The Battle of the Java Sea: The Maelstrom [2]

In Summary:

• All eyes on the crazy little destroyer (HMS Encounter)

Never rely on the concept of average dice rolls as when they needed it most the IJN fire was very poor. HMS Encounter got away scot free. With her final approach cleared and to the great consternation of the IJN Admiral, a spread of four fish went in the water, sent at "effective range" and heading straight for the IJNS Haguro. A tense dice roll followed by an ABDA cheer that briefly stopped wargaming on other tables across the other side of the club.

A large column of water soared into the air to the height of some 100' as the Haguro lurched savagely under the force of the impact. The Haguro was reduced to a crawl by massive three box hull damage and a main 8" turret out of commission too to boot. The IJN Admiral was livid at this plucky 'heart of oak' which had caused such an upset. The only thing on his mind was VENGEANCE!

 
All hell was then let lose on HMS Encounter. Although now stricken, the Haguro still could pack a deadly punch. In an incandescent rage "both" heavy cruisers turned all batteries back onto her and reduced her topside and most of the hull to a burning wreck. The forward gun crew of HMS Encounter were last seen standing fast to their positions and returning a pitiful fire by comparison (but a die nevertheless rolled) hoping to seek out a vulnerable soft spot in the Japanese behemoth's armour.