The Master and the Student - Tankerace vs. Terminus

[DuckofTindalos]

So, imagine this... Our boy Tanker sends me a PM, politely asking if I'd play him at his own game. He furthermore intimated that he had never actually played another human before! Rolling my eyes inwardly, and thinking "sure you haven't"[:D], I agreed.

The Scenario is Super Dreadnoughts (PBEM variant) with myself at the controls of the Empire of Japan. Both sides have Sub Doctrines turned on, and Tanker has pledged not to use British, French or Dutch units unless or until I attack any of their bases.

The first turn for the Japanese took *almost* as long as a WitP first turn to set up, since the PBEM variant of this scenario dispenses with preloaded invasion task forces, allowing me to set up as I wish.

So... Forward in the name of the Emperor! Banzai!

[Bill Durrant]

Looking forward to following this one

[Tankerace]

Master and Student, good name. Of course, this image popped into my head after I saw that name (took me 20 min to do this, after the last turn).

[Alikchi2]

[:D]

This one'll be fun to watch.

[DuckofTindalos]

Darth Tanker opened the war rather aggressively, considering the starting situation of the Americans. US destroyers from China Station bombarded Pyongyang and Shanghai, and US Marine flyboys from Guam attacked our positions on Tinian, however with no effect.

For my part, the invasion of the Philippines began with landings by the 13th Division at Vigan.

[Tankerace]

31 May 1926, New York Times

War With Japan!

This afternoon, President Calvin Coolidge received what amounted to an ultimatum from the Japanese government, anouncing that as of 1 June, a state of war with the United States would exist.

The President made it known that the United States would conduct itself according to the rules of war.

Further, the President in an effort to spare innocent lives, made it known that a blockade is being declared of Japan. Any and all ships, regardless of nationality, found within 180 nautical miles of Japanese Territory, is to be sunk on sight.

"In view of the technological advances of submarines and in methods to sink them since the World War," the President said, "it would pose an undue burden on our commanders to restrict themselves in the methods of submarine warfare."

Another draft?

"The war in the Pacific", said the President, "is largely a naval affair. However, I am instituting the draft, and it is our hope to raise 15 divisions by next summer."



1 June 1926, New York Times
War Begins!

The war began today with the United States opening hostilities. Three destroyers raided the key enemy city of Pyongyang, Korea. In addition, Marine aircraft from Guam did serious damage to enemy facilities on Tinian. The Japanese however have begun landing in the Philippines, with an estimated 5,000 troops ashore so far.

The Draft
In addition to an overwhelming 25,000 volunteers in the first day of conflict, the draft has begun. Please see the attached sheet enclosed in this newspaper to find directions to the local draft board.

[DuckofTindalos]

As the landings in the Philippines continue, the first actions between the Imperial and US navies have been fought.

At Lingayen, a small group of American destroyers attempted to intercept our landing forces, but found them guarded by four battleships. Unfortunately, only two US ships (USS Dorsey and McCormick) were sunk, through a combination of heavy gunfire and torpedoes from one of our attending submarines.

Elsewhere, the destroyer Hokaze struck a mine at Shanghai, and is not expected to make port. Further, a group of American destroyers bombarded our facilities at Inchon.

[Alikchi2]

ORIGINAL: Tankerace

1 June 1926, New York Times
War Begins!

After nearly two years of work, it must be about damn time for you, Tanker. [;)]

Silent Cal calls a draft! Hrrmm. I don't know if I can think of a less inspiring War President. Maybe Hoover.

Looks like the Americans were caught off guard..

[Tankerace]

2 June 1926, New York Times

First US Naval Losses

In a running night battle off Lingayen Gulf, a total of two US destroyers were sunk, with three more heavily damaged. The Destroyer Pope, sinking after suffering numerous hits, was scuttled as a blockship in Lingayen harbor to hamper an invasion there.

Main Japanese Fleet unaccounted For
Several older battleships, colloquially known as pre dreadnoughts, have to date been spotted. In addition, Japanese carrier borne aircraft have been spotted overflying bases in Luzon. However, the lack of any intel regarding the main Japanese battleline, coupled with the fact only one division has since been landed in Luzon, has lead to speculation in Washington as to what the real Japanese intentions are. As such, Hawaiian Territory and California National Guard units have been called up.

Japanese Violating Neutrality?
In open notes today, both the Chinese and British governments have announced suspicion of the Japanese preparing to violate their neutrality, stating that at least two submarines "not of western design" have been observed on the border of the 3 mile limit at Hong Kong and Canton. In addition, a Japanese force of unknown strength has been observed off Shanghai. US destroyers, in an effort both to preserve American interests and Chinese/British neutrality, have been ordered to investigate.

American Destroyers Continue to Harass Japanese Supply Lines
Today, American destroyers shelled Inchon in Korea, severely damaging its port capabilites. The American destroyers retired before dawn, so as to not force an engagement with the Japanese.

[Tankerace]

That it is about time. Heck, I may even try to actually sit and play some WitP while I'm at it [:D]. But I doubt it. I have to fit in new scenarios and college work somewhere. [8D]

ORIGINAL: Alikchi

ORIGINAL: Tankerace

1 June 1926, New York Times
War Begins!

After nearly two years of work, it must be about damn time for you, Tanker. [;)]

Silent Cal calls a draft! Hrrmm. I don't know if I can think of a less inspiring War President. Maybe Hoover.

Looks like the Americans were caught off guard..

[DuckofTindalos]

The war continues with naval actions at the mouth of Manilla Bay and at Shanghai. In the former location, an Imperial Navy battlegroup intercepted the US fast minelayers Rizal and Hart, returning from laying a defensive minefield at Lingayen. Since our force included four battleships, the result was a foregone conclusion.

At Lingayen, the Japanese minesweeper Ushio, working on removing the aforementioned US minefield, was hit by a number of heavy shells from an enemy coastal battery, and sunk.

Off Shanghai, an IJN cruiser-destroyer group encountered what must have been just about the entire destroyer strength of the enemy's so-called "China Station". While the Americans were also heavily outgunned here, two of their ships managed very lucky torpedo strikes on heavy cruisers Kasuga and Nisshin, inflicting negligible damage.

In other China-related news, the destroyer Hokaze, victim of an American mine at Shanghai, sank off Wenchow.



On Luzon itself, the Army's 13th Division secured the town of Vigan, whilst elements of three other divisions, including the Imperial Guards, are now ashore at Lingayen.

In diplomatic news, notes were passed to the missions of Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and China today, warning those nations not to interfere in the current conflict in South Asia.

Citing the many and obvious American provocations as proper cause for the declaration of war, the notes went on to say that any sort of offensive military action by any or all of the above countries would result in the most dire of consequences.

[Tankerace]

3 June 1926, New York Times

Naval Action Off Shanghai!

The Chinese were gracious enough to inform the commander of US Forces, China, that a small squadron of "two or three" destroyers were sighted off Shanghai. A US destroyer force intercepted, The enemy force turned out to be a heavy cruiser squadron, consiting of two Kasuga type cruisers. Torpedo hits were observed on both vessels, though their final condition is unkown. One American destroyer was severely damaged in the battle.


Cruiser Nisshin prewar, one of the two believed seriously damaged after the battle.

Destroyer Minelayers sunk!
Returning from an operation off Lingayen, the American destroyer minelayer Hart, and Filipino Rizal, were both sunk by enemy battleships. The destroyers fought heroically, but were vastily outmatched.

It is rumored that President Coolidge has endorsed the awarding of a Medal of Honor to GM/2c Philip Stepanic, who lead his gun crew of mount 1 on the Destroyer Hart, and continued firing long after the order to abandon ship had been given. He and his crew were killed in action, when a heavy shell of unkown caliber wrecked the forward gun.


Destroyer Hart in the early 1920s, beign overflown by units of VT-20

Large American Artillery Inflicting Heavy Casualties on Foe!
A Large Battalion of 240mm Howitzers in the Philippines are providing good service, being hastily emplaced only a day before enemy troops came ashore in Lingayen Gulf. The large Howitzers, fring cruiser caliber shells, have reportedly put two ships out of action. In addition, smaller field pieces are also inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Total enemy casualties are estimated as much as 4,000, though these numbers are uncofirmed.


240mm Howitzers M1918, of the type being used in the Philippines currently.


US Army 75mm Guns fire at Japanese troops coming ashore, inflicting heavy casualties.

[DuckofTindalos]

The campaign to liberate the Philippino people from their cruel colonial masters entered into a new phase today, as Imperial troops began coming ashore at Legaspi and Davao, in both locations largely unopposed.

At Lingayen, enemy coastal batteries continue to attempt to hamper our landings, naturally with no success, as more and more troops and supplies continue to pour into our lodgment. Wireless intercepts have identified the main US combat unit in the Philippines, the so-called "Philippines Division" in the line opposite our troops.

On the undersea front, a number of American submarine pirates have been sighted plying their dastardly trade in locations ranging from Lingayen Gulf to Port Arthur to the Home Islands themselves! These cowards will all be dealt with in turn.

At Shanghai, intelligence sources reported that the American destroyers Bulmer and Simpson sank overnight, succumbing to the pounding they received fighting our cruisers a few days ago.

[Tankerace]

4 June 1926, New York Times

Crisis in the Pacific!
Today, President Coolidge announced that Japanese Troops had landed on the island of Mindanao, and had opened a new front in Luzon by landing at the town of Legaspi. More troops came ashore in Lingayen gulf, and four divisions have been confirmed to be on Luzon. American and Philipino forces are continuing to harass the enemy, but will soon begin a phased withdraw away from the beaches.

In Mindanao, an enemy force of unknown size landed near the city of Davao. The troops came ashore in good order, believing their propaganda about Filipinos welcoming them as liberators. They received a rude shock, however, when they found themselves confronted by Philippine Scouts, armed with light artillery and M1917 US Army rifles. The enemy landing was a success, but the Scouts continue to harass the enemy, delaying them from their objective.

Destroyers sink off Shanghai!
Two US destroyers were confirmed sunk off Shanghai today, victims of yesterdays battle with enemy armored cruisers. Heavy US casualties have befallen the US China Station, but they are succeeding in their goal of harassing the enemy, and diverting his forces.

US Aeroplanes Bomb Tinian!
Once again today, the Marine planes based on Guam bombed enemy installations on Tinian. Minimal damage was caused. Today, a senatorial committee is to be held to determine the apparent usefulness, or lack thereof, of the air plane. Senator Fallwell D-Va, said quote "The Aeroplane is nothing but a military toy. It is my hope that all Army draftees go where they are needed, to the infantry. It is also my hope that the navy abandon their folly of construction more of these "aircraft carriers", and devote their time to more useful military instruments, such as the battleship."

US Fleet Sails!
Observers have today reported that the United States Battle Fleet, Pacific, has set sail yesterday. Destination unknown. May God go with them as they engage the foe.


US Dreadnought Leave San Diego For War and Glory, 3 June 1926.

Navy Asks for Recruiting!
Today, the US Navy began reissuing recruiting posters used in the World War. An example of one such post can be seen below.

[DuckofTindalos]

On a number of fronts.

Starting with the land war, Imperial troops were unopposed as they took control of Legaspi. At Lingayen, however, enemy lines held against our first attack out of our beachead. We'll regroup and try again. At Davao, troops continued to stream ashore against desultory firing from enemy shore batteries.

At sea, the action was heavy at the mouth of Manilla Bay, as an Imperial Navy battlegroup intercepted a force including the three heavy units of the US Asiatic Fleet, the armoured cruiser Huron, and the light cruisers Albany and New Orleans. The engagement was largely inconclusive, even though a few of the enemy ships were damaged before retreating.

Subsequently, the fleet's submarine arm came into the action, as submarine No. 30 torpedoed the destroyer Zane and the cruiser Albany. The American destroyer subsequently sank.

As for losses on our side, the minesweeper Asakaze and the troop transport Gokoku Maru both sank at Lingayen, the result of damage taken over the last few days.

[Tankerace]

5 June 1926

Scourge of the Submarine

Submarines are proving a menace to our navy. Today, the destroyer Zane, already listing from a torpedo hit after a running night battle, was hit by a Japanese submarine and was sunk. The cruiser Albany stopped to pick up survivors, and was also torpedoed with minor damage. To date our submarines have yet to score a single hit.

Japanese Smashed at Lingayen
Today the Japanese tried an all out assault on our positions at Lingayen. As they charged, bayonets fixed, they were observed to be cheering "banzai!". Despite yelling long life, the Japanese were hurled back, cut down like wheat before the sycthe by American and Filipino artillery and machine guns. After the battle, almost 600 Japanese bodies were counted, and it is estimated a like number were wounded. Our casualties were under 20 killed, 40 wounded.

General Douglas MacArthur, appointed to command one of the armies new divisions, reported "The reason for the success is simple. The Japanese weapons are inferior, their Meiji 38 rifles lacking the range of our '03 Springfields and '17 Enfields. In addition, the Japanese know nothing of trench warfare, a fact that this battle conclusively proves. Our artillery is better, and large. It is my conviction that the Philippines can hold until Hell freezes over."

Whether or not Gen. MacArthur's opinion has any merit or not, one thing is clear. Our boys mean to fight, and they mean to fight hard.


3in Stokes Mortar Crew of the 31st US Infantry, posting for a shot after the battle.

Destroyers Bombard Pyongyang!
Again today, destroyers of the US China Station blasted enemy port facilities in Korea. Minor damage was inflicted, with no damage reported by the US ships.

[DuckofTindalos]

The US submarine arm landed their first blow of the war today, as the S-30 hit the light cruiser Kuma off Vigan. The Kuma, already damaged earlier, had her condition worsened, though not enough to keep her from continuing.

At Legaspi, the Philippino gunboat Cebu, in an oddly misplaced gesture of defiance, attempted to interfere with our transport task force there. As said task force's escorts included two cruisers, the result wasn't really in doubt.

However, in a gesture of some bravery, the captain of the Cebu, seeing that his ship was sinking, drove it onto a sand bar, from which his gun crews continued to fire at our ships until they were finally silenced.

At Guam, a Navy task force bombarded the American aerodrome, in an effort to halt the tiresome overflights of Tinian emanating from there.

On the naval loss slate, two more ships, the troop transport Hakone Maru and the cargo steamer Hozan Maru#5, were lost at Lingayen, though not before their holds were empty of their cargo. The American coastal batteries will shortly be silenced.

[Tankerace]

6 June 1926, New York Times

Continued Fighting at Lingayen!
Japanese and American artillery continue to exchange fire at Lingayen Gulf. Though they suffered heavy casualties, they are ashore inforce, and it seems improbable that they can be dislodged without reinforcement from the US. The large 240mm Howitzers, pride of the Army, are coming into trouble. 2 pieces were destroyed earlier today after shelling from Japanese battleships. 155mm Howitzers from Manila have been ordered to be brought up to continue to harass the enemy.

First Submarine Success of the War!
The Submarine S-30 today scored a torpedo hit on a Japanese three stack cruiser. The submarine commander reported her listing, but was forced to dive deep shortly after the hit was observed, and was unable to confirm whether or not the cruiser sank. Her captain has been awarded the Navy Cross for what is the first American submarine success of the war.


Submarine S-30 seen at Cavite, shortly before war was declared.

Air Raid Bataan! This is No Drill!
At 7:55 AM, Fort Drum came under air attack as approximately 30 Japanese carrier type aircraft commenced high level bombing runs. The fort was undamaged, but it seems no damage was done to the attacker either.


Fort Drum - the unsinkable concrete battleship - after the air raid.

[DuckofTindalos]

Erhem... The enemy's ground forces in the Philippines continue to make nuisances of themselves at Davao and Lingayen. Elsewhere, a new front was opened when our troops began landing on Guam, in an effort to interdict the enemy's supply route from Hawaii to the Philippines.

Enemy aircraft flying out of Manilla attempted to attack our aircraft carriers west of that city. Intercepted and broken up by our shipborne Mitsubishi fighters, the raid was heavily pummelled by the anti-aircraft guns of our ships, and no bomb or torpedo hits were scored. At least two enemy aircraft were observed to crash as a result of our defences.

At sea, another odd little battle was fought off Davao, when the Philippino gunboat Jolo, like the Cebu earlier, approached our covering force during the night. The enemy vessel was quickly destroyed by the guns of a battleship and two heavy cruisers, with no damage to any of our vessels.

In other news, Combined Fleet command has ordered the withdrawal of our minesweepers from Lingayen Gulf, after yet another (the Wakaba) was sunk by enemy coastal defences. Navy officers were overheard commenting that the Army forces ashore hadn't done enough to destroy the enemy's very effective 240mm howitzers. The troop transport Haruna Maru also sank at Lingayen today.

[Tankerace]

7 June 1926, New York Times

Japanese Land on Guam!

In a rather unexpected move, today Imperial Japanese forces landed on Guam. The lightly equipped garrison has sufferred heavy casualties, but is continuing to hold. The Marines of Flight L, based on Guam, unsuccessfully tried to strafe Japanese troops trying to wade ashore.

Sluggout at Lingayen
Artillery duels continued today at Lingayen, 75mm and 240mm guns firing on both the enemy troops and landing craft. 3 Destroyer Minesweepers and one large transport were observed sunk today. Japanese artillery blasted US positions, but did not inflict heavy casualties.


Dug in Filipinos of the Philippine Division await a Japanese assault in Lingayen.


Near Lingayen, the crew of a machine gun in the 2nd Battalion, 31st Infantry scan the field for enemy troops.

War at Sea
In the War at Sea, a Filipino gunboat was lost while probing enemy waters. Three American destroyers bombarded the city of Pyongyang, and depth charged an enemy submarine. US Navy and Army planes unsuccessfully attacked an enemy aircraft carrier of Manila. Unfortuneatly, they were beaten back.