Matrix Games Forums

 Forums  Register  Login  Photo Gallery  Member List  Search  Calendars  FAQ 

My Profile  Inbox  Address Book  My Subscription  My Forums  Log Out

RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring

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

Logged in as: Guest
Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring Page: <<   < prev  1 [2] 3 4 5   next >   >>
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/18/2020 5:39:15 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

The IJN ships at this point have poor AA batteries and you can risk putting your carrier strikes at a lower altitude for better chance of hitting. For the DBs in clear or slightly cloudy conditions, use 10,000 feet so they will DB rather than level bomb. Dive bombing has the best chance of hitting ships. If the weather is overcast or light rain, I set my DB attacks at 3000 feet to have a better chance of hitting while staying above any 7.7mm MG fire. It's still in range of the 25 mm flak, but the bad weather influences their aim too.
My TBs are usually set to 6000 feet if they have torps and 3000 feet if they are using bombs, regardless of weather.

If there is enemy CAP, it is best to keep all your bombers at the same altitude so your escorting fighters can try and stave off the enemy's. I use 9000 altitude to stay above the 25mm flak and keep the DBs at the same level as the TBs.

BTW, since aerial torps rarely hit and often do not explode at this stage in the war, I prefer to arm my TBs with bombs until there are cripples that my torps have a chance of hitting.


DBs are curently set to 10k feet. Their range is limited to the max range of the TBs.

TBs are set to 6k feet.

Fighters are set to escort / CAP at 10k feet.

I have read the threads on this forum for airstrike coordination, and i have yet to be caught out on it.

I too have little confidence in the American aerial torpedoes...

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 31
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/18/2020 6:59:55 PM   
RangerJoe


Posts: 13450
Joined: 11/16/2015
From: My Mother, although my Father had some small part.
Status: offline 		I set the TBs to 1000 feet. They suffer no penalty for being down that low.

If Bettys and Nells are set to torpedoes at that height and no torpedoes are available, they suffer no penalty. If they are set to bombs at that height, they suffer the penalty.

_____________________________

Seek peace but keep your gun handy.

I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!

“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
― Julia Child


(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 32
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/19/2020 2:37:26 AM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		21st August
Typical ineffective bombardment from the IJA on the Kokoda Track. Rotation of P39s continues. B17s are still hitting Buna well, and rotating there as well.

I am starting to think longer term here. There really are not any bases closer to Rabaul than the Lunga / Tulagi area that offer much in the way of land based air. This means Buna is the next best thing...which means winning the naval war. Something we are far from doing.

But, I will want to start thinking about which army forces to prepare for taking Buna.

The transports continue withdrawing. Wasp withdraws on its own. I am beginning to think that the sorties remaining count is not accurate. Visual bug?

Hiei and Kirishima arrive during the night and bombard Lunga Point. They do some damage to the airfield and the port, but nothing that shuts it down.

I got REALLY lucky here, as my APAs with the base force (and my cruiser escort) arrived the next afternoon and are ready to land the force. Saratoga is now in position to cover the landings, as is Enterprise...but I do not trust that Enterprise is combat ready (though it says it is).

Once I get the base force in place, I will move the two marine dive bomber squadrons to the island and one squadron of the Catalinas to provide much better scouting.

Hopefully then I can start trying to interdict supplies to Tassafaronga, which we have not been doing at all.

(in reply to RangerJoe)
Post #: 33
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/21/2020 8:51:11 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		22nd August

Standard bombing of the Kokoda Track. We get more squad damage than usual. Good stuff.

Rabaul launches HEAVY Betty raids (>50) against the ships in the slot. We lose two fully loaded xAKs that were on their way to Tulagi. No losses among the escorting cruisers and destroyers. Our CAP trades 1-1 and damages dozens of bombers. But its not enough.

Major carrier battle east of Tulagi. Enterprise and Saratoga hit Shokaku with 4 1000 lb bombs. Zuiho is unscathed.

The IJN strike hits Enterprise with 3 bombs, putting her flight deck out of action. North Carolina was attacked multiple times and suffered one torpedo hit...but is still combat capable.

Enterprise will withdraw to Noumea. Saratoga will withdraw south of Lunga. I need Wasp back in action soon, but she wont be back for two days at least.

My base force is almost unloaded...and we now have PBYs and two squadrons of dive bombers at Henderson Field.

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 34
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/22/2020 10:27:22 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		23rd August

Most of my bombers at PM stand down for a maintenance rest. The B17s at Townsville keep pounding on Buna.

The IJA bombards my brigade in the hills. No effect.

I sort out the plane situation at Henderson Field...and begin sending the Enterprise groups back to Noumea. This will take a few days as we fix damaged planes.

With only one flight deck still active, we pull everything out of the Slot. I will be back to unload the last dregs of the base force when Wasp returns (2ish days?).

North Carolina and Atlanta move to Saratogas task force. The Enterprise clears the area to the south with Portland and four destroyers.

Our marine DBs from Henderson Field find and try to hit a pair of heavy cruisers NE of Tulagi. No hits. Saratoga also launches against these ships. No hits. Not a good showing.

Thankfully, no carrier planes spotted. So the IJN also pulled back. I do not believe we sank Shokaku. So now we try to assess the situation and decide when to send in supplies again.

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 35
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/24/2020 4:01:50 AM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		24th-25th August

Not much happens.

My transports that dropped off the Australian HQ at PM clear the area after running the Betty gauntlet out of Rabaul, no torpedo hits.

Wasp is now approaching the combat area. We will push some supplies to Tulagi, and put some more mines in the Slot. Then we retreat. I want to replenish my cruiser fleets and prepare for the next major reinforcement push.

7th USMC is arriving in 3 days, a USMC base force aviation support in 8 days. We will also be moving a SeaBee unit up to Lunga. That will be the next major push.

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 36
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/25/2020 4:47:37 AM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		26th August

A single zero escorts a dozen Betty's over PM. He manages to out fight about a dozen P39s and P40s from getting to the bombers before he simply got bypassed. Thankfully, most of the lost planes were merely damaged or driven off. No losses. We do down a few bombers, and all of their torpedoes miss the tanker in the harbor.

We pound Buna and the track yet again.

Our Beaforts at Milne Bay do not find worthy targets to sortie after.

I also noted that we now have a squadron of Beafighters at Brisbane. Unfortunately, they are not true fighter bombers...they do not have the capability to drop bombs. At present I will hold them in reserve over Brisbane. The P39s have more practical use to rotate into and out of PM.

Our transports begin pushing supplies - to Tulagi. Our tankers arrive at Lunga to provide a fuel reserve to eventually base ASW sub chasers here. Assuming I can drop off enough. Rabaul sends a good force of Betties again escorted by a single zero. He, unlike his colleague at PM...is easily driven off by the robust CAP from Henderson field of Marine pilots in Wildcats. We savage the Betty's. No torpedo hits against any ships in the slot.

Cats show that the IJN is probably supplying Tasafaronga. But doing so at night, so we haven't caught anything in daylight. With Wasp and Saratoga in range, I am going to mine the approaches to Tasafaronga...maybe.

Enterprise has almost made it to Noumea...when I realize that she will have to be repaired at Sydney. Her float damage isn't bad. Her system damage is 60. I am assuming I can get some of that down pierside at Noumea before sending her on to Sydney? She could be out of action for most of the rest of the campaign.

Hobart is going to head direct to Sydney for final repairs.

The intel report is showing Zuikaku as sunk...though I think they mean Shokaku...and I am not sure whether to trust it. We hit her with four 1000lb bombs...that could be a lot of damage. But we also didn't see any evidence of her sinking.

Best to play it safe. The CAP performance out of Henderson Field today was an encouraging sign.

< Message edited by DanielAClark -- 3/25/2020 4:48:57 AM >

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 37
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/25/2020 5:08:24 AM   
RangerJoe


Posts: 13450
Joined: 11/16/2015
From: My Mother, although my Father had some small part.
Status: offline 		Check the weather at Guadalcanal and the moonlight. If the weather is bad and/or the moonlight is low, then move in PT boats to mess with the Japanese Fast Transports. If you can slow them down, then your air power might be able to find them during the day.

_____________________________

Seek peace but keep your gun handy.

I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!

“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
― Julia Child


(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 38
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/25/2020 5:18:33 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		Right!

I forgot I could build PT boats!

(in reply to RangerJoe)
Post #: 39
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/27/2020 3:18:32 PM   
Bif1961


Posts: 2014
Joined: 6/26/2008
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: offline 		Put JFK and friends to work.

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 40
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/5/2020 12:07:45 AM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		27th-28th August

Buna continues to be pounded by B17s.

No enemy activity in the Slot. Our transports and tankers are unloading.

A total of 8 Betties attack on the 28th, all but 1 are shot down or damaged before attacking by the Henderson Field CAP.

Enterprise group continues towards Sydney. Some enemy subs spotted around Noumea. Our ASW is keeping them from being dangerous.

< Message edited by DanielAClark -- 4/5/2020 12:09:00 AM >

(in reply to Bif1961)
Post #: 41
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/5/2020 4:03:52 AM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		29th August

IJA bombards the Kokoda Track. Does nothing. Our bombers continue to pound Buna and the track.

Washington and escorting destroyers arrive. She is sent north to rendezvouz with the carrier forces.

The light transport resupplying Tulagi is sunk at her moorings by a midget submarine that the destroyer task force set for ASW has failed to sink for days despite knowing it was in the hex. Frustrating.

The big news is that Zuikaku and Ryujo sally forth to face our carriers. North Carolina suffers multiple torpedo hits and sinks. Saratoga takes a torpedo and several bomb hits. She is still afloat but severely damaged (64 float). She will have to withdraw at 7kts. I doubt she will survive.

Ryujo takes several 1000 lb bomb hits. No confirmation of sinking but a light carrier taking that kind of pounding is good for us. Zuikaku seems to be lucky with her AA, destroying several strike planes and scaring the rest off. We hit Hiei with a torpedo and Kirishima with a pair of bombs.

The afternoon attack hits Wasp with a torpedo, but does not shut down her flight deck. She will withdraw south to cover the withdrawal of the damaged ships, then head for shipyard as well (15 knots).

Our Henderson field bombers arrive piecemiel and put another bomb into one of their battleships...but Zuikaku continues to live a charmed life.

We now have no carrier support unless I bring up Long Island...and she is only useful as an escort.

Time to clear Henderson Field of all of Saratoga's planes...and figure out how I am going to work the area with no mobile air cover.

**** just got real.

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 42
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/5/2020 6:58:13 AM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		30th August

Night action - Boise, Pensacola, New Orleans, and escorting destroyers are engaged in a clear IJN attempt to run down the Saratoga and sink her with surface gunfire. Zuikaku, in the finest British tradition, is in with the surface ships. We do some damage to the enemy escorting destroyers and put some shell hits on two of their heavy cruisers. Boise takes a torpedo and we break off the action. We got to within 3,000 yards of their force. But only got two destroyer shell hits on the Zuikaku.

In the morning, Wasp sends up her pitiful attack squadrons as she flees southward at a pedestrian 15 knots. 7 F4Fs tangle with the IJN CAP and do well enough to let the 18 SBDs and 7 TBFs into the attack. No hits...on anything...despite at least the boys primarily going after Zuikaku this time.

Zuikaku's reduced strength strike encounters a pitiful CAP (total 2 F4Fs)...and the 10 Vals and 8 Kates manage to get 4 torpedo hits on the wallowing Wasp and send her to the bottom.

A few Kate's go after the Saratoga, and hit her 3 times for basically nothing. However, the enemy battleships and cruisers are closing to visual range. Atlanta is ordered to abandon escorting Saratoga and run for it during the night.

Zuikaku also hits Australia with one torpedo during the afternoon phase of the air attacks. She will head for Sydney with the rest of the cripples. All other ships are fleeing back towards Noumea.

Henderson Field is overstacked with USN planes all over the place. Will try to get as many planes out as possible before the inevitable bombardment of the field. With the enemy in possession of the only undamaged CV...we are pretty powerless to offer much resistance.

Hornet arrives in 3 days. Not sure that will mean much though as I will want at least 2 operational carriers to put into the fight...just one isn't enough. Two obviously isn't enough either...but at least I can attrit his air groups with 2.

Sigh.

I knew it was going to be a tough day.

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 43
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/5/2020 7:18:33 AM   
Alfred

 

Posts: 6685
Joined: 9/28/2006
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark

26th August


... I also noted that we now have a squadron of Beafighters at Brisbane. Unfortunately, they are not true fighter bombers...they do not have the capability to drop bombs. At present I will hold them in reserve over Brisbane...


On what do you base the statement that they don't have the capability to drop bombs.

Alfred

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 44
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/5/2020 7:23:25 AM   
Sardaukar


Posts: 9847
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Finland/Israel
Status: offline 		They definitely drop bombs and you could use them skip bombing or low naval attack and strafing, either at 100 ft altitude or 1000 ft.

That is where they excelled historically too.

_____________________________

"To meaningless French Idealism, Liberty, Fraternity and Equality...we answer with German Realism, Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery" -Prince von Bülov, 1870-


(in reply to Alfred)
Post #: 45
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/5/2020 1:52:08 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred


quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark

26th August


... I also noted that we now have a squadron of Beafighters at Brisbane. Unfortunately, they are not true fighter bombers...they do not have the capability to drop bombs. At present I will hold them in reserve over Brisbane...


On what do you base the statement that they don't have the capability to drop bombs.

Alfred



When reviewing the plane data screen, it does not have a bomb loadout listed...like the other fighter bombers have. It lists cannon instead.

I presume that this version of the Beaufighter strafes rather than bombs.

I saw in the plane archive that there are several different versions of the Beaufighter...some which can use torpedoes, some bombs, etc.

(in reply to Alfred)
Post #: 46
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/5/2020 3:17:57 PM   
RangerJoe


Posts: 13450
Joined: 11/16/2015
From: My Mother, although my Father had some small part.
Status: offline 		Can you make note of which mark if you can't post a screenshot? Also, is it on extended range?

_____________________________

Seek peace but keep your gun handy.

I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!

“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
― Julia Child


(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 47
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/5/2020 4:38:19 PM   
BBfanboy


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

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark


quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred


quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark

26th August


... I also noted that we now have a squadron of Beafighters at Brisbane. Unfortunately, they are not true fighter bombers...they do not have the capability to drop bombs. At present I will hold them in reserve over Brisbane...


On what do you base the statement that they don't have the capability to drop bombs.

Alfred



When reviewing the plane data screen, it does not have a bomb loadout listed...like the other fighter bombers have. It lists cannon instead.

I presume that this version of the Beaufighter strafes rather than bombs.

I saw in the plane archive that there are several different versions of the Beaufighter...some which can use torpedoes, some bombs, etc.


If the squadron is set to be armed with TORPEDOES, it is not going to show you the BOMB loadout on the aircraft info screen. Try changing the armament to BOMBS and look at the aircraft info again.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 48
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/5/2020 4:41:20 PM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline 		BTW, you have decimated his Betty squadrons before that carrier battle and Zuikaku does not have a great deal of punch left to attack Henderson Field. You might want to re-consider keeping some fighters and TBs at Henderson. If you have a lot of engineers at Henderson you can fix bombardment damage between attacks and maybe surprise him.


_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 49
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/5/2020 6:13:47 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Can you make note of which mark if you can't post a screenshot? Also, is it on extended range?


Beaufighter 1C

Not on extended range.

(in reply to RangerJoe)
Post #: 50
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/5/2020 6:14:39 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy


quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark


quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred


quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark

26th August


... I also noted that we now have a squadron of Beafighters at Brisbane. Unfortunately, they are not true fighter bombers...they do not have the capability to drop bombs. At present I will hold them in reserve over Brisbane...


On what do you base the statement that they don't have the capability to drop bombs.

Alfred



When reviewing the plane data screen, it does not have a bomb loadout listed...like the other fighter bombers have. It lists cannon instead.

I presume that this version of the Beaufighter strafes rather than bombs.

I saw in the plane archive that there are several different versions of the Beaufighter...some which can use torpedoes, some bombs, etc.


If the squadron is set to be armed with TORPEDOES, it is not going to show you the BOMB loadout on the aircraft info screen. Try changing the armament to BOMBS and look at the aircraft info again.


The squadron has no wording for bombs or torpedoes, most likely because it does not carry any.

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 51
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/5/2020 6:18:51 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

BTW, you have decimated his Betty squadrons before that carrier battle and Zuikaku does not have a great deal of punch left to attack Henderson Field. You might want to re-consider keeping some fighters and TBs at Henderson. If you have a lot of engineers at Henderson you can fix bombardment damage between attacks and maybe surprise him.



Indeed.

The plan is generally to remove the USN planes from the island. The marine planes will stay.

Right now, I have 125 airframes littering the field which can only handle 100. I have damaged planes from Enterprise, Saratoga, and now Wasp's planes (both damaged and ready to fly).

In addition, the battle quite heavily attrited my marine units as well. So I may keep some USN planes or rotate some marine planes from the squadrons at Noumea.

Basically, I can base 100 planes and 3 squadrons at Henderson Field without penalty. Before the fight, I was basing 4 marine squadrons (2 fighters and 2 dive bombers) at the field, and a group of Catalinas. It wasn't perfect but it was protecting the slot from the Bettie raids.

The goal will be to have two squadrons of fighters...and some strike capability. How I get to that will be the focus of my thinking over this next turn.

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 52
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/5/2020 6:51:22 PM   
BBfanboy


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

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark


quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy


quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark


quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred


quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark

26th August


... I also noted that we now have a squadron of Beafighters at Brisbane. Unfortunately, they are not true fighter bombers...they do not have the capability to drop bombs. At present I will hold them in reserve over Brisbane...


On what do you base the statement that they don't have the capability to drop bombs.

Alfred



When reviewing the plane data screen, it does not have a bomb loadout listed...like the other fighter bombers have. It lists cannon instead.

I presume that this version of the Beaufighter strafes rather than bombs.

I saw in the plane archive that there are several different versions of the Beaufighter...some which can use torpedoes, some bombs, etc.


If the squadron is set to be armed with TORPEDOES, it is not going to show you the BOMB loadout on the aircraft info screen. Try changing the armament to BOMBS and look at the aircraft info again.


The squadron has no wording for bombs or torpedoes, most likely because it does not carry any.

D'oh! I may have been thinking of Beauforts!
Is that Beaufighter by chance a Recon version? Can't think of any other reason for no bomb load to show.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 53
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/5/2020 7:08:16 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy


quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark


quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy


quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark


quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred


quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark

26th August


... I also noted that we now have a squadron of Beafighters at Brisbane. Unfortunately, they are not true fighter bombers...they do not have the capability to drop bombs. At present I will hold them in reserve over Brisbane...


On what do you base the statement that they don't have the capability to drop bombs.

Alfred



When reviewing the plane data screen, it does not have a bomb loadout listed...like the other fighter bombers have. It lists cannon instead.

I presume that this version of the Beaufighter strafes rather than bombs.

I saw in the plane archive that there are several different versions of the Beaufighter...some which can use torpedoes, some bombs, etc.


If the squadron is set to be armed with TORPEDOES, it is not going to show you the BOMB loadout on the aircraft info screen. Try changing the armament to BOMBS and look at the aircraft info again.


The squadron has no wording for bombs or torpedoes, most likely because it does not carry any.

D'oh! I may have been thinking of Beauforts!
Is that Beaufighter by chance a Recon version? Can't think of any other reason for no bomb load to show.


It lists as a fighter bomber...machine guns and cannon.

The Beaufort squadron is at Milne Bay keeping the enemy honest with respect to the Coral Sea and supplying Buna.

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 54
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/6/2020 3:23:41 AM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		31st August

Fully coordinated attack on Buna. Nice to see over 30 B17s smashing the port and supply dump.

No enemy activity here.

Amazingly, Saratoga is NOT attacked. She shelters briefly in Tulagi during the day. Betty raids get through the miniscule cap and attack some of the sub chasers that have stayed in the slot. No torpedo hits. I left these little ships here to try to get rid of that mini-sub, and also to act as magnets for the Rabaul aircraft.

Lots of aircraft furiously being repaired and sent on to Noumea...or to Efate and then to Noumea.

I am sending out escorting destroyers to some of the groups that are bereft of good ASW support. Chief on this list is Saratoga, which is now just south of Henderson Field and heading out to sea. Australia is being also sent a few more destroyers...and an AO to refuel her current destroyer complement. She is far enough south that we are no in danger of air attack.

The reason I am doing is this Hobart getting torpedoed by an RO boat on approach to Sydney. Grateful it was Hobart and not Enterprise, which is also in that area. Hobart is just above 70 float damage...but is pretty close to Sydney...fingers crossed.

I load up a tanker to provide fuel to Espirito Santo. I will develop those bases in the hope of providing a set of closer anchorages to the slot for fast transports. Speaking of fast transports, the first APD run is loaded and sent on its way to Tulagi. She is escorted by 3 DDs. Hopefully this will help the garrison get properly supplied.

Lots of planning activity underway to continue the fight under the new circumstances.

The enemy main body is spotted heading north, she will either head to Rabaul, or Truk for repairs...I suspect. I am grateful, as the two battlecruisers (Hiei and Kirishima), while taking a few bombs from my DBs, plus a few shell hits from my cruisers...did not appear to have lost much combat capability. My hope is that the heavier damage to the DD screen and escorting heavy cruisers...plus the low aircraft remaining...convinced the enemy to withdraw.

I was in no shape to resist ANY attack on this day...and I didn't have to.

We fight on!

< Message edited by DanielAClark -- 4/6/2020 3:25:02 AM >

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 55
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/6/2020 10:27:52 AM   
Alfred

 

Posts: 6685
Joined: 9/28/2006
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark


quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred


quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark

26th August


... I also noted that we now have a squadron of Beafighters at Brisbane. Unfortunately, they are not true fighter bombers...they do not have the capability to drop bombs. At present I will hold them in reserve over Brisbane...


On what do you base the statement that they don't have the capability to drop bombs.

Alfred



When reviewing the plane data screen, it does not have a bomb loadout listed...like the other fighter bombers have. It lists cannon instead.

I presume that this version of the Beaufighter strafes rather than bombs.

I saw in the plane archive that there are several different versions of the Beaufighter...some which can use torpedoes, some bombs, etc.



Unlike some, I usually do my homework before posting. Which is why I know in my official scenario 4, 30 Sqd RAAF arrives at Brisbane on 24 August 1942, equipped with the Beaufighter IC. That plane has, in addition to cannons, 2x 250lb GP bombs when flying out to normal range, but only 2x100lb GP bombs when flying out to extended range.

Consequently, the explanations are:


  • you are playing a bespoke private mod, in which all bets are off re equipment specifications, or
  • you have triggered one of the conditions which can alter the normal ordnance, and have not informed as of all the relevant applicable conditions, or
  • you are misclicking on the various appropriate screens, which include the ingame database screen.


As always, the best way to resolve issues for inexperienced 0layers is to provide relevant screenshots. We can then spot the important information which escapes the inexperienced player in their attempts to verbally articulate the issue

Alfred.

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 56
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/6/2020 2:38:08 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred


quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark


quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred


quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark

26th August


... I also noted that we now have a squadron of Beafighters at Brisbane. Unfortunately, they are not true fighter bombers...they do not have the capability to drop bombs. At present I will hold them in reserve over Brisbane...


On what do you base the statement that they don't have the capability to drop bombs.

Alfred



When reviewing the plane data screen, it does not have a bomb loadout listed...like the other fighter bombers have. It lists cannon instead.

I presume that this version of the Beaufighter strafes rather than bombs.

I saw in the plane archive that there are several different versions of the Beaufighter...some which can use torpedoes, some bombs, etc.



Unlike some, I usually do my homework before posting. Which is why I know in my official scenario 4, 30 Sqd RAAF arrives at Brisbane on 24 August 1942, equipped with the Beaufighter IC. That plane has, in addition to cannons, 2x 250lb GP bombs when flying out to normal range, but only 2x100lb GP bombs when flying out to extended range.

Consequently, the explanations are:


  • you are playing a bespoke private mod, in which all bets are off re equipment specifications, or
  • you have triggered one of the conditions which can alter the normal ordnance, and have not informed as of all the relevant applicable conditions, or
  • you are misclicking on the various appropriate screens, which include the ingame database screen.


As always, the best way to resolve issues for inexperienced 0layers is to provide relevant screenshots. We can then spot the important information which escapes the inexperienced player in their attempts to verbally articulate the issue

Alfred.


I will take 'misclicking' for $50, please.

I figured it out. If I set the Beaufighters to 'Escort' and look at the plane data, it does not mention the ground attack ordinance.

Changed to 'ground attack', and the bombs showed up in the plane information screen.

Thanks to all of you for pointing out the mistake! That's one of the main reasons I started the AAR...

(in reply to Alfred)
Post #: 57
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/6/2020 9:59:32 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		1 September

Weather cancels B17 raid on Buna.

A squadron of P39s is stood down to prep for removal to Australia to be replaced by the Beaufighters.

PM will then have a squadron of P40s for high CAP, a squadron of P39s for low cap, a squadron of Beaufighters and B26s for ground attack.

Hobart sinks outside Sydney harbor.

Enterprise arrives and goes into shipyard. It will take 78 days to repair.

Even if Saratoga reaches Sydney...she may not be available to return.

Hornet arrives at Noumea. She joins Washington and some cruisers and destroyers.

As soon as I get some DDs back from the Sydney escorts and the retreating cruiser forces...I will kit out some proper amphibuous task forces to land supplies...and maybe troops into the Henderson Field area.

Two of my transports in Australia convert to LSI (Large). To the manual I go...

Henderson field returns to operational status for the fighters. No enemy raids on the slot.

Both fighters taking a breather from combqt but not from prep.

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 58
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/6/2020 10:09:20 PM   
RangerJoe


Posts: 13450
Joined: 11/16/2015
From: My Mother, although my Father had some small part.
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark

1 September

Weather cancels B17 raid on Buna.

A squadron of P39s is stood down to prep for removal to Australia to be replaced by the Beaufighters.

PM will then have a squadron of P40s for high CAP, a squadron of P39s for low cap, a squadron of Beaufighters and B26s for ground attack.

Hobart sinks outside Sydney harbor.

Enterprise arrives and goes into shipyard. It will take 78 days to repair.

Even if Saratoga reaches Sydney...she may not be available to return.

Hornet arrives at Noumea. She joins Washington and some cruisers and destroyers.

As soon as I get some DDs back from the Sydney escorts and the retreating cruiser forces...I will kit out some proper amphibuous task forces to land supplies...and maybe troops into the Henderson Field area.

Two of my transports in Australia convert to LSI (Large). To the manual I go...

Henderson field returns to operational status for the fighters. No enemy raids on the slot.

Both fighters taking a breather from combqt but not from prep.


LSIs are the Commonwealth equivilent of US Navy APs.

If the Enterprise has a lot of system, minor flood, and minor engine damage, she might be better off on pier side mode. Especially if there is a lot of Naval support and an AR there. Then when there is only major damage to repair, put her in the shipyard.

_____________________________

Seek peace but keep your gun handy.

I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!

“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
― Julia Child


(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 59
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 4/6/2020 10:58:27 PM   
BBfanboy


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

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

If the Enterprise has a lot of system, minor flood, and minor engine damage, she might be better off on pier side mode. Especially if there is a lot of Naval support and an AR there. Then when there is only major damage to repair, put her in the shipyard.

+1
Shipyards don't do well repairing system damage - too few repair points compared to a large port I guess. Better to remove the system damage in the port and not tie up the SY with that.
But if Enterprise's float damage is dangerously high, you could put her straight into the SY until the repair algorithm starts to work on the System damage, then switch Big E to pierside mode (you lose 3 days but probably shorten the total repair time considerably).

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to RangerJoe)
Post #: 60
Page:   <<   < prev  1 [2] 3 4 5   next >   >>
All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring Page: <<   < prev  1 [2] 3 4 5   next >   >>
Jump to:





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


Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.4.5 ANSI

1.000