RE: Operation The Man Trap

Matrix Games Forums

Forums Register Login Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ

My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums Log Out

RE: Operation The Man Trap

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Operation The Man Trap

Page: << < prev 17 18 [19] 20 21 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

RE: Operation The Man Trap - 7/27/2015 1:53:06 AM

Mike McCreery

Posts: 4232
Joined: 6/29/2013
Status: offline

A little humility might go a long way here...

I dont mean 'here' here if you know what I mean :P

_____________________________

(in reply to Chickenboy)

Post #: 541

Operation Man Trap - 7/27/2015 3:20:38 AM

John 3rd

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

Here are the actual aircraft losses.

Japanese are significant with about 20% of the strike eliminated. As said Soryu's Val and Kate took it on the chin as well as Shokaku's Val.

Look at the F4F, Devastator, Martlet, and Buffalo losses. Definite evidence there of sinkings.

Best GUESS: Lexington, Formidable, Illustrious, Hermes and Charlotte sunk. Good chance of Melbourne and Jacksonville gone.

Curious that Enterprise was not in the mix.

Michael will be depressed so I plan to 'be nice' in my emails and phone conversations.

Have got the next turn and now I have to AVOID his surface forces and add to his losses.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to Mike McCreery)

Post #: 542

RE: Operation Man Trap - 7/27/2015 3:26:41 AM

Justus2

Posts: 729
Joined: 11/12/2011
Status: offline

Well done John, nicely planned ambush, looks like you really caught him flat-footed. BANZAI!

_____________________________

Playing/Learning Shadow Empire

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 543

Operation Man Trap: The Battle off Busselton - 7/27/2015 6:56:26 AM

John 3rd

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

Combat Report
May 14, 1942
The Battle Off Busselton--Day 2

Attempts to stay out of the way of powerful Allied surface ships is not entirely successful.

KB splits with 2/3 moving SSE to intercept fleeing shipping while the remaining 1/3 and 4 BC move towards an AO for refueling. We are WAAAAY low on fuel. The BCs lead the way with CL Agano and 4 DD while CARDIV5 follows about 20 miles behind. It is a DARK night (5% Visibility).

The lone AO and her two small escorts are found by a British Squadron of HMS Cornwall, Devonshire, Exeter, and 4 DD. Down goes the Japanese fueling force. The AOs is barely sunk when the Japanese STF arrives and range OPENS at 1,000 Yds!

I have visions of my BCs getting hit by TTs left and right. Fortunately (I guess) the 3 CA contrate their fire on CL Agano sinking her. The Japanese peel away from the knife fight and then get into a good rythem. All three CAs are hit with big shells and DD Pakenham is sunk outright. Another DD appears to be in sinking condition. HATE losing a new CL for this encounter...

Dawn.

It is a stormy day!

Japanese strikes range out EVERY direction through the morning.

Damaged carriers are found and CAV Wellington is for certain SUNK. CV Illustrious is pasted with 6 Bombs and appears to be crippled. Two DDs are dispatched to try and sink her. DD Tucker (with Wellington) is sunk as well. All three British CAs are hit with several bombs or a TT. They are not sunk but are certainly roughed up.

Merchants and other Ships: 3 AMC hit (1 Sunk), 5 AK hit (2 Sunk), and 2 AP.

The destruction is only stopped by the weather. Both sets of Japanese CVs are forced to close down their decks as rain and high wind arrive.

Fortunately following the lone AO are 4 big, fat ones carrying nearly 40,000 fuel. The BCs unite with CARDIV5 and will refuel tomorrow. This refueling will take 50% of the fuel carried and then the remaining CVs will refuel day after tomorrow.

We stay for one more days of strikes and will then reunite and get ready to head for home.

The Kido Butai has carried out its mission to near perfection. The threat of an invasion of Western Australia was to create a CV Battle opportunity. This has been done. Western Australia does not NEED to be taken now. We'll take Pt Hedlund, Exmouth, and Carnavon but that is about it. Aerial recon over the last two days show anywhere from 12-16 Allied units at Perth, Albany, Geraldton, and Esperance. Why throw ourselves into that?

Another consideration is WHERE are the Allied SBDs and other bombers? They certainly were not on carriers!

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 7/27/2015 7:59:18 AM >

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to Justus2)

Post #: 544

RE: Operation Man Trap: The Battle off Busselton - 7/27/2015 1:44:56 PM

vicberg

Posts: 1176
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline

Ha! It's all in the name baby!

(and planning and logistics and execution and knowing your opponent and luck and...)

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 545

RE: Operation Man Trap: The Battle off Busselton - 7/27/2015 2:52:49 PM

Malagant

Posts: 372
Joined: 3/13/2004
Status: offline

Your final sentence really strikes me...very few attack planes went down with those Carriers. Maybe on land getting Upgraded? Training? Very interesting question...

But Why there weren't there isn't quite as important as Where they'll be. He's likely to have a large mess of attack planes ready to bounce around Australia to strike at any invasion forces, right?

_____________________________

"La Garde meurt, elle ne se rend pas!"

(in reply to vicberg)

Post #: 546

Operation Man Trap: The Battle off Busselton - 7/27/2015 4:12:07 PM

John 3rd

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

OK.

Got the May 15th turn done and weather totally socked in the Carriers. Those two DD I sent out to find Illustrious find DD Panther and sink her. That does it for there. Disappointing but thank goodness it did not happen on the day of the battle. Detach two 4 DD TF to go after the shipping fleeing towards Adelaide. Three I-Boats also wait in this direction.

Malagant is certainly correct. I am not approaching ANY Aussie AF without first replennishing planes, fuel, and sorties.

We are about done down here. CARDIV5 and all the BC refueled on the 15th. Took 2/3 of the fuel carried but they are good. The AOs have about 11,000 fuel left and will take care of the remainder of the fleet.

Orders:
CARDIV5 to move SSE searching for two TF of survivors.
CARDIV1 & 2 move slowly west heading towards the AOs while also looking for more damaged ships.
As said two STF go hunting.

After tomorrow, the Fleet will head for the barn. Would LOVE to stay but fuel says NO!

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to Malagant)

Post #: 547

RE: Operation Man Trap: The Battle off Busselton - 7/27/2015 4:13:19 PM

John 3rd

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: vicberg

Ha! It's all in the name baby!

(and planning and logistics and execution and knowing your opponent and luck and...)

...and quite an appropriate title if I do say so myself!

Michael is TOTALLY down in the dumps.

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to vicberg)

Post #: 548

RE: Operation Man Trap: The Battle off Busselton - 7/27/2015 7:33:51 PM

Sangeli

Posts: 1132
Joined: 3/29/2012
From: San Francisco
Status: offline

Nicely done! This is a difficult time for the Japanese I think. Allies don't need to give you battle but you need decisive engagements. Luckily for you Michael is playing an active defense with important naval assets. I think there is much to be said about the psychological aspect of letting the Allies defend expose areas like Perth. Allies could end up losing a lot more trying to defend Perth if you don't invade it for some time instead of taking it now. Unfortunately there's not much to be said about a greater strategic purpose with your chosen strategy. Only that you hope the Allies don't have a greater strategic purpose as well and pursue an active defense purely because they can and think they should.

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 549

RE: Operation Man Trap: The Battle off Busselton - 7/27/2015 8:36:51 PM

John 3rd

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

I am not going after Perth now. It is my intention to not LET Michael know that though. We will take Exmouth and Carnavon. From Carnavon we can threaten Perth but now is a time to NOT GET CRAZY!

This is an important victory that seals KB's power for a while. It is time to set the defense, get logistically caught up, keep the enemy guessing, and punch whenever possible.

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to Sangeli)

Post #: 550

RE: Operation Man Trap: The Battle off Busselton - 7/28/2015 2:38:15 AM

BattleMoose

Posts: 231
Joined: 2/17/2014
Status: offline

I am not sure what the fuel restrictions are but some deep penetrations targeting supply convoys from the Cape Town to Perth route may pay big dividends. My opponent previously did this to me and it was, unpleasant, although he never did identify the critical routes I used.

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 551

RE: Operation Man Trap: The Battle off Busselton - 7/28/2015 3:49:17 AM

John 3rd

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

That is sort of what I am thinking about. Recon showed 60+ ships in Perth, Albany, and Esperance. Would love to shift over into commerce warfare and now have the ability to do that. Using Hawaii and NW Aussieland I can really raise some HELL. This thinking is formative but with the naval victory just won it would seem like a logical next step.

Spoke with Michael on the phone earlier today and though he is depressed, he will go on with everything. Told me that the Lady Lex is GONE! Said his ships had bombers and torpedo planes on board but they were training. Nearly all bounced over to Perth and Albany. Gonna have to be VERY CAREFUL going near the coast...

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to BattleMoose)

Post #: 552

Operation Man Trap: The Battle off Busselton - 7/28/2015 11:55:35 PM

John 3rd

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

Combat Report
May 16, 1942
Operation Man Trap

OK. We are refueled and feeling much better about operations presently. Checked all CVs and we're pretty good for at least a day or two more.

Have KB in two groups presently:

CARDIV5 Shokaku/Zuikaku and 3 CVL (211 Planes) are now fully refueled and moving towards the edge of the map pursuing a TF that has some decent movement to it. Air Search read several capital ships/cruisers. Worth a little chase so we'll try to catch whatever is present there. Pull BC's Ishitaka and Kawachi out of the screen with 4 Dds to go hunting in this direction as well. In a major change I set the CVs to react Range 6 and the same is done for the BCs. Kates are added to air search and set at 10%.

CARDIV1/2 Akagi/Kaga/Hiryu/Soryu/Junyo, 2 CVL, and 2 CAV (411 Planes) move NE. There are over 90 ships in Esperance's Harbor. It is protected by a Sz-1 AF. We're going after that shipping! Planes are set for Naval Attack/Port Strike. Kate-R set to recon Esperance and Albany.

I am reversing myself and seriously thinking about hitting Albany with a Port Strike IF I combine all the CVs. This force would still have nearly 600 planes that would overwhelm the 80+ Fighters reportedly at this Sz-3 AF. Will not make that call until we see how tomorrow plays out. There are carrier cripples out there and hiding in Port. I would REALLY LIKE to finish them! Regardless of Michael telling me Lexington is gone, I do have some doubts.

Based on the action of tomorrow we'll make the call.

Oh...by the way...we take Port Hedlund and Darwin this day. A strike by Betty's flying from Broome hit three ships disbanded in Port at Carnavon and we plaster 2 AVP and CL Danae (6 Bombs on her).

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 7/29/2015 12:57:39 AM >

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 553

Operation Man Trap - 7/29/2015 6:15:12 AM

John 3rd

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

Combat Report
May 17, 1942
Operation Man Trap

Don't find any big fish this turn but do get in one heck of a punch.

CARDIV 1/2 launches a strike of 94 Zero, 86 Val, and 98 Kate at Esperance harbor. Crammed into this primitive location is nearly 80 ships. There is no aerial opposition and the massacre is something to watch. I've got a partial screenshot coming up after this entry. Best guess if at least 50 AP, AK, AKL, AM, CM, and PC hit. At least 3 AP, 2 AK, and 4 AKL are sunk with several 'sinking sounds' occurring after the strike.

Orders:
1. Shipping is spotted hugging the Aussie Coast so one of the 4 DD TF is vectored into to hit them.

2. CARDIV 1/2 will move closer to the shore (NE) and hit Esperance again then draw away to rendezvous with the rest of KB.

3. Spot just a piece of that TF fleeing the Japanese. They are heading for the Capetown exit point. I WANT them. Vector CARDIV5 and the BCs to this area for a shot at a kill.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 7/29/2015 7:16:26 AM >

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to Mike McCreery)

Post #: 554

Operation Man Trap - 7/29/2015 6:17:12 AM

John 3rd

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

Here is just a portion of the shipping hit in that strike at Esperance. There are at least 12-15 more ships not shown here:

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 555

RE: Operation Man Trap - 7/29/2015 12:50:06 PM

vicberg

Posts: 1176
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline

I think it's easy to say that this operation has achieved complete surprised. Not sure how much juice your carriers have left, but you have the ships on that entire side of the coast trapped.

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 556

Operation Man Trap - 7/29/2015 11:50:51 PM

John 3rd

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

Combat Report
May 18, 1942
Operation Man Trap

A very good day all around for the GOOD GUYS!

CARDIV 1/2 makes their move NE towards the Aussie Coastline where they fly morning Naval Strikes and an Afternoon repeat Port Strike at Esperance.

Morning: A Strike of 94 Zero, 48 Val, and 32 Kates plaster a very nice target. Three ARDs and 3 AKL are sunk with another ARD and 3 AKLs hit badly. No losses for the attack and we crush some very useful vessels.

Afternoon: 84 Zero, 35 Val, and 45 Kate hit Esperance. Two AMc, two AKL, and an AP are sunk with over THIRTY vessels hit for the second time in as many days. These are short-legged ships but they will nto be helping with any Allied moves for quite some time.

CARDIV 5 hits a very nice jackpot out near the SW Corner of the map. As I suspected a group of ships were fleeing this direction heading for the Capetown exit. The CVs catch them and finds a large, fully loaded Tanker Task Force. NICE! Not a crippled CV/CVL but still a good target.

Two strikes are launched:
1. 38 Zero, 17 Val, and 9 Kate hit three TK and cripple CL Emerald with a TT and 3 Bombs.
2. 38 Zero, 28 Val, and 21 Kate hit DD Foxhound and 9 TK with various bombs and TTs. A good number of them shall certainly sink since the TKs were all fully loaded. These are the BIG TK.

ORDERS:
All CVs are now heading for a rendezvous for return to home. Must allow for enough fuel to get home so we're bugging out. Am not content to let some shipping get away so...

a. Detach 2 CA and 6 DD from CARDIV 1/2 to go to Ceduna and catch any stragglers left from the strikes earlier today.

b. Two BC and 5 DD are ordered into the TK TF area and, hopefully, they will catch some crippled ships and SINK THEM!

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to Mike McCreery)

Post #: 557

Operation Man Trap - 7/29/2015 11:51:29 PM

John 3rd

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

Am waiting on one more turn from Michael and then we are off to LOST WAGES! The Subway convention is this Thurs--Sun and my wife and I have to suffer through while staying at the Venetian. Very hard but someone has to do it...

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 7/30/2015 12:55:44 AM >

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 558

RE: Operation Man Trap - 7/30/2015 12:19:03 AM

bigred

Posts: 3599
Joined: 12/27/2007
Status: offline

"Operation Man Trap" sounds like a problem my son has.

_____________________________

---bigred---

IJ Production mistakes--
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2597400

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 559

Operation Man Trap Concludes - 7/30/2015 1:47:33 AM

John 3rd

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

Combat Report
May 19, 1942
Operation Man Trap Conclusion

The successful extended foray into Australia Waters is now officially concluding. All we are now doing is regathering the warships and setting a course for home.

Had some decent success today in that my BC TF sank 2 DDs (Foxhound and Inconstant) as well as two big TK (29 VP each). No losses so we're A OK.

Spot what looks like a TF heading towards either Perth or Albany. Move three SS to cover EACH possible approach. We'll see what they can do.

Operation Fizzbin
As one operation winds down, another gets seriously rolling.

During the night 4 BB bombard Cold Bay and the morning sun reveals and Invasion Force just off-shore. 25,000 Japanese storm a shore under the guns of three more Battlewagons. Disruption is quite mild and we'll look at a quick bombardment tomorrow to see just what we're up against. My guess is skeleton units that have been partially evacuated by air. We'll see.

In case the Allies want to try something, we have 68 Zeros on LRCAP over the beach head with another 60 Zeros, 48 Val, 36 Betty, and 27 Kate ready to stick it to anything that draws close. Come on in said the spider to the fly...

Have decided that the whole pursuing along the map edge is a bit gamey. Will moderate this a bit in the future. Michael simply had no where to run and that isn't exactly fair. Is it?

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 7/30/2015 2:49:24 AM >

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to bigred)

Post #: 560

RE: Operation Man Trap Concludes - 7/30/2015 3:15:52 AM

vicberg

Posts: 1176
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline

No it's not gamey at all. The off map boxes are gamey (a game mechanism). Truth is nothing but open sea until you get to ice in that part of the world.

He obviously wasn't expecting this from you. Had a lot of assets "protected" in south OZ.

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 561

VEGAS! - 7/30/2015 10:36:56 AM

John 3rd

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

It is ohhhh dark hundred here and we're off to Lost Wages. Will be back on Sunday.

Have a good week all!

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to vicberg)

Post #: 562

RE: VEGAS! - 7/30/2015 4:06:34 PM

Canoerebel

Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline

Man, John, you whacked Michael good. I know he's smarting big time. Its tough to get caught off guard, get surprised, get trapped in no-man's-land, and then take some very public and painful whippings. Ouch! (I suppose nearly every Allied player has experienced this - most of us multiple times - in 1942.)

Michael was not trapped against the map's edge, so by any measure what you did wasn't gamey. For any ship or TF near the map's edge, he could simply set the destination as Capetown and the ship/TF would exit the map's edge (and get the added benefit of no longer using fuel, if my memory is correct).

As for gamey, years ago I gave that alot of thought and developed a two- or three-part test that satisfied my conscience on the matter. I think the first part was "whether it could have been done in the real war?" I know the most important part of the test was "is there a reasonable counter by my opponent?"

Thus, if I was doing something questionable or impossible or "stretching the game engine," was there a reasonable way for my opponent to counter the tactic? If so, it fell within my idea of "fair play."

To my way of thinking, even if Michael couldn't exit map's edge, your tactics still weren't gamey. Michael knew the edge was there and it was therefore incumbent upon him to deploy his forces in such a way that he guarded against surprise and had a viable exit strategy.

Have fun, you Rascally Bedeviler of Allied Players Near and Far, Good and Bad, Green and Experienced!

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 563

VEGAS! - 8/2/2015 9:58:45 PM

John 3rd

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

Hey Dan! Appreciate the thinking and comments a bunch.

We just back from Lost Wages. Did not win a Zillion $$$. Didn't lose everything either. I consider that to be victory when it comes to Vegas.

Michael just sent the turn and it is time to back into the war...

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 564

Operation Fizzbin - 8/3/2015 5:59:15 AM

John 3rd

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

Combat Report
May 20, 1942
Operation Fizzbin

Very calm day to report. We'll go regional and do updates:

North Pacific
Cold Bay
Amphibs unload without interference. LOTS of SS up here but nothing else. All troops unloaded and we bombard. Things look very good. Lots of support units with a single Regiment providing defense. Will wait two days so we can do a BB Bombardment then we'll drop Paratroopers and launch our first attack. Barring surprises we are in pretty good shape here.

SS Ops
All seven ML SS dropped mines west of Prince Rupert and we were immediately rewarded with an explosion. NICE! Have a good number of SS operating here looking for targets.

Central Pacific
Hawaii
All bases are fully repaired and PH's Repair Yard is now operational. Biggest news here is the loading of two Infantry Divisions, 2 Engineering Regiments and 3 Artillery units for Tabiteau. These troops will invade Nadi during late-June.

South Pacific
Pago Pago
Three CVE about to arrive at PP. They have nearly 70 planes and will soon be augmented by Hiyo and Junyo. Need two days for a convoy to arrive then we'll take a stab at Tahiti.

Australia
KB
The CVs move slowly west waiting for AOs to arrive with a partial load of 11,000 fuel. This should easily fill us enough to get home.

Spot a TF containing at least one crippled CV. It approaching Busselton/Perth. As mentioned earlier there are 7 SS stalking this target. Have two small STF opf 3 DD each trying to make an intercept as well. If interested, KB will be close enough to throw a strike tomorrow. This cripple is in BAD shape. It only moved a single hex from yesterday to today.

Carnavon
Fast TF approaching this target and carries the bulk of an Infantry Brigade. Should serve to keep Michael nervous.

Burma
Good shape. Am waiting on a two ID reinforcement before getting operations moving in this area.

China
SUCKS! Nothing really happening here.

Engineering (5-16---5/20)
Akutan AF-3 5-16
Soerabaja AF-5 5-17
Lahaina AF-7 5-18
Nagasaki AF-7 5-19
Port Blair AF-2 5-19
Kanhsien AF-2 5-19
Umnak AF-3 5-20

Umnak and Akutan going to Lvl-3 Helps BUNCHES!

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to Mike McCreery)

Post #: 565

Operation Man Trap - 8/3/2015 3:57:30 PM

John 3rd

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

Combat Report
May 21, 1942
Operation Man Trap

As stated in previous postings, a group of Allied cripples have been watched moving very slowly towards Perth or Albany. Two STF of 3 TT each and the KB moved in to try and nab whatever was present. The morning search on May 21st spots a two ship TF trying to reach Port. A strike of 68 Zero, 24 Val, and 12 Kate launch to attack it. They find CV Illustrious and CA Astoria. Both cripples are sunk with the CV getting 3 Bombs and a TT while the cruiser gets 4 Bombs. CONCLUSIVELY scratch another flattop!

DEFINITE KILLS: CV Illustrious, CV Formidable, CVL Hermes, CLV Jacksonville, CLV Charlotte, CAV Wellington, and CAV Melbourne. Two CV, 1 CVL, and 4 Flying Deck Cruisers.

POSSIBLE KILLS: CV Lexington

I will go through my notes to tally other sinkings in the massed, long-term raid. What a success!

Other News:

North Pacific
Finish unloading at Cold Bay. Lose two, perhaps, three AKs to CD. We'll launch our first assault on this target in two days.

Australia
Fenton is taken and we are now driving on Katherine.

That is about it...

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 566

RE: Operation Man Trap - 8/3/2015 5:18:42 PM

Sangeli

Posts: 1132
Joined: 3/29/2012
From: San Francisco
Status: offline

Wow! I can't believe you found Michael's CVs off of Western OZ again like that! Michael is REALLY being sloppy here. Given how vast your empire is going to be with deep SoPac moves, it was going to be vulnerable to any decent sized Allied CV group. Instead Michael manages to lose about half his CV strength for no gain.

Given your recent successes, I think you can start thinking more seriously about some ambitious plans for late 42. I really think making a play for OZ could be a good idea after you secure the rest of the SoPac. Especially if you can make some progress in China to free up some IJA units. These are the sorts of games where it pays to be aggressive through the end of 42. Just look at the CF vs Mundy game.

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 567

RE: Operation Man Trap - 8/4/2015 6:45:47 AM

John 3rd

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

My naturally aggressive instincts say the same thing: GO FOR IT!

Am trying to mute those...

It would appear that the British Navy is fully out of the picture when it comes to CV power; however, the American Fleet (minus two CLV and a damaged Saratoga--PERHAPS a damaged/sunk Lexington--is still out there and a viable threat.

Hiyo is about complete (15 Days).

I've the full Carrier Strength of Japan intact and operational.

Need to replenish and pick-up a crap load of new airframes to replace losses. Additional issue is about to occur when my upgrades are set to begin. Most of the original six CVs upgrade in June or July. Have some BBs up for upgrade already. Am going to have to factor that into the equation. Can do upgrades at Singers or go all the way home.

Think the CVs head for Soerabaja and Singapore. Will reorganize at Soerabaja and make some command decisions.

We're about to head into an operational pause once I capture Carnavon.

Fall 1942 Options Sangeli?

1. The logical is Australia. Don't need the Fleet commitment for that. Could have three axis of attack: Carnavon going South--Tennant Creek going South or East, and Portland Roads going South. We could easily have 8-10 ID in combat within 6-8 weeks. Really need to think on that some.

2. NORPAC is done once I Cold bay and Dutch Harbor. Not much point pushing east from there.

3. SOPAC has some value in taking Nadi--Suva and widening the salient heading south there. Would also serve to help a move on Australia.

4. Burma is a dead letter. Will hold the coast and dig-in throughout the country.

5. China provides great fear for me. Michael has blunted my several attempts to get something going. Am going to try and go after Kunming from the south and Burma. We'll see if that stretches Michael and provides an opportunity elsewhere.

I have a couple of new SNLF Assault Brigades coming as well as a crapton of new Atoll Defense Units coming in. They will alll deploy through the important points of the Pacific to serve as garrison and tripwires to slow an Allied advance down to create opportunities...

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 8/4/2015 7:46:51 AM >

_____________________________

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

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

(in reply to Sangeli)

Post #: 568

RE: Operation Man Trap - 8/4/2015 2:17:18 PM

BattleMoose

Posts: 231
Joined: 2/17/2014
Status: offline

I would like to see you go for Australia and the seas are unquestionably yours but do you have enough LCUs? My hunch is no, and almost feel that excess LCUs might be best used in China. The real big question is how many LCUs michael has managed to smuggle into Aus, you might be able to get it on the cheap and destroy whats there. From your scouting it looks like a lot of them are in the Perth area, Sydney and Brisbane might be vulnerable.

(in reply to John 3rd)

Post #: 569

RE: Operation Man Trap - 8/4/2015 3:34:04 PM

vicberg

Posts: 1176
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline

Between China and OZ, I'd say China. IMO, China is really the only game in town for Japan. All other offensives (PH, SoPac, OZ) are for VP (which you don't care about), degradation of allied capability (which you've succeeded at) or for defense (Aluetians/SoPac).

Compare OZ (or India) to China. OZ can ultimately be cutoff by the Allies. Same with India since Burma doesn't provide good supply into India. China is it's own supply source. It's own fuel and oil source (in excess of need). Enables the Singapore to Fusan LOC (which some people think is gamey, but I don't since Japan launched a campaign for this exact purpose in 1944). Unfortunately for me, the fuel/oil/resources aren't flowing yet from Singers to Fusan and I'm trying to figure out why.

Success in China removes an entire flank (a massive one) and frees up divisions for Burma/Java/SoPac/Aleutians/Home Islands/Luzon/etc., compared to an attack in OZ or India, which will simply tie up LCUs.

I don't know if you've been following my AAR, but I shifted the 25th Army to take China. Yes that's something that could have been used elsewhere and I didn't take PH, but China will fall and I'm doing BTS! Once it falls, the crack 25th Army will move into Burma (the easiest early war Allied attack axis) and i'll start pulling crack divisions out of China for defense.

(in reply to BattleMoose)

Post #: 570