The Good The Bad & The Indifferent

[Canoerebel]

6/30/43

Operation Roller Coaster: No enemy opposition today as the Allied invasion forces assemble and gather useful information. The Allies are "inside the perimeter of islands." As I watched the movie, there were multiple messages about Allied ships "withdrawing due to air threat." Then a bombardment TF hit Maloelap, led by BBs Oklahoma and Revenge. Both BBs took more than a dozen hits and then simply disappeared from the screen. At this point I'm thinking: "If my ships have scattered and if those BBs are decimated, I might just have to scrub this thing." But when I opened the turn, all ships were in a tight little group, just as they were supposed to be, and the two battlewagons were in pristine shape with no damage. So the invasion is on.

The bombardment of Maloelap suggests that Allied BBs can suppress the shore guns in satisfactory fashion. There were apparently no aircraft here and the Japanese defenses appear modest, with a bunch of guns disabled. Tomorrow, an amphibious TF with CA Portland embedded will hit this beach.

Just to the south, one APD landed a detachment of Marine 'chutes at Majuro. The island was held by a small air support unit of 11 AV, which was sufficient to extinguish the Marines. But Majuro is open and should be easy pickings if I need it (it's a 1(1) port and 0(0) airfield).

Invasions preceded by bombardments will take place tomorrow at Ailingalap and Mili, and a straight invasion of Jaluit. I'm holding back a day on invasions of Wotje and Roi Namur so that I can keep my ships clustered fairly tightly.

The whole situation is very tense since I don't know if a Half (really it could be 2/3rds) KB is going to strike. But I'm encouraged that Maloelap's airfield was empty, and John might be dissuaded from loading up other advance fields given the threat that bombardments pose.

Operation Circus: A very quiet day up here, but Half KB North remains posted at Attu Island. The garrison at Dutch Harbor is down from 81k to 55k, a good start on getting it under the 35k stacking limit. Mostly I'm moving out AA units now. John got whacked here once, isn't likely to forget it, and the base doesn't have an airfield and thus isn't a linchpin of the Allied defenses. Troops continue to move forward as I plan Operation Carnival, the invasion of Amchitka Island. SigInt that John is moving an AA unit forward to Attu Island.

Battle of Sumatra: Bombardment by BBs and Three Sisters and an artillery bombardment that messes up the IJA artillery. But the Allied garrison is down to 7k supply and all the units have a material amount of disruption. The base is ripe for plucking now. I think John will soon try a shock attack and it will fall. Could happen tomorrow. But neither did I think July would see the Allies holding this base and continuing to hold such an important element of the Kaigun.

[Canoerebel]

The Maleolap bombardment from the Combat Report:

Night Naval bombardment of Maloelap at 136,117 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
102 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB Revenge, Shell hits 17
BB Oklahoma, Shell hits 3
CA Sussex
CL Honolulu
CLAA Richmond

Japanese ground losses:
155 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 17 (1 destroyed, 16 disabled)

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 6
Port hits 2

BB Revenge firing at Maloelap Naval Fortress
Maloelap Naval Fortress firing at BB Revenge
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for BB Oklahoma
Maloelap Naval Fortress firing at BB Oklahoma
BB Oklahoma firing at Maloelap Naval Fortress
Maloelap Naval Fortress firing at CA Sussex
CA Sussex firing at Maloelap Naval Fortress
CL Honolulu firing at Maloelap
CLAA Richmond firing at Maloelap

[Canoerebel]

Operation Roller Coaster on the last day of June

[BBfanboy]

Canoerebel: But Majuro is open and should be easy pickings if I need it (it's a 1(1) port and 0(0) airfield).

Might be a good one to take quickly so you can put some AKEs there and keep your BBs bombarding thornier islands.

[Canoerebel]

That's why I'm targeting Jaluit - it's a level four port and will get a USN base force with Nav Support. That combined with an AKE should be enough to replenish capital ships. In contrast, Majuro is a level one port, so I don't think it would replenish BBs and possibly not even 8" for CAs (unless I had massive Nav Support). But Majuor is the backup if Jaluit proves tough to take. Also, I want a base - any base - for PBY search capability.

[CaptBeefheart]

AKEs and AEs (of bigger size for BBs) can actually replenish your surface forces in a O-level port. Hopefully you have some ADs as well to replenish your DD torpedoes. EDIT: And AGPs to replenish PTs. So, no need to actually take a Level-4 Port if you brought enough aux vessels to the party. Of course, another consideration is providing sufficient air cover so they don't all get sunk.

Cheers,
CC

[Canoerebel]

7/1/43

Operation Roller Coaster: On Pucker Factor Day when I half expected the wheels to come off, D-Day goes nearly perfectly. I had issued a complicated set of orders that included some of the bombardment TFs that fired yesterday to withdraw and merge with invasion TFs (to serve as CD-gun sponges) with other bombardment TFs moving forward to bombard the beaches prior to amphibious landings at Maloelap, Mili, Jaluit and Ailingalap. When the movie started with a series of "TF X merged with TF Y" messages, it seemed a good omen.

In the morning phase Allied ships bombarded Jaluit and Mili. No bombardment was deemed necessary for Maloelap, which had been hit hard the day before. All three landings went well - shore guns claimed one supply LST at Maloelap. No other hits of not were registered. Most of the assault troops were aboard APA, which helped greatly, but most were also poorly prepped, which meant a good number of disablements.

During the day, a host of Japanese strike aircraft targeted Allied TFs, especially those at Ailingalap and Mili. Bleedover CAP from the carriers was robust at Ailingalap and meager at Mili. But the Allied fighters downed more than 200 enemy aircraft, losing a dozen of their own on the day. It had a bit of the feel of the Mariannas Turkey Shoot, which was awfully nice. The only hit scored of note was that a Betty put a TT into BB Washington at Mili. She has 20 FLT damage but will remain and continue operaations.

The afternoon phase included amphibious landings at Ailingalap. This base doesn't have an organic CD unit, so no pre-assault bombardment (but capital ships were embedded with the amphibs just in case). 3rd Marines came ashore here in decent shape, though lack of prep is again a factor.

At the close of the day, there were four shock attacks since each base is an atoll. The Allies easily took Mili (with its level one airfield) and Jaluit (with its level four port). At Ailingalap, the shock attack dropped forts from 4 to 0. This base should fall tomorrow. And at Maloelap, the attack came off at 1:1 and dropped forts from 5 to 4. (This base may need a bombardment TF tomorrow).

The Allies have staged forward a P38G squadron to Mili and PBY squadrons to that base and Jaluit (each have base forces ashore already, and Mili has a Sea Bee unit). As you players know, getting patrols up and running is a major step forward, though I don't get the benefit of that for another day. So KB might pounce yet with utter surprise.

The AKE/AE TF is amidst the carrier TFs, just two hexes from Jaluit, and will disband in that port tomorrow. Already, some of the combat ships in the bombardment TF that hit Jaluit have been able to replenish. So AA is 98% and guns are 88% (though the big guns are the ones lacking ammo).

I'll think overnight what to do tomorrow. It will probably include the BB bombardment of Maloelap. But I need to decide whether to proceed immediately to Wotje and Roi Namur or whether, instead, to pull a bit to the south, attend fully to matters at the four bases currently involved, and wait for the patrols to have a day to work before moving north. There is also the option of moving south to Makin (possibly ungarrisoned) and Tarawa (probably strongly garrisoned but the Allies will hit with a lot). Not sure yet. Perhaps I'll compromise by remaining mainly in place but also hitting Wotje.

Operation Circus: Mainly quiet as IJN subs pick off two barges. Half KB North (showing 340 aircraft) remains posted at Attu Island).

Battle of Sumatra: No bombardments today. Bombers hit Sabang and the west road defenders. Supply down to 6k. Japanese bombardment results in the destruction of 14 IJA guns. This base is ripe for the fall. This will happen soon.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Commander Cody

AKEs and AEs (of bigger size for BBs) can actually replenish your surface forces in a O-level port. Hopefully you have some ADs as well to replenish your DD torpedoes. EDIT: And AGPs to replenish PTs. So, no need to actually take a Level-4 Port if you brought enough aux vessels to the party. Of course, another consideration is providing sufficient air cover so they don't all get sunk.

Cheers,
CC

The problem with very small ports is that they cannot reload the AKEs with very much ammo per day. And, of course, it takes a while to unload cargo ships at the port so that it will have supply for the AKEs. I think Canoerebel's next nearest port (already owned) is quite some distance.

[BBfanboy]

Fantastic start to operation Roller Coaster! Throw your hands up in the air and shout WHEEEEE!

I am surprised he did not have more bomber opposition for you after two days or so warning. He must truly have been caught flat-footed.
If you can have a cruiser FP or two recon Kwajalein/Roi Namur you could know better whether to go for them or not. Since he appears to be quite unprepared it might be best to grab them before he can air transport reinforcements. The more northern bases you grab, the fewer places he can reach with air transport or transferring aircraft.

[Canoerebel]

Many of my BBs are low on main ammunition now. They are still well-suited to embed in amphibious TFs to soak off shore gun fire, but they aren't in great shape to undertake real bombardment missions yet. I can put together one TF, but I think I want to use it to hit Maloelap hard and make sure that base falls tomorrow. In the meantime, some of the other TFs will move to Jaluit to replenish when those AKEs arrive tomorrow. By then the patrols will be up and I'll know better what opposition is out there.

John is airlifting some troops - Ailingalap shows part of an assault division. But it's futile for him, I think, in the face of big bombardments. So I'm not real worried about air transport (unless the KB shows up, which of course changes every equation).

The Allies have staying power here. Lots more troop TFs are inbound. I can rearm combat ships now. I have NavSearch and land-based CAP capabilities. If John doesn't send KB this way, the Allies will continue to target bases. I think he will react in ways that will stop me from going too far forwards (KB may arrive tomorrow). But if he doesn't react, the Allies can replenish and move in good order on Wotje, Roi Namur, Kusaie, and possibly even Ponape. And the assault waves for Baker, Tarawa and Makin are already in place, though the latter two will require carrier cover (and Baker may too, though I'm about to feel that out.

John has lots of big airfields that will reach out and sting. I think he may have some combat TFs that might cause real problems if they get amidst my largely unprotected transports coming in from the east, and I worry all the time about KB. But if KB doesn't arrive in a few days, the other worries can be addressed.

[CaptBeefheart]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

ORIGINAL: Commander Cody

AKEs and AEs (of bigger size for BBs) can actually replenish your surface forces in a O-level port. Hopefully you have some ADs as well to replenish your DD torpedoes. EDIT: And AGPs to replenish PTs. So, no need to actually take a Level-4 Port if you brought enough aux vessels to the party. Of course, another consideration is providing sufficient air cover so they don't all get sunk.

Cheers,
CC

The problem with very small ports is that they cannot reload the AKEs with very much ammo per day. And, of course, it takes a while to unload cargo ships at the port so that it will have supply for the AKEs. I think Canoerebel's next nearest port (already owned) is quite some distance.

Very good point. They'd be good for about one or two reloads before going dry.

Cheers,
CC

[Powloon]

Hi,

Just wanted to chime in to say what an amazing AAR this is (although I'm sure my boss would disagree if he knew how often I end up checking it [:)])

Congrats on the initial stages of Roller Coaster fingers crossed the rest of the operation goes as smoothly. I was wondering with all the recent action in CENPAC and NORPAC what the current situation was in the other peripheral theatres China (not heard any mention from there for a while have you agreed to play a quiet China?), Australia, Burma etc

** Resumes lurking mode

[ny59giants]

Where are your Wildcat recon planes?? There should be two types available - F4F-3P with range of 6/7 and F4F-7 with very good range of 21/27. Then, you should have a few old Buff F2A-2P with range of 13 /16. I pretty much double the early war recon plane production for Allies for all of John's mods.

[HansBolter]

ORIGINAL: Commander Cody

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

ORIGINAL: Commander Cody

AKEs and AEs (of bigger size for BBs) can actually replenish your surface forces in a O-level port. Hopefully you have some ADs as well to replenish your DD torpedoes. EDIT: And AGPs to replenish PTs. So, no need to actually take a Level-4 Port if you brought enough aux vessels to the party. Of course, another consideration is providing sufficient air cover so they don't all get sunk.

Cheers,
CC

The problem with very small ports is that they cannot reload the AKEs with very much ammo per day. And, of course, it takes a while to unload cargo ships at the port so that it will have supply for the AKEs. I think Canoerebel's next nearest port (already owned) is quite some distance.

Very good point. They'd be good for about one or two reloads before going dry.

Cheers,
CC

It also requires daily attention to reloading the tenders when they are in small ports that will only reload small increments per day.

[Canoerebel]

More detailed post (and answers to questions/comments) later this morning. In the meantime, here's a map with general situation:

[Canoerebel]

There were some changes in plans before sending the turn to John. The invasion of Wotje will proceed. The carriers and main combat TF will move one hex NE (to cover, and so that John can't zero in on a target that doesn't move at all). A bombardment will precede the invasion, and several combat TFs are to merge with the two amphibious TFs to handle shore guns. The only other major offensive operations tomorrow will be the bombardment and attack at Maloelap and the attack at Ailinglaplap.

[Canoerebel]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Where are your Wildcat recon planes?? There should be two types available - F4F-3P with range of 6/7 and F4F-7 with very good range of 21/27. Then, you should have a few old Buff F2A-2P with range of 13 /16. I pretty much double the early war recon plane production for Allies for all of John's mods.

One recon squadron is at Mili. Several more are at Johnson Island awaiting airfield space. I didn't put any on the carriers as I've maxed out carriers with extra fighters.

[Canoerebel]

ORIGINAL: Powloon

Hi,

Just wanted to chime in to say what an amazing AAR this is (although I'm sure my boss would disagree if he knew how often I end up checking it [:)])

Congrats on the initial stages of Roller Coaster fingers crossed the rest of the operation goes as smoothly. I was wondering with all the recent action in CENPAC and NORPAC what the current situation was in the other peripheral theatres China (not heard any mention from there for a while have you agreed to play a quiet China?), Australia, Burma etc

** Resumes lurking mode

China was a hot-and-heavy campaign in mid '42. After John took Changsha he stood down, which suited me. It gave me time to organize a defensive perimeter and dig in. Once that was accomplished, I decided not to draw John's attention to China. I wanted to stage aircraft from India to Hokkaido by way of Sian. I built that airfield up to level 3. The range was close enough to allow P38s and all the good bombers to reach Hokkaido.

John as recently amped up recon in China. So I think he's considering a move here once Sumatra falls. I haven't decided whether to fight defensively or offensively, though I'm leaning towards the former since my units have good terrain and are well dug in. If John attacks, he should suffer some heavy losses which might create opportunities.

And I haven't forgotten what I did in my game vs. Miller many years ago. He was beating up on the Chinese, so in 1944 the western Allies invaded coast China (from Oz, sailing from Darwin right past Singers and up to Hainan Island, Amoy etc.). Something like that is one possibility to mull over in this game.

[Canoerebel]

There's a natural tendency that many players have, to some degree. We tend to concentrate our forces where the action is. I think in the old days of wargaming, the phenomenon was known as the players rushing all their forces to the center of the map, engaging in a titanic clash, and the game ended. The developers have done a good job of making this harder to do in AE (PP plays a big role in this).

John seems to concentrate his forces to an extreme extent. For months, essentially every combat ship and sub was in Sumatra. Now a host of subs are in the Aleutians. But by concentrating his forces he tends to leave big gaps (I hope - I hope that I'm not about to get pounced on by a KB to show me a lesson). When he had all his subs in Sumatra, I didn't see one in the Aleuts or West Coast for six months. Then, when he moved so many to the Aleuts, he left the Marshalls without any. The same goes with patrols: he tends to concentrate them where he expects action. Thus, in autumn '42, he had them all in New Guinea and left Sumatra totally unprotected. Then he moved them to Sumatra and left the Aleuts unprotected. Same thing with troops - he moved them all to Sumatra and left Hokkaido and the Aleuts open. Etc. etc. etc.

This makes for a fun game for the Allied player if he has enough experience to gather info and put it together accurately (and as I type this, I cross my fingers hoping I'm not conjuring bad luck in the form of KB arriving tomorrow). But John would be better served to not over-concentrate his forces. He should've had patrols in Sumatra in mid '42. He should've had decent defenses in Hokkaido and the Kuriles in early '43 (so that he didn't have to freak when the Allies showed up unexpectedly).

It's easy for me to point out things about John. And I could even be wrong about them, though I think it's pretty accurate. And John (and many of you) can spot the holes in my game. But it's a lot of fun trying to identify holes and take advantage of them. If the Allies manage to complete the Marshalls campaign without suffering a lopsided carrier battle defeat, they should be in great shape to build on these past two successes even while enduring the humiliation of Sumatra.

[Canoerebel]

Email message John sent with the new turn, which I'm about to run: "Faster turn then yesterday. Am trying to plan a special ‘birthday present’ for Independence Day coming up. What would America like to have for its birthday 1943?"

I read this (and the quick turn-around time on this turn) as meaning there probably wasn't any terrible carrier battle this turn (Hooray!).

Readers of this AAR will also understand why I'm hoping that the "birthday present" John is referring to is an all-out assault on Sabang rather than a big carrier clash in the Marshalls.