Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J)

Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (Full Version)

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Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (4/30/2006 6:56:28 PM)
cvn and I are both new to PBEM and have started a stock scenario 15 game. I've started this AAR in a shameless attempt to solicit advice on gameplay. Advice and constructive criticism are welcomed. CVN has agreed to refrain from visiting this thread. We are already several weeks into the game so I am converting an AAR that I've been keeping for my own use. Game Settings: 1st Turn Surprise On Historical First Turn Off Both sub doctrines off One day turns PDU on Advanced weather on Auto sub ops off Allied Damage Control On Variable reinforcements House Rules: One port attack on first turn. No stalking allied CVs on first turn Only units that enter game with B-18 or Wellingtons may upgrade to 4E bombers 30 days notice of attack on USSR Japanese may not enter Malacca Staits on first turn. Max 6 ships per ASW task force. Initially, it's my intention to post only summaries of the combat taking place each turn. I am saving combat reports and can post them if there is any interest in that.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (4/30/2006 7:01:44 PM)
December 7, 1941 “Hostile Invasion Force Sighted off Bataan. Estimate 40-plus ships. Am Engaging.” So opens a new War in the Pacific. This message was sent from the Commanding Officer at Corrigidor to General MacAurhur’s headquarters. Unfortunately, General MacAurthur had left orders that he was not to be disturbed. His staff informed this unfortunate officer that he must be mistaken in his sighting, as General MacAurthur had not authorized any forces to practice night amphibious landings off Bataan. When told that the attackers were not friendly but Japanese, the staff confidently replied that the General hadn’t authorized them to attack either. Fortunately, Corrigidor’s gunners could see better than General MacAurthur’s staff could think. Almost all ships in the invasion fleet were hit, and 15 are confirmed sunk. A second landing attempt after dawn met with similar results. Night landings on other Luzon bases went much more smoothly for the Japanese as drowsy Philippine Army units failed to raise the alarm. MacAuthur’s odd command structure had other negative results. Sure that the contact reports were false, no reports were sent to Washington or other commands. Hours after Corrigidor’s report, MacAurthur’s radio operators picked up a faint signal. It was sent in the clear and read, “Air Raid Pearl Harbor. This is no drill.” All eight of the Pacific Fleet’s battleships were hit, as were the Helena and San Francisco. Battleship structural damage range from 15 to 70. So begins a battle between Captain Henry and CVN65. A brief status report: North Pacific All is quiet. No contact reported by PBYs out of Kodiak Island. All aircraft at Anchorage are conducting training. West Coast No enemy contact reported. All submarines on the coast are ordered to Pearl. The ancient S-boats are especially prized as it is hoped their torpedoes might actually work. Transport groups are organized to ferry supplies to Pearl Harbor and Australia. Troop convoys are organized to ship men to Pearl. If CVN gives me time, these troops will begin to shift south, securing a line of communication with Australia. South Pacific Forces will reorganize at Pearl and then take a roundabout route to Noumea. With its victory point value and strategic location, this base and island need to be held if possible. My limited experience with CVN in War Plan Orange indicates that he is a methodical player, but not one given to lightning advances. We shall see. Some of his moves today indicated an interest in striking deep into Allied areas. Central Pacific Pearl Harbor has been hit hard. No battleships are yet in danger of sinking. A strike tomorrow could drastically change that. With only ten operational fighters on Oahu, I order them to Hilo. Their numbers are too small to do anything except provide additional targets to the Zeroes of the KB. AA will be the sole defense of the fleet should another attach occur. Wake Island falls to a fierce assault. Enterprise and Lexington are ordered south towards Suva. South Pacific No contacts reported. A task force en route to Australia with artillery is rerouted to Suva. Australia Troops are ordered to move up to Darwin. The stock scenario’s railroads should make this a fairly rapid transfer. Aircraft are ordered from the south to the east coasts. Southwest Pacific Enemy troops are reported landing on Rabaul. Headquarters are ordered transferred from Brisbane to Townsville. Philippines Troops land on all northern Luzon bases except Vigan. I think he’ trying to trap forces in Vigan. The landings at Bataan are ill advised as I expect another 15 to 20 transports to be sunk by the end of the next turn. If he continues to land, I hope the shore batteries can inflict maximum damage. The 16th Division is the only unit identified at Bataan. Our ground forces can hopefully hold against a direct assault as much of the unit has been disabled in landing. If he moves rapidly to attack Luzon I could be facing problems. If he takes time to establish himself I will have a little breather. The shattered remnants of the Clark Field air groups are ordered south to Davao to reform. P-40Es at Manila are ordered north and set to naval attack. Unescorted landing forces are sighted at Jolo. Boise, 60 miles away, is ordered to intercept. The Houston is also ordered to the scene as are four destroyers off Borneo. All surface combat vessels at Manila are ordered to Bataan to engage the invasion force. I don’t envision much surface opposition as I can only hope that my opponent will bring the two Nagatos within range of my coastal defenses. After engaging, all forces are to set a course for Java. S-class subs are also ordered to attack the invader all along Luzon’s western and northern coasts. Consideration is being given to removing some forces from Luzon as CVN clearly has vastly superior forces. It is only a matter of time. His landings on Jolo will allow him to effectively destroy any surface evacuations with torpedo bombers. Most support craft are ordered from Manila to Darwin. I will try to sneak a few transport ships through as time passes. CVN is also landing forces at Lagaspi. On a side note, a port attack on Hong Kong guts the 2 DDs and 1 DM in port. All three are at 99 system damage. With the Japanese already assaulting, I expect to scuttle them in port. We did have a house rule limited the Japanese to one port attack, but I’m not sure if this attack was CVNs or the squadron commander. With only three ships involved, I’m not going to make any fuss about it. Getting them out of Hong Kong would likely have been difficult anyway. Plans in this theater are sketchy. Preservation of the P-40Es are of paramount concern as they will be needed to defend points further south. I am intending to train the p-40s on naval attack and frequently shift bases to try to avoid airfield attacks. With Zeroes escorting the bombers, a CAP mission looks a lot like suicide. There are currently 2 P-40Bs, 4 P-26s, and no P-35s operational in this theater. Malaya Landings all along the east coast of the peninsula. I’m transferring Vildebeests from Singapore north to get them within torpedo range of the transports. Two Fuso class battleships have been identified so far. The two Nagato class are bombarding in the Philippines so that leaves something like six battlewagons unaccounted for. Some of the Kirishima class are likely with the KB. Although there can’t be many battlewagons about, there can be aircraft, so Force Z is sent to Java. I’d like to raid with it, but CVN knows where it is and has to be prepared for it. I’m going to try to loose POW in the shuffle and see if I can’t pop her out somewhere where CVN is not looking. I might get the benefits of a raid and the benefit of future service from Force Z as well. A decision is made to begin moving some combat forces out of Malaya. Combat units garrisoning Singapore will begin moving to India. Front line units will stand in place and receive support from nearby units. I’m hoping to execute a fighting retreat to Singapore as I do need time to strengthen India. It’s a guess, but WPO experience makes me think CVN is going to make sure of Malaya before he turns north into Burma. ABDA Some light cruisers and destroyers are ordered toward Jolo as additional support for Boise and Houston. Air units are ordered to western Borneo to guard against invasion. Some planes are also transferred to Sumatra to attack the forces invading Malaya. All units are ordered to improve their fortifications. Menando is reported to be under amphibious attack. India All occupied bases are ordered to expand. There aren’t many planes to allocate. The Buffaloes in Rangoon are sent down to Sumatra to assist the Malaya defenders.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (4/30/2006 7:04:00 PM)
December 8, 1941 North Pacific No enemy action reported. West Coast Convoys continue to load supplies for Pearl Harbor. Central Pacific The KB has moved into a position 120 miles northeast of Pearl Harbor and launches another strike against the harbor. Another 8 Vals and 12 Kates are shot down with almost 80 reported damaged. Additional damage in inflicted on all eight battlewagons although all still remain obstinately afloat. The Helena reports structural damage of 99 and is being kept afloat through the Herculean efforts of her crew. Some PBYs are now operational and report many Japanese submarines in the waters around Hawaii. Half a dozen successful bombing attacks are reported, although headquarters speculates that this results from inexperience and wishful thinking. With the KB remaining in the area, Pacific Fleet submarines are spreading out in an attempt to ambush a carrier. South Pacific No Japanese forces are reported in the area. Task Forces centered on Enterprise and Lexington are steering a circular course to Noumea in an attempt to evade Japanese recon planes. If I can keep them out of sight, they might encourage CVN to eventually withdraw the KB. Either way, I hope to have them in position to protect Noumea and Luganville. The Indianapolis and several DMSs are also steaming to Noumea as Pearl Harbor is certainly not a safe place for them. Australia All quiet on the Australian Front. Southwest Pacific En route to Townsville. Philippines Japanese landings are reported at Vigan. A shock attack at Lagaspi captures the base. Destroyers, Gunboats, and PTs out of Manila engage Japanese forces off Bataan in a series of night engagements. The Hyuga, Ise and Yamashiro are present at Bataan. Two destroyers are lost in exchange for one Japanese DD. All Japanese battleships are ablaze so the shore batteries must be doing something. At Jolo, the Boise fails to engage and heads south to Java. The Houston does arrive early in the morning and engages an invasion force. After sinking two transports and damaging a third, Houston also steams off towards Java. Not quite the desired results against unescorted transports. Malaya Japanese forces are reportedly landing at Alor Star. As this base is approached from the west I’m assuming the forces passed through Malacca on December 7 with the movement bonus. Now that the transports are there, my goal is to make sure they never see Singapore again. On the plus side, Vildebeests attack a Japanese bombardment force at Khota Bharu. Haruna takes two fish while a third strikes Kongo. The 1st and 2nd Malay Brigades are loading in Singapore harbor for transport to Rangoon. While they would certainly help bog down CVN in Malaya, the stock scenario promotes such easy travel in Burma that I am afraid of an overland assault on India through Burma from Bangkok. The only current barrier is the trail between Mandalay and Imphal. ABDA Two British Light Cruisers are ordered north from Palembang to assist at Alor Star. Dutch Light Cruisers prepare for movement to strike at transports off Menando, which fell to Japanese assault. Minelayers are ordered to Kuchang to mine the approaches. After completing this task, the MLs will likely be ordered to India where larger ports will supply mines for them to mine the coast. India Bases are expanding and improving their fortifications.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (4/30/2006 7:05:09 PM)
December 9, 1941 North Pacific All quiet. West Coast Some convoys should depart by tomorrow. If necessary, I will hold them mid-Pacific until I can determine where the KB is. Central Pacific An eerie calm settles over Pearl Harbor. A PBY sights the Japanese fleet at extreme range due north of Pearl. Their course is north, but that could certainly change quickly. Is the KB withdrawing to Japan? Is it moving to deserted waters to repair aircraft in preparation of more strikes at Pearl? Will it turn east to attack merchant shipping en route to Hawaii? Many PPs would be given to know the answer to these questions. Several Glen equipped subs are currently near Pearl so the KB would be aware of any movements by the Pacific Fleet. I consider sending an Omaha class cruiser out with several destroyers to scout towards San Francisco but decide to wait before doing so. I am dispatching subs north and west to scout for the KB. I’m assuming he has some type of air patrol that might be spotted by the subs, or vice versa. In what I consider to be a minor miracle, all vessels at Pearl Harbor remain afloat. South Pacific/Australia/SW Pac All quiet. Philippines/Malaya/ABDA Reports from the Philippines and Malaya indicate that that Allied torpedoes had a fairly good day. First, an old S-boat puts a Mark 10 into the Fuso. I don’t expect this to inflict much damage, but the number of battleships that have taken at least one fish are increasing. Marblehead and her escorting destroyers engage a transport fleet at Menando. The Marblehead puts a fish into the DD Hatsukaze, then smothers it with 6” shells, sinking it. In retribution, a single 5” shell strikes that DD Stewart and sets off a magazine explosion. The Stewart sinks in seconds. Further west, Vildebeests strike at Khota Bharu and torpedo the Kumano. Finally, the Mauritius and her escorts engage a transport fleet at Alor Star. Mauritius torpedoes the CL Kashii, sinking her. Additional hits are scored on the transports before the British withdraw. Later in the day, a series of attacks by Sallies and Lilies attack the fleet. No Betties or Nells, as the concentrate on attacking installations at Singapore. I confused as to why the army units are attacking my naval units while naval air attacks Singapore, but will not question the gift. It does make me wish I’d been more aggressive with Force Z. On a less positive note, the KXII is sunk by depth charges off Malaya. Laog also falls to the Japanese Army.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (4/30/2006 7:07:01 PM)
December 11, 1941 North Pacific All quiet. West Coast A supply convoy departs for Pearl. The will take a wide detour to the south in an attempt to avoid the KB. A large supply convoy also departs for Australia. Central Pacific 7 DMs steaming south from Pearl to SOPAC are intercepted by the I-19. Pruitt takes two torpedoes and rapidly sinks. In an attempt to even the score, the Tamor puts one torpedo into the AK Utide Maru just off Wake Island. Japanese troops are reported landing at Tarawa and the unprotected base falls to their assault. Search planes out of Pearl and Lahaina report the KB taking up a position between Hawaii and the West Coast. Submarines continue to hunt for it. I’m beginning to consider evacuating as much of the fleet from Pearl as possible to avoid future damage. So far, no ships have been sunk in port and I’m not averse to continuing that trend. Patrol aircraft also report more hits on Japanese subs in the area. South Pacific All quiet. Australia Troops continue to move north to Darwin. Southwest Pacific All quiet Philippines The Japanese are trying to take Bataan by amphibious assault. This is rather hard on their transport fleet as shore batteries score many hits. Allied minefield also cause some damage to the invader. Oddly, there are no shore bombardments to soften my defenses. Elsewhere, small Japanese forces centered around light or heavy cruisers bombard various bases. Lingayen falls to a direct assault and the troops move back towards Manila. Japanese search planes spot the AP President Madison as it runs south for Australia. Naval bombers zero in on the unlucky transport and rapidly dispatch her with torpedoes. Malaya Air assets in Singapore continue to take the fight to the enemy with persistent attacks on enemy shipping. Some bomb hits are reported and the Vildebeests continue to score with their torpedoes. The garrison at Khota Bharu holds against a shock attack. ABDA Four US destroyers intercept a Japanese bombardment consisting of the Nagara and seven destroyers. It might have been better if they’d stayed home. Three destroyers are sunk in exchange for one shell hit on a Japanese destroyer. Immediately after the engagement, the AVD Heron stumbles into the Japanese force and joins the destroyers in their watery grave.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (4/30/2006 7:27:19 PM)
December 12, 1941 In general, this was a fairly slow day. In a pleasant change of pace, the biggest news of the day is an Allied victory of sorts. West Coast Troop convoys are getting ready to set out for Pearl on the south route. If they have to, they’ll divert to islands south of Hawaii, unload their cargoes, and wait for a change to run for Pearl and Lahaina. The 101st Base Force and 161st RCT, along with some artillery, are headed for Lahaina with the 40th Division going to Pearl. Central Pacific Frank Knox is a happy man tonight! Running south from Pearl Harbor, task forces centers on the Enterprise and Lexington arrive off Apamama just as a Japanese transport force arrives. While they are too late to prevent Apamama’s capture, each carrier launches two strikes against the invader. The Big E’s TBDs are even within torpedo range so they join the attack. I believe hits are scored on almost every enemy ship. With the KB northeast of Hawaii, both US carriers are ordered to close on Apamama for continued strikes against the invader. In an attempt to disperse the targets at Pearl, two of the least damaged battleships are ordered to Lahaina. Time will tell if this makes them harder to find or easier to sink. Philippines Amphibious forces continue their landings at Bataan, and shore batteries continue to make them pay. Clark Field remains under continuous air attack. Bombardment attacks are taking place all across the Philippines. Japanese forces also begin landing on Tawi Tawi. The KXVI is on patrol off Tawi Tawi and torpedoes a transport but fails to halt the invasion. Malaya The Singapore Air Force continues to strike at Japanese transports. In the Malacca Straits, the CL Durban engages the Japanese transport group moving away from Alor Star. Sadly, the Durban fails to press her attack and scores only a few hits on the transports prior to moving north towards Ceylon. Japanese Army air units continue to strike at Allied transports west of Malaya while naval air units focus on bombing Singapore. Khota Bharu holds against another Japanese ground assault.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (4/30/2006 7:28:19 PM)
Decmeber 13, 1941 Central Pacific The KB has returned to Pearl Harbor. 92 Vals and 68 Kates, escorted by 49 Zeroes strike the port again this morning. All six battleships in port take more hits, but none are sunk. A single bomb also strikes the Tangier. 20 more bombers are reported shot down with 68 bombers damaged by flak. The Pennsylvania is also sighted east of Lahaina and attacked by over 50 bombers from the KB. The Pennsylvania staggers back to Lahaina for repairs. The battle off Apamama continues as both Enterprise and Saratoga have moved into TBD range. Both carriers launch full strikes and continue to score. Philippines The enemy continues to pound Clark Field and Manila. Single ships running south are also sought ought by small groups of enemy bombers. Most are getting through, but a few ships are being lost. P40s attack transport convoys, but score only one hit. The Japanese try a shock attack at Bataan, but suffer over 2,200 casualties to 31 allied. Further south, a landing an attack on Tawi Tawi has seized the base. Malaya Japanese naval bombers strike at Singapore again. Additional damage is inflicted on the ships in port. I’m sure most of these ships will never see the open sea again as they are in port only because I feel they’re too damaged to make the run to Ceylon or Java. Bombers based at Singapore attack transports again, scoring several hits with both torpedoes and bombs. Another shock attack finally overwhelmes the defenders of Khota Bharu, which is now occupied by the Japanese.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (4/30/2006 7:29:47 PM)
December 14, 2006 South Pacific A Japanese task force centered on four heavy cruisers conducts a bombardment of Rabaul. The Australian garrison is proving to be a tough nut for the Japanese to crack. I’d expected them to fall long before now. Philippines Small groups of Japanese planes continue to strike at shipping through the islands. Hits are scored, but the mortal blow is generally avoided. The Japanese Navy makes bombardment attacks but inflicts little hurt. While trying to attack a convoy off Lingayen, the SS-40 is detected and hit with at least one depth charge. Malaya Planes out of Singapore hit troop convoys again. Two full strikes launch, with many hits reported on the Japanese cargo ships and escorts. I’m not sure if I’m even slowing down the advance, but I certainly am making CVN pay for his offensive. No major activity in other theaters. The KB has drawn off to the north of Hawaii again. His course indicates a move to regroup the force rather than a withdrawal to Japan. I’m hoping to get enough fighters operational to put up a CAP worthy of the name over Pearl Harbor.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (4/30/2006 7:30:46 PM)
December 15, 1941 Central Pacific Japanese cruisers arrive at Midway Island and conduct several bombardments of the installations there. The Argonaut is on patrol at Midway but is unable to complete a successful attack. South Pacific CVN tries a shock attack at Rabaul and is repulsed with 511 casualties out of 3,500 attacking troops. 10 Allied casualties are reported. Philippines Nells strike at Manila. I had all P-40Es in the Philippines on CAP but the results were less than encouraging. 19 fighters intercepted 19 unescorted Nells and shoot down only one bomber. The Nells attack the port and score no hits. A Japanese fighter sweep of Bataan also encounters the P-40s and one Warhawk is shot down with no Japanese losses. The Paz takes a torpedo from Betties based in Jolo as it tries to escape, slowing its progress. Malaya Singapore launches two strikes against a small surface combat task force but scores no hits. The Vildebeests follow with an attack on a cargo convoy and score one bomb hit. Several allied transports at Georgetown are attacked by Sallies and Lilies and take several bombs. Some of the ships are so damaged that they can’t leave Malaya. I’m planning to leave them in Georgetown and hope that they attack bombers that might otherwise go for the undamaged transports plying their trade between Malaya and Ceylon. Kuantan finally falls to the invader while the Alor Star defenders inflicts heavy casualties on a shock attack. China A Japanese shock attack at Canton makes little progress. 12,000 Japanese could not move the 7,500 Chinese troops present.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (4/30/2006 7:32:02 PM)
December 16, 1941 Central Pacific The KB has moved back between Hawaii and the West Coast. Enemy cruisers remain off Midway, although they do not attack. Philippines More cargo ships are struck by land based planes as they head south. Clark Field remains under heavy air attack. I’ve been trying to get all the planes out of Clark as they’re repaired, but the constant strikes are certainly slowing that process. A shock attack at Clark Field makes little headway against my forces. CVN appears to have sent a flying column into Clark, as only 7,000 troops attacked 15,000 entrenched Americans and Filipinos. Malaya HMS Trusty has begun what may be a very short patrol. Today she conducted two attacks, scoring torpedo hits on two AKs. Nells strike at Singapore, adding to the damage of the AKs in port. I’m not sure how many of them are fit to leave Singapore. On a positive note, CVN is keeping transport fleets within range of Singapore, allowing my bomber pilots to score. I’ve also got all Buffaloes in Malaya set to Naval Attack in an effort to train them up without the losses that would go with dogfighting Zeroes. Sallies and Lilies strike my ships at Georgetown again, increasing their damage levels. Some are undoubtedly going to sink soon. China CVN has been conducting a series of minor air attacks on Changsha. He’s using Ann bombers to inflict nuisance damage on my forces. So far, nothing serious. A shock attack at Canton is a little more serious, as my forces retreat out of the hex.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (4/30/2006 10:47:46 PM)
December 17, 1941 Central Pacific Japanese Battleships have arrived at Midway, as the Argonaut unsuccessfully attacks the Mutsu. Light cruisers conduct a bombardment of the island, with the Mutsu following with a bombardment of her own. Then a troop convoy arrives and starts unloading. The coastal batteries, finally faced with an opponent they can deal with, open up on the transports and their escorts. Five PGs take hits and several transports are afire. Almost 1,000 casualties are reported. A Japanese shock attack is made with only 300 troops and it inflicts no casualties on the garrison. I counter with a bombardment attack that reveals over 4,000 Japanese already on the island. It’s painful to sit and watch Midway fight what must be a losing battle, but I don’t have any forces to send and, with the KB within supporting distance, any reinforcement effort would just add to my losses. I do send the Detroit and six destroyers east out of Pearl to scout as I need to figure out how far south to detour my troop convoys. South Pacific A shock attack at Rabaul reduces the forts to 2. The end may be approaching here. Philippines A shock attack at Tuguegarao reduces the forts to 2 while another shock attack at Clark makes no headway. I still outnumber the attackers at Clark 2:1 so I should be able to hold out awhile longer. Malaya It’s getting very repetitive, but Singapore is still in business and her airplanes continue to attack shipping. Today’s attacks focused on combat ships, and little hurt was inflicted. Enemy strikes on Georgetown score more hits on the ships in port.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (4/30/2006 10:48:21 PM)
December 18, 1941 Central Pacific I’ve located the KB again. Unfortunately, the Detroit scouting group was successful in it’s mission. Rather than support Midway, the KB is still sitting between Pearl Harbor and the West Coast. The Detroit and four destroyers are sunk. The Farragut survives to return to Pearl. I have learned that my transport convoys are far enough south, but must admit that sending the Detroit was probably a foolish move on my part. The same intel could probably have been obtained at a much lower cost if I’d been smarter. In other news, transports continue to unload at Midway and shore bombardments are also carried out. No ground attack occurs. This may mean that the earlier attempt has disorganized CVN enough that he will need a bit of time before trying another attack. I still have quite a few troopships en route to Hawaii so any delay at Midway will help me strengthen Hawaii, if that is CVNs ultimate target. South Pacific Troops also continue landings at Rabaul. Shore bombardment inflict about 200 casualties on the Australian defenders and also damage the installations. A shock attack fails with Japanese casualties four times higher than mine. Once again, the longer Rabaul holds, the longer I have to reinforce Noumea. The 2nd Marine Division is en route, but it will be awhile before its in position. I am also hoping to relocate some base forces evacuated from the Philippines to Noumea to help improve fortifications and airfields. Philippines Air attacks on Clark Field destroy another B-17C. I’ve only got a few damaged planes left here and am moving them to Cagayan whenever they are repaired. ABDA. A shock attack at Clark Field is repulsed with light casualties to both sides. A shock attack at Tuguegarao fails as I inflict 1,159 casualties and take 74 in return. Malaya Nells bomb Singapore harbor again. I’ve still got about eight or so transports in the harbor and they’re getting pasted pretty hard. I’ve pretty much written them off, but as long as Singapore is receiving port attacks, somewhere else isn’t receiving any attention yet, especially Singapore airfield. Buffaloes and medium bombers from Singapore strike at a TF unloading to the north and score a few more bomb hits. A shock attack at Alor Star lowers my forts to 4.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (4/30/2006 10:48:57 PM)
December 19, 1941 Philippines Air attacks on Manila and Clark. Light damage sustained. A shock attack fails and suffers 5 to 1 casualties. ABDA Hudsons and Brewsters out of Amboina strike shipping at Menado. No hits are recorded. I’ve got most air assets in this region set to rest as I want them to be fresh when Malaya falls. I don’t have the assets to run a lot of them out of northern Borneo even if I wanted to. Malaya Japanese aircraft conduct ground attack missions against Alor Star. This is followed by yet another shock attack on the base. This time CVN gets 9 to 1 odds and captures the base. I suffer light casualties, but most of the forces leave the hex. I’m afraid things will speed up in Malaya at this point now that the forward position is gone. I suppose I should be grateful for the slower pace as it certainly helps me. I have been organizing cargo ships and tankers to start taking fuel out of Borneo and Java. I’m also getting supply out of Borneo and Kendari. The fuel goes to Darwin, the supply I’m distributing to Timor, Amboina, Macassar and other bases where I’d like to be able to put up at least a bit of a defense. I’ve also got supply headed to Darwin from India and there’s one convoy en route from San Francisco.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (4/30/2006 10:50:10 PM)
December 20, 1941 Central Pacific The Triton conducts a successful surface attack near Wake. 2 torpedoes actually detonate. That should hopefully take care of one more AK. South Pacific More naval bombardment at Rabaul. A light carrier 1 hex north of Rabaul launches a strike in support of the ground troops. Southwest Pacific 65 Nells strike at Singapore harbor again. The transports in harbor get pasted again. Singapore aircraft strike against ships at Khota Bharu and get a few bounces on the Sendai. Philippines P-40s out of Cagayan conduct naval strikes without much success. No hits, but a bit more experience for the air group. CVN strikes at Tuguegarao and Clark with some success. A shock attack on Tuguegarao lowers the forts to zero. A shock attack at Clark Field suffers two to one casualties.

Grotius -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (4/30/2006 11:11:31 PM)
Good luck to both you guys. Sounds like you have a pretty good feel for the game already!

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (5/2/2006 4:24:54 AM)
December 21, 1941 Central Pacific The KB is still in the area so I’m not expanding much. I’m watching Midway but no answers yet. Philippines The Asiatic Fleet proves that it does still exist when the S-37 puts a Mk 10 into the Hikade Maru at Bataan. Several zero fighter sweeps cover Manila and Clark. As I no longer have significant forces there they don’t score much. A shock attack with 1 to 1 odds reduces the forts at Tuguegarao to zero while a shock attack at Clark makes little headway. 14,000 Allied trops with 113 guns are holding their own against 22,000 attackers with 123 guns and 126 AFVs. Unfortunately, the attacks are chewing up supply. It appears that CVN is concentrating on the Philippines and Malaya prior to moving into DEI or Burma. Malaya Truant torpedoes an AP off Malaya. 47 Nells at Singapore continue to pound some AKs into rubble. The aircraft at Singapore attack the Sendai again and score four more bomb hits on the two AKs left in port. 34 Buffaloes and 4 Hudsons strike at shipping near Songkhia, reporting a total of two hits. Not great shooting.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (5/2/2006 4:25:59 AM)
December 22, 1941 South Pacific A shock attack at Rabaul fails to lower the fortifications. My troops are outnumbered almost 4 to one and CVN has a powerful heavy cruiser force to bombard with and one CVL conducting ground strikes to wear me down. Philippines Zeroes conduct sweep missions while Nells and Betties bomb the runway at Clark. CVN has based a Val squadron in the Philippines and they are bombing Tuguegarao’s runway. I have removed all air assets from Luzon except the two PBY squadrons. Some B-17s and the P-40Es are still in Mindanao. The other fighter squadrons (P-26, P-40B and P-35) could muster about eight fighters between them. I’ve transferred them to Southwest Pacific and moved them to Darwin to rebuild. Malaya Nells strike Singapore and hit four AKs again. Sallies and Lilies hit Georgetown airbase fairly hard, scoring 6 base hits, 3 supply hits, and 21 runway hits. CVN is trying to pocket my northern Malaya forces in Georgetown and it may work. Further south, he hits Kuala Lumpur will little result. India/Burma Blenheims, Buffaloes and Hudsons from Rangoon conduct a ground attack mission against the 33rd Division north of Bangkok. I’m hoping to wear it down a bit before cvn starts a push into Burma.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (5/3/2006 4:32:11 AM)
December 23, 1941 Central Pacific The first resupply convoys from the West Coast should reach their destination tomorrow. I’ve split the first convoy into two groups. The smaller will unload at Lahaina with the larger pressing on to Pearl. I have several convoys with troops sitting several hunred miles south of Hawaii waiting for a good opportunity to run in. If no opportunity is forthcoming, I’ll unload at Palmyra or even Canton. Philippines S-37 tries an attack near Bataan and misses. Another transport force moves into Manila Bay and tries to unload at Bataan. The coastal batteries demonstrate that they are still there and capable of defending the beach. Heavy damage is inflicted on three APS. Air attacks continue at Clark, keeping the runway in tough shape. I try a fighter sweep from Cagayan against Jolo. 30 P-40Es encounter seven Zeroes and 14 Oscars and do poorly, losing 4 planes against one kill. East of the Philippines, a Japanese light carrier has moved into range of the island. Her Kates sink the Capillo as is flees Manila. I’ve been detouring my forces to the east around Leyte as I try to avoid the bombers based on Jolo. It had been working well, but the CVL makes this route a little more complicated. At Clark Field, another shock attack hits the defenders. Malaya The Sendai and her escorts are still at Khota Bharu. Level bombers, Buffaloes, and Swordfish strike at the light cruiser and score one more hit. The combat report indicates heavy damage has been inflicted. A transport convoy is also attacked by planes at Singapore. Three ships are bombed and one torpedoed. China I inadvertently initiate a shock attack while moving across a river hex. 16,000 Chinese throw themselves against almost 70,000 Japanese with predictable results. Almost 4,000 Chinese are casualties and 30 guns are lost.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (5/3/2006 4:40:09 AM)
December 24, 1941 Central Pacific The KB has reappeared. The day opens with a strike against the convoy unloading supplies at Pearl Harbor. Pearl launches 64 fighters to oppose a strike of 83 Vals and 33 Kates escorted by only 10 Zeroes. I lose 16 fighters, but 4 Zeroes, 17 Vals, and 12 Kates are shot down with another 20 bombers damaged. Most of the unloading transports are hit, but none are sunk to the unloading can proceed. A smaller strike of 22 Kates hits the transports at Lahaina, sinking one AK and damaging another. Finally, the KB also strikes against the warships in Pearl Harbor. 26 Zeroes escort 22 Vals and 39 Kates against Battleship Row. Only 4 battlewagons are in port as I’ve moved the others to Lahaina. Each BB takes one fish and several bomb hits, but none are close to sinking. The Helena is hit again and two AVs are also bombed. 14 more American fighters also are shot down. In return, 8 Zeroes, 5 Vals and 8 Kates are shot down with another 29 bombers damaged. By now, I calculate that over a third of the KB’s Vals and Kates have been shot down and many others must now be damaged. Philippines Three battleships bombard Tuguegarao to open the day. Just up the coast, the S-39 torpedoes the DD Hiyodori. One more Japanese DD is removed from the equation. Air attacks at Clark continue to pound the installations there. CVN still doesn’t have enough strength in position to successfully capture the base. While CVN can’t yet take Clark, he does mount a successful attack at Tuguegarao, capturing the base and over 11,000 Filipino soldiers. Malaya Nells continue to blast the harbor at Singapore. I’ve thought of moving fighters up to hit the bombers, but CVN is always providing for a relatively strong escort of Zeroes and I’m not eager to engage with my obsolete fighters, especially with the Zero bonus. A few Blenheim I bombers attack two cargo vessels at Kuantan, hitting one AK with two bombs. Late in the day, Vildebeests and Blenheims out of Singapore attack another supply convoy, hitting several APs and AKs. Martins out of Borneo also fly to Kuantan to attack shipping although no hits are obtained. India/Burma My planes at Rangoon strike the 33rd Division again.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (5/4/2006 3:27:02 AM)
December 25, 1941 Central Pacific Patrol planes report the KB north of Pearl Harbor. Their course appears to be slightly more to the west than their previous retreats from Pearl. Even if they’re coming back, I estimate that I have several days before the planes damaged yesterday are repaired and I don’t think CVN will strike until he’s finished repairs. I’m ordering the troop convoys south of Hawaii to run for Pearl and Lahaina. I’m confident I can get into Pearl and unload, I’m not sure how many transports will be left after they’re empty if CVN comes back again. Then again, I’d rather CVN strike at convoys with CAP than Battleship Row. Philippines Fighter sweeps and level bombers blacken the sky over Clark, inflicting more damage on the runways. I’ve been running sub transport task forces and loading the transports at Manila with troops before I send them to Australia. I’m attempting to remove the majority of each unit before moving on to the next one. We have no house rules on the fragment/cadre issue, but I’ve decided to take a middle ground where I allow evacuation if I get most, if not all, of the unit out. One PBY squadron is also removing troops to Borneo Malaya Bombs continue to plow into the wrecks in Singapore harbor. The airfield, still untouched, launches a large strike against a task force unloading at Kuantan. Almost 80 aircraft hit the shipping, bombing at least eight different AKs and APs, inflicting severe damage on several ships. At Georgetown, almost 40,000 Japanese shock attack 9,500 defenders. The defenses hold, for now. China CVN sends six Anns escorted by Nates to attack Changsha. Two bombs hit the runway. The rest of China continues to be fairly quiet. I have a suspicion that neither CVN nor I are really familiar with this theater and this is making us a bit tentative here. That and the supply issues. I’m moving some forces to try to isolate Nanchang, but am making the effort with fairly light forces

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (5/4/2006 3:29:42 AM)
December 26, 1941 Central Pacific The KB disappears from view. My troop convoys are steaming hard from the south to Hawaii. I’m beginning to think about sending the battleships back to the West Coast. If I send them, they’ll go in several convoys over multiple routes. South Pacific The posturing at Rabaul continues. Both sides conduct bombardment attacks. The Japanese attack kills no one and intelligence estimates that Allied attack caused a whopping eight casualties. Knowing that Rabaul will fall, I’m content to wait while both sides watch each other and the days slip by. The 2nd Marine Division is inching closer to Noumea. I’ve also got one USN Base Force pulled out of the Philippines and transferred to the South Pacific. It’s en route from Darwin to Noumea as well. I’m planning to use it to help build up one of the other bases on the island. Philippines A bombardment force and transports arrive off Lamon Bay. Shore installations are shelled and troops begin coming ashore. 10 Zeroes conduct a sweep over Bataan and 11 Betties hit Clark. Malaya It’s another busy day off Malaya. Buffaloes his a convoy east of Malaya, planting one bomb on the AP Heiyo Maru. The rest of the planes at Singapre strike the convoy at Kuantan again. Today the Swordfish carry torpedoes, further damaging four more ships. Martins out of Borneo also fly north to Kuantan but fail to score. On shore, bombardment attacks rock Georgetown as CVN continues to soften up the garrison. The Japanese artillery also strikes at Bataan and Clark. China The Anns are back, this time at Ichang. Otherwise all quiet in China.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (5/5/2006 3:01:49 AM)
December 27, 1941 Basically a pretty slow day. At least as slow as a day when I no longer know where the KB is can be. South Pacific Gritty Australian defenders continue to hold on at Rabaul. A shock attack by three times the defense force suffers seven to one casualties. I’m afraid the end is getting near here. Philippines Landings continue at Lamon Bay. A shock attack later in the day captures the base. Japanese transports also begin unloading at Cebu Island. The coastal batteries score a few minor hits on the transports, but nothing significant. Overal Luzon, Zeroes and Nells strike at Bataan and Clark. Kates also strike the ships still in Manila Bay. Fortunately, they’re carrying bombs so there is some hope that the ships will recover to try to make the long, dangerous trek to Australia. At Clark Field the determined defenders beat off another shock attack and maintain their forts. CVN now has 32,000 troops at Clark Field so that attacks to have a bit more mass behind them than the early efforts. China A small Japanese strike at Changsha again. My I-16cs try to intercept but don’t have much success. I’m thinking that I may stop trying to fly CAP here and devote my efforts to sweeps against CVNs airfields. I don’t want to bomb too much as I suspect this could be hard on supply. Does anyone have advice on the balance of supplying China and conducting offensive aerial ops?

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (5/5/2006 3:02:52 AM)
December 28, 1941 An exceptionally slow day. Still no clues on the KB. Philippines Japanese aircraft continue to rule the skies over the Philippines. Zeroes sweep over Naga and the bombers are back at Clark Field. Kates strike at the Lagazpi, scoring one bomb hit. Cebu Island falls to the invader and 3,500 more allied troops are removed from the equation. Malaya A small convoy is sighted at Kuantan and Swordfish, Vilebeests and Blenheim attack. Four ships are hit hard. One transport takes four fish and will likely sink soon. CVN has completed some smart moves and trapped several British formations in Georgetown. He shock attacks with 40,000 troops and I defend with 9,000. Forts drop from 5 to 3 which can’t be good. China My first effort at a sweep doesn’t go so well. I get 26 fighters over Wuhan against only 9 Nates and lose two aircraft against no Japanese losses.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (5/5/2006 3:16:20 AM)
December 29,1941 China The Chinese Air Force strikes at Wuhan again. Today’s results are a little better. 14 I-153c and 20 I-16c conduct a fighter sweep, shooting down 6 Nates with three Chinese fighters lost. After two days of sweeps, the Chinese will stand down to see if CVN brings in better fighters. Central Pacific SS Plunger sights a Kate on patrol well to the northwest of Pearl Harbor. I’m beginning to hope that this signals the withdrawal of the KB. Overall, I estimate that over a third of the KBs Kates and Vals were shot down. All commands are informed that we expect to lose contact with the KB and hence should increase their precautions against a carrier strike. South Pacific Lexington and Enterprise refuel at Aukland and head north. They will proceed north of Noumea in preparation for a strike at Rabaul. Currently, one Japanese CLV with Claudes is conducting ground attacks on the Australian garrison. No Nells or Betties have been reported. If he keeps this up and the garrison holds out, I may try to strike at this target. Philippines Clark Field continues to experience heavy air attack. Fighter sweeps also look for any allied fighters. Fortunately, almost all fighters in the Philippines are now based around Davao. In other news, the final group of transports leave Manila bound for Darwin. I am detouring them east away from Jolo and then south to Darwin. Several ships already have high structural damage and Japanese strikes inflict further damage as the ships steam east. I’m hoping half the ships will make it out. ABDA Tankers are ordered to converge on Soerbaja. With over 200,000 units of fuel in the port, I’d like to evacuate as much as possible. I also need to pay some attention to getting oil out of Palembang. Malaya Today, a Japanese assault took Georgetown and almost 17,000 troops marched into captivity. The way is now open to the southern end of the peninsula. Singapore continues to improve its defenses with the goal of holding out as long as possible.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (5/5/2006 3:16:53 AM)
December 30, 1941 Central Pacific A small Japanese force arrives at Nauru Island and begins to unload. I have no forces to defend with so this base will quickly change hands. South Pacific Pressure continues to mount against Rabaul. Two more transport groups arrive and begin disembarking troops over the beach. CNV follows this up with a bombardment attack. I’ve ordered my carriers in New Zealand to begin heading north at cruise speed to see if there is anything that can be done. I estimate one light carrier is the only air assets I would have to face if it does come to a battle. There has been no evidence of large air assets at Truk. I’m probably a week away from Rabaul so we’ll see if anything comes of this. Philippines More air attacks pound Manila. No ships are hit. The forces at Bataan exchange artillery fire, burning supply to no good end. Malaya CVN is changing his aerial strategy against Singapore. Today saw heavy attacks against the airfield at Singapore for the first time. Zeroes are escorting the strikes and I have no great desire to put my Brewsters up against the Japanese first team so there is no CAP. I lose a couple of aircraft on the ground and CVN loses to Nells to flak. I’m concerned that the new attacks against my airfield will begin to limit my ability to interdict shipping heading for Kuantan. CVN has withdrawn all of the transport groups that were within Singapore’s range so I get no strikes off today. Not an encouraging sign.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (5/5/2006 3:53:02 AM)
December 31, 1941 South Pacific Heavy cruisers pound Rabaul. I’ve identified Furutaka, Kako, Aoba, Kinugasa, Nachi, Haguro and Myoko. Field artillery on shore join the bombardment of my small garrison. Philippines CVN is targeting my ships fleeing Manila. Petes and Jakes strike at stragglers, as to Kates of a light carrier lurking east of the Philippines. The Nagato arrives at Naga and begins to bombard my shore positions. Malaya Another enemy convoy does come within range of Singapore. Swordfish torpedo a PG and one bomb hits an AK. Not quite the results I had hoped for. India/Burma My aircraft at Rangoon fly ground attack missions against the 33rd Division near Bangkok. Once again, a few Japanese die and British pilots get a little better at their craft. China With fighter sweeps on hold, I switch to ground attack to continue to season my Chinese pilots. 30 fighters strike the 3rd Division. I lose no aircraft, inflict few casualties, and gain a point or two of experience.

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (5/6/2006 8:27:00 PM)
As 1941 comes to a close, I'm going to try to post a few screen shots of the current status. I think I've figured out how this works but may take some trial and error. [image]local://upfiles/16035/759752889C5B43C5B06B48477B326353.jpg[/image]

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (5/7/2006 3:48:27 AM)
Here's the overall situation. [image]local://upfiles/16035/387375B5C3E54CA2944367789C881AD8.jpg[/image]

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (5/7/2006 3:51:33 AM)
Here's how my pilots are doing. Not a very bloody start. This page does get my wife to show her first serious interest in WITP. Her great-uncle was H.W. Bauer, who is my second leading ace at this point. I suspect this level of interest may not be easy to maintain. I will have to try to keep Major Bauer alive. [image]local://upfiles/16035/D64684CA55A944FBAD76F5F9BF781D91.jpg[/image]

Capt Henry_MatrixForum -> RE: Novices in the Pacific: Capt Henry (A) v cvn65 (J) (5/7/2006 3:53:27 AM)
Not a lot of capital shps sunk by either side. [image]local://upfiles/16035/E48DBE99AD4E41B1A7929687BDE9E8A7.jpg[/image]

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