Speedy vs Fabertong - time to smack back the Penguin

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Do you like sthis style by the way? I'm trying to report stuff succinctly but would you prefer it like it is? Summarise by region? By combat type (surface, submarine etc)? LEss detail? More detail etc?

[ny59giants]

I've done my prior AARs by region and find those types easier to follow along. Subs and ASW were a separate listing that is important. I think ASW tactics are still evolving in AE and many players are struggling as the Allied player in killing Japanese subs.

The only major ships I want to know about is what you plan to do with your limited CVs.

[Terminus]

I'd concur with that. Region by region is easier to follow.

[khyberbill]

Khyberbill - I'll need to look at the map to confirm but surely you can only be outflanked from Rangoon?

Speedy,
From the hex directly across the river from Pegu, the Imperialist Horde can either attack directly across the river to Pegu or one hex to the NE, on the RR from Pegu to Toungoo. hmmm, should be able to do a limerick with this...there was once a lass from pegu, who fancied a lad from toungoo...oops, this is a family forum.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Thanks for the (limited) feedback. I'll summarise by regions from now on but will not include everything. Just the big/important stuff.

khyberbill - hmm. I've attached a screenshot of the area. I think Pegu is relatively 'safe' from outflanking since the hex to the NE of the 'Japanese side' is a trail. If they move there I can outpace them by running away NE on the road/rail no?

[Speedysteve]

Here's a look at China. I'm concentrating forces on Ichang, to the twin cities NE of that Forgotten their name - west of Kaifeng?) and lastly on Nanchang.

Of course I expect Faber will not sit back and I expect him to steamroller over some places - in particular west from Shanghai and from the Suchow area:

[Terminus]

Remember that your forces in Burma aren't that motorized, so they won't be doing much "running", no matter the terrain.

[Smeulders]

True, the position is hard to outflank, but holding Pegu with significant forces is still dangerous. If forced to retreat, your forces will go to Rangoon, leaving the road North from Pegu to the Japanese. This road is shorter than the road from Rangoon and the Japanese have more motorized units, so your opponent will probably reach the Mandalay area faster than you will. If your opponent than finds a way to cut the Akyab road (paratroopers or something similar) your army is in big trouble.

[Speedysteve]

Hmm. Fair point T. I'll whip them into shape. Nothing like the smell of fresh brew to get us Limeys moving[;)]

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Here's Luzon showing the mass of submarines fanning out.

The blue arrows indicate PI Divisions advancing on the small Japanese landing sites.

The red arrow shows the mass of advancing Japanese TF's.

The orange circle is Houston/Boise TF which will proceed to Atimonan tomorrow all being well.

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Some further updates now I've entered my 9th December orders.

DD Stewart sank off Manado.

15 x P40's were lost over Luzon yesterday! They're all resting tomorrrow except CAP over Manila protecting the transports loading up Cavite BF and TK's loading fuel.

BB POW is still alfoat 90 miles from Singapore in much the same condition as yesterday. Buffalos still fly CAP over her.

[Terminus]

I'm surprised the Penguin hasn't finished off the Prince of Wales yet. Your flying ruminants wouldn't be able to stop a concerted air attack.

Are his fliers busy in Malaya?

[Speedysteve]

Yes and no T.

Bad weather was prevalent across the region yesterday. Japanese air attacks by Lillys and Sallys were reported at Georgetown, Alor Star and Kota Bharu but nothing further south.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Another day of furious combat..........

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PI -

Recon reports more Japanese troops have been landed at Vigan. As such the advancing PI division has been told to turn around and head back to Clark Field. We continue to advance on Atimonan with 2 x PI Divisions.

CA Houston/CL Boise TF encountered a Japanese CL and DD's near Atimonan and both sides fought a running battle causing little damage except some holes in one of my DD's which is now heading to Tarakan. The rest of the force will attempt to force the beachhead again tomorrow.

Zero sweeps only netted 3 P40's today for the loss of 4 reported Zeroes.

Nells and Betties roamed the coast line today and sank AK Yu Sang, AP President Madison and AO Pecos. The AP was carrying elements of the Cavite BF which hurts. I'll try to get out what I can now before the area becomes too hot permanently.

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Manado - a failed attack by the Japanese today. The Dutch continue to fight!

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Malaya -

More Japanese forces landed at Kota Bharu today and almost stormed the Allied Lines. I expect my men to be pushed back tomorrow.

No Japanese air attacks on Singapore (this is surprising) only in northern Malaya against my empty airfields.

BB Prince of Wales survived and reached Singapore. Excellent seamanship by my comrades there! She's in the Shipyard now.

Troops continue to slowly head south towards Malacca.

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Rest of the Pacific -

CA Louisville had a fun filled day around Nauru Island encountering a small Japanese invasion force. She scattered the virtually unprotected force chasing down and sinking 3 troop laden freighters.

Ocean Island fell to the Japanese.

KB has disappeared. Probably south of Midway.

US CV's are ESE of Johnston Island heading east and will ultimately head back to the WC.

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Sub actions -

SS I-154 reportedly hit a mine and sunk at Singapore.

SS KXVI blew up PB Heiei Maru 7 with 3 torpedoes near Manado.

SS Pike heavily damaged xAK Yamagiku Maru with a torpedo near Vigan.

SS KXIII and KXVII co-ordinated near Kota Bharu heavily damaging xAK's Ikuta Maru and Teihoku Maru with a torpedo.

[Terminus]

What IS the "Price" of Wales these days?[:'(]

[khyberbill]

khyberbill - hmm. I've attached a screenshot of the area. I think Pegu is relatively 'safe' from outflanking since the hex to the NE of the 'Japanese side' is a trail. If they move there I can outpace them by running away NE on the road/rail no?

You will be surprised how fast their armor can get there!

[Mistmatz]

Regarding Burma... If you try to hold Pegu you're almost definately outflanked by troops entering the hex east of it and then cross the river to the hex NE of Pegu cutting your whole stuff up near Rangoon as others already mentioned.

On the other hand China needs any supply it can get, so delaying the fall of Rangoon and the burma road might be worth taking a risk. In my game I'm amassing forces in the hex between Pegu and Moulmein. It gives you the jungle bonus plus _two_ river crossing assaults are needed by the japanese. Of course this is also outflankable if the japanese comes via Chiang Mai but then you should have enough time to either retreat to Rangoon or up the hills towards Mandalay.

My 2 cents.

[Capt. Harlock]

ORIGINAL: Terminus

What IS the "Price" of Wales these days?[:'(]

"Why Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world... but for Wales?"
--"A Man For All Seasons"

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Thanks for your thoughts on Burma guys. Something to think on for sure. It made me think last night that the benefit of hindsight not only helps the Japanese but also the Allies. Burma is a prime example in this in that we all know we can't really hold back the Japanese if they advance in force.

Another apparent example is the use of CA Louisville in operations around Nauru and Ocean Islands.

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PI -

CA Houston/CL Boise TF headed towards Antimonan again and encountered a Japanese DD force. Poor gunnery on both sides that only led to DD Ariake taking heavy damage and DD's Peary and John D. Ford taking hits on my side. These 2 Four-Stackers were later sunk by Kate TB's from a suspected CVL East of Luzon.

Further Japanese landings occured in the NE of Luzon. I expect a lot of pressure to move inland soon. I'm still moving towards Antimonan for now.

My P40's had a good day over Luzon's skies. Japanese bombers appeared unescorted whilst attacking land and naval targets. About 20 appear to have been shot down.

Japanese airpower did make itself felt though where Allied fighters were not. 6 x AK and a PG were sunk. The seas are becoming dangerous to be in!

CL Tromp TF will investigate the seas around Manado tomorrrow.

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Malaya -

The Japanese land assault started today when the Allies were smashed back SW of Kota Bharu in disaray.

Allied troops are abandoning Alor Star tomorrow for Malacca. Georgetown will follow.

Allied LBA attempted to bomb enemy troop positions near Singora but Japanese Nate fighters were on patrol shooting down 6 bombers.

A large Allied CL/DD force at Kuching and will investigate the Japanese landings at Miri tomorrow.

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KB is 8 hexes NW of Johnston Island with it's Replenishment TF.

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Subs -

SS KXIII heavily damaged DD Oshio with a torpedo of Kota Bharu.

SS KXVI hit APD Fuji with a torpedo off Djailolo.

SS Salmon heavily damaged DD Satsuki with a torpedo near Laoag.

SS O20 sank xAK Hokko Maru with a torpedo near the beaches at Miri.

Japanese submarines had their first successes of the war in decimating a 4 x TK fuel convoy leaving Palembang for Perth. 3 of the 4 TK's were blown up through the day....the 4th scurried away south......

[Chad Harrison]

Hey Steve

Just saw your new AAR against the evil penguin. Best of luck! Will be following this one for sure.

Just show his carriers the same . . . attention . . . that you showed mine and youll do fine! [:D]

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

4 day update.

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PI -

The past few days have seen an ever increasing threat of Japanese airpower from Formosa and from 2 small CVL/CVE TF's operating east of Luzon and inbetween Mindanao and Tarakan. They have effectively shut down most ship movement in the area and have sunk:

DD - 3
AK - 6
CL - Marblehead
AP - 1

Zeroes are sweeping almost daily over Luzon making any CAP hazardous at best (lost something like 20 x P40 for about 5 x Zero).

I've basically evac'd all shipping from PI. What's left of the Cebu and Cavite BF TF's are trying towind around the eastern side of Mindanao before heading to Perth.

All forces on Luzon are slowly heading back to Clark Field for a stand before Bataan.
The only little bright spot from here recently has been the B17's have been launching raids against Industry in the area - from Formosa to most recently Tarakan's Oilfields.

CL Boise TF went on a suicide run against Japanese shipping around Takao. They (CL Boise + 3 x DD) performed heroically though and took a lot of the enemy with them ( PB - 4, SC - 2, heavily damaged CL Kinu and even got 2 sheels into CVE Hosho) before being overwhelmed by Japanese CA's.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

4 day update.

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Borneo -

Been a hot bed of action recently with the Japanese invasion of Tarakan supported by CVL Ryujo.

Recon had detected the invasion force so I sent CL Marblehead + 4 x DD's to intercept. They cleaned house sinking 2 x DMS, 3 x AMc, 5 x PB, 1 x AO, 1 x TK, 4 x AK and 1 x AP unfortunatley after they'd unloaded. Knowing the risk though they were hit heavily on the return to Balikpapan by Ryujo's Kates and CL Marblehead was sunk and DD Paul Jones heavily damaged.

Tarakan has fallen as has all of NE Borneo.