Bilbow has accepted my offer to be my first PBEM challenge. A hearty task befalls us as we unveiled the DBB #30 scenario. A bloody campaign and chess like maneuvers will take us into the depths of our inner struggles. Hopefully, they will not strangle our purpose and perseverance will lead us not into temptation, but deliver upon us a humble victory.
There will be no magical highway and I will follow the stacking limits.
Dec 7 1941
Months of planning has brought the Imperial forces to their stations today. Anticipation straddled the conscience of the men carrying the rising sun as it floated effortlessly against the sky backdrop. Without further thought, their boats slid through the calm waters, a positive omen to many. Serene silence complimented by the subtle splitting of waves. It wasn't long before foreign lands appeared, and quickly they encroached. The sounds of war, death and agony had yet to be felt. Their time of innocence would soon be fleeting, for they had heard the stories of the old. The illusion of a quick victory would sail away soon enough, but lets not get ahead of ourselves.
BOOM! ...... followed another, then another, bursts of machine gun fire sent tracers towards the intended landing area. The men bobbed in place from anxiety as they slowly climbed down the nets to their small landing boats. Bayonets were fastened for the first time with true intent, live ammunition weighted them down even more. It had come, the excitement they awaited was here and slowly, smiles would creep into some soldier's faces. Others, consumed with other thoughts showed their mixed emotions accordingly. One thing was clear however, it would not be quiet again for a long time.
Small landings in Brunei, Malaya, and PI were left backstage as the KB launched their main strike against the Submarine forces docked at Manila. The skies were not as friendly as they could be, but after a strike of 100 betty's and Nells beforehand, over 250 carrier strike planes were finally launched and pounded the pens that housed the slumbering submarines. While initial reports only showed 5 of the 27 sunk, most had been hit. Heavy damage and fires were seen on many.
Nearly 60 bettys surprised the Singapore defenses and relentlessly attacked the Repulse and POW. Initial reports say both were sunk.
There was one set back, a small transport with a company of soldier's was torpedoed by a dutch submarine, taking heavy damage. It has been turned around and is heading back to a friendly port.
Plans for Dec 8th
Mop up the burning wrecks in Manila, seek out and destroy any escaping shipping and institute a total blockade of the island chain. Continue landings and setup future operations.
The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A) = NO Bilbow
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
GrauWolf-
Well written.
Have fun with your war and AAR!
Best Regards,
-Terry
Well written.
Have fun with your war and AAR!
Best Regards,
-Terry
"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."
-Bret (James Coburn); The Magnificent Seven
-Bret (James Coburn); The Magnificent Seven
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
Dec 9th 1941
The KB continues to pound Manila and the surrounding areas, flushing out the sneaky submarines it missed on day one. Another 6 submarines find their ways to the bottom bringing the total up to 16 thus far. Not ideal results, but we're getting there. Overall 35 enemy ships have been sunk with 5 Japanese ships officially scratched from the roster thus far.
The 56th Inf Regiment was given what was thought a simple task of securing Kuantan and reports came in that it has failed to secure the area. Reinforcements will arrive in two days and a final push will be made.
Allied sub hunter groups have swarmed out of Pearl Harbor and the cat and mouse games commence.
AIR POINTS LOST
Japan 151
Allies 76
It turns out a few of my squadrons have decided they can effectively bomb targets without escorts. Allied warhawks and buffalos unfortunately showed them that their parachutes do in fact work. It's mostly the Betty squadrons and their leaders have summarily been removed and sent with a rifle in hand to the china front.
No less than 10 surface/air fleets are operating around the PI islands. The blockade will be as effective as possible.
There is disagreement within the high command as to the priority of targets. One general wants to push hard against Singapore and DEI. Another suggested taking Northern Australia and pushing into DEI from the south. While yet some argue finding and destroying the American capital ships and invading Hawaii. Troops are mustering, but their end destination is yet to be determined. In order to prevent sea sickness by thousands of young men, decisions will need to come down sooner rather than later.
The KB continues to pound Manila and the surrounding areas, flushing out the sneaky submarines it missed on day one. Another 6 submarines find their ways to the bottom bringing the total up to 16 thus far. Not ideal results, but we're getting there. Overall 35 enemy ships have been sunk with 5 Japanese ships officially scratched from the roster thus far.
The 56th Inf Regiment was given what was thought a simple task of securing Kuantan and reports came in that it has failed to secure the area. Reinforcements will arrive in two days and a final push will be made.
Allied sub hunter groups have swarmed out of Pearl Harbor and the cat and mouse games commence.
AIR POINTS LOST
Japan 151
Allies 76
It turns out a few of my squadrons have decided they can effectively bomb targets without escorts. Allied warhawks and buffalos unfortunately showed them that their parachutes do in fact work. It's mostly the Betty squadrons and their leaders have summarily been removed and sent with a rifle in hand to the china front.
No less than 10 surface/air fleets are operating around the PI islands. The blockade will be as effective as possible.
There is disagreement within the high command as to the priority of targets. One general wants to push hard against Singapore and DEI. Another suggested taking Northern Australia and pushing into DEI from the south. While yet some argue finding and destroying the American capital ships and invading Hawaii. Troops are mustering, but their end destination is yet to be determined. In order to prevent sea sickness by thousands of young men, decisions will need to come down sooner rather than later.
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
As things progress, I will get screen shots on here.
Dec 10th 1941
The Japanese air force attempts to sweep the skies of enemy air. Several engagements happened. The most memorable was the 260th Sentai and their Oscar Ib planes engaged a wing of Buffalo I fighters. 29 fighters vs 31. After twenty minutes 5 Buffalo planes were downed and all Japanese craft returned home.
Port and Task force bombings continued for a 4th straight day against Manila and the surrounding areas. Several ships were sunk including another 2 allied submarines. Bringing the total of allied subs lost to 18. Some ships have attempted to escape, sailing south and east from Manila with mixed results. Two small forces were caught by the Ryujo interdiction task force, sending 7 ships to the bottom.
Small landings throughout, but nothing of real note just yet. Progress is steady and constant.
Chinese launch a massive assault at Ichang, 100,000 chinese soldiers attack the Japanese division there, causing moderate losses. The chinese suffered heavy in return. The base has held, for now.
The turn didn't go without incident though, a surface fleet headed by the Heavy Cruiser Chokai came across a sneaky Dutch submarine and the cruiser itself took two torpedoes. Damage was moderate but not threatening. Destroyers continue to hunt down the sub.
Dec 10th 1941
The Japanese air force attempts to sweep the skies of enemy air. Several engagements happened. The most memorable was the 260th Sentai and their Oscar Ib planes engaged a wing of Buffalo I fighters. 29 fighters vs 31. After twenty minutes 5 Buffalo planes were downed and all Japanese craft returned home.
Port and Task force bombings continued for a 4th straight day against Manila and the surrounding areas. Several ships were sunk including another 2 allied submarines. Bringing the total of allied subs lost to 18. Some ships have attempted to escape, sailing south and east from Manila with mixed results. Two small forces were caught by the Ryujo interdiction task force, sending 7 ships to the bottom.
Small landings throughout, but nothing of real note just yet. Progress is steady and constant.
Chinese launch a massive assault at Ichang, 100,000 chinese soldiers attack the Japanese division there, causing moderate losses. The chinese suffered heavy in return. The base has held, for now.
The turn didn't go without incident though, a surface fleet headed by the Heavy Cruiser Chokai came across a sneaky Dutch submarine and the cruiser itself took two torpedoes. Damage was moderate but not threatening. Destroyers continue to hunt down the sub.
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
Dec 11th 1941
It was a balmy morning as the Imperial High Command sat around the table on the porch of a private home. It quietly overlooked the bay where several fishing boats put life into the backdrop. The final proposal for Operation Reach Around was laid before the men. The flickering of pages drowned out any other sounds. Intensity consumed the atmosphere, only to be quickly dissipated with the closing of the booklets. A sense of accomplishment, refreshing as always lingered and so it was decided to proceed.
The plan called for three stages.
Stage 1: Assembly of forces and the occupation of bases creating a corridor for the bulk to sail through as unmolested as possible. 2 Inf Div, 4 Inf Reg, and a dozen misc support units would form the bulk of the main landing force. Additional units will conduct landings and secure the corridor.
Stage 2: Nullification of enemy air assets. Naval presence is expected to be light, if non-existent.
Stage 3: Two landings will take place and quickly fan out giving the enemy little time to maneuver.
Specifics were left out for now as it may be 7 days before the initial landings occur. And I had not decided whether or not I wanted to open this AAR up or close it to my opponent.
The hunting of allied submarines around Manila continues into its 5th day. Pickings are getting skimpy, but another sub was caught and sank. Port attacks on Manila continue to sink ships lingering.
Landings secure Northern Borneo. A force attacks Ambon and the surrounding islands. Guam is also being assaulted.
Ichang falls to the overwhelming chinese forces. I fear this is prelude, securing their rear and thus allowing them to press forward.
I'm not used to playing vs human in china and using SL. Any advice is welcome.
The air war saw little other port bombings at Manila, some minor skirmishes around Rangoon and Singapore.
It was a balmy morning as the Imperial High Command sat around the table on the porch of a private home. It quietly overlooked the bay where several fishing boats put life into the backdrop. The final proposal for Operation Reach Around was laid before the men. The flickering of pages drowned out any other sounds. Intensity consumed the atmosphere, only to be quickly dissipated with the closing of the booklets. A sense of accomplishment, refreshing as always lingered and so it was decided to proceed.
The plan called for three stages.
Stage 1: Assembly of forces and the occupation of bases creating a corridor for the bulk to sail through as unmolested as possible. 2 Inf Div, 4 Inf Reg, and a dozen misc support units would form the bulk of the main landing force. Additional units will conduct landings and secure the corridor.
Stage 2: Nullification of enemy air assets. Naval presence is expected to be light, if non-existent.
Stage 3: Two landings will take place and quickly fan out giving the enemy little time to maneuver.
Specifics were left out for now as it may be 7 days before the initial landings occur. And I had not decided whether or not I wanted to open this AAR up or close it to my opponent.
The hunting of allied submarines around Manila continues into its 5th day. Pickings are getting skimpy, but another sub was caught and sank. Port attacks on Manila continue to sink ships lingering.
Landings secure Northern Borneo. A force attacks Ambon and the surrounding islands. Guam is also being assaulted.
Ichang falls to the overwhelming chinese forces. I fear this is prelude, securing their rear and thus allowing them to press forward.
I'm not used to playing vs human in china and using SL. Any advice is welcome.
The air war saw little other port bombings at Manila, some minor skirmishes around Rangoon and Singapore.
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
Operation Reach Around - The plan
[/img]
[/img]RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
Dec 19, 1941
PI - enemy seems to be withdrawing to Clark Field and Manila. Forces continue to advance. Air attacks are continuous, pounding enemy ground forces. Enemy air assets appear to be non-existent. Landings around Davao commenced.
Malaya - enemy again seems to be withdrawing, meeting light resistance in the north, either he is withdrawing through singapore or stocking up there. I decided to push the 15th Army north towards Rangoon before the enemy can build it up. Singapore and Manila are getting minimum support in LCUs for now as the resource laden DEI are the prime objective until additional reinforcements can be released.
So far, very little damage has bee incurred taking the oil fields around Borneo. Balikpapan, Tarakan, Miri have fallen with their facilities intact. Rebaul and Wake have also fallen with scout planes on the way.
China progresses a little slow as I get accustomed to the stacking limitations and their implications.
Enemy carriers believed to be at PH.
Operation Reach Around advances apace. 3 KBs pound Soerabaja and fleeing task forces. The main landing forces are a day behind the carriers, supported by multiple surface fleets and a small KB. Dutch submarines continue to harass, but effect little impact on the operation. Air over Soerabaja encompasses 3, maybe 4 enemy fighter squadrons. Not enough to dent my raids on the port. Additional shipping and two submarines sink. I get giddy when I see Submarines burn!
PI - enemy seems to be withdrawing to Clark Field and Manila. Forces continue to advance. Air attacks are continuous, pounding enemy ground forces. Enemy air assets appear to be non-existent. Landings around Davao commenced.
Malaya - enemy again seems to be withdrawing, meeting light resistance in the north, either he is withdrawing through singapore or stocking up there. I decided to push the 15th Army north towards Rangoon before the enemy can build it up. Singapore and Manila are getting minimum support in LCUs for now as the resource laden DEI are the prime objective until additional reinforcements can be released.
So far, very little damage has bee incurred taking the oil fields around Borneo. Balikpapan, Tarakan, Miri have fallen with their facilities intact. Rebaul and Wake have also fallen with scout planes on the way.
China progresses a little slow as I get accustomed to the stacking limitations and their implications.
Enemy carriers believed to be at PH.
Operation Reach Around advances apace. 3 KBs pound Soerabaja and fleeing task forces. The main landing forces are a day behind the carriers, supported by multiple surface fleets and a small KB. Dutch submarines continue to harass, but effect little impact on the operation. Air over Soerabaja encompasses 3, maybe 4 enemy fighter squadrons. Not enough to dent my raids on the port. Additional shipping and two submarines sink. I get giddy when I see Submarines burn!
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
Dec 21st 1941
Operation Reach Around begins its landings on Southern Java.
Operation Reach Around begins its landings on Southern Java.
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
Suscribed.
I am playing Mr. Baggins on the opposite side (See sunset in the east) so it will be fun to see him get a dose of his own medicine[:D]
I am playing Mr. Baggins on the opposite side (See sunset in the east) so it will be fun to see him get a dose of his own medicine[:D]
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
Dec 25th 1941
*****
Captain Fujiwara stood out on deck watching the distant horizon. His orders were simple, blockade and intercept enemy shipping coming out or into the port of Soerabaja. He has a fast task force of 5 destroyers and his flag ship, a light cruiser to handle the job. Intelligence showed only small auxiliary vessels nearby and any substantial enemy naval presence were days if not weeks away.
The sea was calm, the crew itching to fire the guns. Radio call came in "ships to port" - several HDML type ships were spotted and Fujiwara gave chase. There was no way he could hold back his crew. They could not out run his ships, they turned to fight. The guns and torpedoes made quick work of the 4 enemy ships. Then another group of enemy ships was spotted soon after, and once again Captain Fujiwara gave chase. A half a dozen auxiliary mine sweepers were no more, their small hulls submerged out of sight. A third group of ships was then spotted and the captain gave chase.
Something was different as they approached the enemy ships, the horizon was no long blue, but shadowed by a looming landmass. The captain's little task force had been caught up that they never centered themselves on their surroundings. The port of Soerabaja was clearly visible through binoculars, but it wasn't this that scared him. It was a flash, followed by another, then another and as the land mass buried itself in smoke, he knew instantly what was coming. Splash, then a second was followed by an explosion at the bow. His task force was engulfed by fire from coastal artillery. The ships quickly turned about fleeing. And after feeling the stings of the enemy artillery, they faced a far more menacing foe. The leading destroyer, the Ashigari, seemed to lift straight up, slamming quickly down as it impacted mine. It was maddening and quick. Captain Fujiwara looked to his right and saw Ashigari's sister destroyer already half sunk and fading fast, two other destroyers also failed to survive the minefield. As only two surviving ships fled for their lives, Captain Fujiwara was compelled to take one last honorable action.
Lt Ashi looked at the maps, and pointed at a spot on it. The two ships sailed, limping themselves away from sunset and disappeared into the void of night.
****
**
Of note: This action was actually the result of a fleet with React Range, reacting into the Soerabaja port area like a dummy. It was not sanctioned, but the game mechanisms permitted it. I learned my lesson and have adjusted accordingly. RIP 4 destroyers.
**
****
2 IDs, 3 IRs and assorted support units (arty, engs) advance towards Soerabaja. I hope to be able to assault it by New Years. The carriers have withdrawn to re-arm in preparation for Operation Quick Tug.
Operation Quick Tug - Forces are being gathered throughout the lands, will contain a few para units, A mixed Brigade and a couple SNFL companies. They will meet up with the carriers south of Saigon, push south, the slice west and hit Palembang. Once taken, air assets will be flown in, and the para units will be flown to nearby objectives thereby quickly taking over the region before enemy resistance, if any, is able to stiffen. I hope to have the initial landings underway by January 10th at the latest.
*****
Captain Fujiwara stood out on deck watching the distant horizon. His orders were simple, blockade and intercept enemy shipping coming out or into the port of Soerabaja. He has a fast task force of 5 destroyers and his flag ship, a light cruiser to handle the job. Intelligence showed only small auxiliary vessels nearby and any substantial enemy naval presence were days if not weeks away.
The sea was calm, the crew itching to fire the guns. Radio call came in "ships to port" - several HDML type ships were spotted and Fujiwara gave chase. There was no way he could hold back his crew. They could not out run his ships, they turned to fight. The guns and torpedoes made quick work of the 4 enemy ships. Then another group of enemy ships was spotted soon after, and once again Captain Fujiwara gave chase. A half a dozen auxiliary mine sweepers were no more, their small hulls submerged out of sight. A third group of ships was then spotted and the captain gave chase.
Something was different as they approached the enemy ships, the horizon was no long blue, but shadowed by a looming landmass. The captain's little task force had been caught up that they never centered themselves on their surroundings. The port of Soerabaja was clearly visible through binoculars, but it wasn't this that scared him. It was a flash, followed by another, then another and as the land mass buried itself in smoke, he knew instantly what was coming. Splash, then a second was followed by an explosion at the bow. His task force was engulfed by fire from coastal artillery. The ships quickly turned about fleeing. And after feeling the stings of the enemy artillery, they faced a far more menacing foe. The leading destroyer, the Ashigari, seemed to lift straight up, slamming quickly down as it impacted mine. It was maddening and quick. Captain Fujiwara looked to his right and saw Ashigari's sister destroyer already half sunk and fading fast, two other destroyers also failed to survive the minefield. As only two surviving ships fled for their lives, Captain Fujiwara was compelled to take one last honorable action.
Lt Ashi looked at the maps, and pointed at a spot on it. The two ships sailed, limping themselves away from sunset and disappeared into the void of night.
****
**
Of note: This action was actually the result of a fleet with React Range, reacting into the Soerabaja port area like a dummy. It was not sanctioned, but the game mechanisms permitted it. I learned my lesson and have adjusted accordingly. RIP 4 destroyers.
**
****
2 IDs, 3 IRs and assorted support units (arty, engs) advance towards Soerabaja. I hope to be able to assault it by New Years. The carriers have withdrawn to re-arm in preparation for Operation Quick Tug.
Operation Quick Tug - Forces are being gathered throughout the lands, will contain a few para units, A mixed Brigade and a couple SNFL companies. They will meet up with the carriers south of Saigon, push south, the slice west and hit Palembang. Once taken, air assets will be flown in, and the para units will be flown to nearby objectives thereby quickly taking over the region before enemy resistance, if any, is able to stiffen. I hope to have the initial landings underway by January 10th at the latest.
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
Dec 29th 1941
Artillery has arrived and the assault on Soerabaja will commence shortly. Maneuvering troops as to leave no escape route from the port city. Recon units continue to advance towards Batavia meeting no resistance thus far.
Operation quick tug masses the following for Palembang
1st & 3rd SNFL Para BNs
Guards Mixed Brigade
2 BN/4IR
1st Raider Bn
Intelligence reports the entrance to the harbor at Palembang has been mined. Ship losses are expected, but the assault should succeed. Still on pace for a January 10th Landing, at the same time the bulk of the 25th Army should be knocking on Singapore's door, and the 15th Army doing the same at Rangoon.
PI sees little advance, as military assets are sent throughout DEI/Malaya instead. Allied forces have dug in at Clark Field and Manila. The 14th Army with a handful of Regiments, one brigade and an assortment of other units hold all of Northern PI. Mindanao is nearing it ends with only one base giving refuge to the island's defenders. Minimum forces are here too, so may have to wait for some artillery or another regiment before pushing that last base. Supplies must be low though. Perhaps a Banzai charge is in order.
China is seeing more activity as Japanese forces maneuver to surround and eventually force Chinese units to surrender. It's a long term operation, but will be the policy in China. "Surround and Destroy"
Some Guerrilla forces attempted to retake Rebaul, but the garrison repelled the attack.
Artillery has arrived and the assault on Soerabaja will commence shortly. Maneuvering troops as to leave no escape route from the port city. Recon units continue to advance towards Batavia meeting no resistance thus far.
Operation quick tug masses the following for Palembang
1st & 3rd SNFL Para BNs
Guards Mixed Brigade
2 BN/4IR
1st Raider Bn
Intelligence reports the entrance to the harbor at Palembang has been mined. Ship losses are expected, but the assault should succeed. Still on pace for a January 10th Landing, at the same time the bulk of the 25th Army should be knocking on Singapore's door, and the 15th Army doing the same at Rangoon.
PI sees little advance, as military assets are sent throughout DEI/Malaya instead. Allied forces have dug in at Clark Field and Manila. The 14th Army with a handful of Regiments, one brigade and an assortment of other units hold all of Northern PI. Mindanao is nearing it ends with only one base giving refuge to the island's defenders. Minimum forces are here too, so may have to wait for some artillery or another regiment before pushing that last base. Supplies must be low though. Perhaps a Banzai charge is in order.
China is seeing more activity as Japanese forces maneuver to surround and eventually force Chinese units to surrender. It's a long term operation, but will be the policy in China. "Surround and Destroy"
Some Guerrilla forces attempted to retake Rebaul, but the garrison repelled the attack.
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
Jan 6th 1942
Planning for operation Quick Tug was nearly spot on. Landings should occur on schedule on the 10th, maybe the 11th at the latest. Lack of enemy air presence reduces the threat to the operation immensely. The dutch submarines have either pulled out or are nesting in other regions.
Soerabaja fell today from a deliberate assault. The defenders gave little resistance and over 11,000 defenders surrendered. The facilities were taken largely intact with only the small repair yards suffering damage. The army now shifts towards Batavia.
It would seem my opponent continues to give me a wide berth in my operations throughout DEI. I presume he is trading time to build up his forces for the eventual counter-stroke. Perhaps saving early VP losses in men and material. Rangoon looks relatively empty as the 15th Army approaches.
Singapore is about all that's left in Malaya, recon shows a considerable unit presence which tells he withdrew everything there, but probably did not ship anything out. With the 15th Army moving north towards Rangoon, I may have to await additional reinforcements before assaulting it. But plenty of Artillery/air will be available to pound it for some time.
Planning for operation Quick Tug was nearly spot on. Landings should occur on schedule on the 10th, maybe the 11th at the latest. Lack of enemy air presence reduces the threat to the operation immensely. The dutch submarines have either pulled out or are nesting in other regions.
Soerabaja fell today from a deliberate assault. The defenders gave little resistance and over 11,000 defenders surrendered. The facilities were taken largely intact with only the small repair yards suffering damage. The army now shifts towards Batavia.
It would seem my opponent continues to give me a wide berth in my operations throughout DEI. I presume he is trading time to build up his forces for the eventual counter-stroke. Perhaps saving early VP losses in men and material. Rangoon looks relatively empty as the 15th Army approaches.
Singapore is about all that's left in Malaya, recon shows a considerable unit presence which tells he withdrew everything there, but probably did not ship anything out. With the 15th Army moving north towards Rangoon, I may have to await additional reinforcements before assaulting it. But plenty of Artillery/air will be available to pound it for some time.
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
Jan 11th & 12th 1942
The assault on Palembang was quick and successful. The oil facilities were taken intact.
The next day the dutch sortied against the oil facilities. Luckily Zeros from nearby carriers intercepted much of the enemy and only minor damage was inflicted on the oil wells. A KB then followed up with an strike against Batavia's airfields. A fresh fighter squadron was flown into Palembang to provide CAP.
The assault on Palembang was quick and successful. The oil facilities were taken intact.
The next day the dutch sortied against the oil facilities. Luckily Zeros from nearby carriers intercepted much of the enemy and only minor damage was inflicted on the oil wells. A KB then followed up with an strike against Batavia's airfields. A fresh fighter squadron was flown into Palembang to provide CAP.
-
Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Los Angeles
- Contact:
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
The assault on Palembang was quick and successful. The oil facilities were taken intact.
I take it your worries about mines didn't happen?
I can't help but wince for your opponent as you rampage through Malaya and the DEI. It looks like you're on track for at least an extended game, and possibly auto-victory.
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
@Capt Harlock
I did plan ahead sending a 6 ship mine sweeping task force along with the invasion landings. The impact of the mines was minimal with only 3 AKs suffering minor damage overall.
It's way too early to think of auto-victory, and as a Japanese player I would assume an extended game is great. My opponent seems to know the workings of the Allies, at least early game. He uses the Dutch Submarines pretty well, he saved the Dutch Air force until I took palembang, then attempted to destroy the oil wells. He rebuilt some divisions in Rangoon and looks to make a fight there. He's already building up and fortifying Abyak(ayak) or whatever that base north of Rangoon. B-17s are launching ground attacks from Calcutta. And I presume he spent this month(January) upgrading his U.S. ships so they have their fancy radar.
A lack of enemy air/naval presence has allowed me to move about unmolested thus far, so I'm getting bases ready for the task of move resources back to the Home isles. Once the DEI are secure, then the question becomes what next. In the meantime my little SNFL companies continue to push out in all directions taking islands until if and when they are finally stopped.
No doubt if I want Rangoon I will need to put a large effort there. I was thinking of bypassing it for the moment and hitting Columbo and taking that island. Then swing back and hit Rangoon.
I did plan ahead sending a 6 ship mine sweeping task force along with the invasion landings. The impact of the mines was minimal with only 3 AKs suffering minor damage overall.
It's way too early to think of auto-victory, and as a Japanese player I would assume an extended game is great. My opponent seems to know the workings of the Allies, at least early game. He uses the Dutch Submarines pretty well, he saved the Dutch Air force until I took palembang, then attempted to destroy the oil wells. He rebuilt some divisions in Rangoon and looks to make a fight there. He's already building up and fortifying Abyak(ayak) or whatever that base north of Rangoon. B-17s are launching ground attacks from Calcutta. And I presume he spent this month(January) upgrading his U.S. ships so they have their fancy radar.
A lack of enemy air/naval presence has allowed me to move about unmolested thus far, so I'm getting bases ready for the task of move resources back to the Home isles. Once the DEI are secure, then the question becomes what next. In the meantime my little SNFL companies continue to push out in all directions taking islands until if and when they are finally stopped.
No doubt if I want Rangoon I will need to put a large effort there. I was thinking of bypassing it for the moment and hitting Columbo and taking that island. Then swing back and hit Rangoon.
-
Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Los Angeles
- Contact:
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
My opponent seems to know the workings of the Allies, at least early game. He uses the Dutch Submarines pretty well, he saved the Dutch Air force until I took palembang, then attempted to destroy the oil wells.
Perhaps, but IMHO if he'd really known the workings of the Allies, he would have put an engineer unit in Palembang. This would have greatly increased the damage to the oilfields when you took them.
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
-
Allenthalben
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2012 6:35 am
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
Dear GrauWolf80,
may I ask a short question besides this AAR?
I like your map mod, could you please tell me which mod this is?
Thanks.
Enjoy your game.
Allenthalben
may I ask a short question besides this AAR?
I like your map mod, could you please tell me which mod this is?
Thanks.
Enjoy your game.
Allenthalben
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
@Capt - I don't know enough about him to argue one way or the other. Perhaps he has more things to learn as well. My point is I'm not underestimating him.
@Allen - It's the Yamato Damashii mod Yamato Damashii Mod
@Allen - It's the Yamato Damashii mod Yamato Damashii Mod
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
Jan 18th 1942
Time for an update
Assembling forces for the Singapore push. Additional artillery assets landed at Kota Bahru, the 15th Gds Regiment landed at Mersing with the 53rd Div on the way from Japan. Right now I'll have 2 Inf div, 2 Inf Brigades, a handful of regiments and a bunch of misc units (arty, armored, engs). I think i'll need another division or two, but my early focus will be bombarding.
Time for an update
Assembling forces for the Singapore push. Additional artillery assets landed at Kota Bahru, the 15th Gds Regiment landed at Mersing with the 53rd Div on the way from Japan. Right now I'll have 2 Inf div, 2 Inf Brigades, a handful of regiments and a bunch of misc units (arty, armored, engs). I think i'll need another division or two, but my early focus will be bombarding.
RE: The Journey to Eternal Sleep - Grauwolf80 (J) vs Bilbow (A)
Jan 18th 1942
Utilizing the little YO tankers for the Ternate supply chain. Resources and Oil from nearby sources will be ferried to Ternate, then on to Davao to go where ever.
Utilizing the little YO tankers for the Ternate supply chain. Resources and Oil from nearby sources will be ferried to Ternate, then on to Davao to go where ever.