Guadalcanal AE AAR Allied NoJoe

[Nikademus]

Milne Bay

The principle battle over the beachhead is now over as a large chunk of the Japanese invasion body is wiped out over the past two days. Only remenents, primarily from the 29th Infantry regiment, remain...having been pushed back into the jungle where they will continue to be reduced until any left decide to surrender. It appears that the Japanese lunge for Milne Bay is officially a defeat at this point....unless Joe-san is trying to lull me into a false sense of security.......pretty hard given the limited scope on Japanese ground assets in this scenario.

Noumea Fuel reserves are back up to 12K. The carriers have completed repairs and are fully operational. 5 damaged DD's and a sub are sent back to Pearl for repairs. 18th Seabees are on Lunga now and are helping build up the earthworks at rapid pace. Supply is generous at 25k. No interference from the Japanese have made this part easy.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 02, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd/29th Inf Regiment, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 21


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x P-39D Airacobra diving from 5000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x P-39D Airacobra diving from 5000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x P-39D Airacobra diving from 5000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x P-39D Airacobra diving from 5000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking Maizuru 2nd SNLF ...
Also attacking 2nd/29th Inf Regiment ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kure 3rd SNLF, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 28


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)



Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 2nd/29th Inf Regiment ...
Also attacking Kure 5th SNLF ...
Also attacking 2nd/29th Inf Regiment ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shortlands , at 109,131

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5



Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
801 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 23000
Raid is overhead
Kamikawa-2 Daitai with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shortlands , at 109,131

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2



Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 2


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17F Fortress: 2 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 14000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
801 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 23000
Raid is overhead
Kamikawa-2 Daitai with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd/29th Inf Regiment, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 9


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x P-39D Airacobra diving from 5000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 31


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
14 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb
15 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 35th/124th Infantry Regiment, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 12


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 10000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 35th/124th Infantry Regiment, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Tassafaronga , at 113,137

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 5


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 35th/2nd(Kitao) Battalion ...
Also attacking Tassafaronga ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Milne Bay (101,133)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6948 troops, 106 guns, 17 vehicles, Assault Value = 181

Defending force 5196 troops, 28 guns, 99 vehicles, Assault Value = 68

Allied adjusted assault: 86

Japanese adjusted defense: 3

Allied assault odds: 28 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-), supply(-)
Attacker: disruption(-), fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
1390 casualties reported
Squads: 90 destroyed, 45 disabled
Non Combat: 88 destroyed, 87 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 11 (8 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Units destroyed 1


Allied ground losses:
47 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Assaulting units:
7th Australian/25th Brigade
7th Australian Brigade
I Australian Corps
101st RAAF Base Force

Defending units:
Maizuru 2nd SNLF
Kure 5th SNLF
Kure 3rd SNLF
2nd/29th Inf Regiment


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 03, 42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd/29th Inf Regiment, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 15


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x P-39D Airacobra diving from 5000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x P-39D Airacobra diving from 5000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x P-39D Airacobra diving from 5000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 33


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)



Aircraft Attacking:
16 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb
17 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 35th/124th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 81st Naval Guard Unit ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kure 3rd SNLF, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 31


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
50 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 2nd/29th Inf Regiment ...
Also attacking Kure 3rd SNLF ...
Also attacking 2nd/29th Inf Regiment ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shortlands , at 109,131

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5



Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
801 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 23000
Raid is overhead
Kamikawa-2 Daitai with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shortlands , at 109,131

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 1



Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 2


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17F Fortress: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 14000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
801 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 23000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd/29th Inf Regiment, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 21


Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
10 x P-39D Airacobra diving from 5000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x P-39D Airacobra diving from 5000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 32
SBD-3 Dauntless x 12


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 10000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Tassafaronga , at 113,137

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
B-17F Fortress x 5


No Allied losses



Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 35th/124th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking Tassafaronga ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Milne Bay (101,133)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6913 troops, 106 guns, 17 vehicles, Assault Value = 181

Defending force 3707 troops, 23 guns, 97 vehicles, Assault Value = 40

Allied adjusted assault: 110

Japanese adjusted defense: 3

Allied assault odds: 36 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-), supply(-)
Attacker: disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
471 casualties reported
Squads: 27 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
7th Australian/25th Brigade
7th Australian Brigade
I Australian Corps
101st RAAF Base Force

Defending units:
Kure 3rd SNLF
Maizuru 2nd SNLF
2nd/29th Inf Regiment


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Japanese Unit(s) surrounded at Milne Bay

[Nikademus]

Milne Bay

and then there was one. Japanese pocket is reduced to the survivors of the 29th Infantry regiment. It appears that the Japanese HQ has left the survivors to their fate. A costly defeat. 5 whole SNLF units and 1/3rd of a Japanese army division. Forces the Japanese could ill afford to lose if they wish to retake Lunga.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 04, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd/29th Inf Regiment, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 9


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x P-39D Airacobra diving from 5000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x P-39D Airacobra diving from 5000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
16 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb
2 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 35th/2nd(Kitao) Battalion ...
Also attacking 81st Naval Guard Unit ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
15 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd/29th Inf Regiment, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 16


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
SBD-3 Dauntless x 12


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 10000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Tassafaronga , at 113,137

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
B-17F Fortress x 6


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 13th Naval Construction Battalion ...
Also attacking Tassafaronga ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Milne Bay (101,133)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6907 troops, 106 guns, 17 vehicles, Assault Value = 181

Defending force 2587 troops, 19 guns, 94 vehicles, Assault Value = 29

Allied adjusted assault: 130

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 130 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
545 casualties reported
Squads: 35 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 16 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (2 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Vehicles lost 12 (1 destroyed, 11 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
7th Australian/25th Brigade
7th Australian Brigade
I Australian Corps
101st RAAF Base Force

Defending units:
Maizuru 2nd SNLF
2nd/29th Inf Regiment


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 05, 42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd/29th Inf Regiment, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 8


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x P-39D Airacobra diving from 5000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x P-39D Airacobra diving from 5000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 35th/124th Infantry Regiment, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 31


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
16 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb
15 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 81st Naval Guard Unit ...
Also attacking 35th/124th Infantry Regiment ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd/29th Inf Regiment, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 15


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 31
SBD-3 Dauntless x 12


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 10000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Tassafaronga , at 113,137

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
B-17F Fortress x 7


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 35th/124th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking Tassafaronga ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Milne Bay (101,133)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6832 troops, 106 guns, 17 vehicles, Assault Value = 178

Defending force 2031 troops, 16 guns, 92 vehicles, Assault Value = 23

Allied adjusted assault: 183

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 183 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
354 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 34 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 31 (24 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Vehicles lost 19 (19 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1


Allied ground losses:
146 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled


Assaulting units:
7th Australian/25th Brigade
7th Australian Brigade
I Australian Corps
101st RAAF Base Force

Defending units:
Maizuru 2nd SNLF destroyed
2nd/29th Inf Regiment

[Dili]

This is a handy editor feature that allows scenario builders to prevent some units under a designated HQ from ever being released from a restricted HQ....hence limiting their deployment

Thanks, and indeed a good feature.

[greg_slith]

ORIGINAL: Nikademus

my lone surface force out in the field....lurking south of MB in case the Japanese attempt relief

Why are the Gun and AAA values larger than 100%?

[Nikademus]

I am told it may be due to some ships in the scenario being allocated too much ammo vs. the ship class designation. If there's time its an easy fix though i'm not sure how it occured as i didn't mess with the values.

[tigercub]

ORIGINAL: Nikademus

I am told it may be due to some ships in the scenario being allocated too much ammo vs. the ship class designation. If there's time its an easy fix though i'm not sure how it occured as i didn't mess with the values.

gold in them words...Nikademus [:D]

[Nikademus]

Milne Bay

The last organized resistance collapses this turn. Few Japanese surrender. Estimates indicate the loss of up to four battalions worth of SNLF troops and an entire Infantry regiment of the Imperial Japanese army. Given the starting str values when the Australian counter-attack began, i suspect that Joe might have been able to "Express" some of the marooned troops out before my carriers shut his operations down, but even so, it still represents a tremendous bag of troops. The bonus of course was that Milne Bay was held in the process and at sea losses were roughly equal so this definately equates to an Allied victory. The troops at MB are pretty worn out now. Time for rest. Hopefully there will be no quick followup move from the Japanese. I'd be suprised if there was given that Joe essentially left the troops there to their fate. One never knows though.

The war's not over yet however. The lack of Japanese activity tells me Joe is refuelling and refitting...prepping for the next target. Intel has drawn a blank so far on the target......another stab at NG? Dare i say....Lunga? (the subject of the scenario?? ) naw.... [:D]

Either way....I continue to dig and in Lunga's case ensure that there's plenty of supply. Don't want to have another repeat of the tenuous situation at MB.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 06, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 144th Infantry Regiment, at 99,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes


Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 13


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
60 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Wirraway bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 2nd/29th Inf Regiment, at 101,133 (Milne Bay)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 2


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Tassafaronga , at 113,137

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
B-17F Fortress x 9


No Allied losses



Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Milne Bay (101,133)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6749 troops, 106 guns, 17 vehicles, Assault Value = 174

Defending force 1409 troops, 0 guns, 70 vehicles, Assault Value = 9

Allied adjusted assault: 76

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 76 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-)
supply(-)
Attacker: disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
2530 casualties reported
Squads: 45 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 144 destroyed, 132 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 167 (86 destroyed, 81 disabled)
Units destroyed 1


Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
7th Australian/25th Brigade
7th Australian Brigade
I Australian Corps
101st RAAF Base Force

Defending units:
2nd/29th Inf Regiment


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 07, 42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
16 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb
2 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 35th/124th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 81st Naval Guard Unit ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
15 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 144th Infantry Regiment, at 99,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 13


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)



Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Wirraway bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking Yokoyama Tai ...
Also attacking 144th Infantry Regiment ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 144th Infantry Regiment, at 99,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tassafaronga , at 113,137

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5
B-17F Fortress x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled



Port hits 3
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

[Nikademus]

INTEL finally comes through. Target = Lunga. I expect the codebreakers to reveal additional LCU's planning for Lunga, similar to how Milne Bay was revealed as the first target. Curiously, Joe also seems to have established a base at Gasmata. For what purpose i'm not sure unless it's to facilitate barge runs to NG.

Question now is, what do i do about it. I'm moving an ARTY unit to Lunga this turn, (fortunately assigned to an unrestricted Corps HQ). and have moved 3 PT groups to Lunga (6 x PT each). I have also received a nice air reinforcement.....the 90th BG. Four squadrons of B-24's. I'm making room at Port Morosby for three of them. Which target to attack?

Recalling most of my subs from NG duty to refuel and prep for a lunge at Lunga. Also recalling my surface TF.....i may have them pay a visit to Shortlands first. I'm getting bored. [:D]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 08, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
16 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb
2 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 35th/124th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 81st Naval Guard Unit ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
15 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 144th Infantry Regiment, at 99,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 13
P-39D Airacobra x 2


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Wirraway bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking Yokoyama Tai ...
Also attacking 144th Infantry Regiment ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 144th Infantry Regiment, at 99,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 2


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tassafaronga , at 113,137

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
B-17F Fortress x 10


Allied aircraft losses
B-17F Fortress: 1 damaged



Port hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 09, 42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 33


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
16 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb
17 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 144th Infantry Regiment, at 99,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes


Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 10
P-39D Airacobra x 2


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Wirraway bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking Yokoyama Tai ...
Also attacking 144th Infantry Regiment ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shortlands , at 109,131

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5



Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17F Fortress: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 14000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
801 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 23000
Raid is overhead
Kamikawa-2 Daitai with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 144th Infantry Regiment, at 99,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 2


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tassafaronga , at 113,137

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
B-17F Fortress x 13


Allied aircraft losses
B-17F Fortress: 1 damaged



Port hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

[Nikademus]

I have a plan now. It's been staring me in the face for some time now but the confirmation that Lunga is now the target snapped it into focus. Since i can't move troops up from the rear area, i'll just have to do what was done historically, use Tulagi as my reinforcement pool. Only this time the entire 2nd Marines will be moved to Lunga. Tulagi is not really defensible this round anyway and it's loss wouldn't impact me nearly as much as losing the airfield on Lunga. (Even if Joe were to attempt to take it at the same time, if i hold Lunga, it becomes a virtual POW camp for whatever is landed there.

Mobilizing the fleet for this since 2nd Marines is too valuable a commodity to rely on stealth. I'm back up to just under 30k of fuel...and with my major ship's bunkers full, a short jaunt to Lunga is more than affordable. Six AP's with a cruiser escort will set sail with my two reformed carrier TF's providing distant cover. Lunga has 63 fighters available for CAP and of course there are the PT's as well. The Australia group will bombard Shortlands to keep Joe off balance. Will also throw in the 90th at Shortlands and see how much damage they can do. My intel shows that the Japanese have completed a level one airfield there. Not much use but still a concern unless it gets to level 2. If my carriers stay intact i can also choose to blast it from long range using them as well. It would put me just inside Rabaul's range though.

[Dili]

Does the mechanics of game make intelligence so trustable? it can't be wrong?

[Sardaukar]

ORIGINAL: Dili

Does the mechanics of game make intelligence so trustable? it can't be wrong?

There is always the old evil trick to have your troops to prepare for different target than your target will be...[:D] In AE, I think that penalties for assaulting without preparation can be very severe, though.

[Dili]

There is always the old evil trick to have your troops to prepare for different target than your target will be... In AE, I think that penalties for assaulting without preparation can be very severe, though.

Yep [:D]. Units preparing should consume more supply to not acceptable desinformation efforts get out of hand. In whole scenario there will be much more operations at same time.

[Nikademus]

ORIGINAL: Sardaukar

ORIGINAL: Dili

Does the mechanics of game make intelligence so trustable? it can't be wrong?

There is always the old evil trick to have your troops to prepare for different target than your target will be...[:D] In AE, I think that penalties for assaulting without preparation can be very severe, though.

Yes, this was indeed a classic WitP "Trick" However, there are several factors that disuade the use of this tactic here:

1) Scenario length. - Too short for this type of trick to be viable.

2) Target breadth - There are only 4 major targets in the front line area in this scenario. Even if the "trick" is employed, the Allied player still has a decent chance of predicting the Japanese' objective. (example.....i figured all along Milne Bay would be the initial target and had prepared for it from day 1)

3) New and improved amphib/prep rules. This one's the killer. In stock...even with 100% prep, you were still looking at around 50% disablements for any amphib operation. This wasn't very realistic though it did help curb over-abundance of amphib ops. Now, in AE, if you get 100 prep, you get a substantial discount on disablements. (more like 5% now) The pro as mentioned, is that it's more realistic for that particular situation (SNAFU's excepted of course), the con, is that in this scenario in particular....it makes a direct invasion of Lunga more viable vs. doing what Japan did historically and using Tass as a entry point with an overland march to Lunga.

This isn't to say that the Tass strategy isn't viable. I used it recently afterall to retake Lunga. The benefit of using Tass is that you don't have to spend 100 turns prepping before landing. Also you have less chance of the landings being contested and lastly, you don't face shore defenses.

Given Joe's actions so far though....its looking near 98% that he will attempt a direct invasion of Lunga.....hence i'm betting on my PT's and shore arty to shake up the defenders. If i'm reallllllly lucky, and Joe doesn't first try to establish superiority, maybe i can hit the invasion TF's as they are attempting to land in the hex.....a much easier proposition at Lunga vs. Milne Bay.

[Kwik E Mart]

1) Scenario length. - Too short for this type of trick to be viable.
really? you seem to be basing the employment of an entire division (2nd marine) on the intel. if indeed the intel was misleading, that would be a significant chunk of allied ground force being moved for the wrong reason...although having the division in lunga still doesn't hurt...

2) Target breadth - There are only 4 major targets in the front line area in this scenario. Even if the "trick" is employed, the Allied player still has a decent chance of predicting the Japanese' objective. (example.....i figured all along Milne Bay would be the initial target and had prepared for it from day 1)
[;)] true, but i seem to remember a renewed effort to reinforce MB after your analysis of his intentions was confirmed by intel (such and such units prepping for MB...IMHO, that intel sealed the Jap doom for that operation...it was like a spider waiting in the web for the fly

3) New and improved amphib/prep rules. This one's the killer. In stock...even with 100% prep, you were still looking at around 50% disablements for any amphib operation. This wasn't very realistic though it did help curb over-abundance of amphib ops. Now, in AE, if you get 100 prep, you get a substantial discount on disablements. (more like 5% now) The pro as mentioned, is that it's more realistic for that particular situation (SNAFU's excepted of course), the con, is that in this scenario in particular....it makes a direct invasion of Lunga more viable vs. doing what Japan did historically and using Tass as a entry point with an overland march to Lunga.
perhaps i'm misunderstanding the game mechanics here...if units prepping for lunga use the overland attack option (thru tass), wouldn't they still get the prep bonus? if that is the case, i don't see the benefit of directly assaulting lunga...

anyways, great aar!

[Nikademus]

ORIGINAL: Kwik E Mart

1) Scenario length. - Too short for this type of trick to be viable.
really? you seem to be basing the employment of an entire division (2nd marine) on the intel. if indeed the intel was misleading, that would be a significant chunk of allied ground force being moved for the wrong reason...although having the division in lunga still doesn't hurt...

No, not basing it entirely on the Intel. Rather i'm simply using the Intel to confirm my hunch, same as i did for Milne Bay. The difference between them was the former was based on playtester experience.....everyone went for MB first time out. [:D]. For the latter, its more murky but i'm confident. First off, Joe did not reinforce his expedition to Milne Bay, abandoning at least a substantial portion of it to it's fate. Maybe it's a diabolical deception, but i have a hard time believing that he's going to try again at the same location after doing such....esp as it's a secondary target. That leaves.......Port Morosby. Worth more.....still secondary though and he needs to win big on points. A followup attack on NG by sea would also be tougher now given the growing airforce at Oz....a considerable deterent given what Fifth AF did to the invasion beachhead. Overland might be a better option but i've detected no buildup there....nor has Hori Force moved a muscle, and it's firepower would be needed if an assualt on PM is to suceed. Shortlands is now a level 1 airbase suggesting a move in the direction of the main subject of the scenario etc etc.
Admitedly.....i'll be more confident if/when i get confirmation of more LCU's planning for Lunga. If it were a trick.....it'd be a costly one as trying to land amphibiously on a target not being prepped for can be ruinous for an LCU force, even if Joe takes the base, he'll lose time he can't afford to lose trying to reabilitate those troops for further work. (those not designated for garrison)

[;)] true, but i seem to remember a renewed effort to reinforce MB after your analysis of his intentions was confirmed by intel (such and such units prepping for MB...IMHO, that intel sealed the Jap doom for that operation...it was like a spider waiting in the web for the fly

Yes...the intel confirmed the hunch but i'd already done the majority of the work....doubling MB's defensive strength and building 4 fortifications. Adding the HQ was a cherry on top. [;)]. While I assumed MB would be target 1.....that didn't mean i was going to neglect other areas. In fact i was utilizing that hope (that he was going to attack MB) to further bolster up Lunga....which i always prioritize regardless of where i think Japan is going to attack.

perhaps i'm misunderstanding the game mechanics here...if units prepping for lunga use the overland attack option (thru tass), wouldn't they still get the prep bonus? if that is the case, i don't see the benefit of directly assaulting lunga...

Yes. LCU "Preperation Points" serve a dual function. Overland or on land, they assist in assaulting/defending a specific base, and they also serve as a yardstick on how prepared the LCU is to attack a specific target amphibiously.

I've detected zero buildup on Tass. Such a buildup would indicate an overland march attempt on Lunga so knowing what i know about how 100prep works for amphib....i'm making a guess that Joe is hording his fleet for a direct assault on Lunga. Given that it's Novemeber makes that more certain as erm.....under "normal" circumstances i'd be in position to almost double Lunga's AV. Time is against Japan at this point.....as the scenario progresses the Allied edge in troopage only gets bigger. Finally if he was using the fake target trick, he's further handicapping himself because of the Allied firepower edge on land. He'll need his HQ's and LCU's prepped for the actual target to get maximum efficiency in their attacks. As Milne Bay demonstrated....one or two good Shock attacks that go wrong can badly debilitate an LCU force when faced with a dug in Allied unit.....and that was an Oz force of which one half was militia. Do that vs. a Marine or US army force of mid 42 or later and your going to get hurt.

anyways, great aar!

thx....glad your enjoying it.

[Basque]

BTW, will jap intel be more useful in AE?? Any screenshot of this?

[Nikademus]

ORIGINAL: Basque

BTW, will jap intel be more useful in AE?? Any screenshot of this?

compared to Allied Intel.........eh.....probably not. [;)]

[Nikademus]

Shortlands Ozzie gunners blast the base and destroy one of those elusive creatures of the South Pacific.....an authentic A6M2! We christien the runway with a bunch of potholes.....welcome to the neighborhood!

In the air, B-24's also pay a visit and destroy colaborationist Trees, losing one of their numbers to those funny looking float planes. No problem......combat report says 2 of them were write offs after tackling our bombers.

Transport force is one day out from Tulagi.......Carriers are providing cover....as is Henderson and the Ozzies. I also got more confirmation that Lunga is now the main event.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 12, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
15 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb
2 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 35th/2nd(Kitao) Battalion ...
Also attacking 81st Naval Guard Unit ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
15 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 144th Infantry Regiment, at 99,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tassafaronga , at 113,137

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
B-17F Fortress x 14


No Allied losses



Port hits 4
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 35th/124th Infantry Regiment, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 14


Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
14 x P-400 Airacobra attacking from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 81st Naval Guard Unit ...
Also attacking 35th/124th Infantry Regiment ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Shortlands , at 109,131

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5



Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 11


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 15000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 15000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 15000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
801 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 23000
Raid is overhead
Kamikawa-2 Daitai with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 13, 42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Shortlands at 109,131, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Tama Maru #8, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Australia
CA Canberra
CL Leander
CL Achilles, Shell hits 1
CL Hobart
DD Patterson
DD Jarvis
DD Craven
DD Gridley
DD McCall



Low visibility due to Thunderstorms with 35% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 35% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 29,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
Muirhead-Gould, G.C. crosses the 'T'
CL Achilles engages PB Tama Maru #8 at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
PB Tama Maru #8 sunk by CL Achilles at 2,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Shortlands at 109,131 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground

48 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA Canberra, Shell hits 6
CA Australia
CL Hobart
CL Achilles, Shell hits 2
CL Leander
DD McCall
DD Gridley
DD Craven
DD Jarvis
DD Patterson

Japanese ground losses:
38 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)



Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 47

CA Canberra firing at Shortlands Coastal Gun Regiment
CA Australia firing at Shortlands
CL Hobart firing at Shortlands
CL Achilles firing at Shortlands Coastal Gun Regiment
CL Leander firing at Shortlands
DD McCall firing at Shortlands
DD Gridley firing at Shortlands
DD Craven firing at 10th Naval Construction Battalion
DD Jarvis firing at 10th Naval Construction Battalion
DD Patterson firing at 10th Naval Construction Battalion


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 81st Naval Guard Unit, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 32


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
15 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb
17 x F4F-4 Wildcat diving from 20000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 35th/124th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 81st Naval Guard Unit ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 144th Infantry Regiment, at 99,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tassafaronga , at 113,137

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
B-17F Fortress x 14
P-400 Airacobra x 2


No Allied losses



Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x P-400 Airacobra attacking from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 11th Naval Construction Battalion ...


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Morning Air attack on 35th/2nd(Kitao) Battalion, at 113,137 (Tassafaronga)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 14


Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
14 x P-400 Airacobra attacking from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 1 x 500 lb GP Bomb

[kfmiller41]

I have a quick question nick, when planes are reported damaged and actually are, how long does it take to get them back online. One of your attacks showed 5 damaged wildcats and if they all are really were can a unit get beaten down doing those attacks just from damaged planes?

Thanks

[Nikademus]

it depends on multiple factors, which include the service rating of the aircraft in question (adjustable in the editor), size and damage state of the airfield, supply levels and AV support and whether or not the base in question is "overstuffed".

In cases of heavy action, one can quickly find most of a squadron on the ground in the unservicable catagory.

To use a specific example.....my basing of heavy bombers at PM often leads to many unservicables due to overload of the base (via # of groups) and damage from enemy fighters. Forces me to put them on rest for a few turns.