RE: The Battle to Re-Take Port Moresby!

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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> War In The Pacific - Struggle Against Japan 1941 - 1945 >> After Action Reports >> RE: The Battle to Re-Take Port Moresby!

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RE: The Battle to Re-Take Port Moresby! - 6/27/2007 12:27:14 AM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

Combat Report
August 6-10, 1942

Everything continues to progress at Port Moresby and the relief of Perth. I�ll throw in notes at the end of the report.

Regional Reports:

North Pacific
Kiska               I have a sense of impending action here. The Allies have begun to Recon this base from Dutch Harbor. Current forces based there: Air--27 Zero, 9 Kate, and 9 Emily, Ground�135 Assault Points�primarily 3 SNLF, a CD unit, and 2 Base Forces, and Naval�3 CL, 5 DD, and 3 SS. Begin looking around to find more of anything to reinforce this base some.

Central Pacific
Midway            The 3rd Battle of Midway??? The base is hit on the 6th and 8th by 24-27 B-17 causing little damage. On the 10th, THREE TF are spotted about 9 hexes to the east of Midway moving in a westerly direction�

Immediately move my Bettys from Wake to Midway (27�9�9= 45 total) and set for Naval Attack. Order my small STF (1 CL and 3 DD) based at Wake to move to a position NW of Midway at 5 hexes away to a possible attack.

The last time the Allies attacked Midway, it cost them an RCT and numerous damaged/sunk ships. Since then, I lifted off 2 weaker SNLF and replaced them with stronger Naval Guard units as well as added a 2nd CD unit. Add to this that there are now over 3,500 mines there that weren�t last time and it might be FUN to watch!

This garrision cannot hold against a large attack�say 1 � Infantry Divisions but it sure will bloody their noses�

Kwajalein         Convert an Oscar Sentai (Exp: 79) to TONIES! They will move to Midway when ready�

South Pacific
Operation Black Wind has a promising start. The PM landing seems to have caught the Allies out-of-position or they are simply going to sacrifice over 45,000 men�

Lae      Strikes launch from here to PM every day. I have 3 Daitai of Betty (81 planes) ready to attack ANY naval shipping that approach the base.

Port Moresby   All 4 Infantry Divisions and 2 Construction Btns (well supplied) are ashore by August 7th and I launch my first Deliberate Attack on 9th. I get a 1-1!!! The attack nearly takes the base (639-399) since I missed a 2-1 by just a little bit. Reinforcements begin landing on the 10th�a Army HQ, 2 small Base Forces, and another Construction Btn. Barring a massive change, I will launch a Shock Attack about the 14th and get the base.

Reinforcements: I have 2 Engineering Regiments, 2 Artillery Regiments, and an Infantry Brigade all en route from Noumea---these are being sent just-in-case�

Gili-Gili Having been pasted by 4EB earlier, G-G works to put the pieces back together and continues to launch strikes, provide CAP, and serve as a staging point for the PM Operation.

Salamaua          As of the 9th, this base becomes operational by going to AF-2. The 2 Daitai of Vals and 1 Daitai of Zero immediately begin operations over PM.

Noumea           Sortie a STF (1 CL and 8 DD) to G-G from here to support operations.

Sub Action:
Aug 7th--SS Grayling hits a Mine at PM
Aug 8th�SS Silversides hits an AK with 6 Shells and takes 2 Shells back near G-G
Aug 8th�East of Cairns sees Ro-60 take 4 DC and sink
Aug 9th�SS Herring hits a Mine at PM
Aug 9th�I-175 sunk by ASW TF near Brisbane
Aug 10th�KXVI hit by ASW TF near PM by 3 DC

MAN�I am losing SS at a fast rate�

On the 10th, my Recon from Thursday Island spots what might be an Allied response. Several TF are spotted moving northwards along the Aussie coast between Cairns and Cooktown.

Kiriwina           On the 6th, I notice that my ships east and northeast of G-G are being spotted by Catalinas. Rather perplexed at this, I suddenly notice activity at this island. The Allies have moved some troops and recon planes there by SS! Thoroughly impressed--as well as irritated�I invade the island on the 10th.

NE Australia
Perth    Normal routine of naval, air, and land bombardment every day. Troops are out of supply but continue to hold.

7,97     My blocking force has been eliminated down to a single brigade. There are now 1 Inf Div, 2 Brigades, and a TK Regiment pounding this unit. It does not look good�

Naval Developments:
As my many TF are moving into position NW of the Aussie Coast (about 8 hexes), I spot a small TF moving towards India. Planes from CVs Soryu and Ryujo launch and SINK BC Repulse with 5 Bombs and 4 TT on the 10th! A gallant opponent slips beneath the waves. BANZAI!

While nice, some of my surprise factor has now been lost�

DEI
SS Action:
Aug 8th�SS O21 is hit by an ASW TF and takes 5 DC

Singapore         Convert a Sentai of Oscars (Exp: 82) to TONIES!

Burma
Continous story of massive Allied Airpower being used all along Nate�s perimeter hitting troops near Myitkina, the base at Mandalay, Akyab, and elsewhere.

Andaman          I think the Allies have re-thought bombarding this base TWICE in the last two weeks. I spot ships approach, get attacked by LBA from the base (usually Sally) and then NOT move in. We�ll see if this continues�

China
Yenen              Strong Dog Fight on the 8th when the Allies try to recapture aerial control over the city�they lose�we lose 8F and 4 B and they lose 14 P-40. After a long wait (and getting another Inf Div, Inf Brigade, and Engineering Regiment), Nate prepares to attack once more�

49,26               Nate�s troops continue to hold the hex to the west of Yenen against aerial and ground attack. If he can hold the hex a while longer, then Yenen MUST begin to run out of supply!

Engineering: Tatung AF-4

Home Islands
My warships from the SE Pacific Campaign spread out throughout the ports of Japan for repair and upgrade.

To deal with Allied 4EB better, I change 4 AA units in Japan from Home Islands to 4th Fleet �ownership� and ship them out on the 6th. Two head for Midway and the other two go towards Rabual�Lae�G-G.

Combat Summary
August 6-10, 1942

Planes
Japan�40 total�15 Fighters, 13 Bombers, 2 Recon, and 5 Float Planes.

Allies�47 total�21 Fighters, 4 Bombers, and 22 4EB. Fighters lost in China and a nice amount of 4EB lost over New Guinea!

Shipping
Japan�5 Ships---I-175, Ro-60, 1 ML, 1 AK, and 1 AP.

Allies�1 Ship�BC Repulse

Notes:

Sinking the Repulse was nice but it has given away that I have at least 2 CV in the area. I am not sure as how I want to handle that. I have my Glen-SS looking around and think that I will still try to see what is down there by sending in my Decoy (Suicide) Convoy.
It APPEARS that PM will be mine within a week-to-ten days.
I have about 10-12 damaged AP/AK/TK moving from PM to Rabaul and expect to lose about 50% of them. Considering the losses I took when I landed at Pago-Pago, those a light indeed!

_____________________________

Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.

Reluctant Admiral Mod:
https://sites.google.com/site/reluctantadmiral/

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 241

The THIRD Battle of Midway - 6/27/2007 9:08:00 PM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

My opponents are making ANOTHER attempt at recapturing Midway Island!

History:
Captured Midway on January 15th
Destroyed the 161st RCT when the Allies tried to retake the island in Mid-March
Reinforced the island in early May
August 10-12th Prelude to a new invasion

The Invasions Force was spotted on August 10th, attacked by Bettys on the 11th, should be bombarded on the 12th with a landing on the 12th or 13th.

These are the statistics of the base currently:

Midway Pt-2/AF-6 Fortifications 7
Supply 26,000
Fuel 2543

Minefields--3,200 total

Troop Assault Strength: 352

Composition:
Sand Island: 61st/88th Naval Guard, 6th CD Btn, 21st Reserve Engineers, and 24th Aviation Unit
Eastern Isaland: 51st/52nd Naval Guard and 14th CD Btn

I shall expect a landing of AT LEAST 1 1/2 Infantry Divsions. Perhaps one of them is Marine? Do the Marines have anything other then the 1st (Auckland I think) and 2nd (destroyed at Pago-Pago) Divisions at this stage of the war?

If they are Army, I have a real chance to throw them back into the sea AGAIN!

Otherwise my troops shall die honorably!

Banzai! BANzai!! BANZAI!!!

_____________________________

Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.

Reluctant Admiral Mod:
https://sites.google.com/site/reluctantadmiral/

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 242

RE: The THIRD Battle of Midway - 6/28/2007 3:18:26 AM

Grotius

Posts: 5798
Joined: 10/18/2002
From: The Imperial Palace.
Status: offline

I've just read through the AAR and wanted to add my voice to the chorus of praise! I like your format, and I am intrigued with the course of the war so far. I will mostly be lurking because I'm about to go read Cap's AAR now, and I don't trust myself not to reveal secrets. :) Good luck.

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 243

RE: The THIRD Battle of Midway - 6/28/2007 7:03:57 AM

bobogoboom

Posts: 3799
Joined: 2/13/2006
From: Dallas
Status: offline

Not sure if i have posted to say this but this and Cap's are my favorite aar around. Yall both do a wonderful jobs with you aars. Keep up the good work(though as an afb i am rooting for him).

(in reply to Grotius)

Post #: 244

RE: The THIRD Battle of Midway - 6/28/2007 7:38:22 AM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

Thank you Gentlemen! Good to know two more readers are with the cause. I appreciate the complements. I don't have the techincal savvy that others do but simply try to put my thoughts to 'paper.'

I am waiting for my daily turn from my opponents! Want to see if Midway gets hammered or not...

_____________________________

Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.

Reluctant Admiral Mod:
https://sites.google.com/site/reluctantadmiral/

(in reply to bobogoboom)

Post #: 245

RE: The THIRD Battle of Midway - 7/7/2007 12:58:45 AM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

Hello Readers! I have been unable to update the AAR over the last week. Hope to get to it on Sunday or Monday. Sorry about the delay but 'life happens.'

Have a good day!

_____________________________

Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.

Reluctant Admiral Mod:
https://sites.google.com/site/reluctantadmiral/

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 246

31,000+ Aussie PoWs! - 7/8/2007 11:45:53 AM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

I must release a selective amount of information! Let August 19, 1942 go down in history as a glorious day for the Imperial Japanese Army with the complete capitulation of over 31,000 Austrailian soldiers at Port Moresby!

BANZAI!

Scratch the 1st Aussie Corps HQ
7th and 8th Aussie Infantry Divisions
A-T Regiment
2 Base Forces

How is that for August 1942??!!

The game is, once again, afoot off the coast of Perth as well...

_____________________________

Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.

Reluctant Admiral Mod:
https://sites.google.com/site/reluctantadmiral/

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 247

RE: 31,000+ Aussie PoWs! - 7/9/2007 1:57:28 AM

IS2m

Posts: 194
Joined: 5/2/2005
Status: offline

BANZAI!!!

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 248

Combat Log August 11-15, 1942 - 7/11/2007 1:57:35 AM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

Combat Report
August 11-15, 1942

The Allies are trying AGAIN to take Midway! To remind the reader: the base was taken by the Japanese in mid-January, was attacked by the Americans in mid-March (causing the 161st RCT to surrender, and here we are in mid-August�

Regional Reports:

North Pacific
Kiska               I still have a sense of impending action here. I have an MLE strike a mine here on the 15th. Will begin a minelaying campaign here very shortly. Will be moving some SS and ML there to take care of that.

Dutch Harbor Goes to AF-4 on the 11th.

Central Pacific
Midway           The 3rd Battle of Midway is ON!

August 11th     I have 45 Bettys make very disappointing attacks on the Invasion Force as it moves to 4 hexes east of the Island. There is at least ONE US CV present. My attacks have to fly through 29 Wildcats flying CAP. For 11 Bettys, I get single TT hits on BB Colorado and California.

Figuring that I am about to be bombarded, I fly all available planes from Midway to Wake that night.

August 12th     Surprisingly the Allies don�t bombard the island during the day but do hit it at night. A total of 3 BB, 1 CA, and 1 CL bombard and get hit anywhere from 10-30 times by CD. The bombardment is strong; however, and I have 2,035 Cas and lose 39 Guns.

A few F4F with 28 SBD hit the base during the day as well. I ASSUME that Wasp is carrying the CAP and strike burden by herself. With 3 US CV KNOWN to be in the South Pacific, perhaps there is an opportunity here�

Invasion TF is one hex away to the east.

August 13th     LANDING! My mines and CD do quite well. Numerous AK, AP, and other support ships are hit by both. About 12-15 ships are hit by one or the other. The Shock Attack nets 0-1�my Forts are at 7. Find out what is landing and have to say HOLY COW!

American Units in Midway Assault:
US 1st Corps HQ
1st Marine Division
37th Army Infantry Division
FA Regiment
Tank Battalion
CD Regiment
Engineering Regiment

There is no doubt that Midway will fall. Question is, how long can my troops hold out and will they give me a chance at a weighted counterstrike? We shall see�

I order CARDIV 5 and its tired supports to reform in Tokyo Bay. Figure to move Shokaku/Zuikaku, 2 BC, 3-5 CA/CL, and DDs into one TF and see what chaos may be gained�

Kwajalein        Load my Tony Sentai about an AK on the 12th and send it to Wake.

August 14th     My mines and CD do more damage. Two American BBs take mine hits as well as numerous smaller vessels. There are 6 BBs present including the Prince of Wales! Wow�

August 15th     Still unloading and taking damage. No attack whatsoever to this point other then the Shock Attacks of landing.

South Pacific
Am preparing for my second land attack on PM. I want this attack to TAKE the base! Will wait until reinforcements have fully unloaded.

Lae      Strikes launch from here to PM every day. I have 3 Daitai of Betty (81 planes) ready to attack ANY naval shipping that approach the base.

Port Moresby The airfield is struck repeatedly and a growing number of my bombers are hitting the Aussie Inf Div. Casualties average about 300 a day with a few guns. I now have an Army HQ, 4 Inf Div, and 4 small Construction Btns. Within 4-5 days, I will add 2 Engineering Regiments, 2 Artillery Regiments, and an Infantry Brigade. Will attack at and capture the base at that point.

The Allies have their 4EB trying to hit shipping and my troops surrounding the base. There is a LR CAP of nearly 30 Zeros working to lesson their impact. A number of 4EB are shot down or damaged as well as some Hudsons flying from Cairns.

Gili-Gili           Continues to provide support, strikes at PM, and LRCAP for convoys passing to and fro.

Salamaua         LR CAP over PM is being flown from here as well. I have 1 Daitai of Zeros as well as 2 Daitai of Vals.

Kiriwina          Dispatch this pest on the 11th. My creative Allies were using it to stage a squadron of PBYs from this point. NO MORE!

Deboyne          The same troops used at Kiriwina now land here on the 12th to make sure there are no more Allied surprises.

Thursday Island          My recon base (2 Chutai of Emily and 1 Chutai of Jakes) is hit by 20 B-24 on the 13th doing no real damage.

US CVs! I believe that I spot the American CVs at Townsville on the 13th. An Emily (from Norfolk Island) flies a Recon mission there. It doesn�t spot the CVs but does find 49 F4Fs flying CAP there. Good to know�

Sub Action:
Aug 11th---SS Permit is hit by 3 DC by an ASW TF
Aug 12th---KXVIII sinks an AP at PM with 3 TT
Aug 13th---SS Flying Fish puts a TT into an AP
Aug 14th---SS Flying Fish hit by 4DC by an ASW TF
Aug 15th---SS KXVIII 4 DC and SS Grayback 3 DC at PM by ASW TF
     I�ll wager that my opponents are trying to pull out unit fragments before they are lost.

NE Australia
Perth    Normal routine of naval, air, and land bombardment every day. Troops are out of supply but continue to hold and pray for help. They get hit by a 21-1 attack on August 15th and hold their ground�I have more Assault Points here but no supply.

7,97     My blocking force has been eliminated down to a single brigade. There are now 1 Inf Div, 2 Brigades, and a TK Regiment pounding this unit. It continues to not look good�the unit takes (get this) a 254-1 attack on the 15th and STILL holds�

Naval Developments:
I try to refuel my fleet on the 11th and 12th and FOR SOME REASON they cannot. I have 9 TK carrying 73,000 in fuel and they won�t/can�t do it. Am I doing something wrong???

Begin a slow move southwards for battle�

My Glen�SS spot the British CVs due south of Perth on the 11th and track them northwards on the 12th. This MIGHT be fun!

DEI
No action.

Burma
Continous story of massive Allied Airpower being used all along Nate�s perimeter hitting troops near Myitkina, the base at Mandalay, Akyab, and elsewhere.

China
Yenen              Strong Dog Fight on the 8th when the Allies try to recapture aerial control over the city�they lose�we lose 8F and 4 B and they lose 14 P-40. After a long wait (and getting another Inf Div, Inf Brigade, and Engineering Regiment), Nate prepares to attack once more�

49,26               Nate�s troops continue to hold the hex to the west of Yenen against aerial and ground attack. If he can hold the hex a while longer, then Yenen MUST begin to run out of supply!

Engineering: Tatung AF-4

Home Islands
Re-forming the CV TF at Tokyo Bay as described earlier.

Combat Summary
August 11-15, 1942

Planes
Japan�48 total�25 Fighters, 22 Bombers, and 1 DB.
            Most of these planes are lost in the fighting over Northern China.

Allies�69 total�26 Fighters, 21 Bombers, and 20 4EB. Fighters lost in China and a nice amount of 4EB lost over New Guinea!

Shipping
Japan�4 Ships---1 ML, 1 AP and 2 TK.

Allies�3 Ships�1 DD, 1 MSW, and 1 AK

Notes:

My 3 CVE initiate LR CAP over the Decoy Convoy. This should place about 35-40 Zeros over the convoy at all times. SHOULD bloody the Allies noses when they attack�
It APPEARS that PM will be mine within a week-to-ten days.
I have about 10-12 damaged AP/AK/TK moving from PM to Rabaul and expect to lose about 50% of them. Considering the losses I took when I landed at Pago-Pago, those a light indeed!
Things are coming to a head with simultaneous actions occurring at Midway, PM, and Perth. The next few weeks will tell and tale�

_____________________________

Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.

Reluctant Admiral Mod:
https://sites.google.com/site/reluctantadmiral/

(in reply to IS2m)

Post #: 249

RE: Combat Log August 11-15, 1942 - 7/11/2007 12:25:47 PM

castor troy

Posts: 14330
Joined: 8/23/2004
From: Austria
Status: offline

John,

you have to use AO not TK to refuel your ships!

_____________________________

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 250

RE: Combat Log August 16-24, 1942 - 7/13/2007 4:24:24 AM

John 3rd

Posts: 17178
Joined: 9/8/2005
From: La Salle, Colorado
Status: offline

Combat Report
August 16-24, 1942

This is a GREAT update in that includes a series of massive Japanese ground AND air victories throughout the Pacific. Action carries on at Port Moresby, Midway, and Perth. Without further commentary, let us jump into the fray�

Regional Reports:

North Pacific
Kiska               Supply Convoy offloads without issue here from the 17-20th.

Attu                 AF-1 on August 20th.

Central Pacific
Midway           The action at Midway is pretty fast and furious. I have already resigned myself to losing this base due to the massive troop landing that has and is occurring. My sole goal is to damage as many ships and units as possible. Have to admit that I VERY worried about this Allied concentration of troops in the Central Pacific.

I am fully deployed in the Southern Pacific. Will detail troop movements in the South Pacific area of the report.

Basic Summation of the Action:

My troops hold on but are horribly outnumbered. The only things saving them thus far is having abundant supply and Forts of 7.
Allied Shipping Damage: My CD, mines, air and surface attacks have managed to damage and/or sink a number of vessels. Notes thus far: CL Detroit, 4 DD, and nearly 20 AP/AK heavily hit or damaged.
The Allies content themselves to bombard my troops and not attack. My guess is that they are trying to rest from the landing and then attack.
There are two small naval battles on the 21st and 23rd: a small STF of 4 CL and 6 DD manage to sink 4 US DDs (surprise gained for Long Lances!) and 2 AK.

Naval Reinforcements:
1. CARDIV 5 (Shokaku/Zuikaku) will arrive at Wake on August 24th with 2 BC, 3 CA/CL, and 8 DD. If I see a chance to destroy a bunch of shipping, they will move into the fight.
2. The 3 old BBs that I was using to hit Port Moresby with shall also arrive on the 24th or 25th. They will get a bombardment order.
3. The smaller vessels will be converted into Troops Transports and I will order them to lift off the CD units and Aviation Regiment on Midway. Would like to save these units�
4. Fly in to Wake a 3rd Daitai of Bettys. The AF is only a 3 (expanding quickly�55% to 4) but these planes can do some damage. I have 2 Chutai of Emilys and 1 Sentai of Tonys here.

Engineering:
Guam AF-4
Woliei AF-3

South Pacific
GLORY for the Imperial Japanese Army at Port Moresby!

Lae      Strikes launch from here to PM every day.

Port Moresby The final act for Port Moresby opens with me resting my troops and having 2 Engineering Regiments as well as 2 Artillery Regiments begin landing on the 17th.

August 18th     US Carriers! The American CVs are spotted and a furious air battle ensues around Gili-Gili. All 3 CVs are present and they take a pretty good amount of aerial losses. For the loss of 7 Zeros, my Sea Eagles shot down 14 Wildcats, 5 SBDs, and 5 Avengers. The American attacks focus on a haplass ASW TF of 6 PG. While these ships are hit and sunk, they American planes fall.

Probably due to low morale and high CAP over the US CVs, I don�t get a counterstrike launched. Move experienced and high morale Bettys to G-G that night.

August 19th     I taunt my opponents in the email but they chicken out and head south. TOO BAD! No aerial action regarding the American CVs this day�

Notes:

I got lucky! I had an entire Brigade of Infantry approaching PM that wasn�t spotted by American Recon. Would surely have lost over 10,000 troops had they been spotted�
By revealing their positions, the Allies make my job FAR EASIER for the Perth Campaign happening at that moment on the other side of Aussieland.

As the cowardly Americans slink away to the SW, my final attack on PM occurs on August 19th. All 4 Inf Divisions with their new Engineering and Artillery support sweep into the base, capture the port, AF, and 31,249 Prisoners of War! BANZAI! BANZAI!! BANZAI!!!

Scratch an entire CORPS of Aussie troops! Wow�

Immediately order ships back to the Port so I can move troops around to other bases.

August 24th     In a HUGE development, I have an Emily spot the Saratoga at Brisbane. This implies that the US CVs are staying glued to the east coast of Australia. PERTH IS CLEAR!

Sub Action:
Aug 16th---SS Grayback hits an AK with 1TT
Aug 17th---SS Triton hit by 3 DC at PM
Aug 17th---SS Saury attacks AP on the surface and hits it with 8 Shells but the plucky AP returns fire and hits the SS with 3 Shells causing it to be �on fire.�
Aug 20th---SS Narwhal is hit by LBA near Suva
Aug 22nd---SS Sailfish is hit by 7 DC from an ASW Group
Aug 23rd---SS KXIV is hit by 3 DC from the same ASW Group.

Troop Movement:

South Seas Force to Wake Island from Noumea
9th Independent Brigade to Kwajalein from Noumea
11th Independent Brigade to Canton from Gili-Gili
Start loading the battered 4th and 56th Infantry Divisions on the 24th at Port Moresby to shipped to Rabaul for rebuilding.

NE Australia
The Battle for Perth, ROUND TWO commences! Operation Urgent Fury goes into full effect as a furious aerial battle develops over the seas of Western Australia. Daily summary:

Aug 16th          Deliberate attacks are launched at both Perth and 7,97 by the Allies. Though they do well (1-1 and 11-1 respectively), I continue to hold on.

Aug 17th          Bombardment Attacks at each site. I order a small STF of 1 CL and 7 DD to do a surface sweep of 7,97 because of several AP spotted there and FOR SOME REASON they decide to loiter in that hex. In come the Allied bombers and down goes a DD with 3 more DDs heavily damaged. HATE THIS GAME!

Aug 18th          Bombardment Attacks at each hex. My Decoy AK TF is spotted this day but no strikes fly at it�

August 19th     HOLY COW�Here we go. As expected, the Allies launch everything they have at my Decoy TF and they get MASSACRED by the 32-42 Zeros flying LR CAP over it! I lose 13 Zeros in exchange for (CATCH THIS) 40 Fighters, 3 2EB, and 5 Swordfish. The convoy only takes superficial damage�

I mentioned Swordfish. The 3 Brit CVs are spotted in the hex due west of Perth. I want them but have to knock back the Allied air some more before I can risk my CVs.

The fuel crisis within the Fleet is starting to become acute at this point. Cannot believe that I loaded TK and not AO for refueling purposes. Feel like a damned rookie�

August 20th     The aerial massacre continues this day. For only 3 Zeros, I shot down 30 Fighters, 13 2EB, and 16 Swordfish. The Brit CV air groups are utterly decimated in this action!

In what can only be described as a small disaster, the Allies sneak in a 30 Bomber strike at my CVE TF. For some reason the CAP from CVL Ryujo and CVE Hosho doesn�t even fly. These two TF are paired together for operating purposes. My CVEs take it again: Chuyo 3 Bombs (on Fire) and Taiyo 10 Bombs (heavily damaged). Luckily nearly all of their Zeros bongo to other CVs nearby. Chuyo has a chance to make it but Taiyo is a goner� Strange that my CAP didn�t fly�

Allies bombard at Perth and Deliberate Attack 7,97 for a 7-1 attack. My 35th Brigade stubbornly holds on there�

August 21st      The KB reveals itself in strikes against Allied Shipping. CL Dragon and 2 DD are pounded into the sea. A strike from Perth of 11 Brewsters and 3 B-25 is destroyed entirely by 78 Zeros flying CAP in the morning and another 3 B-25 and 3 Hudson die in the afternoon.

Brit CVs are spotted fleeing the action heading southeast! �Rule Brittiana!???� Haa!

Order a BB TF and CA TF to Bombard Perth. KB ordered in for a dawn strike against the AF.

Bombardments at Perth and 7,97

August 22nd     The KB hits Perth for disappointing results: 48 Zero, 68 Val and 19 Kate hit the AF. They have to fight their way through 44 Fighters. It is a crazy dogfight and losses end up at 17 Zero, 11 Val, and 1 Kate for 19 Fighters, 2 Bombers, and 1 Recon and minor AF damage.

The AF takes more minor damage from each Bombardment Group. Planes fly from Perth and do some damage�BC Haruna takes 2 TT and CA Furutaka takes 1TT. Both have a good chance of making it and are sent to Koepang.

No ground action this day.

August 23rd     Several small surface actions against PT Boats occur. At 7,97, I lose a MSW to a group of 6 PT. They lose 1 PT. At Perth, 3 PTs are destroyed for no damage to my BB TF.

Small strikes come in against the KB. In exchange for 3 Zero, I shot down 9 Fighters, 5 Bombers, and 3 TB. NO DAMAGE to me!

Bombardment at Perth while a SCARY attack (72-1) hits my brigade at 7,97.

August 24th     Lose CVE Taiyo to earlier damage. Damn�

Have several PT Boat encounters at Perth and 6,97 and send DDs to dispose of them.

Bombardment at Perth and a scary 65-1 attack at 7,97.

This is the situation at this point. Notes:

Fuel status is horrific. I have ordered Akagi and Kaga back to Timor for fuel. My BB TF as well as elements of my CA TF are doing the same. I have Soryu, Ryuho, Rhujo, Hosho, and Unyo still operating here�
I have Supply TF approaching Perth and 7,97. This SHOULD really help my troops holding there.
The Perth Invasion TF is 5 hexes away and approaching fast (for Transports). This TF carries 90,000 troops and 50,000 supply. Landing is scheduled for August 27th.
The Japanese control the waves but are now BLUFFING! They Allies do not know that I am pulling my heavies back for fuel. If I can bluff them for 3-4 days, then I have a chance at true victory. We shall see�
Thank goodness the American CVs were spotted off Gili-Gili on the 18th and 19th. There is no way for them to make their presence felt for at least 7-10 more days�

DEI
No action.

Burma
Continous story of massive Allied Airpower being used all along Nate�s perimeter hitting troops near Myitkina, the base at Mandalay, Akyab, and elsewhere.

Mandalay        For the first time in 3 months, Nate moves Fighters into Mandalay to challenge Allied airpower. Several attacks are staged against the base for real casualties on the Allied side.

37,30               Nate has cut the Burma Road here and puts 3 Daitai of Zeros from Mandalay on LR CAP. They have two VERY good days on August 18th and 19th. For a paltry 4 Zeros, 27 Fighters and 8 Bombers fall in flames.

China
Yenen              Stalemate

49,26               On August 19th, the Chinese finally blast through the Japanese troops holding this hex. The road to Yenen opens and this is�yet again�another failed offensive within China.

Home Islands
Nothing major.

Combat Summary
August 16-24, 1942

Planes
Japan�85 total�53 Fighters, 4 Bombers, 14 DB. 7 TB, and 7 Recon.
            About 50% of these losses are near Perth.

Allies�218 total�140 Fighters, 33 Bombers, 8 4EB, 8 DB, 28 TB, and 1 Recon. HUGE Allied losses! I take 2 � to 1 for losses. At this stage of the campaign this is fantastic. HUGE losses over Burma, near Perth, and off Gili-Gili make for a very nice report.

Shipping
Japan�21 Ships---CVE Taiyo, 1 DD, 3 MSW, 2 AP, 7 AK, and 7 PC.

Allies�25 Ships�CL Dragon, 6 DD, 1 MSW, 11 AK, 1 DMS, 1 AP, 3 PT, and 1 PG

WOW! This is a lot of information. Any thoughts and/or ideas?

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RE: Combat Log August 16-24, 1942 - 7/13/2007 5:05:30 PM

USSAmerica

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More good stuff, John!

My thought for the day:

You mentioned pulling back to Timor to refuel some of your carriers. Do you have enough supply there to replace air wing losses?

Congratulations at PM! That's a lot of Allied troops that are now out of the fight!

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RE: Combat Log August 16-24, 1942 - 7/13/2007 5:33:17 PM

John 3rd

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Mike,

Thanks again for your thoughts!

Koepang has PLENTY of supply (about 40,000 I think) to help with restoring my planes. Problem is that it is so far away! We'll see how this continues to develop.

Can you believe the sheer volume of air losses I have inflicted on my opponents in the last couple of game weeks? Over 300 (for a cost of 100) planes in a two-week period! I know in the long run that this makes no difference but it an amazing stat for late-August 1942.

I know that the Allies are abandoning Perth to the winds of fate. The American CVs are in Brisbane and the British CVs have had their air groups destroyed. The only combat shipping, at this moment, are about 6 PT Boats that are being a pain in the butt.

The plan will be to rotate my CVs for about a 7-10 days and provide air cover (at least some CAP) to try to keep Allied air down some...

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The Long Term - 7/13/2007 5:51:25 PM

John 3rd

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It is not often that I have some time to simply write my thoughts on the forum. Usually, I write my Combat Report between classes at the Community College where I teach and then come home and cut-and-paste.

Operations, after Perth, shall cease for a time. My thinking hinges on the fact that my fleet is tired and I need to redeploy:

1. Fleet Status--All my CVs are due for refit and upgrade. Their System Damage is all between 4-10 and slowly climbing. The losses I have taken are far more then any other campaign I have played: CV Hiryu, CV Junyo, CV Hiyo, CVL Zuiho, CVL Shoho, and 2 CVEs have all been sunk. While I still have an effective Strike Force, it is far lower that what I would prefer.

2. Redeployment--My defence perimeter isn't. I have concentrated all my troops and most aerial support units in the extreme South Pacific for the Port Moresby and aborted New Zealand Operations. They must be moved about. I am alarmed at the 2 Division landing at Midway. My thoughts had been that the 1st Marines were in New Zealand.

This does not mean that I am settling onto the defensive. I simply need some time to re-tool, redeploy, and rest my units.

As to Perth, I am still of the opinion that I can land, capture the port and THEN decide if I want to fight on in Australia or evacuate. I simply don't look forward to the CD I will get when my transports begin landing...

'Tis a puzzlement.'
John

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Allied Players Question - 7/13/2007 6:01:52 PM

John 3rd

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Am pondering the ground situation at the end of August 1942.

I have destroyed or rendered totally ineffective the following major units: 2nd Marine Division, 6th and 7th Aussie Divisions and the 1st Aussie Corps HQ. The 1st marine Division and 37th US Infantry Division has landed at Midway. How many more Divisions do the Allies have available at this point?

Allied Players???

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RE: The Battle to Re-Take Port Moresby! - 7/13/2007 6:20:11 PM

ny59giants

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When it comes to Replenishment TFs, I thought it was imperative for the Japanese to never disband the TF (#2) that went to Pearl as it could replenish even with TK's in the TF. Is that right or wrong??

The Americans have the 24 & 25 Division at Pearl. They have the 7 & "??" Division on the west coast, but need PP to change commands (there may be a 3rd division, but I'm at work don't remember the number) and also currently playing CHS.

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RE: The Battle to Re-Take Port Moresby! - 7/13/2007 6:53:15 PM

bobogoboom

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If CHS he also has the RCTs in panama he can pay pp for. Also there are 4 us Divisons assigned to west coast he would have to pay PPs to unlock and also the Canadian brigs.

< Message edited by bobogoboom -- 7/13/2007 6:54:26 PM >

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RE: The Battle to Re-Take Port Moresby! - 7/13/2007 7:05:58 PM

John 3rd

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We, unfortunately, are playing a stock game.

I KNOW they reinforced New Zealand with at least 1 American Infantry Division. A better bet might be two of them. If we factor 4 Infantry Divisions available by this point, that leaves 1 available. I can deal with that.

What about the Aussies? I just wiped out 2 of their Divisions. They cannot have very many available either...

Forgot to mention that the 161st RCT was destroyed in their first attempt to retake Midway back in march.

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RE: The Battle to Re-Take Port Moresby! - 7/13/2007 7:13:11 PM

bobogoboom

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Trying to remember from the last time i played stock but i thought the aussies had div 1-5 in australia and a cav division. plus assorted 5-6brigs. but thats normaly to cover the whole of oz

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RE: The Battle to Re-Take Port Moresby! - 7/13/2007 7:59:09 PM

USSAmerica

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Ok, John. Here's what I can come up with for the Allies in stock, counting starting units and reinforcements as of Aug, 42:

Unrestricted Commands:
2 USMC Div (1 & 2)
7 USA Div (24,25,27,32,37,40,Americal)
2 Aus Div (6 & 7)
13 USA Regiments or RCT's
Didn't count unrestricted hq Aus/Nz Bde's

Restricted Commands:
2 USA Div (7 & 41) West Coast
1 USA RCT West Coast
3 Bde's Canada Command
Didn't count Aus/Nz restricted LCU's

Arriving on turn 298 (about Oct, 42): USA 43 Div SOPAC Command

That's already a lot of Allied divisions!

Happy Hunting!

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RE: Allied Players Question - 7/13/2007 8:05:30 PM

moses

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quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Am pondering the ground situation at the end of August 1942.

I have destroyed or rendered totally ineffective the following major units:� 2nd Marine Division, 6th and 7th Aussie Divisions and the 1st Aussie Corps HQ.� The 1st marine Division and 37th US Infantry Division has landed at Midway.� How many more Divisions do the Allies have available at this point?�

Allied Players???

They are short. I've only lost one division in my current game and I still fell a shortage of infantry for defensive purposes. But that's because Jwilkerson has massive carrier supremacy at the moment and could conceivably swoop down on Sydney or any other place on fairly short notice. So I have to defend everywhere.

You could probably take the whole of Australia if you could seal the coast. The problem seems that you must to be getting short of carrier strength. I've lost count again but as you've had a couple more hit recently it doesn't seem likely that you will be able to roam the coastline of Austrailia at will. Plus he will be getting p38's in another month.

I think it's getting time to halt the offensive and prepare your forces. He will have some difficulties due to his lack of infantry at least for a while. I know that going over to the defensive will pain you but if you lose many more carriers you won't have anything for 43.

If I were you I would finish up the Perth operation and then maybe try and take the north coast of Oz which will give you a solid defensive position.

< Message edited by moses -- 7/13/2007 8:13:15 PM >

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RE: Allied Players Question - 7/14/2007 12:34:06 AM

John 3rd

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Thanks for all the work guys!

Mike--you totally distress me with that number of US Divisions but then Moses calms me down some. I don't think they dare launch another major operation for a bit. Since Midway hasn't fallen yet, those troops are occupied and have taken losses.

Greg--as usual my former opponent--you read my mind! I will TRY to sweep the NW Aussie Coast and then dig in...

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RE: Allied Players Question - 7/14/2007 12:44:26 AM

moses

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I think the key to the effectiveness of the allied divisions is the extent to which they are required to defend. In my Jwilkerson game he can attack whereever he wants. I would love to send 4 divisions up the rail to Darwin but every unit is needed to defend the East coast. Jwilkerson could show up at Sydney with 6 divisions!! and I don't want to get embarrassed when he finds it held by a base force and CD.

I have numerous divisions in the eastern Pacific that are quite capable of attacking. But without any carriers I can hardly leave PH undefended. So as long as you have carriers and the ability to attack his guys will be pinned to their defensive posts. (Plus it helps that you have an aggressive reputation)

But once he knows where all you're carriers are he has the divisions to hurt you.

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RE: Allied Players Question - 7/14/2007 11:35:43 AM

John 3rd

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Greg,
Thanks again.

"I have an aggressive reputation??!!"

Do too...

I am innocent as can be with my tactics. It is you who taught me to have a 'conservative' opening round. Cannot help the fact that I get a little 'carried away' after that!

Readers: Check out my post on the normal WitP Homepage for the Forum. Disappearing CV TF is its title. The game has SWALLOWED up 5 of my carriers near Perth! They, seemingly, don't exist anymore. What should I do??!!

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RE: Allied Players Question - 7/15/2007 4:37:29 AM

USSAmerica

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RE: Allied Players Question - 7/15/2007 10:44:51 AM

John 3rd

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There has been a meeting of the minds and the decision is to back up tot he 23rd and replay the turns. We are certain the 0--1 Hex Line bug is the issue. Rob sent me the turn to replay and I had the same thing happen, thus we go back slightly in time. We'll see what happens...

Simple agreement to not do anything seriously different and let the chips fall where they may.

Frustrating that this has frozen us in place for two days!

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RE: Allied Players Question - 7/15/2007 8:22:26 PM

zeroguy

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It did give Capt. Mandrake a chance to post some pretty maps in his AAR!!

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RE: Allied Players Question - 7/15/2007 10:30:25 PM

John 3rd

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Welcome to the AAR Sir!

When this is all said and done, I look forward to reading my opponents AAR. I know that it is castly different then my conventional style. I know a little about since I am an avid reader of Cuttlefish's AAR.

I should be able to do the 8/23 turn again tomorrow night and we SHOULD be able to get rolling again at that point. We shall see...

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RE: Allied Players Question - 7/16/2007 3:48:00 AM

Redd

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Not to put it down, but most of Capt. Mandrakes AAR doesn't have much to do with what's really going on in the game. If you ask he would probobly release you to read up to a certain point. Defenitely worth looking into. By the way I love the way that youy do your reports. Gives just enough info without getting tedious. Keep up the good work.

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RE: Allied Players Question - 7/16/2007 4:08:35 AM

Grotius

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Aye, much as I love Cap Mandrake's creative and hilarious AAR, I have an easier time figuring out what's actually going on from reading yours.

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