Round Two...........

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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> Uncommon Valor - Campaign for the South Pacific >> After Action Reports >> Round Two...........

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Round Two........... - 5/16/2003 3:39:27 PM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

The IJN commander makes the opening move of round two - a thrust directly towards Rose heading into the Jomard Passage. The CVL [I]Ryujo[/I] was spotted in a CV TF by a PBY, and the BB [I]Hiei[/I] was spotted just west of them. Leading the foray into the passage was a cruiser TF including a DD escort and a MSW. The results follow:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/11/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 27,35

Allied Ships
SS S-37

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 27,35

Japanese Ships
AG 111, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-37

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 20,38

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 9

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
CA Suzuya
MSW W21, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 20,38

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 39
Wirraway x 18

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 14 damaged
Wirraway x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Yura, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
MSW W15
CA Suzuya, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Yubari
DD Hibiki
DD Oshio

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,36

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 3

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 20,38

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 27

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
DD Oshio
CA Suzuya, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 20,38

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 15

no losses

Japanese Ships
CL Yura, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Etamin, Bomb hits 2
AK Libra, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alchiba
DD Russell, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Alhena, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AK Adhara, Bomb hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Basilaki Island at 18,42

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Morris
AP Barnett
DD Phelps
AP Feland

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1183 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 24842 troops, 159 guns, 30 vehicles

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

Lots of damaged SBDs, and the BF personnel will be working through the night getting the planes ready for tomorrow, though one would envision nighttime bombardments from the SC TFs. (I suspect the move south was to get into position to do just that.)

Luck still favors the Allies, as an error at Rose almost cost my transport force dearly - I stood down the fighters and the base was wide open. Damage was taken by the transports in harbor, but it could have been much worse. The attack on the transports at Basilaki was completely fended off by the TF.

(BIG sigh of relief!)

The thorns of the Rose claim another ship. As a result of the action today, the IJN CL [I]Yura[/I] was sunk by the SBDs. Although the SC TFs put up a better defense than the AP TFs earlier in the campaign, I'm still happy with the performance of the SBDs.

And I have plans for the nighttime bombardment "junkets" as well :)

The IJN commanders - and more importantly, their crews - now have a full understanding of what happens to ships entering the waters around the Rose while the SBDs keep their watch.

Now then, where will his [I]real[/I] threat axis come from? ;)

More to come......

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 61

Diasater at Rose...... - 5/18/2003 4:14:32 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

Today's action...:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/12/42

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack at 18,43

Japanese Ships
SS I-3

Allied Ships
AK Diomed, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
SS I-28, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Worden
DD Arunta

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 46
D3A Val x 65

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged

CPO W.Obuchi of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 11

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 17

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 33
G4M1 Betty x 25

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 18

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 22

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G3M Nell at 6000 feet
20 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 6000 feet
14 x G3M Nell at 6000 feet
8 x G3M Nell at 6000 feet
5 x G3M Nell at 6000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 3

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yukikaze

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 4

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 22
SBD Dauntless x 3
PBY Catalina x 4
Wirraway x 4
F-5A Lightning x 1

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
Wirraway x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kako
DD Oyashio

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 22,48

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 24
B5N Kate x 41

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Harry Lee, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Crescent City, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP George Clymer, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP John Penn, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP President Polk, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Monroe, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Adams, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 45
A6M3 Zero x 11
B5N Kate x 23

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 6 destroyed
B5N Kate x 14 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2 damaged

PO2 H.Ikeda of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
DD Morris
AP Barnett
AP Neville
AP Feland, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP McCawley, Torpedo hits 1

[/I]
Just about the time the air attacks are over and the ground personnel look over the damage........

"Well, they are taking us seriously, aren't they? That last attack worked us over pretty good"

"Yeah, but we'll get the engineers right on it and.....what's that... on the horizon...more ships?? Didn't the warning go out to the supply ships to stay out of here!!??! They're gonna get creamed if they..... oh my god....... they're Japs!!"

[I]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 1
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 1
DD Kagero, Shell hits 1
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 1
DD Maikaze, Shell hits 1
DD Nowaki
DD Ariake, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
AO Cimarron, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AO Laramie, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AO Cuyama, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
AO Kennebec, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AO Merrimack, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
BB Mutsu
CL Abukuma
DD Kagero
DD Yukikaze
DD Maikaze
DD Nowaki
DD Ariake

Allied Ships
AK Demodocus, Shell hits 28, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
BB Mutsu
CL Abukuma
DD Kagero
DD Yukikaze
DD Maikaze
DD Nowaki
DD Ariake

Allied Ships
DD Russell, Shell hits 43, and is sunk
AK Libra, Shell hits 1, heavy damage
AK Alhena
AK Alchiba
AK Etamin
AK Adhara
AK Almaack, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 1
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 3
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 1
CA Kako, Shell hits 2
DD Makinami
DD Oyashio
DD Arashi

Allied Ships
DD Anderson, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
AP Largs Bay, Shell hits 25, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 552

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 3
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 4
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 9
CA Kako, Shell hits 1
DD Makinami, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Oyashio
DD Arashi

Allied Ships
DD Morris, Shell hits 30, and is sunk
DD Phelps, Shell hits 24, and is sunk
AP Barnett, Shell hits 2, on fire
AP McCawley, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
AP Neville, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
AP Feland, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Hiei, Shell hits 2
CA Ashigara
DD Tanikaze
DD Yayoi

Allied Ships
AK Libra, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Alhena, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
AK Alchiba
AK Etamin, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
AK Adhara, Shell hits 1, on fire
AK Almaack, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Hiei
CA Ashigara
DD Tanikaze
DD Yayoi

Allied Ships
AP Barnett, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
AP Neville, and is sunk
AP Feland, Shell hits 4, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Hiei
CA Ashigara
DD Tanikaze
DD Yayoi

Allied Ships
AK Alchiba, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
AK Adhara, Shell hits 11, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Gili Gili, at 17,42

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 24

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 50

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Gili Gili, at 17,42

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
no losses

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 19

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 19

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Gili Gili, at 17,42

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 6

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1173 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 24874 troops, 159 guns, 30 vehicles

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

The minefields I laid were easily negated by a single MSW. :(

My subs apparently couldn't pick out a single target with all the confusion.

In this one action, the IJN exacts retirbution by sinking [I]nineteen[/I] Allied ships, most of them helpless transports and oilers unloading their cargo. I really thought he would wait one more turn so I took a gamble and set all the SBDs at Rose to Stand Down.

In the long run, it may have been for the best I did that, as his fighters were everywhere. The F4F3's gave a good account of themselves, but Round 2 of the Battle for Rose definitely goes to the IJN in a landslide.

Well done Quark! I think you worked out the timing thingie ;)

(I sure hope that isn't Lady Luck fast disappearing in my rear view mirror...)

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 62

The Empire Strikes Back - 5/18/2003 5:09:47 AM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

This game is the most nerve-wracking, intense and the most frustrating I have been around for years. I love IT!!!
I could not get to sleep Thurs night after posting this turn. Everything I had tried in this game up to now was been doomed to failure or near disaster. If the same happened here the game would probably be lost.

Operation Summer Storm commences.

1)Initial Phase: isolation and suppression of GG. To be accomplished through a combination of air attacks, subs and surface bombardment forces.

This was accomplished by setting up a fast transport TF with 2 fast MSW in it set for GG. I left under cover of thunderstorms; the same ones I complained about last turn:D . Although 1 MSW got hit last turn the rest got through and swept up most of his minefields leading into GG. This was one of the most perilious parts of the opening as I didn't know the order my TF would show up. Plus arguably 2 of my most valuable assets were there: fast MSW. This one had to go first so all my BB could pound away. So I ran it a little further south the turn before hoping the air attacks would be blunted by the storms. It worked:D :D . It swept on the way in and on the way out.

The storms also masked my 3 BB TF and my air TF. He only found 1 CVL and 1 BB.

Woodlark also made it to level 2 base so it will now also cover the operation.

Lunga was reinforced to withstand anything short of the full 1st Mar landing.

Phase 2: Continue suppresion and isolation.

Partially accomplished. The loss of his transports will put a big crimp into his ability to move forces around. 7 of the ships were arriving from Noumea. I placed my CVs the turn before to be in a position to catch any TF on a direct Noumea to GG route.:D

Suppresion of the air base will continue by available assets.

Phase 3) Reduction of the garrison.

Too bad getting transports from Truk is like watching water boil. It takes forever. I moved now because all forward elements were in place, I saw all the AP and wanted to catch them and the storms would give me cover. However Phase 3 will commence shortly.

BTW I counted 23 ships sunk but what's 4 ships between friends:) ?

Now where are his CVs? Will they make an appearance or let his troops hang out to dry?:D

Quark

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 63

Aftermath... - 5/18/2003 7:19:22 PM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

Today's combat results:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/13/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Naval bombardment of Gili Gili, at 17,42

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
no losses

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 18

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 30

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 18,39

Japanese Ships
CL Yubari

Allied Ships
SS S-38

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1173 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 24907 troops, 159 guns, 30 vehicles

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14622 troops, 115 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 24137 troops, 260 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 147

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 345

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

The attack at PM was out of frustration over what happened at Rose: A few more emotional outbursts like that and the IJN won't have to worry about sending more troops into PM to take it.

What happened yesterday was like a bucket of cold water in the face. Complacency is a killer. Time to take stock of what's left.

More to come.....

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 64

- 5/20/2003 11:11:02 AM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

Well I didn't close GG yet. Condor tells me I got close. Hopefully next time.

Time for some scores:
IJN 5259
USN 3243

IJN ship losses 25 including 2 CL, 6 DD, 13 AP and 2 SS for a total of 231 points.

USN ship lossses 37 including 2 CA, 1 CL, 6 DD, 6 AO(that's got to hurt:D ), and 22 AP/AK for 381 points.

Army losses are almost even now 25 for IJN and 21 for USN.

Plane losses 193 Allied vs 67 IJN.

No CVs lost on either side. Condor is hiding out. He has at least 3 in theatre now.

Now its time to close GG down once and for all.

Quark out

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 65

poll question (well, kinda) - 5/21/2003 10:20:47 PM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

[QUOTE][I]originally posted by Quark[/I]

[B]No CVs lost on either side. Condor is hiding out. He has at least 3 in theatre now.[/B][/QUOTE]

Question for the audience................

Should I tell Quark I've sent [I]Lexington[/I] back to Pearl for refitting?

Or should I let him think she's still here? [I]Yorktown[/I] and [I]Long Island[/I] stand ready to repel boarders :p

arghhhhhhh, matey!!!

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 66

Tiem to go... - 5/24/2003 8:45:32 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

Sorry for the delay: lots of stuff going on now that weather's warmer :)

Unfortunately, as the weather turns, so does the Allies luck :( I knew the streak couldn't last forever, and it has come to a screeching halt.

Witness the combat report:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/16/42

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 21,32

Japanese Ships
APD 35

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 19,40

Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
DD Hibiki

Allied Ships
SS S-41, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Gili Gili, at 17,42

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 225

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 100

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 20,31

Japanese Ships
AG 2049, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-37

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 20,31

Japanese Ships
AG 2052, Shell hits 4, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-37, Shell hits 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
AP Azuma Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-39

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

Even the S-boats are getting creamed. D3A Vals are on a turkey shoot. One of the CR files didn't make it thru the E-mail, and Quark informed me I scored a hit on [I]Kaga[/I] for a whole 5 SYS damage :rolleyes: at a cost of almost my entire SBD attack force. He had 61 fighters on CAP and the attackers were mauled badly.

The move to retake Rose is in full swing, and although the runways remain operational even with the pounding they've taken, the decision has been made to evacuate the aircraft from Rose.

Looks like the Coastwatchers will get some new volunteers :(

Well done Quark!

More to come...

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 67

Great day for IJN ASW - 5/24/2003 12:08:12 PM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

Thank you for the platitudes Condor. You are making it very tough this game.

Wow. I didn't think it could be done. My new ASW strategy seems to be paying off.

Its actually two pronged and the first is paying off. Its placing CS and AV in my convoys aka the escort ASW concept used in the Atlantic. My scouts are just meant to find the subs so they can't attack. Any hits are gravy. Lots of gravy this turn:D 4 subs total hit or sunk. I'll defer discussion of the second prong as its just starting up.

I am quite disappointed to learn I couldn't shut down GG. After 295 runway hits in 2 days its still open. I can't do much better. I really don't like those eng units. Why can't I capture the bulldozers when he runs??:D

Kaga was hit turn before last covering the transports. That was one brave attack by the USN. Around 65 planes went in. I had CAP at 60% and had 61 fighters up. I counted 10 planes leaving. Coupled with another earlier attack GG lost 67 planes to 4 of my Zeros.
The replay showed Kaga getting creamed by a SBD's 1000 lb'r. But she only got an additional 5 sys and 1 flot. Seems like a 250lb hit not 1000lb. Can FOW also mislead you as to which plane got the hit?

The transports are lined up in Milne Bay. I hit 3 of his subs at GG last turn so hopefully they won't be much more of a threat to this landing. Condor has 1 inf unit, AA, HQ and 3 eng.

Condor put alot of troops and planes in PNG as a forward defense. How many will get out?

Quark

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 68

Escape - 5/24/2003 10:22:23 PM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

The withdraw from Rose continues.... Less than 8000 supplies remain on the base. The 7th division headquarters has been successfully relocated to Townsville, and will rejoin their units at Rockhampton shortly.

As to the runway repair, I didn't have any bulldozers at GG. Two engineer units - the 91st (?) Engineer Battalion and the 46th Engineer Regiment were all that was there. They performed brilliantly in their assigned task.

I am under no illusion about my ability to successfully withdraw [I]all[/I] forces at GG. Some will not be able to be saved. I am hoping that the bombardment forces have used their ammunition and retired to Woodlark for reloading... giving me a window to use the runways whilst I can.

GG bought time for PM to build up (the whole point of Operation Rose), and build up it has.

No combat report to post today... no combat occurred - with the exception of IJN minesweeping operations at GG. The mines finally paid off (even a little bit) as the IJN DD [I]Kagero[/I] hit a Mk 16 mine. A little late, but something is better than nothing :)

In retrospect, I should have left GG sooner and avoided the massacre of my transports caught in harbor by a IJN BB TF.

Live and learn.

More to come.....

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 69

GG will fall soon - 5/25/2003 12:32:46 AM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

All combat troops ashore. We start the attack next turn.

Kageo hit the last mine at GG:( She might make it back to port.

Not much else to report. Thunderstorms last couple turns shut down air ops.

I saw a CV force making an end run around San Cristobal 2 turns ago. A nice welcoming committee has been formed. If you are still up north of Lunga that's one sunk CV:D .

Quark

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 70

- 5/25/2003 10:26:25 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

Combat troops splashed ashore at GG... 8 separate infantry units were counted.

Another round of bombardment as the BB TFs returned with full ammunition lockers.

The carcasses of the air force left on the ground sink in the mud as the BF personnel quickly re-orient themselves with their weapons.

Today's report:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/18/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Naval bombardment of Gili Gili, at 17,42

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
C-47 Dakota x 1 destroyed
C-47 Dakota x 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 36

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 18

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Gili Gili, at 17,42

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
no losses

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 45

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 40

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 50,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-24

Allied Ships
DD Sims, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 1 destroyed
G3M Nell x 10 damaged

LCDR F.Nikaido of G2/Genzan Daitai is KILLED

Allied Ships
DD Arunta
DD Perkins

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Gili Gili, at 17,42

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
C-47 Dakota x 2 destroyed
C-47 Dakota x 3 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 53

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 30

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]
As a result of the torpedoing, [I]Sims[/I] sinks 60 miles from safe harbour :(

The transport [I]President Hayes[/I] succumbed to her wounds and sunk as well in the middle of the Coral Sea.

Efforts at PM have been re-doubled, as their forward line of defense is about to crumble....

Barring a miracle, that is ;)

More to come...

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 71

GG falls... - 5/26/2003 9:31:44 PM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

Today, GG fell to the IJN. The details:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/20/42

Weather: Overcast

Ground combat at Gili Gili

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 34159 troops, 370 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 13096 troops, 55 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Gili Gili base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 287

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 10383
Guns lost 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

Lessons learned:

1. Initial success of the SBDs from GG ravaging the IJN transports early in the game was a double edged sword I failed to recognize. The success forced the IJN to mount a serious operation to take GG (which he did) but it also gave me false hope the base could be held.

2. Timing. As I pointed out earlier (and my opponent numerous times) timing is everything. The disaster in GG harbour where my own transports were shredded by an IJN BB TF could have been avoided if I pulled out of GG a week earlier. I did decide to pull out, but was late with my decision (the transports were there to evacuate the troops - rather demoralising to see your ride home shot to he**).

3. Finally, I believe the overall plan was sound, but my failure to act quickly enough to get out of harm's way cost men and ships. Operation Rose did indeed buy time for PM to consolidate. Holding GG for almost two months into the campaign had to have set back the IJN plans at least a little bit.

More to come.....

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 72

- 5/31/2003 10:26:15 AM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

This week's been busy for the both of us but managed to get a few turns in.

After taking GG the rains have set back in. Operation Summer Storm has been successfully completed. GG fell much easier than anticipated. Although even 1 fewer regiments would have made it a drawn out battle. I really wanted to catch his carrier squadrons on the ground. While I did extensive damage they escaped to reform. I will have to re-think what it takes to keep an airfield closed.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/21/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Ground combat at Gili Gili

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 33958 troops, 370 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4212 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 31

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 5770
Guns lost 39

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1183 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 25991 troops, 167 guns, 30 vehicles

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/22/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 49,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-24

Allied Ships
SC 637

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1183 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 26024 troops, 167 guns, 30 vehicles

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/23/42

Weather: Rain

Some thoughts on the GG campaign. Having never played the Allies I have not been on the other side trying to decide to hold GG or not. Condor made as valiant an effort as I've seen. To hold ~ 3 weeks he paid with over 100 planes and 16000 troops. To me the kicker is I don't think I could have improved getting ready for PM by more than 4 days if GG wasn't there as the troops just weren't there earlier to reinforce the ones getting tans on the beach at PM.
I landed, took GG in 2 turns and am now almost re-loaded. So Condor paid the price for only 4 days.

Before I played this one out as Allies I would have tried holding GG. Now I'm pretty sure I wouldn't.

Other thoughts: I hit GG's airfields with over 200 runway hits in one day and didn't shut down the fields. Another 70 the following day. Just what does it take now to shut down an airfield if the USN opponent has 3 eng units? I hit Condor with 4 bombardment TFs. 2 centered on BBs and 2 CA centric. These TFs stayed the night and hit in the morn also. I also hit him with carrier and LBA followups. Wasn't enough.

Operation Summer Wind is now under way. The objectives are similar to Summer Storm. Isolate the target(geesh where will that be?
:D ), neutralize the base and wear down the fortifications.

Originally the hope was to complete the conquest of NG by end June. I will be close. The key there has been very variable reinforcements with a late 38th division.

I will be in Herbieh's situation soon with deciding where to go from here but for now the focus is on Summer Wind.

And where are those USN CVs????

Quark

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 73

Intentions..... - 5/31/2003 10:07:15 PM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

Today's combat result, with comments below:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/24/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Torpedo hits 2
DD Maikaze

Allied Ships
SS S-40, Shell hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 13

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Hiei
CA Mikuma
CA Furutaka
DD Oyashio
DD Arashi
DD Tanikaze
DD Yayoi

Allied Ships
AK Barwon, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
AK Mildura, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Murada, Shell hits 13, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 3 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 11
Runway hits 23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

Nice to have hit the battleship with the sub, and a "critical damage result" displayed as well.

I was able to get most of the transports out of PM, but tried to offload the last of the supplies with one TF, and paid dearly :(

Quark sent [I]three[/I] battleships into PM to shut down the airfield. Time to go on half-rations and duck into the hidey-holes until his invasion force shows up.

From the damage reports, a few fighter bombers are being damaged and/or destroyed at PM...but my SBDs are long gone. They are actually in Townsville, recovering from the mauling they took earlier. They are back at full strength, and I'm debating whether or not to send them to PM....... Rain is ever-present, and I'm not sure I want to send my dive bombers on a flight north just yet.

Looking at my available shipping, nothing afloat can take on the BB TF sitting at PM. A general order to return to home ports has been given for Allied cargo shipping attempting to supply PM. It's up to the subs at PM to do what they can, but the IJN ASW TF of AV and CS shipping is headed west, and will probably be in a position to make life for my submarines difficult by tomorow.

LBA is available in Australia, but training flights have been reduced due to the weather. Not a lot they can do to help beyond Search and ASW.

Will Quark make a mistake? It would be helpful.

More (I'm sure) to come :)

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 74

- 6/1/2003 12:03:46 AM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

[QUOTE]Quark sent three battleships into PM to shut down the airfield. Time to go on half-rations and duck into the hidey-holes until his invasion force shows up.[/QUOTE]

Actually 4:D . 3 more on the way. Not sure if they will make the trip to PM or sit back as a response force. Mutsu only had her paint scratched. Gawd don't you love FOW:D . And the DD that hit S-40 in return only had a ASW rating of 2. Maybe the fortunes are turning.

I expected to see a lot of mines. Maybe Condor didn't have time to mine both PM and GG. His DMs showed up late.

Its nice to hear the SBDs are back in Oz. I wonder what the pilot exp was of his replacements?

The ASW TF has been doing very well at spotting subs. I hope they keep it up for a few more days.

And more is coming:D

Quark

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 75

- 6/1/2003 8:36:07 AM

wobbly

Posts: 1095
Joined: 10/16/2002
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Status: offline

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Quark
[B]

I will be in Herbieh's situation soon with deciding where to go from here but for now the focus is on Summer Wind.

And where are those USN CVs????

Quark [/B][/QUOTE]

:D Where indeed are they Herbie? I am of course on the other side of the coin: where will he attack?

This is a great AAR - I so look forward to how things are going with you two. Condor gave me some excellent advice and so now I look at what he is doing as to how things pan out. He decided to try and hold Gili and hence PM - where I did not try so hard. It is therefore extremely interesting to see how his moves are panning out.

_____________________________

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 76

You asked for 'em, you got 'em - 6/1/2003 8:51:32 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

The Quark Question (sorry - couldn't resist) "Where are the CVs" is answered in today's combat report:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/25/42

Weather: Rain

Sub attack at 10,41

Japanese Ships
CA Tone

Allied Ships
SS S-47

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Allied Ships
SS S-40

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 22,40

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 15

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 15 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 1
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 72
SBD Dauntless x 14

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
AV Kimikawa Maru
AV Kamikawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 21,40

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 15

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 15 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 15

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 10 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Kinu, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Kasumi, Bomb hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Horaisan Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS S-40

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 39

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

The carriers managed to sneak in close enough to GG to launch a raid north towards the BB TF retiring from PM and a raid west to GG. The raid west was long enough so that the SBDs had to carry 500 lb bombs instead of their usual 1000 lb payload. Fortunately, that was enough. I was hoping that the IJN CAP at GG would rise to meet the attack, figuring 72 F4Fs would have the upper hand, but no fighters intercepted any raids. Of course, with the AA put up by the battleships, who needs CAP? ;) I felt fortunate to have only 2 SBDs lost. Lots of damage, but that can be repaired.

Quark admitted to me that [I]Hiei[/I] will be sent back as a result of SYS damage, but the battleships of the IJN are formidible targets, even for a fully rested and experienced SBD squadron.

Now, of course....like the kid who just threw a rock through the neighbor's window, my CVs are running for cover (stay with me, thunderstorms...for a couple of more turns...). The only question is whether the IJN will try to hunt them down or just move south to block a repeat performance.

And FWIW, [I]Long Island[/I] played her role as bait well enough, being spotted east of Lunga one turn before the raids were launched.

Guerilla warfare, naval style

(it's all I got left :) )

More to come.....

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 77

Yep I got them - 6/1/2003 11:41:35 AM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

I asked for it :( .

Well as it turns out my CV TF ended up 11 hexes away from his 2 carriers. The one time I wish I had react on :( :( . I was trying to cover both GG and the landings at the same time. I had my CAP down as it had flown the last 2 rain turns thinking Condor might show up as I was loading up.

The BBs were not supposed to be where they ended up. I had them set to stay at PM. I figured out my mistake was leaving bombardment mission on so they ran home. Only Hiei took damage and will likely end up heading back to Japan. Maybe I'll get my last carrier :D . However this just means Hiei gets replaced down south by Yamato :D .

Only good news was 3 TF headed out from GG last turn. The Kinu had just arrived; part of a new SC force to cover GG. Back she goes also. Furutaka got scuttled.

However these casualties are well within expected for the push on PM. No transports got hit.

Now that Condor has come out to play; I'm 11 hexes away with react on. Who's faster Condor? Do you feel lucky?

Oh and BTW first reinforcement convoy arrived at PM.

Quark

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 78

- 6/1/2003 7:20:03 PM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

Today's combat report:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/26/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CA Kako, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Kinugasa
CL Yubari

Allied Ships
SS S-47

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Mikage Maru #20

Allied Ships
SS S-47

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Lunga, at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A5M4 Claude x 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA Astoria, Shell hits 1

Runway hits 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 170th Regiment, at 10,40

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 8
P-39D Airacobra x 38
P-40E Kittyhawk x 19

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 21

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]
The sub [I]S-47[/I] is performing wonderfully in the face of so many ASW platforms. Lookouts report fire burning on a IJN cruiser at PM.

Meanwhile, in the Solomons, an attempt at a quick bombardment at Lunga doesn't work out so well. [I]Astoria[/I] is hit by a coastal defense battery while [I]Portland[/I] hit a mine going into the BB area [I] and coming out again[/I] :rolleyes: As I told Quark, I have to hit the IJN ships, but mine just plow into warheads without any help from the IJN at all.

What to do about PM? Seems a moot point now. The last airstrikes represented every available plane that could fly and shoot, and the results were not impressive, to say the least. The troops cannot be evacuated (unless Quark wants to give me a week of no combat - righhhhhttttt ;) ) and will have to make do with what supplies they have.

My regret here is the shipping loss on my part. I have to keep a more watchful eye on the cargo ships...if this keeps up, my holdings will be limited to Australian bases with paved roads connecting them together.

My carriers ran due south to try and keep the IJN CVs at bay. LBA set to naval attack in Oz... who knows, they may get lucky.

More to come....

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 79

- 6/1/2003 10:54:00 PM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

Oh well I missed Condor's carriers. Next time.

I had hoped his BB force would hit a mine. I saw them the turn before. From turn 1 I have been heavily mining the approaches to Lunga. Now if I saw the message correctly one of the mines Portland hit at Lunga was a USN Mk 16!!! Thank you for helping me sweep Lunga :D . Hopefully Portland is listing heavily and won't make port. His force is well within range of Lunga's LBA and next turn is party cloudy :D :D .

First reinforcement regiment off loaded at PM. 2nd and 3rd will be by end of this turn. I have to admit S-47 is a pain. One thing I noticed is an escort saw S-47 earlier that turn. I thought that once a sub was sighted it couldn't attack that turn. Maybe its how the sighting occured.

Last carriers released by Toyko so Hiei will just put up in Truk for repairs.

One thing variable reinforcements has done is delay base forces. its making developing new bases tough.

Quark

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 80

Flight of the Australians - 6/5/2003 10:41:38 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

Today's combat report shows how much the IJN has strengthened his invading force at PM, and the first combat action for the Australian [I]Beauforts[/I]

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/28/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
no losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CA Tone

Allied Ships
SS S-47

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 14th Aus Brigade, at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
G4M1 Betty x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 4 damaged

Attacking Level Bombers:
15 x G4M1 Betty at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 12
Wirraway x 13

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 14 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yukaze
AP Batavia Maru
AP Myoko Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 1 destroyed
Beaufort x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 3
Wirraway x 17

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 2 destroyed
Beaufort x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Ikazuchi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 42074 troops, 493 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 26004 troops, 167 guns, 30 vehicles

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

One torpedo hit, at least the IJN ASW has been whittled down a notch. Guess the bombers needed more practice. Any bets on whether Quark LRCAPs PM to prevent this again?

On the plus side, my carriers appear to have eluded their pursuers on their way home. Also, [I]Portland[/I] has limped home after her encounter with the mines. SYS damage at 50.... at least she can carry a bag or two of mail back to Pearl.

So now what can I do? Destroyers are arriving almost daily at Noumea, and I feel okay about Luganville's chances to withstand an assault. I have cycled the two EAB units I had there out and they are now enjoying a bit of R&R in New Caledonia. The third RCT unit is slated for its turn in Luganville. It's a huge ballet, keeping troops fresh and supplies handy. So much so, that actual combat in this game is almost an afterthought.

Almost.

More to come........

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 81

- 6/5/2003 11:03:41 AM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

Well can't CAP everything. The transports were CAP'd and when they left so did the CAP. Also CAP'd GG as a new TF arrived. Its a dance with the CAP over PM. I haven't guessed right yet. Eventually I will.

Need 10k more troops for a 2:1.

S-47 is getting to be a real pain. She evaded 3 air attacks last turn and still got an attack off. That is one good boat driver:( .

Yamato is in the area now. All my fleet carriers released and most of the light ones. A hunting we will go a hunting we will go.... :D :D

Condor isn't one to sit back. So what will he be up to while I'm at PM? Especially after the advice Wobbly got.

Too bad Portland made it back. Drove right over 2 subs. Worthless heaps of scrap.

Time to get back and plan a counter to whatever Condor is up to.

Quark

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 82

Bye Bye June - 6/6/2003 7:04:12 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

The last day of June, and PM still in the Allied hands... but the grasp is tenuous, at best. Quark grabs Lea Lea with some troops, completely isolating the PM defenders. No matter, the defenders aren't going anywhere :)

[I]S-39[/I] makes its presence known, but misses the cruiser it targeted, then sweated an atack by two destryoers in return - thankfully both fired their d/c somewhere other than my sub.

The [I]Beauforts[/I] are leaving, can't afford to keep level bombers at PM anyway - figured I'd try one attack with them, maybe get lucky. The [I]Wirraways[/I] keep up the attacks on the invaders in the harbour, and scratch the paint of a cruiser, who was seen trailing smoke (SYS +10?).

Today's combat results:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/29/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 10,41

Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara
DD Hibiki
DD Akikaze

Allied Ships
SS S-39

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AV Kimikawa Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-47

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 18

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway x 5 destroyed
Wirraway x 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 1
DD Hibiki

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lea Lea

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 753 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Lea Lea base !!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

[I]S-47[/I] never got a chance to attack, she was forced down by an escort ship, but not fired upon. :( Another day lost.

More to come....

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 83

The carrier cometh..... - 6/7/2003 4:30:03 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

[QUOTE][I]originally posted by Quark[/I]
[B]Condor isn't one to sit back. So what will he be up to while I'm at PM?[/B][/QUOTE]

I thought I was in trouble again, with the IJN anticipating a reaction on my part. I had hoped my token attacks at PM would be viewed as diversionary, and Quark would outthink himself and CAP something other than PM. He didn't, but luck intervened on the Allied behalf, as today's combat report shows:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/30/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 32

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 68

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 28 damaged

PO2 O.Morioka of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CA Ashigara, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Yubari, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Buna at 12,38

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 12

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Akashisan Maru, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 18,44

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 11

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Heito Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Hino Maru #3, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 18
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 11

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Katsuragisan Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

The morning attacks on the cruisers at PM didn't start off well, as the lead elements of the SBDs didn't get many hits, but the more experienced pilots (veterans of Operation Rose) managed to inflict some damage before the attack was over.

The afternon attacks were split into three groups - 6 hits on a transport at Buna, 3 hits on a transport at GG, and a total of 3 more hits on two transports 120 miles [I]south[/I] of GG. That caused my eyebrows to raise, as the air search reported only a DD at that location earlier. I had thought it may be one of the escorts for an IJN CV TF hanging around, but loaded transports were a surprise to find.

Was the IJN commander trying to head south to Australia???

Luck played a big part in the morning strike, as only 5 SBDs and 2 fighters didn't make it through the LRCAP at PM. The [I]Yorktown[/I] was spotted right before the morning attack, but it was too late.

Everything worked out perfectly on this sortie... thunderstorms hid my approach, one partly cloudy day in which the attack was launched, and thunderstorms have moved back in to cover my carrier as she scoots away.

[I]S-47[/I] continues to dodge air attacks, but [I]Greenling[/I] wasn't so lucky. Minor damage, she can remain in the area, but my subs have been going through a dry spell lately, a few torps into some IJN vital areas would be nice ;)

Still, it feels like I'm chucking spitballs at the side of a barn. How bad can I actually be hurting the IJN?

And will it have an impact on holding PM?

Well, it can't hurt.

More to come.....

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 84

- 6/7/2003 10:35:41 AM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

Darn, Darn Darn( I would use stronger language but I'm not Australian :D ).

[QUOTE]That caused my eyebrows to raise, as the air search reported only a DD at that location earlier. I had thought it may be one of the escorts for an IJN CV TF hanging around,[/QUOTE]

Yep that was them. I had raced them around south of NG for 3 turns in case you decided to show again. But after 5 turns of heavy CAP I had to withdraw to rest. I did have 2 other well rested, high exp Zero Squadrons defending PM but his SBDs fought through very well.

I had thought I was set up pretty good. Well good news is only one transport with troops was hit and only light losses. Guess it turns around now :rolleyes: .

2 ships had to be scuttled. And I lost both damaged Zeros too. Just pinpricks here and there and soon enough you bleed to death. Combat forces did their job and protected the transports. As I said only 1 ship carrying troops got hit in the entire reinforcement operation.

Good news is I now have enough troops for a 2:1 at PM. Let's see if I actually get those odds.

The CAP is now rested.

A hunting we will go a hunting we will go....

Quark

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 85

The second battle for Port Moresby - 6/8/2003 9:18:49 PM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

The second battle begins today, with the IJN commander pinning his hopes on having a 2 - 1 ratio in ground forces. Today's result:

[I] AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/02/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 53271 troops, 590 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 26016 troops, 167 guns, 30 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 5)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 4

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 483
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 175

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

Whether I should have been trying to get the fort level up as close to 9 as possible will always be a question for discussion. I had my engineers try to improve the fort and port facilities. The fort level for defense, but without a good port, supplies take longer to unload. Oh well. That's what makes the game fun :)

It appears that the IJN has pulled out of PM, leaving the ground troops behind to decide the fate of the city. I'm also sure a carrier TF is skipping merrily around the ocean, singing the Japanese version of Quark's "hunting" jingle.

Time to refit the naval assets and get the bombers in position :)

More to come...

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 86

The battle continues... - 6/9/2003 11:38:56 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

Today's combat report:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/05/42

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
AP Kaika Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-47

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 26
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 1
B-17E Fortress x 6

no losses

Japanese Ships
CL Yubari, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 7

Attacking Level Bombers:
6 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 7th Aus Brigade, at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
D3A Val x 64

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 8 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 83

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
B5N Kate x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 11

Attacking Level Bombers:
16 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

[I]S-47[/I] strikes, as the transport [I]Kaika Maru[/I] is torpedoed and sunk in PM harbour.

The ground attack, which had reduced the fortifications to 3, was (surprisingly) not continued today. IJN carrier aircraft pound the defenders, causing about 100 casualities. The carriers are south of PM... a debate as to whether or not to send my carriers after them caused uproarious laughter in the briefing room :D.

Lots of activity in Lunga, ships spotted going in and out of there - time to have a looksee for myself.

The B17 attack on GG yielded a surprise hit on a light cruiser docked... reports indicate the [I]Yubari[/I] took susbtantial damage from a well-placed :rolleyes: 500 lb bomb. More like the bombadier closed his eyes and dropped the bombs. I will continue to bomb GG at my leisure, until it becomes untenable as a port for IJN shipping.

A B17 on ASW at Noumea spotted the IJN sub [I]I-7[/I] SW of Noumea. The plane attacked it but did not report a hit.

Luganville continues to improve its facilities, and the third Americal RCT unit has been rotated in. The dozer units are almost recuperated at Noumea, and time to decide on my next base construction project (Wunpuko, perhaps?)

More to come...

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 87

- 6/9/2003 2:16:39 PM

Philwd

Posts: 285
Joined: 3/19/2002
From: Arizona
Status: offline

[QUOTE]IJN carrier aircraft pound the defenders, causing about 100 casualities. The carriers are south of PM... a debate as to whether or not to send my carriers after them caused uproarious laughter in the briefing room . [/QUOTE]

Glad to hear I'm entertaining HQ.

[QUOTE]S-47 strikes, as the transport Kaika Maru is torpedoed and sunk in PM harbour.[/QUOTE]

I really really hate those subs. They dodged several more air attacks last turn. My subs try for DDs and have to duck real fast. :(

[QUOTE]The ground attack, which had reduced the fortifications to 3, was (surprisingly) not continued today.[/QUOTE]

I decided to send in the last convoy of troops that had turned back from the USN carriers. Hopefully that will give me the 2:1.

[QUOTE]The B17 attack on GG yielded a surprise hit on a light cruiser docked... reports indicate the Yubari took susbtantial damage from a well-placed 500 lb bomb. More like the bombadier closed his eyes and dropped the bombs. I will continue to bomb GG at my leisure, until it becomes untenable as a port for IJN shipping.[/QUOTE]

Boy I can imagine the rounds at the watering hole that night. One hit on a essentially dead in the water CL doesn't make the B-17 an uber anti-shipping weapon but I'll be watching those results :D .

The attack on PM should be wrapped up in a few days. Lunga has been reinforced and rotated fresh units in. Now it will take 1 div+ to take it from me.

Condor is being too quiet. Something is up.

Quark

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 88

What's up is below you, my friend - 6/10/2003 5:42:19 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

Today's combat report:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/06/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

no losses

Port hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
5 x B-17E Fortress at 20000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42

Japanese Ships
AP Taiho Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Amagiri

Allied Ships
SS S-39

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 16

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Darubia at 18,41

Japanese Ships
AP Batavia Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Yukaze

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

The B17s bombing GG are getting better, and the night raids aren't so bad on the fatigue :)

The submarine forces have also improved their performance - although it is a target rich environment out there. Only one IJN DD managed to launch depth charges, but they we're at the wrong depth and exploded harmlessly, causing no damage. Air search continues to be a nuisance, but it does tell me something worth protecting is out there - somewhere. The tankers at GG are tempting targets....

The IJN also bombarded PM. Guess the phantom air force there is cause for concern. The engineers have already beat their plowshares into swords, so if the attack at PM suceeds, Quark can clean up his own mess :)

Finally,

[QUOTE][I]originally posted by Quark[/I]
[B]Condor is being too quiet. Something is up.[/B][/QUOTE]

Why should something be "up" when what's beneath you is working so well? ;)

More to come.....

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 89

Almost................ - 6/10/2003 10:52:01 AM

Attack Condor

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline

A sub almost torpedos a cruiser with only two escorts... :(
A sub invades a protected area and the ASW forces almost get lucky... :(
An airstrike almost does significant damage to a monster... :(
A decoy force almost gets away scot-free... :(
Another airstrike has a lone transport in its sights and... almost :(

Almost.

Today's report:
[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/07/42

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 51,67

Japanese Ships
SS I-24

Allied Ships
SC 639, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 24

Port hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-17E Fortress at 7000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko

Allied Ships
SS S-47

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 7th Aus Brigade, at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
D3A Val x 73

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 13 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 71

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
A6M3 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 29
SBD Dauntless x 57
TBD Devastator x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 6 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged
TBD Devastator x 9 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 13 damaged

WO K. Yoshimura of F2/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 10
BB Nagato, Bomb hits 4, on fire
DD Asashio, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Sendai
DD Satsuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 36,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3 Zero x 13
D3A Val x 24
B5N Kate x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 13 destroyed
D3A Val x 17 damaged
B5N Kate x 9 destroyed
B5N Kate x 4 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Patterson
CL St. Louis
CA Pensacola, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Nashville
DD Henley
CA Quincy, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
DD Helm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
A6M3 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25
SBD Dauntless x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 7 damaged

LTJG U.Kamisaka of F2/2nd Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
AP Hakonesan Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 36,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
A6M3 Zero x 13
D3A Val x 3

no losses

Allied Ships
CA Pensacola, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 36,42

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Helm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 64352 troops, 694 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 25355 troops, 162 guns, 30 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

LT J.Fujiwara of DI-1 Daitai is KILLED
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 151

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 541
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]
Things do not look good at PM.

Otherwise, a very busy day of combat. The B-17 nightly trip to GG is causing minor damage - for now. Only 4 or 5 planes are making the trip each night. The damage is gravy, my goal here is to get the EXP up for when the real bombing starts.

In PM harbor, [I]s-47[/I] fires off four torpedos at the IJN cruiser [I]Myoko[/I], but the result was four clean misses. After the pressure put on by the IJN ASW earlier in the week, dodging "only" two escorts seemed like a walk in the park for the captain.

The IJN submarine [I]I-24[/I] dispatches the subchaser [I]SC639[/I] when two of the eight torpedos fired at is blew the craft out of the water. The sub then neatly evaded the other 11 SCs as they frantically searched for the attacker. The ASW force has been reformed and 3 ASW DDs have been incorporated to beef up the force's chances of successful hunts.

And the big news of the day was SW of Lunga, as my CV TF launched airstrikes against the IJN base, hoping to find the APs used to ferry the troops to the base. What they found instead was the monster [I]Yamato[/I] and the "smaller" battleship [I]Nagato[/I]. [I]Yamato[/I]absorbed 10 1000lb bomb hits, and was seen with only minor fires. None of the bomb hits penetrated the armor, but the pilots did report 3 secondary guns of the battleship were destroyed.

The day's second attack was carried out, and the SBDs decided they had enough of the battleships and went after the AP [I]Hakonesan Maru[/I] - and had seven near misses.

I don't mind telling you the pucker factor went off the scale when the message "D3A Val sights 1 CV" was displayed. Then the realization that Quark land based his combat aircraft at Lunga (ala Operation Rose) became apparent when his CV TF launched the raid against PM.

Fortunately for the CV TF, my screening force was about 150 miles ahead of the carriers, and was detected as "1AP' by a [I]Mavis[/I]. They took the brunt of the attack, and [I]Pensacola[/I] was in fact sunk as a result.

The score to date has the IJN leading by a score of 6300+ to 3200+.

I have my carriers intact, but 48 ships have been sunk :(

This time, however, the IJN has lost their share as well.

As to the future, my hope is to continue to bleed the IJN while my surface forces can be assembled and invasion plans of my own begin to form.

Airpower needs to be assembled and positioned.

It's still early in the game, and if I don't panic, I should be able to cut into the score.

Now what in the world was [I]Yamato[/I] doing that far south? Why put such a ship in harm's way? If I can defang that monster bit by bit, it will sure be a relief.

More (I'm sure) to come.....

_____________________________

"Shouldn't we be leading the shark into shore...instead him leading us out to sea?"

(in reply to Attack Condor)

Post #: 90

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