Herbie goes Bananas

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Thu Jun 05, 2003 12:32 pm

As you can see nothing really happened.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/23/42

Weather: Rain

But you'd be wrong. As Herbie said he scouted my CV's, so there goes surprise. So I am changing tack and going after ships around Lunga. If he chases I will then retreat towards Luganville, but they really have to get back over towards Oz because I am following Raverdave and Condor's advice!!!

It looks as though I have more troops than I at first thought - the whole of the aussie 3rd is in Brisbane - well actually they are boarding ships (the whole of the 7th is in Townsville). I just scouted PM with 4 AC and it looks like he is retreating hte men he put in to take the place. Hence the need to get the CVs back over to Oz they will be the only aircover I can get for the landings. I am scouting again to make sure of this.

Raverdave · Post by **Raverdave** » Thu Jun 05, 2003 3:29 pm

I would not be looking to hit Lugna at this stage of the game, even on a hit and run raid. He has sighted your CVs and will be hunting for them. A better option is to allow them to be seen in the Luganville area threatening Lugna. This will also have the added plus of diverting his attention from your impending strike at PM.

While we are on the subject of the counter-attack on PM, try and only use Fast TFs....stage all of your troops at Cairns (it is the closest port to PM). There is now way that you will be able to ship one Divison in one go, more likely you will have to make two, maybe even three trips, depends on how many CAs CLs and DDs you have still.

Luskan · Post by **Luskan** » Thu Jun 05, 2003 3:51 pm

Originally posted by Raverdave
I would not be looking to hit Lugna at this stage of the game, even on a hit and run raid. He has sighted your CVs and will be hunting for them. A better option is to allow them to be seen in the Luganville area threatening Lugna. This will also have the added plus of diverting his attention from your impending strike at PM.

While we are on the subject of the counter-attack on PM, try and only use Fast TFs....stage all of your troops at Cairns (it is the closest port to PM).

Fascinating old chum - do go on!

I'm ready for exactly that you bastard!!!!!

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Fri Jun 06, 2003 1:33 am

Plan B comes off as we would hope, but the operation is bordering on being a failure.
The idea was to surprise the Jap CV's while they had fighters doing LRCAP duties. This did not occur and since I really want to fight a CV-CV action in my own waters it would be foolish to continue to close - his ships would be in fighting trim ready to receive an airborne assault.
So plan B started rolling and this was to change the angle of attack and go after Lunga - Dave i hear your worries but it was a 1 day trip so the abortive move toward his CV's in the NG area could be considered a feint - his CV's had too far to travel (this was why I did not react last turn).
Well my ships got in range - found a transport TF and smashed it. However, for some reason Herb had moved about 6 TF's up to midway between Russel Island and Woodlark Island (mid ocean) - I only send a very diminutive strike against these guys - who have no CAP!!!

In retrospect I didn't have enough scouting up - Of the 10 dauntless squadrons only 4 are were set to 10% search. I was relying on the seagulls - which is a hang over from playing the Japs where you have excellent float planes - seagulls are rubbish I want albatrosses

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/24/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 27
F4F-4 Wildcat x 52
SBD Dauntless x 168
TBD Devastator x 74

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Kembu Maru, Bomb hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kensho Maru, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Katsuragisan Maru, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

BANG - these all sink.
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Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 13
B-25D Mitchell x 24

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 2 damaged
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kiyozumi Maru
DD Shiokaze
AP Koyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hokaze

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet

Knowing he can't use his CV fighters as CAP while my carriers are there - these guys might be uncovered - so all LRB was set to naval attack. It pays off.
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Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hokaze
DD Shiokaze
AP Kiyozumi Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 30,42

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
SBD Dauntless x 15

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 3 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 13 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Hiei

Here is the only strike against the massing TF's mid ocean - 1 hit for many damaged. One squadron attacks and they are very unhappy moral wise after this.
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Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 10
B-25D Mitchell x 15

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Koyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kiyozumi Maru
DD Shiokaze
DD Hokaze

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Shiokaze
AP Koyo Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hokaze

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

The Koyo Maru hasn't sunk but the writing must be on the wall.
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So, what to do now. I think I will follow my plans and have the CV's move back towards Luganville, top up the tanks, rest the pilots - the fighters have been on 3 days 70-80% CAP and are starting to get unhappy. To face a CV-CV fight now would have me on the back foot - I have tired crews, he does not; I am in his waters.

The surface unit returning to Cooktown has refueled, and in the absence of CVs and surface units has put to sea to try another FT run.

Dave, I seriously doubt I have the shipping to move the division in via fast transport at the moment. With current lift capacity it would take 5 turns or so - he would obviously react and the inital landings would be attacked piecemeal by his troops stationed there.... Is a slow transport attack doomed to failure? Also I read on a previous post that you loose 10% of your troops if you FT - is this true?

Can someone explain this to me: I had a CV fighter sqd that I moved off the Yorktown to try and force it to upgrade to F4F-4s. It didn't but when the Lex's fighters did upgrade it allowed the Yorks to add more F4F-3s. I moved the unit back on to the York and now I look at it it has turned into a size 24 sqd with 12 planes in reserve!!!! I had no wildcat units in Noumea - or in SOPAC for that matter - that weren't off CVs for me to get confused over! Obviously I want as many planes up as I can get, so whats the guts? They are still a navy sqd - not magically turned to marines - but they are size 24!!!

Raverdave · Post by **Raverdave** » Fri Jun 06, 2003 3:52 am

Hmmmm....a slow is indeed a worry....you don't have the CAP that can cover your TF all the way to PM just yet, unless you use your CVs and that is something that I would not do just yet. As he would simply send his CVs south to counter your move. Regardless of how many CVs you have, the IJN is by far much more stronger at this point of the game, and in all honesty apart from a few hit and runs, I would park them in port or simply sail them between Brisbane and Noumea for training. At least until Jan '43. Then it is hunting time!

If you don't have the lift capacity then don't even try it.

I have not seen my troops effected by a 10% loss when being fast TFed....where did you read this?

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Fri Jun 06, 2003 4:13 am

I read it in another thread, noone refuted it at the time and I think I posted "are you sure about loosing 10%" but again got no response. Your reply is the first I've had.
I think I will turn the transport TF around - I was of the opinion it was a hiding to nothing. As you so rightly say the fact I have used my carriers in hit and run would change as soon as the had to look after slow transport TF's.

Do you have any idea what's going on with my wildcat sqd???

Raverdave · Post by **Raverdave** » Fri Jun 06, 2003 12:11 pm

Sorry can't help you with the wildcats...I have not seen something like that before.

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Fri Jun 06, 2003 3:13 pm

I keep retreating east and he keeps following - it appears he had a small surface fleet ready to attack ships that went to Wunpuko or some such. With the extra search planes up I find them this time and sink them all.
This would be fine if he wasn't following so hard. Obviously my bombers and fighters are a really tired now!
I am running out of map so the plan is to change the fighters from high to low CAP percentage and hope for no attack this turn. I will then be within my waters with a semi rested attack force. I will then look to met out some punishment and hope for as little damage as possible. If he keeps coming the lines of escape for my forces become smaller and hopefully damaged ships can make it to Noumea and then Pearl. He will have to trek one hell of a long way home!
My fast transport force has turned into a surface force and is going ot try and get into a better position to attack his forces in Gili.
I have launched another FT force - smaller- to try and pick up some troops. Make hay while the CV's are on the other side of the map.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/25/42

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 17,44

Japanese Ships
AP Toei Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-38

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Sub attack at 18,43

Japanese Ships
AP Shinai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Tautog

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11

I think these are some of the retreating PM troops.
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Sub attack at 12,42

Japanese Ships
AP Hokkai Maru, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 30th Aus Brigade, at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
G3M Nell x 8

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x G3M Nell at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
TBD Devastator x 14

Allied aircraft losses
TBD Devastator x 1 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze
DD Yukaze
DD Numakaze

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 12
SBD Dauntless x 17
TBD Devastator x 13

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
TBD Devastator x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze
DD Yukaze
DD Numakaze, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
SBD Dauntless x 66
TBD Devastator x 13

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Numakaze, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yukaze, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

These all sink.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 34
TBD Devastator x 13

no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 20
TBD Devastator x 13

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 22
TBD Devastator x 12

no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Yukaze, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
SBD Dauntless x 29
TBD Devastator x 9

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 92
TBD Devastator x 38

no losses

Yike look at that. That's alot of fatigue for nothing accomplished!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 12,42

Japanese Ships
AP Hokkai Maru, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

Greenling is out of torps and is the sub with damaged aft tubes - she is heading to Noumea then Pearl for a refit.

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

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Sat Jun 07, 2003 5:42 am

First blood goes to Herbie although he pays rather heavily for it. He manages to get close enough to attack and of course I had my CAP at a low %. In the end weather saves my arsenal as the afternoon strikes launch against Luganville.
I am in a pretty pickle though as he has 2 CV groups. Todays strikes only came from one so the other is fresh.
My plan is to defend/attack one at a time - a la Napolean! Rather than moving south which I think is what he think I intend - I will go North - just 4 hexes. I have also made 2 new TFs in Luganville Harbour. One built around the mighty Long Island - and made as a Air TF - it has about 16 warships and another TF with 1 PG and an MSW. The air TF is on "no react" and is following the surface TF - which is going nowhere.

OK, so the enemy CV TF's are quite far apart - the one I just tangoed with is about 9 hexes from the south western one. In a perfect world this is what will happen. Herb will move his Northern CV's east and slightly South. His Southern TF does the same but goes further south - it wants to close the door on me.
I have gone North and not very far which hopefully means I am in range of the Northern TF - but not the southern - and my windindicators are also able to reach.
He now has 2 targets - both air TFs - but one has 1 sqd of P-39s over it while the other has 3 & 1/2 sqds of wildcats over it. Hopefully he chooses to attack the easier Long Island group - loosing planes to CAP and especially AAA. While my full weight falls on the Northern group.

The weather forecast is for thunderstorms so that is going to throw all sorts of variables into the mix. My Long island TF may be weathered in. My Northern group may be weathered in and he gets unrestricted attacks against the Long Island group - and round and round we go. Man this is tense!

Over in NG my surface attack group did not move - I set them to move - they have not refueled; they just haven't moved!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/26/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 12,43

Japanese Ships
AP Hokkai Maru, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

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Air attack on 30th Aus Brigade, at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
G3M Nell x 13

no losses

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 47

Attacking Level Bombers:
13 x G3M Nell at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 48,46

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
A6M3 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
SBD Dauntless x 17

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 12 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged

LT Y. Shiga of DII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

LCDR M. Leslie of VB-3 bails out WOUNDED and is RESCUED

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi

Nothing close - I am bombing from 15,000 ft his fighters are all having to climb - don't know if he has noticed this yet. I am doing this because if you injure a ship and then a size 9 group attacks it they often score many hits.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 55,48

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
D3A Val x 19
B5N Kate x 32

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 22
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
D3A Val x 13 destroyed
D3A Val x 10 damaged
B5N Kate x 16 destroyed
B5N Kate x 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed

LTJG R. Hoyle of VF-6 is credited with kill number 6

Allied Ships
DD Anderson
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 1
CV Enterprise
CV Yorktown

1 hit to the lex by a level bombing Kate - its a good one too 30 SYS dmage!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Luganville , at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
A6M3 Zero x 9
D3A Val x 34
B5N Kate x 8

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 10 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 3 destroyed

PO2 J.Nagahama of DII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 13

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 24

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet

Weather favours me here and he attacks Luganville in all he lost 21 Kates and 18 Vals - don't know how many are damaged but the Northern group must be little more toothless. I still have 410 planes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 13,43

Japanese Ships
AP Hokkai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-40

After many attempts we put a torp in this sucker and she goes down.
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wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Sun Jun 08, 2003 7:01 am

After all that planning and the what ifs he has retreated. I will keep everyone at full readiness and move back toward Noumea - Lex is at 34% now and a size 4 fire. She will have to go back to Pearl.

Not much else happening - over in NG the surface unit I changed from a FT TF has acted super crazy. It refuses to move in the direction I want so I have turned it to retreat - strange. The transport TF I was after in Gili is now retreating anyway.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/27/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Ground combat at Marilinan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6928 troops, 84 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 70 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 93 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Marilinan base !!!

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 91

At last the whole of NG is Japanese.
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wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 12:35 am

My CV's retreat towards Luganville. His haven't gone as far as I thought they would - they are now 2 hexes west of Irau. I will escort the Lex 1 more turn towards Noumea. I will also disband the alternative target at Luganville (the Long Island group). Assuming Herbie doesn't realise that I am travelling a little slowly, and that therefore his 1 bomb hit did far more damage than he thinks, then this is the end of our little CV dance.
On review it was a Phyrric victory. I didn't managed to catch his CV's with their trousers down, and had to suffer a 35% sys bomb hit on one of my carriers - requiring a trip back to Pearl. I did however, manage to sink 6 ships in my little foray. An optimist would say "his ships sunk, mine may be damaged but it still floats and launches planes".
Other news, mines in Cairns harbour are swept by DMS Hovey, I'll add to the MSW TF there and get rid of the threat. Cairns is a vital port at the moment.
I am launching 2 FT TF's this turn.
The transport ships with all the troops onboard - I um - forgot to turn around. They are still on their way up the coast. I may base them in Cairns waiting for greater FT TF assets.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/28/42

Weather: Rain

Air attack on 7th Aus Brigade, at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
G3M Nell x 9

no losses

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 19

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x G3M Nell at 5000 feet

These are the troops in Lea Lea
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 28,31

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-46

Another ship added to the mosaic I am making on the ocean floor

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

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 9:31 am

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/29/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Air attack on 7th Aus Brigade, at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
G3M Nell x 13

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
13 x G3M Nell at 5000 feet

As you can see above not much is actually happening in the way of combat, we are shadow boxing. Herbie has stayed in the same location with his carriers for 2 turns now. I would have thought he must realise I am running away now. I did tell him a porkie about the Lex - saying it was fine - in truth of course it would be the first caualty in a stand up fight - now steady at 37 SYS damage; it detaches from the Air TF and heads for Noumea. The rest of the CV's will put into Efate this turn - refuel, rearm and restock lost planes. I can't fight now my fighter sqds have terrible morale - about 30 for 1 sqd!
I also have two operations on the go - operation "forward march" which is the upgrading of Wunpuko to air base - it has the airfields but didn't have the mechanics. I have a transport TF in harbour - right under herbie's nose and he hasn't yet noticed. If he stays where he is he willnot be able to attack next turn and I will get most of the men off! If it is spotted I will retreat to Noumea covered by the wildcat squadron that has come off Lex.
Operation "Moresby Gambit" has quietly continued, the transport ships have traveled towards PM, hugging the coast of Oz, so far they have not been seen - if that continues for one more turn they can actually make landfall! His Nells based at Lae are ground attacking Lea Lea they may not try against my tranport TF - we will see. Just in case I am bombing Lae with fortresses this turn and hitting dobadura with mediums. hopefully we damage a few planes he might attack with.
This operation will only continue if we move one more day towards PM without being sighted, and his carriers stay over by Irau - it will take about 2-3 days once he sights me to get across - that TF must be near empty fuel stage too!

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Wed Jun 11, 2003 3:16 pm

Woah, things are hotting up again!! My TF in Wunpuko is sighted and as hoped he did not move so it manages to unload most of the air support unit.
This TF was specifically made too large to make for a target - only 3 ships were actually carrying anything, he has scouted them and says he smells a rat!! It is exactly what I want him to think because I don't actually want him attacking it. It's reason in conception was to unload the air support unit and then be scouted but not attacked - I want his carriers to stay over this side of the pond for one more turn. I split the transport group into the 3 ships still carrying men and 7 or so SC's with patrol orders and the rest retire to luganville. I move the P-39 sqd into Wunpuko and the Vindicators from Lex as well. In case he trys attacking with surface units I have a surface unit under Lee with 10 DD's and one CA - Vincenes, sprinting in and out in the night. Any damaged ships may be hit by the vindicators at wunpuko and the dauntlesses at Luganville.
My carrier TF is disbanded and then recreated - I don't know if this resets scouting levels on it or not but I would think so - and heads to the other side of the pond. They are going there because:
My Tf in "Operation Moresby Gambit" has again alluded scouting they are 4 hexes from PM and going in!!!!
The warships on hand are dropping off picked up troops and then going back to defend the landings. I have also sent another surface group based around CA San Francisco to Cairns.
Some serious damage expected - I haven't seen his betties in ages!!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/30/42

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack at 44,44

Japanese Ships
TK Hoyo Maru, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-42, Shell hits 5

Herb hadn't moved his battle units, so I sent this sub in - he has expended all his ordinance in one encounter - back to Luganville - the hits are with an AA gun and cause 2 floatation points of damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lae , at 9,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 3 damaged

Runway hits 3

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

Well this does nothing except down 2 fortresses!
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Air attack on Dobadura , at 13,38

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 13
B-25D Mitchell x 30

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 33

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
9 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
12 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
7 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 7th Aus Brigade, at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
G3M Nell x 13

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
13 x G3M Nell at 5000 feet
I would have thought these guys would be a little tired by now - how many will attack next turn - weather is cloudy!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 29

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

no losses

Japanese Ships
MSW Noshiro Maru #2
PC Ch 16, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

I have been a little lucky with level bombing I think
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 44,44

Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze
DD Maikaze

Allied Ships
SS S-42

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Thu Jun 12, 2003 2:01 pm

Incredibly both operations have started fantastically well. I know that now the whistle is blown at Port Moresby and the Japanese airforce is going to decend from the sky like a plague. That does not stop the fact I had a whole day of unloading - most of the combat troops are off and I will get a night to continue the good work. Unfortunately there is a small Surface group within 6 hexes of PM and my surface units are 2 turns out. I have done the same thing as Raverdave had done in his AAR against Luskan with many SC's, PG's and some MSWs in the TF hopefully they are the targets. The troops are set to shock attack and I hope we manage to dislodge them Japs in one go - fingers crossed - with a whole day (granted minus losses from air attacks - however there will be no carrier attacks!) that should be a whole division against some garrison units and a few AAA.
In the East the surface TF I sent to race in and out of Wunpuko mets 4 DD's trying to engage the tranports - they are all sunk. I have serious damage to one DD and slight damage to another. The greater problem is he is probably going to give Luganville some merry hell this turn so I am bugging out with most of the ships. I have built a small surface fleet - 1 DD (the injured one from the previous fight) a PG and 2 SC's as a target so that he attacks them rather than the port - a port attack will catch other damaged and slow to escape ships. The LEX airwing is on orders to attack - I expect I will attack BBs unfortunately but mustn't grumble. Speaking of the LEX she made port and will be ready in 167 days - ouch that hurts - that is later than the Essex!!!
In other news he scouts my surface group going to Oz and also scouts the Carriers - that is the only bit of bad news, he might guess where they are off to giving his carriers free reign against Luganville.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/01/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on Luganville , at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Long Island, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x G4M1 Betty at 5000 feet

Long Island is OK - 4 SYS - she is bugging out.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Wunpuko at 51,51

Japanese Ships
DD Isokaze, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
DD Nowaki, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Tanikaze, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kasumi, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Vincennes, Shell hits 1
DD Mustin, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Russell, Shell hits 1
DD Morris
DD Blue
DD Mugford
DD Conyngham
DD Cushing
DD Dunlap
DD Balch, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Dewey
DD Hull, Shell hits 1, on fire

Mustin is in trouble and is set up as a scape goat to attampt to stop a port attack.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat at 0,0

Japanese Ships
DD Nowaki, and is sunk
DD Tanikaze, Shell hits 19, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Vincennes
DD Mustin, on fire, heavy damage
DD Russell
DD Morris
DD Blue
DD Mugford
DD Conyngham
DD Cushing
DD Dunlap
DD Balch, on fire
DD Dewey
DD Hull, on fire

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Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
SS I-22

Allied Ships
AP Manoora
AK Murada

The sub in harbour misses - don't think the luck can continue.
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Air attack on 7th Aus Brigade, at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
G3M Nell x 8

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x G3M Nell at 5000 feet

These guys wont be attack ground units tomorrow!!!
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Air attack on TF, near Lae at 9,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 10

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
Hudson x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Unkai Maru #6
AP Yamakisan Maru
DD Hatsuharu

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Fri Jun 13, 2003 1:25 am

What starts well turneth to custard - it says that somewhere in the bible - or maybe it's a cookbook?

I'll do things a little different today - we'll look at each battle and try and find a way of extricating ourselves from the crap.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/02/42

Weather: Overcast

Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma, Shell hits 10
APD 2
APD 31, Shell hits 1
APD 35, Shell hits 1
APD 39, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
PG Swan
PG Warrego, Shell hits 19, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Ballarat, Shell hits 1
MSW Cairns, Shell hits 2
MSW Ipswich, Shell hits 28, and is sunk
SC 517
SC 518
SC 519
SC 520
AP Esperance Bay
AP Largs Bay
AP Kanimbla
AP Manoora
AP Manunda
AP Katoomba
AP Ormiston, Shell hits 2, on fire
AP Orungal, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Wanganella
AP Westralia
AK Barwon
AK Adelong
AK Mildura
AK Mungana
AK Murada
AK Demodocus

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 71

As expected I am attacked by his surface unit - fortunately for me there is only really Chikuma to worry about the APDs are not that flash at attacking. Either way I loose Ipswitch and Warrego. I'll take that - not too bad.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
SS I-22, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
AP Orungal, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PG Swan

The Orungal sinks - again this is expected - what wasn't expected was the PG hitting the sub!! I think this can be attriputed to experience they just gained in the night battle. The sub does not sink but a hit usually means they need to retire.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 51,48

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 20
SBD Dauntless x 31

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Oshio, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Meiten Maru
AP Batavia Maru, Bomb hits 1
AP Teia Maru
DD Arare
CA Chokai
CA Mikuma, Bomb hits 2
AP Keizan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 69
Guns lost 1

As expected my dauntlesses would rather hit warships than tranports. He may have 2 CV TFs here but he also has many TF's to cover - not all are CAPed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 16

no losses

Allied Ships
SC 645
SC 638
SC 521

Strange target??
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 56
D3A Val x 39
B5N Kate x 45

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 14 destroyed
D3A Val x 8 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 11 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed

LTJG U.Rice of VF-3 is credited with kill number 4

LCDR T.Kanzaki of EIII-1 Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED

Allied Ships
DD Dunlap, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Mugford, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Vincennes, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Conyngham
DD Cushing, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Russell
DD Morris, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Blue

This was very very very disappointing! I was sure I set them up to retreat to Noumea - how the hell did I stuff that up so bad? They don't even hurt his airforces that badly! The Mugford sinks. I don't know what to do with the damaged ships - if they run they will be cut down at sea. If they stay they may never escape anyway!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 50,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
SBD Dauntless x 10

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano
DD Kagero

Again attacking the warships. I don't care too much that I can't point my airforces against specific TF's but I would love to prioritise my targets. REMF's usually hold their own arses in high regard - you would think the tranports - holding troops - would scare the pants off them!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 50,50

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 10

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Bomb hits 1
BB Hiei

Sigh. Notice my Vindicators do not attack - pity. They are certainly in range! He will also likely know now that I have a very damaged carrier.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
G3M Nell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 2 destroyed
G3M Nell x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Adelong

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

As forseen the Nells visit but he is obviously basing all his betties at Lunga - no more damage for my transport TF!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 18001 troops, 221 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 13152 troops, 108 guns, 3 vehicles

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 444
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 386

WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He has 2 infantry battalions there!!! In umpteen turns of recon I have never had these guys show up!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 11332 troops, 108 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 21345 troops, 279 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 179
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 563

Look at the carnage they cause - There is no way - in a month of Sundays that one Division can take on 1 hurt and one unhurt batt along with their second line troops. Interestingly my assault only had 2 of my battalions registering as having an assault value - was the Orungal holding all the fighting troops?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So what the hell do I do now? In PM I doubt my troops are enough to finish the job - I still have the 7th in Townsville - is it worth trying to bring them into the fray? I do have about 10 more warships arriving in the Oz theatre in about 3 days. He can't really be in 2 places at the same time and I think I have nearly gotten away with murder by dropping my troops in with a transport TF!!! I would think he has put to sea with a surface attack force this turn so I have 2 turns to unload at best. I don't want to take on his CV's yet, but if he tries to sink my transport TF's with surface groups they can run the gauntlet of my CVs as they do so!

In the East I am unsure of what he is planning. This looks like an early attempt to take Luganville - but will he take Wunpuko as well? If he doesn't he is going to be in a world of hurt from my LBA. Did he plan to take Wunpuko as well - has he had to change the destination of a troops transport TF? If that thumping of my surface group hadn't happened I would be very happy with the situation - I think he has gone too early and doesn't realise how difficult it will be for him to keep the place in supplies. Although I have fully stocked it. Therefore I think I will let him go for it against my Luganville forces and try and get PM to work. So I wont fly my Mitchells across to the East, however, all the shorter range planes can come across and cause some havoc - can't of course bring over many fighters - maybe the LI will have to make a trip. Efate, Koumac and to a lesser extent Noumea will make him bleed here. This is just the beginning of July so I am getting absolutely stuff all in the way of reinforcements (a TK and sub in the line - that's all)- I will pull back and defend Noumea - that is the real place I cannot afford to loose.

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Sun Jun 15, 2003 6:00 am

Another pretty disastrous turn for the allies. At last the Japs really hammer the PM landings and a fast transport TF trying to deliver troops. Despite keeping my ships there and offloading the men and supplies one of my battalions has 3 times the required supplies the other 2 have none!!!! I don't know how much I have landed but this complete lack of supplies threatens to hamstring the operation. My CVs are about 3 turns away - need to smash his surface units there before I try FTing more troops in and unloading supply. The transport ships are pulling out until I can get the CVs in to cover. I have also dispatched a large transport force from Noumea to go to Brisbane.

In the east it is obvious he is attacking Wunpuko and Luganville - 2 headquaters units and 1 infantry bat have landed at Wunpuko - at present nothing at Luganville. I know I can't trust the estimations of troops though -that has already seriously bitten me in PM.
I have moved the shorter range level bombers back down to brisbane in order to fly them across to Noumea and then to Efate. I am also moving over C-49s, if I survive an attack and get proper intelligence about what I am up against I may be able to fly in combat troops.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/03/42

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 55,64

Japanese Ships
SS I-6

Allied Ships
SC 637

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 54,63

Japanese Ships
SS I-21, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
SC 641

The more experienced SCs are starting to show their strips
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai
DD Makinami, Shell hits 1
DD Natsugumo
DD Asagumo
DD Hatsushimo
DD Wakaba
DD Akatsuki
DD Shirakumo, Shell hits 1
DD Isonami
DD Asagiri
DD Yugiri
DD Yunagi
DD Namikaze

Allied Ships
PG Swan
MSW Ballarat, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
MSW Cairns, Shell hits 1
SC 517
SC 518
SC 519, Shell hits 1
SC 520, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Esperance Bay
AP Largs Bay
AP Kanimbla
AP Manoora
AP Manunda
AP Katoomba
AP Ormiston, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Wanganella, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
AP Westralia, Shell hits 26, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Barwon
AK Adelong
AK Mildura
AK Mungana
AK Murada, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Demodocus

Ouch - and double ouch!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai, Shell hits 4
DD Makinami, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Natsugumo
DD Asagumo, Shell hits 2
DD Hatsushimo
DD Wakaba, Shell hits 8, on fire
DD Akatsuki
DD Shirakumo, Shell hits 1
DD Isonami
DD Asagiri
DD Yugiri, Shell hits 1
DD Yunagi
DD Namikaze, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CA Astoria, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Canberra, Shell hits 4
CL Achillies, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Swanson, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Wilkes, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Gwin, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD O'Brien, Shell hits 47, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Patterson, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Ellet, Shell hits 7, on fire
DD Worden, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 1063

Mega super fuggly OUCH - long lance attack decimates my already beleagured surface unit numbers. Achilies shows its heel by sinking after 2 torpedoes. That reminds me, the Vincenes which was hurt last turn had to be scuttled. Thats 3 CAs and 2 CLs I have lost.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Wunpuko, at 51,51

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra x 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged

Runway hits 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
SS I-22, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
AP Esperance Bay, Torpedo hits 1
SC 519

again teh SC bites and this time the sub is sunk.
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Air attack on 4th Regiment, at 10,40

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 10
B-25D Mitchell x 25
B-26B Marauder x 26

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 92

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
9 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
7 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
12 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

These planes are resting this turn - and will take up the torch again later when I have a bit more cover. While his CVs are over in the East my CVs may be able to swing this battle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 4 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Mildura, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Largs Bay
AP Manoora, Torpedo hits 1
SC 519

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

He had moved more Nells to dobabdura and they add to the carnage - I will have to weather more of this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
G3M Nell x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 8 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Largs Bay, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
AK Mildura, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Cairns, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ormiston, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
2 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

These guys come from Lae
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
G3M Nell x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell x 8 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Manunda, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Manoora
AK Barwon
AP Ormiston, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
1 x G3M Nell at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell at 200 feet

And again. raver are you getting a bit of "told you so" at this time?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 55,59

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
D3A Val x 18
B5N Kate x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
AO Neosho, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AO Cuyama
AO Merrimack, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 55,59

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
D3A Val x 18
B5N Kate x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AO Kanawha, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AO Merrimack, on fire, heavy damage
AO Cuyama, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AO Neosho, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 55,59

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
D3A Val x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AO Cuyama, on fire
AO Merrimack, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AO Neosho, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AO Kanawha, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

None of these guys sink so the better off ones are continuing to Noumea 2 are trying to make efate.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Luganville, at 53,53

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina x 2 destroyed
PBY Catalina x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 4 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 164
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 27
Port supply hits 1

Now those 27 runway hits close the field - it is size 5!!! That is incredible! I have 4 eng units there though so we may be operational in the morning. If he uses more ships to bombard they will run out of ammo - long way to go to re-arm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Sun Jun 15, 2003 6:03 am

The time at which he has chosen to attack has been the real kicker here. I am so short of all forces. I still only have the 2 ships on their way to Noumea - I can tell you there is a steady stream of ships going the other way!!
A few squadrons of 2 engine level bombers in Noumea now - had to send 1 to Koumac as well - no air maintenance there - they will have to wait until I can get more base forces - i lost one base force this turn!
Carriers getting close - His ones I can no longer see! I am getting anti-subed by alot of Vals though so they should still be in the area.
The 3 sqds of C-49s arrive in noumea and begin airlifting an infantry unit into Efate. I think Luganville will be LRCAPed.
I had a surface unit of DD's going to hit Wunpuko ships but he is defending them much better now so I have decided to retire them. With nothing being sent to me by Pearl they may be all I have to defend Noumea with! Everything else is on the PM invasion.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/04/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Night Time Surface Combat at 55,56

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CA Kinugasa
CL Kiso
DD Hatsukaze
DD Yukikaze
DD Ariake
DD Fumizuki

Allied Ships
DD Morris, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
DD Cushing, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Very unfortunate - these guys were retreating to Efate - he hits them mid ocean.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Luganville, at 53,53

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged
PBY Catalina x 1 destroyed
PBY Catalina x 2 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 damaged
TBD Devastator x 1 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 156
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 22
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 89

Ouch again - all sqds at Luganville are sore now. Airfield and air faciliites at 60+ % damage. My supplies have gone form 77K to 30K with 2 bombardments... People complain about allied level bombers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CA Kinugasa
CL Kiso
DD Hatsukaze
DD Yukikaze
DD Ariake
DD Fumizuki

Allied Ships
AO Kanawha, on fire, heavy damage
AO Neosho, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AO Merrimack, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

These guys made it to efate to met his incoming bombardment force - all sink.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Efate Port Vila, at 55,57

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 14
Port hits 2

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Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 15084 troops, 213 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 15949 troops, 120 guns, 5 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 16
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 90

Just a feeler by him I think.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wunpuko

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6838 troops, 91 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3930 troops, 0 guns, 13 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Wunpuko base !!!

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 4485
Vehicles lost 5

And just like that I loose Wunpuko - I do not want to loose efate as easily.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Sun Jun 15, 2003 6:05 am

A small relent in the attacking this turn. Luganville is back up and he only has 1 infantry brigade (I notice that all the way through this I have been calling them battalions - maybe thats why they aren't attacking properly

THerefore I don't think I will loose either of them without him committing more troops.
I find his CVs again and they are still in the East - my CVs should be in range this turn.
They are set to attack naval only - my mediums are set to attack the ports next turn I will set the CV planes to attack port also and send the FT troops in. Now without the CVs being scouted his bloody transport TFs on their way south all retreat, talk about a give away - how the hell do they know there are carriers out there?
I also turn whats left of my transport TF around - they have to dump the rest of my engineers at PM and more supplies. This turn all my infantry brigades have supplies now!!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/05/42

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53

Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 3

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Takao

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57

Allied aircraft
A-20B Havoc x 3

Allied aircraft losses
A-20B Havoc x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
APD 36

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57

Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 10
A-20B Havoc x 8

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
CL Tama

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Wunpuko at 51,51

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
SBD Dauntless x 3
TBD Devastator x 10
P-39D Airacobra x 17

Allied aircraft losses
TBD Devastator x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kaihei Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Myoko Maru, Shell hits 4
AP Tosei Maru, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kaito Maru, Shell hits 8
AP Kaisho Maru

At last the devastators get airborne - they are absolutely toast again this turn - many planes out of action. I have flown in some Beauforts - hope they can continue attacking as the rest have to recuperate.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Wunpuko at 51,51

Allied aircraft
TBD Devastator x 9

Allied aircraft losses
TBD Devastator x 1 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Oshio
CA Mikuma

The love affair with warships continues.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57

Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 3
A-20B Havoc x 9

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged
A-20B Havoc x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
APD 1
CA Chokai
AP Reiyo Maru
AP Taiho Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
4 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet
2 x A-20B Havoc at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 49,53

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 3

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Bomb hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Wunpuko at 51,51

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
P-39D Airacobra x 16

no losses

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano, Shell hits 16
AV Sanuki Maru, Shell hits 4

My P-39s do quite well but not much damage I imagine - they loose alot of moral doing this though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 53,53

Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 4

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Yamura Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet

Woops really had these planes set to high.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 15076 troops, 212 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 15898 troops, 120 guns, 5 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Luganville

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7716 troops, 84 guns, 28 vehicles

Defending force 13477 troops, 118 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 151

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 72
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Luganville

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4930 troops, 90 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 7488 troops, 84 guns, 28 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 8

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

wobbly · Post by **wobbly** » Sun Jun 15, 2003 6:08 am

Carriers make it to PM, they launch 2 raids against the ships at PM. This really is a warning to him. Move your ships out or put them in port otherwise I will destroy them. The point of this is I don't want a surface group welcoming committee for my FT units coming in this turn. Of course if he does leave ships there they may get damaged and be open for another series of CV air pounding.
Over in the East is a completely different story. He now does not have the threat of carriers to worry about so can LRCAP all he likes. This means he can keep suppressing Luganville and it is possible I wont get planes caught there out. My plan is to hold and repulse at Efate and then start hitting him from there - that means he has 2 fields he needs to suppress. That may allow me to get luganville functioning again. For 2 eng units and 2 base units he has managed to squash Luganville very effectively.
So far the troops at Luganville can easily do the job - supplies will become a problem - but as we get closer to zero the supply hits do less damage.
Flying the infantry brigade (well not all of it yet) into Efate has held the ground there.

Still no release of ships from Pearl - i was really hoping I could hold the East with the ships that got released.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 07/06/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 19,41

Japanese Ships
TK Nissan Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS S-38

If this had fuel in it - it is probably dead.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Luganville, at 53,53

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 11

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 79

about 80% damage to runway and air service.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 25
B-25D Mitchell x 29
B-26B Marauder x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 2 damaged
B-25D Mitchell x 1 destroyed
B-25D Mitchell x 2 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 76

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
2 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet

With over 10 ships in port - no hits is a real bummer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 13

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

And again.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Luganville , at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
A6M3 Zero x 11
D3A Val x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 7 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 17

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 23
F4F-4 Wildcat x 58
SBD Dauntless x 64
TBD Devastator x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
TBD Devastator x 1 destroyed

CDR Y. Kozono of F1/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 4

CDR Y. Kozono of F1/Tainan Daitai is KILLED

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CL Jintsu, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage all 1000 pders
DD Urakaze
CA Nachi

The high flying dauntesses again get passed the defense but the wildcats pay. 2 of the hits on Haruna are reported as penetrating!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 9,44

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
PG Swan
AP Manoora, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Adelong
AP Largs Bay, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Nice move by Herb - has Vals at Dobadura and they turn my transport units around again.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Darubia at 18,41

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 15

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hakaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 34
F4F-4 Wildcat x 51
SBD Dauntless x 81
TBD Devastator x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 7 damaged

PO2 Y. Nakaya of F1/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 3

Japanese Ships
DD Asagiri
DD Isonami
DD Asagumo
DD Yunagi, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Namikaze, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatsushimo, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yugiri, Bomb hits 2, on fire

More damage - but will he retreat?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 9,44

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Adelong, Bomb hits 1
AP Esperance Bay, Bomb hits 2, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Luganville, at 53,53

Allied aircraft

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
Beaufort x 1 destroyed
Beaufort x 1 damaged

PO2 V.Muranaka of EII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
DD Arashio, Shell hits 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 38

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 28

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 15033 troops, 212 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 15877 troops, 120 guns, 5 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 18

Interestingly the strength of the troops here was quite reduced, I am waiting until the FT troops are landed to try another bomber suppresion to see if I can take the base.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Efate Port Vila

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8322 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5332 troops, 28 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 143

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 15

Efate holds - the C-49s rest for a turn - they will return to flying troops into Efate again next turn.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Luganville

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4972 troops, 91 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 7543 troops, 84 guns, 34 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 6

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

Raverdave · Post by **Raverdave** » Sun Jun 15, 2003 7:23 am

Ok I am posting this without first reading the IJN thread....that way I cannot be said to be using "knowledge" from the other side to "help" the allies.

The IJN bombardment of Luganville must be treated with caution....is he doing this just to be a pain? Or is it the opening move for an invasion? You are going to have to decide which of these he is doing. I would be very surprised if he was infact looking to invade Luganville this early in the game, as it means that he will have to hold it for another five months to win the Auto victory. Closing down Luganville will give him some protection for further advances over that side of the map though, but you will have to decide what he is upto.

The attacks by your CVs on his shipping is good news for you, but don't become complacent and leave them there for too long.....remember how poor the Allied Naval search is?

I am really enjoying this AAR.

Herbie goes Bananas

Operation "Moresby Gambit" is a go!

Operation PM starts superbly!

had some trouble posting the AARs

CVs come to the party