Turning to the Dark Side - ctangus vs VSWG

[ctangus]

At the urging of the war-mongering United States, the Dutch government in exile has for some months cut off shipments of strategic coffee supplies from Java & Sumatra to the Japanese homeland...

Numerous & generous compromises have been offered by Japanese representatives, but diplomatic negotiations in Washington are at a standstill...

Despite the clearly benevolent & humanitarian objectives of Japan, the arch-criminal FDR and his Chief of Staff VSWG have declared war on the Japanese Empire...... (Martin offered me a game.)

BTW, Martin don't read any further!

[ctangus]

This is a CHS game - scenario 158 (Nik Mod adjustments, Soviet Navy available from game start.)

Not a lot of house rules - VSWG & I have been reading each other's AARs and are comfortable with each other's playing styles. The house rules mostly sum up to: let's both have fun, don't be cheesy & let's be willing to negotiate mid-game if needed.

I've now got 1000+ PBEM turns under my belt as an allied player(thus the name of this thread), but my only experience as Japan is maybe 20 or so turns against the AI over a year ago. Wish me luck! [:'(]

I'll let VSWG do the daily updates (he'll certainly do a much better job than me.) I plan to use this AAR to post some strategic plans, loudly announce my successes, minimize my defeats and ask for help from more experienced JFBs.

[ctangus]

Turn one is sent. I'll lay out some of my general strategy. I've based my plans on what I fear most as an allied player.

Instead of attacking 10,000 places at once, I intend to advance relatively slowly, but I'll try to keep each invasion I make overwhelming in terms of ground forces & well-supported by both air & naval forces. I'm going to try to avoid attrition battles wherever possible. I'm sure I'll screw up a time or five, but that's the plan...

Ultimately I want to hold a defensive postition as far from allied LBA as I can.

I have several specific operations planned.

[ctangus]

Operation Go-Go

The dance halls & other fine establishments for young women in Singapore are understandingly a high-priority for the Imperial Japanese High Command. A full five divisions, plus supporting tanks, artillery, some naval infantry, etc. will be committed to this attack.

[ctangus]

Operation Slo-Go

The Phillipines will be invaded in strength as well, though I think it will still be slow-going.

On Dec 7th paras will take both Vigan & Tuga... with the main troops landing unopposed the next day. I want to deny my opponent intelligence on my troop dispositions as long as possible.

[ctangus]

Operation No-Go

The purpose of this is to extend the allied SLOCs to So Pac & SW Pac.

KB will hit PH, cover the Wake invasions & then cover at least this much of Operation No-Go:

[ctangus]

Operation Archipela-Go

Second in priority to Operation Go-Go, the purpose of Operation Archipela-Go is to cut off Java from support from Australia. Mainly naval infantry will be used for this. Once either Malaya or Luzon falls I want to invade Java with a force of 3-4 divisions.

[ctangus]

Elsewhere

Burma Area

A token force is headed towards Moulmein. I'm tentatively planning an amphibious assault against Rangoon once Singapore falls.

Southeast Fleet Area

I'm sending December invasions against the Andamans, Kavieng & Rabaul. This is the exception to the rule of keeping all invasions under air cover, though there will be a cruiser division in attendance.

China

I'm abandoning Ichang, reinforcing Nanchang & generally trying to consolidate my troops. Operation Gink-Go is in the preliminary planning stages but it depends on my opponent some - if he's aggressive I'll have to remain on the defensive for 3-4 months.

Wish me luck. I hope to do the Emperor proud......

BANZAI!!!

[eloso]

I liked VSWG's AAR so I'll be checking this game out on both sides. [:)]

I just started a PBEM as the Japs without any prior experience with them.

Have you considered securing the northern bases on Borneo?

Kuching is an excellent point to assist in cutting off Singapore. Miri has a 100 pt oil resource and is completely undefended. Brunei has a 300 pt oil resource and is defended by a Base force. Another good base to secure would be Taytay. This should secure the passage between Asia and the Phillipines for decent interdiction.

[ctangus]

ORIGINAL: OSO

I liked VSWG's AAR so I'll be checking this game out on both sides. [:)]

Yea, it was the best AAR I ever read IMO. But now that he's the enemy I can no longer admit that... [;)]

I just started a PBEM as the Japs without any prior experience with them.

Scary, isn't it? [:'(] Personally I think I'll have fun, though.

Have you considered securing the northern bases on Borneo?

Yep, I have considered it (and am planning to do so) but haven't mentioned it. I plan to invade Brunei on @ 11 December with naval infantry. I plan to take Kuching on about the 16th with the 35th Brigade. I'll bypass Miri for the moment.

[eloso]

I would think taking Miri first would be a better move for the following reason:

It is undefended.

Why allow the base force which might destroy the resources in Brunei to retreat to Miri to do the same thing again?

Just something to think about.

[ctangus]

ORIGINAL: OSO

Why allow the base force which might destroy the resources in Brunei to retreat to Miri to do the same thing again?

Oops - I didn't consider that. I'm taking Brunei for the airfield so I can provide aircover for the Kuching invasion.

I was keeping the para-capable SNLF that starts at Camranh Bay in reserve. Looks like they have a mission now - thanks! [:)]

[KDonovan]

good luck Chuck!...this is gonna be my "have to" read AAR everyday.

what are you plans for the KB? I'm assuming you're gonna hit PH, any plans after that?

[ctangus]

Hey Kenny! What the h--- are you doing on the forums when you should be working on the turn in our team game!!! [:D]

My plans for KB probably involve getting all 6 carriers sunk early, but immediately KB will hit Pearl, cover the Wake Island invasion, then cover the invasions of Tarawa, Baker & Canton Islands.

If an opportunity presents itself I'd also like to stage an early commerce raid.

It will then be used to cover Operation Mo-Go (Moresby) and expansion into the Solomons. If all goes according to plan that should be done by the end of February or so.

After that, if I'm being delayed in the SRA I'll use it to force a deadlock. If not I'll rest the carriers for a bit.

[ctangus]

Dec 7th, 1941

Yahoo! It must be beginner-JFB's luck, but I've had the most successful Pearl Harbor attack I've ever seen. [X(][:)]

I didn't quite kill as many enemy planes as I wanted to (146 destroyed) and I lost 79 planes in return, most from KB. All in all, I'll take it, though.

Cent Pac

Here's the big news. Kido Butai, in order to stall the inevitable US aggression, launches a surprise attack against the battleships moored at Pearl Harbor:

12/07/41
Day Air attack on Pearl Harbor , at 114,72
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 67
D3A2 Val x 149
B5N2 Kate x 157
E8N Dave x 1
Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed, 25 damaged
D3A2 Val: 17 destroyed, 65 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 20 destroyed, 84 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 8 destroyed
B-18A Bolo: 7 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 10 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed
A-20B Boston: 2 destroyed
P-36A Mohawk: 2 destroyed
B-17D Fortress: 2 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 5 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 2 destroyed
C-47 Dakota: 2 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 2 destroyed
Allied Ships
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage Sinks!
AR Rigel, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Case, Bomb hits 1
BB California, Bomb hits 10, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage Sinks!
CL St. Louis, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage Sinks!
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 3
BB Nevada, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 10, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AV Tangier, Bomb hits 1
BB Arizona, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage Sinks!
AK Hirondelle, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AVD Avocet, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Phoenix, Bomb hits 1
CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 1
CL Detroit, Bomb hits 1
AVD Thornton, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Allied ground losses:
95 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Airbase hits 55
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 339

4 battleships sunk! BANZAI!!! Nevada & Pennsylvania have to be hurting, too.

Phillipines

Paratroopers secure beachheads at Vigan & Tugabugawuga. More troops unload tomorrow.

Malaya

Proving the hostile nature of the white imperialists, SS KXII torpedoed the innocent Japanese AK Amakusa Maru east of Kota Bharu. (My AK probably won't live, but it was only carrying supplies.)

In response to this provocative aggression, the majority of the 5th & 18th divisions have invaded at Kota Bharu. They were fortunately on ships nearby while undergoing peaceful training missions.

The Thai government is happily welcoming Japanese troops at Singora as well.

Burma

The citizens at Tavoy & Victoria point celebrate as Japanese paratroops have freed them from the brutal colonial rule they've known until now.

[scott64]

ORIGINAL: ctangus

ORIGINAL: OSO

Why allow the base force which might destroy the resources in Brunei to retreat to Miri to do the same thing again?

Oops - I didn't consider that. I'm taking Brunei for the airfield so I can provide aircover for the Kuching invasion.

I was keeping the para-capable SNLF that starts at Camranh Bay in reserve. Looks like they have a mission now - thanks! [:)]

In my PBEM with Carnegie I landed in Miri first then Brunei, the base force retreated to the jungle. [&:]

[ctangus]

12/8/42

Yea! VSWG had some ISP problems, but he's back now.

Not a lot to report, however. Subs, LBA & surface TFs sunk a zillion allied ships, but the most noteworthy were only 2 minelayers. (Still, good to get rid of them.)

Kota Bharu also fell to the forces-of-liberation-from-colonial-imperialism. While the locals rejoice at their emancipation, Japanese engineers are busily engaged in repairing the airfields...

[ctangus]

12/9/42

I'll do a bit more detailed update covering the last two turns.

4th Fleet

While KB retires from near Hawaii, fighters from Sho & Zui sweep Pearl Harbor on the 8th. 4 enemy planes were shot down for no loss.

The Wake Island invasion force has combat loaded at Kwaj & is now en route. ETA 3 days.

Southeast Fleet

Hudsons from Rabaul ineffectively try to interrupt landings at Kavieng. 4 heavy cruisers supporting the landings will bombard Rabaul tomorrow.

The Admiralties will also be invaded tomorrow.

DEI

Landings at Morotai today & Manado tomorrow.

Malaya

The cowardly imperialists are fleeing away from the might of Japan and have abandoned Alor Star. Kota Bharu's airfield is repaired enough to take fighters, which is good since LRCAP was tiring my fighters a lot.

Also, spies report two battleships docked at Palembang. Hmmm...

And that reminds me, a sub-laid mine hit DD Express there on the 8th & she's reported to be heavily damaged. On the 9th an enemy ASW TF hit SS I-157 nearby. 15/1/0. She's not in danger but will head back to Saigon for repairs.

The first Japanese shipping loss of the war occurred on the 8th when AK Amakusa Maru sank near Kota Bharu after being torpedoed by a Dutch sub.

Borneo

Paras will take Miri tommorrow (thanks OSO! [:)]) & landings will start at Brunei as well. I lost a MSW near here to Vildebeests on the 9th.

Luzon

On the 8th, a cruiser TF covering the Luzon landings tangles with some PT boats. 3 are sunk but DD Maikaze took a torp & several shell hits & will likely be lost.

Otherwise, I'm waiting for my troops to finish unloading.

China

The first deliberate attack against Hong Kong gets 0-1 but brings the forts down to 3.

Phillipine Sea

Bettys based at Palau (still a level 3 AF) put two 250 kg bombs into Boise. Both penetrate & one knocks out a 5" gun mount.

Landings are starting on Mindanao as well. I want that level 4 AF at Cagayan.

[Rob Brennan UK]

I think the 2 of you will have a good fun game.

Have fun and of course good luck ( your braver then I am [;)]).

and grats on PH ,, best one i've seen too.

[ctangus]

Hi Rob,

Yea, I think it will be a fun game for both of us. While still early, it certainly is so far. [:)]

Good luck? I don't need good luck...... I'm the best strategist since Sun Tzu! [:'(]

I wish I could take credit for those Pearl Harbor results, but I have to admit it's simply good die rolls. Not that I'm complaining...