Shattering the Sword (AE Edition), Cantona 2 (A) vs 1275psi (J)

[cantona2]

Well after waiting for the patch to come out Herbie and I have started a GC on AE. It is Scenario 2 with the following settings:

FOW on
Weather on
Allied DC on
PDU on
Historical First turn off
No Withdrawls off
Dec 7 Surprise on
Realistic R+D

I'm sure HR's will be added as play progresses.

No Allied moves or changes of orders were allowed other than China and Herb suggested that i could redirect Force Z. He has already hinted that he will not hit Pearl and my hunch is that Manila will be getting a visit from the KB as he searches to sink my subs before they get to his transports. I have sent off the turn back to Herbie and hope to have a reply soon. Our WitP game will also continue. Anyhow AAR will surely grow and I hope we can all learn from our respective AAR's as we become more familiar with AE.

Here's to the rollercoaster ride thats acoming!

[cantona2]

Northern Front.

1) Army Corps are concentrating in the cities of Layang and Chengchow while the main defensive line will lie on the railway heading south west of Chengchow. The 'Bulge' is being evacuated and the those units will man the line.

2) North of Taiyuan infantry corps will make use of the terrain to entrench on river banks and on the mountainous terrain in the area should the Japanese wish to move on Yenan.

Guerrila units will also carry out spoiling attacks on the railway line linking Kaifeng and Suchow. They are sure to be fleshed out by the IJA soon but it is hoped they will disrupt supply movement and make the Japanese deploy troops to their rear areas.

[cantona2]

Central Front

1) The main Central Army will be concentrating in Changsha. It will also house the Central Front's main airbase which will already get into action by harrasing Japanese troop movements in Luchow and attacking the garrison at Ichang.

2) The 26th Army Group is marching on Ichang supported by two bomber groups out of Changsha and the neighbouring 33rd Army Group.

3) The Southern Central Army is concentrating in Chuhsien before either supporting Wenchow or withdrawing to the West. Several guerrila units will carry out supply disrupting attacks on the Nanchang-Hangchow road.

The blue arrows indicate the movement of troops concentrating on the other side of the river, just to the North of Kanhsien to be able to hit the flanks of any Japanese movements coming from Nanchang.

[cantona2]

South Eastern Front

The the three main bases and areas of concentration will be Kweilin(1), Liuchow(2) and Wuchow(3). I intend to base my forward air units at 1 and 2 but it will take a while to get the units deployed there.

As a general rule of thumb I have turned all the repairs in Chinese industry off except in my major industrial areas. If i can pull off the Ichang attack, to be honest i am hoping Herb withdraws there, i will then go onto the defensive in China. Likewise i have only decided to develop a few key airbases to support bombing operations. Most of the frontline bases will be fortified and the second line bases will have forts built up until a certain point then be turned off until a point when deemed necessary.

[Smeulders]

Seems like a pretty solid strategy, a couple of suggestion though, if I may.

1) The river line before Yenan will probably be useless. The bad terrain will slow down any attacker and make it almost impossible to get enough supplies to units using that route to get to Yenan. He'll have to attack over the trail or else his troops won't be in any shape to fight once they reach Yenan.

2) Repairing resources/industry costs 1000 supply, while one light industry will give you 1 supply per day at most, not sure if the serious short term shortage is worth the very long term gain.

[Xxzard]

The WITP version of this campaign, I've watched since getting on the forums. I'll be happy to follow this one with AE. [:)]

[cantona2]

ORIGINAL: Xxzard

The WITP version of this campaign, I've watched since getting on the forums. I'll be happy to follow this one with AE. [:)]

Thank you. I hope we can give you just as entertaining a game in AE!

[cantona2]

ORIGINAL: Smeulders

Seems like a pretty solid strategy, a couple of suggestion though, if I may.

1) The river line before Yenan will probably be useless. The bad terrain will slow down any attacker and make it almost impossible to get enough supplies to units using that route to get to Yenan. He'll have to attack over the trail or else his troops won't be in any shape to fight once they reach Yenan.

2) Repairing resources/industry costs 1000 supply, while one light industry will give you 1 supply per day at most, not sure if the serious short term shortage is worth the very long term gain.

Thanks for the pointers. As to your second point is it better then to turn off ALL repairs in Chinese industry?

Received the turn back this morning. I'll do the 47th Sentai(WitP) one first then probably (well wife permitting) spend as much as i can on my real first AE turn.

[Smeulders]

Not sure if you should turn them all off. I forgot to turn off some of the industry repairs in West China, but some of the bases there are already back up to high levels of supply (high for China, that is), even pushing against spoilage limits. If spoilage becomes a factor in some bases (not sure if it will, but it can thanks to the 500 supply a day as long as the road from Burma stays open) , then the cost of repairing industry is lower and maybe worth the investment.  Haven't looked at in depth enough to make a definite call one way or the other though.

[Fletcher]

Good luck, cantona2, I'll take an eye on this AAR.
Best wishes!
Fletcher

[cantona2]

Thanks Fletcher! Gracias colega!

[cantona2]

Message received at CINCPAC 8-12-41

[font="times new roman"]***Manila Harbour installations attacked and heavily damaged by Japanese aircraft***12 submarines sunk***Many ships damaged***Installations damaged***Request War Plan Orange be put into action***Message ends***[/font]

[cantona2]

Extract from 'One Day in December', H.Rogers, Oxford Press 1968.

'[font="times new roman"]...as it was it ushered in a new era in naval and aerial warfare, the carrier plane announced itself on the scene with the total destruction of the Pacific Submarine Fleet based at Manila in the Philipinnes. Though the Japanese Admirals were very pleased with the element of surprise there is still conjecture even today at to whether the first bombs fell before or after the declaration of war presented by the Japanese ambassador. Whatever the case it was obvious that American units across the Pacific were caught unbalanced, this despite the warning given by the British command at Singapore of reports of a Japanese submarine floundering in the minefields surrounding the naval base hours before the Manila Strike. That first day was one of shock and lethargy as it was largely left to the individual commanders to react to local events as they waited for the High Command to grab ahold of the situation. Wake Island was also attacked but the Marine detachment there was able to shoot down several enemy planes and the Lexington Battle Group was approaching the Island. For most Americans however the fact they were at War left them in a state of shock.

The British public was markedly more worried when Japan announced her intentions by striking in Malaya and at Hong Kong. Not only were they now facing Germany and Italy, but now Japan had added herself to her list of enemies intent on feasting on their Empire. Australia, New Zealand and, more worryingly to the British Public, India lay open to an attack by an enemy that had already proven ruthless even in the conflict's embryonic stage. It was only in China that some relief was felt. Having faced Japanese aggression for a number of years, the Chinese people and army felt bolstered by the fact that America and Britain were now at war with their hated enemy. Little did they know what lay ahead...[/font]'

[cantona2]

Well after about 7 hours the first allied turn is winging its way to Herb in OZ. Ill post some more details tomorrow before the wife decides to smash the PC.
Suffice to say that i have been robbed of my favourite early war weapon by a very well executed attack on Manila by the KB.

[cantona2]

As can be seen in the screenie below, the KB is in the South China Sea firmly keeping the whole of Luzon under the range of its planes. Manila, in particular the harbour and port areas were hit very hard. It seems that the Jap flyboys had been given orders to concentrate on the submarine pens. Indeed, only one submarine out of the whole Pacific Fleet was left unscathed, the SS Saury. As can be seen from the comabt report other shipping was also heavily damaged. Tactically it also means that my shipping movements in the South China Sea are going to be severely restricted. That said, RN destroyers at Hong Kong have been ordered to sally to Takao to engage a mass of enemy ships spotted there by search planes in the afternoon.

Strategically, however, I may have some time to reinforce the Line Islands, Canton Island and Pago-Pago. Likewise the Louisville and the Penascola are moving at full speed to intercept Japanese ships spotted heading towards Tarawa.



Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
B5N2 Kate x 143
D3A1 Val x 126



No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AV Langley, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
SS Stingray, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage
SS Seawolf, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
AM Finch, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Rochambeau, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
SS Permit, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
SS Sturgeon, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
SS S-41, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
SS Sculpin, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
AS Holland, Bomb hits 2
xAKL Palawan, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AM Bittern, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
AO Pecos, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PT-31, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
SS Sailfish, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
DD Pillsbury, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AS Otus, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
SS Porpoise, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
PT Q-111, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Si Kiang, Bomb hits 1
SS Perch, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
xAP President Madison, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
AS Canopus, Bomb hits 1, on fire
SS S-37, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage
PG Isabel, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
PG Asheville, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Capillo, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Neptuna, Bomb hits 1, on fire
SS S-38, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage
xAKL Don Jose, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Tantalus, Bomb hits 2, on fire
SS Seal, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
SS Sealion, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
TK Gertrude Kellogg, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
SS Shark, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
SS Searaven, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
xAKL Compagnia Filipinas, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
SS Sargo, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage
SS Snapper, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
SS Pickerel, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
SS Spearfish, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
DD Pope, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Yu Sang, Bomb hits 1, on fire
SS Seadragon, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
SS Pike, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Ethel Edwards, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
SS S-40, Bomb hits 1
DD John D. Ford, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
AM Whippoorwill, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
SS Skipjack, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
SS Tarpon, Bomb hits 1
SS Salmon, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
PT-33, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
SS Swordfish, Bomb hits 1
AVD Childs, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Repair Shipyard hits 3
Port hits 12
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2

[cantona2]

A list of the subs sunk at Manila.

[cantona2]

Synopsis of Turn 1

Malaya

Landings at Kota Baru supported by offshore bombardments and covered by Ki-27b's. Troops are ordered to hold positions as long as possible. One transport hit but several aircraft lost in air-air action. Orders have been given to all forces north of Kuala Lumpur to retire southwards to avoid risk of being cut off. Victoria Point will likely be attacked from Singora.

Unconfirmed reports state a Japanese submarine was sunk on the Singapore minefields. Report was received from HDML 1063 on harbour patrol. One exhausted squadron of Blenheims has been withdrawn to Mandalay. Force Z redirected to Batavia.

Luzon

Bataan Islands occupied by Japanese forces. All P-40 units on Luzon put on full alert, main cover given to Clarke Field and Manila. Bombing raids from Formosa are expected to hit Clarke again while Japanese carriers are once again expected to hit Manila. Japanese submarine spotted by Seagulls from VJ-10 Det A in shallow waters off Bataan. Clarke Field, Manila and Cabanatuan being fortified. Shipping in the south of Luzon redirected to DEI.

China

IJA seen to be evacuating Ichang and will be continued to be harassed by bombers. First fighter units are moving to the frontline from rear bases. Troop redployments continue and the Central Command has released several artillery units from the Central Reserve.

East Pacific

Base Force Units have started to prep for Pago-Pago, Christmas Island, Canton Island and Palmyra. Wake island attacked by air, probably from Kwajalein. CV Lexington should be in place should an invasion force be enroute. Several ASW detachments are scouring the waters around Pearl Harbour after reported sightings of enemy submarines. Pacific Fleet will stay at base until area has been cleared then will steam west and south.

[Fletcher]

I am very interesting to know about the sortie of RN destroyers from HK to Takao waters !.
What about Force Z ? Will you send reinforcements to Malaya or Sumatra/Java ?
Best of lucks !

[cantona2]

Well Fletcher it went much better than i could have expected.

The 3 RN DD's achieved total surprise and hit the jackpot catching a large Japanese task force on the hop. For just one hit on Thracian they sunk three patrol boats and severley damaged a number of transports. Lookouts on the bridge reported soldiers jumping over board to escape the fires on the transports. It was obviuos that the Japanese High Command was not expecting an attack as there were no air assets chasing the squadron, though a surface task force tried to engage unsuccessfully on a number of occasions.

A snapshot midway during the battle.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Takao at 84,65, Range 9,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Akitsui Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
PB Chohakusan Maru, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
xAK Tokusima Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAK Kosei Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire
xAK Yamagiku Maru, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Toyokawa Maru, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Konan Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Somedono Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
xAK Kosin Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Kurohime Maru, Shell hits 2
xAK Daisin Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAK Aki Maru
xAK Chowa Maru, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Koyo Maru
xAK Mansei Maru, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Yodozo Maru, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
PB Rokko Maru #2, Shell hits 14, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Scout
DD Thanet
DD Thracian, Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
2479 casualties reported
Squads: 51 destroyed, 55 disabled
Non Combat: 61 destroyed, 69 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 22 (10 destroyed, 12 disabled)

As the order to head back to Hong Kong was given, enemy warships were spotted and tried to engage our ships. Thye failed.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Takao at 83,65, Range 30,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Naka
DD Natsugumo
DD Minegumo
DD Asagumo
DD Murasame
DD Harusame
DD Yudachi
DD Samidare
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma

Allied Ships
DD Scout
DD Thanet
DD Thracian



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 30,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 21,000 yards...
Allied Surface Combat TF evades combat

As the destroyers headed north west the IJN ships continued giving chase and caught up just off Swatow only to once again have their prey slip between their hands.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Swatow at 81,63, Range 30,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Naka
DD Natsugumo
DD Minegumo
DD Asagumo
DD Murasame
DD Harusame
DD Yudachi
DD Samidare
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma

Allied Ships
DD Scout
DD Thanet
DD Thracian



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 30,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 21,000 yards...
Allied Surface Combat TF evades combat


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Swatow at 80,62, Range 30,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Naka
DD Natsugumo
DD Minegumo
DD Asagumo
DD Murasame
DD Harusame
DD Yudachi
DD Samidare
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma

Allied Ships
DD Scout
DD Thanet
DD Thracian



Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 30,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
Allied Surface Combat TF evades combat

[cantona2]

Much further to the south Japanese forces began landing on the atoll at Makin. The CA Louisville is within range to strike at the enemy ships while the CA Penascola stands by to the south of Tarawa.