All,
We're here, it's finally begun, my 15mm campaign to follow a platoon of Marines through WWII in the Pacific, 1941 to 1945, from the Philippines to Okinawa. I'm playing with toys from Eureka and Peter Pig, using Ivan Sorensen's "No End In Sight" ruleset (modified a bit), with some campaign help/structure from Joe Legan's "Platoon Forward."
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxUek9xSVS8/WHmblWoDDEI/AAAAAAAAaqk/r-2fC63V2NUrsQPGi8LTgFvkZVs16wNzACLcB/s1600/IMG_9858.JPG)
Overview of table, north is to top left, with the village of Dadangan at top right. It's 0830 on 13 Dec 1941, and Captain Moon's 1st Platoon enters the table at bottom center left, via the dirt road, moving east towards the Filipino village. The ridge on the left is Hill 100, the knob at top right is Hill 125. Mostly open grasslands, with some coconut palms scattered here and there.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MrJt_yFu31g/WHmbskXzrrI/AAAAAAAAaq0/-x9Smra-ySA6hQYP2zto0ca68BOT7iH8ACLcB/s1600/IMG_9863.JPG)
Looking east from the Marine start point, you can see the ridge of Hill 100 at top left, and Hill 125 at top center right.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TC5rmYKk6CU/WHmb0dAuXmI/AAAAAAAAarA/l3BZAMxZztMUP5FGdx6nKSj6-9VWegq8QCLcB/s1600/IMG_9865.JPG)
The opposing forces, with Japanese on left and Marines on right. The entire US force shown (three rifle squads, a sniper, a .30 cal MG team, a 60mm mortar team, and a Platoon Commander and Platoon Sergeant) will be on the table. The Japanese will be on 'blinds' in accordance with Joe Legan's "Platoon Forward," so I don't have any idea what's going to show up.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6vUj9wE67N4/WHp7BWWFafI/AAAAAAAAat4/7DGz7o-E6Vg8OyBtK3u2dRVJnf112xslwCLcB/s1600/IMG_9906.JPG)
A Japanese Type 92 machine gun fires on 1st Squad.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dch9TTNswT0/WHp7MDfecsI/AAAAAAAAauM/hJyXItTe5FAjzR_WqTNZLnppFuDWtXX8ACLcB/s1600/IMG_9910.JPG)
A banzai charge straight at the US M-1917 machine gun, threatening the right flank.
To see the campaign plan concept, there's a blogpost here:
http://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2017/01/another-new-blog-plan.html
To see the rest of this battle report, there's a blogpost here:
http://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-philippines-fight-1.html
What a fight! I think the rules, coupled with the blinds from Platoon Forward, worked like a champ, making things VERY tense. Hell, the boy was sure we were going to lose when the Japanese 3rd Squad was on the verge of breaking through on our right flank. Casualties were rougher than I expected; some of that is my fault as I didn't play with the idea of 'breaking/pressure,' but I do recall Ivan saying you wouldn't see as many casualties in these rules ;) For all intents and purposes, the Japanese lost a full platoon of infantry, and the Marines didn't fare much better.
The next fight will be 1st Platoon assaulting 'Horseshoe Ridge,' coming soon!
V/R,
Jack
That's an epic report!
"Toys", Sir? "Toys"?
Would you refer to the finely sculpted and beautiful works of art produced by the Dark Lord and his Ebon Hordes as "toys"?
No Sir. "Figures"or "miniatures", Sir, but never "toys". :P
Sounds fun. I have some proper Pacific figures (Pendraken) awaiting my wrists getting better. Perhaps this weekend. Having said that, my layout won't be that canny.
Quote from: mad lemmey on 16 January 2017, 04:45:03 PM
That's an epic report!
I'm with Will om that !!!! :o :o :o
Cheers - Phil
Table looks cracking - I'll have a proper read of the batrep tomorrow on works time :)
That is a very good looking table!!
Seconded :-bd =D> :-bd
Is the dirt road shaved out of the 'fleece'?
Just read batrep. Excellent stuff!
Haven't got to the batrep yet but the pictures are extraordinary (as usually). I very much like the terrain setup - wonderful use of materials!
Wow, I'm flattered, thanks everyone, I greatly appreciate the kind words. The 2nd batrep should be up on Wednesday or Thursday.
Paul - the roads are cut into the fabric; look great, but always present and can't be moved :(
V/R,
Jack
The minis and the terrain are all first rate.
That model eye's view of the battlefield is spectacular.
Thanks Lowly.
V/R,
Jack
All,
It's 0930 on 20 December 1941 and another fight is brewing for the Marines of 1st Platoon. After the fight in Dadangan on 13 December, the platoon has been on a series of marches to shore up supply lines, avoid being cut off, avoid Japanese patrols, then find and occupy a defensible position. The platoon has reached its assigned defensive position, what they're calling "Horseshoe Ridge," but as the platoon makes its approach from the east, they find it's actually occupied. The Japanese are behind them! Captain Moon and Sgt Carlson call a halt, then come up with a quick plan of attack. Sgt Carlson will take 1st Squad and move left, take up supporting positions with the MG team and mortar team, while the Captain takes 2nd and 3rd Squads right, with 3rd Squad being the assault element to take the east end of Horseshoe Ridge. Ready, break!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XLN9uTR2Goo/WHvXMSBBsWI/AAAAAAAAaxo/9c1G7MOu1igwQdrPV641KLmWfa7GqtR3QCLcB/s1600/IMG_9957.JPG)
Overview of map, north is to top right. Horseshoe Ridge is at top center/top left, and the Marines are advancing from the east (right). Once again the table is 6' x 4', and my boy and are playing co-op against the Japanese in 15mm using Ivan's rules, "No End In Sight," and running the Japanese on blinds as per Joe's "Platoon Forward."
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zc6lVgYIcF4/WHvXMOD7WfI/AAAAAAAAaxk/TUXKU87FPoEfjKhErq87JUX9ziuOmTn-QCLcB/s1600/IMG_9959.JPG)
The Marine Platoon. Or what's left of it.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UB6NNz3sTAw/WHvXTQWlYLI/AAAAAAAAaxs/Lq_FrERmaXs6HnGOKyxLqGwNpOuIAH-nQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9960.JPG)
The Japanese will be on 'blinds', so I don't have any idea what's going to show up. But I know what they have available: four 9-man rifle squads (each has an LMG and a knee mortar), three 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun teams, a 70mm howitzer, two snipers, two officers (complete with Samurai swords), and a Type 95 tank. Some, none, any, or all could show up on the table, I have no idea.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pRcOM_OBTd4/WHvckjNa4jI/AAAAAAAAa0U/Qakk6mBoraM8idcn5wChFx01wAtWweFIQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG)
Japanese 'knee mortars' bracket the US M-1917 machine gun team (bottom left), but it and the 60mm mortar team pound Horseshoe Ridge (top right).
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G59y8kZdX7M/WHvcsk3YE7I/AAAAAAAAa0c/sOjZlxMmxhkedUMaIP1p9frDeN2Q4_zXQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG)
As Captain Moon leads 3rd Squad to the crest of the ridge. Will the Marines take Horseshoe Ridge? Check the blog to find out:
http://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-philippines-fight-2.html
Next fight, coming right up.
V/R,
Jack
Oches!
That's a VERY nice looking table and figures Jack 8)
Always love reading your AAR's etc.
Marines in the Philippines - are you tempted PaulR? ;)
If anyone did the right figures in 10mm I would be more than tempted ;)
Americans in 'battle bowlers' with M1 Garand and Filipinos with Springfields...
I would love to do the 26th Cavalry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), the last 'US' Cavalry unit to have conducted a mounted charge in combat
That is a really good set-up Jack!
Paul - Yeah, I ended up going 15mm because it was easier to find figures.
Matt - Thanks man.
V/R,
Jack
All,
It's 2130 on 20 December 1941, and following its ass-whoopin' at Horseshoe Ridge, 1st Platoon is moving Back up the slopes under the cover of darkness to recover its casualties.
Sgt Carlson: "Alright, here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna wait 'til it's nice and dark, then we're gonna go get our men. We'll set the gun and Cpl Duncan's mortar into the same exact positions, and I'll take 2nd Squad up the ridge. 1st Squad stands by down below, just in case. We go up, grab our guys, then get the hell outta dodge. If any shootin' starts, I want the mortar and MG to open up. I want a wall of fire between the eastern side of the ridge and the west, keep the Japs from getting at us."
With that, the Marines of 1st Platoon moved into their start positions, ready to jump off.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvL6s2NdYt0/WHvfTMc6y5I/AAAAAAAAa3E/lJyjQo3XXastW936250elKnf6FdWWSriwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG)
The full table is still set up, but this is the contested area we'll be dealing with for this fight, just the eastern slope of Horseshoe Ridge. North is to top right, and you can see the Marine casualties lying in the open at center top left. It's night time, but apparently the moon is pretty bright ;)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jOA3x55TuWk/WHvfTGRCnbI/AAAAAAAAa3A/lEE67yIV64UIc2U5I6VdSDnEZ8gqEizVACLcB/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG)
The Marines: the actual fighting force will the Platoon Sergeant (bottom center), Sgt Carlson, and the six Marines of 2nd Squad (right). As a figure, Sgt Carlson is carrying a .45-caliber pistol, but for the game he's carrying a Tommy Gun (I have plenty of Tommy Gun figures, I just wanted his pose to stand out).
The MG and mortar teams are for decoration, scenario fodder. The Marine fighting force is just seven men with Tommy Guns, a BAR, and Springfield 03s.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WF5mVoz9KqA/WH0gKdGucnI/AAAAAAAAa4I/02vXhkPoDi4-HBUFIgAltS8AFc7R1Zv1ACLcB/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG)
The Marines move up the slopes to recover their fallen buddies, but as they do, a Japanese sentry spots Sgt Carlson and fires. To see how the fight went, please check the blog at:
http://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-philippines-fight-3.html
The remains of 1st Platoon falls back to regroup, and they make contact with higher headquarters. Major Ford, their Company Commander orders them return and take Horseshoe Ridge! While a few of the wounded have been able to return to the line, the Major knows 1st Platoon is still pretty understrength, so he lets them borrow an M-3 Stuart of the 194th Tank Battalion, an Army National Guard unit.
Captain Moon saw to it that his men got plenty to eat and drink, and plenty of rest. Then they mounted up on the morning of 24 Dec 41 and began making their way back to Horseshoe Ridge for our next fight, which I'll post in a couple days.
V/R,
Jack
Good one Jack
Really loving the photography.
Thanks guys, and yeah, the big, cool rug really makes it fun to take and post closeups ;)
V/R,
Jack
Ooer !
Missed this one yesterday.
Nice one Jack.
Cheers - Phil
Thanks Phil!
V/R,
Jack
All,
It's 1530 on 24 December 1941, and 1st Platoon is tasked with taking Horseshoe Ridge, again. The good news is that the platoon has gotten plenty of water and some hot chow, and five of their men have recuperated well enough from their injuries to rejoin the unit. The bad news is they're heading back to Horseshoe Ridge, where twice they've battled the Japanese, taking heavy casualties.
Sgt Carlson: "Horseshoe Ridge again, eh Sir?" "Yes Cody, Horseshoe Ridge. Ours is not to reason why, young man," Capt Moon said with a smile.
"Christmas Eve, eh Sir?" "Aye. It will be all the merrier when we're sitting atop Horseshoe Ridge, manning our machine guns, with visions of sugarplums dancing in our heads," the Captain laughed. "We'd best get to work."
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0XApE1TCXU/WH0itAbBxuI/AAAAAAAAa6A/v8twhA6kAuYXwD9i9DhY-paknKWe4VQcQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG)
Overview, north is to top left, the entirety of Horseshoe Ridge is displayed, the mass at center, running west (bottom left) to east (top right). The previous two fights took part on the eastern end of Horseshoe Ridge, at top right. The Platoon linked up with the Company CP off camera to bottom center several miles, and now is making a push to take the ridge again. The Marines will enter from the west, the Japanese will be on and around the ridge. The table is, once again, 6' x 4's, and my son and I are playing co-op as the Marines against the Japanese in 15mm, using Ivan Sorensen's rules, "No End In Sight."
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCi6RKXK8wk/WH0i9qyH7WI/AAAAAAAAa6c/CcFvwY_-2b49Zcz-z00yxE3rTM5r6Hu0gCLcB/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG)
The Marine 1st Platoon, reorganized again: Platoon Commander, Platoon Sergeant, two-man M-1917 water-cooled machine gun team, three-man 60mm mortar team, an M-3 Stuart of the Army National Guard's 194th Tank Battalion, and two seven-man rifle squads. The Company Commander, Major Ford, promised help after he tracked down the rest of the platoons. Guess he hasn't found them yet...
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qb5yJBH0KVU/WIEX1uqotPI/AAAAAAAAbOo/5jEF7cvGI2wQiCu7ftlAo4uTqDrYiWIlwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG)
Mortar rounds (blue beads) are targeted all around the Japanese howitzer (bottom left), which is engaging the US tank (top center left), which has just crested the west end of Horseshoe Ridge.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vqRpP7kx4JU/WIEXRPWWqyI/AAAAAAAAbNg/ktN5k0g_ZIoySjc9yw5fLShaYFJis51DACLcB/s1600/IMG_0382.JPG)
A Japanese Lieutenant leads a Banzai charge straight into US guns. To see how the fight went, please check the blog at:
http://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-philippines-fight-4.html
Cut off by a second Japanese landing at Lamon Bay in southern Luzon, Capt Moon and Sgt Carlson reorganized the platoon, working in replacements from 3rd and 4th Platoons, then sited them in a 360 degree perimeter atop Horseshoe Ridge, and waited for the Japanese counterattack. It came the following night, Christmas.
V/R,
Jack
Coooooooool!
Very good, Jack !
Cheers - Phil
Thanks guys.
V/R,
Jack
All,
It's 2245 on 25 December 1941, and 1st Platoon is finally in possession of Horseshoe Ridge, but for how long is anyone's guess. Yesterday afternoon Captain Moon led 1st Platoon, with a big assist from a National Guard M-3 Stuart, in a successful assault to take Horseshoe Ridge. Once the Japanese were evicted, Capt Moon and Sgt Carlson consolidated into a small, 360 degree perimeter. But later that evening Major Ford, their Company Commander, came up, with good news and bad news. The good news was that 3rd and 4th Platoons were stood down, and their men were fed into 1st and 2nd Platoons to bring them back up to strength. With that, 1st Platoon was ordered to hold the entirety of Horseshoe Ridge. The bad news was that General Parker, the US South Luzon Force commander, needed his tank back. Also, Major Ford was taking 2nd Platoon and heading west, assuming a defensive position on a small hill overlooking a bridge, with the understanding that the Marines were not likely going to be able to hold for long, and would soon need to retreat to the west, making their way to Cavite and/ore Manila, to link-up with the rest of the South Luzon force and maybe even the rest of the US troops on Luzon, now withdrawing into the Bataan Peninsula.
With that, you need to understand we're reaching a dark time in the campaign: in real life, the main US force on Luzon is about to voluntarily bottle itself up in the Bataan Peninsula, where it will put up a brave and dogged defense, but ultimately will fall back until there's no more room to fall back, then capitulate. Immediately following that, the Japanese will pound McArthur's headquarters, the island fortress of Corregidor (across from the Bataan Peninsula, in Manila Bay), then launch an amphibious assault that, for all intents and purposes, ended the US resistance in the Philippines in April 1942.
So, the 1st Platoon is but a microcosm of this overall situation. They have taken Horseshoe Ridge and been reconstituted, victories at the tactical level. But the overall situation is that their time in the Philippines is coming to a violent close. While they have a full complement of troops, the food, ammo, and medical supplies they have on hand is all they'll ever have; the platoon is severely outnumbered, surrounded, and cut-off. The only reason they've even lasted this long is because the Japanese have, in the overall scheme of things, been ignoring them, rushing past them from, east to west, to capture Manila.
The time is drawing near where the Platoon will cease to be a coherent fighting force, and more a band of fugitives searching for a means to escape the Philippines.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk1HjPAQB0g/WIEcSw8ho_I/AAAAAAAAbQA/6Dxp0f-wKvYvK0DHNsXxiOfyV-WTDRB6QCLcB/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG)
Overview, north is to top left, the entirety of Horseshoe Ridge is displayed, the mass at center, running west (bottom left) to east (top right). The previous three fights took part on the eastern end of Horseshoe Ridge, at top right, and with the Platoon assaulting the west end of the ridge, at center. The Platoon linked up with the Company CP off camera to bottom center several miles, then came back and finally took the ridge. The Marines, as per their orders (and due to the uncertain disposition of the enemy) are occupying the ridge in its entirety, in a 360 degree perimeter, though it is not a continuous line as they don't have enough troops. The Japanese will be attacking from all points of the compass. The table is, once again, 6' x 4's, and my son and I are playing co-op as the Marines against the Japanese in 15mm, using Ivan Sorensen's rules, "No End In Sight."
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pLNy5FGmTk/WIEcZP7yXsI/AAAAAAAAbQM/3jSdeUu5XAQZs-9k82TDSRGXVRymWi-SgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG)
Overview of the table, with all forces placed on the table. The Marines are on the ridge at center, and everything on the perimeter of the table is Japanese. The Marine position is simple: 1st Squad is at the west end of the ridge (center left, fanned out just below the clump of trees at center). 2nd Squad is in the center, facing north (top), sitting between the two clumps of trees. They have the 60mm mortar team sited in right behind them. The Command Post (Capt Moon, Sgt Carlson, and the sniper) are just to their right (just left of the third clump of trees, at center right top). 3rd Squad is on the east end of the ridge, just on the other side of the clump of trees from the CP, facing east (right). Lastly, the MG team is just right of 3rd Squad, on the finger jutting out to the south (center top right).
In the west, the blinds have been cooperative with the Japanese, allowing them to mass a significant force, with support. They have three rifle squads (bottom left, far left, and just to the right of the village at top left), their 70mm Howitzer (top left), and a sniper (on the left side of the tree clump at top center). They are supported at bottom center and far right, by two MG teams, a Lieutenant, and another sniper.
They also have a decently powerful supplementary attack force on the top right (northeast) corner of the table (top center right), where they have a rifle squad, an officer, an MG team, and a Type 95 tank!
If you haven't figure it out yet, the Japanese are serious about taking Horseshoe Ridge ;) The Marines either need to hold the ridge, or escape the ridge.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GNtbLlNvu2U/WIPWYkXJ_jI/AAAAAAAAbSs/Tb4P0kjJK8AW1DcCLcmkTORCZNfOPBSoQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG)
At the east end of the ridge, the Japanese tank (center) pounds 3rd Squad (top left), while a Type 92 machine gun (far right) lays into 2nd Squad (top center).
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJdQJhgBNYU/WIPX94-9ztI/AAAAAAAAbUo/TNDKQiv5owE7ZMu_pNqlBZuEQLkF-OGDQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0486.JPG)
Looking from east to west, the Marine MG team bottom center finds itself with no targets, but 1st Squad is being overrun in the west (top center), so they take up a supplemental position, facing about to support 1st Squad. To see how the fight went, please check the blog at:
http://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-philippines-fight-5.html
I will say that the Marines still have some semblance of a platoon left, and are moving southeast (away from the Japanese thrust to the northwest), trying to find a way out of the Philippines. But a Japanese patrol stands between the Marines and their means of escape, so stay tuned.
V/R,
Jack
Wow! Heck of a report boss!
Thanks Lemmey, 'twas a helluva fight!
V/R,
Jack
All,
It's 2030 on 6 January 1942, and 1st Platoon is looking for the exit. Alone and cut off in southern Luzon, a Marine Provisional Rifle Company faced off against much superior Imperial Japanese forces. The Marines put up a valiant defense, and they would likely have been completely annihilated had the Japanese not been more focused on by-passing them on their way to the capital city of Manila. Following a series of fights on Horseshoe Ridge, the platoon has suffered more than 50% casualties, and their commander has now come to the decision he must seek an escape from the Philippines for his men and himself. On the run, they ran into a small group of Marines living on rumors of a US Navy ship lying concealed in a cove to the southeast.
Captain Moon and Sgt Carlson kept the Marines moving east on the southern coast of Luzon, but soon they came to a bridge at a small fishing village. Captain Moon wanted to avoid enemy contact at all costs; the Marines were unable to skirt the village to the south due to the ocean, but scouting parties sent north were unable to find a suitable crossing as well.
Captain Moon turned to Sgt Carlson: "well, Cody, I guess we're crossing here." So the Platoon sat tight until nightfall, then sent a squad forward to clear the area before the main body moved to cross.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Emm4ErXB4uk/WI6VkZuv7EI/AAAAAAAAbcA/EJAjhJLIvicua9F9s2xx63Oe9QBJZwrNwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0582.JPG)
Overview of map, north is right. The (fictional) village of Begate is at center, with the river just below it, running north to south. The Marines are entering from the west (top), the Japanese will be spread throughout the village and on the east (bottom) side of the river. The Marine will send a squad forward to secure the crossing; they've got to have a bridge as they're carrying all their wounded. The table is 6' x 4', though we're only using about 4' x 3', and my son and I are playing co-op as the Marines against the Japanese in 15mm, using Ivan Sorensen's rules, "Five Men at Kursk."
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oY3joO6HqnE/WI6U5nY-MuI/AAAAAAAAbbE/xZjf3ptKtSgtgsy_ql6h4aejTYJtOHQTACLcB/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG)
The opposing forces, with US on the right and (potential) Japanese on the left. Finally got the Type 95 tank in the picture. The US force is all from Eureka Minis, while the Japanese are Eureka except for the tank and the three Type 92 Machine Gun teams, which are from Peter Pig. You can really see how much the platoon has suffered, down from 33 able-bodied Marines to 21 (after receiving almost seventeen replacements), out of mortar and machine gun ammunition, low on food, water, and medical supplies.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bu788r4jbRU/WI6WvmIideI/AAAAAAAAbdw/-wL7i0LanDUJjfnvbzaXNO-CmslUeOzpQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0609.JPG)
Fighting is getting up close and personal; Sgt Carlson (center, just behind retaining wall) takes care of three Japanese soldiers himself, two in hand-to hand!
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wrJjjMO8Ws/WI6Xf8OGbmI/AAAAAAAAbe8/-UmgncmKBQ0DCuHsgiDvBK4tXm2Op0_ngCLcB/s1600/IMG_0626.JPG)
But Japanese on the other side of the river (bottom center) prove a problem for Sgt Carlson and his Marines in the village (top right).
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--oaaUs-aZT4/WI6YmPriNaI/AAAAAAAAbgk/jV5bmFNVmeAAFzl7nMPa6aL8ldq_Y7YRgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0650.JPG)
The squad's automatic rifleman takes out a Japanese soldier n the opposite bank (casualty figure at bottom left), as Sgt Thomas leads two Marines across a foot bridge (center left) to deal with another enemy troop (bottom right).
To catch the exciting finish to the Marines' saga in the Philippines, please check the blog at:
http://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-philippines-fight-6.html
The Marines got a move on, looking to get clear of the crossing before dawn brought more Japanese troops. It took awhile, but ultimately Capt Moon and Sgt Carlson were able to locate the US Navy, and make their way out of the Philippines. But it was a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire: the Navy deposited the raggedy, worn out Marines in the Dutch East Indies, which just so happened to be Imperial Japan's next big offensive.
Thus ends our fights in the Fall of the Philippines, with the Marines escaping only to take part in the Fall of the Dutch East Indies, which will be the next set of five to seven fights.
V/R,
Jack
Nice one
Thanks Lemmey.
The saga in the Philippines is over. I added an epilogue to wrap up this chapter, if anyone is interested.
http://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2017/02/1st-platoon-in-philippines-epilogue.html
V/R,
Jack
As always, Jack, you supply wonderfully engaging narrative with your wargaming.
(I hardly ever post from my phone, which insists on changing to "ear gaming" - in a sense that is true. :) )
What little I know about the defense of the Philippines, your narrative captures the look and feel of the period,
Well done!
What d_Guy says :)
Those Marines are a bit like 2rd Indian Motor Brigade, and are in for a "very sticky war"...
Yoiks!
Thanks Guy and TP, I appreciate it, and glad you guys liked the series. The next one (in Sumatra) will look a lot like this: ragtag Marines overwhelmed by Japanese, have to make barn-burning escape. After that we should be taking it to the Japanese; I've got plans to introduce air-to air (a Marine fighter squadron), and I've been reading up and I'm thinking about a US Navy PT Boat squadron as well. We'll see.
V/R,
Jack
We use a small boats rules set sometimes for action in the channel - pop me a PM with an email address Jack and I'll throw you a copy! It's long pit of print so shouldn't be any probs with that :)
TP,
Sent you a PM, thanks!
V/R,
Jack
Love reading your campaign write ups Jack....great stuff as always ;)
Got to say your scenery looks fantastic, especially the river.
Those Marines have not had a easy time so far, and looks like things aren't getting any easier for them when they get to Pelembang.
Keep 'em coming and best of luck to the company....Semper Fi!!!
I'm reminded of W.E.B. Griffin's "The Corps" novels.
Good stuff, look forward to the follow ups.
Cor, must be twenty year since I read those!
Bobby Shaftoe was the hero, iirc? From memory of his exploits he should of won the war on his own by about Feb '42 :D
The first volume, "Semper Fi," mainly focuses on Ken J. 'Killer' McCoy. He's a China Marine, initially gathering intel in and around Shanghai just before America gets involved in WWII. It takes him through the period of Pearl Harbour to the fall of Wake Island in the Phillipines. Lots of other characters throughout the series.
If the series is to be believed, a sizeable proportion of the WW2 USMC were incredibly rich and well connected and every WW2 era woman, regardless of race, occupation, social or marital status, falls in love with a marine in about 60 seconds and into bed with him about two minutes later. If you can stomach that, they are a rollicking good "Boys Own" read with lots of interesting procedural detail "to add verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative." :)
Yeah, those were a bit of inspiration for this, at least in terms of starting in PI rather than Guadalcanal. I only read up to McCoy going into the Solomons with a Coastwatcher, then kind of lost interest.
If the series is to be believed, a sizeable proportion of the WW2 USMC were incredibly rich...
-True, I didn't get poor until I left the service.
...and well connected...
-I regularly hung out with business moguls, politicians, and movie stars while transiting to and from various war zones.
... and every WW2 era woman, regardless of race, occupation, social or marital status, falls in love...
-Ahem, I'm not sure why you would limit that to 'WW2 women.' The question is, how could they not?
...with a marine in about 60 seconds and into bed with him about two minutes later.
-Well, I shan't get vulgar on a wargaming forum, but I believe our reputation is well deserved. You know, sometimes there are myths, and then sometimes there are things the general populace wished were only myths.
Thanks for the setup boys, that was more fun than you could have imagined ;)
V/R,
Jack
Ah ye, Bobby Shaftoe is the character in the Cryptonomicon isn't he :D
I enjoyed the first couple of "Killer" McCoy books but when they started recycling entire chapters by about the third book I rather gave up!
All,
It's 0245 on 24 January 1942 and things are not going the Allies' way. On 11 January 1942 the Imperial Japanese Navy landed troops on the island of Tarakan, only a few miles off the east coast of Borneo, and the Dutch forces were quickly forced to capitulate. The Japanese then began eyeing Borneo-proper, and so they landed troops near the Dutch city of Balikpapan during the evening of 24 24 January 1942, with its oilfields being secured almost immediately. American-British-Canadian-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) Command immediately dispatched a division of US destroyers to the area to ambush the Japanese troop transports.
It was too late to affect the landings and fate of Balikpapan, but a naval fight was stirring nonetheless. The is the first of a series of games I intend on doing in support of my US Marine saga in the Pacific during World War II. I'm not sure how far I'll go with this, how long it will last, but it enjoy it for now ;) I had missed Mr David Manley's initial post, but caught it in a re-post by my buddy Jim ("Boggler"); 6 August is "International Naval Wargames Day," and I was sufficiently inspired to give it a shot, actually getting three games in.
There is a new set of rules out and, as always, I'm busy modifying them to suit my purposes. I'll drop a few hints, let's see if you figure it out ;) All three games were played with this new mish-mash of rules, though I did change some things in the third game from the first two.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rjquiF2_n6s/WYeEadbBhGI/AAAAAAAAfIY/CcjYOmr6cykiH5iRgs36WJR1cBje_XBegCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3739.JPG)
Overview, north is up, with the Japanese force at top left and the ABDA force at bottom right. The table is 3' x 3' and ugly (I apologize, but it's good enough for my purposes). That's part of Borneo, with the city of Balikpapan up there at top. The Japanese force is three patrol boats (former US WW I-era destroyers and five troop transports (there were more transports/merchant ships there in real life, I've only got five so these will have to do), while the ABDA force is four US destroyers.
The Japanese patrol boats are there to protect the troopships, which are still offloading troops and supplies, while the ABDA force is after those transports and merchantmen. Earlier in the day there were strong Japanese surface forces in the area, but they'd pulled back after Dutch bombers arrived and bombed the task force. The ABDA ships want to get in, hit the transports, and escape before the Japanese surface force (with lots of heavy and light cruisers) returns.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0U4Cdni_-9g/WYeFO73yvMI/AAAAAAAAfJ8/KTVXh-vgxqg_cGwkqSaDX8q0fm8zFd20ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3766.JPG)
The USS Pope (top right) steams by the Japanese patrol boat, P-38, which is dead in the water due to gunfire from the Pope and Ford, though torpedoes have just crippled the USS Ford. To see how the fight went, please check the blog at:
http://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-naval-battle-of-balikpapan.html
Well, I had a great time, I hope you did too! I'll be the first to admit I have precious little knowledge of naval warfare or wargaming, but that was a rip-roaring fight from start to finish. I liked how the command and control/activation system worked, I just need to tighten up some things with torpedoes and damage control, and remember to use the damn morale checks when a buddy/leader sinks or leaves the fight. Also, I may have movement ranges too long; I'll try it again this way, then make a change for the third game, if I need to. Happy International Naval Wargames Day!
V/R,
Jack
Interesting game, and effective board.
What struck me was that you haven't based your ships. :-\
Great report, love the table too.
Nice thread and very good looking games
Ooh, very nice =P~
Cracking good fun!
=D> :-bd
An interesting game from a very interesting period of the Pacific war
What scale are your ships? I'm also interested in why you haven't based them
What ships are you using a stand ins for the US DDs, they look to be short a couple of stacks, Fletcher's maybe ;)
No idea what rules you are using but then we use rules from the 70s :)
We tend to use cotton for smoke but it does help show what is happening
I might have to think about dyeing some cotton wool a suitable colour for wakes :-\
Quote from: paulr on 08 August 2017, 10:11:19 PM
What scale are your ships? I'm also interested in why you haven't based them
What ships are you using a stand ins for the US DDs, they look to be short a couple of stacks, Fletcher's maybe ;)
Quote from: fsn on 08 August 2017, 06:45:11 AM
Interesting game, and effective board.
What struck me was that you haven't based your ships. :-
I'm guessing they are war at sea minis (axis and allies naval miniatures, prepainted)
Correct me if i'm wrong jack ;)
Wow, thanks for all the replies! I'm glad you guys liked it, I had a blast, and there are two more to post, and then I plan on playing out a few more for DEI. Of course I also have my Marine platoon, and I plan on mixing a US Marine fighter squadron in as well, so my WWII in the Pacific saga is growing to be much more than just following a single rifle platoon.
FSN - Effective; yep, that's a good term for my ugly table ;) For you and PaulR, the ships aren't based because they are Axis and Allies War at Sea, which I understand to be somewhere in the range of 1/1800 scale. And not only are the ships unbased, they're not even painted! At least not by me, they come prepainted ;)
But why is having the ships un-based striking you guys as so odd? I understand basing 1/6000, maybe even 1/3000 ships, but I thought it was pretty common to not base 1/1200 or 1/1800 WWII to modern ships?
PaulR - Yeah, I don't have any early war stuff; don't have much at all, and it will have to pass as what I need simply by class. I have Japanese and American, with each side having 12 DDs (all of the same class), 6 CLs (all of the same class), one CA, one BB, and two CVs. Then I have a couple odds and ends; so the Japanese patrol boats in this scenario, which are supposed to be former US WWI-era destroyers, are actually US DEs (Samuel B Roberts-class), while the US DDs are all later war Kidd-class.
The rules are homegrown, still playtesting them. I think the cotton wool isn't the best solution, but I wanted the ability to show what's happening without editing each and every photo (as I do in my air-to air games), and so it's the best solution that's easy to implement. Someone mentioned using sand, but I don't want to show the tracks for the whole game, just one turn at a time, and I can't figure an efficient way of picking all the sand up at the end of each turn. So I'll continue to use cotton wool, and just try and mash it down on the blue sheet to make it appear more flat.
Peter's post just arrived, and he's got me dead to rights! ;) I'm cheap and lazy, so the Axis and Allies War at Sea stuff is great, mostly. The big problem I'm having right now is that I need more CAs for both sides (only have one each), and that's not going to cut it for some of the fights I want to have...
V/R,
Jack
Quote from: bigjackmac on 08 August 2017, 11:06:06 PM
FSN - Effective; yep, that's a good term for my ugly table ;) For you and PaulR, the ships aren't based because they are Axis and Allies War at Sea, which I understand to be somewhere in the range of 1/1800 scale. And not only are the ships unbased, they're not even painted! At least not by me, they come prepainted ;)
But why is having the ships un-based striking you guys as so odd? I understand basing 1/6000, maybe even 1/3000 ships, but I thought it was pretty common to not base 1/1200 or 1/1800 WWII to modern ships?
It's a new world to me and one that I don't need in my head, thank you very much.
I have 1:600 ships and they're based. They are based because I'm a
klutz and would probably break, bend or bow something if I picked them up by the model. Also, most ship models you see have the name, class, speed, date, armamemt, name of captain and number and type of pet aboard printed on them. I stick to name, and that's just to differentiate ships of the same class.
Aesthetically, having no base could be seen as an improvement. A lot of bases are very different colours from the cloths they sail over.
Quote from: bigjackmac on 08 August 2017, 11:06:06 PM
Peter's post just arrived, and he's got me dead to rights! ;) I'm cheap and lazy, so the Axis and Allies War at Sea stuff is great, mostly. The big problem I'm having right now is that I need more CAs for both sides (only have one each), and that's not going to cut it for some of the fights I want to have...
V/R,
Jack
I have made some great deals on the axis and allies miniature forum. They have a great marketplace.
http://forumini.boards.net/board/20/marketplace
also if you are looking for minis, use this one, gives you each mini ever made for WAS and you can go looking for specific ships, classes etc...
Makes it easier to see what's available.
http://was.tamgc.net/
I would have helped you out, but i traded away all my IJN and US ships with someone of my game group. He does the pacific and i do european forces and russia, so have nothing left that you could use :)
FSN - Gotcha man, but these are hard plastic, even a little rubbery, so no worries about breaking them, and they're big enough for me to be able to tell different classes easily. Regarding differentiating ships within the same class, I actually took a fine pointed-pen and drew a little hull number on the port bow of each of them. That and I don't use so many ships per fight that I can easily lose track ;)
Peter - Thanks man, I need to look into that link you provided, I really need some US and Japanese CAs.
V/R,
Jack
All,
It's 2220 on 19 February 1942, and all hands are at their battle stations, ready for surface contact. On 18 February 1942, the Japanese landed a battalion of infantry on the island of Bali, and immediately set to preparing an airfield for their air forces. An airfield on Bali would threaten the American-British-Canadian-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) naval base at Surabaya, and so naval surface forces were marshalled and sent to intercept the Japanese fleet. First up, two ABDA submarines attacked the Japanese, but were easily driven off without causing any damage to the enemy. Then US bombers attacked, moderately damaging a Japanese troopship.
Following the air attack, the bulk of the Japanese combat ships (a cruiser and three destroyers) departed the area; the two troop transports were still conducting ship to shore operations, but finished up and got underway during the evening of 19 February 1942. As they began moving out to sea, ABDA surface ships arrived in the area. The problem was that ABDA command suffered from language barriers, diffused command, interservice- and international rivalry, and being caught off balance, so the ABDA ships dispatched to intercept the Japanese troopships was not only too late to affect the invasion, they were actually split into two separate forces which arrived in the battle area at two separate times.
So the Battle of Badung Strait was fought in two phases, one for each of the arriving groups of ABDA ships, and somehow my little wargames actually followed this pattern, though for a little bit different reasons.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPYoDHzefLM/WYeH42L3hcI/AAAAAAAAfMo/QjngVexfCpk8bqDZqBJ6-uGEvyaijR3bACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3806.JPG)
Overview, north is up. At left (top left, off camera to left, the two abutments at top center, and bottom left) is the island of Bali, with the point at left center being Cape Tafel and the little island just above it being Serangan. The big island at far right is Besar (which apparently is now called Penida?), the smaller island to its left is Ceningan, and the mid-size island just above it Lembongan. The Japanese are in two groups, at top left and top center, heading northeast (top right) to open ocean. The ABDA force is at bottom left, heading north on a bearing of 040.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iJV4aNbBhA/WYeIGJTqFQI/AAAAAAAAfM8/vak_pGfeRpkXS_pbLz_2MyvyYqSJa4NrQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3813.JPG)
The Japanese (bottom left) get the drop on the Allies, with the Asashio and Oshio swinging to starboard and launching torpedoes at the Dutch cruisers (top center). To see how the fight went, please check the blog at:
http://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-battle-of-badung-strait-i.html
The rules are working like a champ, but I do want to slow things down just a tad. I'm only playing on a 3' x 3' table (my 8' x 6' table is covered with other stuff right now), and the current move rates are a bit too ambitious, so I'm going to halve them for the next fight and see how that goes.
V/R,
Jack
Great to see you are enjoying some Naval games Jack :)
Once we finish our Solomons Campaign we should refight these battles as I have most if not all the ships
We should have done them earlier this year to mark the 75th anniversaries
Good fight guv
Thanks Paul, I appreciate it, and your campaign sounds cool.
Lemmey - Thanks, luv ;)
V/R,
Jack
Two fast and furious games you have played so far Jack.....those Japanese Long Lance torpedoes are pretty nasty!
Great battle reports as usual....I don't know how you find the time to get so much gaming done 8)
Looking forward to your Marine fighter squadron campaign - are you going to start them on a (reasonably) level playing field by allowing them F4F Wildcats or will they be up against Zeroes in F2A Buffaloes - now that would be a challenge ;)
Good luck to ABDA in their next fight, hope they can rescue the two Dutch cruiser crews successfully.
Pierre,
Hey buddy, thanks for commenting, and glad you like the naval fights! I don't know how I get so much gaming in either; certainly the wife has her (legitimate) complaints ;) Simple and quick is the name of the game for me, and that does help.
The Marine fighter squadron's nickname is "The Dirt Divers," and yes, they'll be starting off with Wildcats, not Buffaloes, I'd like some of them to survive the war! And then they'll be transitioning to Corsairs in 1943.
The third ABDA fight is coming up, probably Monday morning, hope you like it.
V/R,
Jack
All,
It's 0245 on 20 February 1942, and several hours ago American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) surface forces were severely beaten after being dispatched to see off a Japanese convoy landing troops on the island of Bali. While the ABDA force was able to destroy the two Japanese troopships (and they'd already landed their infantry), two Dutch light cruisers were sunk, and the three accompanying destroyers were damaged heavily enough that they were forced to leave the area without picking up the survivors from the HNLMS Java and HNLMS De Ruyter. The Japanese had four destroyers escorting the two sunken troopships, two of which were heavily damaged, so the Japanese retired towards Bali, into Benoa Bay, in order to conduct repair of their damaged ships before getting back under way and escaping to the open ocean, ideally before sunrise brought more ABDA bombers.
What the Japanese didn't know was that another surface force had been dispatched by ABDA command, and they were nearing the east coast of Bali. Their initial mission had been to intercept and destroy the Japanese invasion force of Bali, but the first ABDA surface group informed them the enemy troopships had been taken. Now the ABDA force entered the battle area with one mission: recover the survivors from the sunken Dutch cruisers Java and De Ruyter.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xtf6GKPQRt8/WYeLJNLxp9I/AAAAAAAAfQk/oxJVPRufaV8kMh4_DsV9L1_Gvy_sUT-xQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3868.JPG)
Overview, north is up. At left (top left, off camera to left, the two abutments at top center, and bottom left) is the island of Bali, with the point at left center being Cape Tafel and the little island just above it being Serangan. The big island at far right is Besar (which apparently is now called Penida?), the smaller island to its left is Ceningan, and the mid-size island just above it Lembongan. The Japanese destroyers are in Benoa Bay (far left), repairing their ships, while the ABDA force is at top right, heading southwest into the battle area.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VfF6d9oeKnA/WYeL6rTfacI/AAAAAAAAfR8/88nRA0JY8Bo6ZyQeHuXvrVrX7vw3Dad_QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3892.JPG)
With the US destroyers in the north already pounding the Michishio (top right), the Tromp's 6" guns are unleashed on the Arashio (top center), getting two solid hits, badly damaging the Japanese division leader. Please check the blog to see how the fight turned out:
http://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-battle-of-badung-strait-ii.html
Wow, that went much better than I expected, and I was really quite concerned that I was about to lose three light cruisers in two fights, against nothing but Japanese destroyers. I swear I don't have anything against the Dutch! ;)
The fights were a lot of fun, and I think I like it a bit more now that I cut down the movement ranges. Other than that, the rules are working like a champ, giving a fast and furious game that I hope at least somewhat looks and sounds like a WWII naval surface action.
Thus closes out the three naval games I played on International Naval Wargames Day 2017. I'm not sure what's up next, I've so many projects in mind, but I promise I'll be gaming this coming weekend, and you'll like it! ;)
V/R,
Jack
Good report Jack!
Another great report Jack :)
I definitely need to get these scenarios sorted so we can play them after our Solomons campaign
Really good stuff!
Really enjoyable. :D
Look forward to more.
Quote from: bigjackmac on 14 August 2017, 03:40:15 PM
(...) I've so many projects in mind,
:)
You are what you are ! ( and we like it !)
;)
Hey, thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the kind words, motivation to keep going!
Paul - For what it's worth, the reason I always take photos the way I do at the beginning of the batrep (the overall table, the forces) is so that anyone interested can just lift the scenario and use it themselves.
Ronan - I do what I can, but I need some more inspiration (from you on your blog)! ;)
V/R,
Jack
Quote from: bigjackmac on 16 August 2017, 01:12:37 PM
(...) For what it's worth, the reason I always take photos the way I do at the beginning of the batrep (the overall table, the forces) is so that anyone interested can just lift the scenario and use it themselves.
A good idea I've borrowed from you, I'm trying to do the same.. When I don't forget... :-[
Quote from: bigjackmac on 16 August 2017, 01:12:37 PM
Ronan - I do what I can, but I need some more inspiration (from you on your blog)! ;)
You're very nice ! I don't have much time to play linked games.. ( I had some 2mm Bloody Big Battles).
I didn't even have time to paint the last minis I bought from Pendraken ! :'(
I'm thinking about something... WW2, France 1940, with a medic .... it's a secret ( I hope it'll be ready in september )
Ronan,
Well buddy, I hope you find some time soon! I've seen your BBB reports, and they're cool, but I really miss your old Spanish Civil War and French-German/Soviet-German battles with FoF and CoC.
I can't wait to see you secret project! ;)
V/R,
Jack
An education and an inspiration =D>
Too much flattery, SV52, but very much appreciated :P ;) ;D ;D
V/R,
Jack
Really nice to see someone refighting the ABDA battles!
Just bought some ships for those fights too; should be fun... I guess...
Cheers,
Rob
(Netherlands!)
I look forward to seeing the ships
We've done the Battle of the Java Sea and Jack has inspired me to put together scenarios for the other battles
Most are fairly one sided, the key will be to come up with suitable victory conditions :-\
Excellent Rob, I hope to see you post some pics/battle reports!
Paul - I'm looking at doing the Battle of Java Sea, but breaking it up into smaller portions and levelling the playing field between ABDA and IJN a bit. Plus I don't have enough CAs to do the whole thing anyway...
V/R,
Jack
A good approach :)
I have more than enough CAs :-[ ;) :)
You could always do a "what if" and deploy a couple of these bad boys Jack:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_1047_battlecruiser
Japanese CA problem sorted ;)
Good idea to split up the Java Sea battle as it was fought in several distinct phases.
Look forward to seeing how things turn out.
We should be progressing Turn 3 of our Solomons Campaign in the next couple of weeks.
Paul - Well send some my way! ;) Actually, I'm using Axis and Allies War at Sea minis, and Peter provided a link where I might be able to get some CAs at a reasonable price, I just haven't followed up yet.
Pierre - Nah man, I mean I don't physically have enough CAs, I only own one Japanese CA and one US CA. Plenty of DEs, DDs, CLs, got a BB and two CVs per side, but only one CA per side. I've even thought of using DEs as DDs, DDs as CLs, and CLs as CAs, but I need to check Peter's link.
Regarding splitting Java Sea into different phases, I need to do some homework, but I think it will make it a more level playing field as well. I can't wait to get to the Solomons myself!
V/R,
Jack
Mine are 1/3,000 so wrong scale for you Jack ;)
Quote from: bigjackmac on 01 September 2017, 03:06:07 PM
Pierre - Nah man, I mean I don't physically have enough CAs, I only own one Japanese CA and one US CA. Plenty of DEs, DDs, CLs, got a BB and two CVs per side, but only one CA per side. I've even thought of using DEs as DDs, DDs as CLs, and CLs as CAs, but I need to check Peter's link.
I know what you mean Jack. Your ABDA naval battle reports to date look fine with a few stand-ins. :-bd
I like to tinker with historical scenarios by adding what-if bits to them sometimes - just to see what might have happened.
Paul and I invested in quite a large Navwar 1/3000 order a few years ago so we can cover most WW2 navies pretty comprehensively, though I have acquired a few more since then as well ;)
Ahh, that's cool, I didn't realize you two (Pierre and Paul) were wargaming pals! In retrospect, I wish I'd have have gone 1/3000, but I'm lazy and put a lot more stock in the fact the were pre-painted ;)
So yeah, pretty much everything is going to be stand-ins (I'm happy if I can just get the right size of ship), and I'll soon be getting to some what ifs.
V/R,
Jack
Just ordered two CAs for Allies and Japanese (each). Regular service shall be resumed shortly ;)
V/R,
Jack
I'll Get you a list Later on with all the usable axis and allies minis for warships from ww2. A lot of the sculpts van be used for sister ships.
Here you go Jack:
how it works:
for example: 2} Van Galen (Set 2) and Tjerk Hiddes, and see british Javelin
2 means there were two of this type, then it gives you the names of the ships, and when there is a set number next to the name, this means there is a war at sea mini in that particular set.(there are 6 sets in war at sea) will also mention if another official mini from a different nation can be used (in this case the british javelin was exactly the same class of ship as the van galen, the netherlands bought/got the ship from the british)
if there is no usable miniature, it will state as such.
if you see NL} before an entry, that means there were a lot of said type of ships. It means no limit for building fleets in the war at sea miniature game.
something like this: "4} Witte De With (Set 4) +7 Admiralen class, 2 A class, and 9 A and 9 B class " means there were 4 exact types like the ship mentioned + a bunch of ships that resembled the before mentioned ship
Netherlands (KM)
Cruisers
1} DeRuyter (Set 2)
Destroyers
2} Van Galen (Set 2) and Tjerk Hiddes, and see british Javelin
4} Witte De With (Set 4) +7 Admiralen class, 2 A class, and 9 A and 9 B class
Submarines
2} Svaardvisch (Set 2) + Tijger Haai
NL} K XVI + K XIV, K XV, K XVII, and K XVIII proxy with us S 37 mini (close enough proxy) (set 4)
Australia (RAN)
Aviation Units
NL} A-29 Kittyhawk use P-40E Warhawk mini (set 5)
NL} DAP Beaufort Mk. VIII could proxy with Beaufighter TF Mk X (Set 2)
Cruisers
2} Australia (Set 5), Canberra (Set 1) and Shropshire, + see Kent
3} Sydney (Set 1), Perth and Hobart, + see Ajax and Leander
Destroyers
3} Arunta (Set 2) + Warramunga and Bataan, + see Cossack and Haida
NL} Nizam (Starter) + Napier, Nepal, Nestor, and Norman, and see Javelin
2} Vampire + Vendetta, + Waterhen and Voyager? use witte de with miniature (Set 4)
Canada (RCN)
Cruisers
1} Uganda (Set 4) and Ontario, + see Jamaica
Destroyers
NL} St. Laurent (Set 5) +4 C, 2 D, 1 E, 2 F, 9 D, 7 E, 7 F, and 1 E class
2} Algonquin (Set 6) + Sioux
NL} Haida (Set 2) + Iroquois, Athabaskan, and Huron
NL} Sackville (Set 3) +115, 103, 10, 25, 4, 1, 6, and 2 Flower class
New Zealand (RNZN)
Cruisers
2} Leander (Set 3) and Achilles, + see Ajax and Sydney
1} Gambia use Jamaica (Set 2) or uganda (Set 4) mini
United Kingdom (RN)
Aviation Units
NL} Beaufighter TF Mk X (Set 2)
NL} Seafire Mk III no official mini
NL} Mosquito Mk VI no official mini
NL} Martlet Mk II (Set 3)
NL} Skua Mk II no official mini
NL} Sea Hurricane Mk IB (Set 1)
NL} Fulmar Mk II (could use barracuda)
NL} Swordfish Mk II (Set 1), Swordfish Mk. I (Set 6)
NL} Barracuda Mk II (Set 2)and as Fulmar
NL} Halifax GR Mk V (Set 2)
NL} Short Sunderland Mk 1 (Set 4)
Aircraft Carriers
2} Indefatigable + Implacable could proxy with Illustrious (set 2) /Victorious (set 4)
1} Ark Royal (Set 1)
4} Illustrious (Set 2), Victorious (Set 4) + Formidable and Indomitable
2} Glorious (Set 5) + Courageous
1} Furious proxy with Glorious (Set 5)
1} Eagle (Set 6)
NL} Fencer (Set 2), Nabob +7 Attacker class and 25 Ruler class
1} Hermes no official mini
Battleships
1} Lion and Temeraire, + Conqueror and Thunderer (never laid down) could proxy with Prince of Wales (set 3) /King George V (set 2)
1} Vanguard could proxy with Prince of Wales (set 3) /King George V (set 2)
2} Rodney (Set 1), Nelson (Set 6)
NL} King George V (Set 2), Prince of Wales (Set 3) + Duke of York, Anson, and Howe
1} Hood (Set 1) +3 cancelled pre-war?
NL} Warspite (Set 2), Barham + Valiant, Queen Elizabeth, and Malaya
2} Repulse (Set 3), Renown
NL} Royal Oak (Set 4) +3 Revenge class and Royal Sovereign (til '44)/ Arkhangelsk ('44 on)
2} Roberts + Abercrombie
Cruisers
NL} Kent (Set 2), Suffolk , + Berwick, Cumberland, Cornwall, London, Sussex, Devonshire, Dorsetshire, and Norfolk, + see Australia and Canberra
2} Exeter (Set 1) + York
2} Hawkins (Set 6) and Frobisher, + Effingham and Raleigh (wrecked pre-war), and as Adelaide?
NL} Ajax (Set 1) + Neptune and Orion, and see Sydney and Leander
NL} Jamaica (Set 2) +8 Colony class and 2 Minotaur class, + see Uganda and Gambia
NL} Sheffield (Set 6) +4 Southampton and 3 Gloucester class
2} Belfast (Set 3) + Edinburgh
4} Penelope + Arethusa, Aurora, and Galatea could proxy with Sydney(Set 1)
NL} Dunedin + Danae, Dauntless, Delhi, Durban, Despatch, Diomede use Dragon miniature (set 6 polish mini)
NL} Euryalus (Set 5) +10 Dido class, 2 Bellona class, and 3 Bellona class
Destroyers
NL} Glowworm +7 G, 8 H, 6 Havant, and 11 I class, + see Vasilissa Olga (set 4 greek mini)
NL} Javelin (Set 1) +7 J and 8 K class, Piorun, and see Nizam and Van Galen
NL} Saumarez (Set 3) +12 S/T, 14 U/V, 16 W/Z, and 32 C class, + 1 S/T and 2 S/T
NL} Cossack (Set 4) +15 Tribal class
NL} Electra +8 E and 9 F class use HMCS St. Laurent mini (set 5)
NL} Swale (Set 5) +65 River class and 12, 68, 6, 1, and 2 SAN River class + 2 Ashville class
NL} Ledbury +26 Hunt (Type II) could proxy with Halcyon (Set 6)
Torpedo Boats
NL} Vosper MTB (Set 6) +296 Vosper 70' ?
Auxiliaries
NL} Manxman + Abdiel, Apollo, Ariadne, Latona, and Welshman no official mini
NL} Halcyon (Set 6) +20 Halcyon class
Submarines
NL} Truculent (Set 1), Triton (Set B) +50 T class
NL} Upholder +48 U class can proxy with Ambra (Set 1 italian mini)
United States (USN)
Aviation Units
NL} F4F Wildcat (Set 1) + and (Post-war)?
NL} F6F Hellcat (Set 2) + and
NL} USMC F4U Corsair (Set 4), F4U-1D Corsair (Set 6) + and and (Post-war)
NL} P-40E Warhawk (Set 5)
NL} P-38G Lightning no official miniature
NL} SBD Dauntless (Set 1), SBD-3 Dauntless
NL} SB2C Helldiver (Set 3)
NL} TBD Devastator (Set 1) and as Skua
NL} TBF Avenger (Set 2), TBF1 Avenger (Starter)
NL} B-25 Mitchell (Set 2)
NL} B-24D Liberator (Set 4)
NL} B-17E Flying Fortress no official miniature
NL} PBM-3 Mariner could proxy with Sunderland(Set 4)
NL} PBY Catalina (Set 1), PBY Black Cat (Set 5)
Aircraft Carriers
NL} Intrepid (Set 3), Essex (Set 5), Bunker Hill +7 "short hull" Essex class, 7 "long hull" Ticonderoga class, and 9 Ticoderoga class built after the war, +2 cancelled?
2} Saratoga (Set 2), Lexington (Set 4)
3} Enterprise (Set 1), Yorktown (Set 2), and Hornet (Set 6)
1} Wasp (Set 6)
1} Ranger could proxy with Wasp(set 6)
NL} Princeton (Set 1), Independence + 7 Independence class
NL} St. Lo (Set 1), Guadalcanal (Set 6) +48 Casablanca class and 11 Bogue class
Battleships
1} Montana (Set 6) of 5 planned
4} Iowa (Set 1), Missouri (Set 2) New Jersey (Set 6), and Wisconsin (+2 planned Iowa class?)
2} Washington (Set 1), North Carolina (Set 3)
4} Massachusetts (Set 2) South Dakota + Alabama, and Indiana
3} West Virginia (Set 4) + Colorado and Maryland + Washington? (sunk pre-war)
2} Tennessee (Set 1), California (Set 2)
3} Mississippi + New Mexico and Idaho coud proxy with Arizona (Set 3)
2} Arizona (Set 3) + Pennsylvania
2} Nevada (Set 5) + Oklahoma? (Never repaired)
2} Texas + New York could proxy with Nevada (Set 5)
2} Arkansas + Wyoming no official miniature
Cruisers
2} Alaska (Set 3) + Guam (+ Hawaii and 3 planned Alaska class?)
NL} Baltimore (Set 1), Quincy (Set 5) +9 Baltimore class and 3 completed after the war, +1 cancelled
NL} San Francisco (Set 2), New Orleans +5 New Orleans class
NL} Houston (Set 4) +5 Northampton class
2} Indianapolis + Portland can proxy with Houston (Set 4)
2} Salt Lake City (Set 1) + Pensacola
NL} Cleveland (Set 2), Montpelier (Starter) +10 Cleveland class and 6 commissioned after the war, +25 planned? (Not counting the 9 hulls converted into Princeton class Carriers)
NL} Boise (Set 1), Phoenix (Set 6) +5 Brooklyn class
NL} Atlanta (Set 1), San Diego (Set 3) +2 Atlanta class and 4 Oakland class
NL} Richmond (Set 3) +8 Omaha class and Milwaukee/ Murmansk
Destroyers
NL} Phelps (Set 3) +7 Porter class and 5 Somers class
NL} Laffey (Set 2), Allen M Sumner (Set 4) and 56 Sumner class and 83 Gearing class +9 cancelled?
NL} Fletcher (Set 1), Hoel (Set 2), Kidd (Set 3), Taylor (Starter), Johnston and 170 Fletcher class +11 cancelled?
NL} Wainwright +11 Sims class could proxy with Bagley (Set 5)
NL} Gwin+29 Benson class and 62 Gleaves class could proxy with Fletcher(Set 1)/Hoel(Set 2)/Taylor(Starter)/Kidd(Set 3)
NL} Bagley (Set 5) +7 Bagley class and 4 Gridley class
NL} Smith +17 Mahan class could proxy with Bagley (Set 5)
NL} Edsall (Set 6) + 133, 18, 3, and 1 Clemson class, and 68, 23, 6, 1, 5, and 8 Wickes class
NL} Samuel B. Roberts (Set 1), John C. Butler (Set 2) +81 John C. Butler class and 22 Rudderow class
Torpedo Boats
NL} PT Boat (Set 1) +98 Higgins 78', 118 Elco 80', 27 Higgins 78', 30 Elco 80', and 5 T-21
Auxiliary Units
NL} Gunston Hall (Set 3) +7 Ashland and 13 Casa Grande class, + 4 Casa Grande class
1} Langly (AV-3)
NL} LST (Set 6) + about 1,000 LST (2)'s, + 73, 6, 6, and 1
NL} Neosho (AO-23) +29 Cimarron class and 6 post-war
NL} American Victory (Set 6) +530 Victory Ship class
NL} Jeremiah O'Brien (Set 1) + about 2,522 Liberty class, + 7, 4, 13, 2, 12, about 150, and about 40
Submarines
NL} Barb (Set 1), Archerfish (Set 2) +76 Gato, 127 Balao, and 19 Tench class, + 2 Balao class
NL} Gudgeon +11 Tambor class could proxy with Archerfish/Barb (see above for set)
NL} S-37 (Set 4) +18 "S" class and 5 "Group 1" S class
Japan (IJN)
Aviation Units
NL} N1K1 "George" (Set 4)
NL} A7M2 "Sam" , A6M2 "Zeke (Set 1), A6M2 Kamikaze "Zero" (Set 2), A6M5 "Zeke" (Set 3), Elite A6M2 "Zero" (Set 6)
NL} A6M2-N "Rufe" (Set 5)
NL} D4Y "Judy" (Set 2)
NL} D3A "Val" (Set 1)
NL} KI-51 "Sonia" could proxy with D3A "Val" (Set 1)
NL} B7A2 "Grace" no official miniature
NL} B6N "Jill" (Set 3)
NL} B5N "Kate" (Set 1), B5N2 Type 97 Attack Bomber (Set 6)
NL} Ki-67 "Peggy" could proxy with G4M "Betty" (Set 1), G4M1 "Betty" (Starter)
NL} G4M "Betty" (Set 1), G4M1 "Betty" (Starter)
NL} H8K "Emily" (Set 2)
Aircraft Carriers
1} Shinano could proxy with Taihō (Set 6)
1} Akagi (Set 1)
1} Kaga (Set 5)
2} Shokaku (Set 1), Zuikaku (Set 2)
1} Taihō (Set 6) +5 planned?
1} Hiryu could proxy with Soryu (Set 3)
1} Soryu (Set 3)
3} Unryū + Amagi and Katsuragi, Kasagi and Aso, +2 unnamed Unryū class and 9 Ikoma class (cancelled) could proxy with Soryu (Set 3)
2} Junyō (Set 4) + Hiyō
1} Ryūjō (Set 6)
3} Taiyō + Chūyō and Unyō could proxy with Taihō (Set 6)
2} Shoho (Set 1) + Zuiho, and as full-deck versions of Chitose and Chiyoda?
1} Hosho could proxy with Shoho (Set 1)
Battleships
1} Tsushima could proxy with Yamato (Set 1), Musashi (Set 2)
2} Yamato (Set 1), Musashi (Set 2), Sho-Go Yamato (Set 6) + incomplete BB #111 and planned BB #797?
2} Nagato (Set 3) and Mutsu
2} Yamashiro (Set 2), Fuso (Set 4)
2} Ise (Set 5), Hyūga
1} Tanigawa of 6 planned (B-65 class) no official miniature
4} Kongo (Set 1), Haruna (Set 2), Kirishima (Set 5), + Hiei
Cruisers
4} Myoko (Set 1), Nachi (Set 2), Haguro (Starter) + Ashigara
4} Atago (Set 5), Maya + Takao and Chōkai
2} Aoba (Set 3) + Kinugasa
2} Furutaka + Kako looks exactly the same as Aoba miniature (Set 3)
4} Suzuya (Set 4), Mogami (Set 6) + Mikuma and Kumano
2} Tone (Set 1), Chikuma (Set 4)
2} Oi (Set 3) + Kitakami and 3 Kuma class
3} Jintsu (Set 1), Naka (Set 6) + Sendai
NL} Nagara + Isuzu, Yura, Natori, Kinu, and Abukuma can be proxied with Jintsu (Set 1), Naka (Set 6)
4} Yahagi (Set 2), Agano (Set 4) + Noshiro and Sakawa
1} Yubari no official miniature
Destroyers
1} Shimakaze can be proxied with Yukikaze/Isokaze/Hatsukaze
NL} Yukikaze (Set 1), Isokaze (Set 2), Hatsukaze (Set 6) +16 Kagero class, 19 Yugumo class, and 4 Akatsuki class
NL} Asagumo +9 Asashio class can be proxied with Yukikaze/Isokaze/Hatsukaze
NL} Akitsuki (Set 2), Terutsuki (Starter) +10 Akizuki class
NL} Shigure (Set 3), Murasame (Set 4) +8 Shiratsuyu class and 6 Hatsuharu class
NL} Nagatsuki (Set 5) +11 Mutsuki class, 9 Kamikaze class, and 15 Minekaze class
NL} Fubuki +23 Fubuki class can be proxied with Yukikaze/Isokaze/Hatsukaze
NL} Matsu (Set 4) +17 Matsu class and 14 Tachibana class, +9 cancelled?
NL} T-13 Sub Chaser (Set 1) +48 Type 13 class
Auxiliary Units
2} Chitose (Set 5) + Chiyoda
2} Akitsu Maru + Nigitsu Maru no official miniature
NL} T1 Landing Ship (Set 3) +20 Type 1 Landing Ships and 13 cancelled?
NL} Kinai Maru (Set 1) +5 Kinai Maru and 5 Kamikawa Maru class
NL} Iro +6 Notoro class can be proxied with nordmark (Set 1 german miniature)
NL} Daihatsu Landing Craft (Set 6) +3,228 planned?
Submarines
2} I-400 + I-401 no official miniature
NL} I-19 (Set 1), I-26 (Set 2), I-25 (Starter) +17 B1 Type Submarines
NL} RO-50 (Set 5) +17 R0-35 class (of 79 planned)
Thanks Peter, but don't sweat it, it's not necessary. As Lemmey and Phil always call me, I'm a simple man ;)
So for me, any allied CA can be any allied CA throughout the war, just as any Japanese CL will be any Japanese CL I need it to be throughout the war. I'm not picky, I just want ships to be vaguely the right size relative to other ships :o :o :o And I don't want to put any more money into it! I do wish I'd have gone with NAVWAR's excellent 1/3000 range, but I've already sunk all this money into the Axis and Allies stuff, so it will have to do.
EDIT: Goodness, I see I'm too late! Well, thanks for all the hard work Peter, you're too kind!
V/R,
Jack
I hope that was a list you had prepared earlier Peter ;)
A perfectly reasonable approach with the ships Jack :)
It contrasts with mine, the Allies are in the correct camouflage for late 1942, or when they were launched. The Japanese are in the correct grey for the shipyards where they had their last major refit :-B
Quote from: bigjackmac on 03 September 2017, 07:21:42 PM
EDIT: Goodness, I see I'm too late! Well, thanks for all the hard work Peter, you're too kind!
Quote from: paulr on 03 September 2017, 07:29:56 PM
I hope that was a list you had prepared earlier Peter ;)
That is a list i lifted of the war at sea forum and that i trimmed all the A&A info out off, since that would probably just confuse someone who doesn't know that game ;D
Hood (+3) is because the other three units of her class were cancelled as they needed the steel for merchantmen, then the whole project was abandoned after the The Washington Treaty' (which probably saved an awful lot of lives). https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Admiral-class_battlecruiser
Duke of York KGV class battleship) also served in the Pacific Theatre, taking the British part of the Japenese surrender. She was repainted from her 43 'North Cape' cammo into mid/dark grey with a lift blue bar along her torpedo bulges after she sailed to Sydney post DDay...
I have a king george V mini from war at sea, excellent model!
here from left to right:
glorious, king george V, belfast, exeter
(http://i.imgur.com/MdkbGgb.jpg) (https://imgur.com/MdkbGgb)
But these are still my nicest ones (and biggest!)
left to right: bismarck, richelieu and vittorio veneto
(http://i.imgur.com/XoamngM.jpg) (https://imgur.com/XoamngM)
You got any of their BB's Jack?
I had a yamato, and it looked very nice. I traded her for the Rodney with my buddy (he does pacific and i do mediterranean so was a good trade)
(https://scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/10688061_389639041187338_6366306805463029225_o.jpg?oh=82a5e584f26aac88759175d362d2cbf4&oe=5A54E9B2)
Some of my 1/700 scale ships we use for wargaming. Nor sure if the link for the picture works though so please reply if you do/don't see them... If it works I have some more ;)
Cheers,
Rob
That worked! 8)
It's rather big though... let's see what I can do about that... :-
Cheers,
Rob
Nice!
:-bd =D> :-bd =D>
USS Independence CVL-22 & USS Atlanta CL-51 I presume ;)
The Independence (CV-22) is correct Paul; the CL is the Oakland; I replaced the two twin 5" turrets on its sides with quad 40mm tubs to portray the Oakland class Anti Aircraft-CL's ;)
Cheers,
Rob
Nicely done mod to the Oakland :)
Wow, excellent stuff guys, thanks for posting! Those Axis and Allies minis can really do the job, at least for me, and yeah, I have a couple BBs per side, though I'm actually not too keen on using them, at least not yet. We'll see how I feel when we get to the Solomons, where I'll be playing some real fights, but also working in some fictional ones.
Regarding the Island Hopping campaign, I've been busy. I created three fictional fighter squadrons, one US Marine Corps, one US Army Air Corps, and one US Navy, which I'll be following throughout the war. Each is beginning in the Dutch East Indies, then will split up, converging at various points throughout the war. The Marines and Navy are starting in Wildcats, while the Army is starting in P-40s. After DEI, the Army will head to Darwin, the Navy will be heading to the Yorktown for some Central Pacific raids, Coral Sea, and then Midway. The Marines will show up in Midway, and then Guadalcanal. The Navy will then show up at the Battle of the Eastern Solomons and the Battle of Santa Cruz, on the Enterprise, and each time the Enterprise is damaged they'll go spend a bit of time on the 'Canal. The Army is going to show up at Guadalcanal too, for a bit (albeit in P-40s, not P-39s!), before transitioning to P-38s and heading to New Guinea. The Marines will transition to Corsairs and move up the Solomons, the Navy will move to a new carrier (or carriers), and the Army will fight up through the Southwest Pacific. The Marines and Army will probably converge again in the Philippines, maybe the Navy will show up there, too, on a carrier, and then as we get to Iwo Jima/Okinawa, the Marines and Navy will both be on carriers, maybe have the Army transition to P-47s and stay in the Philippines, or move to the Marianas and work over Japan? We'll see how it all shakes out, but that's my plan.
And to that end, I've already played the first four dogfights with these three new squadrons (three Marine, one Army), with the goal of playing three fights per squadron for DEI. My US Marine rifle platoon is currently in Palembang, so when we reach 13/14 Feb 1942 they'll have to fight some Japanese paratroopers, then withdraw to Java and make their way to Australia (the US Marine fighter squadron is up at P2 in Palembang; the Army squadron is currently at Makassar on Celebes, and the Navy squadron is at Koepang, Dutch Timor. They'll all fight until they're overrun, then escape to Australia. And I'll be mixing in the naval fights, Java Sea (in two parts) and Sunda Strait; I don't think they'll be escaping to Australia...
So that's the plan for DEI, then there will be some aerial fights in the interim, but no more naval or ground until 7 Aug 1942, when the Marines hit the beach at Guadalcanal, Tulagi, and Gavutu. I don't plan on any surface naval engagements until the Solomons, and I'm not going to play out carrier-only battles.
The only thing upsetting these plans (aside from all the other projects I have going on) is the fact I've been doing some reading up on the New Guinea campaign, and the more I read, the more intrigued I get, and the more intrigued I get, the more I want to create US Army and Australian rifle platoons to follow as well. I don't have time for all this!
V/R,
Jack
Good plans Jack :)
Kokoda ;)
That's a lot of gaming Jack.
Looking forward to following the campaigns of your 3 fighter squadrons...always remember to check your 6!
We're off to the Solomons this weekend ourselves in our GQ campaign.....a night action around Savo Island.
:-SS :-SS :-SS
Quote from: paulr on 07 September 2017, 08:10:54 AM
:-SS :-SS :-SS
"Full Speed and d*mn the torpedeos" - Rear Admiral Farragut at the battle of Mobile Bay 1864
Actually the "torpedoes" were moored contact mines.
What else? Electric rays?
Yes there are manta rays in Mobile Bay....
:-bd :-bd :-bd
Good luck, Pierre and Paul (both, I can't choose sides!)!!!
V/R,
Jack
Pierre will be perfectly safe, he is kindly umpiring our Solomons campaign after commanding the Allies back in 2013
Think he still needs luck!
I could have used some :(
Oh dear.... well come on then; out with it! :-w
Cheers,
Rob