Dai Nihon Taikoku ...

[garrisonchisholm]

[garrisonchisholm]

1890


eight thousand sons born
will not forget the Black Ships'
humiliation

This will be my protagonist-driven RTW3 AAR, chronicling the rise of Imperial Japan starting in 1890. I will both tell the story of our Admiral as well as highlight the new features of RTW3 and offer play-tips where useful in blue-text right-margin sidebars. Each post will cover a period of time as needed for the significance of the recent game-play, perhaps a mere month or as much as several years.




Here I have selected the 1890 start and the parameters of my game. I have chosen the “considerable” tech variation option as I enjoy its variability which adds to replayability, with some unique designs often resulting.



The world's fleets are summarized here, and we can see Japan has a somewhat miserable start for a navy that hopes to one day become preeminent in the Pacific, with a mere single Armored Cruiser and 2nd Class Cruiser (light cruiser) building. The 4 Tokiwa's are the only foreign builds at this juncture, the rest of the ships all being of domestic craft, a reflection of the country's national mood.

I will introduce the ships in coming posts, however, why don't we start to develop the drama...


The surf's rhythm was ceaseless close to the shore. Slow-crash and echo, repeated endlessly. The surf spoke to Akimo, and it only spoke one word; shame. The ocean he loved would curse him his entire life, until the nation's honor was satisfied. “...Opened,” the Americans had termed Perry's penetration of Edo Bay. ...less charitable terms might be better employed.

When he had been adopted after the rebellion he had long left his boyhood behind, cleaving fast to his samurai upbringing and being the first to graduate from Etajima, as well as thus far the youngest. Thanks to his adopted personal ties to the Imperial Family his quick mind was swiftly and deeply at work, involving himself in every facet he could to hone the instrument of his vengeance, his sole personal motivation being the destruction of the entity that had truly ended Japan's chosen way of life.

America.

[garrisonchisholm]

The Imperial Japanese Navy in 1890 looked very much as if 20 men had stood up and answered “I can build a ship!”, and then done so, with no further consultation or strategic thought involved.

The first “modern” ships received were the 4 Tokiwa class vessels built in England.



These ships were fairly 'standard' English plans for the 1880s, with a broadside of 2 8”, 4 6” & 6 3” guns. Their armor was sufficient to face off against cruiser weaponry and they could make 20 knots. From this basic plan a near bewildering variety of warships was spat out of various Japanese yards, each eager to demonstrate their utility and prowess;













Azuma was a better attempt at Asama with a 1300 extra tons for 2 more knots of speed and should complete by year's end. In only the Naniwas were ships built in more than pairs but with just 3 of them built before 1890, yielding a very diverse fleet that lacked planning around a central doctrine. The sole “battleship” was more of a suggestion supported by the fact it could only make 13 knots.



Clearly a strong hand was needed at the table, and working alongside Japan's first naval grand-master Yamamoto Gombei and following both the tutelage of visiting lecturer Captain John Ingles and inspiration of commissioned architect Louis-Emile Bertin, a new cruiser was penned which maximized speed and firepower.



With the speed to choose where to attack and a battleship's main armament these cruisers would be the standard cruiser that would be developed and deployed in the next 10 years. The 13” (-2) canet guns were highly touted in France as the tool by which battleships could be fought without necessitating the expense of battleships.

These ships also reflected the needs of the IJN; the speed to find the enemy, the range to get at the enemy, and the firepower to destroy him. So long as it were assured that no rival would truly threaten Japan in North East Asia the Navy's purpose would lay only outwards.


A long period of building would be initiated which would end with a fleet capable of humiliating the United States of America.

[cogsandspigots]

Matsushimas are still valid in 3? Very based. Love it.

[garrisonchisholm]

I'm actually rather looking forward to this; with essentially twice as many "hull points" as the OG Matsushima they might not actually suck. We'll see what a batch of them can accomplish.

[garrisonchisholm]

In February of 1890 the first two Hashidates were laid down in the United Kingdom, as despite the bitterness of such a deal it made the most sense to take advantage of the shipbuilding capacity which they had over the Japan. During the rest of the year the armored cruiser Azuma and 2nd class cruiser Matsushima were completed, & after a short delay 2 more Hashidates ordered.

While minor domestic affairs were leveraged to attempt to boost the naval budget affairs in Europe grabbed headlines, and Akimo utilized a pre-planned interview with Western press to mockingly suggest that Imperial China was behind the trouble in the Balkans. To the government's surprise China reacted quite poorly to this jest, demanding an apology; which no one in Japanese government suggested should be forthcoming. After a few months of escalating tensions which lead to Chinese signing a deal with the Kingdom of Korea for mutual military aid, the Diet demanded action.

War with China had been a long festering military ambition of Japan, as they had of old considered Korea “theirs” whether the Koreans agreed with them or not. The prospect of Chinese influence extending into Korea was untenable, but now it was time to fight that war with the forces available. The navy had had no time to add anything to their assets, and the first Hashidates were still 6 months away. The Chinese fleet would have to be fought with 6 Armored Cruisers and 8 2nd class cruisers, half of which would need to be dedicated to coastal patrol. The Beiyang Fleet amounted to;

5 Gunboats (4 mounting 10-inch bombardment guns)
5 2nd Class Cruisers
6 Armored Cruisers
4 Battleships

The Chinese Navy was not larger than Japan's, but there was no match for their 4 Battleships.



Action would need to be fought with dedication, dedication which first showed itself on 14 May when 3 cruisers clashed with 3 Chinese cruisers north of Weihaiwei. The Japanese flag ship was torpedoed but thankfully the flooding could go no further than it did and Yakuma was able to limp home, while the Chinese cruiser that had fired that torpedo was isolated and destroyed.





The conflict would be a near-run thing unless a decisive victory could be found which would tip the scales.

[garrisonchisholm]

Baptism of Blood

In July port agents sent word that a convoy featuring amongst others shipments from Germany to support the Chinese battleships with ammunition and spare parts was approaching Tsingtau, and it was determined it should be intercepted. A strong squadron commanded by KD Kawamura in Iwate was dispatched;














Upon approaching the Chinese coast the convoy was discovered, with its escort just turning to defend.




Initially the escorts were ignored and the squadron immediately set to get in amongst the transports, but once the Chinese were identified it was clear they would need to be dealt with. First identified as battleships the enemy cruisers closed in brazenly and a running battle ensued.



Landing many more hits than their larger adversaries, eventually the trailing cruiser's rudder was knocked out and the squadron circled for their kill, and with multiple torpedo hits finishing off the burning hulk Kawamura took his damaged ships home at their best speed of 8 knots. It was at this hour unfortunately that the unattached but supporting Asama took a torpedo while harassing the withdrawing Chinese forces, and this time the Imperial ship was not so lucky, and she foundered swiftly.

Still, it could be counted a victory, as most of the convoy went down.

[garrisonchisholm]

The Bitter Fumes

As the designated Imperial representative for the Chinese surrender Oji-Chuzai Chui Senzai Akimo was received at the Hotel de Oriente' in Manila with due aplomb. He found nothing wanting as the staff and local consulate personnel briefed him on the next morning's meetings. Several regional powers also had sent representatives as witnesses, which meetings would likely consume the entirety of the afternoon following lunch.

The war had terminated brilliantly, with the army finally convinced to prepare an invasion fleet for Shanghai in September the Chinese government appealed in both October and November for meetings to cease hostilities. His Majesty had instructed our intermediaries to push for hard terms, and with the final sortie of Chinese battleships being easily avoided the Dowager Empress had been forced to concede. It had taken Akimo only a week to arrive.

The following morning he was shown into the meeting room with his staff to find not only two parties at the table, but 5, as governors or ambassadors from England, France, Germany, and America were already seated. Akimo felt his blood go cold with rage, such indiscretions should not take place in diplomacy.

Cool courtesies were exchanged, and the Spanish Governor in Manila rose & spoke, as host of the gathering. His high, aristocratic timber sounding especially grating to Akimo's party;

“My dear colleagues. Today we gather to conclude the peaceful cessation of hostilities of this most unfortunate war of Oriental powers. The Empires of both Japan and China must agree to coexist in their mutual seas and lands, for the mutual prosperity of all Asian mercantile interests.”

Akimo's face did not twitch, but he was sure his eyes involuntarily dilated.

“As has been demonstrated by 8 months of conflict, the two belligerents cannot injure each other; the Empire of China is unwilling to assail the people of Japan, and the Empire of Japan has no answer to China's 4 battleships.”

The Governor paused here to raise a glass of water and drink from it, while an aid swiftly drew the curtains of the luxurious lounge, showing the expanse of Manila Bay, now occupied by 15 arrived-by-night battleships of 4 nations, foremost being the United States of America.

“It should be clear to both parties involved in this pointless conflict that a simple cessation of hostilities is the only course of action. The region's governing powers, likewise concerned for the fair execution of trade, will be meeting with the Chinese delegation in the coming months to discuss the efficient prosecution of their coastal harbor-business.”

Akimo could see the writing plain as day, and said nothing. There were 4 other grandiose and flowery speeches that day, but they were only fuming offal. ...Akimo had not thought he could despise the West more.

A White Peace was signed that day.

[garrisonchisholm]

Akimo returned to Japan and with indignant fervor set about trying to orchestrate sticking a finger in the eye of every regional power he could, starting with the Japanese Army. Entirely dissatisfied with the Army's pace of decision making he bent whatever arms he needed to to begin the cohesive training of all 4 naval district's (Kure, Maizuru, Sasebo, & Yokosuka) Special Naval Landing Forces in both grand tactical and strategic operations. After just a few months the training became more specified as Southern Korea seemed to begin dissolving following the withdrawal of Chinese forces. In February a local warlord declared he was breaking away from the Kingdom and Japan seized its chance, landing two Kaiheidan armies at both Pusan & ancient Mokp'o and swiftly routing all opposition. By the time the Army had managed to make divisions available the Navy had broken any semblance of domestic control and the Prefecture of Korea was formed.

Despite the Sino-Japanese Peace signed at Manila just 6 months before the international reaction was subdued, perhaps an indication that most of the parties had been “talked into” participating and had doubted success would be as complete as they'd been sold on.

When addressed about the Japanese “invasion” by the Press, Akimo (as the public voice of the Navy) blamed China for the dense lair of iniquities the Chinese 'peace keepers' had left behind when they withdrew. Chinese aristocracy immediately expressed sharp outrage, and the next month they had all their major surface units mobilized, a readiness state which was matched by Admiral Yamamoto while Akimo stirred the government to provide more support for the Navy.

In June there was turmoil in the Liaotung Peninsula and the Navy sent a cruiser squadron to support the evacuation of Japanese citizens and protect their shipping. The next month France and the USA signed a mutual defense treaty, but there was no direct evidence it was related to developments in the Asian theatre.

Several months later in November tensions had begun to moderate a bit when Akimo was delicately approached by the Chinese Ambassador asking if Japan would match China if their naval budget were reduced. Akimo none-to-discretely wrote back, “only after one touch of the armored gauntlet”, which was in fact very close to sticking his finger in the ambassador's eye.

7 months later – all the while pairs of Hashidates completing and new pairs being ordered – the Prime Minister returned from a visit to China to discuss the Korean territorial boundary and suggested at a cabinet meeting that China had again extended an olive branch which would lead to lower tensions and expenditures. The long silence following was broken by Akimo murmuring none-too-quietly to himself, “the crew of Asama had had no such choice between peace and war.”

No further word was spoken upon the matter.

In July the Governor of Korea voiced concerns about Chinese Army Regulars taking positions opposing Korean Defense Forces and the Navy broadly proclaimed that it would support the Japanese investment in Korea, sending substantial forces to appear off either coast. After a few months of occasional low-level skirmishing there was a pro-Chinese uprising in the now remnant Korean Kingdom, and those squadrons were pressed in close to coastal towns to threaten Korea with quiet compliance. The uprising was not so much put down as 'discouraged' and the Chinese ploy failed.

A full year passed with only petty insults being shared, while a series of 5” batteries were constructed in Korea. As 1894 waned a large class of gunboats was completed, freeing up cruisers from future trade protection needs. In October China demanded Japanese withdrawal from Korea, to which Japan responded that first would come war. Tensions were extremely elevated.

At last however the latest dockyard improvements were finished and, at 10,000 tons, a domestic battleship could be considered. The Spanish Governor had not been wrong, Japan had had no answer for the Chinese battleships- and in fact 3 more battleships of unknown type were under construction in England at that very moment. Thus, a ship was drafted which could at least meet such an enemy in battle, and hopefully after none-too-long in greater numbers.



For the moment such ships must do, though everyone admitted that they were only ships of the moment, significant improvements must still be made to even match ships which were at sea 5 years previously. These were a simple stop-gap.

Design studies ordered in January of '95, one month later the Korean Governor was assassinated by pro-Chinese dissidents. Japan issued an ultimatum which went unacknowledged, and so in February war was again declared.

[skyhawk]

Was wondering, again, if we could get a look at some of those large KE you and your AI opponents are using. Curious to see what they look like.

[garrisonchisholm]

I will get to that- my apologies, its been a bit of a long 10 days but I'll be able to return to it shortly.

[garrisonchisholm]

Apologies this has taken so long, I have a lot of plates spinning at the moment. However, here is what we know about the Chinese 10" armed 'corvettes', though we should likely call them monitors.

The '-2' quality gun can be used through many more hull sizes and types, and as well allows you to reproduce the Brandenburgs with their 3 twin turrets.

[garrisonchisholm]

At the renewal of hostilities a cruiser force was sent to counter a Chinese raiding force known to be destined for the Korean coast. Commander Komura took the 4 Tokiwas to sea, and for the first time one of the Hashidates was in accompaniment with the scouting force. In clear and calm conditions the enemy was sited as predicted after dawn.




Komura directed the division to draw parallel to the Chinese line and close. Firing commenced but within a short span Tokiwa's rudder was hit, causing her to pirouette out of line. The Tokiwa suffered numerous blows and was reduced to 10 knots. Captain Arita of the Yakumo reduced the column's speed and turned about to stay near his commander, however the volume of fire received from the enemy was heavy and swiftly caused significant damage. Arita now worried for the fate of the command thrust upon him, and began to take the remainder of the division away towards his friendly shore batteries, first at 10 knots, but finally at merely 8. The Chinese forces smelled blood, and left the Tokiwa to meet her fate while speedily closing down and smothering the Japanese with fire. Arita boldly kept his 3 ships together, resolving they would live or die as one. Just as she was disappearing from sight Tokiwa signaled she would make for Chemulpo, so Arita ordered Hasidate to return to his commander and provide escort.

One could hardly call it a running battle as the Japanese force plodded away from the field, however as the day wore on the Chinese ships finally began to show wear, first one and then another cruiser dropping out of line to withdraw westward. At last as evening approached the Chinese abandoned their harassment. Arita's 3 burning cruisers resolutely continued to make 8 knots to the east-southeast.

Arita expected to hear of the loss of Tokiwa once they finally made port in the pre-dawn dark of the next day, but much to his surprise...
















The reckless pursuit by the Chinese forces had cost them, and their force had not returned to port while Komura's had. Arita was commended by telegram from his commander, though vit would take a while to get Tokiwa back to her home berth. Keeping the ships together had, narrowly, proven the decisive factor. It would be a few months before the squadron would be fit for sea again, but it was an unexpected victory.

The only disappointing news came at the end of the day when an intelligence memo cast details on the 3 new Chinese battleships currently under construction in England.



Japan's own battleships would need to arrive in greater numbers to match them.

...and the Hashidate? During the whole morning's action before she withdrew with Tokiwa, she managed to fire her main gun exactly once.

[garrisonchisholm]

Following this victory it was decided to not trust to a favorable settlement what with the Western powers so invested in securing their oriental trade. The Special Naval Landing Forces were hastily deployed to sea and a landing on the Liaotung Penninsula north of Dalny planned. Their commanders would have no time to rehearse, the only opportunities for tactical coordination being during discussions enroute. Their haste was rewarded however as the landings caught the enemy completely by surprise, only a single armored cruiser needing to be chased back to port. A few batteries did need to be silenced but afterwards the landings went forward swiftly and successfully.








The following month the 3 available cruisers were at sea again supporting the Penninsular operations and succeeded in catching the Chinese cruiser out of port, being able to isolate her and deliver crippling damage though she did not founder for several hours.





After 6 weeks of fighting & despite being outnumbered both Dalny and Port Arthur were invested. Chinese emissaries approached Japan asking for talks however they were given a very cold shoulder, and Akimo was reading reports of Port Arthur's capture before he learned how the emissaries reacted to the government's position.



The abilities of the under-trained and fed Chinese troops were hardly a concern at all, and Army forces were ferried in to allow the SNLF to withdraw and resupply for a fresh effort elsewhere.

[garrisonchisholm]

Good morning all. As might be gauged by the two-week delay I will be needing to put this AAR on pause now due to some RL stressors I need to manage. I will finish it eventually, I have two other complete AARs here which are completed (or nearly completed), the second of which deals with RTW3 and was written at a very interesting time in development. It begins with some decent models but also my own crap-tastic design work, but by mid-game the fantastic "Built By JW" designs start to be shown off. I also dive into the aircraft generator rather deeper than was intended and illustrate what you can get out of it story-wise.

nws-online.proboards.com/thread/6146/dlc-italy-aar

As soon as I feel myself on firm footing I will see about re-starting this. I have the next section already played and all the photos to support it, its just going to take the work to draft.

My apologies for the needed hiatus.