ALLIED ONLY: aztez (A) vs erstad (J) ...2nd ROUND

[aztez]

Aleutians (september 17th - 18th 1942)


Japanese continue to conduct operations in the Aleutians.

The base at Umnak Island was overrun and some enemy land units are now occupying the hex.

KB conducted sweep missions over Dutch Harbour and also tried to hit out PT boats occupying the area. Neither of these operations were succesfull.

Allied AA fire downed 11 Zero fighters in past two days if the reported losses are to be believed.

American submarine S-30 put an torpedo into xAP Ural Maru near Dutch Harbour. The ship is reported sunk with some infantry elements lost too.

[aztez]

Submarine campaign (september 17th - 18th 1942)


The submarines reported solid performance in last turn.

We discussed on how to use them earlier and now the changes seem be paying off.

I have forfeited the patrol routes all together and instead I'am now moving them manually around the expected enemy supply routes.

I know this will add extra effort into it but this warfare ought to be effective.

I have them on remain on station orders with reaction between 3-4 hexes. Each submarine will be moved around manually in turn by turn basis.

The map shows reported hits and offensives from the previous turn. This method has been ongoing around an week or so.

[LoBaron]

ORIGINAL: aztez

ORIGINAL: Rob Brennan UK

I didn't know you started an PBEM vs LoBaron? I assume you are the "good" guys!

If you mean by 'good guys' the liberators of the evil european nations .. yes [;)]. we are just playing the 1000 mile scenario .. no spoilers pls all as we havnt looked at each others setup or reinforcements .. its good fun.

Oh my... you are playing as Japan! What is happening in this world! [:D]

Not to worry about spoilers though!

I think he´s trying to learn about the enemy.
And the damn thing is that he does... [:D]

Good to see you upgraded to patch c.
Makes the Chinese theatre something to wait for.

Whats your defense at Dutch Harbour? Any chance to hold it or bring reeinforcements in?

[aztez]

LoBaron: I have an feeling that Rob has already learned the ropes! [:D]

No. I'am not sending ground units into Dutch Harbour but instead I have launched heavy defensive operation called operation Tango (read below).

Yeah, we have upgraded and those red exlamation marks are everywhere! [:D]

Nothing to report from china though except those daily airstrikes.

[aztez]

As promised on previous post here is the our next naval operations in greater detail.

This really is an large scale operation launched by Chester Nimitz.

Operation Tango (launched on september 17th 1942)

Due to enemy landings at Aleutians allied commanders have agreed into operation Tango.

The operation objective is to engage the enemy forces and STOP them in northern pacific.

The following TF's have set sail from Pearl Harbour:

TF354
VADM Marc Mitscher
CV Hornet ( 45 Wildcats, 24 SBD Dauntless and 15 Avengers)
BB Missisippi
CA Chigaco
CA Astoria
CL Honolulu
CLAA Juneau
6 x Destroyers

TF233
CPT Downey
CV Illustrious (13 Albacore and 10 Martlet)
CVL Hermes (13 Sea Hurricane)
CA Dortsheshire
CA Vincennes
CL Phoenix
5 x Destroyers

TF267
CPT D.Ramsey
CV Saratoga (67 Wildcats + 15 Devastators)
BB South Dakota
CA Northampton
CA Chester
CL St.Louis
CLAA Atlanta
6 x Destroyers

TF348
CPT C.Easton
CV Yorktown (36 Wildcats, 36 Dauntless and 15 Avengers)
BB Idaho
CA Portland
CA Indianapolis
CL Helena
CLAA San Diego
CLAA San Juan
5 x Destroyers

TF366
CPT T.King
CV Wasp (30 Wildcats, 36 Dauntless and 15 Avengers)
BB New Mexico
CA Salt Lake
CA Minneapolis
CA San Francisco
CL Detroid
CL Nashville
5 x Destroyers

TF380 (Surface combat)
BB Warspite
CA Exeter
CA Quincy
CL Concord
CL Trenton
7 x Destroyers

These TF are moving towards the enemy positions in the Aleutians.

In total we have placed into action +200 carrier fighters, 96 divebombers and some 70 torpedo bombers.

The Flak/AA is substantial in each of these TF's and they will give mutual support to each other.

There are now around 40-50 B17 bombers placed on Anchorage and these are set on 15 000 feet naval strikes.

Additional aircraft are enroute into northern pacific.

We shall see how things will play but I think I need some good luck wishes and be careful on your comments. I really don't want him to get an jump start on this action.

Now we need some fortune to go along with firepower.

[Yamato_Blitzer]

That's a pretty damn solid force you've got there. So you guys are gonna duke it out at the Aleutians like that? I think it's safe to say this: That amount of naval force in an area that's so close to both Japan's Kuriles and America will definitely result in a mother of all battles. If you win you'll win the war, if he wins you're pretty much screwed too. Won't be able to conjure up another shot at this until 1944 (and even then you won't be very strong and his aces will keep earning exp in the mean time), and wont be able to begin a counter-offensive until then either. and even then, you'll only be able to do so much before the game ends and you'll be going at great risk, as you'll be much more weakened.

I just have to be the voice of doubt (or another of reason, not sure which)...Are you sure about this? It's quite an irretrievable abyss to jump into, everything is gonna be at stake, all cards played at once. I can't see him not throwing in everything he has.

Not to be a downer. But I think this should be thought over even more. Gotta be extremely cautious with this. Those 2 CV losses earlier were really crippling.

All I know is, you could definitely use some of these http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:T-28-1.jpg

[offenseman]

Make sure you flood the area with subs. All it would take is one lucky hit on a big IJN CV and the battle could change dramatically. Then after the battle send those subs to raid shipping near the Hokkaido/Sakhalin.

If you opt to do this plan, maybe consider not saddling some of those CV groups with the slow BBs.  If a IJN surface group gets that close to your CVs you lost the battle already.  Those slow BBs could cause you to not be able to react swiftly in either chase or retreat mode.  I understand they are there for AAA but still I'd rather be fast in and out. Hopefully you can fidn them first with all those B17s searching and "Midway" them. 

Gutsy plan 

[LoBaron]

ORIGINAL: aztez

LoBaron: I have an feeling that Rob has already learned the ropes! [:D]

No. I'am not sending ground units into Dutch Harbour but instead I have launched heavy defensive operation called operation Tango (read below).

Yeah, we have upgraded and those red exlamation marks are everywhere! [:D]

Nothing to report from china though except those daily airstrikes.

Indeed he does.
I´m really having fun playing. [:D]

So I get this right? You want to force a CV battle?


Just take care that you don´t in get those damned situations where you smash one AP after another while
collecting 250´s on your flattops.
Good luck!!!

[Graymane]

One thing you might want to do with that force is position it SE more toward Kodiak. I keep wondering why he has KB hanging outside of Dutch Harbor. It hardly seems the Aleutians are worth the full attention of KB. I'm wondering if he's gotten some of those airbases to level 2 and based a bunch of betties there or something and is laying a trap for you expecting a strong response? Maybe you can send a small surface or ASW TF of some destroyers up that way to see what he has on naval attack first?

[aztez]

Yamato_Blitzer: That is pretty much bulk of my naval assets. The carriers plus best AA ships we have at our disposal.

As for duking out.. it is likely course of action. I know the "winner" will have its way. I just got a gut feeling that this might be doable. I might be wrong though.

I agree that 1944 seems the next available date if all goes downhill.. than again I could advance in Aleutians with lba cover and same can be done in Burma.

He seems to have two separate carrier TF in the area and maybe some 150 carrier fighters plus 200 torpedo/divebombers. So, this is KB for sure.

Those tanks I would take any day!

The operation is ongoing but I can cancell this if I start to second guess this as an whole.

offenseman: There are few enroute. Unfortunately my submarine assets are too far away to intercept. (They are doing solid job now though with manual operational orders)

The TF have already left and the composition of these cannot be changed. There are few slower Battlewagons left behind into Pearl Harbour.

Those B17's are keeping an eye of these carriers. They still remain near Dutch Harbour and seem busy bombing my ground units and PT boats, So, maybe he is preparing to invade Dutch Harbour!

Gutsy or maniac move... I'am not sure which or maybe both.

At the moment the operation is ongoing but I can call it off still if I change my mind.

LoBaron: Good to hear you guys are enjoying the ride so far.

At the moment.. Yes I'am planning on doing so... but as said I can still cancel this mission if I feel like it.

Graymane: That is possible allthough unlikely since the bases were not build up at all and it seemed that he landed just small scale at least initially.

No, sign of lba bombers as of yet there.

Yeah, that is what I'am wondering too. It could be an trap but also an ongoing operation to land at Dutch Harbour,

I will send some transports next turn there to see what is still thing all about. Somewhat odd as you stated.

[offenseman]

Looking very forward to seeing how this goes!  [:)]

[aztez]

Aleutians (september 19th - 24th 1942)


Operation Tango is at full swing in the northern Pacific.

The first contact was made by enemy search planes on evening of the 23rd.

Both sides were aware of each other and prepared for the oncoming carrier battle.

The 1st wave was done by the japanese carriers...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Dutch Harbor at 172,51

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 200 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 75 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 64
B5N2 Kate x 79
D3A1 Val x 114



Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 9
Martlet II x 9
F4F-3A Wildcat x 32
F4F-4 Wildcat x 101


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 12 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 22 destroyed, 25 damaged
D3A1 Val: 20 destroyed, 36 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane Ib: 1 destroyed
F4F-3A Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Illustrious, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
CVL Hermes, Bomb hits 1
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Portland, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Helena
BB Idaho, Torpedo hits 1
DD McCall
DD Case



Aircraft Attacking:
17 x D3A1 Val bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
12 x D3A1 Val bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
12 x D3A1 Val bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
14 x D3A1 Val bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
14 x D3A1 Val bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
10 x D3A1 Val bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
10 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
7 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x D3A1 Val bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 20000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Enemy scored few hits with this raid. CV Illustrious (mediocre damage), CV Yorktown (mild damage), BB Idaho (Mild damage), CA Portland (Heavy damage) and CVL Hermes (mild damage)

Only CA Portland is in immediate danger of sinking to the bottom.

The allied airstrike was also on the air and founded the enemy carriers near Umnak Island.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Umnak Island at 169,51

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 64 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 83
A6M2-N Rufe x 2



Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 12
Sea Hurricane Ib x 4
F4F-4 Wildcat x 33
SBD-2 Dauntless x 23
SBD-3 Dauntless x 53
TBD-1 Devastator x 15
TBF-1 Avenger x 45


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore I: 3 destroyed
Sea Hurricane Ib: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 9 destroyed
SBD-2 Dauntless: 5 destroyed, 14 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 destroyed, 31 damaged
TBD-1 Devastator: 4 destroyed, 5 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 7 destroyed, 23 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
CV Akagi
CV Hiyo
CV Shokaku
CV Kaga
DD Mikazuki
CV Hiryu
DD Fuyo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Hatsushima
CV Soryu



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
6 x SBD-2 Dauntless diving from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-2 Dauntless diving from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 6000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 6000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
13 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
6 x Albacore I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 6000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
6 x SBD-2 Dauntless diving from 5000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 5000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb


...only DD Fuyo reported hit. That is VERY disappointing if you look at how co-ordinated the strike was. Many of the attacking planes went for an assaulting run too.

Next turn will be the decisive one. I have lost a lot of aircraft but so has he so it would be time get some luck in this PBEM.

The map details how we are handling the naval movement for the upcoming turn.

[aztez]

..the aircraft losses reported from 24th of september.

[LoBaron]

Wow 120+ planes and 1 hit on a DD.
Must be a sinking feeling to watch all these splashes around the IJN CV´s.

Although counting the additional losses when he invaded Fiji he lost a great lump of veteran pilots now.
KB is probably not the elite force it once was anymore.

If you stay for a second strike any chance to enhance it with LBA support/fighter cover? Wonder if this risk
is worth it. Or maybe again the unsinkable CV strategy from Dutch Harbour?

[aztez]

LoBaron: Yeah, there was splashes all around his carriers! I did expect more when I saw the strike ongoing though.

I have no clue whether or not this was FOW related but I somehow doubt it or at least I'am not expecting much.

I wonder the same thing too. We have engaged his carriers at Christmas Island, Fiji's and now in Aleutians. There really should not be that many experienced pilots left but than again I do not know.
He has also being raiding this are few days before and there should be additional 20-40 planes destroyed/damaged due to flak.

The above is the main reason why I decieded to stay for another run. I also still have quite a few fighters in operational status along with SBD's.

Eagerly waiting for the results of the charge of BB Warspite TF into Umnak Island. This is natural surface combat TF which is set on remain on station orders there. If we manage to engage the enemy than this should be brutal.
I'am willing to sacrifice these ships though. Just hoping that we see some heavy surface combat action too.

I did stay on the 2nd round for this. (the turn is already sent) The lba support is out of the question for both sides. There are no operational airfields on the area. Dutch Harbour is still 88% (0/0) and it takes ages to build it up. The nearest support is from Anchorage, Kodiak and Seward. There are bombers in place just in case he comes into range.

Now we wait. At least we did an offensive actions for the 1st time in the war. Lets just hope for the best...

Looking at the brigh side at least I had an very nice christmas with my daughters. Very relaxing to spent an week with young ones.

They just left so now it is peace and quiet back here. It was good holidays though.

[Fishbed]

Best wishes for a nice christmas present [;)]

This stops here and now

[offenseman]

Monstrous encounter. Hopefully FoW gives you credit for less hits than you actually had. 

Regardless of the outcome short of losing a fair amount of CVs, it will be a win because of the attrition of his experienced IJN pilots.   

[DRF99]

I agree, it would have been nice to see better results. However, it looks like the weather might have not been on your side. The attack on you was under clear sky, while your planes had to attack in severe storms. Hopefully it will be reversed next round.

The 1st wave was done by the japanese carriers...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Dutch Harbor at 172,51

Weather in hex: Clear sky

The allied airstrike was also on the air and founded the enemy carriers near Umnak Island.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Umnak Island at 169,51

Weather in hex: Severe storms

[aztez]

Fishbed: Thank you! Yes, one cannot have better little "christmas presents". Now I need wait more than a week to have that joy again.

This definately stops here! We have been on the recieving end for longtime!

offenseman: It was quite an battle but I expect the next round be even bloodier.

As said with some luck the surface combat taskforce can intervene during the night phase and cause havoc before the sun rises. Than again it might not but worth the shot anyway.

Hopefully so but I doubt it. Only FOW I'am hoping is the fact that his operational losses are even higher. The battle summary was quite accurate for the allied side.

The turn hasn't arrived yet so lets keep fingers crossed that our carriers will be ok. I don't mind losing couple of them IF we kill enough of his pilots.

I would be an happy for an "draw" here but we shall see how this plays out. Too late to change things/orders around.

As for bonus I ordered 70 Hurricane sweep at Mandalay! Lets call this as christmas present from RAF.

DRF99: Welcome to thread. Yeah, that was an major factor. I noticed that after I posted the update.

The forecast is still Thunderstorms/Severe storms all around Aleutians so maybe we get an better dice roll next round. Than again we might not.

As said nice to see new forum members reading the AAR section! The game deserves all the attention it can get.

[Swenslim]

Maybe problem was with this ? - 10 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

 
This was not a DIVE at all , it is impossible to dive from so low altitude ! In my few first short scenarios against AI I learn simple thing - if you set Naval attack for your dive bomber at 3000-6000 feet you will hit target very very rarely and damage will be low. But when your bomber attacks from 12000-15000 feet yhey score much more direct hits.
 
Your opponent made same mistake.