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Hello,

First this will an open AAR thread. Thus meaning that both sides are welcomed here.

I'am going to clash againts FDRLincoln (John). We will be using FDR Mod. (More details on this later)

This is not the first time we go head to head. FDR became as an replacement in my 1st ever PBEM. We fought until summer of 1945 before we called it the end.

I know this will be fun since FDR is very honourable opponent. This PBEM has no guaranteed pace. RL dictates everything. This game will keep both of us in shape until Admirals Edition is out.

Here are the houserules...

• 2 day turns
• Max 10 any type of carriers per sea hex
• Max. active aircraft is airfield size x 50
• No shock + pursue assaults
• Russia needs to be activated 1 month prior to any assault.
• Manchuko/China armies must pay PP to leave the theatre.
• Max. 2 port strikes in the opening turn.
• Max 6 ships in ASW TF
• Common sense, if something is not possible RL than don’t do it

Let the show begin....

FDR’s Toy Box Mod

FDR's Toy Box mod is a scenario featuring FDRLincoln's favorite toys. It is a modification of the stock scenario and is designed for the standard map.

It does NOT include new graphics, new units link to the most similar standard graphic (for example, the Constellation BC links to the Colorado graphic). It includes the following changes to the stock scenario

For JAPAN

Shinano can be built as either a carrier or battleship.
The fourth Yamato-class hull, named Tosa in the mod, can be built as a carrier or battleship
Ibuki can be built as either a carrier or a Mogami-class cruiser
A second unit of the Taiho class, named Kairyu, can be built
A second unit of the Oyodo class can be built
One unit of B65 Battlecruiser class, named Fuji, can be built
One unit of a conjectural CL class, named Otsu and based on the Agano-class hull but with more 6-inch guns, can be built.
An additional unit of the Katori CL class can be built.
Additional units of the Yugumo and Akitsuki DD classes can be built
One additional unit of the Shimikaze Class can be built
The historical armed survey ship Tsukushi is added to the game. A conjectural sister can be built
An additional unit of the Tsugaru minelayer class can be built
An additional unit of the Nisshin CS class named Erimo can be built
Three conjectural DE vessels of the Hanshin class are added to the game. These ships are based on the Otori class DD but are optimized for ASW
The historical AV Akitsushima, which I find to be useless, is replaced with a minelayer of the same name
Old armored cruisers Kasuga, Idzumo, and Iwate are added to the game
Old armored cruiser Asama is added to the game as a minelayer
Two variants of the Zero are added, the A6M3b and the A6M5-N night fighter
The G5N Liz heavy bomber is added to the game in a bomber and recon version
A "heavy fighter" version of the Betty, the G6M1-F Jeri, is added to the game
Manuverability of the Oscar is increased
Armor is added to the Ki-43-IIa Oscar
KI-44-III Tojo added to the game
The Kaiten human torpedo is added to the game
Japanese submarines can be refitted to carry kaitens in place of deck guns starting in 7/44
Japanese Kitikama class cruiser can be refitted to carry kaitens in 7/44
Conjectural Japanese G1 Submarine class is included (I-701). This is inspired by the French Surcouf and carries 2 8-inch guns (but is slow)
Conjectural Japanese G1M submarine class is inluded (I-702). This is based on the G1 hull but equipped for minelaying instead of the big guns
Conjectural Japanese L5 class submarine added to the game
Minor Japanese gunboat adjustments to make the Hashidate, Ataka, and Saga classes more accurate
Japanese historical gunboat/light cruisers Ioshima and Yasoshima added. They begin the game active instead of under construction to help balance
the allied additions
Conjectural Chiyodogata class PG added to the game. Based on Thailand style historical sloop
Slight increase in available at-start airpower
Conjectural Ayase class CL. This is essentially a slightly enlarged Yubari.
Japanese Q-ships added
Battlecruiser Amagi added. Assumes one BC was allowed to be completed under the Washington Treaty and that this hull was not damaged in the Tokyo earthquake.
historical carrier Amagi renamed as Kaimon.
Historical Japanese T-1 class APD added to game
Conjectural Japanese Combined Division added to the game, contains infantry and armor.
Slight adjustments to Army Order of Battle, including addition of chemical weapon regiments

For the ALLIES

ANZAC defenses are boosted
Greek armored cruiser Georges Averoff is added to the game
Australian CL Sydney is in the game, beginning the game damaged and under repair
Australian Navy receives 4 Stuart-class destroyers
Australian Navy receives 3 O-class submarines
New Zealand Navy expanded with additional D-class cruisers Dunedin and Diomede and 4 S-class destroyers
British cruiser-minelayer Adventure added to the game
4 Q-ships and 2 AMC added to the game
Conjectural Dutch "aviation cruiser" Celebes is added to the game
Conjectural American "scout cruiser" Kansas City is added to the game. This is based on the Brooklyn class hull. The ship begins the game
in San Diego under repair
Dutch Java-class cruisers can be refitted to CLAA status
French cruiser submarine Surcouf is added to the game
Australian air force expanded with addition of Fairey Battle training units and Mohawk fighters
New Zealand air force expanded
Indian air force expanded
ANZAC ground forces are expanded slightly, some alteration of HQ assignments to make deployment easier
Conjectural Indian Army units added, including Indian Cavalry
B-23 Dragon medium bomber is added to the game
XB-15 and XB-17 experimental test aircraft are added to the game
YB-40 Fortress escort fighter is added to the game
P-40F Warhawk added to the game
B-17F added to the game
Hurricane I added to the game
Doolittle Mitchells (carrier capable) are added to the game. NOTE: there is no guarantee they will work right. Use at own risk.
British RIver-class fleet submarines Clyde and Severn are added to the game
Small British submarine force at Singapore to begin game
Australian AS added
Old Dutch PG/Coastal battleship Soerabaja added
Dutch gunboats Soemba and Flores added
Historical Dutch PCs added
Adjustments to British destroyer arrivals to ease pressure on withdrawals
British and Indian gunboats and PGs added to the game
American Asiatic fleet gunboats added to the game
Small French squadron based at New Caledonia...one CL, two DD, a sloop
British, Dutch, and Australian MLEs added to the game to make mine warfare easier
British and Australian River class escorts added to the game
Additional Flower Class corvettes (historical) added to game
Historical requisitioned patrol ships added to the game (mostly Indian navy)
Conjectural American Q-ships added
Battlecruiser Constellation added. Assumes that one BC was allowed to be completed under the Washington Treaty.
Four units of the conjectural "Commodore" class Destroyer are included (John Paul Jones, Truxton, Bainbridge, Decatur). These are conjectural units theoretically built
in the late 1920s, enlarged 4-stackers armed with 5inch25 cal guns, representing a midway design between the flush deckers and the Farragut class. Real flush-decker Paul Jones, DE Truxton are removed from the game)
Submarines of Gato, Balao, and Tench classes are defined better than in the stock game.
Guam is given a proper garrison
Chinese Army is slightly stronger than in the stock scenario
P-66 Vanguard added to the game for the Chinese.

...these changes are out of the Readme file! [:)] 

Feel free to add if something is missing from here. After looking at the scenario settings / changes for allies I can say job well done. (I haven't looked at the Japanese side of things since I want to into war blind folded)

Oh, I forgot to add.. the 1st turn is sent so the game is already started.

Game date is 17th of December 1941
 
 
Short summary of developments so far...
 
The game begun with the KB strike againts Pearl Harbour. A lot of BB's docked at the harbour received heavy pounding. Thus meaning that several of them need extended repair time on navalyards. I won't reveal whether any of these capital ships sunk.
 
The Japanese empire have launched two major landings so far. There are a lot of forces already in place in Northern Luzon. I tried to contest these landings with my PT's and out of dated Destroyers. No luck there. Mini KB is lurking in Southern tip of Luzon also.
 
The second major offensive is taking place at Northern Malaya. I regrouping my forces for better defensive lines here too. Recon flights also indicate constant enemy reinforcements entering the scene.
 
So far I have been unable to contest the Japanese air superiority. The Zero fighters are strong as ever and those new "toys" also are making their weight felt.
 
In the South just Makin, Tarawa and Nauru Atolls have been captured. I doubt this theatre will remain in peace for long.
 
In China Hong Kong was captured on the 17th of December. Too bad it could not hold for a while longer. The good news is that Nanking is liberated and at the same time we routed an enemy brigade there.
 
At the moment I'am stabilazing my perimeters all around. The biggest battles are yet to come.
 
I will post some screenshots from the end of December status. Keep in mind that this is an open AAR so I wohn't reveal the Allied HQ plans beforehand.

I am curious to see the Surcouf in action. Good luck !

FDR Lincoln chiming in here.
 
I opted for a conservative, historical, and traditional opening move, with the exception of landings at Nauru and Tarawa instead of Wake (for now! . Aztez is being aggressive in China and is threatening Canton. One part of the mod that didn't get mentioned in the Readme file that Aztez posted is a reduction in air-to-air weapon accuracy in an attempt to reduce air-to-air losses. So far it seems to have helped a bit.

Skyland: Welcome! I will check the status of Surcouf once the next turn arrives. At the moment I can honestly say I have no clue where it is located. One thing I can promise is that the submarine crew will make the French people proud!

FDR: Oh, I didn't forget that because I didn't knew that air to air engine was altered! [:D] 

The list I had was copy & paste from the readme file.

The current game date is 21st of December 1942.

In China, Pakhoi was liberated and the Japanese garrison retreated towards Canton.

Enemy units are unloading reinforcements in Northern Luzon. Not much I can do about this at the moment.

In Malaya enemy infantry units have entered Kuantan. Not much I can do about this either. The base is definately doomed for good.

The first airstrikes againts Rabaul were launched. Aussie Wirrayway fighters were flying death traps!

Allied HQ has approved Operation Hook! What this is about will become obvious in due time. Stay tuned for more.

We / I will post some screenies about current situation and developments soon.

There was major surface combat action to report on the 22nd of December 1941.

This battle was fought near Vigan at Northern Luzon. Here is an combat summary how it went. Allthough I did loose the fight at least I got my chance to duel it out. Allied HQ will take an minute of silence to salute these brave sailors lost at sea.

All the allied ships were lost in action. Only CA Maya was confirmed sunk in the enemy order of battle.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 44,49

Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Shell hits 1
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 1
CL Naka
CL Kuma
DD Natsugumo
DD Minegumo
DD Murasame, Shell hits 1
DD Harusame
DD Yudachi
DD Samidare, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma

Allied Ships
CA Houston, Shell hits 1
CL Tromp, Shell hits 6,  on fire
CL Boise
DD Stewart, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Evertsen
DD Kortenaer
DD Piet Hein
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1
DD Express

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 44,49

Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Shell hits 3,  on fire
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 1
CL Naka, Shell hits 2
CL Kuma
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 1,  on fire
DD Minegumo
DD Murasame
DD Harusame, Shell hits 2,  on fire
DD Yudachi
DD Samidare,  on fire,  heavy damage
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma, Shell hits 2,  on fire

Allied Ships
CA Houston, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
CL Tromp, Shell hits 17,  on fire,  heavy damage
CL Boise, Shell hits 3
DD Evertsen
DD Kortenaer, Shell hits 1
DD Piet Hein, Shell hits 3,  on fire
DD Van Ghent
DD Express

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 44,49
 
Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Shell hits 5
DD Satsuki, Shell hits 2,  on fire
DD Minazuki
DD Fumizuki, Shell hits 1
DD Nagatsuki
DD Harukaze
DD Hatakaze, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Houston,  on fire,  heavy damage
CL Tromp, Shell hits 4,  on fire,  heavy damage
CL Boise
DD Evertsen, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire,  heavy damage
DD Kortenaer, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Piet Hein,  on fire
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 1
DD Express, Shell hits 3,  on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 44,49

Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
SOC-3 Seagull: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CS Chiyoda
BB Nagato
BB Fuso, Shell hits 2
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 1
BB Ise
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 1
CL Yura, Shell hits 3
CL Kinu
CL Kitakami
CL Oi, Shell hits 7,  on fire
DD Mikazuki
DD Sawakaze
DD Yakaze, Shell hits 1,  on fire
DD Yukaze
DD Wakatake

Allied Ships
CL Boise, Shell hits 25, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Piet Hein, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
DD Van Ghent, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
DD Express, Shell hits 19, and is sunk


A lot of wrecks for modern day scuba divers to investigate. [:D]

Japanese Combined Fleet HQ confirms loss of CA Maya to a magazine explosion....an 8 inch shell from USS Houston apparently penetrated Maya's relatively thin armor and destroyed her.
 
However, the Japanese Main Battle Fleet was in the area covering the landings and was able to cut off the retreating Allied ships following the cruiser battle. Cruisers Houston, Boise, and Tromp crumpled under the weight of our battle line, and all Allied destroyers were also lost.

Combined Fleet Communique
Concerning Naval Battle of Vigan, December 22-23, 1941
 
During the early morning hours of December 22nd, 1941, an Allied force consisting of the heavy cruiser Houston, the light cruiser Boise, the light cruiser Tromp, and six destroyers attempted to disrupt the landing of the Phillipine Anti-Colonial Liberation Army at Vigan. An Imperial Japanese Naval Task Force consisting of the heavy cruisers Maya and Ashigara, the light cruisers Naka and Kuma, and eight destroyers detected the Allied ships and drove them away from the transports, inflicting severe damage on the enemy, crippling all three Allied cruisers and sinking a destroyer. As the Allied vessels attempted to withdraw, their escape was cut off by the Main Battle Force of the Japanese fleet, which crushed the entire surviving allied force, sinking all enemy cruisers and destroyers. The cruiser Maya was sunk by the enemy after a gallant damage control effort failed to prevent her ammunition magazine from exploding after being struck by an errant Allied shell from the cruiser Houston.
 
During the late evening hours of December 22nd, a second Allied cruiser force consisting of two British and one Dutch cruiser attempted to disrupt the landing force. Although two empty transports were damaged, this second Allied force was completely annihilated by aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy during a dawn air strike on the retreating Allies.   
 

FDR summarized the overall picture quite nicely.
 
Operation Hook was aimed to harash the enemy landings at Vigan.
 
Unfortunately the operation was not an success. ABDA TF's were slaughtered by the enemy LBA bombers. I was hoping for bad weather etc but didn't happen. Also, I wasn't aware that Japanese BB's were covering the landings. I thought that only Cruiser TF were stationed at Vigan.
 
Oh, well at least we got to see some surface action! [:D]
 
You could say this... "You can run but you cannot hide..."
 
Let the show continue.

One thing I can promise is that the submarine crew will make the French people proud!

Running up the white flag already Aztez [:D]

good luck and have fun both of you

Japanese HQ has given final approval to Operation Wild Storm.
 
The allies are making a firm stand in the Singapore area, having moved a large concentration of air power there, including what appears to be AVG as well as Dutch and British bombers. Some Japanese transports caught without top air cover on their way to Saigon from dropping troops off in Malaya were damaged.
 
 

ORIGINAL: Rob Brennan UK

One thing I can promise is that the submarine crew will make the French people proud!

Running up the white flag already Aztez [:D]

Cambronne !

Good job pushing back Aztez.  Too bad the battle didn't go better for you, but you've got to swing with the batters that you have.  A few more hits on a CL or two, and esp if you had punched some skylights in Chyoda; it could have gone either way.  Was a risk worth taking.

S!

-F-

Rob: You know I don't... [:-][:D]. Nice to see you mate. I hope everything is ok? You seem to have abandoned your PBEM's.

Feinder: Thank you and agreed. I think I have lost the whole ABDA naval force for nothing in previous PBEM's. At least they went out with a bang. Allthough only 1 CA was confirmed sunk I think we inflicted damage to the enemy navy.

I still do have few tricks on my sleeves. Lets see what the future holds.

The game is now 31st of January 1941.
 
As FDR described above few enemy transports were hit near Singapore. This was operation Arrow which was approved by the allied HQ.  I was hoping to hit few BB's and Cruisers. Too bad my fighters and bombers mostly didn't fly on the 2nd day.

Day Air attack on TF at 25,47


Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 5
CW-22 Falcon x 4
T.IVa x 4
Martin 139 x 7
P-40B Tomahawk x 26
P-40E Warhawk x 13
B-17C Fortress x 14


Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 1 damaged
CW-22 Falcon: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Hakozake Maru
AP Miike Maru
DE Goto
AP Hinko Maru
AK Assam, Bomb hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
PG Aikoku Maru
AP Enju Maru
AP Zenyo Maru, Bomb hits 1,  on fire
AK Kansai Maru


BB Haruna and couple of Japanese cruisers had an lucky escape here.

In Luzon enemy forces have landed at Laong near Manila. I wonder whether this the enemy operation Wild Storm?

Allied HQ have given green light to operation Rainbow!
 
Here is an screenshot from the overall score from the end of December 1941.

Hi Aztez, My PBEM with little Joe is still going but at best a turn a week not really worth updating the AAR for it.

Actually i think that surface battle was a long term win for the Allies, Japanese cruisers are nasty critters and you only lost whats going to sink anyway sooner or later. Far better to get some sort of exchange then as betty food.

Hope the family is well.

P,S Cambronne ! Imperial guard commander at waterloo? or was there another i'm not aware of ? pls enlighten me , love to learn new stuff.

As the Japanese commander, I agree with Rob Brennan...the lost of cruiser Maya is a long-term blow. The Allies get replacements for both Houston and Boise, and I don't get a replacement for Maya until late 1943 at the earliest, if I choose to complete Ibuki as a cruiser (which you can do in this mod) and accellerate her at the expense of other production.
 
 

Rob: Everything is ok with the family. The older daugher is now 2,5 years and younger turned 1 last week.
We will be heading out to spa holiday for 5 days in Kuopio once my summer vacation starts.
 
Also will be visiting Turku with the family for 3-4 days. Other plans are not confirmed yet. I 'am heading to 4 weeks summer vacation 23rd of June. I'am in definate need for the time off from work.
 
Good to hear that you and Joe are still fighting it out. Kind of felt bad for him though since you kind of kicked his ass all around the map.
 
As for the game I do concur with all of you. It was worth it and I'am happy to report that CL Natori was also sunk there. I think we might see 2-3 DD's also appear on the sunken ship list soon.
 
I do hate those Japanese CA's so seeing Maya blown away brought a smile for sure.
 
Operation Rainbow is definate GO!
 
Other plans are brewing so all in all we will continue to battle it out. More about these once things heat up.

ORIGINAL: Rob Brennan UK

P,S Cambronne ! Imperial guard commander at waterloo? or was there another i'm not aware of ? pls enlighten me , love to learn new stuff.

Yes, he replied with a famous word to a British General who ask him to surrender [;)]

The game date is 8th of January 1942
 
 
Few intresting developments.
 
Japanese navy has seized the allied base at Wake Island. The good thing is that our shore batteries fired and damaged quite a few enemy ships.
 
In Borneo the base at Brunei was lost. ABDA airforce managed to hit few transports with their bombs and torpedoes. No enemy ships confirmed sunk though.
 
In China 1 Division, 1 Brigade, 1 Chemical warfare unit and 2 supporting engineer units were routed North of Canton! These troops retreated back to Canton.
 
Also South of Homan Chinese troops routed an enemy Tank Brigade and forced it to retreat.
 
I will post the current air to air losses once the next turn arrives.