The Setting Sun - Gotterdammerung, Japan 1944.

[Remble]

Stemming the Tide

13

0000 August 26th 1944.
North China Army Headquarters. In Transit.

Japanese advances were going very well throughout China and chaos had been sown into Higashikuni's opposite numbers headquarters.

Forces were advancing into southern Yunnan because of the redeployment of a large amount of enemy troops out of the area.

Yamashita had advanced into Nanchong and he could see the new Chinese capital of Nancheng. An assault could be made now but Higashikuni would wait. He would sacrifice early gains for long term victory and send General Yamada towards Tianshui instead. This would isolate all Nationalist Chinese forces outside of the Nancheng pocket, although China's puppet Nations could still supply these forces.

Nationalist China was not allied with Communist China and the northern Country could be used to crush the Nationalist forces against its borders.

More troops were still catching up to the initial advance and were due to arrive in Wanxian shortly. When these forces arrived an attack on Nancheng would likely follow.

In the center four Chinese divisions had redeployed to Fuling increasing the number of enemy troops from three to seven that were now surrounded. General Itagaki would receive support from General Anami in Chongqing to ensure a victory in this province.

Lt. General Chandra Bose would halt his advance into Jinghong as two fresh enemy divisions appeared. The Close Air Support aircraft would deal with these in due course, once they had finished bombing the troops retreating from Kunming.

0600 August 26th 1944.
BB Division 1 Flagship. IJN Yamashiro, Palau Trench.

The American Carrier fleets were withdrawing after failing in their attempt to land anywhere in the Marianas. Yamamoto had arrived back in the Palau Trench and was heading to the South Mariana Trench to remove any hostile shipping still left behind.

The bombers and interceptors continued to ply their trade as they attacked whatever they could find. In this case a single Transport fleet.

Some less welcome news was the sighting of a major Surface Action Group entering the Malacca Strait. Unfortunately the sighting had been made by most of the Siamese fleet, which was totally unequipped to deal with three quarters of the Royal Navy's Battleships. It took less than an hour for the Siamese ships to sink. Yamamoto would need to keep a close eye on this fleet as it could be a disaster if one of his smaller fleets met this much larger one. The five Battleships alone were a big enough problem but this fleet also contained eighteen Light Cruisers which would cause high damage to bombers as well.

BB Division 1 arrived in the South Mariana Trench at 1700 hours on August 26th and promptly sank the only two remaining enemy ships present. Yamamoto's Flagship would be credited with both kills. Two armoured divisions would also perish with the Transport ships.

0000 August 27th 1944.
Intelligence Offices. Tokyo, Japan.

Kuniaki was having a fairly quiet time of late. He had no funding to increase espionage efforts for Japan and research was progressing slowly.

Some bright sparks in the aircraft and rocket industries had worked out that it was possible to put rocket engines on interceptors. This was nothing but theory of course, as they didn't even know how to build a Practical Turbojet Engine yet. They were politely informed to at least work that out before additional funding would be available to attempt any practical testing.

In the Armaments Ministry Ginjiro was having a fairly heated argument with Ushiroku Jun, the Chief of the Air Force.

"I am aware of the problems this will cause Minister Ginjiro but it is necessary and has the Imperial seal of approval." Jun said handing Ginjiro the signed document proving his words.

"I hope your aircraft don't get damaged Minister Jun because they are not going to get any replacements for some time with this production order." replied Ginjiro.

"How long until you have enough spare capacity to both supply and repair Japanese forces?" asked Jun.

"More than a month until some other production completes and there will be a steady decline in supply reserves, which are already low, during that entire time as well."

"Well we need those Aircraft or it would not be necessary. Short term problems must be overcome to obtain long term goals."

"Oh I know the theory Minister, I just don't like surprises when I am trying to balance a somewhat delicate industrial base. I will build your aircraft but you can explain to the other Armed Forces Ministers why their troops and ships aren't being repaired and why they are struggling for supplies."

"Fair enough I suppose." replied Jun leaving the room.

[Remble]

0400 August 27th 1944.
BB Division 1 Flagship. IJN Yamashiro, South Mariana trench.

The American fleets had withdrawn quickly and Yamamoto was unsure if Koga could catch the one he was chasing. Ozawa had no such problems and he attempted to further damage the USS Bunker Hill before BB Division 1 arrived.

Unfortunately Ozawa's wingman, Mj. General Genda, had been side tracked by a Transport fleet to the north east and would not add to the damage the Carrier was sustaining.

BB Division 2 arrived at 1200 hours to find the American fleet still present. Some of the enemy ships seemed to be heading back towards Saipan. Koga would have to convince them that was not a wise course of action.

Heavy rain and night would give his ships all the advantages they needed against two American Carriers that could not launch their aircraft.

Admiral English had taken over from Kinkaid as he was apparently the more senior fleet commander. The fact that he was commanding Transport ships and Kinkaid Carriers made little difference.

Only three ships would be sunk during the battle, all of them American.

The 6. Destroyer Division was sunk by IJN Musashi at 1400 hours, the Light Cruiser USS St.Louis by IJN Nagato at 1600 hours and the Light Cruiser USS Mobile by IJN Musashi as the fleets opened range at 1700 hours.

Only one Japanese vessel, the Battlecruiser IJN Haruna, received any serious damage as Koga headed back towards Saipan. He was not chasing American fleets east. No more Carriers had been sunk but the Imperial Japanese Navy had lost nothing in return for losses inflicted, which was always a good thing.

0200 August 28th 1944.
North China Army Headquarters. In Transit.

The Chinese had steadfastly refused to try and attack Higashikuni's outnumbered and weaker northern forces. Chinese forces had also weakened somewhat in the area which would allow a Japanese attack.

Zhengzhou was an industrial center and had some minor resources in the province. Mj. General Katakura led the four pronged attacked that would succeed in throwing the Chinese forces out of the province. The attack provoked no response from the enemy who seemed perfectly content to sit there and defend in the hope of some salvation from the west.

2300 August 28th 1944.
BB Division 1 Flagship. IJN Yamashiro, Palau.

Both Battlefleets had headed back to port to carry out repairs, which Yamamoto had just been informed would be delayed for about a month, and wait for their next opportunity to pounce on the United States Navy.

Ozawa was only finding minor fleets in the South Magellan Seamounts and it was clear that the Carrier fleets had moved further east to avoid any more damage.

Closer to home, in the Bonin Trench, an American Transport fleet had spotted which was heading west towards Japan. This fleets progress would be closely monitored.

0200 August 29th 1944.
Diplomatic Offices. Tokyo, Japan.

Energy was no longer an urgent problem for Mamoru but that did not stop him trading for it when he could find a willing partner.

The Venezuelans were proving to be a most valuable trading Nation and a better deal than normal had seen more energy added to Japan's stockpile.

0800 August 29th 1944.
BB Division 1 Flagship. IJN Yamashiro, Palau.

Another fleet had been spotted by Japanese aircraft during their routine patrols. This fleet was slightly more of a problem.

Six Transport fleets could carry a lot of enemy troops and they were heading towards the undefended Marcus Island or maybe even further west. Koga was ordered from Saipan, with his undamaged ships, to plot an intercept course.

[Remble]

0000 August 30th 1944.
Industry Offices. Tokyo, Japan.

The first set of new infantry divisions had been raised. These were needed in large numbers but for now six would have to do.

They were initially deployed to Tokyo where they would gain organisation and await transport to another destination.

0100 August 30th 1944.
Imperial GHQ. Tokyo, Japan.

Field Marshal Sugiyama had his defences fairly well spread on the Japanese Mainland and was not concerned with an invasion. Yamamoto was proving to be very adept at keeping enemy ships away from Japan's coast. Every now and them something would slip through the net though.

Two Transport ships were heading north towards Tokyo Bay. Sugiyama sent orders to Admiral Nagano who in turn ordered his fleet to sea for some exercise.

0400 August 30th 1944.
Diplomatic Offices. Tokyo, Japan.

Mamoru was beginning to feel decidedly sorry for Joachim von Ribbentrop, his opposite number in Germany.

Another major Nation had joined the War against them. The only thing that worried Mamoru was that they were also at War with Syria because of their Alliance with Germany.

0600 August 30th 1944.
North China Army Headquarters. In Transit.

The Nationalists were content to sit and watch Japanse forces crush them, the Communists were slightly more belligerent.

They had launched an attack against Mj. General Hederich in Datong. Hederich wanted to stay and fight, he was a cavalry officer after all, but Higashikuni ordered him to withdraw. Fighting fairly modern infantry with cavalry using only swords was not modern warfare at all.

Lt. General Hoshinata, commanding the modern cavalry of Japan, had captured Zigong and now headed towards Ya'an to try and isolate more enemy troops.

1300 August 30th 1944.
Imperial GHQ. Tokyo, Japan.

Nagano had encountered the two American Transport fleets in Tokyo Bay. It was raining and night when he did so.

Neither would be sunk and only minor damage ensued. Nagano was ordered to pursue them east towards the Japan Trench.

Koga had also found Transport ships in the Bonin Trench. There was decent weather in this region and he had high hopes of destroying most of the enemy fleet.

Unfortunately their Submarine escort showed up shortly afterwards and Koga would have to be content with sinking just two of the Transports. IJN Musashi and IJN Nagato would add to their tallies. Koga was ordered to follow both fleets south east as there had been no sightings of large enemy fleets anywhere close by.

His orders were nearly changed immediately. The large British Battleship fleet had been sighted in the South Kyushu-Palau Trench and it was heading north east towards Saipan. Ozawa would be ordered to attack it and its massed anti-aircraft guns.

[Connavar]

That looks like a lot of trouble coming up ....

[Sokraates]

*Gulp*

It looks like Saipan will be the naval battlefield of the Pacific. Maybe you should consider sending everything you have against the British fleet. A combined carrier/battleship fleet should do wonders.

Then again I suck at naval gameplay, so please feel free to ignore my musings and and show me how it's done properly instead.

[Mangudai]

Sucks to be Ozawa... If you want to get rid of the Brits, you'll have to commit a lot of your fleet.

The American transport fleet must be nearly depleted!

[Sheepguard]

Hopefully you're able to get these BBs before they cause to much damage...

Hows Germany doing?

[Simon-1979]

Dammit - the german fleet is probably not an issue anymore and now you are going to have to fight the royal navy's big ones......the troubles never stop when you play japan.......Those bombers will also give you better firepower plus i guess they can perform pretty nicely on seapatrols....good multi-use-weapon

yeah that victorypoint in sinkiang is a pain in the "whatta you call it?"

give them hell!.

[SouthCarolinian]

hopefully you can keep up this defence and eventually make a go at winning this war.

and i can't believe syria joined the war. now you and germany are surely doomed!

[Illumini]

Damn cliffhangers

Seems the british will be a bigger challenge than the americans at the high seas

[Sokraates]

Damn cliffhangers

Seems the british will be a bigger challenge than the americans at the high seas

Not if the US concentrates their battleships and sends them after Japan. The British are estimated to have 8 battleships and 3 carriers, the US should have 23 battleships and 12 carriers (figures from July 1st).

The current British fleet "only" has 6 battleships (3 quarters of all the British battleships). So the US has much more potential to become a real threat. But I consider a fleet of 5 or 6 well protected battleships to be able to provide some excitement, too.

By the way: I found it, I found it!!! I've found the one and only National Chinese fighter squadron! Do I get a price?

[Nathan Madien]

*Gulp*

It looks like Saipan will be the naval battlefield of the Pacific. Maybe you should consider sending everything you have against the British fleet. A combined carrier/battleship fleet should do wonders.

Would that really work, though? It just sounds like a replay of Midway to me.

[Maj. von Mauser]

Yeah, this British battlefleet looks like a little trouble to me, although I am confident you will be able to overcome it.

I also see the infamous Chinese squadron, IT MUST BE DESTRYOED!!!!!!!!

[Sokraates]

Would that really work, though? It just sounds like a replay of Midway to me.

It could. The carriers would be effective until the battleships have closed the distance (which they surely will). Thus the enemy fleet would be damaged before the main engagement. Then the battleships would take over the leading part in the engagement and they will have a better chance of killing the enemy then the carriers or their screens would at a close distance.

For Remble technology and losses are also important considerations. The enemy is technologicaly more advanced and will have better positioning. So he can't rely on the effectivity of his screening ships alone. Due to the same reason, his battleships will probably be inferior to the British. So it will be important to damage the enemy before it engages his fleet and then fight him with numerical superiority. This should also help him to avoid losses. Any ship lost will hurt him more than the British.

As I have already stated, I'm no expert at naval combat (to say the least), but this should work from what I've learned so far.

[SoulStealer]

Would that really work, though? It just sounds like a replay of Midway to me.

In reality, maybe. I would imagine, from what I've observed, that the carriers would largely render the BB's useless in fair weather. Not enough range to match the carriers. So they're relegated to escort. Sure, they would be more effective at night or in bad weather, but as long as they're going to be best in those conditions against an enemy fleet anyway, might as well keep them separate so the BB's can bring their guns to bear. With a smaller navy, you wouldn't want to engage the mass-produced navy of the US during conditions neutral or favorable to the US, only conditions favorable to your own fleet, which supports the position of a BB-saturated fleet.

[SoulStealer]

It could. The carriers would be effective until the battleships have closed the distance (which they surely will). Thus the enemy fleet would be damaged before the main engagement. Then the battleships would take over the leading part in the engagement and they will have a better chance of killing the enemy then the carriers or their screens would at a close distance.

For Remble technology and losses are also important considerations. The enemy is technologicaly more advanced and will have better positioning. So he can't rely on the effectivity of his screening ships alone. Due to the same reason, his battleships will probably be inferior to the British. So it will be important to damage the enemy before it engages his fleet and then fight him with numerical superiority. This should also help him to avoid losses. Any ship lost will hurt him more than the British.

As I have already stated, I'm no expert at naval combat (to say the least), but this should work from what I've learned so far.

Or they may not close at all. I've noticed carriers tend to keep the rest of the fleet out of the battle in fair conditions. Sort of like destroyers being little more than damage soaks in an escort role. They just don't have the gunnery range. Of course, I could simply be thinking of an earlier version or way back to vanilla HOI 2.

Doctrines might also be a limiting factor. I am uncertain of the position of his research.

[harezmi]

"Some less welcome news was the sighting of a major Surface Action Group entering the Malacca Strait. Unfortunately the sighting had been made by most of the Siamese fleet, which was totally unequipped to deal with three quarters of the Royal Navy's Battleships. It took less than an hour for the Siamese ships to sink. Yamamoto would need to keep a close eye on this fleet as it could be a disaster if one of his smaller fleets met this much larger one. The five Battleships alone were a big enough problem but this fleet also contained eighteen Light Cruisers which would cause high damage to bombers as well."

i remember blue-emu mentioned in one of the threads that as many as you can have light cruisers in your fleet but only one light cruiser can fire to aircrafts. if this is true, 18 CLs are not a real threat for your aircrafts. i`m not sure if this is true but we are talking about blue-emu

what do you say?

[bbcrackmonkey]

Remble, what is your strategy when the Soviet Union declares war on you? Are you planning on building up some massive fortifications around Manchuria and Mongolia? Because I don't see you winning against them under any circumstances.

[Winner]

Remble, what is your strategy when the Soviet Union declares war on you? Are you planning on building up some massive fortifications around Manchuria and Mongolia? Because I don't see you winning against them under any circumstances.

Please realize you're talking to Remble

Once he wins in China and South-East Asia, he'll have plenty of free troops, I guess.

[CCA]

Wow good work so far! I always end up getting discouraged playing as 44 Japan. My usual strategy is to liberate all the nations I possibly can and then going on cruise control.

Just a slight question. How do you intend to deal with an allied atom bomb, if/when it comes?