Balade of the Newbie: Second Stop, Battle of the Coral Sea

[BlitzimX]

[center]Balade of the Newbie
Battle of the Coral Sea
[/center]

Good day everybody!

Now that we kicked some Japanese butts (and got ours kicked too at the end) , let's get to something a bit different with the Battle of the Coral Sea.

Battle of the Coral Sea
Dates : 1st May 1942 - 15th May 1942
Troops Controled: US and Australians
Objective: Defend Port Moresby from Japanese invasion and intercept their Carriers


First Analysis:

Contrary to the previous mission, this one is a bit harder since you know the enemy is here, you know he can break you and spit only your bones, but you don't know where it is. The Key is to find him before he finds you, which is a pretty hard task for me. I suck so much at finding my enemy..proof with the little surprise i had in the previous AAR.

We will have to be very carefull because our ressources are really limited. Few planes, few ships, few everything. The only thing we got in aboundance are patrol boats.

With all that said, let's dive in our first turn on next post.

[BlitzimX]

[center]First Turn actions[/center]

Let's face it: as i said, i don't have much troops. Let's review them, shall we?

Naval Forces:
- 1 CTF with 1 CV, 4 CA and 4 DD
- 1 CTF with 1 CV, 2 CA and 3 DD

Each CTF is followed by a 1 DD,1 OA Replenishment TF

- 1 STF with 1 CA, 1CL, 1DD
- 1 AV
- A bunch of Subs


Air Forces :

Appart from my Carrier based planes, i have:

- 2 B25 Mitchell squadrons
- 1 P-40E Warhawk Squadron
- 1 A20A Squadron
- 1 Wirraway Squadron
- A few Catalinas


Orders:

- I set my Subs to patrol key areas, with a MAx reaction range of 1 to intercept whatever they can find.

[center] [/center]


- 2 Catalinas Sqds are transfered to Port Moresby. The P-40s are transfered to Townsville, for further walk to PM. We need CAP up there. They are immediatly set to 50% Naval Search at 6000ft, over the Corral Sea.

If you look at the map bellow you will see my global Strategy.

[center]
[/center]

I set my STF to patrol the Red area to intercept the transports most likely to arrive via the purple path. The Carriers, however, are likely to slip south (yellow arrow), where i will welcome them with my own Carriers (green stars).

My Carriers planes are set as follow:
- Ftrs at 18 0000 CAP, 40% (Wildcats)
- DB at 6000, Naval Search 30% Toward Northbound (Dauntlesses)
- TB Resting for now (Devastators).

I also set all the Float planes to 60 % search in a 60 degree Arc centered North, 6000 feet. One or two are dedicated to sub hunting at 1000 feet.

[BlitzimX]

First turn went incredibly well. 4 TF sighted, and heavy damaged inflicted to a Jap CTF. I'm impressed with how well the Catalinas in PM did their job .

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 04, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Rabaul at 106,127

Japanese Ships
AMc Fumi Maru #2
xAK Sinsei Maru
xAK Kansai Maru
DMS W.20

Allied Ships
SS S-44



SS S-44 is sighted by escort
S-44 diving deep ....
DMS W.20 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W.20 attacking submerged sub ....
DMS W.20 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W.20 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W.20 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Rabaul at 106,127

Japanese Ships
AMc Fumi Maru #2
xAK Sinsei Maru
xAK Kansai Maru
DMS W.20

Allied Ships
SS S-44, hits 1



SS S-44 is sighted by escort
S-44 diving deep ....
DMS W.20 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W.20 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W.20 fails to find sub, continues to search...
DMS W.20 attacking submerged sub ....
DMS W.20 is out of ASW ammo
DMS W.20 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Deboyne Islands at 106,134

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 16 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 4
A6M2 Zero x 4



Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 13


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 destroyed, 9 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
EIII-1 Chutai with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 16000.
Raid is overhead
EIII-2 Chutai with A5M4 Claude (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Deboyne Islands at 106,134

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 2
A6M2 Zero x 1



Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 13


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 2



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
EIII-2 Chutai with A5M4 Claude (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
EIII-1 Chutai with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rennell Island at 109,139

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 71 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
B5N1 Kate x 6



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 18


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VF-5 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 13 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Deboyne Islands at 106,134

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 3
A6M2 Zero x 2



Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 7


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Furutaka, Bomb hits 1, on fire



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
EIII-1 Chutai with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
EIII-2 Chutai with A5M4 Claude (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Deboyne Islands at 106,134

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1



Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 14


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka, on fire
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
CA Kako, Bomb hits 1



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
EIII-1 Chutai with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Furutaka
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Shoho


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rekata Bay at 113,134

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 14


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Tatsuta, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AV Kamikawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
AV Kiyokawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Rabaul at 106,127

Japanese Ships
AMc Fumi Maru #2
xAK Sinsei Maru
xAK Kansai Maru
CM Tsugaru

Allied Ships
SS S-44, hits 1



SS S-44 launches 4 torpedoes at AMc Fumi Maru #2
CM Tsugaru fails to find sub, continues to search...
CM Tsugaru attacking submerged sub ....
CM Tsugaru fails to find sub, continues to search...
CM Tsugaru fails to find sub, continues to search...
CM Tsugaru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

[center]Second Turn actions[/center]

I need to be carefull, because i haven't spotted the big CVs yet. And i lost quite a few planes on the CVL because of my bad preparation.
No big changes for this turn appart from the configuration of my Carrier planes:

- FTR set to Escort / CAP30%, 20 000 feet, max range 4
- DB set to 11 0000 Naval Attack, Max range 4
- TB set to 1000 feet, Naval Attack, Max range 4

All Search planes are also set to Naval search 6000, looking ahead of the CTFs route.

[center][/center]

Orange circle is the position of the CVL. Red is an other TF spotted by my SSs.

[BlitzimX]

Nothing much to report for the second turn appart from more Japanse poundings.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 05, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Torokina at 106,130

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes


Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 24


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
CA Furutaka, Bomb hits 1
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Kako, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Japanese CVE


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 104,132

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes


Allied aircraft
TBD-1 Devastator x 12


Allied aircraft losses
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Kasuga Maru #2
xAK Ikushima Maru



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Torokina at 106,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 13


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
CA Furutaka, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Kako, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 2, on fire



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Kako


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 104,132

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes


Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 10


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Kagu Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Aso Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
131 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Aso Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Deboyne Islands at 103,134

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes


Allied aircraft
TBD-1 Devastator x 11


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Yubari, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
E Oite



Aircraft Attacking:
11 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo

[center]Third Turn actions[/center]

Still no signs of the Big guys on the red side, i have to be cautious. Not many actions to report for this turn, appart my STF i moove up north to intercept the incoming ships near Woodlark Island.

[BlitzimX]

Incredible thrid turn. My Surface TF went all Sparta mod and sailed right in the packed group of TFs, and wrecked havoc in their lines without any scratch.

Also note the better coordination of my planes on the Air strikes, after i lwoered my FTRs altitude from 20 000 to 11 000.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 06, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Deboyne Islands at 103,134, Range 4,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CM Tsugaru, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DMS W.20, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AMc Fumi Maru #2, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
xAKL Hagoromo Maru
xAKL Noshiro Maru #2
xAK Canberra Maru, Shell hits 2
xAK Kansai Maru
xAK Asakaze Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Tatumiya Maru
xAK Kamikaze Maru, Shell hits 2
xAK Sinsei Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Chicago Maru
xAK Ikushima Maru, Shell hits 2
xAK Kasuga Maru #2, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CA Australia
CL Hobart
DD Whipple

Japanese ground losses:
296 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Low visibility due to Rain with 53% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 53% moonlight: 4,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 4,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 4,000 yards
CA Australia launches Torpedoes at CM Tsugaru at 4,000 yards
CA Australia launches Torpedoes at DMS W.20 at 4,000 yards
DD Whipple launches Torpedoes at AMc Fumi Maru #2 at 4,000 yards
CA Australia fires at xAK Ikushima Maru at 4,000 yards
DD Whipple launches Torpedoes at xAK Kansai Maru at 4,000 yards
DD Whipple launches Torpedoes at xAK Canberra Maru at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CA Australia engages CM Tsugaru at 2,000 yards
CL Hobart engages CM Tsugaru at 2,000 yards
AMc Fumi Maru #2 sunk by CA Australia at 2,000 yards
DD Whipple engages xAK Asakaze Maru at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
CA Australia engages CM Tsugaru at 3,000 yards
CL Hobart engages DMS W.20 at 3,000 yards
CA Australia engages xAK Canberra Maru at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Whipple engages CM Tsugaru at 2,000 yards
DMS W.20 sunk by CL Hobart at 2,000 yards
DD Whipple engages xAK Ikushima Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Whipple engages xAK Sinsei Maru at 2,000 yards
CA Australia engages xAK Kamikaze Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Whipple engages xAK Kansai Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Whipple engages xAK Kasuga Maru #2 at 2,000 yards
DD Whipple engages xAK Ikushima Maru at 2,000 yards
Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Milne Bay at 103,133, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
xAKL Hagoromo Maru
xAKL Noshiro Maru #2, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Canberra Maru, on fire
xAK Kansai Maru
xAK Asakaze Maru
xAK Tatumiya Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Kamikaze Maru
xAK Sinsei Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
xAK Chicago Maru, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Ikushima Maru, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Kasuga Maru #2, Shell hits 11, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Australia
CL Hobart
DD Whipple

Japanese ground losses:
2223 casualties reported
Squads: 27 destroyed, 63 disabled
Non Combat: 18 destroyed, 55 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 41 (34 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)



Poor visibility due to Rain with 53% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 53% moonlight: 1,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
Crace, J. crosses the 'T'
CA Australia engages xAK Kasuga Maru #2 at 1,000 yards
CA Australia engages xAK Chicago Maru at 1,000 yards
CL Hobart engages xAKL Noshiro Maru #2 at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
CA Australia engages xAK Ikushima Maru at 3,000 yards
DD Whipple engages xAK Chicago Maru at 3,000 yards
CA Australia engages xAK Kamikaze Maru at 3,000 yards
CA Australia engages xAK Tatumiya Maru at 3,000 yards
CL Hobart engages xAK Ikushima Maru at 3,000 yards
CA Australia engages xAK Chicago Maru at 3,000 yards
CL Hobart engages xAK Sinsei Maru at 3,000 yards
CA Australia engages xAK Kansai Maru at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
xAK Kasuga Maru #2 sunk by CA Australia at 2,000 yards
CL Hobart engages xAK Ikushima Maru at 2,000 yards
CL Hobart engages xAK Chicago Maru at 2,000 yards
Crace, J. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 4,000 yards
CL Hobart engages xAK Ikushima Maru at 4,000 yards
CL Hobart engages xAK Ikushima Maru at 4,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rabaul at 106,127

Japanese Ships
E Asanagi
DD Yayoi

Allied Ships
SS S-44



SS S-44 launches 4 torpedoes at E Asanagi
S-44 diving deep ....
DD Yayoi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yayoi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yayoi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yayoi attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yayoi cannot establish contact with SS S-44
DD Yayoi attacking submerged sub ....
SS S-44 eludes ASW attack from DD Yayoi
DD Yayoi cannot establish contact with SS S-44
DD Yayoi cannot establish contact with SS S-44
DD Yayoi cannot reach attack position over SS S-44
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 18



Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
PBY-5 Catalina: 3 damaged


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


Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Gasmata at 105,130

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 15
SBD-3 Dauntless x 22
TBD-1 Devastator x 11


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
xAK Sinsei Maru, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Canberra Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Asakaze Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Kansai Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Tatumiya Maru, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Kamikaze Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
660 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 42 disabled
Non Combat: 23 destroyed, 45 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
11 x TBD-1 Devastator bombing from 1000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 12 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Asakaze Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Sinsei Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Kamikaze Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Gasmata at 105,130

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 12
SBD-3 Dauntless x 25


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Kansai Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Tatumiya Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Asakaze Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Kamikaze Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Sinsei Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Hagoromo Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk

Japanese ground losses:
1115 casualties reported
Squads: 22 destroyed, 50 disabled
Non Combat: 65 destroyed, 87 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 391 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Kansai Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Tatumiya Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Kamikaze Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Sinsei Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Asakaze Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 104,131

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18
TBD-1 Devastator x 11


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Yubari, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Mutsuki, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires



Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
11 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Japanese CL
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Mutsuki

[center]Fourth Turn actions[/center]

After the fun on the transports, my STF is sailing back to Brisbane for replenishing. Seing how far this is, i redirect it to PM. With the transports still so close i can't allow it to sail so far.

I grouped my Oilers and DDs in a single TF, destination PM. I also order my Carriers back a bit. With all that activity, i'm sure the big Tops on the other side will have me in their visor pretty soon if i don't moove.

The Bomber raid on PM reminds me i have not transfered my fighters to it. I grab the two P-40 Sqdns in Townsville and transfer them up to Coocktowns.

[BBfanboy]

Fantastic results so far, [&o] but I wonder how many sorties your carriers have left. Can they launch two full strikes at the big CVs when they come? You should rearm and refuel [and take on aircraft replacements] if there is time before scenario end, unless you are protecting your own reinforcement convoys for PM. You certainly don't need to worry about the Japanese invasion any more! You should be free to go KB hunting.

I am surprised there have been no Betties attacking yet. You can expect that Rabaul will have some and may have just had bad weather the first couple of turns. What size Airfield is Rabaul in this scenario? It would need size 4 for the Betties to carry torpedoes.

You will not be able to reload 8" guns at Pt. Moresby unless you have an AKE or lots of Naval Support in the base. I think you need a size 6 port to load the guns and size 7 to reload torpedoes. If you have an AKE down at Brisbane or Sydney, move it north to Cairns [if Cairns has not been bombed yet].

Taking out those AVs at Rekata Bay was important. You crippled his Mavis/Emily search ability. That may be why the KB is not heading for you yet.

[BlitzimX]

Thanks BB for the. I have been very inspired to pull my CVs back, because as expected, the KB showed up. Lucky for me, they launched just a minor scale attack on the Yorktown. But the big blow came from a northern strike i wasn't expecting, perhaps coming from CVLs. As a result, the Yorktown is crippled. I think she won't survive an other shot, even more now that the KB knows where i am.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 07, 42
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Deboyne Islands at 104,138

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
B5N2 Kate x 17



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 23


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 1, on fire



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-3 Wildcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 11000
Raid is overhead
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-5 with F4F-3 Wildcat (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 7 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers



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Morning Air attack on TF, near Deboyne Islands at 104,138

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39
G3M2 Nell x 20



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
G3M2 Nell: 10 damaged
G3M2 Nell: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA Astoria, Torpedo hits 1
CV Yorktown, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Chester



Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VF-5 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 57 minutes
VF-2 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Deboyne Islands at 104,139

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 71 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
B5N2 Kate x 23



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 17


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 7 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Lexington



Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-5 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 5 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers

[center]Fifth Turn actions[/center]

Now i must admit i don't know what to do. I know where the KB is, but they do knw where i am. Besides, the Yorktown is crippled, and i got two threats up north i didn't manage to identify.
And as you see on the two CVs screenshots, my planes are depleted and few are ready to act. I need advices here, i don't know what to do. Run away, or reorganize the Carrier planes on the LExington and launch a full scale attack? (If i find how to reorganize the planes on the CVs XD)

[center]



[/center]

[BBfanboy]

The attack that came from the north was land-based Nells - the IJA counterpart to the IJN Betty bomber. Their torpedoes are nasty and that is what I was trying to warn about in mentioning the Bettys in my previous post. AAR writers refer to these two aircraft collectively as "Netties". They both have long range, although they cannot carry torpedoes to full range.

First step - get all your valuable ships out of range of the Netties - about 23 hexes from Rabaul.

Yorktown is not all that badly damaged and should be able to survive if you can protect her from further attacks. She will not be able to operate aircraft until total damage numbers add to less than 50.
Retire toward Townsville with your undamaged CV in the same hex, but a separate TF. Do not use full speed for a torpedo damaged ship - flooding will spread. Cruise speed is best for Damage Control but with KB closing in you must risk going mission speed. If any LBA fighters with drop tanks can reach your TF to provide some LRCAP you should do this.

You have used a lot of your sorties and some of your torpedoes already. KB in this case is Shokaku and Zuikaku, the best carriers in the Japanese navy. They have only launched a partial strike using Kate TBs [longer range than Val DBs] and they were using bombs because they were at extreme range. That means they still have all of their torpedoes, and Kates with torps are deadly. If you are lucky they will not close in as fast as you run away.

You have already accomplished your mission of stopping the PM invasion and sank a CVL and some cruisers and other ships as well. Retiring when you are at a disadvantage is wise. However, if you have time to repair Yorktown or if the KB follows you into range of your LBA, Lexington might make another stand with their support.

PS - is Enterprise in this scenario? If you have both Lexington and Enterprise you can be a little more aggressive.

[BlitzimX]

Nope, the Enterprise isn't in that Scenario.

I followed your advices for the next 2 turns, and the Yorktown didn't make it. On turn 6, despite the Lex FTR set to 100% CAP and 20 000 feet altitude, they barely intercepted the raids from the KB. AS a result, she didn't sink under the bomb, but sank on her way back to Townsville.

All the other ships made it though, and i disbanded them in the port.

Now it seems they are hammering PM where my P-40s have a hard time fighting back. I have 2 not full Sqdrns up there, set each ones to 20 000 feet 50%Cap, but they struggle to get any result.

And, bad news, looking at the stats it seems the Shoho isn't sunk.

In a word, i'm kinda blown


The only thing is my STF which arrived at Townsville all replenished (appart from the torpedoes), and ready to get somewhere for the remaining 5 days.

[Cribtop]

This is a short, sharp scenario. Fun stuff but deadly.

Even if Shoho isn't sunk, she's out of the fight. Maybe re-provision Lex and try to hit KB with both LBA and her? If the Japanese take PM you will lose on points, so may as well go down swinging. You could try to intercept the invasion TF with your SCTF at the same time. Casualties are expected...

OTOH, if you think you got most of the invasion TF, you can sit back, hold PM, and play more cautiously. More fun my way, though. [;)]

[wdolson]

This is a come as you are scenario. You can refuel your carriers, but you don't really have time to run back to Australia to rearm. You have enough sorties to do significant damage to the invasion force or go after the Shokakus, but not both.

The Kate strike probably came from one of the Shokakus. The Japanese get three carriers in this battle and you damaged one, probably putting it out of the fight. When you were striking the transports the air cover was coming from land based Zeros not the Shoho. That's a good indication that the Shoho had either retreated or its deck was closed. Either way, she was out of the fight. I wouldn't expect the Japanese to get her back to combat capable overnight.

Japanese land based air, especially in the early years, is extremely dangerous. Bettys and Nells are the best land based naval strike aircraft in the game. They are vulnerable to CAP and AA once you get into late 42 and beyond, but early war ship defense is a lot weaker than mid to late war.

You can check the scenario score on the information screen. After taking out the invasion force, I would have checked my score and if it was high enough, I would have taken the CVs south to avoid giving the Japanese points. You will get some end of the scenario points for ships damaged but not sunk.

You still may pull off a marginal victory. You probably inflicted as much naval damage on the Japanese as they did on you sinking the Yorktown.

Still fairly good results for a new player.

Bill

[BBfanboy]

P-40s do not perform well above their best maneuver band which goes from 5K-15K feet. See the Aircraft Data screen by clicking the text at the bottom left of the air squadron screen. Having higher altitude is good for the first pass but after that it is all about maneuvering. Since Japanese fighters at this time can go higher than Allied fighters, don't bother trying to get the highest altitude. Besides, if you are too high you will not be able to dive down in time to intercept the bombers which usually come in between 8K-15K.

I think you got the main part of his invasion forces, although there may be some follow-up troops such as base forces still at sea. They will not be a threat to PM by themselves. Do watch for troops coming over the mountains on the Kokoda track from Buna. He may have some other fighting units he can land at Buna and march over.

Don't worry about the stats/intel screen not showing Shoho sunk yet. With about six bomb hits and heavy fires/heavy damage she is certainly sunk. It just takes some time to get the confirmation from Signals Intelligence.

With only five days left in the scenario you do not have to do anything more with Lexington or with the SCTF, which is not all that strong anyway. Certainly KB will have more cruisers and perhaps battleships than your SCTF, so trying to intercept it would not be a good idea. However if you want to try for more fun you could try to raid where Japanese shipping would likely be - Buna, Rabaul, Shortlands. You will likely be attacked by Nells or Betties, and perhaps the KB if it still has any sorties left. I say go for it just to learn what happens - you don't learn anything by sitting in port.

[BlitzimX]

I decided to not sit here and wait for my fate. I took my Sfc TF and combined it with the rest of the Yorktown's escort to form a 5CA 5DD 1CL TF. The LExington TF was set to follow behind to provide air cover.


I ordered the TFs to advance toward Woodlark island to intercept what may remain of the Invasion TF. But ias soon as i was in range i was assaulted by dozens of Bombers. If i lost a few ships, it allowed me to discover the position of the KB.

In the process, i lost the Lexington too, but i think the end results are worth it.

See by yourself :p

[center]

[/center]

It's true i did this only because i only had a few days left to win. If i had had more time, i wouldn't have sailed like that in the death trap. An other day and i would have lost more ships from my STF.

Anyway it was a good game and i'm surprised it went so well.

Final score: Allies 2201, Japaneses 1103.

[BBfanboy]

Looks like you had a lot of fun in the last few days![:D]

Most players would consider the even trade of carriers an Allied victory because the Japanese do not get as many replacements as the US/Britain. This would leave Japan handicapped for the rest of the war, if you were playing the Grand Campaign (GC). Besides the carriers, the really important thing is to destroy the KB aircraft at locations where their pilots cannot survive. It is the pilot's skill that made them so dangerous to the Allies.
So if the Japanese CV pilots were close enough to their own bases when you sank their CVs, they would fly to them and continue to fight. If they could not reach any base they are lost and the victory is twice as great.

But the same goes for the Allies in 1942. They have few ships that can stop the Japanese invasions and really need the few carriers they have. Loss of two carriers would hurt a lot. Loss of their air groups would hurt even more.[:(]
Replacement pilots are still in training and aircraft production is still low. In real life CV Wasp was still helping the British in the Mediterranean [ferrying Spitfires to Malta]. Only Enterprise, Hornet and Saratoga are left to stop the Japanese from advancing, and Saratoga needs a month-long upgrade to remove the 8" guns and increase the AA batteries. If the game continued from this point it would have been very tense - and interesting - and fun!

Congratulations on completing the scenario! Are you going to replay it or move on to another one?

[BlitzimX]

Thanks for the help AS i said, i did this only because i had a few days left and the scenario was very limited. If it had been longer, i wouldn't have risked the Lexington like that.

I will perhaps replay this scenario but on my side, not with this AAR. For now , i will moove on to an other scenario which seems quite interesting before Guadalcanal.

Stay tuned and thanks for the advices as usual.

[witpqs]

Good going! Congrats. [:)]

[wdolson]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Looks like you had a lot of fun in the last few days![:D]

Most players would consider the even trade of carriers an Allied victory because the Japanese do not get as many replacements as the US/Britain. This would leave Japan handicapped for the rest of the war, if you were playing the Grand Campaign (GC). Besides the carriers, the really important thing is to destroy the KB aircraft at locations where their pilots cannot survive. It is the pilot's skill that made them so dangerous to the Allies.
So if the Japanese CV pilots were close enough to their own bases when you sank their CVs, they would fly to them and continue to fight. If they could not reach any base they are lost and the victory is twice as great.

But the same goes for the Allies in 1942. They have few ships that can stop the Japanese invasions and really need the few carriers they have. Loss of two carriers would hurt a lot. Loss of their air groups would hurt even more.[:(]
Replacement pilots are still in training and aircraft production is still low. In real life CV Wasp was still helping the British in the Mediterranean [ferrying Spitfires to Malta]. Only Enterprise, Hornet and Saratoga are left to stop the Japanese from advancing, and Saratoga needs a month-long upgrade to remove the 8" guns and increase the AA batteries. If the game continued from this point it would have been very tense - and interesting - and fun!

Congratulations on completing the scenario! Are you going to replay it or move on to another one?

The Saratoga was only out of service to remove the 8 inch guns because she had been torpedoed by a sub. While she was in dry dock, the guns were removed and the AA suite upgraded. If she hadn't been torpedoed, she probably would have soldiered on through most of 42 with the 8 inch guns because having the deck was more important than stripping the big guns.

If this was the GC, the USN player would sorely feel the loss of two carriers until late 43. Once all the pre-war USN carriers have arrived, the only carriers the Allied player gets before July of 43 is one Essex and one British carrier. The only carriers they get between July and September are three Independence class CVLs.

In the real war this is why the US concentrated on New Guinea and the Solomons from late 42 until late 43. Those were the only places in the Pacific where they could take the war to the Japanese with land based air.

But these are things for the Grand Campaign. The small scenarios, especially this one, create an artificial environment where you can go all in and there are no long term consequences. I ran into this playing the old AH game Midway. The Japanese player could sacrifice the entire IJN to capture the island if they wanted to.

Bill