Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side

[bradfordkay]

Heh... I've never noticed that. I should have realized that it was a toggle when it shows up in a color other than white, but it hadn't occurred to me... I just figured that it was telling me that I either had torpedoes or was out.

[John 3rd]

It is very easy to do. One has just got to REMEMBER it!

With these three I simply alternate the CV TB Daitai carrying TTs. Hiryu's 24 Kates go first, then Soryu's 21, and finally Ryuho's 18. Will work the rotation so I have some TTs available each day.

[pws1225]

Hmm ... no post in almost 18 hours. Me thinks John is out playing in his caboose.

Hey John, have you thought about moving your computer out to the caboose? Remember the thread from a while back about the setup various players have in their homes where they play AE. Some were quit impressive, but none could compare to a laptop perched in caboose's cupola. Just a thought, but a mighty nice one.

[John 3rd]

Damn but you REALLY made me laugh with that!

Got the turn in from Dan so I will run that as soon as my wife is sleeping...

Would you mean THIS Cupola?
[:'(]

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: pws1225

Hmm ... no post in almost 18 hours. Me thinks John is out playing in his caboose.

Hey John, have you thought about moving your computer out to the caboose? Remember the thread from a while back about the setup various players have in their homes where they play AE. Some were quit impressive, but none could compare to a laptop perched in caboose's cupola. Just a thought, but a mighty nice one.

We're getting our decals and first windows on Wednesday. It is my fervent HOPE that this is my office starting in about April or May!

[John 3rd]

Here the boys are and our Lady all traditionally decorated for the Holidays:

[John 3rd]

First blood for the Japanese Submarine Arm goes to I-159 who sinks TK Iris near Muntok with--get this--SIX TTs! Hope not all Allied ships are that stout...

This is a beginning. Course we don't want to discuss the 5 missed shots at DDs and a perfectly missed set-up on CL Honolulu.

Late night. Will Post the turn in the morning.

[traskott]

Aaaah.. submarine warfare... It's the poor brother of the War in the Pacific.

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
Dec 8-9, 1941

I sent Dan his turn this morning at 1:30am and found the next one waiting after I got the boys to school. Forgot just how quick he can be with his play. Nice to be self-employed!

OK. No major surprises as of yet. We'll go Theatre to Theatre:

North Pacific
I will make my early, fast moves here to grab everything west of Dutch Harbor. Dan likes to play up here so there may be some action. To cover that, I shall split CarDiv1 off and send it North in a couple of days. Will use Fast TF to grab Attu, Amchitka, Umnak, and anything else valuable and then move in Engineers. They can work during the winter and see if Mr. Roper has any plans up here.

Central Pacific
KB refuels on the 9th and trails its coat moving towards Midway. Want him to see that so he knows NOT to mess with this area. I want Wake and Midway without attle so I can turn to the real targets. MY AOs retire NW towards Paramushiro Jima.

Land and take Tarawa on the 8th.

Attack Guam on the 9th and get 2-1 but no surrender. Will finish that on the 10th.

Land and take Tabiteuea on the 9th.

TFs head to Ocean and Nauru...

South Pacific
Fast TF lands a Base Force at Kavieng on the 9th.

An Ro- took a shot at CL Leander heading towards Rabaul. GREAT! Order the 3 CL and 3 DD that dropped troops off at Kavieng to consolidate with the 4 CA and 4 DD about to bombard Rabaul. Looks like we'll have chance at sinking some ANZAC cruisers.

TF headed towards Madang, Lunga, and Marus.

Philippines
Normal bloodbath happening here as 5-6 small STF are sinking the Thundering Herd as it flees the area. Looks like he is bugging out in all directions hoping to save something. Sounds good. We'll sink as many as we can.

Big Furball over Manila on the 8th and the P-40s are crushed under 3 Daitai's Sweeps prior to 50+ Betty--Nells making the planned Port strike. Numerous ships hit. No aerial resistance on the 9th so my planes pound shipping again.

Hit Bataan, Clark, and Cagayan both days trying to keep Forts from being built.

KB-2 slips through the central Islands on the 8th and takes position in the Sulu Sea while the 2 CVLs move south of Mindanao. All CVs fly strikes sinking ships. The CVLs launch an AF strike at Cagayan on the 9th and find the P-40s that fled Manila. The raid of 16 Zero and 24 Kates fight their way through nearly 20 P-40s and hit the base. Lose a Zero and 4 Kates for 7 P-40s. CVL Kate Chutai are very brittle. Move the CVLs south for a day and then on to Babeldoap then east to Truk.

Since it appears he's risking Force Z, I order KB-2 to a high speed run along northern Borneo in hopes of getting a shot at Prince and Repulse. One swipe and then back to the plan.

Land and take Naga on the 9th.

Land at San Fernando and Aparri on the 9th.

Cotabato gets 24 Kates and 16 Mavis on the 8th and a Fast TF begins unloading 2 Base Force on the 9th. Try to make grabs at Cagayan and Malaybalay but am unsuccessful in taking the bases with Paras alone. Guess it is up to the 56th ID.

Western DEI
Grab Miri on the 8th and move another TF there with 2 Base Forces.

Form a FTF of CA, CLs, and DDs to grab Singkawang. They depart on the 8th headed for their target. A BB Bombardment TF follows them by a day. If the FTF cannot immediately take the target the BBs will hammer it and we'll try again.

The 4th ID Palembang IF moves past CRB on the 8th and advances SW. Have got to VERY careful here. Cannot risk the TF being intercepted.

Bettys attack the Prince of Wales and company one hex NW of Singkawang on the 9th. Two bombs hit the BB but nothing is accomplished other then showing me where they are.

Malaya
Take Kuantan on the 8th and move 45 fighters and 27 Betty there. More convoys headed here so I can consolidate my two Inf Div. Have an Air Flotilla landing there tomorrow so I have TTs for my bombers.

Bombers hit AFs on the 8th and then shift to troop targets on the 9th. As expected the Allies appear to be giving up the entire peninsula without a fight.

Have an Invasion TF headed for Mersing. They won't arrive for 3 days but I'll grab it if it appears practical.

Finish moving the Army Paras to Victoria Point. They rest as I transport in 3 Base Forces. They will launch a Para Attack on Pt. Blair on the 11th after the units there are plastered by about 100 bombers.

China
Troops moving towards Changsha and the Central Plains bases. Fairly standard opening here.

Attack Hong Kong on the 9th and get 2-1 lowering the Forts to 1 and shall take the base tomorrow.

SS Ops
12-9 I-121 hits a big target near Georgetown with a single TT as AP Dominion Monarch tries to flee. The same SS then sinks AK Neleus with two attacks.
12-9 Ro-64 sinks AKL Luzon at Jolo
12-9 I-122 sinks AK Wing Sang at Langsa
12-9 I-160 blasts AMC Kanimbla with 3 TTs near Batavia

Economy
On Turn 1-3 I work to prioritize my Aircraft Research, Building, and Engine needs. Focus on Tojo IIa research , expand Zero, Val, and Kate, expand Sally, heavy research devoted to MISTERs Frank and George. Corresponding engines expanded...

Small expansion of Naval Shipyards. Stop ALL SS construction until I get BB Yamato. Leave all construction ON for new warships. WANT those new Shokaku-Kais and Kawachi BCs!

Those are the major notes for the two days.

[John 3rd]

Example of the STF doing their job:

[pws1225]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

ORIGINAL: pws1225

Hmm ... no post in almost 18 hours. Me thinks John is out playing in his caboose.

Hey John, have you thought about moving your computer out to the caboose? Remember the thread from a while back about the setup various players have in their homes where they play AE. Some were quit impressive, but none could compare to a laptop perched in caboose's cupola. Just a thought, but a mighty nice one.

We're getting our decals and first windows on Wednesday. It is my fervent HOPE that this is my office starting in about April or May!

Congrats on putting in the finishing touches. And from the photo of the cupola, that thing looks mighty similar to the bridge of the Yamato (and the kid on the left looks a bit like Yamamoto, don't you think). Not a bad place to run a war.

Since I'm reading both Dan's AAR and yours, I'll make no comments on the game's progress/plans/etc. However, from time time, I may ask a question or two about stuff. Heck, I may even throw in an occasional BANZAI when called for. Good luck and give my fellow Southerner a thorough thumping.

Regards, Paul

[John 3rd]

You are more then allowed to comment whenever you wish Sir. Have no issue with that at all.

Will Post a picture of our yellow baby tomorrow once the decals are on it.

[John 3rd]

The reason I like to bring a CV Division to the party in the DEI is this turn. Spotted Force Z yesterday and gambled that a High Speed run would put me in striking range. BINGO!

Strike: 14 Zero, 40 Val, 44 Kate vs 4 Fighters

Results:
BC Repulse 10 Bombs and 3 TT (two other hits were DUDS!)---Heavy Damage
CL Java 2 Bombs and 2 TT---SUNK!

Second Strike: 13 Zero 18 Kate vs. 9 Fighters

BB Prince of Wales 1 TT Hit (DUD! [:o]) and 3 Kates shot down with another 6 damaged. Watch out for PofW's AA!

[Cavalry Corp]

There is a lot of possible allied subs in the DEI (and the Dutch ones bite) - I avoid it with CVs.

[MAurelius]

maybe your subs can ensure that Repulse goes down for sure.... hopefully you get to catch PoW.....

[John 3rd]

My opponent sent a cryptic comment regarding 'action this turn.' This has led me to think that he will definitely fight at Singkawang and Kuching. Figuring this to be the case I thought that perhaps the PLAN OF BATTLE should be covered:

KB-2 (Red) moves one hex west. Don't want to get too close to ALL those bases!
CV Hiryu--Soryu--Ryujo (72 Zeros (70% CAP), 45 Val, and 63 Kate
BC Kongo, Haruna
CL Noshiro
DD 7 DD

Bombardment TF (Yellow) will hit Singakawang this turn and CRUSH--hopefully--any TF there and hurt the AF.
BB Fuso, Yamashiro
CA Atago, Takao
CL 6DD

Fast TF (Orange) carrying 1800 troops to capture Singakawang. It can fight if needed!
CA 4 Mogami Class
CL 10 DD

Kuching Invasion Force (Pink) moving due west from Miri
CL, 3 DD, 18 AP--AK with 6,000 troops

Palembang Invasion Force (Green) moves just a couple of hexes hoping for a favorable battle result.
2 DD, 8 PG--DMS, 29 AP--AK with 15,416 troops

Before action can take place I must set-up/decorate the tree. I will THEN run the turn...

Here is the screenshot:

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
December 10-11, 1941

After the last two days I think we can effectively end any form of a Sir Robin defense here! Dan is dug in trying to land a solid punch at my forces. This is going to be pretty interesting to play out. I am conflicted by my NEED and DESIRE to get to Palembang ASP and the NEED and DESIRE to wipe out Allied air and naval resistance.

North Pacific
FTF and TF have departed various locations for landings at Umnak, Atka, Attu, and Amchatka. Should possess all these locations within 10 days and then shall supply them with engineers for base and AF work. CarDiv1 separated from CarDiv5 and headed this direction on the 10th. If Dan tries any of his favorite moves (getting stuff to the Aleutians so it becomes a drawn out fight) up here, he will be severely punished by the CVs. They will stay in this region just long enough to make sure the bases are taken without much issue.

Central Pacific
When KB splits I make sure CarDiv5 is clearly spotted moving between Laysen and Midway as it moves to Cover the Wake Landing.

Wake should be hit next turn. I have an entire SNLF Assault Brigade hitting it. Two CLs and 3 DDs are embedded for Fire Support and a CL and 5 DD provide Escort. For non-RA players the SNLF Brigades are simply three of the old--EXISTING--SNLF units but COMBINED so they have about 200 Assault Value. They can be divided down to their normal 60 or so AV if needed. There are no extra Japanese Naval Troops in RA. The Brigades are simply comprised as a 3-1 creation.

Capture Guam on the 10th and so the 144th Reg moves to Truk for future Operations.

Capture Nauru and Ocean on the 11th.

Spot CV ENTERPRISE as she moves south! A small TF carrying half of a Naval Guard unit was hit by 12 Wildkittens and 9 SBD as it approached Baker. Lost two ships and gained valuable intelligence. Wonder if ENT grabbed the Wildkitties at Wake? We'll see is she did.

South Pacific
Capture Kavieng on the 10th.

Grab Manus and land at Madang on the 11th.

Try to catch an Allied STF at Rabaul but have no luck so my 4 CA and Escorts head for Truk to resupply.

Invasion Forces headed for Shortlands and Lunga.

Philippines
Capture San Fernando and Aparri on the 10th.

Heavy furballs over Manila each day with the Japanese averaging a 4 or 5-1 takeaway.

Hitting AF at Clark, Manila, and Bataan.

Slightly bogged down in Mindanao. My Paras haven't taken another location so TF are unloading at Cotabato and waiting for the 56th ID to land at Cagayan.

There is a bunch of fleeing shipping between western Philippines and Northern Borneo. A lot of it gets sunk over these two days. The three Brit DDs go under, AP Madison, an AS, an AVD, a TK, and another AP all go down.

Borneo
WOW! Dan wants to stop the western edge of the Japanese juggernaut right here at Kuching and Singkawang. I need them to provide LRCAP for Palembang's Landing. After my speed run--detailed in earlier Post--KB-2 arrives to smack BC Repulse and a CL on the 10th.

Don't like shallow, confined water for a carrier TF to operate in so I make sure to keep my distance so I can't be hit by more then 1 or 2 AF.

I've detailed the 10th earlier so I shall focus on the 11th. Several Allied CL--DD TF sit just off Singkawang with another--with Prince of Wales--at Singkawang. Looks like he has moved the entire KITCHEN SINK to this region. OK. This means I can wipeout and render his best forces combat ineffective. Danger also means opportunity. Am concerned as the turn opens that my BBs and CA Fast TF don't get the Singkawang. Watch as my Kuching Landing Force ends up ONE hex SHORT of its target. Doesn't look like a good day for the Home Team gang.

ACTION:
A Betty Daitai insists on self-immolation as it tries to get at Prince at Singkawang. They 18 bombers try to force their way through 32 Fighters. These are the only good planes the Allies start with. A squadron of Hurricanes and P-40E (additions for RA) plus some Buffalos are present. They shoot down 7 Betty but the rest run away. Next comes in Soryu's Strike Group of 10 Zero, 18 Val, and 20 Kate vs 42 Fighters. BAD. Lose 2 Zero, 9 Val, and 4 Kate for no damage to the enemy. Hiryu throws 6 Zero and 20 Val at a TF just off the base hex and hits a CL several times for no losses. Hiryu's Kates attack shipping at Ketapang and NAIL CL Java with 11 Bombs (Sunk) and DD Piet Hein with 4 Bombs (probably sunk). Ryujo's 12 Kates find DD John Ford and sink her with 2 TT.

Japanese: Sink CL Java and a DD with possibly another done for for a cost of 2 Zero, 11 Val, and 4 Kate---NOT GOOD.

The Allies send their Offensive Strikes out and the Kuching IF sees 5 Buffalo and 14 A-24 approach. I took a risk and set ALL of Ryujo's Zeros to LRCAP. Well it certainly works here as this strike is met by 24 Zero. They SHRED the attack. Five A-24 get through and miss. They are then destroyed in after attack combat. The Palembang IF is attacked by 14 A-24 and they are dealt with by 15 Zero. Only 4 A-24 survive! The last attack comes directly at the CVs as 8 Buffalo and 3 A-24 are swarmed over by 48 Zeros. NO Allied survivors here.

Allies: No Damage to Japanese and they lose about 20-24 Fighters and two full Squadrons of A-24s. NICE! Having those 54 A-24's at the start in Darwin REALLY adds a powerful card up the Allied sleeve but they have to be carefully deployed. These were not and Dan has now lost 2/3 of these planes for no result. GREAT! Just have to worry about TB now...

PLANS:
1. Pull KB-2 back a couple of hexes and fly off the remains of Soryu's Vals to Cam Rahn Bay for new planes while Soryu assumes the role of Zero carrier when 24 Zero arrive from Saigon to buttress LRCAP.
2. Shift the landings to Kuching. The CA FTF will land there and help the Kuching IF drop off their troops. Should easily take Kuching if the Allies don't get a STF in the way. Definite chance here but I shall bet he covers Singkawang instead.
3. BB Bombardment TF will still hit Singkawang and hope to sink ships and do serious damage to the AF.

Malaya
All this excitement means Dan is focused on one area of the map so I shall try to take advantage of that by landing at Mersing next turn. Seventy-Five Fighters are at Kuantan. I detail nearly 50 to protect the IF while the rest and 60 Sally are ordered to Sweep and/or hit Singapore's AF. Doubt if there are many Fighters there due to what I am fighting in Borneo. Be nice to cause some damage here and draw attention away from Borneo.

Coinciding with this shall by an Army Para Landing at Medan tomorrow. I want the Lvl-2 AF. Taking a page from Viperpol I order nearly 125 bombers to CRUSH any ground units present here so the Paras can grab the base. Have move planes ready to move there if I can take the base tomorrow.

China
Hong Kong's Forts drop to ZERO on the 11th. It shall fall tomorrow.

Take the base NE of Changsha as well as Kweiteh and hex 89,40 above the Central Plains Cities.

SS Ops:
12-10 I-160 sinks AKL DeHaan near Toboali.
12-10 I-121 hits AP Dominion Monarch for the 2nd time..hmmm...be nice to get THAT bigboy!
12-11 I-15 sinks AV Curtiss with 2 TT near Christmas Isle. NICE. She could be converted into a CVE in this Mod.

That is the news.

Thoughts?

[ny59giants]

What SC TF do you have near Mersing if Dan decides to shift Force Z and his fighters back to Singapore area??

You did move more Zeros to your CVs which is what I was thinking of suggesting while reading.

[John 3rd]

Morning Michael. Making a Loveland trip this morning so I'll drop you a call.

Yes. I moved a full Daitai of Zeros over to Soryu to add to my CAP umbrella. I've got a STF heading for the Mersing IF (Invasion Force) to protect it.

Checked the numbers from last turn. The Japanese lost 27 planes. Most of that came out of of poor Soryu's Air Group (15 of them) while the Allies lost over 60. Two Squadrons of A-24 were wiped out completely and about 10-12 Hurricanes and P-40s went down as well. The rest of the losses were Buffalos. Another day like this then we should be reasonably OK to bring things in.

Those TB are the main concern right now. Neglected to mention I moved two Sentai of Oscars and a Chutai of Zeros to Miri to provide LR CAP of the Kuching IF.

[MAurelius]

all the best for the invasion of Mersing and Palembang - with PoW still around.... well...