Total Allied Moron in PBEM AAR

[Admiral DadMan]

Well, a few have asked me how I do at PBEM since I often have a thing or two to say here on the boards. Well let's just say I often get caught with my pants down or in the grog locker.

My PBEM opponent (playing Japan) and I (playing Allied) are in July of 42. Here's the quick and dirty of it:

Early May JPN took Gili Gili (where I picked off little Shoho for good measure), and Lunga/Tulagi. I was content to raid his supply lines while I awaited the cavalry from CinCPac. So, I tooled around the Coral Sea for the next 2-3 weeks, collecting treasures and such. Much to my surprise (and horror), he wallops me from LUNGA with about 50 Vals and Kates! Needless to say, Lexington and Yorktown were in need of extensive repairs...

Within the next 2 weeks, he's building a sizable invasion force at Lunga. I recall Enterprise from SWPac to help out at Luganville. Unfortunately, she's caught in the crossing (He loves to use React). Fortunately, she survives and can get over to Luganville. Hornet then arrives and hustles up to Luganville to join her sister. UNfortunately, Lunga is a major Betty base and both carriers get swamped... Back to Noumea and Pearl for them.

So, both Luganville and Port Moresby are wide open. BUT, Port Moresby is just about to Airdome Status. 200+ airplanes, and I re-took Gili Gili.

By Mid-June, He takes Luganville after 2 days of fighting, Efate Port Vila, and Koumac just for good measure.

in Late June, he builds a super CV TF with at least 4CV's and a CVL, with Bombardment TF's too, and pummmels Port Moresby. It took him 10 days, but now he has it.

Wasp is currently supporting the retaking of Luganville (cross my fingers.)

To cut his Port Moresby supply line, I sent Saratoga up near the Louisiades near Gili Gili. One turn later (gotta love the React function) that super CV TF pops up RIGHT NEXT TO Ol Sara.

Today, I'm cringing at the Combat Replay.... and it's not pretty.

I'll check back in a few days and let you know how fast she sank...

[Von Rom]

Admiral DadMan: LOL. Great summary of the action to date. Let us know how you make out. . .

Cheers!

[Luskan]

More importantly - who is your opponent?!? Another person to put on my target list perhaps??

[XPav]

That sounds painful.

Sounds to me like your main error was in not keeping your carriers together coupled with a lack of knowing where da bad guys were.

If you could do it again, what would you do differently?

[mogami]

Hi, Thats a lot of action for it only being July 42. How do you guys keep anything supplied or fueled. ( I need till July to stockpile enough fuel and supply to try to capture PM) Did the Japanese wait for L'ville to build or did they jump on it while it was still undeveloped? Have you recaptured Koumac and Efate? (I would think the allies had amajor advantage in this area this early. Those bases do not amount tomuch and there is no supply sitting there to be captured (well more on Efate then Koumac)

[Admiral DadMan]

Sounds to me like your main error was in not keeping your carriers together coupled with a lack of knowing where da bad guys were.

If you could do it again, what would you do differently?

Lexington and Yorktown were operating together off Lunga, but were hit with a well co-ordinated strike.

What started the ball rolling was being surprised by that strike from Lunga (I think he stripped his CV's of aircraft to do it). It totally changed the balance of power in the theater at such an early stage with both carriers being neutralized. The situation became like that of a tennis match where one player gets the other running back and forth just to return shots without being able to place them. I finally just had to concede the point and fall back.

Error: Early Loss of Carrier Assets.
Cause: Lack of proper intel on Lunga build up.
Remedy Better Recon (maybe use CA/CL floatplanes in this role)

Error: Loss of Key Bases
Cause: Faulty Disposition of Forces.
Remedy: More thorough planning and better strategic assessment of situation. I should have had CV assets on patrol near Espiritu Santo after the Gili Gili battle, not cruising off Lunga to interdict the supply line. I realized later that he was Tokyo Expressing huge amounts of engineers and supplies to Lunga, with slower transports as a decoy. In essance, it was Naval Blitzkrieg - dropping troops in a hurry before I expected and before I could react.

Error: Inordinate Loss of Surface Ships
Cause: Lack of Airpower
Remedy: STOP BEING A MORON!

Did the Japanese wait for L'ville to build or did they jump on it while it was still undeveloped?

I built Luganville to Port4/Air6 before he hit me, but I had few air assets there, and no Infantry.

Have you recaptured Koumac and Efate?

No, I've landed at Luganville first. I'm awaiting the fate of that battle before I decide whether or not to take Koumac or Efate Port Vila.

Last night, I sat down and mapped out the theater and the situation, and decided on a strategy that should allow me to recover without losing too much more. The biggest error that I likely made was in attitude. I wasn't willing to give ground to buy time. I thought I would throw my opponent off guard by being aggressive in my responses, but it didn't faze him in the least.

He's an excellent player. I'm hoping he won't slack off thinking I'm gonna quit, because then I'd have to pummel him (yeah, right). Besides, I promised not to quit no matter how bad it got, and I don't plan to.

C'est la guerre'!

[thantis]

Its very easy to get cocky as the USN, especially if a Coral Sea-type batte goes well in the beginning (May/June). Unfortunately, IJN reinforcements tend to pile on June/July, while we're still waiting for our carriers & surface forces to show up - not to mention the lack of fighters & bombers (with the exception of some B-17s) on the Eastern side of the map.

Your opponent seems aggressive to the point of recklessness. If he's stuck his head out that far, you may have a good opportunity to cut it off.

[mogami]

Greetings. I don't wish to intrude in a 2 player game so these comments are mainly for players who have not yet begun a PBEM game (you have already made your responses to enemy actions)
Also I do not claim to be all knowing, these comment are only my opinion and not an attempt to grade anyone elses preformance.
The most important thing in a game is to have fun and it sounds like you are doing that.

May 42 Japanese take Gili-my reponse is ok I knew that would happen i will now send sub minelayers there and a few boats on patrol (make the minelaying TF at Noumea, assign Gili as target and Port Moresby as homeport. Subs lay mines and then go to PM for torpedos, then they go on war patrols (early targets are Gili and Shortland)

Lunga likewise nothing to react to and if recon (set a PBY group to recon and 30-50 percent naval search) see that airfield has achived size 4 stay the *&^% away with surface forces. While Lunga is building to that level and naval search does not show enemy surface TF's in area you can prehaps send in a surface TF/bombardment-set to retire so it comes in at night. Also if you have any minelayers (surface DM) send them in once or twice depending on how much time before airfields up.


If the Japanese invade deep (L'ville, Efate, Koumac) recapture the closest base first. (closest to you means farthest from him) Your units will gain experiance and do not be in a hurry. Make sure of success and reduce risk. Tranfer LBA to Noumea and pound closest target. send sub patrols to base and bombardment TF's (great way to gain night exp) All his damaged ships will need to travel 1k miles to reach a safe port yours need to go 200 (more or less) After Koumac captured rst troops at Noumea and then go for Efate using same method, Lastly L'ville (by then you will have more troops/ships/air. You can use the heavy bomber groups while working on other bases to keep L'ville suppressed. Also send a sub or 2 to patrol. The basic thing to remember is if the enemy goes far early, repond slowly yourself. His rear is wide open once you kill these far advanced bases. (in order to justify advancing as far as L'ville the Japanese should have to have destroyed the USN surface and CV units. otherwise he is giving you assault units if you take your time (they eat more and faster then his supply line can deliever. Let it run out/low before starting combat. Close the supply line!!!!!

[Admiral DadMan]

As of 12 July:

Saratoga was able to bravely run away away and live to fight another day... (whew) but a trip to Pearl Harbor could be in order...

I re-took Luganville, which I this time intend to hold.

As I wrote earlier, I was forced to concede Port Moresby, while still holding Gili Gili. I don't know how much longer that will remain, as I'm sure he has something brewing for that place.

My biggest problem is that he outnumbers me at least 6:1 in Carriers and can take his airpower wherever he wishes.

It will be some time before I can mount another serious offensive movement, and rest assured, I'll have it mapped out this time. I'll simply have to bludgeon my way to Rabaul...

Admiral Kirk:"Bones, Causualty Report?"
Doctor McCoy:"One Admiral, My WITS!"

[dpstafford]

Originally posted by Admiral DadMan
As of 12 July:
It will be some time before I can mount another serious offensive movement, and rest assured, I'll have it mapped out this time. I'll simply have to bludgeon my way to Rabaul...

The short answer is to just hold on any way you can. In 4-6 MONTHS you will be able to turn the tide with overwelming US land-based air power. If you can stave off a Japanese auto-victory, you can still win.............

[Admiral DadMan]

Well that's just it, if my opponent controls Gili Gili and Lunga while keeping me south of them on 1 Jan 43, he wins.

I have my work cut out for me.

He definately had me on the run though.

[dpstafford]

Originally posted by Admiral DadMan
Well that's just it, if my opponent controls Gili Gili and Lunga while keeping me south of them on 1 Jan 43, he wins.

That's not my understanding. The auto-victory rules for the LONG scenarios were changed in one of the patches. He has to take and hold Luganville (or points south) OR take and hold Townsend (or points south) to get an anto-win. Henderson field won't cut it anymore......?

[Admiral DadMan]

Right you are...

Patch Items for Uncommon Valor version 1.20
34) Japanese Auto-Victory conditions are as follows (clarification for v1.10 and later):
On or after the January 1, 1943 turn, the game ends and Japan wins if it holds either Brisbane, Rockhampton, Townsville, Noumea or Luganville with double the supplies needed for that base.

I'm in a much better position than I thought...

[mogami]

Greetings, There you go. And over a year to get where you need to be. No need to hurry or be crazy. The Japanese player has over extended hisself and left a lot of goodies out there for you to pick off the vine whenever you are ready.

[Admiral DadMan]

I managed to kick his IJA/IJN forces out of Luganville, and am now pressing Efate. I was amused to see Yamato lob some shells into the base, only to have RAdm Lee's cruiser force scare it away.

I think he's got something cooking near Lunga though, because I spotted his monster CV TF lurking near there.

During the night, a sub of his finished the job that his CV's didn't on Saratoga. I am not pleased. Had that not happened, I was hoping to surprise him with a little fun of my own, but to no avail.

Grrrr.

He's left PM devoid of aircover and I'm pounding the airstrip. Recon shows sizable buildup of forces there.

He's even tried to kick me off the side of the mountain at Wau. I spotted the buildup, and kicked him first .

Because I cannot plan an offensive operation of my own, I am forced to consider what his intentions are in conjuntion with what his capabilities are, i.e. I must play defense. I still have not received any heavies, and don't expect to see any for months (gotta love the VERY Variable setting.)

Now it's the weekend, and I usually don't see many turns come back then, so I'll keep my spirits up by tormenting the AI in my own 19.

[dpstafford]

Originally posted by Admiral DadMan
Now it's the weekend, and I usually don't see many turns come back then, so I'll keep my spirits up by tormenting the AI in my own 19.

Not recommended. Playing the AI will weaken your skills versus a human. It will teach you bad habits. Solution: start a couple more PBEM games!

[Caltone]

Originally posted by dpstafford
Solution: start a couple more PBEM games!

Good point, and if you play against Dan, he returns em faster than the AI

glad you're enjoying the game Adm DMan

[dpstafford]

Originally posted by Caltone
Good point, and if you play against Dan, he returns em faster than the AI

You got me. Jeez, I wish I had a life.........

[Admiral DadMan]

Ok since we last left our hero, here's what's happened:

Luganville is open for business and I've made it a bit too hot for him to come and mess me up much there.

Efate Port Vila has been recovered, although the 103rd Base Force was obliterated when the TF Commander carrying them bungled and landed before the 162nd RCT could get there and clear the place of IJA. .

The 182nd RCT removed IJA from Koumac without much of a fight.

The operations were relatively easy as I had choked off supply to both bases and pounded them for a while before landing. There is a sizable force of IJA still in exisitance on Liekar, which is next to Luganville, but I'm thinking of using them for target practice to bring up the experience level of my bomber groups.

Over in SWPac, Gili Gili airfield is open for business, and a FG is supporting the Cats flying patrol. A lot of business being transacted around the Jomard Passage next to Gili Gili, I can't wait for it to become a level 2 base and I can put some Dauntlesses on it!:D

My marooned PM garrison was toasting mashmallows and hot dogs in Lea Lea next to PM, but was recently joined by some naughty IJA interlopers. Once I found that my guys were using the spent kegs to build up the fortificantions at Lea Lea, I sent them on a little hike to Wau. They should get there in about 3 months.

And I have a little surprise in store for him again too...

[Admiral DadMan]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/22/42

Sub attack at 40,40

Japanese Ships
DD Hakaze

Allied Ships
SS Argonaut


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 30


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 303
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 18

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 33000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 33000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 33000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 33000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 33000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress at 33000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 33000 feet
7 x B-17E Fortress at 33000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lea Lea at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
A6M3 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 13
TBF Avenger x 9

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed

ENS G.Nagaishi of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
AP Teia Maru
AP Kirishima Maru
AP Nankai Maru
AP Yamura Maru

Apparently, my aviatiors threw rocks this turn, not bombs...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lea Lea at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M3 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 16
B-26B Marauder x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 3 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 2 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 5 damaged

LTJG I.Kubota of F1/6th Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
AP Tatsuta Maru
AP Nankai Maru
AP Yamura Maru
AP Kirishima Maru
AP Teia Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
1 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
2 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 4th Naval Garrison Unit, at 53,52


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 39
P-400 Airacobra x 9


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 104


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lea Lea at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 9
TBF Avenger x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Tatsuta Maru
AP Yamura Maru
AP Teia Maru
AP Kirishima Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lea Lea at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 7
B-26B Marauder x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kirishima Maru
AP Teia Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
2 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40


Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 3


no losses

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 22, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 1000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lea Lea

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1224 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 8928 troops, 25 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 61

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 12

My men are hurling empty beer kegs from the grog lockers...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------