Matrix Games Forums

This AAR is between Bobogoboom and me--John 3rd. This is a Big B 1.4 Extended Map Mod.

I have decided to start this AAR for very different reasons then others might. I am a JAPANESE player. Probably 97% of my playing time with War in the Pacific has been as the Japanese. With this in mind, I have decided to go to the DARK SIDE and try out the Allies.

Bobo has never played the Japanese so THAT should be interesting as well.

Anyone who has read my AAR with Mandrake and Tabpub know that I hate the endless combat reports. I will do periodic updates talking about my thinking, reactions to the Japanese moves, and my long-term planning. There won't be very many pretty pictures as well since I am computer illiterate.

Our House Rules are pretty standard and I tend to play within the limits of realism. The only quirk that I have as an Allied player is that I wanted a conservative and REALISTIC opening round by the Japanese. I learned this from Moses and am grateful for his help in coming around to this view. Bogo was told NO UNREALISTIC invasions. He could move troops and support units but everything needs to be done in a decent manner.

To the beginning of the war:

December 7, 1941

Early Orders:
1. Following the standard policy between players, I issued orders to my two CV TF and sent them towards Canton.
2. In China, I issued a few orders to congregate my useless Communist guerillas and make some form of defense versus against what I am trying to do in my two campaigns against the Allies in this same Mod.

Opening Moves:
A pure vanilla, HIGHLY conservative opening set of moves by my opponent. He lands the normal troops at Aparri and Vigan in the Philippines, Guam, and Kota Bharu in Malaya. No surprises whatsoever in this beginning.

Strikes:
1. Clark His Clark strike was pretty good. I lose nearly 40 fighters and 4 B-17s to his opening attack. The AF is thoroughly closed down.

2. Pearl Harbor He delivers a standard attack against this fortress. Two Daitai of Kates drop TTs during the attack. By my view, he gets a pretty darned good start. Five of the BBs are sorely hurt (System/Flotation damage): Nevada (70S/36F), Oklahoma (20S/56F), Tennessee (35S/46F), Maryland (37S/41F), California (33S/16F), Pennsylvania (13S), Arizona (9S), and West Virginia escapes without a hit. The Japanese do quite well at hitting smaller ships—1 CA, 2CL, and 5DDs are hit. I consider this important because these ships are more useful to me then the BBs at the start of the war. I lose about 50 planes as well.

Reaction and initial planning:

DEI
I immediately order a concentration of all warships at Batavia, Soerabaja, and Kendari. These ships will be divided into three Surface Task Forces to fight the Eastern, Central, and Western DEI. Force Z will be split: Prince of Wales will be in the Western TF and Repulse will go to the Eastern TF. If I get enough time, there will be 10-12 Warships in each TF and they will be sent raiding and attacking.

I do not intend to withdraw meekly to Australia or India. I shall FIGHT! I think this is a huge mistake that many Allied players make. Anything sunk by these expendable warships will make life much easier for me later. ABDA shall fight IN PLACE until destroyed.

Timor Gambit
I shall make a stand at Timor. Troops are being bought out of their ABDA affiliation and shall be moved to Koepang, Dili, and Lautem. Supply, Fuel, Base Forces and the small Infantry units will be placed here and wait for stronger reinforcements to arrive. If get a month to do this, then Timor shall be a VERY tough nut to crack!

Malaya
Since he has landed at Kota Bharu, I will fight the entire way down the peninsula. Johore Bharu and Singapore shall work on their forts for the final battle. I move most of the Malay bombing AF into Alor Star to attack the landing forces while the Buffalo and Brewsters concentrate at Singapore for base defense.

Burma
I will make my initial stand at Moulmein/Rangoon and then fall back to hold (hopefully) Mandalay. Several Indian units are ordered to move into northern Burma to aid Fort construction and base expansion.

In a lesson learned from Moses, I will not strip India to defend Burma.

USA
I take a small risk and immediately form TF to haul fuel, supplies, and some troops. They will head initially for Bora Bora and then go where I need. Saratoga, BB Colorado, and DDs shall head in the same direction.

Should note that some forces are headed for Alaska as well.

Hawaii
As quickly as possible, I shall deploy the US Navy into the SE Pacific. I might move Lexington and Enterprise to Perth for a VERY rude surprise in the eastern DEI. This move shall occur only if Bogo is moving slowly. Otherwise, they will be near Noumea and snipe whenever they get the chance. I will take risks with the Fleet and FIGHT!

Philippines
Scatter my forces from Manila. Send some along northern/western Borneo and some along the southern/eastern edge as well. Will try to pick-up a few small American BF with AK as I go.

Another thing I don’t understand about Allied players is this fall back and wait at Clark/Bataan/Manila triangle. I shall fortify these locations but will also fight in the hex north of Clark for as long as I can.

SE Pacific
Will fight to hold PM, Noumea, and Suva. I will buy a few Brigades out of Australia and New Zealand to hold these sites initially. Order loading of 29th Aussie Brigade and 101st A-T Battalion for Port Moresby.

Send a couple of fast AP to pick-up smaller units to move to PM.

Within two weeks there shall be strong American naval forces here to aid the defense of this area and region.

Australia
Order several units towards the NW Aussie Coast. This will take quite a while but Perth through Broome will get reinforced. Additionally, troops shall move up the eastern coast to reinforce Townsville and Cairns.

Those are the initial plans…

Just a note John...


it's Bobo...like the clown?....lol

Thanks for the correction. Hadn't even noticed the typo...

December 8, 1941
Bobo provides me the first glimpse of his play. He withdraws the KB in a westerly manner and there are no new invasions launched.

I lose Guam, Aparri, and Vigan.

Philippines
Heavy cloud cover allows me to move all my shipping out without a single sinking! How about that!!?? The only casualty I get is a TT from I-124 (minelayer) into AS Otis. Order her back to Manila. There is another attack on Clark and NOTHING flies at Manila Bay. I order three small AK TF to try to pick-up small BF in the central Philippines to take to Timor and/or NW Australia.

There are Japanese STF at Vigan and Aparri. I spot CVL Rhujo (I always get her mixed up with her CVL sister) due east of Mindanao. There appears to be nothing operating south of the Philippines so my retreat should be able to succeed.

Malaya
The Japanese strike at the AF in Singapore and nearly Nells arrive overhead with NO ESCORT! I have 41 Buffalos meet the attack and 18 Nells fall in exchange for only 1 Buffalo. How about that! My Vildebeest and Swordfish begin attacking the Invasion Forces at Songkhai and Kota Bharu. I put a TT into DD Shirakumo and an AK for no losses.

Western DEI
Warships begin to gather at Batavia as well as Fighters and Bombers. Set the planes to train so their morale starts to go up for the future fighting. Move some Dutch PBYs to Kuching for Recon purposes.

Central DEI
Same note as above except I move Recon assets to Tarakan and Manado.

Eastern DEI
Everything converging on Kendari.

Throughout the Ports of these areas, supplies and fuel are being loaded for Timor.

Political Points I get 100 PP/day in Big Bs Mod. They will be used quickly EVERYDAY! On this day I change the HQ for the Garrison at Singkep (13th NEI BF and Rioux Garrison Force) and get the 16th NEI BF at Benkolen. These troops head for Amboina.

SE Pacific
All available Allied warships are gathering at Cairns. Should have a respectable force of 4-6 CA/CL and a DD or two.

Hawaii
Bobo forgets to change the Japanese Zeros from Sweep and they TRY to sweep PH again as they head west. This Raid of 70 Zeros wipe out the 9 fighters that rise up to meet them but the raid costs Bobo 10 precious Zero pilots.

With the KB heading west, I order ships out of PH. Two STF leave for Canton: the faster TF (1 CA, 4 CL, and 8 DD) and the slower TF (BBs West Virginia and Arizona with 8 DD) head due south. Additionally, a CA, 2 CL and 4 DD leave for repair in the USA.

Wake Relief Force
I want to TRY to make Wake a bigger fight. The AK Regulus loaded part of a Marine CD unit from Midway and heads at FULL SPEED to Wake. SS are ordered out from PH to mine the waters of this island. I send a small TF of 3 DD and 7 PT-Boats towards Wake. The DDs will get the PTs close enough and then send them on to the island. Given just 3 days, I can make Wake a far tougher nut to crack! Key part of that statement is given 3 days…

Considering that I did not lose a single ship, this is a very good second day of war.

It was more of a jab at him but , then again, he's not supposed to read this thread is he?[:D]

BTW, I will enjoy this read...I wanna see him get his tail handed to him...just so I can give him a hard time.[:D]

Semper Fi,
Lee

December 9, 1941

I continue to take very few casualties as the opening of the war goes on. Lets take the tour around the Pacific:

Philippines
I have moved about 500 Assault Points up to the Baguio. They begin digging in as the Japanese get organized with their beachheads. I will make a stand here to buy time to build Forts at Bataan and Manila. We see how long they might be able to hold out…

The Japanese hit Clark again with a massive force of 31 Zero and 71 Betty. Nothing rises up to meet the attack and more planes are destroyed on the ground (2 P-40 and 1 B-17). When I give orders, I find a couple of fighters and B-17 able to move and send them to the Central Philippines.

MOVING TROOPS: I change the HQ Assignments for the 111th US BF at San Jose and 120th US BF at Cebu. They are loaded into 4-6 AK each so a portion of these troops make it to the south. 111th heads for Koepang and the 120th heads for Darwin.

SS Action:
I-124 puts another TT into AS Otis and sinks it.
I-123 sinks AS Pigeon as well.

Malaya
The Japanese strike at the AF in Singapore again without fighter aircover! There are 72 Nells that fly right into 30 Buffalos! The Buffalos meet the attack and another 12 Nells fall with many returning to base. This makes 30 dead Nell crews in two days. I will not have to worry about these Daitai for a while.

My Vildebeest and Swordfish continue attacking the Invasion Forces at Songkhai and Kota Bharu. During morning and afternoon strikes, CL Sendai takes a bob and an AK gets a TT.

My troops hold off the initial attack at Kota Bharu with ease.

I move another Brigade up to Alor Star to help protect my planes flying out of this base. There are several convoys unloading at Songkhai so I know I will be hit by at least one Infantry Division within a day or two. I will use this AF to attack from until it becomes time to RUN AWAY!

Spot two Invasion Forces about halfway between Kuching and Saigon. The Recon states that they are heading west. Perhaps a landing at Kuantan? We’ll know by tomorrow.

MOVING TROOPS: The 101st RN BF gets its HQ changed and heads for Koepang.

Western DEI
My Western TF begins to form up with Prince of Wales linking up to 4 CL and 5 DD. For the moment, this unit will be my Western fist to try to cause chaos! Order it to Pontianak, Borneo. I am not concerned about LBA for the moment with the losses that my opponent has taken over Singapore.

Central DEI
The Central TF also starts to form-up. This Dutch unit comprises 3 CL and 6 DD. It has very short steaming ability so I will finish picking up ships and then move it towards Balikpapan.

Eastern DEI
In the East, the American force also works at gathering together. CA Houston, CLs Boise and Marblehead, and 9 DD will be ready by tomorrow for potential operations. I will try to wait a couple of days because this force will gain BC Repulse about the 11th. That addition will make it a force to be reckoned with.

Throughout the DEI Ports supplies and fuel are being loaded for Timor.

Central Pacific
The KB disappears from recon.

The Wake Relief Force is moving along. The AK Regulus will arrive at Wake the day after tomorrow. More SS are arriving and mining will commence within a few days. My STF of 3 DD and 7 PTs need another day to get close enough for them to release the PTs to Wake. After that, the garrison will either survive or fall. Figure that by the 12th, Wake will have 2 Marine CD units and 7 PTs to help the defense. Still expect it to fall but it might REALLY take a fight to grab it!

Makin is taken by the Japanese.

The American CVs will make it to Canton tomorrow and then commence operations. They will probably head for eastern Australia: Cairns or Townsville.

SE Pacific
Warships begin to gather at Cairns. These cruisers will then be sent to the DEI to cause trouble…

Hawaii I shift all my remaining LBA to ASW around Hawaii. Bogo has left all the Japanese SS there and I want to try to take some out.

USA
CV Saratoga is headed for Bora Bora.

BB Colorado is doing the same thing.

Troops, Supplies, and Fuel leaving for Bora Bora as well.

Very impressive AAR so far -- I appreciate the writing effort that goes with not simply pasting in the combat reports. It certainly looks like you're adjusting to the play required from the Allies faster than Bobo is learning how to play the Japanese. I wonder where the KB is headed?

Why thank you Captain! 

I have always WANTED to do this and so it is a GRAND EXPERIMENT!

As to the KB...we'll see...

December 10-11, 1941

The opening Japanese moves are beginning to take form and the Allies are moving to throw a wrench into Nippon’s dreams! These are the two day events by region:

SS Action:
I-121 hits an AP south of Singapore with 1TT
KXVII hits DD Shirakumo with a TT at Singora and SINKS her! Minelaying occurring by US SS from Manila at Pescadores, Saigon, and Takao
LBA Hits I-18, I-4, and I-171 near Pearl Harbor
ASW TF hits I-16 NE of Pearl
O20 sinks an AK off Kota Bharu

Not that anyone can tell but I have shifted ALL of Pearl’s PBYs and Bombers to ASW—3 Hex Range.

Philippines
Am digging in at Baguio. If he followed the standard move then there is about 1 ½ Divisions in Northern Luzon. I have enough troops to hold—probably…

The Japanese hit Clark again each day. He has yet to swing at Manila. My P-40 Squadrons are now at full strength there.

He has several small Surface TF moving through the area but my ships have all left.

MOVING TROOPS: I change the HQ Assignments for the 3rd US Fighter Squadron. It had 2 planes and 16 pilots so the cost was minimal. It will move south ASAP.

Burma
I split the AVG into its 3 Squadrons and send one to Rangoon, another to Moulmein, and leave the last at Mandalay.

Malaya
For some crazy reason, Bobo keeps sending his Nells at Singapore without Zero escort. I shoot down another 7 bombers over the two days and nearly all of the others abort. My Buffalo Squadrons are gaining real experience for no losses over a period of five days.
The second Invasion Force lands at Kuantan on the 11th. There is nothing there to meet it.

My troops hold off his second and third attacks at Kota Bharu but the Forts are reduced to zero. He will have the base tomorrow.

With the landing at Kuantan I order everyone to fall back to the midway point of the peninsula and I’ll make a stand there.

MOVING TROOPS: Have 2 AP pick up the 107th RAF BF at Tavoy on the 10th. It will go to Rangoon.

Western DEI
My Western TF (Prince of Wales and Escorts) are fully fueled waiting at Pontianak.

MOVING TROOPS: 17th NEI BF at Padang is shipped for Koepang

Central DEI
I shift the Central TF by adding Repulse to the 3 Dutch CL and 9 DD. Though short-legged, I order them to attack the Invasion Force heading for Amboina.

MOVING TROOPS: 3rd Dutch BF and 8th NEI BF picked up and heading for Koepang.

Eastern DEI
In the East, the American force is going to have to attack the Amboina Invasion Force piecemeal. The lead element sails from Kendari on the 11th. Houston, Boise, and Marblehead with 5 DDs set Flank Speed and head for Amboina. They are backed by 4 more US DD that didn’t make it in time for the rendezvous. Should be quite a show!

Throughout the DEI supplies and fuel is headed for Timor.

Central Pacific
AK Regulus makes it to Wake on the 11th and begins unloading. No signs of the Japanese…the PTs should arrive there on the 13th with SS Minelaying to take place the same day. A total of 7 SS will be on station at Wake and south of it.

Tarawa is taken by the Japanese on the 11th.

From Canton I send 2 CA and 3 DD to attack shipping there…

The American CVs rendezvous at Canton on the 11th, fuel, reorganize, and head for Luganville. If something is spotted that they can hit, they will.

SE Pacific
Two CLs meet the Adelaide at Cairns with more ANZAC Warship due to arrive over the next couple of days.

MOVING TROOPS: Two AP pick up the NVGR Battalion from Lae and sail for Port Moresby.

THOUGHTS:
I wish he didn’t lunge at Amboina so quickly. It is the only really surprising thing he has done to this point. My 3 STF will raise Hell with him but it depends on escort as to how well they shall do. My recon didn’t pick-up any separate Support TF. It is all in the Invasion Force. I placed Adm Doorman in charge of the Repulse Force and Adm Furlong in charge of the American Cruiser Force. Both are aggressive so we’ll see how they do.

I'd leave the PBYs on naval search but lower the range...I seem to get more hits on naval search than I do ASW.

I did not know that.  Will shift them over and see what happens.  Looks like they are doing pretty well but maybe this will increase their effectiveness.

Bobo has started his own AAR. From his reports, you're getting excellent service out of the American CA's![:D]

Combat Report
Dec 13-19, 1941

The Japanese steamroller has picked up speed and is rapidly moving in all direction but the Allied High Command is most pleased to announce several significant victories in the second week of the war.

Bases are falling but plans to build-up others and create a strong shield at Wake, Midway, Port Moresby, and Timor. Details regarding these events shall also be provided.

Regional Reports
North Pacific

The early reinforcement of Alaska and the Aleutians is fully underway. Supply convoys are unloading at Anchorage, Dutch Harbor, Cold Harbor, and Unmak. An American RCT—the 4th—is unloading with a base force at Dutch Harbor. Two smaller Base Forces are getting ready to unload at Unmak. A small Surface TF of 9 DD is heading for Anchorage and a few old CL will be added when the opportunity presents itself.

Central Pacific

Midway
This island receives a Marine DB Squadron of 16 planes and 10,000 supplies. A squadron of 12 PBY is also working out of this base. Another Marine CD Battalion is about to unload there.

Wake
Where Wake would be difficult to take on December 7th, it is now a FORTRESS. Two full Marine CD Battalions and about 50% of Midway’s are digging into the islands there with nearly 6,000 supply. Each CD Unit is given responsibility for its own island on the atoll---Wilkes, Peale, and Wake bristle with 5” guns ready to repel any invasion. The Marine Wildcat Squadron is supplemented by a Squadron of PBYs. A complete Base Force shall unload there in about 2-3 days. Submarines and the ML Oglala have laid a minefield of over 600 mines.

Canton
The 40th US Army Division shall land there within 10 days.

Before the army can arrive, the Japanese ATTEMPT to grab the island with troops that were originally intended for Wake. The only troops on Canton were a small Base Force that would fall if a single SNLF landed upon it.

Only the Navy could save the island and it DOES!

The Battle of Canton Island, Day 1---December 14, 1941
A strong American surface force of 1 CA, 3 CL, and 8 DD intercept the Invasion Force before it can begin offloading. In a big surprise, the Americans HANDILY defeat the 3 CL, 6 DD, AP, and AK. For serious damage to DD Mugford and moderate damage to two other DDs, the Americans SINK DDs Mutsuki, Kisaragi, Mochizuki, and Yayoi. The remaining warships are heavily damaged as well with DD Oite sinking that night.

The Battle of Canton Island, Day 2---December 15, 1941
As the Japanese Force attempts to flee, the skies over their head fill American Carrier-Based planes! The USS Lexington’s flyers spot the damaged Japanese Fleet and sink the CLs Yubari, Tenryu, and Tatsuta.

The Battle of Canton Island, Day 3---December 16, 1941
The Lexington finishes off the job by sinking the DD Hayate and an AK.

The battle ends with the Japanese loss of 3 CL, 6 DD, and an AK to no American sinking’s!

Samoa
The 2nd Marine Infantry Division is loading at San Diego to go here.

South Pacific

Noumea
Several supply convoys are headed here with fuel and supplies. Two US BB are headed here as well. An American Field Artillery unit lands but there is nothing else to help this base for the moment.

Port Moresby
The reinforcement of this base is concluded for the moment. With the original troops at PM, I lifted off the small infantry battalion at Lae and moved it to the base. The Australian Infantry Brigade as well as A-T Battalion has also landed. There are nearly 6,000 supply here with another 16,000 on the way. This should be enough to supply the base for over a month. Could really use a second base force here…have to find one…

Rabaul
Knowing that the Japanese would come here earlier then later, I moved my ANZAC STF here. It docked at Simpson Harbor on the 16th and went into battle on the 19th.

The Naval Battle of Rabaul—December 19, 1941
The Japanese Cover Force of 4 CA (Aoba-Class) and 4 DD were met by the CAs Louisville and Canberra, CLs Leander, Achilles, and ???, and the French DL. The battle actually lasted a long time. There were 7 gunnery phases with the Allies taking the worst of it. Louisville and Leander took Long Lance TT hits and are in sinking condition. The remaining ships are damaged but should make port.

In return the Japanese lose two DDs with 2 more severely damaged. Their CAs took a few hits but nothing appeared too serious.

Bases Taken: Admiralties with Rabaul being landed upon on the 19th.

The Eastern DEI

Timor
My small infantry and base force units continue to move into Koepang and Lautem with a minimum of interruption. Several small AK and TK convoys have been and are unloading there. On the 19th, the supply levels were at nearly 20,000 with fuel approaching 30,000.

NW Australia
Things are going so well, I have sent two American base force units to Darwin and a British base force unit to Broome. Supplies and fuel have also been diverted there as well. If and when Timor falls, I want enough in NW Aussieland to make its defense REAL. Troops are moving up from the other side of the continent. I have tasked the 1st and 2nd Aust Infantry as well as one of the Cavalry Divisions to move up there. It is a LONG WAY away…

Manado
Surprisingly I get two small naval victories here by American PT-Boats!

Naval Battle of Manado, Part 1—Dec 12, 1941
A small invasion force of 2 MSW and 3 AP TRY to land but are stopped by the PT-Boats. The PT’s sink a MSW and an AP!

Naval Battle of Manado, Part 2—Dec 14, 1941
My opponent sends in two Jap DD to clear out my PTs. In a big surprise, the hunters become the hunted when my 6 PT gain surprise! PT 31 puts BOTH of its TT into DD Ikazuchi and PT 32 hits Inazuma with a single TT. Inazuma sinks when a Dutch TB hits it with another TT later that day!

Feeling quite proud of their accomplishment, I order them to fall back to Kendari that day. Talk about gnats killing bigger game: 2 DD, 1 MSW, and an AP!

Amboina
The real focus of the Eastern DEI has been to deny Amboina as a workable base from the Japanese.

The 1st Naval Battle of Amboina—Dec 14, 1941
My American Eastern TF of Houston, Boise, Marblehead, and 5 DD hit an Invasion Force consisting of CS Chitose and Mizuho, 5 PG, 3 MSW and 3 AP. In a spirited fight, I sink CS Chitose and Mizuho (no CVL for Japan in 1943! :>), a PC, and an AP. Only DD Bulmer takes any serious damage.

2nd Naval Battle of Amboina—Dec 15, 1941
Returning for a repeat performance, the American TF sinks a pair of AK trying to offload there. As they retire, the Central TF with BC Repulse bombards the base causing light damage.

Haven’t seen much near Amboina since then. I have B-17s from Darwin beginning to hit the base everyday.

Central DEI
Very Quiet. The enemy hasn’t tried to grab Tarakan yet so I have been lifting off supplies and fuel from Balikpapan. The Central TF—minus Repulse who joins the American TF—will be back in a protective capacity on the 20th.

Western DEI
The Japanese land and take numerous bases—Jesselton, Brunei, Miri all fall and Kuching has troops landing on it on the 19th. While this has been going on, I have moved fuel out of Palembang and moved several Inf/BF units towards Timor.

The Eastern TF is about to take a swipe at Kuching. CA Cornwall, 3 CL and 9 DD will see what chaos they can cause on the 20th. Unfortunately, Prince of Wales cannot help since she was hit by a *^$_ TT on the 17th. A total of 3 Nells attacked and the big BB shot down one, two launched their TTs and one hit. DRAT!

Malaya
My brilliant aerial action against the Japanese ends when they capture Kuantan and throw nearly 100 fighters and 50 bombers against the base. My planes do well but take strong casualties on the 18th and 19th. As I start to see planes destroyed on the ground, I begin moving bombers (Blenheims) to Burma and TB and Fighters to Palembang.

The Japanese are moving very slowly having captured Alor Star, Kota Bharu, Kuantan, and (on the 19th) Georgetown. I have placed a blocking force at the mid-way point of the peninsula and am feverishly building up my forts at Johore Bharu. Am also trying to get several of the larger BF out of Singapore for later use but Jap SS and DB are causing issues…

Philippines
The Japs haven’t moved from their landing hexes. I have troops at Baguio and the Forts have risen from 2 to 3. Clark is a shambles and Manila is now taking damage. I move the American planes to Mindanao and then change them out so they can head for Timor and Kendari.

Burma
The AVG is operating out of Rangoon and Moulmein. A Japanese Inf Division is approaching from Rahaeng and I have the two Burma Brigades waiting for it at Moulmein. It will take a while for the Japanese to reach that town so I am not TOO concerned. There are British reinforcements approaching Rangoon by sea and I will cover them with the AVG. I have a Tank Brigade and two Artillery Regiments. They should help to slow the Japanese advance.

Those are the regional reports.

Thoughts:
1. I have REALLY stung his forces on several occasions! On these days alone, the Japanese have lost a total of 3 CL, 10 DD, 1 PC, 1 MSW, 2 CS, 3 AK, and 2 AP. I’ve damaged numerous other ships as well.

To me this vindicates the forward defense strategy in fighting the Japanese tooth-and-nail from the beginning. These are SERIOUS losses that won’t be replaced for quite a while.

2. Aerial Action: The same can be said for fighting it out in the skies over Singapore and the Philippines. I have shot down nearly 150 planes just over these bases alone. Have I lost planes—YES—but, once again, he cannot replace his losses.

Anyone got any thoughts to this??!!

There is an Aussie airgroup in Singapore that can be upgraded to Hurries any time you like...get some better aircraft in there...[8D]

John, I like your approach to the opening moves in this episode of WITP.  Very reasoned and intelligent, consistent with the limited info available to a "real time" Commander on the ground in "real time" 1941. 
 
This is playing out like a real war scenario, instead of the usual "gaming the game" openings a lot of players seem to enjoy. 
 
Good Job to date. [&o]
 
Now:  Make the enemy pay big time at the start, and then, later on, make the payback a real MF.  It's good to have long-term industrial superiority at your disposal...
 
 

John, is your opponent a newbie? 

A few things I can "safely" say to you without giving away my own trade secrets. [:D]
 
Finding BF's - There is a BF on Tasmania that you get pick up for just over 100 Political Points. There are 2 RCAF BF in the eastern part of Canada that are "not" static. Each with 100 aviation support. [;)]  The Canadians get 2 Blenheim squadrons that you can upgrade to Beauforts (nice having a few TB to slow down the Japanese [:D]). They are also the only ones that can do so for a while, use them wisely. [;)]  Look long term at the dot base in NE corner of Australia called, Portland Road. Notice it is only 6 hexes from PM and builds to a level 7 AF.
 
In Big B's mod, the RAAF do NOT upgrade to Hurricanes. His mod has Hurricane IIb & IIc models. The RAAF goes to IIc and that is later in the game. [:(]
 
The Chinese LCU's assigned to SE Asia pack a pretty good AV (over 1000, I think). Hope you are moving them towards Mandalay. 
 
Naval vs ASW Search - I think Castor Troy did an experiment and found that PBY's with over 70 experience set at 1000 ft did well against subs on naval search (actual hits). I usually have 1 squadron set at 1000' and another at 5000' both on naval search at important bases. Upgrade your PBY's to PB2Y for those important bases to give yourself the extra 4 hexes of search.

Hey John - I like the read of this AAR. I like an allied player that runs with the forward fighting concept instead of Sir Robin.

Have some fun - move some AVG and bombers to Singapore and mess Bobo up <laughter>. With him losing so many LBs he's probably used up his pool of pilots and he's probably hurting for Nells/Bettys so crank it up a few notches and see if he squeeeeeeeels <grin>. Check your leaders and see if you need to reassign anyone <leader info is in the must-Read section>. TTFN,

I hadn't checked the AAR for two days and had these messages. Thanks for all the thoughts and advice guys! Let me answer or comment to each:

Moondawggie--I HATE THE SIR ROBIN defense--was I unclear with that statement? [:D] As a Japanese player I KNOW the pain of each loss to the fleet. I've already sunk about 15 IJN DDs and we're only 3 weeks into the fight. Am I taking casualties? YES! Do I care? Not really. The Dutch fought as well as they could in real life and did not catch a single break in 1941-42. I've already done more damage then they did in the entire DEI Campaign. I'm not done yet.

I will pull out of the DEI only when it is clear that the game is up. Even once that is done, Timor is going to be tough for the Japanese to take. Koepang has its defensive score at 145 and climbing as those small understrength units fill to capacity. More importantly, my Base Forces are at about 80 and should easily climb past 100 within a week or two. Supply is at 20,000 and fuel is nearly double that. I've got units moving into Dili and Lautem shall be as strong as Koepang within about 10 days. By January 1, 1942, Timor will be as ready as it ever will be.

I've also NOT neglected NW Australia. In my Campaign with Dan (Canoerebel) I have landed and taken Broome through Wyndham. To make this more difficult, I am moving a small garrision unit into each town and Broome as well as Darwin are picking up a few small Base Forces to strengthen their aerial capabilities.

Am toying with doing something CRAZY and move the Lexington and Enterprise Battle Groups here. BOY! It would be risky because I am sure that the KB will appear within a few days. Haven't seen it since Dec 8th. Pretty sure that he brought it back to Japan and is now moving it wherever. If he moves into the Central of SE Pacific then I WILL move those CVs behind Timor and plan a NASTY surprise....

Dan--Canoerebel--Yes Bogo is a firstime Japanese player. By his own admission he was rather 'lost' the first few turns and overwhelmed with the Japanese Order of Battle; however, he has really picked it up fast. I've stung him and gotten in several 'freebies' but I think those turns are done. We'll see about that. Still have a few tricks left at this point.

Michael--Even with the 100 points per day in Brian's Mod, I am more concerned with moving the smaller units out while I can and then will move to some other forces. I reinforced PM as fast as possible and now have there two small Infantry units (a Bird Battalion plus the one that starts there), an Aussie Brigade, an Aussie A-T Regiment, a Tank unit that is currently landing, and the original base force. Next thing needed there is (TIME!) another BF; however, I have to get things to Noumea as well. This said, if I can stock up some PP then I will check those units out you mentioned. To many things and not enough time...

1Eyed Jacks--I moved a Squadron to Singapore and they raised a little Hell until he started throwing 70-80 Fighters and 125 Bombers at the base everyday for a period of 10 days now. I've REALLY hurt his LBA Bomber units. The next aerial battle will be over Java and Timor. I've pulled out all the American P-40 Squadrons as well as the useless P-25/P-36 Squadrons and am training them up so their morale is good. They will be used as a fire brigade to stiffen the Dutch and British Fighter Squadrons.

I love having to be on the defense and needing to improvise. Ask Paul Layne in our October 1944 campaign. As the Japanese, I am still finding ways to surprise him and get in the occasional counter-punch!

Anyway--Thanks for the questions and I hope the answers make sense. More???

Combat Report
Dec 20-30, 1941

The Japanese continue to advance in several areas but the heroic Allied Forces are holding their own in many ways. In reality, the Allies are counter-punching whenever and wherever possible but there A LOT of Japanese out there! The little Dutch boy with his fingers in the dike is an apt description!


Regional Reports

North Pacific
An RCT unloads at Dutch Harbor and 2 Base Forces land at Unmak to begin AF construction. I will move another RCT to Unmak within the next couple of weeks. My surface forces are building up enough to be able to fight. I have 7 DD with two old CLs moving towards DH.

Central Pacific
I have a set of supply convoys moving to Palmyra, Johnston, Midway, and Wake. There are two AK with 12,000 supply headed for each base. Additionally, I have split the 24th Infantry Division into three parts with an RCT going to Midway, Wake, and Johnston. If these can deploy without interference then I will be safe for the foreseeable future.

Midway
This base is now getting mines from SS. It currently has an airwing of 12 PBY, 12 F4F, and 16 SBD.

Wake
I unload a Base Force so this fortress can now handle up to 50 planes. Only have 12 PBY, 12 F4F, and 8 A-20. ML Oglala delivers another 600 mines so there are nearly 1,400 of these hanging around…

SE Pacific
Canton
The 40th US Army Division shall land there within 2-3 days.

Samoa
The 2nd Marine Infantry Division is going to land here in about 10 days.

South Pacific
The reinforcement of these important bases goes on as well.

Noumea
Several supply convoys are headed here with fuel and supplies. The BBs Arizona and West Virginia moved through here a few days ago heading to Cairns. Currently BB Colorado will dock here fairly soon and CV Saratoga’s TF is already waiting. Supply is over 25,000 with 10,000 in fuel. An Australian BF will unload here in a day or two.

Port Moresby
This base is now the most important base in the South Pacific. I have rushed all sorts of reinforcements here. The following units are present: 29th Aussie Brigade, 3rd Aussie Tank Regiment, Papuan Infantry Battalion, NGVR Battalion, Lark Force, 101st AT Regiment, and 112th BF. Another BF is on the way… Two full squadron of Wirraway (32 planes) and 12 PBY fill the airfield.

NW Australia
I have units moving into position at Darwin and Broome. These are more BF and Garrision units that I have evacuated. Fuel and supply are going into both bases as fast as I can get it there.

CV Enterprise is headed to Darwin for a little ‘fun.’


The Eastern DEI

Timor
Koepang—I have 73 Assault Points here with 95 in aviation support. The Forts have reached 3 and are climbing pretty fast. I have 3 full squadrons of P-40s here, 22,000 supply, and 37,000 fuel.

The Eastern STF is based here: BC Repulse, CA Penscola and Hoston, CL Boise and Marblehead, and 9 DD. It hits Manado on December 28, 1941.

The 3rd Battle of Manado
The Allies pounce on helpless convoys again! Down go 2 AP and 4 PG! No losses in return.

Dili—Minor forces so far. I have a small BF and Garrision unit present.

Lautem—68 Assault Points, Aviation Support 55, Forts to 2, and airfield nearly at 2. Have 9 PBYs and a Squadron of P-35.


Central DEI
The enemy has landed at Tarakan but didn’t bring enough force. The Allies hang on by their fingernails.

Battle of Tarakan—December 25, 1941
The Central STF tries to raid Tarakan but is hit by 18 Nell in the morning and then 43 Betty/Nell during the afternoon. CL Glascow takes a bomb and THAT is it!

Battle of Tarakan, Day 2—December 26, 1941
I split the short-legged Dutch DD (they SUCK!) off of the raiders and send in the cruisers under Rr-Adm Doornan. The Allies get into the transports and sink 4 AP and a MSW.

As they retreat, they are pounced on by Japanese bombers again. THIS time they do far better: CA Exeter sinks under 3 TT, CL Enterprise goes down with 2 TT and De Ruyter is nailed by 1TT. Though serious losses, at least De Ruyter makes it to port safely.

Western DEI
Kuching still holds but will fall soon. The same goes for Palembang.

The Battle of Kuching--December 20, 1941
The Western TF hits the landing forces at Kuching and manage to sink CA Chokai, DD Sagiri, 2 AP, and 1 AK. DD Peary and CL Durban take a TT each but make Batavia without further incident.

The Battle of Palembang—December 23, 1941
Quickly swinging from the Kuching Raid to Palembang, the cruisers of this force meet their match in the form of 4 Japanese CA and 4 DD! Numerous 6” shell shit the CAs but they simply bounce off…the Allies lose DDs Pope and Tenedos with CL Durban having to be scuttled the next day.

I have spread a SS shield along the three approaches: 12 SS are in the west between Pontianak and Palembang., 6 fill the strait between Tarakan and Balikpapan, and nearly 20 SS fill the area between Sulawasi and Western New Guinea.

Malaya
My forces have retreated down to Johore Bharu. I have delayed at several points. This has allowed for me to raise the Forts there to 6. How long I can hold out is anyone’s guess.

Philippines
I continue to hold Baguio in force and the Japanese don’t seem to be in any hurry to move southwards. The Japanese have all of Northern Luzon and San Fernando. Cagayan, Mindanao continues to hold against a full Japanese Division and Brigade. Several of my central Philippine Islands have fallen.

Burma
The AVG is operating out of Rangoon and Moulmein and providing strong aerial support over these bases. I have moved enough BF from Victoria Point and Tavoy to allow me to operate 3 bombers squadrons out of Rangoon and they attack the Japanese column coming up from Rahaeng. Nothing serious yet…

That is the action for the time period.

Things are still looking pretty good for the Allied cause…