PzB vs Wobbly - Clash of Steel

[Nomad]

One torpedeo hit? [&:][:)]

[soeren01]

The AAA on the ships got better. It throws of the aim of the Bettys.

[Rob Brennan UK]

Love the victory, she's an amazing ship, more like a work of art than a machine of war.

one hit is better than nowt. although i'd have expected better results. Good to see you carrying on there PzB.. and continued good luck

[PzB74]

Spent a long time fine combing the Empire today.
Put things in order, scattered endangered convoys and prepared
defensive/offensive air/sea measures between Davao on Mindanao to Sarmi in New Guinea.

There are still 150 Oscars and 80 Betties at Palau as well as strong fighter formations
in Davao, Morotai and Biak. Light surface units have been ordered to protect the troop
convoy in Northern New Guinea.

If Andy decides to press on - which I don't think he will - he will face a strong defense.
The possible rewards includes valuable surface TFs and troop ships though....

Got tomorrow of, so the battle will be continued shortly [:)]

Situation Map: Northern New Guinea

[PzB74]

Yes Ken, onlye one torpedo hit [:(]
Lady Luck hasn't been around lately...

Andy says he's more willing to disperse his carriers now as the KB has been
blunted. Perhaps this is an advantage - at least it's possible to break through
the bl0ody uber CAP! [;)] Now, if we only could score a few hits!

The Bellau Wood is hit!

[PzB74]

Quite a few transport ac were shot down over Sarmi - the bulk of the 2 Para regiments
were airlifted in. Got 4 forts (+99 annoying %;) up and an assault value of 360. Will
be interesting to see how long the place can hold.

Barge, fast transport and small convoys will continue to bring troops and supplies into
Norther New Guinea.

Todays air losses

[PzB74]

Andy moved his carriers back south - good! Got some crippled carriers and surface
groups out of harms way. Need to play defensive ball for a while now: moving air
groups out of china, need room for new trainees and all the 1200 slots are taken [8|]

Tomorrow the Myrt goes into production, good recon and later on an excellent fighter
bomber.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/28/44

Invasions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Sarmi, 48,78, firing at TF 1067

TF 1067 encounters mine field at Sarmi (48,78)
TF 1067 troops unloading over beach at Sarmi, 48,78

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1077 encounters mine field at Sarmi (48,78)
TF 1077 troops unloading over beach at Sarmi, 48,78

Allied Ships
DD Hall
DD Guest
DD Clarence Bronson
DD Ammen

Coastal Guns at Sarmi, 48,78, firing at TF 1077
66 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied ground losses:
275 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1077 encounters mine field at Sarmi (48,78)
TF 1077 troops unloading over beach at Sarmi, 48,78

Allied Ships
DD Hall
DD Guest
DD Converse
LCT LCT-178, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Coastal Guns at Sarmi, 48,78, firing at TF 1077
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub/ASW Attacks

The USS Albacore continues her crusade against asw vessels!

Sub attack at 31,48

Japanese Ships
PC Kyo Maru #7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
PC Ch 19
PC Kanju
PC Etoforu

Allied Ships
SS Albacore
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After sinking her 3rd asw vessel the SS Albacore is finally caught and justice served!

Sub attack at 31,48

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 19, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
PC Kanju
PC Etoforu

Allied Ships
SS Albacore, hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombardments

Naval bombardment of Sarmi, at 48,78

Allied Ships
CA Chicago
CL Birmingham
CL Santa Fe
CL Montpelier
CA Chester
CA Astoria
CA Louisville
CL Boise
BB New Jersey
BB Iowa

Japanese ground losses:
95 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Runway hits 7
Port supply hits 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

This is the kind of attacks I wish to direct against enemy carrier TF's in
the future [8D]

Day Air attack on Kweiyang , at 41,35

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 52
A6M5 Zeke x 323
D4Y Judy x 43
B6N Jill x 8
G4M1 Betty x 9
G4M2 Betty x 88
P1Y Frances x 145
Ki-21 Sally x 27

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
55 casualties reported

Airbase hits 43
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 384
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bad weather over Sarmi reduces effect of enemy air strikes.

Day Air attack on Sarmi , at 48,78

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 4
P-38J Lightning x 23
B-24J Liberator x 101


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Port supply hits 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Sarmi , at 48,78

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 2
B-24J Liberator x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Port hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A supply convoy trying to hide close to the coast is caught and shattered! May
have taken the heat of the troop transports that I divided into single ship TFs.

Day Air attack on TF at 44,77

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 48
SB2C Helldiver x 50
TBM Avenger x 46


Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Kirisima Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kyokko Maru, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Malta Maru, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kuwayama Maru, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kohuku Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Koki Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Momoyama Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Again only a few Oscars follows the Betties to the carriers....

Day Air attack on TF at 47,75

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 15
G4M2 Betty x 13
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 94

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 14 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 11 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 5 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Biak is dangerous ground for the Allies - the Jacks brought down several Corsair IVs from
the British carrier at Sarmi.

Day Air attack on TF, near Biak at 46,77

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 44
J2M Jack x 20
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 17

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 11
Corsair IV x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 11 destroyed
Corsair IV: 3 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Sansapor at 44,74

Allied aircraft
TBM Avenger x 12

Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kaika Maru
MSW Tamozono Maru #1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The troop transports of Sansaport took relatively few hits!
Day Air attack on TF, near Sansapor at 44,74

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 6

Allied aircraft
TBM Avenger x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 4 destroyed

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

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Had hoped Sarmi would hold - not looking good, but forts are up to 1 + 193%.
Can we hold for a while longer?

Ground combat at Sarmi

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 30725 troops, 260 guns, 151 vehicles

Defending force 15589 troops, 101 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 4)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 1

Japanese ground losses:
510 casualties reported
Guns lost 16

Allied ground losses:
1438 casualties reported
Guns lost 34
Vehicles lost 1
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Map: Assault on Sarmi

[PzB74]

My post # 2000 - should be celebrated with a victorious Samurai picture [:D]

[Fishbed]

Nice thanks for the update

[PzB74]

I'm unsure about how strongly I should resist the enemy occupation of Sarmi!

1. The Allies have by stepped the strongest and biggest bases along the Eastern coast of New Guinea.
2. Supply lines are getting longer and more difficult to protect.
3. Several big Japanese air and fleet bases now flanks the enemy spearhead.

I am tempted to make a stand and see how it goes - even if not a great success it should be possible
to force the enemy to take a long rest before pushing on.

My biggest problems:
*) Lack of A6M5s in the pool despite of building 500 pr month [8|]
*) Need more highly trained long range naval bombers and escorts.
*) Serious lack of available destroyers and cruisers.

It's REALLY hurting me that my new Frances bombers are equipped with bombs only.
Got 120 of them ready and I can't use them. One of the most serious bugs for Japan thus far.

I've sent a powerful group of Jack's to Biak to test them out - think they will perform well when
backed up by a host of other figther types.

The KB will be out of action until the late summer of 44, will make sure it returns like a bird
phoenix! In the manwhile the Combined Fleet will have to operate without proper air support.

I told Andy that we could upgrade to V1.801 but that we risked serious problems. Last time me and
Dave tried it we had to replay turns for a month. Nothing worked and I'm afraid of upgrading such
an old game as this with the latest patches.

Comments?

[Kereguelen]

ORIGINAL: PzB

I told Andy that we could upgrade to V1.801 but that we risked serious problems. Last time me and
Dave tried it we had to replay turns for a month. Nothing worked and I'm afraid of upgrading such
an old game as this with the latest patches.

Comments?

Hi,

still playing PBEM started under Patch 1.2 (or maybe even earlier? not sure). Game is upgraded to 1.81 and we don't have any problems.

K

[Wolfie1]

Just upgraded to 1.801, had one turn of synch problems but corrected on the next. Great to see this AAR going again[;)]

[PzB74]

Ok thx for the info guys!
We tried upgrading to V1.5 a while back and lots of weird things started to happen.
Just not convinced that the same things won't happen again.

Can wait a while and learn more about possible consequences first.
Have we managed 2-3 years without V1.8 we can manage a while longer [;)]

[Mynok]

I've never had problems upgrading. The best thing about 1.801 is the ability to move pilots into your fighter squadrons with the new disband at Osaka option. It will make your new Jacks that much more effective.

[castor troy]

ORIGINAL: Mynok


I've never had problems upgrading. The best thing about 1.801 is the ability to move pilots into your fighter squadrons with the new disband at Osaka option. It will make your new Jacks that much more effective.

Not if the pilots are gone the next turn, not to speak of the vanishing daitais that never show up again....

[ChezDaJez]

We tried upgrading to V1.5 a while back and lots of weird things started to happen.
Just not convinced that the same things won't happen again.

What version are you guys using?

Glad to see this AAR back in action. I have just started a 1.801 PBEM vs Andy and he is already teaching me that I can't take anything for granted!

Chez

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/01/44

Sub/ASW Attacks

A small convoy battle some way into the Philippine Sea!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 46,57

Japanese Ships
MSW Wa 12

Allied Ships
SS Skate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 55,57

Japanese Ships
AK Taga Maru
AK Hozugawa Maru
MSW Wa 21

Allied Ships
SS Tang
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 56,56

Japanese Ships
AK Tenshin
MSW Wa 21

Allied Ships
SS Angler
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 56,56

Japanese Ships
AK Panama Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Tenshin
MSW Wa 21

Allied Ships
SS Angler
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strangely enough the I-41 passed through the enemy depth charges [:'(]
ASW attack at 49,78

Japanese Ships
SS I-41

Allied Ships
SC SC-1062
SC SC-743
DE Seid
DE William C. Miller
DE Greiner
DE Doneff
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Surface Combat

Several small enemy surface groups hunts down the transports that have just finished
unloading 2 full brigades in Northern New Guinea. Somehow it wasn't a bad trade [;)]

Night Time Surface Combat, near Sansapor at 44,74

Japanese Ships
AP Kozui Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Emerald
DD Converse
DD Guest
DD Hall
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rest of the victims:

AG AG-5091, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AG AG-5161, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
AG AG-5163, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AK Kiyosumi Maru, Shell hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Kaika Maru, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Hotsukawa Maru, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AP Kaiko Maru, Shell hits 36, and is sunk
AP Kaishi Maru, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AP Kakyu Maru, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
AP Kaito Maru, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Kanayamasan Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
AP Karimo Maru, Shell hits 16, and is sunk
AP Kashu Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

Bombardment

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Sarmi, at 48,78

Allied Ships
CA Chicago
CL Birmingham
CL Santa Fe
CL Montpelier
CA Chester
CA Astoria
CA Louisville
CL Boise
BB New Jersey
BB Iowa

Japanese ground losses:
146 casualties reported

Runway hits 10
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

A rather strong Jap CAP over Sarmi caused the Allies a lot of grief today [:)]

Day Air attack on Sarmi , at 48,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 12
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 7

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses - this you don't see often!!
F4U-1 Corsair: 7 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Sarmi , at 48,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 3

Allied aircraft
SB2C Helldiver x 13
Spitfire VIII x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 2 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 5 destroyed, 3 damaged
Spitfire VIII: 2 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Sarmi , at 48,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 6
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 25
B-24J Liberator x 79

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38J Lightning: 6 destroyed, 5 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Sarmi , at 48,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 3

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 3
B-24J Liberator x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th Naval Guard Unit, at 48,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
SB2C Helldiver x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 28th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 48,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 6

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 10
TBM Avenger x 61

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged
TBM Avenger: 5 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
36 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 28th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 48,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 21
P-40N Warhawk x 13
B-25J Mitchell x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-40N Warhawk: 1 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 2 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
40 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 28th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 48,78

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 7
B-24J Liberator x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
86 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 42,74

Japanese aircraft - crack Tony Daitai was ravaged by the Hellcats!
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 28

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 39
SB2C Helldiver x 28
TBM Avenger x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 20 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged
SB2C Helldiver: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships - this destroyer was already crippled and sinking!
DD Kazegumo, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Jill attacks against the Allied cv's close to Sarmi are fended off.

Day Air attack on TF at 50,78

Japanese aircraft
B6N Jill x 8

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 39
F6F-5N Hellcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N Jill: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 50,78

Japanese aircraft
B6N Jill x 8

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 39
F6F-5N Hellcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N Jill: 8 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Happy about this! Allied troops are worn out and we delay Andy for another day!

Ground combat at Sarmi

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 29094 troops, 203 guns, 151 vehicles

Defending force 14342 troops, 77 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Japanese ground losses:
949 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Allied ground losses:
632 casualties reported
Guns lost 17
Vehicles lost 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Map: Enemy action of Northern New Guinea

Since the enemy continues to operate in the area the High Command has decided
to send in more air reinforcements. Strong air formations will attempt to hit enemy
surface and/or carrier units in the area. The light carrier Ryuho has sortied from
Davao and will stay at Morotai: If one of the enemy carrier TF's reacts it will
be in trouble [:)]

[PzB74]

Todays rather positive air combat roster:

[PzB74]

Enemy carriers headed south...no attack on Sarmi today!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/02/44

Sub/ASW Attacks

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 51,61

Japanese Ships
AP Azuchi Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 23

Allied Ships
SS Aspro

Japanese ground losses: - parts of an arty bde on its way to Yap
23 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Day Air attack on Biak , at 46,77

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 32
J2M Jack x 16
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 19
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 11

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 48

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 4 destroyed, 5 damaged
J2M Jack: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses [8D]
B-24J Liberator: 33 destroyed

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Biak at 46,77

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 30
J2M Jack x 16
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 19
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 10

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 35
SB2C Helldiver x 53
TBM Avenger x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged
J2M Jack: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 9 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 12 destroyed, 8 damaged
SB2C Helldiver: 8 destroyed, 1 damaged
TBM Avenger: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
MSW Wa 11, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Momoyama Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 48,75

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 65

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Jack

A good day in the air [:)]

[PzB74]

My strong fighter formations cause the Allies heavy losses!