Attack Attack Attack - a Hotseat AAR

[Remington700]

Japan: May 20th 1945

Okinawa
A large US carrier group is spotted in the Amami Islands and once again the 1st Air Fleet sorties to strike another blow. Arriving within 50 miles of Okinawa the fleet is jumped by Mitchell bombers from Formosa. Surprisingly land base Zeros launch to contest air control over the fleet. The bombing raids and ensuing furballs continue throughout the day ending with a loss of 4 Zero SPs and 7 SPs of Mitchell bombers. Sadly, a light carrier takes heavy damage, and 3 SPs of carrier-based planes are lost.

It was good to see the Japanese air units respond. It seems the interceptors will defend against land-based air, but the bombers will not attack ships. Thinking of the rules this makes sense as one is a defensive action and the other is offensive. The implication of this is large. It means both fighters and bombers will have a 50% chance to defend against enemy air and ground attacks on Honshu, as long as they keep strength points and effectiveness at or above 50%. Which should be possible as they will remain in supply.

Towards the end of day enemy torpedo and dive-bombers arrive supported by Hellcats. The enemy fighters chew up our CAP and Avengers fly low over the water executing perfect anvil attacks against our supporting battleships. In desperation the BBs Ise and Fuso fire their 14-inch guns into the water ahead of the low flying planes knocking a few out of the air with massive water splashes. Pom-Poms light up the sky as Helldivers time a perfectly coordinated attack with the torpedo planes. The attack is too much and within an hour the battleships Ise and Fuso are lost. The damaged light carrier is sunk and the CVL Hosho takes a hit. The heavy cruiser Furutaka is also damaged.

As the day ends, so does the 1st Air Fleet’s ability to perform as a viable offensive threat. After four years of war this marks the end of Japanese naval power. What's left of the fleet limps away and will be used piecemeal in minor actions. As Alvaro and ncc1701e have shown in the forums, effectiveness matters a lot. It has taken me the whole game to finally understand the magnitude of this impact.

[Remington700]

Hokkaido
The 34th Army is dug-in around the port of Aomori on the main island of Honshu. They are protecting the northern tip of the island from a possible enemy crossing of the Tsugaru Strait. Just north, the 66th Division is dug in with emplaced heavy guns in the Port of Hakodate on the island of Hokkaido. A hundred miles north on the Sea of Japan, the beat-up 46th Division digs in to protect the Port of Sapporo. They will eventually place heavy guns in the area (switch to garrison mode) but for now will remain mobile to block an attack at Kushiro in the east.

It is doubtful this area will come under attack, and I want to be able to move some of these units south if needed. Garrison mode is nice, as long as you have no plans to move the unit.

[Remington700]

Production
Japan: No builds. Replacements remain at 150.

COMINT: Encryption keys are changed. Without offensive capabilities due to the lack of aviation fuel there is no need for Intelligence Agents. So this may be the best use of the intel points. The hope is to render allied intelligence agents' recon level buff less powerful and hurt enemy targeting on mainland units.

[Remington700]

Allied: May 20th 1945

Sea of Japan
After inflicting a crushing defeat on the Japanese Navy, Task Force 58 steams into the Sea of Japan to attack enemy shipping. Losses to Merchant Marine will be high and this should force the temporary shutdown of the East China Sea convoy lanes. While the taskforce is too valuable to leave in this area long term, it may be wise to station a smaller CV group here to either eliminate the Japanese Merchant Marine or to keep the convoys on lockdown. Either way the outcome is the same; enemy production will be reduced.

[Remington700]

Okinawa
After weeks of cutting enemy supply, Operation Iceberg escalates. The British 10th Corps hits the beach but cannot push inland. The terrain is mountainous, and the Japanese 7th SNLF is well dug in. The heavy artillery of the 10th Corps is landed helping with a second push on the enemy. Systematically, cave by cave the defenders are rooted out and eventually surrender. Wore out, the Brits can go no farther. The US 5th Marine Division lands and pushes into the mountains to mop up the remaining enemy stragglers. Okinawa is secured and will be ready to base long-range bombers in week or two.

Convoy Attacks
The convoy routes south of the Japanese mainland are seldom used by the enemy. Targets are scarce however the Skipjack manages to spot and sink a freighter. The Pike runs into trouble from an enemy destroyer and returns to Rabaul after taking damage from the contact.

The effectiveness of the submarine raids is questionable. What is left of Able force (the Skipjack and Tang) receive orders to head to the Marianas where they will be joined by the Finback to blockade ports in the area. Baker force remains on patrol in the Bonin Islands along with the British wolfpack. Supply remains cut to the “Jimas”.

[Remington700]

Philippines
The attack continues in the north of Luzon. Following five days of bombing the positions of the Japanese 14th Army are attacked. The US 6th Corps with the 4th Marine Division on their right flank hit the enemy hard. Supported by a naval barrage from multiple US battleships the enemy takes 5 hits and retreats to the south. The 6th Corps hits them again doing another 3 SPs in damage as the enemy begins to route. The 4th Marines overrun Lingayen destroying multiple Betty bombers on the ground. A second port has been captured!

[Remington700]

Mariana Islands
With the arrival of Able Force, supply is cut to both Guam and Saipan. This will severally weaken the area. Defensive positions in these islands are strong, but with the loss of aviation fuel and now basic supplies the enemy will start to weaken fast.

[Remington700]

Builds
UK: 3 Oilers
India: No Builds
USA: 15 Oilers

Convoys
No Convoys.

COMINT
UK: Failed to decipher the Japanese code.
USA: 1 Intelligence agent. Failed to decipher the Japanese code.

[Remington700]

Japan: June 3rd 1945

Honshu
The 11th Army finishes their basic training and are equipped with the latest weapons. They will undergo advanced training (elite specialty) in preparation of the enemy invasion. The 30th Division is railed to the east of Tokyo to garrison recently completed fortifications. They are tasked with holding the left flank in defense of the main island. A beat-up air group containing Betty bombers arrives in Osaka to be patched together. There is not enough aviation fuel for offensive operations however they may well get into the air long enough for local ground support. It is doubtful they will be much good for anything else. In fact, the IJA is questioning why any materials would be wasted on them. Their suggestion is to cannibalize the planes and give the guns to pilots and use them as replacements.

The leadership of the Combined Fleet still holds power even if the 1st Air Fleet has little left. The carriers are sent to the north shore of Hokkaido to drop anchor and hide in the many coves scattered throughout the area. Their mission is to protect the port of Kushiro from an unescorted invasion and possibly to sneak in supply to Iwo Jima.

[Remington700]

Builds
Japan: No builds. Replacements remain at 150.

Convoys
East China Sea: Shutdown until the departure of the US fleet.

[Remington700]

Allied: June 3rd 1945

Okinawa
Early in the week the US 5th Division loads into transports and head north to northeast. The marines are moving back into harm's way. Soldiers of the battle-hardened unit are vocal about whose idea it was to spend their R&R rooting the enemy out of caves in Okinawa. However, based on the direction they are heading it was probably easier duty than what lays ahead.

Bonin Islands
The blockade continues as the whole island chain is devoid of supply. Enemy planes are grounded, and soldiers are starving. However, they are still armed and dangerous and have plenty of fight left in them. These islands will not fall easily. Three US carriers and supporting cruisers suddenly stoke their boilers and steam out of the area. They too are headed to the north.

[Remington700]

Convoy Attacks
Task Force 58 tears up Japanese convoys in the Sea of Japan. Eight Merchant Marine units are destroyed virtually assuring convoy traffic will be suspended in the area. Rather than continue with their patrol the taskforce receives new orders. They are to immediately build steam and return to the Pacific Ocean.

Hokkaido
Operation Downfall begins! The long-awaited invasion of the Japanese home islands will soon begin with the assault on Hokkaido Island. Spies in Japan send word of a sighting of a group of Japanese ships hidden in a cove on the north coast of the island. This is probably nothing more than a diversion however rather than send in an invasion force blind, Task Force 58 is sent in to seek and destroy the enemy vessels. Arriving offshore of Kushiro the enemy fleet is spotted and a massive wave of TBFs and Helldivers are launched, supported by F6F Hellcats. Enemy planes have already been launched and are intercepted on their way to the US carriers. Three enemy SPs are shot down and a fourth is taken out by Akk-Akk well short of any friendly capital ships.

Reaching the enemy, the SB2Cs swarm their carriers, diving at 70-degree angles ripping apart flight decks and conning towers. The CVL Hosho takes multiple hits and immediately sinks. The CVL Shoho also takes damage but manages to keep under power breaking off from the group. TBF Avengers isolate the heavy cruiser Tone which does not stand a chance. Hit by multiple torpedoes the ship is broken apart and sinks. Surprise was complete and the ensuing attack viscous. The remaining enemy ships flee to the northwest trying to slip through the La Perouse Strait separating Hokkaido and Sakhalin.

After receiving reports of the battle, intelligence agents relay valuable information as to time, direction and location of the enemy fleet. Now is the time to end this menace to the sea. The British Pacific Fleet arrives before the enemy can escape. British bombers target the heavy cruiser Furutaka and sink her. However the CVL Chiyoda and a heavy cruiser are able to slip away.

Three US carriers of Task Force 58.2 off Sapporo launch planes searching for the enemy. Spotting the Chiyoda, they swoop in unabated and sink the carrier. The heavy cruiser Aoba along with the damaged CVL Shoho slip through the Strait into the Sea of Japan. British bombers from Task Force 57 off the northeast coast of Honshu find the fleeing ships and inflict heavy damage to the Aoba. However, the ship remains under power and continues deeper into the open water. At the end of their range, the British planes must return to their carriers. The mighty Japanese navy has finally been destroyed! What few ships remain will be of no threat going forward.

The invasion fleet with loaded transports arrive on both sides of Hokkaido carrying an infantry corps and two marine divisions. Preparations are underway to put the units ashore to secure the island.

[Remington700]

Philippines
One hundred miles south of Manila the US 2nd Corps assaults the positions of the chewed up Japanese 14th Army. The enemy breaks and routes through the jungle to the north. The battle-hardened US 4th Corps moves up south Luzon towards the action. They will be able to join the attack within a week.

Fifty miles north of Manila the Japanese 7th Army is pounded by air strikes for three days straight. However, the enemy is dug in deep within concrete pillboxes. While out of supply and suffering a loss in effectiveness, the 7th Army is ready for the attack. Lacking finesse, the US 6th Corps and 4th Marine Division launch an intense frontal assault which is repelled. With continued support from heavy naval bombardment and Mitchell bombers a follow-on attack hits the enemy but is again pushed back. A third and then fourth attack are repelled. The pillboxes are proving to be very stubborn. A fifth and final assault crushes the enemy defense and the remaining stragglers route to the south down the Bataan Peninsula. The coastal defense support chit has proved to be very effective in the battle. Placing it in the most advantageous location is the key.

Forward elements of the US 6th Corps find the beat-up Japanese 14th Army moving north in a disorganized fashion through jungle east of Manila. Catching the enemy off guard they are soon destroyed. General MacArthur lands at Legaspi and stages another photo-op for the benefit of morale.

[Remington700]

Production
UK: No builds.
India: No builds
USA: 3 Oilers. 3 Airfields

This will be the last turn for builds. Going forward to the end of the game Production Points will be stacked for replacements.

Convoys
No Convoys.

[John B.]

Wow, I missed lots of action since I last signed on. Way to go Allies but the Japanese are adopting the hold until you die strategy that seems to be keeping the allies from final victory thus far.

[Remington700]

The defense has taken too much time to crack. The Philippines are in trouble and the home islands have been invaded. However time is running out.

[Remington700]

Japan: June 17th 1945

Korea Bay
After the disaster with the 1st Air Fleet being chopped to pieces the damaged CVL Shoho and the heavy cruiser Aoba slip away to once again hide in the Korea Bay. The carrier has no aircraft or aviation fuel and very low effectiveness. She is little more than a “fire ship” from a bygone era. The heavy cruiser has a little fight left in her and may yet play a role in the final outcome.

With the emanant invasion of Hokkaido the army will dig in and hold their ground. The units can expect no help as the defenses are set on Honshu and there are no units to spare. From this point forward there will be no retreat and no support. All armies and divisions are on their own, each a strong point to wear down the enemy. The intent is to hold the key victory point cities and run out the clock.

[Remington700]

Philippines
Luzon is on the verge of capitulation. The 7th Army is little more than a battalion and sits out the action down on the Bataan peninsula. The 3rd Army is in better shape and secures the southern approach to Manila but is low on everything. To the north the 5th Special Naval Landing Force is barely combat effective. Manila is held by nothing more than General Tanaka’s HQ defense. It is doubtful if this group can hold out for a month.

[Remington700]

Production
No builds. All production points will go towards replacements.

Convoys
Convoys remain shut down but will resume next turn.

COMINT: 1 Intelligence agent.

[Remington700]

Allied: June 17th 1945

Hokkaido
Task Force 58 leaves the area to head back into the Sea of Japan to hunt enemy shipping. The enemy’s ability to replace losses must be reduced to effectively take control of the Japanese mainland.

US soldiers land on the Japanese mainland! The war has moved into a new phase. With the Japanese government showing no signs of agreeing to an unconditional surrender, the war will continue until the enemy’s home islands can be taken by force. Hokkaido is first on the list as it is needed to base a new kind of bomber to support landings on Honshu. The new B-29 Superfortress is having technical problems and has yet to replace the aging B-24 Liberator. This is represented by the inability to complete the 1945 level of tech with the Strategic Bomber advancement. The new type of bomber is the Ground Attack (dive-bomber) with the Strategic Bombing Advancement. This increases range with little loss to the tactical value. So far it seems well worth the tradeoff as these planes have greater range and higher tactical value than medium bombers. But do have less air defense - always a trade off.

The elite 5th Marine Division lands to the south of Sapporo and pushes inland. Wheeling left, they launch an assault on the city. The Japanese 46th Division takes a hit and is pushed out to the north - then run headlong into the elite 1st Marine Division which is now stuck on the beach. Supported by heavy naval bombardment the marines attack again and push the enemy inland towards the ore mines.

On the east coast the US 7th Corps lands unopposed on the beach to the north of Kushiro. They quickly move inland until making contact with the Japanese 46th Division. Slow to attack the corps may miss their chance to destroy the enemy.