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Great AAR so far, I look forward to following with interest, too bad about the CV's though. I just started a PBEM as the allies against my brother so will hopefully learn a few tricks from you.
 
cheers

Hi..

Ouch, that was a big blow to the carriers and I agree that Enterprise looks doomed!

Off the Philippines the principle of conducting fighter "sweeps" rather than just standard escorts or air to air missions seems to be coming across more and more and the relative failure of the P40E's to disrupt the landings again emphasises this.What the landings also show is that the patrol boats can certainly relied upon in the right conditions to at least cause some annoyance to Tojo.

At least you got a bonus by skilfully extricating Force Z which will be a worry for the the Jap commanders (I like to look on the bright side[:)])

Good decision to send Percival back to his croquet lawns and Bridge tournaments as I doubt he would know one end of a rifle from the other [:D]

Best wishes
Ian

I've remained a lurker for YEARS because my knowledge of history and WITP is poor compared to so many other here that I felt silly adding commentary. However, now that AE is new and many of us are at the same level in it, perhaps I will be a more frequent contributor.

This is a good AAR and I am going to stay on top of it.  Thanks for doing it!

Offenseman,

The great things about these forums in general is that most people on them are very helpful and non judgemental and also that they are totally international. I am sure your knowledge of English is 1000 times better than my knowledge of your language so dont worry about that.

Secondly, although there are several very well informed people on here and i love reading stuff like Mike Solli's stuff on specific airframe and engines [:D]......many are like myself and maybe you who are facsinated by the history and the epic nature of the conflict and look to AE to help us experience a bit of it.

(Sorry for going a bit O/T but the beuaty of this AAR is that it is written in such an accessible way to those of is who aren't as knowledgable as others but want to learn!!!

Cheers
Ian

Good looking AAR, best of luck!

ORIGINAL: offenseman

I've remained a lurker for YEARS because my knowledge of history and WITP is poor compared to so many other here that I felt silly adding commentary. However, now that AE is new and many of us are at the same level in it, perhaps I will be a more frequent contributor.

This is a good AAR and I am going to stay on top of it.  Thanks for doing it!

Welcome to AE .. and don't worry about any percieved 'lack of knowledge' . most of the
folk here are only to willing to help out and give friendly advice. so if you are stumped
over anything just post a thread.. we all learn a lot about the pacific war each day
here.

P.s back OT aztez .. as many others have said great looking AAR .. no pesky cut n paste [&o]

jrlans: Ouch indeed. The good news is that Big E is still afloat. The flooding has been stabilazed. She is moving agonazingly slow though. Soon it will have an 4 DD + 2 DMS ships escorting. Too early to tell whether she will survive though.

Few planes diverted into Johnston Island. I assume that 90% of the aircraft was lost though.

You are correct. CV Yorktown is arriving soon but I really need to be careful when and where to commit my naval forces. An head collision with KB is not what I want now. Though if he split these ships than that is an diffrent story alltogether.

drizzt73: Welcome and thank you. I did learn a lot from more experienced guys when I started Witp. Few things what to do and a lot what NOT to do.

devoncop: Yeah. The sweep missions caused harm but I did upgrade some squadron leaders which helped a bit too. We shall see how things play out in skies above Luzon. RAF is having tough time with these sweeps at Singapore though.

Force Z is safe. I doubt he can intercept unless Japanese have space ships!!!

Percival.. oh well he is growing bananas in some deserted DEI island last I heard.

offenseman: Basically what devoncop & Rob said. These forums are nice and "quiet". It is an contrast to many other ones.

You really should not feel bad about the knowledge regarding WW2 Pacific history. I did read it before I joined but the game has taught me a lot. Actually have couple of books on the subject now. There are people here that propably know every soldiers foot size that even remotely entered service but... well nothing to embarrased about.

Agreed. This is basic AE with formatting the Witp knowledge sametime.

SuluSea: Thank you and welcome. I guess eventhough all the AAR's are for your opponents honour it feels good know people are reading. These things take time to keep updated.

Rob: Shall we see you in action soon too?

China (december 11th & 12th)

I think Dave has read map pretty much the same way as I planned operations.

In this case an picture speaks thousand words. (see below)

Yellow box = Chine offensive target
Light blue arrow = Chinese units movement
Red Box = Japanese reinforcements
Red arrow = Japanese movement
Purple box = Heavy lba offensives by IJA
Green box = IJN BB bombardments
Turcose = Low garrison levels at Wuchow.
Black box = Chinese bombers conduct ground offensives.

I see couple of things developing here. IJA is moving 10-12 units into Ichang. So, our offensive is propably going stall from the start. Not all of those units are combat ones but I would guess he has some 1000av points there soon, I will try to take the city but I'am not too optimistic.

However Siayang offensive might succeed. I think Dave made an decision between Ichang and Siayang and chose first one. The reason are quite obvious ones why he did it.

In support of Ichang IJA is conducting heavy bombing runs againts Changhsa. Very nice idea and it certainly worth the effort due to Chinese poor fighters.

Lanchow and Wuchow are still not garrisoned properly. I'am moving troops in both cities but it is painfully slow progress. Just remember to turn OFF the repairs.

The most odd thing is that IJN conducted naval bombardments againts Wenchow, It even included an BB Yamashiro. That is fine by me I'am moving infantry units out of the city already.

Philippines (december 11th and 12th)

First the US submarines launched punch of torpedoes and hit enemy AK's. I think their accuracy was below 10%. The bright side is that "remain in station" + "max react 6" at least started to things I wanted. I haven't set them on any patrol courses at least not yet.

There was an huge suprise though. Enemy carriers launched an airstrike againts Luzon. Definately an suprise I really wasn't expecting it. Than again I like since I have 4 DD's hiding in Lingayen with full ammo load. These ships should be able intercept CVE Hosho TF at night. Now we just need a little bit of luck!

IJA Zero's kept sweeping Clark Field and Manila. This time around we put up an fight with P40E's and shot down few of them. The PP spent upgrading squadron leaders paid off.

B17's flew few naval strike missions but failed to hit anything. That is an achievement by itself since region is "target rich".

Allied search planes found heavily escorted enemy TF's nearing Luzon from north. These will either move into Vigan or land at Lingayen, Allied signit tells that at least 2 tank brigades are coming in very shortly.

Too bad our mines seem to be malfunctioning at Aparri and Vigan. No hits reported.

Borneo (december 11th and 12th)

Dave did what expected. Too bad my surface combat TF did not intercept these enemy ships before they unleashed their "revenge".

Several allied transports where slaughtered Samarinda. I did make an cut and paste to show what happened.


Day Time Surface Combat, near Sangihe at 76,96, Range 21,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Nagara
DD Yukikaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Shiokaze

Allied Ships
xAKL Luzon, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
xAKL Magallanes, Shell hits 4, and is sunk



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 21,000 yards
Japanese launch Long Lance torpedoes at 21,000 yards before allies detect Japanese presence
CA Nachi launches Long Lance Torpedoes at xAKL Magallanes at 21,000 yards
CL Nagara launches Long Lance Torpedoes at xAKL Luzon at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
CA Haguro engages xAKL Luzon at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
CA Nachi engages xAKL Luzon at 15,000 yards
CA Haguro engages xAKL Luzon at 15,000 yards
xAKL Luzon sunk by DD Yukikaze at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards
CA Nachi engages xAKL Magallanes at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
xAKL Magallanes sunk by CA Nachi at 12,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Tandjoengselor at 69,95, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Nagara
DD Yukikaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Shiokaze

Allied Ships
xAK Governor Wright, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Ravnaas, Shell hits 12, and is sunk



Low visibility due to Rain with 35% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 35% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
CA Nachi engages xAK Ravnaas at 1,000 yards
xAK Governor Wright sunk by CA Haguro at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
xAK Ravnaas sunk by CA Nachi at 2,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Tandjoengselor at 69,95, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro
CA Nachi, Shell hits 1
CL Nagara
DD Yukikaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Shiokaze

Allied Ships
PG Asheville, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
xAK Capillo, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Ethel Edwards, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk



Low visibility due to Rain with 35% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 35% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
PG Asheville sunk by CA Nachi at 1,000 yards
CA Nachi engages xAK Ethel Edwards at 1,000 yards
xAK Capillo sunk by CA Nachi at 1,000 yards
xAK Ethel Edwards sunk by DD Suzukaze at 1,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Tandjoengselor at 69,95, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro
CA Nachi
CL Nagara
DD Yukikaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Shiokaze

Allied Ships
xAK Taiyuan, Shell hits 8, and is sunk



Reduced visibility due to Rain with 35% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 35% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
xAK Taiyuan sunk by CA Nachi at 1,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...


..ok enough of that. Only surface combat ready TF ready to intercept is PT squadron from Balikpapan. These guys should find the enemy on forthcoming night. Fingers crossed they get the job done.

At Soerabaja ABDA submarines are ordered to move out. It is time to block the enemy advance here.

Another thing happening is that minelaying operations are intense. I do expect some landings in DEI soon.

Mini-KB is lurking near Davao and these pilots don't consume torpedoes for nothing. I can confirm that several allied AK transports were hit and sunk.

ORIGINAL: aztez

Few planes diverted into Johnston Island. I assume that 90% of the aircraft was lost though.

More improtant than the planes, is the pilots, though with the agonizingly low replacement rates planes hurt too. I still have not fully figured out the new pilot replacement mechanics as most pilots I pull out are only around 40 xp and need to be trained up on map. However the CV pilots are generaly trained up into the 60s and 70s and without a carrier to opperate from would make a decent garrison force for any island that you dont want to lose.

jrlans: The Big E didn't make into Pearl Harbour. It got ambushed by an enemy submarine which put 4 torpedoes into her.

I did withdraw most of the surviving crews into Pearl Harbour. Sad to say that 8/10 pilots are KIA. Not an happy news by any standard.


Borneo (december 14th and 15th)


This is an textbook example how to destroy allied fleet fleeing out of Luzon and other Philippine bases. (See picture)

Dave has deployed two separate TF which contains carriers. One is covering the coast of Borneo and other blocks any escape via Davao coastline. Really not much an allied player can do.

There has been a lot of talk that Japanese carrier bombers are not effective enough well I beg to disagree. I will post the victory screen and it shows the amount of allied ships lost so far. Not a pretty sight.

I did try an PT boat interception last turn but these guys failed to find the enemy. Instead these carriers continued to cause havoc.

The picture also shows that enemy has landed at Davao. I guess erstad will establish an lba base and we shall soon see Betty's flying all over the base. Also IJN entered Miri which will serve as an lba too. Nice pinzer movement and it covers a lot of sea hexes.

I would assume those carriers are withdrawing once these two bases are captured simply because he don't need them here anymore.

Damn it.. I hoped for better luck but Dave is an very skillfull player.

Luzon (december 13th and 14th)

It has become quite obvious that the main landing are taking place at Vigan. US submarines are failing miserably. Next turn they will enter the shallow waters in Vigan. Hopefully they can actually hit something here.

The problem with the above idea is that in not an deep ocean hex so these subs are more vulnerable. Well, there are around 10 of them entering Vigan so maybe we get something out of it.

The alarming thing is that IJA has now established 3 separate airbases at Luzon are these are fully operational. US P40E's are trying to put up an resistance in Manila and Clark Field.

One odd thing happened too. I had my fighters on 80% CAP but when the turn arrived the AI had switched them on 100% LRCAP. Go figure.. I guess these guys were protecting allied ships around Luzon.

Oh.. and needless to say we failed to intercept CVE Hosho's TF. No such luck for the allied side.

Those mines that US submarines laid out.. well they were there but only to me cleared by enemy DMS ships. The combat report indicated that in Aparri alone 40 mines were cleared. So, that was not an lucky operation either.

I will post few overall losses pic's next.

The main dilemma now is how to escort allied TF's towards frontlines. US DD's cannot go the distance.

The victory points screen (14th of december 1941)

Confirmed ship losses (14th of december 1941)

Aircraft losses (14th of december 1941)

I don't think that mine hits get reported anymore , i.e no secret cameras with the mines [:D], might explain why you didnt see any hits, ask dave just out of curiosity.

As for me playing a game , well I want to understand it first (unlike you im not a complete massochist [;)]) , I did offer littlejoe a game with AE ages ago with me as japan , but untill i can figure out the production theres little point tbh.

Bad luck on the big E .. not so lucky in this war it seems.

If i were you i'd concentrate on re inforcing the south pacific as a priority, and get some men into noumea asap. Allies cant face
japan head on this early so fight defensively and set up bases to try and halt his advance. If japan gets canton and makes it into
a betty base .. EEK !!!

As ever good luck.

I agree with Rob on both accounts with 2 CVs under the waves and no old BBs closing down any enemy bases with what you have remaing will be difficult better to not let Dave have what you cant affoard to lose. If you lose Noumea I would honestly be worried about losing all of Austrialia. It is so sparce at the start of the game that if an Indian campeign is diverted there then it could be knocked out of the war.

Rob: That would be something! You as an IJN commander! [:D]

I'am still having some trouble understanding the loading related mechanics of the game! It has changed quite an bit!

I'am moving troops towards southern pacific! Already some reinforcements are entering Noumea from Oz.

Dave seems to be slowly moving towards Rabaul. I'am somewhat suprised he hasn't landed there yet!

I checked and with next 60 days I should have 3 operational US CV's at my disposal. This time around I'am not going to waste for nothing!

You know.. defensive warfare isn't always easy to adopt when you really want to go offensively.

Oh, and Allied had some good stuff happening last turn! More on this shortly!


jrlans: Hmmm, agreed. I don't want throw out offensive assets for nothing. However I still do have decent surface combat fleet. Even without those BB's.

At the moment I'am not too conserned about Oz. It would be an logistical nightmare to land there. You never know but at the moment I'am trying to keep him busy elsewhere.

As for India. Maybe, I'am very suprised that he haven't moved into Burma yet! That is really odd indeed! This could mean an early DEI offensive for the Japanese side.

Luzon (december 15th and 16th)

A lot action in the Philippines. Happy to report that allied did hit back with an odd naval encounter indeed.

The turn begun with IJN TF entering the Bataan/Manila area. This got even more bold when I discovered that the TF contained several battleships.

At first these guys swiftly sunk several allied minesweeping vessels and I started to think that here we go again!

...than our guns started to blaze from Bataan.


Naval Gun Fire at Bataan - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

165 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 7
BB Ise, Shell hits 2
BB Fuso, Shell hits 10
DD Wakatake
DD Yudachi, Shell hits 1, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Murasame, Shell hits 1, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Manila Bay Defenses firing at BB Hyuga
Manila Bay Defenses firing at BB Ise
Manila Bay Defenses firing at BB Fuso
Manila Bay Defenses firing at DD Wakatake
Manila Bay Defenses firing at DD Yudachi
Manila Bay Defenses firing at DD Murasame


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 166 encounters mine field at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Mine hits 1
BB Ise, Mine hits 1
DD Wakatake, Mine hits 1, heavy damage
DD Yudachi, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Murasame, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


...and bonus was those nice mine hits! So, those are working at least here.

These BB's continued to bombard Clark Field for 2 days in a row so I doubt this was an mistake or overly agressive captain going crazy.

Either way this suits me fine.

I'am moving 2 PT squadrons and 4 DD's from Manila in order to intercept these. I doubt they can avoid surface combat encounter. Plus these guys need to move through Bataan once more! There are still mines left and those coastal guns are nasty piece of work.

I did contest the landings at Vigan too. The PT's did land few hits on enemy transports offshore. The nice bonus was that at least 2 IJN DD's also got hammered here.

Somewhat disappointed with the submarines though. I was really expecting more. No confirmed hits and few rounds of missed torpedoes. Not exactly what I was hoping for. I think this has to do with the heavy ASW presence there.

I'am now definately confident that it was wise strategy to with at Luzon. Our troops are building up forts in Clark Field and Manila. Hopefully these will take sometime to breakthrough.

I do not see any point defending Lingayen so orders given to withdraw out.

US aifrorce is still strong here. I think Dave needs to bring in more squadrons in order to contain this area of warfare. This ofcourse is exactly how I want it to go.

Allies will recieve 2 ground combat units in Luzon within next few days. Nice, I can split these between Manila and Clark Field.

There also still maybe 20 PT's and quite an few submarines ready for action.

As the headline says BB Ise is shown on sunken ships list. Now with the new FOW around this might not be true though.

Fingers crossed that we have more good news to report here very shortly.

There are developments in other theatres too. Unfortunately not enough time today to go through these but don't worry more on these later.

Now lets leave with an pic from Luzon....