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Punch, and counterpunch - 7/5/2003 9:02:35 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		The end of July, and Quark seems to be getting his forces back where they should be. [I]Yamamoto[/I] has left, and a cruiser BB TF led by [I]Haguro[/I] takes their place.

Their tough luck, as [I]Haguro, Nagara, [/I]and [I]Shiratsuyu[/I] were sunk when they didn't retire after the nighttime bombardment.

Today's combat report:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/31/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 9,55

Japanese Ships
AP Ceylon Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-45

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 18

[B]Every little bit helps, as the first of the invasion transports finds out trouble comes up from beneath the waves as well[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
no losses

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 23


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Townsville, at 10,62


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
no losses

Airbase hits 8
Runway hits 15


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 11,50

Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio

Allied Ships
SS Tautog

[B]Tautog is on her way into Cairns to assist with interdiction[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 42
A6M3 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 12
Beaufort x 10
Wirraway x 13
B-26B Marauder x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 10 destroyed
Hudson x 3 damaged
Beaufort x 1 destroyed
Beaufort x 4 damaged
Wirraway x 2 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 3 damaged

PO2 B.Oda of AI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
APD 31, Shell hits 4
AP Aiyo Maru
APD 35
AP Gosei Maru
AP Kasuga Maru #2
AP Kaito Maru
MSW Seki Maru #3, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Beaufort at 100 feet
2 x Hudson at 100 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
1 x Beaufort at 100 feet

[B]The IJN CV fighters LRCAP Cairns, but the lone hit on the MSW may prove to be very important, if I can get more mines laid[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 42
A6M3 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 8

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
APD 35
AP Kaito Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 7,55


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 3


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Azumasan Maru

[B]The P-39s are fast learners in their new anti-ship role, as you will soon see [/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
Hudson x 13
Beaufort x 3
Wirraway x 13
P-39D Airacobra x 21
P-40E Kittyhawk x 13
B-26B Marauder x 18


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 2 destroyed
Hudson x 2 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1
DD Akebono
CL Nagara, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Haguro, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Urakaze, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x Hudson at 100 feet
3 x Hudson at 100 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
2 x Hudson at 100 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
1 x Hudson at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x Beaufort at 100 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
4 x Hudson at 100 feet

[B]The beginning of the end for this unlucky TF[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 27
SBD Dauntless x 29
TBF Avenger x 13


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

Japanese Ships
DD Shiratsuyu, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Nagara, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CA Haguro, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akebono

[B]This had to be a suprise to Quark, as I'm sure he didn't expect SBDs for opposition. The TBFs had an inauspicious start, but they get a few licks in later.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 3


no losses

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 12


Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko
CL Nagara, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

[B]Nagara's hours are numbered...[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 10,59


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 21
A-24 Dauntless x 9


no losses

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano, Shell hits 36, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

[B]This ship was listed as sunk after the turn, but I saw no message about it sinking during the game. The A24s had 2x1000 lb bomb hits, and the P-39s had the other - 1x500lb[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 36,48

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 22
D3A Val x 23
G4M1 Betty x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 13 damaged
G4M1 Betty x 11 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 40 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Nashville, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Indianapolis, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

[B]The SC TF designated for a bombardment is discovered and attacked, but the attack is very costly to the IJN. 14 destroyed atackers, and 53 more damaged[/B] :D
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 4


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Akebono

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
Hudson x 8
Beaufort x 3
Wirraway x 23
P-39D Airacobra x 22
P-40E Kittyhawk x 13
B-26B Marauder x 12


no losses

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara, Shell hits 16, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Haguro, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 100 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 100 feet
2 x Hudson at 100 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
1 x B-26B Marauder at 100 feet
3 x Hudson at 100 feet

[B]The afternoon atacks begin where the morning left off - pounding the TF in Townsville[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 30
SBD Dauntless x 27
TBF Avenger x 10


no losses

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara, on fire, heavy damage
CA Haguro, Bomb hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

[B]At this point, the fate of the TF is sealed, and it becomes simply target practice - absolutely no AA fire from the ships.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 22
A-24 Dauntless x 9


no losses

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 8, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 7


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 2


no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Urakaze, Shell hits 4, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Hudson at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,53


Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 6


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 1 destroyed
Beaufort x 5 damaged

SLDR J. Hepburn of No. 100 Sqn RAAF is KILLED

Japanese Ships
CA Tone
CA Mogami, Shell hits 4

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x Beaufort at 100 feet
4 x Beaufort at 100 feet

[B]Another bombardment TF on its way south[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 36,48

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 12
D3A Val x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 11 damaged

Allied Ships
CA New Orleans
CA Indianapolis, on fire

[B]More damaged aircraft now at Lunga[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese Ships
AP Aiyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-46

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 31

[B]The silent service doesn't let me down when I need it most[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ayton

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 693 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Ayton base !!!



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

I'll post intentions a bit later in the next post. One last thing here, the [I]Iron Dogs[/I] of the 40th FS in their [I]P-39D Airacobras[/I] were, in a word, outstanding in their anti-ship role. Their 37mm cannons slice through the armor of destroyers, and their 500-lb bombload is not to be taken lightly. They were the chief instrument responsible for the sinking of the light cruiser [I]Nagara[/I], with innumerable 50 caliber, 30 caliber, and 37mm cannon shell hits, and 5x500 lb hits on the doomed ship.

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 #: 121
Thoughts - 7/5/2003 11:07:02 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		The attack on Australia was not unforeseen. Ground defense has been given priority followed by airfield development. Cairns and Townsville are the two bases I am most concerned about. I have abandoned Cooktown to shorten my defensive line along the coast. The base at Innisfail will be key, as it holds the supply line between Townsville and Cairns open.

In preparation for a move against Cairns, the IJN has landed a blocking force at Innisfail.

In response, I will FT the 1st Marine Paratrooper Battalion to Rockhampton, where 5 C47 squadrons will be ready to execute an airdrop onto Innisfail.

As with Operation Rose, my primary defense will be the naval aviation assets as well as the submarine force of S-boats (currently, 6 of them stand in the lanes through the Barrier Reef into both Cooktown and Cairns).

I have Cairns mined, but a single IJN MSW has brushed them aside like so much confetti.

Charter Towers and Townsville will be my main airfields for anti-ship operations.

The carrier Saratoga will stand off approximately half-way between Brisbane and Noumea, to act as a stepping stone for more SBDs to assist in Australia’s defense. I think this is the best use of my lone carrier at this time.

A total of 14 IJN troop transport ships have been observed, and there are probably more than that nearby.

The IJN battleship Yamamoto is an awesome weapon, but only if it can be kept fed. I am going to try to run nighttime strikes with a bombardment TF made up of the cruisers Northampton, Louisville, Astoria, St. Louis, and the minesweeper Southard. First target is Woodlark. Maybe I can get a tanker or two.

Reinforcements are on the way, with two Marine SBD squadrons inbound to Noumea: VMSB 232 in 3 days, and VMSB 231 in 7 days.

Three ground units are due into Noumea in 2 days: the 1st Marine Raider Battalion and the 6th SeaBees into Noumea, and the 163rd RCT of the 41st Division into Brisbane. The 17th Marine Engineer Regiment is due into Noumea within 3 days.

Naval assets are not due in theater for another month. Only 2 submarines and 2 cargo vessels are scheduled in during the next 3 weeks. Wasp and the refitted Lexington are still at Pearl, along with the battleship North Carolina.

I think the IJN has sent most, if not all, of his carriers to Australia. Sightings of 5 CVs and 1 CVL are reported within 90 miles of the Barrier Reef at Cairns. They’re probably loaded down with Zeroes. And they’re smack dab in the middle of my submarine nest.

Lots of action expected.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 122
- 7/5/2003 4:42:48 PM   
wobbly

 

Posts: 1095
Joined: 10/16/2002
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Status: offline 		Great to read that the idea has taken on a life of it's own.

In regard to the taking or holding of innisfail. If he is already landing troops or about to, and you can't get and FT through the sheer wall of Japanese naval craft. Try the PBY ferry thing to hold it and then drop your paratroops on ground that isn't controlled by the enemy, I think this makes a difference. Paras can drop on enemy held locations but take pretty hefty losses.

Looks like we are in for a hectic time as you two tussle - bring it on!

_____________________________




(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 123
Mayhem and madness - 7/6/2003 9:54:55 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		One of the bloodiest days of the war so far, with 62 Allied planes shot down. Two IJN APs were sunk, many damaged, and my pilots and ground crews are beginning to get a vacant look on their faces.

Comments inserted into the CR, and a separate post for intentions follows:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/01/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack near Cairns at 7,56

Allied Ships
SS S-46

[B]Spotted, but evaded detection[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 52
A6M3 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 3

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 2 destroyed
Beaufort x 1 damaged

LTJG J.Kaneko of AI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

[B]The IJN LRCAP begins adding to its kill total[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 38
A6M3 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 28
TBF Avenger x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
TBF Avenger x 5 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged

LTJG S.Sakai of BI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
AP Daifuku Maru
AP Toa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Azuma Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 106

[B]The aircraft in this strike get off relatively cheap as they begin to damage the IJN transports[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 52
A6M3 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
MSW W20
AP Daifuku Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 100 feet

[B]This was a mistake, I thought I grounded all B-17s[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,60


Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 4


no losses

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

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet

[B]This last hit sent the destroyer to the bottom[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 52
A6M3 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 3
Wirraway x 23
P-400 Airacobra x 24
P-39D Airacobra x 66
P-40E Kittyhawk x 13
A-24 Dauntless x 8
B-26B Marauder x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 1 destroyed
Wirraway x 3 destroyed
Wirraway x 5 damaged
P-400 Airacobra x 2 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 4 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 10 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 3 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 6 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 damaged
A-24 Dauntless x 1 destroyed
A-24 Dauntless x 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged

PO2 B.Oda of AI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

Japanese Ships
AP Ceylon Maru, Shell hits 72, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 275

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

[B]Apparently, this ship was slow to unload, and almost 300 soldiers paid the price[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
A6M3 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 6
Wirraway x 5
P-400 Airacobra x 16
P-39D Airacobra x 31
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3
B-26B Marauder x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 1 destroyed
Beaufort x 1 damaged
Wirraway x 2 destroyed
Wirraway x 1 damaged
P-400 Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra x 2 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 3 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 4 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 2 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged

CPO T. Okumura of DI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
AP Hokko Maru
AP Kyokusei Maru
AP Azuma Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire
AP Daifuku Maru, Shell hits 8
AP Toa Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Oigawa Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Canberra Maru, Shell hits 4, Bomb hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 121

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

[B]More troops in the water, and more APs have their speed reduced[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
A6M3 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

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

WO A. Shirane of AI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
AP Azuma Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Oigawa Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Montevideo Maru, Bomb hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 69
Guns lost 1

[B]The SBDs from Charter Towers get their shot, adding to the carnage[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
A6M3 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 damaged
A6M3 Zero x 1 damaged

CPO P.Ogawa of DI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Cairns at 7,56


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

Allied Ships
SS S-46

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 39

[B]Way to go down there!!!![/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Innisfail

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 787 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Innisfail base !!!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cooktown

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 363 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 5)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cooktown base !!!



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

Almost 600 Japanese soldiers didn't even get a chance to get ashore. I know he has a lot of troops coming in, but that [I]has[/I] to hurt.

Intentions post follows.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 124
Intentions..... - 7/6/2003 10:01:57 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		After today’s action (62 planes lost in one day), my pilots need rest, and the ground crews need to service the planes. I’m hoping that one day will be enough. I have a feeling it will have to be.

Air strikes did damage – once they fought through the LRCAP. [I]Ceylon Maru[/I] sunk outright from air strikes, and [I]Chowa Maru[/I] hit 5 Mk16 mines while the 4 MSWs were sweeping the harbor.

A correction to yesterday’s info – [I]Haguro[/I] and [I]Nagara[/I] did not sink, but [I]Shiratsuyu[/I] did slip beneath the waves today. [I]Kumano[/I] remains the only confirmed IJN CA sunk.

I have two TFs ready to execute night attacks. First, TF 204 is a 3 ship SC TF made up of the Gridley class destroyers [I]Mugford, Ralph Talbot[/I], and [I]Patterson[/I]. They currently are 12 hexes away from their target, Cairns, and set for SC retirement allowed. The TF can make 36 knots. The Gridley class destroyers carry 16 torpedoes each, and I’m hoping at least some of the 48 weapons (plus whatever 5 inch shells they can lob in) find their mark.

My second SC TF is the cruiser bombardment TF I described earlier, TF 210 is slower, at 31 knots, but is only 10 hexes away from their bombardment target, the IJN base at Woodlark Island. I’m glad the DMS [I]Southard[/I] is along for this strike. Last turn, the battleships were observed at GG. I hope they stay there one more night.

Target: transports at Cairns, and tankers at Woodlark. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

The paratroopers are about halfway to Brisbane in their DD FT TF. Five squadrons of C47s are in SOPAC, ready to fly the marines to Innisfail. I’m aware it’s going to be a drop into a hostile zone, but I’m rolling the dice with this one, and don’t think I’m risking that much. I’m also hoping the IJN commander won’t move one of his main regiments needed at Cairns to support the blocking force.

The LRCAP placed by the IJN was successful – too bloody successful. I was lucky I was able to overwhelm him with sheer numbers, and hope his pilots accrued some major fatigue responding to the many attacks today. I hit on a new thought (new for me, anyway) about sending 4 or 5 squadrons of F4F-3 and F4F-4 fighters to LRCAP Cairns myself, hopefully to engage the IJN fighters.

[I]Saratoga[/I] has just landed VS-8, VB-8, and VF-8 from Noumea, and will send them into Charter Towers tomorrow, allowing the SBDs there to rotate back to Rockhampton to rest.

Meanwhile, [I]Wasp[/I] and [I]Lexington[/I] still sit in PH. I’ll now have to send [I]Saratoga back to SWPAC, reload [I]Yorktown’s[/I] air wing and begin a hit and run operation on any cripples out of Oz. Hopefully the two carrier air wings in Australia can rotate in and out of the main battle to keep the pressure on the IJN admiral and his precious transports.

I have grounded all level bombers in Australia in preparation for strikes against Cairns should it fall.

>phew<

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 #: 125
Task Force Barracuda - 7/7/2003 1:20:10 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		The strike into Cairns pays off handsomely, as the IJN still appears to have trouble coordinating their forces into a single element with a common goal. Also, a very bad oversight on my part causing 14 SBDs to fly unescorted into a LRCAP nightmare. I forgot to set them to Stand Down :(. Meanwhile, the strike into Woodlark wasn’t as successful in sinkings, but did hole the field a bit and may get out unscathed, which in itself is a victory. The results, with notations intersperses and intentions in the next post:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/02/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 7,55

Japanese Ships
AP Teizui Maru, Shell hits 9

Allied Ships
SS Tautog, Shell hits 10

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 42

[B]Tautog is out of action, with SYS and FLT damage at 20+ and 30+ respectively[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 2
BB Kirishima, Shell hits 3
DD Tanikaze, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Ariake

Allied Ships
DD Mugford
DD Ralph Talbot, Shell hits 1
DD Patterson, Shell hits 4, on fire

[B]The decoy force[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 2
BB Kirishima
DD Tanikaze, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Suzukaze
DD Ariake, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Mugford
DD Ralph Talbot, Shell hits 1
DD Patterson, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

[B]Patterson begins to absorb punishment, as she is caught with a single round from the battleship, nearly breaking her in half[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 3
BB Kirishima
DD Tanikaze, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Ariake, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Mugford, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Ralph Talbot, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Patterson, Shell hits 27, and is sunk

[B]All told, this force didn’t perform badly at all. The sacrifice of Patterson, and the possible loss of Mugford and Ralph Talbot (it doesn’t look good for them, I may have to scuttle) may be one of the turning points in the war – as the battleships, (who Quark told me were on their way to protect the transports at Cairns) apparently retired leaving the invasion force wide open[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 8,55

Japanese Ships
DD Suzukaze, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

[B]Almost was able to take advantage of the confusion wrought by the surface action to bad another destroyer[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese Ships
AP Azumasan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-46

[B]S-46 gets the party started in Cairns. The transport is damaged, but this is just the opening move[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 46
A6M3 Zero x 12

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 14

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 10 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged

PO2 G.Ikeda of AII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5

[B]the aforementioned mistake, nearly wiping out an entire squadron. Quark told me in his combat save e-mail that this attack was another bloody one. I thought the SBD screw-up is what he was referring to. Little did I know what was about to happen[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 47
A6M3 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 3
P-40E Kittyhawk x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed

PO D.Picton of No. 76 Sqn RAAF is credited with kill number 2

[B]At least I get an IJN fighter this time[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese Ships
MSW Wa 1
AP Atlantic Maru, Shell hits 29, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Azumasan Maru, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
AP Boston Maru
AP Ryuko Maru

Allied Ships
DD Lamson
DD Case, Shell hits 3
DD Smith
DD Preston
DD Porter
DD Selfridge

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 349
Guns lost 1

[B]It begins. Strangely, I did feel a twinge of pity for Quark here, but it passed[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese Ships
MSW W20
AP Azuma Maru, Shell hits 38, and is sunk
AP Canberra Maru, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
AP Daifuku Maru, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Hokko Maru
AP Kinugasa Maru, Shell hits 1
AP Koyo Maru, Shell hits 52, and is sunk
AP Kyokusei Maru
AP Montevideo Maru, Shell hits 21, on fire, heavy damage
AP Oigawa Maru, on fire, heavy damage
AP Toa Maru, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Lamson, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Case, Shell hits 2
DD Smith, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Preston
DD Porter
DD Selfridge

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 201
Guns lost 1

[B]Lamson did take a 3 inch shell hit in the wrong place, causing a critical damage result. Montevideo Maru was the culprit[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Woodlark Island, at 22,39

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 10

Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 15

[B]I’ll take it, especially if my cruisers can get out clean[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

Quark admitted to me he lost almost 1 regiment worth of troops as a result of today’s action. So far, getting to the beach the past two days has cost him 1000+ troops.

For his honesty, I then admitted to him I don’t have three carriers in theater (I hope he thinks it means I have four! – with only [I]Saratoga[/I] in theater, I feel awful naked with the feeling the spotlight is about to shine directly on me.

7 IJN APs a second IJN CA (the [I]Furutaka[/I])were confirmed sunk this turn. [I]Patterson[/I] was the sole Allied casuality. Ship loss count to date: Allied - 65/905, IJN 45/455.

Intentions follow.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 126
Intentions - 7/7/2003 1:29:31 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		First thought is to get the raiders home. [I]Mugford[/I] and [I]Ralph Talbot[/I] are probably goners, but I’ll see what they can do for one turn before deciding to scuttle.

The six destroyer TF that caused so much havoc in Cairns is code named TF Barracuda. They’re on their way home. [I]Lamson[/I] is hurt, SYS 20+, FLT 10+, but we may be able to let her heal in Brissy for a few weeks and not have to send her back.

More destroyers are on the way from Noumea. TF 224 (TF Thorn) is a 4 ship destroyer TF commanded by CDR Callaghan. The TF is made up of the ships [I]Bagley, Drayton, Balch[/I] and [I]MacDonough[/I]. Its destination is Rockhampton.

The DM [I]Gamble[/I] is on her way to Brisbane. I’ll have my only two DMs in Brisbane, and adding to the minefield at Townsville is their mission.

Noumea has 2 ASW TFs: TF Yankee has 5 Benson class destroyers and a Bristol class destroyer, all with ASW values of 8. They are the [I]Meredith, Swanson, Grayson, Gwin, Monssen,[/I] and the Bristol class [I]Arunta[/I]. Also in Noumea is a second ASW TF of 11 SC vessels, named TF Tarheel. TF Yankee is commanded by Mendenhall, and TF Tarheel is commanded by CDR Bannister. Both are aggressive officers.

I am sending my tankers to Efate as TF 220. It consists of 8AOs, 1TK, and 5 destroyers. Their mission is to anchor and get out of the way. Maybe the DDs can repair a bit as well.

I have also sent two destroyers with 50 caliber Browning machineguns for AA back for upgrading. I also sent back about 10 APs who were just playing their role as targets. I’ll get them back just about the time I contemplate moves north in SOPAC.

I have sent to Pearl the remnants of the first cruiser TF attacked from Lunga by IJN aviation. [I]Indianapolis, Minneapolis,[/I] and [I]Canberra[/I] should reach PH within a month. Maybe they can form a group that the two carriers in drydock can sortie with back to Noumea.

I am transferring the 102nd Base Force from Noumea to Rockhampton. The reason is simple, Rockhampton’s BF was airlifted to support Charter Towers. The BF is fully loaded and sails tonight aboard TF 213 (6xAP, 6xDD). The destroyers will stay and form a third raider group to harass the shipping at Cairns.

The paratroopers are 1 day out of Brisbane. I had to switch destinations because of the lack of a BF at Rockhampton. The 5 squadrons of C47s are ready to go as soon as the troops unload.

[I]Saratoga[/I] transferred the 2 SBD squadrons and 1 F4F-4 squadron to Brisbane. They will head west soon.

After the paradorp, I’m going to re-arrange my Oz bases. Townsville will be a forward attack base for fighter-bombers, SBDs, and TBFs. Fighters will be there as well. Townsville aircraft, having “short legs” will rotate to Rockhampton for rest.

Meanwhile, Charter Towers will be a level bomber base. Naval searches will also be conducted from there. Since these aircraft have longer ranges, they will use Brisbane for rest.

Additionally, my P-39s currently at Townsville will begin to attack the blocking force at Innisfail. I have three squadrons ready to go: the 67th FS, the 36th FS, and the famed [I]Iron Dogs[/I] of the 40th FS. Also participation is a 16 plane squadron of A-20s from Charter Towers.

Priority after servicing operational aircraft is given to getting the damaged aircraft from transferred units operational and with their own squadrons.

5 B-17 squadrons and 1 B-26 squadron have been transferred from Brisbane to Noumea, making way for the ship killers and transport planes.

The 6th SeaBees unit is en route to Tomo - making 4 engineer units there. The 151st BF is due to get into Noumea in 2 days and will be forwarded to Tomo. Tomo is going to be a R&R airfield for my level bombers.

I don’t mind telling you, this past turn took the better part of two days – I watched the CR last night, and spent almost two hours getting things sorted out.

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 #: 127
- 7/7/2003 9:20:45 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		Much quieter today……

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/03/42

Weather: Clear

Sub attack near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese Ships
AP Boston Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-46


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 8,55

Japanese Ships
APD 35, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-45

[B]This ship was hit on its way out of Cairns[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 19th Naval Garrison Unit, at 7,57


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 55


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 45

[B]Happy with the results, but happier that 55 aircraft flew this mission[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 9,57

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
D3A Val x 115
B5N Kate x 70

no losses

Allied Ships
DD Mugford, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Ralph Talbot, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage

[B]Not much to say here – I’m sure the IJN aviators got their revenge[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 9,57

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
B5N Kate x 29

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 9,57

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
B5N Kate x 28

no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 9,57

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39
A6M3 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 109
B5N Kate x 120

no losses

[B]All these attacks for two destroyers, who were already sunk[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cairns

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 25770 troops, 331 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 16813 troops, 120 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 7

[B]The gunners of the 3rd Division have been practicing[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

After all this, 7 IJN APs with troops went down. An eighth AP, the [I]Toa Maru[/I] was reported sunk today. I’m sure more are gone as well, but this isn’t confirmed, yet. Not a bad haul for the price of 3 destroyers.

No Intentions post this time, all is going according to plan, but I do have one concern – last turn the IJN spotted my AP TF carrying the BF to Rockhampton from Noumea. If the carriers (currently NE of Cooktown) are spotted heading east, then I’m sending the AP TF back to Noumea. There are two BF units due into Brisbane in two days, and, if necessary, I’ll just road march them to Rockhampton.

Still only 3 ships due to arrive in 3 weeks.

Finally, I've created 2 PT boats to help with the harassment at Cairns and Cooktown. Not sure how much good they'll be, but everything that floats and carries a weapon is needed.

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 #: 128
Nothing SUBstitutes for results... - 7/7/2003 10:28:03 PM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		I can sum this day's action up with a quote from an e-mail from Quark, "I really hate your subs."

:D

Today’s combat results:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/04/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 7,55

Japanese Ships
AP Taimei Maru

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

[B]I’m beginning to think Grenadier is an albatross[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 8,55

Japanese Ships
AP Sakido Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-45

[B]Missed again[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese Ships
AP Montevideo Maru, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage (4 shots, 4 hits – OUTSTANDING!! Needless to say, this ship is sunk and probably in a whole lot of tiny little pieces)

Allied Ships
SS S-46

[B]The crew aboard the Lamson cheer loudly when they hear the ship that damaged them is erased from the IJN roll[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Cooktown at 6,53

Japanese Ships
AP Aiyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

[B]My albatross theory is gaining momentum[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Cooktown at 6,53

Japanese Ships
AP Kasuga Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

[B]Finally!!! Although, I will salute any sub that can make three attacks in one day, it’s nice to get positive results as well[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 44
A6M3 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 28
SBD Dauntless x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 6 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged

PO2 H.Minami of DII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

CPO A.Kurihara of AII-1 Daitai is KILLED

Japanese Ships
CA Takao

[B]My elation turns to horror when I realize I again forgot to set this squadron to Stand Down. IIRC, 5 of the SBDs destroyed were from the AA of Takao. Very good shooting – too good to be allowed to stay in the war. At least I took one of Japan’s finest down as well[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

The disparity between the S-boats and subs like Grenadier and Tautog is astounding. Example: Grenadier has a seasoned commander(63/51), a seasoned crew (73/71) yet is continually out-performed in the result column by the S-boats. S-46, who had the first and only 4/4 performance I’ve seen, has a much less experienced commander (39/43), a somewhat less seasoned crew (60/61). Are the new torpedoes [I]that[/I] bad?

Intentions follow.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 129
Intentions..... - 7/7/2003 10:31:42 PM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		Thunderstorms today caused a few operational losses in my aircraft transfers, but I can’t wait for the weather to clear. The 1st Marine Parachute battalion is in place at Charter Towers. The transports are there. The weather has been bad, and I would like to wait for it to clear.

At Townsville, I have 2 full SBD squadrons with morale in the 90’s ready to go. I have 3 F4F-4 squadrons and 1 P-40E squadron there as well, for a total of 100+ fighters for escort. Unfortunately, their morale is in the 50’s. I may have to risk sending them out to escort the SBDs when the weather clears. I hope they can get a few kills – best way to improve morale.

3 more IJN APs listed as sunk: [I]Toa Maru, Canbera Maru[/I] and [I]Montevideo Maru[/I]. A total of about 900 supplies listed as still on board – no way to tell if they were troops. It would help immensely if they were.

Tomo is operational, with a BF having 100 aircraft support troops. I have transferred 2 B-25 units and 2 B-26 units (total of 64 level bombers) there. Once space is available at Charter Towers and the weather is clear, they’ll re-locate there.

The B-17s are finally getting replacements. Another B-17 unit is due to Brisbane in 4 days.

Lots of planes due in, but still only 1 SS and 2 AKs due in the next 20 days.

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 #: 130
Stark Realizations - 7/8/2003 7:42:17 PM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		Flipping through the manual for help with ground force movement, I saw something that caused me to sit up and take notice.

Cairns isn't an "auto-victory" base.

This makes the airdrop at Innisfail even more critical - I can't leave the entire 3rd Division hanging out to dry :(. I've already lost the New Guinea division, I'm not about to p*** away this one too.:mad:

If the airdrop doesn't open up Innisfail, or at least give my troops at Cairns an opportunity to move there, I have another option.

But first, today's combat report:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/05/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 10,51

Japanese Ships
AP Hinko Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-43


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 10,51

Japanese Ships
AP Josho Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-43


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

Allied Ships
SS S-37


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cairns

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 49199 troops, 567 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 16813 troops, 120 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 9)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 8


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 313

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 186


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

From the looks of this battle, I've got about a week before I start suffering serious losses. Even with all that damage I've done to his fleet, he still landed almost 50K of troops at Cairns, plus units at Cooktown, Ayton, and Innisfail. Amazing.

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 #: 131
Get the ENGs building - 7/8/2003 11:53:45 PM   
fcooke

 

Posts: 1156
Joined: 6/18/2002
From: Boston, London, Hoboken, now Warwick, NY
Status: offline 		If you have any at Cairns get them building forts again now that you're down from 9. If you have enough there you can build one or two over the course of the invasion. Stop building any ports or AF in the meantime. Puts all resource towards the forts and you don't want to hand him better facilities anyway....

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 132
Intentions..... - 7/8/2003 11:56:03 PM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		After the belated realization the loss of Cairns would not even put Quark in range of an autovictory (my guess is Townsville has to be his real target) I am going to try and save the 3rd. They can't possibly hold out against such odds. to effect such a move, I am initiating Operation Last Call. Its strategic objective is simple, get the 3rd back to Townsville. To do this, I am going to try the following:

1. The paradrop onto Innisfail is a go, and the troops are on their way. If I can get troops to Innisfail and keep them there for a few days, the 3rd may be able to march south and achieve a breakthrough, then able to get to Townsville. I don't know if this will work. If it does, great. If not, evacuation will have to be made by sea, specifically, by FTing as many troops as I can under the nose of his carriers.

2. In addition to the paradrop today, P-39Ds from Townsville will fly ground support missions at Innisfail. Hopefully, this will keep the heads of the invaders down while my paratroops land.

3. Also, I am sending my 2 SBD squadrons and 1 TBF squadron on Naval Attack missions with 4 fighter squadrons as escort (120 fighters). I hope they hit Cairns, but I have no control over this. Recon shows 4 cruisers at Cairns (possibly a battleship) and I need them out of there.

4. A total of approximately 20 destroyers and my lone APD are enroute or already in the area to begin the sea evacuation, if necessary.

5. The C47 squadrons, after this turn, will rebase at Cairns, (all other aircraft must leave, only about 60 air support there) and begin to evacuate by air. LRCAP shouldn't affect aircraft [I]leaving[/I] a base as bad.

As I said, if I can get the 3rd out via Innisfail and then march them to Townsville, I would be ecstatic. If not, it'll be another bloody operation all due to yours truly not taking the time to understand the rules correctly.

Live (I hope) and learn.....

Also, on a happier note, another IJN AP - the [I]Tamashima Maru[/I] was confirmed sunk and is on the list :). What a coup it would be to pin his troops on Cairns and Cooktown because his transports were not able to get them out.

We'll see about that. The next two days are critical.

And I have this feeling Quark is waiting for me to try a stunt like this. I [I]know[/I] he is... but I have to - there's no other option :(

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 133
- 7/9/2003 12:07:36 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		[QUOTE][I]originally posted by fcooke[/I]

[B]If you have any at Cairns get them building forts again now that you're down from 9. If you have enough there you can build one or two over the course of the invasion. Stop building any ports or AF in the meantime. Puts all resource towards the forts and you don't want to hand him better facilities anyway....[/B][/QUOTE]

Thanks for the advice, unfortunately, I have only the 3rd Division and a single BF unit there. I sent the ENGs back to T'ville to max it out. T'ville finally cleared the level 8 airfield damage and upgraded it to level 9.

If I can get the 3rd out and back to Townsville, they'll aid its defense. With both the 3rd division and Northern command in Townsville, that would make 6 combat regiments at a base with Fort level 9, excess engineers, and unlimited supply. All the more of which makes me cry that I may have wasted the 3rd for nothing.

2 regiments and the HQ of the 32nd division are on the road to Townsville. If the 3rd cannot be saved as a fighting force, the 32nd will reinforce Townsville, and the remnants of the 3rd can go to Charter Towers.

I still have the 7th Division at Rockhampton, the 41st at Brisbane, and elements of the 6th are now only a month away from arrival.

I have to wonder at my stupidity this game, but must also learn my lessons.

:)

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 134
- 7/9/2003 3:51:53 PM   
AmiralLaurent

 

Posts: 3351
Joined: 3/11/2003
From: Near Paris, France
Status: offline 		If you have 20 DD available, don't try to evacuate the Cairns garnison by sea, but bring another regiment to Innisfail by FT. This will certainly be sufficient to take the dot back, and then you can order the 3rd division out of Cairns by land, that is a lot less risky.
If 50000 Japanese are at Cairns and other at Cooktwosn, Ayton and Innis, and some thousand drowned allready, there is no immediate threat to Townsville, you can pick a regiment here and throw him to Innis to save your division.
If you watch the old combat reports, you may know how much troops landed in Innis and took it. Send twice this number with P-39 support and you will win. Send four time this number and you are sure to hold it enough to allow your division to be saved (either by marching or by being driven off Cairns by an assault).

My strategy would be to take back Innis with one regiment, then bring here more troops by PBY from Rockhampton (that will not be attacked soon) and see what happens in Cairns. IJN may fall short of supplies or suffer from high disruption and so be obliged to stop its offensive before having destroyed enough of your fortification.
If the Cairns airfield is operationnal, I would also send troops by air there, combat engineers for example. If you manage to hold, four Japanese divisions will be stranded on Australian shores with short supplies and hard to supply by IJN. Japan would have lost almost all chances of autovictory.

If you win this battle, you win the game. If you lose Cairns but save the 3rd (that should be assured if you take back Innis), you are still in a good position. If you lose both the base and the troops, you still have enough to hold the other bases.

Good luck

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 135
Always nice to have your chestnuts pulled out of the fire - 7/9/2003 7:16:00 PM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		[QUOTE][I]originally posted by AmiralLaurent[/I]

[B]If you have 20 DD available, don't try to evacuate the Cairns garnison by sea, but bring another regiment to Innisfail by FT. This will certainly be sufficient to take the dot back, and then you can order the 3rd division out of Cairns by land, that is a lot less risky.[/B][/QUOTE]

An excellent suggestion. The paras are on the ground, and I should have a good read on what's at Innisfail (I'm at work, got the combat save file with the note "clever little para drop" attached from Quark - haven't seen the turn yet). I didn't think Northern Command units would board any kind of transport. Something new to add to the notebook - next game, Northern Command units that can't ship anywhere will be at Brisbane.

A possibility would be to order the 32nd units on the road back to Rocky and pick up what 7th Division units I can from there with the shipping available and send them in. I'll also move a sub there so I don't waltz into 4 cruisers with my FT.

Actually, what I'm hoping for is that I would be allowed to move the 3rd division to Innisfail as long as it's "contested". If I can, great. If not, the FT into Innisfail looks like the way to go. Thanks for the help!

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 136
- 7/10/2003 12:18:35 AM   
AmiralLaurent

 

Posts: 3351
Joined: 3/11/2003
From: Near Paris, France
Status: offline 		An unit in an hex with enemy units can't move to an enemy base or dot. If you want your units to Cairns to move to Innis, you have to take Innis back before or to push away the 50000 Japs in Cairns. The first is certainly easier.

If you have only Northern Command units in TVille, you can't ship any. Try to send troops in Innis as soon as possible. Send also subs off Cairns to make your opponent believe you want his ships out of there. You want them to stay here and not in Innis.

The more I thought to your situation, the more I would try to hold Cairns. You have 5 divisions not engaged (NC, 7th, 32nd, 41st) and Japan has almost as many. But you have level 9 fort everywhere and now that IJN has landed, you can keep only two regiments in each base (TV, Rock and Brisbane... let a full division there to be sure) as IJN has no more troops to launch on the battle. That is 5 regiments that you can throw in the battle. If they arrive in Cairns before the fort crumble, you will hold and Japan can afford to stop attacking, or his main troops will fall short of supply on the worst place in earth, right under the nose of your planes in TV.

Don't know where are your troops but I would:
1) use all C-47 and PBY to bring troops to Cairns and Innis, and engineers in TV.
2) replace the PBY by B-17 on naval search just to be sure.
3) pick up troops in a DD FT and land them in Innis.

All depends on when the 32nd ID will arrive in TV. From memory I don't know either how much time an unit will have to walk from TV to Innis but certainly too much.

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 137
Success!!! - 7/10/2003 3:36:22 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		Today's action saw a lot of demoralized fighters go down, the ever-present sub nightmare for the IJN transports, and the daring airdrop into Innisfail, retaking the base from a suprised Naval Garrison unit!

Today's action:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/06/42

Weather: Rain

Sub attack at 7,55

Japanese Ships
AP Kenshin Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-42

[B]Later this turn, the Kenshin Maru is confirmed as sunk on the list.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 7,55

Japanese Ships
AP Miike Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-42

[B]The subs continue to deal out damage to the invaders.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied Ships
SS S-37


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 19th Naval Garrison Unit, at 7,57


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 40


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 24

[B]This little attack may be one of the most important of the Australian defense[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 19th Naval Garrison Unit, at 7,57


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


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 19

[B]Preparations… [/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 15th Aus Brigade, at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3 Zero x 8
D3A Val x 54

no losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 2

[B]I hope this incurs lots of fatigue[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 49

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 72
SBD Dauntless x 32
TBF Avenger x 7
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 5 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 13 damaged
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 5 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 1 destroyed

PO2 B.Oda of AI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Bomb hits 1
DD Hayashio
BB Mutsu
DD Hatsushimo
CL Kuma

[B]As expected, with low morale, the fighters serve as little more than bait, but I was hoping for more out of 2 SBD squadrons with morale in the 90+ range. Oh well[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 47

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8 destroyed

PO1 T.Matsumura of AI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5

[B]The price of showing up 15 minutes late, after everyone else has gone home[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 37

no losses

Allied Ships
MSW Cairns
MSW Launceton, Bomb hits 1, on fire
MSW Toowoomba

[B]Guess the Kates are out of practice[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Townsville at 10,62

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 61

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Drayton
DD MacDonough
DD Balch

[B]This can only be attributed to the teenaged replacement pilots. Have I hurt him that bad?[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied Ships
SS S-37

[B]Poor S-37 can’t even get a shot off in GG. She isn’t leaving, though. The sub commander reports reading a sign in harbor which translates “US sub in area, tankers, dock at your own risk”[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied Ships
SS S-37

[B]I can wait……[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cairns

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 54169 troops, 608 guns, 35 vehicles

Defending force 16691 troops, 120 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 8)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 6


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 273
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 222

[B]Down come the barricades[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Innisfail

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 943 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 657 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Allied forces CAPTURE Innisfail base !!!


[B] A big sigh of relief! Fortunately, the IJN could only spare a Naval Garrison unit to keep the troops at Cairns bottled up. The paratroopers perform brilliantly[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

A surprised IJN will most certainly use one of his APDs at Cairns to try and FT combat troops to Innisfail in hopes they can plug the bottle back up. Of course, I’m hoping he thinks that I’m going to try and hold Cairns, limiting what he can pull away from the assault force.

I'm not claiming any military genius here, I'm actually taken aback a bit that the airdrop actually captured the base so soon. I would have thought Quark wuold have had a combat engineer unit there, at a minimum; something capable of defense.

All ground troops have been ordered to Innisfail. I hope they don't take to long to get there.

Intentions follow.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 138
Intentions..... - 7/10/2003 4:10:57 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		Tomorrow’s actions:

1. The 32nd division has been ordered back to Rockhampton.

2. 6xDD will FT units of the 21st BDE from Rocky to Innisfail. ETA – 2 days.

3. 4xDD will sail to Innisfail immediately from TV to act as a blocking force to an IJN APD or DD FT from Cairns designed to evict the paras.

4. 31 PBY aircraft will airlift elements of the 162nd RCT from Brissy to Innisfail.

5. TF 231 consists of PT38 and PT60. They will refuel at TV and sail for Innisfail. I’m hoping the IJN will still use the [I]Vals[/I] to ground attack at Cairns, leaving the suddenly ineffectual [I]Kates[/I] for anti-ship operations. Either way, I want something there to counter a FT move of the IJN. [I](edit: I don't expect 2 PT boats to stop an FT move, but if a couple of torps put a few troops in the water, so much the better. I just don't want him to move in unopposed)[/I]

6. A piece of subterfuge (pun intended) here – I have two S-boats at Cairns. Each will transport 2 squads from the Cairns defenders (1 squad from each BDE) to Innisfail. My hope if that by the end of the turn tomorrow, the IJN scouts will report 4 INF units at Innisfail. They will know 1 is the paratroop battalion, but I’m praying that the other 3 squad size elements will bluff him into thinking more is there than really is… maybe even think it’s a push to reinforce Cairns. Of course, if the subs are spotted there, it may let the cat out of the bag, but it’s a chance I’ll take.

My B17s are all refitting at Noumea, 51 active and ready to fly, but there are 6 squadrons there and still need to be fleshed out a bit. Two of the squadrons are at 11 planes, so I'll probably send them to Brissy when the weather allows.

2E bombers are in a better situation, and Charter Towers is ready to accept them. I have the [I]Beaufort[/I] squadron already there, and am waiting on weather to rebase the B26s and B25s from Tomo (64 bombers, all with 90+ morale)

Brissy is chock full of aircraft, and the C47s have been sent there to make room for the bombers at Charter Towers. If the airdrop hadn’t gone off so well, I would have sent them into Cairns and started airlifting the defenders back to TV.

As to defense, I have the entire Northern Command division at TV. The 3rd is to join them there to defend the base.

In Rocky, I have 2 BDEs of the 7th division with HQ, and the 32nd division is on their way back to join them to defend Rocky.

Brisbane has the 41st division in situ, and the 6th division is slated to join them when it begins to arrive (about a month from now). If a push to Brissy is observed, I can airlift the 7th south to assist (once the dust clears, the Australian C47s will base at Rocky to airlift the 7th where needed as a reaction force).

The only question is Charter Towers – I’m not too sure how much defense to allocate to it. I’m currently leaning toward a couple of combat engineer units, perhaps an overall combat strength of 30. I’ll probably leave the paras there for a while as well.

If I can extricate myself from Cairns, I’ll be very happy. Quark will have both Cairns and Cooktown, but he’ll be bombed back into the Stone Age as level bombers cycle from CT to/from Brissy. He’ll also have a lot of troops in a foreign country with very little in the way of supply. The one place I have hurt him bad is in supply ships. [I]Heito Maru[/I] was also confirmed as sunk yesterday, bringing the total of IJN vessels sunk to 51, 34 of which are APs.

I hope this explains my situation a bit better. Again, get the troops out of Cairns, bomb his newly acquired bases incessantly, sink his transports at Cairns with subs and P-39s, CAP TV with F4Fs and to hell with his carriers.

Still release date for my two CVs at PH, although 3 APDs were released, and are 19 days out.

Timetable:
Shipping: APDx3 (19 days), SS [I]Trout[/I] (18 days), AKx1 (15 days), AKx1(6 days)
Aircraft: VMSB231 (SBD) to Noumea, 1 day out. 63BS (B-17) to Brissy, 2 days out. VNF223 (F4F4) to Noumea, 2 days out.
Ground: 1st Marine Regiment to Noumea, 1 day out.

I’ll get more details out ASAP.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 139
back, after these commerical messages - 7/13/2003 1:33:01 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		At the crux of the battle.... will the paratroopers hold Innisfail long enough to save the 3rd division? Will Condor's moves continue to confound, confuse and constrain the mighty IJN empire?

Will Doris find out that her baby [I]wasn't[/I] fathered by Dr. John Goodhunk, who - while snokerling in the shallows of the barrier reef, met a salty and his untimely end - but in fact the love child of Doris and Jimbo (the manchild just now coming to grips with his pubiscent emotions runing amok in his body)????


See what happens when the d**n email servers dont cooperate???????:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

More to come as soon as we get this farm animal sacrifice to the e-mail gods completed.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 140
yahooooooo!!!!! - 7/13/2003 3:18:29 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		First, Yahoo to the rescue, as Quarks messages slip right in within minutes of him sending them.

Second, an accidental naval air strike has the IJN staff pondering if the gods are indeed against them................... and the insubordinate pilots yelling "Yahooo!!!"

Today’s combat action….

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/07/42

Weather: Rain

Air attack on 15th Aus Brigade, at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
D3A Val x 70

no losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 12

[B]Breathing a huge sigh of relief, as my blocking force of destroyers was spotted by a Val, but Quark had already committed the carrier’s planes to ground support[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 3

no losses

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

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

[B]Once again, I cringe, crying, “No! no! no!….um….wait….yes! Yes! YESSSSS!! I can only surmise the SBDs popped out of the clouds at just the right time, or perhaps the fighter pilots couldn’t believe the Allied commander would be brazen enough to send just 3 SBDs to attack them (you all believe I planned that strike, don’t you?)[/B]


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

Allied Ships
SS S-37

[B]Quark actually moved two tankers into GG, and thumbs his nose at the sub. Time for S-37 to come home, serious ASW is on the way to GG[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cairns

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 55220 troops, 608 guns, 64 vehicles

Defending force 16472 troops, 120 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 6)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 109

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 1163
Guns lost 2

[B]The high losses are probably a result of the move, and I may have been able to leave them in defend mode and “retreat” to where I want to go, but I don’t want to take the chance of getting bottled up again[/B][/I]

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

Quark must be scratching his head in the desert, wondering how 3 [I]SBDs[/I] can fly into an area, slip past the CAP, and plant 2x1000 lb bombs into [I]Suzuya[/I] – one of which destroyed a 5 inch secondary mount as well, knocking a tooth out of that tiger. One SBD didn’t come home, but last reports the accidental strike left the cruiser in flames.

I’ll take it.

Intentions follow.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 141
Intentions..... - 7/13/2003 5:27:02 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		Intentions
August 8th, 1942.

The situation at Cairns is still in the balance (but not in doubt), with the reported Allied troop losses yesterday probably giving the IJN commander cause to press his attack and end the dispute as soon as possible. I anticipate that, should the base fall either today or tomorrow, the Cairns defenders will “retreat” right where I want them – Innisfail.


TF orders:
SS [I]Pickerel[/I] ordered 60 miles NW to hex 10,51 - last known IJN CV TF position.
TF 224 (4 x DD), assigned to block a possible FT TF move by the IJN from Cairns to Innisfail is now ordered back to RH.
TF218 (8 x DD) is formed at RH and now en route with elements of the 21st BDE from RH. Should the 3rd at Cairns retreat to Innisfail before TF 218 arrives, they will return the 21st to RH.
TF213 (6xAP) is at RH, unloading the 102nd BF.
TF234 (DM x 2) ordered to TV with 80 mines.
TF210 (CA x 3, CL, DMS) disbands at RH
TF211 (DD x 6) to RH
TF204 (DD, APD) to RH
TF231 (PT x 2) disbands at TV
TF221 (DD Smith) from Brisbane to Noumea to PH (SYS 32)
TF229 (SC x 11) ASW patrolling west of Noumea (Day 55, Night 44)
TF201 (DD x 5) Benson class ASW TF patrolling east of Noumea (Day 75, Night 50)
TF209 (CV TF) returns to Noumea (CV Saratoga, CL, CLAA x 2, CA x 3, DD x 3 (Arunta class AA = 560, ASW = 6) TF AA = almost 11000

Aircraft status:
Charter Towers is ready to begin around the clock bombing of Cairns and Cooktown. Once Cairns falls, two engine bombers will attack Cairns with F4F4 escort. Cooktown will be bombed by Fortress and Hudson four engine bombers without escort. Should results or losses dictate a change, the Cooktown raids will be halted and all bombers will target Cairns.
Brisbane will move its fighter bomber compliment of Wirraway,P-39 and P-400 aircraft, along with its dive bombers to RH for shuttle to/from TV for ground assault and naval attack missions. Once the move is made, a detailed disposition will be revealed to the audience.
After Brisbane clears its FB and DB units, 60 two engine bombers from Tomo will re-base at Brisbane, to shuttle to/from CT.
As already revealed, a B17 squadron and a Wirraway squadron will arrive at Brisbane within 2 days. They will be dispersed accordingly.

OZ GROUND FORCE STATUS

The combat force disposition will be as follows:

TV: Northern Command and 3rd Infantry Division
CT: New Guinea Force and combat engineer units, with the 1st Paratrooper Battalion remaining in place until further notice.
RH: 32nd Infantry Division and 2 BDEs of the 7th Infantry Division.
BR: 41st Infantry Division and 6th Infantry Division

OZ AIRCRAFT SUPPORT

A second BF will be airlifted into CT to increase its ability to launch missions. Two additional BF units are en route to RH. A fourth BF unit will probably go to TV when it arrives.

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 #: 142
Cairns falls - 7/13/2003 6:03:20 PM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		Today’s action:

[I] AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/08/42

Weather: Rain

Sub attack at 9,60

Japanese Ships
SS I-29

Allied Ships
DD Bagley

[B]Wish I could bag another sub. A gutsy attack, taking on 4 destroyers inside the reef[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese Ships
AP Manju Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS S-45

[B]Back from it’s delivery trip, S-45 reloads and helps the IJN staff planners out by giving them one less ship to worry about[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied Ships
SS S-37


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

Allied Ships
SS S-37

[B]I knew I forgot something last turn. Got to get her out of there[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Cairns

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 54220 troops, 608 guns, 66 vehicles

Defending force 15674 troops, 118 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cairns base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 135

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 1272
Guns lost 2

[B]Other than the troop loss, the only bad news here is now the subs have to travel to TV to reload[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

Cairns falls, but the defenders didn’t retreat. Another 1200 souls lost, and I wince at the thought of the losses, but I have to get out of there. Innisfail is still open, and if Quark has an inkling of what I’m trying, he’d send the kitchen sink to Innisfail to bag the rest of Cairns’ defenders.

Another piece of good news, the IJN AP [I]Kaito Maru[/I] was confirmed sunk today when she struk a mine sometime earlier. (I thought she was scuttled, but I did get 5 points for her - her cargo capacity listed at 1000, I think that's full value for a small maru). 2 more marus added to the list (54 IJN ships sunk, 36 of them APs). Both [I]Kaito Maru[/I] and [I]Manju Maru[/I] were also listed as empty when sunk.

Intentions follow.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 143
Intentions..... - 7/13/2003 8:02:14 PM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		Intentions
8/9/42

Turn 100. Yay! Okay, enough of that.

The evacuation of Cairns has begun. Non-combatants are already at Innisfail. The 3rd Infantry Division HQ and the 118th BF are ordered on to Townsville. Also, my 2 “divisions” of 1 squad each are also ordered to Cairns.

I think the ruse worked, but we’ll know soon. If the IJN commander examines Innisfail, his report should show 5 “Enemy INF”. Coupled with the 3 “Enemy INF” he sees at Cairns, and he may be considering setting his conquerors to Defend at Cairns. I hope so. He saw the FT TF into Innisfail, but assumed they were to pick the paras up. “Tokyo Quark” in his daily e-mail radio message asked if the Allied commander has a “death wish” by stationing so many troops at Innisfail . And finally, Innisfail now has an assault strength of 61, and a fortification value of 1 as well. Respectable, especially since we’re simply holding the back door open.

Quark has already based aircraft at Cairns. I was surprised that he did so already. Perhaps he has to know the airfield won’t last long there. He inherited a level 5 airfield. It’s going to take his engineers a long time to fix a damaged airfield of that size. The bombing campaign will change its strategy and [I]Operation Gopher[/I] commences tonight.

Operation Gopher is designed to hole the runways and ports at Cairns and Cooktown. First target is the runways at Cairns. 28 [I]Hudsons[/I] on a night raid at 11000, followed by a daylight raid with 22 [I]Fortresses[/I], 16 [I]Beauforts[/I], and 16 [I]Havocs[/I] at 9000. VF-42 will fly escort for the daylight raid with 26 [I]F4F-4 Wildcats[/I].

Townsville’s fighters are not recovering morale as fast as I had hoped, A [I]P-40E Kittyhawk[/I] squadron is the best, at around 55. There are 2 [I]P-39D Airacobra[/I] squadrons there, with 65 and 55 morale. I am going to change my strategy and send the naval aircraft back to Rockhampton and Brisbane and bring my US Army aircraft (6 FB squadrons, 1 A-20 squadron) up to Townsville. I will then alternate strategic strikes on Cairns and Cooktown from CT and TV. This should give the navy planes a chance to rest.

More shipping spotted by the coastwatchers at the IJN base at the Shortland Is. Does the IJN have the ground force strength (and, now, the transport capacity) to fight a major action in OZ and the Solomons?

Rockhampton has better AS capability, and more BF units are on the way. The 102nd BF is being airlifted to CT to join the 117th BF already there. The 117th deployed to CT without its radar (can’t move radar in a C47), which remains at RH. [I]Mavis[/I] aircraft spotted multiple destroyers at RH, so Quark knows he can find a whole lot of shipping for his naval aircraft. I have CAP up, and don’t want a fiasco like Noumea happening again.

With the basing of aircraft at Cairns, I don’t know what he has in mind for his carriers. Support for a move to Luganville, perhaps? Or does he still need them to help at Cairns?

In the Solomons, Quark reconned my CV TF on its way to Noumea. Time to give him something else to think about, and I am sending my CV TF [I]northwest[/I] into the open sea, [I]towards[/I] his carriers. I anticipate his carriers are heading NE to refuel, possibly with the tankers at GG. I don’t want a battle, just want to be spotted and then scamper away. One ruse (at Innisfail) worked, why not another? And, if his carriers are on station still defending Cairns, can he resist a chance at a carrier battle?

Submarine dispositions changed. Major mixup as both [I]S-37[/I] and [I]Drum[/I] were in GG at the same time. [I]S-37[/I] is ordered back to RH, and [I]Drum[/I] and [I]Pickerel[/I] are ordered 1 hex NE and E, respectively, of Darubia. [I]S-43[/I] deploys southeast of Cooktown, inside the reef.

Meanwhile, no release date for my carriers at PH. Currently at PH are 2 CV, 1 BB, 1 CA, 1 CLAA, 3 DD, 1 APD, 3 AV, 7 SC, 1 AP, 2 AK. I still need more combat vessels to form up with the CVs and BB so they can be released. Likelihood of ship release to area is HIGH, just not enough combat vessels to escort the big ships. A second battleship, the [I]Washington[/I] is due into PH in 4 days.

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 #: 144
Nothing up my sleeve..............and, presto! - 7/14/2003 8:27:43 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		I have to share the message from Quark he sent with the last turn:
“Okay, how in the blazes did you get FIVE!!! infantry units at Innisfail. Or are my troops exaggerating again. They will just have to starve .”

I can’t believe it is working :) He has unloaded an infantry unit with an estimated 540 troops at Innisfail via FT. I should just steamroll them, but then he’d get a read on my actual strength (remember, two of my “INF units” are just single squads from different BDEs at Cairns transported by sub). So we sit tight and hold the door open.

I would have paid (handsomely, mind you) to see facial expression when he got the report of 5 x ENEMY INF at Innisfail.

The 3rd division brigades are 11 miles, 13 miles and 14 miles out of Innisfail. Next, imagine the consternation of the IJN staff when the host brigade merges with its single squad at Innisfail, and what should be 8 infantry units merges down to six.

But that’s a few of days away.

Today’s combat:

[I] AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/09/42

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese Ships
AP Boston Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-45

[B]A miss, to be sure – but it revealed the presence of 5 MSWs at Cairns joining the hunt for the sub. Oh for a couple of SBD squadrons….. [/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 11


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 11000 feet
8 x Hudson at 11000 feet

[B]Getting used to the night air[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Innisfail, at 7,57

[B]Nothing to hit[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 27
Beaufort x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 21
B-17E Fortress x 20
A-20B Havoc x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 3 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 4 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

CPO P.Ogawa of DI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 6

LT S. Mori of BII-1 Daitai is KILLED

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 70

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 9000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 9000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 9000 feet
9 x Beaufort at 9000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 9000 feet
3 x Beaufort at 9000 feet
5 x A-20B Havoc at 9000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 9000 feet
6 x A-20B Havoc at 9000 feet
0 x A-20B Havoc at 9000 feet
2 x A-20B Havoc at 9000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 9000 feet

[B]No damage to the airfield, but 3 of his precious Zeroes gone, along with one of his aces. I’ll take the damage and whittle him down[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese Ships
AP Myoko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-45

[B]The miss earlier is redressed. Gawd, I love these subs![/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/I]

More LBA at CT, whose AS now at 250. I was tempted to force them to bomb Cairns the same turn as the transfer, but patience is called for here. Besides, I have another surprise for the IJN force at Innisfail who is supposed to cut off my retreat (assuming they don’t jump back on the boat and sail away, now that they know they’re up against 5 INF units ;) ). My A-20 squadron at TV is set to bomb them at 6000 feet.

Oh yes. Almost forgot to mention – since the A-20s just transferred in to TV, they may need directions to Innisfail. 7 squadrons of P-39D and P-400 FBs at 100 feet will show them the way.

At last count, that was 137 aircraft with 500 lb bombs and .50-cal machineguns. Welcome to Innisfail, boys.

(note: We’ll see how many actually fly, but it should make the impression on Quark I want to about my airpower. I think I have him beginning to doubt his moves)

Tomorrow should be interesting.

More to come… (Wish Nimitz would get off his arse and add the capital ships on R & R in PH to the “more to come” list!!)

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 145
Intentions..... - 7/14/2003 12:03:10 PM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		8/10/42:

With the FT move of troops by the IJN to Innisfail, a new problem for Quark appears to loom - where did the extra BDEs defending Innisfail come from? I do have to wonder as to what his overall target is. Logically, I would have assumed TV for an auto-victory, but if I can get the 3rd out of Cairns, he'll almost certainly assume they're headed to help defend TV. Will he still come after it then? CT is a possibility, if only to then encircle TV. That's a lot of ground forces, however.

Another possibility, no matter how remote is that the IJN will descend on LV in force. The Americal Division is there with its 3 BDEs. The 1st Marine Division is almost entirely in place (in Noumea), and the 3 APDs en route from PH should open a few options.

As to yesterday's results, the level bombers performed well enough for their 1st day. Moving the 2nd BF unit to CT will greatly improve flexibility in strike planning, allowing more aircraft to be on the field at one time. I consistently review in my mind whether to mass strike or use small piecemeal strikes, continuously puting the pressure on his fighters and AA unit while continually cycling low morale and damaged units to Brissy.

I am looking forward to the reaction, if not the result of the mass strafing/bomb run. Will he keep his BB TF in the area for support or fear the aircraft and leave.

I am awful thin in SOPAC with a lack of SC. I am seriously considering just keeping the Oz/NZ ships in SWPAC and send the Americans home to Noumea, in preparation for a drive up the Solomons.

Of course, no driving until I get capital ships. I read the other AARs and wistfully wonder why I can't have a BB to play with as well :( . All this smoke and mirrors routine is nice, but nothing beats a broadside salvo from 16' guns every now and then.

Guess it's more of the same, for at least another three weeks, [I]at a minimum[/I].

So nothing much new, just keep the transports sinking, the planes flying, the troops moving, and the e-mail happy.

([I]note: I hope I'm not innudating the readers with too much. One of the great things of PBEM is the chance to do things like AARs with others sharing the same interest :) [/I])

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 146
Sometimes, ya jus' gotta laugh - 7/15/2003 1:41:14 PM   
Attack Condor

 

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

All the preparation. All the anticipation. All the effort.

The close air support from Townsville never got off the ground. Pilots were being briefed when a freak storm closed Townsville, but not Charter Towers, 60 miles southwest. The lone A-20 squadron participating in the Innisfail raid expecting to join with the Townsville mob found itself very alone over a sky with LRCAP.

In a move I did not expect, Quark has a reported [I]seven[/I] carriers at Cairns! Whatever the reason, my subs now have the entrance to the Barrier Reef covered. Can he intend to sail south to TV [I]inside the Reef??[/I] He launched his aircraft and, in spite of the limitation of CV operations in shallow water, still manages to get 40 [I]Zeroes[/I] up in CAP, and another 15 over Innisfail.

I’m confident that had the TV missions flown, the 15 would be – at a minimum – undergoing repair right now.

Today’s rain-shortened action:

[I]AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/10/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 9,53

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

[B]Poor Grenadier can’t get a break, even in the open ocean.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Cairns , at 7,56


Allied aircraft
Hudson x 9


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Hudson at 11000 feet
6 x Hudson at 11000 feet

[B]The night raids, which will stop tomorrow.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese Ships
CS Nisshin
DD Yamagumo

Allied Ships
SS S-43

[B]First time in a while Quark’s ASW actually rolls d/c’s onto a sub of mine, fortunately, they blew the better part of a coral reef to hell instead of my sub.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 8th Naval Garrison Unit, at 7,57

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
A-20B Havoc x 9

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Havoc x 2 destroyed
A-20B Havoc x 2 damaged

PO2 V.Endo of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Attacking Level Bombers:
7 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet

[B]I consider myself fortunate the damage wasn’t worse. Luck not with the Allies on this day, but perhaps she was on this aborted mission[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 21st Aus Brigade, at 7,57

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
A6M3 Zero x 18
D3A Val x 83

no losses


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 31

[B]Not a bad air strike from carriers in port.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
A6M3 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 10

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

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 1 destroyed
Beaufort x 2 damaged

ENS M.Doigawa of F2/2nd Daitai is credited with kill number 2

[B] I get so caught up in my “evil genius” mode plotting the death of the Innisfail invaders, I forget the Ozzies are still in naval attack mode.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Innisfail , at 7,57

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-R Irving x 1

no losses

[B]This recon bird peeks behind the curtain of the magic show, effectively ending the illusion of the 5 INF units at Innisfail.[/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Cairns at 7,56

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
A6M3 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 24
Beaufort x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5 damaged
Beaufort x 2 damaged

LTJG S.Minobe of F2/1st Daitai is credited with kill number 4

[B]Sigh[/B][/I]

An interesting development – Quark appears to be loading his Innisfail troops back onto 3 APs. I wonder if he now regrets it, knowing how little I have at Innisfail. “Get off the boats.” “Get on the boats.” “Get off the boats.”

Intentions, and a snapshot of Oz after sleep here.

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 #: 147
Intentions..... - 7/15/2003 7:32:40 PM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		8/11/42

Confirmation yesterday of two more IJN vessels listed as sunk: the transport [I]Kasuga Maru[/I] and the fast transport [I]APD 35[/I].

The discovery of the carriers at Cairns was a bit of a surprise, but it tells me that, at least for the time being, Quark plans on staying in town. I was a bit concerned he may try to evacuate his troops and leave only a single division to hold the area, but it looks like he is going to try for TV, or possibly an end run around to RH. I doubt that, however – he has an awful lot of ground strength in Cairns and with his transports fading away, a land march may be necessary.

I had considered he may try to use his carrier aircraft to bomb CT or TV, but I believe he has given up trying to close airfields, especially at major bases where bulldozers are a phone call away. Consequently, he’ll probably use his planes where they are least effective – ground support. His strike yesterday at Innisfail netted only 31 causalities, and his pilots, especially his fighter pilots must be getting tired.

I have rotated one of the [I]Hudson[/I] squadrons, the lone fighter squadron, a B-17 [I]Fortress[/I] squadron and the [I]Beaufort[/I] squadron out of CT and brought in 2 squadrons of B-26 [I]Marauders[/I] and a fresh B-17 squadron with 11 aircraft. The 102nd BF is almost completely airlifted into CT, who now has an AS value of 250. More raids from CT later, but for now, TV is the center of my attention.

With the cancelled close air support raids yesterday, and the subsequent troop withdraw of the IJN ground force at Innisfail, I've decided to take a very big gamble and try to net the transports at Innisfail with the FBs at 100 ft. I know BBs are there, and their AA would probably damage the FBs significantly, but if he's loading troops, I'm sure his BBs are itching to get out of the Reef and back to open ocean. If this is successful, maybe I can take out the troops as well while they're on board the ships.

The appearance of a sub NE of Brisbane caused me to delay sending the American ships back to Noumea for a day, but sub or not, they’ll head back tomorrow. I’ll leave a few DDs in Oz for FT duties, but the cruisers come back.

As to the land battle, it’s ceased for now. Quark has reconned CT, TV, and Innisfail and now has a better idea of what the 5 “INF Units” are. Unfortunately, for him, his troop level went from 540 to 160, with LRCAP overhead, 2 BBs at Innisfail, and 3 APs apparently reloading the troops as fast as they can. More APs at Cairns.

The 3rd Division brigades have inched their way south – agonizingly slow progress, 4 or 5 miles at best per day. The closet unit is the 10th brigade, who is 7 miles away from safety at Innisfail. The 4th Brigade is 9 miles out, and the 15th Brigade is 10 miles away. Hopefully, all will be safe in 3 days. Then on to TV, reform and dig in, and let Quark take his best shot. With two divisions each in TV and RH I feel safe enough. If he starts a road march south, the FBs at TV could make that a very costly trip, whether there is LRCAP or not.

The two sinking confirmations again came from Cooktown, which is apparently Quark’s “elephant graveyard” where his damaged ships from this operation go to die.

In the next 10 days, the following reinforcements are due:

In Brisbane:
1 day [I]#4 RAAF squadron 24 x Wirraway[/I]
2 days [I]14th Aus Eng[/I]
3 days [I]126th RCT(32nd Div)[/I]and [I]1/New Guinea HQ[/I]
6 days [I]7th Aus Cav Rgt[/I]
8 days [I]#75 RAAF squadron 24 x P40E Kittyhawk[/I]
10 days [I]#30 RAAF squadron 24 x Beaufighter VIC[/I]

In Noumea:

2 days AK [I]Arided[/I]
5 days [I]9th Marine Defense Battalion[/I] (CD), [I]7th SeaBees[/I] and [I]14th SeaBees[/I]

The SeaBees will be nice to have, and there will be 3 battalions of them in SOPAC. I’m getting impatient and want to start “walking up the ladder” north of Luganville island hopping to Irau and eventually Lunga, but I don’t think I’m strong enough yet. Perhaps a move to Wunpuko and I can begin construction there, peeking out from the bunker, as it were.


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 #: 148
- 7/15/2003 8:44:53 PM   
AmiralLaurent

 

Posts: 3351
Joined: 3/11/2003
From: Near Paris, France
Status: offline 		Just a note about your capital ships held in PH by lack of escort. Send DD and some cruisers to Noumea and send them back to Pearl can haste the arrival of major ships.

Cv and BB need 6 (sometimes 5) DD and AFAIK one cruiser to sail from PH to SW Pacific. You can see in your 'ship availibity' sheet when you will get those DDs. If you sent back DD and CA from Noumea, they will be available in PH 20-25 days later. If they arrived there before your planned reinforcements, you will advance your CV and BB arrival.

If you have still DD and cruisers with no AA upgrade (still AA MG for example), send them first. They will be available 5 days later but that is worth it.

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 149
- 7/16/2003 1:17:48 AM   
Attack Condor

 

Posts: 425
Joined: 12/27/2002
From: Chicago
Status: offline 		[QUOTE][I]originally posted by AmiralLaurent[/I]

[B]Cv and BB need 6 (sometimes 5) DD and AFAIK one cruiser to sail from PH to SW Pacific. You can see in your 'ship availibity' sheet when you will get those DDs. If you sent back DD and CA from Noumea, they will be available in PH 20-25 days later. If they arrived there before your planned reinforcements, you will advance your CV and BB arrival.[/B][/QUOTE]

Agreed. I saw in the manual about how CVs need to move from PH with TFs (no doubt BBs as well). This all started when I sent [I]Lexington, Hornet,[/I] and [I]Enterprise[/I] to PH for damage repair [I]without their escorts they arrived with[/I]. Will have to make a note of that in the future.

Every DD w/o the AA upgrade is back at PH now (or en route). I have a few escorts in place ready to go ( 1 x CA, 1 x CLAA, 3 x DD) - not enough to form up a TF. I have a couple of DDs en route to PH and should be there in a few days. Additionally, the CLAA [I]Van Heemsereck[/I](sp?)will be at PH in 2 days. Maybe in about 10 days or so, we'll have enough to get the CVs out here, but - truth be told - I'm doing okay on defense without them so far (the IJN CVs lounging at Cairns isn't hurting my cause either ;) ) but I can't even think of any offensive moves with a solitary carrier, 3 cruisers and some DDs (no matter how many IJN BBs they want to take on and force to abort a mission) in my corner.

I'll post again a shipping list for y'all to comment on if you desire. As always, comments are welcome, and my ego has been surgically removed :)

Thanks for the post, Amiral.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Attack Condor)
Post #: 150
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