RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians

RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (Full Version)

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Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/16/2017 11:28:12 AM)
Day 33 - May 16 Both our Surface Combat TFs reach Paramushiro-jima and prepare to repair and replenish. That means all our 'heavies' are in port and we have just subs guarding approaches to Kiska and Attu, and the 6x Bettys which do not seem to be disposed to make any form of attack. Finally, the Allies send Venturas from Adak to make a night air raid on Attu! We have no CAP at night but damage is minimal. Further east one of our sub patrols runs into yet another enemy Transport TF but fails to get in an attack before being damaged in the inevitable depth-charge bombardment. That's our third sub put out of action. She will be recalled to P-jima but won't be taking to sea again! [image]local://upfiles/57059/334C0E4C584D4068BC800F2F5C4299AE.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/16/2017 11:43:36 AM)
Day 34 - May 17 So this is our plot for the forthcoming day. Our Capital Ships (3xCA 2xCL 1CVL) are back at Paramushiro-jima replenishing and that's 2 days sailing from Attu Island. [image]local://upfiles/57059/3DCCE88D45EA45A2A55C6FBF642E2172.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/16/2017 7:03:50 PM)
Day 34 - May 17 The outcome:- Nothing much to report. A horde of Mitchells attack Kiska (yes, Kiska again, not Attu!) but are seen off by a handful of Rufes on CAP. There is no damage. However, Recon and Sub sightings suggest that the Allied second invasion attempt has turned back. Enemy TFs approximating to what had been reported previously are located approximately 240 NM east of their positions this morning. So here's the plot going into Day 35. I don't think i need to relabel our dispositions. Except for the Supply Convoy unloading at Kiska, everything else you can see is a sub or a midget sub. The SSTs and APDs have completed unloading and are on the return leg to P-jima. [image]local://upfiles/57059/F67CBEA08D864791BED4AF4A2E6AA90D.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/16/2017 7:17:56 PM)
Day 35 - May 18 During the night Liberators bomb Attu to little effect. Neither side has any losses. Recon reports the enemy TFs have turned west again! They could well have missed a golden window of opportunity because in 24 hours our Cruisers will be fit for sea again. Better still we get 2 more Cruisers to help things along! Day 36 - May 19 Bad weather but Allies raid Kiska today. There's no damage. The Allied TFs have just disappeared. We've lost them completely. Are they coming or going? We really don't know!

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/16/2017 8:03:06 PM)
Day 37 - May 20 Here's the plot. There's no enemy sightings at all! The CAs and CLs are ready to sail. Is there any need? [image]local://upfiles/57059/97DE7191ABCD4EE18CB7D9AD9405CF1F.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/16/2017 9:33:53 PM)
Day 38 - May 21 The Allied TFs reappear and seem to be heading westwards again! Does the AI have a plan? Or is it just moving TFs forward piecemeal? We use part of our Cruiser assets (2xCA 2xCL 2xDD) to form a Surface Combat Group which will take up station north-east of Attu. The Supply Convoy switches to Attu having partly unloaded at Kiska. [image]local://upfiles/57059/2F46D2B4D07C42E3B72992029D09A0EE.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/16/2017 10:07:53 PM)
Day 38 - May 21 Air attack on Attu overnight causes minor damage. A sub identifies another enemy TF moving west. Our Surface Combat TF approaches its holding position north of Kiska and back at Paramushiro-jima a Bombardment TF (3xCA 2xDD) heads for Adak. [image]local://upfiles/57059/790A23F564F74DAF91C25E74888511C8.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/17/2017 7:21:00 AM)
Day 39 - May 22 A very quiet day. Weather poor throughout and there's no air raids. Our Surface Combat TF attempts interception of what by now seems to be two or possibly three approaching enemy TFs without success since the spotter float planes cannot be deployed. As a trial we utilise Bettys at P-jima to fly in supplies to Attu and that succeeds despite the weather. Back at P-jima we receive our first BB. Truly, in terms of naval assets, we have more then enough for the job! It's not quite the same with supplies, however, and these have to be eked out as best we can and distributed with some care. Even now, losing a fully loaded Freighter would be a severe set-back. [image]local://upfiles/57059/6421FEBEE96A4B5BA5ABF1B777C65A40.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/17/2017 7:54:58 AM)
Day 40 - May 23 A Cat and Mouse day! We chase shadows of enemy TFs all day to no useful effect. The Bombardment TF nears Adak. The Allies raid Kiska and get through but casualties are light and it was an expensive transaction; 3xMitchells destroyed outright. [image]local://upfiles/57059/40673BC7F61145C9AD5DE6B41390FD85.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/18/2017 8:40:59 AM)
Day 41 - May 24 Entering the final third of the whole operation produces a climactic night during which both sides can claim some success. Warned of the approach of our Bombardment TF, the large TF of Allied ships long suspected at Adak sets sail eastwards en masse but runs headlong into our 3xCA as they start their run-in to attack the Allied Base. In poor visibility, the enemy TF evades combat without a shell being fired and shelters about 60 NM east of Adak, while our Bombardment TF pounds Adak base to good effect. The Allied TF includes none of the vessels which left the scene of our devastating attack near Attu which left all Allied Transports afloat but burning and heavily damaged. There's been no sign of these ships since they escaped over the horizon. In daylight our intended raid by Bettys from Kiska fails to materialise due to continued bad weather, but Recon confirms the Allied TF has simply returned to port. Although more closely matched our Surface Combat TF will move on Adak during tomorrow night. [image]local://upfiles/57059/DAE64D6F5BAC43E9A568A5A0F9828AB8.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/18/2017 9:01:28 AM)
Day 42 - May 25 We bombard Adak for a second night in succession. This time there's no sign of the Allied ships previously docked there. Bad weather prevents all air operations except for essential Recon by both sides. With our embarrassing excess of Naval Power it would seem that we could even go on to the offensive and possibly invade Adak! That's not our objective or orders but it is tempting! [image]local://upfiles/57059/13C3EB30A5084461AA904A041B9F37FF.jpg[/image]

tarkalak -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/18/2017 9:43:53 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Energisteron Day 41 - May 24 ... In daylight our intended raid by Bettys from Kiska fails to materialise due to continued bad weather, ... What is the level of Kiska's airfield? If it is 1 the Betties will not fly at all. There are limitations on what you can do from a level 1. I think you weren't allowed to do offensive missions from it. The bigger planes (US Heavy bombers, etc.) need even higher levels of airfield to fly at all. I don't remember all the details, but it is in the manual somewhere. Float planes are an exception, of course, since they don't use the airfield.

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/18/2017 11:34:17 AM)
Hi, tarkalak Thanks. Yes, I had better move the Bettys back to Attu airfield which is level 2. Kiska remains at level 1.

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/18/2017 12:47:30 PM)
Day 43 - May 26 A very quiet day starts with just one enemy TF on the plot. This appears to be 2xCL 3xDD about 120 NM north of Adak, and which manages to evade detection for the rest of the day. Until late on it stayed quiet then when we detected a column of three Allied TFs once more heading towards Attu Island. This must be their fourth attempt! Once more our 'heavies' are back at P-jima or on their way there. However, our Surface Combat TF, returning from bombarding Adak, has enough ammunition remaining to make an interception attempt worthwhile and so it will delay its return to P-jima. During the day we used this quiet interval to re-organise our air groups. (Thanks for your comment, tarkalak.) KIska loses its 6xBettys which go to Attu to be joined by another six from P-jima. 12xZeros are transferred to Attu while the 6xZeros there are rested back at P-jima.

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/18/2017 5:26:28 PM)
Day 44 - May 27 The plot for today. The handy CAs will turn back for Attu and attempt interception of the incoming enemy Transports. [image]local://upfiles/57059/48D7A1EC924B4388976E1BCD623C2BBF.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/18/2017 5:37:58 PM)
Day 44 - May 27 Two of our Subs north-east of Attu Island detect the approach of an enemy Transport TF. The first, at night, is detected by the Escorts and badly damaged. Another Sub written-off! The second, makes an unsuccessful attack but escapes unharmed. The same enemy TF was involved both times and is expected at Attu next nightfall where our Cruisers await their arrival. [image]local://upfiles/57059/1F5ED4D73DC44D6C9C7209555BC38F68.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/18/2017 5:41:33 PM)
Day 44 - May 27 So, a busy day for once but not exactly a successful one from our point of view. Neither Sub inflicted any damage on the enemy TF and when our Bettys made an attack they failed to hit any targets also. In fact a tiny Minesweeper gets most of the attention! Incidentally, it seems that our longstanding minefield around Adak Island has been cleared. [image]local://upfiles/57059/1067A358275E4D6380745752F36A481E.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/18/2017 8:09:35 PM)
Day 45 - May 28 So here's the plot when planning today. The Surface Combat TF will guard the Attu coastline but will be given the freedom to give chase or react up to 120 NM to catch any enemy Transport TF that comes within range. Also, because of the lack of ammunition it will be given permission to withdraw and not take undue risks. The Bettys on Attu will attack any enemy TF they find, and we have several Subs waiting to intervene. [image]local://upfiles/57059/323B33356E3E43C582CDF540937537A1.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/18/2017 8:30:44 PM)
Day 45 - May 28 As expected our Surface Combat TF anticipates the approach of the enemy Transport TF and intercepts 40 NM north of Attu Island. Where are the Allied Capital ships? Again, the naval battle is a one-sided contest since the Allied Escorts are only Destroyers. A long running battle over 40 NM results in APA US.Grant being sunk and several other vessels badly damaged. Amazingly, the second APA J.Franklin Bell escapes unscathed. Eventually our TF loses contact but in pressing further north it appears to miss the enemy TF which despite the damage seems to double back and head for Attu again! [image]local://upfiles/57059/ADF337031AA9494E8C50B58AE5E50C65.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/18/2017 8:42:40 PM)
Day 45 - May 28 As if that's not enough action for the night there's an air attack on Attu too. However, there's no significant damage. At the same time we're dismayed to realise our Surface Combat TF has pursued too far north while the enemy TF has doubled back towards Attu! [image]local://upfiles/57059/EB31978A4CC248368726B84F4673E89D.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/18/2017 9:14:29 PM)
Day 45 - May 28 And the action goes on and on! During the afternoon Sub I-2 encounters DM Sicard and the heavily damaged DMS Perry which is still on fire. Four torpedoes are fired at DM Sicard but miss and in the depth charge counterattack SS I-2 is slightly damaged but can maintain her patrol. Chasing back towards Attu, our Surface Combat TF intercepts the enemy Transport TF now comprising the undamaged APA J.Franklin Bell and 2xDD Escorts. The enemy TF is totally destroyed although both our Destroyers are damaged. [image]local://upfiles/57059/CADC1505BE54490C8FAF76D79CF39629.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/18/2017 9:29:54 PM)
Day 45 - May 28 Later still, our Surface Combat TF meets another small enemy Transport TF near Attu. However, with hardly any ammunition the TF Commander successfully evades combat and heads for Paramushiro-jima. Bettys from Attu then attack the same enemy TF now 40 NM east of Attu Island but score no hits. This has been the busiest day of the operation by far. [image]local://upfiles/57059/48C8CD16087B402890B6BD530280CCDC.jpg[/image]

Bif1961 -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/19/2017 12:50:12 AM)
Looks like the AI leads with it's chin, holding back the capitol ships and sacrificing the amphibious TFs?

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/19/2017 5:17:45 AM)
Hi Bif1961 Yes, I regret to write that the AI seems sadly lacking in tactical planning in this game at least. Perhaps it just rolled some bad dice at the start for a set of global variables? Does this game system use fixsd global variables? Before I pronounce either the tactical AI or this scenario's AI plans as utterly useless, there is one startling possibility to consider. Remember my experience when TF reacted off map? I asked where were the Allied Capital Ships. Let's hope they didn't get deflected off map early on because if so this has not been anything like a realistic or fair contest. I'm so near the end now so I'll finish it anyway but will check the final screen! Even at this late stage if a couple of enemy big ships had been nearby when my TF went north nearly out of ammo and had intercepted then most likely it would have been my Cruisers that were left battered and burning!

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/19/2017 8:54:08 AM)
Day 46 - May 29 After all that activity we need to reorganise. Our Subs have suffered badly although they have provided good intelligence and quite surprisingly all have survived for now at least. Three need to be extricated and decommissioned at Paramushiro-jima. That must be about 6 Subs we've had put out of action so far. We recently received a couple of reserve Subs back at P-jima so they can be sent out as replacements. The Surface Combat TF must retire to replenish leaving the island bases naked for the moment. However, trying to get two jobs done at once we load up the Air HQ at P-jima into 4xAPD for transfer to Attu which will now become our primary airbase with 18xBettys armed with torpedoes. As Escort we provide an additional 2xDD and the excellent CA Tone which deploys 5 aircraft. [image]local://upfiles/57059/B71DA2659C47405399E205580CE0E181.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/19/2017 9:21:30 PM)
Day 46 - May 29 Before it can leave the scene, SS I-5 is again in action when located by DD Farragut and Aylwin, and it suffers further damage and is in a critical state. The previously accompanying xAP Perida is nowhere to be seen. Bettys from Attu then harass these two enemy Destroyers all day without scoring any hits but we do lose 1xBetty to flak and a couple are damaged. Where has xAP Perida disappeared to? [image]local://upfiles/57059/D16D2616AD7246CD81C138F2D0AA4BEF.jpg[/image]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/19/2017 9:38:10 PM)
Day 46 - May 29 The failed Betty attacks are represented here and these resulted in the loss of 1xBetty by flak and two damaged. [image]local://upfiles/57059/0BDE707CF0F84CC5812E8B823A5300FE.jpg[/image]

Bif1961 -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/19/2017 11:24:10 PM)
DDs are hard to hit with bombs but you probably don't have a torpedo capable HQ at Attu.

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/20/2017 6:59:17 AM)
Hi Bif I have now! The Air HQ arrived and unloaded at Attu this next turn. [;)]

Energisteron -> RE: 1000 mile war - liberating the Aleutians (8/20/2017 7:35:02 AM)
Day 47 - May 30 The Fast Transport TF nears Attu with the vital Air HQ aboard. It is expected to arrive and discharge during today. The newly established HQ will facilitate the employment of 18xBettys with torpedoes! The Surface Combat TF (2xCA 2xCL 2xDD) that has done such good service nears P-jima to replenish and repair. One of its DDs won't be going back to sea. A replacement Surface Combat TF is forming ready to take its place. The 3xSS, badly damaged by enemy action and no longer fit for purpose, begin to head west for home and safety. The Supply TF has finally completed unloading after several interruptions due to the proximity of the enemy, and another Freighter is loading up at P-jima ready for the next supply run. All the above takes place without interference from the enemy. However, the AI really steps up its air activity by making four raids, all on Kiska, two at night which have little effect, and two during the day which take significant losses to our CAP. A summary of the action follows:- Night Raids:- 5xLiberators 6k ft : 1x damaged by flak : no hits on target 4xLiberators 6k ft : none damaged : 1x hit on Runway, 1x hit on Airbase Daylight Raids:- 21xMitchells escorted by 12xLightnings 15k ft: CAP 12xZeros and 17xRufes : Destroyed 1xZero, 3xRufes, 4xMitchells: Damaged 4xMitchells : no hits on target 9xLiberators unescorted 17k ft : CAP 4xZeros and 2xRufes : Destroyed 1xLiberator : Damaged 1xLiberator, 1xZero, 1xRufe : no hits on target. [image]local://upfiles/57059/E424C937621B4B1087E39DA9E244D48C.jpg[/image]

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