The USS Marblehead Story (1941) : Pacific War

Going back to my epic naval battle refight of The Battle of the Java Sea (epic in the sense it took four sessions spread over months) and my continued interest in "the start of the Pacific War hostilities", I came across an interesting "prequel" history. The story of an obsolete (by the standards of he day) US WWI's cruiser caught up in the "next generation" of war, one to which it was not very well suited (see link below):

http://www.cityofart.net/bship/uss_mhead_story.html

It has got me started thinking again ;)

The Battle of the Java Sea: Last Dice and Darkness

"Japanese light cruiser closing, sir! Guns says she's at extreme range now, but we've got the shot lined up when you want to take it sir." The captain paused only briefly to take stock of the situation before replying, "Tell Guns to wait. We've not got anything left to waste. When we shoot we have to hit, no point making the bugger look more important than she is!" "Aye, aye Captain."

Minutes passed with the Japanese light cruiser edging closer. The posturing seemed seemed to last an eternity.

"Guns reports, Japanese cruiser opening fire sir. Guns says she's well within our effective range now sir, permission requested to open fire sir?" A barely audible sigh, then the captain of the HMAS Perth replied, "Permission granted," then adding to those within earshot "She's a persistent little Sheila that one, doesn't get the hint, but she needs to know we're not interested in her. Earlier in the dance I'd have given her my full attention, but right now I'm just after her pretty little sisters over he horizon." There was a grim chuckle from around the bridge and a few wry smiles but no real laughter.

The encounter was brief, a resounding crash amidships and damage control reported "X" turret was out of commission (another half armament box damage, leaving the Perth at exactly half strength), however no hull or engine damage meant that HMAS Perth could charge on. Collectively the bridge knew the last real moment of crisis was over and the tension slackened. 'Guns' then again earned his months pay. The first full salvo from HMAS Perth straddled the IJNS Naka and wrought considerable damage to her hull. From that point on she was in no position to give serious chase to the much faster HMAS Perth. With one last fling of the dice the IJNA Naka rolled a last straddle on the HMAS Perth, but it resolved to no actual damage inflicted, in return HMAS Perth was content to  "Check Fire" simply to conserve her precious ammunition for better things. As HMAS Perth moved out of her range, and with darkness fast falling the best the IJNS Naka (bottom right below) could do was interpose herself between the last American WWI destroyer (top left below) also trying  to reach the 'over the horizon convoy' (see below).
 

The last act of the Battle of the Java Sea were the two dull explosions only faintly heard on the bridge of HMAS Perth. One "coup de grace" for HMS Exeter (despite 'damage control' having regained 2cm of "creep speed") being despatched with a close range Long Lance torpedo and the other for the Dutch Java, at likewise short range but from a combination of gun and torpedo. Guessing the cause of these ominous explosions the Perth's captain visibly shook with rage. "That makes us the Wolf now gentleman, rest assured we have a long and bloody night ahead of us gentlemen" being his final comment to his officers.

So finally end'eth The Battle of the Java Sea:

Result: 

ABDA [Minor] Strategic Victory as there is the (Opportunity) for ABDA via HMAS Perth to attack the convoy ABDA has exceed her historical counterparts and has the opportunity to attack the invasion convoy. This will dislocated the Japanese invasion schedule by weeks rather than days, plus there is a lot of very badly damaged Japanese ships that will be heading back to The Sea of Japan for repairs, making them unavailable for use elsewhere.

IJN: Although a "Major Tactical" victory by essentially sinking ABDA (even HMAS Perth is unlikely to survive through the next morning), it is a very short-lived success considering the major mission objectives were to protect the convoy from harm.

This may well lend itself to a solo naval game, I'll have to put my thinking hat on. The Japanese invasion of Java will likely be delayed by a week as the Japanese forces regroup and take stock of the situation.

Thank you for you patience in reading about it all, I hope you found it as enjoyable as I did in the tale telling

:)

The Battle of the Java Sea: Hard Rain's Gonna' Fall in Houston Texas

Hell's chorus seemed to fill the air of the bridge of the USS Houston. The screech of shells overhead and the dull thud of successive detonation after detonation somewhere aft cut into the nerves of staff officers more used to tranquil peace-time service.

The Houston's speed was down to half of her maximum. It was still just enough, but no less or escape would become impossible. The zealous training of the damage-control parties brought the dangerous blaze aft under control and the ship righted herself into a false semblance of order, just as a drunk man smartens himself up before collapsing. The end came quickly hastened it must be said by a cruel premature detonation in Houston's "A" turret (incredibly another "666" roll in this bloom'in game at yet another crucial moment!). That put paid to Houston's main 8" batteries. The IJN 5" destroyer batteries tore into her hull causing another hull box to flood and the Houston was reduced to 3cm speed. Too slow, far too slow to escape.

The combination of the above enabled a IJN Long Lance attack of eight torpedoes to be delivered at close range at the now slow target (see above), resulting in (see below):

The demise of the valiant warrior, the USS Houston. There was to be no escape or reprieve for the Dutch Java either, she had one last offensive heave at her antagonists before the power to her guns failed as she received a final fifth hull box damage from those persistent Japanese destroyers. 

At the starboard-rear of the engagement the four WWI vintage American destroyers were worsted in a short range fire-fight with two more modern IJN counterparts. The USS Alden was left dead in the water with no guns left, the USS John Ford and USS Paul Jones were at half speed and half guns and had to break back south, leaving only the USS J D Edwards with enough speed to attempt to link up with HMAS Perth. The IJN destroyer IJNS Asashio bore down on her but in act of desperation the J D Edwards put six fish in the water:

One of which connected and broke the IJNS Asashio clean in two. The way was open to link up with the HMAS Perth bar for a IJN light cruiser, the IJNS Naka that stood in the way. The IJNS Naka was however intent on inducing the HMAS Perth to her doom with one last chance of a lucky long range hit to try and slow her down.

Next: Last Dice as Darkness Falls

The Java Sea: Breakout: HMAS Perth leads the way

The crew of the HMAS Perth were the first to detect the noticeable shift in the weight of enemy fire, from the battered van of the ABDA line of battle (HMAS Perth) to its rear (USS Houston and Dutch Java). With the two main IJN CA heavy units now sunk and crippled respectively,  the rapid firing 5" destroyers became ABDA's main antagonists.

HMAS Perth (bottom middle below) drew inexorably ahead of these now slowed and damaged Japanese destroyers but the USS Houston (middle right below) and trailing Dutch Java still had yet to pass through the "eye of the storm". Although large and heavily gunned (8") the USS Houston was comparatively lightly armoured (just a CL). Both IJN destroyer flotilla's were within "minimum range" and under "rapid fire" capability so their light frames were capable of punching far above their weight penetrating the CL armour. The Dutch Java (middle right below) had already experienced this pain and was now also contending with the IJNS Jintsu, a IJN light cruiser, closing on her rear. All ABDA cruisers had taken non-trivial damage but most importantly to date they had been able to maintain an effective "escape/breakthrough" speed.

The most dangerous and potent Japanese threat was determined as the three closing destroyers (see below) positioning themselves on the starboard side of the ABDA line to deliver a last-gasp torpedo attack for next turn. The sorry sight of the burning and dead-in-the-water HMS Exeter is seen just in camera (bottom right), behind the IJNS Naka positioning herself to enter the fray (top left) and a group of Japanese destroyers shielding-off the American WWI vintage destroyer flotilla (below, top middle-right). All three ABDA cruisers turned their turrets and delivered withering broadsides at minimum range.

The results of this deadly exchange were soon clear to see. The Dutch Java received a series of telling hull hits. The IJNS Jintsu had her range, her shooting was excellent and scored critical bulkhead damage in addition to a punishing hit below the waterline. Further IJN destroyer fire stopped the Java dead in the water, yet her armaments were still able to fire on furiously. The USS Houston received telling but not fatal hull and armament box hits and stubbornly pressed on maintaining just enough speed to out pace the damaged destroyers. A fierce fire (another destroyer generated critical hit) burned dangerously in her aft. Although no Japanese destroyers were sunk, all received telling fire taking their armaments and noticeably their speed away. Any IJN pursuit was now in the hands on the light cruiser IJNS Naka.    

The Java was not going to make it, the USS Houston stood perhaps a evens chance and the HMAS Perth barring a lucky hit from the IJNS Naka should get through. The WWI American destroyers had an outside chance of joining the Australian Perth if they could get in close enough to do some damage to the modern Japanese destroyers in their way.

The light was now noticeably fading and the end game had but a few moves left. The Captain of the HMAS Perth maintained a granite stare at the forlorn Dutch Java and battered USS Houston, there was nothing he could do but press on. 

The Battle of the Java Sea continued: Deadly Fire

Centre stage ABDA is still thrusting forward trying to break the Japanese centre (see below). The crippled IJNS Nachi is in the foreground, where that cluster of IJN destroyers badly hindered her torpedo evasion chances. In the distance HMS Exeter lies is in a poor state, next to the sinking Dutch destroyer Kortenaer (below, top middle).

The USS Houston now steps in and plays her part flying the Stars and Stripes, her 8 inch guns roar silencing the IJNS Nachi's guns, leaving her with but half a hull box, floating but only just (see below from ABDA perspective, across the decks of the USS Houston in the foreground).

Again viewed from the ABDA perspective, there is one IJN hard nut still left to crack, the IJNS Hagero (see below top right) firing hard and fast, sighting her guns on the valiant little HMAS Perth intent on its destruction.

HMAS Perth faces the music, the IJN player cannot miss (that is unless the IJN player rolls a 9), flames lick out from her broadside, the Australians tense for impact but somehow the express train continues overhead landing well behind HMAS Perth. Long, well long (incredibly a 9 was rolled).

"Guns, Guns, God damn it Guns we're still in this! We need your best, now Guns, now!" The turret indicator lights are lit up one by one, resisting the urge to fire a half salvo quickly, the chief gunnery officer waits for X turret's light, then simultaneously presses the red FIRE button and shouts, "Shoot!" Answering her captain's call and gunnery officer's expertise HMAS Perth straddled the IJNS Hagero. Incredibly bright flames lept up along her Hagero's length followed by clouds of dense, black smoke. She was clearly now a doomed ship, her bulkheads gave way (it's nice to score a critical when you need it) and she slowly turned turtle to crazed Australian cheers.

As seen from above, after that excellent run of torpedo and gunfire, HMAS Perth breaks the Japanese centre.

The IJN player now is faced with a difficult stern chase in fading light. The First Japanese Destroyer Flotilla is in a confused and badly damaged state (middle left above), but "buzzing" as an angry bunch of hornets. The more intact Second Japanese Destroyer Flotilla is in a curious "V" formation to the starboard quarter of the ABDA cruiser line (middle right above). Three destroyers facing down the table, three destroyers facing up the table. The Japanese light cruisers are woefully out of position (far left, middle and far right, middle). The invasion convoy looks to be in deadly peril. Finally there is the US destroyer flotilla in pursuit (see bottom right above) not giving up on the bone.

There are six turns before darkness falls.

Therefore the ABDA line has one last IGN destroyer attack and some long range gunnery dueling to fend off. The IJN must somehow claw at the ABDA cruiser line while it is still in range (and visibility) hoping to slow them down with hull hits or steam-line critical. Worryingly for ABDA their ammunition stocks are all very low (half to over two thirds used). Sadly we had to adjourn for the night, again profuse apologies. Measurements have been taken and so we can resume as we left off above. Perhaps this leads on to "a hunt a Japanese invasion convoy at night scenario! (or do I speak too soon and as the IJN may still have a say in the matter?).

The Battle of the Java Sea continued: Long Lance Impact

The IJN player covered all his options. He did not believe that the ABDA commander would just plough forward in line ahead formation, but that is all the ABDA commander could do (the "follow me" restriction still in effect, command was now devolved to the captain of HMAS Perth, simply because he was nearest the front). Hence the bulk (staggeringly 12 out of 20) of the Japanese torpedoes completely missed their targets, but eight were still on target to attack HMAS Perth and USS Houston, the leading two ships of the ABDA line.

Quick thinking and obedient helmsman following "Hard a port!" and "Hard a starboard!" in quick succession, saved both ABDA ships (Note: They were travelling just too fast and outside effective range, the IJN player needed a "1" on a d6 and Lady Luck was elsewhere, exactly where is seen below). Long Lance impact: NULL.

The ABDA sailors started to breathe again, but then were utterly lost for words:

A huge column of white water spouted amidships on IJNS Nachi (Note: Conversely she was slow and inside effective torpedo range) as she took a massive three hull and one armament box damage, leaving her stationary in the water with only one turret operational. The silence was broken as a huge cheer arose from the bridge of HMAS Perth (turning heads and stopping play on the adjacent Sci-Fi RPG table and bringing a raised beer glass salute from the ACW Naval compatriots two tables away).

Meanwhile action on the starboard quarter of ABDA, as seen from the IJN perspective, the battle was better for the Japanese.

HMS Exeter received a hammering from the Japanese Second Flotilla, First Division, inflicting some damage in return but after the exchange is left without guns and dead in the water (half a hull box).

At the rear of the battle the brave efforts of the USS Davis paid off. No hits but the IJNS Naka evaded the American torpedoes by reversing course 180 degrees taking her away from the Dutch cruiser Java. The US Destroyer flotilla was now separated from the ABDA cruiser line by the much stronger Japanese Second Destroyer Flotilla (effectively now stern-chasing the ABDA cruiser line) . 

The US Destroyer flotilla (see below) gamely sets off in chase of their stronger adversaries. 

What next? A booming crack of thunder as the IJNS Hagero targets in her eight inch guns on the Perth seeking vengeance for her silenced sister. The fast punching reply of HMAS Perth's six incher's state her intent to take this to the finish. Meanwhile the USS Houston attempted to silence the crippled IJNS Nachi which bravely returns fire from a solitary working turret.

From Hagero's muzzle flash to impact is mere seconds, HMAS Perth braces herself for kingdom come as a punishing salvo whines in for her desrtuction and death.

Battle of the Java Sea continued: White Lines of Death

The evil hiss of escaping compressed air was matched by the ABDA commander's sudden sharp intact of breath, sucking in cold air between his teeth. The pictures below should tell the tale why. Danger is fast closing in with the IJN destroyers moving in to launch their deadly cargo.

They decide to launch now rather than take more defensive fire and the sea is filled with white lines of death. Twenty IJN torpedoes to the ABDA four in response (all from HMAS Perth). Also note the end of the RN destroyer HMS Jupiter (see below, top right hand side), blown out of the water by gunfire from the IJN Second Destroyer Flotilla, Second Division. Still she did her duty and protected the ABDA cruiser battle-line from molestation.

The only faint hope for ABDA is that the cruisers are moving fast and the torpedoes are just outside of "effective range". The quantity is going to hurt though. (Note: ABDA poor command structure means the USS Houston and the Dutch Java can still only "follow my lead," though thankfully the IJN are completely unaware of this restriction). The sheer amount of enemy "fish" in the water, something is likely to hit ABDA hard!

On the ABDA starboard flank the USN Davis flush-decker, four stacker puts six of the best in the water to deter the IJNS light cruiser Naka from closing in on the rear of the ABDA cruiser line. Old kit, but it can still be deadly.

Far away from the main battle HMS Electra makes an attempt to retain "creep speed", but these pitiful efforts from the damage control parties cause the IJN player to order her immediate destruction. Accurate gunfire sees HMS Electra mortally wounded and capsize. The RN (and Dutch) destroyers are now all sunk (or sinking).

Next: Torpedo Impact!

The Battle of the Java Sea continued: Main Battle-lines gripped in jaws of death

The main ABDA battle line carried on forward still hell bent on breaking the Japanese middle and heading for the invasion convoy over the horizon. The two IJN heavy cruisers had other ideas and would die if need be before deserting their charges. All gunfire was now horizontal rather than arced and there was nowhere to hide, things would be settled quickly. The IJNS Nachi views the closing ABDA battle-line.

As a preliminary to the main event the screeching and rending of metal on metal denoted a glancing blow on the USS Houston from the ram attack of a Japanese destroyer. Annoyingly for ABDA the USS Houston sustained machinery damage to a fore turret, incrementally bad but not immediately effecting the Houston's fire power. The heroic but crazed Japanese destroyer received relatively minor hull damage and still possessed enough movement to attempt a ram on the following ADBA cruiser the Dutch Java. The Dutchman evaded this but was induced to reduce the destroyer to a flaming wreck by gunfire (see below, ABDA cruiser line at bottom) rather than risk another ram.

Meanwhile the De Ruyter settled beneath the waves and HMS Exeter edged past the sinking Dutch destroyer Kortenaer, Exeter herself was in a very bad way. The IJNS light cruiser Naka turned to bring in the Second Destroyer flotilla, First Division on the now exposed starboard side of the ABDA line. This line of destroyers could bring significant fire power to bear if it managed to close the distance.

The First Flotilla's move brought them into contact with the US WWI era destroyer flotilla, who pressed home an unexpected and unwelcome attack (from the Japanese point of view) on the IJNS Naka (see below).

Back at the head of the ABDA line the Japanese destroyers crossing the ABDA "T" reversed their course 180 degrees to avoid fouling the IJNS Hagero's line of fire. This also wrought the end of HMS Jupiter under withering 5 inch gunfire (below right hand side). 

To the man event. The IJNS Nachi (CA) versus USS Houston (CA) traded deadly body blows, Nachi losing another turret and Houston taking a turret hit and hull damage, slowing her slightly. At the van, HMAS Perth (CL) now "rapid firing" took on the IJNS Hagero (CA). The Perth was straddled but miraculously did not receive a direct hit, in return she both straddled and hurt the Hagero, disabling a turret and stopping her dead in the water (a mere half hull box remaining). Who would break first?

A brusque Australian comment from the bridge of HMAS Perth summed the situation up: "Good shooting Guns, now put your bloody fish in the water and sink something". Simultaneously Japanese Long Lance 24" and WWI era US 18" torpedoes as well as RAN 21" torpedoes entered the water as compressed air lines hissed.

Next: White lines of death 

The Battle of The Java Sea: Destroyers doing their bit

The tight end-game approaches and the light forces manoeuvre for position, particularly now that the ABDA main battle line firepower is diminished and the IJN are spread out rather than concentrated.

First, a classic "crossing the T" manoeuvre from the IJN Second Destroyer Flotilla, Second Division. Although depleted of torpedoes (well, ABDA thinks/hopes so), the gun line from these three fresh, untouched Japanese destroyers is formidable even against a shot-up heavy cruiser like HMS Exeter. Certainly a lot of trouble for the last floating modern ABDA destroyer heading their way (see below).

Next: For every action these is an equal and opposite reaction. The Japanese First Destroyer Flotilla continues with its death or glory charge against the ABDA cruiser line (see below). In so doing engaging in a gun battle (or as the ABDA player puts it, "shot them up") with the WWI era USN destroyers trailing the ABDA battle-line.

This IJN aggressiveness caused a wistful retirement of the US WWI destroyers after taking punishing hits from the modern IJN destroyers (placed below the last ABDA cruiser on the right hand side, see above and below).

Funny how things work out! Into harms way or their moment of glory? As they will either "cross the T" of or bump into the IJN Second Destroyer Flotilla, First Division, with accompanying Flag Light Cruiser (the IJNS Naka).

A case of out of the frying pan into the fire for the four-stacker's? They are the last destroyer force with a full complement of torpedoes.

Will you now forgive me readers if I confess that we are still waiting to play out the last bit of this epic (will we ever finish it) wargame in a fortnight's time? Sorry I guess we're talk too much as we are unexpectedly enthralled by it. Hope this is not too much of a tease ...

The Battle of the Java sea continued: The "Heavies" trade blows

The IJNS Nachi and HMS Exeter square up to exchange blows. The ABDA line (see below) loses the Dutch destroyer Kortenaer to a barrage of gunfire from the Japanese Second Destroyer Flotilla. Powerless and barely afloat she at least gives HMS Jupiter a chance of firing her torpedoes at the IJNS Nachi.

All working turrets bear from the Exeter and Nachi, simultaneously the order to "Shoot" is given. Six minutes of deadly salvoes exchanging leaves HMS Exeter in a bad way, a dull thud and pall of black smoke from her stern signal the end of "Y" turret (down to her last gunnery box) and several telling hull hits cause Exeter to lose speed, down to 3cm. Nachi in return receives her first hull damage to reduce her speed to 10cm, but still has three quarters of her guns firing. The fight now looks very far from fair, Exeter needs a lucky hit to even the odds and stay in the fight.

It looks grim for HMS Exeter as Nachi's turrets train on her. HMS Jupiter tries to distract the Nachi by attempting to torpedo her (see below) and HMAS Perth comes to the assistance of the Exeter with her 6" broadsides. ADBA's dice are woeful and nothing is scored. The IJN rolls for the 'coup de grace' on HMS Exeter: "6", "6" and a "6", the mark of the beast in GQII terms meaning an internal explosion on the IJNS Nachi. Instead of six minutes rapid firing a forward turret blows the back off her casing, belching smoke and flame to confuse the ships gunnery. The IJNS Nachi is now down to half gun strength, the guns from her front turrets are cocked askew or are mournfully drooped, pointing at the sea. 

The jubilation aboard HMS Exeter is short lived as she shudders from fire from an unexpected quarter. The IJNS Hagero is hidden behind a smokescreen but still has a spotter plane high in the sky. An unwelcome lucky hit brings more hull damage and only heroic damage control maintains her 3cm headway. Strange twists of luck and fate abound. What will happen next? ABDA badly needs the 8" guns of the USS Houston to come into play.

To buy time for this to happen HMAS Perth signals to HMS Exeter, "Attacking enemy with torpedoes".

The Battle of the Java Sea continued: The Kraken Awakes

At the head of the ABDA formation stand the last two ABDA "modern" destroyers with offensive capability (see below). To the left is HMS Jupiter down to just over half strength (but with a loaded torpedo mount intact), and on the right the Dutch Kortenaer having "just to say" some fighting ability, but left with no torpedoes (thanks to the earlier attentions of the IJN heavy cruisers).

(Top above) In the distance the IJNS Nachi pulls across the path of the stricken IJNS Hagero and starts laying a protective smoke screen.

Back on the bridge of the De Ruyter, Admiral Doorman was vexed by his inability to control or participate in the battle. HMS Exeter had taken the van, passing the De Ruyter with all guns blazing in fine style. De Ruyter's engineers worked valiantly amidst the steam and flame below but were crucially precious minutes away from restoring power when a cry of alarm came from a starboard lookout.

Swinging round from his preoccupation of the Japanese heavy cruisers fire, Doorman could not believe the sight multiple white tracks heading towards his ship. The enemy had no destroyer within effective (ABDA) torpedo range, so had he blundered into a cleverly sighted submarine trap? He was in the middle of the ocean, surely impossible? With the few seconds before impact all he could think of was the haunting sea shanty of the "Deadly Kraken off Java that ate unwary sailors". Doorman now saw her evil teeth but there was nothing he could do to save himself or his crew.

The huge explosion that signalled the loss of the De Ruyter with all hands shocked the ABDA line. De Ruyter disappeared in a towering plume of white water in a fantastic series of explosions, some eight separate hits all told (bottom middle: see the cluster of brown explosion markers). The ship disintegrated within the space of two minutes (enough GQII damage to sink the De Ruyter in her damaged state six times over!). ABDA had lost her first line-of-battle ship. Only the existing physical momentum took the ABDA line forward. Anxiously all hands scanned for signs of further danger. The Dutch light cruiser Java at the back of the ABDA line was the only ship to see the cause, additional malevolent torpedo tracks harmlessly passing parallel to her. Unbeknownst to HMS Exeter by choosing to close the range with the Nachi she had successfully evaded the Long Lance torpedoes aimed at her.

Meanwhile another drama was unfolding of the port flank of the ABDA line, with the USS Houston becoming the fixated object of hatred to the IJNS Urakaze (middle left above). Removed of her torpedo armament by enemy gunfire, her captain had the intent to make her a floating ram. In a scene reminiscent of the IJNS Hagero versus HMS Encounter the two ships closed on a collision course, the difference being the USS Houston still answered her helm. This meant all the guns on the Houston were focused on trying to sink the Urakaze leaving nothing to assist HMS Exeter in her moment of need. The Houston's gunfire rolls were atrocious and the Urakaze would get her "ramming" chance. Meanwhile heavy cruisers exchanged hard blows at the head of the ABDA line.

Next: HMS Exeter v IJNS Nachi

The Battle of the Java Sea: The Japanese Destroyers Attack

The ABDA cruiser line of battle braces itself (see below) for the long expected charge of the First Japanese destroyer flotilla. Six attackers in all, still each carrying half a payload of deadly long lance torpedoes.

Thankfully for ABDA the defensive fire from the cruisers was withering. The leading Japanese destroyer that posed the most imminent threat being shattered. All of her upper-works gone, armaments zero, she came on a blazing wreck. Another was left badly damaged, however their heroic sacrifice paved the way for the rest of the flotilla's attack.

On they came. The Japanese numbers meant "something" was likely to get through in the end (see above), if not this turn then maybe the next.

Meanwhile confusion reigned at the head of the ABDA line of battle. The flagship De Ruyter was still suffering from catastrophic loss of power and was barely making any headway. This drew murderous attention from the Second Japanese destroyer flotilla and she suffered yet another critical loss of power leaving her dead in the water.

HMS Exeter chose to plough on into the heart of the battle, lessening the range and confronting the IJNS Nachi to a personal duel. HMS Exeter was down to half gun strength, the IJNS Nachi as well as being a bigger beast to start off with, had three quarters of her guns and was better armoured. HMS Exeter was stalwart, she had been here before, against an even more deadlier foe (Note: The KM Graf Spee in the 1939 Battle of the River Plate) and knew someone had to be "under the guns".

HMS Perth tried gave as much support as possible as she turned in succession.

Ominously the Japanese Second Destroyer Flotilla (led by the IJNS Naka, a light cruiser) split into two torpedo attack groups. One aimed at HMS Exeter (see the three destroyers top right) the other (middle right) at the struggling De Ruyter.

At the requisite GQII phase the Japanese admiral announced: Fish in the water, many, many fish ...

The Battle of the Java Sea: Death of another RN Destroyer

Torpedoes exhausted, all guns wrecked and now suicidally close to two Japanese heavy cruisers, HMS Encounter had but one recourse of action left and a rather drastic one at that.

"Hard to port helm, maximum revolutions and brace for impact" were the last commands given from the bridge of HMS Encounter. She sliced through the water at an impressive 10cm, against the now badly limping Hagero with her stiff rudder mustering a mere 3cm in return. The dice were rolled, nothing was certain ... IMPACT.

The IJN Hagero was a very formidable frame but the plucky destroyer torn into her amidships causing more serious  flooding and a precious half hull box to be lost. Quick thinking inside the Hagero saved her from complete loss of power, but she teetered precariously close (half a hull box away) to being just an armoured marker buoy.  

HMS Encounter was not so lucky, or some would say she had run her luck to the full. Four hull boxes damage broke her back and the RN destroyer was despatched to the depths with a final burst of secondary and main armament from the Hagero as her guns bore on the floating wreck astern.

Again the Japanese officers on the bridge saluted the gallantry of their adversaries.

Battle of the Java Sea continued ... The End of HMS Electra

Off to the side in its own little battle/war, the badly damaged HMS Electra (destroyer) tangled fatally with an untouched Japanese light cruiser (the IJNS Jinysu) and a torpedo-less, otherwise fully fit IJN destroyer (the IJNS Hatsukaze).

A forgone conclusion. HMS Electra fired defiantly (or rather ceremoniously) with her remaining gun, before being left a burning wreck, with no guns, no power and no hull floatation boxes, but a flag still flying.

IJNS Jintsu leaves, making all haste to back to the action (now well north of her).

The Japanese captain of the Hatsukaze is ordered to finish her with gunfire. But Electra stubbornly hangs on. He salutes the warrior spirit of HMS Electra, leaving her a floating wreck at the mercy of time and tide. He too is needed elsewhere.

The Battle of the Java Sea: The Maelstrom [3]

In summary:

• Saving Grace: Precious time is bought for the ABDA command structure as the torch is passed on
• The last will and testament of the destroyer HMS Encounter

The emotional rage of the IJN response to the torpedo attack gave Admiral Doorman a fleeting opportunity (with no interfering shell splashes) to pull the crippled De Ruyter out of the line, to flag a general state of distress and signalling in plain English to HMS Exeter "TAKE COMMAND - IMMEDIATE".

On the far left the plucky HMS Electra attempted a torpedo attack on her light cruiser adversary, but scored no hits and in return took a telling hit to her boilers, which left her dead in the water.

Meanwhile aboard the shattered bridge of HMS Encounter a calm, fatalistic sense of professionalism took hold. The helm was swung dramatically to port by some ninety degrees. The damaged engine room machinery painfully whined at maximum revolutions. A shrill klaxon boomed out the ludicrous peacetime warning of "DANGER COLLISION", surreal by its sheer understatement. The last word from the bridge to engine room was a curt "Chief. We're going to ram the bugger. Give me what you've got left then your boys out".

The deliberate self-destructive nature of the action was clear to all watching. On the bridge of the Haguro consternation rose to fever pitch as for some unknown reason the already slowed cruiser was now no longer answering to her helm.

Deep in the stern of the Haguro lay the wreckage caused by the last shot fired by HMS Encounter. A 4.7" standard Admiralty HE shell had exploded wrecking the steering mechanism of the Haguro, on nothing short of a critical hit.

AND SO TIME STOPS ... Noooooo! It hurt us too, but we had played one hour of the two hour historical "day period" of the battle (in a full evening, taken at a leisurely gentleman's chatting pace). The game had to be halted at that juncture, as we all had homes to go to ...certainly To Be Continued, but rest assured it will be played to a conclusion as all all key measurements were taken and reported here :)

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.

The Battle of the Java Sea: The Maelstrom [1]

In Summary:

• IJN Right attacking (or rather 'under the guns') the ABDA cruiser line
• IJN Centre being attacked by ABDA destroyers with belated ABDA cruiser support
• IJN Left deploying (menacingly)

The van of the ABDA cruiser formation turned in succession to meet the ominous threat of the IJN heavy cruisers, forcing the Japanese Admiral to quickly react and shift the focus of his fire away from HMS Encounter. The De Ruyter opened fire first but found it an uneven fight as she had to engage both enemy ships before HMS Exeter joined the fray on the following turn.

De Ruyter began to suffer immediately taking mostly heavy hull hits, slowing her down and losing a turret into the bargain. The IJN fire was accurate and very hot. HMS Exeter was quickly straddled, taking damage but without impairing her speed or her ability to fight at full effect.Worse luck followed for ABDA as the De Ruyter took a critical hit in the boiler room slowing her down to a crawl and bunching up the ABDA line of cruisers that were dutifully following her like ducklings.

However the ABDA cruiser's intervention did save HMS Encounter from receiving the full fury of the Japanese heavy cruisers main 8" batteries, as she sneaked in danger close (see above, middle right). With an "average" dice roll the prospects for HMS Encounter surviving looked very bleak as the IJN secondary armament seemed ominously sufficient to pulverise her.

The Battle of the Java Sea: A mighty big melee.

Several actions occur simultaneously.ABDA shows it's card to the Japanese destroyers and the IJN heavy cruisers take on the ABDA destroyer screen.

To the ABDA left, HMS Electra stops making smoke and the ABDA cruiser line is deployed. Stunned silence from the Japanese commander. The concentration of ABDA cruisers is somewhat unexpected, he was briefed to expect perhaps something like three enemy "light cruisers". He also now knows (see last post) he has to get in far closer than he would want to do in order to deliver an "effective attack" on fast moving targets. Being on the receiving end of the broadsides from these five cruisers is definitely going to hurt/sting.

And hurt it does, from line-of-battle top to bottom the cruisers belch fire at the destroyers.

• De Ruyter (Flag)
• HMS Exeter
• HMAS Perth
• USS Houston
• Java

Back on the far ABDA left the plucky HMS Electra is suffering badly, particularly from the attentions of the IJNS light cruiser giving chase and is all but reduced to a burning wreck topside defiantly firing back with one gun, but importantly hull (and hence speed) intact.

The IJN destroyers start their attack runs at the ABDA battle line know they have at least three turns 'under the guns' before they are in effective torpedo range. The damage is savage and with one turn or so left to press on the formation is approximately down to half strength armament strength and battered hulls.

Meanwhile at the van of the ABDA formation those Japanese heavy cruisers (IJNS Nachi and IJNS Haguro), assisted by their float planes reporting fall of shot, start a deadly game of destroyer hunting (their only targets). Running out of options Doorman signals attack as the Japanese "eyes in the skies" means that they will be able to shoot through any smoke screen, while ABDA would be blind. The RN/Dutch destroyers find to their dismay the IJN heavy cruisers to be very powerfully armed indeed and it looks certain to be a one way trip.

The Dutch "Witt de With" (bottom left) is the first to be sunk, followed by the Dutch Kortenaer (top middle) left dead in the water with no functioning armaments, their stoic sacrifice and the van of the ABDA cruiser line coming into sight (De Ruyter and HMS Exeter) allows HMS Encounter, though badly damaged (down to half strength) to make an attack run on the heavy cruisers.

All the time the Japanese left hand side counter draws closer, rather too aggressively to be considered as likely non-combatant transports. The last remaining fully functioning ABDA destroyer HMS Jupiter (above far right, HMS Encounter top left) closes to investigate revealing:

Another IJN destroyer flotilla and light cruiser (flag). Doorman seethes in a low guttural voice that he is caught in a classic "horns of the buffalo" Zulu style attack.