Its Pearl Harbor day, so its time for..... Ox's WITP:AE AAR!
Jan 1, 1942
As expected the IJN/A has swept through the Pacific like a tsunami, rolling through Luzon, Southern PI, DEI, Guam, Malaysia, and Wake. The losses at Pearl were lighter than expected, with only one BB a total write-off along with a few support ships. Thats the good news. The bad news is that the remainder of my Pacific battlewagons will be in dry dock until March, with the worst hit likely not available till the end of the year, leaving me with precisely two BBs and 4 CVs (the Yorktown arrived in San Diego just yesterday) to face the IJN onslaught. Add to this the loss of the RN's TF Z (1 BC and 1 BB) near Singapore. I have little to toss in their path.
Standing orders:
1) All civilian ships in theater will report to the nearest safe port for convoy duty. 2) All PI air units are to engage the IJA/N until they reach 33% combat effectiveness, then withdraw to AUS. 3) USN ships will evade IJN forces and reassemble at AUS or Pearl.
Battle Report:
1) IJN forces have scored a major coup taking Canton Island (see lower right on map) potentially cutting off our direct route to AUS. This cost us a a squadron of Buffalos and PBYs as well as the small garrison that was in place. The Marine Defense unit assigned to Canton was only 3 days out from reinforcing the island. They were diverted to Palmyra just north of Canton. The 8th Marine Regiment at Pearl as begun preparations for retaking the island, but they will not be ready until February at the earliest. The presence of IJN air forces at Canton represents a serious threat to the US-AUS supply line.
2) The first major naval engagement has taken place near Canton with TF 43.1 catching an unescorted IJN hunter-killer surface group supporting the Canton invasion force. Aircraft from CVs Enterprise, Saratoga, and Lexington have sunk the BB Nagato along with a reported two heavy cruisers. Unfortunately, this engagement allowed the Canton invasion fleet to sneak by and land their forces. The transports were sunk, but Canton is now in enemy hands.
3) USN submarines have exacted a heavy toll on IJN shipping in the South China Sea despite having poor torpedo success rates.
Theatre Outlook:
1) Intel reports an invasion fleet enroute to Midway. CVs Enterprise, Lexington, and Saratoga in TF 55.1 are enroute for interdiction and the Marines are digging in.
2) Convoys have begun operation, but a lack of cargo type vessels as well as escorts have prevented full implementation of a viable logistics train. This should improve greatly in January.
Major Losses to Date: ***Note the IJN loss of BB Haruna, which I believe to be spurious.***
1) Manila, Clark Field, and Bataan reamin in Allied hands. However, the advancing IJA have met little in the way of opposition. Intel predicts a siege of moderate length with final capitulation of the PI by the end of January '42.
2) Singapore also remains in Allied hands, but the situation is just as bleak. Intel predict the fall of Singapore in the same timeframe as the PI.
3) The next IJA/N target will be the DEI. Reinforcements are not likely to be available and IJA air supremacy in the region will prohibit seaborne resupply in any case. Intel predicts a the IJA/N will consolidate the DEI by March '42.
Theatre Priorities:
1) Consolidate defensive positions at critical points Port Moresby, Noumea, Brisbane, Darwin, Midway, Pearl Harbor, Dutch Harbor.
2) Begin preparations for regaining Canton Island.
3) Stem flow of Japanese assault in the South and Central Pacific.
Registered: 02/21/02
Posts: 4223
Loc: Tulsa, Ok, USA
good start, I hide my carriers till the Japanese KB force moves away.
_________________________ Jeff "Moses" Malone Quality Assurance Department - Beta tester moses@fighterops.com Proud Member of 195th Dambusters Virtual Squadron.
_________________________ "...late afternoon the Air Tasking Order came in [and] we found the A-10 part and we said, "We are going where!? We are doing what!?"
Capt. Todd Sheehy, Hog pilot, on receiving orders during Operation Desert Storm
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 3904
Loc: Wisconsin, USA
This is going to be fun. I've had the game for about a year now myself but have not played it. Decided to give it a try and learn with a small scenario if anything can be labeled small in this game. Started Guadacanal yesterday...figured it was an appropriate day to learn this fantastic game.
This is going to be fun. I've had the game for about a year now myself but have not played it. Decided to give it a try and learn with a small scenario if anything can be labeled small in this game. Started Guadacanal yesterday...figured it was an appropriate day to learn this fantastic game.
My mate and I just started a PBEM of the Guadalcanal scenario. we have matching AARs going on over at Subsim.com if your looking for how not to do things...:D
Best way to learn this game is just to jump in. It's so huge that you could spend the rest of your life getting ready to play. Every time I start a new campaign I look at the screen and think 'What the hell have I let myself in for this time?' There are no other games out there quite like this.
theox: Wow, your Pearl losses really were amazingly light - well done! I once had a start in which I lost only a destroyer and couple of smaller ships and all the battlewagons were back in action within 8 months. I've also had starts where I lost pretty much everything. Those BBs might well become outclassed within a year or two but they will are always useful to have at the sharp end of a contested landing. I wouldn't worry about not having a large amount of capital ships available just now; chances are you'd end up losing them to the Japanese as they run riot.
This is going to be fun. I've had the game for about a year now myself but have not played it. Decided to give it a try and learn with a small scenario if anything can be labeled small in this game. Started Guadacanal yesterday...figured it was an appropriate day to learn this fantastic game.
My mate and I just started a PBEM of the Guadalcanal scenario. we have matching AARs going on over at Subsim.com if your looking for how not to do things...:D
Best way to learn this game is just to jump in. It's so huge that you could spend the rest of your life getting ready to play. Every time I start a new campaign I look at the screen and think 'What the hell have I let myself in for this time?' There are no other games out there quite like this.
theox: Wow, your Pearl losses really were amazingly light - well done! I once had a start in which I lost only a destroyer and couple of smaller ships and all the battlewagons were back in action within 8 months. I've also had starts where I lost pretty much everything. Those BBs might well become outclassed within a year or two but they will are always useful to have at the sharp end of a contested landing. I wouldn't worry about not having a large amount of capital ships available just now; chances are you'd end up losing them to the Japanese as they run riot.
Yes, quite a bit lighter than expected and possibly the lightest I've ever experienced through several playings of this game. Looks like I'm going to need that luck though, the AI in the Ironman scenario is much more aggressive and has oodles of additional ships!
February 1, 1942: Bring me my Bow of Burning Gold...
The Japanese juggernaut continues its path of destruction through the Pacific. Singapore, Manila, and Bataan are now in dire straits. Port Moresby is under heavy air attack and is barely hanging on with the help of a few decimated squadrons of P-40s and P-39s. The USN is holding its ground, but that is also coming at a severe cost. The IJN/A shows no signs of slowing, despite a few minor defeats inflicted upon them. The next two months will surely tell if we can hold the Port Moresby-Luganville-Pago-Pago line or if we must retreat to a more southerly defensive line.
Significant Events:
1) Midway
The IJN/IJA staged a massive thrust towards Midway that was narrowly parried only by the narrowest of margins. Our Intel division ferreted out information that a invasion fleet was enroute. CVs Enterprise, Yorktown, Saratoga, and Lexington were waiting by Midway when they arrived, but luck was not on our side. The invasion fleet was escorted by a CV and CVL carrying nearly 100 fighters. As a result, they had little with which to attack, but plenty to repulse our attack. Aircraft losses on both sides were terribly severe, exceeding 90% in some cases. The invasion fleet was decimated, but their CVs remained unscathed while the Enterprise took two torpedoes into her side. Both sides retired after three days of fighting, with the Big E heading to dry dock for about a month.
2) Midway 2
The IJN/IJA returned a few weeks later and managed to land a short regiment and some support troops at Midway. Our remaining CVs (minus Enterprise) repulsed the attack, bolstered by Marine dive-bomber and fighter squadrons as the organic squadrons were still recovering. Again, no joy on the IJN CVs, but we smashed their invasion fleet and took no ship losses. The Marines at Midway easily repulsed the assault, with the IJN/A taking very heavy casualties.
3) Battle of Lae Bay
A combined TF of AUS/RN/USN surface vessels caught the IJN unloading at Lae and destroyed most of a division as well as several support ships and tons of equipment. This should hopefully slow their advance across New Guinea. We're also hoping this will delay the arrival of air units as well, thus helping relieve Port Moresby.
Intel:
Very little to report. The lines are not yet stabilizing, but appear to be headed in that direction. Most disturbing is the sighting of a German U-Cruiser near Manila. The bolstering of the IJN by the Kriegsmarine is a most unwelcome surprise.
Plans:
Operation Burning Bow-- Elimination of Canton and Baker Islands as viable air bases. With the arrival of several BBs from the West Coast as well as the nearly repaired Arizona, we now have the ability to shell advance enemy airfields. Two squadrons of BBs will depart in early February and destroy potential air bases at Canton and Baker Islands. This is will also give us some ability to gain the initiative in the Central Pacific and begin preparation for the invasion of Canton Island.
Logistics:
With the capture of Canton Island, a new port was chosen to serve as a hub for the supply of AUS and Noumea: Pago-Pago. Pago-Pago has recieved reinforcements and two engineer battalions to reinforce defense and expand the harbor and airfield. The first vessels bearing supplies and fuel have already arrived and victualing is underway.
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 3904
Loc: Wisconsin, USA
Superb read TheOx! I'm curious to know how you organize turns. What I mean is it is such a huge game, so many things to keep track of...how do you do that? Do you go through the bases one by one and then determine what to do with each? Do you go through the task forces one by one? How do you keep tabs on things and organize your turns?
I suppose you have an overall plan, aside from kicking Japs butt and somehow winning the war by simply dragging it on for long enough. Will you follow the US general historic war plan, or do some things differently? Are you planning to have a campaign of island hopping, or will you bypass much of that?
You don't have to spill all the beans, and not within a week or two after Pearl Harbor, but it would be nice to get a bit of an idea to compare plans with results.
Yes, I've always been quite keen to see someone actually focus on a Central Pacific drive in an AE campaign. I Don't actually recall it ever being done.
Of course, the problem with that strategy is that it is reliant on decent Amphibious shipping like AKAs and APAS, which you don't get in numbers until 43.
Superb read TheOx! I'm curious to know how you organize turns. What I mean is it is such a huge game, so many things to keep track of...how do you do that? Do you go through the bases one by one and then determine what to do with each? Do you go through the task forces one by one? How do you keep tabs on things and organize your turns?
Well, you get a feel for the hot spots and check those first. I actually keep a notebook on my desk to jot down important convoys, attacks being planned with assigned assets, etc. This helps me keep an eye on everything and avoid nasty surprises, but that doesn't stop them from happening though! The AI is very well done and they will surprise you from time to time.
Quote:
I suppose you have an overall plan, aside from kicking Japs butt and somehow winning the war by simply dragging it on for long enough. Will you follow the US general historic war plan, or do some things differently? Are you planning to have a campaign of island hopping, or will you bypass much of that?
You don't have to spill all the beans, and not within a week or two after Pearl Harbor, but it would be nice to get a bit of an idea to compare plans with results.
My goal right now is survive the advance with Port Moresby, AUS, Midway, and my US-AUS supply line intact. Things are pretty hairy right now, as you'll find out in the Feb '42 edition!
As for the future, I do plan on a CenPac strategy, that is to say I do not foresee muddling in the DEI or South Pacific save for the neutralization of Eastern New Guinea. This is not to say I will be attacking every little island (ie Wake), just those that offer strategic advantage. I will not be sitting on my hands until I get overwhelming force in '43-'44. Rest assured I will be taking the offense, gambling within reason, and taking the fight to the enemy in 42.
As I heard it, one also has to keep track of harbor and oil refinery capacities (how much processed fule, or crude oil, to deliver where). That sounds like a terrible lot of micromanagement...?
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 3904
Loc: Wisconsin, USA
Originally Posted By: Ssnake
As I heard it, one also has to keep track of harbor and oil refinery capacities (how much processed fule, or crude oil, to deliver where). That sounds like a terrible lot of micromanagement...?
That is correct. It is a handfull to get one's arms around but there are tools which allow the player to keep tabs on this stuff. You still have to learn those tools which is what I'm doing now myself and the reason for my question to the thread author. I wouldn't say it is too much micromanagment, I'd say it is just a very deep game. It is a simulation of you being an operational staff officer. I find the logistics myself fascinating and with just this game am awed by the real people who did and do this sort of thing.
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 3904
Loc: Wisconsin, USA
Originally Posted By: theox
Well, you get a feel for the hot spots and check those first. I actually keep a notebook on my desk to jot down important convoys, attacks being planned with assigned assets, etc. This helps me keep an eye on everything and avoid nasty surprises, but that doesn't stop them from happening though! The AI is very well done and they will surprise you from time to time.
Interesting...this sounds like a good idea and will try this myself. So far I've only been using the in game tools but it just isn't enough. Love the game though...so deep.
Should have one more before Christmas and New Years then you may have to wait a week or 2! Don't fear though, I will be playing a bit in the meantime...
The Japanese has progressed into the Dutch East Indies (DEI) and are mopping up the little Dutch resistance remaining. Several carrier groups are hammering the island of Java from all angles and without relief. I am happy that they have decided to expend their effort in the DEI (which is strategically sound from a resources POV) rather than in the Central Pacific. The Japanese have overrun Singapore as of February 10, and have turned an eye towards Burma. The Philippines will not last much longer. Defensive preparation continues in the barrier islands of Pago Pago, Palmyra, and Midway.
CVs Lexington and Saratoga enter dry dock for incremental upgrades in March, with Yorktown and Enterprise upgrading in April. This will leave us shorthanded in force projection power for the next few months. Small scale operations are the rule of the day. We hope the IJN feels the same.
Significant Events:
1) Singapore. Fell on the 10th of February.
2) Port Moresby seaborne invasion on Feb 14. The IJN/A managed to land a short division at Port Moresby. TF 11.1, an AUS/USN mix of CA and DD managed to defeat the surface fleet (now being called the St. Valentine's Day Massacre amongst the fleet), while the A-24 Banshees based in PM dealt heavy damage to another surface action group (SAG) in the area. PM has withstood the initial assault, and we managed to reinforce them with the 19th AUS Brigade two weeks later. The situation is fluid, but we believe PM will hold unless the IJ forces are reinforced and resupplied. Defeating such a large force will bolster morale and prove that we can fight on the ground.
3) Battle of Canton Island. Our TF 88.1 CV group located and destroyed 1 CA, 2 CLs, and 2 DDs in a surface action group (SAG) presumably looking to interdict our supply line. The IJN is turned away from CenPac once again.
4) Operation Burning Bow. Both BB groups bombarded their targets and destroyed several small transport ships in harbor at Canton and Baker islands. They returned without incident.
Future Plans:
US Army forces are still preparing for an assault on Canton Island. The "go" date for this operation has been set for March 30. Auxiliary and support units are being assembled.
The 6th and 7th AUS Divisions will arrive within the next two months from the Middle East. Once in AUS, they will begin preparations for a counter-stroke in New Guinea. The 6th is en route and should arrive this month, while the 7th remains in Aden awaiting the next transport convoy.
Losses:
Note the 2 IJN CVLs lost to mines. We believe these occurred at Singapore(an attempted seaborne attack) and at Midway. The decision to mine Midway appears to have paid dividends.
The Banshees did much better than their historical counterparts.
Wheels
Well, you only get them for a few months before they get redeployed so I always toss them in the mix. Their accuracy leaves a lot to be desired, but they do get lucky! My surface group I patrol out of Townsville in NE AUS has really been the lifesaver for Port Moresby.
Registered: 02/21/02
Posts: 4223
Loc: Tulsa, Ok, USA
I just lost Port Moresby end of march first part of april
_________________________ Jeff "Moses" Malone Quality Assurance Department - Beta tester moses@fighterops.com Proud Member of 195th Dambusters Virtual Squadron.
Registered: 02/21/02
Posts: 4223
Loc: Tulsa, Ok, USA
not yet and i just lost the Saratoga after a nice battle I did get a CVL from the remnants of her Planes that diverted to nearest base.
_________________________ Jeff "Moses" Malone Quality Assurance Department - Beta tester moses@fighterops.com Proud Member of 195th Dambusters Virtual Squadron.
Registered: 02/21/02
Posts: 4223
Loc: Tulsa, Ok, USA
Paid them back good at PM
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 97,131, Range 9,000 Yards
Japanese Ships xAKL Senyu Maru #2, Shell hits 1 xAKL Takashima Maru, Shell hits 1, and is sunk xAK Gozan Maru, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage xAK Dainiti Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire xAK Horai Maru, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk xAK Jinsai Maru, Shell hits 2, and is sunk xAK Kirisima Maru, Shell hits 9, and is sunk xAK Nitiho Maru, Shell hits 8, and is sunk xAK Nasusan Maru xAK Nisshun Maru, Shell hits 2 xAK Samarang Maru, Shell hits 4, and is sunk xAK Sumiyoshi Maru, Shell hits 6, and is sunk xAKL Higashiyama Maru xAKL Kaisho Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires xAKL Minowa Maru, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage xAKL Nichinan, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
Allied Ships BB Pennsylvania BB Tennessee CA Northampton CA Chester CA Chicago CL St. Louis CL Helena CL Phoenix CL Honolulu DD Hammann DD Mustin DD Russell DD Porter
Reduced sighting due to 14% moonlight Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 14% moonlight: 9,000 yards Range closes to 20,000 yards... CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 20,000 yards Range closes to 18,000 yards... CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 18,000 yards Range closes to 16,000 yards... Range closes to 14,000 yards... CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 14,000 yards Range closes to 12,000 yards... Range closes to 11,000 yards... CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 11,000 yards Range closes to 10,000 yards... Range closes to 9,000 yards... CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 9,000 yards CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 9,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAK Sumiyoshi Maru at 9,000 yards CA Chicago engages xAK Sumiyoshi Maru at 9,000 yards CA Chester engages xAK Sumiyoshi Maru at 9,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAK Nitiho Maru at 9,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAK Kirisima Maru at 9,000 yards CL Phoenix engages xAK Kirisima Maru at 9,000 yards CL Helena engages xAK Horai Maru at 9,000 yards DD Porter engages xAK Samarang Maru at 9,000 yards xAK Horai Maru sunk by DD Russell at 9,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAKL Kaisho Maru at 9,000 yards Range increases to 10,000 yards xAK Sumiyoshi Maru sunk by BB Tennessee at 10,000 yards xAK Kirisima Maru sunk by BB Pennsylvania at 10,000 yards CL Phoenix engages xAK Dainiti Maru at 10,000 yards DD Russell engages xAKL Nichinan at 10,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAKL Minowa Maru at 10,000 yards DD Mustin engages xAK Samarang Maru at 10,000 yards xAKL Takashima Maru sunk by BB Tennessee at 10,000 yards Range closes to 8,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAK Dainiti Maru at 8,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAK Nitiho Maru at 8,000 yards DD Porter engages xAK Dainiti Maru at 8,000 yards Massive explosion on xAKL Nichinan BB Tennessee engages xAKL Nichinan at 8,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAKL Minowa Maru at 8,000 yards DD Porter engages xAKL Kaisho Maru at 8,000 yards DD Mustin engages xAK Nitiho Maru at 8,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAK Gozan Maru at 8,000 yards Range closes to 5,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAK Samarang Maru at 5,000 yards xAK Samarang Maru sunk by BB Pennsylvania at 5,000 yards CA Chicago engages xAK Nitiho Maru at 5,000 yards xAK Jinsai Maru sunk by BB Pennsylvania at 5,000 yards xAK Nitiho Maru sunk by CL Phoenix at 5,000 yards xAKL Nichinan sunk by BB Tennessee at 5,000 yards CL St. Louis engages xAK Gozan Maru at 5,000 yards DD Russell engages xAK Nisshun Maru at 5,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAK Dainiti Maru at 5,000 yards Range increases to 6,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAK Nisshun Maru at 6,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAK Nasusan Maru at 6,000 yards DD Porter engages xAK Gozan Maru at 6,000 yards xAKL Minowa Maru sunk by BB Tennessee at 6,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAKL Kaisho Maru at 6,000 yards DD Mustin engages xAKL Senyu Maru #2 at 6,000 yards CL St. Louis engages xAK Gozan Maru at 6,000 yards Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape Task forces break off...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 97,131, Range 22,000 Yards
Japanese Ships xAK Bandoeng Maru xAK Konan Maru
Allied Ships BB Pennsylvania BB Tennessee CA Northampton CA Chester CA Chicago CL St. Louis CL Helena CL Phoenix CL Honolulu DD Hammann DD Mustin DD Russell DD Porter
Reduced sighting due to 14% moonlight Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 14% moonlight: 5,000 yards Range closes to 17,000 yards... Range closes to 12,000 yards... Range closes to 9,000 yards... Range closes to 7,000 yards... Range closes to 5,000 yards... CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 5,000 yards Japanese TF attempts to evade combat Range increases to 6,000 yards... Range increases to 7,000 yards... Range increases to 8,000 yards... Range increases to 9,000 yards... Range increases to 10,000 yards... Range increases to 11,000 yards... Range increases to 12,000 yards... Range increases to 13,000 yards... Range increases to 14,000 yards... Range increases to 15,000 yards... Range increases to 16,000 yards... Range increases to 17,000 yards... Range increases to 18,000 yards... Range increases to 19,000 yards... Range increases to 20,000 yards... Range increases to 21,000 yards... Range increases to 22,000 yards... Range increases to 22,000 yards... Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape Japanese Transport TF evades combat
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 97,131, Range 10,000 Yards
Japanese Ships xAK Gozan Maru, Shell hits 4, and is sunk xAK Dainiti Maru, Shell hits 1, and is sunk xAKL Kaisho Maru, Shell hits 1, and is sunk xAKL Minowa Maru, and is sunk
Allied Ships BB Pennsylvania BB Tennessee CA Northampton CA Chester CA Chicago CL St. Louis CL Helena CL Phoenix CL Honolulu DD Hammann DD Mustin DD Russell DD Porter
Reduced sighting due to 14% moonlight Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 14% moonlight: 10,000 yards Range closes to 20,000 yards... Range closes to 18,000 yards... Range closes to 16,000 yards... Range closes to 14,000 yards... Range closes to 12,000 yards... Range closes to 11,000 yards... Range closes to 10,000 yards... CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 10,000 yards CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 10,000 yards xAK Dainiti Maru sunk by BB Tennessee at 10,000 yards CL Honolulu engages xAK Gozan Maru at 10,000 yards DD Russell engages xAKL Kaisho Maru at 10,000 yards xAK Gozan Maru sunk by BB Tennessee at 10,000 yards Range closes to 6,000 yards Range closes to 5,000 yards xAKL Kaisho Maru sunk by BB Tennessee at 5,000 yards xAKL Kaisho Maru sunk by BB Tennessee at 5,000 yards Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submarine attack near Jolo at 74,88
Japanese Ships xAK Ume Maru
Allied Ships SS S-41
xAK Ume Maru is sighted by SS S-41 SS S-41 launches 2 torpedoes
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 97,131, Range 5,000 Yards
Japanese Ships CA Atago, Shell hits 17, on fire xAK Tateisi Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire xAK Kosei Maru, Shell hits 18, heavy fires, heavy damage xAK Ansyu Maru, Shell hits 1 xAK Toko Maru, Shell hits 19, and is sunk xAK Zinzan Maru xAK Yuzan Maru, Shell hits 10, and is sunk xAK Nanko Maru xAK Sikisan Maru xAK Morioka Maru, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage xAK Teikin Maru, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage xAKL Kanaiyama Maru xAKL Kanjo Maru, Shell hits 1, and is sunk xAKL Shoyu Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire xAKL Nanka Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire xAKL Suzan Maru xAKL Hokuan Maru, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
Allied Ships BB Pennsylvania, Shell hits 1 BB Tennessee, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1 CA Northampton, Shell hits 2, on fire CA Chester CA Chicago CL St. Louis CL Helena CL Phoenix CL Honolulu DD Hammann DD Mustin DD Russell DD Porter
Japanese ground losses: 4179 casualties reported Squads: 107 destroyed, 165 disabled Non Combat: 19 destroyed, 23 disabled Engineers: 13 destroyed, 2 disabled Guns lost 95 (84 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Reduced sighting due to 14% moonlight Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 14% moonlight: 4,000 yards Range closes to 20,000 yards... Range closes to 18,000 yards... CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 18,000 yards Range closes to 16,000 yards... Range closes to 14,000 yards... Range closes to 12,000 yards... CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 12,000 yards Range closes to 11,000 yards... CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 11,000 yards Range closes to 10,000 yards... Range closes to 9,000 yards... CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 9,000 yards Range closes to 8,000 yards... Range closes to 7,000 yards... Range closes to 6,000 yards... Range closes to 5,000 yards... CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 5,000 yards Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 5,000 yards BB Tennessee fires at xAK Yuzan Maru at 5,000 yards xAK Yuzan Maru sunk by BB Pennsylvania at 5,000 yards CA Northampton fires at CA Atago at 5,000 yards CL Phoenix fires at CA Atago at 5,000 yards CA Northampton fires at xAK Toko Maru at 5,000 yards BB Pennsylvania fires at xAK Ansyu Maru at 5,000 yards CL Phoenix fires at xAK Kosei Maru at 5,000 yards DD Russell fires at xAK Toko Maru at 5,000 yards DD Russell fires at xAKL Hokuan Maru at 5,000 yards DD Hammann launches Torpedoes at xAK Kosei Maru at 5,000 yards Range closes to 4,000 yards CA Atago engages BB Tennessee at 4,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAK Sikisan Maru at 4,000 yards CA Atago engages CL Phoenix at 4,000 yards CL Helena engages CA Atago at 4,000 yards CL Phoenix engages xAK Kosei Maru at 4,000 yards DD Russell engages xAKL Suzan Maru at 4,000 yards xAKL Kanjo Maru sunk by BB Pennsylvania at 4,000 yards Range closes to 2,000 yards CA Atago engages BB Tennessee at 2,000 yards BB Pennsylvania engages xAK Kosei Maru at 2,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAK Morioka Maru at 2,000 yards CA Chester engages xAK Toko Maru at 2,000 yards CA Northampton engages CA Atago at 2,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAK Toko Maru at 2,000 yards CA Atago engages CL Helena at 2,000 yards CA Atago engages CL St. Louis at 2,000 yards DD Porter engages xAK Kosei Maru at 2,000 yards DD Russell engages xAK Toko Maru at 2,000 yards DD Russell engages xAKL Nanka Maru at 2,000 yards Range increases to 6,000 yards CA Atago engages BB Tennessee at 6,000 yards BB Pennsylvania engages xAK Teikin Maru at 6,000 yards CA Atago engages CA Chester at 6,000 yards CL Honolulu engages CA Atago at 6,000 yards xAK Toko Maru sunk by CL Phoenix at 6,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAK Kosei Maru at 6,000 yards DD Porter engages xAK Tateisi Maru at 6,000 yards xAKL Hokuan Maru sunk by BB Pennsylvania at 6,000 yards DD Mustin engages xAK Morioka Maru at 6,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAK Kosei Maru at 6,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAKL Shoyu Maru at 6,000 yards BB Pennsylvania engages xAKL Kanaiyama Maru at 6,000 yards Range increases to 7,000 yards CL Honolulu engages CA Atago at 7,000 yards xAK Morioka Maru sunk by BB Pennsylvania at 7,000 yards CA Chester engages CA Atago at 7,000 yards Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape Task forces break off...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 98,130, Range 6,000 Yards
Japanese Ships xAK Kohoku Maru, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage xAK Hokuriku Maru, Shell hits 11, and is sunk xAK Fukko Maru, Shell hits 14, and is sunk xAK Yamamiya Maru, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
Allied Ships BB Pennsylvania BB Tennessee, Shell hits 1 CA Northampton, on fire CA Chester CA Chicago CL St. Louis CL Helena CL Phoenix CL Honolulu DD Hammann DD Mustin DD Russell DD Porter
Reduced sighting due to 14% moonlight Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 14% moonlight: 6,000 yards Range closes to 20,000 yards... Range closes to 18,000 yards... Range closes to 16,000 yards... Range closes to 14,000 yards... Range closes to 12,000 yards... Range closes to 11,000 yards... Range closes to 10,000 yards... Range closes to 9,000 yards... Range closes to 8,000 yards... Range closes to 7,000 yards... Range closes to 6,000 yards... CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 6,000 yards Kennedy, C.B. crosses the 'T' xAK Yamamiya Maru sunk by BB Tennessee at 6,000 yards BB Pennsylvania engages xAK Hokuriku Maru at 6,000 yards CA Chester engages xAK Hokuriku Maru at 6,000 yards CL St. Louis engages xAK Hokuriku Maru at 6,000 yards Range closes to 5,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAK Fukko Maru at 5,000 yards CA Chicago engages xAK Hokuriku Maru at 5,000 yards xAK Hokuriku Maru sunk by CL Honolulu at 5,000 yards Range closes to 4,000 yards CA Northampton engages xAK Fukko Maru at 4,000 yards CL Phoenix engages xAK Fukko Maru at 4,000 yards DD Mustin engages xAK Fukko Maru at 4,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAK Fukko Maru at 4,000 yards BB Pennsylvania engages xAK Fukko Maru at 4,000 yards CA Chicago engages xAK Fukko Maru at 4,000 yards DD Porter engages xAK Kohoku Maru at 4,000 yards DD Russell engages xAK Kohoku Maru at 4,000 yards Range increases to 9,000 yards CA Northampton engages xAK Fukko Maru at 9,000 yards xAK Fukko Maru sunk by BB Pennsylvania at 9,000 yards DD Porter engages xAK Kohoku Maru at 9,000 yards Range increases to 11,000 yards BB Pennsylvania engages xAK Kohoku Maru at 11,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAK Kohoku Maru at 11,000 yards Range increases to 13,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAK Kohoku Maru at 13,000 yards DD Russell engages xAK Kohoku Maru at 13,000 yards Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape Task forces break off...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 98,130, Range 6,000 Yards
Japanese Ships TB Hiyodori, Shell hits 2, on fire PB Nichi Maru #1, Shell hits 1 xAK Hokusei Maru, Shell hits 2
Allied Ships BB Pennsylvania BB Tennessee, Shell hits 4 CA Northampton, on fire CA Chester CA Chicago CL St. Louis CL Helena CL Phoenix CL Honolulu DD Hammann DD Mustin DD Russell DD Porter
Reduced sighting due to 14% moonlight Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 14% moonlight: 6,000 yards Range closes to 17,000 yards... Range closes to 12,000 yards... Range closes to 9,000 yards... Range closes to 7,000 yards... Range closes to 5,000 yards... CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 5,000 yards Japanese TF attempts to evade combat Range increases to 6,000 yards... CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards BB Tennessee engages TB Hiyodori at 6,000 yards BB Tennessee engages PB Nichi Maru #1 at 6,000 yards TB Hiyodori engages CA Chicago at 6,000 yards TB Hiyodori engages CL Phoenix at 6,000 yards Range increases to 7,000 yards BB Tennessee engages TB Hiyodori at 7,000 yards DD Porter engages TB Hiyodori at 7,000 yards DD Mustin engages TB Hiyodori at 7,000 yards Range increases to 8,000 yards BB Pennsylvania engages TB Hiyodori at 8,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAK Hokusei Maru at 8,000 yards CL St. Louis engages TB Hiyodori at 8,000 yards DD Hammann engages TB Hiyodori at 8,000 yards Range increases to 11,000 yards BB Tennessee engages TB Hiyodori at 11,000 yards BB Tennessee engages PB Nichi Maru #1 at 11,000 yards CA Chicago engages TB Hiyodori at 11,000 yards CA Chester engages TB Hiyodori at 11,000 yards CL St. Louis engages TB Hiyodori at 11,000 yards DD Porter engages TB Hiyodori at 11,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAK Hokusei Maru at 11,000 yards Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape Task forces break off...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 98,130, Range 4,000 Yards
Japanese Ships xAK Izan Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire SC CHa-19, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships BB Pennsylvania BB Tennessee, on fire CA Northampton, heavy fires CA Chester CA Chicago CL St. Louis CL Helena CL Phoenix CL Honolulu DD Hammann DD Mustin DD Russell DD Porter
Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching! Japanese TF suspends loading operations and begins to get underway Reduced sighting due to 14% moonlight Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 14% moonlight: 4,000 yards Range closes to 20,000 yards... Range closes to 18,000 yards... Range closes to 16,000 yards... Range closes to 14,000 yards... Range closes to 12,000 yards... Range closes to 11,000 yards... Range closes to 10,000 yards... Range closes to 9,000 yards... Range closes to 8,000 yards... Range closes to 7,000 yards... Range closes to 6,000 yards... Range closes to 5,000 yards... Range closes to 4,000 yards... CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 4,000 yards CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 4,000 yards Kennedy, C.B. crosses the 'T' BB Tennessee engages SC CHa-19 at 4,000 yards SC CHa-19 sunk by BB Pennsylvania at 4,000 yards Range increases to 5,000 yards BB Pennsylvania engages xAK Izan Maru at 5,000 yards Range closes to 4,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAK Izan Maru at 4,000 yards Range increases to 5,000 yards CA Northampton engages xAK Izan Maru at 5,000 yards CL Helena engages xAK Izan Maru at 5,000 yards Range increases to 8,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAK Izan Maru at 8,000 yards Range increases to 11,000 yards BB Tennessee engages xAK Izan Maru at 11,000 yards DD Russell engages xAK Izan Maru at 11,000 yards Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape Task forces break off...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 98,130, Range 3,000 Yards
Japanese Ships xAK Seisyo Maru, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
Allied Ships BB Pennsylvania CA Chester CA Chicago CL St. Louis CL Helena CL Phoenix CL Honolulu DD Hammann DD Mustin DD Russell
Japanese ground losses: 251 casualties reported Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 18 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Guns lost 13 (6 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching! Japanese TF suspends loading operations and begins to get underway Reduced sighting due to 14% moonlight Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 14% moonlight: 4,000 yards Range closes to 17,000 yards... Range closes to 12,000 yards... Range closes to 9,000 yards... Range closes to 7,000 yards... Range closes to 5,000 yards... Range closes to 3,000 yards... CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 3,000 yards CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 3,000 yards BB Pennsylvania engages xAK Seisyo Maru at 3,000 yards DD Russell engages xAK Seisyo Maru at 3,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAK Seisyo Maru at 3,000 yards Range closes to 2,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAK Seisyo Maru at 2,000 yards CA Chicago engages xAK Seisyo Maru at 2,000 yards Range increases to 5,000 yards BB Pennsylvania engages xAK Seisyo Maru at 5,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAK Seisyo Maru at 5,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAK Seisyo Maru at 5,000 yards Range increases to 7,000 yards DD Russell engages xAK Seisyo Maru at 7,000 yards Range increases to 8,000 yards BB Pennsylvania engages xAK Seisyo Maru at 8,000 yards DD Hammann engages xAK Seisyo Maru at 8,000 yards Range increases to 10,000 yards xAK Seisyo Maru sunk by BB Pennsylvania at 10,000 yards xAK Seisyo Maru sunk by BB Pennsylvania at 10,000 yards Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 98,130, Range 7,000 Yards
Japanese Ships xAK Syoryu Maru, Shell hits 11, and is sunk SC CHa-8, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships BB Pennsylvania CA Chester CA Chicago CL St. Louis CL Helena CL Phoenix CL Honolulu DD Hammann DD Mustin DD Russell
Reduced sighting due to 14% moonlight Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 14% moonlight: 7,000 yards Range closes to 17,000 yards... Range closes to 12,000 yards... Range closes to 9,000 yards... Range closes to 7,000 yards... CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 7,000 yards Japanese ships attempt to get underway CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 7,000 yards SC CHa-8 sunk by BB Pennsylvania at 7,000 yards Range closes to 5,000 yards Range closes to 4,000 yards CL Honolulu engages xAK Syoryu Maru at 4,000 yards BB Pennsylvania engages xAK Syoryu Maru at 4,000 yards Range closes to 2,000 yards xAK Syoryu Maru sunk by BB Pennsylvania at 2,000 yards xAK Syoryu Maru sunk by BB Pennsylvania at 2,000 yards Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...
_________________________ Jeff "Moses" Malone Quality Assurance Department - Beta tester moses@fighterops.com Proud Member of 195th Dambusters Virtual Squadron.
Let me put it this way: I'm seriously thinking of interrogating everyone in my household concerning Japanese knowledge of all my plans. I think the dog is a IJN spy.
April 1, 1942: Bring me my Spear, O' Clouds Unfold!
SitRep
The Japanese have achieved many of their aims in the DEI and PI AO. Manila fell on March 3, Bataan on March 15, and Surabaya on March 25th. We are struggling to hold our lines in the South Pacific, as the IJN/A landed significant forces at Port Moresby on the 18 March.
The IJN/A has taken significant losses in the PM AO, but the more they are able to reinforce, the less likely we are to hold the area. Several landing attempts were made with significant land force loss to the IJN/A. A conglomerate of AUS/RN/USN surface ships have wrecked havoc near PM, sinking numerous troop laden vessels. Unfortunately, they are coming under increasingly severe air attack from LBA from Rabaul. Our air forces in PM have underachieved and require further seasoning before they can conduct offensive operations. CVs are at a premium, and I do not wish to risk them in these restricted waters. Therefore, our own LBA becomes critical to the survival of PM and New Guinea as a whole. If PM falls, our ability to interdict Japanese operations in Australia becomes significantly weakened.
PM is the focal point, and we do not have the initiative. A counter-offensive would relief the enormous stress in the AO, but the troops and logistics are not yet available. The 6th AUS Division, fresh from the Middle East, is preparing for a counter stroke at Milne Bay, but this is impossible until the IJN is blunted and significant naval air assets can be assigned.
Our CVs squadrons are still significantly weakened from the Battle of Midway, and while replacements are en route, it will be another month before they can be considered full strength. April and May will be critical months.
Another serious issue is the growing threat of IJN submarines. Two BBs were sunk while attempting to transfer to the dry docks of the West Coast. The West Virginia and Oklahoma rest at the bottom of the Pacific.
All is not lost however, 2 IJN CVLs were sunk by submarines and mines this month, reducing their ability to interdict our supply lines with small TFs in CenPac. Also, a IJN BB was hammered by our CVs in CenPac as well. A standing CV patrol in CenPac has paid dividends.
Canton Island was invaded by the 6th Marine Regiment on 25 March and quickly retaken, thus bolstering our defensive line and removing a serious air threat.
Losses have been taken in our supply route by the small hunter-killer groups, but on the whole I am satisfied with the CV CenPac protection protection scheme.
Future Plans
Counter-offensives are being brainstormed with possible thrusts at the Marshall Islands and Milne Bay being heavy favorites of the staff. Neutralizing the Marshalls would severely hamper IJN operations in Cenpac and put us on the offensive, as well as threaten IJN supply centers such as Truk. My staff grins at the prospect of a suitable base to run B-17s over Truk.
Plans are also in motion to attempt a landing at Guadalcanal, but the lack of available combat-ready troops has pushed this idea to summer and perhaps even fall.
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 3904
Loc: Wisconsin, USA
As you've mentioned, PM is the key. You need to do what-ever it takes to keep that base yours. If that base goes, you will have problems in Australia proper. Any chance you can piece together some sort of surface rading group with carrier support in order to just hit something vital, slow their logistical chain?
Funny you should ask, I'm giving serious thought to a 3 CV interdiction TF to run for a few days between Truk and mainland Japan. If we can stay out of range of Guam and Saipan, might be able to screw up some of their plans. BRB, they're landing more troops at PM *sigh*
Registered: 02/21/02
Posts: 4223
Loc: Tulsa, Ok, USA
fantastic movie and some incredible color shots too got chills watching it.
_________________________ Jeff "Moses" Malone Quality Assurance Department - Beta tester moses@fighterops.com Proud Member of 195th Dambusters Virtual Squadron.
Because the entire set of events that has occurred thus far should be presented in a complete story, my update will last until the end of June. I'm almost done with June '42, so expect an update this weekend.
Let me just say that the last 3 months of game time Apr-Jun '42 presented so many challenges that I could barely keep up. It was fantastic. I've never been under so much pressure in this game. The AI is wily, unpredictable, and has enough resources to make your life a nightmare. I was (and actually still am) reeling under the assault. In the base scenarios, the IJN/A were easy enough to read, wait out, and then overwhelm. In "Ironman", this is no longer the case. Its been very enjoyable with moments of success and quite a few moments of failure. Its been a pretty wild ride.
These last three months have truly been defined by the struggle for Port Moresby. Allied forces have been under siege for nearly the entirety of the war with little prospect of a tidy end game. As of today, the Japanese have landed roughly four division of troops on the beaches, approximately 72,000 men. As a result we have been forced to respond in kind.
PM was nearly overrun at the end of April, but the 6th AUS Division saved the city by landing on May 2 which will surely be celebrated as an AUS national holiday. (on the same day the 7th AUS Division landed at Perth, more on this later). The Japanese responded by engaging even more troops through seaborne assault supported by several heavy ships of the line.
They have paid dearly for this fixation. Thousands of enemy troops and several dozen ships have been sunk by a combined force of British, AUS, and USN surface raiders, as well as the dive bombers based at PM. Enemy air attacks have been chewed to pieces by the valiant men of the II Fighter Command. PM is our redoubt in the South Pacific.
On June 27, the 32nd US Division also landed at PM, virtually assuring that the badly mauled Japanese assault group can force only a stalemate. We must continue to resupply our troops and deny them the same. If we can win the battle of the sea lanes to PM in the coming months, we will have halted the Japanese advance and isolated a significant portion of their South Pacific detachment.
However, this has not come without loss. Several smaller ships as well as the CV Hornet have been lost in support of PM. The Hornet and Yorktown were torpedoed in separate sorties near Brisbane. The Hornet was lost and Yorktown is in dry dock for the next 90 days.
The Japanese have lost nearly 50 vessels, including several capital ships. Intel estimates losses at 4 BB sunk or severely damaged, 1 CVL sunk, and numerous CAs and CLs, perhaps even the CB Lutzow.
The Allies grow ever stronger in the region, and one begins to suspect that we have seen the high water mark for the Japanese in the South Pacific.
Western AUS The Battle for Geraldton
The Japanese surprised us greatly in April by landing nearly 2 divisions at Geraldton, just north of Perth. AUS reserves were mobilized as well as every available RN fleet asset in the area. We lost 1 BB and had 3 others damaged repelling the IJN in the area, but fortuitously, the 7th AUS was already en route to Perth and landed on May 2.
Over May and June the AUS forces drove the Japanese back ti Geraldton and eliminated the IJ presence in Western AUS on June 6.
SitRep
CenPac remains quiet with infrequent raids near Midway and small hunter groups after our supply convoys. Plans for the neutralization of the Marshalls remain on hold.
In SouthPac, troops are beginning to flow into the new bases at Noumea and Luganville. Plans for a thrust into Guadalcanal are nearly complete, with an invasion planned for the Fall.
In NorthPac, the Japanese are invading the Aleutians. The current strategy calls for holding Dutch Harbor and ignoring the Japanese in this theatre until action becomes a necessity. Our assets are needed elsewhere.
Future Plans
1) Hold PM at all costs.
2) Engage the IJN on advantageous terms and attrit their supply/troop convoys while avoiding major engagement.
3) Major engagements may be entered only if LBA is available to supplant offensive operations.
Not only did they land at Geraldton, they landed in force! This wasn't a raid, this was an invasion! They advanced quickly to Perth and if the 7th AUS wasn't just arriving I would have given them even odds at taking Perth, which would have been a nightmare. They landed close to 3 divisions but my surface groups mauled a couple of convoys and disrupted their supply. I had the 6th AUS in Brisbane when they landed and I seriously considered sending it back west, but took the gamble and sent them to Port Moresby as the Japanese were VERY close to overrunning our troops there. They were getting 1:1 odds and eliminating our fortifications. VERY close run thing.
The result of the AUS attack is that I have fortified everything! Canada, India, and the West Coast are building forts just in case. It was very clever, as it tied down quite a few assets I had tagged for an invasion of Milne Bay. That plan is on permanent hold because of the AUS incursion.
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 3904
Loc: Wisconsin, USA
Wow! I agree with wheelsup_cavu. I would never have suspected an invasion of Australia. I've never seen that in games I've played with this sim. Just goes to show you how good AI is in this game. That was one hell of an "initiative" changer on their part.
_________________________
Asus P8P67 Pro Rev. 3.0 i5 2500k (OC to 4.3 GHz) now with Noctua NH-D14 (can OC to 4.8, but there seems to be little perf improvement) AMD 6970 8 GB DDR3 1600 Win7 home 64 bit 450 GB VelociRaptor Recon3D Champion
This period has been one of relative respite for both sides in the Pacific Theater. Only one major naval and two major land engagements have taken place. The situation at Port Moresby has tilted solidly in favor of the Allies. Only token attacks are coming from the beleaguered IJN/A land forces outside the city limits. Port Moresby grows in power daily, now basing over 100 aircraft and two AUS and USA divisions. Not enough to displace the Japanese siege, but enough to hold them back indefinitely. Allied air power at PM has ground the IJN/A relief effort to a halt, and has virtually assured that the 70k+ troops in place are now stranded. Unless of course they decide to try their luck on the treacherous Kokoda Trail...
The IJN/A, in a not unexpected move, has taken the island of Attu in the Aleutian chain. This represents a minor annoyance, but strategically it is just another mouth to feed for the IJN/A. Dutch Harbor is heavily fortified, and represents the first line of defense in the Aleutians.
The Battle for Tarawa September 27-29, 1942
The 2nd Marine Division landed on Tarawa at 0430 27Sept41 after a blistering barrage by 6 US BBs. Light casualties were taken in the landing, but the Japanese held out for 2 full days before annihilating themselves with a Banzai charge. The airfield and port are fully operational and offensive operations have begun against Makin and Mili in the Marshalls chain.
Battle of the Marshall Islands Oct 9-10, 1942
CV TF 44.1, escorting the supply ships of the Tarawa invasion, was alerted to the presence of a IJN CV TF approaching from the west by Raspberry 5, a SBD on patrol from CV Wasp. The enemy was quickly located and attacked just south of Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. CVs Wasp, Enterprise, Lexington, and Saratoga launched over 100 attack aircraft against a IJN TF of 3 CVLs. Air losses were heavy, but Intel claims 2 of the CVLs were sunk with the last requiring major port time for repair. Our TF escaped without with two near misses on the Enterprise. A job well done by the Wildccats on CAP.
Future Plans
Operation Anchor: The invasion of the Marshall Islands will continue, with Makin and Mili atolls scheduled for landings in November. This will allow us to interdict IJN traffic in the area and give us a base with which to jump off to Kwajalein and Ponape, which then brings us within range of the Japanese stronghold of Truk...
Operation Yuletide: The unscheduled invasion of Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Pagan. Assets have been assigned, but until the Kido Butai is neutralized, we cannot support long range operations of this scope. A confrontation must be forced, preferably within range of our LBA, hence the Marshalls invasion.
Operation Tojo: The now postponed invasion of Guadalcanal. Unfortunately, the IJN/A was able to reinforce Guadalcanal just days before the invasion fleet was to sail. The assigned assets have since returned to Pearl for upgrades, so this operation is on hold until assets can be rebased and reassigned.
Author's Note: Short one this time, guys, but its been pretty quiet! I expect more in the next few months as I start my way up the Marshalls. I've always bypassed them in the past, but then again I've always had the IJN whipped by now too. They are still very much alive and a large threat against my CVs. I cannot give them a fair fight, I have to draw them into the Marshalls and under my air cover. We'll see how it goes...
Edited by theox (02/25/1210:15 AM) Edit Reason: Wasp, not Hornet. Hornet was sunk earlier this year.
22NOV1942---Lead elements of the 5th Marine Regiment have landed on the island of Mili and are engaged in heavy fighting around the main airfield. Colonel Charles Stone, commander of the 5th Marine Regiment, reports light casualties despite the heavy engagement. Earlier this morning four US battleships, all survivors of the infamous Pearl Harbor attack, shelled Japanese forces for over two hours. Military intelligence sources also confirm the Makin atoll was invaded and neutralized as well. US naval and air forces now have a firm foothold in the Marshall Islands, taking the battle right to the Japanese in the Central Pacific. Stay tuned for more bulletins as they arrive. Remember to drink your Ovaltine!
This period marks major advances by Allied forces in the Central and South Pacific. On 14NOV42 TFs 51.1 and 51.2 embarked major combat units bound for the islands of Makin and Mili for Operation Anchor. By 22NOV all fighting had ceased and the islands were in Allied hands. Engineering battalions immediately began repairing and expanding the island facilities and both airfields were staffed and in operation by the beginning of December.
In the South Pacific, Allied forces landed on Tassafaronga (the northwestern portion of Guadalcanal) on 23DEC during Operation Tojo. IJN forces were easily displaced to Lunga, but strong forces remain on the island. The campaign for Guadalcanal has just begun, but it shows all signs of being a hard fought campaign that will last throughout 1943.
The IJN response was to pound both islands with CV and CVL TFs after US CVs had vacated the area. Both sides have excellent intel in these regions, and the simply waited until the US CVs departed to escort the transports back to Pearl. They succeeded in harassing the forces at Guadalcanal, but were turned back with heavy losses from the Marshalls. More on that engagement in a moment. The IJN now shows some hesitation in confronting the USN on equal terms. Future CV engagements will have to be manufactured carefully, as the IJN still has all of their CVs in service, as far as intel can determine.
2nd Battle of the Marshalls 2-4 DEC 1942
We got a break in the Marshalls. An IJN CVL TF engaged our forces near Mili just as our CV TF was leaving the AO. Normally, these hit and run tactics are very difficult to counter, as the IJN immediately pulls back to friendly waters after strikin. However, this time the SS Greyback was able to slow the enemy by hitting a CVL with torpedoes during a night attack. The USN CV fleet arrived in time to hammer the IJN forces before they could recover.
Intel believes all 4 CVLs were sunk, one BB was severely damaged, and several escort ships were destroyed in the attacks that followed. Air losses were as high as 50%. We can sustain these losses over the long term, but the effects on morale and pilot experience are serious concerns that need to be addressed.
End of Year Report:
As you can see, we have greatly reduced the number of light CVs in the IJN, but we have yet to begin decimating their CV fleet. Until we are able to significantly reduce IJN airpower, large scale operations behind IJN lines are on hold. Air superiority must be established and unquestioned over invasion targets before CenPac will release the ground assets for Operation Yuletide (Guam, Saipan, Tinian).
Air losses have been significant for both sides. HQ will not be pleased until we have reached a 1.5-2 kill ratio. The expected arrival of the F6F Hellcat and F4 Corsair this year bring hope that we will start to achieve that ratio in this Spring.
What are the conditions for a japanese surrender? Home isles invasion? Nukefest? Loss of everything but the home isles?
Its based on points, the ones you see in the Intelligence brief screenshot. I believe I must have 3x their points to win outright in '44 and twice their points for auto-win in '45. Otherwise the game ends in mid '46 with victory conditions determined by point score. I'm 3k points behind them in early '43, so I have quite a ways to go.
Side note:
The IJN in this scenario have seemingly endless numbers of CVLs and what appears to be twice the historical numbers of CVs. I am barely keeping up with aircraft losses and I am finally starting to see some attrition for their aircraft losses (CVs with understrength squadrons). It seems they have two Kido Butais, which makes a move into the Marianas VERY iffy until I start getting a few Essex hulls to bolster my carrier strength. I don't go anywhere without at least 3-4 CVs in support and right now I have only 5 with the Wasp really being a light carrier. Tough scenario!
Its based on points, the ones you see in the Intelligence brief screenshot. I believe I must have 3x their points to win outright in '44 and twice their points for auto-win in '45. Otherwise the game ends in mid '46 with victory conditions determined by point score. I'm 3k points behind them in early '43, so I have quite a ways to go.
Update next week guys, been awfully slow, just watching seagulls as I try and force their Kido Butais into an engagement. Some small scraps, but nothing major.
88 days till the first Essex class CV shows up! It'll have that new carrier smell!
Ok, I need some advice from my fellow Armchair Generals and Admirals. I'm not sure what my next moves should be! The IJN is still alive and well, but not heard from in a few months. The major theaters are above, here is a list of pros and cons:
Marshalls
Pros Land forces and naval assets already allocated Brings us closer to Truk, and cutting off the IJN supply route to Rabaul Provides a smaller refuel base and moderate size port for naval units
Cons Tons of little islands to garrison Islands are very small, assaulting them will be costly Again, islands are small. Maintaining a large garrison will require a significant supply train Gains us almost nothing in Victory Points
South Pacific
Bit of a different case. Action WILL be taken in the South Pacific, question is where. Skip Munda and go farther north? Is Milne Bay even necessary at this point (since IJN units no longer dare come within range of Port Moresby). Guadalcanal is a major drain on my resources with the Marines and Army bogged down at Lunga. Jungle fighting will be rough! Where to make the initial landings?
Central Pacific
Guam, Saipan, and Tinian are the major goals. With these in hand, the South Pacific is essentially cut off and the Philippines are in reach. Do I go for broke with a multi-island assault? Try for Pagan (most lightly defended, says Intel) and maybe one other? I'm hesitant to get bogged down, since the IJN still has significant numbers of CVs.
Registered: 10/03/00
Posts: 8677
Loc: Olympia, Washington
Personally, you can't think about Saipan, Tinian or Guam until you take care of the Marshalls. The Japanese can and will snipe at anything attempting to reinforce those three islands, if you don't take out the Marshall Islands.
_________________________
The artist formerly known as SimHq Tom Cofield
Marshalls. Your biggest threat seem to be the IJN CVs. You should at this point do everything to locate and sink as many of them as you possibly can. Once that you have established control of the seas, that'll make supply easier, and you can starve out and eventually even bypass the lesser atolls.
Air reconnaissance is probably the biggest advantage that CVs give over traditional naval vessels (being fast and covering an infinitely larger area) - one reason more to deny this capability to the IJN.
As a side note - why not go for Wake? That might provoke the IJN to expose itself a bit more, and it would give you a good spring board to support an operation on the Marshalls. But of course the Marshalls are probably the biggest threat to such an operation with air recce missions and possible interdiction.
I have taken your advice, updates to follow. Work has been nuts these last few weeks and I'm visiting the in-laws this weekend so no promises, but update is coming soon!
I'm sooo tempted to start a WitP campaign but already the smaller scenarios are really testing my ability to micro-manage so much stuff.
_________________________ "...late afternoon the Air Tasking Order came in [and] we found the A-10 part and we said, "We are going where!? We are doing what!?"
Capt. Todd Sheehy, Hog pilot, on receiving orders during Operation Desert Storm
I have taken your advice, updates to follow. Work has been nuts these last few weeks and I'm visiting the in-laws this weekend so no promises, but update is coming soon!
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 3904
Loc: Wisconsin, USA
Originally Posted By: Ssnake
Originally Posted By: theox
I have taken your advice, updates to follow. Work has been nuts these last few weeks and I'm visiting the in-laws this weekend so no promises, but update is coming soon!
My god man his inlaws were over for the weekend. That always takes it out of you. Don't expect him to recuperate for at least a month.
This war in the Pacific doesn't fight itself, y'know. Next you'll be suggesting that it's "just a game", when the lives of millions of Pixeltruppen are at stake!
This period marks the first of a series of planned counterattacks against IJN/A holdings in the Central and South Pacific. Allied forces are enjoying great success against the IJN despite the fact that precious few IJN CVs have been sent into the fray. It is unknown why the IJN refuses to deploy in strength. Intel admits that this could be a ploy to draw US forces into Japanese land air cover. This is a major consideration heading into the later phases of Operation Yuletide(Saipan, Guam, and Tinian).
Several major successes have taken place:
Kwajalein 1APR and Roi-Namur 24APR have fallen to the 1st Marine, 5th Marine, 34th Infantry and 161st Infantry Regiments. The loss of these two islands is a significant defeat for the Japanese, depriving them of a major mid-Pacific base, isolating other outlying members of the Marshalls (Maloelap/Wotja), and threatening the Truk->Rabaul supply line. Ponape is the next logical step, which would allow for heavy air bombing of Truk. This would represent the loss of the IJN's biggest supply depot and naval base in the South Pacific.
Fourth Battle of the Marshalls 25-26APR
During the battle for Roi-Namur, the IJN responded with a 2 CV TF to interdict US operations. They were severely beaten. We managed to place several squadrons of Wildcats in the Marshalls immediately after landing, allowing for greatly reinforced CAP over the landings. The result was a virtual massacre of IJN aviation, and the likely loss of both IJN CVs. Several IJN escort vessels were also destroyed. Intel places the likely tally at 2 CAs.
Lunga Becomes a Marine Triumph!
Lunga fell to the Marines on 24APR, well ahead of Intel projections. Of course, constant BB bombardment out of Noumea was exceptionally effective in dislodging the IJA's 24th Division. The survivors of the siege committed suicide or escaped into the jungles around what is being called Henderson Airfield. Bombing of the airfields near New Britain has commenced. Pressure on the Japanese is growing daily in the South Pacific.
Future Operations:
Operation Anchor Anchor will continue with a wrapping up of the Marshalls and the redeployment of resources from South Central Pacific (Tarawa, Tabituea) to the front lines. Ponape is next on the list of targets.
Landings at Torokina are in jeopardy.
After the fall of Lunga, Intel reporting only a small garrison at Torokina, just north of Shortlands on Bougainville. The 7th and 22nd Marine Regiments, fresh off their siege of Lunga, were pressed into service for a quick assault on the large airfield. This would have placed us in excellent striking distance of Rabaul and cut off the major airfield at Shortlands. Unfortunately, Intel got it wrong. The Marines are experiencing heavy resistance and a large siege is again likely. However, this landing is well behind the enemy lines with supply being a very real concern. We needed a quick victory, but it appears this may have been a step too far. BBs are en route for bombardment, and Allied air power is pounding IJA positions. A IJN CV counterstrike at this juncture may create a disaster.
These last few months have proven disastrous for the Japanese. The major actions are as follows:
1) A major counter-attack on Kwajalein was repulsed with great loss to the IJN. CVs Yorktown, Enterprise, Saratoga, and Lexington were dispatched at full speed from Pearl to engage a major IJN force in the Marshalls, resulting in the sinking of 3 CVs, 3 CVLs, 2 BBs, and numerous escort ships. The IJN managed to land forces on Kwajalein, but were repulsed with great loss to the Japanese. One of the mighty Yamato class BBs, the Kii, was sunk! Unfortunately, the escort carrier Chenango was lost at Kwajalein while defending the transports unloading supplies.
Lt. David Faroe, Air Group 6, USS Enterprise
May 22, 1943
Jack Barr and I were in the mess eating breakfast when we got the word. The Jap carriers had been spotted by a PBY out of Kwajalein and we'd be launching at daybreak. We finished up right quick and started the preflight, Jack and I waving to each other on the deck acting like we were ready to take on the whole Jap fleet. Well I think we saw most of it today. More Jap ships than you could count. We got airborne about 0500, winging our way westward with the boys in their new new Hellcats. The Japs were right were the PBY said they would be, steaming westward trying to flee from our 1000 pounders. Fat chance. Bobby Ring in vic 3 was the first to spot the Zekes coming up to stop us, but we had the taste of blood in our mouths after hearing about the Chenanago go down the day before. Bob Collins was on that ship, still haven't heard if he got out. In any case, I was ready for some payback. I said a small prayer that the Hellcats would keep the Zekes off us and bored in with Jack on my right wing. I stole a glance out the window, but he was looking dead ahead, boring in on the smokestacks. I got myself situated called back to Ronny in the backseat to keep an eye out and armed the bomb. Then the flak started. Heaviest I've seen to date, saw a few of the torpedo boys get hit down below but we pressed on, diving down on the biggest flattop I could find. I let loose at about 2000 feet and peeled left. Good hit right amidships. Saw a Zeke get blown right off the deck. Ronny called out some Zekes coming in and I booked it right down on deck trying to find the rest of the squadron. I got a few miles out and pulled right back up to 10000 where I found the rest of the boys forming up. I looked back and saw lots of black smoke, like someone was burning leaves all over the Pacific. Payback's a #%&*$#, aint it...
2) The South Pacific has been a hotbed of activity as well. The Marine landings at Torokina succeeded in capturing the airfield and efforts to reduce Rabaul have been successful. Many ships were sunk in the harbor under repeated air attack. The IJN has all but abandoned Rabaul as a naval and air base. In addition, the Shoho, Yamato, and Fuso were caught in the open and sunk near Rabaul.
3) Operation Welcome Mat. We dispatched a major bombardment fleet to hammer Truk, a major supply facility for IJN operations in the South Pacific. Six BBs bombarded the airfields at Truk, result in what intel calls over 340 enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground.
Capt. Bill Preston, 44th Bomber Group, Torokina
June 8, 1943
Got the "Louisville Express" off the ground with little fuss, despite the heavy load, dipping my wing in salute to the waving Marines at the end of the airfield. Glad they're here, damn Japs are just 30 miles to the south where we ran them off after the invasion. Word had it there was a big Jap battlewagon to the north waiting for our resupply ships due in a week. Well, she was there alright, biggest damn ship I ever seen. She'd apparently already been hit by the boys at Port Moresby, we were just there for cleanup. Cleanup...yeah right. That damn boat opened up with the whole enchilada. Had flak throwing up columns of water right in front of us as we bored in at about 500 feet. As I got closer I could tell she was hit pretty good. The top decks were battered up and smoking. I couldn't miss, the boat was that damn big. Saw the Jap sailors scrambling around as I let loose and climbed away. I hit her good, and the rest of the flight did too. I don't know if she sank, but she was alight top to bottom as we disappeared over the horizon...
Corporal Reginald Hower, 7th Australian Division, Lae
July 31, 1943
Bloody balls up. These damn creaky boats barely got us on the beach before the Japs opened up. Those Yank battleships shut their arse up pretty quick tho. Assembled on the beach with my section leader and started up towards the airfield, our Matildas giving them a little what for. Got a little sporadic fire from the hangers, but we shut that #%&*$# down too with some direct fire from our tanks. Had the airfield in a hour, pushed the rest of the bastards back into the jungle in another. 'Bout damn time we got moving on New Guinea, what with the boys down at Moresby still under siege. Look out Tojo, the Aussies are in New Guinea to stay!
Overall Strategic Picture
The Japanese have suffered several major defeats on land, air, and sea. Their defensive cordon is being pushed back, not easily, but pushed back nonetheless. New Guinea should be neutralized within the next 6 months, Truk is under fire, and the Marshall are neutralized. IJN losses have been enormous, with perhaps 50% of their available CVs sunk or in drydock.
Wake Island is scheduled for invasion soon, but intel reports the strongest garrison yet encountered is waiting for us there. Next in line is the Marianas....next stop Tokyo.
It is also worth noting that the 7th and 9th AUS Divisions have taken Lae, a scant month after the 5th and 23rd Marine Regiments took Milne Bay. We plan for a rapid campaign to clear the IJA out of the 3 bases in marching distance. Removing these IJA installations halts the bare trickle of supplies that are only slightly keeping the siege of Port Moresby alive.
You know, on the surface it does look like that is the case. I'm definitely winning the material war. However, I haven't damaged their industrial capacity a whit. I can't get ships into the Phillipine Sea to start attriting their supply lines, Guam, Saipan and Iwo are loaded with aircraft just waiting for that. Japanese industry is cranking out aircraft like nothing is happening. Every Japanese stronghold is a slog-fest. My planned rapid campaign in New Guinea has bogged down, not to mention the Shortlands attack. Truk is far from neutralized (even after bombardment and the loss of 370 a/c they were back in business with losses replaced in two weeks).
The Marianas are the key, but they are quite well defended. I fully plan on losing 2 CVs to air attack when the time comes. Its going to be a battle royale for sure, not to mention the 3 IJN CVs unaccounted for.
Registered: 12/03/08
Posts: 20384
Loc: Corona, California
Sounds more like the Japanese have the manufacturing capacity of the United States during WWII and the resources to feed it and not what it was historically. With the rate you say they replaced the lost aircraft I would be very worried about how fast they could replace their carrier losses.
Sounds more like the Japanese have the manufacturing capacity of the United States during WWII and the resources to feed it and not what it was historically.
Was planning on starting a new grand campaign as Allies vs ahistorical Japanese with extra units and surprises (forget scenario name) on historical difficulty and historical PH/PI attack. Is the community interested in following the war's progress? I ask because I saw the great interest (and mine as well!) for Para's WitE AAR, and would like to offer something similar for WitP:AE.
This is correct, I am playing the ahistorical Japanese scenario. They have gobs of BBs, CVs, and CVLs they didn't have historically. They are also in greater numbers in land forces as well. I am battering them, but they keep coming. I fear Truk cannot be neutralized until the Marianas are taken. Thing is, Guam is within striking distance of Truk. My plan is to attack the northern islands (Pagan, Saipan) first and deploy LBA to support the Tinian and Guam invasions. All my CVs are in PH about to get their 10/43 upgrades so the invasion is tentatively scheduled for Nov 1 departure. I have 7 divisions assigned to the Marianas campaign and I still feel like I need more. Pagan is looking lightly defended from the intel I'm getting, but it will take time to make it a viable base. The Marianas are going to be bloody...
In good news, the New Guinea entry campaign is successful, with the IJA routed in and around Lae. Shortlands campaign is looking up and I may have eradicated the Japanese up to Rabaul in another month.
I believe this is the time period historians will look back upon as the beginning of the end for the Japanese Empire. This five month period marked the ascendancy of Allied air power and vital blows that have breached the Japanese inner perimeter. We shall start with the Allied push in the South Pacific.
Operation Cleanup Aisle 4
Lae and surrounding areas captured AUG-SEP1943 The capture of these bases has driven the Japanese to the remote north coast of New Guinea. Offensive operations are on hold here due to the law of diminishing returns. Pushing further has been concluded to be a waste of resources. With Rabaul isolated, the IJN/A threat to the South Pacific is negated.
Tulagi Captured 16SEP1943 Tulagi, the last bastion of Japanese strength near Guadalcanal was overrun, eliminating their last chance at threatening the US-AUS supply line.
Shortlands Captured 15OCT1943 The fall of Shortlands (and previously Torokina) removed the last defenses from Rabaul proper. Allied 4E bombers now routinely sweep the ports of Kavieng and Rabaul. This has put a serious hamper on IJN submarine operations, with over 10 SS destroyed in port.
Operation Hammerstrike
Operation Hammerstrike, the recapture of Wake Island, succeeded on 11AUG1943. Adm. Nimitz rightfully concluded that gaining the use of Wake during the upcoming assault on the Marianas would be of paramount importance. Throughout the assault on the Marianas, Wake was used as a safe harbor for replenishment ships, a ferry point for aircraft en route to the Marianas, and a resupply point for the CV TFs.
Operation Welcome Mat II
A second bombardment was carried out on the airfields of Truk resulting in significant losses (>800) in aircraft. However, the Japanese war machine lumbers on and the losses were replaced in 3 weeks. One wonders how long Japanese industry can keep up with losses of this magnitude...
And finally....
Operation Yuletide
The full cost of the Marianas assault for the IJN/A cannot be understated. It may not have been a knockout blow, but they are certainly on the ropes. Japanese air power was close to overwhelming in the early phases. Early intel reports indicate that over 1000 Japanese aircraft were lost in the defense of the Marianas with an Allied loss of roughly 300. The difference was the use of Wake Island as a resupply point. USN CVs replenished their fighter complements at will at Wake, and with a roughly 3:1 margin of victory in air battles, it was only a matter of time before the pendulum swung to the Allied side.
Intelligence found that Tinian was far better defended than originally thought and the assigned two regiments would not be sufficient to take the island. The Tinian invasion has been assigned an additional division and will commence some time in January.
The IJN sortied the Shokaku and Zuikaku in separate TFs to stop the invasion. Thus comes our unlikely heroes: SS Guardfish and SS Hake. Hake torpedoed the Zuikaku a day before she arrived on scene, forcing her back to Tokyo. She eventually sank before reaching port. The Shokaku was torpedoed by Guardfish and was dispatched by carrier aircraft from TF 25.1 supporting the Saipan invasion. This was critical as CAP levels were falling drastically and the appearance of 2 CVs full of trained airmen would have evened the scales against the Allied assault force. The losses would have been much higher if they had not been damaged (which put their flight decks out of action) before reaching striking distance.
IJN subs scored as well, hitting the CV Saratoga and BB South Dakota. They did, however, make it back to Pearl.
The CV Yorktown and BB Alabama received torpedos from Bettys that fought through the CAP screen. They, too, returned to Pearl for repairs, and came back online in December.
IJA casualties were in excess of 30k men, with the 21st DIV completely lost on Guam.
_________________________ "...late afternoon the Air Tasking Order came in [and] we found the A-10 part and we said, "We are going where!? We are doing what!?"
Capt. Todd Sheehy, Hog pilot, on receiving orders during Operation Desert Storm
The Mariannas campaign was quite difficult. Five capital ships damaged and sent back to Pearl in under 2 weeks! The appearance of the Shokaku and Zuikaku really worried me. Those flight decks combined with the substantial air garrison in the Mariannas may very well have trashed my invasion fleet. My CAP was getting 3:1 odds in losses, but my flight decks were finite while the IJN LBA was seemingly manufacturing Bettys and Zeroes out of thin air. Their manufacturing base is way pumped up in this mod. If not for those two lucky sub strikes, I would have been likely forced to leave the marines, resupply and come back. Once I landed the situation was never in doubt, but I do believe ship losses would have been much higher.
Now for the next phase....do I go straight for the jugular in the Phillipines? Or shore up the Marianas by taking Yap, Ulithi, and Iwo Jima? And where are the last IJN CVs? Kaga, Akagi, Hiryu, Junyo, and a few others are unaccounted for. This is disturbing as the Phillipines are undoubtedly loaded with aircraft...or so I suspect.
Why bother with the Phillipines at all, and not turn north to get closer to Japan. The main reason for the Phillipine Campaign (in my uneducated opinion) was McArthur's ego, that promise of "I'll be back" and all. I'd give it a try and see if you can stab a mortal wound right at the emperor's heart, and shorten the war by a year or more.
Why bother with the Phillipines at all, and not turn north to get closer to Japan. The main reason for the Phillipine Campaign (in my uneducated opinion) was McArthur's ego, that promise of "I'll be back" and all. I'd give it a try and see if you can stab a mortal wound right at the emperor's heart, and shorten the war by a year or more.
This is quite true. Taking the Phillipines will definitely cut off the head of the snake, severing it from the oil of the DEI. However, I might be able to interdict from the Marianas if the air garrison in Luzon isn't crazy. Another factor is the major shipyard in Manila as well as the large number of victory points available from its capture.
Why bother with the Phillipines at all, and not turn north to get closer to Japan. ...
This is quite true. Taking the Phillipines will definitely cut off the head of the snake, severing it from the oil of the DEI. However, I might be able to interdict from the Marianas if the air garrison in Luzon isn't crazy. Another factor is the major shipyard in Manila as well as the large number of victory points available from its capture.
The question is whether one should let oneself be guided by the arbitrary distribution of victory points. If the scenario designer had set but a single victory point on Tokyo, would that influence your decision?
By starting a scenario that gives the Japanese an ahistorical industrial capacity you have already tilted the balance a bit against a strategy of attrition (since attrition will be harder to achieve than it historically was).
The Philippines are not the head of the snake, they are its spiked tail. The head is the island of Honshu. Given the choice between a war of attrition and the option of a decapitation strike, I in the finest traditions of German warfare must recommend the attempt to decapitate. It may not yield as many victory points, but they are just window dressing.
Of course, I don't know enough of the inner mechanics of WitP. If the Phillippines' production capacity is so large that it allows Imperial Japan to build up a fleet of epic proportions that could seriously threaten your supply if you, say, had captured Okinawa and were preparing the invasion of Japan, then it may be necessary to take the PIs first. But I would do so only if they have the potential to become a bigger problem than the Japanese islands themselves.
Why bother with the Phillipines at all, and not turn north to get closer to Japan. ...
This is quite true. Taking the Phillipines will definitely cut off the head of the snake, severing it from the oil of the DEI. However, I might be able to interdict from the Marianas if the air garrison in Luzon isn't crazy. Another factor is the major shipyard in Manila as well as the large number of victory points available from its capture.
The question is whether one should let oneself be guided by the arbitrary distribution of victory points. If the scenario designer had set but a single victory point on Tokyo, would that influence your decision?
By starting a scenario that gives the Japanese an ahistorical industrial capacity you have already tilted the balance a bit against a strategy of attrition (since attrition will be harder to achieve than it historically was).
The Philippines are not the head of the snake, they are its spiked tail. The head is the island of Honshu. Given the choice between a war of attrition and the option of a decapitation strike, I in the finest traditions of German warfare must recommend the attempt to decapitate. It may not yield as many victory points, but they are just window dressing.
Of course, I don't know enough of the inner mechanics of WitP. If the Phillippines' production capacity is so large that it allows Imperial Japan to build up a fleet of epic proportions that could seriously threaten your supply if you, say, had captured Okinawa and were preparing the invasion of Japan, then it may be necessary to take the PIs first. But I would do so only if they have the potential to become a bigger problem than the Japanese islands themselves.
The question really is port and shipyard size. I do not have a good port beyond Pearl Harbor and Sydney that can repair and rearm BBs and just repair CVs. The amount of naval support needed to allow a size 6 port to rearm a BB is pretty staggering. I think I am going to need Manila as a major port to prepare for the invasion of Japan. It also gives me a base from which to begin striking Japan's industry. Of course, I could try the Northern route, but this would require a major reorientation of my forces. I truly haven't decided yet, but I will have to come to a resolution soon.
Historically, the re-taking of the Philippines cost a lot of time (if you can influence it, bring as many tanks to Luzon as possible. At least in the real campaign they offered a substantial advantage at least on the main island).
I guess, this is somewhat the beauty of good wargames (and scenarios) in general, being confronted with the necessity to choose between options that are nearly equally advantageous and disadvantageous at the same time, just in different ways. Might be interesting (though time-prohibitive) to play through both options from this point on, and then to see the difference in results.
Attention all US Air Combat task forces. TF 43.2 consisting of the Enterprise, Essex, and 2 CVLs was ambushed 400 miles southeast of Pearl Harbor. Essex reports enemy TF consists of 3-4 CV with CVL support. Two enemy carriers damaged according to pilot reports. TF 43.2 severely damaged by Japanese air attack, but disengaged and returning to Pearl towing the Enterprise.
Priority 1 Tasking from CINCPAC
All US CV TFs at sea will converge on last known position of enemy TF. Air search assets are being rebased at Midway, Wake, and Roi-Namur to aid in finding the enemy. American CVs are instructed to seek and destroy all enemy CVs last known position grid 54-32 West.
Registered: 12/03/08
Posts: 20384
Loc: Corona, California
They decided to come out and play. Very cool. That should make for an interesting change of pace now that they took the initiative to attack your Task Force. If you can crush their Task Force it should open up several options but if they can disable yours it should allow them to start taking back some territory. Looking forward to the updates on which way it went.
Admiral Nimitz sighed as he leaned back in his desk at the 5th Fleet's Naval Headquarters at Guam. It was done. It had taken every flight deck the USN had at sea to destroy the last great assault by the Japanese Navy, but it was done.
The IJN had sortied in strength, pitting four CVs against Allied supply lines near Pearl Harbor. It was an audacious move and had nearly succeeded. It was blind luck that the Enterprise and Essex had left Pearl Harbor to escort the troop convoy to the South Pacific. Many had said it was unnecessary, that the IJN had retreated to Tokyo Bay, but Nimitz had overruled them. But still, it had been costly. Enterprise was severely damaged and the Essex would also require a moderate stay in the sprawling shipyard at Pearl. But they had repulsed the IJN, damaging two of the CVs, and setting the stage for one of the greatest chases in naval history.
Six fleet carriers had been detached from the Phillipines Convoy Staging Area and set to intercept the marauders before they could reach safe harbor. And intercept they had. The enemy had broken off into two TFs, apparently in an attempt to ensure that at least 2 CVs would return to Tokyo. TF 78.1, led by the battle veteran Yorktown, caught the Hiryu and Echiago near the Marshalls and devastated them with no losses of their own. TF 78.2 caught the Akagi and Kaga near Wake Island and sunk both of the CVs, again with no loss of their own.
Nimitz sighed again and turned his eyes to battle reports. Four IJN CVs destroyed at a cost of two damaged on the Allied side. Yes, he would take that victory any day. The IJN had just taken a fearful loss.
Operation Grand Slam
After careful consideration, it was determined that the most effective method of cutting Japan off from their industrial lifeline in the DEI would be the neutralization of the Philippines. Invading the Japanese home islands would require the invasion of Iwo Jima as well as the surrounding islands, which offered little in the way of airbases and naval facilities. Attempting a reduction of the Japanese home islands from these bases was discarded as ineffective.
Thus, the invasion of the Philippines was initiated in the first 6 months of 1944.
The initial landings were made at the southern point of Luzon at Naga. The campaign progressed rapidly with Manila and Clark Field secured by June. Japanese losses were incredibly heavy in both men and materiel, with over 700 aircraft lost as well as at least 4 divisions of IJA troops.
In addition, with the Philippine Sea secured IJN losses in cargo and tanker vessels skyrocketed. IJN convoys are now taking the long route through the Sulu Sea, costing them time and fuel. With Luzon secured, the noose will tighten and supply transport out of Honshu should slow to nothing.
Eniwetok, Maloelap, and Wotje have all been secured, preventing IJN snooping of our movements.
Future Plans:
Opportunities have presented themselves for the removal of the IJN/A from the northern coast of New Guinea. Two AUS divisions are preparing for this sweep.
It has become apparent that the IJN garrisons at Yap and Pelileu are a major annoyance to our Guam->Manila supply line. Multiple bombardments have not put these bases out of action, so invasions are slated for this year.
It is becoming readily apparent that the Japanese war machine is only very slowly being whittled down. They are fighting tooth and nail in the air war and the kamikaze strikes are proving deadly, especially to the thin hulled CVEs that escort my invasion forces. The new Ki-84 Frank is proving to be the match of the F6F-3 as they herd gobs of kamikaze Oscars to their doom. Japanese air losses are severe, but they continue to come. I have more men and materiel, but as I grow closer to the home islands, they send more and more pilots to their doom. We will win, but the cost is great.
Preparations for the invasion of Formosa and Okinawa continue...
Keep it up theox! I know from my Eastern Front AAR how hard it is to keep such a massive project going week after week.
You're doing great job here.
_________________________ "...late afternoon the Air Tasking Order came in [and] we found the A-10 part and we said, "We are going where!? We are doing what!?"
Capt. Todd Sheehy, Hog pilot, on receiving orders during Operation Desert Storm
I am willing to part with my retail copy of WiTP:AE that comes with the printed manual. All in like new condition non-smoking environment. $70.00 free shipping to anywhere in the lower 48 states.
Registered: 10/03/00
Posts: 8677
Loc: Olympia, Washington
Might want to post that in the buy/sell section.
That is an ok price for the game. It is still one of my favorates to play. When the wife wants to go to sleep and I am not tired I can fire up the laptop in bed, turn the volume off and play to my hearts content. Great way to spend a fe hours.
_________________________
The artist formerly known as SimHq Tom Cofield
Registered: 02/21/02
Posts: 4223
Loc: Tulsa, Ok, USA
hours days months...
_________________________ Jeff "Moses" Malone Quality Assurance Department - Beta tester moses@fighterops.com Proud Member of 195th Dambusters Virtual Squadron.
It is a simulation of you being an operational staff officer. I find the logistics myself fascinating and with just this game am awed by the real people who did and do this sort of thing.
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