No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR

No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (Full Version)

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Veer -> No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/18/2005 9:52:47 AM)
Hi! This is a plan for a new AAR between me and sneaky_jap. Scen 17, Ship commitment: 140%. This is my first ever PBEM (I know, the shame!), not to mention I’m playing the Allies for almost the first time as well, so I expect this is going to be a humiliating learning experience. Much of this AAR is going to focus on the allied attempt to recapture as many crates of beer as possible, most of which were lost during the Japanese advance (1600 at Rabaul alone! [:@]). Not to mention Ultra decrypts points to the Japanese utilizing a hitherto unknown technique to convert the beers to sake! Sakrilege! May 1, 1942 Not much happened today. All air forces were stood down and the pilots given pep talks on the merits of not flying 'under the influence'. Major General Allen was ordered to load his division (7th Australian) onto transports at Brisbane. When he inquired as to their destination, I replied “Top Secret!”, but promised plenty of beers once he got there. In truth I don’t know where they’re going either, but will make that decision as things develop. Spruance, commanding a carrier TF, heads off from Noumea to Townsville. Owing to an unfortunate signal delay (too many beers [:o]) no orders reached forces in New Guinea this day. The Japs lead the Allies 3410 beer crates to 2780. That will soon change. [image]http://img289.echo.cx/img289/4823/aar16yy.jpg[/image] Recent Intelligence photo of the Japanese supervising the Beer to Sake conversion process.

Veer -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/18/2005 8:37:28 PM)
May 2, 1942 The PM air forces launched an attack against Lae today. 7 Japanese were rudely woken and promptly died of a heart attack :). A single dauntless, evidently forgetting that the bomb attached to his plane has a release mechanism, crashes into a Japanese gun (the Japs claim this is a loss to flak [8\|]). 28 Nells fly over Wau dropping propaganda leaflets. This much needed supply of toilet paper has greatly improved base morale. 7th division has finished loading onto transports and is on it’s way… I discover a bunch of s-boats wandering aimlessly between Rabual and Buka, and get them some orders to concentrate around Rabaul. Since i'm too weak to contemplate attacking, there isn't really much else I can do.... [>:] [image]http://img269.echo.cx/img269/4209/jia3cartoons3gt.jpg[/image] Japanese propaganda poster

Veer -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/19/2005 2:38:39 AM)
May 3 – 4, 1942 All quiet in the Southwest Pacific. 2 recon planes from the 8th PRS get lost and crash into the Owen Stanley Mountains on their return from Rabaul. A small team has been dispatched to recover the photographs. A ramshackle force of about 3000 Japanese soon-to-be-POWs arrived at the port of Gilli Gilli on the 3rd. I had my adjutant explain that the local golf course was closed, and to return latter. Allied TFs continue to sail the Coral Sea at random. Spruance was discovered heading towards the Solomons, I had him do an about face. Morale for most Air Forces remains poor – I must remember to increase the beer ration as soon as some becomes available. Nothing at all happening in SOPAC. Ghormley catches up on his tan. May 3rd: The Scene at Gilli Gilli [image]http://img274.echo.cx/img274/6895/aar37kn.jpg[/image]

Veer -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/20/2005 6:10:41 AM)
May 5 1942 The Japanese broke down the gate and captured Gilli Gilli yesterday. [:@] In retaliation, sub s-47 put 994 pounds of TNT into a jap troop transport one hex out of Rabaul. The ship will probably survive, but it's a small victory. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/05/42 Sub attack at 21,29 Japanese Ships AP Asakasan Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire [&o] Allied Ships SS S-47 Japanese ground losses: Men lost 33 Guns lost 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP Asakasan Maru going down! [image]http://img264.echo.cx/img264/6065/periscope4fq.jpg[/image]

Veer -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/20/2005 7:23:28 AM)
May 6 1942 The Jap invasion of Gilli Gilli has left me unsure of what to do. I HAD planned to attempt to keep PM rather than evacuate, and the loss of Gilli Gilli will just make that harder. The original plan (which I came up with yesterday) was for one Bde to unload at Gilli, while the rest of the 7th division moved to PM. I have a second smaller TF consisting on one Eng unit and one base force following as well. A quick change of plans has the 7th Division, minus the 18th Bde, move to Gilli Gilli to recapture the base. The 18th Bde will move to PM instead. Spruance, commanding the carrier Lex and Yorktown will move to a position in between PM and Gilli Gilli to provide aircover via LRCAP. Lee, commanding a SC TF will cover the transports. Bombers from Cooktown and PM will support the operation. Nothing of note occurred today. A lone Mavis did spot my carriers though. Crap! [:@] The Plan: [image]http://img273.echo.cx/img273/1508/aar45tf.jpg[/image]

Veer -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/20/2005 10:04:03 AM)
May 7 1942 All TFs in position. TF 1 arrives at Gilli Gilli, accompanied by Lee’s cruisers. They don’t unload though, I had set them to ‘do not retire’, doh![:-] A flight of B-25s from cooktown and some Dauntlesses and Hudsons from PM bomb Gilli Gilli. One hit is reported on the port, which evidently blew up the Japanese commanders latrine. Strangely my ships undergo no air attacks. Rabaul and Lae are closed owing to bad weather. Even stranger a Jap FT TF (some CLs and DDs) has been parked off Lea for 2 turns now. A squad of Zeros has also rebased to Lae. Hmmm…. B-25s over New Guinea [image]http://img277.echo.cx/img277/3030/b250ds.jpg[/image]

Veer -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/20/2005 10:37:16 AM)
May 7th 1942, phase 2 Unloading continues at Gilli. VERY slowly though. By evening only half the ground forces and less than a third of supplies have been unloaded [:@]. B-25s continue to pound Gilli, though strangely by carrier attack craft fail to fly. CV Yorktown is spotted by a Mavis once again (crap!), so I can only spare one fighter group for LRCAP over Gilli. The Japanese seem slow to react at first. It seems the timing was good. A Jap TF consisting of heavy CAs was spotted unloading troops at Lunga. The other smaller TF remains at Lea. Its only in the evening that the japs launch an air assault against my ships in Milne bay. At around 1700 hrs, 24 Nells escorted by 39 Zeros (!!!![X(]!!!!) fly against my exposed ships. I have only 10 F-3s on CAP. 5 are shot down in as many minutes, taking only 1 zero with them. The bombers aren't hindered at all. 2 Dozen begin their attack runs on my ships. I can't watch.... .... .... Turns out it wasn't that bad though. The japs aim for my SC TF instead of the exposed transports. CA Chicago and CL Hobart are hit by one torpedo apiece, but nothing too serious. Both should make a safe port quite easily. In return the bombers are butchered. No sign of jap carriers so far. [image]http://forums.catholic.com/images/smilies/prayer/praying.gif[/image] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/07/42 Weather: Partly Cloudy Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 39 G3M Nell x 24 Allied aircraft F4F-3 Wildcat x 10 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed G3M Nell x 8 destroyed ** 11 lost [8D] G3M Nell x 22 damaged Allied aircraft losses F4F-3 Wildcat x 5 destroyed Allied Ships CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 1, on fire * 22 sys, 12 Flt * CL Hobart, Torpedo hits 1, on fire * 17 sys, 8 Flt *** CA New Orleans CA Astoria CA Minneapolis -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CA Chicago [image]http://img284.echo.cx/img284/6277/ca29chicago9tk.jpg[/image]

Sergeant -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/20/2005 10:46:23 AM)
Enjoying your AAR. Wish I had your expertise in embelishing the AARs with photos & other visual effects. Good job... [:)] Sergeant

Veer -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/20/2005 11:42:17 AM)
May 8, 1942 The First Battle for Gilli Gilli, Day 1 Today sees a bevy of activity and numerous air attacks. Once again my carrier strike aircraft refuse to fly, though I guess my assigning both carrier based fighter squadrons to LRCAP could have something to do with it. A total of 24 Nells, 32 Bettys, escorted by at times upto 33 zeros attack my ships. A Zero squad has been assigned to LRCAP Gilli Gilli as well, chewing up my bomber attacks. And despite my assigning both my F-3 squads to LRCAP Gilli, I still have only 10 fighters on station. They make up for their dismal performances yesterday though. Only 4 Wildcats are lost, with them taking down at least 9 zeros and 3 bombers. 2 Transports and 1 CA are hit, with another 12 bombers being downed by flak. Success in the air is overshadowed by failure at sea though. A small Jap TF (3 CLs, 6 DDs), sails down to contest the landings in BROAD daylight. Lee is unable to achieve anything though. In 3 combat rounds with ranges of 18000, 13000, and 19000 yards the allies are surprised twice, and the crusiers mange to put only ONE 8” shell into the CL Tenryu. A golden opportunity, wasted! [image]http://forums.catholic.com/images/smilies/ani/ani_banghead3.gif[/image] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/08/42 Weather: Clear Air attack on 8th Naval Garrison Unit, at 17,42 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 13 Allied aircraft Hudson x 12 A-24 Dauntless x 12 B-17E Fortress x 12 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero x 3 damaged Allied aircraft losses Hudson x 4 destroyed * 3 lost * Hudson x 1 damaged A-24 Dauntless x 1 destroyed A-24 Dauntless x 1 damaged B-17E Fortress x 1 destroyed * 2 lost * B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged Japanese ground losses: Men lost 50 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 33 G3M Nell x 23 G4M1 Betty x 32 Allied aircraft F4F-3 Wildcat x 10 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero x 9 destroyed * 11 lost * [8D] G3M Nell x 6 destroyed * 9 lost * [8D] G3M Nell x 7 damaged G4M1 Betty x 4 destroyed * 12 lost * [:D] G4M1 Betty x 17 damaged Allied aircraft losses F4F-3 Wildcat x 3 destroyed * 4 lost * F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 damaged Allied Ships AK Rhesus, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage * 88 sys, 49 Flt, going down* :( AK Idomeneus, Torpedo hits 1, on fire * 15 sys, 7 Flt, will survive * CA New Orleans, Torpedo hits 1 * 7 sys, 19 Flt * -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42 PO1 G.Kurihara of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2 Japanese Ships CL Tenryu, Shell hits 1, on fire CL Tatsuta CL Yubari DD Mutsuki, Shell hits 2 DD Yayoi DD Uzuki, Shell hits 1 DD Mochizuki DD Oite, Shell hits 1 DD Asanagi, Shell hits 1 Allied Ships CA New Orleans, Shell hits 2 CA Astoria, Shell hits 1 CA Minneapolis CA Australia, Shell hits 1 DD Walke DD Phelps, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire * 26 sys, 49 Flt* DD Farragut DD Dewey, Shell hits 1, on fire DD Monaghan DD Aylwin, Shell hits 2, on fire -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile, on the ground things went more satisfactorily. While a part of the 25th Bde was still stuck on the transports, the majority of the 7th Division had landed without a hitch. Maj. Gen. Allen ordered BGen. Pots to lead the 21st Bde on an outflanking maneuver, while the 25th Bde kept the Japanese pinned down at the front. Most importantly the key road leading to the Gilli Gilli port had to secured. After some stiff initial fighting, and under the cover of a large bombardment by 25 pd. Howitzers, 21st Bde cleared the road on Japanese troops and moved into position to launch an assault on the port the next day. See map below: Gilli Gilli Ground attack, Day 1 [image]http://img264.echo.cx/img264/9237/gilliday12ro.jpg[/image] On a side note, the IJN captured Lunga today.

Veer -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/20/2005 11:49:54 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Sergeant Enjoying your AAR. Wish I had your expertise in embelishing the AARs with photos & other visual effects. Good job... [:)] Sergeant Thanks. I'm enjoying yours as well. [:)]

Veer -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/21/2005 3:07:42 AM)
May 9, 1942 The First Battle for Gilli Gilli, Day 2 I pulled out all my ships from Gilli Gilli last night. Main reason is because I’m withdrawing my carriers – don’t want to tempt fate any longer. Most of my ground forces have been unloaded, along with a decent amount of supplies, but my transports still retire 1/3rd full. Is it just me, or does loading/unloading take longer in PBEM? I had expected the Japanese TF to withdraw during the night as well, but strangely enough they stayed on station – maybe they are trying to evacuate the garrison? [:-] My carrier strike aircraft don’t fly again, though this could be because they are now out of range. Thunderstorms prevent any other air activity this turn. The Ground offensive is a complete success. Attacking just before mid-day (organizational problems) troops of the 25th and 21st Bdes smashed through the Axis front line. 25th Bde (still missing a portion of it’s command staff) was held up slightly by Japanese forces fighting near the river. 21st Bde broke the enemies flank though and liberated the port of Gilli by mid-afternoon. The Japanese forces broke and fled for the river. Unfortunately my troops were unable to prevent some of them escaping. Maj Gen Allen anticipates complete success by tomorrow - he'd better! In total the 7th division suffered 15 dead and 60 wounded. Japanese casualties amount to 250+, with only nine prisoners being taken. See map below: Gilli Gilli Ground attack, Day 2 [image]http://img262.echo.cx/img262/3433/gilliday25kz.jpg[/image] A Jap TF consisting of heavy CAs was spotted in-between Shortlands and Gilli. Looks like I got my ships away just in time.

Veer -> Victory! (5/21/2005 3:43:03 AM)
May 10, 1942 The First Battle for Gilli Gilli, Day 3 My ships are well on their way home. AK Rheus sinks – the first casualty.[sm=00000023.gif] Thunderstorms cover my retreating ships and once again prevent any air activity this turn. Only mppoing up operations remain at Gilli Gilli. The enemy, estimated at about 2500+, have retreated to the North Beach from where they evidently hope to be rescued. With Gilli Gilli now firmly in allied hands and with the 7th Div HQ now setup, it was hoped that the organizational mistakes of yesterday could be avoided and the entire Japanese force 'put in the bag'. Unfortunately a Jap bombardment TF strolled into Milne Bay and pumped 8” shells into the 21st Bde. 50 Aussies became casualties and 1 gun was lost, not to mention the start of the attack was delayed considerably. The issue was never in any doubt though. A late afternoon assult of the beach overran the enemy postions, resulting in over 1,300+ axis casualties and the capture of 23 guns. A decisive Allied victory! [:)] See map below for the situation just prior to the final attack: Gilli Gilli Ground attack, Day 3 [image]http://img281.echo.cx/img281/5070/gilliday37qv.jpg[/image] On a side note, Kanga force recovered the lost recon photos. Since they were now only a few meters away from Marilinan, I gave them permission to capture the base. [:D]

Veer -> RE: Victory! (5/21/2005 10:36:46 AM)
May 11 1942 The battle is over. Today is all [>:] The Batlle of Gilli Gilli evaluation. Naval: Mised opportunities. 1 AK was lost, 2 others slightly damaged. 1 CA, 1 CL and 3 DDs damaged. Japan: only 1 DD damaged. [:o] Ground: Success! Though a part of the jap garrison did escape. [:@] Air: Decisive Victory! [:)] Allied planes - 40 F3 Wildcats, of which no more than 10 were on station, about 30 medium bombers, 12 Heavy. Loses: 9 wildcats, 3 Hudson’s, 2 B25s & 2 B17s for a total of 16 aircraft lost. Japan: 50 naval bombers and 70 fighters. Loses: 12 Zeros, 12 Bettys and 20 Nells, for a total of 44 aircraft lost. [8D] **** On the whole the battle went well. Especially considering it was thought up at the last minute, and the support forces – aircraft and combat ships – were minimal. Had the IJN carriers or cruisers intervened early in the battle, it could have been a disaster, or at least I would have suffered far worse losses than I did. That said, I was a little premature withdrawing my surface ships on the 8th – had they stuck around till the 9th I’m certain the axis surface ships would have been butchered by Lee and Spurances naval strike planes. However having 3 CAs and 3 transports being torpedoed is enough to give anyone second thoughts on lingering around. Not to mention I had no idea where or how far away the IJN carriers were. Also, the Gilli Gilli operation served (inadvertently) as a cover for my reinforcement of PM. TF 2 and TF 3 unloaded 1 Bde, 1 base force and 1 Eng unit at PM, along with a decent amount of supplies. This in addition to the 1 Bde and 2 Eng units I had flown in. PM now has 130+ engineers. Given that SJ had over 50 bombers and 70+ zeros available to commit, I doubt these TFs would have made it to PM without trouble otherwise. Overall I would say – 3.5 beers out of 5!** [image]http://img273.echo.cx/img273/4003/beer3half0na.jpg[/image]

Veer -> Largs Bay (5/21/2005 11:32:52 AM)
May 12 1942 A Jap sub I-29 puts two fish into the AP Largs Bay just outside PM. So begins her sad sad tale. I begin to move combat planes to PM. May 13 1942 AP Largs Bay, with 30 sys and 40 Flt struggles towards Cairns. Jap CVs are spotted at Kavieng. I send a sub to investigate. May 14 1942 SS-47 mistakes a transport for a carrier and puts a torp into AP Meiten Maru. 9 Japanese jump overboard, only to be eaten by sharks. Revenge of the Sushi: [image]http://img263.echo.cx/img263/2457/jawslunges0xx.jpg[/image] 50 Allied bombers, escorted by 60 Fighters/FBs bomb Lae. I lose 9 aircraft, the Japs lose 4. 38 holes appear on Laes runway. Hmmm…. Largs Bay still afloat, still trying for Cairns. I-28 puts 3(!!) fish into her. A report comes up that she sank. [:(] The Japs capture Buna May 15 1942 Largs Bay Lives!! Now with 60 sys and 50 Flt she could still make Cairns!! A further attack on Lae. By some minor miracle a Rufe manages to down a B26. 68 burrows created in the runway this time. Much better. Jap CVs reappear at Kavieng. Subs dispatched yet again. May 16 1942 Thunderstorms. Bomber attacks on Lae put on hold. Fighter opposition is light, but op losses are crippling. A large supply TF leaves Townsville bound for PM. Best to keep the base well stocked. Largs Bay steams into Cairns harbour. Low in the water, her heroic crew stand on deck, the white ensign with the stars of Australia still flying in the early morning wind. A great crowd has gathered at the wharf, cheering as the ship moves closer. A military band plays ‘Waltzing Matilda’, bring a tear to many an Aussie eye, and the crowd take up the refrain. Now just feet away from the dock, a dock worker throws the Largs Bay a line. A Seaman catches it! A huge cheer rises from the crowd! Babies begin to cry! The band plays louder! A crescendo of emotion! Two huge explosions! The Largs bay heaves up and sinks with all hands, just inches form the dock! Oh! The humanity! Sub I-28 slips away quietly, snickering to itself. Oh! The Humanity! [image]http://img276.echo.cx/img276/3797/largs5kk.jpg[/image]

jeffs -> RE: Largs Bay (5/24/2005 8:24:22 AM)
By far the best graphics and illustrations in an AAR ever. Bravo....

Veer -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/24/2005 11:56:03 AM)
May 17 1942 Funeral marches are held for the crew of the Largs Bay. All over Australia flags fly at half mast. MacArthur demands revenge! It is duly dispatched. May 18 1942 I-28 add insult to injury by putting another torp (how many does that thing have!) into DD Morris of my ASW TF. My Other ASW TF (SCs only) runs out of fuel one hex out of Cairns and decides to return to Townsville! [:@] Morris is hurt bad. About 30 Sys and 50 Flt. Intelligence has uncovered a picture of the commander of I-28. I’ve had it distributed throughout all commands. [image]http://img265.echo.cx/img265/4682/mutley1xy.jpg[/image] Hmmmmm..... May 18 1942 Today is a good day. Reports from an SBD’s flying off the Yorktown claim that I-28 is “::::::::::Hit”. One can hope the sub has either sunk, or is atleast forced to retire because of lack of torpedoes. My carriers are covering a resupply TF to PM Btw. IJN carriers still at Kavieng. 2 Hudsons succeed in dropping two bombs in Rabual harbour, which make a nice satisfying slash and wet the Japanese commanders newly dried laundry. May 19 1942 Maj N. Fleay, commander of Kanga Force, after intensive searching discovers a hidden clue saying “30 Km to the North, do 10 beers lie.” Evidently excited at this news, the entire Kanga force picks up and head to Nadzab, where the 10 beers are duly found, liberated and drunk. [sm=party-smiley-012.gif] [image]http://img272.echo.cx/img272/8301/02a9hz.gif[/image] Kanga Force looking for more clues.

Veer -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/24/2005 12:18:04 PM)
May 20 1942 Heavy Jap FT activity. Numerous TFs arriving and leaving Rabaul. My subs take some shots at a few of them, but all miss. I begin airlifting a brigade to Nadzab. PM now has 3+ Brigades, and another on the way. I receive some reinforcements form Pearl today! The CVE Long Island and 3 DDs. I’m so happy! I stand down my planes from ASW patrol for a bit. Morale is awful. To make up I distribute leaflets among all my ASW surface ships: How to kill a sub in 3 easy steps: [image]http://img285.echo.cx/img285/4602/shipaswillustration3nl.jpg[/image] May 21 1942 All zzzzzzz. [>:] Order a recon of Rabaul. Learn nothing of importance – the base has 24F, 40B and 20Aux. A few MSW and DDs in port. A ML is spotted midway between Rabaul and Gilli. Since I hate MLs, I move my carriers (now free of covering the resupply TF) to a position to attack it the next day. Hehehe IJN Cv’s have vanished from Kaveing… Should I be worried? [:D] May 22 1942 My SBDs once again refuse to fly!!![:@] This despite the ML beging in range and my CVs not spotted! Out of spite I order my carriers into postion to strike at Lea tomorrow. A large Jap convoy spotted in the slot heading towards Lunga. IJN Cv’s reappear W of Buka, one can hope they are otherwise occupied covering the transport TF.

Veer -> Finally some action! (5/24/2005 12:28:36 PM)
May 23 1942 The Japanese have been remarkably quiet after the battle of Gilli. Lots of transport TF moving here and there, but no offensive moves at all. I wonder what he could be waiting for??? [:'(] 1 Bde now at Nadzab, along with 1 Eng unit. No supplies though…. Oops. After almost a month of catching up on their tan, my SBDs finally fly… Lae is flattened, my bombers from PM put up a good show too. Jap resistance is negligible… Is Lae mine for the taking? SBDs sunning themselves prior to the Lae attack [image]http://img283.echo.cx/img283/9175/sbd7xd.jpg[/image] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/23/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weather: Partly Cloudy Air attack on Lae , at 9,33 Japanese aircraft A5M4 Claude x 1 A6M2-N Rufe x 1 Allied aircraft F4F-3 Wildcat x 10 SBD Dauntless x 67 Japanese aircraft losses A5M4 Claude x 1 destroyed Allied aircraft losses SBD Dauntless x 14 damaged *2 lost* Japanese ground losses: Men lost 370 Guns lost 3 Port hits 6 Port fuel hits 2 Port supply hits 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Air attack on Lae , at 9,33 Allied aircraft Hudson x 15 Wirraway x 18 P-400 Airacobra x 15 P-39D Airacobra x 33 P-40E Kittyhawk x 30 F-5A Lightning x 2 A-24 Dauntless x 15 B-26B Marauder x 46 A-20B Havoc x 14 Allied aircraft losses Wirraway x 1 damaged *lost** P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed Japanese ground losses: Men lost 423 Guns lost 1 Airbase hits 8 Airbase supply hits 3 Runway hits 58

toraq -> RE: Finally some action! (5/24/2005 7:46:08 PM)
Nice AAR, quite fun. And good pictures and maps. I like maps [:)]. The only bad thing is that you play as allies[;)]

Veer -> Sub Debacle (5/24/2005 11:43:39 PM)
May 24 1942 Disaster! The Japanese launch a major ASW effort to destroy my subs. SS-41 now rests in pieces just off New Britain. Evidently the entire crew had amassed on deck to take a ‘group photo’ and the bright flash alerted the Japanese to their presence. That photo is now all that is left of Cmdr Holly and his ship. The constant attacks on my subs have necessitated their return to port owing to lack of fuel. I pull my others subs out of the Rabaul area; and move them to Shortlands and Lae. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/24/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weather: Clear Sub attack at 21,30 Japanese Ships DD Yugure DD Shigure Allied Ships SS S-41, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage *sunk* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SS-41, the final minutes: [image]http://img221.echo.cx/img221/6856/s42ss1533bn.jpg[/image] All group photos have been banned pending further notice.[:-] May 25 1942 As retaliation for yesterday’s debacle, SS-47 puts a trop into the AP Akashisan Maru. Small change, but worth it. No other action in the rest of the South Pacific. [>:] May 26 1942 Bombing of Lae recommences. Close to 200 Fighters and Bombers darken the sky over New Guinea. 460 Jap troops which came out to watch are summarily blown to smithereens. I lose 6 planes though, all op losses. Grrrrr.[sm=00000003.gif] 3rd Australian Division arrives at Brisbane and is promptly loaded onto transports. Since I suspect Gilli Gilli has been mined, I dispatch a MSW TF to make a quick recon of the approaches.

Veer -> RE: Sub Debacle (5/26/2005 11:11:49 AM)
May 27 1942 Thanks to Ultra intercepts, a secret Japanese transmission is decrypted today. It promises starvation to my troops on New Guinea. Little do the Japanese know that my Australians are already surviving quite well on a diet of grass and malted barley. Though in order to keep spirts up, a large Supply TF is readied at Townsville. My carriers will sortie to cover his convoy. The PM Garrison. [image]http://img266.echo.cx/img266/812/aussies9jr.jpg[/image] May 28 1942 The Japanese capture Tulagi today. No other action, but lots of sightings. Recon indicates a FT TF is on the way to Lae, my Bombers are placed on Naval strike. Is it dropping off or picking up troops? Either way, I order my forces at Nadzab (now 2 Bdes + 2 Eng units) to march on Lae pronto! A large number of transports and TFs at Rabaul. Hmmmm…. Time may be right for sneak attack. May 29 1942 Mysteriously a small enemy HQ unit has appeared at Lae. At least this answers the question of whether he is pull out or digging in. But why a HQ unit I wonder??? My attack with heavies on Rabaul accomplishes nothing, unless one counts running up the commandants laundry bill as something. [:'(] On the good news, my supply TF leaves Townsville, and 500 more Japanese are eliminated at Lae. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/29/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weather: Partly Cloudy Air attack on Rabaul , at 21,28 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 12 Allied aircraft F-5A Lightning x 4 B-17E Fortress x 21 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged Allied aircraft losses B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged * 2 lost* Japanese ground losses: Men lost 4 Port hits 6 *nice splash damage Port supply hits 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Air attack on Lae , at 9,33 Japanese aircraft A5M4 Claude x 1 Allied aircraft Hudson x 15 P-40E Kittyhawk x 30 B-25D Mitchell x 15 B-26B Marauder x 45 A-20B Havoc x 16 no losses Japanese ground losses: Men lost 577 Guns lost 1 Airbase hits 14 Airbase supply hits 1 Runway hits 60 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 30 1942** Another quiet day. This truly is the calm before the storm. For some reason my bombers don’t fly. I withdraw my Heavies to Cooktown. They suck up too much supply at PM. Recon shows a new infantry unit at Lae. And this one has Guns![X(] Probably a small naval gsn unit, but still I must admit I am a little worried. Latest pitcures of Jap troops at Lae: [image]http://img267.echo.cx/img267/3879/japlae8rd.jpg[/image] For some strange reason SJ has zeros flying LRCAP over PM – no more than 2 of them. Where are they flying from, and why aren’t they suffering any op losses??? Mine are crippling. I detach my carriers from covering the supply convoy and order Spurance to move to a position from which they will be able to strike at Lae.

Veer -> What a way to end the month (5/26/2005 9:11:14 PM)
May 31 1942 The month ends with a bang! IJN subs once again rear there ugly heads and this time the allies are forced to wake up and take notice. First the Good news: The pounding of Lae continues. For the first time in weeks the allies suffer no ops losses, and no damage to flak. Evidently enraged, the Japanese commandant at Lae summarily executes 300 of his own men as a result! [:'(] A Japanese naval gsn force captures Woodlark Island. Am considering a small raiding operation to do some harm… Now the bad news: As mentioned before, Spurance, with the Carriers Lex, Yorktown, 2 CA’s and 6 DD’s was moving into position north-east of PM to launch an attack on Lae. Turns out the approaches to PM are swarming with IJN submarines. All aircraft are on ASW patrol, but no attacks ensue. No untoward incident occurs until nightfall though, and then the **** hits the fan…. At 2130 May 31 1942 the two crack carriers CV-2 Lexington, and CV-5 Yorktown, were steaming proudly in formation, readying to launch air strikes against Lae the following morning. The duo formed a line, with Lexington in the lead and the Yorktown bringing up the rear. Little did the allied crew members of the task force know that they were heading right into a Japanese ambush. It was nearly a perfect setup. At a range of 1,200 yards I-22 unleashed a salvo of three torpedoes at the Yorktown’s starboard side. Just seconds before, the submarine had been detected by the Yorktown’s alert watch. The news was barked up to Captain Buckmaster immediately. "Contact! 30 degrees starboard!" The dreaded shout was followed by a worse one: "Torpedo wakes, 30 degrees starboard!" from the lookouts, and "Torpedo noise, starboard bow, approaching!" from the sound-men below decks as well. The time was half-a minute past 2208. There was little Buckmaster could do. Desperately the Yorktown revved to full speed and attempted a maximum starboard turn in an attempt to comb the wake. The Captain and lookouts watched with bated breath as the wakes bubbled toward them. Fortunately, two passed ahead; but the third! The bow had just begun to turn when the third and last torpedo caught the Yorktown square off the central part of the island. The bridge staff felt the explosion as the warhead detonated literally a few meters under them with a thunderous crash. Immediately, Yorktown began to tremble and lose way. The torpedo had hit square in the Control Center under the flight deck, at a spot just forward of No. 1 boiler room, flooding the Control room, No. 1 boiler room, and the forward generator room. It also damaged the bulkhead separating No. 1 from No. 2 boiler room on the port side, allowing it to flood as well, and ignited a fire in the No. 2 crew's space forward. The mighty ship refused to give in though… speed was reduced to maximum of 20 knots, and the buckling of the elevators shafts made the launching of aircraft impossible. Early damage reports pointed to 25% of all systems inoperable and 40% of all lower compartments flooded. Spurance ordered Yorktown to make for the nearest port. Lady Lex will continue on her own. Meanwhile, revenge…. I-22s periscope was spotted, evidently readying for another attack. It was not to be. DDs Hammann & Russell pursued her relentlessly. After nearly an hour of cat and mouse, the sonar crews gain firm contact. Dozens of depth charge salvos are released. At about 2320 a sonar man onboard the Russell reports hearing a faint ‘Banzai!’, like an echo from the deep, then, nothing…. I-22 is no more. All that remains are bits of wreckage and hopefully a few bloated carcasses to be fed on by the sea gulls come the morrow. [:@] The torpedoing of the Yorktown [image]http://img165.echo.cx/img165/760/cvtorp0qt.jpg[/image] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 05/31/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weather: Partly Cloudy Sub attack at 9,42 Japanese Ships SS I-22, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage *sunk* Allied Ships CV Yorktown, Torpedo hits 1 **25 sys, 39 Flt** [sm=00000018.gif] DD Hammann DD Russell --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TAIL GUNNER -> RE: What a way to end the month (5/26/2005 10:08:50 PM)
Wow you're pretty brave with your carriers so early into the scenario! But sadly, I forsee sneaky_jap pounding Lex with Zuikaku, Shokaku, and Shoho very soon..... Great AAR though! The most entertaining one I've ever read! Chad

Veer -> Month End Report (5/27/2005 12:53:24 AM)
May 31, 1942 Month End Report: Dear Nimitiz, Hi! I trust Hawaii is keeping you well. The weather is great here in the South Pacific – thunderstorms every other day, constant rain, mosquitoes, malaria, the works! You should come visit sometime. The month of May was a mixed bag. An early Jap invasion of Gilli was thwarted, but events since then have gone sour. Operation ‘Lightfoot’- the plan to retake New Guinea is proceeding slowly. Lt. Colonel Gilmore and elements of 3 Bdes have secured Nadzab and are marching on Lae as we speak. Lae itself is little more than a blackened hole in the ground, but some resistence is expected. Engineers have finished securing a locked gate at PM – Chief engineer Bryan assures me this equates to a Level 3 defense as per the 1833 Naval Regulations, Section IV, Article 3.2. PM is now adequately garrisoned by the 7th Australian Div, with elements of the 3rd Australian on the way. The Japanese have made disturbing progress in the Solomons. Unfortunately I am unable to counter them with anything since I have no troops in area, and even if I did have troops, I would still have no ships to transport them with – hint, hint. Intelligence reports the Japanese land and naval forces will increase significantly during June, and we can expect some real offensive action by the middle of the month. Truth be told, the Japanese have been less aggressive than anticipated so far, though this bodes ill for our future operations. Unfortunately the Japanese sub menace has increased day by day, and my ASW assets are woefully inadequate for the task. I know we’re getting our asses kicked in the Battle of the Atlantic, but do you think Marshall could spare me a few corvettes? That said, I am recommending Captain J.W. Davis of Sub SS-47 for a decoration. His ship has single-handedly taken the fight back to the enemy, torpedoing 3 Japanese transports this month alone. With much longing, Veer ________________________________________________________ End of Message End of May 1942 stats: Bases controlled Jap Allied Start 15 15 May 31 16 (+1) 18 (+3) Aircraft Losses YTD: Jap – 72 – 33 Bombers, 33 Fighters, 6 Misc Allied – 84 – 19 Bombers, 8 Dive Bombers, 28 Fighters/FBs, 29 Misc Ships confirmed sunk: Jap – 1 SS Allied – 1 AP, 1 AK, 1 SS Army Loss points: Allied : 10 Japan : 38 Allied LBA in theatre: 453 (+214) At start: 239 Overall Score: Japan \| Allied 4277 \| 3066 Change: +581 [:(] The Plan for June: [image]http://img282.echo.cx/img282/737/may315ek.jpg[/image]

Veer -> The war is lost (5/27/2005 4:07:12 AM)
June 1 1942 The War is lost. CV Yorktown was struck again by torpedoes early this morning, and sank. 77 aircraft and crew go down with her to meet Davie Jones. That is all. *** The last voyage of the Yorktown: [image]http://img68.echo.cx/img68/1944/yorktown5wc.jpg[/image] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/01/42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weather: Partly Cloudy Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40 Japanese Ships SS I-24 Allied Ships CV Yorktown, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage sunk** [:(] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everybody together now: [image]http://img68.echo.cx/img68/9931/darth4gr.jpg[/image] NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Veer -> More bad news (5/27/2005 4:38:44 AM)
June 02, 1942 More bad news – In anger due to the sinking of the Yorktown, I order a MASSIVE strike on Lae. Over 550 Japanese are slaughtered and the airfield now has so many overlapping craters it resembles one giant smooth bowl. OTOH, with my ordering of the strike, I neglect to assign sufficient cap over PM, and 40+ IJN bombers fly in to ruin my day. Someone talked, that’s the only explanation… -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/02/42 Weather: Clear Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 27 G3M Nell x 15 G4M1 Betty x 21 Allied aircraft P-40E Kittyhawk x 10 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed Allied aircraft losses P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 damaged Allied Ships PG Warrego SC 518, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *sunk* AP Ormiston, Torpedo hits 1, on fire AK Asphalion AK Adelong, Torpedo hits 1, on fire AK Neleus PG Swan, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage AP Orungal, Torpedo hits 1, on fire AK Lycaon, Torpedo hits 1, on fire MSW Whyalla -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40 Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 25 G3M Nell x 14 G4M1 Betty x 19 Allied aircraft P-40E Kittyhawk x 18 Japanese aircraft losses G3M Nell x 2 destroyed G3M Nell x 2 damaged G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed G4M1 Betty x 5 damaged Allied aircraft losses P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed P-40E Kittyhawk x 2 damaged FLT W.Middelton of No. 75 Sqn RAAF is credited with kill number 2 Allied Ships SC 517, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage *sunk* AK Barwon, Torpedo hits 1, on fire PG Swan, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage *sunk* AK Adelong, on fire AP Wanganella -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actually it’s not that bad, my supply ships are damaged, but none really in danger of sinking. My escorts do something useful for a change and act like targets. The Japs lose 7 planes, I lose 3. More bad news for Operation Littlefoot. 7th Aus Bde. marches half way to Lae, and then inexplicably returns to Nadzab Evidently Brig. Gen. Field forgot his marching shoes. And Kanga force, which I dispatched a day early to act a recon, has actually fallen behind my Eng units. Guess this is going to be a three echelon attack. [:o] June 03, 1942 Jap subs attack again, AK Murada (a non damaged ship) bites three fish from I-31 and sinks like a stone. At least no need to look for any survivors. For my part SS-37 takes a shot at CL Yubari but misses. sigh [:-] SJ finally wises up and assigns LRCAP over Nadzab, intercepting my transports. Too Late!!! Most of the ground forces have already landed! I hope you feel guilty: [image]http://img271.echo.cx/img271/2918/someone5kb.jpg[/image]

Veer -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/28/2005 3:36:19 AM)
June 04 1942 Despite the losses of the previous turns another Sydney Express TF makes it to PM. PM now has 50K+ supplies and 4 ¾ Bdes. Why ¾ do you ask? It seems a bit of the 7th Bde decided to stay in PM instead of boarding transports to Nadzab. Something about their 25 Pdrs not fitting through the doors. I would have a word with General Field about this, but he and I are not on talking terms. I assign some of my aircraft on naval strike, hoping to hit some of the FT TFs I keep spotting off the coast of New Britain. 12 B-17 and 6 Hudsons decide to attack Rabaul instead, putting a 500 lb bomb in the AP Tokai Maru. [:)] Pounding of Lae continues unabated. June 05 1942 My submarines attempt to take one back for democracy. DD Ariake bites two fish from SS-37 and Captain Reynolds reports she has sunk! While this hasn’t been confirmed, we have received credible reports that Captain Yoshida has committed Seppuku, and if the Ariake hasn’t sunk, atleast she is leaderless. The leaderless Ariake. [image]http://img287.echo.cx/img287/9504/ariake1qv.jpg[/image] P.S: On running the replay again, I am unable to confirm the torpedoing of the Ariake – this may be a replay bug, or Captain Reynolds having delusions of grandeur.

Veer -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/28/2005 5:25:07 AM)
June 06 1942 Evidently sensing that I thought yesterdays ‘kill’ was dubious; SS-37 struck another blow for democracy. This time the DD Shigure bites three fish and slips below the waves. Captain Reynolds was kind enough to provide photographic evidence: Going Down: [image]http://img190.echo.cx/img190/2474/shipsunk0cg.jpg[/image] After checking with the subs cook that no hallucinogens were found in the Captains food, my Intelligence staff agreed on this kill. Strike one for the good guys! Now if I can just sink another 40 or so DDs, I may be able to avenge the loss of the Yorktown, maybe….[8D] Meanwhile, SS Grenadier unloaded 20 mines into Rabual port last night. Since the port commandant wasn’t awake at time, no notice was given to the Japanese on the arrival of this cargo. I feel they will find out about it soon enough anyway…. [:'(] 1st Echelon reaches Lae today. A preliminary recon discovers some interesting facts – [image]http://img276.echo.cx/img276/9218/lae10gg.jpg[/image] Once the 2nd and 3rd Echelons arrive ('bout a week) I may be able to take it!!! [X(] More significant is the presence of the 11th Air HQ and 4th Base Force, this shows SJ had planned to use Lae as a major staging area for his assault on PM... maybe if I had started my aerial assault a few days latter I could have trapped some air units here as well. Oh well...

Veer -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/28/2005 11:07:38 AM)
June 07 1942 It seems I’m running out of Japanese to kill to Lae. My recent attack runs have yielded only 100-150 japs killed, compared to 300-500 just a few days ago. Or maybe SJ’s troops are now learning not to stand around gawking when my planes fly over. [:D] Still no luck with any naval strikes… June 08 1942 Battle of Lae begins in earnest today. 4000 tired and hungry Aussies vs 10,000 shell shocked Japs. Should be about even… June 09 1942 Woohooo! My subs kick ass today. Nimitz will be pleased. SS S-39 puts a trop in CL Yubari, evidently leading an FT TF, while SS S-40 puts two torps in troop transport Hakozaki Maru. 77 Japanese run for the lifeboats, only to find out that there are none…. Another Jap Naval Gsn unit makes an appearance at Lae – the 85th. Makes no difference. Odds now 6000 Aussies to 9000 Japs. My plan is not really to take Lae, but if I can get him to commit enough IJN brigades there, it may delay an invasion of PM. CL Yubari, looking a little low in the water: [image]http://img269.echo.cx/img269/1848/yubari7zo.jpg[/image]

Veer -> RE: No Fear, a Scen 17 AAR (5/29/2005 3:48:15 AM)
June 10-11 1942, the Battle for Lae: With the 2nd Echelon only 2 days out, Lt Gen. Gilmour decides to launch a preliminary assault on Lae. 14th Bde is drawn up on the outskirts, along Boundary Road. On the left flank is the redoubtable Kanga Force under Major Fleay, and the right flank is secured by various Eng units. The plan calls for an assault on the Golf course, were an estimated 3000 Japanese have congregated (how things don’t change!), with Kanga Fr liberating the School district on the left. Following which, both forces will advance to secure the main cross-roads leading into the town. The battle goes pretty much according to plan. Around 300 Japnese are killed for 30 killed and 40 wounded on the allied side. Complete success in the School district is thwarted however when the crack Maizuru SNLF Bn (the only worthwhile Japanese unit in Lae) launches a counterattack. A Map of the assault is shown below: [image]http://img263.echo.cx/img263/6663/laeattack14bm.th.jpg[/image] Click here (image 150K) How to you link thumbnails in the board??? [&:] On other news, Tokai Maru hit a mine in Rabaul yesterday! While this ship had already been damaged before, it’s a small pleasure. [:)] My subs continue their redemption. SS-39 torpedoes the AP Teia Maru off New Britain, though it’s only a supply transport (no troops killed), while the Hakozaki Maru (torpedoed yesterday) sinks 200 miles out of Lae. An FT TF enroute to Lae evades attacks by two subs though. Recon spots a Jap transport TF just off Lae – looks like 2 + APs, and a few escorts. All planes at PM (over 100 bombers) are placed on naval attack. This should be an easy kill…. [8D] A Mavis spots an AV in the Coral Sea and reports it as a CV. I have no CV’s at sea at the moment. [:D] Lady Lex is hiding at Townsville, and Enterprise and Hornet are one day out of Noumea.

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