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Post by akosjaccik on Jul 29, 2019 16:27:36 GMT -6
Ah, yes. The classic "I am esentially an immobile submarine now, listing in degrees not even physically possible, people are in pieces on the decks and the alive ones are currently burning to death - but I still nail you with a single fixed, submerged torpedo mount as it were an ordinary sunday afternoon" - happening. Oh well. Time to dreadnought!
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Post by mycophobia on Jul 30, 2019 3:54:16 GMT -6
January 1909 - Battle of Mohegan Island
Following their declaration of war, US troop immediately advanced across the US/Canadian boarder, but they are hindered by well-prepared Canadian and British troops, as well as the vast geographical expanses of Canada itself. US progress on land is steady but slow. On the Naval side, the first few month of the war saw small scale destroyer and cruiser actions on both the east and west coast. However, there is no mistake that both navies are preparing for a decisive fleet battle in the west coast. The Canadian navy tries to press for battle as soon as possible, knowing the US fleet are still waiting for their new California class battleships to be fitted out. US Battle Fleet 1909 (the two California class not completed until Feb/March 1909) The chance came in January 20th, 1909. The US army is conducting a major offensive along the Maine boarder, and naval fire support from either side can have a significant impact on the battle. As a result, both fleet sortied to meet each other in anticipation of the land offensive. The US fleet is consisted of 10 pre-dread battleships while the Canadian navy sortied 5 pre-dreadnoughts and the dreadnought Alberta ( British Columbia is still being outfitted, while there were debates to rush the fitting out process, the urgency of the sortie in January meant that there was no time to wait for a decision). While a joint operation with the British, the UK forces are occupied blockading the Russian in Europe, and only the protected cruiser Cleopatra (Which worked with the Canadian fleet in the Anglo-German War) was dispatched to assist the Canadian scouting force. The Fleet contacted the US Fleet by 15:37 local time, which by winter time is already mid-late afternoon. Realizing daylight time is of the essence, the Canadian fleet steamed ahead to engage with the Americans. The two battle line maneuver to meet, long range gunnery are poor and both side wants to close range before night falls. The very long American line took time to turn, so 3-4 battleship fell fairly far behind the line, the Canadians instead were able to maintain relative cohesion. Canadian battle line seen from the US flagship New Jersey. New Jersey dueled Alberta for about an hour, her thick armored protected her from serious damage against Alberta's gun, and her guns scored several lucky belt edge penetration hit on Alberta.
As the night approaches, the two fleet rapidly closed in to under 7000 yards around 16:27, ships on both sides engaged in an intense, but brief gun exchange that lasted until roughly 16:50, when night descended. Both sides fired rapidly, trying to scoring as many hit as possible before night falls. Many ships were hit multiple times in rapid succession on both sides. However, the thick belt armor of battleships on both sides absorbed most of the damage, but it was noted after battle that many belt edge penetration, sometime by 6in guns ends up causing serious damage. A 12in Shell hitting Alberta's casemate and exploding behind it, triggering a minor explosion of some of the stored ammo in the casemate. salt water entered one of her two boiler room from the massive gap in the hull and slowed her to 11 knots. Thankfully the rest of the Canadian lines are close enough to assist. Flooding was eventually brought under control, this unexpected damage is partly the reason why the Canadian fleet opted for caution after nightfall.
Canada taking heavy fire. As the lead ship of the slower Canada class squadron, she suffered focused fire from the second US battle Squadron consisted mostly of Michigan class ships. Canada suffered 1 12in penetrating hit and several 6in hits, these hits caused some flooding, which was barely brought under control. Ontario in front of her also took 2 12in hit, these caused less damage but would cause severe problem later on in the night...
At 16:36. a torpedo attack order was issued, and Canadian destroyers dashed out to attack the US line under the cover of descending darkness. A massive horde of US 500 ton Hopkins class destroyer rushed to meet them, which drove the Canadian destroyers back with one destroyer sunk. The US destroyer are only equipped with 3in guns, but their sheer number discouraged the out numbered Canadian destroyer from carrying on with the attack.
The torpedo attack drove the American Fleet into disarray, but the Canadian navy are wearily with sending in their battleships into a swirling melee at night, especially with the Alberta still running on only one set of boilers. After some sought, the Canadian fleet tried to cautiously shadow the now retreating US fleet, but lost their target in the dark. At around 22:00Pm on the , the Canadian fleet gave up the search to return to port. However, on the return trip, the watertight bulkhead of Ontario ruptured from the high speed search over the night, the tired Canadian crew was caught completely by surprised, the ship quickly began to list, and earlier battle damage made damage control even more difficult. Despite best effort from its crew, the order to abandon ship was given at 2:00pm on the 21st. Ontario sinking, most of the crews were brought off board safely. Inquiry were made post battle, and it was determined that the fleet's effort to maintain high speed to search for the US fleet, and poor welding of her internal bulkheads are responsible for her loss. This lead to a temporary budget increase in the research of better damage control systems for the navy. Results
As one of the largest fleet battle the world have seen in the 20th century so far, the battle of Mohegan Island is far from decisive. The lead US battle squadron came under heavy fire by the Canadian fleet, but got away with only light damage despite many hits. Canadian ship likewise only suffered light damage. Alberta and Canada were both subject to intense bombardment, and while both suffered penetrating hits, neither were ultimately at risk of sinking. The loss of Ontario is the unfortunate result of poor damage control procedures, as she only suffered light damage and flooding from the engagement in the afternoon. It is clearly that the brief engagement that lasted under 2 hours (with only 30minutes of close range engagement) are not enough to produce decisive results. Torpedo attacks are not well executed since the large US destroyer fleet were able to effectively screen their battleships, and the presence of these US destroyers also made the Canadian fleet weary of pressing the battle against the US fleet in disarray from the failed torpedo attacks, since Canada's fleet are in no position to take these kind of risk. Overall, the battle proves to be tactical defeat for Canada. They would not get another chance to fight a fleet battle before the California Class dreadnought entered service, and they lost one of their 5 pre-dreadnought battleships. The advantage of the Alberta over US pre-dreadnoughts are also overestimated, her 12in gun still struggles to penetrate US battleships, even if they land more hits, and her belt edge armor also did gave away several times under US fire. The greatest asset of the Alberta class, their 21 knot speed, was compromised first by the slow Canadian pre-dreadnoughts and later by the lucky hit that damaged one of her boilers. The only tactical victory comes from the fact that as both fleet turned back, the US offensive along Maine had to proceed without naval support, failed to make significant progress despite casualties sustained. Nevertheless, this battle forced the Canadian navy into the defensive, as the larger US fleet positioned themselves to establish a blockade to cut off supply to Canada from their British Allies.
There we go for my first fleet battle , Im glad that I was able to get the entire Canadian fleet+ half the US fleet that they were actively engaging on screen in ftd without breaking my CPU xD. Hopefully that was enjoyable and let me know if there are any ways I can present these large fleet battles better. (More RTW in action screen shot to give better perspective of individual stage of the battle perhaps?)
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Post by mycophobia on Jul 30, 2019 23:40:16 GMT -6
1909-1910 The Two Fronts
Following the Battle of Monhegan Island, the Canadian navy adopted a defensive stance. With the new US dreadnought entering service, the Canadian navy are not willingly to risk major engagements without a clear advantage. Thus, the Canadian navy took almost no action for the entirety of the 1909. Some minor cruiser action occurred in the west coast, to no conclusive result. Meanwhile, the Canadian and British territorial army fought on grimly against the US forces despite dwindling supply. On the other hand the British blockade in Europe in also slowly choking out the Russian empire, with growing civil unrest threaten the Tsar's rule. It seems that the outcome of the war rest upon whether the British can capitulate the Russian and reinforce North America before the US army break through the Canadian defense. Despite the blockade, the Canadian troops fought on bravely using their home terrain to their advantage. The Canadian navy used this time to accelerate the construction of the two Yukon Class Battlecruiser laid down at the end of 1908. Technological investment also yielded result, with better shell, rangefinder and torpedo being developed in response to the relatively inept Canadian displayed at the Monhegan Island. The remainder of 1909 passed without the Canadian navy acting mostly as a fleet in being, waiting for their American opponent to grow careless. Battle of Point Lepreau (Feb 11th, 1910)
The chance would finally came a whole year later at the February of 1910. While the US navy maintained a blockade around Canada mostly unchallenged, they had so far avoided to carry out coastal bombardment missions after Battle of Monhegan Island. However, with little progress made in a year, the Army demanded naval fire support to assist in the breakthrough attempt into Canadian heartland through Maine. Unwilling to risk open engagement with the Canadian fleet in mine infested waters, the US navy instead dispatched a pair of cruisers and a squadron of destroyer escorts. The bombardment fleet is joined by the new Russian cruiser Novik, one of the fastest cruisers in the world. ( Cruisers in the Bombardment Force) The plan was to carry out a night time bombardment of Canadian positions along New Brunswick coast at Point Lepreau, which was only lightly defended by a field artilleries and 4in coastal gun bunkers. Fortunately, Canadian spy was able to catch wind of the operation and notified the Navy. As a result, both Airdrie class cruiser and the Red Deer class cruiser Red Deer and Grande Prairie are dispatched together with 3 destroyer squadrons to find and destroy the US fleet.
While the Canadian navy were aware of the US sortie, they had trouble locating the US fleet in the dark. It was not until around 21:00pm did the Canadian locate the US fleet after they begin firing upon Canadian coastal installation. Canadian 4in coastal guns exchange fire with US fleet, these battery did not score many hits but were able to distract the US fleet from the Canadian fleet that closed in under cover of darkness.
Airdrie firing at the US cruiser San Francisco at close range, the latter being illuminated by her own guns as she bombarded Canadian position at Point Lepreau. The US fleet was caught completely by surprise by the Canadian fleet, chaos ensued.
The US fleet quickly scattered all over the battlefield as confusion reigned. The Canadian fleet were at first able to maintain their cohension and focused on the cruiser San Francisco. Note the destroyer Fort McNeil Class Destroyer Boucherville that's making a straight run for San Francisco. Boucherville, in a desperate attempt to dodge a torpedo launched by San Francisco, rammed straight into the American ship. The two ships stuck together for a few minutes, desperate crew on theBoucherville attempted to board San Francisco by smashing her porthole windows. Quick thinking by the Bouchervile's captain saved the ship by ordering a quick reverse, while the San Francisco, slowed by the collision became bombarded by the Canadian cruisers and sunk quickly after. Boucherville were heavily damaged, but the valiant little ship were able to carry on fighting through out the night, and returned to port safely.
Following the sinking of San Francisco, the Canadian navy attempted to pursue the remaining US ships, but the confusion in the darkness made the Canadian fleet disperse as well, and the scene became a chaotic gun battle as each ship fought for themselves.
The Fort McNeil Class destroyer Qualicum Beach sinking after being rammed by the US Cruiser Columbia and fired upon at point blank range. Columbia herself soon sunk from 5in gunfire of the Canadian cruisers.
Finally, with most US ships sinking or disappeared into the darkness, the Canadian force began to reconsolidate when they discovered a lucky prize. The Russian cruiser Novik became lost in the combat and ended up right in the middle of the reforming Canadian fleet. Her 28 knot speed meaningless when she have no idea where to to run. She was quickly overwhelmed by 5in gun fire before sunk by a torpedo. Unfortunately, Grande prairie would also be hit by a torpedo and sunk during the pursuit. Novik Sinking after a torpedo hit, unable to ascertain whether she is sinking or just damaged, Canadian cruiser circling around and shelling her even as she went down.
Results
The Canadian navy sunk three cruiser and two destroyer in the night action, losing Grande Prairie and the destroyer Qualicum Beach, and most of the Canadian ships were heavily damaged from the close range gun battle. Nevertheless, this battle was a much needed victory for the Canadian, for it thinned the US cruiser force patrolling the sea, allowing opportunistic raids to be carried out in the months to come. Further, It made it clear to the US that they needed to commit more powerful ships if they are able to conduct similar raids in the futures. Canada's prior information on US position also allowed them to surprise the US fleet and send them into disarray right at the opening phase of the battle. (OOC: I realized the US ships are at the coastal battery from the messages that my 4in batteries are being fired upon) The Canadian cruisers and destroyers performed well, their 4 and 5in guns fairly deadly against the lightly armored US cruisers at close range. While the larger US armored cruiser remains a threat, the Airdrie class have proven them more than a match for the smaller US ships in the night of Feb 11th. Torpedo also proves to be a deadly weapon in this engagement, but the chaotic battle also meant that most ships are cautious in their use, with couple close call of friendly fire. (Airdrie was almost torpedoed by her sister ship Chestermere)
As this was a night battle, I realize that many of the screen shot are probably too dark to make for good pictorial additions. Given FTD's limitation im not very sure what else I can do to make these shots better, so any suggestion is welcome. Maybe I should just focus on the very close range engagement where gunfire sufficiently illuminates both ships? In anycase, I will have some more day time action coming up, so things will take a brighter(literally) turn xD
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Post by mycophobia on Aug 1, 2019 22:23:59 GMT -6
1910-1911 Canada Strikes Back
Following the victory at the Battle of Point Lepreau in February of 1910, Canadian navy used the gap in the US light forces to break out several cruisers to the British Controlled Bermuda. Furthermore, the first batch of four Canadian coastal submarine entered service, and begin to strike against US shipping with limited success. During 1910, Naval construction focused on completing the Yukon class battlecruiser, a ship that the admiralty hoped can turn the tide of the war. In June and September of 1910, Canadian cruisers together with their British Ally made two coastal raids to US coast, where the slow US armored cruisers struggles to catch their Canadian counterpart. The June raid to Florida was particularly successful, with a US protected cruiser and her escort destroyers being sunk, as well as several cargo ship. The September raid to Portland was less successful since a large US cruiser force guarded the coast, but Canadian cruisers are nonetheless able to sink several unprotected merchants and patrol boats. Calgary and three British armored cruiser attacking a lone Columbia Class Protected cruiser of the US fleet on their raid to Florida Coast in June. The old armored cruiser have proven that it remains one of the fastest and most powerful of its kind.
Emboldened by the recent success, the Canadian navy sought to break the US blockade in another fleet battle. However, the two California class dreadnought remains a significant obstacle to overcome. Thus the Canadian navy waited patiently for a favorable engagement. That chance would finally come on March 1911, when the second ship of California class, Wyoming, hit a mine off the coast of Maine. The Canadian navy immediately took the chance to sally forth to attack the blockading US fleet, and thus began the second major fleet battle of the war. Battle off Sable Island (March 12, 1911)
Even without Wyoming, the US fleet still out numbers the Canadian fleet 11:5 (Quebec is again, conveniently in the yard for repair). The two fleet in the early morning of March 12ths some distance off Sable Island, Nova Scotia.
The two fleet spotted each other around 7am in the morning, the Canadian fleet realize they remain horribly outnumbered, and they plan to attempt a different tactic from the Battle of Monhegan Island. Taking full advantage of their high speed, the two Alberta class battle ship raced well ahead of the slower Canada class, who moved north to keep distance with the main body of the US battle line. The Alberta class meanwhile stayed ahead of the US battle line, preventing most US battleships from engaging. Alberta and British Columbia engaging the lead element of US battleline, seen from the protected cruiser Airdrie, who followed behind the battleships to ward off potential destroyer attacks.
US Dreadnought California firing at Alberta, her 13in guns proved to very dangerous, scoring 1-2 penetrating hit on the Alberta early in the battle.
Alberta being smothered in 6in fire around 7:30, as ships secondary battery enter range. While her belt protected her from the worst damage, she suffered several penetration in her upper belt and fore/aft. At this point, even with more than half the US battle fleet out of engagement range, it does not seem that the Canadian battleship can keep up much longer.
At 7:37, merely half an hour into the engagement, a 12in shell fired from Alberta hit the turret roof of California's A turret, this triggered a flash fire that lead down into her main magazine, the ship exploded in a massive explosion and sunk within a minute. The entire US fleet watched in horror as their flagship disappeared below the waves.Despite the spectacular destruction of California, both Canadian dreadnoughts suffered moderate damage. Not willing to risk the dreadnoughts, the Canadian fleet begin to disengage. Just as the Alberta class are about to leave the range of US battleships at 8:54, a 12in near miss jammed Alberta's rudder, causing her to turn in place. Fortunately for the Canadian dreadnoughts, they had been retreating towards the Canadian pre-dreadnoughts, who rushed(if you can use "rush" to describe 16 knots, that is) to defend the Alberta from approaching American battleships.
Realizing that the Canada Class alone could not stop the US battle fleet, Canadian destroyers launched a desperate torpedo attack in attempt to drive back by the US Fleet.British Columbia, on fire from multiple hits, retreat from the battle, with the chaos behind her from the Canadian destroyer attacks. 3 Canadian destroyers were sunk in the attack, that successfully forced the US battleline to turn away and allowing the main Canadian force to disengage.
Result:While both Canadian dreadnought suffered heavy damage from the beating they received from the US fleet (Both ship took around 20 heavy hits), they were able to return to port safely. The same cannot be said for the California. With this, Canada would once again obtain superiority in dreadnought battleships. Yet it remains painfully clear that early dreadnought like the Alberta class still have to be very cautious in engaging American pre-dreadnoughts several times their number, who remain largely immune to Canadian 12in guns. To replace the heavy destroyer losses of this battle, the Canadian navy laid down 4 larger Mirabel class destroyer in April.
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Post by mycophobia on Aug 3, 2019 2:25:35 GMT -6
1911 -Pressing the Advantage
With the Battle of Sable Island finally establishing the Canadian superiority in dreadnoughts once again, the Canadian navy wasted no time to press the advantage. While some within the admiralty preferred to wait for the Yukon Class due to complete in a month, the three year blockade have taken too great a toll on the Canadian nation. The Canadian frontline are hanging by a thread now against the US army, having been gradually worn down by attrition against a superior enemy, and lack of supplies. While the government contemplated peace, the Canadian navy promised that they will reverse the situation by the end of the year. To match this bold claim, the Canadian battle fleet again sortied in the night of May 24th, to launch a bombardment against Boston, which was serving as a supply hub for the US army advancing into Canada. Raid to Boston (Midnight of May 25th)
The US fleet, tipped off by their spies of the Canadian plan, prepared to ambush the Canadian fleet in a manner that mirrors the Battle of Point Lepreau. However, the Canadian navy steered clear of the coastline, taking the long approach from open sea. As a result, the two fleet encountered in open water some 300nm north west of Boston at about 2:00am. Both fleet were taken by surprise, the Canadian fleet reacted first by ordering a full attack with its destroyers, hoping sink US battleships with under cover of the night while the Canadian Dreadnought again raced ahead of the rest of the battle line in an attempt to cross the T. The destroyer attack would turn out to be rather disastrous however, with the more numerous US destroyers throwing themselves into the Canadian flotilla. In the brutal melee that followed, four Canadian destroyers were sunk with little to show for it. The Canadian destroyer regrouped and attempted yet another charge at 3:00am, targeting the Pre-Dreadnought battleship Oklahoma, which fell out of line with her escorts, likely due to a signal mistake in the dark. This attack proven more successful, with Oklahoma sunk by two torpedo hit. Canadian losses were heavy however, with three more destroyer sunk in the attack by the vengeful us destroyers. By around 3:30, the US fleet have mostly left Canadian sight, dispersing into the darkness to avoid the torpedo attack while the Canadian fended off a counter-attack by US destroyers. Sinking one pre-dreadnought is not the kind of victory that the Canadian navy hope to deliver, especially not with 7 destroyer lost with almost all hands in the fierce night action. But fortune would again favor the Canadian, at 3:38am as they turned north to pursue the last sighting of the US fleet, the second California Class Dreadnought Wyoming was found turning in circle due to a jammed rudder, separated from the remaining US fleet, which is nowhere to be seen. Wyoming is now stuck squarely between the Canada Class pre-dreadnought and the faster Alberta Class, she was mercilessly shelled, at a point blank range of less than 1000 yards. Wyoming made a desperate attempt to escape, but was quickly reduced to a flaming wreck. The burning Wyoming being shelled by the Canadian fleet. She took over 150 hits before finally going down.
As the last US dreadnought is reduced a flaming wreck, it would seem that the turning point for the war is finally at hand. The two Yukon class Battlecruiser will be completed by June, and enter service around August. US will not have any dreadnought type completed until early 1912. It would seem that the Canadian dreadnoughts will dominate the US fleet at least for the remainder of the year. But fate would play yet one more cruel trick on the Canadian navy. As the Wyoming slowed down to a halt, a underwater explosion the Alberta. Alberta was already hit several time at close range in the earlier night battle by US ships, including Wyoming's 13in gun. The hit quickly ruptured multiple weakened bulkhead, and the ship quickly flooded out of control. She sank in less than 10 minutes, even while Wyoming remains a floating, burning wreck. No one is sure where the torpedo came from. Wyoming is burning and unlikely to be in a position to launch her broadside torpedos. Some suggests that a US DD might be around and gone unspotted, or it could be a patrolling US coastal submarine, or a floating mine. Unfortunately, the board of inquiry were unable to obtain sufficient survivor evidence to determine the true cause of Alberta's loss. Alberta sinking from the underwater explosion that hit her near midship, she sunk rapidly and the cause of the sinking was never determined. Results
The sinking of Alberta turned a decisive victory into a bitter sweat one. While the all the US dreadnoughts are sunk, earlier experience have demonstrated that US pre-dreadnought remains a potent threat in number. Further, the loss of Canadian destroyer cannot be overlooked. To replace the battle loss, yet 4 more Mirabel class destroyer are laid down in June. In the same month, the two Yukon class have finally been completed, and finished fitting out by August. By then, the internal unrest in Canada have became severe, and US army had made several breakthrough during the summer. Even as the balance of force at sea looked better than ever, the situation at home are becoming ever more grim....
So I forgot to check the post battle log for what actually sunk the Alberta, at this point I am inclined to think that it was a Mine. I don't think there were submarine in the area in the post battle screen, and I have seen mine hit being reported in game as torpedo hits until you check the battle log after the battle. It could also be the Wyoming pulling another "calmly bullseye a awkward angled torpedo while entire ship a burning mess" (I did move a bit closer than the screen shot shows before getting hit, so it is possible that Wyoming launched a torpedo, doesn't stop me from being salty tho xD)
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Post by mycophobia on Aug 3, 2019 2:53:07 GMT -6
Yukon Class Battlecruiser
Ship in Class: Yukon, Nunavut
The Yukon class takes upon the success of the Calgary class armored cruiser and adopt it to a new era of warfare. Like the Calgary class, Yukon is designed with faster speed and comparable armament to contemporary battleships. Also like Calgary, while some armor is sacrificed, she remain adequately protected at mid to long range. It is expected that this "Battlecruiser" will dominate enemy cruisers as the Calgary did, and serve as a fast unit that can assist the battle line by flanking and pursuing slow enemy battleships. Mirroring the relationship between Canada and Calgary class, Yukon is larger than the Alberta class, in part to help her achieve her impressive 25 knot speed, faster than most armored cruisers then in service. WeaponryYukon's main battery consisted of four twin 12in turret mounting the same C.M.L gun as the Alberta class. To increase the broadside firepower of the class, Canadian engineers innovated an En Echelon arrangement for her main turrets, allowing the midship turret to fire across deck, and leaving enough space in the middle for her bulky machineries. This innovative arrangement allows her to match the British and German ships in firepower without additional turrets. This allowed the weight saved to go into greater speed and protection. Despite the innovation, the Canadian 12inch guns are less powerful than the 13inch guns common with many contemporary dreadnoughts, combined with fairly poor Canadian AP shell, meant that the ship do not perform very well against heavy targets. Yukon's secondary battery is a bit smaller to keep weight low, she only mounts 12 6inch guns. She would instead use her speed to keep torpedo boats and light crafts at bay. Since the iconic Canadian stacked casemate do not fare well in rough seas or high speed, Yukon returned to the more standard single casemate as with other nations. ArmorWhile most other battlecruiser around the world can match Yukon's firepower and speed, they fell behind in armor. While more lightly armored than Alberta class across the board, Yukon's main belt still remains functionally immune to 12inch guns, and can protect against 13 inch guns at mid-long range. This means that like the earlier Calgary class, she is more than able to engage with older battleships and hold her own. One compromise of the armor scheme is that Yukon's belt edge are and secondary guns are fairly thinly armored(less than even Calgary), and may fold to 6inch guns at close range, making a close range brawl against enemy ships a dangerous proposition. Aware of the risk posed by torpedo, Yukon also maintains a basic underwater protection system through water-filled anti-torpedo bulkheads. This sacrificed some displacements but can potentially prove life saving. Speed/Misc
Yukon's speed is her greatest asset, being the first Canadian capital to fully take advantage of the fast speed enabled by steam turbine. Yukon's hullform also help her reach a faster speed. While she would be surpassed fairly quickly by more advanced battlecruiser over the next few years, her speed is definitely competitive for her time.
It is also worth noting that while Yukon is geared towards a running engagement, she does not carry a lot of ammunation, another weight saving measure to ensure a decent speed AND armor protection. This would became a problem for the class in several engagements.
Yukon firing full broadside at trial. She can only bring all her guns to bear in a limited arc, but her fast speed allows her to easily get into position.
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Post by akosjaccik on Aug 3, 2019 15:12:37 GMT -6
Finally managed to catch up. I also checked some videos about FtD out of curiosity and I am even more impressed how much work "just" modeling and getting these ships to work can be. Anyway, getting entangled with such an overwhelming opposition is a brave thing to do, but I feel you manage to walk the thin line between recklessness and passivity far, far better than I generally do. Biggest issue still seems to be armor-piercing related, but I am curious what will be your experience with the cross-deck BC. (Typing on mobile is a taste of purgatory)
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Post by mycophobia on Aug 3, 2019 15:21:34 GMT -6
Finally managed to catch up. I also checked some videos about FtD out of curiosity and I am even more impressed how much work "just" modeling and getting these ships to work can be. Anyway, getting entangled with such an overwhelming opposition is a brave thing to do, but I feel you manage to walk the thin line between recklessness and passivity far, far better than I generally do. Biggest issue still seems to be armor-piercing related, but I am curious what will be your experience with the cross-deck BC. (Typing on mobile is a taste of purgatory) I have to say I expected the revamped alliance system of RTW2 to give me far more help than what was actually delivered.(UK contributed like, 4 cruisers in 3 years to the NA theatre) But I think at this point of the game I was just stubbornly fighting on XD AP shell definitely was messing me up, I weren’t really paying attention so I didn’t realize that I’m only onAP lvl 3 by 1911. I think the war could’ve went much more differently if my AP can catch up. (Which is a shame but a realistic problem that some historical Navy had to deal with) Lastly I totally feel you for typing on mobile XD. I actually do some draft for the aar on mobile and then copy them over( I have a looong commute to work), which lead to some pretty atrocious typos and auto correct mistakes in this AAR that you no doubt noticed x.x
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Post by mycophobia on Aug 3, 2019 23:02:27 GMT -6
1911 - Turning the Tide?
With the Yukon class entering service, Canada saw a brief window with which they can turn the tide of the war. The Russian empire is at a point of near collapse, blockaded by the Royal navy for four whole years and her army suffering string of defeat against Britain's Balkan Allies. If the American blockade on Canada can be broken for even half a year, the arrival of fresh supplies and British troops should allow the Canadians to outlast the Russians. From there its only a matter of time before the combined force of the Canadian Navy and the Royal Navy destroy the US fleet. However, the situation in Canada is equally dire, US troop have advanced across the front in their summer offensive of 1911, and is only slowed by the harsh Canadian winter. If the US blockade is not broken, it is unlikely that the Canadian line can withstand another major offensive in the coming year. While Canada laid down a pair of Manitoba class battleship following the completion of the Yukon class, these would take years to complete. The US navy on the other hand is expecting two battleships and one battlecruiser in early 1912. If Canada wish to take advantage of the current weakness of the US Navy, every month counts. Time is clearly of the essence, but the US fleet recognized the Canadian desperation, and refused to sortie its main battlefleet, instead relying on its large fleet of armored cruisers to carry on the blockade. With the advent of the Yukon Class however, US armored cruisers are at risk of being hunted down one by one. Left with little choice, the US fleet finally sortied in November, 1911 to meet a massive Canadian fleet that is bent on sweeping the blockade aside once and for all. Battle in the Atlantic (November 13th, 1911)
Given the distant blockade being carried out by US cruisers, the Canadian navy sortied far into the Atlantic to disperse them. Thus the battle of November 13th would happen quite far from land. Yukon's sister ship, Nunavut, had to return after the first leg of the patrol due to engine problems. Despite this, the Canadian refused to turn back, the earlier they can break the blockade, the earlier vital supplies can be delivered to the Canadian people and troops in the harsh winter. The two fleet spotted each other around 7:00 in the morning, the weather was good and the sea fairly calm, perfect condition for a decisive battle. The US force is lead by a scouting group consisted of three armored cruisers. Seeing that the US battle line is still lagging behind on the horizon, Yukon and Calgary steamed ahead to engage the US cruisers. The US cruiser did not back down, and both squadron fought a running battle towards the north, which made it even more difficult for battle fleet on both sides to catch up. Yukon open fire at 7:28, her 8 12inch guns are able to score hits in her first volley against the Salt Lake City Class Cruiser Northampton. While Yukon's gunnery in this battle is not great, her sheer firepower quickly devastated the American cruiser forces. Unfortunately, she also spent most of her ammo during this stage of the engagement.
At 7:57, the Huron Class Cruiser Pueblo is blown up when a 10in shell from Calgary set off her magazine.
Yukon and Calgary disengaged temporarily following the sinking of Pueblo to avoid US destroyers, but closed range again by 8:20, and engaged the two remaining US cruiser. In the battle that ensued, Calgary took several damaging 9in hits. Feeling that Yukon alone should have no issue engaging the two remaining cruisers, the Yukon flagged Calgary to retreat at 8:47. In the next few minute, Yukon landed no less than 4 12inch hits on Northampton, finally prompting the US cruisers to retreat behind the US battle line. In an effort to force the US force to divide their fleet, Yukon continued on westward rather than retreating towards the main Canadia line, thus pincering the US fleet in the middle. The US battleships, now caught between two forces, decides to bring the lone Canadian battlecruiser down before she could escape. However, their futile attempt to chase down the much faster Yukon meant they exposed the retreating armored cruiser to the Canadian battlefleet. Northampton sinking following a intense bombardment by Canadian battleships, the US battleships in the distance too far to render meaningful aids. Canadian destroyers put three more torpedo into the poor cruiser for good measure, she sunk around 10:00am.
Around 11:30 Yukon, having shaken off her pursuers, came around to meet Alberta just as the two ship crosses the "T" of the incoming US fleet. This however would matter little, as Yukon only have ammunition left in one of her turrets, and Alberta simply don't have enough fire power to sink the US pre-dreadnoughts, in no small part due to the poor quality of Canadian AP shell.
Over the next two hours, the Canadian fleet tried their best to lure individual US ship out of line, with Yukon acting as bait several times, unfortunately the US ships quickly returned in line when it became clear that they are out of position. Canadian destroyer attempted to carry out a torpedo attack, but there are too few of them left to really make an impact. Finally at 14:00, both fleet, more or less exhausted of ammo, returned home. Result:
The battle of Nov 13th is yet again a Canadian victory, but it is again not enough. The US navy lost 2 of its 8 armored cruisers, while the Canadian Navy suffered very little loss. Yet this battle did not seriously harm the US Navy's power to maintain their blockade with their vastly superior number of ships. The issue that plagued Canadian Navy in the past battles, namely poor AP shell and heavy loss of destroyers both played a significant part in the sub-par result of this battle. Christmas Peace
Despite the British government's urging for the Canadian to fight on, it is clear that continued war risk the total collapse of the Canadian government. While Russia are likewise at its limit, Canadian certainly do not wish to risk not only their lives, but their nation yet again for British ambitions. It is to Canada's surprise that the US government reached out to the Canadian in December, proposing a white peace between all parties. It is clear that with Russia at their breaking point, US cannot risk facing both the Canadian and the Royal Navy at once. Even if Canada collapsed, a battle between the US Navy and the Royal Navy would likely devastate both sides. With powers like France and Germany taking advantage of the war to bolster their own fleet, UK finally relented, Russia had been greatly weakened, and US suffered several blow from the Canadians while the Royal Navy remain mostly untouched, this is a result that the UK can happily accept. To Canada, the peace offer is a long awaited opportunity to exit a losing war without no-repercussion, and the Admiral Kingsmill strongly pushed in favor of the peace talk, even at the expense of being seen as weak. Finally, the formal peace agreement was signed on December 25th, 1911, ending the 4 year long war that was, in the end, good for nothing. Despite horrendous loss of life and resources, no side gained any concession or territory, everything returned to status quo. That is not to say that life simply returned to pre-war conditions. Canadian economy is shambles, many people, especially those from Quebec, angrily protested against the tremendous cost of yet another war fought "for" the British. The post war unrest and budget cut meant that the navy is so strained for funds that it can barely maintain its own ships, let alone continue any construction projects.
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Post by mycophobia on Aug 5, 2019 1:13:57 GMT -6
1911-1912 The Post War Situation The Politics/EconomyWhile the Christmas Peace of 1911 ended the bloody four year war against US and Russia, it left a deep divide within Canadian society. As with the Anglo-German War of 1902, Canada is dragged into another "British War" and left to fend mostly for themselves. Britain's strategy to have Canada tie up US while it dealt with Russia maybe strategically sound, but came at serious expense of Canadian lives and material. Many Canadian felt that they are once again selling themselves back into British rule, rather than being acknowledged as an Independ nation that stood its ground against some of the world's most powerful nation in two separate wars. Many now doubt whether the UK would really come to Canada's aid should a future war break out. Anti-British protest in Canada during the war, many questioned the value of an Alliance with the UK if it only lead Canada into British wars.Sir Robert Borden, Canadian PM to replace Sir Laurier in the 1912 Election.As a result, Sir Laurier's Pro-British stance before the war came under severe criticism. Canada endured great shame in the Newfoundland Crisis to secure a powerful ally, but that alliance turned out to cost the Canadians dearly. In the post war election of 1912, the Liberal government was replaced by the Conservatives lead by Sir Robert Borden, known for his caution against pre-war reciprocity with the US, and effort to assert Canada's independence from the UK. Sir Borden's strong opposition to further entanglement with Britain had two major effects. First of all, after extensive negotiation, Canada formally terminated it's security agreement with the UK in October, 1912, and an effort renegotiate an Alliance was turned down in January, 1913. While Sir Borden did not wish to antagonize the UK with the Newfoundland Issue, the relationship between the two nation nonetheless cooled. Nevertheless, technological exchange between UK and Canada are still happening at a slower pace for the next 3-4 years. Secondly, Canada begin to take a more independent stance in the international stage. Canadian navy made several show of force and intervention sorties into South America and China in 1912-1913. These foreign interventions did increase tension with other nation, but also helped to secure Canadian interest across the globe. Airdrie patrolling Chinese coast in 1911 to protect Canadian citizen from China's Civil War.The last major post war development is massive Governmental investment into industry and resources, at the expense of the military. This lead to a quick economic recovery and growth from after the war, with Canadian resource and production increasing by about 15% from 1911 to 1915. While this meant that the Canadian navy had much more resource to work with in the long run, it did have serious short term effects. The Navy
While Admiral Kingsmill is a close ally of Sir Laurier, Sir Borden recognized the old Admiral's ability in leading the Canadian Navy against the much more powerful US Navy, and allowed him to remain on his post. However, Sir Borden's plan for the post war recovery lead to a massive budget cut. The direct result of this is that Naval research budget is cut almost in half from 10 to 6%,both Manitoba Class battleship are put on hold for half a year, and half the Mirabel class Destroyer and all the newer Point-Claire Class Destroyer in construction likewise halted until funds can be spared. To make up for the budget deficit without holding up vital construction programs in the vital period of dreadnought race, the navy reserved most of its larger and older vessels, leaving only a few cruisers on active service to patrol the coast. The most drastic cut turns out to be scrapping of all four Canada class Pre-dreadnought. These ship have served with the navy for more than a decade, and they were already very mediocre ship at time of their construction. By all means, their slow speed, poor seakeeping and inadequate firepower should mark these ships as failures. Indeed, their slow speed have been something that Canadian admirals and captains had to put up with in almost all major battles in the first decade of the 20th century. Yet these ships nonetheless performed their duty well. They served as the backbone of the Canadian navy, fighting Germany battleship to a standstill in many major battles. In the age of dreadnoughts, these old ships nonetheless find themselves in position to protect the newer Canadian dreadnoughts (Battle of Sable Island) or even sinking enemy Dreadnoughts (Raid to Boston). None of the four ships were lost in action, and even if reason would indicate that these ship are hopelessly obsolete, many Canadian captain cannot help but miss these flawed, but no less valiant vessels. Canada,Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec making their last voyage to be scrapped at the Halifax Shipyard. Escorted by the three Canadian Dreadnoughts as a sign of respect for their valiant service in the past decade.
I have to say having gone through the process of building these ships, scrapping them really hurts . However despite their surprisingly decent(If frustrating to me at times) career, I really weren't in a position economically to keep these ships. Nevertheless, this here concludes the second major war of this AAR. I've decided its probably best to move most of the Naval development in the next few year into a new post as this one is getting a bit longer than I planned. But you can expect couple new class of ships coming up soon Given that I am almost at the age of aircrafts, I thought I'd slow down on the playing of the AAR slightly to wait for patch 1.07. But since I still have about 3 years of gameplay and roughly 4-5 classes of ship banked, you can probably still expect updates at a good pace Also its quite amazing to see how far I came with this AAR, and I have to say its truly had been a enjoyable and learning experience for me. I am sure my writing could use a lot of work and my formatting is horrible x.x, but I will continue to do my best. A big thanks to everyone with their comment and support as well Edit: ANNNNND 1.07 drop even while im typing this AAR, guess I will have the chance to work on some planes in a week or two
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Post by nemonole on Aug 5, 2019 18:14:51 GMT -6
Always sad to see your old, faithful ships go... Still, I for one am eager to see what you come up with next!
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Post by mycophobia on Aug 5, 2019 23:50:20 GMT -6
Mirabel Class and Pointe-Claire Class Destroyers (1912)
I thought before starting the next chapter of the AAR, I'd finish the ship profile for the couple classes of ships that's referenced several times in the earlier AAR chapters as being under construction. Mirabel, Pointe Claire, and Manitoba class were all completed shortly after the war in 1912, so I thought I might as well introduce them before delving too far into the new decade.
Mirabel Class Destoryers
Experience in battle against the Americans have demonstrated that existing Canadian destroyers are too small and fragile to engage large enemy vessel head on, even at night. Its clear that while "budget destroyer" like the Saint-Georges class may make good distraction to cover the main fleet, they are not very suitable to carry out torpedo attack against properly screened enemy. Thus, Canadian designers took the opportunity to design a replacement class that are larger, faster, and more powerful in hope to avoid the horrendous loss suffered by Canadian destroyers in the war. (The war saw the loss of 16 Canadian destroyers, compared to 2 Battleship and 3 cruisers) The Mirabel class is a large 900 ton ship, much larger than the earlier 600 ton destroyers used by the Canadian Navy. They are decently heavily armed with 2 4inch gun, 2 2inch gun and 4 torpedo tubes. Furthermore, new steam turbine engine gave them a design speed of 32 knots. However, the design came out slightly overweight and thus was only able to make 31 knots. The class combined the best characteristics of earlier Canadian destroyers, having fair firepower, good number of torpedo tubes, excellent speed and decent sea keeping and range (They are a little top heavy, but much better than the 4-500 ton ships). Pointe-Claire Class
With 8 Mirabel class under production following the Battle off Sable Island, the Canadian navy felt they still need more destroyers to replace their loss. However, instead of building more Mirabel class, Canadian designer incorporated several new design idea to create another class of 9 destroyers on a modified Mirabel Design. The Pointe-Claire class incorporated a newly designed twin torpedo tube mount on centerline. This innovation allowed the ship to fire 4 torpedo to either side at will compared to the 3 tube per side of the Mirabel class. Further, the two 2inch gun were removed, together with a small amount of 4inch ammo to fit in a third midship 4inch gun. This gave the Pointe-Claire class the same firepower as some of the larger destroyers that's entering service across the world. However, fitting all these guns on centerline of the Mirabel hull meant that the midship 4incher had to be fitted closely with one of the torpedo mounts, making it somewhat hectic for the crew to operate both weapon at once. Furthermore, Canadian designer took the chance to remedy the top heaviness of the Mirabel class and the overweight problem. While not perfect, the Pointe-Claire class can now reach her design speed of 32 knots. While started around in mid 1911, they would not be completed near the end of 1912/early 1913 due to the post war budget cut. The design are well liked enough that 2 more ships were ordered in early 1913 with some spare budget for a total of 11 ships in the class.
Pointe-Claire carries a aft rail to deploy several mines with hydrostatic pistols for anti-submarine duty, these would gradually be given to most earlier Canadian destroyers as well.
Side by side comparison of Mirabel(Left) and Pointe-Claire(Right). The main difference being arrangement of torpedo tubes and Mirabel's two 2in gun midship being replaced with a 4inch gun aft of the torpedo tubes. With 19 ships between two classes by 1914. These ships serve as the new backbone of the Canadian destroyer force.
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Post by mycophobia on Aug 6, 2019 0:43:21 GMT -6
Manitoba Class Battleship (1912) Ship in Class: Manitoba(1913), Saskatchewan(1912)
A wartime design, the Manitoba class is designed to provide the Canadian battle line with more dreadnought battleships when it became clear that the Alberta class will soon be outclassed by the next generation design of most other nations. The design were heavily based on the Yukon Class, trading speed for heavier armor and armament. The similarity to Yukon-Class is deliberate to make it easier for shipyards to finish them as quickly as possible to meet wartime needs. Overview
Being based on the Yukon class, Manitoba shares a similar hull shape and overall layout. The draft and beam is slightly increased and the torpedo bulge slightly more pronounced for more displacement. Noticing the vulnerability of the pole mast to enemy fire and extreme weather, Manitoba class adopted the British tripod mast design to give its fire control positions better stability. WeaponryWeapon choice was an important step in designing Manitoba. While many in the admiralty wished to up-gun the ship with larger artilleries, no such new design were available in time (in part due to research funding being diverted to ship building and damage control following the loss of Ontario). Thus the only option is the addition of more turrets. Yukon's basic En Echelon layout is maintained, but an addition super firing turret is added aft of the ship, after the Canadian spy stole a US technical report on the feasibility of super firing turrets. This arrangement gave the Manitoba class a 10 gun broadside , something only matched by German's Rhineland class as of 1915. But the poor AP of these guns remained a issue. Manitoba firing a full broadside, as seen from a Navy Airship. Many describe the ship as being "Engulfed in flame" from each full broadside.Manitoba's secondary armament are also slightly improved, mounting 14 6inch casemate guns. An additional pair of 6in casemate were added over the Yukon class, taking advantage of a smaller machinery space midship. Torpedo armament is removed entirely, as Canadian navy felt that it would be far too risky to use their slow dreadnought for torpedo attacks at this point. Armor
Manitoba is essentially a up-armored Yukon class. With a inch thicker belt and half a inch thicker deck and turret face. Overall, this protection was adequate at the time of her design, against US 12 and 13inch guns. However, by the time the class entered service, their protection are somewhat strained against modern guns. The relatively thin belt edge and upper belt carried over from the Yukon class remain a concern as well. The Manitoba class did maintain the decent torpedo-protection system of the Yukon class as well. Speed/Misc
The Class is designed with the same 21 knot top speed of the Alberta class, it does this by compressing the machinery size of the Yukon space while mounting more guns and armor. (As noted by a smaller fore funnel compared to the Yukon class) 21 knots of speed remained competitive even as of 1915, but no longer the distinct advantage as it were in 1907 when Alberta first entered service. As with most Canadian warship by now, these ships are designed to be able to operate well in most weather and over good range, but not outstanding either. The Canadian Battleship Squadron(Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia) on training exercise in the Winter of 1913
The construction of Manitoba class suffered many set back. US blockade during the war severely delayed the progress of Manitoba. Thus during the post war budget crisis, it was determined to halt the Manitoba and finish Saskatchewan first. This delayed the Manitoba's completion to late 1913. Even after their completion, they only underwent brief training and trial before being placed into reserve to take loads off the tight budget of the navy, and did not enter formal active service again until early 1915 with rising tension.
And that will be all for now for the immediate post-war ships. I am pretty happy how these couple class turned out in the end. (I finally remembered I should move onto tripod about now). I have a couple big ships to work on so depending on how things are I may go off on some tangent to start introducing some early aircraft/airships, but worry not as things are coming along well (I opted to push out the new ship today since I banked them for sometime and thought I might as well go ahead and share them already xD)
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Post by mycophobia on Aug 6, 2019 0:46:26 GMT -6
Always sad to see your old, faithful ships go... Still, I for one am eager to see what you come up with next! The only thing that drive away the sadness of letting your old toy go is to occupy yourself with fancy new toys indeed I hope you enjoyed the above update .
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Post by nemonole on Aug 7, 2019 7:54:12 GMT -6
Always sad to see your old, faithful ships go... Still, I for one am eager to see what you come up with next! The only thing that drive away the sadness of letting your old toy go is to occupy yourself with fancy new toys indeed I hope you enjoyed the above update . But alas, it is only a temporary distraction, for eventually one will always look to the past in melancholy remembering those whom are no longer with us.... Anyhow, onto more cheerful things, the ships are looking good! A lot better than my shipbuilding skills in FTD, at least. And you leave them with a lot more freeboard than I do (I tend to see it as an excuse to cram more stuff in...). Considered using casemates to more or less force me to stop that habit (when the ocean is threatening to swamp the deck even when the ship is sitting perfectly still and undamaged... You know you have a problem...) The fact that I think that yours look very nice is an added benefit. Anyway, as always I shall be eagerly (and yet patiently) waiting for what comes next! For I am not here just for the ship builds, but for the story you are crafting as well!
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