RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A)

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A)

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/16/2017 1:55:57 PM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Bihoro: Can you send in one Judy group with massive George escorts from here with range 6 to go after his outlying TFs that are 2 hexes out from Shikuka?

Moonlight is at 78%. Are you setting anything up to do some night time SC TF attacks?

All good ideas, but these are essentially not worth the effort. All YMS or other small ASW TFs. I'll be trying things as I can, but after last turn I will be more careful. The DS is potent, and since he probably has plentiful airframes in the pools after months of inactivity, the next strikes have to be timed to be useful in weakening the DS just before using the KB, if possible.

_____________________________

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/17/2017 2:04:24 AM

crsutton

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quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

Both Shikuka and Toyohara are level 1 fields, so only FP could go there.

Huh?

To strike anything

But I do not think there is any limitation to VR units flying replacements to carriers from any size airfield. Not sure about this.

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/17/2017 8:45:25 AM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

Both Shikuka and Toyohara are level 1 fields, so only FP could go there.

Huh?

To strike anything

But I do not think there is any limitation to VR units flying replacements to carriers from any size airfield. Not sure about this.

Correct.

This was originally about striking at 0 hex range form Shikuka when I still had the base.

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/17/2017 12:37:55 PM

Lowpe

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I thought that CR would gear the Deathstar defensively, with only likely shorter strike ranges, and I think that proved to be true your 8 hex strike. I also don't think the Allies are used to the KB being used late in the game like you did.

The problem with striking vulnerable island bases is prep. Impossible to get surprise, but you can cause him to react to your prep or prep for another base and hope when you convert it over just prior to the invasion you achieve 25% prep.

To tell you the truth, I think the Allies would just let you run wild in any attack away from the Home Islands/Kuriles/Aleutians unless you threatened achieving some serious permanent VP as say in bombing Oz.

Give us your kamikaze plans, please.

What planes? How many squadrons? Did your 10 Depot divisions form up?

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/17/2017 1:46:38 PM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

I thought that CR would gear the Deathstar defensively, with only likely shorter strike ranges, and I think that proved to be true your 8 hex strike. I also don't think the Allies are used to the KB being used late in the game like you did.

The problem with striking vulnerable island bases is prep. Impossible to get surprise, but you can cause him to react to your prep or prep for another base and hope when you convert it over just prior to the invasion you achieve 25% prep.

To tell you the truth, I think the Allies would just let you run wild in any attack away from the Home Islands/Kuriles/Aleutians unless you threatened achieving some serious permanent VP as say in bombing Oz.

Give us your kamikaze plans, please. What planes? How many squadrons? Did your 10 Depot divisions form up?

Yep. It appears to be a large proportion of fighters. So far this seems fine, and has provided him with a few major kills, but he also lost an opportunity to hit the KB and most likely lost a CV with a few more damaged. I see the benefits of this, but long term I hope he keeps doing it. It also allows other IJA ships to operate in range of the DS bringing supply and troops to nearby bases, ASW to hit subs and clear the path for the KB to move in, and generally means I have the choice of when and how to be offensive.

As for the far flung ops idea, I do like the OZ option, but to be real, it's only a few thousand VPs we're talking about. I just ran into subs off of Perth and Darwin, so these are not unpatrolled areas either. I think having played J-III for a few years he is used to someone hitting anything possible in the most remote locations.

That said, I may do some recon down under just to see what I can spot. Port Agusta is in range of a bunch of good targets, most importantly Broken Hills, but also the big bases. The G3M3 can hit at a distance if there is no CAP. Could be worth it if I can get it with minimal troops. On the other hand the Allies have very long-legged planes these days too, and 4Es plus P-38s could be there within 2-3 days, plus the plentiful FM-1 and FM-2 from the Solomons. I know he still has some fighters down there.

As for Kami plans, I don't have kamis yet!!! Not close enough.

My plans are in place, with 2E Frances/Peggy-T being big players. I'll also use a lot of Judy D4Y3-4 as my production is huge on these. I'm intrigued by the comment earlier about the Judy recon being useful in this role. I'll also have the Myrt soon, so if recons work, that is a very fast plane and could bust through sometimes.

No Home Island bases have been taken yet, so no reinforcements.

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/18/2017 12:30:42 AM >

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/17/2017 4:06:22 PM

Lokasenna

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What does the mouseover of deathstar look like for plane numbers? Does it actually show a heavy weighting towards fighters at the expense of bombers, or are there simply enough CVs/CVEs present to support a 900-plane CAP?

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/18/2017 12:28:58 AM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

What does the mouseover of deathstar look like for plane numbers? Does it actually show a heavy weighting towards fighters at the expense of bombers, or are there simply enough CVs/CVEs present to support a 900-plane CAP?

I've only ever gotten pieces of it. Because he loads 1,000 ships in a hex there is no way to see clearly. It's always a guess until a sub sneaks in there.

Here is a shot of some parts. Does look a bit weighted toward fighters.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/18/2017 12:33:57 AM >

_____________________________

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/18/2017 3:56:00 PM

obvert

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June 12-13, 1944

The 12th and 13th offer nothing new really. Not much action, and little information about the DS or other Allied moves or plans here. Shikuka goes up a level a day, and a few YMS are hit by outlying Judys from Para and Onneketon-Jima.

The bombardment near Prome shows that the Chinese have been joined by more Chindits and another indian Brigade. Not enough to worry about yet. He's also moving from the hex next to prime, which could either be to reinforce and try to break through, or to let these troops move toward Toungou. Either way, if it looks like he will bring troops around and try to head down the other road I'll just bring everyone back and shorten the lines n anticipation of the Thai withdrawal.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 12, 1944
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at 55,51 (near Prome)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 59559 troops, 573 guns, 948 vehicles, Assault Value = 1886

Defending force 64458 troops, 476 guns, 217 vehicles, Assault Value = 1741

Japanese ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
118 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 9 (5 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2nd Tank Division
48th Division
18th Tank Regiment
11th Tank Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
32nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
18th Division
7th RTA Division
60th Field AA Battalion
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
11th Air Defense AA Battalion
2nd Air Defense AA Regiment
32nd Air Defense AA Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Medium Mortar Battalion
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Ind.AA Gun Co
52nd Field AA Battalion
9th RF Gun Battalion
7th RF Gun Battalion
10th RF Gun Battalion

Defending units:
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
5th Chinese Corps
46th Indian Brigade
Guides Cavalry Regiment
23rd Chindit Brigade
14th Chindit Brigade
50th Indian Para Brigade
6th Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 13, 1944
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on TF, near Ketoi-jima at 131,46

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 36
D4Y1 Judy x 26

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
YMS-395, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
YMS-116
YMS-281, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
YMS-113

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Onnekotan-jima at 133,44

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y4 Judy x 35
N1K2-J George x 17

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
YMS-271, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
YMS-316
YMS-276, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
YMS-342, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/18/2017 5:09:19 PM >

_____________________________

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/18/2017 5:16:58 PM

obvert

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Fighter Pools

Here is a look at the fighter pools. I've gone through a bit lately, and have to get a bit more conservative unless I want to get in trouble. I'm still waiting for the Oscar VI next month to bump that production up, and the Jack J2M5, which will be the best IJN plane until the George N1K5 comes in about October. I should get the Jack in August.

Also in August should come the Frank Ki-84b, which will be bomber killer #1. It's a better version of the Ki-84a with CL 20mm. It'll also mean production bumps into the range I need it to be in right now.

I've been conservative with airframes and R & D this game, hoping to get through with enough supply to make a go of it late. We'll see if the Allies can take advantage of this position near Japanese industry. I'm a lot less optimistic than I was a few months ago, but it's getting fun again at least!

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/18/2017 5:17:42 PM >

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"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/18/2017 5:59:09 PM

Lowpe

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It will be interesting to see what the Allies target with their bombing campaign coming up. I have a feeling your night fighters will get a work out.

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/18/2017 11:10:06 PM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

It will be interesting to see what the Allies target with their bombing campaign coming up. I have a feeling your night fighters will get a work out.

I do too. I hate that two groups disband in the cull of July. I have to look through the complete list soon and make sure I'm not missing any to convert.

I'm trying tot bring virtually all of the AA not in Burma back to the HI. Along with that will come all of the big base forces, with their DP guns, and a few more CD gun units. They're heading for the most obvious next invasions though, if I can get them there.

Shikuka is a level 7, and almost all fighters so far.

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 12:45:24 AM

PaxMondo

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quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

Fighter Pools

Here is a look at the fighter pools. I've gone through a bit lately, and have to get a bit more conservative unless I want to get in trouble.

I think you are good. You are kicking out ~800 fighter/month at the moment (mid 44) and as you note you have 4 RnD projects that will end in the next few months and convert to production.
That suggests by 10/44 your fighter production will be +1000/month consisting of mostly final production models.

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 7:34:21 AM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

Fighter Pools

Here is a look at the fighter pools. I've gone through a bit lately, and have to get a bit more conservative unless I want to get in trouble.

I think you are good. You are kicking out ~800 fighter/month at the moment (mid 44) and as you note you have 4 RnD projects that will end in the next few months and convert to production.
That suggests by 10/44 your fighter production will be +1000/month consisting of mostly final production models.

My Sams are going incredibly slowly. Can't get them to repair though I have 4 x 30 going. My only wish is that the ki-84r and the ki-83 would be here now. I need sweepers!!

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/19/2017 8:36:42 AM >

_____________________________

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 10:19:46 AM

obvert

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June 14-15, 1944

These turns have been uneventful, unless you happen to be on a sub or an ASW boat. Lots of action there. The IJN isn't faring well, but these are the slow 14 knot RO subs. I'd noticed the DS seems to be moving toward Paramushiro. It went 7 hexes on the 14th, then 6 hexes on the 15th. Sounds like APA speed.

I'm sending all available transport and patrols to complete the addition of a large brigade to Para to bring it's AV to 400+. Not enough, but better. Onneketon is also beefing up and should be to 350 by the end of the day. I'e got fighters out there to cover too.

I decided on the 15th to give the Allies a scare by sending the KB to the hex next to Wakkanai, since the DS is no longer covering Shikuka, and testing the CAP with a reduced sweep. I wanted to see the reaction. Does he bring the DS back in? Does the CAP grow? Anything else, like surface ship reaction?

All worked with the 4 x Ki-100 giving a good look at what is flying, and even knocking down a Hellcat for no losses. Minor victories!

The trouble was that the Allies didn't spot the KB!! It's within 8 hexes of Shikuka, and 4 hexes of Toyohara. Not a single search plane discovery there. In fact all search in the Kuriles seems limited to the Eastern end, reinforcing my fear he's quickly moving in for stage 3 landings out there.

So I have some decisions to make. Next turn will be interesting!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 15, 1944
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub attack near Shimushiri-jima at 132,50

Japanese Ships
E Tomozuru

Allied Ships
SS Becuna, hits 7

SS Becuna launches 6 torpedoes at E Tomozuru
E Tomozuru fails to find sub, continues to search...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Paramushiro-jima at 137,44

Japanese Ships
SS RO-113, hits 6

Allied Ships
DD Callaghan
DD Morrison

SS RO-113 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Callaghan
DD Morrison attacking submerged sub ....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Paramushiro-jima at 137,44

Japanese Ships
SS I-17, hits 31, and is sunk

Allied Ships
PF Hutchinson
PF Eugene
PF Ogden

SS I-17 is sighted by escort
I-17 diving deep ....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Paramushiro-jima at 137,44

Japanese Ships
SS RO-107, hits 15, heavy damage

Allied Ships
xAK Zvir
xAK Forafric
xAK Clan Macneil
xAK Oakbank
xAK Aloe
xAK African Prince
DE Wesson

SS RO-107 is sighted by escort
DE Wesson attacking submerged sub ....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Paramushiro-jima at 137,45

Japanese Ships
SS RO-100, hits 10, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Rowe

SS RO-100 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Rowe
RO-100 diving deep ....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shikuka , at 126,43

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 39,090 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-100-I Tony x 4

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 16
P-39D Airacobra x 8
P-39N1 Airacobra x 13
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 57
P-51B Mustang x 10
F4U-1 Corsair x 11
F4U-1A Corsair x 68
F6F-3 Hellcat x 64

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-100-I Tony sweeping at 36090 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1574

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 2:34:13 PM

obvert

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June 16, 1944

This night began with much of the same. Lots of sub action. One difference is that in its dying, the RO-109 at least gives us some good info. It's not just CVs out here, but fast BBs and cruisers. Makes me think even more this will be an invasion day.

The IJN Es are also busy. At least one sub gets two penetrating DC hits. It'll have to limp back to the Aleutians.

Notice in the shot below Jakes are busy at night, and the Allies also sed out FP to spot out our movements.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 16, 1944
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub attack near Uruppu-jima at 129,51

Japanese Ships
E Hato
E Sagi

Allied Ships
SS Hake

SS Hake launches 6 torpedoes at E Hato
E Sagi fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Paramushiro-jima at 138,46

Japanese Ships
SS RO-109

Allied Ships
DE Wyman

SS RO-109 is sighted by escort
RO-109 diving deep ....
DE Wyman fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Paramushiro-jima at 138,46

Japanese Ships
SS RO-109

Allied Ships
DE Manning
xAK Theofano Livanos
xAK Chios
xAK Aspasia Nomikos
xAK Iron Baron
xAK Barossa
xAK Maetsuycker
xAK La Pampa
xAK Havildar
xAK Nightingale

SS RO-109 launches 4 torpedoes at DE Manning
DE Manning fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Paramushiro-jima at 138,46

Japanese Ships
SS RO-109, hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Indiana
BB South Dakota
CA Canberra II
CA Chicago
CLAA San Diego
DD Cony
DD DeHaven
DD Dashiell
DD Daly

SS RO-109 is sighted by escort
RO-109 diving deep ....
Debris floats to surface in area of attack!
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Shimushiri-jima at 132,50

Japanese Ships
E Kiku

Allied Ships
SS Scorpion, hits 3

SS Scorpion is sighted by escort
E Kiku fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1575

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 2:36:24 PM

obvert

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June 16, 1944

At Shikuka the CAP looks the same as the day before. Interesting. The fields also did not go up to 8 today.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 16, 1944
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Shikuka , at 126,43

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 197 NM, estimated altitude 41,090 feet.
Estimated time to target is 54 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-100-I Tony x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 16
P-39D Airacobra x 8
P-39N1 Airacobra x 13
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 69
P-51B Mustang x 10
F4U-1 Corsair x 11
F4U-1A Corsair x 72
F6F-3 Hellcat x 70

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-100-I Tony: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-100-I Tony sweeping at 36090 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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Post #: 1576

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 2:40:40 PM

obvert

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June 16, 1944

Intense search activity begins to show what is afoot. Numerous Jakes and Kingfishers succumb to the diving fighters over the respective TFs. The question is how much do they see? Can they spot the TFs long enough to radio back good information?

Also, why is there a little red line from Onneketon Jima to the TF nearby, covering and killing these Kingfishers? Is this an elaborate CAP trap, out in open waters? Challenging the Death Star to strike?

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/19/2017 2:41:01 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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Post #: 1577

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 2:46:41 PM

obvert

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June 16, 1944

It didn't take long for the Allies to learn what was in store.

After an agonising morning of preparation in the KB hangars, anxious glances from the bridge at any break in the clouds, finally the engines roared down the decks and lifted of for another day of withering combat. These pilots had been through it before, knew what to expect from an Allied CAP larger than the entire number of strike and escort planes combined that Japan could field.

Today all worked in Symphony, or at least as well as could be expected at this point in the war. There was no morning strike, but in the after the alarms began to clang aboard the USN TFs as radar warned of an unexpected strike. Was it a raid from nearby islands?

As the Hellcats and Corsairs hared into the sky, admirals instructed captains on coordination, and advised all available fighters scramble. This was no raid.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/19/2017 2:47:49 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 2:54:00 PM

obvert

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June 16, 1944

In spite of the enormous and coordinated escort, leaving no CAP over the CVs except from the trailing CVLs and nearby islands, the Allies got through. The Corsairs first, then the ever increasing number of Hellcats, until over 150 strike Judys, Jills, and Graces were shot down on the approach.

Still, a package of almost 175 of Japan's best made it through. the DBs found the flak hard going, and only got in close enough for a few near misses before landing one solid 800kg bomb on BC Renown. The Torpedo bombers did slightly better, but with enormous losses.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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Post #: 1579

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 2:56:02 PM

obvert

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June 16, 1944

Death From Above lived up to its name, taking the first fish before Judys came over but couldn't add to the misery.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 12/19/2017 3:12:59 PM >

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"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 2:57:24 PM

obvert

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June 16, 1944

Next the Illustrious took two more, sending it into a steep list.

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 2:59:00 PM

obvert

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June 16, 1944

So many DBs missed the mark I began to think this wasn't going to add up well for the Japanese, but more Grace and Jills shot across the surface low and under the flak, and let go ...

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"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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Post #: 1582

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 3:01:02 PM

obvert

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June 16, 1944

Then the John Wick with two ...

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"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 3:12:37 PM

obvert

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June 16, 1944

In addition, CVL San Jacinto took one and the CVL Cowpens ate four and sank immediately.

So the day looks to be worth it, but we've ended up awfully close to the Allies for my comfort. There are a lot of very good fast BBs, CA/CLs and Fletchers in those TFs, and if he chooses to have a go at the KB, it's going to get very messy.

The surface escorts for the IJN include fast BBs Kongo and Hei in one TF, and two TFs of 3 x CA each. All TFs are 8-9 ships with the best available surface fighting DDs, Kageros, Shiratuyas, etc.

At Etorofu sit three more BB Bfs that will now react to follow orders for the CVs, plus two CL TFs that will move in to hopefully act as a rear guard, trailing all TFs by one hex. In addition are numerous fast and slow Es, SC and some subs that will stay put to announce the arrival of anything that comes with their death.

This was an all-in move, and while it didn't take the biggest of pots, it again shows that the Allies have some vulnerability if they don't set for strikes. This one ended up at 3 hexes!!! Still nothing going our way which was very lucky. The CAP would have been about 150 planes total, all set to high percentage and layered, so it still would have offered something, but the Allies could have gotten through.

And they still might. It's going to be an anxious day tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to seeing the South Dakota slammed up agains the KB.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 16, 1944
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Paramushiro-jima at 139,49

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 34
A6M8 Zero x 291
B6N1 Jill x 20
B6N2 Jill x 50
B6N2a Jill x 32
B7A2 Grace x 63
D4Y3 Judy x 69
D4Y4 Judy x 168
N1K1 Rex x 20

Allied aircraft
Corsair II x 32
F4U-1A Corsair x 245
F6F-3 Hellcat x 702

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 5 destroyed
A6M8 Zero: 19 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 12 destroyed, 1 damaged
B6N1 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
B6N2 Jill: 9 destroyed, 11 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
B6N2a Jill: 7 destroyed, 4 damaged
B6N2a Jill: 2 destroyed by flak
B7A2 Grace: 13 destroyed, 14 damaged
B7A2 Grace: 2 destroyed by flak
D4Y3 Judy: 27 destroyed, 2 damaged
D4Y3 Judy: 3 destroyed by flak
D4Y4 Judy: 61 destroyed, 19 damaged
D4Y4 Judy: 8 destroyed by flak
N1K1 Rex: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 17 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City
CV Emperor Norton I.
CVL Bataan
CV Illustrious, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CVL Cowpens, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
CV Death From Above, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV John Wick, Torpedo hits 2
CVL San Jacinto, Torpedo hits 1
BC Renown, Bomb hits 1
CVL Langley
CV Saratoga
CVL Monterey
CV Lexington, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Birmingham

4 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
4 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Massive explosion on CVL Cowpens
Ammo storage explosion on CV Illustrious
Fuel storage explosion on CV Lexington
Fuel storage explosion on CV Lexington
Ammo storage explosion on CV Death From Above
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Death From Above

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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< Message edited by obvert -- 12/19/2017 4:05:02 PM >

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 3:19:03 PM

obvert

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June 16, 1944

This is a shot of the TFs in hex. It feels like not enough now, but I know these are the best of the IJN, and more just a few hexes away moving in, I hope. I just got the turn back, with no word from Canoe, so I wonder if something is up. I'm sure he isn't happy about the last turn, and if he did it quickly, it could be a hotblooded response.

I definitely expect an influx of allied subs, and all available ASW TFs are already on the retreat path and actively searching.

I'm about to run the turn now.

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 3:22:40 PM

Drakanel

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Well, that was a very well executed strike. IF you can get away with it, it was certainly worth it. IF.

Now I can't wait to see the next turn.
And, his take on the situation once he posts in his AAR. The perks of reading both sides

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 3:32:24 PM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Drakanel

Well, that was a very well executed strike. IF you can get away with it, it was certainly worth it. IF.

Now I can't wait to see the next turn.
And, his take on the situation once he posts in his AAR. The perks of reading both sides

Yes, IF!!

It's a tough decision every time, but the later it gets, the less I'll be able to make in impact, so I have to find moments now.

Unfortunately it looks like he sent the wrong turn file, a mid-turn save, not the finished turn. Damn!

So I'll have to wait a bit.

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"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 3:56:02 PM

obvert

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Air Losses

Strike plane losses are extreme. I did fly on some land based groups to fill out the missing on most CVs, just in case there is some action tomorrow.

Only 30 A6M8 were lost, and only a few pilots KIA/MIA. These guys are very tough, and get almost 2:1 against the Allied pilots with 50+ Corsairs and Hellcats lost. As long as this kind of fighter jock is flying, the KB strikes have a chance to get through.

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< Message edited by obvert -- 12/19/2017 6:06:25 PM >

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"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 5:31:29 PM

Lokasenna

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Ouch. Still, it looks like you bagged 1 CVL and perhaps 2 CV. That's a tithe, but not enough. You need more on the next one. Good thing your fighter losses were light.

Will you be able to park some subs (with low aggression commanders?) in prospective Deathstar TFs in future?

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Post #: 1589

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 12/19/2017 5:52:25 PM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

Ouch. Still, it looks like you bagged 1 CVL and perhaps 2 CV. That's a tithe, but not enough. You need more on the next one. Good thing your fighter losses were light.

Will you be able to park some subs (with low aggression commanders?) in prospective Deathstar TFs in future?

Tough crowd!!

Funny you mention subs ...

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