Awakening the Giant - DesertWolf101 (A) vs szmike (J)

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Awakening the Giant - DesertWolf101 (A) vs szmike (J) - 8/31/2020 12:53:33 AM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 680
Joined: 11/26/2016
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I am about to embark on a new campaign, this time back to the Allies in a DBB-C Senario 28 against Mark (Desertedfox). Mark is a self-avowed AFB with extensive experience as the Allies who has decided to play as the Japanese with which he has less intimate knowledge. From what I gather, he is a very tough opponent who has driven many an adversary to surrender by the summer of 1942. My plan is to NOT be another notch on his belt and have him sign on the dotted line in Tokyo Bay in 1945.

Depending on what happens with my other campaign as the Japanese (Empire of the Sun), I will either turn this into a fully fleshed AAR or a somewhat sparser one. I don't think I have the bandwidth for two comprehensive AARs at the same time.

As Mark is wrapping his head around the first turn as the Japanese, I will be familiarizing myself with some of the finer points of DBB-C as this is my first non-stock scenario.

Please allow me to kick things off with a question to all the knowledgable AFBs out there - In terms of merchant vessels, I know there are some important ship classes out there like the C2 Cargo that I should be very careful with as they turn into AE types later on. What are some others classes, either DBB specific models or just in general, that you would say are more important than they initially seem due to future upgrades or conversions?

< Message edited by DesertWolf101 -- 10/1/2020 5:46:38 PM >

Post #: 1

RE: Awakening the Giant - 8/31/2020 1:15:40 AM

CaptBeefheart

Posts: 2173
Joined: 7/4/2003
From: Seoul, Korea
Status: offline

I like converting the Harriman xAKs to AKEs, and usually convert a few Hog Islands as well for good measure. The more I play, the more I like AKEs, AEs, ADs, ASs, etc. Since reading "Beans, Bullets and Black Oil" I've had a lot of respect for auxiliaries.

A lot of the Brit xAKs convert to xAPs. They are usually better as xAKs in the beginning for moving supply and fuel (at 50% efficiency), but at some point most of them become more useful as troop carriers.

Also, keep an eye out for anything that can convert to an AKV. I don't recall what classes they are, but they are definitely worth protecting.

Cheers,
CB

_____________________________

Beer, because barley makes lousy bread.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 2

RE: Awakening the Giant - 8/31/2020 1:33:58 AM

RangerJoe

Posts: 9258
Joined: 11/16/2015
Status: online

Every ship that can turn into an AE should be. I don't know what the load is for that scenario but it does haul a little fuel and I think that "Ruth Alexander" comes to mine as one of them.

If you convert a class to AGs, they can still haul cargo but get better endurance. One the plus side as well, you can load them while not in a task force.

Take all of your APs and AKs that can convert to attack vessels to the East Coast to haul supplies somewhere safe. Continue to do so until shortly before they convert then bring them on map and convert them as soon as is possible.

_____________________________

Seek peace but keep your gun handy.

I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!

�Illegitemus non carborundum est (�Don�t let the bastards grind you down�).�
― Julia Child

(in reply to CaptBeefheart)

Post #: 3

RE: Awakening the Giant - 8/31/2020 2:46:38 AM

DesertWolf101

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Joined: 11/26/2016
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My thanks to you both. Is it true that if I don't convert some of these ships by a certain date I lose the ability to do so? If true, that could be a significant and negative surprise for the unwary.

(in reply to RangerJoe)

Post #: 4

RE: Awakening the Giant - 8/31/2020 3:14:37 AM

Alfred

Posts: 6392
Joined: 9/28/2006
Status: offline

1. Don't rush to convert merchantmen to auxiliaries before you have become comfortable with their sealift capacity. DaBabes has two significant differences with the official scenarios.

(a) in many instances endurance is substantially reduced

(b) cargo holds sizes are generally significantly reduced. The "C" scenario variations reduce cargo holds even further

2. Merchantmen capable of 17 knots (5 hexes) at max speed/ 14 knots (4) hexes) at cruise speed, are fast enough to be considered for making unescorted convoy runs from Capetown to Perth. That high speed makes it difficult for Japanese subs to get into position to fire torpedoes. That west-east transit of the Indian Ocean is at the extreme edge for Japanese Surface Combat TFs to patrol from Timorese and Javan home ports.

3. DaBabes scenarios are much more generous in providing ARDs than are the official scenarios. This reduces to a certain extent one of the advantages of converting to tenders.

4. Easy to overlook the Canadian AMCs which can convert to LSI(M). Depending on strategy employed, the LSI(M) may prove to be very invaluable.

5. It is not timing which should concern you. It is the upgrade/conversion branching which is very important. Electing a particular branch generally removes the other branching options.

Alfred

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 5

RE: Awakening the Giant - 8/31/2020 3:36:47 AM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 680
Joined: 11/26/2016
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

1. Don't rush to convert merchantmen to auxiliaries before you have become comfortable with their sealift capacity. DaBabes has two significant differences with the official scenarios.

(a) in many instances endurance is substantially reduced

(b) cargo holds sizes are generally significantly reduced. The "C" scenario variations reduce cargo holds even further

2. Merchantmen capable of 17 knots (5 hexes) at max speed/ 14 knots (4) hexes) at cruise speed, are fast enough to be considered for making unescorted convoy runs from Capetown to Perth. That high speed makes it difficult for Japanese subs to get into position to fire torpedoes. That west-east transit of the Indian Ocean is at the extreme edge for Japanese Surface Combat TFs to patrol from Timorese and Javan home ports.

3. DaBabes scenarios are much more generous in providing ARDs than are the official scenarios. This reduces to a certain extent one of the advantages of converting to tenders.

4. Easy to overlook the Canadian AMCs which can convert to LSI(M). Depending on strategy employed, the LSI(M) may prove to be very invaluable.

5. It is not timing which should concern you. It is the upgrade/conversion branching which is very important. Electing a particular branch generally removes the other branching options.

Alfred

Very helpful as always Alfred, thanks. To me this is one of the most interesting parts of the game, getting familiar with all the logistics and how best to leverage sealift and such.

(in reply to Alfred)

Post #: 6

RE: Awakening the Giant - 8/31/2020 12:20:30 PM

Lowpe

Posts: 20308
Joined: 2/25/2013
Status: online

Good luck!

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 7

RE: Awakening the Giant - 8/31/2020 1:54:06 PM

Lowpe

Posts: 20308
Joined: 2/25/2013
Status: online

quote:

ORIGINAL: CaptBeefheart

I like converting the Harriman xAKs to AKEs, and usually convert a few Hog Islands as well for good measure. The more I play, the more I like AKEs, AEs, ADs, ASs, etc. Since reading "Beans, Bullets and Black Oil" I've had a lot of respect for auxiliaries.

A lot of the Brit xAKs convert to xAPs. They are usually better as xAKs in the beginning for moving supply and fuel (at 50% efficiency), but at some point most of them become more useful as troop carriers.

Also, keep an eye out for anything that can convert to an AKV. I don't recall what classes they are, but they are definitely worth protecting.

Cheers,
CB

I never read my opponents AARs, but aux ships are usually under used. I like and use them all heavily.

(in reply to CaptBeefheart)

Post #: 8

RE: Awakening the Giant - 8/31/2020 2:05:44 PM

RangerJoe

Posts: 9258
Joined: 11/16/2015
Status: online

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

quote:

ORIGINAL: CaptBeefheart

I like converting the Harriman xAKs to AKEs, and usually convert a few Hog Islands as well for good measure. The more I play, the more I like AKEs, AEs, ADs, ASs, etc. Since reading "Beans, Bullets and Black Oil" I've had a lot of respect for auxiliaries.

A lot of the Brit xAKs convert to xAPs. They are usually better as xAKs in the beginning for moving supply and fuel (at 50% efficiency), but at some point most of them become more useful as troop carriers.

Also, keep an eye out for anything that can convert to an AKV. I don't recall what classes they are, but they are definitely worth protecting.

Cheers,
CB

I never read my opponents AARs, but aux ships are usually under used. I like and use them all heavily.

The ships are force multipliers. Someone who does not use them will have to send his ships to major ports to rearm and repair. That wastes fuel and time, both of which could be used for other things besides clogging up the major ports repair facilities with lots of minor damage to repair.

Even the AGs are very useful in that they can repair damage, including major damage, to very small ships while still being cargo haulers. Useful for convoys, plus they can be loaded instantly in San Francisco.

_____________________________

Seek peace but keep your gun handy.

I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!

�Illegitemus non carborundum est (�Don�t let the bastards grind you down�).�
― Julia Child

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 9

RE: Awakening the Giant - 8/31/2020 9:50:07 PM

Bif1961

Posts: 1938
Joined: 6/26/2008
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: online

Good luck and looking forward to the clash of the desert denizens.

(in reply to RangerJoe)

Post #: 10

RE: Awakening the Giant - 8/31/2020 11:02:41 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 16078
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

1. Don't rush to convert merchantmen to auxiliaries before you have become comfortable with their sealift capacity. DaBabes has two significant differences with the official scenarios.

(a) in many instances endurance is substantially reduced

(b) cargo holds sizes are generally significantly reduced. The "C" scenario variations reduce cargo holds even further

2. Merchantmen capable of 17 knots (5 hexes) at max speed/ 14 knots (4) hexes) at cruise speed, are fast enough to be considered for making unescorted convoy runs from Capetown to Perth. That high speed makes it difficult for Japanese subs to get into position to fire torpedoes. That west-east transit of the Indian Ocean is at the extreme edge for Japanese Surface Combat TFs to patrol from Timorese and Javan home ports.

3. DaBabes scenarios are much more generous in providing ARDs than are the official scenarios. This reduces to a certain extent one of the advantages of converting to tenders.

4. Easy to overlook the Canadian AMCs which can convert to LSI(M). Depending on strategy employed, the LSI(M) may prove to be very invaluable.

5. It is not timing which should concern you. It is the upgrade/conversion branching which is very important. Electing a particular branch generally removes the other branching options.

Alfred

Very helpful as always Alfred, thanks. To me this is one of the most interesting parts of the game, getting familiar with all the logistics and how best to leverage sealift and such.

I agree with Alfred about needing cargo capacity, at least for the first year of the war and certainly for the first six months. You will not have that many ships and locations that can do bombardment frequently until late 1942, so the need for AEs/AKEs is limited. By all means, convert every C2 Lassen to AE. Unlike RJ, I have not found it useful to convert all the other possible ships to AKE. I do convert the 5250 capacity US xAKs to AKEs of 4200 tons because they can rearm most BBs. I do NOT find it useful to convert the 4900 ton capacity xAKs to 3900 capacity AKEs. I need their 14K+ range and extra 1000 cargo more.

You have lots of small xAKs you can convert to AGs. I found these most useful to scatter around the map to rearm small ASW ships which run out of ammo very quickly in the early game. Of course AKEs can do that too, but I put AGs in more exposed ports than the AKEs.

In the early game, there are oodles of small units like CB battalions, MG companies, Port Service Dets, etc which need to be moved regularly. One of the most useful ships is the British xAK (of 3900 tons) which can convert to an xAP of 1000/2200 tons. They can dock at a level one port, they can land troops amphibiously and depart reasonably quickly, and they have a decent 11K range.

Those are my main thoughts on conversions.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 11

RE: Awakening the Giant - 8/31/2020 11:20:50 PM

mind_messing

Posts: 3019
Joined: 10/28/2013
From: Glasgow, Scotland
Status: online

quote:

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

Please allow me to kick things off with a question to all the knowledgable AFBs out there - In terms of merchant vessels, I know there are some important ship classes out there like the C2 Cargo that I should be very careful with as they turn into AE types later on. What are some others classes, either DBB specific models or just in general, that you would say are more important than they initially seem due to future upgrades or conversions?

Alfred's advice is solid - anything that converts to APA, LSI or any variation is worth looking after.

On the smaller craft, I'm not all that sold on converting to AG, at least not en-masse. With the changes in DBB-C, as well as the limitations for the Allies in the early months before they can build port infrastructure to get the supply/fuel needed to the front, the smaller cargo ships are really key for moving material between the large hubs and the smaller nodes.

That leads on to my next point in picking out your major naval bases early and get developing from day 1. Allied victory really is built on a string of size 9 ports.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 12

RE: Awakening the Giant - 9/1/2020 1:26:49 AM

RangerJoe

Posts: 9258
Joined: 11/16/2015
Status: online

The upgrade to AG does not change the cargo capacity. It does give the ship more endurance and weapons, mostly likely up to the next upgrade.

I do not convert all of the ships that can to AKE. To bad there weren't more ADs though.

_____________________________

Seek peace but keep your gun handy.

I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!

�Illegitemus non carborundum est (�Don�t let the bastards grind you down�).�
― Julia Child

(in reply to mind_messing)

Post #: 13

RE: Awakening the Giant - 9/1/2020 6:05:50 AM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 680
Joined: 11/26/2016
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Great information from everyone for me to process here, thank you all very much.

On a different note, going back to the allies and reviewing the OOB I am reminded of how stretched I will be for capable and non-restricted LCUs and some other forces. Even in December 1941 though I still see plenty of good stuff to play with!

(in reply to RangerJoe)

Post #: 14

RE: Awakening the Giant - 9/1/2020 6:18:01 AM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 680
Joined: 11/26/2016
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House Rules

Aside from a couple of exceptions, this will be a pretty conventional approach in terms of House Rules and settings:

1. PP paid in full for restricted units to cross borders.
2. 4E naval attack from 10k or more.
3. Troops can be unloaded only in dots/bases (same for para). They can be loaded anywhere though (evacuation).
4. No chasing of known Allied ship positions (e.g. CV) in turn 1.
5. No air attacks on any industry in China by either side.
6. For December 7, Allies can give orders to only existing TFs and units in China.
7. Para units must recombine before conducting a second drop.
8. No 4E bomber night strikes on airfield or port targets. Attacks against industry/cities etc are fine. 2E bombers or fighters can night attack against airfields and ports only if they are equipped with radar.

Realism: PDU on, reliable tops no, historical turn no, surprise on, R&D off
Options: auto subs off, facilities expand off, auto upgrades off, replacement off, turn 1 day

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 15

RE: Awakening the Giant - 10/1/2020 6:56:56 AM

DesertWolf101

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Joined: 11/26/2016
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Folks, apologies for the disappearance act. Was distracted in RL as I started a new job and the game was also delayed somewhat with a change of opponent. Mark (Desertedfox) was frustrated with some of the first turn mechanics [https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4882775] and decided to take a break from the game. I wish him well and I hope he quickly comes back to the game.

In the meantime, I found a new opponent, szmike, and we've just kicked off with the first couple of turns. Mike is a fairly recent player, but if I have learned anything from my experience with this game over the last year is that game experience is neither a guarantee of excellence nor is inexperience a sure path for defeat. Mike seems to have a good head on his shoulders and has read many AARs, so I am sure he will give me a good fight. He mentioned he may start an AAR to get some feedback, and if he does, I ask you helpful people to offer him advice the same way you have kindly aided me when I first started out.

House rules are mostly the same as above, with some minor alterations such as max second maneuver band for fighters.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 16

RE: Awakening the Giant - 10/1/2020 7:42:10 AM

DesertWolf101

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December 7, 1941

A nice change of pace from my previous opponents who always went after Manila. Mike decided to hammer Pearl Harbor with the KB. Battleship row got plastered, and I lost West Virginia to a magazine explosion. Here is the damage on the remaining vessels.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 17

RE: Awakening the Giant - 10/1/2020 8:38:23 AM

DesertWolf101

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Joined: 11/26/2016
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December 7, 1941 (continued)

Overall some solid early pushes by Mike. It's too early to tell, but he seems to be going heavy in Malaya with a secondary effort in Luzon. I also see a number of convoys near Mindanao so he may be going to take it early. Boise and Houston will attempt to run interference to provide cover for the stampeding herd from Manila.

Central Pacific

Japanese forces land and take Midway in a coup de main. Good play by Mike, taking it this early. Aided by a heavy cruiser bombardment, only one SNLF unit was needed in the effort.

South China Sea

The three RN destroyers that start off at Hong Kong sallied forth in an attempt to hit some Japanese convoys but were overwhelmed and destroyed by a squadron of Japanese destroyers during the night before they could do any damage.

Philippines

The KB was busy elsewhere, but that didn't mean Manila was spared. Heavy Nettie raids did their damage, sinking a number of vessels and seriously damaging large numbers of submarines. The IJAAF also hit Clark airfield pretty hard, damaging and destroying a number of B-17Ds.

Elements of the Japanese 48th Division landed in northern Luzon.

Malaya

About a 100 Nettie bombers also hit Singapore port. Large numbers of ships were damaged but very few ships sunk. Force Z emerged unscathed.

Elements of the 2nd and 18th Japanese infantry divisions began landing in northern Malaya. Likely more Japanese divisions are on their way.

Borneo

Naval Guard units land at Miri, Brunei, and Jesselton.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 18

RE: Awakening the Giant - 10/2/2020 4:48:39 PM

Bif1961

Posts: 1938
Joined: 6/26/2008
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: online

Sorry to hear you had a change of of opponents but hope your new one will prove to give you an educational and challenging game.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 19

RE: Awakening the Giant - 10/6/2020 2:04:15 AM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 680
Joined: 11/26/2016
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Sorry to hear you had a change of of opponents but hope your new one will prove to give you an educational and challenging game.

Thanks!

(in reply to Bif1961)

Post #: 20

RE: Awakening the Giant - 10/6/2020 2:05:32 AM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 680
Joined: 11/26/2016
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December 8, 1941

Submarines

Near Midway, the Argonaut puts three fish into AK Taifuku Maru and sends her to the bottom.

AVP Poolster, two AKLs, and the small AP Legaspi, were sunk by Japanese subs around in the SRA.

Central Pacific

The Lexington task force is in position to strike north towards Midway next turn where the Japanese invasion fleet is still present. Heavy cruiser Louisville in turn will attempt to strike at the Japanese force that just dropped off a naval guard unit to take Ocean Island.

Japanese forces take Guam.

China

Large number of harassing raids by Japanese bombers hit Chinese forces all across the country. 21 Idas however are shot down by a CAP of P-40E fighters near Canton.

South China Sea

Betty and Nell bombers from Formosa largely destroy the Hong Kong merchant fleet as it attempts to escape southwards.

Borneo

Kingfisher float planes attack and sink AK Igasa Maru off the coast of Brunei.

Japanese forces take Miri, Brunei, and Jesselton.

Malaya

Japanese bombers prep the way for a successful attack on Kota Bharu which falls into enemy hands

Philippines

A foray by torpedo armed Catalinas fails to score any successful hits on Japanese cruiser forces in the Philippine Sea. The Japanese air force meanwhile heavily bombs Clark Airfield but finds no opposition.

Philippine Sea

Light cruiser Boise and heavy cruiser Houston set out into the night in an attempt to intercept previously detected Japanese convoys approaching Leyte Gulf. It is also hoped that this foray could create an opening for the Asiatic Fleet to escape from Manila.

Unfortunately, the Japanese fleet was present in force in the area. Boise first encounters a powerful surface force of two heavy cruisers, a light cruiser, and five destroyers. Boise successfully dodges the plethora of torpedo salvoes and escapes through unharmed. She then finds a Japanese troop convoy but disengages very early after only heavily damaging a patrol boat.

During the day, yet another similarly composed Japanese surface force joins the first and together hunt down and sink both Boise and Houstin in a series of running engagements. The end result here is a clear naval defeat for the allies but with some silver linings. A number of Japanese destroyers were badly damaged with heavy fires and the two Japanese forces undoubtedly have depleted their ammo and torpedoes and will need to rearm, giving much needed time for the Asiatic Fleet.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 21

RE: Awakening the Giant - 10/6/2020 2:23:03 AM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 680
Joined: 11/26/2016
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December 9, 1941

Submarines

Dutch subs perform poorly today. Two of them attack and fail to score hits on two Japanese AKs, and the third, O20, first attacks and AKL and misses and then surfaces to engage with her deck gun but is beaten back by the small Japanese ship. How embarrassing lol. Determined to restore some honor, O20 sinks another AKL in the same area later in the day.

I-26 sends AK Montgomery City to the bottom near San Francisco. In the SRA, I-124 sinks the small AP Candioa.

Central Pacific

The Lexington task force gets within range of the Japanese shipping around Midway but fails to launch airstrikes, likely due to weather. Time to get out of doge as the task force has been sighted.

Heavy cruiser Louisville charges in towards Ocean Island, first encountering a small Japanese task force composed of a CM, a PB, and an AK which avoid it. She then finds the large AK Tenyo Maru and skinks her.

Japanese troops land on and take Nauru Island.

South China Sea

The Japanese light cruiser Kuma and four destroyers tangle with British MTBs and US PT boats near Iba during the night and day. A large number of MTBs and PT boats are sunk but in return Kuma gets two torpedoes into her side leaving her limping and with heavy damage.

Philippines

More heavy bombing of Clark airfield. Japanese troops take Vigan.

Meanwhile, the Asiatic Fleet makes good progress towards safe waters.

Malaya

Buffalo fighters ambush a large force of Sally bombers over northern Malaya, shooting down ten and damaging a number of others.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 22

RE: Awakening the Giant - 10/6/2020 3:02:15 AM

RangerJoe

Posts: 9258
Joined: 11/16/2015
Status: online

Doge? I don't know where that is but the Lexington and her escorts should probably leave Dodge, post haste.

_____________________________

Seek peace but keep your gun handy.

I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!

�Illegitemus non carborundum est (�Don�t let the bastards grind you down�).�
― Julia Child

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 23

RE: Awakening the Giant - 10/6/2020 3:48:13 AM

DesertWolf101

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Joined: 11/26/2016
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quote:

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Doge? I don't know where that is but the Lexington and her escorts should probably leave Dodge, post haste.

A common mistake on my part I have to say

(in reply to RangerJoe)

Post #: 24

RE: Awakening the Giant - 10/6/2020 4:27:00 AM

RangerJoe

Posts: 9258
Joined: 11/16/2015
Status: online

You see, the Doge is the Venetian Duke. The title as also used in Genoa. But I don't think that you meant a male individual.

_____________________________

Seek peace but keep your gun handy.

I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!

�Illegitemus non carborundum est (�Don�t let the bastards grind you down�).�
― Julia Child

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 25

RE: Awakening the Giant - 10/10/2020 1:46:32 AM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 680
Joined: 11/26/2016
Status: offline

December 10, 1941

Central Pacific

Fleeing from Guam, AM Penguin encounters a small Japanese invasion force of two AKLs and engages them in a surface fight north of New Guinea. Non-fatal damage was sustained by both sides before the fight broke off.

Philippines

The Japanese 65th Brigade lands at Davao.

Roving Japanese destroyers sink two AKLs.

Malaya

The Japanese air forces plaster Taiping airfield with large bombing raids.

China

Battleship Fuso, two light cruisers, and five destroyers laid waste to Wenchow with a bombardment. Mike detected the presence of my fighter aircraft at the base during the last turn, but I had fortunately moved them away anticipating such a move on his part.

(in reply to RangerJoe)

Post #: 26

RE: Awakening the Giant - 10/10/2020 11:39:20 AM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 680
Joined: 11/26/2016
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December 11, 1941

So far the Empire is progressing at a steady clip at the usual locations. The goods news is that thanks to the sacrifice of the Boise and Houston, the bulk of the Asiatic Fleet appears to have made it through to safer waters.

Submarines

Near Patani, SS KXVII puts a torpedo into AK Ayato Maru and heavily damages the ship. Nearby, SS KXI attacks AP Koan Maru on the surface but fails to score any hits.

Central Pacific

Two Japanese heavy cruisers and two destroyers bombard Wake Island for minor damage.

Philippines

Zero fighters clean up the sky over Manila, inflicting significant losses on the defending Allied fighters.

Japanese forces land at Legaspi. San Fernando is lost to the Empire and in the south, the 65th Brigade takes Davao.

Malaya

Zero and Oscar sweeps fly over Singapore but encounter no resistance. Meanwhile, Japanese bombers pound my forces in northern Malaya and British bombers return the favor by hitting Japanese troop concentrations at Kota Bharu.

DEI

Japanese forces take Ternate.

China

The first Japanese assault, preceded by IJAAF bombing, goes against the Hong Kong defenses. Forts are knocked down from 3 to 2 and it doesn�t look like the garrison will hold out for long.

The Japanese 32nd Division assaults and takes Kweiteh.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 27

RE: Awakening the Giant - 10/16/2020 4:47:05 AM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 680
Joined: 11/26/2016
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December 12, 1941

Submarines

I-157 uses its deck gun to sink AKL Bust near Batavia, while I-165 uses its torpedoes to destroy AKL Sarangami near Tarakan. These vessels are some of the last remaining easy pickings the vast bulk of the Asiatic Fleet makes it to safe ports around Java.

Borneo

6 Dutch 139WH-3 bombers hit Brunei�s port in a low altitude raid and heavily damage AV Sagara Maru and an AKL.

Malaya

About 70 Nettie bombers hit Singapore�s airfield during the afternoon, damaging a number of Allied aircraft on the ground and causing some runaway damage but at a cost in lost bombers to the AA gunners. I suspect 6-10 Japanese bombers were likely lost in the raid.

Buffalo fighters swung into action near Alor Star and inflicted some losses on mixed Oscar/Sally formations attacking isolated Indian troops in the area.

Philippines

Mike followed up his successful sweeps of Manila last turn with some large escorted Nettie raids this turn. He should have swept for one more turn though as there were enough American fighters left around to inflict some notable losses on his formations. Approximately 10-15 Netties and Zeros were shot down for a few American fighters lost.

New Guinea

Wewak, Hollandia, and Manus are taken by small Japanese detachments.

Burma

Japanese forces take Victoria Point.

China

A CAP of 6 H81-A3 fighters intercepts Japanese bombing raids and takes a toll of escorting Nate fighters over Hong Kong as Mike seeks to take the city.

Wenchow gets hammered again by two Japanese battleships and their escorts.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 28

RE: Awakening the Giant - 10/16/2020 7:07:49 AM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 680
Joined: 11/26/2016
Status: offline

December 13, 1941

Central Pacific

Two Japanese heavy cruisers and some destroyers bombard Wake Island.

Borneo

Kingfisher float planes put a couple of 250lb bombs into AKL Ryoyu Maru#21 near Brunei leaving her ablaze.

China

The Chinese 30th Corps threw back the Japanese 13th Tank Regiment north of Hankow in a shock attack but the 30th Corps is unfortunately likely to be soon cut off by advancing Japanese forces from all sides. Mike elected to send a lot of forces towards Ichang, so I have decided to not risk an all out assault on the position. There is a lot of jockeying around in China in these early days as we both try to gain advantageous positions.

Hong Kong was subjected to heavy aerial bombardment and the follow up Japanese assault took down the fortifications to level 1.

Sporadic aerial raids hit Chinese troops across the rest of China.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 29

RE: Awakening the Giant - 10/16/2020 8:50:32 AM

DesertWolf101

Posts: 680
Joined: 11/26/2016
Status: offline

December 14, 1941

Submarines

S-38 on patrol near Formosa strikes AP Koan Maru with a fish. The Japanese AP is not heavily damaged though and should make it back to port ok.

Philippines

Large numbers of Zero fighters sweep Manila but encounter no resistance.

More Japanese forces land on Mindanao.

Thailand

5 B-17D bombers strike out from Singapore and score a couple of bomb hits on Bangkok�s heavy industry.

China

I was fairly sure that Hong Kong would fall this turn, but even with heavy aerial support the Japanese attack today knocked down forts to 0 but did not take the base. I probably got a good roll here and will take advantage to set up a CAP trap next turn as Mike finishes off the garrison.

(in reply to DesertWolf101)

Post #: 30

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