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Here he comes... - 11/9/2003 8:25:52 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		December 15th...
Thunderstorms

Bad weather, but that is of no consequence to my pilots now. They all fly.

He's heading almost dead south right into TV. At least 3 AP TFs, the usual assortment of BBs and his 3 CVs providing LRCAP. His [I]Zeroes[/I] jumped me good last turn. I foolsishly left almost the entire LBA at 6000 ft. They flew out with no fighters. Most didn't come back :( . All level bombers at 20000 now, still on attack missions. Let Quark's fighters tire themselves out chasing my bombers at altitude. Also, I've committed one of my P-38s back to SWPAC. They've landed at Brissy from LV (64 fatigue - ouch!) and can hopefully get a couple of turns in against Quark's fighters.

Quark admitted to me the mines he hit last turn were his own. Fine with me - I won't be upset if he runs into his own mines.

[I]Chenango[/I] moves agonizingly slow to TV, with the invaders riding her tail, only 60 miles behind her. I don't care about the ship - but there's almost 40 aircraft I need from her decks. She's too badly damaged to launch them. I may have her turn right and try to get her to Cairns. It's abandonded, but all I want to do is beach the ship and unload the planes. These storms will surely increase the damage :(

4 DDs from Brissy are going to try and FT an ART unit into TV. A CD unit is en route from Noumea, but I won't be suprised if it's too late. Still, it's worth a shot. The APs are the old Oz ships [I]Manuda, Mildura, Waganella,[/I] and [I]Ormiston[/I]. They show they can make 15 knotts. Probably take 5 days or so, and Quark has probably moved the rest of his CVs into the lane between Noumea and Brisbane, but a 2nd CD at Noumea is just going to rot there. Quark isn't trying for Noumea.

[I]Sangamon[/I] is en rooute back to the half way point between Noumea and Brisbane. Maybe I can fery an SBD squadron or two over as well.

I still have the feeling this is bait. He has too many troops to be carried on only 3 AP TFs. We're going to find out, however - and very soon.

The Raiders finsihed their sweep, kicking the last of Quark's recon squads out, this time re-taking Kourouratopo. A C47 squadron will ferry the rest of the Raiders there from Koumac. Additionally, 21000 tons of supplies will land there tomorrow. Two days later, the entire 41st Division, along with one BF and one SeaBee unit will land. Maybe they can get in and out unnoticed, although it will take a while to unload that much at a level 1 port.... Perhaps I can draw Quark's forces off a bit, or create doubt in his mind... along with the end of the year approaching (with his autovictory chances getting slimmer and slimmer) maybe he'll have to respond to me for a change.

I may lose - but I won't quit fighting. I am gambling on Quark's invasion crashing against the shoals in the Barrier Reef. I have a level 9 fortified base, continuous supply, air cover, and an assault strength of over 700 at TV. If I can bleed a few ships and lower his assault strength, I may even survive :)

Stay tuned, gentlemen - it's about to get very bloody, very quickly.

More to come....

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 241
- 11/12/2003 1:45:05 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		December 19, 1942
Weather: Thunderstorms

The weather turns sour, but I actually need to rest the attacks on Quark’s shipping. The attacks are being strung out, (3 SBDs here, 3 TBFs there, 6 P-39Ds here…) and are easy pickings for even Quark’s tired LRCAP pilots. Therefore, I’m canceling all attacks with SBDs, TBF, and FBs until I can reconstitute them into effective units. They’re going back to either RH or Brissy to rest. I have a couple of newly arrived SBDs, but I’m going to hold them until I can attack with effective escort.

Meanwhile, the “rocks keep shaking” (Quark’s words in the last e-mail) at Cairns. Amazingly, [I]more[/I] IJN planes are at Cairns! At last count, there are 109 fighters, and 99 auxiliary aircraft. Airfield damage reported at 49, and now – with the shift of some of the bombers to port attacks – port damage is at 45. I’m not sure if FOW impacts what I see as I roll the cursor over the base or not, but Quark has to be very concerned. The attacks at Cairns continue. I’ve sent them in for two days now at 6000. Tomorrow, the night raids will go in from RH at 6000 (69 bombers ready and available there), while CT and TV will send daylight raids. I’m sending them unescorted as I need to rest the P-38s, so the daylight runs will jump back up to 20000. 74 bombers are ready to hit the ports at Cairns from TV, while another 113 bombers are ready and assigned the job of keeping the airfield closed. Cairns now has reportedly 1880 infantry troops, with 5880 BF personnel.

As to the P-38s, they are performing marvelously. The two squadrons (the 35th FS and the 36th FS) have an average experience of 69, and have a total of 43 kills to their credit.

Back at CT, total base damage is down to 20. The base is still understaffed by 37 in terms of AS. The 163rd BF from Brisbane was loaded onto the 7 C47 squadrons for deployment, but I forgot to assign a destination. That has been remedied. Also, at Brissy, I have 34 [I]Wirraways[/I] ready to head to TV and support the defenders with ground attacks on the invaders. I also have a B-25 squadron and 2 [I]Beaufort[/I] squadrons I could press into service at TV in case of emergency, but I really don’t want to do that just now.

At TV, the first shot of the ground battle was fired, as I launched an artillery attack on the invaders. Quark has approximately 84 [I]thousand[/I] troops on the ground.

At RH, the SeaBees have been dropped off. A five ship FT TF will load them tomorrow and run them into TV. I’ll need them to keep the fort level up. Another combat engineer unit is road marching to TV (the 116th Engineer Bn). They are currently 240 miles south of TV. With luck, they’ll get there in four days.

Once the C47s have sent in the 163rd BF to CT, they’ll begin ferrying the 6th Australian Div (HQ and 16th and 17th Aus BDEs, approximately 240 combat squads) to TV. Quark’s fighters on LRCAP should be well and tired by then, especially if I can keep his 100+ fighters on Cairns. This will leave Brissy awful thin, but the game appears to hinge here. No reason to hold back. I’ll also begin moving the 7th Division from RH to TV…probably by FT as best I can. I’ll also need to do something about the heavy guns I can’t airlift for the 6th. Again, I’m gambling Quark doesn’t have a force hid away to pounce on RH while they only have one Div defending it, but I can’t ignore what’s happening at TV.

In the Solomons, [I]Southard[/I] cleared at least 20 minefields on the trip in, but one mine still hit [I]South Dakota[/I] She’s out of action for a couple of weeks (at least).

Speaking of mines, an omission from yesterday’s report. Two IJN ships hit mines in Oz: at Cairns, the DD [I]Minekaze[/I] struck a mine, while at TV, the light cruiser [I]Nagara[/I] hit one Quark’s MSW forces missed.

Here’s the lengthy combat report:

[I] AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/18/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese Ships
AP Kamoi Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-38

[B]My S-boat missed a fat transport??? He**, I could have left Greenling there to do that![/B] :p
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Irau, at 42,43

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
CL Naka

Allied Ships
SS Grayback


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 3
P-40E Kittyhawk x 7
P-38G Lightning x 20
A-20B Boston x 12
B-26B Marauder x 14
B-17E Fortress x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 6 damaged
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 39

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 31

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x A-20B Boston at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Boston at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
8 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56


Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 10
B-26B Marauder x 64
B-17E Fortress x 3
A-20B Havoc x 21


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 27

Runway hits 3
Port hits 14
Port fuel hits 4
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
1 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
1 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
9 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
1 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
0 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 29th Aus Brigade, at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
B5N Kate x 47

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1
P-40E Kittyhawk x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 6
P-38G Lightning x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 6 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 3 damaged
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 3 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 1 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 2 damaged

1LT M.Berg of 35th FS is credited with kill number 3

LCDR W.Doikawa of EIII-1 Daitai is KILLED


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 29

Attacking Level Bombers:
13 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
16 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
18 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 15
TBF Avenger x 3
PBY Catalina x 3
P-40E Kittyhawk x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 11
P-38G Lightning x 13
F-5A Lightning x 2

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 3 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 1 damaged

PO2 H.Minami of DII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6

Japanese Ships
AP Keizan Maru
AP Kyosei Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 15
TBF Avenger x 13
P-39D Airacobra x 26

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 7 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 7 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged

PO2 H.Ikeda of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 12

Japanese Ships
AP Uyo Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Batavia Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Maya, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Koei Maru
DD Yugiri

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 22
Vehicles lost 1

[B]Finally! AP damage! And, for good measure, a 500 pounder penetrates even the cruiser’s armor.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 2

no losses

[B]The beginning of the uncoordinated attacks.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 9

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 8

no losses

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

CPO B.Muto of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 9


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,55

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
A6M3 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 6

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged

PO2 H.Ikeda of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 13


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,55

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 6
P-38G Lightning x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 1 damaged

LTJG R.Ohara of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,58


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 9


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 12

[B]And all 12 hits penetrated the lightly armored vessel.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Townsville

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 26744 troops, 215 guns, 144 vehicles

Defending force 83748 troops, 900 guns, 76 vehicles



PO2 J.Hanamoto of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 9

[B]Does Quark have any more troops he can commit here? I sure hope not…[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cooktown

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 37 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cooktown base !!!


[B]Big point shift here, but only 40 troops involved.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

More to come…

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 242
- 11/14/2003 6:29:42 PM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		December 20, 1942

Quark sent the CR only and will send the turn later, so here’s the results:

[I] AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/20/42

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack at 10,61

Japanese Ships
AP Uyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

[B]Greenling, in deeper water, gets back on track by picking off one of the invaders leaving TV. Only one hit, but against IJN APs far from a home port, it should be enough.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lunga at 38,40

Allied Ships
SS S-46

[B]Something chases S-46 away…not sure what it was…[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 19,70

Japanese Ships
SS I-24

Allied Ships
AP Manoora, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 144

[B]I was actually cheering until the 2nd torpedo hit, when I realized the target vessel had the wrong paint scheme. I thought Quark mothballed his I-boats. This was a surface attack, in daylight. A brutal reminder about escorting the APs. This one carried part of the CD unit from Noumea.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 66th Regiment, at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 15
P-39D Airacobra x 12

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC x 4 destroyed
Beaufighter VIC x 4 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged

ENS L.Kawato of DI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 10

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 13

[B]I had P-38s on escort (8 of them) but they didn’t engage the Zeroes. Interesting.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Townsville at 10,62


LCDR S.Muto of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5
Japanese Ships
DD Shiranui, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS S-38

[B]And, in shallow water, S-38 is in her element, picking off an offending escort.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Townsville

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 77928 troops, 889 guns, 96 vehicles

Defending force 44353 troops, 231 guns, 220 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 7

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 7)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 6


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 1145
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 324
Guns lost 1

[B]Quark gets the fortifications down 2 levels, but at a cost of almost 3-1 in losses. Time to get the reinforcements going.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

Again, the bombers from CT and RH fail to fly. Have to wait on the turn to see what happened this time. Quark sneakily LRCAPs CT, and shoots down a C-47. Thank goodness I only had one squadron flying in there.

More to come…

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 243
RE: - 2/9/2004 11:40:21 PM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		Back in business, although Attack Condor never was able to log back in , even with repeated reset password requests - just a short message to see if I can get on...

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 244
Back in business - 2/10/2004 12:01:36 AM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		Well now, where to begin? Enough has been said about the dubious family heritage of ther hacker, so enough of that.

Quark's invasion of TV crashed mightily on the Great Barrier Reef, and he picked up about 70,000 troops (if I can believe his e-mails) out of the 100,000 that invaded and limped north towards safe waters. His APs took one h*** of a mauling, and as of now, I have the fort levels at TV back to 9, all the ground forces (about 1200 assault points worth) are ready or in reasonable shape. They have their own eyes trained north towards a return to New Guinea, and all except the Northern Command units are busily getting their immunizations up to date and their quinine rations in preparation for a ride north.

In the Solomons, Irau is in the good hands of the Allies, with a fort level of 2 + 55%. The remnants of the 1st marine Division are ashore (about 150 assault points worth), and a convoy just entered harbor today (2-6-43, IIRC) carrying the entire 43rd Infantry Division. The 153 BF is also en route to join with their orphans at Irau. I'm sending a second BF, and a second supply convoy is one day away from Irau with, among other things, a Coastal Defense unit consisting of 12 x 155mm shore guns. Irau has about 55000 tons of supplies ashore, and more are off-loading. The 24th SeaBees are building defenses, and first priority is to get the fort level up to 9, then increase the airfield from a 2 to a 4. Last concern will be the port level improvements (I learned that one the hard way when I lost PM earlier on in the campaign). 6 APDs make the nightly run to/from Kopurouratopo/Irau. Once the 153rd is gone, Kourouratopo wil be nothing more than an emergency airfield/port.

I have split my 4E bombers between theaters. Most in SOPAC are resting at Noumea. Quark has a couple of airstrips built for his LRCAP fighters NW of Lunga. I have three fighters squadrons for escort/CAP, one PBY squadron for search/recon, and am rotating one DB squadron to harass his shipping at Irau now. They're almost at the 100 plane limit of the size 2 field. Once I get the field to level 4 and about 100,000 supplies, I can rotate one fighter squadron in for CAP, use the base as a springboard for 2E bomber harassment of Lunga, and pull all the ships out, giving his bombers nothing but the field to go after (I also have an AA unit on the ground at Irau as well).

There are obivous targets for me to go after as I try to whittle into the 5800 point lead Quark has, and I won't disappoint him. But there are also some less obivous targets he may think are out of range...

I'll provide details of my plan to return to New Guinea and points north in another post. For now, we can finally get the CRs back for you to see. :)

More to come...

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 2/9/2004 4:03:54 PM >

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)
Post #: 245
RE: Back in business - 2/10/2004 12:56:16 AM   
PzB74


Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline 		Irau is a good springboard...but you are only strong enough to invade either NG or Lunga!?
Have you decided where to strike or are you looking for openings?

So if I were Quark, I'd take out Irau asap and then mount a mobile defense.
The IJN can make a lot of problems for you if you don't strike with sufficient force.

Should be in for a good game though

_____________________________



"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)
Post #: 246
RE: Back in business - 2/10/2004 6:37:46 AM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: PzB

Irau is a good springboard...but you are only strong enough to invade either NG or Lunga!?
Have you decided where to strike or are you looking for openings?

So if I were Quark, I'd take out Irau asap and then mount a mobile defense.
The IJN can make a lot of problems for you if you don't strike with sufficient force.

Should be in for a good game though


I think I'm definitely strong enough to get back to NG as soon as I have the transports in place. As to the Solomons, Quark has enough mines in place to seriously crimp my plans there. I'm also sure he's planting the farm there to defend against the invasion. I'm not sure yet if I'll use Irau as a springboard or as a shield. I will probably also get the 25th Infantry Division to Irau as well. I am determined to hold the base. I still have a plethora of Navy attack aircraft operating from LV, itching for some targets. As I said earlier, I just don't know yet whether to just harass Lunga while trying to sweep his mines away in preparation for a move onto Guadalcanal or just harass him. He can't have many escorts or transports left, and his last invasion attempt left a bad taste in his mouth.

Which means, of course, he'll invade Irau ;)

At least that's what I'm preparing for.

As to the troops in SOPAC, the entire 2nd Marine Division is at LV, and I'll have 1 and a half divisions (the 1st MarDiv is only about half of what it should be) at Irau, with the 25th on the way. There are a few combat units assigned directly to SOPAC, but I'm leaning to making Irau the anvil, and letting the forces in SWPAC sweep north, then perhaps east.

The other critical factor in the decision not to commit to Lunga at this time is the fact it is only worth about 300 points for each side. While a 600 point swing would be nice, I can get almost that much at PM and GG - apiece. Quark must be made to use his mobile defense to react to me. If I simply hold Irau and threaten the Solomons, it may fix his units at Lunga, leaving NG open enough for me to begin the takeover of the bases there.

Frankly (as always) it rests in the ability of the one who can move troops and supplies with greater efficiency.

Something I didn't get to mention earlier, is my lack of carriers. I have 4 CVEs, but I also have 3 CVs sitting at PH (and have had them there almost a month). It's not critical that I get them, but it wouldn't hurt.

As for an overall plan, I'm going to try for Rabaul. The base is worth 2400 points to each side, and that is what I need to erase the defecit. I hope to be entrenched in NG by April, and be ready to move onto Rabaul no later than October.

That's the plan. We know how plans go, don't we? :)

(in reply to PzB74)
Post #: 247
up with the pucker factor... - 2/10/2004 8:35:42 AM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/07/43

Weather: Rain

Sub attack near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
AV Sanuki Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-37


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

That was from yesterday. Last night, the 8th, no combat, though Quark did lose three planes to operational damage. Today, the 9th, has an end to the rain. Partly cloudy skies reveal two TFs of AKs at Irau. The 43rd Division from Kourouratopo and 1st Marine Division remnants (1st Marine Tank, 6/7th Marine brigade) along with the 54th CD battalion are off-loading at Irau. Assault point value now 347. Fort level 3 + 40%.

The MSW Whyalla Swept up towards Lunga last night, just to give Quark something else to think about. She actually cleared one field.

The 4E bombers at LV wil resume their attacks on Lunga from 20K tomorrow. Recon flight scheduled from Lv as well to see what is going on there.

4E bombers at TV and Brisbane still keeping quiet. Morale levels climbing steadily. If I can avoid using them I will. I have a plan to negate Quark's AA units sitting at GG.

APs steaming towards TV. 3 already in harbor there, 1 at Cairns bringing the 163rd back to TV. 8 more inside the Reef at RH headed WNW to TV. 4 battleships at RH. 2 DMS support ships. I may bring an APD over as well. All elements of the 41st and 32nd infantry divisions ordered to march from RH to TV. 2 BF units also make the march. Realistically, I'm about two weeks away from having my pieces in place.

Back at Irau, I've sent one P-38G unit with 58 morale back to Noumea. The PBY squadron went back to Wunpuko. This freed up space for VF-3, (36 x F4F-4 Wildcats). They immediately join the two other fighter squadrons there on CAP. The DB squadron is set to Naval Attack and has escort assigned.

Corsairs in 4 days. Night fighters in 3. Carriers not released yet. Lots of shipping at PH, just waiting to be sent over. Commitment level still high.

More to come...

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 248
RE: up with the pucker factor... - 2/11/2004 8:29:20 AM   
madflava13


Posts: 1530
Joined: 2/7/2001
From: Alexandria, VA
Status: offline 		Attack Condor (I'm not recognizing the new name, hehe),
What's your sense of Quark's fleet status? You mentioned that you only have the CVEs in theater. He must have taken a beating in the TV adventure, right? Do you have any indications of his strength?

Looking forward to the continuation of this AAR - sorry you lost your handle though, Attack Condor had such a nice ring to it!

< Message edited by madflava13 -- 2/11/2004 1:29:59 AM >

_____________________________

"The Paraguayan Air Force's request for spraying subsidies was not as Paraguayan as it were..."

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)
Post #: 249
Return to the Valley of the Sun - 2/11/2004 7:37:43 PM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		thanks madflava, I did like the name as well, but such is life on a computer net. As to Quark's capabilities, I'm sure his CVs have licked their wounds by now, and he's holding them as some kind of response force once I show myself. His problem is most likely a lack of escorts...I have dented his DD ranks almost as badly as I have his AP fleet. His strength therefore is in his capital ships. His planes still pose a threat, but Corsairs are on the way, which should begin to spell the end of his air force. His subs are of no consequence to me, as most of my destroyers are now Fletcher class and seem to eat IJN subs for lunch. IMHO, his best weapon now is time.

10 Feb 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

Yesterday’s report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/09/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 54

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22
P-40E Warhawk x 13
P-38G Lightning x 13
B-17E Fortress x 13
B-24D Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

1LT K.Gregor of 67th FS is credited with kill number 2

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 55
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 21

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

Nice, but this proves costly later in the day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 21

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 25

Runway hits 7

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator at 20000 feet

Koumac sends its very best…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 26
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 54

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
P-40E Warhawk x 9
P-38G Lightning x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 8 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 4 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

WO I.Ban of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
AK Mercury, Bomb hits 1
AK Celeno, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Crater, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Lycaon, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Saufley


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 37
Guns lost 1

As mentioned earlier, I made a mistake of only having 50% CAP. The damage to the ships isn’t critical, but it should have been even less.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 12
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 33

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 7
P-38G Lightning x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 2 destroyed

WO I.Ban of 1st Sentai is credited with kill number 4

Allied Ships
AK Lyra, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Caelum
AK Sculptor, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 41

The fighters give good accounts of themselves, but Sculptor, with 93 SYS, will very likely end up in the Irau War Museum.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First steps to rectify my mistake at Irau is to get the SBD out of there and replace it with a fourth fighter squadron, another P-38G Lightning squadron (the 36th FS). They were at Noumea resting, but they are the only ones who had the range to get to Irau this turn. I’ve sent VMF-112 (24 F4F-4 Wildcats) to Wunpuko. They will rotate into Irau next turn. They have a morale of 99, and a fatigue of 28 from the transfer. No planes were lost during the move.

At Irau, off-loading continues. Elements of the 43rd division are ashore. Almost all of the infantry squads are on the ground; support troops and guns are off-loading now. It will take about two more days to complete the delivery (dang level 0 port) and therefore two more days of 90% CAP for my four fighter squadrons.

Yesterday’s air losses had Quark losing 16 of his Oscars, 5 of his long range Mavis, a Betty and a Val. I lost 16 total fighters as well (9 Wildcats, 5 Warhawks, and 2 Lightning), one P-39D in a training accident, and 2 Liberators did not return from their bombing missions. Also interesting during yesterday’s air combat was the fact one of Quark’s squadrons (2nd Sentai?) was mentioned as “turning back” during the air-to-air engagement. Must be some inexperienced pilots flying the fighters…

With the improved CAP, the fate of the AKs rests in the hands of the fighters (if I did my math right, 76 should be in the air tomorrow). Another raid on Lunga is scheduled for tonight from LV and Koumac. This time, they will have only minimal escort from the fighters at Irau. I’m also dropping the altitude from 20,000 to 15,000 to see if I can get more damage on the base (I know it’ll result in more damage to the bombers). Irau currently has 66000+ supplies, and its fort level is 3 +69%.

TF 219 (1 x AK and 3 x LCI fresh from PH) is unloading the 31st Coastal Artillery CD unit at Wunpuko, along with some supplies. I’ll send the ships back to LV when they’ve finished.

3 PBY squadrons from Wunpuko set to recon the Russell Is., Lunga, and Tulagi.

2 PBY squadrons from TV will recon PM and GG.

6 MSWs are sent into Taivu again. The mines at Irau are just about all gone.

3 APs at TV, 7 more en route from RH. One is at Cairns, bringing the 163rd back to TV. One APD should be repaired enough to participate. 2 DMS will also be available. 4 CVEs will provide CAP. Only 3 AKs currently at RH, and I plan to send a few currently at Irau.

Hopefully, by reconning the obvious targets, I can keep Quark confused as to my destination. The plan forms, and the pieces are moving into position.

More to come…

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 250
RE: Return to the Valley of the Sun - 2/12/2004 4:29:56 PM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		10 Feb 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

No attacks yesterday. I was a bit surprised by this, but not unhappy.

The bombing missions went off without a hitch. No AA fire from Lunga though...

The unloading at Irau continues. CAP (now 3 x P-38G Lightning squadrons and 1 VMF F4F-4 Wildcat squadron) still flies until it’s completed. 3 of the supply ships are completely unloaded and form up to head back to LV on their own.

I did order the Sculptor scuttled, as her SYS jumped from 93 to 99.

TF212 has 3345 tons of supplies still onboard, with only a few troops from the 43rd HQ and 18th SeaBees left to unload.

TF237 still has almost 9000 tons of supplies on board and troops from the 1st Marine’s armored unit and CD battery.

The minesweepers return to Irau for one more trip into Taivu.

Fortification of Irau now at 4 + 6%, Assault strength at 391, and 74000+ tons of supplies on the ground.

TF 215 (APD x 2) brings the last of the 153rd BF to Irau tomorrow.

The minelayer Montgomery lays a minefield along the western approaches to Irau, and now heads back to Noumea.

TF 201 (APD x 2) heads to Wunpuko to pick up the orphans of the 26th SeaBees for delivery to Irau.

TF226 (APD x 2) heads from Irau to Koumac, then west to TV. All APDs will eventually transit to TV.

Destroyers Dale (SYS 63) and Lardner (SYS 58) return to Noumea from TV and are promptly sent back to PH.

Nightfighters arrive tomorrow. Corsairs the day after that.

North Carolina (SYS 57), escorted by Balch is now 420 miles west of Noumea. Anticipated arrival in 2 days.

More to come…

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 2/12/2004 8:31:40 AM >

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)
Post #: 251
RE: Here he comes... - 2/13/2004 10:43:53 AM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		12 Feb 43
Wx: Thunderstorms

Combat yesterday limited to a 3 plane night raid from Koumac to Lunga – no damage to either side.

At Irau: fortifications now at 4 + 40%. 79000 + tons of supplies are now ashore. Still a few troops to unload, but 20 AKs are empty and reform with 1 DD escort to head back to LV. About 8 AKs left unloading. 2 AKs damaged by the air raids struggle to make Kourouratopo, but with the storms here, ships with 89 SYS and 70 SYS may not make it far at all.

I’m sending a BF to Cairns from TV. I’ve decided to move the B-17s, B-25s, and B-24s to Cairns and begin the reduction of PM. Quark has managed to get 2 more infantry units there. I wanted to try and get the base relatively damage free, but that won’t be possible now. CVEs with fighters are about 1 day out of Brisbane. I’ll begin forming the invasion TFs tomorrow, starting with the battleships and minesweepers, tanker support, supply convoys, etc.

A veritable second Navy exists at PH, just waiting to come over. Already en route are 9 x AK, 2 x APD, 2 x SS, 3 x LST, 6 x LCI, and 1 x TK. At PH we have the following: 3 x CV, 1 x CVE, 2 x BB, 7 x CA, 5 x CL, 5 x CLAA, 12 x DD, 1 x APD, 2 x DMS, 1 x AO, 16 x SS (including 2 S-boats), 1 x AP, 3 x AK, 1 x LST, and 1 x LCI.

How patient can I afford to be?

(1 MSW and 1 AK were sent back to PH today as well.)

More to come…

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 252
Return to the Valley of the Sun - 2/15/2004 1:31:40 AM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		14 Feb 43
Wx: Overcast

No combat last night, but my PBY squadrons fly recon over the following IJN bases: PM, GG, Russell Is., Lunga, and Tulagi. The forces arrayed against PM are gathering, but we have a little operation to get to first.

Three days ago, a transport fleet left Luganville. They carry the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion. Their target is the airstrip at the Russell Is. base. Recon shows only one engineer unit there (most likely a BF). The transports are now passing through the San Cristobal strait between the Rennel Is. and our base at Irau. They should arrive tomorrow. The fleet carries only enough troops for a hit and run raid. There are only about 400 combat troops, with another 300 second line troops for support. As I said, the fleet doesn’t have a lot of carrying capability.

It was the best I could do with 14 subs.

Meanwhile, Quark has been heavily defending Lunga. He hasn’t had a CAP flying during the storms, but they should be up tomorrow. I have swapped the four squadrons of fighters at Irau with four squadrons of P-39D Airacobras. Tomorrow 96 planes will make a low-level attack on the ground forces – but not at Lunga. They will hit Tulagi instead, where Quark has a single infantry unit.

My 4E bombers will also resume flying tomorrow, hitting Lunga again from 15000 ft. They have rested during the storms and are ready to go.

Quark has also parked a couple of cruisers at Taivu (according to the coastwatchers). No doubt he was expecting my minesweepers to arrive again. I’ll oblige him tonight, but only one MSW will show up. Following the MSW into Taivu will be the 15 PT boats currently at Irau, hoping for a few torpedo launches against his warships.

Almost all of the 1st Marine Division’s M5 Stuart tanks are ashore, along with all but 3 of the 155mm CD guns. Assault strength at Irau now at 419, with the base fortifications at level 5 +13%.

The transferring of the bombers from TV to Cairns has begun. The 102nd BF is at Cairns now, unloading. HQ 5th AF is also en route to help coordinate the strikes against PM. They should begin in about a week.

Speaking of PM, coastwatchers and search aircraft reported a “AP and CV” sighting leaving PM headed east towards GG. The ships currently are 90 miles from the mines I laid due south of GG. Within the nest of mines lies S-37. If it is an escort carrier, I may get lucky. As far as I know, Quark still hasn’t seen the mines.

I have formed my battleships into two bombardment TFs. If Quark’s planes see them, he may think the invasion is around the corner. In reality, it’s about another week or so from commencing.

My four CVEs arrived in Brisbane. A tanker, the Cache, has been assigned to provide fuel for the carriers. Other tankers will be designated for the battleships, and an emergency tanker will be set up for any APs that run dry.

Quark appears to have a full division on PM, complete with a HQ unit. A CD, and engineers, but no AA spotted.

Finally, I have moved my Corsairs to LV. Once Irau ‘s P-39Ds need to be rotated out, they’ll go in and fly some LRCAP over Lunga.

Tomorrow should be interesting.

More to come…

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 253
RE: Return to the Valley of the Sun - 2/16/2004 4:15:28 AM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		15 Feb 43
Wx: Thunderstorms

I miscounted hexes yesterday – the invasion force won’t land until tomorrow. Another night of recon by air confirms only the one engineer unit at the base. With luck, I can eliminate the BF, grab the base and be gone before Quark knows what to do. Once the Marines finish their combat and re-board, the TF will scatter and then return the Marines to Irau.

Quark launches a naval strike that seriously damages Hutchins and another transport, but I can live with that. Most of my AKs are long gone, with 15 of them loading up at Noumea ready to head west.

My first bombardment group has sailed. CVEs and tanker following.

BF unit is at Cairns. Bombers are there. 5th AF hQ is also at Cairns, unloading. The 7th Cav will take the APs back from Cairns to TV. The first wave of troops will begin to board tomorrow.

Liberation awaits.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/14/43

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 15
B-24D Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 94

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 16

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 15000 feet

A good start. Unfortunately, the storms prevent any further missions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 21st Naval Garrison Unit, at 38,39


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 83


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 58

Quark had to wonder where they came from – until he realizes there are no fighters at Irau.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
SC 643

Here’s hoping the next wave targets the SCs as well…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 24
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 79

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 5 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Algorab, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hutchins, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Asphalion, Bomb hits 1

No such luck… Hutchins may not make it through the night, but I gamble and leave her docked.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If Quark flies against Irau tomorrow, he’ll find night fighters awaiting him before the sun rises, and Corsairs patrolling the skies afterwards.

More to come…

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 254
RE: Return to the Valley of the Sun: Condor (USN) vs. Q... - 2/16/2004 5:02:52 PM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		16 Feb 43
Wx: Rain

The storms appear to be letting up. The bomb runs into Lunga are again scheduled. This time, I am forcing the issue by placing my P-70A squadron at Irau to a nighttime airfield attack. My two remaining squadrons of P-39Ds at Irau are places on naval attack with the Corsairs for escort. I need to gauge the strength of the new fighters in combat. Since Quark won’t oblige me by attacking Irau again, we will go to him. He has over 100 fighters at Irau, but less than 40 bombers. Maybe that’s why he isn’t attacking more often…

In the west, troops are boarding the transports. I’m going to wait until they are at sea before beginning the bombing campaign. My second bombardment force left RH as well. Six APDs are en route from RH to TV, and their job will be to land troops on the beach next to PM (Lea Lea?) to force any retreat back through the mountains along the Kokoda Trail.

Quark appears to be counting on GG to provide anti-ship airstrikes, as he has about 30 bombers and fighters there, along with a host of search aircraft. Therefore, GG and not PM is the target of the battleships. They will sail into GG with DMS support, and will have to absorb the brunt of Quark’s airpower. They are much better at defending themselves than transports, and I won’t tire my fighters providing LRCAP over combat vessels, while transports sail naked into enemy waters.

Here’s the report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/15/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
AG 5069, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Guardfish

The barge sunk, but it did prevent my unloading of the troops.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

More to come…

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 255
RE: Return to the Valley of the Sun: Condor (USN) vs. Q... - 2/17/2004 4:24:43 PM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		16 Feb 43
Wx: Overcast

The Marines are on the ground at the Russell Island IJN base. That's the good news. The bad news is that the ENG unit I spotted for three turns is now an INF unit. Quark has had a lot of barge traffic there the past few days - could he have spotted the invasion? I don't think so - all he would have seen is subs. Perhaps he was merely rotating - but that doesn't make sense either - why rotate a BF away from an airfield and not replace it with another BF? Either way, we'll make one attack and the subs will pick the Raiders up if the opponents are too strong. He has lots of little bases and can't have them all defended. Maybe Woodlark....?

In other news, S-38 did make an attack on an IJN AO, but missed. Only PCs responded to challenge the sub.

Kingfishers flew from the BB TF and made their presence known at GG. My first BB TF is 270 miles south of GG. He's alerted now, and I debated whether to swing west and line up for a BB run into PM. I decided to contniue my original course of action.

Cairns now has supplies and fighter support. I have four B-17 squadrons there, and they will hit Buna tomorrow at 6000 feet. Again, GG was just too obivous, and it has at least 3 AA units there.

Cooktown is now getting its own BF. I have transferred the majority of my 2E bombers there, and support should arrive tomorrow via 7 C-47 squadrons transferred to CT.

My main AP TF still loads at TV. First into the breech will be the 7th Australian Infantry Division, with support from what's left of the New Guinea division. If I can get the airfield, then I can airlift what I need into the base (except for supplies), and the beginning of the end for IJN occupation of NG should be forthcoming.

More to come...

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)
Post #: 256
Return to the valley of the Sun - 2/18/2004 5:38:54 PM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		Here is the combat report for 2/17. Quark e-mailed he needed to spend some more time thinking about his next turn.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/17/43

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40


Allied aircraft
P-70A Havoc x 5


Allied aircraft losses
P-70A Havoc x 1 destroyed
P-70A Havoc x 5 damaged

So much for the P-70A as an offensive platform.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rabaul at 21,28

Japanese Ships
DD Okikaze
DD Yuzuki

Allied Ships
SS Saury, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Saury’s first and last patrol. Quark’s ASW is getting too good. Time to retreat into the deep water chokepoints again.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, at 35,39

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 26
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 36

no losses

Quark’s attack on the Raiders from Lunga does nothing…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, at 35,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 24
D3A Val x 7
G3M Nell x 18

no losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 9

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x G3M Nell at 8000 feet
9 x G3M Nell at 8000 feet

His raid from the Shortlands is slightly more successful.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 18,49

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 11 destroyed
D3A Val x 23 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Tennessee
BB Colorado, Bomb hits 1

Expectedly, the 60kg bomb hit on Colorado went “clang” before splashing into the sea. Quark’s bombers on the other hand, went “boom” before splashing into the sea.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
G4M1 Betty x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
MSW Wollongong
MSW Pursuit, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
MSW Heed
MSW Whyalla, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

Da**, da**, da** - I forgot to set CAP!!!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cooktown at 6,53

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
APD Gilmer

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

Seems like the APDs got the BF in place just in time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Russell Islands

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 490 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 674 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 26

I didn’t expect Quark to order a shock attack here. I thought he would try and hold while building up as best he could. Of course, I’m not complaining…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Russell Islands

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 674 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 467 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 31

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 54

Time to go…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quark had a rude awakening when he discovered the AA of the battleships. I anticipated he would disperse his planes as much as possible to avoid the “one big strike", resulting in smaller attack waves. If he keeps losing 20 bombers here and there (I estimate about half his damaged aircraft won’t make it back) I may not need the “one big strike”. As long as I keep my battleships in front (and supplied with ammunition) and have Quark’s bombers concentrate on them with 20 – 30 plane strikes, the transports with fighter cover should have an easier time getting to their destination.

Show the battleships from extreme bomber range (10 hexes or so) – here is where the real power of the Kingfisher is shown (look!! Here’s a battleship!!) – rotate the battleships to keep them supplied, and let Quark’s bombers flail away against AA machines.

So who needs carriers?

More to come…

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 257
Return to the Valley of the Sun - 2/19/2004 8:46:52 AM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		18 Feb 43
Wx: Clear

Departure.

The first of the troop convoys left TV in the night and is on the way to their staging area. The drive to recapture control of the Coral Sea area is underway. First, a review of at sea forces:

TF 235 – 210 miles south of GG - (BB Tennessee and Colorado, DD Waller, O’Brien, Brownson, and Wilson) returns to TV to reload and refuel after engaging the land based air attack yesterday. Colorado, who took the bomb hit reports SYS damage of 1.

TF 234 – 60 miles ESE of TF 235 – (BB Idaho and Indiana, DD Laffey, Woodworth, Stockton, MacDonough, DMS Hovey) retiring to TV for reload and refueling. I had thought to run these into Rossel Is (240 miles NW of the TF) to bombard, but no sense pushing their luck.

TF 242 – 180 miles south of TF 242 – (APD Talbot and Waters) carries 19 ANZAC squads and were going to land at Rossel following TF 234, have been ordered to follow TF 217 (see below).

TF216 – 270 miles north of TV – (DM Sicard) is ordered to lay another minefield 30 miles SW of PM to interdict any IJN effort to send support via sea.

TF217 – 90 miles ESE of Cairns – (AP Pierce and Ormiston, DD Barton) carries the 7th Cavalry to the formation point to begin their run into PM.

TF216 – 30 miles north of TV – (AP George F. Elliot, Hunter Liggett, Leonard Wood, William P. Biddle, Arthur Middleton, J. Frannklin Bell, Monrovia, Esperance Bay, Orungal, DD Chevalier and Stack, DMS Zane) carries I Corps, 7th Div HQ, 21st BDE, 25th BDE, 1 Medium Field Artillery Regiment, and the 197th Coastal AA to the formation point with TF 217.

TF 241 – at RH – (TK Talluah, Bishopdale, and Pecos, DD Duncan) will sail for formation point for refuel support.

My four CVEs are at TV, set to form up and follow the transports.

Bases….

Cooktown has the 117th BF minus their radar (AS = 150) on the ground. Supplies are in the red, but more are on the way. Four B-26 squadrons, three B-25 squadrons, and one fighter squadron (136 total aircraft) on the ground. CAP at 50% @ 1000 ft. Base improvements ordered to the airfield, but SeaBee support will be needed from TV to make that happen. A damaged APD from RH (APD Little) to ship the SeaBees and displaced radar set from TV to Cooktown.

Cairns has the 102nd BF (AS = 112), 5th AF HQ, and the 15th Aus Eng Bn on the ground. Aircraft include four squadrons of B-17s, one Hudson squadron for search (will bomb with the B-17s when needed), and two fighter squadrons. CAP at 50% at 5000 feet and 1000 feet.

From Noumea, 28 AK cargo ships are en route to help ferry invasion troops to PM, as well as provide supply support once the base it retaken.

I also have about 20 barges available. I plan to use them to deliver the troops into enemy waters. We’ll see how that works out.

At the Russell Is., the Raiders are back on the subs (except for four support squads, and they better move their arses or they’ll be left behind) and will ferry to Irau. Once there, the subs will head west-northwest to form the gauntlet north of Buna to GG.

In the very sneaky department, while the Marines were fighting ashore, Argonaut dropped 30 Mk XII mines at Russell, then settles in 30 miles west of Russell in deep water. She only has one torpedo load left, but it’s worth a shot. Let Quark re-supply through them <eg>. I’ll bet he’s looking for a FT TF that sent the Marines to Russell. I hope he never thinks to look for the mines…

At Irau, the fort level is at 6. Time to get the airfield up to a 4. Currently the field is a 2 +15%. Belatedly, 10 of the Corsairs are ordered to CAP. 2 squadrons of P-39Ds with 10 Corsairs for escort are set to naval attack at 100 feet. I’m figuring Quark will try to run barges south…
No word on the three carriers still at PH. In 14 days, the first of the CVLs (Independence) arrives at PH. Battleships New Mexico, Massachusetts, and Mississippi are also currently at PH. Commitment level remains high.

Also at Noumea, 4 full strength Liberator squadrons and 3 full strength Fortress squadrons recover from morale in the 40’s and 50’s. One Fortress squadron has morale at 94, but only 6 planes. I may send them west anyway.

As to the score, Quark lost 19 planes yesterday (12 Val, 3 Betties, 3 Zeroes, and 1 Pete), and the Allies lost 3 (2 P-70A, 1 C-47). Here’s the latest breakdown:

Bases – Allied 17/3127; IJN 27/6610, Aircraft lost points – Allied 2372, IJN 1482; Army points lost – Allied 952; IJN 481, Ships sunk/points lost – Allied 177/3070, IJN 192/2220. Total score, IJN 13004, Allied 7338.

As to the invasion itself, the weather may be helpful. It’s clear today, so hopefully in about 3-4 days the storms will be back to help cover the move.

More to come…

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 258
RE: Return to the Valley of the Sun - 2/19/2004 10:01:37 AM   
PzB74


Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline 		Good luck - an ambitious plan! Personally I would have waited until the 3 cv's at Pearl could join, still plenty of time left.
If you do manage to capture PM though - you will have improved your position substantially.

Your fleet will attract the attention of the entire Imperial Fleet anytime now! What's your recon on the breakdown of your opponent,
and what kind of opposition do you think you're going to face on the ground?

_____________________________



"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)
Post #: 259
Return to the Valley of the Sun - 2/19/2004 10:48:15 AM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		Current recon shows one division at PM, with a CD unit there. Quark's battleships are no longer a factor - although I wish they would be. It might give him the impetus to try to use an SC TF to try for my battleships. As it is, his power is his carriers. His destroyers are tied to his carriers to protect against the sub force I can throw at him - currently about 20 active boats in the water looking for targets - with more on the way. He may try a cruiser run going after the APs, but I plan to send two BBs with their own DMS in with the APs to discourage that move. The other two BBs will be bait to suck in his aircraft.

Mines are already in place SE of PM, and more are on the way (see above post).

The only thing I do worry about is that he might try that 300+ plane raid nonsense again - but since he's dispersed his planes, he might not have that option.

My CVEs have almost 100 fighters on board, and I'm counting on them to take on those planes that don't go after the battleships.

As to waiting, the truth is I don't have a whole lot more APs expected, and using larger TFs increases the chances they'll be spotted.

If his CVs move into the Coral Sea, they'll come under the range of my level bombers, which I won't hesitate to drop to 100 feet and go after the ships. I have lots of search up, and am trying to prevent a surprise like that from happening. If I see CVs moving south, then I can swap two of the CVEs fighter squadrons for SBDs and add them to the level bomber assault.

All in all, it's a gamble, but all I need is my one division to get on the ground. Heck, I may even just use the 7th to defend at PM, grab Lea Lea, build it to a level one airfield and fly 160 C47's there each trip, bringing a full BDE every time. Then march the reinforcements to PM and begin the assault.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves...

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 2/19/2004 2:50:44 AM >

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 260
RE: Return to the Valley of the Sun - 2/19/2004 2:31:14 PM   
PzB74


Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline 		The 160 C47 plan is devious Might use that one day myself....
It's his heavy cruisers that's his real surface combat asset, have you disabled many of them?
Not sure if you read my aar where my cruisers sank 2 US BB's without taking too many hits themselves. They did lack a powerful escort and were surprised to be fair though!

I wouldn't count on the level bombers to hit his cv's - with a heavy CAP up they might not fly at all if he keeps his distance.
Personally I use my IJN carriers with a heavy land based CAP - this often prevents enemy strikes from attacking at all!

Guess we'll know soon enough - then we can come back and analyze the guesstimates with the knowledge of hindsight <G>

_____________________________



"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)
Post #: 261
RE: Here he comes... - 2/22/2004 8:10:43 AM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		19 Feb 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

It has been said throughout the forums when commenting on my entries, I am considered to be an aggressive player. I don’t mind gambling when I believe I have done everything possible to put the odds in my favor.

Such is the move into Port Moresby.

Or was…

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/18/43

Weather: Clear

Sub attack near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
AG 5050, Shell hits 11, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Albacore

At least Albacore didn’t use torpedoes on the barge.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40


Allied aircraft
P-70A Havoc x 9


Allied aircraft losses
P-70A Havoc x 2 destroyed
P-70A Havoc x 8 damaged

Didn’t I do this last turn? I guess I forgot to look up “senility” in the dictionary for my picture.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
no losses

no losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 10

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet

no AA fire. I’ll have to remember that…

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,41

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 24
B5N Kate x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DM Sicard

Unfortunately, Sicard uses up all of her luck dodging this attack.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Tassafaronga at 37,39


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 42


no losses

Japanese Ships
AG 5088, Shell hits 12, on fire (sunk)
AG 5089, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
AG 362, Shell hits 12
AG 5090, Shell hits 20, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
AG 5031, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
AG 5087, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Barge hunting is now in season.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,41

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 21
B5N Kate x 9

no losses

Allied Ships
DM Sicard, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Caught with her proverbial pants down after dodging the morning attack, Sicard succumbs to the attackers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Irau at 42,43

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 11

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 10 damaged


Allied Ships
SC 644
SC 708

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

What’s Japanese for “oops!”?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 11
G4M1 Betty x 20

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 6 destroyed
G3M Nell x 7 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 8 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 13 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk x 1 damaged

1LT M. Sims of 8th FS is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
BB Idaho, Torpedo hits 1
DMS Hovey
BB Indiana, Torpedo hits 2
DD Stockton

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

I hate Quark’s anti-ship LBA…

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

The hits on the battleships hurt. They are now sporting SYS damage of 20+, and haven’t fired a shot yet.

Quark is still too dangerous. My transports have been spotted at their assembly point. Perhaps that was a good thing. I don’t know. My aggressiveness gets me into trouble here, as this has the earmarks of a piecemeal invasion.

I’ve decided to recall the invasion. Now the question is can I get the ships and men back in one piece. Hopefully Quark’s LBA will not be as effective next turn. I did count 29 IJN planes lost last turn, but I’m sure he smells blood. With the weather clouding up, he may decide to press the attack while he can.

Transports and capital ships will retire to Brisbane. I’ll leave a few destroyers for convoy escort and ASW.

Take a deep breath…and let’s do this thing right.

More to come…eventually

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 262
The transport bug returns... - 2/23/2004 3:30:20 AM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		Quark e-mailed me that he has lost about 7 infantry units, an armored unit and others.

Gone.

This happened earlier in our game, and he asked if we could rewind to the last time he has the units, so the invasion decision is moot.

We'll be back with the game as soon as we can clear the technical difficulties.

More to come...sooner or later

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 263
Transport Bug - 2/26/2004 3:36:59 PM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		No posts for a few days - we're still working out the transport issues. Our first attempt at a rewind found elements of the 118th Engineering Batallion of the US Army's 43rd Infantry Division transported from Kourouratopo to Lunga.

Either that, or they were part of a covert U.S. goverment program designing and transporting a neutron bo...ahhhhhh "device" (can't say the B-word ) for the quick capture of Lunga without damage to the base facilities.

Rewind attempt number two seems to be working okay. The 118th stays put (or, if you prefer, a heroic effort by one of the secret government program employees comes clean. spilling his guts to that font of liberalism, the Chicago Tribune, causing the program to be shut down and various mid-level government officials to "disappear", resulting in the 118th having no such mission to invade Lunga on their own.*)

*NOTE: The above allegory in no way condemns super-secret US Government ( ) programs, and the writer is a staunch supporter of same, and hopes all readers (including members of the U.S. government's super-secret Matrix Forum Monitor Squad - the dreaded (oops! I meant beloved) MFMS) understand that and see no reason to kick in anyone's door at 3:45am.

Sorry all, I couldn't resist it.

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 2/26/2004 7:41:02 AM >

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 264
Return to the Valley of the Sun - 2/29/2004 8:20:11 AM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		10 Feb 43
Wx: Overcast

(Quark’s troops have sorted themselves out, so we’re back on track.)

Catching up, let’s begin in SWPAC:

At Cairns, the 113th BF is unloading, and setting up shop. They will be the first air support unit for the base. I have transferred the RAAF No. 76 Squadron’s 23 x P-40E Kittyhawk fighters to begin CAP operations. They’ll be joined by No. 77 Squadron tomorrow. Also at Cairns are six barges (my first time operating them in UV) who have delivered 84 fuel units. The barges have a load capability of only 388, and are short ranged, at best. I’ll use them for fuel initially (so they can refuel themselves for the trip back to TV) and begin supply runs once to get Cairns ready for it’s job as my bomber base in SWPAC.

TV still operates normally. All the damaged capital ships from the defense of TV are now gone to either Brisbane or to Noumea and PH. North Carolina just made Noumea yesterday and was sent to PH today.

Not much else happening in SWPAC except for fuel moves. Never can have too much fuel oil around.

The other focal point is Irau, and it is on its way to a level 3 airfield (currently 2 +18%). The remnants of the 24th SeaBees are scheduled in via four APDs from LV. They should leave tonight.

3 LCIs are due into LV from Kourouratopo, where they delivered an AA unit. Once there, they will carry the remnants of the 1st Marine Division’s 3rd and 5th battalions’ artillery pieces.

The 143rd Regiment assigned to SOPAC and currently at Noumea will be airlifted via C-47 Dakotas to Irau today.

As to the revised strategy, I have come up with this:

Air: The two-engine bombers will be used against Lunga. They will fly from Irau. I currently have 48 A-20s, 48 B-25J’s, and 96 B-26D’s. The four engine bombers will fly against PM from Cairns. I have 36 Hudsons, 98 B-17s, and 47 B-24s. I also get night fighters in two days, and Corsairs in three. I may use the Corsairs in sweeps over Lunga and the radar-equipped Havocs at nighttime, but we’ll see about that.

Submarines: I got away from the best use of the subs before the trouble Quark had with the troops, but will now get it right. Instead of some silly raid with the subs as mere transports, I’m going to use them to blockade the lanes from Rabaul to GG and Woodlark to GG. I have six Gato class boats at sea (Amberjack, Guardfish, Gato, Albacore, Drum, and Growler), two Salmon class boats (Seadragon and Swordfish), and one Perch class boat (Tarpon). Also at sea is the venerable S-37. S-37 is in the Slot, but I’m moving her to the lane from the Shortlands to Woodlark. Drum is already in the lane between Woodlark and GG. Growler just left Noumea for the blockade today, and other boats are spread out on their way NW. I’m also setting their home base to TV for faster turn arounds (S-37 home is still LV). Also at sea is the Argonaut, with more MK XII mines for Quark to sweep. At Noumea, I have 7 more subs with SYS damage ratings in the teens (S-38 and Sculpin @ 11, Grampus @ 12, S-46 and Sturgeon @ 13, Trout @ 14, and Greenling @ 15). Saury arrives tomorrow from PH. She’ll join the blockade the next day. I’ve also analyzed the subs in terms of their best roles (for example, the Gato class has weak AA but great endurance – so I’ll keep them in deep water (chokepoints, if possible) and let them hide for weeks, if necessary. The Perch class has good AA, high maneuverability, and a low VP value – good traits for shallow water work, etc.) and will deploy them accordingly.

I’m also moving the Dauntless and Avenger carrier aircraft to Noumea, as an enticement to get the CVs released. I’m not sure it’ll work, but we’re going to try it.

I’m not sure when to start the bombing of Lunga and PH. I want to be able to follow up the raids if I can with an invasion, but I don’t want to be hasty – again.

More to come……

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 265
RE: Return to the Valley of the Sun - 2/29/2004 12:20:57 PM   
PzB74


Posts: 5076
Joined: 10/3/2000
From: No(r)way
Status: offline 		I had a bad gut feeling about your previous planned attack on PM - so from my point of view, I think you should be happy for this
second chance. Quark's carriers was just about to pound your transports when his regiments dissappeared....!

Wait until you get a superior cv force and then go and get him!

_____________________________



"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

(in reply to Shadow of the Condor)
Post #: 266
RE: Return to the Valley of the Sun - 3/1/2004 6:37:25 PM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		(PzB - You're probably right about Quark's CVs, and I did in fact turn the APs around on the very turn Quark reported problems with his troops.)

12 Feb 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

No combat yesterday, but I am using the coastwatcher reports to my advantage. I doubt their accuracy (CV sightings tend to be overloaded barges) but they do tell me what sea lanes Quark is using. Patiently plotting this information is very useful.

Tarpon is being dispatched to Kiriwina, where coastwatchers there report an AV for two straight days. Notwithstanding what I said about report accuracy, I do believe this one because it is a logical place for one of the tenders. And besides, given the effort and time the IJN player must expend to make a level one airfield, those tenders give the IJN much more flexibility. Tarpon, A Perch class submarine, has a maneuverability of 80, and an AA value of 60 with her 4 x 20mm Oerlikon guns. Perfect for shallow water tasks such as this. She’s the only class I’ve found better at shallow water operations than the S-37 class. I wish I had more, but perhaps the lack of them may curb my aggressiveness (yeah, right).

Drum and Seadragon will be on station 60 miles south and south-southeast (respectively) of Kiriwina by this time tomorrow. I only hope they don’t waste torpedoes on barges. Quark is relying on them exclusively now. I don’t think I’ve even seen an AP for almost 3 weeks now.

The P-70A Havoc night fighters arrived at Noumea today, and are immediately sent to Irau. The PBY squadron there was transferred to RH to make room for them. The night fighters only arrived with 8 of 12 planes at Noumea, but all 8 made the trip to Irau without incident. There are 8 more in the replacement pool, so the squadron should be rested and at full strength in a few days.

Irau’s airfield is now at 32% complete towards a level 3 rating. 4 APDs are set to deliver the rest of the 24th SeaBees men and equipment tomorrow, so that number should begin to climb substantially. The 147th Regiment also arrived via airlift from Noumea. Assault strength at Irau now 227. Enough support is already in place for all those troops, although the arrival of the SeaBees will probably push the number into the red.

Barges are now available in LV, and I’m using them to start trickling fuel into Wunpuko from LV.

Carrier Air Wings returning to Noumea from OZ via my four CVEs.

All capital ships in Oz now at Brisbane, safe from Quark’s prying eyes.

More to come…

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 3/1/2004 10:39:25 AM >

(in reply to PzB74)
Post #: 267
Return to the Valley of the Sun - 3/4/2004 9:07:17 AM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		15 Feb 43
Wx: Clear

No combat again, although Quark’s search pilots report a submarine at Irau (false), a submarine at Cairns (false), and a tanker 60 miles ENE of GG (false). His barges do almost stumble over Drum, but she avoids contact.

I have attached the screenshot of my sub net surrounding GG. The first layer is in place. The mines at GG were just laid by Argonaut, who is just out of the screenshot headed south for Brisbane for another load. The highlighted sub is Tarpon, headed into Buna after a seaplane tender. An IJN troop ship was also reported there today as well. Also, I’m repositioning S-38 into the Shortland – Munda sea lane.

HQ 5th AF is unloading at Cairns. 82 heavy bombers there, and more on the way. From Brisbane, the squadrons go to Charter Towers, then make the short hop to Cairns the next day. In about a week we should be ready to rain steel in New Guinea.

At Irau, 61% complete to a level 3 airfield. 20 bulldozers work night and day there. I’ve sent in a PBY squadron again in response to all the barge traffic. They fly at night, at 100 feet.

Also at Irau, sweep operations begin over Lunga. P-70A nightfighters will harass Lunga at night, and a P-38G squadron will take their turn during the day. Let’s see if I can tire Quark’s replacements out before I unleash the Corsairs on him.

Finally, naval intelligence confirmed the scuttling of the small IJN troop ship Taimei Maru. 87 IJN transports now confirmed as sunk.

More to come…




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Shadow of the Condor -- 3/4/2004 1:07:22 AM >

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 268
RE: Return to the Valley of the Sun - 3/6/2004 4:06:59 PM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		16 Feb 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

No combat to speak of last turn. The P-70A Havocs from Irau did not fly their night sweep, but the P-38G Lightnings did. No takers though, as radio intercept reports from “Tokyo Quark” Radio claiming his “Dream Team” fighter squadron with 12 aces in it would “show the Allied rookies how to fight.” Seems like the propaganda mill is working overtime – yet again.

A hard cold fact that hit Quark was the fact that three of his long-range snoopers (H6K Mavis) did not return. Every little bit helps.

Coastwatcher reports have APs at Buna, Dobadura, Kiriwina, and Woodlark. They also report a CA at Munda.

My sub net north of GG is almost complete with six boats in place, three more at sea and should arrive to take their positions in two days. Quark did have a D3A Val spot Drum, but no attack was made. I’m not too worried about air ASW while my boats stay in deep water. Not as worried as Quark is knowing the subs are out there. He is still getting false reports about subs at LV and at Irau. Three more subs have left Noumea in the past few days, including S-38 with mines loaded by the computer (game was started with Auto Sub Ops On, and now I have to reign in boats being sent to Truk from Noumea with 12 SYS damage). I thought about recalling it, but what the heck. I set the destination for Lae and let her sail – under human control for now.

If the coastwatcher reports are accurate (and that’s a big “if”) then Quark may try to get some APs to GG. He has spotted only Drum, 60 miles south of Kiriwina (life aboard them now would be worthy of one of Wobbly’s first person accounts <grin>). I am sending S-37 (not S-38 as was incorrectly labeld on the previous map) to Munda. It may not be a cruiser there, but I don’t think it’s a barge, either. If it is a solo cruiser or AP, it’s worth the gamble going shallow.

Tarpon finds no ships at Buna, and backs out 30 miles into deep water to wait patiently for the next sighting.

Irau is now 72% complete to a level three airfield. I transferred two C-47 Dakota squadrons to LV to transport HQ 13th AF to Irau to help coordinate the aircraft there (and those shortly arriving).
The Hudsons moved to SOPAC. One squadron to LV, two to EPV. Also to EPV was a Beaufighter squadron. One Hudson was lost in the move (my first aircraft loss in six days). They’ll begin their mission in a couple of days.

I’ve transferred the nightfighters at Irau back to LV and set them to provide night CAP for LV. Quark hasn’t run one of his patented deep strikes against my ports in almost two months yet. I doubt it’ll be much longer before he tries that again.

Seventy-eight B-17E Fortresses are at Cairns. Quark reconned the base yesterday, so he knows bombers are there. I will recon Buna and PM today with PBY Catalinas. After that, one of those two will be bombed.

Backing up the Fortresses are 47 B-24D Liberators at CT. Twelve of the new PB4Y Liberators arrive at Noumea tomorrow, and twelve more in 5 days. They’ll both go to SWPAC.

And lastly, I transfer a second PBY to Irau where they will perform search and a recon mission of the Shortlands Base. No military reason for this, but I just want Quark to know fewer and fewer of his bases are out of my reach. After that turn, I’ll set them back to sub hunting.

Time for a Navy update. Currently in theater and at sea (drydocked) we have AK x 43, AO x 8 AP x 11, APD x 7 (3), BB x 4 (1), CA x 0 (2), CVE x 4, DD x 18 (4), DM x 2, DMS x 3, LCI x 3, LCM x 3, LCVP x 13, LST x 1, MSW x 11 (2), PG x 1, PT x 13, SC x 31, SS x 19, TK x 7.

At PH: CV x 3, CVE x 1, BB x 3, CA x 7, CL x 5, CLAA x 4, DD x 12, APD x 1, AV x 2, DM x 1, AO x 1, SS x 15, AP x 1, AK x 2.

En route to Noumea: AK x 2 (1d), APD x 1, SS x 1 (3d), LST x 1, AK x 2 (6d), LCI x 3 (7d), APD x 1, DMS x 1 (12d) SS x 1 (13d), LST x 1, TK x 1 (14d), DMS x 1, LCI x 3 (16d), AK x 1 (18d), DMS x 1 (19d), AK x 1 (22d), LCI x 1 (23d), SS x 1 (24d), LST x 1 (30d).

More to come…

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 269
Return to the Valley of the Sun - 3/8/2004 6:54:15 AM   
Shadow of the Condor

 

Posts: 394
Joined: 2/9/2004
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		17 Feb 43
Wx: Partly Cloudy

Radio Quark’s broadcast claims nothing much happened in the way of combat, but if the men of the IJN barge AG2068 could vote, I’m sure he’d finish third in a two man race…

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/16/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack near Munda at 31,37

Japanese Ships
AG 2068, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-37

I checked the sub’s gun ammunition…5 shots were in fact fired.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Munda at 31,37

Allied Ships
SS S-37

Spotted before another barge would be shot up…
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Sub attack at 19,41

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack

Quark now knows about the sub south of Woodlark…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Munda at 31,37

Allied Ships
SS S-37

In the daytime, the sub is easily spotted.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also confirmed yesterday was the tenth IJN submarine kill, the I-169 is officially on the bottom of the sea to stay. Another kill for the destroyers.

Recon of Shortlands reveal five MSWs in port, 19 fighters (none on CAP), 33 bombers, and 22 auxiliary aircraft. Recon of Buna reveals 20 fighters (no CAP), 13 bombers, and 29 auxiliary aircraft. Buna also has one AA unit, one HQ, one infantry detachment (340 troops), one coastal defense gun unit, and three engineer units. Recon of Port Moresby reveals no ships or aircraft, no AA, three infantry units (4000+ troops), one coastal defense unit, and two engineer units. No headquarters was spotted.

The B-17s at Cairns fly today. Target: the ports and naval facilities at PM. Altitude is 6000 feet. I hope the reports of no AA at PM are accurate.

At Buna, the recon flight also revealed three TFs. One is a TF of five barges. The others are more appetizing – two APs, escorted by four destroyers (Quark must really want that one to unload), and two tankers (one identified as the Nippon Maru) escorted by two PCs and one destroyer. Tarpon is ordered to make the 30 mile run into Buna. This time she has cover behind her, as Seadragon and Drum disappear into the deep water approaches 30 miles north and northeast of the base.

At RH, 12 PB4Y liberators arrive from Noumea…

At Irau, engineers report the airbase is at level 2 + 82%. All but 20 squads of the 13th AF HQ arrived at Irau via two C-47 transport squadrons without incident. The remainder of the unit arrives tomorrow.

Barges continue delivering the 26th SeaBees to Wunpuko…

At LV, three A-20 bomber squadrons, four B-25J Mitchell squadrons and four of the six B-26 Marauder squadrons are fully staffed and at 99 morale. The remaining two B-26 squadrons are at 75 and 84 morale. That’s a total of 208 two-engine bombers. All they need is a longer runway at Irau.

I moved the Hudson squadron at Wunpuko back to EPV for the time being. That move allowed another P-38G Lightning squadron to arrive at Wunpuko to rotate into Irau when necessary.

Once the airfield at Irau is at level four, the fun can start.

To facilitate the expansion, six APDs at LV load the 14th SeaBees in one operation. Destination: Irau.

The MSWs Whyalla and Woolongong sweep three remaining minefields at Irau…

Another supply convoy with 29000 tons of material is bound for LV from Noumea. This will push LV’s supply dump to over 420,000.

I’m sending the 109th BF from Goro to Kourouratopo. Kourouratopo has a skeletal air support presence there (only 47 AS). The NC bases are not really needed anymore, and the BF personnel can be better utilized at the front.

I’m also sending the C47s recuperating at Noumea to Brisbane, two squadrons a day. I don’t want too many operational losses.

My four CVEs accepted 36 SBDs and 35 TBFs (one operational loss) from Brisbane. They are immediately headed back to Noumea with the planes.

Finally, I sent Maryland, Chester, and two damaged destroyers to Noumea for transfer back to PH. Chester is damaged the worst at 73 SYS. I hope the weather holds for them to cross.

Other than that, Quark is right. Not much going on.

More to come…

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 270
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