the end of the day, both enemy carriers disappeared beneath the waves of Pacific, while New Orleans sure to follow, and two more cruisers damaged. The price for this success wasn’t as high as Yamaguchi feared it will be. 50 planes lost, and moderate damage to Soryu.

Now, he had a decision to make. Pursue the enemy and finish him off, or deal with the convoys off Pago Pago.
[center]
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