Rules Errata

Here are a few rules tweaked we discussed and implemented.

4.7  Changing Units, Mid-Construction

If a unit if 50% or less complete, it can be changed to a different ship of the same class merely by changing the total spend to that of the new unit.

If a unit is more than 50% complete, it can be changed to a different ship of the same class by changing the total spend to that of the new unit AND adding 1 turn to the construction time.  If the newer unit’s cost would increase the construction time by 1 or more, then no additional time is required.

4.8 Upgrading Bases

Airbases may be upgraded to a larger version merely by paying the difference in cost.  The base is fully usable in its original form while being upgraded.

Shore Batteries may be upgraded to a larger version by paying the difference in cost + 50%.  While the base is being upgraded, the AA functions in its original form, but the Gunnery does not.

·          Heavy Shore Battery                  30 points          3 SPACES

o        Main 12/11/10/9  Sec 4/4/3  AA 6         Armor 5  Vital Armor 15  Hull 8

§         Land Base

§         Shore Battery

§         Extended Range 4

§         Heavy Guns.  This unit suffers -2 to each die roll when targeting Destroyers and Torpedo Boats at range 2 or more with its Main Guns.

Turn 1 - German Summary

TO: Chef der Stabes der Seekriegsleitung

TO: Chef der Operationsabteilung

TO: Flottencheffen

The war has not started badly for us.  Our gains in the North were aided by the temerity of our Japanese foes, but even against the British we were successful with most of our objectives.  The loss of most of Flottengruppe Essen was a blow, but cost the Royal Navy most of their support ships in that area.  The Luftwaffe also took heavy losses among its Patrol Bomber formations, but new construction and revised tactics should remedy this situation.  Our outlook is bright and new warships, full of well-trained and eager crew, leave our docks every week.

Großadmiral Erich Raider

Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine

Turn 1 - Japanese Summary

TO: The Emperor of Japan

The Fleet Commander is pleased that two sectors were captured with minimal commitment of resources. This allows the imperial forces to engage the enemy in more strategic sectors.  The commander is also pleased that enemy UK forces were driven away from the most of the sectors engaged.  However, he is disgraced and vows that the near total loss of a fleet that occurred in one battle against the UK shall never happen again.  

Your humble servant,

Kaigun Taisho Nagano Osami

Chief of Naval General Staff

Imperial Japanese Navy

Turn 1 - British Summary

TO: Royal Navy, Fleet Command

TO: Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Command

TO: Royal Navy, Ship Captains

TO: Royal Navy, Base Commanders

The British Admiralty commends the performance and sacrifices of all those under its command.  The losses sustained were substantial but not insurmountable.  The challenge going forward will be to hold and consolidate our gains as well as defending our territory.  Our older front line forces will soon be joined by some of the most advanced and powerful ships to ever fly the British flag.  If our intelligence proves to be true, the German and Japanese forces gathering on their joint border will soon meet in combat.  This will, hopefully, draw some their force from our border with them.

Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Dudley Pound

First Sea Lord

Royal Navy

Turn 1 - End of Turn Results

Here is the end of turn map.  The Germans and Japanese are +60 economic points and the British, primarily due to capturing 46, are +100 economic points.

TOTAL LOSSES FOR TURN 1

British

 - 2 Battleships

 - 1 Carrier crippled

 - 5 Cruisers

 - 1 Cruiser crippled

 - 15 Destroyers

 - 4 Aircraft

Germans

 - 1 Battleship

 - 4 Cruisers

 - 2 Destroyers

 - 3 Submarines

 - 7 Aircraft

Japanese

 - 1 Carrier

 - 3 Cruisers

 - 6 Destroyers

 - 1 Destroyer crippled

 - 1 Submarine crippled

 - 9 Aircraft

Turn 1 Battle Report - Sector 67

Engagement Report, Winter 1941, Operational Sector 67

Commander Joshuah Ellensford

HMS Formidable, Operations Staff

 

The fleet entered Sector 67 with reports of a large, comparably sized German force entering the sector.  It was about an hour before dusk and the darkness would hamper our air operations.  The Germans deployed in four formations, most smaller than ours and were supported by a wolfpack of three u-boats.

     Our fleet deployed in four combat formations.  Formation 1 consisted of 3 destroyers, purposed to go after the u-boats before they could get within strikerange of the battleships.  Formation 2 was based around the HMS Ramilies and Formation 3 around the HMS Roberts.  Formation 4 included the HMS Formidable and its escorts.

     The weather was clear and our fleet had the potential to use a small, secondary island about eight miles East of the main island to use as cover.  Wary of the u-boats, only Formations 1 and 3 moved forward initially, and kept the small island between them and the enemy.  The Germans, on the other hand, charged forward with their entire fleet, including their heavily armed carrier.  The Germans launched a full airstrike, heavily supported by land-based air and we responded in kind.  Our destroyers appear to be a primary target.  The fighters and flak were far more effective than the attack aircraft.  We lost our squadron of Albacores while shooting down two squadrons of Do-24T-1s and a squadron of strafing Bf110s in return.

     Our Battleship formations move Northeast while the Destroyer group moves to intercept the u-boats coming around the South side of the main island.  The Germans separate their formations, their Battleship and Carrier formations going around the South side of the island while their Cruiser and Destroyer formations go around the North.  The carrier air and the float planes again strike out.  German fighters down one of our Sunderlands while our fighters knock out the last squadron of Do-24T-1.  Our other Sunderland manages to get a crippling hit on the U-66.  Finding the range, their Northern formations shoot at our Destroyers, sinking the HMS Gurkha.

     The Germans charge forward again, though the Battleship formation swings out South as it advances West, perhaps to avoid the torpedoes from our destroyers.  Our formations keep the small island between us and their Battleship, except for the 2 remaining destroyers from Formation 1 who separate to hunt the u-boats.  The launched air again manages to mostly cancel itself out, though the Sunderland does manage to sink the damaged U-66 and we lose a squadron of Sea Hurricanes to German fighters.  Our gunnery opens up on the Northern German formations, sinking one of the Hippers while the Ludemann disintegrates under a powerful hit by the battleship's secondaries.  In return, both of the HMS Mohawks hunting the u-boats explode under fire from the Scharnhorst and its accompanying Hipper and their northern formation manages to sink the HMS Naiad.

     Though we've hit their Northern formations hard, they press forward and their Battleship formation moves North to engage.  Avoiding the battleship, our forces all move Northeast, using the small island to cover our maneuvers.  Again our lone Sunderland braves the enemy fighters and manages to sink the U-85.  Hidden from their battleship's sight by the small island, our fleet is able to lay heavy fire into the remnants of the Northern German formations and all three ships, the two Köln's and the destroyer, Galster, sink beneath our guns.  The HMS Kelvin, which had been crippled by a strafing Me110, is sunk by enemy fire.

     The Scharnhorst and the last Hipper now move to engage, supported by the U-106 and with the carrier formation a bit behind them.  Our forces close, preparing to duel at point blank range.  Our Sunderland again lands a hit, crippling the U-106.  German gunnery damages the HMS Ramilies, cripples the HMS Carlisle, and sinks the HMS Hermione.  Our return fire begins with the main guns of HMS Ramilies, which hit the boiler room of the Scharnhorst, causing it to explode and break in two.  The remaining Hipper is quickly brought down by the rest of the fleet.

     We chase the Graf Zeppelin's formation, but it gets away.  The Sunderland is able to sink the last u-boat on its next try and avoid any danger to our heavy ships.

    The damage on HMS Ramilies is repairable, but we've lost two cruisers and HMS Carlisle needs to limp back to dock.  We also lost four of our destroyers.  It was, nonetheless, a victory, as we sent a battleship, four cruisers, two destroyers, and three u-boats to the bottom.  The German air formations also suffered more heavily than ours.

     I would like to mention a special commendation for the crews of the Sunderland squadron who, after watching the other flight downed by enemy fighters, performed admirably in the face of determined fighter cover and single-handedly sunk the enemy wolf-pack.

-------------------------------------------------------

German Forces

Scharnhorst

Graf Zeppelin

 - Bf 109

 - Ju 87B

Adm. Hipper (x2)

Köln (x2)

Z-18 Hans Ludemann

Z-19 Hermann Kunne

Z-20 Karl Galster

U-66

U-85

U-106

Bf 109 (1 sector distant)

Bf 110 C-4 (x3) (1 sector distant)

Do 24T-1 (x3)

Bv 138 (x2) (begin with 4 re-arm markers)

BV 138 (x2) (begin with 6 re-arm markers)

British Forces

HMS Ramilies

HMS Roberts

HMS Formidable

  - Martlet Mk.II

 - Sea Hurricane Mk.IB

HMS Naiad

HMS Herminone

HMS Carlisle

HMS Gurkha

HMS Kelvin

HMS Tartar

HMS Mohawk (x2)

HMS Tynedale

Martlet Mk.II (x4) (2 sectors distant)

Fairey Albacore (2 sectors distant)

Sunderland Mk.I (x2)

Sunderland Mk.I (begins with 4 re-arm markers)

Fairey Fulmar (begins with 4 re-arm markers)

German Losses

Scharnhorst

Adm. Hipper (x2)

Köln (x2)

Z-18 Hans Ludemann

Z-20 Karl Galster

U-66

U-85

U-106

Bf 110  C-4

Do 24T-1 (x3)

British Losses

HMS Naiad

HMS Hermione

HMS Carlisle - crippled

HMS Gurkha

HMS Kelvin
HMS Mohawk (x2)

Fairey Albacore

Sunderland Mk.I

Sea Hurricanes Mk.IB

Turn 1 Battle Report - Sector 57

Dear Mum,

I wanted to write to let you know that I'm doing alright.  Even though I'm the only Welshman in my squadron, the other pilots are good lads and treat me well.  It's unfortunate, though, that when I talk about the beauties of Cardiff, they don't follow what I'm talking about.

     HQ sent us to scout around an enemy fleet, to get some more details on them.  Just like the one Uncle James fishes with, all of the war boats have names painted on the side and HQ loves to find out which ones are where.  We got close enough, alright, but one of the German boats was an Aircraft Carrier and sent a squadron of fighters after us.  They're fast planes, those Germans, and we lost a few of the lads, but I'm back safe now, as are most of the lads and we gave HQ the information they asked for.

     Send my love to my sisters.  I'll write again soon.

Love,

Albert

--------------------------------------------------

German Forces

Peter Strasser

 - Me 155

 - Fi 167

Adm. Graf Spee

Adm. Scheer

Blücher

Königsberg

Z-18

Z-20

Z-21

Atlantis (x3)

British Forces

Sea Hurricane Mk.IB

No Losses

Turn 1 Battle Report - Sector 12

Winter 1941 Operational Sector 12

Engagement Report

Kaigun Daisa Fujita

Battleship Kirishima, Operations Staff

Assembled by order of the Emperor, our glorious battle fleet advanced into the border with our weak and decadent British neighbors.  Our large fleet was assembled across the breadth of the area while the smaller Royal Navy fleet deployed into four formations.  With only the main island and just a single squall for weather, we felt confident going in to battle.  There was less than an hour until darkness, where our advantages would increase.

     Except for the two Aircraft Carriers, our force charged to engage the enemy at maximum speed, with some of the heavier units, including our own Kirishima, taking the Northern side of the island with the rest on the South.  The British ships moved forward with a cautiousness that illustrates their lack of Samurai spirit.  With a great cheer, the squadrons from our carriers, supported by some land based formations dive down on the enemy.  The reports on the radio, however, are unfavorable.  Both squadrons of D3A Dive Bombers, the squadron of D1A2 Dive Bombers, and the squadron of B4Y Torpedo Bombers were all knocked down by enemy flak.  Their sacrifice allowed the 2 squadrons of B5N2 Torpedo Bombers to make runs at the HMS Roberts but inexplicably, and despite their advanced training techniques, all of the torpedoes missed the monitor.  As it should be, it falls to the surface units to destroy the enemy, in true Samurai fashion.

     The British formations advance slowly again, keeping the squall formation between them and our heavier units.  Our units advance.  Only defensive air formations are launched as our Airwing commander ponders his options.

     The British continue to use the squall to cover their northern flank but our heavy units advance regardless.  Our lighter units to the South spread out in a flanking maneuver around the island.  Our Airwing commander finally launches again, even committing some fighters to strafe.  A strafing squadron of A6M2 Fighters is downed by flak, but the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth is hit by a torpedo from a B5N2 squadron and the HMS Gurkha is crippled by accurate gunnery from another squadron of A6M2 Fighters.

     With no where else to run, the British are forced to stand and fight as our light units complete their swing around the island and our heavy units advance to be the anvil to their hammer.  The submarine I-19 was supporting our Southern formation and a trio of British destroyers rushed to engage it, despite the proximity of our numerous flanking attack.  Sensing the key moment in the battle, our Airwing commander again sends forth his attack squadrons.  A squadron of A5M fighters cripples the other HMS Gurkha with a strafing attack while the B5N2 squadrons cripple the HMS Queen Elizabeth with torpedoes.  There is a mighty noise as guns and torpedoes fly between the two fleets.  The HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Roberts, both HMS Gurkha's, HMS Naiad, and HMS Mohawk are left burning, sinking wrecks by the exchange.  The I-19, now covered by the squall, effectively uses its cover to avoid the ASW attacks by the destroyers, essentially nullifying their sacrifice.  One of the Maya cruisers and the destroyer Nowake are sunk by enemy guns, and the destroyer, Asakaze, is left crippled. The I-19 rises from below the squall and sinks the HMS Hermione.

     The remaining British Destroyers hide within the squall while their carrier retreats to the corner.  Our forces press closer.  The Airwing commander leaves most of his squadrons on deck, but sends out a few formations.  Of these, a squadron of A5M fighters is downed by enemy fighters and the British Sunderlands are able to land a crippling blow on the I-19.  One of the British destroyers in the carrier's formation lays a protective smoke screen.  The ships exchange fire and the crippled destroyer, Azakaze, is sunk while our forces sink the HMS Kelvin.  The HMS Mohawk simply explodes, having been hit in a vital region by the cruiser, Atago.  We get no hits, unfortunately, on the British carrier, which proceeds to escape with its escorts.

     This was a glorious victory for the Imperial Japanese Navy.   While our air formations took heavy losses, we sunk 2 enemy battleships, 2 cruisers, and 5 destroyers at the cost of only 1 cruiser and 2 destroyers.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Japanese Forces

Kirishima (Kongo class Battleship)

Shokaku (Shokaku class Carrier)

 - A6M2 'Zeke'

 - D3A 'Val'

 - D1A2 Type 96 'Susie'

Hiryu (Hiryu class Carrier)

 - A6M2 'Zeke'

 - B5N2 'Kate'

 - B4Y 'Jean'

Aoba (Aoba class Cruiser)
Oi (Kuma class Cruiser)

Atago (Takao class Cruiser)

Maya (x2) (Takao class Cruiser)

Akitsuki (Akitsuki class Destroyer)

Asakaze (x2) (Kamikaze class Destroyer)

Nowake (Kagero class Destroyer)

Yamakaze (Shiratsuyu class Destroyer)

I-19

Ki-43 'Oscar' (1 sector distant)

Ki-45 'Nick' (1 sector distant)

B5N2 'Kate' (1 sector distant)

D3A 'Val' (1 sector distant)

A5M 'Claude' (1 sector distant)

A6M2 'Zeke' (1 sector distant)

British Forces

HMS Queen Elizabeth

HMS Roberts

HMS Illustrious

 - Martlet Mk.II

 - Sea Hurricane Mk.IB

HMS Naiad

HMS Hermione

HMS Carlisle

HMS Gurkha (x2)

HMS Kelvin

HMS Mohawk (x2)

HMS Tynedale

Martlet Mk. II (2 sectors distant)

Blenheim Mk.IV (2 sectors distant)

Blackburn Skua (2 sectors distant)

Sunderland Mk.I (4 rearm markers at start)

Japanese Losses

Maya

Asakaze

Nowake

D3A 'Val' (x2)

D1A2 Type 96 'Susie'

B4Y 'Jean'

A6M2 'Zeke'

A5M 'Claude' 

I-19 - crippled

British Losses

HMS Queen Elizabeth

HMS Roberts

HMS Naiad

HMS Hermione

HMS Gurkha (x2)

HMS Kelvin

HMS Mohawk (x2)

Turn 1 Battle Report - Sector 27

Engagement Report, Winter 1941, Operational Sector 27

Commander Graham Winterspring

HMS Ark Royal, Operations Staff

The fleet entered Sector 27 with reports from Air Reconnaissance of a moderately sized enemy force moving to intercept.  The Japanese were able to initiate the engagement 30 minutes before dawn, giving their ships the advantage of being able to close without taking effective gunnery.  The Japanese surface elements deployed in two formations with the carrier, sitting alone and far behind them.  Their single submarine led their force.

   Our fleet deployed in four combat formations.  Formation 1 consisted of 3 destroyers, purposed to screen and sink the submarine before it could get within weapons range of the battleships.  Formation 2 was based around the HMS Valiant and Formation 3 around the HMS Roberts.  Formation 4 included the HMS Ark Royal and its escorts.

    The Japanese closed rapidly under the cover of darkness.  Wanting to delay until daylight, Formations 2 and 3 advanced slowly behind some islands while Formation 3 placed itself as a screen.  We observed an enemy bomber squadron, suspected to be of type-'Susie' attempt to find the Carrier in the dark, but was unsuccessful.  Radio traffic indicates it failed to find its own carrier, either.

     As the fleets closed with each other, Formation 1 attempted to close on the Japanese submarine but by doing so placed themselves within long range of the Japanese shipbourne torpedoes.  The enemy launched a full spread and both the Gurkha and a Mohawk were struck and sunk.

     Still limited by darkness, Formations 2 and 3 attempted to use the islands as cover as much as possible while the Japanese closed, heedless of the danger.  The Oi used a Torpedo Run to close with Formation 3 and a heavy exchange of gunfire and torpedoes ensued.  The Kelvin and Dido were sunk and the Tartar crippled by the enemy.  Our fire sunk the Shiranui and Shiratsuyu and damaged the Oi.  The main guns from the Roberts hit the ammunition on the Shiratsuki, destroying it in dramatic fashion.  The Japanese submarine, focused on our ASW resources and hit and sunk the other Mohawk.

     With the sun now over the horizon, our guns could now target fully and our battered forces consolated into 3 formations, one of which being the untouched Formation 4 while the Japanese, in true Samurai fashion closed at maximum speed toward the Ark Royal.  The Japanese launched an airstrike, but it was ineffectual.  in the exchange of gunnery and torpedoes, the Tartar was sunk and the Ark Royal crippled by two torpedo strikes.  The Tynedale lay a smoke screen to help protect it and the Battleships.  The main guns from the Valiant blew up the Katakami in spectacular fashion and the Roberts, not to be outdone, did the same with the Oi.  The Kamakazi class destroyer was also sunk by our guns but the Japanese submarine was able to get a hit on the Roberts.

    With the Japanese surface elements all but gone, the Valiant and Cleopatra closed on the retreating Japanese carrier while the Japanese submarine predictably closed the distance with the Ark Royal.  Japanese Air again launched but other than the downing of a squadron of strafing Zekes, had not impact.  The Tynedale lay smoke, attempting to protect the Roberts and Carlisle.  The Valiant fired its main guns at extreme range on the Japanese carrier and hit the aircraft fuel, starting of string of explosions that quickly broke the ship apart.  While most of its air squadrons flew back to land bases, the squadron of Vals had just landed when the shells hit and went down with their carrier.

     The Japanese submarine was able to sink the Tynedale, but was unable to get another hit on the crippled Ark Royal or damaged Roberts before retreating back to base.

     The crews of our destroyers are to be commended for their bravery in screening the fleet and the gunnery of the Valiant and Roberts are to be especially commended.  Our fleet is unfortunately in heavy disarray.  While we have effective heavy surface units remaining, the Ark Royal needs to return to base for repairs and the fleet lacks any ASW support.

---------------------------------------------

Japanese Forces

Zuikaku (Shokaku class Carrier)

 - A6M2 'Zeke'

 - D1A2 'Susie'

 - D3A 'Val'

Oi (Kuma class Cruiser)

Kitakami (Kuma class Cruiser)

Shirayuki (Fabuki class Destroyer)

Shiranui (Kagero class Destroyer)

Shiratsuyu (Shiratsuyu class Destroyer)

Kamikaze class Destroyer

I-17 Submarine

Ki-43 'Oscar' (2 sectors distant)

Ki-45 'Nick' (2 sectors distant)

A6M2 'Zeke' (4 sectors distant)

British Forces

HMS Valiant

HMS Roberts

HMS Ark Roya

 - Martlet Mk.II (x2)

 - Sea Hurricane Mk. IB

HMS Carlisle

HMS Dido

HMS Tartar

HMS Mohawk (x2)

HMS Kelvin

HMS Gurkha

HMS Tynedale

British Losses

     HMS Dido

     HMS Ark Royal - crippled

     HMS Tartar

     HMS Mohawk (x2)

     HMS Kelvin

     HMS Gurkha

     HMS Tynedale

Japanese Losses

     Zuikaku 

     Oi 

     Kitakami

     Shirayuki

     Shiranui

     Shiratsuyu

     Kamikaze class Destroyer

     A6M2 'Zeke'

     D1A2 'Susie'

     D3A 'Val'

Turn 1 Battle Report - Sector 76

Meine liebe Brigitte,

Ich schreibe dich nach ... a wonderful day of flying.  Our fleet advanced into the sector only to find no enemy to fight. I thought it a anti-climatic way to start a war.  Then, the alarm came to scramble and our squadron took off from the carrier.  Approaching was a squadron of British Blackburn Skuas.  The British pilots were brave, venturing close enough to identify the ships in our fleet, but their aircraft capabilities did not match their bravery.  They were no contest for our new Me 155 fighters and we swept them from the skies without taking a single loss.  Not a single British plane survived to fly home, though our destroyers did fish over a dozen of their aircrew out of the ocean.  The British are brave, but so are we and I feel proud of how good our new planes are.

I will be home soon, ... meine liebe.

Hauptgefreiter Ernst Frankel

Trägergruppe 2

-------------------------------------------------------

British Forces

Blackburn Skua

German Forces

Peter Strasser

 - Me 155

 - Fi 167

Adm. Graf Spee

Adm. Scheer

Adm. Hipper

Karsruhe

Z-19 Hermann Kunne

Z-20 Karl Galster

Z-21 Wilhem Heidkamp

Atlantis (x3)

Losses

Blackburn Skua

Turn 1 Battle Report - Sector 36

The following is a report from Flight Lieutenant-Commander Jonathan Cahill, Commanding Officer of 6th Flight, Fleet Air Arm Reconnaissance.

We flew in, eyes peeled for Jap fighters, but spotted none.  We quickly found the enemy, which turned out to be a single Destroyer of the Shiratsuyu class.  We made our first bomb run, only to be driven off by accurate enemy flak.  We regrouped while the destroyer hid among a squall and made another bomb run, this time managing to land a few bombs on her, amidships.  As darkness was rapidly approaching, we had to return to base but left the destroyer crippled and burning behind us.

-----------------------------------

Japanese Forces

Yamakaze  (Shiratsuyu class Destroyer)

British Forces

Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV (2 sectors distant)

Losses

Yamakaze - crippled

Turn 1 Battle Report - Sector 41

Dearest Yuki,

Since the start of the war, my time on the Shigure has been very eventful.  We were given the honor of being the sole ship tasked with capturing this sector.  We charged in like a Samurai of old only to find no German opponents in wait.  A loud cheer rose from the crew until our spotters sighting enemy air formations.  We cheered again as our supporting fighter squadrons rose to meet the enemy.  It was a glorious display as our fighters rapidly drove the enemy bombers from the sky.  We were never even threatened, though we did have to use the anti-air guns on the ship a few times, just to make sure.

I am sure I will return to you soon, victorious over our foes.

Nitosuihei Ano Kurita

IJS Shigure

-------------------------------------------------------------

Japanese Forces

Shigure (Shiratsuyu class Destroyer)

Ki-43 Ia 'Oscar' (2 sectors distant)

Ki-45 Toryu 'Nick' (2 sectors distant)

A5M Type 96 'Claude' (2 sectors distant)

2xA6M2 'Zeke' (2 sectors distant)

German Forces

Do 24T-1 (x3)

Bv-138 (x2) (begin with 4 re-arm markers due to scouting)

Losses

Do 24T-1 (x3)

Turn 1 TacIntel - British

Good morning, gentlemen.

The following is the combined report of the Fleet Air Arm and Naval Intelligence.

In Operational Sectors 6, 46, 84, and 91 there are no indications, through radio traffic or other means, of any enemy forces being present.

Radio traffic indicates a large Japanese force in Sector 6, with small forces in 19 and 36.

Flight Leftenant Anderson, of the Fleet Air Arm, Reconnaissance Branch, reports sighting 1 Battleship, 2 Aircraft Carriers, 5 Cruisers, and 5 Destroyers in Sector 12, along with the some periscope sightings, indicating probable submarines.

Flight Leftenant Hunt reports sighting 1 Aircraft Carrier, 2 Cruisers, 4 Destroyers, and probably Submarines in Sector 27.

On the German front, intercepted radio transmissions indicate large forces in Sectors 57 and 76.

Flight Leftenant Helsmford reports sighting 1 Battleship, 1 Carrier, 4 Cruisers, 2 Destroyers, and probable Submarines in Sector 67.

That concludes the briefing.

Respectfully yours,

Commander Colin Kingsley-Smythe

Naval Intelligence Liaison

Turn 1 TacIntel - Japanese

Kaigun Taisho-sama,

Reconnaissance flights from the 11th Air Fleet were able to detect numerous enemy formations.

In Operational Sector 12 a large British force was detected, consisting of 2 Battleships, 1 Illustrious-class Carrier, 3 Cruisers, and 6 Destroyers.

In Operational Sector 27, a similar British force, consisting of 1 Queen-Elizabeth class Battleship, 1 Battleship of unknown class, 1 Ark-Royal class Carrier, 3 Cruisers, and 6 Destroyers was detected.

Our Aircraft detected no enemy forces in Sectors 19 and 36.  We have reports from coastal spotters of a large enemy force in Sector 46, but nothing detected in Sector 6.

In Operational Sector 43, a large German force was detected, consisting of 1 Carrier, 4 Cruisers, one being of the Deutschland class, 2 Destroyers, and some Submarines.

In Operational Sector 45, another large German force was detected, consisting of 1 Carrier, 4 Cruisers, 2 Destroyers, and 3 Submarines.

Our Aircraft detected no enemy forces in Sector 41.  We have reports from coastal spotters of a large enemy force in Sector 44, but nothing detected in Sector 42.

That concludes my report, Honorable Admiral.

Kaigun Chusa Honda
Kaigun Koukuu-tai
Navy Air Service Liaison

Turn 1 TacIntel - German

To: Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine

To: Chef der Operationsabteilung der Kriegsmarine

As instructed, the Seeaufklärungsgeschwader sent reconnaissance aircraft sections to six operational sectors while using lighter elements in all other border sectors.  Our report is as follows.

Along the Northern front, a small enemy force was detected in sector 41.  Our aircraft sections detected 3 enemy destroyers in sector 43 and 2 destroyers in sector 45.  Nothing was detected in sectors 42 and 44.

A large enemy force was detected in sector 46.  Our aircraft section in sector 67 detected an enemy force consisting of 2 battleships, 1 carrier, 3 cruisers, and 6 destroyers.  A large force was also detected in sector 84.  Nothing was detected in sectors 57, 76, and 91.

Our reconnaissance sections will be available for strike operations upon return and refueling.

Respectfully,

Oberstleutnant Hans Schlüsseler

Seeaufklärungsgeschwader Operations Liaison

Campaign Start - 3 Player

OK.  We've started a new campaign, using the new rules and involving 3 players. 

Here is the map, with the Japanese (Red), Germans (Blue), and British (Green).

We are using version 2 of the rules with the following Advanced Options:

• Quarterly Turns
• Air Range
• Territory
• Planned Airstrikes
• Scouting
• We also increased the initial force to 1200 points, with 600 pre-production

As it's the first time playing in this campaign format for the Japanese player, we gave him an extra 100 points to his initial force.  We may live to regret that :-)