RE: Calm after the Storm

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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> War In The Pacific - Struggle Against Japan 1941 - 1945 >> After Action Reports >> RE: Calm after the Storm

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RE: Calm after the Storm - 10/11/2008 4:12:32 AM

Alfred

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quote:

ORIGINAL: cantona2

BTW ive not tampered with the air groups on the carriers. each has one Wildcat, two Dauntless and one Devastator Squadron aboard.

Good to see!

BTW, in this mod/map is Nanomea an Allied or Japanese beach? If Allied, then no harm caused as no advance intel is provided to the enemy - but if it was a Japanese beach....Combined with the subs lurking around Tarawa sinking barges, you are telegraphing your punch and not really attempting to capture Tarawa by coup de main.

Thus your opponent may have moved his KB north from PM in order to rush them to the Gilberts, defeat your move there which he will anticipate will entail use of USN CV and then redeploy his CV at his leisure back onto his next offensive target.

Although you are moving a bit too slowly for my liking, and making too much noise in the operation, nevertheless Operation Morsel is still of value if you can capture Tarawa before the IJN navy arrives. What is of great concern is where is the LBA? Can it be flown into Tarawa from Allied bases or does it have to be shipped in, in which case I find your silence on the supporting logistics train to be discomforting.

Alfred

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Post #: 211

RE: Calm after the Storm - 10/11/2008 10:19:05 AM

cantona2

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Alfred

His carriers are at Ambonia awaiting an attack on his retreating units from PM from the West, ie Darwin. I have LBA at Canton Island ready to be flown in and two transports full of fighters will follow in the same TF as the 15th USAAF Base Force. Our AF stacking rukes prevent any over stacking so i cannot immediately fly in a ton of LBA.

As to Nanumea, it started as an Allied Beach was quickly captured by the Japs. The atoll to the North, Amebemam (sp?) started as Allied and remained allied! So has Makin which i intend to use to my advantage and drop in the para battalion as an intial garrison and supply via submarine.

He is convinved im using my carriers from Darwin and he spotted a decoy force of old Dutch DD's and CL's that sortied from Darwin. His email said he hoped that id use my carriers tomorrow!!! Luckily the 8 betties that flew over all missed!!!

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Post #: 212

RE: Calm after the Storm - 10/11/2008 10:48:16 AM

cantona2

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As a postscript to the above post:

There are two seperate supply convoys that will immediately sail into Tarawa the moment it falls. One 10,000 supply convoy is already at Baker awaiting orders another fuel tanker convoy is midocean between Canton Island and Tarawa. Its cargo in intended ultimately for Tarawa but will be used as an emergency replenishment convoy sould it be needed.

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Post #: 213

RE: Calm after the Storm - 10/11/2008 10:38:22 PM

cantona2

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Streams of Japanese ships are heading NW through the Arafura Sea and the Wolf Pack follows. Three subs fired and missed torpedoes but the SS Grayling engaged a lone transport on the surface raking its troop laden decks with its machine and deck guns.

Intense dogfights over Burma have reignited the struggle here after a quiet month. Oscars and Hurricanes once again danced in the skies with equal numbers falling from the skies.

Emily floatplanes have for the third day reconoitered Koumac. A squadron of Kittyhawks based at La Foa will fly combat patrol over Koumac to try and intercept the intruder, but could this be prepping for Herbs next move south?

Dorniers from Darwin spotted Japanese ships heading SW towards Darwin, are they chasing the cruisers that sortied yesterday? or are they looking for carriers that are nowhere near? All aircraft have been put on naval search and attack missions while several ships have been moved to Wydnham should these be Jap carriers on the prowl.

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Post #: 214

RE: Calm after the Storm - 10/14/2008 4:36:56 PM

cantona2

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Japanese forces continue to leave the Arafura Sea. A Dutch submarine hit a transport with two fish and the transport was forced to ditch its cargo on Kai Island. These troops stormed the undefended island, it turned out the the ship was carrying a regiment of the 48th Division, and will now provide the B-17's at Darwin with target practice.

Herb is still pointing south, according to the email exchanges we have. I have let it 'slip' that my carriers are hugging the Coral Sea and recon has detected a reinforcing of the air complement at Lunga and increased flights o Emily's across the Coral Sea. All this is in aid of creating a smoke screen for Operation Morsel. The 25th Infantry Division is one day out of Canton Island and once its transports and escorts refuel then the invasion force will sail West and Tarawa.

As the weather has abated over Burma the air war has continued. Units still moving west from Myitkyina have once again been pounded by the RAF while a combined RAF and USAAF strike flattened Magwe airfield. Nearly 50 Oscars were flying CAP over the field but the combined firepower of the bomber box resulted in only one air-air kill. Unfortuately for the Japs a substantial tonnage of bombs were dropped on the Magwe installations leaving many buildings burning, fuel depots ablaze and the runway pocked-marked with bomb scars.
Post raid photographs revealed at least the remains of 18 destroyed fighter aircraft. Not a bad days work for one air-air kill and one Blenheim that crashed on landing.

Day Air attack on Magwe , at 31,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 46

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 27
Wellington III x 12
B-17D Fortress x 12
B-17E Fortress x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 8 destroyed, 28 damaged (16 confirmed destroyed on ground)

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 14 damaged
Wellington III: 9 damaged
B-17D Fortress: 8 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 24 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 37

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 10/14/2008 4:37:26 PM >

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Post #: 215

RE: Calm after the Storm - 10/16/2008 7:47:18 PM

cantona2

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The build up for Morsel has been completed. The last transport convoy carrying the 25th Infantry has just left Canton Island and will rendevous with the other elements of the invasion flett off Gardenr Island. The screenie below shows the intended route of approach. A secondary surface combat unit is standing by at Baker Island should it be needed. The Intelligence Services are still hard work convincing the Japanses that the bulk of US Carrier might is still concentrated in the coast off Australia. His carriers are either at Ambonia or Palau, where subs keep reporting contacts with carrier borne aircraft. The next 5 days will see the start of the first allied offensive of the war. It maybe audacious but i do feel that the time is right now before Herb redeploys the Divisions he used at Port Moresby and in Burma.

The air war also intensified over Burma and China. The 2nd AVG and the 21st Fighter flying the Warhawk have been able to successfully interdict Jap bombers on two day, forcing Herb to station fighters on escort duty. The IJAAF and IJNAF got revenge over Magwe when they downed 18 P-40's of the 1st AVG the day after the major bombing raid on that base. PG's based at Chittagong were able to disrupt barges resupplying Akyab and sunk one, using the bad weather to steal away during the day. Upgraded RAF units have also began to make their weight felt. Wellingtons and Beauforts have begun to hit Japanese positions in Burma while the last units retreating North in good order have begun to arrive in India to be rebuilt into cohesive units. Last turn a large batch on support units arrived as reinforcements. The 101st Aviation Regiment is moving to Northern Australia from Aden while two See Bee units in San Francisco will be moving into the Luganville area to build up the bases there.

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The Next Phase - 10/18/2008 11:58:53 AM

cantona2

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As Japanese operations seemed to have curtailed for the time being I have decided to begin a war of attrition over the skies of Burma after facing a massive sweep of 70 Oscars that cost me 15 Hurricanes. There is a decent sized bomber force in Burma and as such Operation Celt has been authorised. A protracted bombing campaign against the main Japanese airfeilds in Burma. The aims: force the Japanese to use their fighters to fly CAP rather than sweeps, make the Japanese base their aircraft further south thus elevating the number of planes they lose to ops losses as they fly longer ranges.

The first raid of the day was carried out by the Blenheim's of No 34 and No 84 Squadrons based out of Asanol. They flew the longest range mission and thus suffered the highest rate of loss through operational accidents and one loss to enemy fighters. They hit the air installations at Magwe.

The second raid was carried out by Blenheims of No 113 Squadron escorted by Hurricanes of 232 Sqaudron flying out of Dimapur. 12 Ki-43's were reported flying over the target, Mandalay. The escorting Hurricanes successfully engaged and accounted for 3 Oscars damaging several others. This was not without cost as 2 Hurricanes were shot down while another 2 crashed on landing due to damage received during the fight.

The largest raid of the day was also on Mandalay and it was a combined RAF and USAAF effort. With the arrival of the US 10th AF HQ in India, American units are cooperating more effectively with their British counterparts. Wellingtons of No 215 Sqaudron and Blenheims of No 45 Sqaudron joined the B-17's of the 30th, 62nd and 93rd Bomber Sqaudrons to deliver a heavy blow on the airfields around Mandalay despite the presence of defending fighters. The bombers were based in the Dacca area, where a very extensive network of aerodromes has been developed. The Hudson's of the 1st RAAF Squadron out of Ledo also particiapted in the raid.

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 10/18/2008 5:01:03 PM >

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RE: The Next Phase - 10/18/2008 12:10:03 PM

cantona2

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As the skies over Burma were filling up with bombers, the units of Operation Morsel were approaching the last waypoint before initiating the landings on Tarawa. The weather was helping conceal the task forces that were now 350 miles away from their target. Two events punctuated this day however.

First of all was the welcome piece of news from SIGINT in Hawaii. The South Seas Detachment of the Japanese Navy was accurately identified at Buna, New Guinea. Allied planners had feared the presence of this elite unit on Tarawa. A sense of optimism now flew through the Allied High Command. Most of the premier fighting units of the Japanese Armed Forces had been identified in the Port Moresby operation but the SSD was conspicuous by its absence, by finding its location Commander Rochefort had provided a gem of intel!

The second event was the detatching of part of the ASW escort for Morsel that then headed to the atoll at Nanumea were a Japanese submarine had been seen loitering around for a few days. A supply convoy for the 11th Engineers was a day out and the Japanese navy would probably want to interdict it with their subs. Unfortunately for them the shallow waters of the atoll are not an ideal hiding place for any submarine. As such the detatched destroyers made swift work of hunting and killing the sub before departing Northwards to rejoin the main body.

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RE: The Next Phase - 10/18/2008 12:22:37 PM

cantona2

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Apologies for typo on screenie

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Post #: 219

RE: The Next Phase - 10/20/2008 5:40:25 PM

cantona2

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The task forces in Operation Morsel were discovered the day before yesterday just as they arrived at their final waypoint before initiating the attack on Tarawa. Japanses search planes of the H8K type were fought off by Seagull floatplanes flying CAP over Task Force 1028 as it moved to Abemama Atoll. TF 1028's mission is to intercept any incoming Japanese fleet that approaches from the West. Thus is position. A fast battleship and several cruisers and destroyers will intercept at high speed should the need arise.

General Overview

As to the main operation, the weather was on our side as the Jap airfields and Kwajelein and Majuro were socked in with heavy thunderstorms and the outlook is for more of the same. The opening rounds were literally delivered by the guns of TF 1064 that pounded the installations at Tarawa as dawn broke and then again in the afternoon.

-----------------
Naval bombardment of Tarawa, at 84,95

Allied Ships
DD Kane
DD Hatfield
DD Talbot
CA New Orleans
BB California
BB West Virginia
BB Colorado

Japanese ground losses:
318 casualties reported

Port hits 7
Port supply hits 6
-----------------
Naval bombardment of Tarawa, at 84,95

Allied Ships
DD Kane
DD Hatfield
DD Talbot
CA New Orleans
BB California
BB West Virginia
BB Colorado

Japanese ground losses:
268 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

As the day progressed the troop carrying transports began to approach the atoll under the cover of a fighter umbrella provided by VMF-221 flying off the decks of the Lexington, the original fighter compliment of the Lexington is upgrading from Buffs to F-4F's in PH. VMF-221 will stay on Tarawa after Morsel and then the Lady will pick up her fighters on her return to PH. The transports are scheduled to hit the beaches at first light tomorrow.

At around midday the main strike hit various Japanese positions on Tarawa. VB-2 and VT-2 from the Lexington, joined VB-6 from Enterprise and VB-3 from Saratoga as well as a couple of SOC-3 Seagulls. They met no opposition in the air and despite some flak from the ground were able to deliver a substantial payload to several targets on the atoll. A second strike is intended tomorrow to coincide with the main landings. Each carrier has one of its remaining sqaudrons on ASW patrols and on naval attack orders. If the IJN decides to turn up the carriers can wheel south-west and attack from that direction should the threat come from the West.

Day Air attack on Maizuru 2nd SNLF, at 84,95

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD-3 Dauntless x 35
TBD Devastator x 17
SOC-3 Seagull x 2

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
154 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
17 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
17 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SOC-3 Seagull bombing at 2000 feet

The Maizuru 2nd SNLF has been identifed as a result of this attack. TF 1064 has been ordered back to Canton Island at full speed, its ammunition spent. From what can be obsereved the main initial threat will come from submarines and any minefields in the waters around Tarawa. If the bad weather can continue for a few more days i may be able to pull it off.

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RE: The Next Phase - 10/20/2008 5:42:05 PM

cantona2

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Yet again (ffs

) apologies to readaars for typo on screenie. Meant to be West and North West not East and North East.

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RE: The Next Phase - 10/21/2008 12:01:19 PM

cantona2

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At work so cant run turn but as Herb also sends the CR, here is the gratifying news:

Ground combat at Tarawa

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 8047 troops, 97 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 509

Defending force 9055 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 128

Allied max assault: 438 - adjusted assault: 106

Japanese max defense: 88 - adjusted defense: 43

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Tarawa base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
540 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
430 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 1

The race is now on to fortify and supply Tarawa before he gets his forces in order. More detailed post when i get home and run the turn.

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RE: The Next Phase - 10/21/2008 12:04:49 PM

Alfred

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Great news on Tarawa. I thought however, part of the plan was to capture an adjacent base to use it as a trap, using Tarawa based bombers to sink the returning IJN.

Alfred

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RE: The Next Phase - 10/21/2008 12:06:23 PM

cantona2

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Thats phase two. Makin is unoccupied and a para bn is on its way. Mili is also a target. Immediate concern is to dump two SeeBee units and about 20,000 supply on Tarawa ansd build, build build!

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 10/21/2008 12:09:03 PM >

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Post #: 224

Operation Morsel - 10/21/2008 5:18:53 PM

cantona2

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Well it seems that Morsel was pulled off with no major hiccup, yet!! The weather has been on our side as for two days Japanese fields have been socked in keeping Miss Betty at home. The forecast is now turning to Overcast and it is quite probable that the carrier fighter pilots will begin to start earning their keep over the next few days as further landings are covered.

The day began with 3 different landings on the atoll. The 25th Infantry Division took the centre of the atoll while the 8th New Zealand Brigade formed the left flank. On the right the 24th RCT formed the last prong of the trident. As the transports approached, however, an enemy submarine was spotted snooping the approaches. A 4 strong destroyer ASW force was dispatched and successfully hunted and killed the Japanese submarine. An easy kill in the shallow waters!

ASW attack near Tarawa at 84,95

Japanese Ships
SS I-5, hits 13, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Ward
DD Schley
DD Chew
DD Litchfield

The troop transports began to unload troops without further ado. Well, apart from the exploding shells and machine gun fire the Japs provided as welcoming fireworks! By midday substantial elements of all three units were ashore and consolidating beach heads. The transport carrying the 762nd Light Armoured was finding it diffcult, however, to find a suitable landing place for its tanks. Yet the armoured support was not really required. As once the attack went in the Japanese soldiers were quickly pushed back into several small pockets on the different atolls that make Tarawa. As more troops landed it was clear that the Japanese had lost Tarawa and the coup de main had been successful. The nail biting would begin now as the Japanese retaliated. If the weather clears Jap bombers will no doubt strike. Its a race now, build up vs counter attack!

Ground combat at Tarawa

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 8047 troops, 97 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 509

Defending force 9055 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 128

Allied max assault: 438 - adjusted assault: 106

Japanese max defense: 88 - adjusted defense: 43

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Tarawa base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
540 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
430 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 1

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 10/21/2008 5:19:34 PM >

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RE: Operation Morsel - 10/21/2008 5:49:34 PM

cantona2

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The second phase of operations will now begin. First of all supply laden convoy is making its way from Baker Island while Base Support Units are steaming in from Canton Island. A second base force unit is making its way to Abemama Island and an airstrip is to be built there to further strengthen the flank on Tarawa. USN Carriers will remain on station for a few days incase the IJN decides to do an immediate sortie. His carries are approaching Japan if my stake out sub's observations of B5N2's is to be believed. So any sortie will be carried out by surface units probably led by fast BB's and CA's. The Oaklahoma TF at Abemama will also remain on station in case its guns are needed. I aim to have everything on Tarawa by the end of this first week, then a standing force of fast BB's and CA's plus two CV's will remain on Canton Island as a reaction force if Herb decides he wants Tarawa back.

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RE: Operation Morsel - 10/23/2008 6:11:10 PM

cantona2

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Situation 22-5-42

Japanese torpedo bombers have twice hit transports unloading at Tarawa but it must be said that losses are at an absolute minimum. So far i have lost the DD Litchfield and the AK Florence D. to Miss Betty and her cousin Ms Nell. In exchange the IJN is down three submarines. One sunk at Amebama, one at Tarawa itself with another one confirmed sunk by DMS escorts moving away from Tarawa. FaF-4's of the USN and US Marines have been effectively able to mount a reasonable amount of CAP over Tarawa and so far no strikes have been made against the carriers, though a H8K was chased off today by fighters of VMF-221 from the Lexington, causing the carriers to shift their course.

The submarines of the IJN however did show their teeth today as the battleship Tennessee (25/20/10) was hit by a single torpedo. She was part of the escort group of the Lexington and has been detached and is making her way to Canton Island under escort.

Yet as mentioned above the IJN subamarines have not had it all their day. SS I-156 has met its watery grave courtesy of Mk7 Depth Charges!

In an effort to disrupt Japanese strikes against Tarawa the 65th Bombardment (B-17) flying from Wake Island hit the airfields at Kwajalein with no apparent effect. A LB-30 Group (435th Bombardment) has rebased at Wake from Noumea as its aircraft have the range to hit Maloelap.

As the day progressed the first Japanese attack of the day came in early in the morning. Nells and Betties, escorted by Zeroes broke over Tarawa. 14 Wildcats from VF-6 (Enterprise) were flying the early morning patrol and depsite shooting down 6 aircraft the Japanese deliverd their torpedoes.

Day Air attack on TF, near Tarawa at 84,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
G3M Nell x 21
G4M1 Betty x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
G3M Nell: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 7 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Subadur
AK Anakan
AK Jalarajan, Torpedo hits 1
AK Florence D., Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
AK Roseville, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Empire Waterhen, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Hoegh Merchant

Around midday a second, weaker strike, as it was only comprised of Nells. 11 fighters of VF-6 once again accepted the challenge and shot down 3 enemy planes for no loss. Yet again the bombers got through but hit less ships than the earlier strike.

Day Air attack on TF, near Tarawa at 84,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
G3M Nell x 10

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Admiral Gove, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Admiral Nulton, Torpedo hits 1

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 2

So after two days of landings on Tarawa and only one lost transport i cannot say i am too unhappy about the loss rate, especially in the air where its 9-0 to the Enterprise! The first supply shipments are following so im hopeful that Japanese pilots are too tired to be effective! Maleolap shows as quite red so maybe the LB-30's can start a bonfire or two!!!

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 10/23/2008 6:18:38 PM >

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RE: Operation Morsel - 10/24/2008 9:37:43 AM

Alfred

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Cantona2,

I assume Miss Betty and her cousin are coming in from Malelop. How big is the airfield and port there? Do you have any spare subs to place in and around Malelop to interdict IJN resupply convoys? Once your LB-13 hit Malelop, have you given any consideration to visiting the base with a 30kt bombardment TF?

So far Operation Morsel is looking very good and is taking advantage of the IJN overkill to capture Port Moresby. If you are correct and the KB is moving to the Home Islands, then your phase II move on Makin may prove very useful.

Alfred

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RE: Operation Morsel - 10/24/2008 6:04:35 PM

cantona2

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Alfred

Yep Maleolop. Its at airfield 4 so it can host torpedo bombers.LB-30 raid was ineffectual, i think the crews were tired after their hop from Noumea!
The KB is definitely at Japan. Vals and Kates have repeatedly attackeb my subs staking out Osaka and Tokyo and intel has revealed two CV's at Tokyo and another pair at Osaka.

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RE: Operation Morsel - 10/24/2008 6:08:34 PM

Mike Solli

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Be careful. Not sure how big KB is at this point, but the IJN has quite a few land based Kate and Val daitai. Part of KB may be elsewhere. You have no way of knowing whether those planes are land based or carrier based. A fun tactic for the Japanese player to drive the Allies nuts is to base a land-based chutai of Kates and Vals (along with some Zeros) on an airfield where you know they will be "spotted" just to make the Allies think KB is there.

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RE: Operation Morsel - 10/24/2008 6:18:03 PM

cantona2

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No incoming strikes were recorded today against the shipping unloading at Tarawa. The first supply convoy reached the atoll and began to unload while the 15th USAAF and 8th Marine CD should begin unloading tomorrow. Likewise the engineers slated for Abemama should be arriving in the next couple of days. I am very confident that Herbs carrier force is in the Home Islands. They have been in constant action since 12/41 and the Akagi and Kaga are out of action. They must be in need of a refit and r n r. I therefore have a small window of opportunity to fortify Tarawa somewhat. My carriers will play a crucial role in this and in the next few days Hornet will leave Sydney to releive one of the other carreirs so they can upgrade the Devastators to Avengers in June. Wasp is a couple of Weeks away and will soon be in theatre.

Less submarines were detected this turn but the amount of US hardware flying int he air must have kept them suppressed. As of today (23-5-42) three US units are mopping up on Tarawa and US carriers maintain a certain degree of aerial superiority over the area. BB Tennessee is out of immediate danger and damage control has been able to stabilise flooding and pump some out! Its closing in on Canton Island before heading to the West Coast. The screenie shows the general situation.

Damaged and empty transports head West while supplies and reinforcements head East. Kingfishers detected Japanese ships on a SE heading and the pilots swear they looked like barges! Whatever the case maybe the covering force at Abemama will be sallying to Tarawa and patrol befor retiring back to its haven.

The LB-30's from Wake made their raid on Maloelap but were ineffectual. The crews were suffering from their hop from Noumea and accuracy was poor. The bombers reported A6M2's on CAP but the only loss is one plane thats missing, believed to have ditched in the sea after losing its way on the return flight.

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RE: Operation Morsel - 10/24/2008 6:27:36 PM

cantona2

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Elsewhere in the theatre:

SS Skipjack was attacked repeatedly in the immediate envrions of Sorebaja. Several Darwin based subs have been patrolling the Southern Dutch East Indies for the past week. Darwin is posing a particular problem. There is plenty of supply but has no fuel at the moment, though two big fuel convoys are steaming south through the Indian Ocean to refil its tanks. Do ships disbanded in the harbour use up fuel as well as it those that dock at port and have Refuel OK?

CV Formidable is patrolling the approaches from the Nicobars. Japanese forces are beginning to converge on Sabang and the RN is hopeful on a strike on any ships that may be supporting ops there. However a Walrus flying from the CL Enterprise detected shipping, the pilot says he saw a heavy cruiser, at the Nicobars. The TF is moving East to bring its torpedo planes within range and hopefully launch a strike if there is a window in the weather.

In Burma the RAF fighters have been mauled in two days of massive sweeps of almost 100 Japanese fighters. They have been stood down and rebuilt. Thankfully the loss of pilots, some with high xp, is at a minimum. In China its almost impossible for US and Chinese planes to achieve any sort of superority. My best chance are ambushes and second guessing where Herb's unescorted strikes are going to go in. Sian was hit hard last turn with 7 RAF and AVG planes torched on the ground there.

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RE: Operation Morsel - 10/24/2008 6:29:42 PM

cantona2

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I'm off on holiday until Thursday so the game will take a little break. There might be a chance of an update tomorrow if Herb can get the turn back to me with the time difference. If not the game and AAR will continue next week. Thanks for all the comments and contributions.

One question when a carrier TF replenishes at sea does that mean that it can keep on flying its planes or does it need to redock at port to reset the number of sorties it can fly?

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RE: Operation Morsel - 10/24/2008 6:31:59 PM

cantona2

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

Be careful.� Not sure how big KB is at this point, but the IJN has quite a few land based Kate and Val daitai.� Part of KB may be elsewhere.� You have no way of knowing whether those planes are land based or carrier based.� A fun tactic for the Japanese player to drive the Allies nuts is to base a land-based chutai of Kates and Vals (along with some Zeros) on an airfield where you know they will be "spotted" just to make the Allies think KB is there.

Hmmm i hadnt thought of that! The last visual on the KB was in the Phillipine Sea on a NE heading. Im already commited so ill stick to the plan, but with extra vigilance after this titbit.

thanks

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RE: Operation Morsel - 10/24/2008 6:39:22 PM

Mike Solli

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quote:

ORIGINAL: cantona2
One question when a carrier TF replenishes at sea does that mean that it can keep on flying its planes or does it need to redock at port to reset the number of sorties it can fly?

Refueling at sea does not reset the sorties. The TF must dock and "refuel from port" in order to reset sorties. I believe sorties use supply but I don't know that for sure. I assume that because they reset when you refuel and restock ammo in port.

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RE: Calm after the Storm - 10/25/2008 8:34:14 AM

cantona2

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24-5-42

A small night action was carried out near Tarawa as the patrolling units sank two barges that approached under the cover of darkness. But the majoe news of the day was the Nell launched torpedo that hit the Lexington. Her fighters were able to bring down 2 of the 8 plane flight, its a bit unconcerting that flak brought down none however, but one hardy pilot, with a couple of Wildcats on his tail, pushed on through and sank his fish into the Lady. Shes still in fighting form (16/11/8) but is retreating slightly to the SW to rejoin her sisters, who still have to suffer any form of attack. In Tarawa an unfortunate transport, ex Phillipine, took 4 torpedoes as she unloaded her carg, part of the 8th Marine CD. Once again VF-6 was patrolling the airspace and took down another caouple of bombers. Only 9 Zeroes were seen escorting the raid so maybe fatigue is starting to play a part in Herbie's plans. Thankfully the supply ships were not hit, and supply is flowing onto the beaches.

Elsewhere, subs once again hit enemy transports at Lunga while the weather kept the flight decks of the Formidable closed. AAR will continue on Thursday.

The Lady takes a hit!

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RE: Calm after the Storm - 10/25/2008 8:50:52 AM

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Please what graphic art mod are you using for this very interesting aar?
Thanks in advance.
marioa

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RE: Calm after the Storm - 10/30/2008 10:49:00 PM

cantona2

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Back so AAR will continue in earnest.

Noticed the hits has gone up so thanks to any readers and hope you're enjoying the ride!

@mairoa the ship art is from Fremen (http://www.telefonica.net/web2/witp/en/index.html), the map panels are Cobras Digital Panels (i think) and the plane tops are the Elf's

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RE: Calm after the Storm - 11/1/2008 1:05:37 PM

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Things have progressed nicely so far. Landings continue on Tarawa and the first base force unit is on land. The 25th Infantry will be withdrawn at a later date leaving the remaining forces to garrison the atoll. An MLE is closing on Canton Island and it will be used to resupply minelaying craft that will soon begin sowing mines around Tarawa.

Herb has had ships moving in the eastern Coral Sea as enemy short ranged float planes were seen fyling over Ndeni. This happened a few days ago. As such no more sightings have been made but an S-boat is hanging around just in case.

The Saratoga has left the Tarawa overwatch position and is steamin to Canton Island to resupply its ammo stores before heading back to relieve the Lexington. All flooding and fire damage from its torpedo hit has been eradicated but its at 16 sys so it will head to Pearl for repairs. CV Hornet has finished its upgrades at Sydney and is also headin to the area. Abemama now has a USAAF base force and its airstrip is being developed. I have 2 Seebee units closing in fast so im hoping for a fast development of these bases.

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RE: Calm after the Storm - 11/2/2008 1:24:38 PM

cantona2

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Situation 28-5-42

Most of the transports involved in Operation Morsel have already left the Tarawa area. Incoming ships now carry the vital supplies needed to build up the base and get it up and running. Over the past two days three transport ships have been lost to submarine action, though two submarines have been confirmed sunk and another was successfully engaged in Abemama.

Herbie seems to have deployed every single submarine he had based at Kwajalein in order to disrupt my forces. I am sure he is after the two carriers stil hanging around but so far the Dauntless has proved a very stern deterrent. The 435th Bombardment (LB-30) carried out another raid on Maleolap but suffered about 50% casualties with 5 being shot down and one lost due to damage. Though two zeroes were accounted for and the base damaged the raids are not cost effective, another way of disrupting Maleolap will have to be found!

For the first time in days Japanese torpedo bombers attack the shipping around Tarawa. Once again the F4F-4's of VF-6 rise to meet them but no planes on either side are lost. One transport (AK Steel Trader unloading construction material) is struck by one torpedo leaving it slightly damaged but still able to continue unloading. Observations made by the fighter pilots that followed the bombers in have been relayed to intelligence and the attacking unit was identified as the G2/1st Daitai.

Tarawa now hosts a unit of Catalina float planes that have begun flying search missions from the atoll. Several concentrations of Japanese ships were spotted to the North East, but the one that had captured the high command's attention was the reported cruisers and battleship spotted north of Makin. The Enterprise rearmed her planes for a naval strike, these having been on ASW duty, and the covering force in Abemama has been ordered to move northwards. Likewise the flanking force on Baker has begun to move Westwards.

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