Vettim89 vs Greasylake - Reversal of Fortunes

[vettim89]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

I just pulled up Bodhi's Utility to plot the distance between San Fran to Townsville on ABs extended map.

Long Way:
San Fran - Pago Pago - Noumea - Townsville
Spd 10 takes 37 days
Spd 12 takes 30 days

Direct Way:
San Fran - Townsville (124 hexes)
Spd 10 - 31 days (6 days saved each way)
Spd 12 - 26 days (4 days saved each way)

[&o][&o][&o]

I bow to your expertise. Thank you for this insight. It is going to save a lot of time and wear and tear on my convoys. If you multiply those savings times dozens of convoys over even a year of game time, it is astronomical. A convoy with ten large AK can deliver 295000 supply to Oz a year using the present route. Same convoy delivers 359000 with shortened route. Ten convoys would see a net increase of over 600000/year or to put in another fashion 83 large AK could do the job it would take 100 to do now.

[vettim89]

30 August 1943

Ok so the Victoria Point Op is officially renamed operation SNAFU. I had a dickens of a time getting the units to load properly and now they didn't unload properly. Just sitting there at the destination doing a whole lot of nothing. Mines were a bit worse than expected. I lost a three barge type landing craft and a couple of AP are dinged. BB Royal Sovereign hit a mine but is fine (14 float). One DD is pretty dinged up and a CLAA is hurting. No interference from LBA nor any sign of SCTF yet. I have a RN SCTF plus a PT TF escorting my lads. Initial attack shows six units 10 ID/B, 10 ID/C, two BF, an Av RGT, and an AA RGT. I had destroyed 10 ID/A at Port Blair. These will be opposed by an intial force of 2 ID, 4 Arty BTN, and one Tank BTN. A large force is at Tavoy and can be lifted in at any time to augment this strength. That said with complete control of the air and a huge resource of 4E bombers, I think the force present should be enough. Unfortunately, when I take the base, the IJA units will retreat south so no unit eliminations here.

The IJN SCTF must have beat a hasty retreat towards Truk as it was no where to be found. My CV's will saunter back to Makin at mission speed just in case they reappear. CV Enterprise/CVL Princeton/BB Washington arrive Makin next turn. THe oft misidentified CV Intrepid arrives in six days with CVL Langley. I think I have called Intrepid Hancock and Bunker Hill at various times in this AAR. I guess it is a good thing to have this problem where you have so many CV's you lose track.

The TF reaches Munda and begins offloading without interference. The 33rd ID has arrive at Lunga. Once Munda is developed, I will hit Buin. At Savali the other 2/3 of 40th ID (1/3 on Majuroa) have begun prepping for Nauru Is per the above set of posts.

The 32nd ID is entirely in place at Mdagng with forts building and supplies rising. Huge convoy just past PH with over a dozen units for SWPAC mostly BF's, EAB's, and CB.

[vettim89]

31 August 1943

Operation SNAFU continues along its errant ways. Most of the troops are ashore but the mines are taking a heavy toll. Of course my MSW decided that sweeping mines was not on the agenda for the day. Probably going to lose a few AP's here. Already lost about half a dozen barges and a PG. Larry tried a deliberate attack and took 2000 casualties to 180 for the Allies. Base AV is 300 for IJA vs 550 and growing for Allies. Once my transports are clear, I will turn the 4E's loose on the LCU's.

In the CentPac, the growing US CV force heads to Abemama where there is over 300 k of fuel. The force will have 5 CV's and 7 CVL's next time it sorties.

SS Apogon hit a oil laden TK just east of the PI. Just need to hit a few more TK and I think Larry will start feeling an economic crises driven by lack of oil.

[vettim89]

1 September 1943

Operation SNAFU continues its winning ways! The TF with the last troops and most of the supply decided it was time to go home with the troops/supplies still on board. Good news is no one hit a mine today an the MSW swept. Bad news is weather socked in both Tavoy and the hex the RN CV's were in an Betty's swooped in and sank a MSW. Overall though the Japanese AV has fallen to 180 after the deliberate attack last turn. Allied AV has climbed to 600. I am turning lose teh 4E's to pound the LCU's to dust while the rest of the troops and supplies return and hopefully unloac this time.

This is the last major operation for this theater for the foreseable future. Just need to clean it up an then expan the AB.

SS Apagon found the TK it hit last turn an put two more TT's into her. Another SS hit an AK north of Formosa. The map is very slow right now. I am in the processof repositioning my sub forces as the huge fleet that was blockaing Kwajalein is moving north and west. Blockaes are being establishe around Truk an Marcus Is as well as the subs blockaing Wake are now positione west of the islan vice SW (any supply coming in there now will be coming from that direction)

[vettim89]

2 September 1943

Operation SNAFU continues. Weather socks in both the CVTF hex an Tavoy, ergo no CAP over Victoria Point. Bettys come in and put a fish into Warspite (14 FLOT) an an AP. Good news is all the troops are finally ashore. More supply is inbound. THe bombers hit the troops but only did 200 casualties. This is going to take longer than I hoped. I am thoroughly sick of this op. The bombers went after the CV's too but were are shot down or driven off.

Troops are taking forever to unload at Munda too. The AB an Port both increase to Level 1 while the TF that brought the troops there is still unloading. More engineers an BF's are inbound to Lunga for Solomons operations. I will take the AB to Level 4 an then move on Buin.

I am considering sending the forces towar Enetewok not being fully prepped. I on't know how dangerous that is. There are three units at about 6 K there. So probably a BF, a SNLF, and maybe some engineers.

More Japanese fighters died today in large numbers

[ny59giants]

I am considering sending the forces towards Eniwetok not being fully prepped. I don't know how dangerous that is. There are three units at about 6 K there. So probably a BF, a SNLF, and maybe some engineers.

If you can secure and/or isolate what you want in the Marshalls, I would do so. You have your carrier strength growing quickly. Might as well use it. Time to get the kinks out of the "Death Star."

[vettim89]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

I am considering sending the forces towards Eniwetok not being fully prepped. I don't know how dangerous that is. There are three units at about 6 K there. So probably a BF, a SNLF, and maybe some engineers.

If you can secure and/or isolate what you want in the Marshalls, I would do so. You have your carrier strength growing quickly. Might as well use it. Time to get the kinks out of the "Death Star."

PL: But Enetewok is a peaceful atoll, we have no weapons!
Tarkington: I am sorry but Nauru Is is much too remote of a base for the purposes of this demonstration. We'll deal with your rebel friends later. Commander, you may commence attack.



3 Spetember 1943

Miss Betty came to call at PM fromTruk. There was A6M escort with her. I didn't think Truk was close enough. One TT in a DD which is hurt but likely will survice. This just proves my point about why I had not been sending very many convoys into PM all along. Even with 50 fighters on CAP we got leakers. Well if she returns wiht her consorts afgain she will be met with a more stout defense. I had P-38's flying LRCAP over Madang to protect that base and P-47 on Naval Attack as there were some IJN barges about. Everybody back on 90% CAP now.

Disruption is down at VP; so the first Deliberate Attack will go off on the 4th. Hopefully some bombers will fly this turn. Of late I am lucky to get two strikes a week out of Rangoon. Weather is just plain crappy in BoB of late. There is now a TF with BB's in it at Georgetown. Everybody but the PT's are heading back to Tavoy. Be nice to ding a ship or two and then hit them with LBA. I have decided VP is my last amphibious op until I amass enough force in SEAC to do the Padang Op. The troops are heading out into the jungle towards Bangkok where they will meet a 80 K strong Japanese army. Then again I am probably going to send 500 k troops. Also I have to believe the supply situation may be dicey there. Larry has easily consumed 20 k or more just repairing the HI.

CV Intrepid has arrived at Abemama. THis base is my present forward operating Port with over 300 k supplies and fule. The Intrepid TF refueled and everybody is going to form up for my next Op. I will send 4 CVTF out (one with 2 CV/1 CV and 3 with 1 CV/2CVL) That will be about 320 F6F for Cap and escort duties.

Trrops will begin loading for Enetewok next turn. As soon as lift arrives, we will load up for Nauru Is also. Once those two ops are done, the CV's will head back to PH for refit. I need to keep the pressure on Larry now. No more lulls

[vettim89]

4 September 1943

Lots of action today.

Aircraft Upgrades

Enough B-24J's were in the pool to upgrade a depleted unit at Pago Pago. This put 8 -D airframes into the pool which immediately went into the two groups flying out of Rangoon. These units are now near 100% operation capacity for the first time in about a year. I have another depleted unit at Pago Pago with 8 -D in it. SO as soon as another 16 airframes accumulate, I will have another 8 -d to fill out units. B-17 production is now problematic. All the -E factories went to -G which gives me 25/month but means no replacement a/c for all the units flying -E. With several units at 48 plane strength, it will take two months of production just to fill those out not counting losses. Most of the B-17 units will eventually be upgraded to B-24J but that is only after all the units flying that -D model upgrade. So while in the long run, things will be better, in the short run they are worse. Almost enough Thunderbolt II to upgrade my first Hurrican squadron now too. Waiting patiently for the P-38J pool to grow but with the smallest unit needed this model being a 24 aircraft unit, it will take longer


CBI

My Bombers flew from Rangoon and no attacks on the transport TF's. The Deliberate attack at VP came off at 3 to 1 with about 300 casualties on both sides. The fort level was reduce from 4 to 3. Really surprised not to see level 9 forts here. also, surprised to see no units with disruption above 10. So we rinse and repeat with the Deliberate Attack. I had moved move AV support from Nanning to Pakhoi as Larry was now using this base as a training target. A USAAF FG with P-40E was moved in last turn and ripped the low EXP Japnese pilots pretty well. Screnie show air losses for the day with the bulk of those coming in CHina.

NG/Oz

ALl thsoe support units heading from WCUSA to OZ are rounding the corner near Pago Pago. Just a few more weeks before I finally have the support troops to make this theatre a reality. No more attacks from LBA on the convoy at PM - darn. I wanted them to see what 200 fighters on CAP would do vice 50. PM is now a level 7 AB. AS soon as I can get some AV support in here, my 4E will move there to casue issues to the north and west.

Subs

Two TK and an AK sank from sub attacks this turn.

CentPac

Keep reading - see next post

[vettim89]

KB makes an appearance. They mauled the transport convoy heading home from Majuro but not without cost in airframes. I have already lost two AK and will likely lose about 3 or4 more plus a couple of DD's. Majuro is now a Level 3 AB so additional F4U and P-38's are moved in. In addition the fighter strength is growing at Makin. There aer now 250 combined USAAF and USMC fighters covering the transports trapped between Majuro and Makin.

I had two options as what to do with my carriers. The conservative option would be to sprint them North and escort my wounded ships home. I opted not to do that. Instead the will sprint NW. What hapens now depends on what Larry has done with his CV's.

1. If he decides to stay and kill more AK's, my carriers will be out of position but Larry will then be trapped between the LBA in the Marshalls and Gilberts and my CV's. So even if he has success in killing more transports he will be in the unenviable position of having the full force of the USN between his CV's and home. Besides that, there are nearly 250 4E's all set on Nav Attack this next turn in the Gilberts. Oh and BTW, his sorties remaining will be pretty low too.

2. If he sends his carriers back towards the HI or Marianas, I will not be able to intercept no matter if they are set at full speed or mission speed.

3. If he sends his carriers back to Truk via mission speed, we will end up about 5 hexex from each other. I am hoping that may be close enough to trigger the "carriers react to enemy carriers" script. For once, I actually want this to happen.

4. If Larry sprints back to Truk, he will evade my CV's. That said, I have been speaking for the last week or so about "the next big op for my carriers". SURPRISE!! The next big op for my carriers was a raid on Truk which was set to go off for this turn. Talk about the stars aligning. So if the IJN CV force eludes me to the west I will pursue all the way to Truk if need be.

Needless to say, I have not been this anxious to get a turn back from Larry in a very long time. My CV force is 5 CV, 7 CVL, 4 fast BB, 10 CA, 4 CL, 6 CLAA, and 40 DD all fully gassed up and ready to go. They sport 328 F6F, 174 SBD, and 138 TBF/TBM. I have no idea of the IJN carrier count as my detection was pretty poor. I suspect we have Kaga, Akagi, Hiyo, and some CVL's. DING!!!!! If he brought Hiyo, my estimates are all wrong. This might get interesting after all. That could potentiall put the IJN force two hexes further east and make an intercept to the NW even feasible. Oh, man I need a turn file badly now

[vettim89]

5 September 1943

In a surprise to both sides, Victoria Point falls to a 7 to 1 attack an the Japanese retreat southward. THe base is pretty chewed up but I have 4 BF at Rangoon that will be quickly lifted in to commence repairs an expansion to a level 6 AB an level 4 Port (4,1 at present). THe IJN made a futile attempt to intervene with a SCTF uring the night. THe PT's only absorbed punishment and three sank. The SCTF then hit a barge TF and sank about eight of them - only supplies on board. THat was going to be my screenie but far more interesting things are happening.

THe KB did not retreat but instead drifted just two hexes NNW. My CV's were almost exactly where I thought they would be. They continue their sprint an will be 120 nm ue south of Enetewok next turn. Again we are left with the question of what KB will do. Will they run NW, run W, or loiter around Kwajalein. Here we learn something about my esteemed opponent. Will he cut his losses and save KB as the powerful Fleet in Being (powerful as a threat not as a legitimate challenge to the USN) or will he stay and fight? The timing of VP falling could not have been better as perhaps Larry will be stinging and will want to extract some measure of revenge. Again, I wait anxiously for a turn

(PS: no more red ink on screenies - it does not save well - sorry)

[vettim89]

7 September 1943

In the midst of running so many turns, I lost track of the date in the AAR. THe last three reports are all off by two days.

Wow! Don't know how to write this up. Today was a pretty clear victory for the Allies more specifically the USN.

The Battle took place south of Eniwetok. In summary, only two Judy's penetrated the US CAP for no hits. That's right, no hits on the USN at all! I am going to split this into two posts. Before I start, LBA hit Kwajalein and Maeolap hard

First the USN strikes on the IJN CV force.

The AM Strikes

Day Air attack on TF at 76,80

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 21
A6M5 Zeke x 76
A6M3a Zero x 10
F1M2 Pete x 3

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 14
SBD Dauntless x 27
TBF Avenger x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
A6M5 Zeke: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 10 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 20 destroyed
TBF Avenger: 13 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CV Taiho, Bomb hits 2 (Tough cookie - both hits bounced)
CV Hiyo

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 76,80

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6
A6M5 Zeke x 43
A6M3a Zero x 5
F1M2 Pete x 1

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 23
SBD Dauntless x 25
TBF Avenger x 43

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 10 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
F1M2 Pete : 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 7 destroyed, 7 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 8 destroyed, 9 damaged
TBF Avenger: 18 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
CL Yahagi
CV Taiho
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CV Amagi

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 76,80

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 1
A6M5 Zeke x 32
A6M3a Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 7
TBF Avenger x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 2 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 1 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Taiho
CV Amagi

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 76,80

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 40
A6M3a Zero x 4
F1M2 Pete x 1

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 32
SBD Dauntless x 42
TBF Avenger x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 19 destroyed, 2 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
F1M2 Pete : 1 destroyed
A6M2-N Rufe: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 10 destroyed, 8 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 3 destroyed, 21 damaged
TBF Avenger: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Taiho, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Amagi, Bomb hits 1
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 76,80

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 22
A6M3a Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Taiho, on fire
BB Haruna, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage (critical damage - she later sinks raising the total to 7 BB sunk)
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 76,80

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 47
A6M3a Zero x 8
F1M2 Pete x 1

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 11
SBD Dauntless x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 3 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 6 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 5 destroyed, 20 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 1
CL Sendai
BB Musashi
CVL Ryuho

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 76,80

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 44
A6M3a Zero x 7
F1M2 Pete x 1

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 11
SBD Dauntless x 15
TBF Avenger x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 4 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 4 damaged
TBF Avenger: 11 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVE Unyo, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (pretty sure she is a goner)
CVE Chuyo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CS Nisshin

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet

PM Strike - the TF's reacted one more hex and were thus all in the same hex for the PM phase

Day Air attack on TF at 76,80

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 12
F1M2 Pete x 2

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 75
SBD Dauntless x 60
TBF Avenger x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 9 destroyed
F1M2 Pete : 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 6 destroyed, 6 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 20 damaged
TBF Avenger: 1 destroyed, 15 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, Bomb hits 1
CL Sendai
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CVL Ryuho, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage (another likely victim)
BB Musashi, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (flooding critical - here's hoping)
DD Maikaze
CL Jintsu
DD Makigumo

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet

[vettim89]

The Japanese stikes on the USN

AM Strikes

Day Air attack on TF, near Mili at 84,89

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
MSW Tumult, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage (this was out of Kwajalein an the MSW din't make it)AO Monongahela

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 78,82

This was the main strike of the day. Surprisingly many of the bomber squadrons ran as the kills rang up

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6
A6M5 Zeke x 20
D3A Val x 20
D4Y Judy x 41
A6M3a Zero x 7
B5N Kate x 56
B6N Jill x 18

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 111

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 6 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 19 destroyed
D3A Val: 15 destroyed
D4Y Judy: 32 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 7 destroyed
B5N Kate: 19 destroyed, 3 damaged
B6N Jill: 16 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 5 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Washington

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B6N Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet (our lone leakers)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 78,82

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 6
D4Y Judy x 8

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 52

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 5 destroyed
D4Y Judy: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 78,82

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 6
B5N Kate x 14

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 51

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N Kate: 10 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

PM Strike - again all four CVTF are in the same hex now
Day Air attack on TF at 77,81

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 8
D3A Val x 4
D4Y Judy x 6
B5N Kate x 21

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 159

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 8 destroyed
D3A Val: 4 destroyed
D4Y Judy: 3 destroyed
B5N Kate: 9 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 damaged

Image shows the AC losses for the day. The Puny PM strike from KB and the meager PM CAP tells me there are a lot of damage airframes too. My CAP is in pretty good shape with several squadrons having no damaged airframes. Keep in mind that two of the TF's did not see the AM strikes. I am moving my TF a few hexes west to try to pick up any stragglers. There is one Japanese TF heading EAST listed as a BB and a DD. This is likely Musashi trying to make Kwajalein before progrssive flooding takes her. Not a good place to hide. I may not be able to sink her but there is no way she will make it out of there alive. Doing a BDA, Taiho, Hiyo, Ryuho, Kaga, an Unyo likely do not have functioning flight decks anymore. From the ships I know are present, that leaves Amagi and Chuyo which both took single bomb hits. Barring missing some CV's all together (Akagi is unaccounted for as well as maybe two CVL's), at best the IJN might be able to put 45 Fighters and maybe 40 attack aircraft together. The IJN could not penetrate my CAP with four times that number. I was hoping for some CV's sunk but not in the cards. If I were Larry I would break off Amagi and run. I don't think she can save her cohorts. Better to live to fight another day. Tomorrow coul be an even bigger day when it comes to sinkings

[vettim89]

To add insult to injury, the turn ended with this:

Ground combat at Honan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 180796 troops, 1349 guns, 559 vehicles, Assault Value = 3264

Defending force 83531 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2580

Japanese max assault: 3200 - adjusted assault: 1132

Allied max defense: 2454 - adjusted defense: 2482

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)


Japanese ground losses:
5611 casualties reported
Guns lost 111
Vehicles lost 5

Allied ground losses:
1424 casualties reported

OUCH!

Also SS Tautog hit an AK both in the night phase and day phase sinking her

[vettim89]

8 September 1943

No strikes from Japanese aircraft. Heavy cloud cover prevented strikes on the western most two TF's where I know the least damaged IJN CV's are hiding. I won't post the combat report but the AM strikes hit the two CVE's: Chuyo an Unyo

Chuyo 13 bombs, 1 TT (sinks)
Unyo 1 TT (sinks)
CA Mogami 6 bombs
DD Suzanami 1 bomb
DD Sutsuki 2 bomb

The PM strikes hit TF's at Enitewok:

CV Hiyo 20 Bomb, 6 TT (sinks)
CVL Ryuho 2 TT
DD Hokaze 2 bomb

I have to believe Ryuho is in a bad way. She took 5 bomb hits yesterday and 2 torpedoes today. So that leaves CV Kaga, CV Amagi, an CV Taiho. As I had no counter strikes, either the weather prevente launching or there is significant amage to all three. In addition BB Musashi is hurt and CA Mogami has got to be in a bad way. My subs are repositioning along likely egress routes to try and pick up stragglers.

SS Pollack put a TT into an AK then surfaced and engaged/sunk a barge with deck guns. LBA out of Tarwa hit Kwajalein AB again an killed 15 Kate on the ground - assuming these are from the damaged CV's.

The plan is in the next post

[vettim89]

I originally sent my CVTF to Majuro at full speed where there are AO, AE, an CVE-R's waiting. My thought was to sprint back, fill up the air groups, replenish sorties and head back up to the Enitewok/Ponape area thinking the cripples might still be there pumping out. I actually was ready to send the turn.

Then I looked at the condition of the CVTF. Three out of four are above 80% sorties with the fourth at 71%. Fighter strength is excellant and attack planes are at about 50%. I thought I might not get another chance like this for a very long time. So I thought one more day steaming NW where the one TF with IJN CV's is indicated as its heading. That is it though. After that its time to go home. I need to get Enitewok occupiedd an built up then send my CV's back to PH for repair/refit. If I were to get lucky and sink even one or two more CV's, it will give me freedom of movement for a very long time.

[ny59giants]

AND........ [:D]

[vettim89]

9 September 1943

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

AND........ [:D]

The weather socks in all my CV's - no strikes, but.................

LCMDR Hartung, USS Growler meet your Navy Cross. Two hits confirmed.

Elsewhere:

CBI: one sq of Hurricane IIc's is now flying Juggs. One sq AVG now has shiny new P-38J's

So I set my CV's to head NW 3 more hexes. No opposition from Truk thus far but if I stray much further north, I will have to worry about the Marianas. Next turn is it. Here's hoping

[vettim89]

10 September 1943

This turn the weather is clear over the carriers but thunderstorms over the IJN TF's. Finally in disgust i send the CVTF back to Majuro. Fuel is low and the air groups need rebuilt. These last fe CV battles are very reminiscent of the battles in 1943 and 1944 in RL. I have done massive damage to the IJN air groups but the flight decks slip away from me. That said, this battle was my "Turkey Shoot" and occurred nearly a year earlier than its RL parallel. Still, I feel like Nimitz had to feel about Shokoku and Zuikoku about Akagi and Kaga. I keep getting them in my sights but can't seem to be able to kill them. Kaga is my Sho - I have hit her three times only to have her come back again.

So Zuikoku and Shokoku are gone. Hiryu and Soryu are gone. Junyo an Hiyo are now gone. All the Japanese CVE are gone. Amagi is hit bad. Taiho is hit bad. Kaga is dinged. Akagi wasn't present so I assume she is still in the yard. How Ryuho is still afloat is beyond me - 5 100 lb bomb hits plus 2 TT should be more than enough to sink her. Perhaps she is gone an FOW has just not revealed it to me. That leaves Unyo and Kasaguri and I don't know where they fall in the schedule. I have to assume Larry is accerating them as fast as possible. I guess the only good news is that Larry's Navy pilot pool has been empty for a long time. With all these losses, whenever the Japanese CV's come back, their air groups will be atrocious.

Elsewhere, Victoria Point is finally clear of mines. Supplies are at 15000 and climbing. A TRANS TF is inbound with BF's. AV support has been lifted in but I am holding off on putting planes there until supplies climb over 20 k. Port damage is 2 and service damage is 20. No runway damage. Once VP is fully expanded I will have Tavoy at level 6, VP at level 6, and Rangoon at level 9. should be able to wreak some Havoc with this line up.

I have a "sea train" running just south of Nanumea - an almost continuous line of hexes with TF in it hauling troops to Townsville.

I have decided on a four prong line of approaching. CENTPAC will move on Wake and Marcus then eventually the Marianas. SOPAC will move up the Solomons then to Admiralty Islands and finally Woleai (Sp). SWPAC will move on Marauk then TImor. SEAC will move on Bangkok. China Command will try to tie as much force down as possible

[vettim89]

I have been considering the aftermath of this battle. Even though I am frustrated by the IJN flight decks escaping, I cannot really think of a better way for this to have turned out. Unless FOW comes through an reveals more sinkings and/or progressive flooding/fire damage claims some of my victims, the IJN still has six fleet carriers and one CVL either on the map or in the pipe (Akagi, Kaga, Taiho, Amagi, Unro, Kasaguri, an Ryuho). That said, at least three of them are probably out of action for at least three or four months. The thought that hit me was that I find myself much more sympathetic towards Halsey's actions at Leyte. I had always thought running away from the charges he was supposed to protect to get the carriers was borderline OCD. Now I understand why he did it. The mere presence of a depleted IJN CV fleet governs my actions from this point forward. Had Spruance been a little more aggressive at Phillipine Sea, Leyte Gulf would have been a different battle. Hindsight being 20/20, at the time Spruance's actions seemed correct at the time. Good for me to be thinking this because hopefully it will keep me from Halsey's error in the future

Second thought/mini-editorial. I have been very hesitant to criticize my opponent to this point as Larry has played not only a well thought out game but a very fair one to boot. That said, the way Larry (and some/many other JFB's whose AAR's I have read) has used KB is beyond my thinking. This whole battle started when KB swooped in to attack an unprotected TRANTF at Majuro. From comments Larry has made, KB was lurking up north of Kwajalein for some time waiting for an opening to strike unprotected transports. He even sai he wished he had gone south instead of north after the first day to get more AK's. Keep in mind, KB did not oppose the Tarawa op, the Makin Op, or the Majuro op other than lurking 5 or 6 hexes away and watching. Instead, Larry waits to Majuro is not only occupied but built up to a level 3 AB before he sends in the carriers. Here is the net result: I lost 4 AK an about 100 aircraft (with replacement aircraft an pilots with 65 EXP sitting 10 hexes away). He lost Hiyo, Chuyo, Unyo, Harauna, and at leat one DD. In addition he lost over 200 carrier aircraft and likely a fair number of pilots. Plus, at the very least Taiho, Amagi, and Ryuho are out of the war for a long time. In addition CA Mogami and CV Kaga are at least dinged up. Here's the irony, I have not four but likely 40 AK sitting in ports right now becasue I have no immediate use for them. In other words, Larry basically lost his entire carrier strike force for some time to sink ships I don't even need. The first CV battle of this game was fought while KB was out commerce raiding too. Larry lost 3 CV's to my 1 in that battle. I don't know if any JFB read this AAR or not but you might want to pay attention to this: the Allies have more lift than they know what to do with. Putting your carriers at risk for commerce raiding is, in this man's opinion, foolish. Not only do you risk losing your CV's, you are going to lose some pilots to op losses if nothing else. Then there is the whole matter of burning up all the fuel. In late 44 or 45 when your ships are all sitting in port for lack of fuel, you may wish you had the 100 k tons of it you burnt up chasing AK's in 1942 an 1943. To put it another way, I probably have more fuel and supplies in Samoa and the Gilberts than Larry has on the whole map (at least 1.5 million supply and 1 milion Fuel). End of editorial. We know return you to your regularly scheduled AAR

[vettim89]

11 September 1943

Not much this turn. Highlights:


* My CVTF are 120 nm West of Enitewok and hit the AB there for good measure.

* SS Dragonet torpedoes wounded CL Nagara 120 East of Truk and sinks her

* Two SS combine to sink an AK in the South China Sea

* A SC TF attacks S-28 east of Townsville for 3 hits.

* 4E/2E Bombers out of Rangoon hit Bangkok HI for 14 hits

Included the image of the Townsville Choo Choo - the train of TF's heaing there with support troops