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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign

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RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/4/2014 10:08:44 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

5/24/44

well, Lautem is definitely heating up.
I think he's re-enforcing Dili, right next to Lautem.
My end run around the west and north of the Timors with my small SAG group ran into this!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dili at 71,115, Range 4,000 Yards

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 11 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 3 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CVE Unyo, Shell hits 28, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Hagikaze, Shell hits 2
DD Akatsuki
DD Murakumo, Shell hits 1
E W-25, Shell hits 3, on fire
AK Sagami Maru, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Tatuharu Maru
xAK Yokohama Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
AK Onoe Maru
AK Hitati Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire
AK Nissan Maru
AK Nichiyu Maru
AK Nako Maru
xAK Nozima Maru
AK Nissyu Maru
AK Nitisan Maru
AK Huzikawa Maru
AK Tenyo Maru
AK Keisyo Maru
AK Koryu Maru
AK Kosei Maru
AK Kotoku Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
AK Kozui Maru
xAP Tatsuta Maru, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Kamakura Maru
xAP Terukuni Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAP Miike Maru
xAP Rakuyo Maru
xAP Montevideo Maru
xAP Huso Maru
xAP Teikyo Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Concord, Shell hits 2
DD Izard, Shell hits 1
DD Sigourney, Shell hits 5, heavy fires
DD Walker
DD Saumarez, Shell hits 2, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 20 (1 destroyed, 19 disabled)

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

I find that CVE and send it to the bottom with direct fire. a good bit of damage is done to the Japanese fleet though all my destroyers are shot up to some degree.

A Japanese SAG hits my forward base at Saumlaki and does damage. it makes sense as Darwin is too heavily fortified. He's going after the only other fields that might be able to contest his landing.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Saumlaki at 78,117

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 10 damaged
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 3 damaged
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed on ground
F4U-1 Corsair: 5 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano
CA Mogami
DD Hamanami
DD Kiyonami
DD Hayanami
DD Suzunami
DD Takanami
DD Makinami

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 29
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not too bad, I can survive that.

We sweep Dili and yes, he's got fighters in cover

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Dili , at 71,115

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 37,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 13

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Jugs get the advantage over Dili.

Of course the air attacks on Lautem continue.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lautem , at 72,115

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 6
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 8
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 9

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 15
P-38J Lightning x 29
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 11
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 8
P-51B Mustang x 8
F6F-3 Hellcat x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 3 damaged
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed on ground
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed on ground

Runway hits 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's a surprisingly effective attack considering the limited number of bombers.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lautem , at 72,115

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 31,740 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 39

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 15
P-38J Lightning x 28
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 11
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 8
P-51B Mustang x 5
F6F-3 Hellcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38J Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 4 destroyed

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

The defenders of Lautem lose this round! taking more than twice as many losses.

Tomorrow I will rotate in a couple of new squadrons and see if they can make a better show if it.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 31

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/5/2014 2:09:52 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

5/25/44

Lautem/Dili... the air war is really heating up. Recon tells me that he has a major amphibious landing going on at Dili.
So I suspect he is landing there to then march his troops over to Lautem and counter-attack that way.

I've only got a few ships left in the area capable of fighting. My cruisers hit a Destroyer squadron instead of the transports.
They rough of the destroyers, a better result than I expected.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 72,115, Range 24,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 1
DD Inazuma, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Shirakumo, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
DD Shirayuki
DD Sagiri, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Australia, Shell hits 6
CL Detroit, Shell hits 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Then the air attacks come in. We are both launching attacks this turn so the airspace over Timor must be pretty packed.
Fighter sweeps of Lautem... nothing too bad and the boys manage to hold their own.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lautem , at 72,115

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 33,740 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 26

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 11
P-38J Lightning x 13
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 7
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 4
P-51B Mustang x 4
F6F-3 Hellcat x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38J Lightning: 2 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

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

Of course there are a couple of stragglers who must have been aces. These 3 guys alone shoot down a couple of fighters.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lautem , at 72,115

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 32,740 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 3

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 8
P-38J Lightning x 5
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 4
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 2
P-51B Mustang x 4
F6F-3 Hellcat x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

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

My attack planes arrive peicemeal over the enemy invasion fleet at Dili. There is a lot of CAP here.
Avengers go in, even score a hit, but are brutalized.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,115

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 66
N1K1-J George x 15

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 9
TBF-1 Avenger x 17

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-38J Lightning: 1 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 6 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Tatuharu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Nitisan Maru

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

Yay! more attacks, but where are my escorts? gah... Both squadrons of Avengers are shattered.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,115

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 59
N1K1-J George x 15

Allied aircraft
Avenger II x 12
TBF-1 Avenger x 16
TBM-1C Avenger x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Avenger II: 8 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 8 destroyed

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

Oh, here comes my fighter sweep. Talk about closing the barn door after the horses escaped.

4:1 in air to air is pretty good. Those Zeros just can't handle these 2nd Gen US fighters.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Dili , at 71,115

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 36,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 51
N1K1-J George x 15

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 9
F4U-1 Corsair x 7
F4U-1A Corsair x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 9 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My knock out punch to the airfield at Dili.
He still has a lot of CAP in the air but the bombers power through with little loss and crush the airfield.
That should buy my a day or two.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Dili , at 71,115

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 32
N1K1-J George x 11

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 24
B-25D1 Mitchell x 30
B-29-1 Superfort x 15
P-38J Lightning x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 8 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 6 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak
B-29-1 Superfort: 5 damaged
P-38J Lightning: 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 43
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 158

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

Now the CAP is starting to thin a little. Dauntlesses make it through to the supply ships and do some damage but are hit hard on the way out.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,115

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 12
N1K1-J George x 5

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 9
SBD-3 Dauntless x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Nissyu Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Nitisan Maru
AK Kosei Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 22 (4 destroyed, 18 disabled)

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

Right next door at Lautem Japanese bombers pay a visit, even without escorts they get past relatively unscathed!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Lautem , at 72,115

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 3 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 15

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 8
P-38J Lightning x 12
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 3
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 4
P-51B Mustang x 4
F6F-3 Hellcat x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4

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

More of my attacks trickle in at Dili only to be annihilated.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,115

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 2
SBD-3 Dauntless x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 destroyed

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

Even more.... No hits but the Japanese still lose vehicles.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,115

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 8
TBM-1C Avenger x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAP Miike Maru
AK Keisyo Maru

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 10 (10 destroyed, 0 disabled)

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

We had two goals today.

Hit the airfield at Dili and put it out of commission. -Done
Hit the Invasion fleet at Dili. - Not really.... my attacks went in penny packets and I took horrible losses among my SBD and TBF squadrons.

Hopefully tomorrow will be better!

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 32

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/5/2014 2:53:38 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

5/26/44

Lautem/Dili

My Cruisers finally make it to the transport fleet, and apparently do nothing!
I guess they must be outta ammo.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dili at 71,115, Range 27,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
AK Nichiyu Maru
AK Nako Maru
AK Nissyu Maru
AK Nitisan Maru
AK Huzikawa Maru
AK Tenyo Maru
AK Keisyo Maru
AK Koryu Maru
AK Kotoku Maru
AK Kozui Maru
xAP Miike Maru

Allied Ships
CA Australia
CL Detroit

Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Japanese TF suspends unloading operations and begins to get underway
Reduced sighting due to 17% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 17% moonlight: 12,000 yards
Range increases to 27,000 yards...
Range increases to 27,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat

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

Meanwhile my subs go on a tear.
3 different subs tag 3 different Cargo ships.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Lautem at 73,113

Japanese Ships
AK Tenyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Sand Lance

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

AK Tenyo Maru is sighted by SS Sand Lance
SS Sand Lance launches 2 torpedoes at AK Tenyo Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Lautem at 73,113

Japanese Ships
AK Keisyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Flounder

AK Keisyo Maru is sighted by SS Flounder
SS Flounder launches 2 torpedoes at AK Keisyo Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lautem at 73,113

Japanese Ships
AK Koryu Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS Hoe

SS Hoe launches 2 torpedoes at AK Koryu Maru

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

At Lautem the Japanese show up in two waves, my CAP is ineffective at dealing with either.
Might have been running my CAP too high.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lautem , at 72,115

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 14

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 8
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 4
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 22
P-51B Mustang x 4
F6F-3 Hellcat x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lautem , at 72,115

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 34,740 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 19

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 8
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 4
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 22
P-51B Mustang x 4
F6F-3 Hellcat x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-51B Mustang: 1 destroyed

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

At Dili by bombers are still trying to make it to the transport fleet and failing.
A small attack and small sweep are brushed aside.

The nice thing is I notice only Zeros over Dili, no Georges. The airfield there must be well and truly shut down.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,115

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 34

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 1
TBF-1 Avenger x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 4 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Dili , at 71,115

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 62 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 43

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 7
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
F4U-1A Corsair x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 3 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed
F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed

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

on the plus side one of my B-25 squadrons decides to fly and does incredibly well!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Lautem at 73,113

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAP Miike Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Kotoku Maru
AK Nichiyu Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Lautem at 73,113

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Huzikawa Maru, Shell hits 7, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Kotoku Maru
AK Nissyu Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Nichiyu Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Koryu Maru

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 30 (22 destroyed, 8 disabled)

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

My heavy hitting sweep scores well against the Zeros.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Dili , at 71,115

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 37,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38J Lightning: 1 destroyed

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

Last but not least my sub scores again!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lautem at 73,113

Japanese Ships
AK Koryu Maru, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Hoe

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

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

I imagine tomorrow will be more of the same.

I'll update the other theaters soon, right now both are pretty static.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 33

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/5/2014 3:30:23 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

5/27/44

Lautem/Dili

We start out with more sub attacks...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Dili at 71,115

Japanese Ships
AK Nitisan Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS Sand Lance

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

AK Nitisan Maru is sighted by SS Sand Lance
SS Sand Lance launches 2 torpedoes at AK Nitisan Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Dili at 71,115

Japanese Ships
AK Huzikawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Balao

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

AK Huzikawa Maru is sighted by SS Balao
SS Balao launches 2 torpedoes at AK Huzikawa Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Dili at 71,115

Japanese Ships
AK Huzikawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Balao

AK Huzikawa Maru is sighted by SS Balao
SS Balao launches 2 torpedoes at AK Huzikawa Maru

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

The Japanese morning sweep and attack at Lautem is getting smaller. He must be close to exhausted.
I know my pilots are pretty shot.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lautem , at 72,115

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 35,740 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 9

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 4
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 4
F4U-1 Corsair x 1
F4U-1A Corsair x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

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

Morning Air attack on Lautem , at 72,115

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 11

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 4
F4U-1 Corsair x 1
F4U-1A Corsair x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

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

I've rotated a few new Dive Bomber squadrons up from Cooktown and they come into play.
Ecorts don't fly but I luck out and there is light CAP over the convoy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,115

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 5

Allied aircraft
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 27

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Kotoku Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Nako Maru, Bomb hits 9, and is sunk
AK Nitisan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Kozui Maru, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 65 (34 destroyed, 31 disabled)

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ambon at 76,109

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 26

Allied aircraft
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 27

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Hawaii Maru, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Myoko Maru, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Manila Maru, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk

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

It's cake to know that those cargo ships were mostly full.

Lots of planes don't fly today or can't find targets. The Helldivers really get the MVP today.

Gebede's move to Dili must be huge. They've been unloading for three days now. I can only suspect they have come in Division size at least. By my rough count he's lost 10 AK/AP with another 10 damaged.

Most of my fighters are pushing 30+ fatigue, I can only imagine that Gebede is in similar shape, especially considering his stuff is flying farther. I've got more squadrons transferring up from Cooktown/Townsville as I feel I might be needing them.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 34

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/5/2014 7:49:58 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

5/28/44

Lautem/Dili

I've got a new flotilla of Destroyers available and I have them sweep towards the landing at Dili.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dili at 71,114, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Kurahashi, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
E Nomi, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
E No.1, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
E No.3, Shell hits 18, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Conner
DD Cotten
DD Erben
DD Hopewell, Shell hits 1
DD Isherwood
DD Izard
DD Kidd
DD Sigsbee
DD Walker

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

They first encounter some escorts, no problem. Then tougher bait...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dili at 71,115, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hagikaze
DD Akatsuki, Shell hits 2
DD Murakumo, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Conner, Shell hits 2
DD Cotten
DD Erben
DD Hopewell
DD Isherwood
DD Izard
DD Kidd
DD Sigsbee, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Walker
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The battle is inconclusive.
The destroyers reach Dili but find nothing. I think after the last three days the Japanese have pulled out.
The only other action of consequence today is a torpedo attack on a withdrawing Cargo ship. The Balao is scoring well this campaign.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Dili at 71,115

Japanese Ships
AK Nitisan Maru, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Balao
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are no sweeps or bomber runs on Lautem today. My fighter sweeps of Dili equally find nothing.
Bombers hitting the airfield at Dili do destroy a couple of Georges that were probably trapped there.

While I don't think Gebede would just give up on Dili it seems this landing is done for now. recon reports troop levels that could represent at 2 Divisions of troops there.

Meanwhile....

The Solomons

Nothing of note has been going on here the last week. Torokina and Munda continue to grow. Torokina is now comfortable supporting about 50 fighters as well as TBFs and SBDs. I've been methodically pounding his bases from Rabaul to the Admiralties and most of his air fields are shut down.

Today's attack on Koepang turns up a small Destroyer Squadron.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Koepang at 68,116, Range 24,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Hagikaze, Shell hits 40, and is sunk
DD Akatsuki, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Murakumo, Shell hits 15, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Vincennes, Shell hits 2, on fire
CLAA San Juan
CL Mobile
DD Halford
DD Caldwell
DD Gansevoort
DD Sampson
DD Clark
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Battle goes badly for the Japanese. It's a rare surface victory that doesn't end up in one of my cruisers getting pelted with Long Lance torpedoes. The presence of these destroyers is odd.

Not sure why they were there.

then...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kavieng , at 106,122

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-5 Dauntless x 20

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled

Port hits 1

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

Morning Air attack on Kavieng , at 106,122

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
TBM-1C Avenger x 13

Allied aircraft losses
TBM-1C Avenger: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage

Port hits 1

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

The Battleship Hyuga has been hiding there since our giant surface battle last month.
Despite repeated recon of Kavieng I haven't and an clue she was still in the area.

We will have to do something about that.

Last but not least, although today has been a mostly successful day for the Allies we end on a sour note. the I-54 torps a Transport

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rennell Island at 114,140

Japanese Ships
SS I-54

Allied Ships
xAP Mildura, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage

xAP Mildura is sighted by SS I-54
SS I-54 attacking xAP Mildura on the surface

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

She was a cripple heading for home, oh well. It's not like I have a critical shortage of APs... oh wait...

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 35

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/6/2014 1:20:28 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

5/29/44 -5/31/44

It is a slow few days as I try to regroup and rest my shredded air groups at Darwin.

My planes return hit the Hyuga. I don't want this one to get away. All three days we land at least a couple of bombs on her.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kavieng , at 106,122

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 9
TBM-1C Avenger x 13

Allied aircraft losses
TBM-1C Avenger: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Port hits 4
Port fuel hits 1

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

The only other action is that we get intel that the Japanese are stationing something at Wewak in Northeast New Guinea. The Airfields from Rabaul on north have been pretty much shut down so I think he's trying to fall back and establish a new perimeter.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Wewak , at 96,119

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 25

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 3
B-24J Liberator x 82

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Runway hits 15

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Wewak , at 96,119

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 38,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 21

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x P-47D25 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet

CAP engaged:
68th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(21 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Wewak , at 96,119

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 38,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 21

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

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

a series of similar attacks occur for three days before he pulls out and removes all aircraft from the base.

With the end of the month it's time to evaluate things again and make some plans.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 36

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/6/2014 3:20:32 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

With the start of June I thought it would be a good time to take an overview of the game.
Any feedback or thoughts please feel free to share!

There are basically 3 major areas of action right now.

New Guinea/Solomons area:

My push to Munda went well even though my carriers were badly mauled. I was lucky to only loss a single CV but the damage to others has pushed back any major landings by months. I've based quite a few Japanese garrisons at Guadalcanal, etc but I suspect he might have already pulled out the good stuff.

The next plan is to push to Ponape and Kusaie. I've started prepping a few divisions on the mainland for this operation and am getting the transports in place. I suspect that this will take 2 months before I can pull it off.

In the meantime I want to make expand the sphere in influence from Munda and make the Japanese start worrying about Truk.

Darwin/Timor

The invasion of Lautem in the Timors went off well, relatively speaking. Even without fleet carrier support I was able to get in and capture it without too much difficulty. Gebede's massive re-enforcement of neighboring Dili was costly to him and I'm not exactly sure of his intent. Recon reports 38<000+ troops, 400+ guns and 600+ Vehicles.

I suspect he will come at me over land and counterattack at Lautem.
To counter I will step up ground attacks on his troops and make sure that the airfield and port at Dili are destroyed and eating up supplies.

Short term goal here is to deal with the Japanese on Lautem.
Next up I need to strike further North. I'd like to get a base or two within striking distance of Philippines.

India

Ugh, no idea what to do here.

At the end of the year we finally chased the last of the Japanese out of India. Knocking them out of Akyab and south of Imphal.

With B-29s arriving I am upgrading Akyab as quickly as I can, trying to get it supplied and up to a Lvl 9 airfield asap.

I believe that Gebede has given up most of Burma in regards to air.
Most of his airfields have been reduced to 80-90% and regular bomber runs from Calcutta are no longer being opposed. I've even noticed that Rangoon is having trouble getting their Airfield and port facilities back up and running even after several days with no attacks.

In some ways I'd like to skip all of Burma proper and just land south of him but I don't have the transports right now to support that. I'm wary to send troops on foot for fear of the lack of supply.

Next month

With my next major move at least 6-8 weeks away I am planning something for June.
I have troops prepping for Christmas Island ( and yes we will conscript any elves we find)

I alredy own Coco Island and its been a minor thorn in his side. Adding Christmas, even as a small fighter base, will cause him more concern and maybe, just maybe, pull some units around the Timors away from that action.

Stats and looking back

now with a couple of months past I have a pretty good idea of the results of the massive naval battles at Munda back in April.

The Japanese attacked with 5 Battleships. 4 are now reported as sunk, including the Musashi, and the Hyuga is in a bad way stuck at Keiving, I don't imagine she will last long.

Japanese Battleship losses to date

That battle cost me the Arizona and Alabama. Costly but ultimately a worthwile trade. I'm still very low on battleships.

Here are Allied Battleship losses to date.

Finally here's the intel.

My air to air ratio has improved but I've lost ground on Ops. The last few months in particular have been costly.
Added all together our aircraft losses are about even.

Now on into June!

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 37

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/8/2014 4:01:33 PM

DOCUP

Posts: 3073
Joined: 7/7/2010
Status: offline

I admire your grit. We are close in our game time and placement of troops and loses. Following this AAR.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 38

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/9/2014 1:49:35 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: DOCUP

I admire your grit.� We are close in our game time and placement of troops and loses.� Following this AAR.

Thanks Docup! I've been following your AAR with great interest as well. Sounds like you are playing a Mod if I remember correctly. This game is stock. I've had a lot of set backs, and the inability to win a carrier battle has been disconcerting to say the least!

(in reply to DOCUP)

Post #: 39

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/9/2014 10:01:56 PM

DOCUP

Posts: 3073
Joined: 7/7/2010
Status: offline

No playing a stock scen 1 game. I know all about not winning a carrier battle and the set backs. I feel its time to turn the page and start winning.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 40

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/10/2014 1:09:34 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: DOCUP

No playing a stock scen 1 game.� I know all about not winning a carrier battle and the set backs.� I feel its time to turn the page and start winning.

We should start a support group... get some t-shirts

(in reply to DOCUP)

Post #: 41

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/10/2014 2:35:40 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

6/1/44-6/7/44

uneventful week though action is slowly ramping up in the Timors.

Timors

He's running a lot of small task forces which is making it hard to get supplies to Lautem.
I'm running out of surface ships to throw into the meat grinder as I've got a lot of ships still on the repair pile and still need a sizable force to cover Munda.
I've taken to sending small LSTs loaded with supplies to Lautem and it seems to be working, though occasionally he catches one.

The most interesting development is on the 7th as the air war heats up. I'm run into plenty of LRCAP over Dili and do score some hits on a transport fleet on route.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,115

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 72 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 6
Ki-61-Id Tony x 1

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 5 destroyed

Japanese Ships
AK Kosin Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Teisen Maru
xAP Kongo Maru

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 6 (4 destroyed, 2 disabled)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We launch an attack on a Carrier fleet.
Sadly no escorts go along and the bombers that make it through miss their targets.
A carrier fleet that close to Lautem means this isn't a small supply run but another major re-enforcement.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Wetar at 72,114

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 72 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 40

Allied aircraft
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 26

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 8 destroyed, 2 damaged
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've got a scratch surface group in the area and tomorrow we will try and see if we can catch these guys sleeping. It will be high risk but great if we can pull it off.

Solomons/New Guinea

Not too much going on. Bombing runs continue to level any Japanese base I can reach. Munda and Torokina both are building up nicely. I'm starting to cast my gaze north towards Truk and other islands north of me.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 42

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/10/2014 4:28:08 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

6/8/44

The Timors are getting hot

My surface task force sweeps in finding only small fish at first...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 72,115, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-842, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-843, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-848
MTB G-223, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-239, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Australia
CLAA San Juan
CL Mobile
DD Conner
DD Cotten
DD Erben
DD Hopewell
DD Isherwood
DD Izard
DD Kidd
DD Sigsbee
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Then I strike paydirt... sadly I can't close, they have a head start and get away with light damage.

I hit Kaga and a few other carriers but I suspect light damage. Nothing big was noted in the replay. If nothing else I'll scare his carriers away.

The air war of Dili is filling the sky. I'm transferring more fighter squadrons to Darwin to help in the upcoming days.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Dili , at 71,115

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 17 NM, estimated altitude 44,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 16
Ki-61-Id Tony x 14

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Id Tony: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Dili , at 71,115

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 43,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 13
Ki-61-Id Tony x 6

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-61-Id Tony: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Dili , at 71,115

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 11 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 11
Ki-61-Id Tony x 1

Allied aircraft
P-51B Mustang x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-51B Mustang: 1 destroyed

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

I come out ahead in the air war but not by much. My P-47s aren't that effective, but they are not the highest skilled and they are pretty fatigued.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 43

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/10/2014 7:34:38 PM

DOCUP

Posts: 3073
Joined: 7/7/2010
Status: offline

Have you seen the Frank r yet. I hate that plane. I use to hate the George but the Frank r puts it to shame.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 44

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/10/2014 7:55:34 PM

koniu

Posts: 2763
Joined: 2/28/2011
From: Konin, Poland, European Union
Status: offline

Why Yours DDs smoking so much. They where damaged in battle or You overuse full speed and they accumulate 10+ sys damage.

I think they deserve few days break in port

_____________________________

"Only the Dead Have Seen the End of War"

(in reply to DOCUP)

Post #: 45

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/10/2014 8:49:59 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: DOCUP

Have you seen the Frank r yet.� I hate that plane.� I use to hate the George but the Frank r puts it to shame.

I haven't seen the Frank yet, and I'm not looking forward to it.
It does seem like I'm seeing a ton of Georges, not sure what his production numbers are or what benchmarks to look for as this is my first pass through in the grand campaign.

(in reply to DOCUP)

Post #: 46

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/10/2014 8:51:37 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: koniu

Why Yours DDs smoking so much. They where damaged in battle or You overuse full speed and they accumulate 10+ sys damage.

I think they deserve few days break in port

those Destroyers have been run ragged, speeding around and they've also gotten into several engagements with MTBs.
I'd love to give them a week or two in port but the Japanese aren't giving me much choice.

(in reply to koniu)

Post #: 47

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/11/2014 1:50:56 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

6/9/44

Timors, looks like the mini KB has pulled back, but there are still some surface groups in the area.

A Japanese cruiser force runs into one of my small ASW forces, it doesn't go well.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Saumlaki at 78,117, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CA Kumano, Shell hits 1
DD Makinami
DD Takanami, Shell hits 1
DD Suzunami
DD Hayanami
DD Kiyonami, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Hamanami
DD Sawakaze

Allied Ships
DD Philip, Shell hits 1
DD Wadsworth, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Saumlaki at 78,117, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CA Kumano
DD Makinami
DD Takanami
DD Suzunami
DD Hayanami
DD Kiyonami
DD Hamanami
DD Sawakaze

Allied Ships
DD Philip, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At Dili the Japanese are buzzing overhead in force.
My sweeps come in piecemeal. but score well.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Dili , at 71,115

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 16 NM, estimated altitude 39,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 29
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 30

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 2 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Dili , at 71,115

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 20
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 19

Allied aircraft
P-51B Mustang x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-51B Mustang: 1 destroyed

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

Morning Air sweeps continue in a similar vane until the afternoon when I do get a strike off at a Surface group.
It goes badly, even with 30 Hellcat escorts my Attack is shredded but I do get some good intel. This looks like a Supply/Transport run to Dili

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Dili at 71,115

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 30
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 30
TBF-1 Avenger x 13
TBM-1C Avenger x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 8 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak
TBM-1C Avenger: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CM Sokuten
BB Mutsu
xAK Teisen Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That's it for today, As far as tomorrow I'm not sure what I can do to counter it.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 48

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/12/2014 2:27:23 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

6/10/44

Lautem

Things turn quiet all of a sudden. A Japanese task force turns up and shells Lautem but then fades away.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Lautem at 72,115

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
CL Oyodo
DD Fuyuzuki
DD Wakazuki
DD Niizuki
DD Susuzuki

Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

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

Damage is minimal and no losses to my aircraft.

In the daylight I have several sweeps of neighboring Dili, but only the first sweep finds anything and it is promptly dealt with.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Dili , at 71,115

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 42,800 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 2
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 10

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 13
F4U-1 Corsair x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed

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

4 more sweeps go in but nothing on the Japanese side makes it into the air.

Sweeps from the last few days have caused a lot of losses and Gedebe might not want to throw good money after bad.

Elsewhere everything is quiet.

My engineers secretly work on on the Christmas island air field and it will be ready to accept it's first squadron shortly.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 49

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/12/2014 3:26:33 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

06/11/44

Lautem/Timors

Blissfully quiet for a change. This gives me some time to rest and recover my air groups that have been running ops for many days straight.

Solomons/New Guinea

Of course the quiet doesn't last long. an enemy task force shows up at Torokino looking for transports.
they find a Destroyer squadron ready for action.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Torokina at 109,130, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Yura
CL Kuma, Shell hits 2
DD Hatakaze, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Hayate, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Asanagi
DD Yunagi, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Cony
DD Heermann
DD McCord
DD Owen
DD Spence
DD The Sullivans
DD Waller

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

Night Time Surface Combat, near Torokina at 109,130, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Yura, Shell hits 1
CL Kuma, Shell hits 2
DD Hayate, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Asanagi, Shell hits 1
DD Yunagi, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Cony, Shell hits 2
DD Heermann
DD McCord
DD Owen
DD Spence
DD The Sullivans, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Waller

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

My Destroyers are on the spot and rough up the Japanese task force with minimal damage in return.

Rough weather prevents much from flying and the bombers that do find the Japanese cripples are unable to land a hit.

This could be the opening move into the Solomons for Gebede. He does have a lot of troops trapped on Munda. Or it might just be opportunity attack to try and sink some merchants.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 50

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/13/2014 1:32:48 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

6/12/44

Lautem is quiet, which is nice. The Japanese do show up at nearby Saumlaki and plaster the airfield. No big losses among my aircraft but I do lose a crippled Destroyer.

I'm stepping up my bombing of Dili as it is packed with Japanese Troops.

Is there a way to tell if Troops are on the move with Recon? My intel isn't telling me anything.
It would be helpful to know if the troops in Dili are marching to Lautem or he brought them to defend Dili and isn't going anywhere.

The Biggest event of the day however is a small B-29 raid from Calcutta to Saigon.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Saigon , at 60,71

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIb Sally: 18 destroyed on ground
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 3 destroyed on ground
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed on ground
Ki-59 Theresa: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 25
Airbase supply hits 10
Runway hits 73

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

I do lose a couple of B-29s to ops but the attack is worth it. It appears Saigon was a bomber training location and now the Japanese are on notice, they will have to garrison it with fighters or pull out.

Otherwise the front is quiet.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 51

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/13/2014 1:59:41 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

6/13/44-6-25/44

While not quiet the next two weeks are rather repetitive.

News with the Fleet, all Carriers are at shipyards and most will be fully repaired within 2 weeks.
only Bunker Hill and a couple of CVs will take more time (about a month) as they've taken torpedo hits and were went all the way to the West Coast for repairs.

once reassembled I should have a decent sized carrier fleet again!

Timors

This area has seen the most action. regular naval bombardment happens every 3-4 days with a Japanese battle group, usually lead by the Mutsu. I'm so low on Battleships that I don't have anything nearby to cover and I won't send the Iowas covering Munda just yet.

I've got a Allied Surface fleet made up of the Richelieu heading south from India, but they are a ways off.

In response I've stepped up the bombing of Dili. Regular B-24 raids on Airfields and ports should hopefully cause him supply concerns.

New Guinea/Solomons

Stalemate here for now. I just on anything I see with fast fletchers and bombers but it looks like the Japanese have given up any serious fight here and most activity looks like they want to remove pull troops rather then fight. I've been eyeing Truk with long range recon. They've gone from 10 fighters 10 over 200 over the course of these two weeks.

Christmas Island

This has been a comedy of errors. my major transport fleet was accidentally set to full speed and subsequently ran out of fuel about 6 hexes shy of the island. So it's been an excriiating crawl of a hex a day to get to their destination. The only plus side is Christmas Island has it's first fighter Squadron in place and the Japanese haven't yet picked up on in.

India

Still don't have the transports to make any major moves but I want to keep the area hot to at least draw some troops away from my other operations. I am prepping a small force to land and take Sinabang, a small island northwest of Sumatra. Taking it would allow me to project air power into the Strait of Malacca

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 52

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/13/2014 3:46:58 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

6/26/44

Well the jig is up at Christmas Island. bombers showed up in force.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island IO at 45,104

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 59 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 13
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 6

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 4
P-51B Mustang x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAK Clan Macinness
xAK Clan Macindoe

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island IO at 45,104

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 60 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 2
P-51B Mustang x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Caldwell
DD Kimberly
xAK Clan Macinness, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island IO at 45,104

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 70 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 14
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 7

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 1
P-51B Mustang x 1

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAK Clan Macwhirter
xAK Clan Mactaggart, Bomb hits 1, on fire

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

An AK is sunk outright, another damaged. In the Air we rough up some of the attacking squadrons.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 53

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/13/2014 8:38:01 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

6/27/44

Christmas Island

It appears that Gebede really doesn't like me at Christmas Island.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 42,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 34

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 21
P-51B Mustang x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 3 destroyed
P-51B Mustang: 2 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 9

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 12
P-51B Mustang x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-Ia Helen: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 52 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 16

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 12
P-51B Mustang x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-Ia Helen: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 21
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 22

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 11
P-51B Mustang x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed
Ki-49-Ia Helen: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 3

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

First air encounter is a draw but his bombers take some losses.
At the end of the day I've shot down about 22 Japanese planes for the loss of 10.

I've got the supplies and troops needed and if I can keep the airfield open I should be good.
I've got about 90 AV at the Island so it would take a major commitment to dislodge me.

The rest of the map is quiet.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 54

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/13/2014 9:36:12 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

6/28/44

Christmas Island

Air raids continue today.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 16 NM, estimated altitude 39,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 23

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 15
P-51B Mustang x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed
P-51B Mustang: 2 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 13
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 4

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 11
P-51B Mustang x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 5 destroyed
Ki-49-Ia Helen: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 12

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 9
P-51B Mustang x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-Ia Helen: 8 destroyed

No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 13
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 22

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 5
P-51B Mustang x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-49-Ia Helen: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

No Allied losses

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

That first squadron of Tojos does a number on me but I hold my own. His follow up attacks are shredded and he takes heavy losses. I deployed a Catalina squadron from Christmas Islands today and should be able to see any incoming naval attacks starting tomorrow.

I also have a couple of fighter squadrons ready to rotate in from Broome.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 55

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/16/2014 7:42:15 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

6/30/44

Christmas Island IO

The Sweeps keep coming but no bombers today.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 16 NM, estimated altitude 41,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 28

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 24
P-51B Mustang x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
P-51B Mustang: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Id Tony x 19

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 21
P-51B Mustang x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Id Tony: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 38,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 33

Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 18
P-51B Mustang x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed
P-51B Mustang: 1 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I come out a little ahead but not by much.

Timor/Lautem

Pretty quiet here but I feel he's up to something. I've got recon rotating through most of his large air fields looking for a build-up.

On the home front I've got most of my fleet carriers back in the game. Only Bunker Hill is languishing in the docks at San Francisco.

I've also got two large invasion forces departing for Noumea.

More on that later

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 56

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/17/2014 3:31:35 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

7/1/44

Lautem/Timor

Things are heating up again at Lautem. I've got a surface task force coming down from Colombo lead by the Richelieu, but it will probably be a couple of weeks before they make it to Darwin and then up to Lautem.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Lautem at 72,115

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 20 damaged
Spitfire VIII: 1 damaged
F6F-3 Hellcat: 4 damaged
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
CA Kako
DD Yugure
DD Hatsushima
DD Nenohi
DD Hatsuharu
DD Suzukaze
DD Yudachi
DD Murasame
DD Shigure
DD Shiratsuyu

Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 20
Port hits 2

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

The bombardments are more of an annoyance at this point but it does eat up the supplies.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lautem , at 72,115

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 38,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 17

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 7
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 22
F6F-3 Hellcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lautem , at 72,115

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 38,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 27

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 7
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 15
F6F-3 Hellcat x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire VIII: 1 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed

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

Lots of fighters over Lautem but my boys hold their own.

Naval Bombardment, Fighter sweeps, next I imagine the bombers will show....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Lautem , at 72,115

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y4 Judy x 28

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 3
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 5
F6F-3 Hellcat x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y4 Judy: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Lautem , at 72,115

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y3 Judy x 32
P1Y2 Frances x 24

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 3
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 5
F6F-3 Hellcat x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y3 Judy: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
P1Y2 Frances: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 5 damaged
F6F-3 Hellcat: 3 damaged

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Lautem , at 72,115

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y2 Frances x 24

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 3
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 5
F6F-3 Hellcat x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y2 Frances: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 5 damaged

Runway hits 10

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

Bombers! The lack of escorts doesn't do the bombers any favors and all told I down a little over 30 Japanese planes. The Airfield at Lautem is pockmarked with bomb hits but still operational.

Christmas Island IO

Over at Christmas Island we have another air attack. A sweep comes in but pretty much breaks even.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 40,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 22

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 22
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38J Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Most of my Carriers are on route to Noumea and hopefully I can start more offensive actions by the end of the month.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 57

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/17/2014 5:00:10 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

7/2/44

Lautem/Timor

Another day, more action at Lautem.

The night brings another naval bombardment.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Lautem at 72,115

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 damaged
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CL Tenryu
DD Akishimo
DD Hayashimo
DD Kiyoshimo
DD Asashimo
DD Okinami
DD Onami

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Again damage is pretty light and the Engineers should have no trouble with repairs.
I should have local CAP as well as some LRCAP from Darwin to help protect.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lautem , at 72,115

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 41,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 23

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 4
P-38J Lightning x 33
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 19
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 13
F4U-1 Corsair x 10
F4U-1A Corsair x 5
F6F-3 Hellcat x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire VIII: 1 destroyed
P-38J Lightning: 3 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

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

We break even in this fight. My pilots are getting tired. I can only hope that Geede's are getting even more tired than mine. There are no bombers this turn, the bloody nose we gave him yesterday will probably keep them away for a while.

Christmas Island IO

More Sweeps here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 40,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 31

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 13
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 9 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 38,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 19

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 8
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 3 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Id Tony x 18

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 6
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Id Tony: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

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

I rotated in a fresh P-47 squadron and it proves it's worth by downing almost 20 Georges.
I should be able to cycle fresh squadrons from Broome if needed.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 58

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/17/2014 8:50:59 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

7/2/44-7/9/44

Lautem/Timor

This week has been a little slow so we will consolidate. Over Lautem we don't experience to much activity. I've been slipping in single LSTs for supply runs. I think Gebede needed some time to rebuild and rest his shattered air groups.

On the 9th that changes with some new sweeps on Lautem. They catch my pilots napping, fatigue is catching up with them.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 42,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 31

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38J Lightning: 6 destroyed

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

Almost a dozen or so P-38s are lost. I don't know if this is a sweep of opportunity or the start of a new offensive in the area.

Christmas Island IO

I was resting my fighters this turn, 3 different squadrons sweep the island but there are no bombers and no damage is done.

The upcoming plan

My carriers are finally assembling from Noumea and moving towards Munda.

I've got an invasion force prepping for Ponape and should be ready in about 3 weeks.

In the meantime I'm planning a raid on Truk with my carriers.
I just can't ignore Truk during the invasion on Ponape so a well timed strike might do the trick.

Recon is showing over 300 fighters at Truk and over 100 ships in port.

Here's the plan, 8 fleet carriers, 6CVLs will form the Strike fleets, followed by 15 CVEs.
I'll head to Munda as my jumping off point and try to make a high speed run into Truk over 2 days. We will see how this plays out over the next couple of days.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 59

RE: 2 years and counting - First time Grand Campaign - 6/18/2014 9:18:00 PM

buckaroo13

Posts: 107
Joined: 6/2/2013
Status: offline

7/10/44

Lautem/Timor

A night raid catches one of my LSTs in port. It doesn't go well

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 72,115, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma
CL Oyodo
CL Tenryu
DD Susuzuki
DD Niizuki
DD Wakazuki
DD Fuyuzuki
DD Haruzuki

Allied Ships
LST-447, Shell hits 23, and is sunk

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

The bombardment of Lautem doesn't really amount to much.

Christmas Island IO

Gebede steps up the air war here. It's an ugly battle.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 39,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 26

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 5
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 49
P-51B Mustang x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-51B Mustang: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 38,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 31

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 5
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 46
P-51B Mustang x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 37,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Id Tony x 41

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 4
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 39
P-51B Mustang x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Id Tony: 13 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island IO , at 45,104

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 37,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 47

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 4
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 36
P-51B Mustang x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 10 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 3 destroyed
P-51B Mustang: 1 destroyed

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

The Japanese lose over 80 fighters to American losses of about 15.
I think he may adopt a different tack and I need to be on the lookout for naval bombardments.

Lastly, I finally get all my carriers back in theatre, except for the Bunker Hill, and this happens.
Poor Lady Lex, the last of my pre-war carriers, can't catch a break

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rennell Island at 114,140

Japanese Ships
SS I-171, hits 2

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Northampton
CA Indianapolis
CL Adelaide
DD Claxton
DD Chauncey
DD Ross
DD Robinson
DD Prichett
DD Morrison

Ammo storage explosion on CV Lexington
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lexington isn't in any danger of sinking but she got a good size hole in here that will need some dock time soon. For now she's reduced to about 28 knots and will stay with her group.

Gebede now knows that I've got at least some carriers back at the front.

(in reply to buckaroo13)

Post #: 60

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