U2 vs Mogami

[U2]

Hi

Mogami and I started two games at the same time with scen 17 and this is a short AAR (so far) of the game where I play the US side and he the Japanese.

First thought for me as the US player is where the first attack will come. Down to GC or PM ( The base itself or its neighbours north and east ). Eventhough Shakespeare was talking about something else "that is the question".

My first thought is to divide my sub force into two units, one covering GC and the other PM. When I start to get a feeling of where the attack might come I can easily transfer ships between the zones in question.

By habit I put most of my Air Force sqaudrons at PM for the loss of that base would make it very hard ever to come back in posssion of it. My third decision was to load the 7th AUS into a TF with plenty of AKs for a massive supply run to PM so it can hold out for a long time if needed. Both Yorktown and lady Lex was held in reserve at Nomuea ready to come to assistance or make hit and run strikes if the oppertunity would present itself ( never does with Mogami though ).

Quite early on in the game I noticed an invasion force heading for PM but I could simply not believe that Mogami would risk it. I made a note of it but also thought that it was still 2-3 days from PM and its not going there anyway so why worry.

To my great surprise the TF was now 2 days away and heading straight for PM and there was no doubting that now. None of my PM based squadrons attack the TF due to bad weather and panick started to grip me for the first time ever in a UV game. I wanted to send my CVs but they were too far away and somehow I just left them there. Defeatism struk me so what was the point. I did have the Aussie 7th steaming for PM so I decided to risk it all by sending it to the heat of battle and perhaps get a few aussies and supplies to help. With this TF a had a surface fleet for protection ( 2 CA, 1 CL, 2DD) and I decided to sacrifise them as well. Also my entire western sub force steamed to PM to attack the APs if possible.

My surface battle ended in a draw but later with some help from the air chaps/SS I managed to sink several DDs and a CA. Mogami also suffered heavy AP losses during this battle. I myself paid a high price in APs trying to off load the Aussies but they came ashore with enough supplies to hold, then attack and later kill an entire regiment plus smaller units that had joined the invasion force.

Finally decided (just before things looked good) to send my CVs but when I noticed that PM would hold I decided to send them back. I still cant believe that I withheld that force for several crucial sailing days. But as I said before I had never really "UV paniced" before either. Strange how we humans think under pressure.

Mogamis CV force was located north of PM (north of the land mass) and held a firm grip on the base with its strikes which also came from Rabaul. When it was over my air force was on its knees in morale and fatigue. The runway itself was put out of service for a day due to Magamis 1/3 2/3 tactic which nearly tipped the balance over.

But PM held to fight another day.

Comments welcome from anyone but lets also hear Mogamis side of the story.

Enjoy folks
Dan

[mogami]

Greetings, Ever since I first started paying attention to UV's development I have been making plans for how to play Japan.
I always planned for the scenario where Coral Sea and Midway occured so the thrust was to defend Lunga.
When I started following IChristies AAR covering scenario 17
I became fasinated with the long May start scenario.
I became convinced Port Moresby is the key to the whole campaign. Left in allied hands it can make life miserable for the Japanese and insures the Allies will conquer New Gueina.
Early long range planning led me to believe Mid June to Mid July
was the best time period for the Japanese to make the attempt to capture PM.
They have to first remove the US carrier threat but this is difficult to do against an allied player who realizes there is no need to risk the carriers for anything short of the defense of PM.
(I am only refering to PBEM games. The AI is only usefull for practice and time table studies)
Then I played the Coral Sea Scenario (again versus the AI)
I was able to capture PM on May 12th
It occured to me there were only 2 things preventing the early capture.
7th Aus Div
US CV

If the invasion could arrive at PM before the 7th Aus Div
and if the US CV could be kept out of action then prehaps PM could be captured in May granting a full months head start to operations in Solomons. I decided to try this in PBEM games.

The approach to PM went pretty well. A combination of weather and PM distraction over Lae allowed the transports to be past Gili before being detected. PM air strikes forced the return to Rabual of only one CL.
Rabual and the IJN CV attacked the airfields at PM while a very small
(2CA 2CL 4 DD) bombardment TF went ahead of the transports.The carriers also provided LRCAP for the transports.

The transports began unloading at PM
there was a surface battle fought that was pretty much a draw except for the fact that the transports lost there surface protection. US subs arrived and began sinking the transports.
Also the 7th arrived. My troops had to unload over the beach while the 7th unloaded from the docks. The carriers made an effort to sink the allied transports but could not prevent the arrival of more then enough troops to prevent the fall of PM and in fact they wiped out the Japanese landings. (It appears to be a waste of time loading HQ units for landings. They are always wiped out the turn they land.)

Currently attempt number two is being made in a game against Silkworm. He however had the CV's south of Gilli on the 5th of May and the transports were caught. The remaining ones arrived at PM and the bombardment of the airfield has taken place. The next 2 days will decide whether try number 2 in PBEM has also failed. (I plan on trying this at least a dozen times)

[U2]

Hi

Thanks for your comments Mogami.

Two weeks has now passed since the battle of PM which has been quiet to say the least. Magami invaded Lunga and Tulagi without my subs doing much to inflict damage on his APs. There has been no indication of any invasions so far but PM is on high alert for I suspect another try but perhaps only when Mogami recieves some additional ground units and CVs to support such a venture.

The following has now been confirmed as being sunk during the battle of PM or by subs elsewhere:
1 MSW
1 DD
2 CA (Aoba, Kinugasa)
1 CL (Tatuta)
1 TK
8 AP

As the US player in early June all I can do is to sit and wait for something to happen. All scen 17 players will know for sure that it is the IJN player that has the initiative early on. My hope is to have 3 CVs ready and waiting for any attempt by Mogami and also count on luck to steal the initiative by winning a decisive battle.

I expect things to be quiet till mid or late June but will post small and big battles as they unfold. Will also start to take down some detailed combat reports for future battle stories as I know they make for some great reading.

Dan

[mogami]

Hi, It's going even worse in the PBEM with Silkworm, The bombardment TF keeps leaving PM. It returned but ran into surface force so it did not bombard. Rabaul has not attacked airfield for 2 days (clear weather everywhere it seems except there) The carriers sent their fighters to cover transports and got clobbered by PM air attacks while the USN CV hammered the transports. If tomorrows shock attacks fail to capture the base it might be all over again only with much higher loss. (I don't think I will try this a dozen more times only 3 or 4 with a few changes.
It should be noted that the Silkworm plan did allow for transport TF's to retire if enemy CV's were around only it was made with 1.10. The plan was for them to invade Gili instead if carriers present. They however did not retire and since they were closer to PM then escape they went on. (I figured after first air attack everything was lost.)

[U2]

Hi

I knew not having my CVs there was a BIG mistake.
Dan

[Toro]

Interesting AAR, guys.

I concur that any early action has to occur in New Guinea (if one goes early). While the Solomons are open ground, that's also their weakness: it's all open, no bases, airfields, nothing. That means progression of hostilities is delayed due to supply line constraints. It also means that most forces can probably be directed to the New G campaign.

But, PM has to be a nightmare for the Japanese against a human Allied player. Haven't done that yet myself. Again, supply lines are extended, but mostly for the Japanese. Even if they take PM, transport routes can be interdicted constantly and fairly easily. The more I play this game, the more interesting this theater actually becomes.

It seems to me there are two points to ponder:

1. that Gili Gili might have to be a prerequisite to hold PM. If GG becomes an active Allied airfield, the supply of a Japanese PM looks very tight, indeed.

2. And, the whole campaign revolves around the naval battle that must occur there. Whoever wins (and hopefully, wins big), wins the campaign. U2, you're right, you should have committed your CVs immediately (I can imagine the terror in your gut seeing Mogami's force approaching!). PM has to be protected.

Mogami & U2: have either of you been successful against a human in taking PM (and holding it)? For that matter, has anyone yet?

Thoughts?

[U2]

Hi Toro

First of all thanks for reading and for the kind words. Its nice to see another poster here.

I have never taken PM against a human player and AFAIK Mogami has not either. As the IJN I am a GC type of player. You are absolutely right that this route will put off heavy combat for some time but it all depends on your goal in the game.

Gili Gili MUST be taken to hold PM and more so if it is an active airstrip used by the allies. But it should be taken after PM. No use in wasting resources needed for an invasion.

Must go because Jack Hanna is on Letterman!:D

Dan

[mogami]

Greetings, The 7th Div arrived in time against Silkworm as well.

I have only managed to capture one enemy base in PBEM games and that was after the entire Japanese Navy suffered terrible loss against Erik I managed to capture a base he was building on San Cristabol. It was constant battles every day for nearly a month. (I was preparing a PM invasion when I allowed my CV to get too close-so I switched gears and went after SC since I did not want a enemy base that near to Lunga. Both sides poured everything into the battle. That was all using 1.00 in current game nothing much has occured outsiide of me again getting too close to PM with my CV ((when will I learn?))

[kaleun]

What is a GC kind of player? It'll probsbly be such an obvious answer that I'll put up the appropriate
K

[U2]

Originally posted by kaleun
What is a GC kind of player? It'll probsbly be such an obvious answer that I'll put up the appropriate
K

Hi

Its means that I go after Guadalcanal (GC) first and build it up and then move on. The rest is TOP SECRET:)
Dan

[silkworm]

Mogami -- where did you see my 7th division? Not at PM for sure.. hmm, where are they headed? lol

I don't see how the Japanese can land enough troops with the number of transports available in the first week to survive a counterattack by the New Guinea division alone, especially if the allied player flies in enough fighters and engineers to keep the airfield operating, and has the carriers nearby to attrite the Japanese transports. Note that freshly landed troops have high disruption levels plus they lack the benefit of HQ support.

In my game against U2 (what a nice wonderful three way we have going) as Japan, I've taken Gili Gili with the silly loss of a light carrier (never met allied LBA in human hands before). He has allowed me to build up the airstrip unmolested. We wonder if that has been the right decision?

[U2]

Originally posted by silkworm
Mogami -- where did you see my 7th division? Not at PM for sure.. hmm, where are they headed? lol

I don't see how the Japanese can land enough troops with the number of transports available in the first week to survive a counterattack by the New Guinea division alone, especially if the allied player flies in enough fighters and engineers to keep the airfield operating, and has the carriers nearby to attrite the Japanese transports. Note that freshly landed troops have high disruption levels plus they lack the benefit of HQ support.

In my game against U2 (what a nice wonderful three way we have going) as Japan, I've taken Gili Gili with the silly loss of a light carrier (never met allied LBA in human hands before). He has allowed me to build up the airstrip unmolested. We wonder if that has been the right decision?

Hi
Dont you worry Silkworm. Massive pain is coming your way when I deem it necessary
Dan

[silkworm]

As Japan, I might be motivated to make a dash for PM if only to lure his carriers into a decisive (and unfavorable) battle. His 90 cap carriers become much more formidable in as short as a month, as he gains a full complement of F4F-4 fighters, and as he gets better AA escorts. The carrier balance shifts slowly but inexorably to favor the allies. Japan needs to decisively engage the American carriers early on.

[U2]

Originally posted by silkworm
As Japan, I might be motivated to make a dash for PM if only to lure his carriers into a decisive (and unfavorable) battle. His 90 cap carriers become much more formidable in as short as a month, as he gains a full complement of F4F-4 fighters, and as he gets better AA escorts. The carrier balance shifts slowly but inexorably to favor the allies. Japan needs to decisively engage the American carriers early on.

That is why I have been so reluctant to dispatch my CVs into a battlezone so early in the game. My F4F-4s and AA will even it out when the decisive battle comes. I am quite an agressive player but its very rare that I speed into a trap. Some invasions are clearly marked as "send your CVs here so I can destroy them".

One has to choose the battle but perhaps you will force me to react sooner or later.
Dan

[silkworm]

I missed out on a great chance to chase you down near Lunga, because I got greedy and tried to maneuver out of your torpedo bomber range. The bad weather turn during the very first encounter was actually a godsend for ME, because I had all my Vals hunting your subs that turn! lol I'll never try that again!

The next time we met carrier-to-carrier around Gili Gili, the weather worked for you, because I had my full AA packed fleet close to Rabaul, and your TF commander decided to come running up to me. Even with the prior loss of my light carrier, I should have come out on top in a big way, with better AA and closeby major ports. My subs were closing in on you, too. You didn't have your F4F-4's during that time, did you?

[U2]

Hi

I sure didnt. I feelt that your loss of Soho would even things out a little and for some reason I felt very confidant. Sure was lucky to avoid a strike from Rabaul but I wanted that carrier battle badly:) But our paths will cross again some day Obi-Wan.
Dan

[U2]

Dear readers,

I will be unable to update this AAR until Sunday because I will be out of town during a holiday we call Midsummer here in Sweden.

Midsummer?
We raise a pole which symbolises the male you know what:eek: and dance around it like frogs singing a song with frog sounds:eek: and get really drunk:)

Just like I told my PBEM buddies this is NO joke.
Dan

[Ron Saueracker]

Sounds Pagan. Can you wash or are you supposed to smell like moss?:) Too bad I've been having probs with PBEM. Both Bosun and Crocky have tried to get one going but the replay fails during first turn resolution. Don't have a lot of time right now either so I can't constantly keep reattempting.

[U2]

Originally posted by Ron Saueracker
Sounds Pagan. Can you wash or are you supposed to smell like moss?:) Too bad I've been having probs with PBEM. Both Bosun and Crocky have tried to get one going but the replay fails during first turn resolution. Don't have a lot of time right now either so I can't constantly keep reattempting.

Hi Ron

Dont know how Pagan it is but it goes way back in history. We do however smell nice Ron:) We are not savages you know;) Anyway thanks for informing me about why you could not start a PBEM with me that we have been talking about even before UV came out. I will save a slot and time for you when you fix the prob. Anytime Ron.

If I get new turns from Mogami today I should be able to update this AAR this evening which means morning/afternoon US time.
Dan

[U2]

Hi

5/6 1942
A very limited airstrike on PM from Rabaul can be seen as the end of the great air battle. Most likely his pilots and sqaudrons became too tired which is welcome news for me.
6/6
My search planes discovered many TFs in Rabaul which had me worried of an attack but considering his losses this is unlikely but something is about.
7/7
The new CV Hiryu is sighted at Rabaul and attacked(!) by Hudsons from PM. No luck this time. But this signals the arrival of 1-3 new CVs in the Pacific. Rough road ahead.
10/6
Russell Islands invaded and taken by a limited force. My subs were not in the area and could thus not attempt to interupt the offloading.
11/6
3 Hudsons manage to attack the CV Soryu at Rabaul and places a 250kg bomb on her! According to Mogami it resulted in 3 sys damage and an AA gun destroyed. I feel much better now:rolleyes: We DONT usually talk about damage done from combat but this was such a strange event that we did. Mogami's CAP did not intercept!
12/6
If an attack on PM is planned Lae could become an important base for Mogami since Gili Gili is not occupied. Therfore I have started an air offensive againt the base with 50+ raids everyday.
13/6
Many TFs sighted at Rabaul once again. If no offensive is coming my way in the near future this sure looks like a ground unit/fuel/supply buildup for a massive offensive. Making plans to face this possible threat where ever it may come.
14/6
Another 50+ strike on Lae which leaves the strip with 52 damage. If there is a PM offensive its my intention that this base will not be able to support it.

As you can see there is not much happening but my sightings sure tells me that Mogami is planning an invasion. The question is if its PM, Gili Gili or down the Salomon Islands. Time will tell.
Comments and suggestions welcomed as always.

Dan