GRAND FLEET is a moniker for my extensive "what if..." variant of the board game "to VICTORY THROUGH SEAPOWER" which itself is my homemade (and elaborately redeveloped) version
of a combination of Avalon Hill's "VICTORY in the PACIFIC" and "WAR at SEA" games. Leaving the actual game aside, the accompanying monographs on Japanese ships
(and other contemporaries) were developed as a "Rogue's Gallery"
of illustrations for the conception, development, and combat histories of the fictitious
warships that appear in the game. The "VTS rating" shown in the
descriptive tables is based largely on
the "VITP" format to rate individual game pieces' characteristics. Tonnage
expressed is 'standard'.
This "GRAND FLEET" variant seeks
to explore the effect of increased numbers and variety of naval participants
during the World War II era. The "GRAND FLEET" world is miraculously richer
in materials and manpower, allowing more generous expenditures on naval
assets. More countries join the war, making the conflict even more global.
Both the Allies and Axis navies are about a third more powerful.
Much of the increase is reflected in
concepts and designs that were proposed and nurtured in the inter-war
years but were discarded, never completed, or completed too late for the
historical time frame of the game. In the "GRAND FLEET" world the
Washington Naval Treaty that effectively curtailed large warship
development (they became
smarter, not larger) is delayed, for
about five years in its implementation (c. 1926) allowing the victors
of WW I to use their economic power to build more shipyards and
fleet units. Interest in nautical aeronautics speeds development of
naval aircraft, catapults, arrestor gear, and ships to carry them, resulting
in aircraft that are a 'generation' better than their historical counterparts.
Japan reluctantly embraces the
Treaty after Tosa and Owari were done, and only built one
conforming battleship (Hiraga) before building the Treaty-busting Kii in
secret. The sudden presence of the huge Kii in 1936 started the
world-wide naval arms race as countries rushed to renounce the Treaty
before they fell too far behind.
Japan invests heavily in
shipbuilding, particularly ships that carry aircraft. Great hope is
placed in her battlecruiser conversions and numerous seaplane
carriers until her building programs can supply the new fleet
carriers envisioned. She supplies ships and aircraft to her Asian
puppet states, but is more careful to rein in her jingoistic military
so she can stockpile steel and oil imported from disapproving
countries without getting cut off prematurely. Though her enemies
have not been idle either, the Imperial Japanese Navy that starts
the war in "GRAND FLEET" is more powerful and looks a bit different
than her historical counterpart.
Admiral U. Furashita
The grandiose building schemes of the early 'twenties could
be only partially realized regardless of Treaty restrictions due to
enormous costs. Most nations look for ways to 'economize' their
warships, either making smaller units or sacrificing some salient characteristic
to keep within Treaty limitations until the renewed threat of war in the
mid-'thirties spurs development and shipbuilding programs. The Treaty
collapses about 1936 and a worldwide naval race ensues. Older units
are modernized; new designs are rushed to completion. War erupts
before all the plans can be fulfilled, but bigger and better ships, and
different kinds of ships (such as the 'large cruiser' and flight-deck gunship)
are at sea or in the making.
