1942.04.12 - Kantai Kessen - The Decisive Battle

ericjohn · 1942.04.12 - Kantai Kessen - The Decisive Battle

April 12, 1942 – Address of Admiral Nagumo to officers of the First Strike Force, on the eve of battle

“I know many of you have privately questioned Admiral Yamamoto’s daring gambit. Giving up the element of surprise and declining the opportunity to launch a preemptory attack was contrary to the doctrines we have followed since the Battle of Port Arthur in 1904, and counter to the instincts of many of us. But Yamamoto understands the United States, and he has argued persuasively against unnecessarily provoking the American people.

So instead of striking, we issued the Articles of Blockade on December 7, 1941. In them, as you know, the War Cabinet declared our intention to blockade the Philippine Islands, Guam and Wake Island in response to the U.S. oil embargo. But our diplomats sweetened the ultimatum with soothing words – stressing the regret with which we took this action, our desire to avert war and rebuild relations with the U.S., our recognition of U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere, and our hope that our Axis partners would refrain from conflict with America.

Of course, the U.S. government declared our blockade illegal and announced their intent to challenge it. But we also know from their “free press” that there is widespread dissension in America as to the wisdom of courting war with us to defend China and Indo-China.

As Yamamoto predicted, the U.S. Pacific Fleet has gathered and sortied to try to break our blockade, either through intimidation or force. Clearly they are ill-prepared for the conflict ahead. Their doctrines for the use of concentrated naval airpower are inferior to ours and we expect to have mastery of the skies. And they have not developed the logistical train necessary to sustain operations in the Pacific if we can deny them use of their base at Manila.

Now it is time for Kantai Kessen – the decisive battle. We hope to provoke the U.S. into firing the first shot, but even if they don’t we are ready to take measures in our own hands – in the heat of battle it will be easy to blame America for aggression. Regardless we will use our submarines and airpower to weaken the Americans, and then sweep up the survivors with masterful torpedo attacks and the unstoppable power of our battleships. With their navy in ruins, blood on their own hands, and dissension among their citizens, America will long for peace. We will be in a position to dictate settlement terms which assure us our rightful place of leadership throughout East Asia and our rightful status as a leading world power.”

Scenario file (Word DOC): http://myfreefilehosting.com/f/c979506ad5_0.59MB
(scroll to the bottom where it says "Click to Download")

EDIT by Aquarius: The file above has expired. It can be found here: http://rapidshare.com/files/243401793/was_scenario_kantaikessen.doc

EvilKobra

Another excellent scenario! Well done!

jfkziegler

Is there another place from which to get this file? The scenario looks like a lot of fun.

Aquarius

I might have it on the other computer, I'll look soon and upload it to rapidshare if I do.

cealigh the MadScot

Ericjohn, you are sooooo dead on mate!
You truely have understanding of the way of the path.
I am looking forward to playing this out too.

NjCo

This link is dead. Anywhere else to get this scenario. It sounds like fun!

Greyh Seer

I agree, I really would love to see this scenario. Please update link or post directly. It sounds like a lot of fun!

Aquarius

I finally posted it. Sorry for the 6 month wait. Oops.

afilter

This is great! Cool

It will definately be expanded and fought out on the large board. I love the declaring war conditions.