The Ryukyu Kingdom disagreement.

[Kaiser Kirk]

1912 Sino-Japanese disagreement over the Ryukyu islands.

In April of 1912,

The King of the Ryukyu kingdom of Okinawa received a demand for an oath of fealty from the Chinese Empire. The Ryukyu kingdom had ceased pledging fealty to either the Chinese or Japanese in 1692, and had managed to stay independent since. The demand was rejected.

The following morning, at first light the Chinese diplomats delivered notice of war. A radio station was seized by followers of the King's uncle, and a signal sent to Taiwan.
In the early morning hours, Chinese freighters with troops were piloting into harbors. When the signal was received, the troops seized the harbor facilities before the Ryukyu kingdom could mobilize.

The Chinese fleets were arriving after steaming overnight and could sail in and disgorge more troops.
The Ryukyu King is deposed and has been taken to China in shackles. The King's uncle, the Ryukyu Prince Nakajin Chofu has sworn fealty and has been invested as the formal King of Ryuku. The Chinese have showered him with gifts and monies.

There is a stream of Chinese freighter traffic from Taiwan, and there seems to be a squadron of small cruisers harbored in Taiwan. Other naval ships come and go.

interim

The Japanese quickly learn of events and protest to the Chinese. Discussions between the aloof and superior Chinese and the Japanese do not mollify them.  With long range plans already underway, the Japanese seek a diplomatic solution and escalated slowly.  Meanwhile the Japanese successfully land agents in the islands.  A couple of the independent Chinese cruiser squadrons appear to be operating as a screen, warning foreign vessels away.

June 1, 1912

None of the ports of the Ryukyu kingdom are very large, or sheltered. The Port of Naha has long served the Ryukyuian capital and while small, does have a breakwater and limited facilities.  A coast defense ship, minesweeper and a torpedo boat squadron are relocated to this port, joining the independent cruiser squadron.

The Japanese formally deliver an ultimatum, China given 1 month to respond. 

-King of Ryukyu released from prison and restored to throne
-Ryukyu Islands to be demilitarized of foreign presence (no Chinese or Japanese troops, limited warship basing rights)
-China allowed to collect increased tribute (China allowed to build 1 IC on Okinawa)
-Treaty signed to protect the Ryukyu Kingdom from foreign (ie non-Chinese/Japanese interference)
-No restrictions placed on Chinese or Japanese merchants and immigrants to the islands

If refused, Japan will place a military blockade on the islands.


During the following month, A coast defense ship, minesweeper and a torpedo boat squadron are relocated to this port, joining the independent cruiser squadron. The Chinese Army units, now identified as Three separate Bands (units), continue digging in and stockpiling supplies.  The freighter traffic continues, suddenly slacking in the last days of June.

July 1st
Expansion Day.

The Japanese Announce a Military Blockade of the Ryukyu Kingdom  (Okinawa islands).

Day 1:
Amphibious Invasions :
1300 hrs :  Chinese forces begin landing at west side Jeju Island.  Lookouts posted on peaks.
1500 hrs :  Chinese spot smoke on horizon.
1600 hrs :  Chinese start observing mast tops.
1700 hrs :  Chinese verify approaching Japanese fleet, dispatch messenger to harbor
1800 hrs :  Chinese coded radio broadcast from west side of Jeju Harbor.  Reply from mainland. Traffic between two.
2300 hrs : Japanese forces reach East side Jeju Island, confronted by Chinese AC and 2 PCs.

These are a 1895 "Norse" Buskerud AC (originally Iberian), and two 1893 "Norse" Blomst PCs.

One Chinese PC is steaming a racetrack pattern near the 6nm "cannon shot" limit, and warns the Japanese fleet away, informing them the island is claimed by China.
The AC and other PC patrol near the north point of the island.
The port of Jeju is not in view.  Encoded Radio traffic continues from the islands and the ships.

The Japanese issue this ultimatum : the Chinese will be given until sunset (of the next day) to vacate the island, if they don't the Japanese fleet is allowed to use any and all measures to remove them from the island. The Japanese also declare the military blockade extends to Jeju..

Chinese Response at Jeju : The Chinese will radio back within the hour that the new ultimatum is rejected. 

Chinese Response at Beijing :  The Chinese will inform any Diplomats present in Beijing that the Japanese have taken an act of war by declaring a military blockade of Chinese territory. China will not recognize the blockade, and will not accept Japan landing on it's territory, but will graciously take no offense if this matter is resolved in a week. China will take no action against Japanese merchants or warships outside it's waters, but is extending this distance to 12nm (basically in visual range) for the duration.

China does caution that further acts of war by the Japanese will be met in kind, but China does not seek war at this time.

Desertfox : I believe I have the dates right and transcribed the correct information. The response is modified after the player I consulted gave their feedback.  I have included some new information, and typed up notes on the Chinese Idea of all this so I've outlined some of the possible courses of Chinese actions before I know what your doing.

-edit : fixed the giant bold double paste issue.

[Desertfox]

That is correct as far as I can tell. I shall have updated orders to you by the end of the day.

[Kaiser Kirk]

Terms of the announced Japanese Blockade :

Blockade Terms delivered to the Chinese:

-Any Chinese ship within 20 miles of the Ryukyus or Jeju will be considered hostile and dealt with accordingly. This includes transports unloading at Jeju.
-Any Chinese military force within 100 miles of the Ryukyus or Jeju will be considered hostile and dealt with accordingly. This does not apply to single Chinese warships PC size or smaller or civilian ships, or Chinese military forces in Chinese waters (Japan will respect the 12 mile limit).

The Chinese make a counter offer :
China does not recognize any Japanese right to place a limit on China's borders.
-Jeju will remain part of of the Chinese Empire's Chosen Kingdom.
- The formally invested King of Ryukyu, Nakajin Chofu shall remain.
- Ryukyu Islands to be demilitarized of foreign presence (no Chinese or Japanese troops, limited warship basing rights)
- China allowed to collect increased tribute (China allowed to build 1 IC on Okinawa)
- Treaty signed to protect the Ryukyu Kingdom from foreign (ie non-Chinese/Japanese interference)
- No restrictions placed on Chinese or Japanese merchants and immigrants to the islands
As the Japanese seem greatly concerned with the freedom and prosperity of the peoples of the Islands of the China Seas,
The terms applied to the Ryukyu kingdom will be extended to current and future Chinese and Japanese holdings in the Philippines.
- Manilla, Davao, Panay and their surrounding areas will be demilitarized of foreign presence (no Chinese or Japanese troops, limited warship basing rights)
- A right to collect increased tribute from these areas (Japan/China allowed to build 1 IC in each province)
- Treaties signed to protect the Filipino Kingdoms from foreign (ie non-Chinese/Japanese interference)
- No restrictions placed on Chinese or Japanese merchants and immigrants to the islands

[Desertfox]

It'll be easier to reply here.

Japan's Reply

-Jeju will remain part of of the Chinese Empire's Chosen Kingdom.

Either Jeju is treated the same as the Ryukyus or else Japan would require an equivalent island in exchange (probable Amami?)

- The formally invested King of Ryukyu, Nakajin Chofu shall remain.
- Ryukyu Islands to be demilitarized of foreign presence (no Chinese or Japanese troops, limited warship basing rights)
- China allowed to collect increased tribute (China allowed to build 1 IC on Okinawa)
- Treaty signed to protect the Ryukyu Kingdom from foreign (ie non-Chinese/Japanese interference)
- No restrictions placed on Chinese or Japanese merchants and immigrants to the islands

Agreed, same as Japanese proposal

As the Japanese seem greatly concerned with the freedom and prosperity of the peoples of the Islands of the China Seas,
The terms applied to the Ryukyu kingdom will be extended to current and future Chinese and Japanese holdings in the Philippines.

Japan considers the Philippines to be outside the scope of this discussion but in the spirit of peace will humor the Chinese.

- Manilla, Davao, Panay and their surrounding areas will be demilitarized of foreign presence (no Chinese or Japanese troops, limited warship basing rights)

Japan can consider a treaty limiting military numbers but not a full demilitarization, as it would leave the islands vulnerable to foreign invasion.

- A right to collect increased tribute from these areas (Japan/China allowed to build 1 IC in each province)

Japan cannot agree, the Philippines should have the right to fully develop their industry.

- Treaties signed to protect the Filipino Kingdoms from foreign (ie non-Chinese/Japanese interference)
- No restrictions placed on Chinese or Japanese merchants and immigrants to the islands

Japan can agree.

[Kaiser Kirk]

The Chinese reply :

Jeju is 60nm off of the Chinese and Chosen coast.
Anami is a part of the Ryukyu kingdom.
They are not equivalent.
If the Japanese are concerned about the independence of the Ryukyu kingdom, the Japanese would not demand a portion of the Ryukyu territory over an unrelated island.

If Japan wishes to place restrictions on Chinese Territory, in the form of the Ryukyu Kingdom, The Chinese are merely asking for the same restrictions to be applied to the current and future Japanese Territory in the Philippines as an equivalent. In addition, the Chinese will graciously agree to bind their new territory of Panay.  The Chinese view it as equitable to share the proposed restrictions equally. If the Philippines are to have the right to develop their industry, should not also the Ryukyu Kingdom?

[Desertfox]

If China wants to argue distances Anami is closer to Japan (100nm Japan vs 200nm China) relatively speaking than Jeju is to Chosen (60nm Chosen vs 100nm Japan).

The last Japanese offer is final, Japan will not negotiate any further.

[snip]

Japan right now

[Kaiser Kirk]

If China wants to argue distances Anami is closer to Japan (100nm Japan vs 200nm China) relatively speaking than Jeju is to Chosen (60nm Chosen vs 100nm Japan).

The last Japanese offer is final, Japan will not negotiate any further.

The Chinese Emperor is expresses his sorrow that the Children of Japan have chosen a course of bullying and aggression, seeking to embarrass and shame the Chinese Dragon.

[Desertfox]

Based on the timelines... are we about to see fireworks on 4th of July!?!?

Enjoy! 8)

[Kaiser Kirk]

Based on the timelines... are we about to see fireworks on 4th of July!?!?

Enjoy! 8)

Well you arrived July 1st. Gave the Ultimatium. They had until Sunset on the 2nd.
By 1917hrs on July 2nd, at 35 degrees North, the sun sets. Dusk lasts another hour and a half.

The island of Cheju-do has two villages. The insignificant fishing village of Seogowip on the East side, and the slightly busier Jeju on the West. Jeju has two wharves, able to handle 4 frieghters- two abreast each wharf. A light crane and a couple warehouses complete the dockside facilities. Fishing boats at both ports are simply hauled out by hand onto the strand. The Port of Jeju does trade with a Korea, there are two small harbors 90km away.  The mountain top soaring above is over 1800m high. and the island is 65km long, laying just 20km off the islands making the Korean coast.  Watch fires twinkle at the four edges of the island and from shortly below the peak. From that height, on a good day, a fleet could be spotted 100nm away. Radio traffic from the island and Chinese ships bounces back and forth to the mainland.

July 2nd 1917hrs : Sunset see the following situation :

The Imperial Japanese Navy brought a large task force and freighters.  They have spent the night in a large slow circle north of the island.
South of them, an impertinent old Chinese Scout Cruiser squawks indignant warnings about staying out of Chinese waters.
East of the island a second old scout does the same.
Of Jeju village, in the quiet channel west of the island, a old armored cruiser was last seen, anchored with steam up. Two frieghters are tied up, 1 to each wharf, but as the "T" of the crossbar, rather than alongside. The Chinese were still busily unloading them as the sun set.

Predawn expected 0315hrs, Dawn at 0448hrs.

July 3rd
The 6 Japanese torpedo boats slip down the strait towards Jeju harbor.  The moon has come over the mountain, the sea state is 3, gentle breeze with large wavelets and barely breaking crests.... good weather. Reports from Japan indicate the winds will pick up by noon, but for now, it is perfect torpedo weather.  Swinging wide they hook in on their attack run from the west.
One is dedicated for each freighter, the other four to hunt and kill the armored cruiser at anchor.

At 0200 hours they turn East and come up to full speed, bow waves blooming in front of them, Four searching for the cruiser, the other two aiming for the docks.

Aboard the quiet Chinese cruiser the watch using the war tubas cries alarm, alarms clang.  Long at battle stations, the crew has been sleeping in shifts, and those crew asleep by their stations jolt awake. The order is given and steam is fed to the reciprocating cylinders, while the sea anchor is pulled in. The nets, already out, limit top speed, but allow slow movement.  In minutes, searchlight beams stab out in the darkness, seeking the Japanese vessels.  They in turn now know where their target is. They open fire with HE to shatter the searchlights.

....more later....

(I have some rolling to do)

[Desertfox]

Mislabeled image of the torpedo boats the day before the attack:

[Kaiser Kirk]

0200 hrs.

The searchlights stab brightly into the night, and the excited torpedo men rapidly load and fire at the distant source. The range is a distant 12,000 yards.

The armored cruiser moves slowly, nets out, in a slow turn, so not to outturn it's guns.
In the control room, the plotters take the bearings from the war tubas and put the first plot down. The searchlights swing to that sector and the guns fire blindly that direction.

The torpedo boats pound through the night at 31.5 knots, closing at just shy of 1000m a minute.

Just shy of 10,000 yards, the searchlights reflect off a gracefully arching bow wave, and then pan back, skewering the torpedo boat in the light. Shells start splashing around the torpedo boat. The torpedo boats continue firing towards the cruiser, but can not tell where their shells are going in the night.

The cruiser commences excited radio broadcasting in the clear, announcing that is under torpedo attack by Japanese vessels.  Several minutes later coded messages will be broadcast from the island and be relayed across China.

Plowing onwards, the range keeps bearing down. Now 8300yards, the Armor cruiser slowly brings it's prow to the Southwest, it's guns angling towards the torpedo boats. Ten guns fire salvos of 155mm fire , the shells rip out, the guns are adjusted and bark again at 20 second intervals. The 75mm guns start firing on the other three targets, emerging from the gloom. 

The range falling to 6500m, the torpedo boats can finally spot their own splashes and adjust fire, but the forest of splashes from the 4 craft make it difficult. A shell bursts on a boatcrane's kingpost, but who's. The secondary of the cruiser focus on the 3 unengaged torpedo boats, drenching them in splashes, while the one under 155mm fire starts to pick up shrapnel holes. So close, just little more

The range dropping down to 4600, the bouncing decks of the speeding torpedo boats continue to be a frustrating platform, but at least the shells are getting close now, and then torpedo boat #3 is hit by two 155mm guns in the same salvo. The nose fused HE shells impact less than a second apart and detonate, the torpedo boat breaks in two, only to have the rear half impacted by a third 155mm shell, the torpedoes exploding spectacularly.

For nearly a minute the remaining boats charge onwards, then the flotilla leader slews to the North, clearing the rear torpedo mounts to fire. They launch their weapons out, a total of 6 torpedoes, 18" in diameter, speeding underwater at 35 knots and they should reach the armored cruiser in 3.5minutes, giving it little time to evade.

While turning broadside made the torpedo boats better targets, the cruisers searchlights have to switch to a new target and new ranges established, it's 155mm guns try on local fire, but are worse than useless as their splashes ruin the spots of the 75mm guns.

With the Torpedo boats speeding away in erratic manuevers, the cruiser continues fire, with the the main battery firing on the spotlighted target while the 75mm battery splits fire on local spot between the two remaining targets.

The torpedo boats have increased the range to just shy of 7000m when the torpedoes arrive at the cruiser.  The highly trained Japanese torpedomen did well, with a remarkable five of the six torpedoes striking home.

The Armored Cruiser, only the bow and stern are not covered by nets. Torpedoes hit at  13ft, 165ft, 174ft, 274ft, 300ft.  The bow strike rises a fountain of water, peeling the 2" end armor inwards. Two torpedoes hit the net covering 165 & 174 feet, but the first is the only dud in the salvo. The net section at 274 feet catches the  torpedo harmlessly, while the net section beyond that is lost when the last The last torpedo blows up in the net, ruining that section. The Cruiser continues forward, last seen by the torpedo boats steaming to the Southwest.

The other two torpedo boats continue to the docks without problem, delivering their torpedoes against the stationary freighters from 1000m.  Three of the torpedoes track well, but the fourth suffers a gyroscope failure and beaches itself. All three torpedoes explode satisfactorily and the two coastal freighters sink like rocks at their moorings.

The Japanese torpedo boats race off Northwards, while the Chinese flee into the night. The radio on the island gives it's quarter hour updates, with the first light of predawn expected at a 313, and dawn at 448, the radio will be crackling more.

Commentary:
I was hoping to get the NPCs set up for more interaction this turn.
It really doesn't look like that will happen.
After that I was kinda thinking of looking at how to do combat and adapt it for Nav7,
After that was going to be take another look and see if any rules were issues and clarify things.
Then I figured I'd be in fire season and busy.

Instead we're fast forwarding into combat. Whee.  But I strongly believe that having a naval-focused game without the option of using the ships...is a little lacking.
I am trying to mix Seekrieg 4th ed with our Tech and ships. Navweaps helps for things like find what the heck range and speed is right for torpedoes.

However, the Seekrieg Torpedo Hit chart is ridiculous.
((57.3* length in feet * sine of target angle (which they give))/range in ft between ships)/relative tracking error. The last is based on speed, which for the cruiser with nets out is slow.

Cruiser shots worked out as follows :
I'm going to have to make spreadsheet for the Seekrieg sheet ...works out to (24825/11890)/4= .52 which T4 gives as a 40% hit probability.
37
21
15
07
06
48

I was a little surprised with the second hit wound up 3% of the hull length, just outside the nets and right in the bow. I was rolling because if two hit in the same place, and the first detonated, the second would get through. It was just pure dumb luck that the one that hit at 165ft was the dud and before the one at 174ft. The next section of net was not a dud, but nets are not a hard hull and so the fuse did not actuate on the net, and so on.

The local fire control, in moonlight, with multiple ships, and beyond ~6000m unable to adjust by spots....plus rolls that never got close to hitting, reduced the TB guns to decorations. Most rolls seem to have been 50+, but 1 roll was a 14 instead of the 13 or less needed.

The cruiser, which Walter had equipped with Night Fighting remote sensing gear (tech the Chinese have) was able to pick up the torpedo boats at distance and get some ranging shots in. They still had a very low probability and were limited in ROF by the old guns. Mostly bad rolls, they had 1 spectacular round where one salvo hit twice followed by a single shell. Considering these torpedo boats have a survivability of 75lbs, and took over 300lbs with torpedoes ready to launch, I did not see a reason for the damage charts.

[Desertfox]

Not bad for 6 obsolete torpedo boats. Would have been nice to take out the AC but it is damaged and likely out of the fight, thought if it keeps heading SE its going to run into some not so friendly ships.

[Kaiser Kirk]

Not bad for 6 obsolete torpedo boats. Would have been nice to take out the AC but it is damaged and likely out of the fight, thought if it keeps heading SE its going to run into some not so friendly ships.

D'oh, meant SW towards Shanghai. I'll change that.

But yeah you should have had 2 torp hits and waaay overachieved. Looks good on their records though.

Otherwise, when I get home tomorrow night I'll process the standing orders you gave me for the rest of the day.
Figuring out *how* to do that was interesting, but took a while.

[Desertfox]

No worries, no hurry on my side.

That makes more sense, as long as the damage isn't too bad it should be able to escape.

Yeah the intention was just to probe the defenses, now my fleet wont have any targets to shoot at when it arrives! I guess they can always shoot up the docks. Question is, will the Chinese Northern Fleet come out to play... *dun dun dunnnn*

I have noticed going back to N-Verse 1.0 torpedo attacks tend to be a bit more effective than OTL. I wonder if that has been just luck or wargaming rules are biased towards torpedoes.