Just Another AAR... Wargmr (A) Gunnulf (J)

[Mike McCreery]

April 15, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
San Jose

Gunnulf Attacks Imphal ! (and after walking all that way I dont blame him!!)

But seriously... Unless he brings like 4,000AV to Imphal he is not going to get good odds...

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

Ground combat at Imphal (60,40)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 31132 troops, 270 guns, 94 vehicles, Assault Value = 1086

Defending force 24771 troops, 374 guns, 572 vehicles, Assault Value = 624

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 118

Allied adjusted defense: 2998

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 25 (fort level 2)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), preparation(-), morale(-)
experience(-)
Attacker: supply(-)

Japanese ground losses:
2668 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 173 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 71 disabled
Guns lost 25 (2 destroyed, 23 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
545 casualties reported
Squads: 23 destroyed, 37 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled


Assaulting units:
Imperial Guards Division
18th Division
143rd Infantry Regiment
55th Engineer Regiment
15th Army
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
Upper Burma BAF Battalion
13th Burma Rifles Battalion
2nd Assam Rifles Battalion
7th Australian Division
4th Assam Rifles Battalion
2/11th Field Regiment
2/13th Field Regiment
3rd Hyderabad Base Force
1st Burma Auxiliary AA Regiment
1/4 Det. South Ind
24th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Bengal Base Force
1st Hyderabad Base Force
2/9th Field Regiment
21st Light AA Regiment
102nd RAF Base Force
Burma Corps
1st Bengal Construction Battalion


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

April 16, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

The Japanese have pushed all the way to Tenant Creek

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

Ground combat at Tennant Creek (76,137)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5978 troops, 76 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 253

Defending force 7052 troops, 94 guns, 38 vehicles, Assault Value = 220

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


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


Assaulting units:
40th Brigade

Defending units:
Sparrow Battalion
Gull Battalion
2/4 MG Battalion
2/2nd Ind Coy
19th Australian Battalion
NW Aus Aviation Rgt
NW Australia Base Force
Broome RAN Base Force


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

April 17, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
Bacolod

[Mike McCreery]

April 18, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

April 19, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

April 20, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
Nanning

Gunnulf pulls off a surprise invasion of the hex NE of Akyab

*note This is a non-base & non-dot hex. I know there is some debate over whether this is "gamey" or not. My view is that it was never discussed in the beginning for HR's and it is possible in game so it is fine by me. The only 2 HR's I remember agreeing to are no Naval Bombing with 4E & Paying full PP to buy units out. Gunnulf also mentioned not being "gamey" which can cause issues in understanding the accepted rules in a game.

For anyone who has not delved into playing a larger scenario it is like being in a *healthy* long term relationship. If you want it to last you have to avoid ticking off the other person as much as possible.
*healthy used to differentiate from all the unhealthy long term relationships out there and I can feel myself getting deeper as I type so.... Oh look, a kitty!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action at 54,42

Japanese Ships
CL Kinu
CL Jintsu
DD Yugiri
DD Shikinami
DD Uranami



CL Kinu firing at 63rd Indian Brigade
CL Jintsu firing at 46th Indian Brigade
DD Yugiri firing at 27th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
DD Shikinami firing at 27th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
DD Uranami firing at 63rd Indian Brigade
DD Uranami fired at enemy troops


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at 55,44

TF 99 troops unloading over beach at 55,44

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

[Mike McCreery]

April 21, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
Pakenhoi

Fortunately I have troops in the hex NE of Akyab
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at 55,44 (near Akyab)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6290 troops, 63 guns, 49 vehicles, Assault Value = 395

Defending force 14622 troops, 128 guns, 177 vehicles, Assault Value = 367


Allied ground losses:
182 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
3rd Burma Rifles Battalion
4/8th Gurkha Battalion
1st Gloucestershire Battalion
Railway BAF Battalion
46th Indian Brigade
6th Burma Rifles Battalion
63rd Indian Brigade
104th RAF Base Force
107th RAF Base Force
27th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
106th RAF Base Force
103rd RN Base Force
108th RAF Base Force

Defending units:
56th Division
25th Army
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
April 22, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

April 23, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

Gunnulf follows the amphibious invasion NE of Akyab with a bombardment and direct attack of Akyab.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Akyab at 54,45

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Yamashiro
BB Mutsu
CA Suzuya
CA Mikuma
CA Mogami


Allied ground losses:
47 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (3 destroyed, 4 disabled)


Manpower hits 2
Fires 53
Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 11
Port hits 8
Port supply hits 2

BB Hyuga firing at Akyab
BB Yamashiro firing at 16th Indian Brigade
BB Mutsu firing at BFF Brigade
CA Suzuya firing at BFF Brigade
CA Mikuma firing at 16th Indian Brigade
CA Mogami firing at 16th Indian Brigade


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

Ground combat at Akyab (54,45)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14067 troops, 170 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 439

Defending force 5990 troops, 59 guns, 23 vehicles, Assault Value = 262

Japanese adjusted assault: 380

Allied adjusted defense: 191

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
413 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
320 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 50 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
5th Division
3rd Mortar Battalion
21st JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
BFF Brigade
2nd Burma Brigade
16th Indian Brigade
6th Heavy AA Regiment


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

[Mike McCreery]

April 24, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

April 25, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

April 26, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

Gunnulf continues to pummel Akyab
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Akyab (54,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 9020 troops, 160 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 325

Defending force 8830 troops, 87 guns, 20 vehicles, Assault Value = 166


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


Assaulting units:
146th Infantry Regiment
25th Division
Imperial Guards Division
3rd RTA Division
18th Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
Rangoon BAF Battalion
1st Gloucestershire Battalion
9/11th Sikh Battalion
4/8th Gurkha Battalion
4/14th Punjab Battalion
2nd King Own YLI Battalion
2nd Burma Brigade
12th Burma Rifles Battalion
16th Indian Brigade
11th Burma Rifles Battalion
100th RAF Base Force
27th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
4th Burma Rifles Battalion
6th Burma Rifles Battalion
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, the KB shows up off the coast of Ceylon

[Mike McCreery]

When I looked at the base and realized I had 72 ships there including my 4 BB's and a CV I looked closer...

Good thing 30 of those ships are subs!!!

TALLEY HO!!!

[Mike McCreery]

April 27, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

April 28, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
Cebu

April 29, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

Gunnulf orders Sulu to warp speed and the KB disappears from the east coast of Ceylon.
I did not send all the subs to chase the KB however. I sent quite a few to the channel between Ceylon & Singapore.

April 30, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

[Mike McCreery]

Score as of May 1, 1942

[Mike McCreery]

Air Losses as of May 1942

[Mike McCreery]

May 1, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
Tilatjap, Sabang

Twas the night before Christmas... Oh wait, wrong fairytale...
Gunnulf has had several STF's hanging out at Lunga and it looks like a trap but I am game. I am showing BB's and a CV but only 7 auxilary ships so it isnt the mini-KB. I have the Hornet, Enterprise and Yorktown heading up to intercept. If it is a trap I hope to ambush the ambushers.
Major parts of the Port Moresby invasion are at least 9 days out from Townsville. My prediction cause I am old and cannot remember is 2 weeks till invasion. There is no detection at Horn Island nor the bases on Australia.
I have sunk 6 Japanese Subs and 2 Japanese mini-subs and I have lost only 1 sub.

Slowly I turn... Step by step... Inch by inch...






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 114,138

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 12
F4F-3 Wildcat x 32
F4F-4 Wildcat x 38
SBC-4 Helldiver x 34
SBD-3 Dauntless x 51
TBD-1 Devastator x 69


Allied aircraft losses
SBC-4 Helldiver: 1 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBD-1 Devastator: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 3, on fire
BB Ise
xAP Kamakura Maru, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Nagato, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
xAP Asama Maru, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Tatsuta Maru, Bomb hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Murasame, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires

Japanese ground losses:
1293 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 60 destroyed, 56 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled

[Mike McCreery]

May 2, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
Akyab

The combat replay either felt too guilty to tell me or had some sort of bug as it told me it was 1-1 with no retreat yet the condition of the base tells quite a different tale...

[Mike McCreery]

May 2, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
Akyab

May 3, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

May 4, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
Tenant Creek, Tacloban

LCDR Friedrichsen will never have to buy another beer in his life...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Bassein at 51,51

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
BB Hyuga
BB Yamashiro
CA Mogami
DD Shiranui
DD Tanikaze
DD Arashi
DD Hamakaze

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon



SS Seadragon launches 4 torpedoes at CA Suzuya
Seadragon diving deep ....
DD Tanikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Arashi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hamakaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Tanikaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Arashi fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hamakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hamakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hamakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hamakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


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

Sub attack near Bassein at 51,51

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD Tanikaze

Allied Ships
SS Sealion



SS Sealion launches 4 torpedoes at CA Suzuya
Sealion diving deep ....
DD Tanikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tanikaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Tanikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tanikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tanikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Bassein at 51,51

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Sailfish



SS Sailfish launches 4 torpedoes at CA Suzuya
Sailfish diving deep ....
Sub escapes detection


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

[Mike McCreery]

May 5, 1942 - May 12, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

Ok, building up to the big invasion of Port Moresby. I have started packing the transports. Here is the way to design an invasion convoy. Ships load troops first, heavy equipment next and supply last. They unload the same way. So, if you want supply on day 1 you cannot have a mixed load.

Therefore I have 29 AKL's amphibious loaded (this is critical) with supplies separate from the troops. I also have a USN unit for naval support. I am loading the divisions individually on their own transport groups before putting them together. I have about 20,000/30,000 lift for each division and I am loading troops only on these transports.

The transport convoy will consist of 100 ships with over 400,000 tons of lift. It needs to be this big because I have a very small window of opportunity due to the KB still being at full strength and able to beat anything I can throw at it.

OOB includes

41st Infantry Division
24th Infantry Division
25th Infantry Division
19th Combat Engineer Battalion
102nd Combat Engineer Battalion
110th Combat Engineer Battalion
810th EAB
811th EAB
134th USA Base Force
244 USN Base Force
Pacific Ocean Areas Command HQ
I US Amphibious Corps HQ

I am not sure where the KB is. There is a small air task force at Rabaul with 20 fighters and 17 bombers.

May 13, 1942 - May 14, 1942
Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

[Mike McCreery]

May 15, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

Task force has launched 1 BB STF, 2 CA STF, 1 CF with 5CV's, & 1 minesweeping force just in case.

[Mike McCreery]

May 16, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
Denpassar


I have no detection on any of the ASW and/or Invasion TF's.

[Mike McCreery]

May 17, 1942

The invasion begins

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Port Moresby at 98,130

Allied Ships
BB Warspite
BB Mississippi
BB New Mexico
BB Idaho
BB Colorado
CA Australia
CA New Orleans

Japanese ground losses:
674 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 17 disabled



Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 20
Port hits 16
Port supply hits 2

BB Warspite firing at 17th Infantry Regiment
BB Mississippi firing at Port Moresby
BB New Mexico firing at Port Moresby
BB Idaho firing at Port Moresby
BB Colorado firing at 17th Infantry Regiment
CA Australia firing at Port Moresby
CA New Orleans firing at Port Moresby


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Port Moresby (98,130)

27 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
xAP President Buchanan
xAP President Taylor
xAP President Coolidge
AP President Polk


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


xAP President Buchanan firing at 17th Infantry Regiment
xAP President Buchanan fired at enemy troops
xAP President Taylor fired at enemy troops
xAP President Coolidge fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Port Moresby (98,130)

TF 146 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 98,130


Allied ground losses:
242 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)


0.5in M2HB AAMG x4 lost from landing craft during unload of 24th Infantry Div /3
10 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 134th USA Base Force
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad lost in surf during unload of 41st Infantry Div /4
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 25th Infantry Div /2
8 Naval Support troops lost overboard during unload of Pacific Ocean Areas /2
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 41st Infantry Div /8
10 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 41st Infantry Div /8
8 Naval Support troops lost in surf during unload of Pacific Ocean Areas /3
8 Naval Support troops accidentally lost during unload of Pacific Ocean Areas /5
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 41st Infantry Div /10
10 Support troops lost overboard during unload of Pacific Ocean Areas /7
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 25th Infantry Div /3
10 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 102nd Combat Engr Rgt /4
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 25th Infantry Div /7
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad lost overboard during unload of 25th Infantry Div /8
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad lost overboard during unload of 25th Infantry Div /10
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad accidentally lost during unload of 24th Infantry Div /6
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad accidentally lost during unload of 24th Infantry Div /9
105mm M2 Howitzer lost in surf during unload of 24th Infantry Div /10
8 Naval Support troops lost in surf during unload of Pacific Ocean Areas /9
Motorized Support damaged beyond repair during unload of 810th EAB /4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130)

15 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
xAP President Buchanan
xAP President Taylor
xAP President Coolidge
AP President Polk



xAP President Buchanan firing at 17th Infantry Regiment
xAP President Buchanan fired at enemy troops
xAP President Taylor fired at enemy troops
xAP President Coolidge fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130)

20 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
xAP President Buchanan
xAP President Taylor
xAP President Coolidge
AP President Polk



xAP President Buchanan fired at enemy troops
xAP President Taylor fired at enemy troops
xAP President Coolidge fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


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

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3577 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 143

Defending force 37345 troops, 528 guns, 739 vehicles, Assault Value = 1319

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

Assaulting units:
17th Infantry Regiment
8th Engineer Regiment

Defending units:
19th Combat Engineer Regiment
110th Combat Engineer Battalion
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
41st Infantry Division
24th Infantry Division
25th Infantry Div /1
810th Engineer Aviation Battalion
Pacific Ocean Areas
134th USA Base Force
811th Engineer Aviation Battalion
255th USN Base Force

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

[Mike McCreery]

My opponent made a comment about the situation.

Gunnulf - "I must admit I think thats one of the game weaknesses that its possible to launch an invasion of 2/3rd the size of the D-Day landings off the gangplank of a few passenger ships so early in the game with hardly any penalties."

Now, considering the detection situation he had only seen about 5 ships of my invasion task force along with the bombardment task force. All other ships were undetected up to this time.

May 18, 1942
Bases Captured by the Japanese

None

Bases Captured by the Allies
PORT MORESBY



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130)

19 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
xAP President Buchanan
xAP President Taylor
xAP President Coolidge
AP President Polk



xAP President Buchanan fired at enemy troops
xAP President Taylor fired at enemy troops
xAP President Coolidge fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Port Moresby at 98,130

Allied Ships
BB Warspite
BB Mississippi
BB New Mexico
BB Idaho
BB Colorado
CA Australia
CA New Orleans

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



Runway hits 1

BB Warspite firing at Port Moresby
BB Mississippi firing at Port Moresby
BB New Mexico firing at Port Moresby
BB Idaho firing at Port Moresby
BB Colorado firing at Port Moresby
CA Australia firing at Port Moresby
CA New Orleans firing at Port Moresby


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

Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130)

18 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
xAP President Tyler
xAP President Buchanan
xAP President Coolidge
AP President Polk


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


xAP President Tyler fired at enemy troops
xAP President Buchanan fired at enemy troops
xAP President Coolidge fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


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

Invasion Support action off Port Moresby (98,130)

21 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
xAP Matsonia
xAP Lurline
xAP Monterey
AP President Polk


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


xAP Matsonia fired at enemy troops
xAP Lurline fired at enemy troops
xAP Monterey fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


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

The only way today could have gone better is if someone made a movie out of it with explosions and s***t.

The first thing that happens out of the blue is my carriers launch a strike.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Cape Gloucester at 101,124

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20



Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 11
F4F-3 Wildcat x 28
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22
SBC-4 Helldiver x 14
SBD-3 Dauntless x 45


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3A Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBC-4 Helldiver: 1 damaged
SBC-4 Helldiver: 1 destroyed by flak
SBD-3 Dauntless: 6 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CVE Hosho, Bomb hits 4, on fire
DD Natsugumo
DD Michishio, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CL Natori
CS Chiyoda, Bomb hits 1



Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBC-4 Helldiver releasing from 4000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
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
8 x SBC-4 Helldiver releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
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:
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Hiyo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Michishio


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

Then we have incoming. One of the bombers got through and there was quite a pucker factor...

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

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 109 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 31
B5N2 Kate x 9
D3A1 Val x 13



Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 27
F4F-3 Wildcat x 43
F4F-4 Wildcat x 32


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 7 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3A Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 4 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (1 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (5 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-212 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-221 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers



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

Once I survived that I was pretty sure everything was going to be ok for D-Day.

The afternoon definitely held advantage allies...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Cape Gloucester at 101,124

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6



Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 5
F4F-3 Wildcat x 20
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14
SBD-2 Dauntless x 14
SBD-3 Dauntless x 57


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-2 Dauntless: 2 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Kiso, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CVE Hosho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Natori, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Yugumo
DD Kasumi



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-2 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 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 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
4 x SBD-2 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

CAP engaged:
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Hiyo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Hosho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Junyo


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 98,130

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 119 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 50 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
B5N2 Kate x 6
D3A1 Val x 6



Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 16
F4F-3 Wildcat x 29
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 4 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-3A Wildcat (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-212 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 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 25 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-221 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers



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

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

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3502 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 133

Defending force 45186 troops, 607 guns, 1061 vehicles, Assault Value = 1328

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



Assaulting units:
17th Infantry Regiment
8th Engineer Regiment

Defending units:
25th Infantry Division
19th Combat Engineer Regiment
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
110th Combat Engineer Battalion
24th Infantry Division
41st Infantry Division
810th Engineer Aviation Battalion
811th Engineer Aviation Battalion
Pacific Ocean Areas
134th USA Base Force
255th USN Base Force


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

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 39502 troops, 607 guns, 981 vehicles, Assault Value = 1328

Defending force 4277 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 126

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Allied adjusted assault: 3688

Japanese adjusted defense: 3

Allied assault odds: 1229 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Port Moresby !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
4313 casualties reported
Squads: 96 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 47 destroyed, 64 disabled
Engineers: 42 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 29 (27 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units retreated 2


Allied ground losses:
238 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
110th Combat Engineer Battalion
24th Infantry Division
25th Infantry Division
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
19th Combat Engineer Regiment
41st Infantry Division
810th Engineer Aviation Battalion
811th Engineer Aviation Battalion
134th USA Base Force
Pacific Ocean Areas
255th USN Base Force

Defending units:
17th Infantry Regiment
8th Engineer Regiment


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

[Mike McCreery]

Gunnulf made another comment about the situation and how it shouldnt have been possible to do an assault that size in mid 42 and I took it the wrong way. It really brought me from feeling great about the invasion to feeling crappy.

One person's brilliance might be seen as "gamey" by another person. After going back and forth a few times I understood that he was not accusing me of cheating or being gamey and things have moved on.

This is why it is so important to have the rules of the game clear from the start or at least clear along the way.

I am a gamer. I have been for over 30 years. I like to test the limits of the system and do untried things to see what I can make it do.

One of the things that I had the option of doing is marching 2 divisions across to take out Buna. I know this is
another controversial point in the game because the allies did not do it in real life. Because of the current situation and feelings I chose not to use the over land route to attack Buna.

With Port Moresby secured I had to figure out what to do next. My main focal point is a route up through the Banda Sea. Gunnulf is already fortifying Boela. I have to decide whether to go for Timor, Ceram or somehow bypass them both. In this game my first major objective is to take Soerbaja and use it as a forward base.

I intend to interdict his ability to get oil from Palembang ASAP.

If the Timor route is difficult I could capture Ceram and move up through to Manila instead. Capturing Puerta Princessa almost cuts off the oil flow to the HI just the same as taking out Palembang does.

In Australia I am basing out of Cloncurry and Alice Springs. God bless those engineers. Cloncurry is already lvl 8AF. I have been pounding his troops at tennant creek with B-17's while he bombs mine with Bettys out of Darwin supported by Zero's.

My intention is to drive forces from Alice Springs & Cloncurry to take back Tenant creek and move forward from there. One of the difficulties in this area is lack of supply due to the shitty roads and long distances. We will see how it goes.

Tactically I need to secure Terapo & Merauke and continue to build up Horn Island with a look toward the dot islands west of there near and on the Australian coast.

As far as Rabaul, Truk, Luganville, etc... He can keep all those bases and spend time supplying and building them up. I have no interest in that vector at this time. I will push in another direction and take these islands when they are empty or when all he has left is starving troops out of supply. I dont want him to know this yet.

[Mike McCreery]

May 19, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
None

May 20, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
Parmekasan

May 21, 1942

Bases Captured by the Japanese
Wenchow

KB sighted SE of Manus

Merauke shows no troops with 9/10 detection.

May 22, 1942

Bases Captured By the Japanese

None

May 23, 1942

Bases Captured By the Japanese

None

May 24, 1942

Bases Captured By the Japanese

None

Starting forces moving toward Tenant Creek.

The 2nd Australian Division from Alice Springs and the 3rd Australian Division along with the 2nd Reece, 2/5 Armored, 1st Mtr Bde, 2/11th Armored car, 94th AA bn are all advancing.

[Mike McCreery]

May 25, 1942

Bases Captured By the Japanese

Mataram, Palopo


Amphibious assault of Merauke by the Allies


May 26, 1942

Bases Captured By the Japanese

None

Bases Captured by the Allies

MERAUKE


May 27, 1942

Bases Captured By the Japanese

None

May 28, 1942

Bases Captured By the Japanese

None

May 29, 1942

Bases Captured By the Japanese

Chuhsien

[Mike McCreery]

May 30, 1942

Bases Captured By the Japanese

None

The KB pays a visit to Brisbane

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Brisbane at 96,160

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 114 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
D3A1 Val x 17



Allied aircraft
P-36A Mohawk x 25
P-39D Airacobra x 16
P-40E Warhawk x 17
F2A-3 Buffalo x 16


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-36A Mohawk: 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
F2A-3 Buffalo: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL Adelaide, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CM Rigel, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
15th FG/45th FS with P-40E Warhawk (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(17 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
35th FG/HqS with P-39D Airacobra (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-211 with F2A-3 Buffalo (4 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
35th FG/41st FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
70th FS with P-36A Mohawk (4 airborne, 17 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers



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

There seems to be a sync bug because as I look at the Rigel in my turn it has 0 damage.