World War I in the North Sea-A Steam and Iron Campaign Game AAR

[mirth]

Thanks for the latest report!  O0

[Tripoli]

I apologize for the lengthy delay in posting.  The arrival of my kid's soccer season is seriously impacting this AAR   :)


Battlelog  and spotting reports

07 0900   WX: Light Rain, Fresh Breeze from North
08 0111   Lowestoft battery reports being shelled by an unknown ship. NOTE: This report is surprising.  Although such a raid is the 3rd most likely predicted German course of action, I am surprised it was actually done, given the lack of operational battlecruisers in the 1st Scouting squadron.  The relatively slow rate of  damage to Lowestoft battery indicates that the German forces are likely only light forces, or possibly the SMS BLUCHER.   At this point, the Harwich force is engaged in its sweep near Emden, and it is recalled to hopefully intercept the raiders.
08 03:08  Unknown ship opens fire at Lowestoft
08 07:35  DD Lennox sights an unknown ship approximately 50 nm NW of Texel.  NOTE: This is unfortunate.  During the nighttime high speed run east, the Harwich force has become somewhat scattered.     Only a small squadron of Destroyers (the 3/1 Flotilla) from Harwich Force made contact, with what is likely to be at least the screening elements of a German squadron. See attached image.
08 07:36  DD Oak identifies unknown ship as CL
08 07:37  CL opens fire at DD Ariel!
08 07:37  CL opens fire at DD Oak!
08 07:40  CA fires 6 8in guns at DD Oak! Target straddled!  1 hits
08 07:40  DD Oak Fore/aft hull hit * Fire started
08 07:42  DD Oak identifies CL as Graudenz-class
08 07:46  DD Ariel identifies CL as G7-class
08 07:48  CA Blücher-class fires 2 8in guns at DD Oak! Target straddled!  1 hits
08 07:48  DD Oak Hull hit B *
08 07:51  DD Acheron identifies CA as Pillau-class NOTE: The presence of the Blücher and the absence of any other heavy units indicates that this is the German 1st Scouting Squadron.  Unfortunately, my battlecruisers are still in port and too far away to ever get involved in this engagement.  Harwich Force will have to manage it as best it can.  The main body of  the Harwich Force is approximately one hour from the engagement.  My plan is to try to get a get a torpedo or two into the Blücher.   Once it is disabled, the British light cruisers should be able to deal with the German escorts.
08 08:03  DD Ariel Torpedo tubes hit Torpedo explodes!
08 08:03  DD G7-class Hit
08 08:03  DD Oak Fire spreads
08 08:08  DD Ariel Near miss! Hull damaged by splinters!
08 08:08  DD Ariel Near miss! Torpedo tubes damaged by splinters!
08 08:08  DD Oak Turret hit T * Turret destroyed
08 08:08  DD G7-class Hit
08 08:10  CA Blücher-class fires 8 8in guns at DD Acheron! 1 hits
08 08:10  DD Acheron Superstructure hit *
08 08:11  CA Blücher-class fires 7 3in guns at DD Oak! Target straddled!  1 hits
08 08:11  DD Oak Superstructure hit *
08 08:12  DD Acheron Superstructure hit *
08 08:12  CA Blücher-class fires 1 6in guns at DD Acheron! Target straddled!  1 hits
08 08:12  DD Acheron Superstructure hit BE *
08 08:12  DD Oak Fire spreads
08 08:12  DD Acheron is sinking!
08 08:13  DD Acheron has sunk! NOTE: My plan is not working so well.  Although some minor damage has been done to a German torpedo boat, the overwhelming firepower of the German squadron is quickly whittling away the British destroyers.
08 08:21  DD Oak identifies CL as Graudenz-class
08 08:26  CL Pillau-class fires 3 6in guns at DD Lennox! Target straddled!  NOTE: Surprisingly, the German main body, including the Blücher is withdrawing to the northeast as the main body of the Harwich force arrives on scene to the Southwest.  Several German light cruisers have become separated from the fleeing Germans and may be cut off between the battered remains of the Destroyer Flotilla and the light cruisers of the Harwich Force.
08 08:27  CL Graudenz-class opens fire at DD Oak!
08 08:27  CL Pillau-class fires 3 6in guns at DD Lennox! Target straddled!  0 hits
08 08:29  CL Graudenz-class opens fire at DD Oak!
08 08:30  CL Arethusa opens fire at CL Graudenz-class!
08 08:33  CL Fearless opens fire at CL Graudenz-class!
08 08:33  CL Fearless fires 1 4in guns at CL Graudenz-class! Target straddled!  0 hits
08 08:33  CL Graudenz-class opens fire at DD Ariel!
08 08:33  DD Ariel is sinking!
08 08:44  CL Fearless fires 3 4in guns at CL Graudenz-class! Target straddled! 
08 08:44  CL Graudenz-class Hit
08 08:49  DD Lennox Hull hit B *
08 08:49  CL Graudenz-class opens fire at CL Fearless!
08 08:50  DD Lennox Fore/aft hull hit *
08 08:53  CL Arethusa fires 1 6in guns at CL Graudenz-class! 1 hits
08 08:53  CL Graudenz-class Hit
08 08:56  DD Ariel has sunk! NOTE: The second battered British destroyer sinks, while the HMS Oak is a flaming wreck, and may well founder.  However, one German light cruiser has been cut off and is now heavily engaged by five British light cruisers.  Over the next ten minutes, it is hit ten times and crippled.  The German squadron has left the area, leaving the  cruiser, later identified as the SMS REGENSBURG to its fate.  It is finally sunk at 1146, after absorbing 22 medium and 119 light caliber hits.
08 09:13  DD Lark is picking up survivors from DD Ariel
08 09:56  DD Oak is sinking!

08 11:46  CL Undaunted is picking up survivors from CL Regensburg

Aftermath and Analysis
   The engagement was a draw, with the British trading three destroyers for one German light cruiser.  Additionally, subsequent analysis showed that the German squadron also lost a  torpedo boat that was apparently hit by an errant torpedo.  The Germans also successfully bombarded Lowestoft.  The toughness of the German ships was again displayed, with the SMS REGENSBURG being engaged by the entire Harwich Force for over three hours before finally sinking. 
   In terms of strategic implications, this engagement would have few lessons.  Historically, the goal of the German raids was to force the RN to distribute its forces along the coast, thereby setting the stage for defeating the scattered squadrons in detail. Conceivably, after this third raid of the English coast, elements in the British public would advocate to rebasing  the Royal Navy to better respond to German incursions.  However, as each raid has been successfully engaged, it is unlikely there would be a sufficient outcry to force such a rebasing.

[Sir Slash]

Great AAR Tripoli. I thought the Germans had you there for awhile but your CL's got there just at the right time.

[Tripoli]

21 January 1915


Strategic Overview

The strategic situation is unchanged from last turn.  While the British fleet has an advantage in capital ships,  the number is not so great as to allow for a diversion of the fleet to open a second front along the Baltic.  Effectively, the German navy continues to act as a "Fleet in Being," tying down the Royal Navy to the Baltic area of operations.

While the Grand Fleet continues to have a significant superiority in operational battleships over the German fleet, the effectiveness of the Battlecruiser Fleet remains compromised relative to its German counterparts.   However, the situation is improving.  Damage as well as the requirement to train has rendered it only marginally combat capable for the next remainder of January 1915.  The temporary loss of its support seriously affects the ability of the Grand Fleet to engage the High Seas Fleet in a decisive battle.  This loss of operational capability is further exacerbated by loss of visibility brought on by the short winter days, which make it difficult for the Grand Seas Fleet to find and engage the German Fleet at the long ranges necessary to avoid German torpedo attacks.

Fortunately, the single German battlecruiser remains damaged.   Strategically, this likely limits the options for major German operations to either relying on light forces and/or submarines, as deployment of the High Seas Fleet without battlecruisers would be a high-risk operation.  The Royal Navy's shortage of destroyers remains serious, but a number of damaged units are returning to duty in the next two weeks.

One recent change to the operational picture is the opening of the German ports at Oostende and Zeebrugge on the Dutch coast.  Harwich Force will be required to patrol against sorties by light forces from these two ports against Channel shipping.  In the future, minefields and bombardment by the 3rd Battle Squadron may help alleviate this problem, but there are insufficient forces for anything more than a patrol  this turn.

Intelligence

There is no Intelligence concerning German operations.  The Germans have an estimated 1000 operations points, making a High Seas sortie possible, although there is no indication that such an operation is planned for this turn.  Intelligence from one month ago indicates the SMS DERFFLINGER will remain in repair for 3 more weeks because of battle damage.  This  indicates that the 1st Scouting Group will not have any heavy ships, aside from the SMS BLUCHER during the next two weeks. 

Intelligence also estimates the Germans have eight operational dreadnoughts, indicating that a as much as 25% of their battlefleet is undergoing maintenance.  This high level of  maintenance indicates 1) that there will be no sailing of the High Seas Fleet during the next two weeks and 2) that the Germans may be "front running" their maintenance in preparation for a large operation in February.   I evaluate the ECOA to be similar to those of last turn:

1.   Most Probable ECOA- Deployment of German light forces to conduct small-scale patrols into North Sea.  Possibly minelaying operations in conjunction with the deployment.
2.   Mining or raids by German light forces off of British East coast/Channel
3.   Patrol or Raid conducted by 1st Scouting squadron led by the SMS Blucher and associated light forces, likely along Dutch or Danish coast. 
4.   Most Dangerous ECOA - Deployment of multiple Battle squadrons of the High Seas Fleet and unknown number of pre-dreadnaughts to North Sea or English Channel.  Possible minelaying and/or submarine operations off the English coast in support of the deployment.


Available Forces
904 Operational points are available.  The Order of Battle for this turn is attached.  Damage to the Harwich Force's destroyers and the need to conduct training is significantly impacting the availability of destroyers during this two week period.

Objectives
   In priority order, the objectives for this turn are as follows:
1.   Continue repair and training to increase Royal Navy effectiveness, particularly in the Battlecruiser Fleet.  Conserve operations points and heavy fleet units in preparation for an anticipated major High Seas Fleet deployment in the February-March timeframe.
2.   Protect the British east coast and Channel from any raiding German units.
3.   Conduct light force sweep operations off the Dutch coast
4.   Conduct offensive minelaying operations off of Heligoland in preparation for the expected future deployment of the High Seas Fleet.

Concept of Operations
   This turn, I will restrict the Royal Navy to a sweep off Skagerrak with light forces, supported by heavy cruisers.  While hopefully destroying some German light forces or merchant vessels,  this will help the Royal Navy maintain the initiative while simultaneously giving the fleet's capital ships time to repair and retrain, as well as allow the fleet to stockpile some operation points in the event of a High Seas Fleet sortie in later turns.   In addition, an offensive minefield near the Bight will be re-seeded, as the previous fields have deteriorated.  This field will hopefully be useful in the event of a High Seas Fleet sortie in February. 

Replacements/Detachments
•   Reinforcements/Additions
o   CL HMS COMUS
o   DD HMS MENTOR
o   3 AMC
•Detachments
o   CL HMS LATONA

Maintenance and Repairs
•   Units entering Repair/Maintenance
o   Significant forces are entering maintenance.  See attached list

•   Units returning from Maintenance
o   BC HMS QUEEN MARY

Training
To improve the combat effectiveness of the Battlecruiser Fleet, all undamaged units are sent to training.  The Second Battle Squadron is also sent to training, leaving the 1st and 4th Battle Squadrons and the pre-dreadnoughts of the 3rd Battle Squadron available to respond to a large German sortie.

Administrative
   NSTR

Operations
   See attached OPLAN.  The 1st and 3rd  Cruiser Squadrons will deploy from Scapa Flow and conduct a sweep of the Skagerrak  and down the Danish coast.  Off Horn's reef, they will support an offensive minelaying operation by HMS PRINCESS MARGARET.  DD and CL Patrols off of Scapa Flow, the Firth of Forth, and the Channel will attempt to prevent German minelaying and light force raiding.

[mirth]

It's been a real pleasure reading these detailed reports. Thanks, Tripoli!

[bob48]

What Mirth said. Good AAR.

[bayonetbrant]

O0

[Airborne Rifles]

Makes me want to go back and re-read Castles of Steel!

[spieler6]

I was curious as to whether you did much initial re-basing before starting this and what command level you're using?

[Tripoli]

Thanks everyone for you kind comments.  I will have the results of the most current two week turn posted soon, once there is a break in my daughter's soccer schedule....

Regarding Difficulty: I am set on the Rear Admiral Mode for Realism and Medium level Difficulty. I did this because one of the purposes of the AAR is to use the game to illustrate issues of WWI, and I didn't want the game to use the "historical" estimates of combat capability.  Although I have not done so yet, I may inject some house rules in some of the tactical combat to illustrate some of the issues the on-scene commanders faced.  For instance, I'm thinking about having any destroyer action more than 50 miles from a cruiser to be run by the AI, as such actions were effectively beyond the range of the radio sets carried by destroyers in WWI.  Similarly, I'm considering injecting a signaling delay in any tactical maneuvers I do, to reflect the delays inherent in signal flags.    I would like to come up with a way to show how the absence of a true tactical plot hampered the German commander, but I'm not sure how I can do this using this game engine.

Regarding the basing:
I haven't done much rebasing.  I have basically followed the historical British basing scheme.  One exception is that I've based the pre-dreadnoughts of the 3rd Battle squadron to Grimsby instead of the historical basing of them at Sheerness. I did this because from here they can still rendezvous with the Grand Fleet in the central North Sea, help defend against raids against the east coast of England, as well as potentially cut off any raiding forces that enter the approaches to the English Channel.  This also places them out of range of German torpedo boats operating from the Belgium ports.  With that said, a strong argument can be made for stationing them at Sheerness to defend the Channel.  In the constrained waters in the Channel, the slow speed of the pre-dreadnoughts would be less of a liability in allowing them to intercept faster German cruisers that attempted to raid the area.  In their current basing at Grmisby, I believe that they are less likely to sucessfully intercept German raiders on the western North Sea, as the raiders will likely be able to outrun them.  However, I think they are safer at Grimsby, as they would need additional destroyer support at Sheerness.Right now, I'm a short-handed in the destroyer department.  Possibly I will rebase them further south later in 1915, once the QUEEN ELIZABETH class joins the Grand Fleet, and I have a few more destroyers.

I also rebased the 2nd Battle squadron and escorts  from Cromarty to Scapa Flow.  This was because a shortage of escorts and the German mining activity off the northern British ports leads me to conclude that it is better to put all of my battleship eggs in a single basket, which I can better protect with my limited destroyer assets, and that the remoteness of Scapa from German bases makes it a safer base.

Finally, I rebased and reassigned the Seaplane carriers and 3/3 Destroyer Flotilla re-base from Harwich to Scapa Flow, and re-assigned to the Grand Fleet.  This was to improve coordination between the Grand Fleet and the seaplane carriers. I also rebased the minelaying AMCs to Edinburgh, as I anticipate using these vessels primarily for defensive mining off of the major bases, so having them at Edinburgh places them closer to their anticipated OPAREA.

[Tripoli]

Battlelog  and spotting reports 21 January 1915

21 0900   WX: Light breeze, WNW
220237   DD HMS Brisk sights an unknown ship invic 5755N00448E
22 02:37   DD Brisk is launching torpedoes
22 02:40      Enemy ship Unidentified ship is hit by a torpedo!
22 02:56     DD Brisk fires 2 4in guns at CL! Target straddled!  2 hits
22 02:56     CL Hit
22 02:56     CL Hit
22 03:04     DD Alarm identifies CL as Medium Merchant-class
23 00:57     AMC Princess Margaret is commencing to lay mines!
23 01:08     CL Aurora is commencing to lay mines!
23 01:19     Objective Lay minefield with 1 ships (any ship) Accomplished!
23 03:40     DD Alarm sights an unknown ship invic 5449N00747E
23 03:45     DD Alarm identifies unknown ship as CA
23 04:01     CA fires 1 3in guns at DD Alarm! Target straddled!  0 hits
23 04:05    CA fires 1 3in guns at DD Alarm! Target straddled!  0 hits
23 07:00     CL Amphion opens fire at Coastal battery!
23 07:04     CL Undaunted opens fire at Coastal battery!
23 07:05     Coastal battery fires 4 6in guns at CL Undaunted! Target straddled!  1 hits
23 07:05     CL Undaunted Hull hit BE *
23 07:07     Coastal battery fires 4 6in guns at CL Undaunted! 1 hits
23 07:07     CL Undaunted Secondary battery hit *
23 14:03     CL Undaunted fires 1 4in guns at Coastal battery! Target straddled!  1 hits
23 14:03     6 in battery Hit [Note: Over the next 30 minutes, the HMS UNDAUTED engages in a gunnery duel with  Oostende and Zeebrugge shore batteries, with some damage being done to both sides.}


Aftermath and Analysis

   The sweep off Skagerrak was modestly successful, resulting in the sinking of a blockade running merchant transport, the CORNBERG.  The chief lesson learned from this engagement is that British torpedo shooting is terrible.  Although the first torpedo hit the CORNBERG, a total of three were fired at close range, the final two being fired when the CORNBERG was already damaged and maneuvering at only 5 knots.  This poor accuracy under near optimal consistent raises questions as to whether the British destroyers would be effective in an engagement with the High Seas Fleet.  Notably, the game accuracy of the torpedoes in this scenario appears to be consistent with what was historically achieved.  During the Battle of Jutland, the British achieved a 5.5 % hit rate overall with their torpedoes, with the destroyer flotillas achieving an overall 10.3% hit rate. (1)   However, these were largely against maneuvering warships.  During Jutland, the disabled SMS WIESBADEN was hit by a single torpedo out of four fired, for an overall accuracy of 25%.(2)   The 33% hit rate achieved in the game against a merchant is consistent with this historical example. 

As the Grand Fleet Commander in the game, the demonstrated low torpedo accuracy rate has me questioning the utility of massed destroyer attacks against the battle line.  It also has me question what tactics I should use when faced with massed torpedo attacks.   During Jutland, Admiral Jellicoe turned the Battle fleet away from a German torpedo attack, thereby allowing it to escape.  (See http://www.jutland1916.com/tactics-and-technologies-4/torpedoes-2/ for a discussion for the torpedo in Royal Navy doctrinal thinking).   Jellicoe had reasons for his concerns about the effect of underwater weapons.  The historical sinking of the HMS AUDACIOUS by a single mine proved that underwater weapons, if they hit, could do critical damage to warships. (see that attached image of damage done by torpedo to the SMS Seydlitz).  However, Jellicoe may have exaggerated the importance the torpedoes, in light of the numerical superiority of the British Fleet.  Jellicoe's tactic of executing a battle fleet turn-away made sense in 1914 and early 1915, when the numerical superiority of the Grand Fleet was less.  However, by the time of Jutland, the Royal Navy had a definite numerical superiority in capital ships. This superiority and the low accuracy of the torpedo indicated that the British battle line could maintain combat superiority over the German Fleet after a massed torpedo attack.  Therefore, in a general engagement where the British intend to maintain contact with the German forcer, the Royal Navy should turn towards, and not away from a torpedo attack.  Such a maneuver would allow it to maintain contact with the German fleet, while reducing the chances of a torpedo hit. 
Because of this analysis, I make the doctrinal decision that in future engagements with the High Seas Fleet in the game, I will turn the fleet towards an anticipated torpedo attack, unless the engaged British forces do not have a significant combat superiority.

The subsequent minefield laid off of Helgoland was less successful than I planned, as it was inadvertently laid in a North-South direction, instead of a NE-SW direction, thereby limiting its effectiveness. 
In addition to sinking the CORNBERG, the U-21 was sunk by a minefield near Hull. This is the first known submarine deployment in the area, indicating the Germans are beginning to do reconnaissance and/or interdiction of the smaller east coast ports.  While not a major factor yet, continued German submarine deployments off the smaller ports may require additional destroyer patrols.  Heretofore, I have had light forces patrolling off the major bases to limit mining and ambushing of capital units.  Having to increase destroyer patrols off the smaller ports would stretch my already overtasked destroyer fleet.

The unplanned reconnaissance and bombardment by Harwich Force's Channel patrol did not detect any mines or patrols off the new German bases at Oostende and Zeebrugge.  Possibly a bombardment mission of these facilities before any minefields are laid by the pre-dreadnoughts in conjunction with a sweep by the Grand Fleet would be profitable in the next month....

Notes

(1) Campbell, N. J. M. Jutland: An Analysis of the Fighting, 355. New York, N.Y.: Lyons Press, 1998, pg. 401
(2) Campbell, N. J. M. Jutland: An Analysis of the Fighting, 355. New York, N.Y.: Lyons Press, 1998, pg. 401

Image

[Tripoli]

04 February 1915

Strategic Overview

The strategic situation is unchanged from last turn.  At the operational level, the Grand Fleet continues to have a significant superiority in operational battleships over the German fleet.

Intelligence

There is no Intelligence concerning German operations.  The Germans likely have sufficient operations points to deploy their entire fleet, although there is no indication that such an operation is planned for this turn.  Additional intelligence indicates the SMS DERFFLINGER has completed her repairs.  Intelligence from last turn indicating that the Germans may be front running their maintenance raises the possibility that the High Seas Fleet sorties this turn.
I evaluate the ECOA for this two-week period in descending probability as follows:

1.   Most Probable ECOA- Deployment of German light forces to conduct small-scale patrols into North Sea.  Possible minelaying operations in conjunction with the deployment.
2.   Patrol or Raid conducted by 1st Scouting squadron led by the SMS Blucher or SMS DERFFLINGER  and associated light forces, likely along Dutch or Danish coast. 
3.   Most Dangerous ECOA - Deployment of multiple Battle squadrons of the High Seas Fleet and unknown number of pre-dreadnaughts to North Sea or English Channel.  Possible minelaying and/or submarine operations off the English coast in support of the deployment.
4.   Mining by German light forces off of British East coast/Channel

Available Forces

The British have 915 Operational points are available.  The Order of Battle for this turn is attached:
                        

Objectives

   In priority order, the objectives for this turn are as follows:
1.   Conduct minelaying operations off of the Helgoland area
2.   Conduct bombardment of the Belgium ports to delay their use by light forces and submarines
3.   Protect the British east coast and Channel from any raiding German units.
4.   Conduct blockade Operations invic Skagerrak
5.   Continue repair and training to increase Royal Navy Efficiency

Concept of Operations

   The primary goal during this two-week period is to conduct minelaying operations off Helgoland.  Although there is currently no indication of a High Seas sortie, I expect one in the near future.  The minefields off Helgoland are intended to attrition the High Seas fleet, "shaping the battlespace" before any engagement with the Grand Fleet.  Similarly, the bombardment of the Belgium ports will hopefully restrict their use for any German submarine or light force operations and directed at the east coast and channel, in preparation for the expected fleet action.  To conserve operations points, only the Battlecruiser Fleet and the pre-dreadnoughts will be deployed this turn.  There is some risk to deploy the three battlecruisers without support from the Grand Fleet.  However, I expect that these forces would have sufficient firepower superiority to safely engage the SMS DERFFLINGER should it be encountered, and enough speed to disengage from the High Seas Fleet should it be at sea.

   On the return from supporting the minelaying mission, the Battlecruisers will act as distant support for the bombardment force tasked with shelling the Belgium ports.  From their position in the southern portion of the North Sea, the battlecruisers should be able to cut off any light forces that sortie from Helgoland.

   A small scouting force of submarines off Horn's Reef and the Belgium coast will hopefully provide advance notice of any German ships deploying from Helgoland.   In the event of a High Seas Fleet sortie, the bombardment mission will be canceled, and the bombardment force ordered to port.

   
Replacements/Detachments
•   Reinforcements/Additions
o   None
•   Detachments
o   None

Maintenance and Repairs
•   Units entering Repair/Maintenance
o   CA HMS WARRIOR and ROXBURGH
o   CL UNDAUNTED

•   Units returning from Maintenance
o   BB HMS MONARCH
o   AV HMS ENGADINE
o   CA HMS SHANNON and ACHILLES
o   9 Destroyers

Training
•   CA HMS DRAKE
•   CL HMS COMUS, PENELOPE
•   3d Battlecruiser Squadron
•   1st Light cruiser squadron

Administrative

The Grand Fleet's 2nd Light cruiser squadron is temporarily reassigned to the Battlecruiser Fleet for scouting duties.  The 5th light cruiser squadron and 1st and 2nd Division of the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla are temporarily reassigned from Harwich Force to the Grand Fleet to provide escorts for the 3rd Battle Squadron.

[Blucher]

This AAR is fantastic  :)

[Tripoli]

Thank you for your kind words.  I have an update almost ready.  I'll post it once I get back from my daughter's soccer tournament this weekend.....

[Sir Slash]

Looking forward to it.  :clap: