Matrix Games Forums

 Forums  Register  Login  Photo Gallery  Member List  Search  Calendars  FAQ 

My Profile  Inbox  Address Book  My Subscription  My Forums  Log Out

RE: Calm after the Storm

 
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest
Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
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 Page: <<   < prev  7 8 [9] 10 11   next >   >>
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
RE: Calm after the Storm - 11/2/2008 1:30:54 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		Elsewhere in the theatre:

Japanese ships, at least one hosting short range float scout planes, are still probing eastwards in the Coral Sea. An S-Boat is tagging this force and a destroyer is also scouting the area to see what they find.

A second RN CV TF is scouting around the Nicobars. Japanese troops are closing on Sabang and the RN High Command is hoping that any ships support the advance can be caught by the carriers.

For a third time RN gunboats have attacked and disrupted Japanese barges resupplying Akyab. This time Hurricanes also strafed the boats. Three were sunk over the course of two nights of action, the PG Hindustan excelling in these actions.






Attachment (1)

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 241
RE: Calm after the Storm - 11/3/2008 7:16:41 AM   
Alfred

 

Posts: 6685
Joined: 9/28/2006
Status: offline 		At what altitude did you fly the LB-30 over Maleloep?  Can you fly them above the Zero's ceiling?

Alfred

(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 242
RE: Calm after the Storm - 11/3/2008 10:14:20 AM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		Alfred was flying at 8,000 feet to try and get as many hits as possible, will try for high altitudes. Herb has just sailed a cruiser led surface task force and mauled some of my transports. My surface interception force did not engage and i will need to have a colser look at the turn when i get home tonight.

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to Alfred)
Post #: 243
The Developing Maelstrom - 11/3/2008 7:14:45 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		The IJN finally strikes back at Tarawa. But before it does a patrolling destroyer comes across a commerce radiers poking about in the Eastern Coral Sea. The Jap raider was totally surprised by the Chew and was left burning and listing in a quick fire encounter.



Night Time Surface Combat at 78,105

Japanese Ships
AP Awata Maru, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
DD Chew

The main action centred around Tarawa. Early spotting reports had notified most of the transports unloading to scatter as a cruiser led battle squadron romped into the Atoll waters. A devastating Long Lance attack was followed by accurate gunfire from the cruisers main batteries. Two merchantmen were sunk in atoll but the heavily laden ships had already fled.



Night Time Surface Combat, near Tarawa at 84,95

Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CA Chokai
CA Mikuma
CL Tatsuta
DD Mutsuki
DD Kisaragi
DD Uzuki
DD Satsuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Mochizuki

Allied Ships
AK Hawaiian, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Trento, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 244
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/3/2008 7:47:10 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		Catalinas based at Tarawa (VP-14) spotted a second Japanese force approaching the atoll from the north east. A couple of battleships were reported seen as part of the task force. CV Saratoga, just off Baker Island, has been ordered to move to a position from where it may be able to launch a strike at the incoming ships. Lexington, whose SBD's were denied a first ever carrier night strike by the weather, and Enterprise have also moved slightly to the East to try and get any ships approaching Tarawa as well. CV Hornet has just left Noumea and will travel through the eastern edge of the Coral Sea in the hope of catching any other enemy ships on commerce raiding detail.






Attachment (1)

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 245
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/4/2008 6:59:09 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		The situation in and around the Tarawa area continues to generate excitement. The night passed uneventfully other than another commerce raiding strike. Transports continued to unload supplies at Tarawa and Abemama and construction of basic air strips are well under way on both atolls, the arrival of SeeBee units should speed up construction.

The most interesting event for the day was the presence of a F1M2 Pete floatplane over Baker Island. Its a short range plane and therefore must be based on a ship, a raider, AV or a capital ship! All transports at Baker Island awaiting a transit to Tarawa have been ordered to scatter while the flank covering force led by the Maryland will remain and hopefully surprise any incoming ships. Likewise the Saratoga has plotted a new course East and is within torpedo range of Baker. The CVE Long Island, that was merely passing through the area ferrying SBD's from the West Coast, has also plotted a new course NW in case any targets of opportunity arise. Its all a hunch based on one floatplane sighting but fortune favours the bold! I'm eager to engage the IJN with a mix of surface and carrier forces.




Attachment (1)

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 246
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/4/2008 7:04:48 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		Using Bodhi's Utility i can more or less guees the area the Pete came from. The range circles that range from Baker Island are the Pete's. The shaded area is an area that is sparsely patrolled by my patrol planes, also search planes on capital and carrier ships in the area lack the range to patrol here, therefore making that area the likely source of the Pete and any incoming nasties!




Attachment (1)

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 247
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/5/2008 7:23:35 AM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		Hunch was correct, Baker was the target. Still at work but ill post some of the CR extracts and complie a full report at home later. Seems the Astoria was sunk but the Saratoga and the other surface units were able to inflict some measure of revenge.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Baker Island at 94,96


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
SOC-3 Seagull: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 12,  on fire,  heavy damage
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 4
CA Mogami, Shell hits 17,  on fire,  heavy damage
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 4,  on fire
DD Kazegumo, Shell hits 4
DD Oshio, Shell hits 15, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Arare
DD Asakaze
DD Matsukaze, Shell hits 10,  on fire
DD Yunagi, Shell hits 13, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Maryland, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1,  on fire
CA Astoria, Shell hits 23, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 6,  on fire,  heavy damage
CL Helena
DD Jarvis
DD Gridley, Shell hits 3,  on fire
DD MacDonough, Shell hits 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Baker Island at 94,96

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
BB Mutsu
CA Mogami, Shell hits 2,  on fire,  heavy damage
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 3,  on fire
DD Kazegumo, Shell hits 2,  on fire
DD Arare
DD Asakaze
DD Matsukaze,  on fire

Allied Ships
DD Grayson, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Monssen, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Howland Island at 94,95
(Saratoga Strike)

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
SBD-3 Dauntless x 15
TBD Devastator x 14


Allied aircraft losses
TBD Devastator: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Bomb hits 10,  on fire,  heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBD Devastator bombing at 6000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 6000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 6000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 6000 feet


_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 248
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/5/2008 4:47:51 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		The Battle of Baker Island 30-5-1942



1) Main Night Time action off Baker Island.

2) CV Saratoga's air wings catch the damaged Nagato.

3) Secondary action by Japanese raiders.

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 249
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/5/2008 5:31:40 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		The Battle of Baker Island

The Pete had given the game away, the US Navy was ready, rather it was radar! The latest modern gadget the armed forces was toying with had made a decisive difference in battle. It all begun with the blips on the radar operator's screen on the Maryland. Incoming enemy ships from the north-west. The main batteries were given their fire orders and the rest of the squadron was given its orders to deploy. Maryland took the centre with the Astoria on her flank. The St Louis and the Helena joined their bigger sisters while the destroyers Jarvis, Gridley and MacDonough provided the screen. The IJN's night fighting prowess preceeded the incoming ships but the American radar evened the odds some what. Sharpeyed lookuts scanned the darkness, human eyes searching for the contacts the electronic eye had already seen. Suddenly a cry, 'enemy ahead!'. The ships erupted into a whirlwind of activity and it was the venerable Maryland that fired the first salvo of the titanic battle at 8,000 yards at about 02:13.

The darkness made fire plotting harder than usual but a sudden blaze a light illuminated the Japanese squadron. The light indicated a solid hit but it also allowed the lookouts to identify their foe. Two battleships, two heavy cruisers and a handful of screening destroyers bore down on the US ships. The blaze had come from one of the cruisers that had stopped one of the 16 inch shells the Maryland had launched. The Japanese Navy soon retorted in kind. As one several mini suns burst into life from the Japanese line as the guns on the capital ships answered the challenge made by the Maryland.

Tall geysers of water, elegant watery plumes, erupted by the hulls of the American ships as the shells detonated upon impact with the water. The space between both groups of ships was full of flying metal of several calibres. Heavy 16inch shells, crisscrossed smaller 6 and 4 inch shells as the range decreased. The Helena scored the first blood of the fight as her main forward batteries found the range of one of the Japanese destroyers and pummelled her with a ferocious volley of fire that left the Japanese ship aflame and turning in a circle.

The range began to close quicker and the Japanese gunners also begun to find their range. The Astoria suddenly erupted in flame as 16 inch shell from the Mutsu hit her amidships. A bright sheet of flame flowered across her hull like a new dawn. The intensity of the action did not falter however. The brave cruiser returned fire on her aggressor but her guns did not seem to penetrate her enemy's armoured carpace. As the range continued to close the American battle line was again washed in light as the Maryland's A Turret opened fire again. A cacophony of sound was followed by a woosh of air as supersonic shells flew to their target, the destroyer Yumagi. The small warship seemed to be lifted out of the water as the shell impacted on its slim framwork. Another hit silenced its main guns but the hardy destroyer would have a sting in its tail.

The range closed to 2,000 yards and then all hell broke lose as the smaller guns on the ships brought their fire to bear. The Maryland's 20mm AA batteries racked the decks of the DD Matsukaze while her 5inch guns mercilessly pounded the Yumagi. The proximity of both groups of ships made the battle frantic. The St Louis and the Helena entered into a gunnery duel with the Mogami and Suzuya. The captains had drilled their gun crews well and soon enough, despite being hit and the St Louis set aflame, the Mogami was burning profusely while the Suzuya was left belching thick balck smoke. However, it was the behemoth guns of the Mutusu that settled this duel. One shell from its 16 inch barrels silenced the St Louis in a typhoon of fire and noise. The Helena and the Gridley came in close to help the St Louis, thier guns replacing the ones the Mutsu had silenced.

At this range the Japanese unleashed their prime close range weapon, the Long Lance torpedo. Its silent introduction to the battle claimed the first victim of the fight as two massive explosions rocked the Astoria, whose batteries were still engaging the Mutsu and Nagato as the torpedoes hit her below the waterline, launched by the dying Yumagi. She sank 3 minutes later her forward guns firing one more salvo as the waves claimed her.

Still the most impressive site was still to come. Reminiscent of the days of shot and sail both the Maryland and the damaged Nagato opened up on each other with full broadsides of 16 inch guns at practically point blank range. Like two heavy weight boxers vying for the world title these two titans of the sea launched fire and steel on each other with abandon. It was as if hell had opened its gates to welcome both ships. The American guns scored three very damaging hits on the Japanese ship in the first salvo and two massive holes were evident on the Nagato's superstructure. So much so that her aft turrent no longer returned fire. The Maryland took two hits but seemed to shrug them off as a second volley hith the Nagato. It was as if the spirits of Nelson and Collingwood had taken over the battle as both ships continued to shoot at each other, broadside after broadside, the smaller calibre guns joining in too. Admist all the havoc the Matsukaze was able to get her revenge on the Maryland as one of her torpedoes rocked the American battleship as she duelled with the Nagato. The ship shook as the warhead disintegrated on impact, but the well drilled fire control teams kept her in the fight and delivered one more telling hit on the Nagato's tower as the range began to increase again.

Two Japanese destroyers disappeared under the waves. The Oshio joined the Yumagi, who had succumbed to the damage inflicted on her by the Maryland. The Kazegumo had hit the Gridley as she shielded the floundering Astoria and the Oshio was closing in for the kill when the St Louis's 6 inch guns stopped the Japanese ship dead in the water. The skipper of the Jarvis so his opportunity and inflicted the coup de grace by torpedo. 45 minutes after the first salvo had been fired the task forces broke off to nurse their wounds. The Japanese had claimed a cruiser but had lost two of their destroyers. But the Nagato had appeared to sustain heavy damage from her close in slugfest with the Maryland. Likewise the Mogami had been silenced very quickly which led the Americans to think she had also sustained heavy damage. For the Japanese, however the night had just begun!



< Message edited by cantona2 -- 11/5/2008 5:52:15 PM >

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 250
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/5/2008 5:39:47 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		After Action Engagement

As the battered Japanese ships left Baker Island they came across two returning destroyers that had been on submarine picket duty. The Grayson and Monssen had seen the flames and smoke from afar and were ready for the fight. Their brave captains elected to stand and fight rather than flee. As such they managed to score the first hits of the engagement by hitting the Mogami as she listed to the rear of the Japanese column. The Monssen, for her part, in a David and Goliath confrontation, smacked the Nagato with 5 inch shells at point blank range. Though the armour on the Nagato was thick, the gouges the Maryland had made on her allowed the Monssen to once again wound the giant. She also hit the Kazegumo twice setting her on fire. But that was that as the now alerted Japanese literally blew the two destroyers out of the water in an orgy of torpedo and shell fire. The action had seemed futile and unnecessary, but the air wings of the Saratoga later on in the day made sure that this valiant action had some meaning!



_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 251
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/5/2008 5:50:43 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		The Saratoga Strikes

By late afternoon the retreating Japanese squadron could be seen for miles, well the plumes of black smoke that her damaged ships exhumed could be seen! Commander Ramsey had been delivered the message the Saratoga had received earlier in the day from Captain Badger on the Maryland, that was now stealing her way back to Pearl, "Finish them off will you!"
Finish them off he intented to do!

Elements of VF-3 escorted VS-3 and VT-3 as they chased after the Japanese. They caught up with the Nagato at Howland Island. In the bright light of day the damage on her was apparent and a testament to the gunnery of the Maryland's sailors. The order to attack was given and the SBD's began their steep dives onto the Nagato.

Despite her damaged state her remaining guns put up substantial flak into the air but that was not enough to put off the airmen of the Saratoga that now shared the delight experienced by the Enterprise's crews as they bombed a captial ship. If they could get her, the Nagato would be the first major Japanese casualty of the war! Down they came, like screaming banshees, until 2,000 feet when the pilots detached their 1,000lb bombs and pulled out of their dives and back into the sky.

The bombs whistled downwards. Some hitting the water and once again showering the Nagato with hot sea water. Others exploded on her damaged superstructure starting fires and silencing flak guns. Devastators dropped smaller ordinance from 5,000 feet and also scored hits on the wounded and floundering ship. As they wheeled homewards, the airmen of the Saratoga reported a burning and heavily damaged ship.



_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 252
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/5/2008 6:01:49 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		Elsewhere in the theatre in this eventful day,

The Silent Service struck at Kwajalein and at Truk. A patrol craft was sunk at the former while the SS S-31 sank two fish into a transport at the latter.

Air raids from altitude on Maleolap have resumed and no Zeroes rose to challenge this time around. Likewise the USAAF in India carried out a successful unopposed raid on Moulmein in Burma, accounting for several transport and patrol craft on the ground.

A second battleship led task force has been seen on an easterly heading out of the Marshall Islands. They might run smack into a 4 battleship strong task force steaming SW from Johnston Island. I must make use of this IJN Carrier free window that the Port Morseby operation has afforded to try and damage and sink as many of his ships as possible.

Lastly, the RAF not wanting to be outdone by the carrier pilots of the USN carried out a very succesful torpedo raid on Akyab by Beauforts. If he wants to keep Akyab supplied by sea i will make sure he loses ships.



_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 253
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/5/2008 6:12:34 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		End of May 42 SitReps

May has seen the Fall of Port Moresby, but that has been balanced by the retaking of Tarawa and now the reace is on to fortify and garrison the place in anticipation of a counter attack. Herb has been building up a lot of dot bases and i am sure i will run into many a Betty nest as i strike back.

June will see the Avenger coming on line and the mass production of the Lightning and more refits and upgrades for carriers and submarines.

Scorecard


Strategic Map


_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 254
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/7/2008 4:35:38 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		A couple of days after the Battle of Baker Island and the seas in and around the small island are still full of battling ships. Japanese AMC's have successfully managed to interrupt minelaying ops heading to Baker as they managed a mid ocean intercept of several DM's enroute from Pearl. Two battleship led surface units are spearheading the hunt for these jap raiders, both were damaged by the DM's so spotting them may become easier.

The Nagato is still floundering in these waters and for a second time was pummelled by the air wings of the Saratoga, that this time were joined by Dauntless off the deck of the CVE Long Island that had stopped its ferrying duty to aid the Saratoga clear the sea of Japanese ships. The planes only had to follow the plume of smoke to find the Nagato:

-----------------
Day Air attack on TF at 94,91
(Long Island)

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 17


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
-----------------
Day Air attack on TF at 94,91
(Saratoga)

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 7
SBD-3 Dauntless x 29
TBD Devastator x 14


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Bomb hits 20, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBD Devastator bombing at 6000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 6000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 6000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 6000 feet
---------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 94,91
(Long Island)

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 16


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

Depsite all the hits she still floats and i am hopeful that she will soon go to a watery grave!

Onland Tarawa is at 52% airfield and Abemama at 59%. The sooner i can have fighters operating from here the sooner i can withdraw carriers that need some refits and upgrading with Avengers that lie awaiting them in port.

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 255
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/7/2008 10:20:42 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		The Seagull floatplane's camera clicked away as the small, light plane flew over the dying giant as she rolled over and her proud, but battered padoga style tower disappeared under the waves. The tiny aircraft was witnessing the death throes of a Goliath of the seas. The steel behemoth gradually slid beneath the waves, her mishapen and bombed out carcass ressembling nothing of the graceful lines that once represented the pride of the Imperial Japanese Navy. The Nagato was claimed by the sea while the CV Saratoga claimed the first major kill of the war, though the Fighting Mary had dealt the telling blow at Baker Island a few nights ago.


BB Nagato, taken 1.6.42 by Seagull Scout Plane.



BB Maryland sails into Pearl Harbour on the day the Nagato was reported sunk, damage from the torpedo she took at Baker is evident.



_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 256
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/8/2008 3:52:45 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		A quiet day considering the amount and scale of the action recently. Radio intercepts seem to confirm that the heavy cruiser Mogami sunk last night due to the damage she reveived during the action at Baker Island. At the moment the Baker score card stands at:

US NAVY

CA Astoria
DD Grayson
DD Monssen

Imperial Japanese Navy

BB Nagato
CA Mogami
DD Yumagi
DD Oshio

The cruiser Suzuya was also badly damaged but her whereabouts and condition are unknown.

Heavy Cruiser Mogami. The second capital ship sunk in as many days.





The Hornet has arrived in the Tarawa/Abemama area and the Lexington is being withdrawn. The Lady has been on station for two weeks and in the thick of the action. She has taken one tropedo and is in dire need of repair. She will call into Canton Island, where replenishment fighters will flesh out her fighter wing. She will then sail to within range of Tarawa, alight her marine fighters there then sail to Pearl, via Wake where she will collect her original complement, and then to San Francisco for refits, Avengers and some well earned shore leave. The Enterprise will then follow, by then both Tarawa and Abemama will have airstrips capable of sustaining fighter operations over the area. Wasp will be arriving in a few days and she will then proceed to join the Hornet while the Saratoga withdraws.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 11/8/2008 4:01:08 PM >

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 257
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/9/2008 12:48:35 AM   
Alfred

 

Posts: 6685
Joined: 9/28/2006
Status: offline 		Cantona2,

Whilst it is still early days, I think one may be so bold as to proclaim Operation Morsel to have been a significant Allied success.

The amount of IJN activity in the Gilberts suggests that the enemy may be preparing a forceful counter stroke here using CV assets.  If so this would be:

1.  exactly what Operation Morsel was really intended to achieve, and

2.  provide you with an opportunity to strike at the southern DEI from Australia as the KB wastes time steaming to the Gilberts and ends out of position both at the Gilberts and say Ceram.

Alfred

(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 258
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/9/2008 11:12:11 PM   
thegreatwent


Posts: 3011
Joined: 8/24/2004
From: Denver, CO
Status: offline 		Had to keep checking that this wasn't a WPO type AAR. An excellent surface action for WitP both you and your opponent played an interesting engagement.

_____________________________


(in reply to Alfred)
Post #: 259
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/10/2008 4:25:23 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		@ Alfred i like the idea but i lack the shipping to mount an amphibious operation in the Ceram Sea at the moment. My carriers are also in need of a rest. Enterprise has just been rotated out of the Gilberts area and so has Lexington. It will mean bringing all the RN carriers south to support any landing in Ceram.
Do not want to count my chickens but i also feel that Morsel has achieved its strategic aims. The sinkings of the Nagato and Mogami are welcome bonuses!

@thegreatwent thanks! it was very exciting to watch that particular replay!


_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to thegreatwent)
Post #: 260
RE: The Developing Maelstrom - 11/10/2008 4:37:01 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		The United States and its Allies now have the luxury of a fully operational fighter strip at Abemama. As such the 45th Fighter Squdron (P-38 Lightning) has transferred from Luganville and will be flying CAP from Abemama as from tomorrow. This means a welcome break for the hard pressed fighter wing of the Enterprise. Her pilots have accounted for 15 enemy planes in the last two weeks of battle but at a cost to her men and machines as her fighter wing is very depleted. She now heads south-south-east and out of the immediate battle zone before wheeling north west to Canton Island and then San Francisco for refits. Hornet and Saratoga remain on station until Tarawa has its fighter strip up and running and the Lexington can deliver VMF-221 before she too joins the Enterprise in dry dock. As soon as the airstrip on Tarawa can sustain a second operation unit the CVE Long Island will deliver VMSB-151 before heading back to the West Coast to ferry another unit of aircraft into the battle area.

These are the immediate post Morsel plans as well as landing a raiding force on Makin and maybe a small para drop on Mili, that appears to be unoccupied so far. I reckon i have maybe two weeks game time left before Herb turns his forces onto Tarawa. I hope to be ready by then.

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 261
The Battle of the Build-Up - 11/18/2008 6:01:47 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		The game has entered a period of relative quiet while Herb rests his carriers and mine rotate out of the firing line for 6/42 upgrades. Ive termed the current period as the battle of the Build-up, as that is in essence whats happening.

I have fortified and built up several atolls and dot bases from Suva running North to Tarawa. As our AF stacking HR prevents over stacking of airfields good LOC are essential in this game. The bases in this chain will mean that fresh formations can be thrown in any forthcoming battle in the area. As long as i can build a chain of size 3 airfields, Herb should find that my bombers will harass all and any shipping he sends this way.

Anyhow here is the current break down

1)Funafuti, AF2 36%, 405th Bombardment (B-26), VP-23.

2)Nukufetau, AF2 5%, VP-13.

3)Nanumea, AF0 1%. Base force is 4 days out.

4)Abemama, AF1 84%, 48th Fighter (P-38). VMSB-151 (SBD-3) will transfer from CVE Long Island when airstrip can sustain bomber operations.

5)Tarawa, AF1 16%, VMF-221 (F4F-4), Vp-14.








Attachment (1)

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 262
RE: The Battle of the Build-Up - 11/20/2008 10:55:03 AM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		Look at what the SS S-35 found at Truk. It would be impolite not to have left a gift either  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Truk  at 66,78

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho, Torpedo hits 1
DD Hagikaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Urakaze
DD Isokaze
DD Hayashio
DD Yukikaze
DD Natsushio
CV Soryu
CV Hiryu

Allied Ships
SS S-35, hits 1


Now is Herbie going to use the fact that my carriers are depolyed at Tarawa to strike south or were these enroute to the same battle area? Kaga/Akagi are in dry dock. So that leaves Shokaku and Zuikhaku as unaccounted fleet carriers. They would face Hornet and Saratoga as Enterprise has just docked at Pearl while Lexington is collecting her fighters from Wake before heading to SF. They would also face the LBA assets of Abemama and Tarawa, fighters as they are still at basic size strips. If he comes south i have heavies in Oz that can redeploy to NC but only a partially damaged Yorktown at Sydney. Interesting times ahead.

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 263
RE: Calm after the Storm-The 48th in Action - 11/21/2008 5:12:10 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		16th June 1942

Aircraft on Patrol 7
Aircraft in Reserve 0
Aircraft Unserviceable 14
Pilots 21
Kills 3

The war had finally caught up with the 48th Fighter Squadron. Much had happened while the unit had been stationed at Luganville. Colonel Olds has not escaped the debacle at Port Moresby and was ‘rotated’ stateside, though the whole unit knew he was given a desk job because of the 48th’s disastrous baptism of fire. A Major Boyington had been his replacement. An aggressive young officer that had served with the Eagle Squadron and the RAF during the Battle of Britain, he was a four kill pilot that has returned to the US when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour and left the blue of the RAF behind for the brown of the USAAF. The appointment was welcomed by the men but soon they were cursing his name as training exercise followed exercise. The groans of the men were met by the stoic response from The Major as he was known, ‘you’ll thank me when you’re facing the cannon on an ME 109’.

Training exercises often also meant aggressive patrols over the Coral Sea though the only plane they ever saw was an Emily flying boat that took some US steel back home with it after a short run in through the clouds. Operation Morsel changed all that.

In early June the 48th was ordered to the newly operational strip at Abemama. Major Boyington was given a simple brief: ‘contest air superiority over Tarawa’. Easier said then done as the Japanese had Maleolap and Kwajalein airfields close to the battle zone while the US had the two basic strips at Tarawa and Abemama to fight with.

An uneventful 14 hour flight delivered the 48th to their new atoll home. The very next day a 12 plane flight joined Navy Wildcats over Tarawa. The Japanese did not hesitate to give the 48th a warm welcome. 12 G4M1’s and 8 G3M’s had been spotted by radar approaching Tarawa from the North. The 48th took the high station while the carrier pilots of VF-8 patrolled at around 10,000 feet. The Marine fighters based on Tarawa itself circled at almost treetop height and it was these planes that claimed most of the 6 shot down in that day’s first action. The 48th also claimed its first kill of the war when 1LT Grigsby was able to destroy a G4M1 with a well aimed burst of his cannon. Morale soared when the planes returned to base and Grigsby was the toast of the base for 24 hours.

The next day Tarawa once again called for aid. A large formation of A6M2’s swept the atoll in two waves. Once again the 48th took to the skies with its Navy counterparts. All told 51 Japanese aircraft roamed the airspace over Tarawa. 5 zeroes of the first wave were shot down, the 48th claimed two the Navy the other three. Unfortunately the 48th was to suffer its first casualties in this new theatre of battle. It had lost 7 planes and three pilots in action and the long range fighting was also resulting in tired machines and pilots. Luckily a resupply convoy at Abemama was unloading the unit’s own back up staff and the losses in machines were soon made up. The elation of yesterday was now replaced by a more sombre mood. The Japs were still in the fight, it would be a long hard slog.

The 48th Fighter at Abemama





Attachment (1)

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 264
RE: Calm after the Storm-The 48th in Action - 11/23/2008 12:00:17 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		Seems like Japan is thinking about striking back at Tarawa. Ive had to withdraw my carriers and the Hornet is the only one on station. The Soryu was attacked by a sub yesterday approaching Kwajalein. Though the intel shows a three CV TF i have strong reason to believe that only the Hiryu accompanies her. The torp the Zuiho took at Truk must have hurt enough to have her not accompany the rest Westwards. The Lexington is collecting her fighters from Wake Island and she might be available to strike from behind. The only problem is that shes at 22 sys and will be easier to detect.




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 11/23/2008 12:01:30 PM >

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 265
RE: Calm after the Storm-The 48th in Action - 11/23/2008 11:32:04 PM   
Alfred

 

Posts: 6685
Joined: 9/28/2006
Status: offline 		No need to rush any CVs to Tarawa.  Remember the basic idea behind Operation Morsel was to set a trap whereby the IJN expended itself against LBA.  If in fact there is only 1 IJN CV in the counterattack, I would rest all the Allied CV so that they can be fit for action sooner and striking when the IJN lacks any fit (ie under 5% system damage) CVs to oppose your next lightning strike

Alfred.

(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 266
RE: Calm after the Storm - 12/2/2008 4:58:37 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		The game has entered a somewhat quiet stage. His carriers have once again disappeared after their sighting at Kwajalein, yet this last turn heavy tanker and AO traffic was observed by a dutch sub stkaing out Ponape, indeed it sank a torpedo into a full oiler. Whether this was a replenishment task force or a tanker task force i don't know but what it was one of its ships left with a great big hole and leaking fuel oil.

Tarawa is becoming the hotspot of the game at the moment. As the line of bases running south of it increases i ccan rotate my units in and out of the battle zone faster. As of yet the Zero still has the upper hand but ive been able to rotate two VMF units with Wildcats, a Kittyhawk Squadron and a P-39 unit in and out of Tarawa. This adds to the permanent P-38 unit at Abemama that will soon be joined by one from Canton Island. I will find it hard to base bopmbers here until i have at least two level 3 strips to operate from, though a small Marauder unit is already operating from Tarawa. Supply runs continue in relatively unmolested as fortifications and lines of communication are built.

A screenie from the Tracker showing the latest naval casualties, alos gives a good indicator of the recent hotspots in the game.




Attachment (1)

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to Alfred)
Post #: 267
RE: Chinese Interlude - 12/2/2008 5:06:11 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		On land the Japanese Army in China has undone all the good work the Central Army achieved in its earlier offensive. Singyang was reoccupied and Nanning fell to a lightning attack. The Japanese advance is slowing down as they move from their supply railheads while the Chinese Army fights from a stronger position as its fights closer to its supply hubs and under the cover of the Allied air force that has Chinese, US and RAF units in it. The bulk of the Central Army was able to disengage in good order and is now in Ichang awaiting the Japanese,if they want to cross the swamps that is. The army at Hankow needs to be careful not to get encircled however!

In Burma and the Ceram area allied heavies are starting a protracted campaign on Japanese strategic resources in the area. Amboina has had all its oilfields destroyed by the B-17's at Darwin and Boloea is the new target as it resource centres are also within range and not covered by fighters. The case is different in Burma where about hundred Oscar's protect Magwe and Mandalay from bombers and nearly 80 Nates reported over Rangoon. The RAF is switching over to night bombing of economic resources. Hopefully enough damage can be inflicted to get Herb to divert resources to these areas of the front.

Japanese Offensive in China April-June 1942





Attachment (1)

< Message edited by cantona2 -- 12/2/2008 6:13:10 PM >

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 268
RE: Chinese Interlude - 12/2/2008 11:27:43 PM   
CarnageINC


Posts: 2208
Joined: 2/28/2005
From: Rapid City SD
Status: offline 		Sorry to jump in your tread here, but I love the map, screens and backgrounds.  I've been gone a while and like to get these.  Who's ship art are you using?  Sorry for intruding, thanks for any help

I've downloaded all I could find, I've never looked at Cobra's stuff..very nice.

< Message edited by CarnageINC -- 12/3/2008 1:45:31 PM >

_____________________________


(in reply to cantona2)
Post #: 269
RE: Chinese Interlude - 12/3/2008 5:00:05 PM   
cantona2


Posts: 3749
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: CarnageINC

Sorry to jump in your tread here, but I love the map, screens and backgrounds.  I've been gone a while and like to get these.  Who's ship art are you using?  Sorry for intruding, thanks for any help

I've downloaded all I could find, I've never looked at Cobra's stuff..very nice.


Carnage INC thanks for posting

The map are cobra's digital panels for Andy Mac's map available from Spooky's. The ships art is from Fremen (http://www.telefonica.net/web2/witp/en/index.html)and the backgrounds i got from spookys as well

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born


(in reply to CarnageINC)
Post #: 270
Page:   <<   < prev  7 8 [9] 10 11   next >   >>
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 Page: <<   < prev  7 8 [9] 10 11   next >   >>
Jump to:





New Messages No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages Locked w/o New Messages
 Post New Thread
 Reply to Message
 Post New Poll
 Submit Vote
 Delete My Own Post
 Delete My Own Thread
 Rate Posts


Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.4.5 ANSI

0.828