Feinder(A) v Bilbow(J) CHS - The winds of war are constantly changing

[Feinder]

03-20-1942 thru 03-31-1942

A - Several squadrons of USAAF B-25s relieve the Hudson light bombers of the RNZAF. The combined with the 48 B-17s of 3rd Heavy Bomb Group, they attack the lead Japanese airfield at Daly Waters.

The unescorted bombers suffer heavy losses, but several Japanese aircraft are destroyed on the ground airfield is heavily cratered, unable to sustain flight ops.

The Americans next turn their attention to the airfields at Katherine, in preparation for the land offensive to liberate the Northern Territories...

-F-

[Feinder]

03-20-1942 thru 03-31-1942

A - Pressure on the pocket near Pucheng continues to mount. An air-lift of much needed supplies continues to the beleaguerd troops within, but a counter-attack near Nanchang fails to break the noose. Several chinese corps do however, manage to slip between the few cracks of the Japanses cordon, and make their way slowly towards Changha.

The Japanese shift their air-power northwards, and after after several weeks of bombardment, launch a massive attack at Homan. The Chinese are not ill-prepared however, and have reinforced the city, and built an extensive network of fortifications. The intial Japanese assault is thrown back with heavy casualties. No doubt, the Japanese will move up additional formatoins and attempt to out-flank Homan. In an unprecedented truce between the Nationalists and Communists, several crack Red divisions are sent to bolster the defenses at Homan.

-F-

[Feinder]

03-20-1942 thru 03-31-1942

A - The Japanese siege of Manila continues. The nightly appearance of Japanse bombers is all but mundane, as the once proud city has been reduced to rubble, and rubble reduced to rocks. Supplies are beginning to show signs of strain and MacArthur orders half-rations. While the weary defenders take refuge in damp bunkers, and survive on tins of WW1 surplus; far away in Washington Gen. Marshall enjoys dinner of roast duck with the President, and retires to his comfortable home in Arlington Heights.

On the southern island of Luzon, the Japanese consoladate their gains while the Philipino defenders continue to dig in.

-F-

[Feinder]

Since the days that man has fought with sticks and rocks, the eve of a battle is oft

the same. Where once there were tribal elders and meetings of cheiftans, Adm.

Halsey now holds his own "council of war" at a briefing room aboard Enterprise.

Halsey turns to Cmdr. Nigh, the intelligence officer, to begin the briefing. "The USS Barracuda encountered a large invasion task force south of Milne Bay,

presumably heading towards Port Moresby. She reports seeing two flat-tops before

being driven below by aircraft."

"Only two flight decks?" Halsey asks.

Nigh responds, "Sir. There's a low pressure system in the area forming low clouds, and considerable haze. It's very likely they have other units that remain unspotted. The patrol B-17s are having trouble maintaining contact, because of the storms and low clouds."

"What do we know they have available? They've got most of their heavies giving the

Brits a go for it at Rangoon."

Capt. Bisset of the HMS Indomitable is standing directly across from Halsey, and

suffers a brief flinch at the callous remark. Capt. Bisset is the product of many

generations of officers of the Royal Navy, whose proud lineage has included those serving at Gravelines, Quiberon, the Nile, and Jutland. Bisset is the consumate

professional however, and quickly recovers. Capt. Bisset had protested the decision

to sail the British carriers around Australia, to support the US flat-tops in the

South Pacific. He had championed a combined strike with "Indy", Formidable, and

Hermes, with support form land-based aircraft, against the invasion at Rangoon. He

was over-ridden however, and dutifully lead the Royal Navy carriers and a hand-full of cruisers around Australia to join the force of US carriers currently docked at Townsville. Bisset considers that Halsey has certainly proven courageous, but Halsey has come off as being a bit to brash for his personal taste. Bisset has lead the Indy and Formidable in action against the Italian Navy in the Mediteranian, but it remains to be seen how the untried US Navy carriers will perform. Only a slight twitch of left eye would betray his thoughts, but it has gone un-noticed.

Bisset replies, "We have confirmed from downed planes and pilots, that the Kaga,

Akagi, Shokaku, and Zuikaku are in the Indian Ocean. They were last spotted about a

week ago, heading towards Singapore. And there is a small carrier that has settled

into the mud at Rangoon."

Commander Nigh continues, "Sir, we believe that Barracuda spotted the Zuiho and Shoho, two smaller carriers. Thus far, the Japaese have operated with them, two other light carriers, each with abotu 40 planes. We've also had no contact reports on the Soryu and Hiryu since January. We cannot say whether they will accompany this force, or are in port."

captian Ramsey of the Saratoga, "So how many planes do they have?"

"Their four light carriers can muster about 150 aircraft. Soryu and Hiryu would add

about 70 more each."

In exasperation, Cpt. Buckmaster exlaims, "So you think they have "between 150 and 300 aircraft...? That's a bit wide a margin, don't you think?"

"Soryu and Hiryu will be there." Halsey intones. It's not so much an answer to Buckmaster, as a verbalization of already forming battle plan. "Bisset, how many have birds you got?"

"About 90."

Halsey turns to Gen. Wright, commander of "Marine Airgroup 1", newly deployed to

Townsville. "What can you give us Rob? Your boys were qualifying aboard my ship

back in July. You got anybody we can throw at 'em?"

"Sorry Bill. Those dive-bombers on the strip are Army, they got no hooks,

and they wouldn't know the first thing about trapping on your carriers."

Halsey thinks aloud, "So we've got 300 vs. "probably" 300."

Bisset chafes at Halseys deliberate(?) omsission of the British carrier strength.

"Sir.", Commander Nigh speaks up. "Their base a Lae could probably give you some trouble sir. We think it has has about 50 fighters, and 50 medium bombers. They've been working over Port Moresby. They've also build bases at Buna and Milne Bay. Milna Bay is still just a fighter strip, but Buna could probably host some bombers as well."

Halsey - "Quite the little hornet's nest they have. More Japs to kill. What can Port Moresby put up?"

Nigh - "Nothing more than PBYs sir. They've demolished the strip at PM. We've been able to operate PBYs there, because they don't use the airstrip, and the Japanese haven't figured out how to crater the bay yet."

Halsey - "Speaking of Hornets, where is she?"

Cpt. Ramsey shakes his head. "Hornet just came thru Panama. She won't make it in time to join up."

"What planes do we get from the continent?" Halsey asks.

Nigh responds, "Not much with that kind of range. We've got some B-17s for patrol duty. And there's a squadron of P-38s doing the final quals at Cooktown. You're mostly on your own."

On the evening of March 23rd, four US Fleet carriers and two RN CVs leave the harbor at Townsville, and charge into the history books in what becomes known as "The Battle of the Coral Sea."

Halsey - "Make ready to depart. We leave in 12 hours. Meet back in an hour for task force displacements and maneuver options. We're gonna go kill some Japs."

-F-

[ny59giants]

Soerabaja fell in my PBEM game on 4/14/42. [:(]  I didn't even think about trying to do so in Malang and get the x3 mountain combat bonus, duh!! [:@][:@]  
Another lesson learned. [:D]
Next game, I will look to try it in Malang. [:)]
I still have the 2 RCAF BF's at sea that I finally found out were not static (a side benefit of a game against the AI). I can use the additional 200 aviation support.

Thanks for your discourse on sub transports. It is useful even after the first part of the war is over. They are going to Port Moresby to get what they can before it falls. [;)]

[Feinder]

Frankly, I think Bilbow is just going "train" on the Dutch at Malang.  If he wants to climb those mountains to root 'em out, he's welcome to.  But for now, it keeps 'em alive for me.  Basically, you're trading the "comfort" of Soerbaja (non malaria), for the moutains of Malang. 

Soerbaja = x1 defense, better supplies, no malaria.

Malang = x4 defense (I think swamp is x3), but you get the 30ish fatigue of malaria, and finite supplies.  I broght the HQs with me tho, so I've got plenty of supplies.  Don't leave your HQs in Soerbaja, because you need their support and supplies if you plan on defending in the mountains.

-F- 

[Historiker]

Great AAR!
I want to see the result of the carrier battle soon! [&o]

[Feinder]

03-20-1942 thru 03-31-1942


A - 03-12 : The USS Barracuda stumbles upon the invasion force,
heading towards Port Moresby. She is attacked by carrier planes, and damaged by a
near miss.

B - 03-14 : Halsey sends a flotilla of Destroyers whose mission is to
re-establish contact with the enemy force, and if possible attempt to break through
to the enemy transports. Unfortunately the scattered squalls that they had been
using to evade detection dissipate around Port Moresby. The small flotilla is
attacked by both land and carrier-based aircraft. Four of the five destroyers are
sunk, but their sacrifice has drawn off the strikes of the Japanese invasion that is
blind to the threat that now lurks behind it.

C - 03-15 The Allied carriers strike from east of the enemy fleet, to
cut off a Japanese escape towards Lae and Rabaul. Japanese search planes finally
locate the Allied carriers, and both sides launch their strikes.

In a veritable hail of bombs, the "untried" US Naval aviators cripple the Japanese
fleet. The carrier Hiryu is sunk outright by US dive-bombers. The carrier Zuiho is
torpedoed twice by Bisset's torpedo bombers, and further wrecked by level-bombing
USN Devestators. The other three enemy flight decks are also left ablaze.

Meanwhile the Japanese strikes concentrate on the USS Lexington and her escorts.
The "Lady Lex" is hit by no less than seven torpedos and several bombs. She is
unable to withstand such a voracious attack, and quickly sinks with heavy loss of
life. The cruisers Chester, Chicago, and Concord are also damaged (tho not fatally)
in the fulisade.

Interrigation of downed Japanese pilots reveal that there are five Japanese carriers
- Hiryu, Soryu, Junyo (didn't expect her!), Zuiho, and Shoho. Debrief of our bomber
crews indicate that Hiryu was seen ablaze with a fatal list, and the four carriers
heavily damaged. Halsey reverses course to the south to take refuge in storm front,
to thwart further attacks by Japensese carrier or land-based bombers.

The Japanese invasion of Port Moresby pushes forward, and during the night the
Japanese put ashore a reinforced Divsion at Port Moresby.

D - 03-16 The following morning the Allied carriers emerge from the
storm-front and resume their attack. They manage to finish off the Soryu, Junyo,
and Zuiho; and then strike the invasion fleet and their escorts. Several captial
ships are hit, and two cruisers sunk, along with several transports.

IJA medium bombers from Lae scramble and attack the Allied fleet. The Allied CAP is
superb, and brings down nearly 20 bombers. Several manage to break thru however,
and HMS Formidable is struck by a torpedo. One of her escorting destroyers is also
damaged.

The bulk of the Japanese invasion troops are already on the ground, where they
quickly overwhelm the small garrison at Port Moresby.
Having wrecked the Japanese carriers, and to avoid continued assault by the medium
bombers from Lae, Halsey retires towards Townsville.

E - - 03-17The remaining Japanese ships retreat to the northwest, through
the Torres Straight. Patrolling B-17s shadow the enemy fleet and report that the
remaining Japanese carrier - Shoho, finally succumbs to her wounds and sinks.

-F-


Japan Sunk
===========================
3 CV = Hiryu, Soryu, Junyo
2 CVL = Zuiho, Shoho
1 AV = Kinagawa Maru
1 CA = Aoba
1 CL = Kashima
1 SS
1 PC
2 MSW
1 AP
1 AK (2 more probables)


Japan Damaged
===========================
1 BB = Mutsu
1 CA = Kinugasa
1 PG
4 AP


Allies Sunk
===========================
1 CV = Lexington
4 DD

Allies Damaged
===========================
1 CV = Formidable
2 CA = Chester, Chicago
1 CL = Concord
1 DD

[VSWG]

Outstanding, Feinder! [&o] This is as good as it can get for the Allies in March 1942!

[Historiker]

An overwhelming victory! [&o][&o][&o]

[ny59giants]

A cigar is lit and a drink (or two) is raised in your honor.

[aztez]

As said Feinder is an nasty opponent! [:D] ...That really was an huge blow to the Japanese.

[Capt. Harlock]

The allies did much better against the IJN this time -- BUT -- the invasion of Port Moresby was successful. New Guinea is now firmly part of the Japanese Empire. This makes the struggle for Northern Australia more problematic for the Allies.

[Yakface]

Once again, splitting the KB becomes a recipe for disaster - congrats on the victory Feinder

[Alfred]

I'll join the admiring crowd and also congratulate Feinder on his success to date.
 
Alfred

[Feinder]

Everybody has good days, and bad days.  Frankly, this could still have gone either way (I'd say 60% my way, 30% his, 10% draw).  I -did- have the advantage in planese (about 350 to 300 CV aircraft). And while I -did- expect Ryujo and Taiyo, I did -not- expect Junyo. Had Ryujo and Taiyo also been there, it surely would have been a different story. And those Nells at Lae could have quickly evened the odds (or worse), had they attacked me on day 1 along with his CV strike.  I expected to lose 2 fleet CVs, and probably another damaged - I think I got off a little light.  Still thanks for your congrats, it's appreciated. 

My adivce, esp to newer Allied players is still that, caution (and time) is your friend.  Don't rush into a CV battle unless the odds really -are- on your side.

I think Bilow and I are "even" now as far as capabilities (initiative).  At least until about late Fall.  "Even" meaning - he has 4 large CVs, I have 4 large CVs.  He's still got  Ryujo, Taiyo, and will get Hiyo.  I have Indy, Formidble, and will get Wasp.  It's going to be harder for Bilbow to come at something like Noumea, which has substantial LBA + he'd fighting my equal number of carriers (so disadvantage Japan).  But it also means that he can bring comperable force against my flight decks (and I'd be disadvanted if within range of his LBA).  The "chess game" that usually occurs once Wasp arrives, starts now, instead of September.  Of course, if I lose a flight deck or two (or him for that matter), the initiative tips back again. 

And to the Japanese players - yes, splitting KB provides "opportunity" for the Allies (altho nothing assured).  In another PBEM game, Erstad still runs around with "mega-KB" (every flight-deck in the arsenal).  Having everything in the mob like that does slow you down, but it's also fairly unstoppable.

It's a victory no doubt, but Bilbow is also a very experienced opponnent, and has many tricks up his sleeve as well.

I'm sure we can provide a good game for everyone, for quite a while.



Thanks again for tuning in, and for the congratulations!
-F-

[VSWG]

Bump! [:-]

Looking forward to reading further updates. [:)]

[Feinder]

:^)

We're still going at it.

Short version -
a. Kinda slowed down for now. I think everybody's CVs are probably heading for refits, or to work down otherwise mundane sys dmg. It's just entering May.
b. Manilla and Malang still hold (surprisingly strongly still).
c. I can dominate the air in Oz to Katherine, but I can't suppress Darwin (even with B17s, they took nearly 40(!) air-to-air losses the other day, because it's too far fo escorts - can't do that again!). Have moved up guys to Tennet Creek, and will probably go on offensive "soon".
d. Burma is is still holding, albeit tenuosly. He's captured Rangoon and Tavoy, and Moulmein will soon fall. I've got him stalled in the forrest NE of Rangoon. Air battles are pretty rough for both sides. He'll have a good day, then I'll have one. If he wants to engage tho, I'll be glad to give him a fight, altho he's slowly edging me out I think. The May upgrades will be a god-send, as my pools are pretty weak (and the upgrades will at least let me "spread the love" around).
e. Nothing heard much form KB or Halsey since Coral Sea. But no doubt, Halsey is eager to "Kill more Japs..."

(* I have agreed to the same scenrio with me as Japan vs. Bilbow, playing it concurrently. I've never played as Japan, either in PBEM or AI (so it should be amusing to say the least). But I'd consider myself a "rather experienced" Allied player, so that's gotta count for -something- right? Bleh, production is an enima, we hates it! But the "alternate reality" gives us something to work on, while the other player has the turn. *).

I'll try to make maps this weekend (I have Monday off). Nothing as exciting as Coral Sea for now tho.

:^)

-F-

[VSWG]

Suggestion: Put updates in the (body of) thread... [:'(] [;)]

[Feinder]

Yes, I'm sorry, it's been a long time since I've updated this AAR. This game is still going strong. Bilbow and I have a second game, where he is Allies and I am Japan, and between these two games, I've had little/no time to update the AAR (turns are more fun than updates IMO).

So anyway, the lightning update is as follows -

Game date is about July 20, 1942.

1. Burma : After sucessfully capturing Vicky Point, Tavoy, Moulmein, and Rangoon, Japan has stalled in the jungles to the North of Rangoon. There are several Burmese and Chinese (SEAC) Divisions holding strong. The air war is fairly bloody. The upgrades to the RAF and RDAF have been timely to allow me to "spread the pain" of losses across several pools. I've also shipped several USAAF fighter squadrons to help with the fighter shortage. I can get a good hammer in with the RAF (including Lib-IIIs coming on-line), but then Bilbow reposts and I take casualties. All in all, it's a stalemate on the ground and the air.

2. SRA-Philipines : Manila finally fell in early July, and the Dutch in Malang (mountains of Java), naturally that helped to tie up several divisions of Japan for a long time. At this point tho, all of SRA is gone, he's just mopping the scattered other bases. Most of my subs have sys dmg in the 50s, from hauling out everybody I could reach.

3. Oz: THe allied counter-attack at Daly waters (5 Divs + lots of Armor and Art) stalled. Supply over the destert is problematic. I've pulled my army back to Tennet Creek. Frankly, I'm deciding whether I'm content to let him have north Oz, because I"m not sure it's worth the troops it'll take to push him out. I can dominate the air over Daly Waters annd Katherine, but Darwin is a hornet's nest of fighters. THe B-24s have come on-line, and did damge his AF to about 25% on the last raids before having to call it off due to casualties. So I think, like Burma, given another month or two of hammers, I can attrit and finally usurp his fighters. Gonna take some blood tho.

4. SWPac/SoPac : He's slowly building up New Guinea and Solomons and Marshalls. I've conolodated/building New Hebrides (base at Luganville coming on-line soon). I have also occupied what I call the "Pickett Islands" (Nuku, Fun-n-Fruity, and Baker and those). I expect that things will heat up in the Marshalls and Solomons in the next month or so. [;)]

5. CentPac : Nothing really. I've been sending my CVs to make life miserable on Wake. He countered with subs. I ambushed his subs (combination of CV spotters + oilers + 6x ASW TFs). I confirmed sunk one sub last turn. Probably 3 more going down (but that's what you see on the strat map, all those little dots around wake).

6. China : Stalemate here too. He pushed hard at Honan, but it has held (lvl 9 forts helps considerably). Those guys trapped in the Kanshein pocket, most of them were actually able to squirt out. It's just kind of big bunch of guys staring at each other at Homan and Changsha (me in the city, him in the forest).

I've attached a strat map. Sure there's a little intel on it, but that's fine. We'ver reached the point where it's largely a stalemate. I'm just kind of probing to see where he's weak.



If you want an AAR on our other game (me Japan, him Allies), you have to ask Bilbow. i definately don't have time for two AARs.[:'(]

-F-