Fight to Death !. Walloc (Allied) vs Fletcher (Jap). No Walloc Please.

[Fletcher]

FROM: Tarawa Expeditionary Force
TO: ADM Yamamoto, Combined Fleet HQ, Aboard.
SUBJECT: Enemy CV´s at Gilberts !. URGENT ! . TOP SECRET !
DATE: Dec 9th, 1941.

Today at morning, with moderate rain, the Makin Expeditionary Force were attacked by enemy carrier aircrafs, they can identifie 9 F2A Buffalos and 12 SBD-3 Diving bombers. Attacked xAK Tenyo Maru (unsuccesfully) and xAK Kamikaze Maru, with 2 bomb hits (1.000 lbs), heavy fires and heavy damage.
At the same time we receive under partial cloud an air attack with 18 diving bombers and 12 torpedo-bombers (from aircraft carrier), the enemy get hits on xAK Aratama Maru (7x1.000 lbs hits) -heavy fires, heavy damages-, xAKL Tenposan Maru (sunk) after two bomb hits, xAKL Toyotsu Maru, sunk after 1 torpedo hit and xAKL Kaito Maru, sunk after three 1.000 lbs hits. We lost 492 infantry men.

In the afternoon, under a light rain, the Makin force were attacked by 9 fighters, 12 diving bombers and 12 torpedo bombers, getting 4 bomb hits over xAK Tenyo Maru (heavy fires), xAK Kamikaze Maru (bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damages), CM Okinoshima (bomb hits 2, on fire), and CM Tokiwa (bomb hits 3, heavy fires, and heavy damages).

We were attacked, in the afternoon too, and with heavy cloud, by 18 enemy diving bombers that get 2 bomb hits over xAKL Katsura Maru (heavy fires, heavy damages) and sunk PB Santos Maru after 6 bomb hits. 180 casualties reported from Gd. Naval Unit.

xAK Aratama Maru and xAK Kamikaze Maru sinks.

We running fast to Kwajalein. Damaged ships will try to get Jaluit for their hands.

[Fletcher]

FROM: ADM Yamamoto, COMBINED FLEET HQ,
TO: IGHQ, Tokyo.
SUBJECT: ENEMY CARRIERS AT GILBERTS.
DATE: Dec 9th 1941

After message received from Tarawa Expeditionary Force, we lost several xAK-xAKL ships by enemy diving bombers and torpedo-bombers attack from USN Carrier/s. Tarawa and Makin are in our hands. Kwajalein at general quarters. VADM Nagumo will be orderer to be rerouted after refuelling at sea.
Air Flotilla at Kwajalein-Roi Namur have receive orders to attack enemy carriers at once if shighted.
VADM Shimizu at Kwajalein, 6th Fleet HQ have launch alert to submarines in the area.

END //

[cantona2]

Good and gutsy use of USN Carriers by your opponent Fletcher.

[Fletcher]

Yes, Dec 10th was a black day for the Empire.... several AK-AKL ships losses at Gilberts, Wake holds on by the marine defense bat. with several IJN ships damages, 30 unescorted Nells lost at Singapore (40 Buffalos at CAP). A hard day. I expect better days !!. Several measures to avoid raid from USN Carrier in the inner area have been taken.
I am working on the convoy-ASW system.
Best wishes
Fletcher

[Fletcher]

FROM: ADM Nagano, Imperial Navy HQ. Tokyo
TO:     IGHQ, Tokyo
SUBJECT: IJN Losses vs Allied losses.
DATE: Dec 9th 1941

IMPERIAL JAPANESE NAVY

AO Shiriya, 6.860 tons. Dec 8th, 1941, by submarine attack off Midway.
xAK Aratama Maru, 6.825 tons. Dec 9th 1941, by carrier aircrafts near Tarawa.
xAK Kamikaze Maru, 4.675 tons. Dec 9th 1941, by carrier aircrafts near Makin.
PB Santos Maru, 2.780 tons, Dec 9th 1941, by carrier aircrafts near Tarawa.
I-154, 1.635 tons, Dec 9th 1941, by gunfire from HMS Prince of Wales, near Muntok.
DMS W9, 750 tons, Dec 9th 1941, by submarine attack near Laoag.
xAKL Temposan Maru, 1.650 tons, Dec 9th 1941, by carrier aircrafts near Tarawa.
xAKL Kaito Maru, 795 tons, Dec 9th 1941, by carrier aircrafts near Tarawa.
xAKL Toyotsu Maru, 795 tons, Dec 9th 1941, by carrier aircrafts near Tarawa.

UNITED STATES NAVY

BB Arizona, 31,400 Tons, Dec 7th 1941, by carrier aircrafts at Pearl Harbour.
BB Oklahoma, 27.500 Tons, Dec 7th 1941, by carrier aircrafts at Pearl Harbour.
CL Phoenix, 9.700 Tons, Dec 7th 1941, by carrier aircrafts at Pearl Harbour.
DD Blue, 1.540 Tons, Dec 7th 1941, by carrier aircrafts at Pearl Harbour.
DD McDonough, 1.365 Tons, Dec 7th 1941, by carrier aircrafts at Pearl Harbour.
DMS Perry, 1.290 Tons, Dec 7th 1941, by carrier aircrafts at Pearl Harbour.
AS Canopus, 5.976 Tons, Dec 8th 1941 by submarne attack at Sulu Sea.

BB Nevada was reported with 6 bomb hits and 5 torpedoes hit, we should consider probably sunk at Pearl, Dec 7th 1941.

COMMONWEALTH NAVIES

HDML Pahalwan, 60 Tons, Dec. 8th 1941 by land based aircrafts off Georgetown.
HDML Panji, 60 Tons, Dec 9th 1941, by land based aircrafts off Georgetown.
xAP Kelantan, 980 Tons, Dec 9th 1941, by land based aircrafts off Georgetown.

ROYAL NAVY

BC Repulse, 35.385 tons, Dec. 7th 1941, by land based aircrafts near Mersing.
xAP Hong Siang, 3.330 tons, Dec 8th 1941, by land based aircrafts near Georgetown.
xAK Wing Siang, 3.700 tons, Dec 8th 1941, by land based aircrafts near Georgetown.
xAKL Nanning, 2.750 tons, Dec 8th 1941, by land based aircrafts near Hong Kong.
xAKL Nam Yong, 1.050 tons, Dec 8th 1941, by land based aircrafts near Georgetown.
xAK Ming Sang, 3.700 tons, Dec 8th 1941, by land based aircrafts near Hong Kong.
xAK Hanyang, 2.750 tons, Dec 8th 1941, by land based aircrafts near Hong Kong.
xAKL Shinai, 1.700 tons, Dec 9th 1941 by submarine attack near Singkawangk.
CM Kung Wo, 3.700 Tons, Dec. 9th 1941, by submarine attack near Singkawangk.

BB Prince of Wales was reported like sunk by land based aircrafts from 22nd Air Flotilla (Saigon) after 3 torpedo hits, but three days later we can confirm she is heading SW (probably Batavia-Soerabaja) -reported by I-154-

[Fletcher]

FROM:RADM Matsunaga, 22nd Air Flotilla, Saigon, Indochina.
TO: VADM Tsukahara, 11st Air Fleet, Takao, Formosa
SUBJECT: Air attack over enemy shipping, South China Sea.
DATE: Dec 10th, 1941.

Today, we launch three waves of torpedo bombers over enemy shipping sailing north Borneo near Miri-Brunei area.

1st Wave : 21 G3M2 attack sinking DD Pillsbury, AO Trinity and PG Asheville.

2nd Wave: 6 G4M1 attack sinking AO Pecos and TK Mindanao.

3rd Wave: 4 G3M2 attack sinking xAP President Madison

Several enemy ships heading West in this area. Message sending to CO HIJMS Chokai to acknowledge.

LONG LIVE TO EMPEROR !!
END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: VADM Shimizu, 6th Fleet HQ, Kwajalein, Marshall Islands
TO: ADM Yamamoto, Combined Fleet HQ, Aboard.
SUBJECT: I-10 Income Message
DATE: Dec 10th, 1941. 21:55Z.

This afternoon we receive a cut incoming message from I-10 off Suva (Fidji Island) reporting attack on a large enemy AP.
Enemy carriers no sighted. Searching will follow tomorrow with G3M2 torpedo-bombers assigned to this mission in Southeast to Southweast searching arc.

[Fletcher]

CONVOY SYSTEM UPDATED, Dec 10TH

[Q-Ball]

I would recommend to any Japanese player to change the plan for Wake.

Here is what I did, and I think this will do the trick every time:

There are two TF's loaded with a Nav Gd unit turn one in the Marshalls; one heading to Tarawa, one to Makin.

Take the northernmost one (which I think is headed to Tarawa), and send it NORTH immediately; merge it with the Wake Invasion Fleet. I also like to send the CL Katori which starts in Kwaj, to beef up the force. Get all those ships together, and you can invade about Dec 11th or so, and should take it easily with 2 SNLF instead of just ONE.

Invading with JUST the initial forces: It's 50-50 really. No reason to take that chance.

I diverted the Makin Inv. to Tarawa; you can always land on Makin later.

[Fletcher]

Hello Q-Ball, thanks for reply.
Absolutely agree after see the outcome of my operations vs Wake and the disaster at Tarawa-Makin landings (both taken). The allied player agressively attack with carrier (probably running fast from Hawaii area till Dec 7th). I lost several xAK and xAKL and another have been mauled by marines CD guns at Wake.

[Q-Ball]

ORIGINAL: Fletcher

Hello Q-Ball, thanks for reply.
Absolutely agree after see the outcome of my operations vs Wake and the disaster at Tarawa-Makin landings (both taken). The allied player agressively attack with carrier (probably running fast from Hawaii area till Dec 7th). I lost several xAK and xAKL and another have been mauled by marines CD guns at Wake

I think attacking the Tarawa Invasion fleet is also pretty standard for the Allies, JFBs take note. It's a free shot, because they know where your CVs are, and you know that a TF is steaming on Tarawa without aircover.

Another possibility is attacking the Wake Invasion Fleet, but that has more risks for the Allies.

[Fletcher]

FROM: NAVAL INTELLIGENCE SERVICE
TO : ADM YAMAMOTO, COMBINED FLEET HQ. ABOARD. EYES ONLY. TOP SECRET
SUBJECT: ASW ASSETS - ENEMY SUBMARINES ACTIVITY.
DATE: DEC 10Th 1941. 22:00Z.

Today we receive the following reportings about enemy submarine activities in our operations area:

1.- E13A1 Jake reports periscope wake at 120,54 near Hakodate. Message received in the Hakodate Naval Commander and 2 Cha SC heading full speed from this port to searching enemy sub. At the same time Chichijima Ku T-1 assign 4 E7K2 Elf to ASW duties to protect our maritime links at this area.

2.- G3M2 Nell sighting report: Allied SS at 83,71 near Calayan. Inmediatly ASW TG at Aparri whit 2 DMS and 2 APD sent to this location. In the same way, AV Sanuki Maru (anchored at Takao) was dispatched to Batan Island to support with 8 FP our ASW air patrols in this area.

3.- C5M2 from 3rd Ku T-1 attacked an Allied SS at 80,69. Orders were inmediately sent to 2nd Fleet, and 3 Ch SC were sent in ASW duties from Vigan (they were in route to Pescadores).

4.- B4Y1 Jean (HIJMS HOSHO) reports conning tower at 83,64 near Takao. The Hosho TF is assigned to ASW Command under Southern Fleet, sailing with DD escorts, and will patrol this area with her B4Y1 Sqdrn. We sent orders to 3rd CCF Det 1 at Amoy to detach 3 E7K2 Alf for ASW duties.

5.- E13A1 Jake reports object under water at 88,83 near Legaspi. 2 DMS were detach from Legaspi Invasion Group for ASW duties and will follow the main body to avoid enemy attacks from SS.

6.- H6K4 Mavis reports object near surface at 115,76 near Chichijima. We can not get any ASW asset near this area.

7.- G3M2 Nell reports object under water at 90,71 near Ishigaki. Two destroyers were deployed with the Tarakan Invasion Group for ASW duties with this AmphGr.

8.- D3A1 reports diving submarine at 161,81. This position is nearby to KB heading metropoli. 1 DD from KB detach in ASW duty. VADM Nagumo acknowledge our message and deploy 25 AC from their carrier in ASW patrol.

9.- H6K4 Mavis rerports possible submarine at 90,97 near Babeldaob. 7 H6K4 Mavis were deployed in ASW duties from Toko Ku T-1 at this base.

10.- C5M2 Babs reports object near surface at 81,72 near Laoag. 2 PB at Cagayan acknowledge our orders to running fast to this position.

11.- E7K2 Alf reports oil slick (probably damage submarine) at 80,69, near Laoag. See point 3.

12.- G3M2 Nell reports shadow in water at 63,79 near Camh Ram Bay. Two destroyers at Camh Ram sent at full speed with ASW patrol orders.

13.- F1M2 Pete reports shadow in water at 52,72 near Patani, another F1M2 reports in the same position a periscope. Orders sent to Pattani Invasion Group to detach 2 Destroyers to search in this position.

14.- At Wake Island one IJN destroyer were torpedoed by enemy submarine (SS Triton). No Assets in this Area. RADM Kakuda reports that Wake Invasion Group will head to Kwjalein after unsuccesfully amphibious operations.

15.- SS Swordfish confirmed at Aparri, 82,73. 2 PB assigned at Aparri Invasion Group to ASW duties.

16.- SS Salmon confirmed at laoag, 79,71. No Assets.

17.- SS Porpoise confirmed near Laoag, 80,69. Sent 1 DMS at full speed from Takao.


Following your instructions about raise an ASW Command under the 12th Air Flotilla HQ at Kagoshima / Southern Fleet HQ at Saigon, HIJMS HOSHO and her escorts heading to Saigon.

We will sent acknowledge message to our ASW assets to confirm success or unsuccess engage with enemy submarines.

Long Live to Emperor !

END //

[rattovolante]

ORIGINAL: Q-Ball

Another possibility is attacking the Wake Invasion Fleet, but that has more risks for the Allies.

Why do you consider Wake riskier? Both invasions are covered by the same Nell unit, I'd say Wake is actually less risky than Tarawa (I see no point for the Japanese to invade Makin) - allies already have some assets there (fighters, subs, CD), and it's farther away from IJN patrol plane bases

[Fletcher]

CONVOY SYSTEM UPDATED, Dec 10th 1941

[Fletcher]

WAR PROGRESS UPDATE, Dec 10th 1941

[Fletcher]

Logistic Assistance by WitpStuff, Dec 11th 1941.

[kriegmarine]

Hi Fletcher, nice to meet you, I follow your AAR with great interest. I'm learning as much as you use your industry and transport your resources. By the way, besides being of Andalucia, i am working in Pto Sta Maria, almost neighbors!.

[Fletcher]

Hello Kriegmarine !
Good to see you here !....thank you for your comments, I will report in future post more about my ASW-Convoy system and the production/logistic updates periodically .
Best wishes.
Fletcher 

[Fletcher]

FROM: VADM Kondo, 2nd Fleet HQ, Takao, Formosa.
TO: ADM Yamamoto. Combined Fleet, HQ. Aboard.
SUBJECT: Naval Battle at Miri. CA Chokai Sunk. USN Easter Fleet sighted.
DATE: Dec 11th 1941. 23:00Z

EYES ONLY !. TOP SECRET.

Today we receive reportings about a Naval Battle between CA Chokai and DD Sagiri trying to avoid damage to our Invasion Forces heading Miri. USN Eastern Fleet destroy xAP Hakusan Maru and xAP Kobe Maru when they heading North to get CamRamh Bay port after disembark the 1/124 Infantry Bn at Miri (Miri captured). After this encounter, the USN Eastern Fleet (USS Houston, USS Marblehead, USS Boise and several UK/USN destroyers) sunk APD Aoi. After this HIJMS CHOKAI with DD Sagiri were alerted in the area and in sight of the enemy, fight to the end. HIJMS CHOKAI SUNK, with DD Sagiri sunk too. Enemy CA HOUSTON mauled with CL BOISE and CL MARBLEHEAD damage too. We can not avoid the massive struggle at Miri when enemy fleet surprise our ships there sinking xAK Hokko Maru, xAK Zinzan Maru, xAK Giyu Maru, PB Kantori Maru, xAKL Kembu Maru, xAKL Kiko Maru, xAKL Anbo Maru, xAK Kaga Maru, xAK Daigen Maru, xAK Ryuyo Maru, PB Nako Maru. We lost 1.116 troops embarked in this ships.It was a disaster. Bad weather avoid to take off torpedo bombers from Saigon.
Severe meassure will be taken.
SS-164 report sighting Netherlands Fleet at Kuching. After it reports get one fish on CL Java, heavy damage, probably sunk.
END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: I-164, AT SEA, KUCHING PATROL ZONE.
TO: VADM KONDO, SECOND FLEET HQ. TAKAO. FORMOSA.
SUBJECT: ENEMY SHIPS SIGHTED. ATTACK REPORT.
DATE: DEC 11TH, 1941. 17:30Z

Today, we have sighted at evening, several enemy ships at Kuching area, 1 CL and several other ships (1 "Evertsen" DD class). I proceed to get a good attack position and launch 2 torpedoes over the enemy biggest ship (CL JAVA), getting one hit and I submerge after see heavy damage. Hydrophone noises confirm we sunk enemy ship.
Long Live to Emperor !
END //