The Plunder, the Blunder, and the Agony

[Cathartes]

It's been sometime since an update from me.  Another little WITP-related project has pushed AARs down the priority list.  Now that the bulk of that little project has passed, time for catch-up.

Interestingly, we are well past the half-way point in 1943, and not a single carrier vs carrier battle has occurred.

July 1943
SE Asia
Most of July was a boondoggle followed by continuous air bombardment. I lapsed on one of our house rules (must use PPs to move India Command units out of India) and had to back up and abort an all-out land attack and amphibious invasion of Burma. My plan was to invade Moulmein and simultaneously cross the river from Mandalay. The bulk of my force in SE Asia was about to cross the river and strike a mighty blow as the invasion of Moulmein raged when I realized my mistake. My main attack depended on Indian Divisions and they were not legally mine to use. We agreed to go back in time a few turns to an arranged cease-fire in Burma to correct the problem. Chimaera-san is an honorable and generous player, and we managed to smooth this one out. Nontheless, this cost me a significant chunk of strategic game time. After the cease-fire, Allied aircraft continue to pound, and I mean POUND positions throughout Burma. Chimaera-san has long since surrendered the air space above Burma, and I've been free to bomb at will. Only the weather hinders me, and even then, not very much.

Australia-PNG
Port Moresby fell to combined Allied forces on July 4, 1943 after over 4 weeks of stalemate. In early June, after the initial invasion I serioulsy doubted I had the necessary forces to do the job. The Japanese had well developed airfields at Lae, Madang, New Britain, and a minor air base at Buna. Consequently I could neither afford to maintain a carrier force near Moresby, nor could I extend consistent fighter cover over the area. The Allies don't have suffient numbers of ranged fighters to cover Port Moresby from Thursday Island, or Portland Roads. I could however conduct repeated naval bomardments covered by LBA. This was a key factor in wearing down the Japanse garrison at Port Moresby.  

Moresby was a valuable lesson in the dangers of understimating your opponents assets. The best recon can't tell you everything, especially whether or not your opponent is poised to rapidly deploy reinforcements by air. I expected to slog it out much longer, but the Japanese defense finally imploded on US Independence Day. The date made the victory all the sweeter, but it was to be short-lived.

Right after Port Moresby fell to the Allies the Japanese initiated a ferocious air bombardment campaign that continues to this day. Port Moresby has been 100% suppressed. More on this and other updates soon...

[Cathartes]

Nearly the entire Japanese Army Air Force is employed in shutting down Port Moresby.
Around 350 Tonys and 250 Jacks are escorting and flying sweep ahead of multiple raids by Ki-49 Helens and Bettys. Raids occur 9 out of 10 days and command in Port Moresby is screaming for fighters and support.

There’s little that can be done. Defensive flak has been suppressed by constant bombardment. Low-experience P-38s flying 6 hexes out from Portland Roads are easily brushed aside by Tonys and Jacks with more experience. Allied P-38 numbers are extremely limited (those of you that play CHS know that the Allies get very few P-38s through at least August 1943), and Japan has a vigorous pilot training program employed against Wenchow, pretty much out of reach of Allied interference.

Port Moresby airfield/port have been kept heavily damaged. A few daytime B-24 raids against Lae and Saidor have helped ease the pressure, but they are not difficult to accomplish and they cost dearly in aircraft due to the 60-100 fighters that are maintained on CAP over each base. During a recent lull in the bombing I was able to sneak dozens of P-47s and Corsairs into Port Moresby. This resulted in one bright day for SW Pacific Command, but this brought more sweeping enemy fighters, along with more bombers and escorts. Allied fighters were sufficiently damaged and then became ground fodder as a damaged base could not repair them.

The future is dim in Port Moresby, and the only bright side to this whole situation is that I know where the bulk of the IJAAF is located. It can’t be everywhere at once. [;)]

The Port Moresby Problem:

[Cathartes]

Port Moresby Update
September 2, 1943

The airfield remains shut down, but the damage has decreased overall. Japanese bombardment is a little less consistent due to a flak buildup at the base. Flak takes out between 1 and 12 Japanese bombers every time they strike (strange variability). Japanese bombers are now scared to bomb below 18,000'. At one point about 12 days ago, Port Moresby Brass was able to sneak in about 200 fighters (P-38s, Corsairs, and Thunderbolts). The results brought one of the bloodiest days of the war with about 300 aircraft destroyed. Both sides suffered roughly 150 lost aircraft. Most of the remaining Allied fighters were damaged and stranded at the base. This is just the beginning, as I have to contend with roughly 300 Japanese fighters on sweep every time a bombing raid commences.

[Feinder]

You might consider fast-tran or para into Milne Bay and/or the dot-base NE of Milne.  Whole point being to spread him out.  Get a INF unit in first to hold the place (he may not even know you're there, since there's no enemy adjacent).  The fast-tran in some Sea Bees to start building the bases.  He -will- come to bomb you, but it'll spread him out some and relieve some pressure on PM.

Also, get Merauke built up to 4 or 5.  You're going to need it to base every AC you can.

As you are aware, P-38s are rare in CHS.  And in case you didn't notice, your USAAF pilots are comin in at 45 - 50 exp (they suck).  Do NOT waste them on P-38s.
a.  Pick your most experienced sqdns to convert to P-38s.  Frankly, I wouldn't put any squadron in P-38s with less than 65 exp, 70 if you can manage it.  Convert the whole squadron.
b.  Do not just pull replacements into your P-38s sqdns.  The newbies will die and you lose the airframes.  If your P-38 sqdn gets shot up, pull it back without replacements.  Find a new squdron with 65+ exp and convert it (the whole sqdn at once).
c.  You can "train" your sqadrons vs. his empty bases as well.  It's not as convenient as a base 2 hexes away (and you'll suffer a few more ops losses).  But with a Japanese training program, and the exp bug (50exp) for USAAF, you MUST train your pilots.  You really need a target base within range 5, and you don't have that in NG right now.  But if you can "train" anywhere, you need to do so.  You'll also have to be random about your target (don't just keep bombing Salamau), because he's bound to try to incept you.  But this isn't such a bad thing, because it'll spread him out even more.

I'm sure there's a lot of pressure on your P-40 pools, don't forget about your Kitty sqdns.  Deploying these guys will take some pressure off of your P-40E sqdns.  But watch your RAAF pilot pool, your pilots arrive better exp (about 60), but your RAAF and RAF pools are considerably smaller. Also, I don't like the P-40N so much as a dog-fighter. I haven't deployed it front line to fight Tony's and Jacks, because it's stats are inferior to P-40E (altho it does have better range). But you might consider using your 40Ns as "trainers" because you can reach 7 hexes. Of course, you gotta use what you have. But just be aware that the numbers on the 40N are slightly inferior to the 40E (which is already inferior to Jack and Tony), so you're really climbing up hill.

It has been my experience with both sides about 65 exp (I think that is what Japan is fielding).  I get about the following exchange rates:

At least in 156, P-40B has a ceiling of only 22k which makes it unsuitable for anything but escort. You could probably use the 40N in the same exchanges as the 40E (slightly worse).

2x Hurri IIb = 1x Tony
? Hurri IIb = Jack (would be very bad)

1.33x P-40E/Kitty = 1x Tony
3x P-40E/Kitty = 1x Jack

1x Spit V = 2x Tony
1.33x Spit V = 1x Jack

1x P-47D = 4x Tony
1x P-47D = 1x Jack 

1x P-38 = 2.5x Tony
1.33x P-38 = 1x Jack 

But your P-38s, P-47s, and Spit Vs are gold.  Only put your best pilots in them, because (as you discovered), sucky pilots in even a good airframe, still suck.

Early going, I'll make trades for 2x losses for me, to every one of Japan, just to keep his pools in check. It's painful, but I think it's a necessary evil. My own game is mid-June 43, and I'm looking for 1-1 exchanges. The Jacks are tough, but with a heavy-handed sweep vs. his Tonies, I can blow those out of the sky.

Also, don't forget your recons. Buzz his fighter bases that he's sweeping from CONTINUOUSLY. If he's got no or low CAP over his fighter base, clobber it with 4es. You might catch him sock'd in. Or maybe you hole his runway when he returns, and then he's shut down for a day or so. EIthe way, it gives PM a reprieve.

-F-

[Cathartes]

Hey Feinder,
Thanks for the insight.  Problem is this is an open AAR and my opponent gets to read this too. [:D]  Honestly, I don't think any of it is of any secret, significant consequence to my opponent.

Another problem:  I took Milne Bay and he took it right back after my carriers departed the scene.  But this time he brought a division plus other units.  I haven't updated this far yet.  I think we've both been watching your AAR with interest due to the parallel nature of the games (CHS 155 and all). 

[Feinder]

Well, he obviously knows you're going for NG, I'm just saying to "spread the love around".
 
[:)]
 
-F-

[Chimaera]

Feinder – thanks for the comments/analysis/feedback. Admiral Cathartes is right. I too check out your AAR vs Bilbow especially since it’s also CHS and the timeframe is similar, even though the losses in your game are a good bit higher … but I'm sure we'll get there eventually [;)]

Our game is in the first week of September 1943 now so I’m a bit behind in my AAR posts but I thought I’d highlight some of the salient battles/events in July and August.

Summary of July 1943 operations

New Guinea
Most of the action centered around this theater. Admiral Cathartes used the month of June to bring additional land forces to Moresby using mostly landing craft and LSTs (harder to interdict) and by the beginning of July Allied land forces at Moresby considerably outnumbered our own.

From July 1st through 4th, 1 LST, 1 MSW and 4 cargo ships were sunk. Several other AKs were damaged by Bettys. APD Gregory and another LST took one mine hit each but did not sink.

On July 2nd and 3rd, Allied forces launched strong attacks at Moresby and reduced our fort levels to 2. The end at Moresby came on July 4th. Before withdrawing towards Buna, our troops did manage to demolish or badly damage what they couldn’t take along with them.

Starting on July 5th, our forces initiated Jishin-go sakusen (Operation Earthquake) to keep Port Moresby’s airfield suppressed for as long as possible. For Jishin-go, the primary airbases used were Saidor (size 5), Lae (size 7) and Gasmata (size 4).

July 7th – Japanese carriers launch a heavy attack against Moresby airfield . Pilots report causing ‘absolute devastation’ and are optimistic the airbase will be out of commission for some time.

July 9th – Enemy submarines S-27 and Gudgeon hit by AP bombs, sinking shortly after.

On July 15th, Allied heavy bombers coming in at over 30,000 feet hit Lae airfield . Fortunately, our J2M interceptors were ready and waiting – downing 42 B-24Ds for the loss of just one J2M.

Nine days later, a huge aerial scrap broke out over Moresby. Our fighter sweeps engaged the enemy flying LRCAP from his Australian bases. 117 enemy fighters were shot down (60 P-38G, 34 P-38F and 23 Beaufighters) against 41 Ki-61s, 2 J2Ms and 3 bombers.



July 27th-29th – 2 minesweepers and 3 LSTs sunk at Moresby.

On the last day of the month Allied heavies hit Lae again, this time with P-38 escorts. 48 P-38s didn’t make it back, and 14 B-24Ds were also brought down vs 22 Ki-61 and 9 J2Ms. Lae airfield did take moderate damage and several dozen aircraft were knocked up on the ground.

Gilberts
On Jul 26th, 20 B-25C (from Nanumea – his main base in the theater) were shot down in an abortive raid against Tarawa.

[Feinder]

Yeah, I didn't actually read all the way thru, and didn't realize this was an open AAR.  Still, I wasn't really pointing out anything that either of you didn't actually already know.
 
I know in my own game vs. Bilbow, with a narrow (singular) axis of advance at Daly Waters, allowed Bilbow to concentrate his forces, and stop me with relatively fewer resources.  So beginning spring 1943 with the greater availability of Allied forces, I figured I'd try to pour water on the whole house and see where things leaked.  It seems to be working thus far, as I have advances in Burma, NG, and Gilberts.  I figure things will slow shortly, as he's had some time to react-redeploy (and I am in fact shuffeling as well).  But spreading him out (and you Chimera) and finding somewhere to attrit (where the Allies are -winning- the attrition war), IMO at least seems crucial.
 
So it looks like only a few cruises have gotten plinked thus far?  I didn't see any screen-shots of CVs gettng pasted.  Both sides have all (or most) of the CVs intact?  That's an interesting cunnundrum.  For Japan, KB utility will start to wane, due to the appearance of the 2nd gen US fighters (and esp Hellcats).  But at the same token, a sunk US CV might as well be perma-sunk, but they won't be respawning until end-44 or early-45.  Interesting.
 
-F-

[JeffroK]

Feinders comments are well based.

From reading many of the AAR's you see "over concentration" on a single battle rather than having 2-3 thrusts running or 2-3 counter offensives to draw the opposition away from their main thrust. IMHO, players often get drawn into the tactical battle (ie For PM in this game) rather than the strategic PTO theatre.

japan, with its central position and long ranged aircraft, can find a position that can attack/threaten a number of Allied theatres (From Rabaul they can threaten Nth Queensland, PNG & the Solomons etc) In reverse, the Allied numbers can allow a number of threats against the japanese defenders.

Keep it going guys, great AAR, I also support going into Milne Bay, you could also concentrate Dakota/C-47(even 2E & 4E bombers) at Townsville and fly in troops and supplies.

[Cathartes]

Feinder: Yeah, both navies are fully intact. The Allies have lost several CLs and a handful of DDs--all from the early days of the Japanese onslaught.

JeffK: Neither I nor Chimaera have done a good job of keeping everyone abreast of the other theaters. While PNG has a lot going on, the Allies are currently pushing back in other neighborhoods. Let me update you on one right now...

NORTH PACIFIC, AUGUST 1943
Chimaera San and the Emperor never gave the Aleutians any thought, so North Pacific Command happily took advantage of their neglect and rushed to develop these strategically important islands. Whether or not they ever become a springboard for a Home Island invasion, they are a great location to base subs and probe coastal Japanese waters.

After building up all the Aleutian bases to maximum ports and airbases by March 1943 (Adak, Attu, Dutch H., and others) the lack of attention and activity on behalf of the Japanese practically begged I go for the Kuriles. This was an open door to push on, and the Allies went for it. In early August 1943 Onnekotan Jima fell without resistance and is now (as of Sept '43) a level 4 airbase. Neighboring Paramushiro Jima is heavily fortified with Japanese troops, mines, and guns. Unfortunately Allied air isn't making much of dent in the fortress there. I'm not sure I'm going to invade, and may just keep the base as a training area for my terribly inexperienced Army pilots.

One milestone to touch on: As the last of the Allied troops disembarked at O. Jima on August 11 a rare, partly cloudy day brought a group of raiding Bettys. The F6F Hellcat made its combat debut and handily shot down a dozen of those worthless, torpedo-slinging, tin cans.

[Cathartes]

KURILES, September 21, 1943
September is shaping up to be an exciting month for the war. Action is heating up in several places, and continues to be hot in the Kuriles. While we will update you on other areas shortly, it now appears that Chimaera-san is mounting a counteroffensive for the Kuriles, just as I suspected he would. Just today his carriers approached south of Onnekotan Jima and struck several DM vessels laying mines there. All are probably lost, but considering the wealth of ships nearby, I came out extremely lucky. Several P-39s and P-40s, a group of Hellcats helped bolster the island CAP, causing at least 36 IJN aircraft go down (nearly all Zeros). We traded 1-1 on the exchange in total aircraft downed, but I got most all my pilots back. [;)]

An undisclosed number of US carriers are nearby, and they luckily did not get hit (may have been one hex beyond optimum range), and remain fresh for a battle. We will see what the next couple of turns bring...

[AdmFletcher]

"We will see what the next couple of turns bring..."

Well said. Many interesting developments are afoot and this AAR is well updated until the present.

It will be most interesting to read of the decisive equivalent of the Battle of Midway in this AAR. However I'm placing my bets that any impending decisive battles won't occur at Midway.

Keep up the good descriptive work folks and please update us on contributions to Davy Jones' locker.

[Cathartes]

Dispatch: Kuriles, September 21, 1943
Onekotan (or Onnekotan) is a miserable place. The weather is perpetually foul. Wet fog alternates with endless storminess. Not a tree can be found on this shrubby, wet, volcanic island. Why Chim-san and the Japanese would really want this island is beyond me. In fact, they should be thanking us for taking it from them [:D], keeping it safely from the Soviets, who would otherwise grab the northern arc Kuriles once war with Germany draws to a conclusion.

A screening net of subs fails to gather sufficient intel on multiple IJN TFs approaching from the southwest. With a rich field of naval targets mostly hidden by bad weather, only one strike appears over O. Jima catching a group of DMs on mine laying duty. All are sunk outright, but about 38 IJN aircraft pay the price from RCAF and US fighters. The exchange is nearly 1-1, with Hellcats helping to balance the odds against several generations of Zeros.


Nearly all our shot-down pilots are recovered in nearby waters. We tried to recover some enemy pilots, but most committed hara-kiri before we could pluck them from the water. One Japanese pilot did not, and we were able to gather valuable information on the names and capabilities of at least four large carriers to the south. Due to the fact that this dispatch could be intercepted by enemy eyes, we can’t divulge any more specifics.

[Cathartes]

Dispatch: Kuriles, September 22, 1943
IJN CV TFs steam northeastward toward O. Jima. All unnecessary Allieds ships move full steam from the region. At least 4 CVs, one CVE, and one CVL are identified among the enemy ships. The region is cleared for a significant tactical battle, yet today will be unexpectedly quiet. Foul weather socks in the region once again.

If all was calm from the air, it was not calm from beneath the cold North Pacific. One man makes his mark on the day. LCDR J.C. Broach of the SS Hake trails the enemy TFs and endures multiple ASW attacks. On three different occasions his sub was attacked by dozens of Japanese DDs. Despite critical damage, and buffeted by depth charges, the SS Hake heroically sends two torpedoes into the IJN oiler, Ken'yo Maru. The cool, calm leadership of LCDR Broach carried the day.

This has undoubtedly struck a shivering blow to the Japanese command. With consternation over losing a precious repleneshment ship, Chim-san is probably doubting the wisdom of proceeding further towards his Homeland's former possessions. LCDR Broach will be recommended for the Navy Cross.

[Cathartes]

September 30, 1943: Roundup Report

North Pacific
The immediate threat from a Japanese carrier raid and invasion has faded, for now. It was edgy for a while, but nothing came of the naval incursion. Paramushiro Jima fell to the Allies yesterday, and despite a 19-1 advantage, the defenders have still not surrendered nor committed Seppuku. The eastern tip of the Kuriles are almost mine.

Central Pacfic
All is quiet.

South Pacific
New Caledonia in the process of liberation! Allied troops have established a beachhead at La Foa. Noumea and Koumac are still Japanese held. Chim-san has offered token air resistance so far, but his capability is greater than this as troops begin bombardment of Noumea. More on this battle soon, but the good news so far is that casualites have been almost non-existent. La Foa is currently a level 3 airfield and level 1 port.

Australia & PNG
Lae airfield has been quieted by massive B-24 strikes, and Allied air now has dominance over the skies of Port Moresby... finally! There were two keys to changing the situation for Port Moresby: (1) flak, and plenty of it, and (2) massed night bombing over Lae, followed by daylight bombing as the tide turned. I suspect that Chim-san got tired of losing enemy bombers for minimum results (bombers were forced to go higher). Morale must have been a problem as well. Night bombing was also having some effect as between 6-12 enemy aircraft were lost on the ground in Lae after each raid, as well as the cumulative damage to the base. Port Moresby can be hit by the Japanese again, but not as easily and they will pay a much heavier price if they try.

DEI
Quiet

Burma and SEAC
Tension is mounting here, and developments are akin to two people struggling on either side of a door, one trying to keep it shut, and the other trying to push it open. I've managed to insert my foot between the door and jam, but resistance remains intense. Stay tuned for more updates.

China
Quiet

[Cathartes]

Dispatch: Dobodura, October 25, 1943

What a difference 6 weeks make. During this time the IJAAF ceased bombing Port Moresby due to increasingly heavy flak casualties. As a result the airfield at Port Moresby repaired and increased its aerial defense and size. Follwing this the Allies launched large bombing strikes on Lae and Saidor pulverizing the airfields in September.

Once Port Moresby hit a level 8 airfield the Allies seized Dobodura by paratroopers. Chim-san immediately sent a host of small unescorted transports loaded with troops filing toward the base, having sailed from Rabaul. Many successfully landed elements of a Japanese division, while several have been sunk by naval air strikes. Why this raid? Does Chim-san think he can retake Dobodura? Is this just a distraction? It's proving to be interesting target experience for Allied airmen, but I'm curious as to the greater, evil motive behind it. [:'(]

[Cathartes]

Dispatch: Dobodora, November 3, 1943
Chim-san has abandoned his attack on Dobodura, at least for now. After losing several transports and a couple of barges, elements of the 31st IJA Division remain stranded. The base continues its buildup to level 9 forts, and the coalition of USAAF and RAAF happily bomb and strafe our unwelcome guests. For now Chim-san has no healthy, nearby airfields to offer support. The Japanese air force has entirely fled the region except for Rabaul. I suspect that the Louisiade Archipelago and nearby PNG are no longer important to my opponent. I realize at this juncture they may no longer be important to me as well, and I best focus my attention and forces elsewhere.



Dispatch: Mandalay, November 6, 1943
A large bombing raid launched from Mandalay and struck Bangkok. For the first time in a while, my aircrews were outscored in kills as 28 bombers and P-38J fighters were lost to a force of 48 Tojos. Only 9 Tojos were shot down, but the good news is that over 120 Liberators took out approximately 100 Japanese resource points. Overall a worthy strike as Bangkok now has about 200 resources damaged which will cost time and supplies to fix. Chim-san will have to commit a large number of fighters to keep Bangkok safe, something he best do soon. [:'(]

[Chimaera]

Situation update, November 8th, 1943

The Allies have begun knocking on the Empire’s strategic defensive perimeter but as a whole our defensive structure remains intact, despite various dents/incursions in the eastern Kuriles and New Caledonia. Admiral Cathartes committed overwhelming naval and air forces in the taking of first La Foa, then Noumea (lost to the Allies on Oct 30th). In the south Pacific, Japan still retains control of Koumac, Luganville and Efate. There has been no sign of his carrier forces (both in the north and south Pacific) since early October and there has been otherwise no contact between major naval forces on the high seas.

We have prudently withdrawn our land-based air forces from southeastern New Guinea in view of extremely powerful air activity against our bases there (Lae and Saidor). Farther north into New Guinea, and from Rabaul down through the Solomons chain of islands, our forces maintain a rugged air and naval supremacy. That said, the Allies’ latest generation of fighters in particular are worrisome, especially the P-47C Thunderbolts and F4U-1 Corsairs. Performance-wise, these last types appear to be comfortably surpass even our latest fighter, the N1K1-J, which recently entered operational service.

Recently, Emperor Hirohito embarked on a fact-finding ‘tour’ of the Empire’s forces. The highlight of this tour was an imperial visit to the battleship Musashi. The imperial entourage was accompanied by Admiral Osani Nagano, Chief of the Naval General Staff. Among other things, the emperor noted that morale appeared high and the men were generally in good spirits but the perceptive royal did note a certain wariness in the eyes of many of his loyal subjects. The thought was mildly disconcerting to the emperor. Almost as if they knew or sensed something unpleasant was in the offing.



The news from Europe is even gloomier. Italy has been knocked out of the war, and the Wehrmacht is in full retreat in Russia. The Luftwaffe is having difficulty keeping the Allied air armadas from pounding the Reich’s cities into rubble.

(OOC: Both my opponent and I have agreed to try and prevent the ‘missing pilot bug’ by disbanding excess air units, embarking them onto ‘suicide transports’ and keep the total number of pilots below 20,000)

[Cathartes]

This just in...11.12.43...Pacific Fleet HQ, Pearl Harbor...

SS Lapon reports large IJN CV TF at 14.32N, 132.55E. Contact made at 11.13.43 0620hrs, several CVs positively identified... CV Hiyo, CV Unryu, CV Kaga, heading 265 degrees...STOP

Position ideal for engagement...two torpedoes hit CV KAGA... confirmed...STOP

Heavy damage...several fires and smoke plume visible...enemy carrier continues at 12 knots under control, heading 12 degrees, with 2 DD... STOP

[Nemo121]

Nice AAR. Very atmospheric and excellent visuals.