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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: 1942 October 24

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RE: 1942 October 24 - 10/5/2012 7:22:43 PM

zuluhour

Posts: 5244
Joined: 1/20/2011
From: Maryland
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Not going to risk a Catalina recon over targets?

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 511

RE: 1942 October 24 - 10/5/2012 7:53:14 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

Not going to risk a Catalina recon over targets?

No. PBY recon with the untrained pilots I have (in Recon Skill, that is) tends to be pretty slow to produce results and is very limited in effectiveness. The recon with trained pilots in the LB30s has been a resounding and consistent failure.

As more stuff is coming on line I will switch over to trying recon on all large targets in range, but this one is just a little in the dark. Intel seems pretty clear. More importantly, with the amount pretty good naval search coverage that I've had in place for a long time I think it a low likelihood that he has been sneaking in much if anything. He just might be happiest if he gets a favorable naval battle while my land forces invade an empty island.

The target is pretty obvious, and the chances that I could have fooled him into looking elsewhere pretty small. But still I want to keep enough uncertainty that he has to at least be looking at his flanks. Even a one-turn delay in reaction could mean a critical turn with land-based fighters/dive bombers present to aid the Allied navies. Doing the recon on Tanna is a big enough chance, I think.

This is all about as subjective as can be, so how likely that I am right in any of these assessments, let alone all of them?!

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Post #: 512

RE: 1942 October 24 - 10/5/2012 8:32:25 PM

zuluhour

Posts: 5244
Joined: 1/20/2011
From: Maryland
Status: offline

I'm hip. Even the well trained non recon PBYs I used in my first PBEM categorically under estimated island strength. I was able to garner pretty good port and airfield info though. Let the hammer fall!

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 513

RE: 1942 October 24 - 10/6/2012 12:51:04 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

I'm hip. Even the well trained non recon PBYs I used in my first PBEM categorically under estimated island strength. I was able to garner pretty good port and airfield info though. Let the hammer fall!

Now it looks as though the war will resume Monday-ish. Psychological warfare for sure!

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Post #: 514

1942 October 25 - 10/9/2012 6:02:47 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
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1942 October 25

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Two subs scored, USN Saury against a xAK near Damar in the Banda Sea, and I-32 against an xAKL heading for Diego Garcia. The air raids in China were 'normal', and multiple raids by B-17s and B-24s against the port at Milne bay was quite successful. Hopefully DAW HQ will have to divert assets to keep resupplying that place with the stores destroyed by Allied bombs.

One of the APD amphib groups ran over a sub. No losses but a discovery of course. They are also snooped by aircraft. APDs are likewise seen near Nanumea and near the Ellice Islands. As far as I can tell, the main invasion fleet is undetected.

The same can not be said for a force of IJN carriers, now seen 120nm NE of Luganville, just east of the Torres Islands. Their position is at least somewhat favorable to us, as there are many dive bombers and fighters on Suva. They might merely be trying to avoid the heavy sub patrols to their west, but if they are really looking toward the activity to their east then they could wind out out of position on the crucial turn, with the need to pass through Fiji's radius of attack.

The invasion forces require two days to make their objectives, and tomorrow rain is forecast all over the region. The fleet will move to positions about 40nm away from Noumea and Koumac, with intent of dashing in at full speed the following morning. The APDs bound for Tanna and Anatom will make full speed beginning tonight, intending to land troops tomorrow. The recon of Tanna failed due to weather, which also helped to hide some of our forces. Northern Cover and WatchtTower were not seen, but are clearly well inside the danger zone.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 515

1942 October 26 - 10/10/2012 12:41:43 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 October 26

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Anatom
Tanna

An 'almost' big day. The weather was the dominant factor. Guns and torpedoes came in second. China continued apace. India/Burma saw units continuing to move to battle sites. The B-24s and B-17s along the NE Australia coast made shipping raids on merchants at Port Moresby and achieved some hits. The purpose for their naval attack orders was to harry any warships within range, but there were none. Two B-24s were lost in the effort.

quote:

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Koto Maru
xAK Matumoto Maru, Bomb hits 1
xAK Toyooka Maru
xAK Syoan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
2nd Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
1st Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 24000
Raid is overhead
6th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead
5th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Koto Maru
xAK Toyooka Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1st Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 24000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 116 minutes
6th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 289 minutes
5th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 171 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Matumoto Maru
xAK Toyooka Maru, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1st Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 24000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 64 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Toyooka Maru

Nanumea was the scene of the most decisive action, as Nagato and Fuso took the lead in assailing the Allies' furthest beachhead. WatchTower intervened to some effect.

quote:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Nanumea at 136,141, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Fuso
DD Shikinami
DD Mutsuki
DD Harukaze
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
APD Dent, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Japanese Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Allied TF begins to get underway
Low visibility due to Rain with 96% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 96% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
BB Fuso engages APD Dent at 6,000 yards
APD Dent sunk by DD Shikinami at 6,000 yards
APD Dent sunk by DD Shikinami at 6,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Nanumea at 136,141, Range 4,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 5
BB Fuso, Shell hits 2
DD Shikinami, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Mutsuki
DD Harukaze
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
CL Concord, Shell hits 1
CL Detroit, Shell hits 1
CL Trenton
CL Marblehead, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Wilson
DD Lang
DD Cassin

Reduced visibility due to Rain with 96% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 96% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 4,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 4,000 yards
Towers, John Henry crosses the 'T'
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 4,000 yards
CL Concord engages DD Sanae at 4,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages CL Marblehead at 4,000 yards
CL Concord engages DD Shikinami at 4,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Shikinami at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Marblehead at 2,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Concord at 2,000 yards
DD Shikinami sunk by CL Detroit at 2,000 yards
CL Concord engages DD Sanae at 2,000 yards
BB Nagato engages DD Cassin at 2,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Mutsuki at 2,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Wilson at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Concord at 5,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Concord at 5,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Sanae at 5,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Wilson at 5,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 5,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 5,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Sanae at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Marblehead at 9,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Detroit at 9,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Cassin at 9,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Lang at 9,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Mutsuki at 9,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Harukaze at 9,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Mutsuki at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 13,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Detroit at 13,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Detroit at 13,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Lang at 13,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Cassin at 13,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 13,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Wilson at 13,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Nanumea at 136,141, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Fuso
DD Mutsuki
DD Harukaze
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
APD Ward, Shell hits 8, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Poor visibility due to Rain with 89% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 89% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Allied ships attempt to get underway
Range closes to 5,000 yards
BB Nagato engages APD Ward at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
APD Ward sunk by BB Fuso at 4,000 yards
APD Ward sunk by BB Fuso at 4,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Nanumea at 136,141

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
BB Nagato

BB Fuso firing at Nanumea
BB Nagato firing at Nanumea

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Nanumea at 136,141, Range 14,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 7
BB Fuso
DD Mutsuki, Shell hits 2
DD Harukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Sanae, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Concord, Shell hits 1
CL Trenton, Shell hits 1
CL Marblehead, Shell hits 16, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Wilson
DD Lang, Shell hits 1

Low visibility due to Rain
Maximum visibility in Rain: 15,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 14,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 14,000 yards
Yano, Hideo* crosses the 'T'
BB Fuso engages CL Marblehead at 14,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Sanae at 9,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 9,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Wilson at 9,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Wilson at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Sanae at 6,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 6,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Wilson at 6,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 6,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Wilson at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Mutsuki at 10,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 10,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Lang at 10,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Mutsuki at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Marblehead at 8,000 yards
CL Trenton engages DD Mutsuki at 8,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Wilson at 8,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Harukaze at 8,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Trenton at 8,000 yards
CL Concord engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Lang at 8,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Mutsuki at 8,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Trenton at 8,000 yards
CL Trenton engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
CL Concord engages BB Nagato at 8,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Harukaze at 8,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 8,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Trenton at 8,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Lang at 8,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Mutsuki at 8,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Marblehead at 8,000 yards
CL Trenton engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Lang at 8,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Harukaze at 8,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Mutsuki at 8,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Marblehead at 8,000 yards
CL Trenton engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
CL Concord engages DD Mutsuki at 8,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Harukaze at 8,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Wilson at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Mutsuki at 9,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Trenton at 9,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Wilson at 9,000 yards
DD Sanae engages DD Lang at 9,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Wilson at 9,000 yards
Yano, Hideo* orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CL Marblehead engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Concord at 8,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Sanae at 8,000 yards
DD Harukaze engages DD Wilson at 8,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 15,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Concord at 15,000 yards
CL Trenton engages DD Mutsuki at 15,000 yards
DD Lang engages DD Sanae at 15,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 15,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Lang at 15,000 yards
Range increases to 19,000 yards
BB Fuso engages CL Trenton at 19,000 yards
BB Nagato engages DD Wilson at 19,000 yards
Range increases to 25,000 yards
BB Nagato engages CL Trenton at 25,000 yards
CL Trenton engages DD Sanae at 25,000 yards
CL Trenton engages DD Harukaze at 25,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Marblehead is gone, Detroit is limping, Trenton and Concord (and DD Lang) need some TLC from repair crews. An IJN DD was sunk and the bombardment of Nanumea missed the island entirely. Northern Cover was sighted and attacked.

quote:

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Arorae at 140,139

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 59 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Louisville

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

The paras are ashore at both Tanna and Anatom. Both are undefended and will be seized tomorrow.

The biggest attack of the day was completely fought off.

quote:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 113,160

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
D3A1 Val x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers

This attack came into the carrier hex but never approached any ships.

The B-17s out of Fiji made their presence known, losing two.

quote:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 115,155

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 61 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 42

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 3 damaged
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Naval Attack: 4 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes

2 x Wilcats were lost. Several SBDs on search were lost to CAP, although at least 2 search SBDs reported hits against merchants at Koumac.

You can see for yourself just how utterly anc completely the whole of DAW HQ was fooled by our manuevering. The convoys and min sweeperes will head for Lord Howe Island while the carriers both cover them and off battle under an umbrulla of land based search coverage. Hopefully those were their best Val and Zero pilots that were taken down.

* Note that on the included screen picture the TF shown at Koumac is Allied. It has mistakenly taken on the color of the IJN. Perhaps this will yield a tactical advantage?

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by witpqs -- 10/11/2012 1:30:06 AM >

_____________________________

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(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 516

RE: 1942 October 26 - 10/10/2012 2:13:41 AM

princep01

Posts: 943
Joined: 8/7/2006
From: Texas
Status: offline

Witpgs, I am sure you know the dangers here. If that is KB 5 hexes north on Noumea, you're in a very dangerous position as he knows where you're going and New Caledonia keeps you from engaging his CVs on favorable terms. He will set up 7 hexes away and pound you with no chance of interference (other than CAP) from the US CVs. It is doubtful that any IJN commander with his experience will allow the US CVs to do what they must do in this fight....close the enemy and engage him within 4 hexes.

Are you considering pulling back the main body until the Allied CVs can round the island and operate closer to the KB...if you wish to engage at all.

It was a good plan, but I think his spider senses figured out where things were headed. The KB is well positioined.

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 517

RE: 1942 October 26 - 10/10/2012 2:51:14 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: princep01

Witpgs, I am sure you know the dangers here.� If that is KB 5 hexes north on Noumea, you're in a very dangerous position as he knows where you're going� and New Caledonia keeps you from engaging his CVs on favorable terms.� He�will set up 7 hexes away and pound you with no chance of interference (other than CAP)�from the US CVs.� It is doubtful that any IJN commander with his experience will allow the US CVs to do what they must do in this fight....close the enemy and engage him within 4 hexes.

Are you considering pulling back the main body until the Allied CVs can round the island and operate closer to the KB...if you wish to engage at all.

It was a good plan, but I think his spider senses figured out where things were�headed.� The�KB is well positioined.

Yup. The convoys are pulling back, the carriers and battleships are pulling back to a covering position where the KB would have to round New Caledonia to make range to them. After the seaborne troops are away from the scene we will see how best to crack that nut. Northern Cover, Adm Pye with 3 x CA plus about 5 x DD is on the way back to Suva and will then be available to strike from that flank. Several Allied CL forces can hit from the opposite side. Then there are the carriers and battleships that would engage head on.

First priority is to get the troops and that large mass of very valuable APs/AKs out of range. The main battle group is pulling back far enough that from anywhere on the other side of New Caledonia the KB will not reach them. I figure there is also the possibility that the KB will move halfway around NC in one direction or the other to counter a suspected move by the USN carriers to close the range. And then there are the Imperial battleships...

Still waiting on the turn. I figure it's getting a lot of detailed attention!

_____________________________

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Post #: 518

1942 October 27 - 10/11/2012 1:29:52 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 October 27

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:
Anatom
Tanna

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Tanna

Mostly the usual in China, but there was also a river crossing.

quote:

Ground combat at 76,51 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 35961 troops, 291 guns, 294 vehicles, Assault Value = 1131

Defending force 20182 troops, 111 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 618

Japanese adjusted assault: 661

Allied adjusted defense: 916

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
3586 casualties reported
Squads: 54 destroyed, 107 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 19 (4 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Vehicles lost 27 (3 destroyed, 24 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1908 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 230 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 28 (4 destroyed, 24 disabled)

Assaulting units:
15th/B Division
6th Tank Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
3rd/A Division
3rd/C Division
9th Division
36th/B Division
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
32nd Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Cavalry Division
115th Red Chinese Division
120th Red Chinese Division
3rd Prov Chinese Corps

The KB and battleship forces seen NE New Caledonia withdrew to positions east of the New Hebrides. USA B-17Ds from Fiji made numerous attacks on the battleships, but came out much the worse. 6 x B-17 were lost, 5 to air action and 1 to flak.

quote:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Efate at 122,154

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Efate at 122,154

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Raid is overhead
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 69 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Efate at 122,154

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 2 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Raid is overhead

Northern Cover was savaged by a second Imperial carrier force as it made it's way back toward Fiji.

quote:

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Yasawa Islands at 133,152

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
B5N1 Kate x 30

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 5 damaged
B5N1 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
SOC-1 Seagull: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA Louisville, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CA Quincy, Torpedo hits 2
CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
9 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

Chicago and Quincy are both still afloat but attempting to escape. Adm Pye now commands 3 x DD heading for Suva.

As you can see, if we had landed the troops they would all be ashore in good order now. the troop convoys will continue retiring toward Lord Howe Island to be clear of the coming battle area, and stand by for landing operations afterward.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 519

RE: 1942 October 27 - 10/11/2012 2:49:26 AM

princep01

Posts: 943
Joined: 8/7/2006
From: Texas
Status: offline

Yes, as it played out, you would have successfully landed at least the initial wave. However, had he moved his CVs as expected, you would have lost a great deal of the offensive power you currently have (as limited as it is). The risks of continuing to New Caledonia were too high. You made the right move.

He may wander off to replenish now since he has flown a number of missions and burned much fuel. You could leave your main attack at sea approximately where they are and move to New Caledonia in the event KB departs. If you are desirous of a CV battle, he might oblige you by moving one of the CV groups away to replenish. I sure advise against trying to engage both IJN CV groups.

I have felt for sometime that Admiral Wa was using New Caledonia as bait to draw your fleet and CVs into a decisive battle. That failed this time. I am not even sure he realizes what you have west of Noumea. I suspect he is unaware of the big invasion fleet. I base that on his most recent move toward the Tanna/Fiji area. Perhaps I am wrong, but I doubt that New Caledonia is heavily garrisoned and fortified.

I say little about Admiral Wa's intentions in this AAR as He is a close friend and former opponent in th eearlier versions of this game. However, since I have neither communicated with him for sometime nor read any of his AAR (as infrequently as that is updated), I am unencumbered currently. Given that, I woud not give up the attempt on New Caledonia yet. He may n Fiji rather than lioter around New Caledonia now....and that will give you the break you need and deserve.

Finally a tactical thought. Why are you still flying B-17Ds? They are vulnerable to Zeros and even Oscars while the E model will be nearly invulnerable to 1st generation IJ fighters (in fact, they will shootdown as many of those fighters as they lose). By now you should have enough E models to fill all Squadrons with them. Also, unless you have a house rule preventing it, those B-17s cannot hit much anything smaller than a large airfield from 12K feet. Drop them much lowe. Try 8K, then 6K feet and see if you can hit something.....it's still not going to be likely and will be a 500# bomb. Much better to use them in a land mode somewhere. I often send them to Burma and Java early and then on to Oz or India after those places are overrun.

Good Luck.

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Post #: 520

RE: 1942 October 27 - 10/11/2012 3:41:31 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

Good comments. Some things are not clear just from the AAR. Previous turn when his carriers were across New Caledonia from mine and made a val attack, he scouted the entire invasion fleet. Everything at or near max detection level. This turn, the attack on Northern Cover came from what I labeled as sKB, although I can't really be sure it isn't more substantial. So as far as I can tell, the large KB only used sorties for a dozen Vals. It's possible that sorties were deducted for more attack planes that launched and never found opposing forces, but I have no data.

I figured New Caledonia was mostly bait but it's also far enough out to start up with. Clearly he is bringing in the additional carrier group so as to have advantage. I must be very careful there.

I'm using the B-17Ds simply to use them up and because of their range. I'm trying to save as many B-17E/F models as I can for Burma. There they are facing tougher land based fighters. I know that the devious one will husband good pilots and build loads of first rate aircraft. I figure the B-17D is reasonably fit for battle. I'm staying at 10,000 feet with them for now because the flak down lower on those hard-target warships will be murder. Against soft(er) targets I have no problem going lower.

On New Caledonia itself Intel only indicates two Bde/Rgt sized units, one at Noumea and one at Koumac. That could be wrong of course, especially as he had ships at Koumac recently. My judgement is that he will not pile on too many forces at Noumea. BTW, I'm fairly sure that I can land all troops at both bases in one day. That's a full day, so if day one is a partial then it would roll into day two.

At sea I also have lots of follow on forces to go onto New Caledonia, but I have to seize it first. The early follow on forces are with the second wave, which is a Bde and two armored units that will run up to Koumac.

As far as - you wrote 'n', did you mean 'nuke'? - the KB & sKB nuking Fiji, they could succeed but there are enough fighters there to make it costly. And dive bombers with trained crews that could get lucky. I think the odds would be with me from a risk/reward standpoint. My dream scenario would be a Japanese invasion of Fiji at this time. No way that Wa will do that but if he did it would hurt much.

A battleship TF is past the Line Islands and making for the general area. They are slow but will be available if their use is appropriate. There are 2 x CVE (including Long Island) with the second wave and follow on forces. Long Island has fighters on CAP while the other has an army squadron that can fly right into Noumea. There are 3 more CVE nearing Hawaii, all with replenishment groups. Those will unload and USMC groups will embark.

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Post #: 521

1942 October 28 - 10/11/2012 5:50:30 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 October 28

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Carnage on the sea! But not in the Pacific. Numerous sub attacks on both sides. The only ones decisive were these.

quote:

Submarine attack near Karachi at 39,7

Japanese Ships
SS I-11

Allied Ships
TK British Colonel, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

TK British Colonel is sighted by SS I-11
SS I-11 attacking TK British Colonel on the surface

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Karachi at 39,7

Japanese Ships
SS I-166

Allied Ships
TK Saidja, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

TK Saidja is sighted by SS I-166
SS I-166 launches 4 torpedoes at TK Saidja

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Suva at 131,161

Japanese Ships
SS I-168, hits 7, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Sims
DD Hughes

SS I-168 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Sims
DD Hughes fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hughes fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hughes attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hughes fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hughes attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Karachi at 39,7

Japanese Ships
SS I-166

Allied Ships
TK Clydefield, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

TK Clydefield is sighted by SS I-166
SS I-166 launches 4 torpedoes at TK Clydefield

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Karachi at 39,7

Japanese Ships
SS I-11

Allied Ships
xAK Orna, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

xAK Orna is sighted by SS I-11
SS I-11 launches 4 torpedoes at xAK Orna

We lost 2 x TK and 1 x xAK. I-168 is reported sunk near Suva.

It was a wild day in the air over Burma, as the Allied air forces made a large appearance to aid a ground assault. That came off just so-so. The 23rd Indian Bde is hors de combat and moving back for rest.

quote:

Ground combat at 55,44 (near Cox's Bazar)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 39657 troops, 624 guns, 1044 vehicles, Assault Value = 1379

Defending force 32974 troops, 260 guns, 117 vehicles, Assault Value = 1021

Allied adjusted assault: 591

Japanese adjusted defense: 1759

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
2792 casualties reported
Squads: 21 destroyed, 196 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 28 (3 destroyed, 25 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2001 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 194 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 28 disabled
Guns lost 37 (5 destroyed, 32 disabled)
Vehicles lost 72 (8 destroyed, 64 disabled)

Assaulting units:
23rd Indian Brigade
75th IAC Regiment
7th Armoured Brigade
Americal Infantry Division
3rd Cavalry Regiment
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
754th Tank Battalion
2/10th Armoured Regiment
27th Infantry Division
I Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
88th Indian Brigade
2/11th Field Regiment
2/9th Field Regiment
XV Indian Corps
2/1st Med Regiment
21st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
78th Infantry Regiment
Imperial Guards Division
14th Division
146th Infantry Regiment

The air losses were a different story.

Plane			Type		Day	Air	Flak	Gnd	Ops
Ki-45 KAIa Nick		Fighter-Bomber	16	15	0	0	1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo		Fighter		14	14	0	0	0
Blenheim IV		Level Bomber	8	8	0	0	0
Hurricane IIb Trop	Fighter		5	3	0	0	2
Vengeance I		Dive Bomber	5	5	0	0	0
Wellington Ic		Level Bomber	5	5	0	0	0
P-40K Warhawk		Fighter		4	2	0	0	2
B-25C Mitchell		Level Bomber	3	1	0	0	2
C-47 Skytrain		Transport	2	0	0	0	2
E13A1 Jake		Float Plane	2	0	0	0	2
G3M2 Nell		Level Bomber	2	0	1	0	1
Hudson III (LR)		Level Bomber	1	0	0	0	1
C-33   	   		Transport     	1	0	0	0	1
SBD-3 Dauntless		Dive Bomber	1	0	0	0	1
A6M2 Zero		Fighter		1	0	0	0	1
B5N2 Kate		Torpedo Bomber	1	0	0	0	1
D3A1 Val		Dive Bomber	1	0	0	0	1
G4M1 Betty		Level Bomber	1	0	0	0	1

Here is the situation. That empty convoy at Savii is misbehaving by hanging around. I manually ordered it to 'Refuel at Sea' to see if that gets it moving (there was one small escort with 0 fuel).

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 522

1942 October 29 - 10/11/2012 5:36:57 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 October 29

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

At least one IJN sub is still active near Karachi as an xAK was sunk. That sKB stayed just close enough to Chicago to get a strike in, which sank her by the end of the day.

quote:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Wallis Island at 142,158

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N1 Kate x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

B-17s attacked that sKB in the afternoon, the morning attempt being turned back by weather.

quote:

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Funafuti at 138,151

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 8 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes

A total of 5 of the B-17Ds were lost. They are now standing down. Those squadrons will also reorganize, with one of them taking the remaining D models while the others advance to B-24s. B-24s from Australia hit Milne Bay hard. The IJN forces are choosing to stay north of Fiji, perhaps to tempt an Allied strike without fighter escort.

Weather in the area is forecast as clear but then again today was too. Here is a look at the situation. The KB and sKB have linked up. Together with the battleships I expect them to form a tripod and start walking across the landscape firing heat-rays.

Adm Pye (at Suva) will take his DDs to a point where he can make a high-speed bombardment run on Efate. I'm not so much thinking that many search planes will be destroyed (presuming they are based there), but I hope to catch a support ship.

News reports indicate that the KB was off New Caledonia to escort that convoy seen (or partially seen) at Koumac. They were surprised as hell to see a massive Allied fleet materialize across from them. I guess I did achieve surprise!

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Post #: 523

RE: 1942 October 29 - 10/11/2012 5:51:11 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

News reports indicate that the KB was off New Caledonia to escort that convoy seen (or partially seen) at Koumac. They were surprised as hell to see a massive Allied fleet materialize across from them. I guess I did achieve surprise!

Amazing what you can do with a little red paint!

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Post #: 524

RE: 1942 October 29 - 10/11/2012 6:01:10 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

Lost my reply due to Internet trouble.

It's funny that you should say that. Those CLs that I sent to raid the TF spotted at Koumac showed up red in my subsequent orders phase. I could still talk to them and they looked normal the next turn. During the combat resolution/replay Wa said they did not attack at all. I saw them tangle with the convoy escorts. Report and save game was sent to Michael.

So, I guess I did achieve surprise after all!

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Post #: 525

1942 October 30 - 10/11/2012 10:57:16 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 October 30

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Japanese subs still active near Karachi. No additional victims, as the baby ASW ships assigned to this remote port rough up an intruder.

quote:

ASW attack near Karachi at 39,7

Japanese Ships
SS I-11, hits 5

Allied Ships
ML No. 202
ML No. 201

SS I-11 is sighted by escort
ML No. 202 attacking submerged sub ....
ML No. 201 fails to find sub and abandons search
ML No. 202 fails to find sub, continues to search...
ML No. 202 fails to find sub, continues to search...
ML No. 202 fails to find sub, continues to search...
ML No. 202 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

In a shocking development, a Mk14 torpedo exploded. The incident is being investigated.

quote:

Sub attack near Kirakira at 114,141

Japanese Ships
xAP Kongo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Makinami

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon

Japanese ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

SS Seadragon launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Kongo Maru
Seadragon diving deep ....
DD Makinami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Makinami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Makinami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Makinami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Makinami fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

It's unclear if that convoy was headed toward or away from New Caledonia. Either way, this expenditure of important main gun ammo could signal the withdrawal of IJN heavy forces.

quote:

Night Naval bombardment of Funafuti at 138,147

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Hiei
CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba
CA Nachi
CA Myoko
CA Atago
CA Takao

Allied ground losses:
185 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Port hits 19
Port supply hits 5

BB Hyuga firing at Funafuti
BB Hiei firing at Funafuti
CA Kinugasa firing at Funafuti
CA Aoba firing at 1st/102nd Infantry Battalion
CA Nachi firing at Funafuti
CA Myoko firing at Funafuti
CA Atago firing at Funafuti
CA Takao firing at 1st/102nd Infantry Battalion

Formerly plentiful supplies (in the high hundreds, plentiful for the small unit) on the island were wiped out. The carriers and invasion convoys are moving back toward New Caledonia and a rendezvous of its west coast. Adm Pye's DDs will hit Efate tonight, but no ship was scouted at anchor today.

Only an sKB showed up in search results today, although certainly they are not alone so close to Fiji. The forecast 'clear' weather was once again largely stormy.

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Post #: 526

RE: 1942 October 30 - 10/12/2012 3:36:06 PM

princep01

Posts: 943
Joined: 8/7/2006
From: Texas
Status: offline

Hope November brings better tidings and the retaking of New Caledonia. Nice island base from which to spring northward.

Any ASW A/C patrolling out of Karachi? Any KV/DDs nearby? Might be a good place to nail those pests. Even significant damage nearly ensures the demise of the hapless sub. It's a long haul to a repair yard for a damaged IJN sub and you can generally count on some IJN damage control "expert" dropping a wrench (spanner?) into the engine gears.

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Post #: 527

RE: 1942 October 30 - 10/12/2012 4:00:18 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: princep01

Hope November brings better tidings and the retaking of New Caledonia.� Nice island base from which to spring northward.

Any ASW A/C patrolling out of Karachi?� Any KV/DDs nearby?� Might be a good place to nail those pests.� Even significant damage nearly ensures the demise of�the hapless sub.� It's a long haul to a repair yard�for a damaged IJN�sub and you can generally count on some IJN�damage control "expert"�dropping a wrench (spanner?) into the engine gears.

Yes, two groups of the little search type planes are there, forget which model. Maybe need to beef that up some. A Catalina group just arrived but they have to train up first. I have three surface ASW groups operating there, each made up of 4 x MLs upgraded to either 6 or 8 ASW weapons each. They're the ones that pounded I-11 last turn, so they're doing a decent job. In fact except for the odd sinking it's only recently when DAW sent in a batch of subs at once to saturate the defenses that the sharks have had much success there.

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Post #: 528

1942 October 31 - 10/12/2012 6:27:15 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 October 31

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

As usual, lots of uncontested air raids in China. One of the advanced northern defense units, making its way toward Yenan, disbanded under continued air attacks. It was barely a remnant anyway. No more action around Karachi, but they know where the food is so they will be back. A mine field has been cleared at Cox's Bazar. BTW, I've found that now, even after the monsoon is over (October 15th?) supply movement into Cox's Bazar is definitely better but still really awful. So, an xAKL just made a supply run and will do so continuously.

The KB is seen again, 19 hexes about NE of Noumea, and 5 hexes to that KB's ENE is the sKB. The battleships are not sighted by might be replenishing. A SigInt target is picked up west of New Britain. It might be unrelated or it could be a western carrier farce coming to join the party. For reference they are 33 hexes from Noumea.

Anatom is commencing operations as a search base. No. 11 RAAF Sqn, ex-Raoul Island, will search NW into the former gap that was out of range of assets on Fiji. This is a fairly likely vector for Imperial carriers to approach from should they raid the invasion. Naval search in that area will also give our subs a better chance.

The Allied battle fleet and invasion forces are partly scouted, both by submarine-based aircraft and by an ASW attack as they move to take up stations prior to moving in for the invasion. Efate was bombarded but nobody was home. Adm Pye's DDs will refuel near Norfolk Island and then turn to ASW duties for the invasion forces, which are facing numerous IJN subs. If a larger battle is in the offing then Northern Cover might reconstitute with the addition of some CA from the carrier TFs.

Coast watchers report 1 ship at Koumac, so Trenchard's Torpedoes will make another visit. Three New Mexico class battleships with destroyers have just refueled far SE of the Tonga Islands and will now move NW to be in position to speed into action as opportunity presents. Commanded by Adm Short they are designated Short's Long Guns. If there is a general melee they could provide added weight by surprise.

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Post #: 529

1942 November 01 - 10/12/2012 9:23:01 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 November 01

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

With but one exception all of today's combat consisted of Imperial air raids in China. That exception was an ASW attack on an IJN sub near Norfolk Island by an oiler's escort. The refueling point will be moved.

The Imperial carriers are no longer seen. They should be far enough away that attacking the beachheads at Noumea tomorrow would be difficult or impossible. Our subs in the relevant area are not overflown by aircraft and there is no other sign of carriers close by. The troops go in tomorrow!

Tanna will begin operating as a search base tomorrow, doubling up coverage in the critical corridor. Here is some Intel on the whereabouts and course of the Imperial battleships.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 530

RE: 1942 November 01 - 10/12/2012 9:46:08 PM

princep01

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From: Texas
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Hurray!! His sneaky attempt to trap your fleet in a one sided battle appears to have failed. Now, there remains the submarine menace, but it is, by comparison, minor and all that stands between you and a victory on New Caledonia. Nicely done!

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Post #: 531

RE: 1942 November 01 - 10/12/2012 10:12:13 PM

witpqs

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quote:

ORIGINAL: princep01

Hurray!!� His sneaky attempt to trap your fleet in a one sided battle appears to have failed.� Now, there remains the submarine menace, but it is, by comparison, minor and all that stands between you and a victory on New Caledonia.� Nicely done!

Well... almost nicely done. I got sloppy the last two turns. First I left the mine sweepers too far away. Then I neglected to give orders to Southern Cover to move in with the troops. From what I can see the latter miscue won't have any effect. I do hope the Empire hasn't left a bunch of mines at Noumea, as that group only has one mine sweeper. The mine sweeping TF should be there in two days. Doh!

Didn't mention; another attack near Akyab tomorrow. Saw today that at least one Imperial unit is moving toward Akyab. Either that weakens the defenses some or the whole force is moving and even more ripe for attack. Let's see how that goes!

The real thing is, if New Caledonia comes off quickly without undue complications, I want to see if I can scoop up the division prepped for it and hit Efate before the IJN is back in town. Recon so far is showing only a couple of thousand troops there.

Another division is fully prepped for Luganville, too...

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Post #: 532

RE: 1942 November 01 - 10/12/2012 11:37:05 PM

princep01

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From: Texas
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Well, of course, one doesn't know until one recons a place in earnest, but my guess is that Efate and Loganville will not have very strong garrisons. It is likely they are just for delay. If either has a significant garrison, my bet would naturally be at Loganville. Maybe a CV raid and recon on Loganville after the New Caledonia invasion is over would be wise.

Does the Noumea hex show any mines? If not, I'd carry on, but if it does I might await those ACMs or DMS before commiting substantial fleet elements to that hex. Remember too that DDs can sweep mines. You might lose a couple of DDs doing it, but they will destroy some or all the mines, open a swept channel and prevent havoc among the APs.

Does Noumea have a CD unit there that you have scouted out? That could be even more troublesomes to the APs than mines.

Plant the flags of the Allies on New Caledonia! Good luck!

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Post #: 533

RE: 1942 November 01 - 10/13/2012 12:07:12 AM

witpqs

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For Efate Intel/combat reports have:

4th/A Division

For Luganville:

4th/A Division - later than at Efate.
II/66th Naval Guard Unit - but this unit shows up at Shortlands later on.

So it looks like a regiment (4th/A Division) at Luganville (plus any late arrivals) and an unidentified smaller unit at Efate.

The tentative plan is to embark both divisions, each convoy to also have AKs loaded just with supply so a crap load gets ashore. The fleet covers the Efate invasion on the way by with the Luganville invasion. Short's Long Guns will provide gunfire support to the Luganville invasion. There will be a mine sweeper TF in attendance.

The Luganville invasion will be strictly depending on circumstances. If there is no substantial sea-borne opposition it will go in. The Efate invasion convoy should already be unloaded and heading back to safer waters if opposition then shows up at Luganville.

It is hoped that hitting two targets at once so soon after the New Caledonia op will catch the IJN out of place. I know where one large group of battleships and cruisers is heading so I would like to get this in before they get back.

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Post #: 534

RE: 1942 November 01 - 10/13/2012 12:26:35 AM

BBfanboy

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You sound really confident of the accuracy of that sighting. I have often had recon report CAs and BBs which later turn out to be CVs and escorts.
No problem if they keep moving away but a different issue if they can sprint back and have carriers striking at 8 hex range!

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Post #: 535

RE: 1942 November 01 - 10/13/2012 12:39:16 AM

princep01

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That's always a possiblity, BBfanboy, but that is also a lot of "ifs". At some point one has to say, damn the torpedos, full speed ahead, Naturally, one does not issue such bravado without having scouted/reconned as best as one can (AND brought the ACMs/DMS along!), but under the circumstances it appears a good plan to go for not only Noumea, but also Efate and MAYBE, Espiritu Santo/Loganville as well.

The garrisons looks prefunctory, the enemy CVs and major surface forces appear to be moving away or refueling (not in the immediate vicinity) and the troops are properly prepped. I'd cast my lot on making the plan a go. Of course, if the CVs threaten or if even large surface forces appear in the vicinty, a tactical "hold" or even withdrawal might be in order.

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Post #: 536

RE: 1942 November 01 - 10/13/2012 1:08:06 AM

witpqs

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Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
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That BB/CA sighting was by a sub in action against the TF, so it's pretty solid as to ship types. It also is in position consistent with the surface group heading back to Truk. It might be a different one, and it might be heading in a different direction (FOW). Either way, the Tanna and Anatom search bases are helping with that. Assets will be ready so that Efate can begin searching the day after it is taken. I've got a whole bunch of subs covering the approaches, and with aerial search coverage they have better chances to draw blood.

I do plan to call it off if opposition is too stiff. It would be nice to have the situation changed so much before beginning to rotate the carriers and fast battleships back for their October '42 refits. That one adds a ton of anti-air power. Then again, I have troops fully prepped for the lower Solomons...

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Post #: 537

RE: 1942 November 01 - 10/13/2012 5:29:52 AM

BBfanboy

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Not saying it shouldn't be tried, Princep01 - just trying to get a handle on whether witpqs considered the possibility of CVs within a day's sprint. Sounds like he has done his usual due diligence with search, patrol, and picket assets.
Looking forward to seeing the dominoes fall - and the IJN reaction.

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Post #: 538

1942 November 02 - 10/13/2012 5:11:26 PM

witpqs

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From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 November 02

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Noumea
La Foa

Carnage in the skies over Burma. We lost 21 x Blenheim IV, 5 x P-39D, 5 x Wellington Ic, and 1 x P-40K. Most of the 2EB went in without escort due to the vagaries of weather and coordination from multiple bases. The P-40K sweep did go in, some 2EB were escorted (mostly those unopposed!), and the 2EB without escort fought like hell. 17 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo were taken. P-38 sweeps over Milne Bay took from 2 to 4 x Zeros. More Zeros were taken over Burma in the maelstrom, bringing the total to 14 x A6M2 Zero.

The result was a contribution to a decent ground attack outside Akyab.

quote:

Ground combat at 55,44 (near Cox's Bazar)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 35799 troops, 590 guns, 1040 vehicles, Assault Value = 1234

Defending force 19349 troops, 155 guns, 71 vehicles, Assault Value = 497

Allied adjusted assault: 804

Japanese adjusted defense: 1087

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-)
supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1726 casualties reported
Squads: 68 destroyed, 77 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 43 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Guns lost 25 (9 destroyed, 16 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
478 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 40 disabled
Vehicles lost 34 (6 destroyed, 28 disabled)

Assaulting units:
I Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
75th IAC Regiment
Americal Infantry Division
2/10th Armoured Regiment
754th Tank Battalion
7th Armoured Brigade
27th Infantry Division
23rd Indian Brigade
3rd Cavalry Regiment
88th Indian Brigade
XV Indian Corps
2/9th Field Regiment
2/11th Field Regiment
2/1st Med Regiment
21st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
78th Infantry Regiment
Imperial Guards Division
146th Infantry Regiment

Some 4EBs will bomb to keep them moving slower. The troops and the bulk of the bombers will rest one day then attack again.

Adm Pye with ad-hoc assignment for temporary ASW duties did not arrive on scene in time. Saratoga took two torpedoes and stands at 37-21(8)-13(9). Flight operations are shut down but might be restored. So she will be first to rotate out for October refit. Ironically, Lead, with Saratoga and Lexington, has the most ASW protection. I should have chosen a TF name like "Sub Smiter". There were several sub encounters in the invasion zone, most being without result.

quote:

ASW attack near Noumea at 114,160

Japanese Ships
SS I-30

Allied Ships
CA Pensacola
CA Chester
CA Northampton
CL Honolulu
DD Helm
DD Gridley
DD Craven
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Mugford

SS I-30 is sighted by escort
DD Gridley fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Craven fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ralph Talbot fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mugford fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Gridley fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Craven fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ralph Talbot fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Mugford fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ralph Talbot fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Mugford fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Noumea at 114,160

Japanese Ships
SS I-30

Allied Ships
CA New Orleans
CA Salt Lake City
CLAA Juneau
DD Aaron Ward
PC Swan
AM Chevreuil
AP President Monroe
AP President Hayes
AP American Legion
AP Leonard Wood
AP J. Franklin Bell
AP Zeilin
AP Wharton
AK Almaack
AK Algorab
xAP Merkur
DD Lardner
DD Lansdowne
DD Duncan
DD Buchanan

SS I-30 is sighted by escort
DD Lardner fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Lansdowne fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Duncan fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Buchanan fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lansdowne attacking submerged sub ....
DD Duncan fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Buchanan fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Lansdowne fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lansdowne fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lansdowne fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lansdowne fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Noumea at 114,160

Japanese Ships
SS I-30

Allied Ships
CV Saratoga, Torpedo hits 2
CA Pensacola
CA Northampton
CL Honolulu
DD Helm
DD Gridley
DD Craven
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Mugford

SS I-30 launches 6 torpedoes at CV Saratoga
I-30 diving deep ....
DD Gridley fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Craven fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ralph Talbot attacking submerged sub ....
DD Mugford attacking submerged sub ....
DD Gridley attacking submerged sub ....
DD Ralph Talbot fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Mugford fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Gridley fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Gridley fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Gridley fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Noumea at 114,160

Japanese Ships
SS I-30

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota
BB North Carolina
DD Caldwell
DD Bancroft
DD McCalla
DD Russell
DD Mustin
DD Hammann

SS I-30 is sighted by escort
I-30 diving deep ....
DD Russell fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Mustin attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hammann attacking submerged sub ....
DD Mustin fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hammann fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hammann fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hammann fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hammann attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hammann cannot establish contact with SS I-30
DD Hammann cannot establish contact with SS I-30
DD Hammann fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hammann fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Grampus had an encounter near Nauru, but the TF was not well enough observed to give a present position and heading.

quote:

ASW attack near Nauru Island at 121,126

Japanese Ships
DD Yugure
BB Hyuga
BB Hiei
CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba
CA Atago
CA Takao
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Fubuki
DD Uzuki
DD Sazanami
DD Ayanami

Allied Ships
SS Grampus

SS Grampus launches 2 torpedoes at DD Yugure
Grampus diving deep ....
DD Uzuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sazanami fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ayanami attacking submerged sub ....
DD Uzuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Uzuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Uzuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Uzuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Uzuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

At La Foa there are more troops to unload as I think only one phase was available for unloading. At Noumea all the troops were unloaded, with plenty of supply, and only additional supply remains to unload. The 8th NZ Bde will take La Foa tomorrow. The Guards Mixed Brigade defended the beaches of Noumea with 20 guns, but all Allied units are ashore in good order and ready for combat. Tomorrow the 3rd Marine Division and the 1st USMC Tank Battalion will attack. The 3rd Pioneer Bn and the 2nd Amphibious Tractor Engr Bn are also present but their job is on the beaches. 3rd NZ HQ is in command, backed up by South Pacific HQ at Nadi.

The troop convoy at Noumea will head for Fiji as soon as all supplies are offloaded. Second wave convoys are heading for Noumea now but will not offload until the base is taken.

SigInt has picked up CL Katori just north of the mid-Solomons. CA Quincy is entering the ship yard at Auckland. APDs will pick up the paras at Anatom and bring to the Belep Islands, just north of Koumac, to seize the next forward search base. here is a look at the extent of search in the critical area so far.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 539

1942 November 03 - 10/14/2012 12:41:08 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
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From: Argleton
Status: offline

1942 November 03

The Empire captured:

The Allies captured:
La Foa

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:

There were Allied amphibious operations at:

Another sub regrets the Karachi run.

quote:

ASW attack near Karachi at 39,7

Japanese Ships
SS I-166, hits 9, heavy damage

Allied Ships
ML No. 200
ML No. 202
ML No. 201

SS I-166 is located by ML No. 200
ML No. 202 fails to find sub and abandons search
ML No. 201 attacking submerged sub ....
ML No. 201 fails to find sub, continues to search...
ML No. 201 fails to find sub, continues to search...
ML No. 201 fails to find sub, continues to search...
ML No. 201 fails to find sub, continues to search...
ML No. 201 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

This day BB South Dakota took a torpedo.

quote:

Sub attack near Noumea at 114,160

Japanese Ships
SS I-30

Allied Ships
BB South Dakota, Torpedo hits 1
BB North Carolina
DD Caldwell
DD Bancroft
DD McCalla
DD Russell
DD Mustin
DD Hammann

SS I-30 launches 6 torpedoes at BB South Dakota
DD Russell fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Mustin fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hammann fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

She split off with a DD and has made 200nm to clear the area already. There were several other sub encounters there.

quote:

Sub attack near Noumea at 114,160

Japanese Ships
SS I-30

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown
CA San Francisco
CL Nashville
DD Farragut
DD Hull
DD Dewey
DD MacDonough
DD Worden

SS I-30 launches 2 torpedoes at CV Yorktown
I-30 diving deep ....
DD Hull fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Dewey fails to find sub and abandons search
DD MacDonough fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Worden fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Worden fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Worden fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Worden fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Worden fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Noumea at 115,160

Japanese Ships
SS I-176, hits 7

Allied Ships
CA Vincennes
CA Salt Lake City
CLAA Juneau
DD Aaron Ward
DD Grayson
PC Swan
AM Chevreuil
AP President Monroe
AP President Hayes
AP Leonard Wood
AP J. Franklin Bell
AP Wharton
AK Almaack
AK Algorab
xAP Merkur
DD Lardner
DD Lansdowne
DD Duncan
DD Buchanan

SS I-176 is sighted by escort
DD Lardner fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lansdowne attacking submerged sub ....
DD Duncan fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Buchanan fails to find sub and abandons search
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Noumea at 114,160

Japanese Ships
SS I-30

Allied Ships
BB North Carolina
DD Caldwell
DD McCalla
DD Mustin
DD Hammann
DD Anderson

SS I-30 is sighted by escort
DD Mustin fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hammann fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Anderson attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

KB is 4 hexes WNW of Luganville, right in a spot where the search planes out of Anatom and Tanna overfly them. The convoy at La Foa is still unloading Support and Motorized Support squads, but will pull up stakes and head SW. One ship, little xAP Dilga of 3,700 tons is badly damaged and can only make 2 knots. It seems that the day before "xAP Dilga hits underwater rocks while attempting to unload at La Foa". She has detached and will attempt to unload that last squad and hide in place. All the rest of the TFs are also moving SW. The large assault convoy at Noumea will simply call it quits on unloading supplies (by far most were unloaded) and take a very circuitous route to Fiji.

On land the 8th NZ Bde took possession of La Foa. The 3rd Marine Div and 1st USMC Tank Bn outclassed the defense at Noumea, and might capture that base on the next attack.

quote:

Ground combat at Noumea (115,160)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14526 troops, 196 guns, 235 vehicles, Assault Value = 557

Defending force 4564 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 148

Allied adjusted assault: 630

Japanese adjusted defense: 274

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
517 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 70 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
3rd Marine Division
1st USMC Tank Battalion
2nd AmphTrac Engineer Battalion
3rd Pioneer Battalion
3rd NZ Division

Defending units:
Guards Mixed Brigade