Gaishu Isshoku: John 3rd vs Cribtop Between the Storms

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John 3rd
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Gaishu Isshoku: John 3rd vs Cribtop Between the Storms

Post by John 3rd »

Welcome to the opening of what is hoped to be a LONG AAR. The noble Cribtop has agreed to switch over to the DARK side and play a match with him as the Allies. We have agreed to play the new Mod--Between the Storms. He is currently playing the same Mod vs NY59Giants as the Japanese. We plan to start once he is far enough along in his game versus Michael to be able to divide his attention without the Japanese Empire collapsing in mid-42!

Here is the scenario description:

Between the Storms

ALTNAV 1922-1941 (Scenario 55: Between the Storms)
Between the Storms has been created to reflect a slightly different outcome of the historic Washington and London Naval Conferences: 1922-1937 and the rise of Adm Yamamoto to Naval Minister in the years leading up to Dec 7th. The Mod splices together the Treaty Mod (Scen 45) and Reluctant Admiral (Scen 50) to create a complete ALTNAV History spanning the two decades between the World Wars (Storms).


The Washington Conference
Charles Evans Hughes blueprint for disarmament gets out and the Japanese stonewall a Naval Conference for a full year. The Conference does take place in 1922 and disarmament is agreed upon, however, there are additions allowed due to the added time to get the meeting going. The whole Mutsu Debate is scrapped due to Mutsu actually being ready and deployed at that point. While maintaining the 5-5-3 ratio between Great Britain, the United States, and Japan, there are several new outcomes:

1. The Japanese then argue to keep either a Tosa or a pair of the Amagi Class battlecruisers. The Americans carry the day in arguing for the Lexington-Class battlecruisers being completed. They gain the Ranger and Constellation (while scrapping BB Mississippi to maintain balance), Great Britain gets the option to build a pair of Super-Hoods (while additionally scrapping Royal Sovereign), and Japan completes Amagi-Class Ishitaka.

2. The whole subject of CVs is reworked:
a. Allow two 'experimental' CVs (two Hosho's and two Langley's)
b. Two BC conversions are allowed but further treaty tonnage is added for one more CVL to be built by both Japan and USA. The Americans build the King’s Mountain (proto-Independence Class) and the Japanese back off the failed Ryujo design to build Ryukaku (a proto-CVL as well).

The London Conference
Moving on to the London Conference (1930) and the subject of Cruisers is re-worked:
1. Japan--at all costs--sticks to its goal of 70% for CAs (instead of 60%). This allows for GB and USA to build two more CAs (USA: Burlington and Rome) while Japan gains one.
2. Great Britain--who nearly scrapped the treaty due to the issue of CAs and CLs--stands firm over its argument and forces a larger tonnage for CLs. USA adds USS Anchorage and Dallas.
3. Both Japan and the United States were looking at hybrid Cruiser—CVs and they force Great Britain, following the example set with the Washington BC—CV Conversions, to allow for two hybrids each in the early-30s. USA builds CLV Charlotte and Jacksonville, GB builds CAV Melbourne and Wellington (sold/given to those respective navies), and Japan finishes up with CAV Kushiro and Tokachi.

***It should be noted that to take maximum advantage of the revised Treaty tonnages, Japan converts several of the oldest CLs into fast ML, builds additional Myoko-Class CAs and keeps the Mogami Class as 6” CLs.

As the treaty changes play out, the rise of Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku occurs. In this alternate history, Yamamoto exerted a much greater influence first on the Japan Naval Aircraft Industry, then as Deputy Navy Minister, and finally as Navy Minister itself. Yamamoto chooses, at great risk to his life, to forego command of the Combined Fleet and dedicate himself to preparing Japan for a war he didn't want.

He adds two new slipways for Fleet construction to facilitate a different, final pre-war expansion of the Kaigun. New and expanded Naval Yards, Heavy Industry, and Armaments are added at tremendous cost for the Japanese economy as the Admiral attempts to prepare Japan for a possibly long war.

In so choosing to do this Yamamoto then changes the 4th Circle Building plan replacing the 3rd and 4th Yamato-Class Battleships with improved Shokaku-Class CVs and a pair of Kawachi-Class fast Battlecruisers, four sligthly improved CAs, an accelerated Light Cruiser deployment, and additional destroyers. Quick, reasonably cheap carrier conversions are moved forward seeing all of the pre-war CVs/CVLs deploy by December 7th or at slightly earlier dates in 1942. Though only a few of these new ships are ready on December 7th, these additions shall make the Kaigun a force to be reckoned with well into 1944.

The Japan Naval Air Arm is changed so that everything is staked to the Zero Airframe with a specialization of the Zero into a Land-Based Interceptor as well as CV-Based Fighters. Research and production expansion is achieved by streamlining the air industry (cutting several models) while bringing forward second generation aircraft: Judy, Jill, Rita, etc…by great effort the IJNAF deploys nearly all new aircraft on December 7th.

On the ground Yamamoto reorganizes the SNLF units into a Brigade-Sized offensive force and—knowing it will be a war of attrition—converts many Naval Guard into enhanced units with Coastal Defense artillery (using guns taken from refitted warships) for a stronger defensive unit. Additional small units are added to the IJN’s Troops and support units better reflecting Yamamoto's foresight into base building, defense, and expansion needs. While all these units are small and not in great number they promise to help the Japanese war effort.

The foresight of the Admiral pays off during late-1942 and 1943 as new ships, aircraft, and ground units enter into the Japanese Order-of-Battle, however, the cost is steep. Though expanded and using modern aircraft many Japanese Naval Air units start with their experience lowered to reflect the dilution of the experienced pilots into new units that start in Japan or arrive during 1942-1943.

Supply and fuel reserves start at a much reduced state. The Japanese MUST take the DEI as fast as possible!

Once war begins Yamamoto’s influence upon the wartime Kaigun continues to be felt. Several more Shokaku CVs are ordered as well as another pair of CAs, and the conversion of several CLs into CVLs. First class destroyers are accelerated and emphasis is shifted to the AA Akizuki-Class at the expense of the more balanced Yugumo’s. Manpower is at a premium within the Fleet so Submarines, Escorts, and ASW forces all see a major retooling reflecting the Japanese quality over quantity belief. Yamamoto chooses the immediately useful projects, large APs converting to CVEs, better 2nd-class destroyers, fast transports and coastal defense fleet.

This change in the Japanese is not completely hidden from the Allies and, thus, there are major Allied changes as well. The Allies see continued major changes in their starting locations, new air units, the addition of Training Squadrons on mainland USA to allow for an American pilot training program, enhanced aircraft production numbers, several ground units, a French Squadron at Tahiti, additional DDs for Australia, a CLAA conversion for the Omaha-CL, an additional pair of CVLs, and optional conversion of the Kittyhawk Class AKV, Tangier Class AV, and Cimarron Class AOs into CVEs. The added warships reflect a ‘stopgap’ counter to the increased Japanese strength found at war’s start.

How well can YOU do to use these new tools OR how well can you stop the Japanese Navy in its tracks as the Allies? As war clouds gather on the horizon, the United States makes several important decisions (1) to slightly reinforce the Asiatic Fleet with an additional CA, CL, and 4 modern DDs, (2) Admiral Hart also decides to follow his inner thoughts and begin development of Cebu as an alternate anchorage, and (3) the Scouting Force, commanded by Vc-Adm Wilson is sent south to protect the Philippine reinforcement TFs in the South Pacific.

NOTE: This Mod uses JuanG's off-map aircraft purchase system for the Allied Player be use political points to buy additional air frames when needed/wanted.

Japan deploys its few new ships to protect the Invasion TFs coming from Babeldoap and Cam Rahn Bay as the Kido Butai steams towards its rendezvous with destiny at Pearl Harbor…

Scenario Designers: Stanislav Bartoshevitch (FatR), Michael Benoit (NY59Giants), John R. Cochran, III (John 3rd), Brian Doctor (Gen Patton), Juan Gomez (JuanG), Ben Kloosterman (BK), John (JWE/Symon), EJ (SuluSea) and John Young (Red Lancer)
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Gaishu Isshoku: John 3rd vs Cribtop Between the Storms

Post by John 3rd »

I am not sure as to when we shall start this match as Cribtop is still in his early phases of taking the DEI from Michael.

My intention (once I ban Cribtop from the AAR) is to do a thorough examination of the Mod as well as serious discussions on ideas and options for conducting the Japanese Opening Operations. Want to make this a learning AAR as well discussing Japanese economics issues and decsions as well as long-term strategic thinking.

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Gaishu Isshoku: John 3rd vs Cribtop Between the Storms

Post by John 3rd »

Am looking forward to playing Mr. Dwain (Cribtop) since he has lots of experience and stands to be a great challenge. In reading his current AAR vs Michael, I am certain he is even more obsessive--compulsive then Michael so it is a natural fit for him to play the Allies. Just invited him to jump in here and make a Posting before banning that EVIL BARBARIAN from ever walking into this HALL OF WISDOM and STRENGTH again...

I've got another game running currently that is against AdmNelson and it is now in mid-February 42. The labor intensive side of that game is drawing to a close. Had started an AAR there but then realized I was going to be playing Dwain so I felt highly constrained to not write much prior to starting this match.

Let the games, commentary, and high level strategic thinking BEGIN!
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RE: Gaishu Isshoku: John 3rd vs Cribtop Between the Storms

Post by Lecivius »

This will be fun to watch
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RE: Gaishu Isshoku: John 3rd vs Cribtop Between the Storms

Post by temagic »

This is awesome. While Cribtop is a really great player with lots of skill and a great writer too, I shall watch this AAR if he decides to make his own. I'm still reading his in his match against ny59giants. Good luck to you John 3rd, I suspect you might need it[;)]
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RE: Gaishu Isshoku: John 3rd vs Cribtop Between the Storms

Post by Cribtop »

Hey, John. I am indeed SUPER OCD. Looking forward to this match and looking forward to playing Allies. I prefer the Japanese style and toys, but I grow weary of the early time constraints when playing as Japan, which are exacerbated by the lack of a "setup phase" to get everything where you want it. It will be fun to play with time on my side for once, but I'm sure your aggressive play will still push me to fight!

Good luck and I'll exit so you can get to plotting.
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RE: Gaishu Isshoku: John 3rd vs Cribtop Between the Storms

Post by Lecivius »

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

Good luck and I'll exit so you can get to plotting.



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RE: Gaishu Isshoku: John 3rd vs Cribtop Between the Storms

Post by John 3rd »

OK. With the exit of MISTER Cribtop, we are free to talk EVERYTHING...

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RE: Gaishu Isshoku: John 3rd vs Cribtop Between the Storms

Post by Kitakami »

Will be following this AAR with great interest!
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The Kaigun Dec 7, 1941

Post by John 3rd »

Since Between the Storms is an ALTNAV combining both the Treaty and RA Mods, it is a very good idea to talk about the changes in the Kaigun by Dec 7, 1941. We'll proceed down the line by ship type:

Carriers
CarDiv 1 (Akagi--78, Amagi--78, Ryukaku--33) There is no Kaga and Ryukaku is the prototype Japanese CVL (better then the failed Ryujo) that all the CVL conversions are later based on. These carriers have a 31 Knt speed.
CarDiv 2 (Hiryu--66, Soryu--66, Tokachi--24) With the additional increase in CV tonnage (by Washington Treaty) these are both Hiryu Class and Tokachi is an experimental CAV hybrid.
CarDiv 3 (Ryujo--39, Shoho--31, Zuiho--31) Ryujo has scaled-back complement to help with her stability issues and Shoho is slightly accelerated to make the start of the war.
CarDiv 4 (Hosho--18, Ibuki--18, Taiyo--27) Washington allows for two experimental carriers so Hosho gets a sister. Taiyo serves as prototype for later CVEs.
CarDiv 5 (Shokaku--72, Zuikaku--72, Kushiro--24) The sisters are normal and Kushiro is the 2nd CAV hybrid.

Starting Carrier Force: 6 CV, 4 CVL, 3 CVE, and 2 CAV.

Battleships/Battlecruisers
BatDiv1 Fuso, Yamashiro
BatDiv2 Ise, Hyuga
BatDiv3 Nagato, Mutsu
BCDiv1 Kongo, Haruna
BCDiv2 Hiei, Kirishima
BCDiv3 Ishitaka (10 16" Gun Amagi-Class BC: She ROCKS!)

Heavy Cruisers
Myoko Class: Myoko, Nachi, Haguro, Ashigara, Seiki, Chishima, Miyako, and Yoshino
Takao Class: Takao, Atago, Maya, and Chokai
Hirado Class (Improved Takao-Class): Hirado, Suzuka, MInase (Building), Otonase (Building), Tone (Building), and Chikuma (Building)

14 to Start with 4 Building

Light Cruisers:
Kitakami Class (Training Cruisers): Kitakami and Oi: Armament downgraded.
Nagara Class: Nagara, Isuzu, Yura, Natori, Kinu, and Abukuma
Sendai Class: Naka, Sendai, Jintsu, and Minase
Aoba/Furutaka Classes: Furutaka, Kako, Aoba, and Kinugasa: rearmed with 3x3 6"
Mogami Class: Mogami, Mikuma, Suzuya, and Kumano: 5x3 6"
Tokoro Class: Tokoro. Teshio. Shiribetsu, Oyodo (B), Agano (B), Yahagi (B), Sakawa (B), and Noshiro (B): scaled back Mogami with 3x3 6"

23 to Start and 5 building

Converted to Fast Minelayers w/strong troop and cargo load capability:
Tenryu, Tatsuta, Kuma, and Tama.

Destroyers
Less emphasis on the well-balanced Fubuki-Class and much more focus on the Moon-Class AA DDs. Four start the war already built.
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The Kaigun Dec 7, 1941

Post by John 3rd »

Capital Ship Construction

Carriers
Fleet Carriers
Junyo Class with 58 plane Air Group
Junyo and Hiyo

The Japanese build no Shinano, no Taiho and stake everything to the Shokaku-Class design. The Shokaku-Kai Class have a lsightly larger displacement, better compartmentalization, and carry three more aircraft in their Air Group (75 Planes):
Ryukaku (7/42), Taikaku (2/43), Renkaku (9/43), Taiho (7/44), Katsuragi (11/44), and Kasigi (1/45)

The Japanese also have the ability to convert the two CAV Hybrids into Soryu-Class CVs.

Six (perhaps eight) Total for reinforcements.

Light Carriers
Existing Building/Conversions) Nisshin (Chitose-Class 12/41) and Ryuho (7/42)

Aso-Class CVL---These three CVLs are built on Tokoro-Class CL hulls. Carry 31 planes and cruiser speed: Aso (1/44), Amakaku (4/44), and Unryu (9/44)

The three Chitose-Class CS can convert to CVL.

Escort Carriers
There are seven large APs that can be converted to Taiyo-Class CVE.

Command Cruisers/Battlecruisers
The 4th Circle sees a pair of the B-64 Class fast BC built to accompany the two Yamato-Class BBs. In reality these BC wills serve as excellent fast escorts for the carriers.

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Planning

Post by John 3rd »

In reading the AAR between Michael and Dwain, I am shocked at how slowly Cribtop has moved in the DEI. In many ways his thoroughness and concern for his opponent's new 'toys' I think has put him in a bad spot. He MUST drive Michael's combined CV TF out of the DEI if he is to regain the initiative. Reading the AAR has helped me begin to get a decent grasp of his style.

I will not allow him the opportunity to concentrate his forces and I plan to 'swing for the fence' very early on. Here is my early planning for the opening of the war. By February 1st this is where I plan to be:

China--Will take standard areas (Central Plains and push towards Changsha. Don't really want it but want to threaten it.
North Pacific--Everything west of Umnak will be Japanese.
Central Pacific--Will take Midway prior to Wake and then grab the Line Islands. Wake will fall whenever the troops in the Marianas are available. KB (CarDiv1 and 5) will Cover these operations.
South Pacific--Rabaul, the Solomons, northern New Guinea and PM are the initial targets.
DEI--Rapid (and I mean RAPID) conquest of the DEI. Singapore will be taken by a minimum 6 Infantry Divisions so the main assault may be made.
Australia--The IJA will take NW Aussieland and threaten Perth in the west. WANT Cribtop to THINK this is where I am going.
Burma--Purposefully SLOW advance into Burma. We WANT the Allies to stay there.


The goal is going to be India this Campaign. We'll take out Ceylon ASAP before it can be seriously reinforced. A serious number of I-Boats will deploy west of Ceylon to harass the Allied supply lines. We'll also take ADDU and adjacent positions to cut off reinforcement to Australia. Ceylon Invasion with a SAME TIME Landing at Chittagong. This is what I refer to as the 'left hook.' We'll work to cutoff the Burma units and threaten Calcutta.


Carrier Deployment (through Feb 1st)
1. KB-1 (CarDiv1 and 5 carrying 129 Zero, 102 Val, and 126 Kate)
The KB will Cover the Midway and Line Islands Operations. Christmas Isle will be DENIED to the enemy. Once those two locations are taken the KB will move South to FIND the American CVs if they are down in this area. HUNTING shall be the operational word.

2. KB-2 (CarDiv2 and 3 carrying 114 Zero, 48 Val, and 99 Kate)
These carriers will Cover the eastern and western DEI advance then combine and move into the area below Java then advance into the IO. CVL Nisshin will join this force in late-December.

3. CarDiv4 (3 CVE carrying 51 Zero and 12 Kate) will act as true Escort Carriers and be used for important landings providing CAP over the Invasion Forces.
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Planning

Post by John 3rd »

Certainly open for discussion and debate!
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RE: Planning

Post by ny59giants »

What about the 3 CVLs that start at CRB??

Need clarification on India or a long phone call. Which will it be?? [;)]
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RE: Planning

Post by geofflambert »

How does anyone find time to read these darn things and play a game as well?

translation "things" = AARs

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RE: Planning

Post by John 3rd »

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

What about the 3 CVLs that start at CRB??

Need clarification on India or a long phone call. Which will it be?? [;)]

The CVLs start at CRB and will Cover the Western Landings at Singkawang, Palembang, and Merak. Once those three targets are taken then they shall hook-up with CarDiv2.

CarDiv2 will Cover Landings at Ambon, Kendari, Koepang, and Denpasar then move south.

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RE: Planning

Post by Kitakami »

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
The CVLs start at CRB and will Cover the Western Landings at Singkawang, Palembang, and Merak. Once those three targets are taken then they shall hook-up with CarDiv2.
CarDiv2 will Cover Landings at Ambon, Kendari, Koepang, and Denpasar then move south.

Be careful and don't put them in harm's way... Allied cruisers at maximum speed can sink them if you are not careful. I lost a CVL that way in my current game.
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GO for Launch

Post by John 3rd »

With the release of the newest BTS Update, Cribtop and I plan to get our game underway.

Our intention is to start by the end of next week. I have nearly completed Turn ONE and will Post the operational planning to bring about much woe, pain, and whining from the Allied side.
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GO for Launch: House Rules

Post by John 3rd »

These are our HR. Take a look:

SETTINGS

ON:

Advanced Weather
PDU
Allied dmg control
FoW
Realistic R&D
Dec 7th Surprise

OFF:

Reliable USN Torps
Historical first turn
No Unit Withdrawals

HOUSE RULES

First turn

Allied – Can give orders to only units at sea, no new TFs, land or air movements or changing orders for LBA. China is exempt from this rule.

Japan – Multiple port strikes with carriers participating in strikes with LBA. None with just LBA. No gamey warp invasion, like Mersing, Singkawang, or Ambon.

No hunting of Allied CV's during the first turn.

Air

No 4E below 10,000ft. - Restricted to 10k or higher for naval and ground attacks (does not include PBY/Mavis type patrol craft).

Aircraft Limitations (reflecting the Between the Storm/RA Mods):
-No A6M3 on CVEs
-No A6M4 on any form of Carrier
-A7M Sam and B7A-D Grace cannot be operated from CVEs

General
NO offensive moves in China until January 1, 1942: Troop movement OK but no attacks by ground or air units. Hong Kong is excepted to this rule.

PPs must be paid when changing theater.

No strategic bombing anywhere until 1 July 1943.

Thai units may freely enter Burma and Malaya, but require PP's to enter India or China.

No invasions or paradrops on non-base hexes.

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RE: GO for Launch: House Rules

Post by ny59giants »

Somebody is up early this morning considering there was a WS game last night. Me, I've two turns to get out.
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