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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> Uncommon Valor - Campaign for the South Pacific >> After Action Reports >> Battle of the Newbies

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Battle of the Newbies - 2/4/2003 5:36:18 AM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

Quark(IJN) vs Attack Condor(USN)
Phil vs Phil(at least Phil will win!)
Phoenix vs Chicago
FOW on, sub doctrine on, damage control on, variable reinforce
USN 120% , IJN 100%

Ok to start FT blitz on Buna, GG, Lunga, Tulagi, Efate and Lgnville.

3 reasons for Efate and Lgnville. First I wanted to take out his naval search so my CV can move in undetected as I need to cover move on Lunga. I also feel the advantage in naval search would also help in any Coral Sea battle over that way. Second I felt this would draw out his CV. Third if he didn�t respond or if the Coral Sea goes my way maybe I can keep Lgnville.
Carriers move to Shortlands to pick up more planes. Shoho�s group will be on full CAP.
Transports start loading up units for Lunga at Truk and Rabaul.
I'm going for Lunga right now as I don't feel I have enough troops to try PM yet.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/02/42

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack near Buna at 12,38

Japanese Ships
DD Oite
DD Uzuki

Allied Ships
SS S-47, Shell hits 3, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 34,37

Allied Ships
SS S-42

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/03/42

Weather: Clear

Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

no losses

Oh my. He is trying to wipe me out before I can take the base.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 86th Naval Garrison Unit, at 12,38

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 11
A-24 Dauntless x 12

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 4

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x Hudson at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 46,51

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 30

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Kikuzuki, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

He caught my FT DD retiring. His CV popped up right next to them!! I had visions of what might have happened if I was 1 hex to the west.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 44,47

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 7
SBD Dauntless x 13
TBD Devastator x 12

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
TBD Devastator x 1 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yuzuki, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Gili Gili

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 665 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 23 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Gili Gili base !!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 483 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 9 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Buna base !!!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/05/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Luganville , at 53,53

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 1000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 1000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Luganville, at 53,53

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 7
Port hits 3
Port supply hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 43,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 28

no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Kikuzuki, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lae at 9,33

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 10
P-39D Airacobra x 16
A-24 Dauntless x 13

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Mito Maru
AP Daifuku Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Akibasan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 1000 feet
3 x Hudson at 1000 feet
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet

I tried to slip a resupply convoy into Lae as PM was quiet. CAP didn�t fly.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 16th Naval Garrison Unit, at 53,53

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 30

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 24

OMG. His CVs are split. I consider moving my carriers south to catch them split. Is it a trap? I go for it. He hasn't spoted me.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 81st Naval Garrison Unit, at 55,57

Allied aircraft
TBD Devastator x 12

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x TBD Devastator at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lae at 9,33

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 9
A-24 Dauntless x 13

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Dauntless x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Akibasan Maru, on fire
AP Mito Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Luganville, at 53,53

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2
Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Woodlark Island

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 434 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 14 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Woodlark Island base !!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Post #: 1

- 2/4/2003 5:42:15 AM

XPav

Posts: 550
Joined: 7/10/2002
From: Northern California
Status: offline

Go Phil Go!

_____________________________

I love it when a plan comes together.

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 2

- 2/4/2003 6:07:51 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

My very first PBEM and a chance to learn some very important lessons vs. a real live human person :)

Step 1. Thou shalt not quit when thou's carriers perform coral reef impressions.

Step 2. see step 1.

A faint bugle is heard as the Long Island arrives to save the day! (nah, I don't believe it either... but when groping in the dark, who knows what you'll latch onto)

Okay so here I sit... no carriers but did manage to take L'ville back, so I have the target at Efate to practice on... but my instinct tells me trouble may be brewing in the west... You know those wacky, unpredictible humans..

If I thought I was playing hit and hide vs. Grotius, then here it seems to be just "hide"

Oh well... I won't give up - I just look at is a chance to learn how to use what I have to the best advantage (however small that is) as possible :)

Well done so far Quark!

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 3

Are CVs good artificial reefs? - 2/4/2003 6:37:41 AM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/06/42

Weather: Clear

Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
DD Asanagi

Allied Ships
SS S-45

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Luganville , at 53,53

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Efate Port Vila, at 55,57

Runway hits 1

I don�t see his CVs. Did they rejoin? My fighters fatigue > 30%. I retire north 1 turn to rest.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/07/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Luganville , at 53,53

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lae at 9,33

Japanese Ships
AP Akibasan Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-38

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lae at 9,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 7
P-400 Airacobra x 15
P-39D Airacobra x 18
P-40E Kittyhawk x 9
A-24 Dauntless x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 4 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
A-24 Dauntless x 2 damaged

ENS S. Kudo of F1/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
AP Akibasan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Marsue Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Daifuku Maru, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Hudson at 1000 feet
4 x Hudson at 1000 feet

OK. Now my CAP flies. But I lost Sakai so early.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 16th Naval Garrison Unit, at 53,53

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 30

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 12

Ok. His CV are still split. I rush south. He still hasn�t seen me.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lae at 9,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3
P-400 Airacobra x 13
P-39D Airacobra x 12
P-40E Kittyhawk x 9

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
AP Chowa Maru
AP Mito Maru, heavy damage
AP Marsue Maru, on fire
AP Daifuku Maru, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Hudson at 1000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lae at 9,33

Japanese Ships
AP Mito Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-38

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lae at 9,33

Japanese Ships
AP Marsue Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-38

I feel a battle coming on next turn.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/08/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on Efate Port Vila , at 55,57

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 1000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 50,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 12 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged

LTJG J.Oda of EIII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

LCDR W. Short of VB-5 bails out and is RESCUED

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 1

Whew. Bomb hit on Zuik minor. Now its my turn.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 54,57

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
D3A Val x 21
B5N Kate x 19

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 5 damaged
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 damaged

ENS A. Brassfield of VF-42 is credited with kill number 2

LCDR C. Fenton of VF-42 bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 54,57

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 damaged

ENS B. Macomber of VF-42 is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

WOOHOO!! 12 bomb hits and 2 torps. I don�t get an attack in on Lex. LBA not really present. I decide to press my luck and go after Lex.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/09/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 13

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 52,60

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 4
SBD Dauntless x 30
TBD Devastator x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 13 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 22 damaged
TBD Devastator x 5 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 8 damaged

WO T. Tanimizu of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

LT K. Notomi of EIII-1 Daitai is KILLED

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

OH NO!!! What happened to my CAP?? Darn leakers. I got too greedy.
Shok sys damage at 60% following attack.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 52,60

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 6
B-25D Mitchell x 4
B-17E Fortress x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 4 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
B-25D Mitchell x 1 destroyed
B-25D Mitchell x 3 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

ENS K. Sugino of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

ENS G.Ward of VS-5 is KILLED

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
CV Shokaku, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet

Well CAP did their job this time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 55,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
D3A Val x 16
B5N Kate x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Torpedo hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 55,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
D3A Val x 14
B5N Kate x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 10 damaged
B5N Kate x 3 destroyed
B5N Kate x 16 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Torpedo hits 3, heavy damage

Did I get revenge? 5 torp hits!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 55,58

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 10

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 55,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
D3A Val x 3

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 55,58

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 5

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 55,58

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
D3A Val x 14
B5N Kate x 3

no losses

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/10/42

Yorktown sinks. Zuik at 86% sys this turn. Burning like a funeral pyre. I am trying to get her to Efate. Actually this is the last reason for the FT blitz. To have safe harbor near for the CV battles. Zuik�s air wing relocated to Lgnville.

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on TF at 53,58

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tenmarou at 53,54

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
D3A Val x 9
B5N Kate x 12

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Rhesus, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
AK Mungana, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Demodocus, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Diomed, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 35
Guns lost 1

HeHe. I had moved Shok north pretending to retreat. I caught his convoy coming to retake Lgnville.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 56,62

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 5 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tenmarou at 53,54

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
D3A Val x 9
B5N Kate x 11

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Mungana, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Demodocus, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Diomed, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 42
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 56,62

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 3

no losses

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/11/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 9
B5N Kate x 13

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Mungana, heavy damage
AK Diomed, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Demodocus, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 149

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Phelps, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 4

- 2/4/2003 6:39:22 AM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/12/42

Weather: Clear

Sub attack near Efate Port Vila at 55,57

Japanese Ships
DD Shiratsuyu

Allied Ships
SS S-39

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
DD Morris

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57

Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 16
B-17E Fortress x 3

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiratsuyu, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 100 feet
2 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet

DANG! DANG! DANG! I had gotten Zuik to Efate. Somehow her air wing managed to land aboard a burning wreck. I guess I got hit by that bug. But I get lucky and make it into port with 99 sys and 98 flot. I get the air off her and scuttle her. So the Coral Sea goes even but Lex escapes back to Pearl for I hope to be an extended vacation.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 10
B5N Kate x 13

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Diomed, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Mungana, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 52

I finish off the Lgnville convoy. But he manages to land.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 12

no losses

Allied Ships
DD Phelps, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
SS I-24

Allied Ships
AK Lycaon, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/13/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
DD Russell, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 47,49

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro
DD Ushio

Allied Ships
SS S-44

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 10

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Luganville

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1093 troops, 15 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 168 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 34 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Luganville base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 168
Guns lost 5

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/14/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 10

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 10

no losses

For those wondering about the lack of air battles over PM with the variable reinforcements I don�t get another squadron for a few weeks. Nell replacements are so few I am using them for search and saving them for a juicy naval target.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/15/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/16/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS S-41

My heart stopped. But it was a dud.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Russell Islands

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 510 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Russell Islands base !!!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/17/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 15

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
15 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Shortland Island at 29,34

Japanese Ships
MSW Tama Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-41

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
G3M Nell x 19

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Adelong
AK Murada, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Barwon, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
G3M Nell x 33

no losses

Allied Ships
AK Murada, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Adelong, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Mildura, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Asphalion, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

There�s that juicy target I was saving the Nells for. Shok�s Zero�s are now at Rabaul. Maybe I now have enough escort to start some bombing runs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/19/42

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on 81st Naval Garrison Unit, at 55,57

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 13
B-25D Mitchell x 24
B-17E Fortress x 14
A-20B Havoc x 12

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 131

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x Hudson at 100 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 100 feet
5 x Hudson at 100 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
9 x A-20B Havoc at 100 feet
8 x B-25D Mitchell at 100 feet
8 x B-25D Mitchell at 100 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 100 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 100 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 100 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 100 feet
5 x B-25D Mitchell at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 81st Naval Garrison Unit, at 51,51

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 9
F-5A Lightning x 1

no losses

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/20/42

Weather: Overcast

Naval bombardment of Wunpuko, at 51,51

Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 50
G3M Nell x 35
G4M1 Betty x 26

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 13
P-40E Kittyhawk x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 12 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 4 damaged

LCDR T. Hoashi of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

CDR Y. Kozono of F1/Tainan Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 61

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 13

Attacking Level Bombers:
16 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet
14 x G3M Nell at 6000 feet
17 x G3M Nell at 6000 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 6000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 81st Naval Garrison Unit, at 51,51

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 9
F-5A Lightning x 1

no losses

Why after every tangle with PM CAP do I lose a Zero pilot with exp>90?? This attrition is going to kill me. New pilots coming in with exp in 20s and 30s!!
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/21/42

Weather: Clear

My fatigue >50 in all Rabaul squadrons. Have to stand down for a couple days.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/22/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

I send a SC TF to Lunga thinking he may try to interfere with my landings. I stay 3 days but no luck. With the sub traffic I bug out back to base.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/23/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Wunpuko at 51,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-22, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
PG Kiwi
SC 638

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lunga at 38,40

Allied Ships
SS S-42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lunga at 38,40

Allied Ships
SS S-45

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese Ships
AG 107, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lunga at 38,40

Allied Ships
SS S-45

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/24/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese Ships
AG 102, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-28

Allied Ships
DD Alwin

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-28

Allied Ships
CA Portland, Torpedo hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 21

no losses

Port supply hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 6

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-26B Marauder at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lunga at 38,40

Allied Ships
SS S-44

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rabaul at 21,28

Japanese Ships
AP Oyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-46

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
CA Portland, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Portland sinks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
SC 645
SC 643
SC 644

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lunga at 38,40

Allied Ships
SS S-45

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rabaul at 21,28

Japanese Ships
AP Akashisan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-46

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 27

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese Ships
AG 111, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-28

Allied Ships
SC 646
SC 648

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 11
P-40E Kittyhawk x 4

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 50
G3M Nell x 31
G4M1 Betty x 24

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 4
P-40E Kittyhawk x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 destroyed
G3M Nell x 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 3 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 6 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged

FLT N.Spanton of No. 75 Sqn RAAF is credited with kill number 2

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 5

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 16

Attacking Level Bombers:
13 x G3M Nell at 6000 feet
6 x G3M Nell at 6000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet
9 x G3M Nell at 6000 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 6000 feet
14 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet

I destroyed his CAP but lose 2 more very experienced pilots.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
SC 643

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
SS I-24

Allied Ships
SC 517, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 5

- 2/4/2003 7:51:43 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

And so the lessons continue.... Portland was in harbor, but I didn't give her a dock order. One.... lousy..... turn.....

I do salute the Japanese sub captains of I21 and I28 - 9 SC/PG milling around (apparently griping about how bad they have it) and the two subs slip in, nail Portland, dodge the depth charges (lobbed as an afterthought?) and slip out again.

Im getting a lesson in how to use subs, that is for sure....still - for blundering in (force feeding the convoy into PM in spite of withering attrition from his LBA from Rabaul) things could be worse... Lex is on the way home to Pearl. I'm not too sure the best way to attrit the japanese pilots is to offer myself for dinner and hope their engines explode when they suck up flaming wreckage.........

More learning to follow, I am sure.

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 6

And so, it begins..... - 2/4/2003 10:46:35 PM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/25/42

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
SS I-24

Allied Ships
SC 519, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*guess this next one means PM goes on rationing for a while*

Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko
CA Haguro, Shell hits 2
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
CA Furutaka
CA Kako
DD Sazanami
DD Mochizuki

Allied Ships
AP Manoora, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Manunda, Shell hits 30, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 4 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 4 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 3 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 47

Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 18

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here we go. Can I fill in the holes faster than Quark can make them? He cannot be allowed to steam in and out at will of PM at will. He has me reacting all over the place, and there's not a lot I can do about it at all. Even my SC's are taking a beating - although my B26 pilot did report they bombed what they thought was a sub in T'ville. They even claimed they hit the darn thing. I hope my stuuborness earlier isn't going to cost me more than necessaary...

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 7

17 to go..... - 2/8/2003 9:53:26 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

One month done!

Luganville holds (reinforcments on the way), Efate remains in the enemy's hands providing target practice. The enemy holds Northern New Guinea and Gili Gili, and has landed commandos on Basilaki, Rossel, and Nevea. Still no ship sightings after the bombardment of PM, although some traffic was reported by the coastwatchers around Lae about a week ago. Naval air search reveals nothing......

My opponent's subs appear to have finally left my ports of Townsville and Noumea (although one of my A20's operating out of Basse-Poya did bomb the I-21 and it was reported as being sunk). I don't mind admitting they were real thorns in my sides - although the subs in Townsville seemed content to pick off SCs (three of them) - a rather high risk low reward proposition if you ask me: but, he pulled it off.

Reorganization of the northern Australia coast continues.
Reinforcements from Pearl are arriving- most notably a new Tambor class submarine - capable of carrying 30 torpedos per mission!

And finally, another vessel is added to the sunk list of my enemy:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/30/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on Efate Port Vila , at 55,57

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 6

no losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x Hudson at 1000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Noumea at 52,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-21

Allied Ships
CL Hobart

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 35,38

Japanese Ships
AP Tarushima Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-39

(She was already crippled, but her sinking was a badly needed boost of morale among the fleet!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Efate Port Vila , at 55,57

Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 2

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Looking forward to month #2!

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 8

- 2/9/2003 12:20:37 PM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

Yes one month gone. Time to reflect on the past and future.

Yorktown sunk and Lex sent back to Pearl with several torp hits. Zuikaku sunk but air wing preserved.

Started limited bombing of PM and reinforcement convoys. Sank 4-5 Aks but at the loss of 30% of my Nells and and many many Zero pilots with exp>90.

Sunk 1 S boat against the loss of one I boat(the other hit but still kicking around). Allied subs starting to become a nuisance.

My subs hunted various ports looking for booty. Sunk several SCs but that was only because that's all there was. I was looking for SC TF but didn't find any. At Noumea I got lucky and sank Portland. I saw Hobart at Noumea so I think that's why I haven't seen any surface combat TFs over in Oz. He's moved that TF over to protect Noumea.

I started bombardment of PM. Followed it up with air raids that got cut to ribbons by the iron dogs. Yes the combat report was right. I lost 11 Zeros to P-39s in one raid!!

My reinforcements are coming slowly. No air reinforcements to speak of yet and ground only now dribbling in.

Lunga occupied in force and being built up. Supplies and fuel being stockpiled for the Divine Wind to come.

Overall I would rate May as pretty dismal. A draw at "Coral Sea", major air attrition, inability so far to shut down PM and increasing allied sub activity. I did manage significant sinkings of Allied merchant shipping between PM and Lgnville.

Plans for next month.
-continue base improvements
-continue base preparations in support of upcoming offensive.
-prepare bases in depth to cover forward bases.
-start major offensive against important Allied base. This includes frequent bombardment, air raids and blockade action.
-incorporate(finally) sea, ground and air reinforcements.

My opponent is learning much too quickly. June should be very interesting.

Quark

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 9

Momma says practice makes perfect :) - 2/11/2003 7:37:40 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

Two tidbits to get my opponent's attention.... and both happened on the same turn (#37)....

First, he caught two of my AKs unprotected @PM with his cruiser bombardment task force. Predictable outcome, but the next time the thief in the night came calling, he almost got caught red-handed.......

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/05/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 11

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba

Allied Ships
SS S-44

***I would have gladly traded 11 runway hits for a few torps into the side of Aoba - but, alas... they missed. (I'm sure the night raiders will be back, but the police are watching the house now :) )***

And now, Rabaul takes its shot against my runways.......
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
G4M1 Betty x 27

Allied aircraft

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 12

Attacking Level Bombers:
27 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet

***not too bad, but now the second attention-getter***

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Efate Port Vila , at 55,57

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 27
SBD Dauntless x 28

no losses

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 7

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Efate Port Vila , at 55,57

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 15
B-25D Mitchell x 25
B-26B Marauder x 12
A-20B Havoc x 15

no losses

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 102

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 2000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder at 2000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 2000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 2000 feet
12 x B-25D Mitchell at 2000 feet
3 x Hudson at 2000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 2000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 2000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 2000 feet
10 x B-25D Mitchell at 2000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 2000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 2000 feet
9 x Hudson at 2000 feet
9 x A-20B Havoc at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
109 hits on a runway..... all I can say is "wow"

Wait till these guys get good!

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 10

Maybe S boats aren't Uber after all - 2/11/2003 1:09:10 PM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

Well the Condor got in his best shot and missed Aoba. Maybe those S boats aren't so uber after all. Exchange rate vs I boats is 2:1 so far in IJN favor.

I'm more interested in knowing why there were no planes damaged at PM in either of the two bombardment runs. And no CAP greeted me on last bombing run. Have all the Condors flown the coop?

Well time will tell. Attack Condor is in for a few more surprises the next few turns:D .

Oh and yes he shut down Efate with those 109 runway hits.

Quark

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 11

not quite extinct.. - 2/12/2003 5:33:20 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

Is my opponent getting a bit frustrated with all of his preparations, planning, and coordination to be met with....... nothing? I didn't expect complaints from an opponent who encounters no opposition to his forces. Have they "flown the coop"? In a word: yes.

I see no reason for my pilots to engage your rookies - [I] until I am ready to [/I].

Put together your task forces, build your bases, and chase my shadows - but take care my friend - the destruction wrought at Efate [I]by a single raid of my aeroplane machines[/I] will pale in comparison to what lies ahead for those who oppose the will of the American people.

(For the folks folowing along at home - the limitation on activity from my forces has been imposed from the top {me :D}. I will limit my strikes to heavy bombers from on high and submarines from below. Yes, my S-boats have been under the gun - more from my own recklessness than anything else; and give his I-boats credit. The only one I remember sinking was the one who found Noumea to be a safer harbor than the Japanese held waters of Efate - a victim of bad timing and what my opponent has deemed the "Efate milk run" of my bombers from Basse Poya. I am operating under the philosophy that my opponent has to come to me - no doubt, he will, and no doubt he will win territory. Winning territory, however, is much different than holding it).

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 12

Re: not quite extinct.. - 2/12/2003 10:50:49 AM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Attack Condor

Put together your task forces, build your bases, and chase my shadows - but take care my friend - the destruction wrought at Efate [I]by a single raid of my aeroplane machines[/I] will pale in comparison to what lies ahead for those who oppose the will of the American people.
QUOTE]

I'm quaking:eek: Seriously AC is right. That's why I am dispersing my bases.

Is that the Trout attacking or the USS Minnow?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/07/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Japanese Ships
AO Iro

Allied Ships
SS Trout

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Japanese Ships
AO Naruto

Allied Ships
SS Trout

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12

no losses

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 18
AO Sata

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Yamakuni Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Woodlark Island at 22,39

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 11

no losses

Japanese Ships
AO Iro, Bomb hits 1
AO Sata

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He got 1 minor bomb hit from 15000 feet. Expansion of Woodlark going according to plan. My opponent seemed to notice it this turn:D .

Soon 3 Cardivs will sweep the ocean. Do I now attack towards PM where he moved the majority of his 4E bombers or do I go towards Noumea with the hordes of B-26 and B-25? Decisions decisions.

Quark

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 13

- 2/18/2003 11:32:26 AM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

[I]Somewhere SE of Rennel Island- aboard the Zuikaku[/I]

Admiral Yamaguchi was brooding over the sub contact report he had just been given.. One BB, 3 CA and escorts 280 miles E-SE of San Cristobal. Course 322 doing 15 knots. So was this an attempt to sneak in on Lunga and destroy the new airbase? Could this BB be the new North Carolina? Yamaguchi thought back to his orders. " Distract enemy CV from interfering with PM landings. Deep raid against Luganville to be considered. Cover Lunga. Engage enemy surface forces with the intent on gaining a decisive victory." His musings were interrupted. " Admiral. Hai! A new transmission from Efate sir. Carrier planes just hit Efate. Strength thought to be 2 carriers.�

Were these the Enterprise and Hornet intelligence said were moving into Noumea? Yamaguchi looked at the maps again. The USN carriers were ~400 miles SE. He could steam east and catch the American BB before the carriers knew he was there. If the CV tried to interfere he would complete the task missed at Pearl Harbor. HAI! This would be a fine day for the Rising Sun. He had been itching for a fight ever since the Battle of Luganville had left the Shokaku a burning wreck. Yamaguchi ordered search pattern;" Radiant Gull flying in a spring breeze." He watched his own strike group take off and thought about the battle ahead.

[I]On the Hiryu- 5 mi west of Zuikaku.[/I]

Admiral Nagumo fretted. He looked once more at the orders from Admiral Yamaguchi;" Attack American surface group". I was the one who led the Pearl harbor victory. I was the one who forced the British back into the Indian Ocean. Why was Yamaguchi given TF command? We must preserve this strike force!! This attack is foolishness. We need to engage the American carriers. What if they catch us with a strike off attacking this BB? But there was nothing for it. Nagumo gave the command and 36 Vals and 45 Kates took off to the east.

[I]aboard the Zuikaku[/I]

Nagumo has lost aggressiveness and has become an old man thought Yamaguchi. We must push the fight to the Americans! Their CV will surely come to the aid of the BB. The first reports from the air groups should be coming in soon. He looked over the maps once more. The Tone had just reported one search group did not take off. Catapult failure again. He ordered the Mavis group at Lunga to fill in the gap.

[I]Air Wing Commander Subota- W of Nevea[/I]

The Americans were completely surprised! One BB , three CA and several DD all steaming along without a care in the world. The Kates split and attacked port and beam. The Vals turned over perfectly into their dives. Just like at Pearl Harbor. The AA fire was weak and sporadic.

The BB took 5 torpedos, a bomb hit and sank stern first. The CA all were dead in the water. What a glorious day!! Subota radio'd back a report. The Admiral will be pleased!

[I]aboard the Zuikaku[/I]

One BB and three CA reported sunk. A glorious victory indeed thought Yamaguchi! Only 7 planes lost. His reverie was interrupted.

"Admiral Admiral ! American CV sighted 330 miles SW of our position!! Course 300 speed 20 knots."

So it begins, grinned Yamaguchi, so it begins. " Come around course 270 speed 25 knots."

to be continued....

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/13/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 18,44

Allied Ships
SS S-45

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 46,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
D3A Val x 36
B5N Kate x 45

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged
B5N Kate x 4 destroyed
B5N Kate x 4 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Anderson, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Worden, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Perkins
DD Warramunga

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 46,44

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 22
B5N Kate x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 8 damaged

Allied Ships
CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Perkins
DD Warramunga, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Arunta

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Koumac

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1296 troops, 0 guns, 81 vehicles

Defending force 6 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 27 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Koumac base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 7

My initial sub sighting was indeed of a BB, 2 CA and 3 DD. I didn�t know if North Carolina had showed up early or not but I couldn�t let that group pound Lunga. I lost sight of the CV for a day after Efate so I thought I was ok. I retired west for 1 day after the attack as my air wing fatigue was high. I re-sighted the USN CV to the SW trying to get to the PM invasion force and have given chase. BTW the one of the Tone's float plane groups did indeed not fly that day. I really don't need history to repeat itself here.
:(

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 14

A reverse Midway..... - 2/18/2003 10:10:18 PM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

[I]Message from the code room sir.......[/I]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/15/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on TF at 28,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
D3A Val x 66
B5N Kate x 71

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 44

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 27 destroyed
D3A Val x 17 destroyed
D3A Val x 9 damaged
B5N Kate x 10 destroyed
B5N Kate x 21 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7 damaged

LTJG F. Register of VF-6 is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[I]"Son, get the staff planners here, now."[/I]

This disaster effectively eliminates any carrier threat to the IJN

:( My opponent is enjoying his day at work while I suddenly realized my students need a essay test on sub-atomic structure regarding the four quantum numbers used for electron position modeling (j/k :D).

My first PBEM has turned into a real eye-opener - you can't take *anything* for granted... and is giving the teacher a good lesson in the concept of patience - learned perhaps a bit too late for this game.

Taking stock: surface forces are available but limited, although I don't think I have a gun capable of firing on his carriers from 300 miles away... submarine forces are also available and growing... Australia is as defended as she is going to be... thank goodness I was able to evacuate what I could before his cruisers put a stop to that... and I'm only 3000+ points down.

My opponent rules the waves of the SWPAC, I must be content to hide behind islands and coral reefs waiting for the storm that will surely come.

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 15

Come the invaders......... - 2/23/2003 4:00:46 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

My opponent arrives in PM with his invasion fleet....over two days, he has landed his troops. I have elements of one BDE left to delay the inevitable...I wasn't able to get them out of there due to surface bombardment TFs catching my APs trying to sneak them off. Every day, little by little I had to watch them erode bit by bit as they grimly perform what must surely be their last mission. Frankly, I am suprised the invasion is this early...I would have let the defenders attrit down even further. Could his early successes against my carriers made him over confident.......?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/19/42

Weather: Rain

[I]The first elements of the IJN Port Moresby invasion force[/I]

Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Chihaya Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS S-38

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 31

[I]No destroyer response??!? Surely he must know all I have left to work with is submarines...could he have sent the transports in without escorts??[/I]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 12
B-17E Fortress x 17

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Azumasan Maru
AP Nana Maru
AP Chihaya Maru
AP Aiyo Maru
AP Enju Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
1 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/20/42

Weather: Overcast

[I]The invasion of PM continues.........[/I]

Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Kaika Maru, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-45

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 40

[I]Amazingly, the convoy appears to be unescorted!! The rest of the subs join in the feeding frenzy.[/I]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Kaika Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-38

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 81

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Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Hokuyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-45

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 25

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Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Enju Maru

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

[I]This attack resulted in the submarine commander's most frustrating sound effect..."THUD"[/I]
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Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Oigawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-42

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Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Hokuyo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-38

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 25

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Sub attack near Efate Port Vila at 55,57

Japanese Ships
SS I-28

[I]This sub was spotted and drove deep as it attempts to rescue the beleagured survivors from the Efate invasion early in the game[/I]
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The little S boats gave a good account of themselves, while the [I]Greenling[/I] continues to work out her torpedo problems. Both [I]Kaika Maru[/I] and [I]Hokuyo Maru[/I] have been sunk, while [I]Oigawa Maru[/I] has a limp in her step now as well. Little victories, to be sure...but after a badly mishandled opening, I'll take what I can get.

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 16

Invasion is on - 2/23/2003 5:46:27 AM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

Its currently June 19.

PM invasion force has landed. I had a Covering Force in a separate TF. I had them follow the transports up to the last turn then I gave it a destination of PM. At that point they decided to go home leaving the transports unprotected the first turn. I had separated them first in case he sent a surface force the covering force would fight first.

I had stopped the covering force from following as I wanted them to divert the subs rather than give the subs their choice all in one TF. I won't do that again. My biggest loss is the majority of the eng battalion from 38th Div. The other torp hits surprsingly did little damage.

He has more troops left in PM than I thought but this is very good as I get to trap more troops. This is really not an early attack. I attacked as soon as both the 2nd and 38th divisions were ready.

Time works against me. If I want to conduct any followup moves I need to wrap up PM in a few days. That's why I didn't wait longer. Allies get 1st Mar and the two Army divisions in about 6 weeks. By mid August I will be unable to conduct offensive ground operations certainly in Australia. Noumea/lgville maybe.

Sara is certainly on her way and Wasp won't be far behind. I'm certain Attack Condor saved the airgroups from Lex and Yorktown. The balance of air power will soon move to parity then inferiority. I must be done and entrenched before then.

If any vets out there have any advice for the newbies at this point??

Over and out,
Quark

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 17

thoughts........... - 2/23/2003 8:05:17 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

[I]from the personal log of AC[/I]

Well, boy, you're on it now. What started as an exercise in delaying tactics has blown up in your face. Congress is calling for your head for abandoning PNG - [I] but I know it was the right thing to do![/I]. Sending those carriers west wasn't a mistake either..... tell that to the families of the men at the bottom of the sea....
And for what?? A few transports and less than a brigade of enemy casualities.

[I]Saratoga[/I] is due in within the week. [I]Wasp[/I] is delayed. One carrier. One. One to replace the three at the bottom of the ocean and the fourth limping home....

One.

One carrier.

[I]I look at the map in front of me....intelligence estimates... combat reports...offical estimates of the enemy's intentions....so many men dead........so many lives....[/I]

One carrier.

One to stem the tide.

I look over the operational order and reach for a pen...........

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 18

the battle continues...... - 2/23/2003 10:56:13 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

More troops pour into PM...the subs scatter after their initial successes only to return and find lunch is still being served...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/21/42

Weather: Rain

Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40
[I]Awww c'mon skipper, let's stay on the surface a while longer...we're safe here![/I]

Japanese Ships
AP Chihaya Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-45, Shell hits 13
[I]Now this is just wrong...13 AAMG hits - okay. But 2 of the 13 disabled the torpedo tubes [B]and[/B] the 4 inch deck gun?!??[/I]
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Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 6013 troops, 68 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4363 troops, 40 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 112

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 49

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Ground combat at Efate Port Vila

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 609 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 26 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Efate Port Vila base !!!

[I]Necessary, as I need to consolidate in SWPAC. Oz is secure enough, and there isn't much left of Efate. I wonder if the occupying force got out via that sub I saw earlier... I hope they did, as the base is flattened (damage: Port 85+, Airfield 90+, Airbase 90+).[/I]

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/22/42

Weather: Rain

Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Enju Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-38, Shell hits 4, on fire

[I]just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.... and still - no escorts[/I]
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Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Enju Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-38

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Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Hokuriku Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 23
Vehicles lost 1

[I]even the Greenling gets a torpedo hit on this attack run[/I]
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Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Nankai Maru, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-42, Shell hits 6

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 141

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Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Oigawa Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-42

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Air attack on 30th Aus Brigade, at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 27

no losses

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 29

Attacking Level Bombers:
27 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet

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Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 12

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Hokkai Maru
AP Brazil Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 20000 feet
9 x Hudson at 20000 feet

[I]Hudson - Australian for "almost"[/I] :D j/k mate!

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Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10788 troops, 119 guns, 19 vehicles

Defending force 4312 troops, 40 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 92

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 90

[I]With the last of the breadboxes shot away, no fortification help for the defenders...[/I]
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Hollywood is already planning the release of the next 89 minute John Wayne war propaganda film about the heroic defenders of Port Moresby - complete with pretty nurses and evil squinty-eye Japanese bully-type soldiers - played by real Japanese soldiers!(have to find a use for the POWs from Efate, don't I? ;) )

Meanwhile, with 10,000+ troops on PM and his taxi service getting shot away from under him([I]Enju Maru[/I] and [I]Nankai Maru[/I] sunk last turn and, among the debris...shovel handles... :confused: ), all I can do is try to cut off the supply train and try to damage PM like I did Efate....if the Hudsons get better, that would really help! I don't want to lower the altitude - Hudsons aren't B17s when it comes to swatting Zeroes out of the way.

More to come :)

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Philwd)

Post #: 19

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