Supremacy in the Pacific

[BlackSunshine]

This will be my first attempt at an AAR so I hope it doesn’t bore those of you reading it to death. My opponent will be “Miller41” from these forums. I will be the Japanese, Miller will be the Allies. I have never played a game against Miller, so I do not know his play style very well. That’s a good thing and it will keep the element of surprise around every corner.

We have selected Scenario 8: “Super Dreadnought”, which is the later of the Grand Campaigns. Sub Doctrine is off for both sides. PDU are on. Reinforcements are Fixed and of course Fog of War is on. It wouldn’t be war without it.

Also interestingly enough, we have agreed on a House Rule. The House Rule states that as of the first turn, the only 2 countries that are at War are Japan and the United States. For another country to become involved in the war, aggressive action must be taken by or against that Country. Also the Japanese SNLF unit which begins the game in Shanghai is being allowed to retreat. Permission was granted by the Chinese Navy to allow transports and escorts to enter Shanghai harbor and rescue the Japanese units.

As my opponent may read this (which I don’t mind) reports of plans or actions will obviously be announced once they have already begun. As for my overall strategy, well common sense would tell you that I am going for a point victory. I begin the game barely ahead in points, so I must capture territories to further my lead. Then hold on to my gains for as long as possible. Of course, if the opportunity presents itself, then nothing is to stop the Japanese Empire from further expansion. Whether the countries are Neutral or not is irrelevant.

[BlackSunshine]

Looking at the map I have quickly decided on 3 main objectives. First and foremost is the Philippines. Second is Bataan Island. Last is Guam. As I do not have very many initial objectives, overwhelming force will be used to obtain all of them.

The primary objective of the Philippines, should be a relatively simple one to achieve. We have devised 4 landings: Lingayen, Appari, Legaspi, and Cagayan. Noticeably absent are any landings on Leyte or any of the minor islands. Those are my secondary objectives in the Philippines, and will be taken in due time.

TaskForce Aichi (A), will be landing at Lingayen and is composed of 2 reinforced infantry divisions with numerous support units. In addition, there are 3 cavalry units and 1 armor Chutai. Their objectives are to secure the landing beachhead. The quick moving cavalry and armor units will then move westward as supplies; HQ, engineers and equipment are brought in to Lingayen. The cavalry and armor are to then seize San Marcelino, and then proceed to Clark Field. In the event they can capture Clark Field, that would be a bonus, but if not they will pause and wait for additional support from- Taskforce Baishi. The landings are supported by a Bombardment taskforce composed of numerous Battleships and Cruisers.

TaskForce Baishi (B), which will be landing at Appari, will be composed of 1 heavily reinforced infantry division with supporting units. Their objectives are to secure the landing beachhead, and then move south and west. Capturing Laoag, Vigan and Tuguegarao. They will then proceed to Clark Field and rendezvous with TaskForce Aichi. Forces. The Appari landings will be supported by second bombardment taskforce, which will then cover and support the landings.

TaskForce Chaitai ( C), which will be landing at Legaspi are expected to be unopposed. The forces consist of 1 reinforced infantry division with supporting units. Their goal is to capture and secure the beachhead at Legaspi and move northward capturing Naga. They are then to proceed farther north, and to hold outside of Manila. Once Clark Field is secured from the north, the assault will begin on Manila, and then Bataan. The landings will be supported by a third bombardment taskforce.

TaskForce Daimyo (D), which will be landing at Cagayan will be composed of 1 heavily reinforced Infantry Division. Their goal is to first secure Cagayan. And then, using the trails and roads that are already in place, secure the entire island of Mindanao. The landings as well as any additional action will be supported by a fourth bombardment taskforce.

Several surface combat taskforces are also scattered surrounding the Philippines. These are to counter any reinforcements, which may be shipped into the theatre; as well as repel any attacks upon our invasion task forces. The locations of these task forces will not be revealed unfortunately, as to keep some element of surprise.

Also several “scouting” taskforces are scattered around the Philippines as well. Our less aggressive task force commanders are manning the flagships, and we hope they do not attempt to engage opposition.

[BlackSunshine]

We have dispatched numerous submarine taskforces to the fringes of our holdings. They are to serve as scouts and are given the “green light” to sink any vessel that attempts to get in the way of our objectives.

All aircraft, carrierborne and landbased, are all set to training missions around the home islands. I do not anticipate our aircraft seeing any action for a long time. If at all.

The assaults on Guam and Bataan Island will be composed of approximately 1 infantry division and 1 bombardment taskforce each.

[BlackSunshine]

Well one thing is for sure... The turnaround on turns is a lot quickwer with WPO. Less units, and quicker replays. It definately makes the game more AAR friendly.

6/3/1926

Hostilities are beginning to start. The landings are going smoothly and TaskForce Baishi has already captured their primary objective of Aparri. Below are combats of note.

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Legaspi at 44,55

Japanese Ships
BB Tosa
BB Kaga
BC Amagi
CL Kiso
CL Kinu
DD No. 19
DD No. 25
DD No.3
DD No.13
DD No.17

Allied Ships
PG Asheville
PG Tulsa
PG Sacramento, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
AS Beaver, Shell hits 20, on fire, heavy damage
AD Black Hawk, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
MSW Finch
MSW Bittern
AE Nitro
AK Don Jose
AK Sagoland
AK Paz
TK Gertrude Kellogg
AK Anakan
AK Bisayas
AK Capillo
AK Compagnia Filipinas
AK Corregidor
AK Ethel Edwards
AK Palawan
AK Princess of Negros
AV Jason

Great timing on the lead bombardment Taskforce for Taskforce Chaitai. It would appear they run into evacuating US forces. It's a shame most got away.
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Sub attack near Legaspi at 44,55

Japanese Ships
DD No. 19
DD No.17
DD No.13
DD No.3
DD No. 25
BB Tosa

Allied Ships
SS S-30, hits 1

Wow! I actually got a depth charge hit on a US sub. It was purely defensive as the US torpedo was a dud. [:)]
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TF 1 troops unloading over beach at Lingayen, 44,50


Japanese ground losses:
2022 casualties reported

We havent quite perfected amphibious assaults. [X(]
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Day Air attack on TF, near Lingayen at 44,50


Allied aircraft
Douglas DT-2 x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Mikasa, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Douglas DT-2 bombing at 5000 feet

The US decide to attack our bombardment taskforce and score a hit on BB Mikasa. It starts a fire on board, which should be quickly controlled.
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Naval bombardment of Batan Island, at 47,47 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

4 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Sumire
DD Hishi
DD Hasu
DD Warabi
DD Tsuta
CL Oi, Shell hits 1
CL Kitakami
CL Chikuma
CL Yahagi
BB Satsuma
BB Aki
BC Haruna
BC Kirishima
BC Hiei
BC Kongo


Allied ground losses:
373 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 4

The Naval Bombardment of Bataan Island commences.
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All in all things are going according to plan.

[BlackSunshine]

Things are moving very rapidly in my conquest of the Phillipines. There has been minimal resistance, but the US is at least not going down without a fight.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/05/26

Naval bombardment of Batan Island, at 47,47 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Japanese Ships
DD Sumire
DD Hishi
DD Hasu
DD Warabi
DD Tsuta
CL Oi
CL Kitakami
CL Chikuma
CL Yahagi
BB Satsuma
BB Aki
BC Haruna
BC Kirishima
BC Hiei
BC Kongo


Allied ground losses:
49 casualties reported

Port supply hits 1

Bombardment Taskforces would continue to shell both Guam and Bataan for a couple of days.
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Naval bombardment of Guam, at 62,66

Japanese Ships
DD Ayanami
DD Isonami
DD Urunami
DD Kikuzuki
DD Minazuki
BB Settsu
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso
BB Hyuga
BB Ise


Allied ground losses:
133 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 45
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1

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And then on June 06, 1926 I take a bit of a beating as I stumble upon an Allied DD TaskForce. So far it is improving incredibly difficult to locate enemy units. I don't have many of my scouting or submarine taskforces in place yet.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/06/26

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Night Time Surface Combat at 40,56

Japanese Ships
BB Katori
BB Mikasa, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
BB Fuji
BB Suwo, Shell hits 3
CA Adzuma, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Idzumo, Shell hits 1
DD No. 28
DD No.7
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Shiokaze
DD Yukaze
DD Hokaze
DD Tachikaze
DD Enoki
DD Kuwa

Allied Ships
DM Hart, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Waters
DD Stewart
DD Pope
DD Peary
DD Zane, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Sicard, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
DD Pruitt
DD William B. Preston, Shell hits 3

Surprisingly the Allies were surprised in this battle, but we just got a little too close. 5 torpedoes would be the end of BB Mikasa for the war. [:(]

[BlackSunshine]

Things continue to heat up and now the US Subs are arriving in theatre.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/07/26

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Sub attack near Batan Island at 47,47

Japanese Ships
AP Tatsuta Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
DD Ashi
DD Nokaze

Allied Ships
SS S-38

Japanese ground losses:
79 casualties reported

A nice sub attack on the Taskforce bringing the liberating forces to Bataan Island.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Legaspi at 44,55

Japanese Ships
AP Ayato Maru
AP Ayatosan Maru, Shell hits 2
AP Ayo Maru
AP Bokuyo Maru
AP Teiun Maru
AP Teiyo Maru
AP Teizui Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tenran Maru
AP Tenryu Maru
AP Tenyo Maru, Shell hits 6, on fire
AP Tenzan Maru
AP Terukuni Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Tofuku Maru
AP Tohuku Maru
AP Toko Maru #2
AP Tonan Maru, Shell hits 3
AP Toyo Maru #2
AP Tsuiba Maru
AP Tsunushima Maru
AP Tsuyama Maru

Allied Ships
DD Chandler
DD Tracy
DD Borie
DD Parrott
DD Simpson
DD Bulmer
DD Pillsbury
DD John D. Ford
DD Truxton
DD Paul Jones
DD Preble
DD Hulbert
DD Noa

This attack was incredibly lucky. A TaskForce that was stationed near by as a Surface Combat TF, was sent to bombard Naga. In the blink of an eye, the transports that had unloaded TF Chaitai were attacked. US Forces show no honor in attacking the defenseless transports.
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Naval bombardment of Guam, at 62,66 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Japanese Ships
DD Ayanami
DD Isonami
DD Urunami
DD Kikuzuki
DD Minazuki
BB Settsu
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso
BB Hyuga
BB Ise


Allied ground losses:
252 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 47
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 4

Reports from the commanders at sea witness great plumes of rock and debris as the island is shelled.

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Naval bombardment of Naga, at 44,54 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

23 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD No. 12, Shell hits 1
DD No. 8, Shell hits 2
DD No. 18
DD No. 16
DD No. 10, Shell hits 1
DD No.1, Shell hits 1
DD No. 27
CL Yuru, Shell hits 1
BB Shikishima, Shell hits 1
BB Iwami
BC Akagi


Allied ground losses:
154 casualties reported

Runway hits 1
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Previously mentioned Bombardment Taskforce.
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Day Air attack on TF, near Lingayen at 44,50


Allied aircraft
Douglas DT-2 x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Yanagi, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Douglas DT-2 bombing at 5000 feet
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Allied forces continue to use the aeroplane. DD Yanagi suffers a magazine hit, and will soon be sunk.

[BlackSunshine]

The status as of 6/10

[BlackSunshine]

An unknown enemy TF is moving north into our Operational Area. A Surface Combat TF is sent to intercept it. As you can see the majority of my objectives have been captured. Most have been effortless. Clark Field may delay us for awhile, but our overwhelming numbers will make it a short fight.

[BlackSunshine]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/10/26

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Sub attack at 45,48

Japanese Ships
DD Yanagi, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-32

Ugh!





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Day Air attack on TF at 42,52


Allied aircraft
Douglas DT-2 x 3
de Havilland DH-4 x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Katori, Torpedo hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Douglas DT-2 launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x de Havilland DH-4 bombing at 5000 feet

Unreal! My opponent is doing very well with his airplanes.
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[BlackSunshine]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/11/26

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Sub attack near Tawi Tawi at 38,60

Japanese Ships
SS No. 28

Allied Ships
DD Paul Jones
DD Noa
DD Hulbert

My subs don't seem to be as accurate.
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Sub attack near Dadjangas at 41,62

Japanese Ships
BC Amagi, Torpedo hits 1
DD No.17
DD No.13
DD No.3
DD No. 25
DD No. 19
CL Kinu

Allied Ships
SS S-35

See what I mean? [:(] This Surface Combat TF was scouting the southern end of the island of Mindanao. The last thing I need before my subs, etc. get into the area is reinforcements arriving in theatre for the allies
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Sub attack near Tawi Tawi at 38,60

Japanese Ships
SS No. 28

Allied Ships
DD Preble, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Noa
DD Hulbert
DD Paul Jones
DD Borie

Finally. I hit something.
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Ground combat at Clark Field

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1937 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 16873 troops, 96 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 4)


Japanese ground losses:
118 casualties reported
Guns lost 12

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

This probing attack definately showed me a lot. The enemy forces have been grossly underestimated. Our troops are ordered to hold their positions, rest and regroup.


The scoreboard as of 6/11:

[BlackSunshine]

June 12, 1926

After almost 2 weeks of constant action our forces on Luzon are ordered to halt. Scouts now estimate the forces at Clark Field as 8 LCU. Nearly 20,000 dug in defenders.

Our Surface Combat TF's are ordered to Bombard the islands of Tawi Tawi and Jolo. SS No.28 reports a large congregation of DD's at Tawi Tawi, and the wounded DD Preble. We hope to catch some of them in the bombardment. I wonder why the enemy TF are showing up in gold? Does that mean I am unsure of the nationality? Let's hope not I don't need to risk war with another country until the Phillipines are secured.

[BlackSunshine]

The results for June 12. The most action packed day of the war so far. Only the major combats are shown.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/12/26
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Naval bombardment of Tawi Tawi, at 38,60

Japanese Ships
DD Matsu
DD Kaba
DD Tachibana
DD Sakura
DD Susuki
DD Hagi
DD Kagero
DD Tsuga
DD Kuri
DD Kaki
CL Tatsuta
BB Kashima
CA Ikoma
CA Ibuki
CA Kurama

Allied Ships
DD Preble, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Port hits 3
Port supply hits 4

Gah! Sink damn you!
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Naval bombardment of Guam, at 62,66

Japanese Ships
DD Ayanami
DD Isonami
DD Urunami
DD Kikuzuki
BB Settsu
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso
BB Hyuga
BB Ise


Allied ground losses:
110 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 23
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 4
Preassault prepatory fire.
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TF 13 troops unloading over beach at Guam, 62,66


Japanese ground losses:
710 casualties reported

Still havent perfected unloading at enemy beaches. [:(]
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Day Time Surface Combat at 40,62

Japanese Ships
CA Kurama, Shell hits 3
CA Ibuki
CA Ikoma, Shell hits 1
BB Kashima, Shell hits 1
CL Tatsuta, Shell hits 2
DD Kaki
DD Kuri
DD Tsuga
DD Kagero
DD Hagi
DD Susuki, Shell hits 1
DD Sakura
DD Tachibana
DD Kaba
DD Matsu

Allied Ships
CA Huron, Shell hits 4
CL New Orleans, Shell hits 3
CL Albany, Shell hits 3
DD Waters
DD Dorsey
DM Rizal
DD McCormick
DD Stewart
DD Pope
DD Peary
DD Pruitt

Not a very decisive battle by any means. Hopefully the next round we do better.
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Guam at 62,66

Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
BB Settsu
DD Kikuzuki
DD Urunami
DD Isonami
DD Ayanami

Allied Ships
TK Manatawny, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
AK Dos Hermanos, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
AK Escalante R, Shell hits 25, on fire, heavy damage
AK Governor Wright, Shell hits 18, and is sunk
AK Sarangami, Shell hits 18, and is sunk
AK Si Kiang, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
AK Taurus, Shell hits 8, and is sunk

Hmm... I dont understand how I didnt see this TF at night. Unless it was set to Patrol/Do not Retire. In that case it would enter the hex no matter what. In any event, the TF is mauled. The IJN normally doesnt attack unescorted vessels, but when they wander into my invasion fleet, something's gotta give.
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Naval bombardment of Jolo, at 38,59

Japanese Ships
DD No. 12
DD No. 8
DD No. 18
DD No. 16
DD No. 10
DD No.1
DD No. 27
CL Yuru
BB Shikishima
BB Iwami
BC Akagi

Allied Ships
PG Jolo, Shell hits 3, on fire

Port hits 3
Port supply hits 5

Poor Jolo.
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Ground combat at Guam

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 14794 troops, 73 guns, 43 vehicles

Defending force 760 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 87 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Guam base !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Vought VE-7SF: 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
18 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
1669 casualties reported


The islands of Batan and Guam were both painless.

[BlackSunshine]

June 13, 1926

The situation is beginning to stabalize around the Phillipines. All of my objectives are being captured. However, as most of you know, a plan only survives contact with an enemy. Thus my plan is being altered slightly.

For some background I will explain my concerns. The main concern I have is Intelligence. My SigInt reports are nearly useless. My Sub and Surface TF's that are to be my eyes are not yeat in place. Most are getting close, but we still have some time. I feel utterly and completely blind. Enemy Ships can sneak up on me without me even noticing (see the Guam combat a day or so ago).

Another concern along these same notions has to do with my security. My entire West and South/ SouthWest flanks feel completely open. I know that I have the supposedly neutral Brits on that side of me, but what's to stop the Allies from using their ports/supplies or just their waters? If I station sub or Surface Combat TF in British waters, I risk provoking an attack I do not need. Thus we also have begin our blockade of Manilla and Bataan. Hopefully we can keep the US dogs from reinforcing. Furthermore, we are bringing a few cout/recon planes into theatre. They dont have muhc range, but anything helps at this point.

My last concern has to do with the fuel situation. My Bombardment TF's used entirely too much fuel. Much more than anticipated. Further conquest will definately have to take this into consideration. I have tried to avoid the inevitable "Island Hopping", but I may not have a choice. Currently Fuel transports are being sent to the fringes of our Empire to prepare for any sort of expansions. More fuel is also being brought into the Phillipine theatre.

Now, this brings me to my change in the original plan. 3 more objectives have now been added. Cebu, Tawi Tawi and Jolo. Invasion fleets are already in route and should arrive soon. We expect minimal resitance but our not so reliable intel says that all 3 ports have ships currently in them. By siezing these 3 objectives, it allows me 3 ready-made ports to my South. These will hopefully allow me to spot any reinforcement or invasion arriving in theatre from the South. Also it allows me to move some fuel to those bases so that we can scout farther.

Below you will see the situation for the day, and the 3 new objectives listed on our planning map.

[BlackSunshine]

Time to get a little personal with my fleet. [8D]

I really like this little lady. BB Kii.

[BlackSunshine]

And her Taskforce. I need to get these crews some experience. They haven't seen any action yet in this conflict. I'm sure that when they do, we will come out on top. [X(]

[BlackSunshine]

Not much happened on the 13th. On the 14th our Surface Combat TF near Guam spotted some enemy ships. We are moving to intercept. The results won't be known until I receive my opponent's turn.

[PzB74]

Seems like you're doing pretty well!

You do need a plan for what to do after the Philippines have been occupied though...
It is possible to sit still and wait for the Americans to counter-attack, but I don't think they have
the means to do this for quite some time. So it could become really quiet for a long time [;)]

Personally I've found that unless you wish to bring the British into the conflict, and thus open a two
front war, Japan has to seek a decive battle with the Americans. As far as I can see your house rule
allows you to attack the Chinese or the Dutch without activating the British! (Not sure you could have
attacked the Dutch without bringing in the British though!?) So you got some options!

I've also noticed that subs are uber lethal - true dreadnought killers! Have to tread water with care.

[BlackSunshine]

Thanks for the feedback PzB. [:)]

I have already completed the planning for my second Operation. But I can't describe it until it has already begun. "Loose Lips sink Ships" and all that. It took me awhile to establish where I wanted to go and if I wanted to engage another World Power.

[BlackSunshine]

We catch the unknown TF, and sink all the vessels. Unfortunately, it was just transports. 4 were sunk total, in 2 seperate combats.

[BlackSunshine]

The next 3 days are pretty quiet as my forces continue to reorganize near Clark Field and Manilla. In other areas fuel, supply, and troops are moved into position for other offensives.

June 17, 1926

SS No.51 spots a surface combat TF, and gets a torpedo shot at DD McCormick. The torpedo misses. Also in the TF is CA Huron. Strangely enough, the TF is moving West.